Arsenal latest: Private Mikel Arteta talks emerge as Viktor Gyokeres verdict reached

football.london takes a look at a private conversation involving Mikel Arteta and an honest assessment of Viktor Gyokeres' arrival at Arsenal

The January transfer window is nearly here, offering Arsenal a chance to boost their title aspirations. The Gunners currently sit atop the Premier League table but Mikel Arteta knows all too well that their lead is a slender one.

That could prompt the Arsenal hierarchy to consider their options in the transfer market, especially given their constant injury problems this season. The Gunners have faced criticism for not capitalising on the mid-season window in past seasons, ultimately paying the price for their lack of depth come the end of the campaign.

Following Tuesday night's clash with Aston Villa, Arteta's men are set to take on Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth side on Saturday. Now, football.london brings you two key headlines involving the Gunners.

Arsenal icon's Gyokeres verdict

Arsenal legend Robert Pires has shared his views on the summer signing of Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker arrived amid high expectations after Arsenal splashed out £64million, but he has faced criticism for not finding the back of the net as frequently as hoped this season.

Club hero Pires has now described the forward as a key summer signing but insists Arsenal's leading striker needs to up his goal tally to aid their league ambitions. Speaking to Flashscore, the Frenchman said: "Arteta has changed something, especially in terms of squad depth. The quality on the bench is very important.

"Arsenal spent a lot of money on Viktor Gyokeres and that was a key move. When you want to win the Premier League, you need a striker who can score goals consistently but also helps the team in difficult moments."

When questioned on whether Gyokeres was the final piece Arsenal needed to secure the title, Pires backed the forward, saying: "Yes, because goals are crucial. But it’s not only about scoring. He gives the team something different.

"For me, the big difference with this Arsenal squad is not only the starting 11, but the quality on the bench. When players come on, they can immediately help the team. That is very important over a long season."

Arteta's private conversation

Noni Madueke has revealed how his first phone conversation with Mikel Arteta persuaded him to make the move to Arsenal. The winger arrived from London rivals Chelsea in a summer transfer worth £48.5m that initially raised eyebrows, considering the fierce competition between the two London sides and the price-tag.

But Madueke has since captured the hearts of Arsenal supporters with his dynamic performances, particularly when filling in for Bukayo Saka and with his two goals against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

Discussing his private conversation with Arteta prior to his Arsenal move, Madueke told the club's official website: "I think the first time I got on the phone with Mikel was a great conversation.

"It was me and my dad and him. He just highlighted the plans he had for the team and the plans he had for me.

"A lot of the things that he said really resonated with me and then, of course, I knew how good the team was and that they were in a position to really challenge for major honours. So that’s what made the choice for me."