Emergency meeting planned over Premier League fixtures after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tests positive for coronavirus

It was confirmed late on Thursday evening following a dramatic day and there is now fresh doubt over the Premier League’s fixtures this weekend and beyond, with Newcastle United hosting Sheffield United at St James’s Park on Saturday.

A Premier League statement read: “In light of Arsenal’s announcement tonight confirming that their first-team coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for COVID-19, the Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding future fixtures.

“The Premier League will make no further comment until after that meeting.”

An Arsenal club statement read: "Our London Colney training centre has been closed after head coach Mikel Arteta received a positive Covid-19 result this evening.

"Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines. We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney, including the full first-team squad and coaching staff."

Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham said: "The health of our people and the wider public is our priority and that is where our focus is.

"Our thoughts are with Mikel who is disappointed but in good spirits. We are in active dialogue with all the relevant people to manage this situation appropriately, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows."

Arsenal are now trying to trace any other people who may have had contact with Arteta.