4.30pm Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Ryan Christie eyed, Sabitzer deal, Joan Jordan LATEST, Saliba set 'to LEAVE'
ARSENAL face West Brom tonight in their first match of 2021.
Mikel Arteta is reportedly eyeing up a swoop for Celtic's Ryan Christie, while we've the very latest on Joan Jordan and Isco.
Follow all the latest from the Emirates below…
- Sandra Brobbey
GIVE GAB A BREAK
Mikel Arteta is being urged to start Gabriel Martinelli on the bench during Arsenal's clash with West Brom this evening.
TalkSport's Tony Cascarino reckons the Emirates boss should opt to bring Alexandre Lacazette into his starting 11.
The Gunners have won their last two games after a winless seven-game run.
And Lacazette was on target for the Gunners in their wins against Chelsea and Brighton.
Cascarino told TalkSport: "I would probably play Saka on the right and play Lacazette down the middle, because I do think Lacazette, especially against Chelsea, he looked really hungry, an angry forward that's got a lot to prove.
"I think you're going to need that today. I'd probably go Aubameyang, Lacazette and Saka on the right.
"Martinelli would be very unlucky because he's put in two very good performances."
- Sandra Brobbey
GUNNING FOR CHRISTIE
Arsenal are rumoured to be rivalling Celtic for the signature of Leicester City's Ryan Christie.
Reports claim the Gunners are in the market to boost their attacking midfield options before the transfer window shuts.
And 90mins claims the Foxes ace has caught Mikel Arteta's eye along with Emiliano Buendia and Isco.
It is reported Christie, 25, has a contract with the Foxes until 2022 and has not expressed an interest in an exit from The King Power.
- William Pugh
UP FOR SAL
William Salba is reportedly prepared to leave Arsenal permanently this month.
The French defender, 19, is yet to make his first-team debut for Mikel Arteta’s side.
According to L’Equipe, Saliba held a meeting with the club to discuss his future. Both parties are in agreement that he can leave on loan or permanently this month.
Saliba signed for the North London club for £27million in the summer of 2019. He was loaned back to Saint-Etienne before he returned to the Emirates over the summer.
The 6ft 4in youngster was expected to be a key player for Arteta during the 2020-21 campaign.
But he looks set to leave the club this month in some way after being frozen out of the squad. Saliba’s only appearances have come in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy.
- William Pugh
EXIT BLOCKED
Mikel Arteta has vowed Arsenal will not terminate Mesut Ozil’s contract – but he will wait until the transfer window closes before deciding on a recall.
The £350,000-a-week German World Cup winner has not played a second for the Gunners this term.
Up until their mini revival over the festive period, Arsenal had struggled for form, with some believing that could lead to Ozil coming back into the fold when Arteta names his 25-man squads for domestically and for the Europa league at the end of this month.
But even though boss Arteta is adamant they will not offer him a golden handshake to walk away over the coming weeks, he was non-committal over his chances of getting back into his side.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s trip to West Brom tonight, he said: “We will see what happens in the transfer window and we will assess at the end of that.
“You have to respect the players' contracts. You can just try to be open with them, tell them your intentions, the role that they have in the team and why that is.”
- William Pugh
GUNNER BE GOOD!
Arsenal have got fans in the mood ahead of their game at West Brom later today.
The Gunners kick-off against Sam Allardyce's met at 8pm.
- William Pugh
FEEL THE BURN
Fulham's game against Burnley has been postponed after more coronavirus cases were confirmed within Scott Parker’s squad.
The Cottagers were unable to face Tottenham earlier in the week due to a coronavirus outbreak at the club.
Fulham were scheduled to be back in action at Turf Moor on Sunday, with kick-off set for midday. But the match has been called off after the latest batch of testing revealed more positive results.
A statement from Fulham read: “Following further new positive results returned from the most recent Covid-19 tests, the Club can confirm that this Sunday’s away at fixture at Burnley has been postponed after discussions with the Premier League and advice from the medical teams.
“Those who tested positive are self-isolating in line with UK Government and Premier League guidance.
“The welfare of our players, staff and their families continue to be of paramount importance, and we wish those who have tested positive a safe and speedy recovery.”
- William Pugh
WENGER IN
Arsene Wenger has sensationally offered to RETURN to Arsenal if the club ask with Mikel Arteta struggling.
This season, rookie boss Arteta has guided the Gunners to their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign having taken over in December 2019.
Arsenal have managed just 20 points from their first 16 games this season, with the club way down in 13th averaging a meagre one goal per game.
And Wenger, who spent 22 years in charge before leaving at the end of the 2017-18 season, has admitted he would be open to helping if he was called upon.
Wenger – who won three Premier League titles in North London – told the Men In Blazers podcast: “If I’m needed, I will help them.
“But I don’t expect that, no. I wish nothing. Time is a good doctor, you know?”
- William Pugh
…
A Spurs statement read: “We are extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Christmas…
“Particularly as we know the sacrifices everybody around the country made to stay safe over the festive period.
“The rules are clear, there are no exceptions, and we regularly remind all our players and staff about the latest protocols and their responsibilities to adhere and set an example.
“The matter will be dealt with internally.”
West Ham released their own statement, saying: “The Club has set the highest possible standards with its protocols and measures relating to Covid-19 so we are disappointed to learn of Manuel Lanzini’s actions.
“The matter has been dealt with internally and Manuel has been strongly reminded of his responsibilities.”
- William Pugh
COVIDIOTS!
Four Premier League stars have been condemned by their clubs after they appeared to break Government Covid guidelines.
Argentine Giovani Lo Celso hosted the bash which was attended by his Tottenham team-mates Sergio Reguilon, Erik Lamela and West Ham ace Manuel Lanzini.
A picture first posted on social media shows the quartet and their families at an indoor Christmas celebration – despite living in Tier 4 London.
The image is claimed to have been uploaded to Instagram by one of the family members – with the account quickly made private.
The party in question could have taken place last month, with Lanzini posting another picture of himself in a smaller group to his own Instagram wishing fans a happy Christmas on December 25.
In total it is believed there were 18 people present – the four players, 11 other adults and three children.
- William Pugh
AL OR NOTHING
Premier League clubs look set to miss out on David Alaba as Real Madrid are reportedly ‘close’ to signing him.
The Austrian superstar, 28, is set to leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.
According to Marca, Real Madrid are keen to seal the deal with Alaba as ‘soon as possible’.
The La Liga giants have offered him a four-year deal worth around £9million-per-year.
Madrid are ‘close’ to securing Alaba’s signature despite interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Alaba also revealed he is an Arsenal fan in the past which had seen the Gunners linked with a move.
- William Pugh
ISCO WARNING
Arsenal have been advised not to sign Isco in the January transfer window.
The Gunners have been linked with a bid for the Real Madrid star as manager Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his midfield.
However, club legend Kevin Campbell insists the north Londoners already have enough creative midfielders in the squad already.
Campbell told Football Insider: “Well Emile Smith Rowe’s been creative, [Bukayo] Saka’s been creative. So I’m not sure where Isco would fit.
“He’s s a gifted player, don’t get me wrong, but he’s not someone who’ll pick the ball up and go past people. He’s a technical operator.
“You need to be playing half-decent to get the best out of him. I’ve seen him a lot and when you play well, he tends to play well.
“But he’s not someone who takes the game by the scruff of the neck. I might be wrong, but there are other players I think they should go for.”
- William Pugh
HOW ARSENAL COULD LINE UP VS WEST BROM
Arsenal travel to strugglers West Brom on Saturday hoping to win their third game on the bounce in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta's men have put together two decent wins since, while Allardyce, 66, may have his tail between his legs a little, having seen his side battered 5-0 by Leeds on Tuesday night.
Much of Arsenal's recent improvement has owed to Arteta, 38, putting his trust in the kids, with experienced players like David Luiz and Willian having been unavailable.
But with the Brazilian, ex-Chelsea duo now back in contention, it remains to be seen how the Gunners will decide to set up.
- William Pugh
SAM-SIBLE WORDS
West Brom manager Sam Allardyce has urged his players to be better physically and mentally before his team host Arsenal at 8pm tonight.
Speaking ahead of the game, he said: "Arsenal haven’t been playing too well but then they got that fantastic win over Chelsea and then beat Brighton.
"For us, it’s about what best team can I get out there, what is the best team both fitness wise and mentally to go and compete.
"At least we have got a few days to recover because for me, looking at thee players they haven’t recovered very well from the Liverpool game
"That is where I point to fitness
"At least we will have had a few days to get them recovered and get them out competing."
- William Pugh
GET IT AUBA WITH!
Arsenal posted pictures of their New Years Day training session ahead of their match with West Brom later today.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang featured heavily as the Gunners will hope to start 2021 as they finished 2020.
The North Londoners picked up back-to-back victories as they pulled themselves away from the relegation zone.
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- William Pugh
KARREN BRADY – EXCL COMMENT
I was confused this week when I read Premier League clubs were considering a two-week 'circuit breaker' in the season over fears of Covid-19 outbreaks causing chaos.
It was complete nonsense. It has never been discussed or been raised by ANY club in any of our multiple PL meetings and there are no plans to discuss it.
Our fixture list is already congested and our priority is to finish the season as long as it is safe to do so. And we ALL think it is safe to do so.
All clubs have excellent Covid-19 protocols which allow us play our games behind-closed-doors — and our protocols continue to have the full backing of Government.
Some fixtures have been postponed but this is mainly because Public Health England are closing down training grounds, which means that while clubs still have the required 14 players to complete the fixture, they have nowhere to meet, train and prepare for the fixture.
And that’s simply unfair and wrong so, quite rightly, the PL have suspended the game, a decision I fully support.
- William Pugh
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
It’s game day, and Arsenal are taking on Big Sam’s West Brom at 8PM!
Speaking ahead of the game, Big Sam said he hopes his side 'fear Arsenal'.
Allardyce said: "Let’s hope they see Arsenal as big as they see Manchester City and Liverpool because they seem to do the right things against the teams they have a bit more fear of.
"I hope they fear Arsenal and it kicks them into performing like they did against Liverpool.
"We need to start picking up points wherever we can but certainly here at The Hawthorns."
Legendary manager Arsene Wenger has said he would return to the club ‘if needed’.
Speaking to ABC Sports, Wenger said: “If I’m needed, I will help them, but I don’t expect that, no."
Arsenal defender Sokratis could finally be on his way out of the club with both Napoli and Fenerbahce interested in signing him.
The 32-year-old was not registered for either the Premier League or Europa League squads, and with his contract due to expire in the summer Arsenal could look to move him on.
The Gunners are also looking at bringing in Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie, according to reports.
The 25-year-old's contract is due to expire at the end of the 2021-22 season and according to 90min, he has given no indication he intends to renew his deal.
Arsenal may have a secret weapon up their sleeve should they pursue a deal for Christie.
Former team-mate Kieran Tierney joined the Gunners back in 2019 and could prove to be rather useful in luring the Scotland international to the Emirates.
- Joshua Mbu
AUBAME-BANG!
Arsenal ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang watched stunned as his brother fired a gun next to his own head in an online chat.
The striker looked on in disbelief as Willy Aubameyang performed a wild jig before shooting the pistol.
Willy, 33, topless and wearing trousers with braces, loaded the weapon before pulling faces at the camera.
He then raised the gun close to his head and fired. The bemused Gunners captain, 31, appeared to call his brother “strange” and laugh nervously as he watched on his screen.
The pair were chatting on Instagram Live from different locations in the last minutes of 2020, with 5,000 followers watching.
One Arsenal fan told the Sun: “I couldn’t believe what I was watching. I was shocked and scared.”
Read more
- Joshua Mbu
I SPY
Hi there, Thomas Partey!
- Joshua Mbu
WENGER RETURN?
Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he would return to the club 'if needed'.
With Arsenal sat in 13th place under former player Mikel Arteta, Wenger was asked whether he would return to Arsenal to save the day.
Wenger told NBC Sports: "If I’m needed, I will help them, but I don’t expect that, no."
The Frenchman lead Arsenal to three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups, and seven community shields.
- Joshua Mbu
PUT A SOK IN IT
Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos is a transfer target for Italian outfit Napoli and Turkish side Fenerbahce, according to the Daily Mail.
The centre-back joined the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund for £17million back in 2018, but has since fallen out of favour.
Sokratis, 32, was not registered for both the Premier League and Europa League squads alongside Mesut Ozil.
With his deal set to expire in the summer, Arsenal could look to offload him sooner.
- Joshua Mbu
PEP ON TOP
Nicolas Pepe remains top of Arsenal's most expensive signings.
- Joshua Mbu
"I HOPE THEY FEAR ARSENAL"
West Brom manager Sam Allardyce has said he hopes his side "fear arsenal" ahead of Saturday's game.
Speaking ahead of the game, Allardyce said: "Let’s hope they see Arsenal as big as they see Manchester City and Liverpool because they seem to do the right things against the teams they have a bit more fear of.
"I hope they fear Arsenal and it kicks them into performing like they did against Liverpool.
"We need to start picking up points wherever we can but certainly here at The Hawthorns."
- Joshua Mbu
PARTEY TIME
Thomas Partey is not in the squad travelling to face West Brom on Saturday according to Football.London.
However, the £45million summer signing is back in training and is targeting the game against Newcastle on January 9 as a potential return.
Credit: Getty Images - Joshua Mbu
INCOGNITO
Balogun is wrapped up warm for training!
- Joshua Mbu
AOUAR NO GO
Arsenal will not make a move for long-term transfer target Houssem Aouar, according to reports.
Due to the players £45million price tag, he is unlikely to move in the January transfer window.
And Arsenal will face stiff competition from the likes of Juventus if they want to land the midfielder.
Goal's Charles Watts has said the player is likely to stay put until the summer.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts said: "Houssem Aouar was the big talking point of the summer, it ran through most of the summer and it didn't happen in the end.
"I always get lots of questions, are Arsenal going to go back in for Aouar in January?
"I can't see that happening. I'll say that right now. I just think it's going to cost too much money. I think Lyon are top of Ligue 1 at the moment as well and you know, flying and really having a go at beating PSG to the title.
"I cannot see there is any way that Aulas is going to let Aouar or any of his top players go at this stage of the season when Champions League qualification is on the line, the title's on the line and they've got such a good chance of winning the title in France.
"That's not one to think about this January, there's too much money and too much going on at Lyon for something like that to happen."
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