Arsenal

Declan Rice's creative streak shows no signs of slowing down.

After going 55 England caps without registering an assist, the Arsenal midfielder has now set up six goals in his past 13 international appearances, including two in Tuesday's win over Serbia.

It mirrors his growing influence at club level. Rice has laid on one assist in the opening three Premier League fixtures this season, and has set up 22 goals in Arsenal colours.

Rice is now becoming a consistent creative outlet, for club and country.

Arsenal will consider the sales of Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus, 28, and Belgium forward Leandro Trossard, 30, in the January transfer window. (Football Insider), external

Meanwhile, Manchester United have set their sights on signing Belgium centre-back Zeno Debast, 21, in January from manager Ruben Amorim's former club Sporting but Arsenal and Aston Villa are among the other sides interested. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

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Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should consider playing midfielder Mikel Merino up front alongside Viktor Gyokeres to "unlock opposition defences" this season.

Has Merino shown enough to contend for the number nine position? Our fan writer Laura Kirk-Francis thinks so.

But here are some of your thoughts:

Carlos: It won't happen. Arteta is wedded to a 4-3-3, which means one central striker and that has to be Gyokeres. My view is that Gyokeres' signing, just as would have been the case with Benjamin Sesko, is a huge shot in the dark. Arteta will do everything to make it work, so there will be no Merino up front other than in the Carabao Cup match against Port Vale.

Paul: Arteta is too defence-orientated to make a change like that.

David: I suggested putting Merino up front for the Liverpool game and having Ethan Nwaneri with Gabriel and Noni Madueke. I understand that means leaving attackers on the bench, but it's solid. Merino can help more defensively and in midfield, plus he can make his runs and confuse defenders. Then you have amazing firepower to bring on. This only works against the best teams and would make us more unpredictable, but is also super solid. I feel I'm the only one thinking this though...

Kitt: A 4-2-3-1 could work. Merino would play behind Gyokeres with Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka on the wings.

Joe Bradshaw
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Mikel Merino has seven Premier League goals for Arsenal.

Most were scored in that scarcely believable period where the Gunners were searching for anyone to fill the void in attack in the second half of last season and contributed to 14 points in their attempts to win the title.

His total is clearly not a huge amount, but earlier on Tuesday, our fan writer Laura Kirk-Francis suggested the Spain midfielder could make an impact for Mikel Arteta's occasionally shot-shy side.

After all, he is fresh off scoring four goals on international duty including a first career hat-trick against Turkey.

Digging into some numbers, there is some juice to her argument.

Taking shot conversion rate as a metric in isolation, Merino ranks fourth for Arsenal across the past 10 seasons.

It is all the more impressive considering the identities of the three goalscorers above him.

Of all the players who have more than five Premier League goals for the club in that time, he has taken the fewest shots, offering up the smallest sample size but also indicating how clinical he is.

The variety of his goals is also noteworthy. Two with his left foot, one with his right and four with his head.

Only three players have more headed goals for Arsenal in that time period – and the Spaniard has been in the building for just a year.

Laura argued that fielding Merino at number six against Liverpool nullified his attacking threat. The heatmap below supports this - he did not even touch the ball in the opposition penalty area.

Image source, Opta

Somehow, when Merino is on the field, Arteta needs to find a way to get him into areas where his eye for goal, and particularly his heading ability, can cause problems for the opponent.

Clearly that does not mean replacing Viktor Gyokeres, whose £64m presence cements his place in Arsenal's starting XI.

But here is a midfielder with an obvious goalscoring threat and sticking him in the centre of the park likely clips his wings.

Whether Arteta is willing to let Merino fly could make a significant difference this season.

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Myles Lewis-Skelly has been left of the England squad to play Serbia in the World Cup qualifier in Belgrade.

Thomas Tuchel confirmed to the media at his pre-match press conference that all his players were available and the versatile Arsenal player has been left out.

There had been concerns about the fitness of centre-back Marc Guehi, who was withdrawn with a groin issue in the win over Andorra, but Tuchel confirmed he was fit to play.

England can name 23 players in the matchday squad under Uefa rules, with centre-back Jarell Quansah left out of the pool for the game with Andorra.

Lewis-Skelly trained on Monday at St George's Park with the rest of the England squad and travelled to Serbia.

The omission of the left-back means Lewis-Skelly will rest before Arsenal's match with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

He has started three of England's four World Cup qualifiers but Djed Spence or Tino Livramento are now likely to get the nod for at left back.

Elsewhere, fellow Arsenal full-back Ben White is hoping to be available for Saturday's match with Forest.

He started the opening-day win at Manchester United but missed the last two league games with a knock.

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Not long after it was announced in January that Kai Havertz would have surgery on a torn hamstring, some Arsenal supporters suggested that midfielder Mikel Merino could play up front.

For the most part, this was met with surprise and confusion from fans more used to seeing him as a midfielder and unaware of his abilities as a striker.

Fast forward six months and the Spain international is playing himself into contention for the number nine position once more.

Merino scored a hat-trick in Spain's 6-0 dismantling of Turkey in their World Cup qualifier. With Havertz again out injured, could Merino deputise once more?

Arsenal face another tricky run of fixtures after the international break, with a Carabao Cup tie at League One Port Vale sandwiched between a visit from Manchester City and a trip to face Newcastle at St James' Park, where they have not won a game since the 2022-23 season.

So far this campaign, Arsenal have lacked a clinical and killer edge in the final third. Over in Spain, Mundo Deportivo, external actually called Merino a "killer". He scored three times from only four shots on target.

Mikel Arteta has long been wedded to a 4-3-3 formation, but perhaps playing Merino alongside Viktor Gyokeres could be a novel way to unlock opposition defence.

His performance for Spain comes a week after he started in midfield during the 1-0 loss to Liverpool, an Arsenal display condemned as overly conservative.

Merino has certainly made his case to be starting further up the pitch for Arsenal. We will find out on Saturday if Arteta agrees.

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

What do you reckon? Time to throw Merino up front?

Let us know

Arsenal are frontrunners to sign Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, after a last-minute bid from Manchester United failed in the summer, but Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also are interested in the 24-year-old Germany international. (Express), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal's teenage midfielder Dan Casey is nearing a move to London rivals Crystal Palace.

The 18-year-old, who can play as an attacking midfielder, centre-forward or wide attacker, is set to join the Eagles' Under-21 setup.

Casey has been in the Arsenal academy since 2015 and scored 22 goals with one assist in the under-18s Premier League, according to stats on Transfermarkt.

Sources have told BBC Sport that a deal is close and that there will be a sell-on clause included.

Image source, Getty Images

Eberechi Eze says his recent experiences in football have been "special" and he is "just excited to play".

The 27-year-old sealed a dream move to Arsenal in August - where he was released as a 13-year-old - after the Gunners wrestled him from the grasp of north London rivals Tottenham.

He made his debut as a late substitute against Liverpool at Anfield and started England's 2-0 victory over Andorra on Saturday.

"There's a lot going on," Eze said after the World Cup qualifying win at Villa Park. "It's fun for me. This is why I play football.

"These are opportunities you want. This is it for me. I was trying to enjoy it because you have that moment and then that's it - gone.

"I'm just excited to play, excited to do my thing on the pitch, to work hard, apply myself and get to doing what I do.

"There's been a lot of noise off the pitch but I just want to get down and play.

"It is special. It's not everyone that gets to experience these types of moments.

"I try to enjoy it and take it in my stride as much as possible because there's always something that is coming.

"There is always another opportunity and challenge coming so that's how I see [it]."

Despite the positives for Eze recently, England boss Thomas Tuchel was not totally impressed with his performance as the Three Lions laboured to victory over a team ranked 174th in the world.

"We missed some little moments to accelerate the game," Tuchel said.

"Maybe Eberechi Eze did not have his best day in the number 10 position. He trained so well but he struggled a bit with his decision-making."

Image source, Getty Images

After our fan writer suggested that Declan Rice has had a slow start to the season -and some stats seem to suggest this is the case - we asked for your thoughts.

Here are some of your comments:

Lara: Yes, I agree. I think it is all down to the changes in style for the team. It is affecting a few players and will take time to settle. But ultimately it had to happen, and in the long term, the team will benefit from having different tactics available for different opponents. The changes are bold, but if Mikel Arteta delivers, it will be great. It's a big if though. I am not sure he has the charisma to lead and guide such a strong squad to glory.

Daniel: Respectfully disagree. Three games in and he has been OK, which is not a crime. He typically starts the season slow but I think it is nothing to worry about.

Sakeb: I agree, but I think it stems from Arteta's desire to control and be controlled. Martin Zubimendi came with the reputation of being someone that is quick between the lines, always looking to play forward, but we've not seen that yet. I'm still hoping it's because he's still settling in and we've had a few challenging away games, but I fear Arteta has got his paws into him.

Kate: It's three games in.... way too early to tell if anyone's having a good or bad start. Those Real Madrid free-kicks were amazing, but not something that Rice does every single week. He's fine, or will be in a couple of games time, once things fully get going again.

Rachel: I think Rice's performance has been different to last season but it is due to the new dynamic in midfield with Zubimendi. We had to expect this settling-in period - Arsenal could not suddenly become a fantasy team just because we bought some of the best players. Personally, I was more disappointed in Zubimendi than Rice. But it looks like there's some tricky times to come. Frustrating!

Terry: Rice is not alone. He is not the only one who has to show the manager a different approach is needed in terms of tactics. The new signings will be very disappointed if things among the old regime do not improve. Gabriel Martinelli is a prime example - he is showing no signs of being a first-choice player.

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Opta

The standout performer in Mikel Arteta's side last season, Declan Rice looked every inch the £105m-man they had signed from West Ham in the summer of 2023.

But fast forward just a few months and the midfielder looks to be struggling to reach the same heights in the early part of this campaign.

This "quiet" and "difficult" start for Rice is not going unnoticed by fans, with our Gunners fan writer highlighting his underwhelming beginning to 2025-26.

But is this the case?

When looking into the statistics for the 26-year-old per 90 minutes last season in the Premier League compared to the opening three games of this term, there does appear to be a drop off in a number of metrics.

Sitting as part of a central midfield three, scoring goals is not he main requirement for Rice and, after scoring seven last time out, he has yet to find the back of the net this time.

However, he has still contributed in attack, providing two assists in the first three games and therefore tracking slightly ahead per game to what he did last season in this area.

Where his contribution has dropped off is when it comes to open play. Rice's four chances created so far have all come from set-plays. He is contributing less per game in terms of passes played into the box (5.1 compared to 6.3) and successful passes into the final third (6.5 compared to 16).

While he is still averaging similar numbers per game when it comes to passes overall and the accuracy of these, what might be more concerning for Arteta and supporters is the fall in numbers for defensive metrics.

The England international is tracking significantly lower in number of duels and in the success of those duels, while he is yet to even register a tackle made this campaign.

With the arrival of Martin Zubimendi in the summer, Rice is having to adapt to a new partner in midfield and may be still figuring out what his role is alongside the Spain international.

Comparing his heatmap against Manchester United in the opening game this season and the same match at Old Trafford last term, Rice covered much more ground across the pitch in March, and spent more time back in his starting position this time.

It is still too early to be drawing conclusions, but fans will be hoping that Rice is just warming up and this is not a longer term drop-off.

Image source, Opta

Image source, Opta

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

As Declan Rice stood over the ball in the 29th minute on Sunday, many fans will have been dreaming of a repeat of his two brilliant free-kicks against Real Madrid last season. Instead, a few seconds later the ball was flying high over the crossbar, much to the glee of the Liverpool fans behind the goal.

Having been named Arsenal's player of the season last year, the midfielder has endured a difficult start to the season.

In the 1-0 win at Old Trafford on the opening weekend, he struggled to impose himself on a Manchester United midfield that looked ready to be exploited. Instead, the decisive passing and ball-carrying for which he is known were limited, and more worryingly Arsenal's midfield were regularly by-passed as United countered.

Sunday's defeat was another quiet afternoon for the England midfielder, whose wayward free-kick in the first half summed up an underwhelming performance.

Usually so reliable from corners, he also struggled from set-pieces, failing to put the ball into the key areas where Arsenal could hurt Liverpool.

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Before the new season, fans were excited to see a partnership between Rice and new signing Martin Zubimendi, but so far the chemistry between the two is only developing. After all, it was also the Spaniard who gave away the free-kick from which Dominik Szoboszlai scored the winner.

Rice's struggles this season do not suggest his ability is in decline, but rather they reflect growing pains in his new partnership with Zubimendi. However, given how reliant Arsenal were on him last year to progress the ball into the final third, fans will be anxious that he returns to his previous levels immediately once the international break is over.

Do you agree with Laura?

Has Rice been less effective so far this season?

If so, what's the reason - and what's the solution?

Tell us here

Image source, Getty Images

The dust has just about settled on a busy transfer window for Arsenal.

In total, the Gunners brought in eight players for a total of about £251.3m based on reported initial fees.

Those incomings were:

• Kepa Arrizabalaga - Chelsea (permanent)

• Eberechi Eze - Crystal Palace (permanent)

• Viktor Gyokeres - Sporting (permanent)

• Piero Hincapie - Bayer Leverkusen (loan)

• Noni Madueke - Chelsea (permanent)

• Cristhian Mosquera - Valencia (permanent)

• Christian Norgaard - Brentford (permanent)

• Martin Zubimendi - Real Sociedad (permanent)

Heading the other way, Arsenal had 12 notable outgoings.

These included loans for Jakub Kiwior to Porto, Reiss Nelson to Brentford and Oleksandr Zinchenko to Nottingham Forest, while there was also the permanent exit of Albert Sambi Lokonga and the free transfers of Jorginho and Keiran Tierney.

Of all the summer incomings at the Emirates, who do you think will have the biggest impact?

Rank them here

Arsenal were open to selling Brazil winger Gabriel Martinelli, 24, at the start of the summer but their £60m asking price put off clubs who valued him closer to £40m. (Mail - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, the Gunners and Barcelona are both showing strong interest in Nottingham Forest's 23-year-old Brazilian defender Murillo. (Caughtoffside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal's 15-year-old Max Dowman looks set to play Champions League football this season after being named in Mikel Arteta's squad for the competition.

There is no age restriction to play in the Champions League so teenager Dowman could play for the Gunners in the competition as long as he was registered on squad list A.

Uefa have released the Arsenal squad list and Dowman is among the 23 players included, external.

Supporters may be alarmed to see the names of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly missing, but the pair can be named on squad list B as they are under 21 years old and have been eligible for the Arsenal first team for two years.

The Gunners kick off their Champions League campaign with an away game against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, 16 September - a team they beat 3-0 in their final pre-season match before this campaign kicked off.

Laura Kirk-Francis
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

This has been an impressive debut transfer window from Arsenal's new sporting director Andrea Berta, who joined the club in March.

Top of the list for all fans was a striker, and although there was plenty of speculation regarding the right profile for the individual in question, Viktor Gyokeres arrived in July. He has made a promising start amid a tough run of fixtures.

In defence, Arsenal have reinforced quietly and sensibly. Injury to William Saliba in the fourth minute of Sunday's defeat at Anfield meant that new signing Cristhian Mosquera was immediately called into action.

The 21-year old did well at the home of the team likely to be one of Arsenal's toughest opponents all season.

The arrival of Piero Hincapie from Bayern Leverkusen is another smart signing. Fans have often joked about manager Mikel Arteta's obsession with signing left-backs, but if Arsenal are to challenge in both the league and cup competitions then depth in this position and across the back four is essential.

The signing of Eberechi Eze is likely to be the main highlight of the window, but Noni Madueke has made the best start to life in north London, along with midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

If I were to be picky, Arsenal have continued to rely on loans to reduce the size of the squad, including a last-minute temporary move for out-of-favour Oleksandr Zinchenko to Nottingham Forest, and Fabio Vieira to Hamburg.

Selling these types of player could have perhaps unlocked additional cash for the club, but it is hard to find fault with eight excellent signings, including a highly experienced goalkeeper in Kepa Arrizabalaga and former Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.

At the start of the transfer window, there were probably two must-haves for Arsenal: a striker, and significant depth at every position.

The club have delivered both, and more.

Transfer window rating: 9/10

Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on how loan-signing Piero Hincapie will fit in at Arsenal this season.

Here are some of your comments:

Michael: Absolutely delighted! He reminds me of Ashley Cole. Speed, crosses and tackles. This guy will make the left back position his.

Matt: I don't think any amount of quality signings will help us win the Premier League or Champions League. Our negative style of play will be our undoing.

Chris: Arsenal now have a very strong and balanced squad capable of pushing them one further. Liverpool's massive firepower is the only possible obstacle.

Jordan: Definitely another great signing. With Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera it is definitely an improved squad. I expect Arsenal to kick on this season and do extremely well!

Brentford have completed the signing of Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson on a season-long loan.

The 25-year-old Gunners youth product made 90 appearances for his boyhood club and played 11 times on loan for Fulham last season.

This will be the fourth loan move of Nelson's career, after previously having spells with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim and Dutch club Feyenoord.

"Reiss has a skillset that will complement the rest of the attacking players we have," said Bees boss Keith Andrews. "He's a dribbler and he's very comfortable with the ball at his feet.

"I really like his Premier League experience and know-how of the league, as well as his age profile.

"He's coming into the optimum years of his career, and he's shown a real desire to come here when there's been a lot of interest elsewhere."

Image source, Brentford Fc