According to various sources, Arsenal are weighing up a shock move for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain. The Argentinean isn't a dead-on starter at the Bernabeu despite his impressive scoring stats, and he has been linked with moves to England before, with City and Chelsea interested.

Now it seems that Arsene Wenger had identified Higuain as the solution to Arsenal's striking problems, and could surprise many with a starting bid of £20m.

Wenger's stormy relationship with Jose Mourinho could complicate matters, but Mourinho isn't flavour of the month at the moment, and the higher-ups at Real could intervene to deal with the transfer.

It has been a week and a half since the 2-2 draw at the Liberty Stadium between these two sides in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, which resulted in this replay which both sides could have done without.

While Arsenal have stuttered since then, with the very disappointing defeat to Man City, Swansea have beaten Chelsea 2-0 away from home, and gained a creditable draw at Everton. So it is fair to say that Swansea are the form team coming into this 3rd round replay.

Arsenal were dealt a huge blow before the Man City game on Sunday when Mikel Arteta was ruled out through injury. However, it has now emerged that the midfielder is expected to be out for at least three weeks with a calf strain.

Having played every minute of Arsenal’s league campaign up until Sunday, Arteta will be a big loss for the team, having been one of the more consistent and better performers for Arsenal so far, in what has been a disappointing season.

The Theo Walcott contract saga looks to take another twist as Jamie Sanderson, sports reporter for the Metro claimed that Walcott is all set to sign, with wages and contract length agreed, and just bonuses and image rights left to deal with.

'Not best week for Arsenal, but told club hope to meet Theo Walcott in next few days to trash out final details of his new deal.'

'There's a provisional agreement with Walcott over £90k-a-week 5-year deal, but bonuses and image rights to sort. Looks good.'

As Arsenal welcome Manchester City to the Emirates for the first time since Mikel Arteta’s late wonder strike fired us to a 1-0 victory, tensions are running high.

After last week’s disappointing draw at Southampton, scuffing our chance to go level with Spurs, a win against the champions is much needed to keep the morale high and the pressure on Spurs for the coveted Champions League spot.

However, City will be desperate for the victory too, as, if United defeat Liverpool in the lunchtime kick off, City will start the match 10 points adrift of their biggest rivals.