Inside Arsenal’s crazy week with unusually-named dog and tree taken to meetings

Arteta says summer transfer window will be 'crucial' for Arsenal

Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge may be all but over, but it’s been a hectic week of news coming out of London Colney. Express Sport breaks down the four latest Arsenal stories involving Manchester City, Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka and a dog named ‘Win’.

Arsenal have new pet

In March, Arsenal reportedly took in a dog at the club’s training ground to boost morale and aid their push for a first Premier League title since 2004.

It’s claimed a chocolate labrador named ‘Win’ spends most days at London Colney as one of Arteta’s latest unorthodox methods, joining a cat called ‘Bob’.

Research suggests that petting a dog can improve morale and reduce stress, two key ingredients in a title race.

And Arteta is said to believe that ‘Win’ helps build a feeling of togetherness and family among his tightly-knit squad.

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Arteta’s olive tree idea

On the topic of unorthodox methods, Arteta has produced another that rivals his memorable team talk around a light bulb during the Amazon series ‘All or Nothing’.

The Spaniard has reportedly brought an olive tree into team meetings throughout the season to show his players that growth only occurs when you take care of the roots.

He has also planted a 150-year-old tree outside his office as another form of symbolism from which his squad can take inspiration.

Arteta briefly explained his thinking to reporters: “We have to look after the roots every single day, make sure they don’t get poisoned, don’t get damaged and remain in the right condition.”

Man City barrister ‘a Gunner’

Arsenal have also been dragged into the ongoing investigation surrounding the Premier League’s 115 charges against Man City.

City have officially challenged the charges – for alleged rule breaches from 2009 to 2018 – complaining that the barrister for proceedings is an Arsenal fan.

The three-peat champions-elect will argue that recent charges can’t apply to alleged breaches in the past.

But the involvement of Murray Rosen KC, the head of the Premier League’s independent judicial panel, is a leading concern at the Etihad Stadium.

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Saka contract imminent

Arsenal’s once-promising season may be primed for a disappointing conclusion, but the club have attempted to finish with a flourish by tieing Aaron Ramsdale down to a new contract.

And he’s not the only crucial member of Arteta’s plans who has committed his future to the Emirates Stadium.

Reports claim that Bukayo Saka will soon follow Ramsdale in putting pen to paper on a new deal.

His contract – currently due to expire in 2024 – is said to be finalised, meaning an announcement is imminent.

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