Private Mikel Arteta phone call revealed as Arsenal star lined up for fresh contract

Arsenal will perhaps welcome the breather that the international break brings given their recent form.

The Gunners have not won in the Premier League for more than a month with Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea keeping them nine points adrift of table-toppers Liverpool. The team has scored just once in three games despite welcoming a number of players back from injury.

Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka both recovered from knocks to feature in recent matches, although neither has joined up with their countries for international duty. Odegaard has only just come back from ligament damage while Saka picked up an issue at Stamford Bridge.

Norway boss reveals Arteta call

Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has revealed that he and Mikel Arteta held a phone call over Odegaard's availability for the upcoming internationals amid his return from injury. He explained to native outlet VG: “He called me.

"We discussed the situation openly and honestly. He didn’t have much more information than what had come to light and what Martin had said to both the medical team at Arsenal and to us.

“Is a phone call with club managers common? No, it isn’t, but we have spoken a few times. It has something to do with the fact that he is captain and that I have visited there a few times.

“I can’t call everyone, but I can there, since I’ve been there. If there is one person in the whole world I can give everything I have to and trust one hundred percent in how he is, it is Martin Odegaard. That’s why I made him captain three or four years ago.”

Football.london says:It is not entirely surprising that the pair have spoken given Odegaard has returned for his club yet has not been called up for his country. Solbakken had indicated only a few weeks ago he thought he’d have his captain available.

Arsenal need as many of their stars fit and primed if they are to turn their form around and Arteta was clearly not wanting to risk another setback to Odegaard, who suffered his setback while on Norway duty in September. He missed 12 games as a result.

Saliba 'in line' for new deal

Arsenal are reportedly keen to tie William Saliba down to a new contract with the Gunners very aware of supposed interest from Real Madrid. Le10 Sport says Los Blancos have identified the Frenchman as a potential target albeit have yet to formally register an interest.

Saliba’s current deal does not expire until 2027 but the Gunners - who have just lost sporting director Edu - wish to ward off interest in any of their key stars and will do so by offering enticing renewals. Eder Militao suffered a serious setback before the international break, only intensifying Madrid links with Saliba.

The report indicates Saliba would find it hard to say no to the Spanish champions. It infers that he may face a crossroads if Arsenal fail to tie him down to fresh terms by January.

Football.london says:The bright lights of Bernabeu are tempting for any player, and Saliba is no exception. He would perhaps be afforded game time too given Madrid are wishing to future-proof their squad.

Antonio Rudiger is now 31 and David Alaba is 32. Arsenal’s only methods of shutting down links to Madrid are to indeed hand him renewal terms and, perhaps, to win a trophy.

Arteta can take it as a good sign that European big-hitters are after his players with his club now back within the realms of the elite - but he might be less confident of being able to find a replacement for his key men now that the reputable Edu has gone.