Arsenal have got another free midweek with no football. That hasn't happened much this season, but with Mikel Arteta's side finishing third in the new Champions League format, they avoided the two-legged play-off tie and haven't needed to be involved in that round - with the second leg taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

It has meant that Arsenal have a seven-day break between the 2-0 win over Leicester City and their next game - a clash against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. That is no doubt going to be crucial for Arteta's side, as they look to reenergise their squad ahead of the Premier League run-in.

The Gunners sit second in the table, seven points behind leaders Liverpool, who will move 10 clear at the top if they beat Aston Villa on Wednesday. That game is being played earlier than scheduled due to the Reds' participation in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United in March.

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While Arsenal are not playing this week, that hasn't stopped the rumour mill from spinning as the Gunners prepare to face West Ham. With this in mind, football.london have taken a look at the latest news involving Arsenal...

Man City made Nwaneri move

Manchester City tried to sign Arsenal talent Ethan Nwaneri in 2023, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 17-year-old has been a shining light in Mikel Arteta's side in recent weeks and won the Player of the Match prize following an impressive performance against Leicester City on Saturday.

But the teenager was subject to interest from Pep Guardiola's City 18 months ago and 'discussions took place in the background' over a potential move. Instead of making the switch to the Etihad Stadium, Arsenal have so far been able to get the youngster's trust and green light to continue in north London.

FL says: When fit, Bukayo Saka has the shirt on the right-hand side and will start most of Arsenal's matches, especially in the Premier League. Having only turned 23 in September, Saka could be a regular starter in the Gunners side for the next decade, depending on different circumstances, of course.

That could reduce Nwaneri's game time in the long term and tempt him to move elsewhere. However, it's very encouraging that Arsenal have been able to keep him on board amid interest from Man City. Even if he can't play on the right, there MUST be a place for him elsewhere in the team, he is that good.

Vlahovic price tag

Arsenal could be handed the chance to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus this summer, with a cut price £33million valuation put on his head. That's according to Calciomercato, who say that Vlahovic to the Gunners could happen at the end of the season following Randal Kolo Muani's impressive performances at Juve.

FL says: If Arsenal cannot get Benjamin Sesko or Alexander Isak, Vlahovic should be their next option and it would make sense to sign him in the summer. The Serbian has eight goals in 19 Serie A appearances this season and has got he potential to be a difference-maker in this Gunners team.