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Football London
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Bobby Vincent

Mikel Arteta opens up on Arsenal takeover as Edu to drastically overhaul transfer system

Here is your Arsenal morning digest on Thursday, May 6.

Arteta lifts lid on takeover rumours

Mikel Arteta is not allowing himself or his team to become distracted with mass speculation surrounding a potential takeover at Arsenal.

Spotity founder Daniel Ek has already expressed his interest in buying the club from the Kroenkes, who are now under huge pressure.

Speaking ahead of the Gunners ' crucial Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal this evening, Arteta was very coy when asked about a possible takeover.

"We have to try to be away from all the rumours and everything that’s happening around the club and focus on the pitch," the Arsenal boss said.

"The best way to help the club to be in the best possible position is to win football matches and be competitive at the highest level."

Asked if he had spoken to anybody involved in a takeover bid, Arteta simply replied: "No."

Read Arteta's full press conference here.

Aubameyang explains malaria struggles

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has opened up on the physical struggles he suffered during his fight with malaria.

The Gunners captain was diagnosed with the disease after being on international duty with Gabon in March.

When asked how he felt physically at the moment, Aubameyang said: "I would say 90%."

He then explained a little bit about his illness: "To tell the truth I was feeling just normal. A bit down.

"I thought it was the travel because as you know going to Gabon it’s not so close to here.

"Yeah I felt just a bit tired especially against Liverpool but I thought that it was just because of the travel.

"I don’t know what was the percentage of my form at that moment because I didn’t know that I had malaria but definitely I felt a bit tired and that’s it."

Read the full story here.

Arsenal set to 'bin scouts'

According to the Daily Star, Arsenal are set for a big transfer overhaul that will see the club's scouts 'binned'.

The Gunners' scouting network has been the subject of significant cuts this season, with the Covid-19 pandemic having an impact on football clubs from all around the world.

It's being reported that the north London club are set to replace scouts with office-based analysts, as they look to make the most out of their money.

A data-led system is designed to be more efficient with the resources available - as well as 'taking out the subjectivity of individual scouts'.

Despite this, all transfer dealings will have to be signed off by the club's Head of Football, Edu.

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