Arsenal vs Olympiacos live: Latest team news and line-ups as Mikel Arteta set to rotate squad for Champions League match

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s key players are committing their futures to the club because they can fulfil their ambitions to win trophies in north London.

William Saliba has become the latest Gunners star to sign a new long-term deal, despite interest from Real Madrid.

The France defender’s previous contract had been due to expire in 2027 and the PA news agency understands he has now extended his stay until 2030.

But Saliba signed a contract extension on Tuesday, thought to be over five years, in what is a major boost to Mikel Arteta’s side.

It was the same penalty box where Gabriel Magalhaes had ended up sprawling on the Tyneside turf some 90 minutes earlier. This time, he was rising highest, heading in Martin Odegaard’s corner, capping a dramatic fightback, securing the kind of flagship win that tends to be the hallmark of champions.

The Brazilian may have been culpable for Newcastle’s opener, when Nick Woltemade headed in as he fell. He might have been sent off for an elbow on the giant German. He survived a VAR review for a penalty for handling Anthony Elanga’s cross. He ended up the match-winner as David Rayaran 100 yards to join in the celebrations. It was that kind of confusing, chaotic afternoon.

“Unbelievable feeling,” said Mikel Arteta. “That is what football is about.”

Arsenal host Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday 1 October, with kickoff at 8pm BST.

Viewers in the UK can watch the game on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, as well as streaming platform discovery+. You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.

Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Merino, Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Olympiacos XI: Tzolakis, Rodinei, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega, Hezze, Dani García, Gelson Martins, Chiquinho, Podence, El Kaabi.

Olympiacos are expected to line up without Ukrainian target man Roman Yaremchuk, who is nursing a calf injury, and Lorenzo Scipioni, out with a knee issue.

Arsenal were boosted by the return of Martin Odegaard from a shoulder injury last time out, leaving Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus as the major players on the sidelines. Piero Hincapie is unlikely to make an appearance as he struggles with a groin problem.

While William Saliba’s minutes have been managed, he is likely to start on Wednesday after playing 45 minutes against Newcastle, following deputy Cristhian Mosquera’s howling error which led to the Magpies’ goal.

Mikel Arteta’s men are fresh from a last-gasp 2-1 win over Newcastle in the Premier League at the weekend, but it was better late than never as Gabriel scored a 96th-minute winner to close the gap to two points to league leaders Liverpool.

They’ll be confident they can get a similar result – although ideally rather earlier in the game – against Olympiacos, who drew 0-0 with minnows Pafos in their first European fixture. But the Greek side will look to recent history at the Emirates, having won on their previous three visits.

Arsenal however are unbeaten at home this season and took three points on the road in their European opener, a 2-0 triumph over Athletic Bilbao.

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Champions League match between Arsenal and Olympiacos at the Emirates.

The Gunners are looking to build on their opening win over Bilbao as they look to finish in the top eight of the league phase table, and Mikel Arteta may look to rotate the side as they welcome the Greek champions.

And we’ll have all the latest build-up and updates right here.