Arsenal will face Blackburn Rovers in the next round of the FA Cup after edging past Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
Theo Walcott’s 85th minute strike settled the tie, after both of Olivier Giroud’s efforts were cancelled out firstly by Ashley Barnes, and then Jose Ulloa.
The Gunners are now unbeaten in 34 games against lower ranked sides in the FA Cup; something which will give them confidence ahead of the visit of Michael Appleton’s men on the weekend of the 16th and 17th February.
Elsewhere, the club have reportedly been told that they will have to pay £6 million pounds if they are to secure the services of Bastia’s Florian Thauvin.
The midfielder, who is also a target of Newcastle United has two goals in eight Ligue 1 appearances this term, and has been capped three times by France’s Under 20’s.
West Ham midfielder Mohammed Diame has apparently told friends that he ‘would love to join Arsenal this week’.
The club look set to make a £3.5 million pound bid which would trigger his release cause, amid reports he has been fined by Sam Allardyce for tardiness.
Elsewhere, Emmanuel Frimpong has joined Fulham on loan for the remainder of the season.
