• Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has undergone a successful knee operation in Sweden.
The 20-year old had a minor procedure on his left knee on Tuesday afternoon and will head back to
London to continue his rehabilitation in the next few days.
Wilshere missed the entire season with ankle problems but this latest setback is unlikely to hinder his return date which is expected to be during the summer.
• Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny says Thierry Henry's late goal at Sunderland turned their season on its head.
The Gunners’ all-time top scorer proved a huge success after signing on loan in January, memorably scoring the winner against Leeds in the FA Cup third round in his first game back.
But Szczesny insists it was his last-gasp strike at the Stadium of Light in February that had a greater impact on the campaign.
“If you’re talking about turning points you have to give credit to one man, and I mean Thierry,” he said.
“When he came here, wow, it was something different.
“It was priceless to have someone around who’s been here, done it and was the best player in the world at one point.
“When he scored the winner against Leeds, the buzz around the stadium was the biggest I’ve ever felt – and I think it had a big impact on the players too. Going into the dressing room afterwards and seeing everyone so happy for Thierry was a really big moment.
“Then he scored the winner at Sunderland in his final game for us. That was the one that turned the season around in my opinion, coming back from 1-0 down and Thierry scoring at the end. Things like that give you confidence and simply put you in a better mood.”
• Chelsea have delivered an Arsenal a deadline over Yossi Benayoun's signing.
Chelsea have told Arsenal they want a decision by the end of the week on whether they plan to sign on-loan winger Benayoun on a permanent basis.
Benayoun is poised to return to the Blues in the summer having spent 12 months on loan at the Emirates, in which he scored six goals in 25 appearances for the Gunners.
• Arsenal striker Joel Campbell feels his development has accelerated thanks to his loan with Lorient.
Campbell is set to join Arsenal for pre-season training in July and believes his time in France has been a hugely positive learning experience.
“It was tough for me because I wanted to play for Arsenal this season,” the 19-year-old striker said. “But it’s a new experience for me and it’s a question of doing well, learning from European football and then coming back to Arsenal.
"Coming to Lorient has been really good for me. It’s a new experience for me to come and get a taste of French football, which is very competitive. I’ve learnt a lot here.
“I came here just before the fourth round of games in Ligue 1 and they gave me the best possible welcome.
They helped me and got me settled down quickly in the team so I could help them and the side. Lorient play a very similar game to Arsenal and that’s helped me for what lies ahead.
“Football in France is very tactical, very tough and very physical. It’s been great for me, though. I’ve learnt a lot from the football here and I hope it helps me for my career."
• Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong is confident that he can return to full strength following a knee injury sustained last season.
The 20-year old suffered cruciate ligament damage whilst on loan with Wolves but feels he will be back to his best despite experiencing a similar injury in summer 2010.
"When I had the first one [knee injury] people were telling me it takes ages to get back playing at the level I was playing at before and when I came back with Arsenal I think I showed everyone I was still the same player and hopefully I can come back this time and show everyone I am still the same player again," Frimpong said.
"It is not as serious as the other one, similar, but hopefully I can do my gym work and hopefully I get back on to the pitch and start playing again.
"It is bad that I am injured but I am in the gym with Jack [Wilshere], he has great banter and we have got [Bacary] Sagna as well so I have got great company and it makes things go faster for me."
• A move to Arsenal could be on for Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez.
The former Real Madrid goalkeeper Lopez is becoming available at Villarreal after their shock relegation last week.
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