5 things we noticed as Arsenal board plane to Baku ahead of Europa League final

Laurent Koscielny has been linked with an Arsenal exit [Courtesy]

Arsenal are en route to Baku ahead of their Europa League final clash with Chelsea on Wednesday.

The Gunners boarded their plane to head to Azerbaijan on Saturday as they continue to prepare for the huge game.

Unai Emery's side know a major European trophy is not the only thing up for grabs, with a chance to snatch a spot in the Champions League despite missing out on a top-four Premier League finish.

There is a mixture of excitement and anticipation surrounding the club ahead of their all-English clash against Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea.

Here's a run-down of five things we spotted as Arsenal boarded their plane to set off to Baku.

1) Youngsters feature

Youngsters Xavier Amaechi and Buyako Saka are both involved in Arsenal's travelling party to Baku [Courtesy]

Youngsters Xavier Amaechi and Buyako Saka are both involved in Arsenal's travelling party to Baku.

Manager Unai Emery specifically asked for them to be left out of England's squads for the latest slate of fixtures to allow them to be involved in the Europa League final.

They were both spotted getting on the plane to Azerbaijan - and with 12 substitutes permitted in the final, there is a chance they could feature.

2) Packing his bags?

Reports have suggested Laurent Koscielny could be on his way out of Arsenal this summer [Courtesy]

Reports have suggested Laurent Koscielny could be on his way out of Arsenal this summer.

The experienced centre-back has spent nine years at the Emirates but talks over a new contract have stalled.

He's been linked with AC Milan and other Serie A clubs.

Could the Frenchman have packed his bags for one last Arsenal hurrah in Baku?

3) Excitement creeping in

Excitement is building for Arsenal ahead of the game.

Lucas Torreira is looking to end his first season in English football with some major silverware after making a significant impact for the Gunners.

The pint-sized Uruguayan looked visibly excited as he boarded the plane ahead of arguably the biggest game of his career so far.

4) Travel companions

Mesut Ozil and Shkodran Mustafi were pictured sitting next to each other on the plane [Courtesy]

Mesut Ozil and Shkodran Mustafi were pictured sitting next to each other on the plane - but they didn't look like best buddies.

Ozil was seen grinning with Mustafi's facial expression suggesting he knew he had a long journey ahead!

The Gunners faced a relatively long flight to Baku, so hopefully, the two Germans weren't quite sick of each other by the end...

5) Welbeck is back

Danny Welbeck has not played for Arsenal since suffering a nasty ankle injury in November [Courtesy]

Danny Welbeck has not played for Arsenal since suffering a nasty ankle injury in November.

The striker is set to depart the club at the end of the season with Everton linked with a move.

But he could be set for one last appearance as he remains an outside bet to feature in the Europa League final.

Welbeck has travelled with the squad to Baku, and whilst he remains unlikely to be thrown in, he could feature on the inflated subs bench.