Monday’s odds and ends

Welcome to the beginning of another week, and finally we’ll have Arsenal football at the weekend!

With that said, here’s a few odds and ends, as well as some notes and quotes worthing repeating…

As the World Cup qualifiers continue during the international break, not all have gone as smoothly as everyone hoped. Yesterday in Brazil, Brazilian health authorities intervened prior to their nations’ match v Argentina. They claimed four England-based players on the Argentinian squad had to be quarantined. Although they did not name the four, the players with English Premier League clubs were Emiliano Buendia and Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa, and Giovani lo Celso and Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur. Martinez, Lo Celso and Romero all were slated to start the game in Sao Paulo. There has been no date for the make-up fixture as Argentina are leaving to prepare for their next World Cup qualifier on Friday. FIFA will gather evidence from all sides to fully understand the events that led to the match suspension before it decides on the most appropriate course of action. This was a wild seen to say the least, with Leo Messi right in the middle of it all.

Congratulations to Bukayo Saka for scoring England’s fourth goal of their WCQ match v Andorra on Sunday. Saka not only scored a goal and had an assist, it was also his 20th birthday!

According to the rumor mill, Aaron Ramsdale is telling friends Mikel Arteta will start him in goal on Saturday v Norwich City.

Good news for Sead Kolasinac. New reports from the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team camp indicate the defender’s ankle injury does not appear to be as bad as originally thought. There is some speculation he could be ready to play again following the international break.

The agent for Antonio Conte said there is “absolutely no truth” to the rumors that Arsenal and Conte have worked-out a preliminary agreement for the Italian to take over the Gunners if Mikel Arteta is sacked. However, ESPN is reporting that intermediaries of Conte have spoken to Arsenal and that he would take the job under the right conditions.

The Mirror is reporting any deal between Arsenal and Egyptian side Besiktas has collapsed due to the 29-year-old midfielder’s high wage demands during negotiations.

According to Team Talk, Ajax director of football Marc Overmar claims their goalkeeper, Andre Onana, is still wanted by Arsenal, and that the Cameroon player could leave on a free transfer next summer.

Stat of the Day: Transfermarkt is reporting Arsenal have the second youngest squad in the Premier League this season with an average age of 24.7.  Brentford has the youngest squad.

And finally, The Sun reports, “Arsenal face a potentially significant loss after failing to sell 22-year-old striker Eddie Nketiah this summer. The young striker is stalling on a contract offer from the Gunners and will be able to commit to a foreign club in January on a free transfer.”

Gunner1953