Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Mikel Arteta is fortunate to still be Arsenal manager after the club's transfer spending over the last two years. The former Netherlands striker questioned the Spaniard’s trophy record and suggested the Gunners should be further ahead after investing heavily in the squad.

Will the Spanish manager let the Gunners down?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a surprisingly optimistic fitness update on Mikel Merino, suggesting the midfielder could still feature before the campaign concludes. Despite undergoing surgery on a broken foot, the Spanish international is being backed to make a rapid recovery and play a part in the Gunners' season run-in.

Mikel Arteta has sent a clear message to Arsenal youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, warning that he will be ruthless regarding their futures at the Emirates Stadium. Despite the prestige of the Hale End academy, the Gunners boss insists that excellence is the only currency that matters as the club looks to balance the books this summer.

Against the odds, the Gunners star is back sooner than expected as the crucial run-in approaches.