Arsenal 's resurgence continues to gather pace as the end of the summer transfer window comes into view.
Mikel Arteta has just 15 days to ensure that the Gunners are locked and loaded for the season ahead, having already made five signings and sanctioned a slew of departures. It's been so far, so good for the Arsenal manager, leading his new-look side to victory in both of their first two Premier League games.
The Gunners secured a hard-fought three points in their opening game at Crystal Palace with a pleasing 2-0 win. Leicester City then came to town last Saturday, as Gabriel Jesus inspired his new teammates to a comfortable 4-2 romp in their first home match. Arteta knows the job isn't done, though, and there's plenty more goings on in north London.
Here's a round-up of the latest news from the Emirates.
Zinchenko's view of Tierney battle
Oleksandr Zinchenko has heaped praise on teammate Kieran Tierney, labelling him an "amazing player." Zinchenko joined Arsenal this summer for Manchester City and has played two games at left-back, Tierney's position. But the 25-year-old Ukranian believes that the pair can push each other for a place in Mikel Arteta's starting XI.
"He is an amazing player," Zinchenko told the Evening Standard when asked about the Scotland international, also 25. "Even when I was at City, I was watching his games. I think it is good competition for each of us. We are going to push each other and I think that's the key. That’s how we need to move on. The most important thing is both of us want to try and help the team as much as we can."
Pepe's nightmare set to end
Arsenal misfit Nicolas Pepe is verging on a loan move to French side Nice. Having already captured former Gunners midfielder Aaron Ramsey, Pepe has become the latest man with links to the Emirates who Lucien Favre and co want to sign. The 27-year-old has lost his place on the right of Arteta's forward line to Bukayo Saka and his game-time has become increasingly limited.
It seems that Pepe is now taking steps to leave the club, as his agent was at Nice's stadium over the weekend. The Ivory Coast international remains Arsenal's club-record signing after the Gunners paid Lille an eye-watering £72million to secure his signature in 2019.
Get involved! Would this be a good move for Pepe? Give us your verdict in the comments section.
Monreal retires
Ex-Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has announced his decision to retire from football due to injury. Monreal enjoyed six-and-a-half years with the Gunners, joining in January 2013 and leaving at the end of Unai Emery's first season in charge. The Spaniard has spent the last three years at Real Sociedad, but missed the entirety of last term due to a knee problem.
Monreal shared an emotional clip on Instagram to confirm the news, thanking his former clubs - including the Gunners - and the Spanish FA for their role in his career. The 36-year-old also hinted at a fresh start within football, potentially following compatriot Arteta into coaching.
