Arsenal cancel their pre-season tour to the USA after ‘a small number’ of Covid cases within their squad, causing major disruption to Mikel Arteta’s preparations for the new campaign
- Arsenal have scrapped their pre-season tour of the United States due to Covid
- Reports claim there has been a ‘small number’ of cases in Mikel Arteta’s squad
- The Gunners were due to play in the Florida Cup with Everton and Inter Milan
- Arsenal start the new Premier League season away at Brentford on August 13
Arsenal have scrapped their pre-season tour of the United States after ‘a number’ of positive Covid-19 cases at the club.
According to The Athletic, there have been a ‘small number’ of positive tests within Mikel Arteta’s group.
The Gunners were due to take part in the Florida Cup, playing alongside Inter Milan, Everton and Colombian side Millonarios.
Arsenal have axed their pre-season tour of the USA after ‘a number’ of positive Covid cases
Reports claim there have been a ‘small number’ of positive tests within Mikel Arteta’s group
A game with Inter was scheduled for July 25 before they would then play the winner of the game between the other two clubs.
It means Arsenal’s preparations for the new season have been dealt a major blow.
Arteta’s side kick off the new Premier League campaign away at Brentford on August 13.
Arsenal have already played two friendlies this summer. They lost 2-1 to Hibernian and were held to a 2-2 draw by Rangers last week.
They have got two more friendlies lined up before the season starts. The Mind Series will see Arsenal play London rivals Chelsea on August 1 and Tottenham a week later.
The cancellation of the tour will ensure Arteta is on home soil as he looks to continue the re-build of his squad this summer.
Arsenal were lost 2-1 to Hibernian and were held to a 2-2 draw by Rangers in Scotland last week
Arsenal have already signed Albert Sambi Lokonga in an £18million deal from Anderlecht this week and are closing in on a £50m move for Ben White.
The Gunners have also made a £34m bid for Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli, the agent of a youngster linked with a swap deal for the 23-year-old has claimed.
The north Londoners will face stern competition for Locatelli’s signature, with Italian giants Juventus reportedly holding talks with their Serie A rivals over a move for the Azzurri star.
Juve youngster Nicolo Fagioli is rumoured to be on the table for a player-plus-cash deal, with the Old Lady believed to be willing to offer £25m plus the 20-year-old.
However, Fagioli’s agent, Andrea D’Amico, moved to quash rumours of his client leaving Turin this summer, revealing to Sky Sport Italia that Arsenal have tabled a £34m bid for Locatelli in the process.
A goalkeeper is also high on Arteta’s wish-list with West Brom’s Sam Johnstone and Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale both under consideration.
