13 February 2024 , 04:00
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Arsenal will have enjoyed their Monday following a comprehensive 6-0 win over West Ham at the weekend.
The Gunners swept aside the Irons at the London Stadium with goals from William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice. As Bukayo Saka noted, it was a 'statement' victory as Mikel Arteta's team ensured they firmly remain in the title race.
This week offers Arsenal a full period of preparation but the intensity of their schedule soon increases as their Champions League campaign returns. First up, a tricky trip to Turf Moor to take on Burnley awaits and then a European clash against Porto.
Mirror Football will follow that journey and have rounded up the latest Arsenal news below.
Declan Rice reveals Arsenal's special talent
Declan Rice has labelled Ethan Nwaneri a 'special, special talent' after the 16-year-old featured in Arsenal's win over West Ham.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
The youngster drew the praise of his teammates after his cameo against the Hammers as the likes of Ben White, Saliba and Saka all showed their support after the teenager posted to Instagram.
Nwaneri last appeared in a Premier League match in September 2022, and is highly regarded by the north London side. So much so it turns out, that Arsenal's substitutes were calling for his introduction.
Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal FC during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC (Sebastian Frej/MB Media)“There is something that you have to [have] in your team, and that is the trust of the teammates," said Arteta following the game.
"And I had two things: one, the players on the bench whispering to bring Ethan on, which is a great thing to hear, and the other one your teammates want to give you the ball all of the time.
"If they do that, it’s because they really trust you and you can only have to see how many times he was involved in that. So it was a great sign."
Check out the full story on Declan Rice and Ethan Nwaneri
Arsenal scouting
Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs assessing whether they should make a move for Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams. Both sides have scouted the 21-year-old this season.
According to Caught Offside, the race is still open for the Spain international, despite Williams being on Chelsea's list of targets last summer. Neither club has progressed far in making a move.
The winger has already recorded five goals and 10 assists so far this term for the Basque club, where he plays alongside his brother, Ghana international, Inaki.
Nico Williams of Athletic Club looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and Celta Vigo (Ion Alcoba/Quality Sport Images)Aston Villa fear
Once again Douglas Luiz is being mentioned in relation to a possible move to the Emirates. The Gunners have long tracked the Villa midfielder but are said to be competing with both Bayern Munich and Manchester City for his signature should the Brazilian decide to depart the Midlands.
Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes
However, after an impressive start to the season has seen Villa challenging for the Champions League, their faltering form may bring some concern. Unai Emery's side have dropped out of the top four and now sit fith in the table.
Reports suggest that missing out on Europe's premier competition will see Aston Villa have a more difficult time in persuading Luiz to remain with the club. The 25-year-old's contract is set to expire in 2026.
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