Arsenal roundup: M’Baye Niang on radar, updates on injuries and more

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.

MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 20: Mbaye Niang (L) of AC Milan is challenged by Geoffrey Kondogbia of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 20, 2016 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 20: Mbaye Niang (L) of AC Milan is challenged by Geoffrey Kondogbia of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 20, 2016 in Milan, Italy. (Photo courtesy – Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

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.

Also read: ARSENAL PLOTTING AUDACIOUS SWOOP FOR REAL MADRID STARLET MARCOS LLORENTE

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.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 19: Jack Wilshere of AFC Bournemouth (L) is tackled by Charlie Adam of Stoke City (R) during the Premier League match between Stoke City and AFC Bournemouth at Bet365 Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 19: Jack Wilshere of AFC Bournemouth (L) is tackled by Charlie Adam of Stoke City (R) during the Premier League match between Stoke City and AFC Bournemouth at Bet365 Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo courtesy – Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

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.

SINGAPORE - JULY 15: Dan Crowley of Arsenal competes with Zulfahmi Arifin of Singapore during the Barclays Asia Trophy match between Arsenal and Singapore at National Stadium on July 15, 2015 in Singapore. (Photo by Stanley Chou/Getty Images)
SINGAPORE – JULY 15: Dan Crowley of Arsenal competes with Zulfahmi Arifin of Singapore during the Barclays Asia Trophy match between Arsenal and Singapore at National Stadium on July 15, 2015 in Singapore. (Photo courtesy – Stanley Chou/Getty Images)

‘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.”

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