Andrei Arshavin

This season has been a strange one for Arsenal fans with the current saga involving star player Mesut Ozil and coach Unai Emery. The benching of one of the best player in the squad continues to baffle many as the Gunners look to return to the Champions League and a possible challenge for the Europa League.

This season was meant to be the season where Ozil became the bonafide leader of the team with the sale of Alexis Sanchez last January. The German had endured a terrible campaign at the 2018 World Cup which resulted in a fall-out with the German Football Association.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has reiterated the importance of Mesut Ozil to the Gunners despite his struggles for playing time over the past few months. The former Germany international recently returned to the matchday squad against Chelsea after an extended absence with a knee injury but he remained an unused substitute through the game.

Speaking after the derby triumph, Emery admitted that the German was fit enough to feature against the Blues but he decided against picking him from the bench. However, he added that the midfielder remains an important player within the ranks and he could participate for the Gunners during the forthcoming run of matches.

Former Arsenal star, Andrey Arshavin recently announced his retirement from professional football after his short spell in Kazakhstan for Kairat.

The Russian maestro ended his career at the Kazakhstan club FC Kairat this year, a decade after announcing himself to the world in the 2008 European Championships for Russia.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has revealed that the decision to bench Mesut Ozil against Bournemouth was a tactical decision made before the game. The German attacker had been fully rested after the international break but Emery nonetheless decided to drop him to the substitutes’ bench with Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan getting the nod ahead of him.

Speaking after the game, Emery highlighted that the decision was made based on the physicality and strong workrate in the ranks of Bournemouth, he said:“We thought about how we can be better in the match today, with a very demanding match physically with their intensity against us and we decided [to leave Ozil on the bench]. But every player is important. Also today we tried with three centre-backs. It’s another opportunity to improve and find our best performance.”

Arsenal head coach Unai Emery has challenged defender Rob Holding to earn a permanent starting role by putting up a strong performance in the upcoming League Cup game against Brentford. The youngster made his first appearance for the Gunners during the thumping 4-2 win over Vorskla in the Europa League and he was thereafter called upon to make an early appearance from the bench against Everton after Sokratis suffered a knock during the 2-0 Premier League triumph.

Speaking to Sky Sports at the FIFA Best Men’s award, Emery highlighted that every player must take the chance on offer and suggested that Holding has the perfect opportunity to establish himself as a regular at the heart of the club’s backline, he said: “We need every player when chances and opportunities are coming because we need to also take more players to play.

Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin has reportedly put an end to the speculation regarding his future. The Spain international has regularly been associated with a return to Barcelona but he has now refuted the speculation by citing that he has no plans of leaving the Gunners, who have made the footballer he is today.

He said:“I get asked about my future all the time and it’s crazy. A few years ago I signed a very long-term contract at this club and I have never said I want to play anywhere else because I’m very happy in London and playing for Arsenal.This club has made me who I am and the club who has given me the chance to be the footballer who I am today.I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

Portuguese giants Porto have confirmed the signing of Kelechi Nwakali on a season-long loan from Arsenal. The Nigerian footballer joined the Gunners during the summer of 2016 and he has since had temporary stints at MVV Maastricht and VVV Venlo after failing to secure a work permit with the north London club.

Speaking on Porto’s official website, Nwakali said that he is looking forward to developing more as a player and highlighted his ambition to meet club legend Deco, who was a huge role model during the early phase of his professional career, he said:“My main goal is to develop and evolve as a player.Improve my qualities and the other aspects that I know I need to correct to help me grow in the way I play.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has stressed that Mesut Ozil remains a ‘very important’ player for the Gunners and he is prepared to German’s form under his management next season. The 29-year-old had a relatively mixed 2017/18 campaign with the Gunners where they finished sixth in the Premier League and he was thereafter involved with Germany at the World Cup where they suffered a shock group-stage exit.

Speaking in a news conference, Emery admitted that the entire team suffered from a dip in form last term and it is up to him to get the best out of the players including Ozil, he said: “I want to work with him [Ozil] with a new way and with an ambition to continue with this quality and help with this quality, getting better with the team.I think last year was a difficult year for all, not only for Mesut. I think it is for the team. They finished sixth in the Premier League - not the position we want.”

BBC Sport journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that Arsenal have begun negotiations with Sampdoria for the services of Lucas Torreira. The Gunners are yet to finalise an agreement for the Uruguay international but the signing of a new central midfielder remains the club’s priority during the transfer window.

Ornstein has closely followed the transfer proceedings at Arsenal over the years and writing on his official Twitter account, he confirmed the Gunners interest in Torreira, he penned: “As widely reported Arsenal in talks to sign Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira. No agreement but central midfield a priority & 22yo Uruguay int’l seen as ideal fit technically + financially. Arsenal also want a GK after defensive signings of Lichtsteiner & Sokratis (announced July)”

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has admitted his disappointment over failing to make the England squad for the World Cup. The 26-year-old was one of the most high-profile exclusions from the Three Lions squad after manager Gareth Southgate decided to gamble with several younger players for the global tournament.

Wilshere had remained quiet shortly after the squad was announced on Wednesday but he has now expressed his sadness via Twitter, he wrote:"Think it’s about time I had my say. It goes without saying that I'm naturally incredibly disappointed to have been left out of the England squad for the World Cup. I've felt fit, sharp and strong all season and believe I should be in the squad! And given the chance I could have made a real impact. However, I have to respect the manager’s decision and would like to wish the whole squad all the very best for the tournament.I will always be an England fan and will be supporting the boys with the rest of the nation."