Arsenal latest: Mikel Arteta sack verdict delivered amid £45m transfer twist

Arsenal round-up as Mikel Arteta's chances of keeping his job in the event of another runner-up finish are assessed

Arsenal remain in contention across four competitions after coming through an FA Cup scare against Mansfield.

Following Mikel Arteta's decision to make nine changes, the Gunners were tested throughout by the League One side. Nigel Clough's team drew level on 50 minutes through Will Evans after Noni Madueke's strike just before half-time.

However, Eberechi Eze rescued the 14-time winners from embarrassment with the winner midway through the second period. Having rested key players, including Declan Rice, the outcome positions the Gunners well ahead of Wednesday's Champions League visit to Bayer Leverkusen and Saturday's Premier League game against Everton. Here's a round-up of the latest Gunners news...

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Arteta sack verdict

Arteta has received backing to continue as head coach, even if the Gunners come up short in the Premier League once more. Arsenal have finished as runners-up to Manchester City twice and Liverpool over the past three campaigns.

Another near-miss would be viewed as disappointing by many supporters, unless the Gunners can compensate by claiming the Champions League trophy for the first time. Nevertheless, former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere considers the squad to be progressing positively irrespective of how the remainder of the campaign unfolds.

He told Gambling.com: "I believe Arsenal have the right head coach for long-term success and it's showing its rewards with the support from the board to support Mikel's transfers over the summer. Arsenal are still in all four competitions and the depth of the squad is proving to be key for Arsenal this season.

"Should Arsenal somehow not achieve the title, I still believe Mikel Arteta is the right man for the job long term and is producing a brilliant culture at the club and the players coming in.

"The young English talent are all performing well as a group and you can see this by the results that Mikel is showing real consistency now as head coach with the title in sight.

"Plus, we also have to look at other trophies as Arsenal are in the final of the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, they are progressing nicely and in the knockout stages of the Champions League, with a faultless group stage."

Jesus tipped for exit

Ray Parlour reckons Gabriel Jesus will leave Arsenal this summer. The Gunners will reportedly need to offload at least one player during the summer window to balance their finances following last summer's substantial investment in new recruits.

Among the most likely candidates for an exit is Jesus, who arrived at the club for £45million from Man City in 2022. The Brazilian forward's deal runs until the summer of 2027, though there seems to be minimal progress in offering him fresh terms.

Therefore, selling him this summer appears to be the most logical course of action. Arsenal legend Parlour told the Metro via BetMGM: "I think Jesus might leave at the end of the season, he is at that age where he wants to be playing week in, week out.

"We could lose him. We had four strikers when I played. That's what I don't understand. [Regardless of Jesus leaving], bring in another one anyway. That can give the other options a lift because they see the standard being set."