Report: Arsenal expect 'brilliant' player to be back fit and ready to start against Man City

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Amidst all of the transfer drama in north London right now, Arsenal do still have an important tie with Manchester City on the horizon.

Arsenal will face Man City at Emirates on Sunday, knowing that they can't afford anything but a win if they're going to close the gap to Liverpool in the title-race.

Of course, a lot of Arsenal fans will be hoping that Mikel Arteta has a new signing to show off in N5 at the weekend, something the club's transfer team would love to deliver.

To that end, Arsenal remain confident of signing Sverre Nypan, a Norwegian talent who is attracting attention across the Premier League.

In addition, the Gunners are clearly in the hunt for a striker too.

Arsenal are planning a second bid for Ollie Watkins, and there's also considerable talk of Arteta's interest in Mathys Tel, too. 

David Raya ready to face Man City after Neto blunder in the Champions League

That being said, Arsenal will at least be boosted by the return of David Raya against Man City, who missed the meeting with Girona in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Raya travelled to Spain but was unable to take part owing to injury, meaning Neto made his Arsenal debut and both Tommy Setford and Jack Porter sat on the bench.

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READ MORE: £40m striker admits he might have played last game for his club as Arsenal prepare a bid

Neto was severely out of position for Girona's opening goal in the game, leading to a bit of apprehension surrounding his readiness for a crucial tie with City.

Fortunately, The Athletic are now reporting that Raya will be fit for the game, saying there are no currently concerns over his participation.

Excellent news from an Arsenal perspective, especially given how rusty 35-year-old Neto looked in Spain.

Neto's distribution wasn't able to match what Raya can regularly offer Arteta, and his appearance only heightened the need for Arsenal to find a permanent number two in the summer.

Edu made a mistake with Neto transfer

In terms of Neto, Edu Gaspar continues to be criticised for the loan move that saw him arrive to the club on deadline day last summer.

Neto was presumably brought in to cover for Raya in the cups, but it transpires that the on-loan Bournemouth man is ineligible for the Carabao Cup having featured for his parent club in the competition before departing.

Interestingly, there have been reports of concerns about Neto in Arsenal training recently, a move that was seemingly a last minute solution in the summer, rather than anything long-term.

Of course, Neto's arrival has also blocked the club from making another loan from a Premier League side this month.

Evan Ferguson could be available on loan, but Arsenal can't do a deal for the striker given that Neto and Raheem Sterling have filled their two allocated spots.

But with a focus back on the good news, Arsenal will have their number one ready to go on Sunday afternoon, and Raya is having a brilliant season once again.

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