Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta gets green light over £85m deal as meeting scheduled

Arsenal will look to regroup over the international break after a disappointing draw away at Sunderland in the Premier League

Arsenal were stung late in their 2-2 draw against high-flying Sunderland but head into the international break firmly atop the Premier League. The Gunners are four points clear of chasing Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta's men surrendered ground in the title race after Brian Brobbey's stoppage-time strike levelled things at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. Players are now heading off to represent their respective countries with a north London derby against Tottenham next on Arsenal's agenda.

Although the Gunners strengthened this summer by bringing in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, with injury problems prevalent, signing a forward in January is not out of the question.

The club have been linked with an AC Milan star valued at £85million for some time and a new update has been issued regarding his future. Mirror Football brings you the latest news from the Emirates, including a post-Sunderland meeting and a title-race agreement being reached.

Rafael Leao update issued

Portuguese winger Rafael Leao has reportedly been on Arsenal's radar for some time. He was linked with a move to the Premier League this summer but has stayed put in Italy.

The 26-year-old has bagged four goals in his last five Serie A appearances but new information suggests that although a new contract has been hinted at the club remain open to a sale.

Matteo Moretto reports that AC Milan could offer Leao a new two to three-year contract extension soon. His current deal runs out in 2028.

But they continue to have the stance that if a sufficient bid comes in for their star forward, they would be open to negotiating. Recent estimates suggest Leao is priced somewhere in the region of £85m, which leaves the door ajar for a potential approach from Arsenal.

Arsenal schedule post-Sunderland meeting

One takeaway from Arsenal's draw with Sunderland was the position of the advertising hoardings. The Black Cats moved their boards closer to the Stadium of Light pitch than usual, which limited the amount of space Arsenal players had for long throws.

Concerns have been raised about this alteration and its potential impact on player safety. Speaking on BeIN Sports, Richard Keys claims that Arsenal will hold a meeting about these dangers.

He said: "It's very clear the purpose of having done that, as long as there's a metre between the touchline and the hoarding. But that might be endangering the well-being of those on the football pitch. I know there's a meeting at Arsenal tomorrow to discuss.

"No rules have been broken, Sunderland are well within their rights, but I'm not sure. On the one hand it's very smart, it's a talking point and it did go unnoticed by Arsenal and it was a subject of conversation after they'd left the ground yesterday so we'll wait for developments on that."

Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane in agreement

The Gunners did surrender some ground in the battle for the title with their Sunderland draw. City made a statement on Sunday when they demolished Liverpool 3-0 and they sit just four points behind Arsenal.

Manchester United icons Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane agree that Arteta's men will be feeling the pressure after this City win. Keane said on Sky Sports: "I think Arsenal will have looked at that and thought: 'Do you know what, the signs are good for Man City'."

Rooney added on his podcast: "I know Arsenal dropped points at the weekend but you look at their form overall and the way Man City are coming into a great run, it will be difficult for Liverpool.

"But it's still early in the season so you never know. I just think Arsenal and Man City are the two favourites now. Arsenal will be a little bit nervous about Man City coming up but I think it will be one of them two. I still probably edge towards Arsenal. I have Arsenal as slight favourites."