Arsenal have shown progress under the guidance of Mikel Arteta but there is still work to do, with just two victories under the guidance of the Spaniard.
The FA Cup clash on Monday evening with Bournemouth gives the Gunners an opportunity to start building some consistency ahead of the Premier League fixtures and the return of Europa League football next month.
Less than a week remains in the January transfer window and Arsenal are pushing towards deals, with the first signing of Arteta's reign appearing to be on the horizon.
Plenty of rumours continue to float around and we have gathered some of the latest snippets for you below.
Pablo Mari edges closer
Mikel Arteta is on the verge of completing his first signing as Arsenal manager by bringing Pablo Mari to the Emirates Stadium, as reported by Football.London
The Gunners are set to bolster their defensive line by bringing the 26-year-old to the club from Flamengo, initially on loan with an option for a permanent deal at the end of the campaign.
Mari, formerly of Manchester City, has flown to London and was pictured in South America with Edu last night, with a medical set for this weekend.
Martinelli new contract
Arsenal are set to hand Gabriel Martinelli a significant pay rise following his tremendous start to life at the Emirates Stadium, the Mail reports.
The 18-year-old Brazilian talent scored for the second Premier League match in a row against Chelsea in midweek, taking his tally for the season into double figures.
His stellar performances have reportedly caught the eye of Real Madrid but the Gunners are understandably determined to retain the services of a player they only signed in the summer.
As a result, the report says Martinelli’s wages are set to be trebled to £30k-a-week with a new deal.
Thomas Lemar links
Thomas Lemar continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal and speculation will have increased after he missed training.
However, as reported by Football.London , the official word is that the France international is suffering with Gastroenteritis.
Rumours on the future of the former Monaco man are likely to circulate up until Friday’s deadline but, at this stage, a move to the Emirates Stadium is not close.
