Arsenal latest: Mikel Arteta makes demand of Viktor Gyokeres as striker explains transfer plan

Mikel Arteta has spoken about Viktor Gyokeres' struggles since arriving at Arsenal ahead of the trip to Everton

Arsenal are preparing for their final Premier League game before Christmas as they make their first trip to Everton's impressive new stadium. The Gunners have recently felt the pressure from Manchester City and Aston Villa, suffering a defeat at Villa Park and relying on two own goals to secure victory against Wolves.

With City hosting West Ham in a 3pm kick-off, Arsenal could find themselves trailing Pep Guardiola's team when they step onto the pitch at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday night (8pm). Meanwhile, third-placed Villa host Manchester United on Sunday.

The January transfer window is also looming, with speculation that the injury-hit Gunners may be active in bolstering their squad to maintain competitiveness throughout the second half of the season. Here's a round-up of the latest news from club...

Arteta's message to Gyokeres

Mikel Arteta has laid out his expectations for Viktor Gyokeres as the second half of the season looms following a less-than-stellar start to his time at Arsenal. Gyokeres' performances have been a topic of discussion since his summer move from Sporting CP, with the Swedish forward netting just six times for his new club so far.

Despite a five-game goal drought since returning from a hamstring injury, Arteta sees promising signs of improved synergy between the 27-year-old and his team-mates. However, he emphasised that this progress must continue.

When questioned about whether he anticipated Gyokeres reaching new heights in the second half of the campaign before the Everton game, Arteta said: "I think so. I think the level of attention on him hasn't changed since he signed until today. It's normal.

"Everyone was excited to bring a [number] nine to the club, we did it and we brought a player with an incredible goalscoring record who has to adapt to the league.

"He had no pre-season, the first few weeks were difficult because physically he wasn't in his best state and he is a player that needs that to perform at the level.

"Then he kicked on, had a very good period and then got injured, but now he is back. I saw a lot of positive things in the last two games that he has done and we need to continue to understand him a little bit better in certain situations and he needs to do the same."

Jesus lays out transfer plan

Gabriel Jesus has shared his desire to eventually rejoin his boyhood side Palmeiras, though he remains focused on completing his mission with Arsenal first. The 28-year-old Brazilian has impressed since recovering from a long-term knee injury.

Rumours had emerged suggesting the Gunners might consider selling Jesus, who has 18 months left on his current deal. Nevertheless, Arteta has made clear he has no plans to part ways with the forward, emphasising that he remains integral to the club's ambitions in the coming seasons.

The striker himself shares this sentiment, though he hasn't ruled out eventually returning to Palmeiras, the Brazilian club he left for Manchester City in 2017, before his move to Arsenal five years later.

Speaking in The Players' Tribune, Jesus addressed speculation about his future: "People have asked, 'Why don't you just leave? Why don't you go to Saudi? Or back home to Brazil?'

"One day, I would love for everything to come full circle with Palmeiras, but not today. I feel that I have unfinished business at Arsenal. I don't want to leave. When I came here to join Mikel [Arteta], my purpose was not only to score goals. My purpose was to win titles."