GUNNERS VETS ARE WELCOME

CLUB legends are welcome at the Emirates, insists Mikel Arteta – as long as they do not spread “poison”.

The Spaniard (below) did not name names, but it was almost certainly directed at ex-Gunners hitmen Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp. The pair were critical of the Arsenal board and manager earlier this season and also supported a rejected £2billion takeover bid from Spotify supremo Daniel Ek.

But any acrimony with Arteta appears gone after the two attended last month’s home victory over Manchester United and spent time with England aces Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.

Arteta, at the helm since December 2019, declared: “I always said we have a great example with our ex-players.

“And what happened a few weeks ago at the Emirates, it was emotional, natural and organic, but anyone that wants to poison the club... he’s going to be very far away from the club.”