Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Arteta makes Saka selection decision, Onana battle, Gunners ‘eye move for wonderkid’

Refs can explain VAR decisions to fans next season

Premier League referees will be able to explain VAR decisions to fans next season in a major change in protocol.

PGMOL chief Howard Webb is keen to improve transparency between referees and fans.

And the new initiative could help repair damaged trust in top-flight officials.

Football lawmakers Ifab have given the Prem the green light for refs to communicate their calls to those in the stadium.

It comes following a successful trial of the new procedure in Mexico and Portugal.

Like in the Women’s World Cup and Club World Cup, the refs are expected to be mic’d up inside stadiums.

And after consulting the VAR monitor and agreeing on a decision, they will then declare the basic reasoning over the PA system to the crowd – such as identifying who committed a foul or was offside for example.

Mikel ‘loved’ White clash with Zinchenko

Mikel Arteta “loved” seeing Arsenal defenders Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko clashing straight after winning 2-1 at Nottingham Forest.

White and Zinchenko were kept apart after rowing over Forest sub Taiwo Awoniyi’s 89th-minute consolation goal.

Credit: TNT Sports

Arteta said: “I love it, they demand more from each other and they are not happy with the way they concede that and they are trying to resolve it.

“It was a bit heated, but that means it is not enough playing the way we played, the result has to be bigger.

“That’s pushing each other and not being happy conceding and I have to encourage that and promote it in the right way and a respectful way.

“Sometimes after the game it’s emotional and heated, but I love that the players are pushing each other and demanding excellence.”

Credit: TNT Sports Arteta delighted with victory and performance

Mikel Arteta hailed Arsenal’s “understanding” of how to win.

But the Gunners’ boss admitted tonight’s 2-1 Prem victory at Nottingham Forest was “a bit tight” near the end.

Taiwo Awoniyi’s late Forest reply sparked anxious moments after Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus left Arsenal seemingly cruising.

Arteta said: “I’m really happy, really happy with the performance, even though at the end it was a bit tight.

“We dominated the game, we played the game that we wanted, didn’t concede anything and we looked a threat in various ways which is what we needed to do.

“You have to play certain balls, and take the risk in the right areas because they are just waiting for that, for you to make a mistake, to lose the ball in certain positions and then run, that’s the biggest quality that they have.

“I’m really pleased with how we understood the game.”

Gunners could call for Callum

Arsenal could yet launch an eleventh-hour bid for England striker Callum Wilson.

That’s the view of transfer guru Fabrizio Romano – as Newcastle balance Financial Fair Play issues.

But Romano told GIVEMESPORT any deal would have to be permanent.

He said: “Newcastle insist the player is going nowhere…. So, it’s not easy, but if they receive an important proposal because of Financial Fair Play, that could be a different situation.

“Wilson could be open to the move.

“Premier League clubs could have an opportunity in the final hours, but it must be an important proposal, not a loan.”

Arsenal in queue for Osman

Ghanaian whizkid Ibrahim Osman could face a transfer scramble involving Arsenal, Brentford and Brighton.

The winger, 19, is shining for his Danish top-flight side Nordsjælland.

A move to West Ham reportedly collapsed over his valuation.

But the Gunners have been keen for several months.

And now other Prem clubs are also being linked with the exciting teenager.

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