Arsenal could also be about to do battle with Brighton to sign an exciting young talent ahead of their Premier League clash this weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s side have opened their title defence with four straight league victories, collecting 12 points and moving to the top of the table.

The champions have quickly rediscovered the control and defensive strength which carried them over the line last term.

Their latest league success came at Sunderland, where Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory without ever needing to find their very best rhythm.

They then made changes for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Ipswich and still progressed with a lively 4-2 win.

Arteta will now bring his leading names back into the team at the Amex Stadium, with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and several other regular starters refreshed, but Arsenal cannot expect a comfortable afternoon on the south coast.

Brighton have taken seven points from their four league games and produced a statement performance by thrashing Coventry City 5-0 last weekend.

Their confidence climbed even higher on Wednesday night.

Fabian Hurzeler’s men recovered from two goals down to beat Man United 3-2 at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup, with three unanswered goals completing a remarkable turnaround.

That result showed exactly why Brighton remain dangerous, and their pace and pressing will demand Arsenal’s full concentration from the opening whistle.

There is also an intriguing transfer battle developing between the clubs away from Saturday’s match.

Arsenal battle Brighton for Luca Weinhandl with talks held and favourite revealed

A report from Austrian outlet 4-4-2 claims Arsenal have held preliminary talks over a possible move for Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl.

The 17-year-old has attracted attention from England after establishing himself around Sturm’s senior side, and Brighton are described as the most serious contender at this stage, while Aston Villa are also monitoring him.

Scouts representing all three Premier League clubs have reportedly watched Weinhandl in action recently.

Arsenal are believed to have gone one step further by opening early lines of communication, although negotiations have not reached an advanced point.

Weinhandl is a tall 6 foot 3 central midfielder who has risen through Sturm’s youth system and made his first-team debut in 2026.

He also helped Austria reach the final of the Under-17 World Cup last year, giving him valuable experience on a major international stage, and recently broke a record by becoming the youngest Austrian to score in the Europa League.

4-4-2 suggests an offer worth around £17 million could be enough to seal a deal.

However, Sturm are not under pressure to cash in and the teenager is apparently comfortable continuing his development in Austria.

A January move is possible rather than guaranteed as a result, and while Arsenal may have made contact, Brighton’s strong interest means they cannot assume Weinhandl will wait for them.

The Gunners have placed a clear emphasis on securing outstanding young players before their prices explode, and Weinhandl appears to fit that policy.

Saturday will settle the points between Arsenal and Brighton, but the contest for one of Austria’s brightest prospects could take considerably longer.