Here is your Arsenal morning digest for Saturday, February 20.
Balogun urged to leave
Former Arsenal striker Benik Afobe has urged Folarin Balogun to leave the club at the end of the season and not to sign a new contract.
“It all depends on your positioning and who’s ahead of you… Balogun, he’s good, I’ve seen him play,” Afobe told The Beautiful Game Podcast.
“I think it’s the right decision for him to leave. The captain [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang] is a number nine, the other number nine is top goalscorer this season, [Alexandre] Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah is a couple of years older than him and has also done well."
Willian statement released
Arsenal have issued a statement following the alleged racist abuse suffered by Willian on social media.
The Brazilian spoke out about messages that he had been sent over Instagram in a story with the caption: "Something needs to change! The fight against racism continues" and the club have come out to strongly condemn abuse of players.
“This is another depressing example of what is sadly happening to our players and many others on a regular basis," read a club statement.
“Social media is one of the ways our supporters across the world can feel closer to the club and our players, but across football and beyond we’ve seen an online world poisoned by hateful, racist and discriminatory words."
Juventus eye Lacazette
Juventus are targeting a move for Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette this summer, who could be available due to his contract situation.
Italian outlet CalcioMercato states the Serie A giants are in the hunt for the France striker, who is Arsenal's top-scorer this season but has entered the final 18 months of his contract.
The Gunners are reluctant to hand the former Lyon man a lucrative new contract and, as a result, may listen to offers to avoid losing Lacazette for nothing at the end of next season.
