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Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi should follow Granit Xhaka's example if they want to save their Arsenal careers, Mikel Arteta has said.

Ostracised Gunners pair Ozil and Guendouzi have been left on the outside looking in as Arsenal have enjoyed a resurgence under Arteta, who has guided the club to six wins in their previous eight games.

That run included back-to-back victories over Premier League champions Liverpool and then Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals last week, with Xhaka inspirational in both games.

It is a far cry from early November - almost two months before Arteta arrived as head coach - when Xhaka's future at Emirates Stadium looked bleak after he was stripped of the captaincy having reacted angrily to fans who booed him when he was substituted.

"The challenge with Granit was to convince him that there was still a place for him here - that I had big belief in him and that things can turn around pretty quickly in this industry," Arteta told reporters ahead of Tuesday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

"He had to send the right messages. First of all, he had to believe that he could do it and if that was the case, we were going to support him all the way through.

"I'm really glad to hear and sense the reaction from the fans towards him, I think they can appreciate what he's done. That's in the past, there's a lot of positives to take from difficult situations and we all learn from that.

"He's a really good example for any player that is in a difficult moment that if you are willing, consistent and really want to do it generally, I think there's always a way back."

Ozil has not been involved since March, before competitions were halted because of the coronavirus pandemic, while fellow midfielder Guendouzi has not been seen in an Arsenal shirt since confronting Brighton and Hove Albion players in a 2-1 loss on June 20.

Asked whether Xhaka could be considered an example for those two in particular, Arteta replied: "That applies for any player, and any member of the staff.

"If you really show that then you're deciding to do the best, not for yourself, but for the team and for the club, I think everybody will welcome you.

"It's not just me that has to give the green light. It's everybody that has to be supportive and you need to feel as well that support from everybody because if not it's a very uncomfortable situation."

There is similar uncertainty about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future with Arsenal, though not because he is unwanted by Arteta, who is confident the player will sign fresh terms.

The Gabon striker is out of contract at the end of next season and Arteta is keen for the 31-year-old's future to be resolved soon as he pushes on with transfer plans.

"With Auba, I think I've been very clear with what I want - the quicker we do it, for me personally, the better because the player will be more focused, more determined, more calm," he added. "But we have to respect the timings as well and the means that the football club has."

Gareth Bale "will not leave Real Madrid" this summer, according to his agent Jonathan Barnett, who says "the best players in the world do not go out on loan".

Bale has been restricted to just two appearances for Madrid since their return from lockdown in June, and was left out of Zinedine Zidane's squad completely for the 2-2 draw with Leganes on the final day of the Liga season.

The Welshman has cut a forlorn figure in the stands over the last few weeks, making headlines for pretending to be asleep and simulating the use of binoculars while watching his team-mates handle business on the pitch.

Bale has contributed just three goals to Madrid's cause in 20 appearances in 2019-20, and he looked somewhat out of place while the team celebrated their latest La Liga title triumph following a 2-1 win over Villarreal last Thursday.

As the rest of the squad picked up Zidane and revelled in a first domestic crown since 2017, the 31-year-old looked on with his arms folded, leading to more question marks over his future at Santiago Bernabeu.

It has been suggested that Madrid will look to offload Bale when the transfer window reopens, but Barnett is adamant that his client will be staying put.

"Gareth is fine. He has two years left on his contract," the Wales international's agent told BBC Sport. "He likes living in Madrid and he is going nowhere.

"He is still as good as anyone else in the team. It's up to [Real Madrid manager] Zinedine Zidane.

"Of course here's been interest but there's hardly a club in the world which can afford him.

"It's a great loss that he's not in the Real Madrid team at the moment but he will not leave."

Asked whether a loan move could be possible for Bale rather than a permanent transfer, Barnett responded: "He wants to play for Wales at Euro 2020. He always wants to play well for Wales.

"Gareth is one of the best players in the world. The best players in the world do not go out on loan."

Bale's representative went on to insist that there is no bad blood between the Madrid star and Zidane, despite the fact he no longer enjoys a prominent role in the first team.

"Gareth is not looking to outlast Zinedine Zidane. Mr Zidane has been very successful," Barnett said.

"There's no hatred. Mr Zidane just does not want to play him. Gareth trains every day and he trains well."

Pep Guardiola is not allowing his attention to drift towards next season despite seeing Manchester City dumped out of the FA Cup, with a Champions League crown still there to be shot at.

Having already lost their grip on one domestic prize in 2020, as Liverpool snatched away the Premier League title, another piece of silverware has been relinquished by those at the Etihad Stadium.

They have landed the Community Shield and Carabao Cup in the current campaign, but the odd wobble has been suffered along the way.

City have also had to fend off the threat of two-year European ban being imposed on them, with an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport required in order to get that lifted.

Guardiola is now in a position to start planning longer-term, with the threat of imminent exits lifted on the back of a ruling from CAS.

The Catalan coach is, however, eager to ensure that focus remains locked on the present.

City, who will finish as Premier League runners-up in 2019-20, still have two top-flight games to take in this term before then chasing down continental glory.

“I am not thinking about next season,” Guardiola told the Blues’ official website on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at Wembley.

“We had two titles to fight for and we lost one.

“We have another one and once we have finished, we are going to think about what we have to do for the team."

Guardiola will not allow heads to drop after slipping out of the FA Cup, with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss adamant that City did enough to see off Arsenal and were not undone by tactical deficiencies.

He added: “What these players have done is incredible. But we lost an FA Cup semi-final. You have to play 90 minutes, but we played just 45 minutes.

"In the first half, everything was sloppy, it was not the right rhythm for this kind of game, to reach a final.

“The question is how many chances we had and how many they had. Possession is part of it, but it’s not everything. It’s how many chances you create through the possession.

“When you play in that way, always they can use the counter-attack. How many counter-attacks was not the problem. It was maybe one or two actions. It was not about tactics.”

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have confirmed the absence of Haruna Niyonzima and Mapinduzi Balama in the remaining matches of the Mainland Premier League season.

The two players have been struggling with injuries with Niyonzima trying to come back in the FA Cup semi-final clash against Simba SC but aggravated the injury further.

Yanga coach Luc Eymael has now confirmed the two players will miss the remaining two matches of the season as a precautionary measure.

“I will have to do without Niyonzima and Balama for the remaining two matches because they are being troubled with various injuries and I don’t want to risk them,” Eymael is quoted by Sokaletu.

“I don’t want to give them too much pressure and they are not fit enough, it is just a precaution measure and maybe we can now start planning with them for the new season.”

Niyonzima picked up his injury in the match against Biashara United but his comeback in the domestic cup defeat against Simba ended in pain and was withdrawn, while Balama sustained his injury while preparing for the league match against Ndanda FC.

The two will now join keeper Farouk Shikalo, whom coach Eymael also revealed might miss the remaining two matches after he twisted his hand wrist while in training for the match against Mwadui FC.

“Shikalo is out injured and will not face Mwadui,” Eymael told Goal on Friday. “He twisted his hand wrist but it is not broken so we will not have him in the squad and could also miss Wednesday match.

“I am very upset for the player because he had started coming up well in the matches he played for us especially the league match against Kagera Sugar where he kept us in the game with two good saves and we won 1-0.

“I hope it won’t be a long term thing, he has worked hard to claim the starting role but the injury will now keep him out for a few days.”

On Saturday, Yanga blew a chance to cement their place in the second position of the 20-team log after securing a 1-1 draw against Mwadui FC.

Yanga are now second on 68 points, two more than third-placed Azam FC, who also dropped vital points in a 1-1 draw against Lipuli FC on Sunday.

Former Nigeria international Etim Esin has urged the national team coach Gernot Rohr to convince Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo to end his international retirement.

Ighalo announced his retirement from international duty after helping the West Africans finish third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he emerged as the competition’s top scorer.

The striker has continued his impressive performances with the Old Trafford outfit since joining the side in January from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua.

The forward’s eye-catching performances recently earned him a loan extension with the Red Devils until January 2021.

Esin, who could not fathom why Ighalo, one of the best Nigeria players, is not currently in the national team, feels the forward should be encouraged to return to the Super Eagles.

He believes the 31-year-old’s experience will rub off on the young players in the team like Lille’s Victor Osimhen and Villarreal’s winger Samuel Chukwueze.

“I think this is a job for the coach [Gernot Rohr], he’s the one in charge and he should try and convince Ighalo to rescind his decision on retirement from the national team,” Esin told the Punch.

“Ighalo’s return to the Eagles will help to boost the confidence level of younger strikers in the team and this will help us going forward.

“Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and others would benefit from his experience if the coach brings him back.

“We should learn to tap from the resources we have in our hands. Ighalo is one of the best strikers we have today, Rohr should convince him to return.

“How can Nigeria have a player in Manchester United and he is not in the national team? Playing in an elite team like Manchester United alone is an experience on its own.

“Do we want to waste all that? It is wrong. He needs to share his experience with young strikers in the team. That is how a team grows. This is where the coach needs to come all out and encourage him to help the team with his experience.”

Before quitting the Super Eagles, Ighalo, who made his debut against Uganda in 2015, scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for the three-time African champions.

Esin, who was nicknamed ‘Maradona’ after the legendary Argentina star during his playing years, played for Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Flash Flamingoes, Calabar Rovers, Gent, Lokeren, Lierse SK, Kayserispor and Eagle Cement before his abrupt retirement.

Manchester United decided against following up interest in Virgil van Dijk when the Liverpool star was at Southampton, claims Rene Meulensteen, with the Red Devils considered to have overpaid for Harry Maguire in their ongoing bid to fix defensive faults.

A highly-rated Netherlands international was registering on the radar of leading clubs long before he secured a £75 million ($95m) move to Anfield in January 2018.

United were among those to weigh up the merits of a move, only to determine that the Dutchman was not worth the time, effort and money required to bring him on board.

They have been left to rue that decision, with Van Dijk going on to become a talismanic presence for arch-rivals.

It has been suggested that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will dip back into a familiar market when the next window swings open, with his side still in need of reinforcements at the back.

Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly is said to be in United’s sights, but he is also attracting interest from far and wide and will not come cheap if a deal is to be done.

Pressed on whether the Red Devils need to land another centre-half, Sir Alex Ferguson’s former right-hand man Meulensteen told Stadium Astro: "Yeah, definitely.

"To be fairly honest, I also do know in the time before, when Van Dijk was still at Southampton, there were questions of Manchester United bringing Van Dijk in.

"They never really took the punt but Liverpool did because they could see the potential that he had but also the speed Van Dijk had, the strength and everything.

"Those are some of the aspects you would look at a really good strong central defender, can he play with some space at the back?

"Everyone's talking about Koulibaly, bringing him in, but he could go to four or five clubs so it's not a given that he'll come.

"For £80 million ($101m), a central defender, if you compare that with Van Dijk's performance for Liverpool last season and this season, then I think Van Dijk is quite a bit ahead."

United have already splashed out that figure in the recent past, with Maguire made the most expensive defender in world football when completing a move from Leicester in 2019.

The England international has settled quickly at Old Trafford, becoming club captain in the process, but Meunlensteen is not convinced that the 27-year-old is worth the money invested in him.

The Dutchman added: "For me, I would probably say £50m, no more than £60m."

United need Maguire to provide value for money as, having suffered defeat in the FA Cup semi-finals at the hands of Chelsea, they are about to turn their focus back to a top-four bid in the Premier League.

Paul Merson says that Mikel Arteta has "done a phenomenal job" at Arsenal, who "have a plan" for the first time in "many years".

Arteta has affected significant change at Emirates Stadium during in first seven months in charge, with the Gunners now beginning to prove that they can mix it with the elite once again.

Arsenal have won six of their nine matches since returning from the coronavirus-enforced lockdown, including victories against newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool and Manchester City.

The north London outfit beat City 2-0 in a pulsating FA Cup semi-final tie on Saturday to book a place in the showpiece event against Chelsea on August 1, thanks to a brace from top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

After the final whistle, Arteta challenged his players to prove they can maintain their recent form for "long periods in a season", while also expressing his belief that the club will have no problem attracting top talent in the summer transfer window.

Merson is convinced that the Gunners are heading in the right direction under the Spanish head coach, and he has been pleased to see his old club "grind it out" against the top sides using an effective brand of counter-attacking football.

The ex-Arsenal playmaker wrote in his latest column for Sky Sports: "Arsenal have a plan, they go and press when they have to, drop off when they don't, they play with high energy and counter-attack as a team.

"They were outstanding against Man City. That was David Luiz - there's no grey area - he's either 9/10 or 4/10. But when he plays like that, he's brilliant.

"Arteta has done an absolutely phenomenal job. It's the first time I've watched Arsenal in many, many years, and they have a plan.

"Man City were up for it in the second half, and Arsenal put themselves on the line. I honestly think he's done a brilliant job. I can't talk highly enough of him.

"Against Liverpool, Arsenal rode their luck, but that's Arsenal now. They can't play against Liverpool and Man City as if they are the favourites, they have to grind it out like Sheffield United have to grind it out. That's what Arsenal must do now."

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has written off his former club as Premier Soccer League (PSL) title favourites, saying they fall short of the mettle needed in a stormy race against Mamelodi Sundowns, who possess “a lot of experience.”

Chiefs are left with eight matches to complete the campaign if football resumes in South Africa and are four points clear at the top of the PSL standings, while Sundowns trail in second-place but have a game in hand.

Khanye says Amakhosi have done very little to convince him that they have the quality to be crowned champions against battle-hardened Downs, who have come out victorious in similar title confrontations in the last two seasons in which they pipped Orlando Pirates to league glory.

“People have been saying Chiefs will win the league, I beg to differ,” said Khanye as per Sun Sport.

“Even when they had that 13-point lead I still felt that they were lacking something. That is something I can’t quite put my finger on. But what I am confident about is that Sundowns will do enough to win the title again this season.

“They just have a lot of experience in this situation and have done it so many times in recent years. They are in a much better place than Chiefs, everything is going for them at the moment. Pitso has just signed a new deal and they have been active on the [transfer] market. They will be confident.”

Making the title race potentially intriguing is the fact that the two sides still have to face each other if the season continues.

While in the middle of such a crucial battle, Chiefs have lost midfielder George Maluleka, a key player, to Sundowns and Khanye feels the Soweto giants have been left a weakened side.

“I was very disappointed that Chiefs would let go of a player of his quality, and who has contributed so much to their success this season,” Khanye said.

“He was important for Chiefs. They will be less effective without him, but Sundowns were strong without him. I rate him as a player, but I really believe he will find it difficult to break into that Sundowns team that has the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Andile Jali and Tiyani Mabunda.

“Don’t forget there are players like Oupa Manyisa, Sammy Seabi and Rivaldo Coetzee who are also trying to break into that midfield.”

Following the departure of Maluleka, Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernest Middendorp might now need Khama Billiat to be at his leggy best to compliment other attackers like Samir Nurkovic, Leonardo Castro and Lebogang Manyama, who were enjoying some good form before the break.

Ugandan Premier League (UPL) side Wakiso Giants have confirmed the signing of defender Edward Satulo.

Satulo has signed a three-year deal with the Purple Sharks from Wobulenzi FC and had won the Masaza Cup tournament in 2017 and 2018 with his previous clubs, Gomba FC and Ssingo FC, respectively.

He lost in the final of the annual tournament with Gomba in 2016.

“Wakiso Giants are delighted to announce the signing of central defender [Edward] Satulo alias Satro on a three-year contract until 2023 with an option for extension for a further year,” the club announced.

Speaking to the club website, Satulo was elated with the move.

“It’s a big step in my career and it couldn’t come at a better time. I have won everything in Masaza Cup and feel ready for the challenge in the top division," the player said.

“I am still learning and believe I am at the right place to continue my development as a player at an ambitious young club like Giants.

“I know what a tough challenge it is but with the coaches, teammates and fans behind the team, I will do well.”

Coach Douglas Bamweyana stated Satulo has everything to succeed in the top-tier.

“Satulo is a talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club,” Bamweyana told the same publication.

“He has all the attributes that a centre-back needs: physicality, tactical intelligence and technical quality and is ready to learn.”

Satulo was born in November 2000.

Meanwhile, Joseph Ssemujju has revealed why he decided to remain at BUL FC even though there was interest from foreign clubs.

Earlier reports indicating Ssemujju had also attracted interest from UPL reigning champions Vipers SC have also been confirmed.

His agent Jens Liedwall said the coronavirus pandemic is to blame for the player’s decision not to sign for the foreign clubs.

“[Joseph] Ssemujju has signed an extension at BUL Football Club,” Liedwall told Kawowo Sports.

“He also had interest from Vipers, a South African Premier League club and Polish Second Division club but because of the Covid-19 situation and Chan 2021 ahead, we decided to stay another year at Bul.

“This is a perfect alternative for Joseph. BUL plan is to be a top team in the Premier League this coming season and it’s an interesting project for Joseph to be part of.”

David De Gea "hasn't suddenly become a bad goalkeeper overnight", according to Paul Parker, who says critics have been too "quick to forget" about the Manchester United No 1's past heroics.

De Gea did not cover himself in glory as United suffered their first defeat in 20 matches at the hands of Chelsea in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday.

The Spain international allowed an Olivier Giroud effort to slip past him at his near post just before the interval, before fumbling a weak long-range effort from Mason Mount into the net moments after the restart.

The Red Devils went on to lose the game 3-1, and calls for De Gea to be stripped of his starting place have been widespread in the wake of another sub-par performance.

However, despite the fact that the 29-year-old's lapses in concentration have also cost United in Premier League fixtures against Watford, Everton and Tottenham this season, Solskjaer's faith in his first-choice shot-stopper has never wavered.

The Norwegian boss attempted to play down De Gea's latest error-strewn display following the final whistle at Wembley, but did admit that he was at fault for the second goal.

Solskjaer also insisted that no one is guaranteed a place in his starting XI, with Sergio Romero waiting in the wings and Sheffield United loanee Dean Henderson due to return to Old Trafford this summer.

Parker doesn't think United should consider dropping De Gea just yet though, as he believes that there are more pressing issues to worry about in other key areas of the pitch.

“He hasn’t suddenly become a bad goalkeeper keeper overnight,” the former United defender told Talksport. “I just remember the times when after United were out of the Champions League for two years, there was that season where he did brilliantly.

“He got United back in the Champions League and then he got Manchester United to the Europa League final with some unbelievable saves, he got United and Mourinho out of jail on so many occasions leading up to that final.

“It just seems like people are quick to forget about all he’s done when Manchester United were struggling with poor players and poor management and he got them out of jail, but everyone’s quick to jump on him.”

Parker went on to express doubt over Henderson's credentials amid talk of him replacing De Gea, adding: “The thing with Henderson is he’s doing great with Sheffield United, but to come back to Manchester United suddenly and throw him in, it’s a big ask.

“He’s done well with Sheffield United and I’m sure when Chris Wilder saw that result and saw what’s happened with De Gea he’s probably had a heart attack, because he’s suddenly thinking United are going to want Henderson back in goal - but can he go and play for Manchester United in the same fashion he does for Sheffield United? I think that’s a big ask in that situation.

“You’re talking about two different clubs in terms of what’s expected of him being a Manchester United player and goalkeeper.”

James Milner says Liverpool’s “special” Premier League title win is “the reason I signed here in the first place”, with the absence of supporters the only downer in what has been a memorable period for the Reds.

Having waited 30 years to get their hands on the English top-flight crown, Jurgen Klopp’s side have returned to the loftiest of perches in style this season.

Records have been sent tumbling by the Anfield outfit, with another major honour collected by a group of players that have already wrapped up Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs.

Milner moved to Merseyside in 2015 on the back of a productive stint at Manchester City with the hope of enjoying more tangible success.

The arrival of Klopp a few months after Milner helped to turn the tide for Liverpool, with the ambitious outfit now revelling in achievements that they always believed were possible.

Milner told the club’s official programme as they prepare for the trophy lift after their home match with Chelsea on Wednesday: “It will be special, very special. It was the reason I signed here in the first place and I’m sure it’s the case for the other lads as well - a club of this size and with its history.

“The fact the wait had been so long meant it was a massive challenge to try and end it and create some of our own history.

“You can see what it means to everyone. The night it was confirmed we were champions, you could see the emotional impact. Not just on us and the manager but the supporters and the past players - the legends. Sir Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard, so many of them.

“When they were messaging and telling us congratulations, you know they really meant it and they were properly made-up. That was great. What this team has achieved means a lot to a lot of people and it’s special to part of something like that.”

While Liverpool are counting down the days until they get their hands on the Premier League crown, the absence of fans during the coronavirus pandemic has taken the gloss off their achievement slightly.

Milner added: “I’m gutted for the supporters, in truth. More than us as players. That said, it is what it is and during this period so many people have made far greater sacrifices than footballers and football fans. People across society have had far bigger hardships, so perspective is important.

“Look, we’ll make the best of it. It’s not that the fans aren’t going to be watching. I’m sure every Liverpool fan, no matter where they are in the world, will make sure they’re watching.

“So they’ll be with us even if they’re not there. We’re still lifting it for them and ourselves. I’ve no idea how it will feel until it happens, but it won’t detract from the achievement and what this team and staff have worked so hard for.”

There will be no Ballon d’Or winner in 2020, with France Football announcing that due to the “lack of sufficient fair conditions”, the prize that has been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent times will not be awarded for this calendar year.

A prestigious Golden Ball has been handed out to the best player on the planet since 1956, however the decision has been taken that it would not be right to pick out a leading performer given the circumstances in which professional sport is currently being played out.

That means 2019 winner Messi will keep his crown for another 12 months. The Barcelona superstar has six Ballons d’Or to his name, with rival Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus boasting five.

Two all-time greats would have been expected to come into contention again in 2020, along with the likes of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

Every top performer is, however, going to have to wait another year, with United States star Megan Rapinoe also set to keep hold of her title in the women’s game.

France Football said in a statement on their official website: “For the first time in its history, which began in 1956, the Ballon d'Or will not be awarded in 2020, due to the lack of sufficient fair conditions. 

“Messi and Rapinoe (as well as [Mattijs] de Ligt and Alisson, winners of the Kopa and Yachine Trophies [for young player and goalkeeper]) will have to wait a year. The winners of the last edition  will have no successors at the end of the year. Because there will be no Ballon d'Or 2020 edition.

"Why? Because such a singular year cannot - and should not - be treated as an ordinary year. When in doubt, it is better to abstain than to persist.

“Because the Ballon d'Or trophy conveys other values - like exemplarity, solidarity and responsibility - rather than merely sporting excellence alone.

“Because the fairness that prevails for this honorary title could not be preserved, in particular at the statistical level and also in the preparation since all the aspirants to the award could not be rightly compared, some having seen their season cut radically short, others not. So how can we compare the incomparable?

"Because of our approximately 220 jurors (men and women combined) distributed around the world, some may have been distracted or diverted from their observation due to other priorities and emergencies to manage.

“We did not want to put an indelible asterisk on the prize list like “trophy won in exceptional circumstances due to the Covid-19 health crisis”. We will always prefer a small sprain to our history to a large scar.

"This is the first time since 1956 that the Ballon d'Or has taken a break. The situation does not enchant us but seems to us the most responsible and logical decision. Protecting the credibility and legitimacy of such an award also means protecting it over time.

"The Ballon d'Or story is too precious to take the risk of damaging it with a wobbly exercise. In these turbulent times, taking a break is a luxury and an invaluable necessity. So that football, as a whole, regains momentum, passion and emotion.”

Mikel Arteta wants Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future sorted imminently - both for the good of Arsenal and the player.

Aubameyang showed his worth to the Gunners once again on Saturday as he took his tally for the season to 25, with both goals in the 2-0 FA Cup semi-final success against Manchester City.

However the Gabon international is now into the final year of his contract in north London, and the issue continues to cast a dark cloud over the Emirates ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Arteta has long stated his belief that Aubameyang can be convinced to stay, a message he reiterated after the weekend’s victory at Wembley, but the Spaniard admits it would be best for all involved if there was a swift conclusion to the situation so that he could plan for the summer and that the striker could focus purely on next season.

“When I was talking about the uncertain things that we have on the table, obviously he is one of them,” said the Arsenal head coach, ahead of Tuesday night’s game at Aston Villa.

“There is another one of where we are going to finish and whether we are going to be playing in Europe or not which is going to have an impact, and there is all of this situation, the market and how it’s going to develop.

“With Auba, I think I’ve been very clear with what I want. The quicker we do it for me personally the better because the player will be more focused, more determined and more calm, but we have to respect the timings as well and the needs that the football club has.”

Meanwhile, Arteta says he is yet to talk to Santi Cazorla about a possible coaching role at the club. The former Gunners favourite played his final game for Villarreal on Sunday before moving to Qatar-based side Al-Sadd, the team coached by Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi.

There have been suggestions that once he calls time on his playing days, that Cazorla could return to Arsenal to be part of Arteta’s staff - and the Spaniard did not rule out the possibility when asked.

“My opinion of Santi cannot be any higher, he said. “Personally, first with the type of person he is and what he brings to that dressing room, and as well as a player what he did throughout his career.

“About the coaching role and the future? We will see what happens right now. But he just finished [at Villarreal], let him enjoy that moment and we will see what happens in the future.”

When quizzed on whether a discussion had been had, Arteta added: “Not yet.”

Neymar returning to Barcelona would allow the Liga giants, and talismanic skipper Lionel Messi, to become “a giant again”, says Dani Alves.

The Brazilian superstar bid farewell to Camp Nou during the summer transfer window of 2017. Paris Saint-Germain put a record-breaking deal in place for the South American forward, with Neymar considered to be stepping away from the shadow that Messi cast in Catalunya.

It did not take long, though, for talk of a possible return to Spain to surface. A retracing of his steps to Barca has been mooted for Neymar, with the Blaugrana eager to welcome a familiar face back onto their books.

They are not the only side to have expressed interest in the talented 28-year-old, with Clasico rivals Real Madrid also long-standing suitors, but Alves feels his fellow countryman should be taking in a second spell alongside Messi and co.

The former Barca and PSG right-back told Radio Catalunya: "The only one I've tried to convince is Neymar to go to Barcelona.

"He had a very big offer from Real Madrid, and I told him that if he wanted to be happy he should come to Barcelona. It's the only time I've ever convinced anyone of anything.

"If I were him, I would come back without thinking about it.

"I never think that people make mistakes when they make a decision.

"Everyone knows that Ney can help Barcelona, Messi and the club to become a giant again in La Liga, in Europe. Football is becoming more and more balanced. The team has 11 and with Messi you have 13. The team has 11 and with Neymar you have 13."

While talking up a return to Barcelona for Neymar, Alves has no regrets at having missed out on his own move back to Camp Nou.

The vastly-experienced and highly decorated 37-year-old defender left for Juventus in 2016, and has since spent time with PSG and Sao Paulo, but there was talk of him heading back to Catalunya at one stage.

“Things were being talked about, but nothing ever came of it," Alves confirmed. “I'm not bitter, but they are.”

Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has confirmed that he will be linking up with Barcelona legend Xavi at Al Sadd following his departure from Villarreal.

The 35-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in his career over the last couple of years.

Injury struggles had blighted the end of his time at Arsenal, with an achilles problem keeping him stuck on the sidelines for 636 days.

He left north London in 2018 and was handed an emotional return to Villarreal for a third spell at the Liga club.

Cazorla rediscovered form and fitness back in familiar surroundings, with 11 goals and 10 assists recorded in the 2019-20 campaign.

He has, however, been released once more and is readying himself for a new challenge in Qatar under the guidance of one-time Spain team-mate Xavi.

Cazorla said in a post on Instagram: “Happy to announce that Al Sadd will be my next team! I’m looking forward to be with Xavi and give my 100%”

Cazorla has already bid an emotional farewell to Villarreal , having helped them to a fifth-place finish and Europa League qualification this season.

On announcing his parting of ways with the Yellow Submarine, the midfielder said: “I'm eternally grateful to this club and the fans for having opened the doors to me and for all the love they've shown me for so long.

“I've had a great time, but it's time to end this stage of my career. It's a decision I've thought about a lot. Every game I find it harder to give 100 per cent and I had to be honest with myself and the club. I feel that this club is inside me. It isn't a goodbye, it's a 'we'll meet again', because Villarreal CF will always be my home.”

In total, Cazorla made 333 appearances for Villarreal across his three stints at El Madrigal. He contributed 57 goals to the cause and will be remembered as an all-time great by the Liga outfit.

Cazorla is also fondly remembered at Arsenal, where he spent six years , and he is a two-time European Championship winner with the Spanish national team.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has described Zlatan Ibrahimovic as “a beast, a phenomenon” and suggested that his own long-term future could lie at Milan.

Questions have been asked of how long the highly rated goalkeeper will stick around at San Siro, with his star having been on the rise since making his senior breakthrough in his teens.

Struggles on the field for the Rossoneri have failed to convince star turns that they should be staying put.

Milan do, however, still boast some pulling power and were able to bring Ibrahimovic back to familiar surroundings once he parted company with MLS side the LA Galaxy.

The enigmatic Swede has helped to raise standards with his demanding personality, although he could soon be bidding farewell for a second time at the end of a short-term deal.

Donnarumma hopes the 38-year-old, who has netted six times in 16 appearances for Milan this season, can be convinced to stay put, with his mere presence aiding the collective cause.

“He’s a beast, a phenomenon. He gives us a lot and makes himself heard. Ibra is the extra strength that we lacked, even in training,” Donnarumma told Sky Sport Italia. “He lives everything to the fullest and has already created a winning mentality. He is truly extraordinary because he never wants to lose, even in training. He gives us an incredible mentality.”

While it remains to be seen what the future holds for Ibrahimovic, the same can be said for Donnarumma. The 21-year-old is only tied to a contract through to the summer of 2021 and has sparked talk of interest from leading sides across Europe in the recent past.

The product of Milan’s academy system has, however, hinted that he will be staying out in order to chase down major silverware.

The Italy international, who has kept 12 clean sheets in 32 appearances this season, added: “I want to become the best goalkeeper and win as many titles as possible with Milan, but the World Cup too, I think that’s everyone’s dream. That’s the top also for me.”

The 21-year-old has played in 32 of Milan’s 34 Serie A matches so far in the 2019-20 season, with the club sitting seventh on 56 points as they aim for Europa League qualification.

Black Leopards have officially released reported Mamelodi Sundowns target Lesedi Kapinga. 

The 25-year-old midfielder was set to finish the suspended campaign with Lidoda Duvha after the club confirmed he will not be leaving despite the expiry of his contract on June 30. 

However, Leopards director Tshifhiwa Thidiela said they had to part ways with the nippy midfielder to protect him and the club.   

“Yeah we can confirm that we have agreed for Lesedi Kapinga to go and join his new team, to protect him and ourselves as well,” Thidiela told FarPost.

Thidiela stated that with the club fighting for survival at the bottom of the PSL log, any mistake made by Kapinga on the pitch would create a negative hype. 

“We know currently the club is at the bottom and you know it’s a matter of life and death. So, sometimes when people know that the player is moving somewhere it may be detrimental for him should he make mistakes even if it’s genuine. You will find that other players might feel, 'no it’s because his future is secured somewhere'. 

"So, we would rather have him start his new life and we wish him the best,” he revealed.

Thidiela admitted that the departure of Kapinga is unfortunate that Kapinga had to leave more so because the club had a one-year option on his contract. 

“We wish him the best, it is just unfortunate that he could not stay after having we had agreed to all that he had asked for, and I am not sure what happened because he kept on saying all is fine and he will sign with us. My worry is that we also had a one-year extension clause," continued Thidiela. 

While Thidiela is pleased that Kapinga is joining another club for a better package, he expressed disappointment at the fact that Leopards didn't get to benefit financially for grooming him.  

“As a team, we are also always happy when players move to greener pastures, especially when we played a role in their development and exposure. 

"However, we feel that it’s sad when you develop a player and he moves without the team benefiting because more money is needed to develop and expose more players, especially from our home province in Limpopo," concluded Thidiela.

Kapinga joined Leopards in 2018 and has featured heavily for them over the past two seasons. 

He leaves the Thohoyandou-based side having featured 58 times across all competitions for them.

He scored seven goals for them during his two-year stay with Leopards.  

Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew is hoping to cap a good season with promotion to the Premier League.

 Ayew is enjoying a purple patch of form, having notched 15 goals in the Jack Army's push for a top-flight return.

With one more round of matches to end the season, Swansea are seventh on the league table, just a position and three points below the qualification slots for Premier League play-offs.

“I’m very happy with the season. I’m happy with the squad I’ve had around me and the players who have given me a lot of confidence and responsibility,” Ayew, Swansea's top scorer this season, said, as reported by his club's official website.

“I know the role I have to play in the squad. I’m quite happy but I’ll only be really happy if we sneak into the play-offs.

“If not, it will be sad because we really had a good season and squad and the players, the city, the club and the fans deserve to at least make the play-offs.

“The quality is there – there is no doubt about that. The club has the youth and quality here – it’s top level. With young players like Ben Cabango, Marc [Guehi], Yan Dhanda, Bersant Celina... I can name a lot.

“The quality is there, the boys have grown quickly and I just hope it’s not too late for this season.

“We’re not going to think about next season, we’re going to think about this one because it’s still on. Everything is still to play for.”

Swansea have no other option than to secure three points in their last game against 15th-placed Reading and hope sixth-spotted Cardiff City lose favourably to relegation-threatened Hull City.

“In this league anything is possible. We’ve seen it over the course of this weekend. But we have to do our job. We are not in control of any other game," Ayew said.

“Hull also have to win to have any possibility of trying to stay up. It’s an open game. Cardiff also need a point. We’ll see. We have to do our job and afterwards, we’ll hope for the best.

“I’d prefer to be in Cardiff’s position. In football you have three possibilities – win, lose or draw. Cardiff have two possibilities – win or draw – and that position is good for them.

“We know in football that when you are also playing a team who is fighting for their lives it’s very difficult. We saw it with Stoke [beating Brentford] and with Huddersfield [beating West Brom].

“It’s open and we just have to do our job, because if something happens at Cardiff and we don’t get the three points we’ll be really, really disappointed.

“We don’t want that to happen so we will try and do our job and get the three points.”

Ayew has made 43 league appearances, including 42 starts, for Swansea so far this season. He has assisted six goals. 

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga has praised the successful return of Super League that was almost cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Three matches were played across the weekend even though the federation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, tested team officials and players and ended up confirming 32 cases.

“So, it came to pass that the resumption of our league took off this weekend. It was not an easy undertaking that saw us flirt with the idea of abandoning the whole process,” Kamanga said in a Facebook post.

“But the kind of crisis the world is currently going through does not require people that jump ship at the slightest sight of danger. After all, we have all been reminded of the challenges of living in the ‘New Normal’ order.

“We were happy that everyone showed high levels of commitment to ensure that the return of our game is made a reality.”

A consultative meeting that was chaired by the Minister of Sports Emmanuel Mulenga, the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), clubs management and FAZ gave the green light for matches to be played over two days at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

“I take my heart off to the teams that launched us into the ‘New Normal’ final stretch with Police College beating Kitwe United 2-1 on Saturday in the historic match,” added Kamanga.

“The second match involving Forest Rangers and Zanaco FC could not take off owing to some challenges that the Ministry of Health have since committed to clearing up.

“Admittedly on this score, we could have done better. But with this new experience, it is expected that there will be challenges.”

A total of 28 members of Forest Rangers tested positive for coronavirus while two each for Power Dynamos and Zesco United were also confirmed to have contracted the disease.

Power Dynamos and Buildcon drew 1-1 and the same scoreline was registered in the Zesco United vs Kansanshi Dynamos match.

“On the pitch, players had to get used to the new demands of the ‘New Normal’ like the care not to carelessly spit with those on the bench spaced apart to keep with the social distancing demands,” explained the FAZ top official.

“The stands were expectedly empty with only a handful of media personnel, stadia staff and some health authorities. I would like to give credit to the fans for observing the stay at home call.

“Fans are the lifeblood of any football match but under the ‘New Normal’ we have to respect the rules given to us."

Kamanga also exuded confidence the remaining matches will be honoured under strict adherence to Covid-19 regulations.

“Going forward, we are confident that we should be able to see out the remainder of the fixtures with strict adherence to the Ministry of Health guidelines,” he concluded.

“We have taken note of the gaps and will work round the clock to ensure that things get better going forward.

“We implore the clubs to fully cooperate with the health authorities and ensure they observe all the guidelines.”

The Super League is the first African competition to resume behind closed doors. In Burundi and Tanzania, fans were allowed to attend games but with specific health regulations.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a "huge decision" to make with David de Gea, says Mark Bosnich, who insists that Manchester United can't afford any more mistakes when they play West Ham this week in the Premier League.

De Gea's performances have been the subject of much scrutiny throughout the 2019-20 campaign.

The 29-year-old was once revered as the finest shot-stopper in the business, and he was named United's Player of the Year on four occasions between 2013 and 2018, but his standards have slipped under Solskjaer's stewardship.

Basic positioning and handling errors have crept into the Spaniard's game this season, with his latest showing of ineptitude coming during an FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea.

The Red Devils were beaten 3-1 at Wembley on Sunday, with De Gea guilty of conceding two very soft goals from Olivier Giroud and Mason Mount to set the Blues on their way to victory.

Solskjaer must pick his players up quickly ahead of a vital midweek meeting with West Ham, which they have to win to move three points clear of Leicester and into fourth place.

United will complete their domestic campaign with a showdown against the Foxes on July 27, and Bosnich says the Norwegian boss must now consider drafting Sergio Romero in to replace De Gea in order to ensure a return to the Champions League.

The former Red Devils goalkeeper told Sky Sports: "The only way to get over it is to have another game as soon as you possibly can, to play really well and go again mistake-free.

"He [De Gea] has been absolutely fantastic for Man United over a long period, but in these last eight to 12 months there has been a consistency of errors that we've not seen from him before.

"I know Ole has come out and backed him and done exactly what a manager should do, but the bottom line is with those errors, especially that second one at the weekend, Ole is going to seriously weigh up whether to bring in Romero for the final two games.

"Imagine everything going fine against West Ham and one of these errors occurs again. It's a huge decision he's got to make and a lot will depend on how De Gea is in training in these next couple of days."