Arsenal given Declan Rice injury update for Chelsea clash as Mikel Arteta plan dealt major blow

Arsenal will be determined to return to winning ways when they face Chelsea this weekend. Mikel Arteta will lock horns with Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, knowing a win could prove decisive in the Premier League title race.

On Wednesday evening, the Gunners suffered defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League, with only a penalty from Hakan Çalhanoğlu separating the two sides. Then, the following night, Chelsea stormed past Noah in the Conference League, scoring eight goals.

The North Londoners' extra day of rest could be game-changing, with Declan Rice in a race against time to return from the treatment room. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip.

Rice injury update

Mikel Arteta has been given a Declan Rice injury update ahead of Arsenal's clash against Chelsea. The 25-year-old midfielder, who suffered a broken toe in the Gunners defeat to Newcastle last weekend, has been called up to the England squad to face Greece and Republic of Ireland later this month.

Rice was absent from first-team training at London Colney earlier this week before missing the tie against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night. According to the Mirror, Arsenal are hopeful that the former West Ham captain will be available for selection on the Chelsea bout on Sunday.

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football.london says: "Declan Rice will be desperate to feature for Arsenal against Chelsea this weekend, but he mustn't over do it and aggravate his injury. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if he does play the Blues then pulls out of the England squad as a precaution."

Brighton star shuts down Arteta plan

Carlos Baleba has brushed off speculation linking him with an exit from Brighton. The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium recently as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his option in the middle of the park.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Baleba said: "I don’t really think like that: playing for two or three years and then leaving. Me? I just work. In my head it’s all about working and helping my club. If I can help a team-mate, I will.

"If they can help me, I’ll accept that help to push forward and develop. So I just work to help my team and for myself, to progress for the future. In return, everyone who helps me wants me to go to the highest level. And if there are big clubs who want me, it’s not something that worries me or gets me excited.

"I just need to work hard and keep a cool head. I don’t know if I’m going to be the star or the next big thing. For me, being the star is quite a lot. Everyone talking about you, singing your name? That just doesn’t do it for me. It’s not something that gets me running. I just prefer getting my head down and working on the pitch."

football.london says: "Carlos Baleba would be a good signing for Arsenal, but I'd like to see the Gunners go out and get a more established holding midfielder. That's not to say that he's not ready for the step up, I'd just like to see more of him before a big move."

Gyokeres price tag slashed

Arsenal have been given a huge boost to their hopes of signing Viktor Gyokeres. The 26-year-old striker has quickly become one of the most coveted frontmen in Europe, but he could be available for discounted fee.

According to The Telegraph, Gyokeres has a €100m (£83m) release clause in his contract with Sporting, but he'll be allowed to leave for a lower fee in the summer. The report states that the Portuguese outfit could accept a bid worth around £63m – which would still represent a hefty profit on the £20m they paid Coventry City at the start of last season.

Speaking to reporters after Sporting stormed past the Premier League champions, Ruben Amorim was asked about taking Gyokeres with him to Old Trafford. The new Manchester United boss urged the Sweden international to stay at the Portuguese outfit until the end of the season.

football.london says: "Viktor Gyokeres would be a sensational signing for Arsenal – and he's exactly what they need! The Gunners should've actually signed him in the summer, and I think that's cost them this term. Mikel Arteta's side have looked a bit flat so far this term."

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