Here are your Arsenal morning headlines for Sunday, 28 June.
Cedric Soares set for Arsenal debut in Sheffield United FA Cup clash
Injury-plagued Cedric Soares is in line to make his Arsenal debut in today’s FA Cup quarter-final tie with Sheffield United.
The Portugal international has struggled with a host of injuries since his arrival on loan from Southampton in January.
However, following the club’s decision to sign the 28-year old on a permanent deal this summer, Mikel Arteta has praised his resilience in returning to full fitness.
“He has been unlucky with injuries since the day he joined us,” Arteta stated in his pre-match press conference.
“We signed him as we were short of cover at right back, but we have not been able to use him. However, I am confident he can add things to the squad that we do not currently have.”
Cedric’s permanent switch to the Emirates Stadium will be completed on July 1, with his Saints contract expiring next week.
Ray Parlour urges Arteta to build his defence around Rob Holding
Gunners legend Ray Parlour has called on Mikel Arteta to resist signing a new central defender this summer, and build his back four around Rob Holding.
Holding has struggled with injuries so far this season, with Arteta regularly opting for David Luiz, Sokratis or Shkodran Mustafi, even when Holding has been fit.
The 24-year old started the 2-0 midweek win at Southampton - the club’s first clean sheet since the Premier League restart - and Parlour was impressed with his performance alongside Mustafi.
“Certainly, I would put him in the pecking order ahead of Luiz and Sokratis,” Parlour told Football London.
“He is a better defender than both of them. There is a proper talent there, and I’ve said that all along about Holding.
“He was our best defender before getting injured (in 2018), and injuries have been a problem for him since.
“But he has an opportunity now, and hopefully Arteta will be impressed enough with his Southampton performance to give him a regular spot.”
AC Milan to rival Gunners for Hungarian star
Serie A giants AC Milan are set to challenge Arsenal in the race to sign RB Salzburg midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai this summer.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been linked with a move for the 19-year old, who has netted an eye-catching 10 goals from 29 games in 2019/20.
However, according to reports from the Daily Mirror, Stefano Pioli’s side are now considering a move, with the Hungarian international’s €24million release clause well within their budget.
The Gunners may need to act quickly to secure a deal for the highly-rated teenager, with Hertha Berlin, Sevilla, Lazio and PSG also rumoured to be tracking his progress at the Red Bull Arena.
