Arsenal latest news: White fitness boost, Madrid targeting key figure, Arteta’s dilemma | OneFootball

Arsenal are currently in Dubai after deciding to take advantage of their break in action to embark on a warm weather training camp.

The Gunners’ FA Cup exit to Manchester United and finishing in the top eight of the Champions League has meant they will have ten days without a game, following their Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United.

They face Leicester City on Saturday on their return to action, looking to bounce back from that loss.

Here are some of the big Arsenal stories ahead of that game…

Ben White closing in on a return

Arsenal defender Ben White has been missing since November after undergoing knee surgery but is closing in on a return to action.

He has been back in training with the squad in Dubai and there is a possibility he could be back involved with the squad against Leicester in a boost for boss Mikel Arteta.

Saka continuing to work his way back

Bukayo Saka is continuing his rehab in Dubai with the aim of being back for March.

The winger has been out since December with a hamstring problem but has been stepping up his recovery in Dubai.

Recent training images showed Saka with the scar from his hamstring surgery.

Real Madrid set to move for Saliba?

William Saliba has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League under Arteta, which has reportedly not gone unnoticed by those at Real Madrid.

RMC Sport in France say Madrid have made made Saliba a priority target this summer.

But the Gunners understandably would want a monumental fee for the defender and even then may be reluctant to sell him.

Saliba was seen laughing in Dubai when a fan told him not to sign for Real Madrid recently.

He has two years left on his current deal with Arsenal.

Arteta faces attacking dilemma

Gabriel Martinelli’s injury came as a big blow to Arteta. The Gunners boss has already been without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus and has now lost another of his attacking stars to injury, with the Brazilian set to miss about a month with a hamstring problem.

It means Arteta has only four fit first-team attackers available in Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri.

Their inability to add another forward in January despite their attempts has left Arteta with limited options at the top of the pitch and he must determine how best to deal with those absences.