Here are your Arsenal morning headlines for Friday, 2 October.
PSG plotting to beat Arsenal in Houssem Aouar race
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain are working on a deal to bring Lyon star Houssem Aoaur to the club next summer.
The France international has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal before the transfer window closes next week, but according to reports from L’Equipe, PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi is now targeting the 22-year old midfielder.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas stated in midweek that three clubs were interested in a move for Aouar - two immediately, rumoured to be Arsenal and Juventus, and one in future, believed to be PSG.
Arsenal’s rumoured offer of €40million plus Mateo Guendouzi failed earlier this month, with the French club claiming they have no interest in bringing the former Lorient man to Groupama Stadium.
Aulas has also set a deadline of tomorrow morning for offers, after which he says he will not be considering potential bids for players.
Mikel Arteta open to back four switch ahead of Sheffield United clash
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could change from a defensive trio to a back four in the coming weeks after opting for a four-man defence against Liverpool last night.
The Spaniard made a host of changes for the second trip to Anfield inside a week, as the Gunners edged out Jurgen Klopp side on penalties after a 0-0 draw in their Carabao Cup fourth round tie.
Cedric Soares and Sead Kolasinac both returned at full-back, alongside Gabriel Magalhaes and Rob Holding.
Arteta stated prior to last night’s game that he is open to switching defensive systems, adding that his players need to be flexible depending on the opponent.
The change in shape allowed Bukayo Saka to flourish in a roving role against Klopp’s side, with the soon-to-be England international switching positions constantly at Anfield.
Arteta’s willingness to operate with greater flexibility in his tactical setup has potentially increased the chances of a last-minute move for Aoaur, with the Lyon star providing an alternative option across the midfield.
Nicolas Pepe’s Anfield performance hints at new Arsenal role
Nicolas Pepe turned in an impressive showing in Arsenal’s win over Liverpool last night, and the Ivory Coast international could be set for a sustained first team role in the coming weeks.
Pepe joined the club in a €72m deal last summer, with the 25-year old earmarked as a right-wing option under former boss Unai Emery.
However, Mikel Arteta chose to start him on the left-hand side of the Gunners attack at Anfield, opening the door to a possible new position for the former Lille star.
Skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is Arteta’s first choice option on the left, but Pepe’s flexibility to switch flanks give the ex-Manchester City coach an interesting Plan B option.
Pepe could retain his place in the starting line-up to face Sheffield United this weekend, with Arteta set to recall Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to the team.
