7.25pm Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Joan Jordan linked, Isco loan TALKS, Diego Costa for free, Rekik UPDATE
ARSENAL beat Brighton to record back-to-back victories and ease the pressure on Mikel Arteta.
Meanwhile the Gunners look set to be busy in the transfer market and we've all the latest on Joan Jordan, Isco and Diego Costa.
Follow all the latest from the Emirates below…
- Anthony Chapman
BLOCK-BUSTER YEAR
We all know 2020 has been a year like no other – but we can still rely on sport to provide a sense of normality with explosive bust-ups galore.
From boxing heavyweights to fighting team-mates to Jurgen Klopp over and over again, the last 12 months have certainly delivered.
So SunSport takes a look back over some of the most bonkers, bizarre and brutal clashes of the year…
SEE THE MOST EXPLOSIVE ROWS OF 2020 HERE
- Anthony Chapman
BAIL OUT PLAN
Leon Bailey has put Manchester United and Arsenal on red alert by joining Will Salthouse's Unique Sports Management Agency.
The Bayer Leverkusen star has been linked with moves to both teams as well as Tottenham.
Everton are also said to have sent scouts to watch the winger.
Jamaican international Bailey is valued around £40million and will be represented by his dad Craig Butler's Phoenix Sports Management and Salthouse's USM, according to the Mail.
- Anthony Chapman
KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
Rio Ferdinand has tipped young guns Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka to get Arsenal firing with their 'scary relationship'.
He told FIVE: "I watched Martinelli at Bournemouth away last season.
"Him and Saka together, they have a link up and a relationship that's already there that I think in years to come will be a scary relationship. Scary!
"They work so well together. And Tierney as well backing it up.
"But Martinelli, I have to say is going to be a tremendous footballer. Top player."
- Anthony Chapman
HOLD ON
Rob Holding insists Arsenal are targeting a place in Europe after turning around their season with back-to-back victories.
He said: “Fingers crossed we can climb the league and get back into European places and push on.
“These two wins are a massive confidence boost for us.
“We went through that really rough patch, but as soon as we got a win it gave us a lift.
“Now we’ve got another win and hopefully now we can go on a bit of a run, pick up points and climb up the table.”
- Anthony Chapman
FROM SUNSPORT’S MARTIN BLACKBURN
Manchester City will re-open their training ground on Wednesday afternoon after the latest round of Covid tests came back negative.
Monday night’s game at Everton had to be called off amid fears the virus had spread through Pep Guardiola’s squad.
But they can now continue planning for Sunday’s game at Chelsea – along with next Wednesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Manchester United.
A City statement read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that first team training will resume at the CFA this afternoon.
“The full Covid 19 bubble underwent testing on Tuesday and results so far have revealed no new positive cases.
“Safety remains our number one priority and the club will continue to proceed with great caution."
- Kostas Lianos
ART OF THE GAME
Emile Smith Rowe revealed what Mikel Arteta told the dressing room at half-time before Arsenal beat Brighton 1-0 at the Amex Stadium thanks to Alexandre Lacazette's goal.
Smith Rowe was so outstanding on the pitch that many believe Arteta won't need to sign a new midfielder in the January transfer window.
But the 20-year-old claims the Gunners boss' team talk was critical as he explained to them how the game was going to open up in the second half and why it was important to maintain faith.
Smith Rowe told the club's official website: "Mikel told us the game would open up in the second half so we just tried to keep the belief, the confidence and you could see we started to create more chances. Laca got the goal that helped us."
GETTY IMAGES – GETTY - Kostas Lianos
NO KO-VID BREAK
As mentioned below, today's Premier League clash between Tottenham and Fulham has been postponed after the Cottagers returned a number of positive COVID-19 tests on Tuesday.
However, the Premier League remains determined to keep the season going despite the latest coronavirus spike which led to a record 18 cases among players and staff, with a total of 1,479 people tested.
Therefore, there are currently no plans for a two-week ‘circuit breaker’ as discussed by a few clubs.
This is the third Premier League match that gets postponed following Newcastle vs Aston Villa in early December and Monday's game between Manchester City and Everton
- Kostas Lianos
CORONAVIRUS POSTPONEMENT
The Premier League clash between Tottenham and Fulham has been postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the Cottagers' side.
It is understood that the game, which was scheduled for Wednesday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been called off.
This comes after the Premier League announced there were 18 coronavirus cases among players and staff, with a total of 1,479 people tested.
This marked the highest number of positive results since weekly testing started.
- Kostas Lianos
PARTEY BOYS
Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell believes his former club should consider signing Brighton ace Yves Bissouma in the January transfer window.
Bissouma impressed against the Gunners on Tuesday's clash at the Amex Stadium which saw Mikel Arteta's men winning 1-0.
Campbell believes the Mali midfielder would be the perfect partner for Thomas Partey in midfield.
The Arsenal great told Amazon Prime: "I think Arsenal could do with a player like him, for sure.
"I think Thomas Partey needs a partner in the midfield with energy and I think that he would fit that bill perfectly."
- Kostas Lianos
SOK MOVE
As mentioned below Sokratis Papastathopoulos has been linked with a move away from Arsenal with Fenerbahce posing as a likely destination in January.
Sokratis has been omitted from the Gunners' Premier League and Europa League squad and thus a transfer would make sense.
During the summer the Greek centre-back was linked with a reunion with fellow countryman Kostas Manolas at Napoli.
There were also rumours in Greece that he would be returning to his country to join Olympiacos as a replacement for Ruben Semedo, who was linked with a move to Benfica.
However, Semedo stayed put as did Sokratis who has only made one appearance in the EFL Cup all season
- Kostas Lianos
COSTA SNUB
Arsenal have received yet another transfer boost amid reports suggesting they are interested in signing Diego Costa.
Costa left Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after both parties agreed to terminate his contract.
The Gunners are among rumoured clubs which are keeping tabs on the star striker.
The north Londoners may have to enter a bidding war with Premier League rivals Tottenham and Wolves.
But they receive a boost following news that Atletico have taken steps in order to make sure the ex-Chelsea star doesn't join another La Liga side.
And Tuttosport claim AC Milan have ruled out a bid for Costa even though they are looking for another striker to provide cover for Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Kostas Lianos
WHAT A MES
As we all know, history has a funny way of repeating itself and that's exactly what could happen at Arsenal.
The Gunners are reportedly interested in Isco, who replaced Mesut Ozil at Real Madrid in 2013 when the German playmaker moved to the Emirates.
And should the attacking midfielder move to north London then he will be taking Ozil's place again.
However, Arsenal are facing a rocky road ahead in their bid to sign the Spain international as he seems more keen to go to Sevilla and reunite with former Spain under-20s manager Julen Lopetegui
- Kostas Lianos
OZIL ASSIST
Arsenal were used to getting assists from Mesut Ozil on the pitch and may now be set for some help backstage ahead of the January transfer window.
That is because Ozil could offer a solution as to how the Gunners could save some money for transfer business next month.
According to ESPN, the attacking midfielder has offered advice to out-of-favour Sokratis Papastathopoulos about a move to Fenerbahce.
If Papastathopoulos moves to Turkey then that would free up some funds for Arsenal to pursue some top targets, like Diego Costa, that would help them climb up the Premier League table
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REKIK UPDATE
Arsenal will complete their first signing of the January transfer window if they pay around €600,000 (£542,000) for Hetha Berlin ace Omar Rekik, according to BILD.
Rekik came close to joining the Gunners last summer on transfer deadline day but a deal wasn't finalised on time.
Nevertheless, it now looks like the north Londoners are close to completing an agreement that would see the 19-year-old centre-back loaned back at Hertha.
Rekik has been playing for Hertha's youth squads these past few years and has left immense promise for the future
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NORTH LONDON RIVALRY
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has made Diego Costa his transfer priority ahead of the January transfer window.
That is according to Spanish outlet La Razon, which means Arsenal may have to enter a bidding war with their north London rivals next month for Costa.
The star striker left Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after both sides agreed to terminate his contract.
The Gunners and Spurs may face some competition from Wolves, who are also lining up a bid.
However, they will be pleased to know that Atleti have taken steps in order to make sure the Spain international doesn't join another La Liga club and therefore crashing Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla's hopes of signing him
- Kostas Lianos
COSTA BOOST
Real Madrid, Sevilla and Barcelona have been dealt with a transfer blow amid reports they are eyeing Diego Costa.
Costa left Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after his contract was mutually terminated and is now looking for his next destination.
Arsenal are one of the clubs which have shown interest for the star striker along with Wolves and Tottenham.
According to Goal, the ex-Chelsea star is more likely to move abroad rather than joining a Spanish team like Barcelona or Real because Atletico have agreed to let him go without putting their La Liga title bid at risk
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DAVID LUIZ ADVICE
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been urged to ignore David Luiz and keep him on the bench when he makes a complete recovery.
Luiz was offered a new one-year contract in the summer and is currently nursing an injury.
However, Tim Sherwood has advised Arteta to stick with his young stars as they are the ones that got him out of the mess created by players like the former Chelsea star.
Sherwood told Amazon Prime: "When Luiz is back fit, resist the temptation.
"They’re the ones who let you down before. They’re the ones who have put you in that trouble. The kids have got you out of it, stick with the kids.”
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ISCO DETERMINED
Arsenal target Isco is determined to leave Real Madrid by the end of the season.
That is according to AS, who claim the Spain international is keen to undertake a new challenge in his career.
The Gunners have been linked with the attacking midfielder as manager Mikel Arteta is looking to add some creativity to his midfield.
However, the 28-year-old appears to be more keen to go to Sevilla in order to reunite with former Spain under-20s boss Julen Lopetegui, who helped him take his career to the next level.
However, Real manager Zinedine Zidane isn't keen on letting Isco go in the January transfer window
- Kostas Lianos
ARTETA ON ISCO
Arsenal have been linked with a January megatransfer as reports suggest they are targeting Real Madrid star Isco, who is also being eyed by Sevilla.
However, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta remains silent regarding the club's plans for the upcoming transfer window.
But the Spaniard confirmed that the last two victories against Chelsea and Brighton won't change the way they do business next month.
Arteta said after Tuesday's 1-0 win over Brighton: "The last few results won't change our approach to the window.
"And obviously we can't talk about any individual players."
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TOP GUNS
Arsenal legend Ian Wright claims youngsters Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka are the ones who turned things around for the club.
The Gunners won back-to-back games in the Premier League only the second time this season following a seven-match winless streak in the top flight.
The north Londoners, though, made quite a comeback after beating Chelsea on Boxing Day and Brighton on Tuesday.
And Wright gives major credit to Martinelli, Smith Rowe and Saka for their "exuberance of youth".
He told Match of the Day: "The Arsenal fans have known about these guys… Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe, Saka.
"Smith Rowe, his touch, his energy, the fitness. You’ve got them stretched. Saka was fantastic today when you looked at… he’s literally held the club up on his own for a little while with the creativity.
"Those three boys, those three youngsters have literally turned it around for the last two games for us."
- Kostas Lianos
COSTA TO ARSENAL?
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Diego Costa following his sudden departure from Atletico Madrid.
Costa had his contract mutually terminated at Atletico on Tuesday and is now looking for his next challenge with reports suggesting he wants to continue in Europe.
According to AS, Arsenal could be the frontrunners for the star striker's signature, while Real Madrid, Sevilla and Barcelona are also eyeing the ex-Chelsea star.
The Gunners are looking for someone that will elevate them following a disastrous start to the Premier League that has seen them scoring a mere 16 goals in 16 matches…
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- Gary Stonehouse
MORNING ARSENAL FANS
The Gunners made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League for just the second time this season following the 1-0 victory against Brighton yesterday evening.
Alexandre Lacazette scored the only goal of the game – finding the back of the net just 21 seconds after replacing Gabriel Martinelli at the Emirates.
The result lifted the North London outfit up to 13th in the table ahead of their trip to West Brom on Saturday.
In other news, Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Real Madrid playmaker Isco on loan in January.
According to the Telegraph, talks are at an early stage, but Mikel Arteta is desperate to add creativity to his side.
However they face competition from LaLiga side Sevilla as former Real boss Julen Lopetegui looks to be reunited with the player.
Meanwhile, Arteta is also said to be keen on Sevilla maestro Joan Jordan.
Sevilla have put a £55million buy-out clause on the all-action midfielder but they are ready to listen to offers of around £32m.
And finally, Sokratis Papastathopoulos could finally be on his way out of the Emirates with Fenerbahce keen on snapping up the Greek international.
The 32-year-old was left out of Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squads for the first half of the season and is edging closer towards the exit door at the Emirates.
Turkish outlet Hurryiet claim the defender, who is out of contract in the summer, has begun talks with Istanbul side Fenerbahce.
- sstreet
GONE IN 21 SECONDS
Alexandre Lacazette came off the subs bench with Arsenal in desperate need of a goal at Brighton.
And it took him just 21 seconds to link up with Bukayo Saka and score the winner.
- Jake Lambourne
PANIC AT THE ISCO
Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Real Madrid playmaker Isco on loan in January.
According to the Telegraph, talks are at an early stage, but Mikel Arteta is desperate to add creativity to his side.
However they face competition from LaLiga side Sevilla as former Real boss Julen Lopetegui looks to be reunited with the player.
The Spaniard has started just three games in the league this season and is understood to be open to leaving the Bernabeu.
- Jake Lambourne
ART DEALER
Mikel Arteta has spoke of his delight at Arsenal winning back-to-back Premier League games for just the second time this season.
He told Amazon Prime: "The fact we won against Chelsea was a big boost and to come here three days later and get another win for us is massively important.
"I'm proud of the boys and happy with the result.
"When you lose the amount of games that we did recently to maintain high spirts is a big challenge but we have managed to do that.
"The best medicine is wins, the picture looks much better at the moment, we just need to have that consistency go against West Brom now and try to win again."
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