WHAT'S THE SCORE
Arsenal have stepped up interest in Schalke star Leon Goretzka.
Arsene Wenger has assigned his top scout to build up a dossier on the strong Germany midfielder.
Goretzka has been watched in recent games and the Gunners gaffer will spend big to get his man ahead of Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The 10- times capped 22-year-old is a free agent next summer and can talk with interested clubs from January. Atletico Madrid will host Chelsea this week on the first European football night at their new £200m stadium.
The 67, 0 0 0 capacity Wanda Metropolitano arena only opened last week, when Atletico beat Malaga 1- 0 in La Liga.
The Champions League Group C tie is the pick of Wednesday’s action. England could slide out of European football’s top three for the first time if their sides suffer another Euro flop.
UEFA could downgrade them below top-placed Spain, Germany and Italy unless their sides do well in this year’s Champions League.
The Italians have surged up the rankings and could overtake England thanks to Juventus reaching two finals in three years. Arsene Wenger has warned the Champions League group stages need a shake-up– because it’s a bore.
The Arsenal manager has taken charge of nearly 200 games in Europe’s biggest competition.
But he said: “In the group stage there are not many interesting games. Look at the audiences, it has lost some attraction power.” Sunderland want Brentford midfielder Ryan Woods to spearhead a new-look midfield.
Black Cats boss Simon Grayson is a big fan and he believes a £3m bid will be enough to temp the Bees into selling the 23-year-old in January. Aaron Ramsey is being touted by Arsene Wenger to become a future captain at Arsenal.
The Wales star has made an impressive start to the season and, asked about the skipper role, boss Wenger said: “Why not? He has maturity, improved and he has a huge physical power.” Sam Allardyce could be lured into a football comeback – if he can persuade his missus Lynne.
The 62- year- old retired after quitting Crystal Palace four months ago but best mate Kevin Nolan reckons Big Sam will be back. He said: “When bosses are losing their jobs in January and February, clubs will call Sam. But any job has got to suit both Sam and Lynne.”