Good evening, Arsenal fans. Here are your evening headlines for Saturday, September 19.
Arteta outlines key to keeping Aubameyang
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed the club’s strategy in ensuring Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed a new deal at the Emirates.
The Gunners captain put pen to paper on a long-awaited contract extension earlier this week which has pleased Arsenal supporters to great avail.
And speaking on the highly-anticipated news, Arteta described how the club has built a structure that Aubameyang simply could not leave.
He said: “I don’t feel in a position - honestly - that I have to convince them... we have more than enough at this club that people really want to stay here.
“Sometimes what you have to explain is what you want to do with everything we have, the direction we are taking, and who they are in this part of the parcel - how important they are to try to execute it."
Cole opens up on Arsenal exit and public pressure
Former Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole has opened up on the difficulties of leaving the Gunners for Chelsea as well as the pressure he was put under by the national media.
In an interview with Jamie Redknapp for the Daily Mail, the former England international discussed how his personality was altered by the scrutiny he was put under.
The former defender said: “Headlines and stories provoke a mindset and perception of people. In all honesty, it changed me.
“I used to be a shy kid — quiet, polite. I would help Arsenal’s kit man, Vic Akers. If players left their kit on the floor, I’d pick it up and put it in the washing bin.
"It took me a few seconds and showed respect. But the newspapers perceived me as this devil.
“I got defensive. I wanted to protect myself. I said: ‘No one cares about me. No one is coming in my circle.’
“Did I make mistakes when I was younger? Of course, but I understand that now. I understand the world and right from wrong.
"I’ve lived through life — the good, the bad, the ugly, the unbelievable.”
Torreira reacts to Atletico Madrid speculation
Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira has reacted to speculation around a potential move to Atletico Madrid on his Instagram account.
The Uruguayan midfielder is a reported target for the La Liga club with Diego Simeone supposedly a big admirer of his abilities.
That, in turn, could hold the key to the remainder of Arsenal’s transfer business this summer given the club's interest in Thomas Partey, who could move the other way.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Torreira posted a picture on his Instagram Stories which showed him as part of Arsenal’s training session, indicating that he is keen to remain focussed on his football right now.
