Arteta wants Wenger back at Arsenal as he reveals conversation with former boss

The Gunners' legendary manager left the club in 2018 after 22 years of stellar service in which he became the only boss in Premier League history to remain undefeated in a season.

The current man in charge of the club has no doubts about the impact Wenger's presence would have as he revealed their conversation at the premiere of the Frenchman's film.

"It was incredibly pleasant to see him and chat to him and hopefully we can bring him close," he explained at his pre-match press conference.

"I think he would have a great time just seeing the environment that he can create around him when he is around this place because of the respect, admiration and the love that everybody at the club has for what he has done and as well for what he represents as a person in this club."

Despite wanting and hoping Wenger will come back to the club, Arteta was unable to give anything away as to what kind of role he would have.

"I cannot tell you now but what I can say is that I would like him to be much closer, personally to me because I think it would be a great help, I think it would be great help for a club.

"Things take time and I think he has to dictate those timings and what I can say from my side I think on behalf of everybody that we would be delighted to have him much closer."

Whilst there is nothing concrete to suggest Wenger is returning, it isn't the first time he teased Gunners fans about coming back when the Frenchman said he would help if required.

"If I'm needed, I will help them," the 72-year-old said, "but I don't expect that, no."

Meanwhile, away from the pitch owner Stan Kroenke, has had to pay a huge $790million (approx. £592m) settlement for the relocation of his NFL franchise.

Kroenke uprooted The Rams from their original home in St Louis, Missouri - where they played for 20 years until 2016 - to Los Angeles. It is proving to be a very costly move for the 74-year-old who also paid $550m (£412m) to move the club to LA in the first place.

Whether that has an effect on the transfer plans of Arsenal remains to be seen, but with the January window looming, it's a question supporters will want to know.