Arsenal training camp in Dubai under threat following spread of coronavirus
Deadly infection reaches UAE from China source Cedric loan set to bolster defence after Mari deal
Arsenal’s plans for a training camp in Dubai could be jeopardised by the spread of the coronavirus.
Mikel Arteta’s squad are due to fly out next week, during the winter break, as the Spaniard looks to provide his players with a muchneeded “change of routine”.
But there is growing fear that the virus could take hold in the region after a Chinese family of four were diagnosed with the disease on Wednesday.
The family arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Jan 16 and visited a health clinic on Jan 23. The health ministry has so far not disclosed in which region they are being treated, or which airport they travelled into.
Chemists across the UAE, including in Dubai, have reportedly sold out of face masks following the rush to buy them in the wake of the country’s first confirmed cases.
The UAE is a major transport hub, with Dubai International serving as one of the world’s busiest airports.
The death toll from the virus has risen to 170 and the outbreak has now reached every region in mainland China. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organisation, said on Wednesday that the agency had been “worried” by its progress.
Chinese officials have said the virus has been hard to contain because it is infectious in its incubation period, which can be up to 14 days.
China has delayed the start of its domestic football season because of the outbreak, while the
2020 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing have been postponed.
Arsenal are planning to fly to Dubai next Friday before returning the following Tuesday, with Arteta hoping for an intensive training block ahead of a pivotal run of fixtures, including their Europa League tie against Olympiacos.
“As we prepare for several key fixtures, we are looking forward to a change of routine with some warmweather training,” Arteta said. “Dubai is a fantastic place and the facilities there are first class. It will do us good to experience a change of environment before we enter a crucial part of the season.” Meanwhile, Arsenal are today expected to confirm the signing of Cedric Soares on loan from Southampton until the end of the season, when he will become a free agent.
It is understood that the full-back has the option of a four-year contract with Arsenal, who had been desperate to bolster their defence.
The 28-year-old’s arrival follows the signing of centre-back Pablo Mari from Flamengo for an initial loan fee of about £4 million. Arsenal will be paying about £1 million for Cedric’s loan and will be covering his £65,000-a-week wages. Cedric’s versatility and Premier League experience have made him a logical option for Arsenal, who have been looking for cover at full-back.