Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Manor Solomon, Lucas Torreira, Marcel Sabitzer latest
All the latest transfer rumours, gossip and news on Spurs during the January window
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Arsenal will continue trying to balance out their squad as Mikel Arteta looks to offload those not competing for a regular place in his team, while also improving the side to push into the top half of the Premier League table after a recent turnaround in form.
The Gunners had an awful run over November and December, failing to win a single league game in seven and falling to within a couple of places of the relegation zone - but a recent four-game win streak across all competitions has reversed the mood somewhat, culminating in an FA Cup third-round win over Newcastle United on Saturday.
It wasn’t all good news from that match, though, as young forward Gabriel Martinelli picked up an injury in the warm-up. Another starlet did manage to shine, though, with Granit Xhaka praising Emile Smith Rowe after he found the breakthrough in extra time against the Magpies.
Mikel Arteta sounded his satisfaction that the VAR calls went his way, but the manager will now be looking to ensure the winning run goes on for longer, with the Gunners facing Crystal Palace in midweek before playing Newcastle again next Monday night. The boss hopes influential midfielder Thomas Partey could make his return from injury in that fixture, while off the pitch he is focused on offloading fringe members of the squad.
Mesut Ozil is expected to be one of the players departing the Emirates Stadium this month, while Arteta has also discussed the future of young forward Folarin Balogun. On the incoming side, the Gunners are still looking for a creative midfield outlet to play alongside Thomas, with RB Leipzig’s Marcel Sabitzer one of those linked with a move to north London.
We will have all the latest Arsenal news, rumours and gossip, from both potential signings and sales, throughout the day.
NEW ‘COVID CLAUSES’ TO BE INCLUDED IN PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS’ CONTRACTS
Premier League clubs want to include new 'Covid clauses' in players' contracts to cover themselves financially, according to Sky Sports.
Loan deals can be cancelled and some fees recouped if football is interrupted again by the pandemic.
This has led to "more complex negotiations than ever" between Premier League clubs.
Some such contracts reportedly include pay cuts if games are still played without fans beyond the end of this season.
ARSENAL LINKED WITH SHAKHTAR WINGER
Arsenal are weighing up a January move for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon, according to the Online Gooner.
The Gunners have reportedly been monitoring the 21-year-old since the summer, with technical director Edu monitoring his progress.
Shakhtar are said to have already rejected a €20m bid from Atalanta.
A source is quoted as saying: “We prefer to move in the summer but if a club like Arsenal come in for you in January, you don’t say no. Edu likes the boy.”
Aston Villa vs Tottenham postponed amid Premier League fixture chaos
Spurs will instead play Fulham in a game already postponed after the Cottagers’ own outbreak while the Fulham vs Chelsea clash later this week has also been moved
ARTETA CONFIRMS HOLDING CONTRACT EXTENSION
Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal hope to announce the news of Rob Holding's new contract as soon as possible.
Asked about reports of a new long-term deal for the 25-year-old, the Arsenal boss said: “It’s something we will announce as quick as we can and it looks that way.”
GENOA ‘FURTHER AND FURTHER AWAY’ FROM SOKRATIS DEAL
Genoa are losing ground in the race to sign Arsenal defender Sokratis, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Real Betis have emerged as the new favourites to sign the Greece international, and are reportedly pushing "harder and harder" to secure his signature.
Sokratis is surplus to requirements at Arsenal having been left out of both the Premier League and Europa League squads this season.
NICE PRESIDENT HINTS AT FUTURE SALIBA MOVE
Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere has suggested William Saliba could join the club permanently when his loan spell finishes in the summer.
The Arsenal youngster made the switch to the Ligue 1 side at the start of the January window, despite hopes that he would emerge as a first-team regular at the Emirates this season.
“Let’s let him rediscover enjoying being on the pitch, playing," Rivere said, quoted by the Metro.
“At the end of the six months, we’ll see – today he’s owned by a club called Arsenal. Everyone in June will come together and decide.
“A door is always open in life. When you have a situation where parties can talk, the doors are open. We will see, we are not there yet.”
There will be no last hurrah for Mesut Ozil, no shimmying strides or hypnotic passes to offer a reminder of what’s been lost. Few players at their peak have evoked football’s grace quite so vividly, but this tortured goodbye has long been deprived of its dignity.
Darkness of Mesut Ozil’s exit should not overshadow an illuminating career
Ozil’s demise is a tragedy with blame on all sides - but his brilliance will live far longer in memory
ARTETA QUIZZED ON ZAHA RUMOURS
Mikel Arteta has responded to speculation over interest from Arsenal in Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha.
The Ivorian last week revealed that he had been contacted by the Gunners over a potential move to the Emirates, but Nicolas Pepe was eventually signed instead.
"Well, undoubtedly he’s a player that has done exceptionally well in the Premier League," Arteta said.
"He has created a big name, because what he’s been able to do, sometimes just on his own, some individual actions that’s what people highlight all the time.
"But he’s a player that’s playing for Palace at the moment and I have nothing to comment."
GUENDOUZI COULD RETURN TO ARSENAL
Arsenal are preparing to bring Matteo Guendouzi back from his loan spell at Hertha Berlin in the summer, according to Bild.
The Frenchman was originally expected to leave permanently, but Hertha are unlikely to pay the £29m fee required to sign Guendouzi.
The 21-year-old has impressed in the Bundesliga this season and could be a part of Mikel Arteta's squad again next term.
ARTETA ON TORREIRA FUTURE
“I have had some conversations with Lucas, he started the loan period [at Atletico Madrid] really well but now he is lacking game time. It can happen, the team is doing exceptionally well, they are first in La Liga and when a team is winning it is difficult to get into the starting line up. It is a long season, I know Lucas’ character, he is going to try to keep going and keep pushing too. Let’s see what will happen.”
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