Arsenal latest: Transfer stance confirmed as Martin Odegaard sent reality check

Arsenal news round-up as Mikel Arteta is asked about selling a striker and Martin Odegaard is given a reality check

Mikel Arteta has two big issues to address - reviving Arsenal's Premier League title bid and preparing for the January transfer window.

Last weekend saw the Gunners' lead further diminished by a 2-1 loss to rejuvenated Aston Villa, while Manchester City's victory over Sunderland left them just two points adrift of the summit. Arsenal's Champions League campaign continues to flourish, with Wednesday's comfortable 3-0 triumph over Club Brugge extending their perfect record to six victories from six matches.

However, their domestic form may trouble Arteta, who could be missing as many as eight players for Saturday's home clash against bottom-placed Wolves. Here's the latest news surrounding the Gunners.

Arteta confirms transfer stance

Arteta has emphasised that Gabriel Jesus will remain at the club and can serve as Arsenal's main striker. Jesus returned from injury as a second-half substitute against Club Brugge following an 11-month absence.

The Brazilian's current deal expires in just 18 months. With Arsenal having invested £64million in Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz - currently recovering from injury himself - providing another striking alternative, the club could consider offloading Jesus, potentially as early as next month.

However, Arteta has said that won't be the case, saying: "No, I don't consider that [selling him], especially with the situation that we have right now.

"Gabriel has a lot to offer to the team and he's proven that straight away in the first minute that he was available to play. He's put so much to be in this position again and now the focus is to be with us."

When asked if Gabriel could be Arsenal's main striker, Arteta responded: "Yes. A player of his quality, a player that has given us so much. He's certainly a player that has to be pushing and aiming for that."

Odegaard sent brutal message

Martin Odegaard has been warned not to assume he'll always get picked ahead of Eberechi Eze just because he's the club captain. The Norwegian midfielder recently made a comeback from injury, starting the last two matches.

Although both players can feature in the same line-up, they're also vying for the number eight spot, with Eze shining during Odegaard's absence. Ex-Gunners forward Jeremie Aliadiere believes Arteta will favour Odegaard, but insists it shouldn't be a given.

Speaking to AceOdds, the Frenchman said: "This will be a difficult choice to make for Mikel because it will be tough to choose between them.

"It's all about having a squad and rotation options. I don't think Odegaard being captain means he has to start. Mikel will pick players that are fit and ready to start."

Commenting on Eze, Aliadiere said: "I love Eze's calmness on the ball. There's no panic no matter where he is on the pitch, who's around him and how many players are near him. He's not scared of taking the ball and keeping it. There's a finesse, a calmness and composure he has."