Mikel Arteta’s two irreplaceable stars named as contract talks open

The week always starts better after a Premier League win, but Arsenal have little time to reflect on their healthy victory over Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners have three points on the table at the City Ground and are in the top four, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, but just one behind Manchester City. However, the relentless pace of the winter period is only just beginning and preparations for Champions League action must already begin.

Mikel Arteta's side must prepare for a trip to Portugal where they will be entertained by Sporting CP. The Primeira Liga side are without new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim but showed their caliber when they thumped Manchester earlier this month.

Arsenal will be hoping to build some momentum with just seven points from the 12 on the table so far in Europe as they look to avoid additional qualifiers for the knockout stages. That said, Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news surrounding the club.

Odegaard makes the difference

Riccardo Calafiori hasn't been at Arsenal for long, but he can already tell the difference between the moments when Martin Odegaard is involved. The Gunners captain has missed much of the season through injury and his return has already raised hopes that Arsenal's attacking play will be freed up again.

The Italian defender named Odegaard, alongside Bukayo Saka, offered something intangible in addition to their production that has made them irreplaceable.

“I can't tell you one thing, but you feel it whether he is on or off the pitch. You feel it when he is missing. He gives us a lot of energy and quality. Him and Bukayo, what they did was unbelievable. It's good to have them back.”

Press Arsenal

Gary Neville has stepped up the pressure on Arsenal, stating that the Gunners must take advantage of the opportunity presented by Manchester City's recent form. Arsenal are one point behind City in the Premier League, but the title holders have lost four games in a row in all competitions after defeat to Tottenham.

Former Manchester United defender Neville suggests City are suffering from more than just a loss of form and noted Arsenal have no excuses moving forward.

“This feels like if you're Arsenal, if you're Liverpool – which I think are the two real teams that can win the title, apart from Manchester City – you shouldn't get carried away but have the feeling: 'wait Just a minute, there's no apologies here now,” Neville said.

“I actually look more at Arsenal with that statement. I think anyone at the start of the season who said Arne Slot would come in and do what he did would have thought, 'No, that's not quite going to happen. '

“This was Arsenal's season, if it wasn't City's. So I think there's real pressure on Arsenal now to step up and go for it. They've started well with the 3-0 [win over Forest].”

Arsenal opens contract talks

According to reports, Arsenal have started contract talks with Ethan Nwaneri. The teenage talent scored his first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest this weekend amid a growing attendance.

Nwaneri signed his first professional contract with the club earlier this year and cannot extend his contract until he turns 18. However, Fabrizio Romano claims talks are underway so the talented midfielder can be rewarded for his progress.