Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta 'could have walked' as World Cup replacement lined up

View 2 Images

It's next stop Budapest for the Arsenal bandwagon. After wrapping up the Premier League title with a game to spare, Gunners fans have been celebrating the club's first league crown in 22 years.

For Mikel Arteta and the players, it is back to business as they look to complete a historic double by topping holders and favourites Paris Saint-Germain in the Hungarian capital. Arteta had the luxury of resting players for the final-day win at Crystal Palace , meaning most of the squad is fit and refreshed ahead of the big game.

However, there are a couple of injury concerns, most notably surrounding Jurrien Timber, who is facing a race against time to be fit. As the countdown to the club's date with destiny continues, here's a round-up of the latest Gunners news…

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has issued an update on Timber after naming a couple of World Cup back-up options. After missing the last 14 games with a groin issue, the full-back is on the mend but is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday.

Keeping a close eye on developments is Koeman, who has made plans in case the 24-year-old is ruled out of the World Cup by putting Ian Maatsen and Lutsharel Geertruida on standby. He said: "This is linked to Jurrien Timber.

"The situation with him is that he was due to train with the squad, to see how things look ahead of the weekend. They have the Champions League final on Saturday. We'll have to wait and see if he'll make it."

Timber himself has expressed hope that he will be available, saying: "There's hope, but we'll see. I'm working really hard and obviously playing in the Champions League final is a dream.

"So I will give everything, and with the World Cup as well, but obviously, first the Champions League final. It's going to be amazing anyway."

If he plays, Timber will be charged with keeping dangerous PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at bay.

View 2 Images

Arteta could have fallen on his sword and quit Arsenal had they failed to win the Premier League. That's according to ex-Gunners defender Emmanuel Eboue, who reckons a fourth successive runners-up finish would have been too much to bear for the Spaniard.

Eboue told BetMGM: "I think if he didn't win the Premier League, he may have decided to go. When you are at a club that loves you, who gives you everything to win the league... After you've given everything, your best, to go so close after 22 years without winning it, I think he could have walked away."

While Arteta's touchline antics aren't to everyone's taste, Eboue loves his passion. He added: "I'm so happy for him. This year, Arsenal have won the Premier League because of him.

"He worked so hard for the club to bring this success. Even on the bench, he never sits. He is so involved, I am so impressed with him."