Arsenal news: Gunners backed for title charge as Man Utd icon makes shock admission

Arsenal will continue their charge for the title this weekend as the international break comes to an end.

The Gunners had enjoyed a very bright start to the new season. They sit seventh in the table after seven games, with five wins to their name.

And they will be hoping to claim top spot this weekend as players return to North London after jetting off to all corners of the globe. take on at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

And there are plenty of headlines coming out of the Emirates Stadium with just a few days to go before the game. Take a look at the standout Arsenal stories from over the past 24 hours:

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Gunners backed for title

Former star Jason McAteer believes that Arsenal will snatch the title from this season - not the Reds. , who he this will win the title, he said: “If you’re looking for longevity in an answer, then Arsenal. I think at this moment in time, they’re really ready to win it.

“Last season and the season before, there was a question about mentality. Could they last the pace? Would injuries affect them? I think they’ve bought really well in the last three or four windows to bolster the squad with quality.

“Now if they lose players of quality, they’ve got players who can step in. The perfect example is Martin Odegaard’s injury and stepping in. Trossard isn’t of the same quality as Odegaard, but he’s a very good player.”

Will Arsenal beat Bournemouth this weekend?

Butt makes Arsenal admission

Former hero Nicky Butt has admitted that he could have signed for Arsenal after leaving Old Trafford. “I remember when I was leaving United - when I knew it was time to leave - I got asked to join City off Stuart Pearce, he rang me up!”

“I said: ‘I'll have a think about it.’ But I knew: ‘No, it can’t happen.’ I just wanted to get him off the phone, to be fair! There was no way I was going because of my dynamic in my house. My family life would have been... I’m all right. I’m out the way, but my brother and all that. It would have been a nightmare. I would never have been able to play for City.

“I got asked to speak to Liverpool - never gonna happen. Arsenal - never gonna happen. I knew my mind was set on . So for me, the real rivalry thing for United would have been impossible. Liverpool was impossible, yeah. No matter what they were gonna give you."

Striker eyes return

Former Arsenal striker Mika Biereth has confirmed that he is open to returning to the Emirates Stadium. Speaking to , the now Sturm Graz forward said: “Things are going well in Sturm Graz.

“I have nothing to complain about right now. I play every week at a good level, and now we also play in the , where I’m still waiting for my first goal.

“If I keep playing well and scoring goals, hopefully a change can come, but right now I’m focused on Sturm and on doing well and scoring goals. A return back to Arsenal would be fantastic, but it’s not something I’m focusing on right now.”

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our