However, Arteta is also keeping tabs on Ayyoub Bouaddi. According to Caught Offside, Arsenal have sent scouts to watch the Lille midfielder, as have Chelsea, Liverpool, AC Milan, and Juventus.
Until then, Mikel Arteta’s team have the air of a boxer on the ropes, trying to limit the damage before the bell brings respite, a chance to reset and reinforce the habits of old.