With fixtures coming thick and fast before the international break, Mikel Arteta is expected to rotate his squad for the Carabao Cup clash against Ipswich Town. That comes just days after the Gunners secured a Premier League victory in the North East.
The match was overshadowed by a disputed penalty decision involving David Raya and Enzo Le Fée. Raya pushed the midfielder’s effort onto the post, but the penalty call continued to attract attention after the final whistle.
Bruno Guimarães and Bukayo Saka eventually settled the contest for Arsenal, scoring late to secure all three points. However, Arteta’s frustration with the officiating has remained a major talking point.
Arsenal Open Discussions with Pro Ref
Arsenal have reportedly opened discussions with Howard Webb, head of officiating body Pro Ref, over the controversial penalty decision.
The club’s concerns centre on a tussle between Ezri Konsa and Dan Ballard, with the penalty standing despite a VAR review.
Arteta was visibly unhappy with the decision after the match.
“I’m so upset. It is unacceptable at this level. It can change the course of the season,” he told TNT Sports.
“I’ve seen it 10 times to make sure, and I said it is not a penalty. It is a judo roll. That’s what it is.
“This cannot happen. In my view, I’ve been involved in football for 27 or 28 years. It’s not a penalty in any game, in any context, in any league.”
Webb is expected to address the incident publicly on Mic’d Up on Tuesday night.
Arsenal Consider £70m Move for Nico Paz
Arsenal are also reportedly considering a January move for Como midfielder Nico Paz, with The Sun claiming the Argentina international is valued at around £70 million.
The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists as Como secured Champions League qualification for the first time.
Paz has continued to attract attention this season. He provided two assists in Como’s 4-0 victory over RB Leipzig in European competition last week before scoring his first Serie A goal of the campaign against Genoa.
The midfielder joined Como from Real Madrid in 2024 for just over £5 million, but the Spanish giants retained an option to bring him back for close to £70 million in the summer of 2027.
That clause could complicate Arsenal’s plans, particularly if Real Madrid decide to exercise their buy-back option.
Paz made eight appearances for Real Madrid before moving to Italy, and his performances at Como have since established him as one of European football’s most closely watched young talents.
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