Here are today's Gunners stories from the Daily Mirror...

Ozil return won't be long

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil feels his recovery from a knee problem is now "on the right path" and cannot wait to get back into action.

The German international has not featured since suffering a partial rupture of the outer band of the left knee joint against Chelsea on October 5.

The initial prognosis for a likely return was for early in 2015, and Ozil suggested he could soon be back in contention, having been pictured walking out for a session at the Gunners' Hertfordshire training base in the build up to last weekend's Barclays Premier League match against Newcastle.

Ozil said on Arsenal Player: "I am working every day to get myself fit and I am on the right path now. It won't be much too much longer before I am back on the pitch.

Read more on Mesut Ozil by clicking here.

We must honour Henry, says Wenger

Arsene Wenger wants Arsenal to pay tribute to Thierry Henry after the Gunners legend announced his retirement this week.

The France striker scored 175 goals for Arsenal in 258 matches between 1999 and 2007. There is already a statue of Henry outside the Emirates Stadium.

But Wenger told L'Equipe: "We will organise something in his honour and I hope the France team will also give him the recognition that he deserves. We cannot just end it like this. He deserves a proper tribute. It is very important."

Wenger, who bought Henry from Juventus in 1999, admitted he had his difficult moments with the superstar. "Nintey per cent of the time, it was a pleasure and 10 per cent we could feel the little differences in our view of things.

Read more on Thierry Henry by clicking here.

Thierry Henry - Career in pictures:

City defender says Gunners in title race

Eliaquim Mangala refuses to rule Manchester United and Arsenal out of the title battle.

The fight for the Premier League appears to be a two-horse race between Manchester City and Chelsea.

But Mangala claims United and Arsenal could force their way into contention and Louis van Gaal's side have rattled off six straight wins to move within eight points of leaders Chelsea.

“I don't think it's just down to two teams,” said the City defender. “I think a lot of teams can be involved.

Read more from the City defender by clicking here.

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Thursday's Arsenal stories from other papers & websites

Pedro bid prepared

Arsenal will make a £26million bid for Barcelona star Pedro, according to the Daily Express.

The move would come as the 27-year-old finds himself struggling for first team opportunities at the Nou Camp, despite his good form since Luis Enrique took the reigns.

The Spaniard has scored six and assisted three in all competitions, but has managed just six La Liga starts so far this season.

Arsene Wenger is reportedly preparing the £26million bid for as soon as the January transfer window opens, with talk suggesting that he is willing to spend.

Scouts monitoring German defender

Holding back: Howedes (right) in Champions League action against Real Madrid (
Image:
Angel Martinez)

Arsenal have sent scouts to Germany to watch Benedikt Howedes ahead of a potential £15milion move, according to the Daily Mail.

The Gunners are suggested to want a defender during the January transfer window and the price tag is said to be attractive to bargain-hunter Wenger.

He would have to pay over double the amount if he was going to secure sought-after Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels, making Howedes a much more feasible option.

Arsenal representatives were reportedly in the stands to watch Schalke's 4-0 win over Stuttgart last week.

Shaq attack

Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri is ready to listen to offers from Europe's top clubs, according to Swiss reporters at Blick.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Munich after struggling to break into the starting line-up on a consistent basis - with Arsenal's name consistently paired with his.

Swiss national team regular Shaqiri has a contract until 2016, but has been linked with a move to England and that is something his brother says is of interest.

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Although Arsenal were not named, he did say that if other top teams come in then he would be interested and the Gunners have been heavily linked.

His brother, who also acts as his agent, said: "At this age, he needs to play regularly, which is not currently the case. We are now waiting safely until summer. Then, when teams come as Liverpool, Manchester United, Inter Milan and other top clubs we hear that to us safely.”

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