9.45am Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Aubameyang contract announcement due, Ozil slams Spurs on Twitter, Partey UPDATE – The Sun

September 10, 2020

ARSENAL have been dealt a blow in their bid to signing Philippe Coutinho with the Barcelona star looking set to stay in Spain this season.

Meanwhile Rennes have confirmed that they are in talks with the Gunners over a move for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

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Get all the latest news and transfer gossip from North London here…

PIC OF THE BUNCH
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s new £250,000-a-week contract at Arsenal will reportedly be announced in the next few days.
For now, check out these wonderful pictures the club have released (despite not yet announcing the contract).
FAN PLAN IN BALANCE
Prem boss Richard Masters has admitted he is in the dark over when fans will be allowed back into grounds, reports MARTIN LIPTON.
League chiefs had hoped to open all turnstiles from October 1 with a staged return of supporters for the first time since March.
Clubs including Spurs and Manchester United were keen to run trials of selected fans at their opening home game of the campaign this month.
But with the Government having banned “social” gatherings of more than six people and Doncaster races putting the final three days of the St Leger meeting behind closed doors, Masters was unable to say how it will affect Prem plans.
He said: “We are always subject to a government decision and they haven't made that decision yet.
“All I can say is that the Premier League and the Premier League clubs stand ready willing and able to continue with our test events and test proposals and open our turnstiles from October 1 if we are given permission to do so.”
LION OF SIGHT
Lionel Messi has come to the aid of a visually-impaired young Arsenal fan – by gifting him a pair of high-tech £4,200 glasses.
The charitable Barcelona superstar, 33, has teamed up with Israeli company OrCam to help blind and visually-impaired people around the globe.
OrCam have developed a MyEye device, which can assist people in reading text and identifying faces.
At £4,200, however, the device doesn't come cheap.
But now each year, Messi will gift a device to young people with inspirational stories.
And some of these kids will even get to meet the Argentine ace.
GOING, GOING, GUEN?
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly considering a move for Matteo Guendouzi.
Arsenal are hoping to sell the Frenchman for £30million this summer to raise transfer funds.
According to Football London, PSG are plotting a move for the Gunners star.
Guendouzi played for the French side's academy from 2005 until 2014 when he left to join Lorient.
The Ligue 1 giants have been monitoring his progress ever since – but they are not the only club that want him.
Spanish side Valencia have held talks with Arsenal over a move for Guendouzi.
ANNOUNCE AUBA!
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's new contract is expected to be announced this week, with Arsenal fans expecting the Gabon star to stay at the Emirates.
The star striker's current deal expires in less than a year's time, but supporters have been left on tenterhooks all summer as to an announcement over the deal.
Aubameyang has dropped a series of hints since the Gunners won the FA Cup final as to whether he will be staying beyond next summer.
According to ESPN, Arsenal are expected to announce the new deal before the opening Premier League clash against Fulham on Saturday.
GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
The Gunners are set to make a new bid for Lyon's Houssem Aouar.
Mikel Arteta has prioritised signing a midfielder this window but had a £31.2m PLUS player offer turned down by Lyon.
According to FabrizioRomano, Arsenal are in talks with Aouar's agent ahead of an improved bid.
But Lyon have made it clear they will not entertain anything lower than their £54.5m valuation.
And they are also not interested in any move involving a swap.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa are racing to sign Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez in time for their opening league match against Sheffield United next week.
Villa manager Dean Smith has identified Martinez as the solution to the club's goal-keeping problems, as Tom Heaton is out injured and Pepe Reina has joined Lazio.
They have launched a £20million bid for Martinez, after their initial offer was turned down as it fell short of the Gunners valuation.
Smith is optimistic of the deal going through as Martinez has rejected Arsenal's latest contract proposal.
And finally, the Gunners have thrown themselves into the race to sign Sporting Lisbon's 18-year-old Nuno Mendes – but they'll have to compete against Prem rivals Manchester United and Liverpool.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo reports the North London club are now the most interested Premier League side in the player.
Arsenal also face competition from AC Milan for the Portuguese starlet, with the Serie A side reportedly launching a bid worth £13.5million.
But Sporting are understood to be holding out for a much bigger sum – something that could derail Mikel Arteta's pursuit of the left-back.
LEAGUES BEHIND
Premier League clubs have been warned they are staring at a £1.25BILLION financial black hole.
And League chief Richard Masters admitted things will get even worse if, as now expected, turnstiles cannot be opened at all next month.
The Government is set to plunge cash-strapped EFL clubs into further chaos by cutting capacities at planned test events to 1,000.
Hopes that Prem gates would be partially opened to allow up to 25 per cent of fans inside grounds next month also seem doomed as the battle to prevent a second wave of Covid-19 intensifies.
And while the season will start as planned on Saturday, Masters admitted: “Our clubs lost £700million in 2019-20 and that creates significant difficulties.
“If we can only get 25 per cent of fans in this season it would cost another £547m.
“The longer that fans are outside the stadium in numbers, the more significant the financial impact on clubs.
“There is perhaps a perception that the Premier League can perpetually stage financial difficulties – but that isn’t the case.”
NO MES-SING
Mesut Ozil won over Arsenal fans online after mocking Tottenham's lack of silverware.
The German midfielder conducted a Q&A on Twitter and asked if he would rather play for Spurs or retire.
TOP GUNNER
Lionel Messi has come to the aid of a visually-impaired young Arsenal fan – by gifting him a pair of high-tech £4,200 glasses.
The charitable Barcelona superstar, 33, has teamed up with Israeli company OrCam to help blind
and visually-impaired people around the globe.
OrCam have developed a MyEye device, which can assist people in reading text and identifying faces.
At £4,200, however, the device doesn't come cheap.
But now each year, Messi will gift a device to young people with inspirational stories.
And some of these kids will even get to meet the Argentine ace.
The latest recipient of the life-changing gadget is Arsenal-mad ten-year-old Mikey from Enfield.
The Londoner will now become part of the “OrCam Dream Team”, along with other recipients of the £4,200 device.
OUT ON YOUR ARSE
Mesut Ozil has revealed his dream XI on social media – without including any current Arsenal team-mates.
JUDGEMENT DAY
RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann has conceded that defender Dayot Upamecano could leave the club next summer.
The talented Frenchman made his debut for Les Bleus over the weekend, and has been linked with the likes of Arsenal.
Nagelsmann, 33, refuted claims that Upamecano will depart in the coming weeks but he admitted that the deal could well happen next year.
He told ESPN: “He [Upamecano] will be here for the season. I'm sure about that. As for the future, I'm not sure as he is very talented.
“Lots of clubs will want to buy – next season it could be real that he leaves the club.
“But this season he will stay.”
LAC OF SENSE
Lyon have played down the prospect of Alexandre Lacazette returning to the club this summer.
In an interview with RMC Sport, sporting director Juninho said: “In January I called Alexandre Lacazette to chat a bit with him because he was having problems at Arsenal and I said to myself, 'Why not do a loan for six months with us where you will enjoy yourself, play all the games and score the goals like you know how to? And then you go back to Arsenal or somewhere else'.”
“But from the moment that you start looking at the level of the contract of these players, like with Juventus and Barcelona, it is not possible for us today.
“We have to be honest with the supporters. But if the player is looking for a project, is willing to make an effort maybe with a longer contract, wants to come home, then I will go and get him straight away.”
HOUSS THAT?
Arsenal are set to make a new bid for Lyon's Houssem Aouar.
The Gunners have prioritised signing a midfielder this window but had a £31.2m PLUS player offer turned down by Lyon.
According to FabrizioRomano, Arsenal are in talks with Aouar's agent ahead of an improved bid.
But Lyon have made it clear they will not entertain anything lower than their £54.5m valuation.
And they are also not interested in any move involving a swap.
GOOD FOR THE SOL
Sol Campbell's huge presence helped ease Cesc Fabregas' mum's fears when he first moved to Arsenal.
The Spanish midfielder moved to North London in 2003 when he was just 16 and left his mother Nuria in tears at the airport.
But a chance encounter with then England skipper Campbell helped put her mind at rest.
In an interview with Marca, she said: “I went to London after one month and while waiting for him [Fabregas] to come out, a 6ft tank came out wearing a fashionable beret.
“And then my little one appears. I ask him 'who is this?' and he says 'Sol Campbell, mum. He is the captain of England'.
“But he plays with you right? 'Yes he is a defender' he told me.
“That's great! Now I am calm.”
GAME OVER
Football fans’ hopes of returning to stadiums next month have been dashed due to the spike in Covid cases.
Clubs were due to let in a quarter of their stadium’s capacity from October 1 under plans to socially distance fans.
But Downing Street has put the plans on hold after government scientists deemed the prevalence of the virus was too high to let fans back so soon.
Some of the current sporting events that are carrying out pilots for the return of fans will still go ahead – such as horse racing, cricket and some football games.
However crowds for the pilot games will be capped at 1,000, Boris Johnson announced today.
The move delivers a major blow for millions of fans ahead of the start of the 2020/21 football season, which starts this weekend.
Mr Johnson said the Government will “revise plans to pilot larger audiences later this month” and they will review intention to allow audiences back to stadiums.
TOUGH START
Mikel Arteta is keen to drag Arsenal up the table after a disappointing 8th place finish in the Premier League last season.
It won't be an easy start though, with trips to Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United all pencilled in before the end of October.
Arsenal fans should be encouraged by their end of season run-in, however, which from here looks pretty comfortable.
ONE MAN PARTEY?
Alexandre Lacazette is seeking clarification over his role at Arsenal – but is not agitating to leave, according to reports.
The French hitman is currently in limbo at the Emirates with multiple reports suggesting he could be on his way and used as a bargaining chip for Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey.
A starting spot is also not guaranteed with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in sparkling form for much of Mikel Arteta's time in charge.
Now ESPN reports that sources have informed them that he will be allowed to leave for £40 million, with Arteta keen to raise funds.
The 29-year-old has two years left on his contract but his manager is believed to prefer him staying put for now.
ALL ABOUT OZIL
Mesut Ozil has wrapped up his twitter session and no one can say he did not entertain.
The Arsenal misfit spoke about everyone and everything – and even managed to get in one final dig at rivals Tottenham.
He named Carles Puyol as the best defender he ever faced and slipped former Arsenal favourite Santi Carzola in his best 11.
The team is largely dominated by his ex-Real Madrid colleagues, including the likes of Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The German also said becoming a father was “the most beautiful day” in his life – but added he does not sleep as much as before.
He also advised how to overcome detractors, saying: “Don't listen to the critics. Just focus on yourself.”
The 31-year-old may have had his tongue in his cheek when he claimed Mathieu Flamini was the best player he worked with at Arsenal – if only because he added in brackets “two goals vs. Tottenham”.
GOOD FOR THE SOL
Cesc Fabregas' mum has revealed that the presence of “six foot tank” Sol Campbell helped ease her fears when her 16-year-old son moved to Arsenal.
The Spanish midfielder arrived North London in 2003 when he was just a teen and left his mother Nuria in tears at the airport.
But a chance encounter with then England skipper Campbell helped put her mind at rest.
In an interview with Marca, she said: “I went to London after one month and while waiting for him [Fabregas] to come out, a 6ft tank came out wearing a fashionable beret.
“And then my little one appears. I ask him 'who is this?' and he says 'Sol Campbell, mum. He is the captain of England.'”
She then asked: “But he plays with you right?”
When Cesc confirmed he did, his mother was relieved: “That's great! Now I am calm.”
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FIT AND READY
Mesut Ozil continues to spill the beans on his Arsenal experience and has revealed he is fit and ready for the weekend's game – but doesn't know if he will be picked.
The German hinted at the tensions inside the Gunners' dressing room after Mikel Arteta froze him out of much first team football after lockdown.
It is unknown whether he will be a part of the manager's plans next season – despite his hefty wages keeping him at the club.
But the talented midfielder has confirmed he is ready to step up, making Arteta's team selection at Craven Cottage on Saturday all the more interesting.
MEMORY LANE
Away from bantering Spurs, Mesut Ozil has been looking back on days gone by as fans pepper him with questions on Arsenal's golden age.
One supporter asked him to describe his former boss Arsene Wenger in three words.
Ozil tweeted in response: “Gentleman. Legendary. Invincible.”
If that wasn't enough to get Gooners nostalgic, one fan then asked him which player he would most like to play with from the legendary unbeaten season.
He responded that it was “really hard to pick” as he threw up the names of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp, before he eventually settled on his “good friend” Robert Pires.
HONEST OZIL
Outcast Mesut Ozil has been answering questions on his twitter page under the hashtag AskMesut – and he's managed to get a dig in on his North London rivals within minutes.
One fan asked him: “If you had a choice would you rather play for Tottenham or retire?”
The German did not hesitate in cheekily poking fun at Spurs' notorious lack of trophies.
He quipped: “If I don't want to win a cup, I should go there.”
If that doesn't put him back in Mikel Arteta's good books, it's possible nothing will.
ALL KITTED OUT
Arsenal's new third kit has been leaked online… with rockstar Nicolas Pepe sporting a snazzy leather jacket in the photoshoot.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is front and centre in the big reveal despite his future still yet to be officially tied down at the club.
MARTINEZ MAKING MOVES?
Gunners stopper Emiliano Martinez could be on the move as Aston Villa step up their pursuit to help aid their goalkeeping woes.
Villa manager Dean Smith has identified Martinez as the solution after Tom Heaton became injured and Pepe Reina joined Lazio.
They have launched a £20million bid for Martinez, after their inital offer was turned down as it fell short of the Gunners valuation.
Smith is optimistic of the deal going through as Martinez has rejected Arsenal's latest contract proposal.
Martinez, 28, has been with Arsenal since 2011, but has played second fiddle during his time there.
The Argentine did impress much of the fanbase, however, when he was called in to deputise for Bernd Leno when he clashed with Neal Maupay last season.
REIN IT IN
The BBC have banned sports commentators from using “racist” phrases including cakewalk, sold down the river and nitty gritty.
In an 'avoiding racial bias' training session, commentators and co-commentators were given a list of terms that must be avoided.
The Daily Mail reports that in the online training session staff were instructed to stop using “pace” and/or “power” to describe black players.
This can be deemed as racial stereotyping,
A guide was sent out to attendees which read: “Is there a danger of spreading a perception that black players' success is purely based on their athleticism and doesn't require hard work and intelligence?
“Do you need to spend more time thinking about how to explain the variety of reasons for a black player's success?”
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