The Arsenal man is an engaging figure, who is still learning to speak English and communicates through his interpreter when we met at the club’s training ground this week. He is hoping to be back in contention for Sunday’s game against Manchester City having won a place in the team earlier in the season from Per Mertesacker only to lose it again in recent weeks – and then there is always the reunion with Costa to look forward to when the two clubs meet on 24 Jan.