Arsenal will look to protect their perfect Premier League start when they visit Sunderland on Saturday night.

The reigning champions have collected nine points from nine after victories over Coventry City, Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta’s side also head to Wearside with another important result behind them. Martin Ødegaard struck in the second half to secure a narrow Champions League win at Napoli on Wednesday, although Arsenal had to work hard after wasting several earlier chances.

That European trip makes the Stadium of Light a test of both quality and energy.

The game kicks off late, with Arteta facing decisions over how much to change after a demanding night in Italy, and Sunderland should not be treated lightly either.

They lost their opening league game at Ipswich but responded by beating Fulham before taking a point from Brentford, with a Carbao Cup victory over Hull City in midweek adding to their momentum.

There is also a clear warning from last season.

Arsenal were close to leaving the Stadium of Light with all three points before Brian Brobbey’s late goal earned Sunderland a 2-2 draw.

The home crowd will sense another opportunity if Arsenal begin slowly, and Sunderland can make the contest physical, defend in numbers and counter-attack quickly when possession turns over.

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka will also be desperate to influence the game against his old club.

His experience and command of midfield give Sunderland somebody capable of being a real menace against the Gunners, and while Arsenal remain strong favourites, patience could be vital.

Their control at Napoli was impressive, yet Arteta will want a cleaner final pass and a more ruthless finishing touch if Sunderland sit deep.

Victory would extend Arsenal’s winning league run to four games and keep their title defence moving smoothly before another busy spell.

Arsenal ready to offer PSG start Willian Pacho 'very lucrative' salary

While the immediate focus is on Sunderland, a fresh report has linked Arsenal with a future move for PSG defender Willian Pacho.

According to South American news outlet BolaVIP, both Arsenal and Man City are considering the Ecuador international and could offer him a 'very lucrative' salary to tempt him to England.

There is no suggestion in the report that Arsenal have begun negotiations ahead of January or next summer, and at this stage, it appears to be interest in a player who would be extremely difficult to prise away from Paris.

Pacho has only just signed a new contract running until 2031, with the 24-year-old joining PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024 and becoming an important part of a side that won consecutive Champions League titles.

Favourite named as Arsenal battle Man City for Willian Pacho

BolaVIP puts his weekly wage around the £183,000-per-week mark, and the outlet argues Arsenal would have to push towards the top of their wage structure to compete, while City would be more comfortable funding such a package, so they could be favourites.

Pacho’s appeal is easy to understand.

He is quick, powerful, composed on the ball and naturally left-footed. Those qualities suit the way Arteta asks his defenders to hold a high line and begin attacks under pressure.

Pacho, who featured at the World Cup this summer, would also link up with Ecuador teammate Piero Hincapié in north London.

However, Arsenal already have strong options at centre back, while PSG have no obvious reason to sell a regular starter who committed his future to them only days ago.

This is potentially one to watch in the future rather than a deal that looks anywhere near close.

Arsenal may admire Pacho, but turning that admiration into a transfer would demand an enormous fee, a huge contract and a major change of heart from the player.