Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Vlahovic ‘£50m bid’, Aubameyang to RETURN from AFCON, Tielemans pursuit boost, Spence linked

Arsenal TV fan jail term

An Arsenal Fan TV regular with the username 'DT' has had a jail term extended from one year to three years for terrorising an ex-girlfriend.

Liam Goodenough, 42, was convicted of stalking involving serious alarm or distress and kidnapping and sentenced in November.

The case was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, and they have extended his prison term.

Udinese close to Mari deal

Arsenal's forgotten man Pablo Mari might finally get some first-team action again as Udinese close in on a loan deal for the centre-half.

The 28-year-old has not played a league for the Gunners in nearly five months and must be itching to get going again.

The Spaniard is expected to travel to Italy this week to tie up a temporary switch to Udinese, who are currently 14th in Serie A.

Xhaka ‘almost joined Stoke’

Apparently Granit Xhaka almost went to Stoke before signing for Arsenal.

The Swiss midfielder joined the Gunners from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 for a fee of about £35million.

Now Max Eberl, director of sport at the Bundesliga club, says he was on the brink of joining the Potters two years earlier.

Eberl told the Rheinische Post: "He was almost ready to be loaned to Stoke and I told him, 'If you go to Stoke now, you'll never end up at a big club – but you could'."

One and Don

Arsenal have reportedly been encouraged to sign Corinthians’ young goalkeeper Matheus Donelli.

Donelli has Jorge Mendes as his agent and his representatives have pitched the highly-rated Brazilian to the Gunners via a scouting report.

Bolavip Brasil claims the north Londoners have been watching the 19-year-old for a year and now have the chance to land him.

Arsenal technical director Edu has received a 19-page scouting document regarding the player’s progress

Aubameyang set to return

The Gabon national team confirmed Arsenal ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will fly home early from the Africa Cup of Nations due to his current health issues.

Aubameyang missed Gabon's 1-1 draw with Ghana after it was discovered he had 'lesions' on his heart following a bout of Covid-19.

The centre-forward is said to have felt fine, although talks between the Gunners and the Gabonese football federation over what's best for the player took place.

Gabon have now confirmed the 32-year-old will return to the UK this week after a review of his condition.

Arsenal's doctors were not believed to have been concerned with Aubameyang's health, but the player has been sent home nevertheless

Aubameyang update

Arsenal will be allowed to examine Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's health by the Gabonese football federation.

That is according to The Independent, who report that the Gunners will have a look on Aubameyang who recently tested positive for coronavirus.

The striker has also been diagnosed with minor COVID-related heart problems.

The Gabon international has yet to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations for his country

Gunner be off?

Arsenal are sweating over Thursday's Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool going ahead and will decide tomorrow whether to request a postponement.

Manager Mikel Arteta will see if he can scrape a team together after Sunday's scheduled game at Tottenham was called off.

The Gunners are desperate to play on Thursday night but will not gamble on the fitness of a number of players.

They were without 14 players at the weekend due to a combination of Covid-19, injuries, international call-ups and suspension.

And despite Spurs’ suggestions to the contrary, they were not even close to being able to meet the Premier League requirements of 13 outfield players plus a goalkeeper.

Now they will assess the recovery of a number of key players during their next two training sessions before calculating if they will have enough bodies to go ahead with the second leg of Thursday's semi-final

Stoke the flames

Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka almost joined Stoke on loan before eventually landing a lucrative gig at the Emirates.

Max Eberl, director of sport at Xhaka's former club Borussia Monchengladbach, claims the midfielder was close to a Potters loan move after a disastrous start to life at the Bundesliga outfit.

Eberl told the Rheinische Post: "Granit's career in the first 18 months at Gladbach did not run [as smoothly] as sliced bread.

"He was almost ready to be loaned to Stoke and I told him, 'If you go to Stoke now, you'll never end up at a big club – but you could'"

Henry Premier League return?

Everton are looking to sign Belgium manager Roberto Martinez and his assistant Thierry Henry.

That is according to The Mirror , who claim the Toffees see Martinez as a proper replacement for the sacked Rafa Benitez.

The report claims that the Merseysiders want to replace Benitez before this weekend’s clash against Aston Villa.

And Everton would like to have Arsenal legend Henry in the dugout as well

Mari leaves on loan

Udinese have signed Arsenal ace Pablo Mari on loan for the rest of the season.

Mari has struggled for minutes with the Gunners this season as he has fallen down the pecking order.

Manager Mikel Arteta prefers to use Gabriel Magalhaes, Ben White, Calum Chambers and Rob Holding at centre-back.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the Spaniard will be joining Udinese, but no buy-out option is included

Wright on Spence

Arsenal legend Ian Wright spoke to Nottingham Forest loanee Djed Spence after the game with Arsenal in the FA Cup.

Spence shone bright when Forest eliminated the Gunners from the competition.

Wright said during his Wrighty's House podcast : "I saw him after the game and said 'listen, my friend. You're on loan from Middlesbrough and I don't know what's happened there, because if you can't get into the Middlesbrough side, I don't know what's wrong.

“So I need to know the full story”

Arsenal should get Watkins

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has advised his former team to make a move for Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins.

Merson told Sky Sports: "Aston Villa are crying out for a superstar. They have got one [Phillipe Coutinho]. You don't lose talent. You can't teach that. That's not taught.

"This lad carried Liverpool, at times. It's the way Steven Gerrard plays him, let teams worry about him, rather him having to track back some average player back to his own box.

"But, if I was Arsenal now, I would go and steam in to try and get Watkins. If I was Arsenal"

Juve got mail

Juventus have asked for Arsenal star Thomas Partey in a swap transfer involving Arthur.

But it is understood the Gunners are unwilling to allow Partey to be part of a potential deal.

That is according to Sky Sports Italy, who also claim the two clubs are still in negotiations over a potential transfer for Arthur.

The north Londoners are in desperate need of bolstering their midfield and Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the former Barcelona man.

SunSport understand the Bianconeri are happy for the Brazilian to leave but want to sign a replacement first with Aaron Ramsey also set to depart

Wright reacts to Neville

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has hit out at Gary Neville after the Manchester United hero stated the Gunners should have been made to play against Tottenham on Sunday.

Neville tweeted: “I repeat this is not about Arsenal but all teams should be made to play from now on in the PL and EFL.

“Also why has the decision been delayed until today when the request was last night at 6.30pm. Fans will be setting off from all over the place and will be in limbo!”

Wright responded: “FROM NOW ON. It’s not about Arsenal or the fans. It’s about no more Super Sunday on Sky!”

Aubameyang to return?

Arsenal ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could reportedly fly home early from the Africa Cup of Nations due to his current health issues.

Aubameyang missed Gabon’s 1-1 draw with Ghana on Friday after it was discovered he had ‘lesions’ on his heart following a bout of Covid-19.

The striker is said to be feeling fine, although talks between the Gunners and the Gabonese football federation over what’s best for the player are currently ongoing.

According to The Athletic, the Gabon international could end up returning to England this week after a further review of his condition.

The north Londoners’ doctors are said to not be concerned with his health, although Monday will be pivotal in deciding whether or not he’ll stay in Cameroon for the remainder of Gabon’s tournament.

Aubameyang was reportedly one of three Gabon players to be diagnosed with heart lesions last week.

Mario Lemina and Axel Meye were also said to have lesions on their hearts after catching Covid

Saliba and Guendouzi update

Marseille could face a two-year transfer ban and that can affect William Saliba and Matteo Gunedouzi’s future.

According to L'Equipe , the OM may be unable to sign new players until 2024 due to their deal to sign Pape Gueye from Watford in the summer of 2020.

Saliba and Guendouzi are playing on loan at the Velodrome from the Gunners.

It is unlikely that the north Londoners will want Gundouzi back but are keeping a close eye on Saliba’s development

Costa on the go

Diego Costa bid farewell to Atletico Mineiro and speculation suggests that he could be on his way to Arsenal.

Costa is available on a free transfer after terminating his contract with the Brazilian giants.

The striker has held informal talks with several clubs, including the Gunners.

After his departure was confirmed, the Spaniard wrote on Instagram: "Today, officially, I say goodbye to Atletico.

"I would like to thank all Massa Atleticana for all the support and affection I received from the first to the last day. Thank you so much for being part of my childhood dream of playing in Brazilian football and winning titles.

"I would also like to express my gratitude to the entire technical staff, medical department, employees and especially to my teammates who helped me daily, always doing everything to make me feel comfortable.

"The feeling that remains is gratitude to all of you Athleticans. Thank you and I wish you all the success in the world!!!"

More from Song

Alex Song also opened up about his short stint playing with Thierry Henry at Arsenal.

Song added: “I would go to training and see Thierry Henry – the King – turn up in an absolute gem of a car. I told myself I wanted the same car at all costs.

“I went to the dealership, signed the papers and arranged to pay for it by standing order – and just like that I had the same car as The King.

“But I swear that I had to hand the car back inside two months. All my money was going on filling it with petrol.

“I told them, ‘Give me a Toyota – this car’s too much for me'”

Song talks Barcelona transfer

Alex Song ‘didn’t give a f***’ about being a bench warmer at Barcelona after his move from Arsenal in 2012.

Song said: “When Barcelona offered me a contract, and I saw how much I would earn, I didn’t think twice.

“I felt my wife and children should have comfortable lives once my career is over.

“I met Barca’s sporting director, and he told me I would not get to play many games, but I didn’t give a f*** – I knew that now I would become a millionaire.

“I wanted to rub shoulders with the big boys. I could shop wherever I wanted and have crazy nights out”

Arsenal to push for Arthur

Arsenal continue to pursue Juventus star Arthur during the January transfer window.

That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reports that this week will be key in the Gunners’ pursuit of the midfielder.

Romano said: “There's still nothing agreed for Arthur Melo deal.

“Next week will be key – Arsenal have decided to push again with Juventus, loan move not approved yet by [Massimiliano] Allegri”

Aubameyang ‘minor heart problems’

Arsenal ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was ruled out of Gabon's recent clash with Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations due to Covid-related heart problems.

The Gabonese federation announced that Aubameyang, Axel Meye and Nice’s Mario Lemina were also sidelined from the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

All three were diagnosed with coronavirus recently and medical examinations showed they are dealing with minor heart problems as a result of the virus.

The Confederation of African Football [CAF] revealed that they didn’t want to take any risks

Arsenal keep tabs on Spence

Arsenal are weighing up a January swoop for Nottingham Forest’s on-loan star Djed Spence.

Spence, who is on loan from Middlesbrough, starred for Forest in their shock FA Cup victory against the Gunners last week.

According to the Mirror , the full-back’s impressive performance caught the north Londoners’ eyes.

Arsenal are reportedly considering a move to secure the 21-year-old’s services as Mikel Arteta looks to bring in a right-back to compete with Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Calum Chambers is tied down at the Emirates until the end of the season, while question marks still remain over Cedric Soares’ future.

Meanwhile Hector Bellerin, who was shipped off to Real Betis on loan last summer, looks certain to depart in the summer.

It has been claimed that Boro would be prepared to part ways with Spence should they receive a fee in the region of £10million

Tielemans interest latest

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Leicester star Youri Tielemans.

That is because Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers admitted Tielemans has to ‘look at all options’.

Rodgers said: “You always have to [plan for life without players], that is key. You always have to be looking ahead, that's important.

“Youri is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option.

“I would love it to be here at Leicester, that is natural, but I understand it’s a very short career.

“Once the player is committed, focused and professional it's never a worry for me.

“With Youri you can see his joy of being here, he loves being here and you have to respect these guys' careers are short.

“If we are going to lose one we have to be ready for the next one to come in”

Arsenal’s fresh Vlahovic bid

Arsenal have submitted a hefty £50million transfer bid for Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.

That is according to Corriere della Sera , who report that the Gunners are willing to splash the cash and offer Lucas Torreira, who plays on loan at the Artemio Franchi.

Vlahovic doesn’t want to renew his contract with the Viola and they have supposedly decided to cash in whilst they can.

The Serie A giants are ready to accept an offer in this January transfer window, before his value drops towards the end of his contract next year

Good morning to Gunners fans

Arsenal are finally flexing their muscles over Dusan Vlahovic – just in time for a tug of war for Ivan Perisic.

The Gunners have reportedly offered £50million plus Lucas Torreira for Fiorentina striker Vlahovic.

Arsenal’s hopes of landing the Serb ace have see-sawed due to his £58m-plus valuation and Juventus’ interest.

But now Corriere della Sera say the Gunners have submitted a huge offer that makes them favourites to sign the 21-year-old

Uruguayan midfielder Torreira is currently on loan at Fiorentina, who have already indicated they might want to keep him.

Inter Milan utility man Perisic is said to be interesting the Gunners, as well as Chelsea and Tottenham

It's thought the Italian giants might be tempted to sell the 32-year-old Croat in this transfer window rather than let him leave for free in the summer.

And Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has admitted star man – and Arsenal target – Youri Tielmans has to 'look at all options'.

Finally, as the fall-out fades from yesterday’s postponed Prem clash at Spurs, the Gunners are building up to Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final at home to Liverpool – following last week’s 0-0 first leg.