MESUT OZIL'S departure for Fenerbahce is a done deal with only the formal announcement by the Turkish club to come soon.
Meanwhile a man who has been at Arsenal even longer than Ozil could be on his way with Mauricio Pochettino's PSG said to have entered the race for Hector Bellerin.
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Follow all the latest from the Emirates below…
- William Pugh
MORNING, ARSENAL FANS
Real Madrid man Martin Odegaard is rated high on Mikel Arteta's wishlist for a new playmaker.
The Norway star, 22, who was borrowed by Real Sociedad last season, is being linked with a loan switch to the Emirates or Manchester United.
Arsenal boss Arteta is keen on a new creator as big-earning outcast Mesut Ozil is set to complete his move to Fenerbahce this week, reputedly on £70,000-a-week.
Meanwhile, Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos has definitely left – by mutual consent.
In fact, Turkish giants Fenerbahce are among the clubs thought to be keen on the 32-year-old, along with Olympiakos and Genoa.
Sokratis saluted Arsenal on social media, saying he 'gave everything for the Gunners' before adding: “One of the most enjoyable times in my career ended today.”
He also singled out Ozil: “It’s been a pleasure to play with you and get to know you bro. Good luck and best wishes for the future @MesutOzil1088!”
And at the other end of his Arsenal career, 20-year-old midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is understood to be closing in on a bumper new contract.
- Ian Tuckey
FAN BAN SET TO LAST WHOLE SEASON
Prem chiefs have steeled themselves for a fan-free season — despite the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The 20 “shareholder” clubs today confirmed that all matches up to the end of next month will be screened live on TV.
But privately, League and club chiefs recognised it is unlikely fans will be allowed back through the turnstiles until next term.
And unless there is a surprise change of heart from Government and health chiefs, that will mean the entire second half of the campaign being available for fans to watch “live” from home.
In a statement released after the two-hour virtual meeting, a Prem spokesman said: “All Premier League fixtures from Saturday January 30 to the last weekend of February will be available to UK fans to watch.
“Matches will continue to be shown via the existing services of broadcast partners Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime Video and BBC.”
- Ian Tuckey
GUNNERS 'BID FOR UTD TARGET MARTIN'
Arsenal have reportedly made a loan offer for wantaway Real Madrid star Martin Odegaard.
Sky Sports claims Mikel Arteta has approached Los Blancos over a short-term deal for the playmaker following Mesut Ozil’s exit.
Odegaard, 22, has also been linked with Manchester United.
Norway star Martin Odegaard is reportedly interesting Man Utd and ArsenalCredit: AFP or licensors And the Norway international, who was just 16 years old when he joined Real, wants out of the Bernabeu due to a lack of minutes this season.
Odegaard wasn’t even included on the bench for Real’s Copa del Rey clash with Alcoyano on Wednesday – even though they named one LESS sub than their lower league opponents.
And Arsenal have now thrown their hat in the ring by making a formal proposal to Real.
Arteta wants to sign Odegaard until the summer, which will then give the playmaker and Real more time to decide his long-term future.
The LaLiga champions are reportedly ready to give Odegaard a loan move this month after playing him in just nine matches.
- Ian Tuckey
GOLDEN DAYS LIVE LJUNG IN THE MEMORY
Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg is clearly chuffed to see how fans remember his glorious spell from 1998-2007.
- Ian Tuckey
ODE MAN IN?
Arsenal are said to be keen on borrowing Real Madrid striker Martin Odegaard.
Sky Sports suggest Mikel Arteta wants the Norway star, 22, after he shone on loan for Real Sociedad last season.
Just three of Odegaard's nine games this season have been starts.
- Ian Tuckey
PARTEY SUPER
Granit Xhaka heaped praise on Thomas Partey’s leadership skills – and reckons he will help get the best out of the Gunners’ youngsters.
Partey started in Monday night’s 3-0 win over Newcastle and was impressive in the middle of the park, grabbing an assist and making 95 per cent of his passes.
Xhaka said: “You can see Partey brings a lot of experience. It is so important to have a guy like him, because the experience that he brings is so important for this young team.
“We have to push these young guys to keep improving and keep going.”
- Ian Tuckey
GUNNERS TIPPED FOR TOP 4 FINISH
Arsenal 'Invincible' Lauren insists Mikel Arteta can still earn Arsenal Champions League spot for next season.
Tuesday's 3-0 defeat of Newcastle put the Gunners tenth after four wins in an unbeaten five-game Premier League run.
And former Cameroon right-back Lauren, 43, told GentingBet: "Mikel Arteta is the right man to get Arsenal to where they want to be.
"He is the same manager who won the FA Cup and the Community Shield against Liverpool and still has the quality to lead the team.
"I was very impressed with Arsenal’s performance against Newcastle, especially with the way they were pressing high up on the pitch.
"It was also great to see some impressive performances across the pitch. Partey was impressive in front of the back four. Smith Rowe and Saka were brilliant and Aubameyang was excellent the whole game.
"There has been a big change at Arsenal since the New Year. The team have been getting results, beating Chelsea, playing very good attacking football.
"I think that Arsenal have shown enough that they can finish in the Champions League positions."
- Ian Tuckey
SOK'S TOUCHING GOODBYE TO OZIL
Sokratis Papastathopoulos has singled out fellow departing Gunner Mesut Ozil for a touching goodbye message.
Ex-Germany midfielder Ozil has been tipped to join Fenerbahce this week – with the Turkish giants also amongst Sokratis' main admirers.
And in a social media post the Greece defender, 32, said: "It's been a pleasure to play with you and get to know you bro. Good luck and best wishes for the future @MesutOzil1088!"
- Ian Tuckey
THE ART OF CUTTING BACK
Mikel Arteta claims "a lot of players are going to go on loan" as he prunes his "large" Arsenal squad.
The Gunners' have followed their worst ever Premer League start with 13 points from the past five games to return to the top half of the table.
But Arteta has admitted: "A lot of things that should have happened in the summer we could not accomplish them for different reasons.
"We cannot sustain the numbers that we have in certain positions We are looking to do that."
- Ian Tuckey
LUKAS SLAMS ARSENAL OVER OZIL
Lukas Podolski has blasted former club Arsenal for their treatment of Mesut Ozil.
The duo spent two years together at the Gunners, winning the FA Cup n 2014 before Podolski joined Inter Milan on loan.
Podolski, left, has hit out at Arsenal's treatment of Ozil He now plays in Turkey with Antalyaspor and will welcome his old friend to the Super Lig once Ozil completes his free transfer to Fenerbahce.
Ozil has landed in Istanbul to complete his switch to the Turkish giants after an acrimonious exit at Arsenal.
The German playmaker was frozen out of the first team under Mikel Arteta this season and hasn't featured in a competitive fixture since March.
And Podolski, 35, criticised the Gunners for banishing him from the squad after seven years of service.
Reported by Sport Bild, he said: "I generally think with a player who is now in his sixth or seventh year with the club, to kick him completely out of the squad, that’s absolutely not okay.
"He's shown his class on the pitch, he's never been negative towards his colleagues or the club.
"Arsenal as a club have not looked positive in this situation over the last months."
- Ian Tuckey
GET YOUR FIX HERE
The Premier League’s televised fixtures for the month ahead have been announced – including a mouthwatering clash between Arsenal and Manchester United.
The league leaders travel to Mikel Arteta’s in-form Gunners at 5.30pm on Saturday, January 30 for a clash live on Sky Sports.
With fans no closer to returning to stadiums, the entire fixture list will continue to be shown.
A shareholders meeting on Wednesday gave the green light to continue with round-the-clock football, while preparing for seeing out the season without supporters. And another game has also been confirmed for terrestrial tele.
West Brom’s match with Fulham on January 30, kicking off at 3pm, will air on BBC.
Standout games in February include Tottenham’s clash with Chelsea on Thursday, February 4 at 8pm – which will be on BT Sport.
The following weekend, on Sunday at 4.30pm, Liverpool host Manchester City on Sky. Saturday, February 13 features two big top of the table match-ups, in Leicester versus Liverpool (12.30pm, BT) and City hosting Spurs (5.30pm, Sky).
Jurgen Klopp will see his squad tested to the full with the Merseyside derby only seven days later, live on Sky at 5.30pm.
City then head to Arsenal on Sunday, February 21 for a 4.30pm clash on Sky. The final ‘Big Six’ meeting of the month sees Manchester United head to Chelsea on Sunday, February 28 for the evening game on Sky.
- Ian Tuckey
ALL GAMES LIVE UNTIL END OF FEBRUARY
Premier League chiefs have steeled themselves for a fan-free season despite the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The 20 “shareholder” clubs today confirmed that all matches up to the end of next month will be screened live on TV.
But privately, League and club chiefs recognised it is unlikely that fans will be allowed back through the Prem turnstiles until next season.
And unless there is a surprise change of heart from Government and health chiefs, that will mean the entire second half of the campaign being available for fans to watch “live” from home.
In a statement released after the two-hour virtual meeting, a Prem spokesman said: “All Premier League fixtures from Saturday 30 January to the last weekend of February will be made available to fans to watch live in the UK.
“Matches will continue to be shown via the existing services of broadcast partners Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime Video and BBC.
“Details of all contracted broadcast selections will be announced today, along with early additional selections.
“Confirmation of the remaining fixtures, up to match round 26, will follow in due course.”
- Ian Tuckey
SOKRATIS THANKS GUNNERS
Outgoing defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos has posted a glowing tribute and thanks to Arsenal.
Olympiakos, Genoa and Fenerbahce have already been linked with the Greece star following his Emirates' departure by mutual consent.
And the 32-year-old says he "gave everything for the Gunners" before adding: "One of the most enjoyable times in my career ended today."
The ex-Borussia Dortmund also also saluted coaches, team-mates and fans for the "love and support they have given me".
- Ian Tuckey
GUNNERS TELL SOCK TO SHOO
Arsenal have parted ways with Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos by mutual consent.
The 32-year-old hasn’t featured for the Gunners’ first team this season.
And the defender’s stay at the Emirates is now over with the club continuing their January clearout.
That means the defender will be a free agent and can join another team immediately.
Olympiakos, Genoa and Fenerbahce are among the teams to have shown interest in signing him this month.
- Ian Tuckey
26-GUN SALUTE
Arsenal have sent versatile defender Calum Chambers 26th birthday greetings on social media.
The Gunners' recent revival certainly makes it easier for Chambers and Co to smile, with Monday's 3-0 win over Newcastle finally restoring them to the top half of the Premier League.
- Joshua Jones
AND IT’S ALL LIVE
In a statement released after the two-hour virtual meeting, a Premier League spokesman said: “All Premier League fixtures from Saturday 30 January to the last weekend of February will be made available to fans to watch live in the UK.
“Matches will continue to be shown via the existing services of broadcast partners Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime Video and BBC.
“Details of all contracted broadcast selections will be announced today, along with early additional selections.
“Confirmation of the remaining fixtures, up to match round 26, will follow in due course.
“The Premier League and its clubs are committed to an accessible solution for fans.
“These plans have been made with the cooperation of our broadcast partners, working with us to deliver these additional matches while stadiums are missing the supporters who are such an integral part of the game.”
- Joshua Jones
IN STREAMLAND
A bit of breaking football news for you…
Premier League chiefs have steeled themselves for a fan-free season despite the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The 20 “shareholder” clubs today confirmed that all matches up to the end of next month will be screened live on TV.
But privately, league and club chiefs recognised it is unlikely that fans will be allowed back through the turnstiles until next season.
And unless there is a surprise change of heart from Government and health chiefs, that will mean the entire second half of the campaign being available for fans to watch “live” from home.
Tottenham and Manchester United are the hardest hit by the continued shut-out, losing around £6m in income for each home game played behind closed doors.
But while crowds of up to 2,000 were allowed for a few weeks in December, the subsequent clampdown in the face of the mutant strains of the virus saw the gates shut once again.
- Joshua Jones
PARTEY PRAISE
Granit Xhaka heaped praise on Thomas Partey’s leadership skills – and reckons he will help get the best out of the Gunners’ youngsters.
Partey started in Monday night’s 3-0 win over Newcastle and was impressive in the middle of the park, grabbing an assist and making 95 per cent of his passes.
Xhaka said: “You can see Partey brings a lot of experience. It is so important to have a guy like him, because the experience that he brings is so important for this young team.
“We have to push these young guys to keep improving and keep going.”
- Joshua Jones
PAY CUT
Mesut Ozil will earn £70,000 a week after tax at Fenerbahce over the next three-and-a-half years.
And he bagged himself a signing-on fee of about £4.5million.
He has also negotiated a bonus of £22,000 for each appearance — so at least some of the Turkish club’s money is safe…
- Joshua Jones
SEEN THE BACK OF SOK
Arsenal have parted ways with Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos by mutual consent.
The 32-year-old hasn't featured for the Gunners' first team this season.
And the defender's stay at the Emirates is now over with the club continuing their January clearout.
That means the defender will be a free agent and can join another team immediately.
Olympiakos, Genoa and Fenerbahce are among the teams to have shown interest in signing him this month.
- Joshua Jones
STICKING WITH SMITH
Staying with Smith Rowe, and he hailed his ‘special’ connection with Arsenal pal Bukayo Saka.
After Smith Rowe, 20, teed up Saka, 19, in Gunners' 3-0 win over Newcastle, they became the first duo under 21 to combine for three Premier League goals.
Smith Rowe said: "It makes it that little bit more special knowing we've come up together through the academy.
“We're so close off the pitch as well and I think that's showing on the pitch.
"The first time we played together was an Under-18s game against Liverpool. Since then, we've really clicked.
"So as soon as we step on to the pitch, we know each other so well. I'm happy to assist him."
- Joshua Jones
SMITH TO SIGN
Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly on course to land a bumper new contract.
The 20-year-old has played a key role in the Gunners’ return to form in the No10 position.
His current deal runs until 2023 but the Daily Mail say the club want to tie him down before the new season starts.
Smith Rowe currently pockets around £15,000 per week but that will no doubt increase massively.
- Joshua Jones
FAR-GET IT
Norwich manager Daniel Farke said there is a '99 per cent' chance Emi Buendia stays in January in a transfer blow to Arsenal.
The Gunners have an attacking midfielder in mind as they enter the winter window.
But their interest in Buendia could be over after his boss appeared to confirm they will keep hold of the versatile Argentine.
Farke said: "No, nothing will happen. In this business, you can never say 100 per cent guarantee, but I would label it 99 per cent.
"It makes no sense for any of my key players to leave at this moment. And it makes no sense for us as a club right now to sell any of my players.
"These players have the potential to play for one of the best clubs in this country, and Arsenal [are] definitely one of the best in this country and also Europe.
"They have the potential to play there one day, but it makes no sense in January. Let's be honest we are in a great position."
- Joshua Jones
WIL I NEVER
Jack Wilshere made his Bournemouth debut during the 1-0 defeat to Derby on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old struggled to make his mark after he was introduced for David Brooks in the 78th minute.
Ex-Arsenal star Wilshere joined the Jason Tindall's Cherries on a free transfer in a bid to reignite his career.
- Joshua Jones
'HE'S FRUSTRATED'
Mesut Ozil is a 'genius' and will thrive in a 'warm environment', according to Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger.
Ozil, 32, is on the verge of completing a move to Fenerbahce having been snubbed by Mikel Arteta this season.
The Frenchman told beIN SPORTS: "I'm sure that he's frustrated at not having played.
"His hunger must be absolutely [enormous] to play football again.
"Mesut is a guy who needs a warm environment and I believe he will find that more than anywhere else in Turkey.
"Overall, he can provide the balls that the strikers need to win football games. If they do that well, they have a good chance of winning the league.
"I will follow that with great attention."
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