Coronavirus: Arsenal confirm manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus, a statement from the club on Thursday evening, March 12, revealed.

Having tested positive to the disease, Arteta will now self-isolate in line with government health guidelines and it is expected Arsenal’s first-team squad, alongside the coaching staff will do the same.

A statement from Arsenal reads: “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.”

On his part, Arteta commented on his diagnosis but was quick to note that he is looking to forward to returning to work as soon as possible.

Arteta said: “This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed.”

Earlier, Sampdoria striker Manolo Gabbiadini became the second Serie A player after Danielle Rugani to test positive for the deadly coronavirus.

The 28-year-old former Southampton, Napoli, and Bologna forward has been isolated and reports from his club say he is doing well at the moment. According to Football Italia, the club has also activated the isolation procedures and will place others who have come in contact with the player in quarantine. ”

Manolo Gabbiadini has tested positive for Coronavirus-COVID-19,” read a statement. Juventus had earlier announced that centre back Daniele Rugani tested positive for coronavirus.

Amid an outbreak of the disease in Italy, Juventus issued a statement assuring the club were taking all the necessary isolation procedures as required by law.

This includes isolating every individual who has been in contact with Rugani over the past few days.