Arsenal are flying high at the top of the Premier League but Mikel Arteta's immediate attention will be firmly on Europa League action as the Gunners aim to reach the last eight of the competition.
Standing in their way are Portuguese giants Sporting, who held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in Lisbon last week in what was an end-to-end encounter that saw the lead change hands. For all of the Gunners' domestic efforts, progressing as far as possible in the Europa League would also mark a huge achievement.
However, Arsenal know all too well how difficult juggling Europa League football alongside league ambitions can be and Arteta could be cautious when it comes to deploying a full-strength squad for the visit of Sporting.
With that in mind, Mirror Football has analysed three headlines surrounding the Gunners on Thursday, March 16.
Role change for Stan and Josh Kroenke
Gunners majority owner Stan Kroenke and son Josh have taken on new titles as part of a reshuffle within the Arsenal boardroom.
The father and son duo will become co-chairs while the club have confirmed in a statement that existing director Tim Lewis will become executive vice-chair. Stan Kroenke said: “This is a simple evolution as part of us all driving Arsenal forward and further reaffirms our family’s long-standing commitment to this great club.
"Stability in football has never been more important as we move past the pandemic, and we believe this is the perfect time to formalise these roles. Our objectives and ambition will never waver - to field teams that compete for trophies at the highest level and lead our club in a way that inspires our passionate supporters around the world."
Find the full story HERE.
Arsenal's costly transfer mistake
Victor Osimhen has been valued at €150million (£133m) - but it has since emerged the Gunners narrowly missed out on signing him for FREE six years ago.
The Nigeria international has scored 19 goals in 21 Serie A appearances so far this term and as a result attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs on the planet.
Things could have been very different had Osimhen joined the Gunners back in 2016, though he opted to sign for German side Wolfsburg instead.
"It's true that a big team like Arsenal wanted me and I feel honoured to be invited over," Osimhen told BBC Sport in February 2016. "But personally I feel Wolfsburg is a ladder for me to reach my professional goals. Yes Arsenal is a good team for young players but Wolfsburg is the best club for me. This the best place for me to learn and develop because my heart is here with Wolfsburg."
Read the full story HERE.
Ramsdale ranks best wind-up merchants
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has had his say on some of the most famous Premier League faces and discussed their wind-up skills.
The Gunners shot-stopper has often been accused of getting under the skin of opposition strikers in his time, but it was his turn to give his opinion on figuers such as Bruno Fernandes and even boss Arteta.
Analysing Fernandes, Ramsdale recalled an incident last season where the Arsenal number one celebrated in the face of the Manchester United star after he missed a penalty.
"I'm actually going to go 'he's a good lad' as well," the England ace told ESPN. "Obviously I probabaly celebrated in his face a little bit too much last year and he hasn't held any grudges over that.
"I think he knows how to take it well and give it out as well, he could probably go in the 'cheeky scally' [section], actually yeah cheeky scally, I think I am doing him a bit of a disservice there, but then scally gives it a - er, no good lad."
