Arsenal latest: Superstar faces 'last moment' fitness test as Mikel Arteta drops selection clue

Arsenal travel to Aston Villa for Saturday's crucial Premier League clash with Mikel Arteta hinting at his tactical plans, whilst one player may not be involved in the clash

Arsenal have the opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points when they face Aston Villa on Saturday. However, Unai Emery's men arrive in fine form, having secured four consecutive victories in the league.

The Gunners are comfortably positioned at the summit following their 2-0 triumph over Brentford, which restored a five-point cushion over the chasing Manchester City. Villa, meanwhile, sit just one point adrift of Pep Guardiola's side in third place.

After a sluggish start to the campaign, Emery's outfit have hit their stride, though they could be without a key figure for the clash at the Emirates. football.london examines the latest developments from the red half of north London, including Arteta's team selection clues and a new recruit's delight.

Aston Villa talisman facing last-minute fitness test

Goalkeeper Emi Martinez has long been a central part of Villa's backbone, with the Argentine resisting transfer interest to remain at Villa Park during the summer window.

However, the 33-year-old was forced to withdraw from their most recent victory over Brighton after experiencing back discomfort during the warm-up.

Emery revealed Martinez has missed a training session and, whilst not ruling him out entirely for the Arsenal fixture, acknowledged the decision will go down to the wire. Speaking on Friday, he said: "We will train this afternoon.

"He didn't train yesterday, but it is very important for him how the passing hours are to feel better. Until the last moment, I don't know if he will be available or not tomorrow."

Mikel Arteta drops striker hint

Mikel Merino, originally signed by Arsenal as a midfielder, has been stepping up to the plate as a striker in the absence of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and temporarily Viktor Gyokeres. He's found the back of the net twice in his last two league outings.

When quizzed about whether this could be a permanent position for the Spaniard even when the squad is at full strength, Arteta confirmed that Merino would certainly be in contention.

"He has earned at least the thinking behind it for the way he is performing and the impact he is bringing to the team. That's a yes," said Arteta. "Yes, and them playing together, those two [Merino and Kai Havertz], even with Viktor [Gyokeres].

"Or it can be with Gabi [Jesus]. They were things we prepared in the summer because of the squad we had, but so far we haven't been able to do it."

Noni Madueke makes telling admission

English winger Noni Madueke, who made the switch from Chelsea to Arsenal this summer, has been settling in well despite initial backlash from fans, some of whom even signed a petition expressing their displeasure at his signing.

Unfazed by the criticism, Madueke told the club's website: "I love playing at Emirates [Stadium], it's a really special feeling for me to play there.

"I feel the connection between me and the fans and it's just my job to continue to do the best I can to help the team achieve its goals and I'm sure that bond will grow.

"Competition for places, that's exactly what you need when you want to be fighting on all four fronts, it's great for keeping the standards high around the players on the training pitch."