It might be Christmas, but that doesn’t mean there’s still not quite a bit going on.
Given that you were probably busy wrapping presents over the last few days, here are some stories we think you might not want to miss.
1Darren Burgess opens up
After turning down six media interviews since joining Arsenal in the summer as the Head of High Performance, Burgess finally spoke to the press in Australia. He explained how he ended up signing a deal with Arsenal, that he offered three people the power to veto the move, plus his role at the club which is more extensive than you would think.
2Olivier Giroud’s bad luck continues
Despite scoring almost as many league goals this season as Alexis Sanchez, Giroud is very clearly second string. With the World Cup on the horizon, he was considering a January exit to safeguard his France place, but it seems like that could no longer be an option after his hamstring injury turned out to be worse than first feared. After saying Giroud would consider all options, his agent is expected to fly in this week for talks with the club.
3Arsenal night out
Enjoying more time off over Christmas than any other Premier League side, Arsenal went out on a team bonding evening to play on some amusements. The videos of them having fun are well worth a watch.
4Arsenal heartwarming gesture
Arsenal will open their doors on Christmas day to cook dinner for 40 people who have recently let the care system, ensuring that they didn’t have to spend the day on their own. True class from the club.
5New assistant for Per Mertesacker hired
With Per Mertesacker set to hang up his boots at the end of the season and take over as Head of the Academy, Arsenal have moved to secure an experienced assistant to guide and work alongside him next season.
6Arsenal head of international recruitment photographed with 20-year-old winger’s agent
Francis Cagigao does most of his work in the shadows so it was quite the coup when he was snapped meeting with a young player’s agent.
7Kelechi Nwakali sponsors football tournament in Nigeria
The Arsenal youngster we’ve identified as one who could be the next to breakthrough at the club, Kelechi is using his status to help young players back in his home town. It’s a classy gesture from the youngster, proving he’ll fit right in at Arsenal…if he ever gets a work permit.
8Arsenal fans try to work out what Arsenal are good at with hilariously sad results
During Arsenal’s match against Liverpool on Friday night, we asked Arsenal fans just what, exactly, Arsenal are good at if they aren’t good at defending, attacking or passing. The responses were hilarious. And sad.
9Gazidis provides update on Emirates expansion
When the Emirates Stadium was designed it was done so with the possibility of expanding it in the future. Arsenal are indeed expanding it, but are not taking advantage of the chance to make the capacity slightly larger than Tottenham’s new ground just for the banter. Missed opportunity, for sure.
10Alexandre Lacazette: Why I signed for Arsenal
Alexandre Lacazette spoke recently about why he decided to join Arsenal. You would think that playing in lots of games over just a couple of days at Christmas wouldn’t play a part, but you’d be wrong.
11£130m: 3 players Arsenal must sign to win major trophies again
The transfer window is opening again soon and we took a look at three players Arsenal could realistically buy to propel them from also-rans to title contenders.
123 Arsenal rumours to really get you excited
In amid all the nonsense that’s building as the window approaches, there are some rumours that you should be getting more than a little excited about. Here are three of them.
13Miedema recognised by Dutch FA
Arsenal’s hotshot forward was honoured in recognition of her performances at the Euros during the summer.
14PSV director admits Arsenal wanted Romero
Arsenal were long linked with the youngster, Romero, and the PSV director admitted Arsenal did indeed want him. When did he say this? Why, as he unveiled Romero as a PSV player, of course.
15Manchester City fans delighted as Pep puts Alexis plans ‘on hold’
Alexis Sanchez is dreaming of a move to City and we all know he was hoping to make his escape this January. However, needing a defender more than he needs a manbaby who has spent the whole season in a strop, Pep has reportedly shelved plans to move for Alexis next month and City fans are delighted.
16Stats show stupidity of claiming Mesut Ozil left Arsenal mentally
If you’d listened to the pundits at the start of the season (and quite a bit into it), Alexis Sanchez would be the consummate professional that would continue to give his all while Mesut Ozil had already mentally left Arsenal for pastures new. Of course, that is all total nonsense as we know only one of the duo hasn’t bothered himself this season. If you are in any doubt that it is NOT Mesut Ozil, we grabbed some stats that should make you think again.
17Another Arsenal forward expected to leave in summer
With Alexis leaving and Olivier Giroud not happy, Arsenal could also lose Heather O’Reilly from the women’s team
18Ebooue reveals heartbreaking story
Not the happiest note to end this roundup with, but certainly a story you should read if you think that being famous or rich protects you from the crap life can throw at you.