Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly monitoring Brazilian defender Vitor Reis
Arsenal will hope to keep the pressure on Liverpool this weekend as they bid for a fifth straight victory in all competitions away at Fulham.
The Gunners are starting to pick up some impressive form at the perfect time amid a busy festive period and Mikel Arteta may be eager to bolster his side in January to help his team cut the seven-point gap to the Reds.
Their trip to Craven Cottage will see the team face off against former team-mate Emile Smith Rowe, who has become a key player under new boss Marco Silva having scored three goals and provided two assists.
It's not long until the transfer window opens again and Arsenal will soon be able to bolster their side to strengthen their bid for the title. With that in mind, Mirror Football has given a round-up of all the biggest and breaking Gunners transfer news.
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Arteta admits Emile Smith Rowe exit was "sad"
Arteta has reflected on his decision to sell Smith Rowe after being responsible for his breakthrough year at the club in 2020-21 and has admitted his frustration over failing to get the best out of him.
Smith Rowe, who joined the club aged 10, went on to make 115 outings for his boyhood club and scored 18 times but saw his playing time reduced towards the end of his time in north London before being sold to Fulham for around £27million this summer.
As he prepares to face off against his former player this weekend, Arteta said he felt "sad" about how things ended with Smith Rowe.
Emile Smith Rowe celebrates after scoring against Leicester City
Smith Rowe has excelled since joining Fulham for £27million
"When I had the talk with Emile, I really felt it," he said. "First of all because I have huge gratitude because he came into the team at a tough moment. I think he was the player that made our supporters, and the team click, in a way.
"I don't know how to explain it but that was my feeling. Something changed when he came in the team. He created a different energy straight away."
"I have a feeling like 'argh', that I have not got the best out of him. Obviously a lot of things happened in that time. From my side it was really sad, because I know how those boys feel when they are in that building, how hard everyone works to get them close to the first team.
"I feel a huge responsibility to give them the chance. And now, can they sustain this level and make us better? That is the idea."
Gunners "closely monitoring" Brazilian star Reis
According to Sky in Germany, Palmeiras' teenage starlet Vitor Reis is a transfer target for Arsenal next summer after impressing in the Brazilian top flight.
Reis is seen as one of the top talents in Brazil at present after his breakout year with Palmeiras has seen the 18-year-old make nine appearances so far.
The centre-back joined the Palmeiras academy aged 10 and often captained many of the youth sides as he worked his way through the academy before being given a chance in the first team after signing professional terms in 2022.
However, Arsenal aren't alone in their interest in Reis. Chelsea are also understood to be keeping an eye on the player, the report adds, with both clubs eyeing a move in 2025.
Arsenal coach Jover in talks over new deal
The unsung hero of Arsenal's season so far has been set-piece coach Nicolas Jover - once described as "the most annoying bloke in football" by Gary Neville after the Manchester United were blown away by the Gunners' corner routines.
Now Arteta has revealed Jover is in talks for a new contract at the Emirates following his remarkable work turning Arsenal into the "set piece kings" of the Premier League.
The French coach formely worked with Arteta at Manchester City and is an animated figure on the sidelines, often seen barking instructions to players.
Nicolas Jover is the man responsible for Arsenal's impressive set pieces this season
Arteta said he was one of many coaches in talks for a new deal. He said: "It is difficult because four or five people committing at the same time is not easy to do.
"I am so happy with them and I value them at the highest level. I want to continue together so hopefully it will be revolved very soon."
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