TheHardTackle summarizes the top stories pertaining to Arsenal for the day.
Jack Wilshere’s desire, Dan Crowley’s loan, updates on Santi Cazorla, Danny Welbeck & Yaya Sanogo and more as we take a look at the most intriguing stories –
Arsenal keeping tabs on Milan striker
21-year-old striker M’Baye Niang’s contract situation remains unclear after Milan and the player couldn’t agree to the renewal stipulations. This stalemate has alerted two European giants, with Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund both said to be waiting to capitalize upon the situation, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
Arsenal have been monitoring the French striker for some time, with Arsene Wenger said to be an admirer of the forward. With Olivier Giroud reportedly unhappy after losing his place in the team, M’Baye Niang could turn out to be potentially excellent replacement for the Gunners.
However, the report adds with Milan set to be taken over by new Chinese owners soon, the Gunners would have to wait until next summer to have concrete talks with the Italian club for the highly-rated attacker.
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Jack Wilshere reiterates desire to continue his career at Arsenal
Jack Wilshere recently appeared for an extensive interview with Sky Sports, where he talked about his form, fitness and future.
The 24-year-old midfielder admitted he wishes to erase the memories of last two years and start all over again fresh at Bournemouth.
There have been speculation regarding the Englishman’s future at Arsenal once his loan spell ends, with the North London club having no shortage of options in midfield, but Wilshere has insisted his priority remains continuing his stay at his boyhood club.
“I’m focused on performing for Bournemouth and putting myself in a position where Arsenal want to offer me a new contract and I’m in a strong position at the end of the season.”
The Englishman’s loan spell has been going fine, with the midfielder getting a regular set of games for the first time in almost four years.
Must read: Arsenal star Mesut Ozil wants a return to Real Madrid.
Updates on injuries
Arsenal have been dealt with a massive blow after manager Arsene Wenger confirmed star midfielder Santi Cazrola will be sidelined for three months as the Spaniard prepares to undergo a surgery on his ankle. The 31-year-old playmaker injured his Achilles around mid-October, but no progress was seen even after recuperating for almost one and a half month. The operation will take place next week in Sweden.
Yaya Sanogo has a ‘confidential’ injury, which Arsene Wenger cannot explain. The French striker hasn’t featured in a competitive match since April, but the manager insisted his injury isn’t life-threatening. No return date is known for the forward.
In some positive news for the Arsenal fans, Danny Welbeck has resumed training and is targeting a return before the year end. The striker was initially ruled out for nine months back in May, but has recovered before his schedule to provide a timely boost for the Gunners in a bid for the title.
Hector Bellerin is expected to be fit in four weeks while Per Mertesacker will continue to nurse his knee injury until post New Year period. Olivier Giroud is in contention to play at the weekend against West Ham.
Dan Crowley’s loan spell cut-short
Oxford United have terminated Arsenal starlet Dan Crowley loan spell six months early, with manager Michael Appleton said to be frustrated by the teenager’s professionalism or the lack of it.
Regarded as the crown jewel of Arsenal’s academy, the news does come as a shock to the footballing world.. Crowley was left out of Oxford’s match-day squad for the last three matches.
‘I’m certainly not going to lose sleep if Arsenal have got an issue with Oxford United going forward,’ said Oxford boss Appleton.
The manager continued, “The one thing we are, and will always be, is very professional. Nothing and nobody will ever get in the way of what we’re trying to do from a team culture and ethos point of view.”
