The Gunners’ return to prominence could, however, have arrived too late in terms of salvaging their title challenge, although they will still be determined to prevail when they take on West Ham United at Upton Park this weekend.
Here’s a round-up of all the latest news surrounding the club.
Arsenal chief scout Steve Rowley has been personally running the rule over Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka this season. The Switzerland international, who is reportedly valued at £35 million, has been hugely impressive for the Bundesliga side this campaign and has been heavily linked with a switch to Arsenal. (Telegraph)
Alex Iwobi has reportedly agreed a new deal to keep him at Arsenal until 2021. The winger has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign and found the net against both Everton and Watford. Iwobi, who has been capped on four occasions by Nigeria, is set to earn around £30,000 a week. (Mirror)
Arsenal are set to promote youngster Gedion Zelalem to the first-team squad next season. The midfielder is currently on loan at Rangers, but hasn’t featured prominently for the Scottish side of late. A fine passer of the ball, Zelalem has already featured twice for the Gunners in competitive fixtures. (Telegraph)
Defender Per Mertesacker has vowed to work hard to win back his place in the Arsenal starting line-up. The former Germany international has been overtaken in the pecking order by Gabriel, and has watched from the bench in recent games. Mertesacker is out of contract at the end of next season but is still hopeful of getting back into the side. (Four Four Two)
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has said that Jack Wilshere should choose his friends more carefully after the midfielder was pictured being questioned by police early on Sunday morning having reportedly been involved in a fracas. Wilshere could make his long-awaited return from injury when Arsenal U21s take on their Newcastle United counterparts on Friday night. (Mirror)
West Ham United midfielder Chiekhou Kouyate will be free to face Arsenal on Saturday after the red card that he received against Crystal Palace was overturned. The Senegal international scored against the Gunners when the sides met on the first weekend of the season. (Official West Ham website)
