Arsenal round-up with Mikel Arteta facing some big decisions ahead of the January transfer window

Arsenal's title defence is going swimmingly as they prepare to return to Premier League action. The Gunners bounced back superbly from the shock Carabao Cup loss at League Two Fleetwood by securing the club's first victory at Liverpool since 2012.

Following the midweek trip to Slavia Prague in the Champions League, Mikel Arteta's side are preparing to host surprise package Hull City on Saturday. The Tigers started the season by stunning Manchester United and are solidly in mid-table after a run of draws.

But the Gunners will be expecting to secure another three points, which would take them six clear of Manchester City, who visit Nottingham Forest in Saturday's late game. Looking ahead, Arsenal will be planning for the January transfer window.

Arteta is looking to boost his attacking options, while there could be some high-profile departures. Here's a round-up of the latest news from the Emirates…

Hincapie 'holds exit talks'

Piero Hincapie could be on his way out of Arsenal just six months after joining the club permanently. According to reports in Spain, the Ecuadorian defender has opened talks with Barcelona about a January switch.

The La Liga champions were keen on Hincapie in the summer and, following his tough start to the season, they have revived their interest in the 24-year-old, reports SPORT. Hincapie has suffered injury setbacks and dropped down the defensive pecking order at Arsenal.

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He is behind Riccardo Calafiori in the left-back stakes. At centre-back, summer signing Ezri Konsa has excelled, while William Saliba is available again following his long-term layoff.

With Barca in the market for a central defender, Hincapie could spend the second half of the season at the Nou Camp, although it is unclear whether Arteta would sanction his departure.

New role for Konsa?

Arteta could solve a welcome selection headache by shifting Konsa into a new role, according to Rio Ferdinand. Konsa has been a revelation alongside Gabriel since arriving from Aston Villa but his place is under threat now that Saliba has recovered from his back injury.

Reuniting the title-winning centre-back pairing could potentially leave Konsa out in the cold, but not if he is moved to right-back, where he has played for England. Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand can see it happening.

Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents show, he said: "I think Saliba is one of those guys that you have to find room for in the team. He's that good, he's top."

He added: "I said to my son yesterday, 'Watch Ezri Konsa', because everything he does is efficient. That's a great problem for Arteta to have. I wouldn't be surprised if Konsa goes back to right-back once Saliba comes back. I wouldn't be surprised because Konsa is top."