Arsenal are set to reinforce their attack this summer following an injury-hit season for star man Bukayo Saka.
Saka playing through the pain for England
Saka will continue to “take the gamble” on his fitness to be involved in England’s World Cup campaign.
The Arsenal winger has been managing an Achilles injury that dogged the end of his domestic campaign, playing through the pain barrier, and Thomas Tuchel said during the pre-tournament camp in Florida that he does not think he can yet play 90 minutes.
Saka, who picked up the injury in March and missed a month of action, including the international window, said he was “ready to go” for Wednesday’s Group L opener against Croatia in Dallas, but revealed he had taken a fitness risk to be involved in Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League run-in.
“As players, it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest,” he said.
“You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you the same.
“At the end of the day, people don’t really care how you’re feeling, they expect you to deliver, they expect you to perform.
“I’m happy to take the gamble. It paid off, I’d say. I’m going to continue doing that.
“But I am feeling a lot better than I did in March, and I’m ready to go.
Mikel Arteta green-lights Arsenal deal for ex-Barcelona star with exit imminent
The Spaniard is personally spearheading their pursuit.
“I don’t want to say anything that goes against the manager, but between Mikel and Arsenal’s medical team and England’s medical team, since March, they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team.
“I am feeling better than I have felt for the last few months. I am ready to go.”
Arsenal are pursuing several forward options this summer, with doubts also surrounding the future of Gabriel Martinelli, who lost his place to Leandro Trossard at times last season.
Club Brugge star Christos Tzolis is reportedly a top target, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed Arteta has personally demanded a marquee signing alongside the Greece international.
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Arsenal move for Morgan Rogers is “on” – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, speaking in his latest Youtube video, ‘the deal is on’ for Arsenal and Morgan Rogers.
Aston Villa are set to stand firm and demand a monster price tag for the England international, thought to be in the region of £100m, but Arteta is personally involved and the Gunners will press ahead.
Romano reports the Spaniard has told Arsenal’s leadership that Rogers is the ‘perfect’ fit and requested they sign him this summer.
“For Morgan Rogers, Arsenal are on it, Arsenal are talking to people close to the player, Arsenal are talking already for some time about this possibility.
“Aston Villa extended his contract a few months ago, they are in a very good position. Champions League football, Super Cup, so they are not in a rush to sell.
“So financially it has to be checked, but for sure the deal is on.”
Arsenal are also eyeing a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, but with Tottenham pushing ahead for a deal for the Italian and the Gunners set to bid big for Rogers, it seems unlikely they will move for two £100m midfielders in one summer.
Arsenal given Sandro Tonali boost as Newcastle make Tottenham stance clear
Spurs have emerged as contenders in the race for the Italian.
