Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta drops team news hint as Gunners rule out January deal
Arsenal face West Ham United on Saturday evening looking to continue their winning run as speculation ramps with the transfer window little over a month away from opening
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorArsenal return to Premier League action this evening when they make the trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham.
The Gunners will have positive memories of their last trip to East London where they claimed a 6-0 win. William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice all got on the scoresheet back in February in a dominant outing.
A similar peformance will see the Gunners move into second and narrow the gap to league-leaders Liverpool. Arsenal play in advance of the Reds' clash against Manchester City, and Chelsea's against Aston Villa.
With that said, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest stories surrounding the club.
Team news hint
With the festive period about to kick into action, rotation could soon prove crucial across the Premier League. Already the Gunners have seen two games per week and Arteta will look to manage his squad effectively.
The Spaniard has already suggested we could see more of Raheem Sterling this weekend after the loanee failed to get on the pitch during the week. The winger has made just one Premier League start this term.
"He is trying his best," said Arteta. "His application, his commitment around the team has been exceptional and now it is time for me to give him more minutes."
Kiwior loan ruled out
Reports in Italy claim that Arsenal have ruled out the possibility of Jakub Kiwior leaving the Emirates on loan in January. Kiwior has proven a secondary option since arriving in north London and has struggled for playing time even when the side has suffered with injuries this year.
Napoli were said to be interested in signing the Polish defender on a temporary basis. The Serie A side, now led by Antonio Conte, are said to be considering Kiwior as one of three options as they brace for the exit of Juan Jesus.
The Gunners could allow Kiwior to depart on a permanent deal. A £16.6million asking price is claimed to be required to prise him away however.
Arteta sends Guardiola message
Arteta has expressed his sympathy for former boss Pep Guardiola amid Manchester City's continued struggles. The 42-year-old reflected on the difficulty of coaching at the elite level.
“That is something very personal, but I feel a lot of sympathy for all my colleagues because I know the job, I know how ruthless this industry is,” said Arteta.
I know how we get judged just by one thing, which is results, regardless that you have done exactly the same thing and the outcome becomes different. We have to deal with that, I know how difficult it is because personally I have been through that a lot and every defeat is obviously super painful.
“And that’s it. Then just put some perspective into it like we always do and move on, because there is always another game.”
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