Mikel Arteta

37-year-old assured on Thursday that the former Borussia Dortmund striker was integral to his plans

Gunners, who last won in the league at West Ham on December 9, are nine points adrift of the top four

31-year-old was accorded a standing ovation on Sunday by fans despite the 2-1 loss to Chelsea

Swiss international reacted angrily to home supporters booing him as he walked off the pitch in a match in October

37-year-old spent the last three years as Pep Guardiola's assistant at defending champions Manchester City

City manager said he had spoken to his assistant about the Gunners opportunity and would not stand in his way

Guardiola’s assistant has also been linked with the managerial vacancy at Everton, another of his former clubs

Spaniard is among the bookmakers favourites to take over at his former club Arsenal if incumbent Unai Emery is sacked

Arsenal midfielder's five-year contract expires at the end of 2015-2016 season