ARSENAL already have their sights set on a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.
The Gunners are said to be battling Barcelona for Man Utd's Mason Greenwood, who is said to be unhappy at Old Trafford.
And they are also reported to be keen on former Barca midfielder Arthur, who has been out in the cold at Juventus.
Aubameyang was stripped of his Arsenal captaincy earlier this week and has now been frozen out of the squad indefinitely.
However, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has offered the striker a sympathetic ear if he needs one.
Tuchel, who coached Aubameyang at Dortmund, said: "I will [speak to him] at some point. I feel sorry that he is in trouble.
"I believe in his positive character but I am not involved in this situation or his club. It is just about my picture & relationship".
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- Kostas Lianos
WOOD HE?
Manchester United ace Mason Greenwood has emerged as a shock transfer target for Arsenal.
That is according to Elnacional, who report that the Gunners, Juventus and Barcelona are eyeing Greenwood.
The north Londoners may need to add a centre-forward to their ranks next summer with both Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette out of contract, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has fallen out of favour.
Arsenal, Juve and Barca won't 'hesitate' to make an offer for the England international should he become available
- Kostas Lianos
KING ARTHUR
Arsenal are interested in Juventus ace Arthur ahead of the January transfer window.
That is according to Calciomercato, who report that the Gunners would be interested in getting the midfielder next month.
The Brazil international is hoping to leave Juve next month for bigger opportunities.
The 25-year-old's deal with the Banconeri expires in 2025
- Kostas Lianos
CAL ON ME
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has advised his former club to go all out to sign Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the January transfer window.
Merson told Sky Sports: "Arsenal need to go out and buy Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as soon as he is fit.
"Put in a massive bid for him. They need a focal point up front who is good and strong.
"[He would go there] because it's the Arsenal"
- Kostas Lianos
GETTING IN TUCH
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said he will contact Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he was stripped of the captain’s armband.
Tuchel, who worked with Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund, said after being asked whether he is planning to get in contact with Aubameyang: “I will at some point.
“I feel sorry that he is in trouble.
“I believe in his positive character but I am not involved in this situation or his club. It is just about my picture and relationship”
- Etienne Fermie
MORNING, ARSENAL FANS
Fancy Mason Greenwood joining fellow England starlets Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe at the Emirates?
That might no longer be a rhetorical question!
It's claimed the Gunners, Barcelona and Juventus are considering January bids for the striker, 20.
Greenwood is competing with no less than Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford for attacking spots at Old Trafford.
But he would hardly be a cut-price alternative for Arsenal to Fiorentina's Dusan Vlahovic.
Newcastle are reportedly pondering an £85million offer for the Serbia superstar – despite the Gunners and United long being linked with the 21-year-old.
Meanwhile, deposed skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is out of the team and could be out of the Emirates altogether this summer.
And Alexandre Lacazette, as well as Eddie Nketiah, seem even likelier to depart – making new frontmen a priority for manager Mikel Arteta.
But ex-Arsenal hitman Kevin Campbell reckons Anthony Martial can be ruled out as an option, due to the United attacker's wages.
Finally, ahead of tomorrow's trip to Leeds, former England targetman Alan Shearer is urging the Gunners to give midweek hero Gabriel Martinelli regular starts.
The Brazilian lit up his impressive display in Wednesday's 2-0 defeat of West Ham with the opening goal.
- Ian Tuckey
TOON IN ‘£85M BID FOR UTD TARGET VLAHOVIC’
Newcastle could bid £85million for Manchester United and Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic.
Journalist Filippo Grassia told Passione Inter that the Toon will try to steal a march for Fiorentina’s Serbia striker.
Vlahovic, 21, has hit 15 goals in 17 Serie A matches this season.
- Ian Tuckey
NOU START FOR AUBAMEYANG?
Barcelona are keen on exiled Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.
But the Gabon superstar has previously stated his desire to play for their fierce rivals Real Madrid.
Barca are ‘desperate’ to boost their firepower in January, after Sergio Aguero was forced to retire due to a heart issue.
According to the Independent, Xavi’s side could swoop for Aubameyang, offering him an Arsenal escape route.
But the 32-year-old’s promise to his late grandfather could throw a spanner in the works.
In 2016, Aubameyang told L’Equipe, as per AS: “Before he died two years ago I promised him that one day I would play for Real Madrid.
“My grandfather was from Avila, not far from Madrid.
“It’s what I said to him. I know it’s not easy but it’s something I keep in mind.
“I celebrate my goals with a cartwheel in honour of Hugo Sanchez.
“I’ve seen many videos of him on the internet and I’ve been following him since I was a boy.”
- Ian Tuckey
THE GREEN GUNNER?
Arsenal are tipped to bid for Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood.
The 20-year-old has found himself on the bench in recent weeks under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.493.0_en.html#goog_884121633https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.493.0_en.html#goog_884121631Play Video
And according to Elnacional, Arsenal Juventus and cash-strapped Barcelona are keeping an eye on his situation.
The Gunners may need to add three strikers to their ranks next summer with both Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette out of contract.
And former club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is out of squad contention after another ‘disciplinary’ breach.
The 32-year-old returned from France late, leading to Arteta making the difficult decision to strip him of the captaincy.
Greenwood could be the ideal long-term replacement for any of the possible departing three – becoming the focal point of Mikel Arteta’s young squad.
The report states the trio will not ‘hesitate’ to make an offer for Greenwood should he decide to leave Old Trafford.
- Ian Tuckey
SHEARER: GIVE GAB MORE GAME TIME
Alan Shearer wants Arsenal to give Gabriel Martinelli more regular football.
The impressive Martinelli and sub Emile Smith Rowe sunk West Ham 2-0 last night as the Gunners went fourth.
Ex-England striker Shearer said: "I’d like him to have more of a run over a sustained period and show what he can do over a sustained period of time.
"The players needed to go out and do the manager a favour, he put his neck on the line in making that big decision and leaving the captain out and taking the captaincy off him publicly."
"They didn’t disappoint and didn’t let him down."
- Ian Tuckey
AUBA SET FOR A TUCH OF ADVICE
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says he will contact Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he was stripped of the captain’s armband by boss Mikel Arteta.
Tuchel, who worked with Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund, said after being asked whether he is planning to get in contact with the player: “I will at some point.
“I feel sorry that he is in trouble.
“I believe in his positive character but I am not involved in this situation or his club. It is just about my picture and relationship”
- Ian Tuckey
UEFA WANT ALL PLAYERS VACCINATED
Euro chiefs are urging all players to get vaccinated – but they will NOT force anyone to be jabbed, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Uefa has launched a video aimed at un-vaxxed players, using doctors to try to persuade them to take the anti-Covid injections.
President Aleksander Ceferin said: “We should promote the vaccinations and we will.
“I believe in science, and I got vaccinated. I think they should get vaccinated, as soon as possible.
“But I still believe it’s a personal choice. We don’t have the power to force anyone to be vaccinated.
“In the video, we have doctors explaining why the vaccine is good, that the side effects are very rare and going through the figures and facts.
“We have to be smart and explain things.
“People are not stupid – when you explain in a nice way, not judging them, but to explain why vaccination is good.
“The facts are that vaccinated people are less likely to get infected and less likely to have the strong effects of Covid if they are infected.
“I think that, sooner or later, if not all, then the vast majority of players will understand it.”
- Ian Tuckey
FRIMPONG: SELL AUBA
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has urged the club to cash in on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the striker was stripped of his captaincy.
The Gabon international had the armband taken off him on Tuesday due to disciplinary issues after arriving back from an authorised trip to France a day late.
Arteta has opted to leave out the 32-year-old from the recent matchday squads against Southampton and West Ham.
Aubameyang's future at the Emirates is now in question, with Barcelona just one club that could potentially make a move for the ex-Borussia Dortmund star.
And Frimpong, who featured 16 times for Arsenal after graduating from the academy, believes Arteta made the right to decision to remove Aubameyang as skipper.
The 29-year-old told SunSport via Freebets.com: "I feel like in any profession there must be a professional attitude.
"And we all know Aubameyang has had one or two problems with coming late so I feel it was the right call.
"He’s the captain and there has to be an example so the younger players in the squad can follow."
- Ian Tuckey
'MARTIAL WAGES RULE OUT ARSENAL AND SPURS MOVE'
Anthony Martial's wages could rule Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham out of signing the Manchester United target.
That's the view of ex-Gunners frontman Kevin Campbell after Martial was also linked to a player-exchange deal with Atletico Madrid.
Credit: Getty Martial’s agent Philippe Lamboley told Sky Sports the France star wants to leave next month.
And Campbell told Football Insider: “There is no doubt about it, he has incredible talent. But he hasn’t played enough football.
“He has suffered with a couple of injuries and a lack of form. I don’t think we’ve seen enough of him lately.
“When you look at the top teams, I’m not sure they’d want him. Arsenal have [Emile] Smith Rowe, [Bukayo] Saka and [Gabriel] Martinelli playing great at the moment. Pepe can’t even get in the team.
“When you look at Spurs, who have Son Heung-min, [Harry] Kane and Lucas Moura, I cannot see him moving there. West Ham? I can’t see that either.
“Those big wages could be a problem.”
- Ian Tuckey
NOU START FOR AUBAMEYANG?
Barcelona are keen on exiled Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.
But the Gabon superstar has previously stated his desire to play for their fierce rivals Real Madrid.
Barca are ‘desperate’ to boost their firepower in January, after Sergio Aguero was forced to retire due to a heart issue.
According to the Independent, Xavi’s side could swoop for Aubameyang, offering him an Arsenal escape route.
But the 32-year-old’s promise to his late grandfather could throw a spanner in the works.
In 2016, Aubameyang told L’Equipe, as per AS: “Before he died two years ago I promised him that one day I would play for Real Madrid.
“My grandfather was from Avila, not far from Madrid.
“It’s what I said to him. I know it’s not easy but it’s something I keep in mind.
“I celebrate my goals with a cartwheel in honour of Hugo Sanchez.
“I’ve seen many videos of him on the internet and I’ve been following him since I was a boy.”
- Ian Tuckey
PREM CLUBS VOW TO CARRY ON
Premier League bosses have pledged to plough on with the weekend programme – ignoring calls for a pre-Christmas Covid shutdown.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank began a remarkable day of Prem frenzy by publicly calling on the League to postpone the entire weekend fixture list and urging the EFL to also put the midweek Carabao Cup last eight ties on ice.
Within hours, Spurs’ trip to Leicester last night was called off after the Foxes’ virus outbreak intensified, as was Manchester United’s game with Brighton tomorrow as the Old Trafford side were left with just SEVEN available players.
Norwich manager Dean Smith is also worried about getting a team together for his side’s game at West Ham.
Across the country, a number of top flight executives were privately suggesting that taking a break until Boxing Day might be the best way of providing a firewall against the virus spread.
But the Prem insisted there are no plans to even consider a temporary close down.
In a statement which confirmed “with regret” the second United match postponement of the week, the Prem said: “While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing Covid-19 outbreaks, it is the League’s intention to continue its current fixture schedule where safely possible.
“The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority.”
- Ian Tuckey
GUNNER ARTHUR?
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Juventus ace Arthur ahead of the January transfer window.
That is according to Calciomercato, who claim that the Gunners would be interested in getting the midfielder next month.
The Brazil international is hoping to leave Juve next year for bigger opportunities.
The 25-year-old’s contract with the Banconeri expires in 2025
- Ian Tuckey
UEFA WANT ALL PLAYERS VACCINATED
Euro chiefs are urging all players to get vaccinated – but they will NOT force anyone to be jabbed, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Uefa has launched a video aimed at un-vaxxed players, using doctors to try to persuade them to take the anti-Covid injections.
President Aleksander Ceferin said: “We should promote the vaccinations and we will.
“I believe in science, and I got vaccinated. I think they should get vaccinated, as soon as possible.
“But I still believe it’s a personal choice. We don’t have the power to force anyone to be vaccinated.
“In the video, we have doctors explaining why the vaccine is good, that the side effects are very rare and going through the figures and facts.
“We have to be smart and explain things.
“People are not stupid – when you explain in a nice way, not judging them, but to explain why vaccination is good.
“The facts are that vaccinated people are less likely to get infected and less likely to have the strong effects of Covid if they are infected.
“I think that, sooner or later, if not all, then the vast majority of players will understand it.”
- Ian Tuckey
RUNAR HORROR INJURY
Arsenal keeper Runar Alex Runarsson has been rushed to hospital after a horrific on-pitch collision.
The Iceland international has made six Gunners appearances since arriving from French club Dijon two summers ago.
He signed a four-year contract, and made his Premier League debut as a sub against Wolves in February.
Runarsson also played four times to help Arsenal reach the Europa League semi-finals.
The 26-year-old is currently on a season-long loan to Belgian club OH Leuven.
But the Reykjavik-born stopper came to grief in the Pro League side's 4-1 home loss to Club Brugge on Wednesday night.
He raced out to gather a through ball, but collided with the knee of onrushing Brugge striker Noa Lang.
Runarsson initially battled on after the 41st-minute injury with his head heavily bandaged.
But the keeper had to be replaced at the interval after suffering a flesh wound and sizeable bump.
And an ambulance took the 12-cap international to hospital for checks after he complained of discomfort.
- Ian Tuckey
AUBAMEYANG COULD BE REAL DEAL FOR BARCA
Barcelona are keen on exiled Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.
But the Gabon superstar has previously stated his desire to play for their fierce rivals Real Madrid.
Barca are 'desperate' to boost their firepower in January, after Sergio Aguero was forced to retire due to a heart issue.
According to the Independent, Xavi's side could swoop for Aubameyang, offering him an Arsenal escape route.
But the 32-year-old's promise to his late grandfather could throw a spanner in the works.
In 2016, Aubameyang told L'Equipe, as per AS: "Before he died two years ago I promised him that one day I would play for Real Madrid.
"My grandfather was from Avila, not far from Madrid.
"It’s what I said to him. I know it’s not easy but it’s something I keep in mind.
"I celebrate my goals with a cartwheel in honour of Hugo Sanchez.
"I've seen many videos of him on the internet and I’ve been following him since I was a boy."
- Ian Tuckey
AUBA SET FOR A TUCH OF ADVICE
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says he will contact Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he was stripped of the captain’s armband by boss Mikel Arteta.
Tuchel, who worked with Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund, said after being asked whether he is planning to get in contact with the player: “I will at some point.
“I feel sorry that he is in trouble.
“I believe in his positive character but I am not involved in this situation or his club. It is just about my picture and relationship”
- Kostas Lianos
MIND GAME
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has spoken out in support of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, calling on his former club to consider his mental wellbeing.
Keown told BT Sport: “I do feel it was a very bold decision, to pull the captaincy from Aubameyang.
“It could have been left till the end of the season because I just fear for Aubameyang and how we get him back onto the field.
“He’s going to be an important player at some point, you don’t have that sort of quality and just disappear from the group. That’s my biggest concern.
“It’s a very bold decision and I would have waited for the summer, it would have been safer to do that.
“Protect him a little bit, we talk about mental health, we’re not sure of the mental health of Aubameyang right now”
- Kostas Lianos
MARTINELLI PRAISE
Arsenal ace Takehiro Tomiyasu described team-mate Gabriel Martinelli as "one of the great players in the world".
Tomiyasu told the club's official YouTube channel: "I think he is a great player.
"I made an assist for him against Newcastle. I thought it was too long a ball, but he is fast and has the technique to score.
"I think he is one of the great players in the world"
- Kostas Lianos
MORE FROM RICE
West Ham star Declan Rice also slammed referee Anthony Taylor after the loss at Arsenal.
Rice told BT Sport: "It seems like the referee was against us all night to be honest with you.
"Too many fouls given to them, and for us pretty much the same situations with elbows and tackles that we didn't get.
"So I can't say too much, but very frustrating"
- Kostas Lianos
NO MORE MR RICE GUY
West Ham star Declan Rice has slammed his team's performance following their 2-0 loss at Arsenal.
Rice told BT Sport: "We were not good enough tonight, nowhere near good enough.
"Nowhere near at the level that is required to be a top-four team.
"You can’t come to a place like Arsenal and let them impose the game on you like we did tonight.
"We made bad decisions across the pitch, giving the ball away cheaply, taking too many touches, not putting the ball in the box, soft, not making tactical fouls.
"We didn't have the cutting edge to score or bring one back"
- Kostas Lianos
KING ARTHUR
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Juventus ace Arthur ahead of the January transfer window.
That is according to Calciomercato, who claim that the Gunners would be interested in getting the midfielder next month.
The Brazil international is hoping to leave Juve next year for bigger opportunities.
The 25-year-old's contract with the Banconeri expires in 2025
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