Arsenal News Updates, including Aubameyang and Chambers

Let’s get right to it…
Pierre-Emerick Aubayemang insists news reports in the UK concerning his departure in January are unfounded. During a post-match interview on Wednesday with French media outlet RMC Sport, the Arsenal captain said, “the English press likes to talk a lot. For now, I’m here. I’m 100 per cent here.”

This is both good news and bad news for Arsenal. The good news…we have our top goal scorer staying with the team throughout the remainder of this season. Remember, Auba has scored 50% of our Premier League goals this campaign. The bad news…if Auba runs outs his current contract in the summer and refuses to sign a new deal, then he is free to go with no transfer fee coming back to the Arsenal piggy bank.

I, for one, was certain Auba would jet out of London to Spain in January. I figured his transfer fee alone would help drive a strong transfer market for Arsenal during this window. I guess, only the next 29 days will tell the tale, but, if he stays through January, then maybe a strong finish to the Gunners season will inspire him to sign on the dotted line for Arsenal.

Some bad news to report: Arsenal can confirm Calum Chambers ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee. He has had successful surgery in London on Thursday morning. The rehabilitation process is expected to take between six to nine months. We wish Calum a speedy and complete recovery.

Nikolas Pepe scored his 5th goal of the season in Wednesday’s win over Manchester United. The Gunners forward also had 50 touches and an amazing 100% passing accuracy along with an 8.7 performance rating! Let’s hope the Ivory Coast international will continue to excel under his new manager.

Here’s one for you to digest…
Mesut Ozil covered the most distance on Wednesday of any Arsenal player. He ran 11.53 km (7.2 miles) and won possession back 10 times!
This is what we have been waiting for over the past two year’s from the German World Cup winner!

Mike Arteta responding to the Arsenal support at Emirates on Wednesday…
“Right from the start, I could feel it. I could feel straightaway a different atmosphere. Thank you so much to them because we really need them.”

Arteta really wants Granit Xhaka to stay at Arsenal. He was quoted as saying, “I think he’s going to stay. I really like him. If we get him on board, he can be a tremendous player for us.”

Eddie Nketiah will be returning from his loan spell at Leeds United due to a lack of playing time. Today, Arteta will meet with his bosses to decide if Eddie stays in London to train with Arteta, or if he goes back out of loan. I think the lad needs to play consistently, then come back to the Gunners.

And finally, I will no longer be predicting Premier League scores. I was 2 of 9 picking Wednesday’s matches. I basically suck at guessing scores!

Cheers. Gunner1953