Justin Bieber an Arsenal fan now? Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain give him training ground tour

The Arsenal stars, who recently triumphed over Swansea in a 3-2 victory, seemed to unwind by hanging out with none other than Canadian popstar Justin Bieber. Bieber, who is currently in the United Kingdom for his Purpose Tour was present at London's Signor Sassi restaurant on Sunday, where he had dinner with birthday boy Mesut Ozil, according to a report The Telegraph. 

Oxlade-Chamberlain was present for Bieber's concert at London's O2 arena on 4 October, and then treated Bieber to a late night tour of Arsenal's Colney training ground, where Mesut Ozil was present as well. Bieber and Ozil even snapped a picture together, where the young singer is seen posing with Ozil's Arsenal jersey while Ozil is holding a Purpose Tour tee.

Arsenal currently are sitting comfortably in second place in the English Premier League standings, level on points with leaders Manchester City. They face Bulgarian side Ludogrets on 19 October at the Emirates stadium, as they seek to consolidate their place in the Champions League.

These recent pictures showing Gunner Bieber have once again sparked debate about Bieber's favourite football club, with the singer regularly adding more of them to a seemingly endless list.

Justin's infamous dalliances with various football clubs began in 2011, when he brandished a Barcelona jersey on his visit to their training ground. His connection to Barcelona was reestablished in 2016 through his Instagram posts with Neymar, who he seemed very friendly with. Since 2011, he also went on to sport a full Chelsea kit, and even played in a match for Canadian side Stratford City.

In early 2015, much like Bieber himself, his football allegiance began its tour, stopping by Everton on the way, as he indicated through posts on Twitter:

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Rio Ferdinand comments on Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arsenal drew 0-0 with the Premier League champions on Saturday.

Arsenal remain winless in the Premier League after being held to a goalless draw away to Premier League champions Leicester City on Saturday night.

The Gunners went into the game knowing they needed a result in order to avoid being six points behind Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea this early in the campaign, after losing 4-3 to Liverpool in their season opener last week.

But Arsenal tried and failed to reduce that gap to three on another frustrating evening for Arsene Wenger's side, who are now five points off the pace already.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - who scored against Liverpool - was given a run in the first XI this week and the 22-year-old winger looked sharp early on, trying his luck from outside the box on 25 minutes but it never tested Kasper Schmeichel.

Oxlade-Chamberlain had a poor 2015-16 on the whole, as his campaign was disrupted by a lack of form and fitness, but he had a decent pre-season and Rio Ferdinand admits he likes what he sees from the youngster so far.

It hasn't been a brilliant start by Arsenal. One point from six hardly has their Premier League rivals quaking, but it was against Liverpool and the reigning champions so perhaps it is harsh to be overly judgemental on Wenger's side.

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Arsenal seats the hot ticket with Sydney games set to go on sale

The allure of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal has organisers confident that tickets for the English giant’s two-game Australia tour next July will be an almost instant sell-out when they go on sale on Tuesday.

Match agent Lou Sticca – the mover and shaker responsible for bringing Chelsea and Tottenham to Sydney's ANZ Stadium last year for games against Sydney FC – is convinced the Gunners will prove every bit as irresistible for their clash against the Sky Blues and the duel with Western Sydney Wanderers at the same venue on Thursday 13 July, 2017, and Saturday 15 July.

Dubbed the ‘Arsenal in Sydney Tour’, ANZ Stadium will be transformed into a carbon copy of The Emirates Stadium.  Gunners fans will be designated an area of the stadium in homage to their hallowed North Bank in what has been dubbed the 'Emirates experience'.

Meanwhile, fans of Sydney FC and the Wanderers will be at the opposite end of the stadium in the "Clock End", the zone of the Emirates reserved for visiting fans as a full-strength Arsenal prepare to hit Australia for the first time in 40 years.

"As we saw last year with Chelsea and Tottenham, two sell-outs at the stadium in matter of three days, it just goes to show the appetite Australian have for the big EPL clubs – and Arsenal are right up there," said Sticca.

"They have a massive following in Australia. They are one of the most high-profile clubs in the world thanks to the Arsene Wenger effect. Our research tells us they are probably the second most popular EPL team in Australia."

While Wenger has hinted he might accept the vacant England job, he has also insisted that he will not renege on his contract, which still has a year to run - meaning he will almost certainly be at the helm when Arsenal touch down.

Ahead of him, the club have sent Gunners legend Freddie Ljungberg to promote their tour, and he arrived in Sydney on Tuesday for a whirlwind visit.

“Arsene Wenger revolutionised the way Arsenal play and produced a style that is one of best on the Continent," added Sticca.

"The club is famous for some massive stars of the past like Thierry Henry and Denis Bergkamp and really set so many trends in the EPL.”

While 12 months is an eternity in football, at this stage Arsenal – who haven’t finished below fourth place in last 20 years in the EPL - will feature big guns like Alexis Sanchez - Chile's player of the tournament as they took out the Copa America - European Championship finalists Oliver Giraud and Laurent Koscieny, German genius Mesut Ozil, Welsh wizard Aaron Ramsey and England’s Jack Wilshire and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"It’s a classic case of the EPL, because of the visibility on TV over the last 10 years, calling in to most households," said Sticca.

"Everybody knows what’s going on there, so many world stars play there and that’s made it the league spoken about more than any other in mainstream media.

"So many Aussies go to London and Arsenal is a club which attracts people who may not be born football fans but want to get along to the Emirates to sample the local sports life ... and now they are coming here."

Sticca sees no end in sight to the 'who’s who' of English football coming for money spinning tours of Australia in the wake of visits by Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea – and now Arsenal

Australians are getting used to then calibre of these teams coming out, they are enjoying it and I think going forward we'll continue to see it happening on a regular basis," he said.

"At the moment the market wants it, and we’re trying to deliver what they want. We have a few others in the pipeline also."

While some local critics label the tours as vehicles for Euro snobs to thumb their noses at the A-league, Sticca sees only upside for all stakeholders.

“Our model has always involved local opposition and has brought A-league clubs international exposure, and opened up discussion in mainstream media," he declared. "It provides visibility for A-League teams, which has to be a good thing.”

Tickets start at $39, with family passes from $99.

Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Rumours

Arsenal have reportedly told Theo Walcott he still has a future at the club despite continued links with a move for Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy. 

That’s according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, who noted that a new striker will not spell the end for the former Southampton man at the Emirates Stadium. James Olley of the London Evening Standard reported on Monday that West Ham United are considering a £25 million bid for the player.

Cross added that the future of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be in doubt, with Saints and Manchester City keen on landing him. “It remains to be seen if he will be made available,” he continued.

These are uncertain times for Arsenal’s two England internationals, as the club looks to mount a charge for the Premier League title next season.

Indeed, Greg Johnson of Squawka Football thinks the Gunners’ pursuit of Vardy is to address the failings of Walcott at the Emirates Stadium:

After signing for the club 10 years ago, Walcott has not delivered on the sky-high potential many believed he had. And while there have been some scintillating runs, consistency has been scarce.

Should Vardy come in, his playing time would be limited further and that’s something the 27-year-old simply cannot afford. In the sporadic appearances he made this season, Walcott struggled badly and it’s starting to have an impact on his prospects.

Walcott’s injury problems and lack of game time meant England manager Roy Hodgson left him out of the squad for the 2016 UEFA European Championship. FourFourTwo’s Seb Stafford-Bloor doesn’t think he deserved to be included:

Oxlade-Chamberlain probably would have made the final cut had he not been struck down with an injury, but he’s another player who’ll be assessing whether or not he has a long-term future at Arsenal.

Alex Iwobi was drafted into the team late last season and showed a lot of promise in his appearances on the flanks. For Oxlade-Chamberlain that is far from encouraging, as he already faces a battle with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez for a spot in the starting XI.

Being on the bench is all too familiar for the 22-year-old. As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been a peripheral figure at Arsenal in recent seasons:

Both players have big decisions to make this summer.

Walcott could stay at the club and it’s clear he’s a popular figure at Arsenal. But he’s approaching what should be the best years of his career, and it’d be a huge shame for him if he was to spend them sat on the bench or shoehorned into positions he’s not comfortable with. A new start could be invigorating for the forward.

Oxlade-Chamberlain may feel there is a place for him in the Arsenal squad provided he can get fit. The youngster is capable of filling in on both flanks and in central midfield, versatility that’ll be key over the course of a long campaign. If he gets chances, then the onus is on the England man to prove to manager Arsene Wenger he can be a vital squad member.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson enjoy break in California

Arsenal duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson are enjoying a break from their injury rehab by soaking up some California sun.

The two friends both had disappointing ends to the season as Jenkinson needed knee surgery in February while Oxlade-Chamberlain was ruled out of Euro 2016 after injuring knee ligaments in training in May.

But they seem to be fit enough to enjoy their summer holiday, with Jenkinson posting a photo by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Jenkinson spent the last two seasons on loan at West Ham, but could be back at Arsenal next summer depending on whether fellow right back Mathieu Debuchy leaves the club.

Tuesday marked five years since Jenkinson, who grew up as an Arsenal fan, signed with the club.

And judging by this tweet in response to Arsenal posting a video of his first goal for the Gunners, he clearly still hopes to have a future in north London:

Southampton 4 Arsenal 0: Improved Saints deny Wenger's men top spot

Southampton ended their dismal recent form to claim a deserved win over an Arsenal side who had designs on top spot in the Premier League.

Arsenal missed the chance to go top of the Premier League as Arsene Wenger's men were soundly beaten 4-0 by a much-improved Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday. 

Wenger's side fuelled talk of a sustained title push with an impressive victory over Manchester City on Monday, but were punished for a lethargic display on the south coast as the hosts ended their run of five league games without a win in style. 

Southampton had picked up just a point from their previous five outings, but, after a slow start, went ahead courtesy of Cuco Martina's impressive long-range effort 19 minutes in. 

On his maiden Premier League start, Martina became the first Curacaoan to score in the division and Southampton grew in confidence, doubling the lead 10 minutes into the second half via the first of a Shane Long brace. 

With limited attacking options on the bench, Wenger saw his side toil in the final third and struggle defensively as they failed to leapfrog leaders Leicester City - beaten 1-0 by Liverpool earlier in the day and two points clear of Arsenal. 

Instead, Southampton - missing the likes of injured pair Graziano Pelle and Cedric Soares - saw Jose Fonte head in a third from a corner and Long make it 4-0 in stoppage time shortly after being denied by the woodwork to seal the points on a hugely frustrating evening for the visitors.  

An unchanged Arsenal edged the opening stages, but fell behind to the hosts' first effort on target. 

Per Mertesacker only partially cleared Ryan Bertrand's delivery, allowing Martina to beat Petr Cech with a stunning outside-of-the-boot effort. 

James Ward-Prowse dragged a shot wide before the half-hour mark as the home side grew in confidence, with Steven Davis failing to muster a clean strike on goal after Laurent Koscielny lost possession. 

For all their early endeavour, Arsenal's best chances were a tame Theo Walcott shot easily gathered by Maarten Stekelenburg and a header from the Arsenal winger that found the side-netting.

Long almost doubled Southampton's half-time lead, but the striker could only put his lob over the crossbar while Sadio Mane's dangerous delivery failed to get the necessary touch early on the second half. 

Virgil van Dijk had the ball in the net five minutes after the interval - his header adjudged offside - although Long did make it 2-0 with a breakaway goal before the hour. 

The Republic of Ireland international played a neat one-two with Mane, before turning his team-mate's cross past Cech from close range amid Arsenal complaints over a perceived trip from Long on Koscielny. 

Arsenal continued to flounder going forward, with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Joel Campbell largely anonymous in the face of incessant Saints pressure. 

Former Southampton man Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was introduced for the latter after the hour, but it was Southampton who remained the more clinical, skipper Fonte heading home from Bertrand's set-piece 21 minutes from time. 

The impressive Long hit the post, but was not to be denied a second when Dusan Tadic set him clear, the Saints forward finishing past Cech to complete a miserable outing for Wenger's men. 

Key Opta stats:  

- Arsenal have lost two successive league meetings with Southampton for the first time since April 1988.
- Cuco Martina was the first player from Curacao to score a Premier League goal - 93 different nationalities have now scored in the competition.
- Arsenal have conceded five Premier League goals from outside the box in 2015-16 so far; two more than in the whole of 2014-15 (3).
- Sadio Mane has six assists in 18 Premier League appearances this season; twice as many as he had in 30 Premier League last season (3). 

Saints rout Arsenal to deny Gunners top spot

Arsenal missed the chance to go top of the Premier League as Arsene Wenger's men were soundly beaten 4-0 by a much-improved Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Saturday.

Wenger's side fuelled talk of a sustained title push with an impressive victory over Manchester City on Monday, but were punished for a lethargic display on the south coast as the hosts ended their run of five league games without a win in style.

Southampton had picked up just a point from their previous five outings, but, after a slow start, went ahead courtesy of Cuco Martina's impressive long-range effort 19 minutes in.

On his maiden Premier League start, Martina became the first Curacaoan to score in the division and Southampton grew in confidence, doubling the lead 10 minutes into the second half via the first of a Shane Long brace.

With limited attacking options on the bench, Wenger saw his side toil in the final third and struggle defensively as they failed to leapfrog leaders Leicester City - beaten 1-0 by Liverpool earlier in the day and two points clear of Arsenal.

Instead, Southampton - missing the likes of injured pair Graziano Pelle and Cedric Soares - saw Jose Fonte head in a third from a corner and Long make it 4-0 in stoppage time shortly after being denied by the woodwork to seal the points on a hugely frustrating evening for the visitors. 

An unchanged Arsenal edged the opening stages, but fell behind to the hosts' first effort on target.

Per Mertesacker only partially cleared Ryan Bertrand's delivery, allowing Martina to beat Petr Cech with a stunning outside-of-the-boot effort.

James Ward-Prowse dragged a shot wide before the half-hour mark as the home side grew in confidence, with Steven Davis failing to muster a clean strike on goal after Laurent Koscielny lost possession.

For all their early endeavour, Arsenal's best chances were a tame Theo Walcott shot easily gathered by Maarten Stekelenburg and a header from the Arsenal winger that found the side-netting.

Long almost doubled Southampton's half-time lead, but the striker could only put his lob over the crossbar while Sadio Mane's dangerous delivery failed to get the necessary touch early on the second half.

Virgil van Dijk had the ball in the net five minutes after the interval - his header adjudged offside - although Long did make it 2-0 with a breakaway goal before the hour.

The Republic of Ireland international played a neat one-two with Mane, before turning his team-mate's cross past Cech from close range amid Arsenal complaints over a perceived trip from Long on Koscielny.

Arsenal continued to flounder going forward, with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Joel Campbell largely anonymous in the face of incessant Saints pressure.

Former Southampton man Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was introduced for the latter after the hour, but it was Southampton who remained the more clinical, skipper Fonte heading home from Bertrand's set-piece 21 minutes from time.

The impressive Long hit the post, but was not to be denied a second when Dusan Tadic set him clear, the Saints forward finishing past Cech to complete a miserable outing for Wenger's men.

Key Opta stats: 

- Arsenal have lost two successive league meetings with Southampton for the first time since April 1988.

- Cuco Martina was the first player from Curacao to score a Premier League goal - 93 different nationalities have now scored in the competition.

- Arsenal have conceded five Premier League goals from outside the box in 2015-16 so far; two more than in the whole of 2014-15 (3).

- Sadio Mane has six assists in 18 Premier League appearances this season; twice as many as he had in 30 Premier League last season (3).

Arsenal Must Deduce What Is Holding Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Back

Alexis Sanchez has went from goat to being hailed as the next Arsenal legend in the span of a few weeks. The goals are pouring in and he is stepping up to be a leader in the dressing room. His training, his confidence and his effort are beacons for what Arsenal youngsters can aspire to be.

One Arsenal man has already indicated that he wants to emulate Alexis. That man is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Now 22 years of age, the Ox is at a point where he has to start delivering from his previous ‘wonderkid’ mantra. Two years ago, the Ox was all the rage. Everyone was excited to see what he could turn into. Now, he still finds his way blocked.

After a rousing start to the campaign with a beautiful goal against Chelsea in the FA Community Shield, the Ox has faded into the shadows of Arsenal’s mass of attacking options. That is not where he belongs. The young Englishman exudes confidence at the microphone. It’s confidence on the pitch that is the problem. Arsene Wenger has even keyed in on this.

“I might need to start showing that I believe in myself a bit more,” Oxlade-Chamberlain said, via the Mirror.

That really is the only thing holding back the massive talent that is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. We have seen him do some amazing things. His goal (ignoring the follow-up) against Monaco was beautiful and seemingly out of the blue. The goal against Chelsea was equally gorgeous and on his weaker foot. Watching the Ox tap the ball around opposing fullbacks and then chase it down is a joy to behold. He has the physicality to out-muscle a good percentage of the league as well.

In the Ox, Arsenal has a player that could play just about anywhere ahead of the back four. And that is not a stretch. He could even be used up front if he learns to be a better finisher. This kid is talented. With pace, strength, and technical ability that is rarely seen in one person, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could very well become another Alexis Sanchez.

All he needs is confidence. I made mention of all of the amazing things we have seen the Ox do but we have also seen him do some boneheaded/bizarre/questionable things as well. His loose cannon can go wild at times. His first touch can be a bit flustering. His mistakes can be costly. Most of these things can be solved with a boost in confidence and awareness.

The last thing we need is another player like Olivier Giroud, who is so drastically different depending on the confidence level. Obviously dips in confidence affect everyone but it cannot completely remove you from relevance.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is a few small steps away from stardom. It’s just a matter of getting there. That has to be one of Arsenal’s top priorities. The Ox has to start producing some solid numbers. 9 goals and 10 assists since 2011 is not the best return. Throughout his career he is averaging just 0.8 key passes per game. The numbers show that he is also not cutting down on being dispossessed. We have seen what he can do but the statistics do not back him up. (Statistics via WhoScored).

Whether it is getting him more playing time, getting him more responsibility or just getting him in the right positions, the Ox is a talent that can drive Arsenal for a decade. It is up to Arsene Wenger to really unlock him.