Arsenal latest: Mikel Arteta tipped to make big call as transfer target green lights offer

Arsenal news round-up as a player linked with the Gunners makes his feelings clear and Mikel Arteta considers a big selection call

It is another big day in Arsenal's title challenge as they host Chelsea. Following a concerning slump in form, the Gunners bounced back emphatically by dismantling Tottenham 4-1 last weekend.

Mikel Arteta's side now face the Champions League-chasing Blues, with the London rivals preparing for their fourth encounter of the campaign following Arsenal's progression in the recent Carabao Cup semi-finals.

While Chelsea once held sway in this fixture, recent seasons have witnessed a dramatic reversal of fortunes. The west London outfit haven't won any of their previous eight Premier League meetings with the Gunners, recording three draws and five defeats.

Arteta has no fresh injury concerns and is optimistic that Max Dowman could return to the senior squad, while Kai Havertz will face a late fitness test. football.london brings you a round-up of the latest Arsenal news ahead of the big game...

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Starlet issues transfer plea

A Brazilian prospect linked with Arsenal has delivered a come-and-get-me plea to leading European clubs. The Gunners, Manchester United and Chelsea are among the Premier League sides to have been associated with interest in Corinthians midfielder Breno Bidon.

According to reports in South America, Chelsea have already lodged a £17million bid, which fell short of Corinthians' asking price. Meanwhile, Arsenal and United are said to have made enquiries.

Bidon has been open about his ambitions, stating he "dreams" of making the switch to Europe. Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, he said: "It has been a dream since I was a kid – to play in Europe, to play in the Champions League, to play in a World Cup.

"It has been a dream since I was young. I do have that desire. I do not know when the moment will come, but I do have that desire to play abroad."

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Arteta backed to make bold call

Former Gunner Ray Parlour believes Eberechi Eze deserves to retain his starting berth ahead of Martin Odegaard against Chelsea. Despite the skipper's return to fitness, Eze was given the nod in the attacking midfield position against Tottenham, delivering an outstanding performance that included a brace.

Though Odegaard remains one of Arteta's trusted lieutenants, Parlour anticipates the Norway international will remain on the bench once more. Speaking to Metro via BetMGM, he said: "He (Eze) got his opportunity again against Spurs and scored two good goals. But now he has to get his head down.

"We know Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice will play. I think Eze will probably start. But Arteta will have been assessing things in training this week.

"And you can't rest players when you are going for the title, you need your best team. But momentum is so important when you are winning. He will assess that, but I think Eze might keep his place."