Here are your Arsenal evening headlines for Thursday, May 28.
Arteta faces tough decision over Luiz future
Arsenal’s bleak financial outlook could force the club’s hand as far as David Luiz’ future is concerned.
The defender joined the Gunners from Chelsea at the start of the season on a one year deal with the option of a second, however, with the Gunners needing to cut their wage bill, the Brazilian may have to leave this summer.
Luiz has been Arteta’s first choice centre back since taking over as manager in December and would seemingly prefer to hang on to the 33-year-old beyond this season.
In order to keep the player, the club will hope they will be able to move other defenders on when the window opens, but with the current uncertainty over the football economy, that may prove difficult.
Football London’s James Benge looks at the dilemma faced by the North London side.
Gunners handed boost in full back chase
Arsenal’s reported pursuit of Nicolas Tagliafico has been given the go-ahead after confirmation the player will be leaving Ajax.
Tagliafico joined the Amsterdam club in 2018 and helped the club win the Eredivisie last season and reach the Champions League semi final.
The Argentine left back has been linked with both the Gunners and London rivals Chelsea, and the Evening Standard have quoted the player’s agent confirming his departure.
"We have agreed with Ajax that he would leave this year,” Ricardo Schlieper said “After having spent two-and-a-half seasons at the club, it’s the ideal moment for it.
"If football goes back to being normal, a transfer could be done for Tagliafico."
Arsenal unwilling to match Barcelona demands for Coutinho
Unsettled Barcelona forward Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a move to the Emirates in recent weeks but it appears the Gunners won’t be pursuing the ex-Liverpool man.
The Metro reports that Arsenal are not willing to pay the £10 million loan fee and match the player’s wages as Barca would prefer.
Coutinho joined the Catalan club for £142 million in 2018 but has failed to settle at the club, joining Bayern Munich on loan this campaign.
With the Germans unwilling to purchase the Brazilian outright, the door was open for Arsenal to make a move.
However, given the expense involved in any potential deal, Coutinho’s future remains unclear.
