All the morning news from The Emirates Stadium ahead of the game with Southampton this afternoon.
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been speaking yesterday about all manner of things – but in particular his future with the Welsh national team.
The in-form midfielder believes the nation has the quality to one day make it to a major international tournament:
"I'm really confident. I think we have some really good players who are keen to learn and to play the way we want to play and the way the manager wants us to play. I think this next championship, with more teams being able to qualify, will give us a great opportunity. We've had a good run of results of late and hopefully can continue that in the new campaign."
Santi Cazorla has been speaking about two of The Gunners biggest summer transfer drives – one successful and one unsuccessful.
On the subject of the failed move for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez he was obviously gutted the Uruguayan did not come to The Emirates:
"Suarez's incredible. I'd have loved it if he had come; his style would have suited us.”
But he also sounded as excited about who they did sign, as he did disappointed over who they did not:
“It's a pity he's not on our team! [Arsenal] saw some doors shut and, when they saw the chance to get Mesut, it was an opportunity to thump a fist on the desk, to make a statement. He's a superb signing. He's brought illusion, optimism and hope."
Arsenal take on Southampton this afternoon … and not much has changed in regards to team news.
Yaya Sanogo, Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby remain absent while the club welcome Theo Walcott back to action.
Mathieu Flamini is suspended for the game between first and third and Tomas Rosicky faces a fitness test – which he is expected to pass after recovering from sickness.
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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