Key Events So Far
- Welbeck 'ahead of schedule'
- Wenger on Sanchez and Ozil contracts
- Giroud could return next week
The full story on Ozil and Sanchez talks
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal are ‘in touch’ with key duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil over contract extensions at the Emirates.
The influential pair have both played a key part in the Gunners’ good form this season, with Ozil netting a hat-trick in the 6-0 midweek Champions League win against Ludogorets.
And as specualtion ramps up about their long-term futures at the club, Wenger was quick to address the issue in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Middlesbrough this weekend.
“We are in touch and that is our desire,” said the Frenchman.
Read the full story here.
Welbeck 'ahead of schedule'
Danny Welbeck is the next port of call and Wenger has an optimistic update on the injured striker.
“He’s ahead of schedule and he’ll be back in January. It will take two months competition for him to get back to his best.”
Wenger: I was right over Ozil and Sanchez
Next up is a question about Sanchez and Ozil’s extended summer breaks, as Wenger insists he was correct to give the pair more time off.
“I gave Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez extra time to recover over the summer, and I believe that was the right decision.”
More on injuries
Wenger is talking about injuries some more and the progression the club has made.
“We’ve improved on muscular injuries tremendously over the last two or three years and hopefully we can continue that.”
Wenger: "We live in a jungle"
The Frenchman is now asked about the nature of competition and we’re lucky enough to get a peak Wenger answer.
“We live in a jungle where everyone wants to eat you and you have to keep your vigilance.
“Thats what competition is all about.”
Wenger on Sanchez and Ozil contracts
Down to the nitty gritty now, as Wenger is asked about potential contract extensions for Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
“We are in touch and that is our desire.
“Ozil is 28 and is in the prime of his career. We want him to contribute to the club’s future.
“I believe he is in the right place.”
Giroud could return next week
Olivier Giroud’s return is the next topic up for debate, as Wenger says he could be involved next Tuesday.
Aaron Ramsey, meanwhile, is still another week away, but is “progressing well”.
The Sunderland game appears to be penciled in for his return.
He's here...
Ah, here he is.
Arsene Wenger starts with a spot of team news and there’s not too many dramas there.
“The only uncertainty I have is Santi Cazorla who got a kick. Assessed today. Xhaka suspended.”
Playing the waiting game
He’s late. Not for the first time either. Textbook Wenger, to be honest.
Shouldn’t be long though, so don’t go changing.
Here’s today’s Arsenal transfer gossip round-up from this morning’s newspapers and websites to whet your whistle while we hold fire for the Gunners boss to make his way here.
Ozil's team-mates pulling the ol' reverse psychology trick
Mesut Ozil can do no wrong in the eyes of his adoring Arsenal flock – but his team-mates have become his harshest critics.
As the Wizard of Øz claimed the first match ball of his career after a brilliant Champions League hat-trick against Ludogorets, team-mate Shkodran Mustafi revealed he criticises Ozil to make sure he fires on all cylinders.
German internationals Mustafi and Ozil are trusted allies, and Arsenal’s popular £35 million defender consulted his compatriot before making his summer move from Valencia to north London.
After a night of raw emojis, Ozil took to Twitter to celebrate his maiden treble and posted: “Boom Bam Arsenal! Brilliant team performance... & very happy about my first-ever hat-trick. #YaGunnersYa #WhatADay.”
Here’s the full story here.
Perez: I have Wenger's trust
Arsenal forward Lucas Perez is ready to use his second-half cameo against Ludogorets as a springboard after insisting that Arsene Wenger trusts in him.
Perez joined Arsenal from Deportivo La Coruna at the end of the summer transfer window, but has seen his time on the pitch limited due to the good form of Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez.
But after providing Mesut Ozil with two assists in a half-hour cameo off the bench in the 6-0 romp over Luodogrets, the 28-year-old says that after talking to Arsene Wenger he is confident he will get more chances to prove his worth.
Read what he had to say here.
Seaman: Arsenal must splash the cash on Ozil and Sanchez
Arsenal have been implored by former Gunners goalkeeper David Seaman to splash the cash to ensure Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez sign new deals.
The value of both Ozil and Sanchez to the North Londoners was evident in the Champions League win over Ludogorets on Wednesday as the former netted a hat-trick while the latter scored with a sumptuous lifted finish.
Both players are contracted until 2018 and Arsenal fans are eager to see the duo extend their stays having witnessed previous star players such as Ashley Cole, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie move on rather than agree new terms.
Read more here.
Collymore: Why Mesut Ozil epitomises what Arsenal have become
Arsenal supporters will be going giddy over Mesut Ozil ’s hat-trick against a Bulgarian team who are going to finish bottom of their Champions League group.
These are the same punters who keep giving me some stick over a comment I made a couple of years ago that the German had the same look about him as Fernando Torres did at Chelsea.
The gifted playmaker was disinterested and lethargic; a pale shadow of what he had been at Real Madrid.
For me, Ozil epitomises what Arsenal have become — flat-track bullies.
They are capable of dispatching the likes of Ludogorets with ease. And Ozil will star in such matches.
Read the rest of Stan’s MirrorFootball column here.
Greetings
Morning all and happy Friday everyone. A tip of the hat for making this far.
As it’s Friday morning, it’s time for an Arsene Wenger press conference so that’s exactly what we’re here to offer you.
The Gunners face Middlesbrough at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon as they look to continue their fine run of recent form.
The midweek 6-0 romp over Bulgarian side Ludogorets was their seventh win in a row and gave them one foot in the knockout stage of Europe’s biggest competition.
And it’s looking good on the domestic front too, as Wenger’s men sit in second place in the Premier League, behind leaders Manchester City only on goal difference.
The Frenchman is due up in front of the press this morning to discuss tomorrow clash against a Boro side that are in need of a win, sitting just a place above the relegation zone.
We’ll have the usual injury updates, post-mortem from the midweek action and Wenger will not doubt be asked about the contract status of key duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, as that’s becoming an increasingly major talking point at the moment.
So whack on the kettle, pretend to look busy at work and we’ll get started.