Arsenal news live: Gunners want Dortmund star Julian Brandt, Atletico want Maitland-Niles, Aouar, Partey, Luiz & Gabriel latest

Arsenal news and gossip is coming in thick and fast and Sportarena is on hand to bring you all the very latest from Emirates stadium.

Atletico Madrid want Maitland-Niles

Atletico Madrid have reportedly positioned themselves in bid to land Arsenal defender Maitland-Niles in January transfer window.

The Spanish giant via Gunners star as a potential replacement for Kieran Tripper, who ban for 10-week for breaching betting rules.

And according to Sky Sports, claim the La Liga giants will test Arsenal’s resolve by making a move for the 23-year-old versatile player.

Maitland-Niles was linked with a summer exit from the Emirates stadium, with Wolves interested, but stayed to fight for his place under Arteta. With just four starts in the Premier League this season, though, Maitland-Niles could re-think his options come January.

Houssem Aouar interest cooled

Lyon star Houssem Aouar was the Arsenal transfer saga of the summer.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder was heavily linked with a move to north London right up to the deadline, but no move was forthcoming.

With January just around the corner, the Houssem Aouar rumours have already started, with reports claiming interest in the 22-year-old was to be reignited.

However, The Athletic claims Gunners’ interest in the France international has now cooled and they won’t be making their move.

Arsenal want Dortmund attacking midfielder Julian Brandt

Arsenal are reportedly contemplating a move for Borussia Dortmund star Julian Brandt having cooled their interest in Lyon attacking midfielder Houseem Aouar.

Mikel Arteta’s side have really lacked creativity this season and the team is crying out for a top level attacking midfielder.

The Gunners have managed just 18 goals in 16 Premier League games, 18 less than leaders Liverpool.

£55m-rated Houssem Aouar has been a top target for some time and was strongly linked with a move to the Emirates in the summer.

However, The Athletic claim he has now slipped down the scouting pecking order.

Their report goes on to say that Dortmund star Brandt has caught the north London club’s eye – despite the fact he has only started six Bundesliga matches this season.

The 24-year-old German international joined Dortmund from Bayer Leverkusen for £22.9m in the summer of 2019 and went on to contribute seven goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions in his first campaign.

He has not quite had the same impact so far this season, managing just one goal and one assist in 22 appearances across all competitions.

Julian Brandt has plenty of competition at the Signal Iduna Park and could well be tempted by the prospect of instantly becoming a central part of the first team setup at Arsenal.

Arteta updates on Gabriel Magalhaes, Willian,  David Luiz and Thomas Partey after Arsenal’s win over Chelsea on Saturday

Mikel Arteta’s men are back to winning ways in Premier League with 3-1 victory over local rival Chelsea on Saturday evening, but they were missing a few first-team players for various reasons.

Powerful central midfielder Thomas Partey remains out with thighs injury he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur, whilst Gabriel Magalhaes, David Luiz, and Willian were all surprise absentees on the day.

Gabriel Magalhaes

Starting with Gabriel, Mikel Arteta explained that the Brazilian defender has to isolate after close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid.

‘We are not 100 percent [sure how long he’ll miss] but he was in contact with somebody who has tested positive so he has to stay away for a few games,’ Arteta said.

‘It wasn’t with another player in the Premier League. It was someone in his bubble.’

Arteta also confirmed Gabriel Magalheas hasn’t tested positive himself, he’s just been in contact with someone who has.

David Luiz and Willian

As for David Luiz and Willian, both missed out with illness, but not necessarily Covid.

‘They were having some symptoms, and we have to be really cautious when that happens,’ Mikel Arteta continued.

‘The protocols say that they have to stay away, they have to test negative but still we have to be really careful we don’t pass that into the players until we are 100 percent sure they don’t have it.’

Thomas Partey

On Partey, Mikel Arteta didn’t expect the midfielder to return in time to face Brighton or West Bromwich Albion. He’s still making slow and steady progress towards a comeback.

‘Not yet,’ Arteta responded to questions about a comeback. ‘He hasn’t started to train with us yet, so he is still a few more days away.’

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