Arteta Out For 2 Weeks, as Arsenal Eye Manolas from Olympiacos

Gunners captain Arteta is out for at least two weeks and potentially longer after spraining his ankle in Arsenal’s Champions League draw with Besiktas.

That leaves Arsenal boss Wenger facing a midfield headache as Aaron Ramsey is suspended for the return leg with Besiktas and Arteta is now out of key games.

The Spaniard is certain to miss Saturday’s trip to Everton, the Besiktas second leg and could be out until beyond the international break in a major setback for the Gunners.

Wenger is likely to find out the full extent of the injury on Thursday but may tempt Arsenal back into the market to try and fill the gap.

Real Madrid are ready to offload Sami Khedira but Arsenal have doubts over him and are unlikely to re-ignite their interest while Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho has also been offered.

Wenger was unlikely to sign a midfielder as he believes that department has enough but the Arteta setback may make him think again.

They are in the market for a central defender and it is believed that is still the more likely with Olympiacos defender Kostas Manolas the most likely outcome.

Olympiacos are open to a deal and Arsenal are hoping to get a deal done for the 23-year-old for around £6m.