Haaland dismisses Arsenal transfer talk as Gunners eye £9m Brazilian teenager

Erling Haaland is not contemplating a transfer away from Manchester City, according to his Norway international team-mate Kristoffer Ajer, dampening speculation linking the striker with a move to Arsenal should City face Premier League sanctions.

Reports had suggested Arsenal would assess their options if Haaland became available, but Ajer was unequivocal in his assessment of the striker’s mindset during the international break. “He’s been exactly the way he’s always the same with the national team,” the Brentford defender said. “He’s truly focused on the upcoming games. I think he’s trying to do the same as everyone else, wait and see what the outcome is — that’s clearly been his way of doing it.”

Asked whether Haaland’s demeanour had changed in recent days, Ajer added: “No, not at all. Ever since I met him he brings a lot of energy and joy to the group. The biggest compliment I always give is that he hasn’t changed a bit from the moment I met him, even though he’s the biggest star on the planet right now. He’s been exactly the same the last few days as well, which is not a surprise for me.”

Separately, Arsenal have reportedly joined Chelsea and Manchester City in monitoring Vasco da Gama teenager Breno Sales. According to reports from Brazil, a bid of close to £9 million for the 16-year-old was recently rejected, with interest from across Europe continuing to grow.

Sales began his career as a striker before transitioning to left-back and subsequently moving into a more central defensive role. He has made 17 appearances and scored once in the current campaign, and was part of the Brazil youth side that won the U17 Copa do Brazil last year.

The teenager is expected to feature in the upcoming U17 World Cup in Qatar, which could provide interested clubs — Arsenal among them — with a further opportunity to evaluate him ahead of a potential move.

Back at the Emirates, manager Mikel Arteta faces a nervous wait on the fitness of Martin Odegaard, Ezri Konsa and Kai Havertz, the latter having been forced off during Germany’s match against the Netherlands with a hamstring problem. The club are said to be cautiously optimistic that Havertz has not suffered a serious injury. Arsenal return to Premier League action when they host Leeds United after the international break concludes.