Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is ready to call upon Declan Rice as an emergency option at centre-back in the absence of William Saliba. Saliba missed Saturday’s draw with Aston Villa due to a hamstring injury picked up in the north London derby last Wednesday.

Arsenal are hoping to sign an attacker within the next two weeks as Mikel Arteta hopes to address issues in front of goal as the club continues to chase Liverpool in the Premier League. Recent reports have placed RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko on the list of potential moves the Spaniard could make.

Mikel Arteta has admitted that William Saliba’s injury setback has forced him to consider a new role for Declan Rice. Saliba missed Saturday’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Aston Villa after he pulled up during the closing stages of last week’s north London derby win over Tottenham.