Good evening, Arsenal fans. Here are your evening headlines for Monday, July 27.
Upamecano agrees Leipzig contract extension
French defender Dayot Upamecano has extended his contract at Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig, according to Sportbuzzer.
This all but ends Arsenal’s interest in potentially securing a cheap transfer for the centre-back whose previous deal had just 12 months left to run.
Arsenal were one of a number of top European teams in the running to snatch the 21-year-old from Leipzig’s grasp, but it seems the German club have succeeded in tying him down to a longer deal, much to the delight of innovative coach Julian Nagelsmann.
However, Sportbuzzer also indicate that a release clause has been inserted in Upamecano’s new contract, suggesting he still views the club as a stepping stone in his career.
This means Arsenal could revisit a potential move for Upamecano in future, should they be able to fund breaking him from his new Leipzig deal.
Coutinho tipped for Premier League return
Phillipe Coutinho’s future at Barcelona could be decided very soon.
SPORT have suggested that with the conclusion of the Premier League and the official opening of the transfer window, Coutinho could be on the move in due course with Arsenal among the interested parties.
The Gunners have been sounded out as a potential destination for the Brazilian who would likely join the club on loan.
Arsenal had previously been rejected by the player following a request for the midfielder to take a pay cut in order to join.
Now, having been rebuffed by both Manchester clubs and Chelsea, Coutinho’s options in England are limited to sides outside of the Champions League places.
It is SPORT’s understanding that Coutinho is aware a pay cut may well be necessary but will aim to avoid that at all costs.
Sokratis has no future under Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Sokratis Papastathopoulos has no future in his new-look Arsenal side.
The Greek defender has barely featured since the Premier League restarted in mid-June and looks unlikely to pull on the Arsenal shirt again.
Arteta believes the 32-year-old does not factor into his tactical setup moving forward.
Despite this, Sokratis intends to see out his deal at the Emirates Stadium, as per football.London, and aims to make the new manager change his mind over the summer.
With the permanent signing of Pablo Marí, an extension to David Luiz’s deal and the return from loan of teenage defender William Saliba, a Lazarus-like return to the starting XI remains unlikely.
Sokratis has spent two seasons in North London, having initially been brought to the club by former Sporting Director Sven Mislintät. His current contract expires in June 2021.
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