Barking mad! Mikel Arteta makes a new signing... a DOG for the training ground

Mikel Arteta has unveiled a new signing at Arsenal, a chocolate Labrador, as he looks to continue to keep the feel good factor at the club.

The dog, who has been affectionately named 'Win', can regularly be seen at the club's training ground at London Colney and has been drafted in to help the player's stress levels.

Arteta made the move to make the canine a part of his Gunners squad, after learning that petting a dog can be calming, improve a mood and reduce stress levels during researching the animal.

The Arsenal boss also believes that Win will help the togetherness of his squad and spirit that has seen them go so close to winning the Premier League title this season.

Spanish boss Arteta has been known be a fan of finding ways to get the best of his squad, however unconventional they may seem.

Famously hooking up speakers during training to play You'll Never Walk Alone ahead of a trip to Anfield, and drawing a love heart and a brain on his whiteboard before last season's North London derby.

He also once took a light bulb into a team meeting to demonstrate how ineffective it is without a connection to power. Liking it to a team having no power without their own connection.

Win is now his latest motivation tool, and the dog is now part of the Gunners surroundings at the training ground - and luckily isn't by the resident cat Bob, who was adopted by the club after his local owner died.

Labradors by their nature are known to be very intelligent dogs, who come across enthusiastic and fun.

Something the Gunners' stars may need following their title collapse at home to Brighton last weekend.

The 3-0 defeat to the Seagulls all but ended Arsenal's hope for a first league title since 2004, and rivals Manchester City can seal their fifth championship in six years by defeating Chelsea on Sunday - or if the Gunners lose to Nottingham Forest twenty-four hours before.

After their trip to the City Ground, Arsenal complete their campaign - where they've secured Champions League football for the first time in seven years - at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.