Robert Pires’ son has been training with Arsenal

Shame the Gunners are not still in the League Cup or Arsene may have thrown him straight into the mix.

Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has retained close ties with the London club ever since he departed, for Villarreal, in 2006. The French midfielder is still making a living from the game - turning out for FC Goa in the Indian Super League - but retains a residence in London. Pires brought his seven-year-old son, Theo, along to a Gunners underage training session on Friday and, like any proud parent, took a few snaps. Theo Pires is still a tad too young for Wenger to pitch into the first team but watch this space.