Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tests positive for coronavirus

The statement read: “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.”

Managing director Vinai Venkatesham added: “Mikel and the full first-team squad, players and staff, will be fully supported, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows. Obviously Mikel’s full recovery is the priority now for us all.”

It follows after three Leicester City players also tested positive for the virus, as well as Juventus player Daniele Rugani.

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

The news comes just hours after the Premier League confirmed this weekend’s round of fixtures would go ahead, something that is not happening around Europe, with La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said earlier today that the government were considering suspending large gatherings such as sporting events, but were not at the stage where it was necessary yet.

“We are considering the question of banning major public events such as sporting fixtures,” Johnson said.

“The scientific advice is that this will have little effect on the spread but there’s also the issue of the burden such events can place on public services.”