Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal have a few plans for the World Cup break, but he wouldn’t confirm specifics amid growing rumours in the media.

A fairly significant proportion of Arsenal’s first-team squad should be going away to the World Cup with their countries next month, but there are many exceptions.

Some countries didn’t qualify, and some players won’t be called up even if their country is involved. That leaves Mikel Arteta with a group of players who won’t play a competitive game for a month and a half in the middle of the season.

Even those who go to Qatar may end up not playing, or returning early when their country is eliminated. Arteta discussed the situation in his most recent press conference.

“We are planning, we have a few options that we are trying to close down,” Arteta said. “It will depend on how many players are selected, but yeah, we have a few plans.”

On whether Arsenal would base themselves close to Qatar during the tournament, Arteta would only add: “It’s a possibility.”

AFC Fixture News report that Arsenal will have a training camp in Dubai during the latter stages of the World Cup, which fits with recent reports in the media.

The Mirror claim Arsenal have already agreed to play a friendly against AC Milan during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

Meanwhile, Le Progres report that Lyon are set to take on Arsenal and Liverpool in Dubai in December as well, between the 5th and the 12th.

The advantage of Dubai is obviously the proximity to the tournament, meaning players will be able to easily join up with Arteta’s squad when their countries are eliminated.

The Evening Standard had previously confirmed that Arsenal were planning a Dubai camp, adding that the Gunners were also looking to play another friendly when they return to England.

So it’s likely we’ll see the Gunners playing at least three matches while the World Cup is on.