Mikel Arteta sets up meeting as Arsenal transfer target issues ‘prison’ plea

Arsenal, as things stand, are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League. What can the Gunners do in January to help maintain their coveted position?

A former Arsenal favourite has re-joined the club recently. Having played for Arsenal from 2003 to 2011, he’s intimately familiar with the club.

Mikel Arteta was furious with the performance of referee Andy Madley on Tuesday evening when the Gunners took on Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium. In a tense game with few good chances, it was the referee who picked up the headlines after a controversial handball decision.

Additionally, an Arsenal transfer target subtly hinted that he wants to make the move to North London. He liked a meme on Instagram that depicts him in a prison, with the Shakhtar Donetsk badge emblazoned on the cell wall behind him.

Fabregas makes Arsenal return

Cesc Fabregas, a controversial figure at Arsenal, has returned to the club in a coaching capacity (per the Daily Mirror). It is understood that the return will not be a permanent one, however.

Fabregas is currently playing for Como in Serie B. The Italian club do not have a competitive fixture until January 14 - as such, it has freed up Fabregas’ schedule to work with Arsenal’s under-18s.

Arteta to meet Webb

Mikel Arteta was irate with the performance of referee Andy Madley in the game against Newcastle. During the match, Arsenal had a very credible appeal for handball which was waved off by Madley, which Arteta branded as ‘scandalous’.

The Gunners’ boss will have a chance to raise his concerns to the Chief Refereeing Officer at the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) - Howard Webb. Webb will visit every football club in the Premier League this week, according to the Daily Mirror.

Arsenal transfer target likes ‘prison’ meme on Instagram

Arsenal’s pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk has been highly publicised as of late. There is a new development in the saga, stemming from Instagram of all places.

Mudryk reportedly liked a meme on Instagram which depicted him in a prison cell, complete with a Shakhtar Donetsk badge (per the Daily Express). The picture was captioned #freemudryk - the Ukrainian now appears to have unliked the photo.