7pm Arsenal news LIVE: Aouar wanted by Arteta, fans demand Ed Sheeran fund NHS, Ryan Fraser free transfer LATEST – The Sun
MIKEL ARTETA is plotting an overhaul at Arsenal after winning his own personal battle against coronavirus.
The Premier League might be suspended indefinitely but the Gunners manager is said to be keen on snapping up Lyon's Houssem Aouar.
Follow all the latest Arsenal news and gossip with our blog below…
IT'S SMALL OVER
Arsenal have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Manchester United outcast Chris Smalling – after Roma chief Paulo Fonseca said it's a “pleasure” to have him.
He told A Bola: “He surprised me.
“He's a defender that had never left England and he arrived in a league very demanding of tactics, where details make the difference.
“Chris adapted very quickly. He's an extraordinary guy, very intelligent. He has characteristics that I really appreciate in the centre.
“He's fast, nearly unbeatable in one-on-ones. He has a great ability to read the play and anticipate. He was very important for this club.
“If possible, I would like him to stay. He's a great professional and person, it's a pleasure to have him here with us.”
RUD NOT TO
Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud could be set to extend his stay in the Premier League despite looking for a move away in January.
His agent Vincenzo Morabito told Calciomercato: “Giroud was an opportunity in January but now, given that the championships could also be played in June and July, he could decide to stay at Chelsea for another year.
“However, everything is still uncertain, given the general situation which, in my opinion, may have cleared up in a few weeks, between the end of April and the beginning of May the picture could be more complete.”
CHERRY PICKED
Exclusive by Alan Nixon: Bournemouth are set to end their ‘spend, spend, spend’ policy and open the door to selling Manchester United target David Brooks.
Owner Maxim Demin has backed the Cherries success story during their remarkable rise to the Premier League but is now planning a change of tactics.
Winger David Brooks, 22, would have been a wanted man if he had not missed the season with a serious ankle injury.
Manchester United and Spurs were keen and could rekindle their interest if he regains fitness.
The Wales international featured 33 times for the Cherries in all competitions last season.
He chipped in with a total of seven goals and five assists, with the player getting on the score sheet against the likes of Chelsea, Brighton and Fulham.
TAKE AS RED
Liverpool will win the 2019-20 Premier League title, according to Uefa chief Aleksander Ceferin – even if it's in the office.
He told Slovenian media: “I can't see a way Liverpool could be left without a title.
“If the Premier League resumes play, Liverpool will almost certainly win the title.
“Theoretically it's not all over, but practically Liverpool are on the verge of it.
“If by any chance the play will not resume, we still have to find a way to declare final results, to declare champions.
“And again I cannot see, I cannot imagine a scenario, in which the champions would not be Liverpool.
“I understand the fans will be disappointed if it happens in an empty stadium or even in the league offices, but I believe, they will get the title one way or another.”
IN THE SAME BOAT
Arsenal reportedly face competition from Chelsea in the race to sign Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng.
Foot Mercato claim the 31-year-old turned down the Gunners in January before Pablo Mari arrived on loan.
Yet the report adds that the experienced centre-back could be interested in a cut-price move this summer after struggling for game under Hansi Flick.
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