Here is your Arsenal morning digest for Saturday, July 4.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's demands reported
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is pushing for a £250k-a-week deal if he is to sign a new contract at the club, ESPN reports.
The Premier League's joint-top goalscorer is in the final 12 months of his deal at the Emirates Stadium but confirmed this week that discussions regarding an extension were ongoing.
Currently reportedly earning £200k-a-week, topped up by various clauses and bonuses, Aubameyang is said to be pushing for a pay-rise.
However, such a deal would still be significantly lower than the club's highest-earner Mesut Ozil, who is on a reported £350k-a-week.
Arteta's Thomas Partey update
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated the club must take another step forward in the summer transfer market, amid continued interest in Thomas Partey.
Arteta has been assertive in his belief that the Gunners will have to bring new players into the Emirates Stadium to strengthen his hand and, speaking to Sky Sports, he renewed his call for a recruitment drive.
"I know that the situation that we have at the club and the context that we are in, but the club know my plan," he said.
"In January, the situation was that we had to fill some gaps and give some stability to the squad. Now is the moment to make another step forward and improve the squad and the players that we have."
Arteta outlines Mesut Ozil role
Mikel Arteta hasn't ruled out the possibility of Mesut Ozil lining up in his new three at the back system despite the 31-year-old needing to be assessed before Arsenal head to Wolves.
Ozil is yet to play for Arsenal since the season resumed last month and was left out of the matchday squad entirely for a number of matches, raising questions on his role in the team, but Arteta feels there is still an option for him.
“Yeah [Ozil can fit into the system], I think players can adapt to different systems and we can adapt systems to different players," he said ahead of Arsenal's trip to Wolves.
"Sometimes it’s not just about what we want or how we want to play, sometimes we have to try to fit the players that are available in the right moments in the right positions to perform and be comfortable on the pitch to do what we require them to do. There’s always a place for a player of his quality.”
