Arsenal transfer news LIVE: West Ham build-up, next skipper LATEST, Aubameyang STRIPPED of captaincy, Smith Rowe injury

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FELIX BLOW

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has dismissed talks of Joao Felix leaving the club.

That poses as a transfer blow for both Arsenal and Manchester United.

Cerezo told Mundo Deportivo: "He is a magnificent player.

"I think he does not want to go. For us he is non-transferable. We bet on him as in his day we bet with Sergio Aguero"

ARTETA REMINDER

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refused to confirm whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be completely axed from the squad after his demotion.

Arteta insists it will take time "to heal" but for now Aubameyang is not part of his plans.

The Spanish head coach said: "We need a bit of time.

"It needs a bit of time to heal. For now he's not involved in the squad"

WRIGHT OF REPLY

Arsenal legend Ian Wright offered a hilarious response to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being stripped of the captaincy.

Aubameyang was removed from the role after his 'latest disciplinary breach' last week.

The striker was dropped from Saturday's 3-0 victory over Southampton after arriving back late from an authorised trip to France.

Wright offered up the perfect response as the Gunners confirmed that the captaincy would be changing hands.

The 58-year-old posted a meme of himself from earlier this season looking glum without a caption

MAV-ELLOUS

Newcastle are keeping tabs on Arsenal loanee Kostas Mavropanos ahead of the January transfer window

Mavropanos is currently out on loan at Stuttgart, where he has amassed five goals and one assist in 16 appearances across all competitions this season.

According to Bild, the Bundesliga outfit has the option to buy the centre-back for just £2.5million, but could then look to sell him on and make a cool £20m-plus profit.

The likes of Borussia Dortmund, the Magpies and West Ham all remain interested with the Greece international unlikely to continue with Stuttgart past this season

MORE FROM VIEIRA

Arsenal legend and Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira had more to say about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's demotion.

Vieira added“I think as a manager you always want your captain to be one of the leaders, I’d say.

“A positive leader — on and off the field. You want the captain to set the example.

"Obviously, the captain always has to have a special relationship with the manager.

“But to have that, you need to be a positive leader”

MORE FROM GALLAS

Former Arsenal ace William Gallas admits Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s axe as captain will affect the squad both on and off the pitch.

Gallas told Genting Casino: “Normally, the manager gives his confidence to the captain.

“And, normally, the captain is the first person who represents the manager.

“If there is a little issue between the manager and his captain, it’s not a good message for the squad”

SKIPPERS ON TOAST

Former Arsenal ace William Gallas has issued a warning to demoted captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Gallas was also stripped of the Gunners armband in 2008 after publicly slamming his team-mates.

When asked what advice he would give Aubameyang, the former Chelsea ace said: “Keep focused, work hard and get back to your best level.

“I didn’t accept it at the beginning, because it was not for the right reason. It’s difficult for me. That’s why it was difficult for me to accept it.

“But you have to say, ‘OK. The club and the coach, took that decision, and I have to find everything to refocus myself’. Sometimes it can help you. Sometimes the armbands can be a little bit too heavy.

“The captaincy can be very difficult. It doesn’t change anything because all people want are good performances on the pitch, captain or not”

BAY-OUT CLAUSE

Bayern Munich could wreck Arsenal’s transfer plans as the German champions are targeting Fiorentina star Vlahovic.

According to Bild, Vlahovic, who is also being eyed by Manchester United and Tottenham, is in Bayern's radar.

The striker has registered a staggering total of 17 goals and two assists in 18 matches across all competitions.

And the Serbia international has rejected Viola's record contract offer

GET AUBA IT

Arsenal legend and Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira addressed Pieree-Emerick Aubameyang's demotion and says the captain of a Premier League side must be a “positive leader” at all times.

Vieira said: “I think as a manager you always want your captain to be one of the leaders, I’d say.

“A positive leader — on and off the field. You want the captain to set the example.

"Obviously, the captain always has to have a special relationship with the manager.

“But to have that, you need to be a positive leader”

DUS OFF

Arsenal have received a major transfer boost after January target Dusan Vlahovic rejected a record Fiorentina contract offer.

But Vlahovic is also wanted by the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham.

The Viola's chief exec Joe Barone told Repubblica: “We’ve offered Vlahovic the highest contract ever in the history of Fiorentina, several times.

“Both Dusan and his agent made us realise that they do not want to accept. Our bid is still on the table”

KIERAN'S TIERN

Arsenal fans are leaning towards Kieran Tierney becoming the new captain, according to a poll conducted by @Gunnerstown.

This comes after the Gunners decided to remove the armband from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following another disciplinary breach.

Tierney has infectious enthusiasm and energy that is unmatched at the Emirates.

The full-back also has experience captaining a club, wearing the armband at Celtic

SAK ATTACK

Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has tipped Bukayo Saka for the captaincy after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's demotion.

Winterburn told Metro: "I would think that at this moment in time [Kieran] Tierney would be put forward, Gabriel could be put forward, Ben White and I've heard the mention of [Aaron] Ramsdale.

"Another I would throw into the hat would be [Bukayo] Saka because he's been the one standout player in this period of time when Arsenal have been trying to progress and close the gap on the top four.

"He's been the stand out player, so I think what it will ultimately come down to is Mikel Arteta wanting someone that is vocal and leads by example by on and off the pitch"

GUNNING FOR IT

Arsenal ace Aaron Ramsdale has been tipped to take over the captain's armband from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang by former Tottenham star Darren Bent.

Bent told talkSPORT: "I'd probably say Ramsdale.

"If [Kieran] Tierney could guarantee that he's going to play every single week, then yeah.

"But other than him it's got to be Ramsdale as he's the only player who's going to play every single week"

MORNING, ARSENAL FANS

Axed skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains unavailable again for tonight's huge Prem derby at home to West Ham.

Fit-again Emile Smith Rowe is pressing for a recall in place of Gabriel Martinelli despite Saturday's 3-0 win over Southampton.

But boss Mikel Arteta admits Aubameyang's longer-term future is in doubt after his latest disciplinary breach.

Arteta claimed he took the ‘really tough’ decision to strip Aubameyang of Arsenal’s captaincy to ‘defend the interests’ of the club.

He added: “We had to do it. We need a bit of time.

“It needs a bit of time to heal. For now he’s not involved in the squad.”

Barcelona are 2/1 favorites to sign Aubameyang, with Juventus are 5/1, Newcastle 8/1, Manchester City 10/1 and Man Utd 12/1.

 Aubameyang aside, the Gunners are at full-strength as they bid to jump above fourth-placed Hammers with victory this evening.

Stand-in skipper  Alexandre Lacazettle was lavishly praised by Arteta after his goal and all-round display up front over the weekend in Aubameyang's absence.

And Lacazette, along with Granit Xhaka, is thought to head the running for the permanent captaincy.

PREM CLUBS CANCEL XMAS PARTIES

EXCLUSIVE: Premier League clubs have been cancelling their Christmas parties.

The majority of them were due to be held last week with the exception of the teams playing European football.

Instead, Prem players are generally going out in groups of three and four.

In the EFL, some clubs have carried on staging their parties while others have scrapped them.

Some players have lied to their clubs by insisting the parties have been scrapped — and carried on boozing in any case.

Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park is a favourite location.

Charlton’s Ben Watson wins the award for the best fancy dress. He went as fellow redhead Steve Sidwell in full Chelsea kit.

Another Addicks player dressed as Kim Jong-un.

GALLAGHER IS THE NEW PARLOUR

Patrick Vieira rates Conor Gallagher as a ‘manager’s dream’ with finishing ability similar to Frank Lampard and Ray Parlour’s energy.

Gallagher’s superb double in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Everton made Gallagher Crystal Palace’s six-goal top scorer on loan from Chelsea this season.

And Eagles’ boss Vieira compared the new England midfielder’s drive to ex-Arsenal workhorse Parlour.

Gunners’ all-time great Vieira said: “Conor has this passion for the game when he is on the field like a Ray Parlour.

“But I would say he has maybe the quality finishing of a Frank Lampard.

“It is a manager’s dream to have a player like Conor because when he is on the field, he will give everything.

“He is focused, concentrated and will always give his best. This is something that for me is really important.”

Vieira added of the 21-year-old: “I think it is his determination to progress.

“Every time he is putting his feet on the field, he wants to improve and to challenge himself.”

ARTETA EXPLAINS AUBA AXING AS SKIPPER

Mikel Arteta says he took the 'really tough' decision to strip Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal's captaincy to 'defend the interests' of the club.

Aubameyang, 32, was axed for Saturday's impressive 3-0 home win over Southampton for his 'latest disciplinary breach'.

Arteta said today: "We have made this decision that unfortunately is a really tough one.

"If I had to choose I wouldn't like to be sitting here talking about it, but we had to do it.

"When we have to make that decision, it's because it's the right one to defend the interests of the football club."

GALLAS UNDERSTANDS AUBA AXE

Former Arsenal captain William Gallas claims he understands why Mikel Arteta axed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as current skipper.

Gallas had an ill-fated stint as captain from the summer of 2007 to November 2008.

And with striker Aubameyang stripped of the role due to disciplinary reasons, Gallas stresses it's vital each team's skipper leads by example.

Asked about a fractured relationship between any manager and captain. he former France and Chelsea defender told bookmaker Genting Casino: "It doesn’t help the squad, that is for sure.

"Normally, the manager gives his confidence to the captain and, normally, the captain is the first person who represents the manager.

"If there is a little issue between the manager and his captain, it’s not a good message for the squad. For the team."

And quizzed on Arteta dropping Aubameyang from the skipper position, Gallas replied: "It’s normal for the manager to discipline.

"The manager must explain that he can’t do what he did because he’s the captain of the club, and it’s very important for the captain to lead by example in the dressing room."

Gallas admitted it was tough for him when he lost the job at Arsenal 13 years ago.

He said: "I didn’t accept it at the beginning, because it was not for the right reason. It’s difficult for me.

"That’s why it was difficult for me to accept it."

FIFA’S FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Alisson Becker (Brazil, Liverpool), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, AC Milan, PSG), Edouard Mendy (Senegal, Chelsea)

Defenders

David Alaba (Austria, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Spain, Barca), Trent Alexander-Arnold (England, Liverpool), Dani Alves (Brazil, Sao Paulo, Barcelona), Leonardo Bonucci (Italy, Juventus), Ruben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)

Midfielders

Sergio Busquets (Spain, Barca), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium, Man City), Bruno Fernandes (Portugal, Manchester United), Frenkie de Jong (Netherlands, Barca), Jorginho (Italy, Chelsea), N’Golo Kante (France, Chelsea)

Attackers

Lionel Messi (Argentina, Barca, PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Juventus, Man Utd), Kylian Mbappe (France, PSG), Erling Haaland (Norway, Borussia Dortmund), Karim Benzema (France, Real), Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Bayern), Romelu Lukaku (Belgium, Inter Milan, Chelsea), Neymar (Brazil, PSG)

NO ARSENAL PLAYERS IN 23-MAN WORLD SQUAD

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah incredibly missed out on a spot in Fifa’s World XI with five players from Barcelona being picked ahead of him.

The Egyptian ace wasn’t included amongst the 23 players selected, which included eight attackers.

Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Neymar and Romelu Lukaku were all recognised in front of Salah, despite the attacker netting 31 times last term.

Neymar – who was unable to help Paris Saint-Germain retain the Ligue 1 title – finds himself amongst the best attackers over the Liverpool forward.

Despite scoring almost twice the amount of goals the Brazilian managed, Salah wasn’t voted one of the 23 ‘outstanding’ players by his peers.

One of the most surprising inclusions is Barca right-back Dani Alves.

The 38-year-old was playing in Brazil last season for Sao Paulo, but his Olympic success with the national team may have played a part in the inclusion.

Fellow Barca stars Jordi Alba, Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets also make the list, despite underwhelming performances for the cash-strapped Spanish side domestically and in Europe.

BARCA FAVOURITES TO SIGN AUBA

Barcelona are 2/1 favourites to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the striker was axed as Arsenal skipper.

Juventus are 5/1 and Newcastle 8/1 third favourites in Coral's odds for the 32-year-old Gabon superstar's next club.

Aubameyang might also be excited to see Manchester City (10/1) and their neighbours United (12/1) so high in the betting despite his poor season.

Coral’s John Hill said: “Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future at Arsenal looks to be in serious doubt now.

"We make Barcelona the firm favourites to secure his signature."

PREM STARS MUST BE TESTED DAILY

ALL Prem stars will have to take a lateral flow test EVERY day as clubs braced for potential crowd restrictions in the coming weeks, writes MARTIN LIPTON.

The 20 top flight clubs agreed to adopt new “emergency” measures aimed at preventing virus spread in the face of the Omicron variant scare.

They include daily tests for all Prem players and staff with negative results required for entrance to the training ground to be granted.

Club chiefs were told there are no plans for restrictions on fan numbers at this stage.

But there is a growing expectation that extra measures might be brought in by the Government – although they will fall well short of another Prem shutdown unless the virus snowballs completely out of control.

In an additional move to the daily tests, each player and staff member will also be required to take PCR tests twice per week.

Prem bosses believe the new regulations are a recognition of the speed of transmission of Omicron.

Daily lateral flow tests as well as the extra PCR samples will allow League chiefs to keep updated on the potential spread of the virus and act swiftly if there are warning signs.

Following the postponements of Tottenham’s game at Brighton on Sunday and last night’s clash between Brentford and Manchester United, club bosses expect further individual matches may fall prey to the virus.

At this stage, though, there is no threat to the season, with clubs reassured that the preventative measures they are already adopting under the Government’s Plan B should avoid the worst outcome.

That will see fans warned to expect to have to show proof of double-vaccinated status or a negative Covid test and greater mask wearing in stadiums.

GUNNERS VS HAMMERS' POSSIBLE LINE-UP

Arsenal kick-off another new era when they take on West Ham on Wednesday night - after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was AXED as captain.

The Gabon striker, 32, was stripped of his role following his latest 'disciplinary breach' - arriving back late from an authorised trip to France.

Arsenal have not get announced Aubameyang's replacement as skipper - but Alexandre Lacazette wore the armband for last weekend's 3-0 win over Southampton.

And the once out-of-favour Frenchman, 30, is likely to continue in Aubameyang's absence.

Aside from the ex-Borussia Dortmund striker, Mikel Arteta has revealed he has a fully-fit squad to pick from.

That means Emile Smith Rowe is fit to return from his groin injury.

The England man, 21, will likely replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank, with Bukayo Saka on the right, in either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1.

Granit Xhaka is set to line up alongside Thomas Partey in the heart of midfield, keeping Albert Sambi Lokonga out of the XI.

Kieran Tierney should keep his place in the team over Nuno Tavares at left-back, with Takehiro Tomiyasu on the right.

Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes will start at centre-back.

Arsenal host West Ham at the Emirates on Wednesday night, with kick-off 8pm.

But they will do so without Aubameyang - who himself inherited the captaincy following Xhaka's axe after furiously telling fans to f*** off.

GRAN PLAN SPLITS GUNNERS' FANS

Arsenal fans are divided by the prospect of Granit Xhaka being re-appointed club captain.

The Switzerland international is in the frame to become skipper again after Gunners boss Mikel Arteta stripped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the role.

But the possibility of Xhaka being given the armband again isn't something the Emirates faithful are in complete agreement about.

One fan tweeted: "Xhaka should have still been captain. He’s the best option even now."

Another said: "GRANIT XHAKA AS MY CLUB CAPTAIN PLEASE I BEG AND YES I BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES."

And another said: "Xhaka should be captain. Plays weekly, in his prime, is a leader generally & on the pitch in terms of buildup.

"Been here 6 years. Gabriel vice & becomes captain once Xhaka goes in 18 months."