Arteta’s Saka concern, rivals blasted over Tierney and shock boardroom exit

Arsenal will return to Premier League action this Sunday with a trip to Goodison park to face Everton, with Mikel Arteta looking to build on a start of 10 points from 12

The international break is over and the focus of players at Arsenal has turned to their Premier League clash at Everton on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta’s side have again signalled their intent to challenge for the title, with three wins and a draw from their four games so far. And the last gasp win over Manchester United, before stars joined up with national squads, restored momentum after the home draw with Fulham.

But it’s not just a trip to Goodison Park that Arteta and co will have their minds on. Next Wednesday, the club ends a six-year exile from the Champions League when they host PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates.

With a critical period looming, we round-up all the latest news from the Emirates in the last 24 hours…..

CEO to leave club after 14 years
Arsenal have confirmed the impending departure of CEO Vinai Venkatesham, who has been with the north London club for almost 14 years.

Venkatesham will leave the club at the end of the 2023/24 season, and has vowed to help the Premier League club ensure a “seamless transition” to his successor. Co-chair Josh Kroenke was among those to pay tribute to Venkatesham following the shock announcement.

“This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge,” Venkatesham said, in a released statement on Thursday. “Now is not the time for goodbyes as I remain focused until my last day and supporting a seamless transition.”

Arteta dealing with Saka concern
Mikel Arteta will have forward Bukayo Saka available for the trip to Everton on Sunday, but only amid an ongoing concern over the England star’s fitness.

The player came in for some rough treatment at the hands of Ukraine players on Saturday, before being left on the bench for England’s friendly in Scotland on Tuesday. But according to the Daily Mail, the omission was partly due to niggling achilles injury that also plagued him last season.

The Spanish boss knows all about the dangers of a player persisting through an injury issue. Last season, Emilie Smith Rowe was absent until March after undergoing surgery for a long-term groin problem in the summer.