Latest Arsenal news: Arteta eyes Garcia signing, injury concerns ahead of Leeds

Premier League football is set to return this weekend after the international break and Arsenal will be looking to continue their title charge with a win over Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Ahead of the game, we look at some of the latest Arsenal news doing the rounds including a possible centre-back signing and the latest injury news…..

Injury concerns

Arsenal were dealt a major concern earlier this week after Thomas Partey returned from international duty with another knock. The midfielder was left out of Ghana’s African Cup of nations qualifier on Monday night after complaining of pain in his leg during training and he returned to north London to be assessed by Arsenal medical staff.

Thankfully, it appears Partey’s absence was just precautionary as the 29-year-old has taken part in full training at London Colney this afternoon. He is now expected to be in contention to face Leeds United this weekend, which will come as a major boost for the Gunners. Partey is a key player and Arsenal just aren’t the same side without him in the line-up.

However, there isn’t such positive news on William Saliba. The centre-back missed Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace before the break after picking up an injury during the draw with Sporting Lisbon. He was subsequently ruled out of France’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Arsenal had hoped the international break would give Saliba time to fully recover, however, the defender was not involved in training today meaning he is now a major doubt to face Leeds this weekend.

Arsenal eye Garcia

Saliba’s injury worry could explain why Arsenal are being strongly linked with a move for Barcelona defender Eric Garcia in the media today.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims that Arsenal are determined to sign the 22-year-old this summer after failing to land him in the window window.

Barca are reportedly open to cashing-in at the end of the season as Garcia has struggled to hold down a regular place in Xavi’s side, and have lined-up Inigo Martinez as a possible replacement.

Arteta knows the Spanish international having worked with him during their time together at Man City, and it appears he now wants to be reunited in north London this summer.

Garcia is a talented young defender who could flourish under Arteta’s guidance and he could be available at a reasonable price. He is a right-footed defender who plays on the right side of a back four, so he’d act as competition for Saliba.

He’d be a solid addition to the Arsenal squad if they could get a deal over the line. However, Garcia’s arrival would cast huge doubt over the future of Rob Holding. The 27-year-old has been Saliba’s understudy this season so you’d expect him to be sold to make room for Garcia.