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Arsenal return to Premier League action against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend with Mikel Arteta hoping to get back to winning ways after dropping points against Sunderland before the international break.

There’s a busy run of fixtures ahead across league, domestic and European competitions as the festive period looms large. Then comes the January transfer window with all eyes on whether Andrea Berta and the Gunners decide fresh blood is needed to fuel the side’s title race.

Arsenal invested heavily during the summer with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera arriving at the Emirates Stadium. However, with injuries racking up, Arteta may once again need to replenish his strength in depth.

Arsenal rival West Ham for £17m Feyenoord transfer

CaughtOffside report that Arsenal are among the clubs keeping an eye on midfielder Quinten Timber. The 24-year-old is the brother of Gunners defender Jurrien and has been linked with a move away from current club Feyenoord.

West Ham have been named as potential suitors over a £17 million transfer but Arsenal would likely be frontrunners for a move should interest be serious, given their lofty league position and familial ties.

Borussia Dortmund are named in the report as another club looking at Timber with a January transfer swoop on the cards. The player’s contract at Feyenoord is due to expire at the end of the season, which could pressure the Dutch outfit into a sale.

There are questions over whether the project at the Emirates Stadium would appeal to Timber given the competition for spaces in the centre of the park. Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Christian Norgaard all arrived in the summer to join Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino.

Declan Rice contract talks update

Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on ongoing contract talks between Arsenal and midfield linchpin Rice. The former West Ham man’s current deal expires at the end of the 2027/28 season but a renewal is in the offing given his importance to the side.

Rice, who cost the club a huge £105 million, was named Player of the Season last term and the Gunners are being active in ensuring top stars do not have their heads turned – new contracts are also reportedly in the works for Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber.

When asked if the club will match Rice’s career ambitions, Romano said: “Yes, there’s very good connection and feeling between them. I expect new deal talks to take some time but no issues at all.”

In other news, Arsenal injury latest: Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori and Viktor Gyokeres doubts for Tottenham clash.