Here are the latest updates from the Emirates as the interlul continues.
Injured speedster Theo Walcott is all set to return for first team action later this month. The Independent reports that the England International is targeting a return to action against arch-rivals Tottenham at the end of this month. Walcott has been out of action since January after rupturing his cruciate ligament and has been on the treatment table ever since missing out on Gunner’s FA cup triumph and the World Cup.
However after months of rehabilitation works, Walcott has already begun light training and is expected to push for the first team berth soon. Ironically the winger might return to action against Tottenham against whom he was injured and stretchered off in an FA cup tie.
In other news, there has been reports that Arsenal are preparing to extend contracts for injured striker Olivier Giroud and club captain Mikel Arteta. Giroud’s current contract expires at the end of next season and Arsene Wenger is preparing an extension in a view to keep the French International at the Emirates until 2018.
Meanwhile, 32-year old Arteta’s four year contract signed in 2011 is due at the end of this season and it looks like the midfielder would be offered one year extension to his current contract. After a mediocre summer, contract extensions to crucial players may prove to be vital for Arsenal next summer and after securing long term deals for the British core, Giroud and Arteta’s contract extension comes at the right time.