The news comes as Arsenal announced their first transfer of the summer, though not in the direction Gunners fans will have been hoping for, with Nuno Tavares completing a permanent transfer to Lazio, who have taken up their £7m option to sign the left-back after his successful loan spell.

Arsenal have once again qualified for the Champions League and go into the summer trying to give Mikel Arteta the tools he needs to push for that elusive Premier League title after finishing second for the third season in a row.

Strategic Moves Ahead of the Summer WindowAs Arsenal prepare for a critical summer window, the tone at London Colney is one of cautious ambition. The Gunners are not expected to