Arteta wants transfer in Saudi to close soon

This summer, many stars have left the Premier League to go to Saudi Pro League, such as Riyad Mahrez, Jordan Henderson, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy or Roberto Firmino. This wave shows no signs of stopping, as Saudi clubs can buy and register new players until September 20, while the European transfer window will close on September 1.

"It is not fair that the transfer window in the Saudi Pro League closes two weeks later than the Premier League, and needs to change," Arteta said on August 25 at a pre-match press conference. He also said that the Saudi Pro League opens up new opportunities, and that the players and coaches have the freedom to decide their future, even if they have to find a consensus with the host club.

Regarding the possibility of Arsenal refusing to sell players to Saudi clubs after the European transfer window closes, Arteta replied: "The principle is the same, but I cannot make decisions for the club. There are many people. participate in this process and will have a say in it. People will negotiate, review and make a final decision just like any other offer."

No Arsenal player has arrived in the Middle East since the beginning of the summer, but Gabriel Magalhaes is rumored to be attracting interest from a number of Saudi Arabian clubs. However, Arteta emphasized that Gabriel is an important Arsenal player and is not having any negotiations between the parties.

The Spanish coach also declined to comment on the futures of Folarin Balogun and Kieran Tierney - players who have reached agreements to join AS Monaco and Real Sociedad respectively. But he also revealed that Gabriel Jesus is back in full training and can start against Fulham today.

Under Arteta, Arsenal have never lost to Fulham in the Premier League. Last season, "Gunners" won 2-1 at Emirates and 3-0 at Craven Cottage, respectively. However, Arteta praised Fulham as a difficult opponent to play and appreciated his achievement of finishing 10th in the Premier League last season as a rookie.

The Premier League this season applies a new rule, when the referees will issue a yellow card if more than one member of the coaching staff reacts, and even heavier penalties for those who leave the technical area. Arteta said he is used to this new rule, will try to stay calm and behave properly every game.