Arsenal latest: Chelsea tipped for transfer swoop as Mikel Arteta left ‘upset’

Football.london takes a look at some of the biggest headlines ahead of Arsenal's visit to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea this weekend

Arsenal's belief that they can end a 21-year drought for the Premier League trophy this season is growing stronger with each match.

Mikel Arteta's side have finished as runners-up in the last three seasons but those agonising near-misses have played a role in shaping the formidable Gunners we see today.

That was clear to see in Sunday's North London derby, where Tottenham were thoroughly outplayed. If it hadn't been for last season's injury crisis, Arteta might not have brought in so many key players in the summer, including Eberechi Eze, who scored a stunning hat-trick in the 4-1 victory against the team he almost signed for.

Arsenal currently hold a six-point lead over second-placed Chelsea in the table after 12 matches but a loss to the Blues at Stamford Bridge this Sunday could throw the title race wide open.

Football.london now brings you two of the latest stories involving the Gunners ahead of another thrilling London derby.

Arteta addresses set-pieces

Arteta joked he was "upset" that his team didn't score from a set piece in last weekend's victory over Spurs. All four of their goals came from open play, demonstrating that the Gunners are still skilled at breaking down teams as they have historically been known to do, contrary to how some have portrayed Arsenal's approach this season.

The absence of Gabriel Magalhaes was a significant loss in the opposition penalty area when it came to trying to score from corners, where Arteta's men have been so lethal in recent years.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, the Spaniard said with a hint of irony: "I am upset we didn’t score with a set piece. I want to score with a set piece as well."

His comment comes after the north Londoners faced persistent scrutiny throughout the season about their reliance on set-piece goals. Yet they finished November with more goals from open play than any other Premier League side.

Ben White tipped for transfer

Shaun Wright-Phillips has made the bold prediction that Ben White could make a shock switch to west London rivals Chelsea in the summer transfer window. White, for much of his Arsenal career, has been one of the first names on the team sheet.

But following a lengthy spell on the sidelines last term, the 28-year-old lost his place in the team to the impressive Jurrien Timber, managing just 294 minutes across six appearances in all competitions this campaign.

Former Blues winger Wright-Phillips has expressed sympathy for White's situation, describing his pre-injury form as "unbelievable" before controversially suggesting Stamford Bridge as a potential destination.

Speaking to Best Betting Sites, Wright-Phillips said: “I could see a move for Ben White to Chelsea take place next summer. It makes sense, it’s possible. I feel quite sorry for Ben because he had an injury, and he was playing so well for Arsenal. He was unbelievable.

“Then he came back and he’d lost his place to Jurrien Timber, who’s the best right-back in the Premier League. It’s going to take something special to unseat him now."

He added: “I don’t think Arsenal would be willing to sell him in the winter window though, because that squad depth is one of Arsenal’s biggest advantages.”