Arsenal hero in line for sensational reunion as summer player exit 'agreed' for Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal know they have an opportunity to make Liverpool pay for their slip-ups in recent weeks and reduce the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just five points this weekend.

The Gunners play West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium knowing they can claw back some important ground in the title race with a win.

Liverpool's draws with Everton and Aston Villa has put them eight points clear of Arsenal, although Arteta's team now have a game-in-hand on Arne Slot's outfit ahead of a tough run of fixtures for both sides.

The Gunners are still looking to win silverware in the Champions League, and they will find out their opponents in the last 16 later today, with a potential reunion on the cards.

football.london has taken a closer look at the latest Arsenal news and transfer speculation below;

Arsenal man the 'priority' signing this summer

Reports in Brazil have played down Flamengo's interest in Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira, after the Brazil star was linked with a return to his native country earlier this month.

According to Gazeta do Urubu, the Mengão board are fully focused on signing Arsenal midfielder Jorginho in the summer. The Italian international is set to be out of contract - and he will be free to link up with the Brazilian side.

Reports say that Flamengo already have a verbal agreement in place with the Gunners midfielder, whose time at the Emirates Stadium is coming to a close.

Football.london says: "It's no surprise to see Jorginho linked with a transfer to Brazil and it seems a matter of time until a deal is announced. At 33-years-old, the Italian international has only made 11 appearances in the top-flight for the Gunners this season and all eyes are on replacing him in the summer."

Ex-Arsenal star moves closer to Gunners reunion

Feyenoord have now reached an agreement in principle to appoint former Arsenal striker, Robin van Persie, as the club's next head coach. That's according to David Ornstein and The Athletic who state that the Eredivisie side have agreed a deal with Heerenveen to appoint Van Persie replacing Pascal Bosschaart in the dugout.

The coach had been placed in temporary charge after Arne Slot's successor, Brian Priske was sacked on February 10. Paperwork is now being drafted up to appoint both Van Persie and ex-Manchester United coach Rene Hake.

Van Persie leaves fellow Eredivisie club Heerenveen in ninth spot, which had been his first managerial position. The ex-Arsenal star could return to the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League round of 16 after advancing past AC Milan in the knockout round of the competition.

They're set to face the Gunners or Inter Milan in the round of 16 with the draw taking place on Friday, February 21.

Football.london says: "Mikel Arteta will no doubt be hoping to put his wits against his former teammate in the dugout next month - with Feyenoord likely to go through a transitional period under Van Persie. It won't be easy mind, with fellow Eredivisie side PSV another potential opponent."

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