Arsenal latest: Mikel Arteta relieved as Gunners ponder early transfer move

Arsenal news as Mikel Arteta monitors the fitness of key defender Riccardo Calafiori and the Gunners are linked with a highly-rated La Liga striker

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be mulling over a pleasing start to the season as the final international break continues.

The Gunners experienced frustration at the weekend as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland. Manchester City capitalised on the minor stumble, thrashing Liverpool 3-0 and reducing the gap at the top to four points.

Nevertheless, Arsenal would have happily accepted such a lead after the first 11 matches of the season. Injuries have been the primary issue affecting the Gunners.

Consequently, Arteta will be hoping his international stars return from duty unharmed, especially with the north London derby looming on November 23. Football.London brings you a round-up of the latest Arsenal news...

Arteta wish granted after injury worry

Arteta must have breathed a sigh of relief when Italy decided not to include Riccardo Calafiori in their squad for Thursday's World Cup qualifier against Moldova. The Arsenal boss has been worried since the defender sustained a hip injury.

Despite the injury, Calafiori still joined Rino Gattuso's squad but has been training separately on a customised programme. Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on the situation and, according to Italian media reports, wanted Calafiori to sit out both the Moldova match and Sunday's game against Norway, even though the player himself was eager to join the squad.

It was confirmed on Thursday that he would observe the Moldova match from the stands. There's a possibility he could still play against Norway at the San Siro, but Arteta will be relieved that Italy have not taken any unnecessary risks so far.

If he doesn't feature in the Norway match, the 23-year-old will return to the club earlier than expected.

Gunners ponder early transfer move

Arsenal are reportedly contemplating a January move for Levante striker Etta Eyong. That is despite the fact he wouldn't be eligible to play for the Gunners until next season, having already turned out for Villarreal before moving to Levante at the end of the transfer window.

FIFA rules stipulate that players cannot represent more than two clubs in a single season. To get ahead of their competitors for the Cameroonian's signature, the Gunners could sign Eyong in January and then loan him back to Levante for the remainder of the season.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are also reported to be admirers of Eyong, but it is Arsenal who are showing the 'most interest', according to Spanish publication Sport. Barca may also struggle to afford Eyong despite his relatively modest buyout clause of around £35million.

While CSKA Moscow have also been linked, Eyong reportedly has no desire to play in Russia. Instead, he is targeting a move to one of the La Liga heavyweights or the Premier League.

Speaking to GiveMeSport recently, he said: "I believe I have the necessary quality to succeed in the Premier League and that my style is well-suited to English football."

Regarding the rumours linking him with the El Clásico duo, he commented: "It means a lot because it shows that my hard work is paying off. But now I have to focus on Levante and we'll see what happens in the future."