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Aubameyang insists he is ‘really happy’ at Arsenal

Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has indicated that he is ‘really happy’ at Arsenal amid the constant speculation over his future. The 30-year-old has enjoyed another top campaign with the Gunners where he has contributed 20 goals in all competitions and 17 of those have come in the Premier League.

His performances have helped the Gunners remain in contention for a possible European spot next season but there are still doubts regarding his future. Aubameyang’s current deal with the club expires in the summer of 2021 and reports suggest that he has yet to agree to terms over a new and improved contract.

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Hector Bellerin says Arsenal are on the right path under Mikel Arteta

Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has said that the Gunners are moving on the right path under manager Mikel Arteta and believes the club will find their goalscoring touch sooner rather than later. The Spanish head coach has made the Gunners difficult to beat over the past month but that has somewhat reduced their effectiveness on the other end of the field.

As a result, they have drawn more than 50 percent of the games under Arteta but Bellerin insists that there has been a big change in the attitude of the players from the Unai Emery reign, he told: “Mikel has always been very tactical in his work and in his whole life, he’s very professional with very clear ideas. It’s very early doors in time. [Mikel] has a new philosophy and the way he has implemented it in the last few games that we’ve played, there’s been a big change. When you see that you’re playing better and controlling games better, the goals are something that’s going to come. I’m sure you’re going to see that very quickly.”

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Alan Smith backs Mikel Arteta for the head coach role at Arsenal

Arsenal legend Alan Smith has said that the Gunners have made a bold move to land the signature of Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has been linked with a return to the Emirates in a managerial capacity since last month and reports have emerged that he could pen a three-and-a-half year contract in the next 24 hours.

Speaking to TalkSPORT, Smith believes the recruitment of Arteta would be an exciting and bold move, given he has been a huge influence on the Manchester City in an assistant capacity, he told: “From the outset I thought that he would be the most exciting, the boldest choice as an innovative young coach that can put on really good sessions and that transfers to the pitch. Obviously, he’s had a huge influence from [Pep] Guardiola up at Manchester City. He takes a lot of the sessions and Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne have both credited him with improving their game.”

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Gabriel Martinelli thanks Arsenal teammate for helping him to settle

Brazilian youngster Gabriel Martinelli has thanked Arsenal teammate Emiliano Martinez for helping him to adapt to the new surroundings. The 18-year-old joined the Gunners from Brazilian minnows Ituano during the summer and he has since made a good impression with seven goals scored across all competitions.

Speaking to Arsenal TV, Martinelli said that he is not surprised by the early success with the north London side and has always dreamt of making the grade at a top outfit. He added that he has been aided by Emiliano Martinez to adjust to the new language while his family, who are staying with him, ensure that he keeps his feet on the ground.

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Unai Emery admits Aubameyang took a risk with penalty decision

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has revealed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the designated penalty taker for the recent Premier League clash against Aston Villa and he took the risk of handing Nicolas Pepe with the spotkick. The Gabon international has been a revelation for the Gunners since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund, and he recently scored his seventh goal of the season as the north London side sealed a stunning 3-2 comeback win over the Villains.

Speaking after the game, Emery was asked whether Aubameyang was the first-choice penalty taker in the club’s ranks and he replied in the affirmative. He added that Aubameyang took the risk of offering the penalty to Pepe to boost the Ivorian’s confidence and he is happy that the decision paid off for the Gunners on the day.

He told: “Yes, it’s Aubameyang who is responsible for penalties. Also Lacazette, and today for me is a very big decision from Aubameyang to let Pepe shoot to give him confidence and the possibility to score. Really, the responsibility is Aubameyang and I was happy when I saw that decision from Aubameyang. He is hungry every day to score, to achieve, individual and collective objectives. Today that decision shows a really great player.”

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Pires impressed with the performance of Arsenal’s Matteo Guendouzi

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has appreciated the performance of Matteo Guendouzi in the aftermath of the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners were culpable for individual defensive mistakes during the first period and that cost them dearly with Spurs scoring twice within the opening 41 minutes.

Alexandre Lacazette managed to reduce Spurs’ advantage before the break and the comeback draw was sealed in the second half where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored off a sublime assist from Guendouzi. The Frenchman did not have the best of beginnings to the encounter but he picked up his performance shortly after the Gunners went 2-0 down.

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Robin van Persie praises Dani Ceballos’ display against Burnley

Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has praised the display of midfielder Dani Ceballos during his maiden Premier League start for the Gunners. The Spain international only made a cameo appearance in the season opener but he was handed a full debut against Burnley with Granit Xhaka on the sidelines through an injury.

While he was initially pitted to feature in the number 8 role, Ceballos found himself in the number 10 position in numerous occasions during the game and he made the difference with assists for both of the goals scored by the Gunners. Speaking on BT Sport, Van Persie heaped praise on the midfielder and said that the 23-year-old was by far the best player for the north London giants.

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Sam Allardyce urges Arsenal to splash the cash to sign Wilfried Zaha

Former Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce has said that Arsenal should splash a club-record fee and sign Wilfried Zaha this summer. The Gunners have held a keen interest in landing the Ivory Coast international but so far, they have failed with an opening bid of around £40m for the former Manchester United man.

Speaking to TalkSPORT, Allardyce indicated that the current market situation has meant that clubs must spend more than usual on top talents. He added that Zaha will definitely be a success with the Gunners and the side should meet the Eagles £80m price tag, considering Manchester United could be prepared to pay something similar for defender Harry Maguire, who has lesser Premier League experience.

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Sky Sports reporter reveals Arsenal have more money to spend on Wilfried Zaha

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has revealed that Arsenal may have more funds to spend for the summer as they are prepared to pay as much as £70m to land the signature of Wilfried Zaha. The Ivory Coast international has been earmarked as the club’s prime target to strengthen the wide attacking position but so far, the Gunners have failed with an opening bid worth £40m for his services.

In a report covered by Sky Sports, Solhekol acknowledged that the Gunners may have been bluffing with the speculated £45m budget and they may have more funds in store for the summer transfer window. He added that the club could be prepared to negotiate up to £70m for Zaha’s signature this summer, though the payments could be staggered rather than a straight-cash move.

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Charlie Nicholas urges Arsenal to sell three players to boost finances

Former Arsenal star Charlie Nicholas has said that the Gunners should sanction the sale of three first-team players in order to enhance the transfer kitty for the summer. The north London side failed to qualify for the Champions League for the third season running last term and this has meant that the board have restricted the pre-sales budget to just £45m for the summer.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Nicholas revealed that the manager has plenty of options at hand but much of the business may be reliant on player sales. He added that a new-look defence remains a necessity ahead of next season and the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Mesut Ozil, and Lucas Torreira should be sold to boost the transfer budget.