Football has come to an indefinite halt but the news cycle continues, with transfer rumours and clubs’ plans for the future the focus of attention.
That is no different at Arsenal, where Mikel Arteta’s promising start as manager was interrupted by the postponement of the Premier League season. It is clear that the Spaniard has plenty of targets for the coming summer, as he looks to significantly improve his squad.
Here are some of the latest developments at Arsenal over the last 24 hours.
Aubameyang may be wise to stay at Arsenal amid Real Madrid rumours
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should be wary of making a big-money move to La Liga so late in his career, with reported interest from both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
That is according to football.london’s James Benge, who writes that the 31-year-old should stay at Arsenal instead of taking the risk of becoming a bit-part player elsewhere. “Aubameyang would do well to remember that he has got a good thing going in north London.”
He has always dreamt of playing for Real Madrid. But the feeling may not necessarily be reciprocated. Particularly given the Arsenal forward’s age: he is no longer a youngster, though his still impressive athleticism often suggests otherwise.
Staying put, then, might make the most sense, even if the temptation of chasing glory elsewhere is hard to ignore.
Gunners assistant makes bold prediction about future under Arteta
Arsenal assistant manager Steve Round has spoken optimistically of the club’s potential under Arteta. The Spaniard has only been in charge since December but has made a significant impact already.
"It's a fantastic club with a top manager," Round told the Hartlepool Mail. "Hopefully we have turned the corner and we are starting to move forward.
"We'd got some momentum going, obviously it's all been put on hold now and we’re just waiting to see what happens.
"It’s a brilliant club and I’m delighted to work for the manager who I think has got the potential to be one of the very, very best.”
Xhaka unlikely to regain captaincy
Granit Xhaka still has bridges to rebuild and will probably be waiting a while longer if he is to eventually regain his Arsenal captaincy.
“Arteta will be fully aware of the Swiss’ actions towards Arsenal fans against Crystal Palace in October,” writes football.london’s Art De Roche. “Seeing as this was the reason he was stripped of the captaincy, it’ll be incredibly hard to see it armband just thrown back to him not even a season later.
“A player that has been trusted by Arteta, Freddie Ljungberg, Unai Emery and Arsene Wenger, however, him not having the armband won’t mean he can’t be an authoritative figure for the side, especially as he remains popular among his teammates.”
Ferdinand suggests Arsenal forget Jovic signing
Arsenal have been linked with a summer move for Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic, with Aubameyang potentially going the other way.
But, according to former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, bringing in a forward should not be the Gunners’ priority.
“He is someone who could add something to Arsenal but I don't think Arsenal need a player in that position," he told fans during an Instagram Q&A.
“Arsenal need centre-halves. They need centre-halves who can defend and play as well. I played against Arsenal teams with the likes of Sol Campbell and Tony Adams. I don't see that now. They have many good footballers but you need a blend.
“Why are they going for Jovic when they need to be looking at centre-halves? Arsenal is a fantastic club, what a club. But they need to get it right in other areas of the pitch.”
