FOOTBALL SHORTS

÷ ARSENAL are stepping up interest in Alexandre Lacazette as a result of Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban. Lacazette was keen to move to Atletico but their failed appeal against the transfer ban has killed the deal. The striker may still be put off Arsenal by their lack of Champions League football. Arsenal also have work to do before signing Nigerian Henry Onyekuru. Eupen accepted £6.8m for the 19-year-old, who has yet to gain a cap, but Arsenal have been told they will have to up their bid to £7.85m to fit in with work-permit guidelines. ÷ YAYA TOURE has completed a remarkable turnaround at Manchester City by signing a one-year contract extension. The 34-year-old was frozen out at the start of the season but has played 30 games since returning in November. He said yesterday: ‘I told myself the journey at City is not done.’ Benfica confirmed City have signed goalkeeper Ederson for £34.8m. ÷ ROMA are interested in Manchester City’s Joe Hart to replace Arsenal loanee Wojciech Szczesny, who is a target for Napoli, AC Milan and Juventus. City want £20m for Hart, while Paris Saint-Germain could move for Gael Clichy after his release from City. Liverpool are also keen on him, but have failed with an opening bid of £28m for Roma’s Mohamed Salah. Roma value the former Chelsea winger at £40m. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be an alternative as his Arsenal contract enters its final 12 months. ÷ ROBERTO MANCINI has been appointed as Zenit St Petersburg’s new head coach, ruling out a move to Crystal Palace. ÷ CHELSEA have enquired about Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli as they try to replace former No 2 Asmir Begovic, following his move to Bournemouth.