Arsenal and Mikel Arteta handed £53m transfer boost as Edu confirms interest in midfielder
All the very latest Arsenal news, views and transfer rumours following the Gunners' victory against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening
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Arsenal remain keen on Aouar
Arsenal are 'convinced' that Lyon midfield ace Houssem Aouar is the answer to their creativity issues from the centre of midfield.
That is according to Italian sports journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who insists the Gunners are still on the hunt for a player of his ilk.
Aouar was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium during last summer's transfer window and reports linking him with a move to north London once again have started to come to the surface in the last few days.
"They are still looking for this kind of player, they were also trying for [Dominik] Szoboszlai who then joined Leipzig, but they were trying really for Dominik Szoboszlai,” Romano said on the Feather on Football podcast
"And also Aouar has always been the first target for Arsenal. They love him and they are convinced he would be perfect in their midfield.
"The problem is that Lyon are asking for €60million (£53.3m) they are having an amazing season, they want to be back in the Champions League, so at the moment with the president of Lyon it’s really hard to negotiate in January for this kind of player."
Gunners player ratings vs Newcastle
Emile Smith Rowe produced another impressive display against Newcastle United on Monday evening, registering an assist to help Arsenal win 3-0.
The youngster started in the No.10 position and was key in the Gunners turning the screw in the second half, as goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2) and Bukayo Saka got the job done.
Smith Rowe was outstanding in the second half, as were plenty of other of his team-mates.
Edu issues Torreira update
Gunners technical director Edu has confirmed that no shortage of clubs are tracking the developments of midfielder Lucas Torreira.
The Uruguayan is currently on loan at Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid but has it has been heavily reported that he could soon return to north London and have his loan spell cut short.
Torreira has struggled for opportunities to impress in Spain this term, racking up just 13 appearances in all competitions. But should he return to Arsenal, it is unlikely that he would gain a place within Mikel Arteta's side.
"The situation is very simple. Arsenal is concerned about Torreira, his happiness, that he plays and that he is well," said Edu. "We want to know about him how he feels and, later, of course, know what Atletico thinks.
"For us, Lucas and his happiness is what is more important. If everyone is happy, we will continue like this, if Lucas is not well, we will look for a change because there are many teams that are calling me to ask about the player’s situation.”
