8.15am Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Joan Jordan UPDATE, Brandt LATEST, Buendia targeted, Soler linked to Emirates
ARSENAL welcome Newcastle this weekend as the Gunners look to take their recent good form in the FA Cup.
Mikel Arteta looks set to be busy in the transfer market and we've the very latest on Julian Brandt, Joan Jordan and Emi Buendia.
Follow all the latest from the Emirates below…
- Josh Graham
ON THE LUC OUT
Lucas Torreira is reportedly set to be recalled from his loan spell at Atletico Madrid by Arsenal.
The Uruguayan midfielder, 24, was allowed to leave by Mikel Arteta last summer after being deemed surplus to requirements.
He was used as bait by the Gunners in their pursuit of Thomas Partey as he headed in the opposite direction for the campaign.
But he has started just twice for the LaLiga leaders with doubts over his future beginning to mount.
Florence-based newspaper La Nazione are claiming that Fiorentina have reignited their interest in Torreira.
The Serie A side want the star, who moved to the Emirates in 2018 from Sampdoria, on loan for the second part of the season.
And they state Arsenal are ready to end his current agreement with Atletico immediately because of Torreira’s lack of game time and send him to Italy instead.
- Alex Terrell
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
Prem chiefs received the news they needed from Boris Johnson: The show can go on, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
The Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown last night as the mutant Covid strains spread out of control.
But even though League bosses are set to reveal today that there were a record number of positive tests among clubs last week, elite football received the green light to keep playing.
The Premier League had spent recent weeks liaising with the Government in a bid to ensure football was not shut down again.
Those fears abated after the Scottish Government expressly excluded "those involved in professional sports, for training, coaching or competing in an event" from the "stay at home" order. The UK Government then followed suit.
The ruling extends to the FA Cup, allowing minnows Marine and Chorley ? as well as National League Boreham Wood and Stockport ? to play their third-round ties.
- Gary Stonehouse
GOOD MORNING GUNNERS FANS
The Premier League will be allowed to continue behind closed doors despite England going back into a national lockdown.
PM Boris Johnson addressed the nation last night to confirm tighter restrictions across the country but there is an exemption for elite sport, meaning professional football will carry on.
Arsenal’s festive form has taken the club from relegation candidates to European contenders.
Bookies had the Gunners at 20-1 to go down but they are now 11-4 to finish in the top six and 8-1 to qualify for the Champions League.
Lots of talk is about Emi Buendia who has emerged as a serious target for Arsenal.
The Norwich star has the most chances created in Europe this season and Arsenal may even offer Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson as part of a deal to land the £40million-rated man.
But it is thought the Gunners have given up chasing Real Madrid playmaker Isco due to Emile Smith Rowe's emergence.
Smith Rowe has started Arsenal’s last three Premier League games, all wins against Chelsea, Brighton and West Brom.
After Sead Kolasinac’s loan to Schalke, William Saliba followed him through the temporary exit door yesterday.
The French defender, 19, has joined Nice on loan for the remainder of the season to continue his development.
Saliba is yet to make a single first-team appearance for the club since his £27m arrival in 2019.
And there looks set to be more outgoings, too.
Sokratis continues to be linked with a move away with Fenerbahce and Olympiacos keen on the Greek international.
And Mohamed Elneny could be heading back to Besiktas on loan, the club he spent the 2019-20 season with.
- Joshua Jones
PARTEY TIME
Thomas Partey is stepping up his recovery from injury.
The £45m summer signing has managed just 278 minutes of Premier League action so far this season.
But he could be in contention to return against Newcastle next weekend in the FA Cup.
- Joshua Jones
ROWE YOUR BOAT
Arsenal have reportedly performed a transfer U-turn over Real Madrid star Isco due to the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe.
Spanish outlet Marca claim the youngster's recent impressive form for the Gunners has convinced Mikel Arteta to utilise funds in other areas.
Smith Rowe has started Arsenal's last three Premier League games, all wins against Chelsea, Brighton and West Brom.
And Arsenal's stance means the Spaniard is now most likely to seal a summer switch to Sevilla after making just three starts this term – although Carlo Ancelotti may try and take him to Everton.
- Joshua Jones
NICE IDEA
William Saliba has joined Nice on loan for the remainder of the season.
The French defender, 19, signed for the Gunners for £27million in 2019 but spent the 2019-20 campaign back at Saint-Etienne.
After failing to make a single first-team appearance this term, Arsenal were desperate to get him some game time.
And he has headed back to France to continue his development.
- Joshua Jones
BREAKING NEWS
The Premier League will be allowed to continue behind closed doors despite England going back into a national lockdown.
PM Boris Johnson addressed the nation this evening to confirm tighter restrictions across the country.
But there is an exemption for elite sport, meaning professional football will carry on.
The Premier League has had four matches postponed this season due to Covid-10 outbreaks at Manchester City, Fulham and Newcastle – while a further 52 have been scrapped across the EFL.
- Joshua Jones
DIE-ING TO COME BACK
Diego Costa would reportedly ‘love’ to return to the Premier League with Wolves eyeing a free transfer.
The ex-Chelsea striker is a free agent after Atletico Madrid terminated his contract with immediate effect – six months ahead of schedule.
Arsenal were also initially linked with a move before SunSport exclusively revealed Nuno Espirito Santo’s interest.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano told Sky Sports News: “Costa would love to return to the Premier League.
“He had some bids from Brazilian and Turkish clubs since he ended his contract with Atletico Madrid but he decided to wait a bit.
“He hopes to receive some bids from the Premier League. There are a lot of rumours but nothing advanced.
“But for sure, Diego is waiting for a call from the Premier League. He would love to come back, he loves the atmosphere. Let’s see.”
- Joshua Jones
BUEND OVER BACKWARDS
The Gunners are reportedly hoping to persuade Norwich City to sell Emiliano Buendia in a player-plus-cash deal.
The Independent claim Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson are among the players Arsenal are open to offering to secure the Argentine this month.
The report adds that the Emirates side have already started early discussions with Buendia's agent but a deal is thought to be still considered some way off.
Norwich are said to be hoping to scoop at least £40million for the 24-year-old but involving a player in the transfer could drive the price down.
Both Arsenal stars Nelson and Willock are three years Buendia's junior and have shown promise since breaking into the club's first-team.
Yet midfielder Willock has started just two Premier League games for Mikel Arteta this season and is largely used as a substitute.
And winger Nelson was linked with a loan move away from north London in the summer after falling down the pecking order.
- Joshua Jones
BES BE GONE
Besiktas reportedly want to re-sign Mohamed Elneny on loan from Arsenal.
Aksam claims the Turkish giants are keen on a second swoop for the Egyptian midfielder as Thomas Partey prepares to make his comeback from injury.
Elneny, 28, started the season well but has found opportunities limited in recent weeks.
Despite making 19 appearances in all competitions, Partey’s imminent return to action is likely to see Elneny fall even further down the pecking order at Arsenal.
And Besiktas are ready to offer the Egypt international an escape.
Elneny played 36 times for them on loan last season, becoming a firm fan favourite.
- Joshua Jones
FESTIVE FORM
Arsenal’s festive flurry of wins has seen them drag themselves out of a relegation fight and into contention for a European place.
The Gunners have won three games on the bounce since Boxing Day lifting them up the table and just six points away from the top four.
The last three wins over Chelsea, Brighton and West Brom have not only saved Arsenal's season but it may have saved Mikel Arteta's job too.
Prior to their U-turn, Arsenal were on a torrid run of just one win from ten league games, which saw their odds slashed to just 20/1 to be relegated.
But after kicking on over the festive period, Arsenal are now 11/4 to end the season in the top six and 8/1 to pull off a top four finish with Ladbrokes.
Arteta was previously the odds-on favourite in the Premier League sack race at 4/5 just days before Christmas.
But his odds of staying in a job have drastically drifted to 20/1 in the sack race.
Arsenal special odds – Ladbrokes
Arsenal to win the Premier League – 150/1
Arsenal to finish in the top four – 8/1
Arsenal to finish in the top six – 11/4
Arsenal to finish in the top 10 – 2/5
Arsenal to be relegated – 150/1
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- Joshua Jones
RACE ROW
Lucas Torreira is among the Uruguayan players who have joined forces to slam Edinson Cavani's three-game ban as 'discriminatory'.
And the South American stars have demanded that Cavani's suspension is overturned.
Cavani was suspended by the FA, handed a £100,000 fine and ordered to complete a face to face education.
Torreira, who is on loan at Atletico Madrid from Arsenal this season, tweeted the statement.
The statement read: "Far from condemning racism, the English Football Association has itself committed a discriminatory act against the culture and way of life of the Uruguayan people.
"The sanction shows the English Football Association's biased, dogmatic and ethnocentric vision that only allows a subjective interpretation to be made from its particular and excluding conclusion, however flawed it may be.
"Edinson Cavani has never committed any conduct that could be interpreted as racist. He merely used a common expression in Latin America to affectionately address a love one or close friend.”
- Joshua Jones
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
Who wants to see the Beautiful Game in all its glory?
And with the added extra of some Midlands snow?
Of course you do!
Here is Bukayo Saka rounding off a wonderful team move at The Hawthorns. Sumptuous stuff from the Gunners.
- Josh Graham
BUEND IT LIKE BECKHAM
Norwich star Emi Buendia has surpassed the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne this season by creating the most chances in Europe.
Arsenal target Buendia – who hit the winner against Barnsley on Saturday – has made 62 opportunities for Championship-topping Canaries, eclipsing the continent’s finest schemers.
- Josh Graham
BATTERING RAM
Aaron Ramsey is finally finding his place in the Juventus team after starring in a false-9 style role.
It has been far from plain sailing for the Welshman since his 2019 move from Arsenal as he has struggled with form and fitness.
Former Gunner Aaron Ramsey is starring as a false 9 for JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty But Ramsey was given another go in the starting XI for Sunday's match with Udinese.
In the first-half, he bustled opponent Rodrigo De Paul out of possession and teed up Cristiano Ronaldo's opener. And Ramsey would have made it three in the eventual 4-1 win, but for VAR picking up an accidental handball in his rebound finish.
Italian daily Tuttosport likened the ex-Arsenal man's position to that of a false-9, opening up space for Ronaldo and Paulo Dybala to run into.
And boss Andrea Pirlo was full of praise, saying: "When he’s in good shape, Aaron is a very important player.
"He’s intelligent, he knows which positions to find on the pitch. Unfortunately, he had so many problems in recent years that he needs a lot of rest between games."
- Josh Graham
RY SMILE
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Celtic's Ryan Christie to bolster their midfield options.
90min.com reports Christie is considering his options and would consider a move away.
The 25-year-old's name has also been linked with Newcastle, Southampton, Brighton and Burnley.
Christie could follow in the footsteps of former Hoops star Kieran Tierney by swapping Glasgow for North London.
Ryan Christie could be heading South from CelticCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun - Josh Graham
FLAIR JORDAN
Joan Jordan has hinted he is happy to stay at Sevllla despite rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal.
The LaLiga ace, who is valued at £32million, is thought to have attracted the attention of Mikel Arteta.
But the Sevilla playmaker says he is “super comfortable” at the Spanish club. This term he has made 15 LaLiga appearances for the side who are sixth and one place behind Barcelona.
Jordan told Estadio Deportivo: “In the end, these are just things that come out, like the many things that were said, the rumours, when I was at Eibar.
“I have always been very clear about the present… the future does not feed me, it takes away from me and does not give me the energy I need.
“I am at a super ambitious club, and I have nothing more to say because I really am super comfortable here, like I was when I arrived here.”
- Josh Graham
FINE ART
A bright start to the week for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta after the 4-0 hammering of West Brom.
- Josh Graham
ALEXANDRE THE GREAT
Alexandre Lacazette has found form at the right time for Mikel Arteta.
The Frenchman has an incredible goalscoring record this season!
- Josh Graham
GO ON BUEN
Arsenal are reportedly lining up a player-plus-cash deal for Norwich midfielder Emiliano Buendia.
The Independent reports there has already been talks with the player's agent.
Emiliano Buendia is on Arsenal's radarCredit: Getty Images – Getty The report states Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson are among the players the Gunners are willing to offer the Canaries to broker a deal.
Mikel Arteta is a believed to be a big fan of Buendia who has been instrumental in Norwich's run to the top of the Championship.
However, a move is still said to be some way off with Carrow Road boss Daniel Farke adamant the Argentine won't be leaving, although it is thought he would be allowed to go for the right deal.
- Josh Graham
MO WON'T GO?!
Mohamed Elneny certainly seems to be on board with Arsenal despite rumours he could leave with Besiktas interested.
- Josh Graham
BUK YOUR IDEAS UP
Bukayo Saka revealed Kieran Tierney's stunning solo goal against West Brom was something the Gunners have 'never seen before'.
The hardy Scot bagged a worldie with his weaker right foot in the snow at the Hawthorns as Mikel Arteta's side thumped Sam Allardyce's team 4-0.
And Saka told BBC Sport: "KT deserved that, he’s put in amazing performances all year and that was something we’ve never seen before from him, right foot, top corner."
- Josh Graham
NICE MOVE
Arsenal outcast William Saliba has agreed a loan move to French side Nice until the end of the season.
The former Saint Etienne star will cross the channel for some Ligue 1 action with the club paying 100 per cent of his wages.
There is no loan fee involved for the 19-year-old.
And the Gunners have not included any option to make the temporary move permanent – suggesting Saliba has a future under Mikel Arteta in North London.
William Saliba in Arsenal training at London ColneyCredit: Getty Images – Getty - Josh Graham
LAC OF TIME
Mikel Arteta has praised Alexandre Lacazette's recent form but said his contract talks won't happen until the summer.
The Frenchman bagged a brace in the Gunners' 4-0 win over West Brom and he has five goals in his last four games in all competitions.
Alexandre Lacazette and Mikel Arteta Credit: Reuters Lacazette has less than 18 months left on his current deal and negotiations over a possible extension have not been started.
Arteta said: "We have not talked about anything related to his contract.
"I am delighted with the way he has performed because he is scoring, has the form and energy at the moment so he needs to keep doing that.
“We will talk in the summer and make a decision then."
- Josh Graham
CLOSE CARL
Arsenal remain interested in signing Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler, according to reports.
The 24-year-old has continued to impress this season with six goals and five assists across 13 games in all competitions.
Mikel Arteta's side were first linked to Soler ahead of last summer's transfer window.
But El Desmarque claim the Gunners are still keen to sign the former Spain Under-21 star.
Soler – who was previously linked to Manchester United – is under contract until 2023 and hit the headlines after bagging a hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Real Madrid in November.
But Valencia could be forced to let him leave to ease the club's financial issues.
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