Morning headlines: Saka told he would suit Liverpool and Arsenal men targeted

Your Arsenal morning digest on Wednesday, January 5.

Bukayo Saka told he would suit Liverpool’s style

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka would be an excellent signing for Liverpool, according to former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, but admits that is seems unlikely the Gunners would sell any time soon.

“Absolutely, I can see him at Liverpool,” Whelan said in an interview with Football Insider.

“I don’t think it was that long ago that they were trying to tempt him over to Anfield when he was running out of contract at Arsenal. We have seen the development in Saka – he’s now one of the best wingers in the Premier League.

“The way he gets on the ball, the way he dictates a game, he’s very much a Liverpool-style player. However, it seems to be that Mikel Arteta is building something really quite special at Arsenal right now. I’m sure the club won’t want to let him go for any money and show their strength in the market.”

Ousmanne Dembele warning sent

Arsenal have been warned that it will not be easy to pry reported transfer target Ousmanne Dembele from Barcelona, with manager Xavi saying they want to keep the winger in Spain.

“There has been contact with the player’s representatives for five months,” Xavi said of Dembele’s situation as Ferran Torres was unveiled at the Camp Nou.

“They know the position of the club, we want him to stay and they know it. They have the renewal offer.

“I don’t know if I can expand much more, they know all of the scenarios and we are waiting for a final answer on his part.”

Read the full story here.

Liverpool ask for Carabao Cup clash to be postponed

Liverpool have appealed to the EFL to have the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final with Arsenal postponed due to an outbreak of Covid-19.

The Reds were forced to cancel training on Tuesday after an increase in positive tests and are now looking to have the clash at the Emirates rearranged. The EFL confirmed they are considering the application.

“Liverpool Football Club can confirm an application has been submitted for the postponement of Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final, first-leg tie with Arsenal due to an escalating number of suspected positive COVID-19 cases and player availability,” the club wrote in a statement on their official website.

“The Reds have formally requested to the EFL that the fixture is rescheduled after further suspected positive tests were registered among players and staff, allied to other factors impacting selection, including illness and injury.”

Read the full story here.