Arsenal are reportedly tracking three Bournemouth players ahead of potential moves, while Mikel Arteta has defended Declan Rice's fitness after the midfielder showed signs of fatigue in the Champions League.
The Gunners secured a 2-1 victory over Slavia Prague on Wednesday, but Arteta was unhappy with his side's second-half display. He said: "Right from the beginning of the half, we were extremely far from our standards, the basics, the concepts, and everything we discussed to avoid. It was far from what we expect from each other, but we found a way to hold onto the result and win the game."
Arsenal's Bournemouth raid
According to TeamTalk, Arsenal have been compiling data on Marcus Tavernier as they look to strengthen the left side of their attack. The 27-year-old has scored six times in 14 games this season, showcasing his versatility across midfield and the forward line for the Cherries.
Arsenal are also long-time admirers of Alex Scott and Eli Junior Kroupi, who have a combined four goal contributions this campaign. Kroupi is one of the club's January targets, but Bournemouth are not keen to sell and face competition from Bayern Munich.
Scott has refused to sign a new deal with Bournemouth, and Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are all interested in his signature.
Arteta backs Rice
Arteta dismissed concerns about Rice's fitness despite the 27-year-old appearing exhausted in the latter stages against Slavia Prague. When questioned about keeping the midfielder on for the full 90 minutes, Arteta said: "The game required it, and he did. He was as well rested against Fleetwood so he had a very good week to recover before Liverpool."
"It's his second game in a week and not the fifth one. We expect our players to be able to do that and I think he had some very good moments throughout the game."
Ex-Arsenal star Karen Carney expressed concern about the club relying solely on Rice. She told TNT Sports: "Declan Rice is by far the best midfielder in the country, for me. When he's tired and fatigued they are a different team."
"In the second half he looked absolutely exhausted and then that's, for me, when Arsenal are a different team and they kind of lose their way a little bit. So that's something I'm a little bit concerned about because he's a top player but when his energy goes I think they slightly fall apart a bit."
