Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces key decisions ahead of the Premier League clash with Chelsea, as Brazilian midfielder Breno Bidon has publicly expressed his desire to move to Europe. The 19-year-old Corinthians star, linked with Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea, told TNT Sports Brazil: 'It has been a dream since I was a kid – to play in Europe, to play in the Champions League, to play in a World Cup.' Chelsea have reportedly made a £17 million offer, which was rejected, while Arsenal and United have made enquiries.
Arteta is also considering whether to retain Eberechi Eze in the starting lineup after his impressive two-goal performance against Tottenham. Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes Eze should keep his place over club captain Martin Odegaard. 'He got his opportunity again against Spurs and scored two good goals,' Parlour told Metro. 'I think Eze will probably start. But Arteta will have been assessing things in training this week.'
Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 4-1 victory over Tottenham last weekend, ending a concerning run of form. The Gunners now face a Chelsea side they have dominated in recent Premier League meetings, going unbeaten in their last eight encounters (five wins, three draws). Arteta has no new injury concerns, though Kai Havertz faces a late fitness test, and there is hope that young prospect Max Dowman could rejoin the senior squad.
With the title race intensifying, Parlour stressed the importance of momentum. 'You can't rest players when you are going for the title, you need your best team,' he said. 'Momentum is so important when you are winning.' Arteta's selections in the coming weeks could prove crucial as Arsenal aim to end their long wait for a Premier League crown.
