Here are the Arsenal morning headlines for Friday, May 15.
Arsenal boosted by Draxler availability
Arsenal’s long-term transfer links with Julian Draxler have resulted in little materialisation before now, but the North London club have reportedly contacted PSG about the midfielder’s availability.
Draxler’s current contract with the Ligue 1 champions is set to expire next summer which will boost Arsenal’s chance of signing the 26-year-old.
According to Fussball Transfers, PSG are trying to sell the midfielder in the next transfer window to avoid the possibility of losing him for free next summer. Such a situation means that the Gunners are in a healthy position to negotiate a favourable deal in the next window with the French club eager to sell the player.
Draxler’s £120,000-a-week wages have been a stumbling block in negotiations with a number of other clubs, but Arsenal’s need to replace Mesut Ozil within the next 12 months could mean the 26-year-old is a perfect replacement.
Government make decision on Premier League return
The possibility of Arsenal returning to Premier League action next month is looking more likely after a positive meeting between the government and Football Association on Thursday.
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden noted that Thursday's meeting with the FA was 'positive; with plans to resume progressing.
Dowden also added that plans should ‘include widening access for fans to view live coverage and ensure finances from the game's resumption supports the wider football family.’
In an official statement, the culture secretary said: "Today's positive meeting I hosted with the football authorities progressed plans for the resumption of the professional game in England.
"We all agreed that we will only go ahead if it is safe to do so and the health and welfare of players, coaches and staff comes first.
"The government is opening the door for competitive football to return safely in June.”
Whilst the government has given the go-ahead for football to return later in June, football authorities will still have a number of elements to agree on before we see a return to live games.
Nevertheless, Thursday’s meeting acts as one of the most significant steps towards Premier League football returning in the coming weeks or months.
Fabregas reveals dream five-a-side team
Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has revealed his dream five-a-side team, including just one former Gunner in his team.
The Spanish midfielder named his team to former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry during an Instagram live with Puma Football. Fabregas refused to include himself in the side and instead opted for four midfielders or strikers, one of which was Henry.
Elsewhere, the 33-year-old included three Spanish teammates Iker Casillas, David Silva and Andres Iniesta. In attack, Lionel Messi joined Henry to top off an incredibly attacking team that would undoubtedly score goals.
On choosing Henry alongside Messi, Fabregas said: “You're up front, definitely. I would always put you in my all-time XI.
“Then I would have to have Lionel Messi there. 100 per cent. Between you and him we would score a few goals.”
The former Premier League midfielder also paid tribute to his relationship on the pitch with Iniesta and Silva.
"These are the two players that I always felt, wow! I'm enjoying so much in midfield. You can pass the ball, you can move, they have the intelligence to know that when I go forward they'll come deep.”
