Further down the pitch, Arsenal need to decide on a No 6 for the future. Thomas Partey, who turns 32 in the summer, and Jorginho, 33, are both into the final six months of their contracts. While Declan Rice can play as a No 6, his talents are better utilised as the left No 8 in Mikel Arteta’s system.

Arsenal are reportedly working on a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window. The Spain international rejected a move to Liverpool last year to stay in

Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal to sign former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema on loan for the rest of the season. Mikel Arteta is facing fresh calls to sign a new forward in the January transfer window with Gabriel Jesus now ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury.