Mikel Arteta had good and bad news in his squad update ahead of Arsenal's first Premier League game back against West Ham United.

Arsenal and Gabriel Martinelli are said to be close to agreeing a deal that will see the forward's salary almost triple.

In light of recent calls to play Gabriel Martinelli centrally in Gabriel Jesus' absence, Mikel Arteta has explained his thinking on that possibility.

Arsenal and Newcastle United are the latest clubs to enter the race for Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, according to a report.

Emile Smith Rowe is unlikely to be fit in time for Arsenal to face West Ham United on Boxing Day, as the club remain cautious with him.

Michael Appleton has praised Charlie Patino for rising to the challenges put to him on loan, and he says both Arsenal and Blackpool are happy with the loanee's progress.

The Premier League haven't made a decision on the introduction of semi-automated offsides next season, but they are pushing to trial temporary concussion subs.

Diego Simeone has confirmed that Arsenal-linked Matheus Cunha has a deal in place to leave Atletico Madrid, as the striker prepares to join Wolves.

Journalists have continued to play down reports that Cedric Soares' departure to Fulham is advanced, with the player continuing to feature for Arsenal in friendlies.

Arsenal played their final friendly of the World Cup break against Luton Town on Wednesday, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli returning to the pitch.

Beth Mead was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year at the same time her teammates were putting nine past FC Zurich in the Champions League.

PSV centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, on loan from Everton, believes Bukayo Saka is the best player he's ever faced on the pitch.

Arsenal-linked Matheus Cunha is holding a medical ahead of a move to Wolves, with a deal reportedly agreed with Atletico Madrid.

Though Fulham indeed lead the race to sign Cedric Soares, reports from Arsenal correspondents suggest it's not close just yet.

Arsenal are set to play one final friendly against Luton Town on Wednesday, a behind-closed-doors match to close out their preparations.

Though Arsenal did discuss internally a deal for Palmeiras' Danilo over the summer, they haven't held any negotiations for the player.

Michael Oliver will referee Arsenal's first game back against West Ham United, with the Premier League confirming the officials for the next three Gunners games.

WhoScored have named Bukayo Saka as their u23 Player of the World Cup, as well as including him in their u23 Team of the Tournament.

Tottenham Hotspur's Brazilian forward, Richarlison, looks set to miss the North London derby on 15th January after he picked up a hamstring problem at the World Cup.

William Saliba travelled with the France squad to receive a welcome from the fans in Paris, following their World Cup finish as runners-up.

Fulham are now close to sealing the signing of Cedric Soares from Arsenal, according to a report.

Arsenal kicked off their FA Youth Cup campaign with a big win over Millwall on Monday, with many seemingly boosted by their first-team involvement.

Arsenal are weighing up a potential move for Matheus Cunha, as the club consider how to deal with the absence of Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal links to Nicolo Zaniolo have been shot down as quickly as they appeared, with the Gunners not in negotiations for the 23-year-old.

Arsenal are one of the clubs monitoring Ismael Bennacer, but they're yet to make a concrete move for the AC Milan midfielder.

Arsenal are set to hold further talks with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli over new contracts, according to a report.

Arsenal have been following Mykhaylo Mudryk for a long time and he was on their shortlist in the summer transfer window, according to David Ornstein.

Bukayo Saka has made it into L'Equipe's Team of the World Cup, the only non-semi-finalist to feature in the side.

The Arsenal u21s won their Premier League Cup group on Sunday, with Ben Cottrell scoring on his return to the team after injury.

Vivianne Miedema will undergo surgery on her ruptured ACL in January and expects to miss the World Cup in the summer before returning 'early next season'.

Danny Murphy thinks it's disrespectful to suggest Arsenal will crumble during Gabriel Jesus' absence through injury.

Joao Felix's agent has spoken with Arsenal about a possible transfer, but there are other clubs in the race, Atletico Madrid want a huge fee and the player apparently wants to go to PSG.

Arsenal remain in the frame for Cody Gakpo ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report.

Arsenal could look to sign two wingers in the January transfer window, not just Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to a report.

PSG have reportedly put an offer on the table of €20m plus €20m in bonuses to sign Palmeiras' teenager Estevao Willian, also known as 'Messinho', with Arsenal said to be in contact with the player's agent.

Mikel Arteta has given an update on all of the Arsenal players still to return to the pitch following injuries or World Cup absences.

Amario Cozier-Duberry made a positive impression on the Arsenal fans despite a friendly defeat to Juventus on Saturday night.

Fulham remain interested in signing Arsenal's Cedric Soares in the January transfer window, following summer enquiries.

FIFA have announced plans for a new Club World Cup to kick off in 2025, featuring 32 teams from around the world.

Arsene Wenger admits he's very happy for former Arsenal goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who will play in the World Cup final this weekend.