Arsenal open talks with Pro Ref after Arteta's penalty fury as Gunners eye Nico Paz

Arsenal have opened talks with Howard Webb’s officiating body Pro Ref after Mikel Arteta publicly condemned a penalty decision in the Gunners’ 2-0 win at Sunderland on Saturday, with the Premier League leaders sitting top of the table after four wins from four.

The controversy centres on a spot-kick awarded against Ezri Konsa following a tussle with Dan Ballard — a call that stood despite a VAR review. Arteta made no attempt to hide his anger after the match.

“I’m so upset, it is unacceptable at this level, unacceptable. It can change the course of the season,” Arteta said. “I’ve seen it 10 times to make sure and I said ‘it is not possible it is penalty’. It is a judo roll. That’s what it is. This cannot happen. I have been involved in football for 27/28 years. It’s not a penalty in any game, in any game, in any context in any league.”

Despite the officiating flashpoint, Arsenal ultimately came through at Wearside. David Raya kept the scores level by pushing Enzo Le Fee’s effort onto the post, before Bruno Guimaraes and Bukayo Saka struck late to seal the three points.

Off the pitch, Arsenal are reportedly considering a January move for Como midfielder Nico Paz. The 22-year-old Argentine has been in outstanding form for the Serie A side, contributing 12 goals and seven assists last season as Como secured Champions League football for the first time in their history. He has continued that momentum this term, setting up two goals in a win over RB Leipzig in Europe and netting in a league victory at Genoa.

Paz joined Como for just over £51m in 2024, but any pursuit by Arsenal is complicated by a clause that allows Real Madrid to re-sign him for approximately £70m in the summer of 2027. The Spanish giants originally developed Paz, who made eight appearances for Los Blancos before his move to Italy, meaning Arsenal could face a significant obstacle in landing one of the continent’s most sought-after young midfielders.

Arteta’s squad faces a quick turnaround before the international break, with a Carabao Cup tie against Ipswich Town next on the agenda.