Mikel Arteta was also asked about the future of Eddie Nketiah, who is out of contract in the summer and has yet to sign a new deal.
"We are having
discussions with him and his agent. His reason [to look elsewhere] is that he
wants to play more football," said the Gunners boss.
Cornet has 'outside chance' of playing
Burnley v West Ham (Sun, 14:00 GMT)
Burnley
Burnley boss Sean Dyche says Maxwel Cornet has an "outside chance" of being fit for Sunday's game against West Ham.
The summer signing from Lyon, who has scored five goals this season, was forced off against Newcastle last weekend with a thigh problem.
"We are waiting to see on Maxwel - outside chance I would say," said Dyche.
"Ben Mee's shoulder is settling down but we will make a call on that tomorrow.
"There's a few aches and pains but generally everyone should be there and thereabouts."
'I have a very good relationship with my players'
Arsenal v Southampton (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta says he has never discussed selling Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville suggested the striker could be sold in January.
Arteta also dismissed suggestions he had fallen out with Aubameyang, who was among the substitutes against Everton on Monday.
"I have a very good
relationship with my players. I always do the best for the club and the team.
The decision is not personal, the decision is just performance and to get the best
out of the team," said Arteta.
“We have never discussed something like this [selling Aubameyang in January]. When
players are having difficult what we have to give is support.”
'Always a tight game against Wolves' - Guardiola
Man City v Wolves (Sat, 12:30 GMT)
Manchester City
Any clues on Manchester City injuries?
Manager Pep Guardiola was not giving much away on that front, he said that he would have to
check on Phil Foden and Nathan Ake.
More on Phil Foden then:
"When you have an injury in your ankle and two months of holiday, you will recover incredibly well - but when you play every three days, you will have niggles.
"But he [Foden] is getting better. He will dictate and say how he feels after games."
He did have more to say on Saturday's opponents in Wolves though.
"They scored 12 goals and conceded 13 and are so stable.
"They played more between the lines last season, it was always tough in last years when we faced Wolves and tomorrow will be no exception.
"Always when we face Wolves it has been a tight game. They have structure, pace up front and good character."
Guardiola on playing during December
Man City v Wolves (Sat, 12:30 GMT)
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola had his say on the hectic schedule during the festive period.
“It’s good, it's historic.
“I like to play in the winter during this period.
“My words are not going to change anything. When you have just two days rest in the Christmas time and New Year there's no time for players to recover.
“We discuss this every year and nothing changes, so we adapt, adjust and pray the players will not get injured.
“The players have the ability to stretch their limits as much as possible. That’s what they have to do.”
Arteta calls for clarity
Arsenal v Southampton (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Arsenal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta thinks the decision-making regarding Covid-19 cancellations need to be more clear after Tottenham's match against Brighton was postponed because an outbreak at the club's training ground.
Arsenal's season-opener at Brentford went ahead despite the Gunners being without four players because of the virus.
Arteta says that game "is in the past", but would like the Premier League to adopt a similar rule to Uefa and have a clear number of Covid cases that would trigger a postponement.
“I think the guidance is clear. It’s
about the decision-making that goes the same way for everybody. This is what we
have to hope for," said the Spaniard.
“That [the Brentford game] is in the past. We have more people vaccinated and we know more about the
situation. We keep knowing more about the situation.
"But [adopting Uefa's rules] would be
really, really helpful."
Asked whether the rules are too vague at the moment, Arteta added: “Well I think it is. You
don’t know when you have to play and when you don’t. We have some examples.”
'Covid concern is always there' - Guardiola
Man City v Wolves (Sat, 12:30 GMT)
Manchester City
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Time to gather the thoughts of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola now.
Here is what he had to say regarding the new Covid variant:
"The concern is always here. The variant is still in society.
"We follow the protocols and everyone is on alert.
"It happens at other clubs so it can happen here. Masks, social distance, be sensible."
Jorginho could play through the pain barrier
Chelsea v Leeds (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Here is some Chelsea injury news from Thomas Tuchel.
"Trevoh Chalobah is still out, Mateo Kovacic is out, N'Golo Kante is also out and so is Ben Chilwell," said the Blues boss.
"Jorginho did the last two training sessions and I think he will so what he's done in the last games, play through pain and do what's needed to be on the pitch."
Gray for England?
Crystal Palace v Everton (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Everton
Demarai Gray cost Everton just £1.7m from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer but has already proved to be one of the bargains of the season.
The former Leicester winger has five goals to his name already, including a spectacular stoppage-time winner against Arsenal on Monday, and boss Rafael Benitez thinks he has the potential to play for England.
"I knew about his quality and potential for a while," said the Toffees boss.
"I was following him in Germany and knew about his potential.
Sometimes its about the right moment with the right manager. In this case I trust him and he trusts me.
"Still he has to carry on working as hard as he's doing already, and to be more consistent. Because if he can do that he is a potential player for the England team."
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
'Always challenging at this level' - Tuchel
Chelsea v Leeds (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Is this the most challenging time for Thomas Tuchel since he took over at Chelsea?
"No. For me it is a very
short period where we are a bit concerned or not happy with how we approach
things and feel we can do better.
"It is not a long period. It started at
Watford but even there we had a lot of changes. I was aware that maybe things
looked not so precise, smooth or well-organised but I was surprised we were not
ready physically or mentally to play a league match.
"We
played very good in the first half against West Ham and had a good reaction
after the equaliser but I repeat, it is the four times we gave away the lead,
it is very unusual. I don't want to make it bigger than it is but I don't want
to look away.
"It feels challenging all the time in a good way to coach on this kind of level."
DCL and Mina out for Toffees
Crystal Palace v Everton (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Everton
Everton will still be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, though Rafael Benitez says he is getting "closer" to a return.
Yerry Mina is sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered against Arsenal, while midfielder Allan did half a training session on Friday.
Salomon Rondon is available again after missing the win over Arsenal with a muscle injury. Tom Davies is still ruled out with a knee problem but is set to return to training in the next week.
'It's difficult for everyone'
Crystal Palace v Everton (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Everton
Rafael Benitez says the re-introduction of increased Covid-19 protocols is "difficult" for everyone but says the Everton players and staff are doing everything they can to follow the rules and keep each other safe.
"We are trying to have some control, we have meetings with the players, we follow the emergency measures that we have to do," said the Everton boss.
"But, you never know. We have seen some clubs affected and we have to be sure we are doing what we have to do.
"This busy time at Christmas is complicated because there are so many games.
The only thing we can do is keep our distance, wash hands and use our masks.
"As professionals we have to have more control but you see the people in the streets, or when you visit friends, it's difficult for everyone."
'Mendy will start in goal' - Tuchel
Chelsea v Leeds (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga started the game against Zenit on Thursday and boss Thomas Tuchel says he remains in his thoughts for Premier League matches, though Edouard Mendy will return against Lees.
"He is always
pushing that's the good thing," said the Chelsea boss.
"He really is an example of sportsmanship, I have nothing but praise
for him.
"He did everything that he is able to do to produce a performance like
this, everyday he is in unbelievable spirit.
"If
nothing crazy happens tonight at the hotel the Edouard Mendy starts tomorrow nothing
has changed at the moment from there.”
'The performances are not horrible'
Chelsea v Leeds (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Chelsea have won three out of the last seven games in all competitions so is Thomas Tuchel concerned about that form?
"If you have the lead four times in two matches and you escape with one point and six goals conceded it's not the moment to look away and pretend that nothing is happening.
"It's still a matter of details and small things and not to worry about the big picture.
"From here we go but you can still also find a lot of arguments why it's like this and in the end we are not happy. The performances are not horrible, there are in some moments average and average looks horrible when you play and work for Chelsea.
"It's good that it's like this because we try to compete on the highest level.
"The last two games were very unusual for us. We were
also unlucky in these moments like the last two goals we conceded were not
perhaps ones you would usually concede. It is back to basics and basics on the
highest level. We are in this together. We are aware of it, it is not the
moment to worry too much but also to not look away.”
Benitez on Digne availability
Crystal Palace v Everton (Sun,16:30 GMT)
Everton
Everton boss Rafael Benitez says defender Lucas Digne has been training with the team and he will make a decision on Saturday about his availability for Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace.
Digne was left out of the squad for Monday's win against Arsenal despite being fit and available.
Asked if there had been a fall out, Benitez said: "Everybody has to be focused and realise the priority is the team. That's it.
"I don't want to talk too much about individuals, it's not fair on the group. The team was doing really well on the pitch with different players so they showed they can do it. What he has to do is make sure he keeps working hard, and the team is ahead of any individuals."
Tottenham donate food locally
Simon Stone
BBC Sport
Tottenham's postponed Europa Conference League game with Rennes has caused a bit of controversy but the club are trying to make the best out of a bad situation.
The food that would have been used at the game has been given to the local Felix Project, who run foodbanks in the area, for them to distribute free meals locally to those who need it,
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport
TottenhamImage caption: Tottenham
Tuchel on Chelsea's Covis protocols
Chelsea v Leeds (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Chelsea welcome Leeds to Stamford Bridge this weekend so let's get the thoughts of Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel who spoke about the Covid situation and what precautions are in place at Chelsea.
"In Germany we knock on wood and if we don't have wood we knock on the head because everybody in the moment is healthy expect for Mateo (Kovacic) who tested positive.
"We had a lot of tests to make our trip to Russia (against Zenit on Wednesday) and to make it back and again another one.
"We were tested when we arrived in the middle of the night, this is sometimes not the nicest thing to do but I was impressed with the way it was organised and impressed with the patience that everybody in the whole staff in the whole plane took it.
"It tells me that everyone is aware of the situation, it's not a joke, it's real and we have to live with the consequences and do in the best way possible to protect us and protect others.
"We are blessed to have our job and not be affected from that."
Anderson back in training
Crystal Palace v Everton (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Crystal Palace
A boost for Crystal Palace: Boss Patrick Vieira has confirmed defender Joachim Anderson is back in full training.
The Denmark defender has missed their last three matches with a hamstring problem.
Boss Patrick Vieira says Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson are "doing well". James McArthur was able to take part in the first 15 minutes of training on Friday but is unavailable for Sunday's match with Everton.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Vieira frustrated at not picking up points
Alex Howell
BBC Sport
Crystal Palace have lost their last three games in a row and only picked up one point from their last four games. They take on Everton next who are coming from beating Arsenal in their last games. When asked about Palace's poor form, Vieira said:
"The last four games, one point is not what we wanted of course. We have to look at the way we performed in those games. Overall we lost some games that we deserved some points. The two games away from home I don’t think we created enough to win the game but I don't think that we deserved to lose them."
Live Reporting
Thomas Mallows and Deepak Mahay
All times stated are UK
- Norwich face anxious wait for Covid test results - Dean Smith
- Villa boss Gerrard willing to sacrifice popularity for win at Liverpool
- Martial wants to leave Man Utd, says agent
- Brazil legend Pele to stay in hospital 'for a few days'
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images 
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport TottenhamImage caption: Tottenham 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images 
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images 
Latest PostGoodbye
That's all from a busy Friday live page - thank you for joining us.
Before we go here is a recap of some of today's breaking stories:
Until next time, farewell.
Arsenal still in Nketiah talks
Arsenal v Southampton (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta was also asked about the future of Eddie Nketiah, who is out of contract in the summer and has yet to sign a new deal.
"We are having discussions with him and his agent. His reason [to look elsewhere] is that he wants to play more football," said the Gunners boss.
Cornet has 'outside chance' of playing
Burnley v West Ham (Sun, 14:00 GMT)
Burnley
Burnley boss Sean Dyche says Maxwel Cornet has an "outside chance" of being fit for Sunday's game against West Ham.
The summer signing from Lyon, who has scored five goals this season, was forced off against Newcastle last weekend with a thigh problem.
"We are waiting to see on Maxwel - outside chance I would say," said Dyche.
"Ben Mee's shoulder is settling down but we will make a call on that tomorrow.
"There's a few aches and pains but generally everyone should be there and thereabouts."
'I have a very good relationship with my players'
Arsenal v Southampton (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta says he has never discussed selling Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville suggested the striker could be sold in January.
Arteta also dismissed suggestions he had fallen out with Aubameyang, who was among the substitutes against Everton on Monday.
"I have a very good relationship with my players. I always do the best for the club and the team. The decision is not personal, the decision is just performance and to get the best out of the team," said Arteta.
“We have never discussed something like this [selling Aubameyang in January]. When players are having difficult what we have to give is support.”
'Always a tight game against Wolves' - Guardiola
Man City v Wolves (Sat, 12:30 GMT)
Manchester City
Any clues on Manchester City injuries?
Manager Pep Guardiola was not giving much away on that front, he said that he would have to check on Phil Foden and Nathan Ake.
More on Phil Foden then:
"When you have an injury in your ankle and two months of holiday, you will recover incredibly well - but when you play every three days, you will have niggles.
"But he [Foden] is getting better. He will dictate and say how he feels after games."
He did have more to say on Saturday's opponents in Wolves though.
"They scored 12 goals and conceded 13 and are so stable.
"They played more between the lines last season, it was always tough in last years when we faced Wolves and tomorrow will be no exception.
"Always when we face Wolves it has been a tight game. They have structure, pace up front and good character."
Guardiola on playing during December
Man City v Wolves (Sat, 12:30 GMT)
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola had his say on the hectic schedule during the festive period.
“It’s good, it's historic.
“I like to play in the winter during this period.
“My words are not going to change anything. When you have just two days rest in the Christmas time and New Year there's no time for players to recover.
“We discuss this every year and nothing changes, so we adapt, adjust and pray the players will not get injured.
“The players have the ability to stretch their limits as much as possible. That’s what they have to do.”
Arteta calls for clarity
Arsenal v Southampton (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Arsenal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta thinks the decision-making regarding Covid-19 cancellations need to be more clear after Tottenham's match against Brighton was postponed because an outbreak at the club's training ground.
Arsenal's season-opener at Brentford went ahead despite the Gunners being without four players because of the virus.
Arteta says that game "is in the past", but would like the Premier League to adopt a similar rule to Uefa and have a clear number of Covid cases that would trigger a postponement.
“I think the guidance is clear. It’s about the decision-making that goes the same way for everybody. This is what we have to hope for," said the Spaniard.
“That [the Brentford game] is in the past. We have more people vaccinated and we know more about the situation. We keep knowing more about the situation.
"But [adopting Uefa's rules] would be really, really helpful."
Asked whether the rules are too vague at the moment, Arteta added: “Well I think it is. You don’t know when you have to play and when you don’t. We have some examples.”
'Covid concern is always there' - Guardiola
Man City v Wolves (Sat, 12:30 GMT)
Manchester City
Time to gather the thoughts of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola now.
Here is what he had to say regarding the new Covid variant:
"The concern is always here. The variant is still in society.
"We follow the protocols and everyone is on alert.
"It happens at other clubs so it can happen here. Masks, social distance, be sensible."
Jorginho could play through the pain barrier
Chelsea v Leeds (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Here is some Chelsea injury news from Thomas Tuchel.
"Trevoh Chalobah is still out, Mateo Kovacic is out, N'Golo Kante is also out and so is Ben Chilwell," said the Blues boss.
"Jorginho did the last two training sessions and I think he will so what he's done in the last games, play through pain and do what's needed to be on the pitch."
Gray for England?
Crystal Palace v Everton (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Everton
Demarai Gray cost Everton just £1.7m from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer but has already proved to be one of the bargains of the season.
The former Leicester winger has five goals to his name already, including a spectacular stoppage-time winner against Arsenal on Monday, and boss Rafael Benitez thinks he has the potential to play for England.
"I knew about his quality and potential for a while," said the Toffees boss.
"I was following him in Germany and knew about his potential. Sometimes its about the right moment with the right manager. In this case I trust him and he trusts me.
"Still he has to carry on working as hard as he's doing already, and to be more consistent. Because if he can do that he is a potential player for the England team."
'Always challenging at this level' - Tuchel
Chelsea v Leeds (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Is this the most challenging time for Thomas Tuchel since he took over at Chelsea?
"No. For me it is a very short period where we are a bit concerned or not happy with how we approach things and feel we can do better.
"It is not a long period. It started at Watford but even there we had a lot of changes. I was aware that maybe things looked not so precise, smooth or well-organised but I was surprised we were not ready physically or mentally to play a league match.
"We played very good in the first half against West Ham and had a good reaction after the equaliser but I repeat, it is the four times we gave away the lead, it is very unusual. I don't want to make it bigger than it is but I don't want to look away.
"It feels challenging all the time in a good way to coach on this kind of level."
DCL and Mina out for Toffees
Crystal Palace v Everton (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Everton
Everton will still be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, though Rafael Benitez says he is getting "closer" to a return.
Yerry Mina is sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered against Arsenal, while midfielder Allan did half a training session on Friday.
Salomon Rondon is available again after missing the win over Arsenal with a muscle injury. Tom Davies is still ruled out with a knee problem but is set to return to training in the next week.
'It's difficult for everyone'
Crystal Palace v Everton (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Everton
Rafael Benitez says the re-introduction of increased Covid-19 protocols is "difficult" for everyone but says the Everton players and staff are doing everything they can to follow the rules and keep each other safe.
"We are trying to have some control, we have meetings with the players, we follow the emergency measures that we have to do," said the Everton boss.
"But, you never know. We have seen some clubs affected and we have to be sure we are doing what we have to do.
"This busy time at Christmas is complicated because there are so many games. The only thing we can do is keep our distance, wash hands and use our masks.
"As professionals we have to have more control but you see the people in the streets, or when you visit friends, it's difficult for everyone."
'Mendy will start in goal' - Tuchel
Chelsea v Leeds (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga started the game against Zenit on Thursday and boss Thomas Tuchel says he remains in his thoughts for Premier League matches, though Edouard Mendy will return against Lees.
"He is always pushing that's the good thing," said the Chelsea boss.
"He really is an example of sportsmanship, I have nothing but praise for him.
"He did everything that he is able to do to produce a performance like this, everyday he is in unbelievable spirit.
"If nothing crazy happens tonight at the hotel the Edouard Mendy starts tomorrow nothing has changed at the moment from there.”
'The performances are not horrible'
Chelsea v Leeds (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Chelsea have won three out of the last seven games in all competitions so is Thomas Tuchel concerned about that form?
"If you have the lead four times in two matches and you escape with one point and six goals conceded it's not the moment to look away and pretend that nothing is happening.
"It's still a matter of details and small things and not to worry about the big picture.
"From here we go but you can still also find a lot of arguments why it's like this and in the end we are not happy. The performances are not horrible, there are in some moments average and average looks horrible when you play and work for Chelsea.
"It's good that it's like this because we try to compete on the highest level.
"The last two games were very unusual for us. We were also unlucky in these moments like the last two goals we conceded were not perhaps ones you would usually concede. It is back to basics and basics on the highest level. We are in this together. We are aware of it, it is not the moment to worry too much but also to not look away.”
Benitez on Digne availability
Crystal Palace v Everton (Sun,16:30 GMT)
Everton
Everton boss Rafael Benitez says defender Lucas Digne has been training with the team and he will make a decision on Saturday about his availability for Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace.
Digne was left out of the squad for Monday's win against Arsenal despite being fit and available.
Asked if there had been a fall out, Benitez said: "Everybody has to be focused and realise the priority is the team. That's it.
"I don't want to talk too much about individuals, it's not fair on the group. The team was doing really well on the pitch with different players so they showed they can do it. What he has to do is make sure he keeps working hard, and the team is ahead of any individuals."
Tottenham donate food locally
Simon Stone
BBC Sport
Tottenham's postponed Europa Conference League game with Rennes has caused a bit of controversy but the club are trying to make the best out of a bad situation.
The food that would have been used at the game has been given to the local Felix Project, who run foodbanks in the area, for them to distribute free meals locally to those who need it,
Tuchel on Chelsea's Covis protocols
Chelsea v Leeds (Sat, 15:00 GMT)
Chelsea
Chelsea welcome Leeds to Stamford Bridge this weekend so let's get the thoughts of Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel who spoke about the Covid situation and what precautions are in place at Chelsea.
"In Germany we knock on wood and if we don't have wood we knock on the head because everybody in the moment is healthy expect for Mateo (Kovacic) who tested positive.
"We had a lot of tests to make our trip to Russia (against Zenit on Wednesday) and to make it back and again another one.
"We were tested when we arrived in the middle of the night, this is sometimes not the nicest thing to do but I was impressed with the way it was organised and impressed with the patience that everybody in the whole staff in the whole plane took it.
"It tells me that everyone is aware of the situation, it's not a joke, it's real and we have to live with the consequences and do in the best way possible to protect us and protect others.
"We are blessed to have our job and not be affected from that."
Anderson back in training
Crystal Palace v Everton (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Crystal Palace
A boost for Crystal Palace: Boss Patrick Vieira has confirmed defender Joachim Anderson is back in full training.
The Denmark defender has missed their last three matches with a hamstring problem.
Boss Patrick Vieira says Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson are "doing well". James McArthur was able to take part in the first 15 minutes of training on Friday but is unavailable for Sunday's match with Everton.
Vieira frustrated at not picking up points
Alex Howell
BBC Sport
Crystal Palace have lost their last three games in a row and only picked up one point from their last four games. They take on Everton next who are coming from beating Arsenal in their last games. When asked about Palace's poor form, Vieira said:
"The last four games, one point is not what we wanted of course. We have to look at the way we performed in those games. Overall we lost some games that we deserved some points. The two games away from home I don’t think we created enough to win the game but I don't think that we deserved to lose them."