ARSENAL will reportedly battle Liverpool for the signing of Aston Villa ace Douglas Luiz.
The Gunners saw THREE bids rejected by Villa on deadline day and now they could face competition from the Reds in landing their top midfield target come January.
Meanwhile, UEFA have confirmed Arsenal's Europa League match against PSV Eindhoven is POSTPONED after the death of the Queen.
Queen Elizabeth's funeral has become the focus for national police forces, including the Met and it has put a strain on the level of officers available to monitor safety at football grounds.
However, the Gunners' Premier League fixture this weekend against Brentford WILL go ahead but it has been moved from 2pm to 12pm.
Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates Stadium…
- Alex Cole
Showdown at noon
Arsenal yesterday confirmed that their clash with Brentford will go ahead.
The fixture was under threat due to the policing issues surrounding the weekend's games.
But it will now start two hours earlier than scheduled, at noon.
- Etienne Fermie
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal’s Europa League clash with PSV Eindhoven – which was scheduled to take place on Thursday – has been postponed due to policing issues.
An official statement read: “UEFA today announced that the UEFA Europa League tie between Arsenal FC and PSV Eindhoven, originally to be played on Thursday 15 September, has been postponed with a new date to be communicated in due course.
“This is due to the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
The postponement of Arsenal’s game with the Dutch giants leaves Uefa and the clubs scrambling to find a new date and the possibility, however unlikely, that the Gunners may have to forfeit a 0-3 defeat.
It has been confirmed – there will be three Premier League games off this weekend but Arsenal WILL play Brentford on Sunday.
Brentford vs Arsenal – which along with Tottenham’s match against Leicester had been under threat – will now start two hours earlier than scheduled, at noon.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been joined by Liverpool in the race to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to reports.
- Alex Cole
Arsenal time change
Brentford vs Arsenal – which along with Tottenham’s match against Leicester had been under threat – will now start two hours earlier than scheduled, at noon, with Everton against West Ham pushed back 15 minutes to 2.15pm.
Earlier today, the FA confirmed the return to play at all levels, with tomorrow’s Champions League game between Liverpool and Ajax, six Championship matches and the full programme in Leagues One and Two cleared.
Clubs have been “recommended” to hold a minute’s silence before all matches with players and officials wearing black armbands.
Wednesday’s Champions League games at Chelsea and Manchester City are also on but the competition anthem will not be played before kick-off at any of the games in England or Scotland.
The postponement of Arsenal’s game with the Dutch giants, though, leaves Uefa and the clubs scrambling to find a new date and the possibility that the Gunners may have to forfeit a 0-3 defeat.
- Alex Cole
This weekend’s new look Prem schedule
Friday 16 September
20:00 Aston Villa v Southampton (Sky Sports)
20:00 Nott’ham Forest v FulhamSaturday 17 September
12:30 Wolves v Man City (BT Sport)
15:00 Newcastle v AFC Bournemouth
17:30 Spurs v Leicester City (Sky Sports)
Postponed Brighton v Crystal PalaceSunday 18 September
12:00 Brentford v Arsenal (Sky Sports)
14:15 Everton v West Ham (Sky Sports)
Postponed Chelsea v Liverpool
Postponed Man Utd v Leeds - Alex Cole
Three Prem clashes OFF this weekend but Arsenal goes ahead
It has been confirmed – there will be three Premier League games off this weekend but Arsenal WILL play Brentford on Sunday at MIDDAY.
The statement read: “Premier League fixtures will resume this weekend after a pause to the season as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“Seven of the 10 Premier League fixtures this weekend will be played, with three matches postponed due to events surrounding The Queen’s funeral.
“Matches postponed on Sunday 18 September are Chelsea vs Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, and Manchester United’s home match vs Leeds United.
“Brighton & Hove Albion’s fixture against Crystal Palace, that was due to be played at 15:00 BST on Saturday 17 September, will also remain postponed.”
- Alex Cole
Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven POSTPONED
Arsenal’s Europa League clash with PSV Eindhoven – which was scheduled to take place on Thursday – has been postponed due to policing issues.
An official statement read: “UEFA today announced that the UEFA Europa League tie between Arsenal FC and PSV Eindhoven, originally to be played on Thursday 15 September, has been postponed with a new date to be communicated in due course.
“This is due to the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
- Alex Cole
Race for Luiz
Arsenal have been joined by Liverpool in the race to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to reports.
The Gunners tried to sign the 24-year-old in the latter stages of the summer transfer window amid a midfield injury crisis.
However, they were unable to land boss Mikel Arteta’s target.
And now they could face competition from Liverpool for Luiz’s signature in future transfer windows.
According to The Express, the Reds registered their interest in the summer, like Arsenal.
But no official move was made for the Brazil star, who has less than 12 months on his contract.
Despite signing Juventus’ Arthur Melo on loan, Liverpool could revisit Luiz in January.
And midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be used as bait to tempt Villa into selling before they lose him for FREE next summer.
- Alex Cole
Arsenal target has strop in Madrid
Fuming Arsenal target Marco Asensio threw a bottle and a bib in a dugout meltdown after not being brought on for Real Madrid.
The reigning La Liga champions made it five wins in a row and maintained their perfect start after coming from behind against Mallorca.
Tension boiled over for the 26-year-old when he was snubbed by Ancelotti.
The Spaniard could be seen ending a touchline warm-up, marching back to the dugout and throwing a training bib towards a seat.
Asensio then appears to kick out at something on the ground as he heads back to the substitute's bench.
When he sits down, he chucks a bottle down in frustration.
Asensio, who has been at Real Madrid since 2014, was believed to have been pursued by the Gunners.
- Alex Cole
Arsenal still 'considering' loan move for Marquinhos
Arsenal are still considering a January loan deal for teenage prodigy Marquinhos.
But the 19-year-old Brazilian winger will only be allowed to leave if manager Mikel Arteta can sign another winger in the next transfer window.
The club has already decided that Marquinhos’ long-term future will be at the Emirates following his flying start to life in English football.
Arsenal had originally planned to allow the unknown rookie to spend all of this season on loan with a European club following his £3million summer arrival from Sao Paulo.
But they quickly changed their minds when they saw how quickly he acclimatised to training with Arteta’s senior squad.
- Alex Cole
Arsenal time change
Brentford vs Arsenal – which along with Tottenham’s match against Leicester had been under threat – will now start two hours earlier than scheduled, at noon, with Everton against West Ham pushed back 15 minutes to 2.15pm.
Earlier today, the FA confirmed the return to play at all levels, with tomorrow's Champions League game between Liverpool and Ajax, six Championship matches and the full programme in Leagues One and Two cleared.
Clubs have been “recommended” to hold a minute’s silence before all matches with players and officials wearing black armbands.
Wednesday's Champions League games at Chelsea and Manchester City are also on but the competition anthem will not be played before kick-off at any of the games in England or Scotland.
The postponement of Arsenal’s game with the Dutch giants, though, leaves Uefa and the clubs scrambling to find a new date and the possibility that the Gunners may have to forfeit a 0-3 defeat.
- Alex Cole
More on cancelled games
Prem chiefs have called off the weekend’s two biggest matches because Police resources are required to deal with the lead-up to The Queen’s funeral.
Chelsea’s home clash with Liverpool and Manchester United’s game with Leeds are both postponed – despite the FA giving football the green light to resume across the country.
The decision came hours after Uefa pulled the plug on Arsenal’s Europa League tie with PSV Eindhoven, citing “severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues” relating to the funeral.
That sparked fears that the Prem programme would be significantly impacted by demands on the Police.
But after a day of talks between the authorities, Prem chiefs announced the other seven matches due to be played this weekend WILL go ahead, including two in London.
- Alex Cole
This weekend's new look Prem schedule
Friday 16 September
20:00 Aston Villa v Southampton (Sky Sports)
20:00 Nott'ham Forest v FulhamSaturday 17 September
12:30 Wolves v Man City (BT Sport)
15:00 Newcastle v AFC Bournemouth
17:30 Spurs v Leicester City (Sky Sports)
Postponed Brighton v Crystal PalaceSunday 18 September
12:00 Brentford v Arsenal (Sky Sports)
14:15 Everton v West Ham (Sky Sports)
Postponed Chelsea v Liverpool
Postponed Man Utd v Leeds - Alex Cole
BREAKING: Three Prem clashes OFF this weekend but Arsenal goes ahead
It has been confirmed – there will be three Premier League games off this weekend but Arsenal WILL play Brentford on Sunday at MIDDAY.
The statement read: “Premier League fixtures will resume this weekend after a pause to the season as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"Seven of the 10 Premier League fixtures this weekend will be played, with three matches postponed due to events surrounding The Queen’s funeral.
"Matches postponed on Sunday 18 September are Chelsea vs Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, and Manchester United’s home match vs Leeds United.
"Brighton & Hove Albion’s fixture against Crystal Palace, that was due to be played at 15:00 BST on Saturday 17 September, will also remain postponed.”
- Alex Cole
Gunners face potential fixture backlog
Arsenal are facing a fixture backlog after suffering a second postponement in the space of five days.
And there is still no guarantee that Sunday’s Premier League trip will get the go-ahead.
Thursday’s Europa League game against PSV Eindhoven is definitely off following discussions with UEFA and the Metropolitan Police.
The decision was taken due to the severe limitation on police resources and organisational issues surrounding the many thousands of people heading to London to mourn the Queen.
With 3,000 PSV fans due to travel from Holland for a match which was classed as Category One by the police, it was clear that there would not be sufficient officers in attendance at the Emirates.
Arsenal are cautiously optimistic that Sunday’s trip to the Brentford Community Stadium will receive the green light because it is a Category Three match in security terms.
But there are still concerns that because of Brentford’s close proximity to Heathrow Airport, police officers could be diverted to take care of security for the various heads of state flying to the UK for Monday’s royal funeral.
- Alex Cole
Officials ‘hopeful’ for this weekend’s fixtures
Some of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures are still at risk of being postponed.
This is due to a lack of police resources ahead of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last week.
But, officials are still hopeful that a conclusion can be reached.
A National Police Chiefs Council spokesperson said: “We will work with football clubs to try and ensure that, where possible, football fixtures can take place safely when balanced against the requirement to support national events and deliver day-to-day policing.
“This is a unique situation and we are working closely with everyone involved.”
- Alex Cole
ICYMI – Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven POSTPONED
Arsenal’s Europa League clash with PSV Eindhoven – which was scheduled to take place on Thursday – has been postponed due to policing issues.
An official statement read: “UEFA today announced that the UEFA Europa League tie between Arsenal FC and PSV Eindhoven, originally to be played on Thursday 15 September, has been postponed with a new date to be communicated in due course.
“This is due to the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
- Emillia Hawkins
Taking the Mick
Alexandre Lacazette has been mocked and compared to Mickey Mouse after a rather interesting post-match interview.
The former Arsenal striker, 31, was speaking after his Lyon side lost 2-1 to Monaco.
But there was something different about the Frenchman – and fans took notice immediately.
Unfortunately for Lacazette his voice turned a really high pitch, resulting in much derision on social media.
One fan noted the similarity with Disney character Mickey Mouse, saying: "Lacazette giving us all his best Mickey Mouse impression."
- Emillia Hawkins
Arsenal and Liverpool in Douglas Luiz transfer race
Arsenal have been joined by Liverpool in the race to sign Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, according to reports.
The Gunners tried to sign the 24-year-old in the latter stages of the summer transfer window amid a midfield injury crisis.
However, they were unable to land boss Mikel Arteta's target.
And now they could face competition from Liverpool for Luiz's signature in future transfer windows.
According to The Express, the Reds registered their interest in the summer, like Arsenal.
But no official move was made for the Brazil star, who has less than 12 months on his contract.
Despite signing Juventus' Arthur Melo on loan, Liverpool could revisit Luiz in January.
And midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be used as bait to tempt Villa into selling before they lose him for FREE next summer.
Credit: PA - Emillia Hawkins
FA confirm fixtures will resume this evening
The FA have confirmed that fixtures across the English football pyramid – including the women's football pyramid – will resume this evening.
However, some matches scheduled to take place are still at risk of being postponed due to policing issues.
An official statement read: "Last weekend, English football united together to honour and remember Her Majesty the Queen.
"We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to everyone across our game for their support and understanding as we paid respect to our long-standing Patron of The Football Association, Queen Elizabeth II.
"After a period of pause and reflection for our national game, we can confirm that fixtures will resume as scheduled, including matches from the Barclays Women's Super League and Barclays Women's Championship, the Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying, Vitality Women's FA Cup, the National League System [NLS], Steps 1-6, including the Vanarama National Leagues, the Women's Football Pyramid [WFP], Tiers 3-7, and all matches across grassroots football in England. Isuzu FA Trophy and FA Youth Cup matches will return this evening.
"All matches held at stadiums are subject to leagues and clubs working with the relevant authorities to stage these fixtures, as usual practice.
"We will be recommending to clubs, leagues and competitions across the country that a minute's silence is observed before matches are played, and that black armbands should be worn where possible.
"All flags at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park will continue to fly at half-mast this week and over the weekend.
"The FA can also confirm that all scheduled football matches will be postponed on the day of Her Majesty the Queen's funeral on Monday 19 September.
"Our thoughts at this time remain with His Majesty King Charles III, our president, HRH The Prince of Wales, and the whole of the Royal Family."
- Emillia Hawkins
BREAKING – Arsenal vs PSV Eindhoven POSTPONED
Arsenal's Europa League clash with PSV Eindhoven – which was scheduled to take place on Thursday – has been postponed due to policing issues.
An official statement read: "UEFA today announced that the UEFA Europa League tie between Arsenal FC and PSV Eindhoven, originally to be played on Thursday 15 September, has been postponed with a new date to be communicated in due course.
"This is due to the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."
- Emillia Hawkins
David Dein broke down in tears over Arsenal sacking
Former Arsenal chief David Dein has revealed that Emirates exit still haunts him.
Dein, 79, had his contract brutally terminated in April 2007 after 24 years of service.
But, he never received a valid explanation as to why his time in North London ended so suddenly.
In his new autobiography, Calling the Shots, Dein has admitted his axing felt like a personal bereavement.
He said: "I’m a glass half-full person. I want to be positive, I want to be the guy who puts a brick in the wall, who builds something.
"That was the worst I felt apart from when my mother, and my brother Arnold, died. I left with tears in my eyes.
"Brutal, yes, that’s how I’d describe it. It was a combination of fear and jealousy.
"I was fairly high-profile and I think the rest of the board were upset that I was trying to source outside investment, talking to Stan Kroenke about my shares.
"They wanted to keep it a closed shop. But I could see where the game was going."
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
- Emillia Hawkins
Officials 'hopeful' fixtures can go ahead this weekend
Some of this weekend's Premier League fixtures are at risk of being postponed.
This is due to a lack of police resources ahead of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last week.
But, officials are still hopeful that a conclusion can be reached.
A National Police Chiefs Council spokesperson said: “We will work with football clubs to try and ensure that, where possible, football fixtures can take place safely when balanced against the requirement to support national events and deliver day-to-day policing.
“This is a unique situation and we are working closely with everyone involved.”
- Emillia Hawkins
Arsenal youth guru set for departure
Talent spotter Yousuf Sajjad is leaving Arsenal at the end of this month.
The Gunners' head of emerging talent joined from Chelsea three years ago and has left a strong impression in North London.
Sajjad has been responsible for the club's development sides between Under-17 and Under-23 level and has overseen a huge uptick in results.
According to The Athletic, Sajjad handed in his notice earlier this month and will leave at the end of September.
They add that he has left to join another club, and will begin his new job on October 1.
Sajjad worked primarily with technical director Edu and academy manager Per Mertesacker – as well as head of talent identification Lee Herron.
He has been responsible for a number of young signings including Mika Biereth and Salah Oulad M'Hand.
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/yousuff_sajjad/?hl=en - Emillia Hawkins
Prem clubs to hold talks with police over fixtures
Football chiefs and police are continuing talks today over a number of potential match postponements for this coming weekend.
The Queen died peacefully aged 96 on Thursday – marking an end to her historic reign and making her son, Charles, King.
The Premier League and EFL postponed all matches last weekend as Scotland followed suit along with a host of other sporting events to pay tribute to Her Majesty.
The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has been confirmed for Monday 19 September in London.
A host of police officers from across the country are set to be drafted into London to work on it and the other events surrounding the send-off with millions of mourners due to descend on the capital.
That means that Sunday’s Premier League games are among those being discussed about being postponed or moved.
SunSport understands that England’s representatives in Uefa’s competitions this midweek will not be affected.
But talks are still ongoing regarding the domestic top-flight clashes for next weekend.
- Emillia Hawkins
Prem fixtures in doubt over TV truck shortage
This weekend's scheduled Premier League fixtures are at risk of being postponed over a shortage of TV trucks.
Many broadcasters are expected to offer 24/7 coverage of Her Majesty the Queen's funeral, which is due to take place next Monday.
And according to The Daily Mail, the Premier League's main rights holder Sky Sports is running out of the broadcast trucks required to deliver live coverage.
This is because Sky News will need them to aid with coverage of The Queen's funeral.
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