Arsenal face a stern test this season after replacing Arsene Wenger with Unai Emery and, with the transfer window closed, the battle has switched towards retaining the services of key players.
Plenty of speculation has orientated around the future of Aaron Ramsey, as the 27-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium and is attracting plenty of interest from across the globe.
The Wales international has courted attention from Barcelona, Lazio and a number of Chinese Super League teams but The Mirror states Arsenal remain confident of tying the former Cardiff City man down to a new deal.
Arsenal’s wage bill is an issue after a summer full of activity, along with top deals in January, but balancing the books is a priority to ensure that the north London side can pay Ramsey the top dollar he is searching for.
Ramsey was named by Unai Emery as one of his vice-captains this season alongside Petr Cech, Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka, with the permanent skipper being Laurent Koscielny – who is sidelined until the New Year through injury.