2.30pm Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Aubameyang return LATEST, Torreira to Monaco, Odegaard signs
ARSENAL continued their recent revival with another Premier League win, this time over Southampton at St Mary's.
But the Gunners could recall Lucas Torreira and send him on loan to Monaco after a torrid time at Atletico Madrid.
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Follow all the latest from the Emirates below…
- Josh Graham
BEST MAIT
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta challenged Ainsley Maitland-Niles to force his way into the the starting line-up.
Maitland-Niles has struggled for game time – playing just 102 minutes in Arsenal's last SEVEN Prem games.
Mikel Arteta told Ainsley Maitland-Niles to force his way into his plansCredit: Getty – Pool When asked if Maitland-Niles is concerned about keeping his spot in Gareth Southgate's squad, Arteta said: "Yes, it is a concern when there is international football involved as well and the chance to reach that opportunity.
"I understand that Ainsley wants more minutes and what he needs to do is fight, train and challenge his teammates and show us that he can be one of our starters."
- Josh Graham
TAKING THE MIK
Mikel Arteta insisted it wasn't a surprise to see basement boys Sheffield United topple Saturday's opponents Manchester United.
Mikel Arteta said he wasn't surprised Manchester United lost to Sheffield UnitedCredit: EPA The Arsenal boss said: "It is not a surprise because to beat any team in this league is extremely difficult and people take it for granted.
"Sheffield United are a really well organised team, they are a threat and they are good at what they do.
"They lost many games by one goal, where they didn’t deserve to lose.
"Every game is a [challenge] in this league and anybody can beat anybody, and with the context and circumstances we have this season, it makes it even more difficult."
- Josh Graham
ARTWORK
Mikel Arteta was always destined to be a manager because he was 'obsessed' with the game, according to his old Everton team-mate Leon Osman.
Mikel Arteta and Leon Osman (right) were team-mates at EvertonCredit: PA:Empics Sport Osman, speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at its launch of the 5-A-Side bet on Everton v Newcastle, said: "He was always a driven character at Everton, he knew his daily goals and he was always striving to win games and improve himself.
"He's a student of the game. You could see he was obsessed with all aspects of the game, especially tactically.
"He didn't just come in, train and go home. You could see he was intelligent very early on. I always felt that he'd at least end up being a coach, if not a manager.
"As he was developing you just seemed to sense it was something he was going to do after his career as a player."
- Josh Graham
HOMETOWN HERO
Mikel Arteta revealed he first was impressed by new signing Martin Odegaard when watching him turn out on loan for the Spanish boss' hometown side Real Sociedad.
Arteta put in the call to ensure Odegaard would come to the Emirates rather than return to the Basque region on loan from Real Madrid.
Norwegian Martin Odegaard starred on loan for Real Sociedad last seasonCredit: PA:Press Association And in today's press conference, he said: "Ive followed him very closely because he played for Real Sociedad, which is my hometown.
"I know him really well. I've been really impressed. He's a such a talent. He needs the right environment, he needs a little bit of time but I think he's got the qualities to be a success for us.
"We believe that he's got some special qualities that we need, that we have been missing.
"He hasn't played that many minutes in Madrid but he's been training hard and he looks so excited, as we are, to have another big talent at our club."
- Josh Graham
AUBA AND OUT?
Mikel Arteta revealed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could still feature against Manchester United as 'things are looking better'.
The skipper missed the last two games for personal reasons with his mother being taken ill.
At his press conference today, Arteta said: "I spoke with him yesterday and things are looking better at the moment but we're going to have to wait and see."
Stand-in captain Hector Bellerin revealed the Gunners dedicated their 3-1 win over Southampton their absent leader.
Arteta added: "That's what we always talk about and what we always expect to do for each other, that when someone is having difficulties that we understand him, protect him, give him our love and be right behind him because that's what's needed."
- Josh Graham
PAIN IN THE AOUAR-SE
Arsenal have been dealt a transfer blow as Juventus are reportedly set to open talks with Lyon about Houssem Aouar.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with the midfielder but look set to be pipped by the Italian giants who want him to move in the summer.
Arsenal are set to miss out on Houssem AouarCredit: EPA Mikel Arteta was said to be keen on bringing the Frenchman in this month.
He also caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain and was valued around £45million.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas was adamant Aouar would not be sold in January.
And that suits Juve who want to agree a deal to bring him to Turin in the summer, according to Sky Italia.
- Josh Graham
COME MON!
Monaco are poised to rescue Arsenal's on loan midfielder Lucas Torreira from the wilderness at Atletico Madrid.
The Uruguayan went the other way on the day Thomas Partey arrived at the Emirates in October.
But he has been restricted to just TWO LaLiga starts by Diego Simeone this season.
The Gunners are unhappy with the situation and are looking at other options for the rest of the season.
AS reports Monaco are in the best position to broker a deal for the rest of the year before Monday's transfer deadline.
- Josh Graham
BUK YOUR IDEAS UP
Arsenal legend Tony Adams warned boss Mikel Arteta he risks burning out Bukayo Saka.
The 19-year-old England international has been a shinning light for the Gunners across a mixed season, bagging five goals and two assists.
He has played 1,506 Premier League minutes out of Arsenal's 1,800 so far in the Prem.
When Adams was asked about Saka, he told Stadium Astro: "Love him to death. What Arsenal fan wouldn’t love a player like that. It’s very important for the coach to actually know when to say, ‘have a rest today’.
"What Arteta’s done, and he did the same last year, he falls on a system, it works for him, and he kind of runs with it. I think that’s kind of dangerous.
"I think Arteta’s going, ‘just go and play’, but you have to watch that, you really do. You’ll get burnt out, your form will drop, your confidence could go."
- Josh Graham
NOR BLIMEY
Martin Odegaard's fellow Norwegian Erling Haaland is pleased to see his pal at a 'big club' but warned he will need regular game time to deliver the goods.
Borussia Dortmund goal machine Haaland told VG: "It will be interesting. Arsenal are a big club in England.
Arsenal new boy Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland are international team-mates with NorwayCredit: Getty Images – Getty "It’s a bit different football [to Real Madrid], but I think he can fit in well with Mikel Arteta in the No10 role.
“He can enjoy himself there. He has to get in there and simply start playing games.
“That’s what he needs. We know how good Odegaard can be.
“When he gains confidence with the ball, we know that the most incredible things can happen.”
- Josh Graham
GUNNER MISS OUT
Arsenal will not put any pressure on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to rush back to duty in time to face Manchester United on Sunday.
The striker has missed the last two matches for 'personal reasons' which Aubameyang revealed was to see to his mother who has been seriously ill.
The Gunners captain, 31, says she is thankfully on the mend but Arsenal are relaxed about whether he will be available or not for the big clash with United on Sunday.
SunSport understands that the view of boss Mikel Arteta and the club is that health is more important than missing one game, especially after the events of the past year.
It is unclear if any quarantine periods need to be observed to conform with Covid-19 guidelines.
- Marc Mayo
GOOD MORNING GOONERS
Arsenal finally announced the loan signing of Martin Odegaard on Wednesday on a deal until the end of the season.
The Norwegian playmaker is now in contention to make his debut against Manchester United on Saturday.
Speaking of his move, the 22-year-old said: "I think every time you go to a new place, you want to make sure that it feels good and that there is a plan. But I think everything here just seems good.
"I like the club and I always liked the way that the club wants to play.
"Everything about the club and now how the manager wants to play, I think it’s a club that really suits me well. So I think it’s a good match."
In other news, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has lifted the lid on the reason why he has missed the club's last two matches.
He tweeted: "Hey guys, thank you so much for all the messages and calls over the last few days.
“My mother is going through some health issues and I had to be there for her."
Meanwhile, Monaco reportedly remain keen to sign Lucas Torreira – on loan at Atletico Madrid – from Arsenal.
According to AS, the Ligue 1 side are in talks to bring the Uruguay midfielder on loan until the end of the season.
And finally, Arsenal are reportedly one of three clubs interested in Hibernian left-back Josh Doig.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a back-up for Kieran Tierney, and are said to be keeping tabs on the 18-year-old defender.
- Jake Lambourne
EURO BARRED
Arsenal will have to play their Europa League ties with Benfica on neutral territory or see their entire squad locked away in quarantine for ten days.
The Gunners are due to fly to Lisbon for their last-32 clash, with the return leg at the Emirates the following week.
But the government today announced strict new regulations are in force for arrivals from ‘Red List’ countries which see everyone bussed directly from an airport to a hotel for isolation against new mutations of Covid-19.
Portugal is one of the countries on the red list, meaning if Arsenal travelled to Lisbon the group would be quarantined immediately on their return.
And SunSport has confirmed there is NO elite sport exemption to sidestep the rules – and it is unlikely that situation will change any time soon.
A government source said: “The rules are clear given the gravity of the public health situation.
“It is for the football authorities to consider appropriate plans for fixtures and events – national governing bodies are aware of this.”
- Jake Lambourne
LUC IS OUT
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has backed up AS' report that Lucas Torreira is being chased by Monaco on loan.
Speaking on the Transfer Show, he said: "There is a situation developing with Lucas Torreira.
"He has only made two La Liga starts for Atletico and the worry for Arsenal is that if that continues through the rest of his loan spell then it can only do one thing to Torreira’s value.
"Cutting short the loan in this transfer window can’t be ruled out. Arsenal will want to see him play as much regular football as they can to maintain his value.
"But it’s not as simple as Arsenal saying ‘let’s cut short the loan’. Atletico hold the cards with this one, they have a season-long loan for Lucas Torreira.
"They would have to agree with Arsenal to cut short the loan."
- Jake Lambourne
JOSH-ING AROUND
Arsenal are reportedly one of three clubs interested in Hibernian left-back Josh Doig.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a back-up for Kieran Tierney, and are said tobe keen on the 18-year-old defender.
According to Sky Sports, the Gunners are monitoring the progress of the Scotland youth international.
However Arsenal are said to be in competition with Celtic and Chelsea for Doig's signature.
- Jake Lambourne
TOR BLIMEY
Monaco reportedly remain keen to sign Lucas Torreira – on loan at Atletico Madrid – from Arsenal.
According to AS, the Ligue 1 side are in talks to bring the Uruguay midfielder on loan until the end of the season.
It has been claimed that all three parties are in negotiations about the possible move, though Atletico are reluctant to terminate his loan.
However Arsenal director Edu is keen for the ex-Sampdoria star to be playing regularly.
- Jake Lambourne
HEC OF A STATEMENT
Hector Bellerin has dedicated Arsenal's win to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
- Jake Lambourne
OL IN ONE
Roma are reportedly plotting a late raid on Chelsea for Arsenal icon Olivier Giroud.
Corriere dello Sport claims the Frenchman is wanted on loan as a replacement for Edin Dzeko, who has been axed by boss Paulo Fonseca.
But Roma are unsure if they can negotiate a deal, temporary or permanent, with Chelsea following the appointment of Thomas Tuchel.
The German is yet to indicate if Giroud is part of his plans for the rest of the season.
- Jake Lambourne
GUNNED DOWN
Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Marseille left-back Jordan Amavi.
The 26-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and the Ligue 1 side are keen to cash in on him.
It has been claimed that Mikel Areta was eyeing up a possible move to increase competition for Kieran Teirney.
But RMC Sport have stated that Leeds are edging closer to securing his services.
- Jake Lambourne
WIZARD OF OZ
Mesut Ozil has officially been unveiled as a Fenerbahce player after ending his Arsenal nightmare.
The playmaker, 32, finally quit the Gunners after nearly eight years in North London to sign for his boyhood club.
And now, Ozil has held his first press conference as a Fenerbahce star – revealing it's a 'dream' for both himself and the club.
Ozil – accompanied by wife Amine Gulse and daughter Eda – said: "It was a dream for Fenerbahce, it was a dream for me.
"I believe that I will win the championship with Fenerbahce.
"I hope we will be champions and do important things in the Champions League."
- Jake Lambourne
AUBA TO YOU
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed his absence from Arsenal's last two matches were due to his mother's health issues.
He wrote in a statement online: "Hey guys, thank you so much for all the messages and calls over the last few days.
"My mother is going through some health issues and I had to be there for her.
"She's already much better now and I will be back home tonight. I'm more than grateful to the doctors and nurses helping her get through this.
"And of course, thanks to my Arsenal fam for the love yesterday! I'm more determined than ever to keep our momentum going!
"Thank you all again – I really am beyond blessed to receive this level of support and love from all of you and I can't wait to be back."
- Jake Lambourne
BAC IN TIME
Bacary Sagna claims Leicester made him a ‘disrespectful’ offer when he left Manchester City in 2017.
And the former Arsenal star adds he was also made to sit on a couch for EIGHT hours during the ill-fated negotiations.
He told SoFoot: “When I left City, I turned down a lot of offers. I said to myself, ‘They don’t want to respect me, I’m not going’.
“I met a few clubs, we agreed on everything, and finally they disappeared. Leicester disrespected me.
“They made me an offer with a few details that were wrong and they made me hang out on a couch for eight hours.
"A lot of things happened, but I never talked about it. I don’t care, actually.
“It was my problem, I shouldn’t have given a damn that much. I am not a man of money, I am my heart.”
- Joe Brophy
NAME OF THE GAME
Arsenal new boy Martin Odegaard has told the Gunners faithful how exactly to pronounce his name.
- Joe Brophy
BACARY SCRAN-GNA
Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna has swapped pitches for patties … by opening a BURGER RESTAURANT.
The food-loving France international said he used to crave good-quality hamburgers during his time with the Gunners and Manchester City.
He told SoFoot.com: "I wanted to do something together with friends. My pals Ben and Feteh had already opened a restaurant, we found a place in northern Paris, and we had to seize the chance.
"I have always liked to cook, but I did not know the food industry.
"When you play football you can't have any cheat days – but sometimes it crosses your mind and you'll take a few liberties.
"I sometimes ate burgers during my playing career, but they were fatty and full of congealed meat.
"When we developed our concept we decided to go with top-quality ingredients. Our burgers are made from French produce.
"The bread is fresh, the meat minced to order and the sauce made in-house every day."
- Joe Brophy
GUNNER BE A STAR
Erling Haaland believes Norway team-mate Martin Odegaard will fit in well at Arsenal.
He told Norwegian outlet VG: "It will be interesting. Arsenal is a big club in England.
"It's a bit different football, but I think he can fit in well with Mikel Arteta in the 10-role. He can enjoy himself there.
"He has to get in there and simply start playing matches. That's what he needs.
"We know how good Odegaard can be. When he gains confidence with the ball, we know that the most incredible things can happen. So he just has to 'go on' there."
- Joe Brophy
DAN THE MAN
Arsenal star Dani Ceballos had a key role in encouraging Martin Odegaard to follow in his footsteps from Real Madrid to north London.
He said: "Yes, [Dani] text me the other day and he had only good things to say about the club, the manager and everything.
"That was also important for me and he was happy for me to come here, so that was a good thing for me, to know someone here and to hear from someone inside the club as well. It's good."
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