Arsenal boost survival chances with deadline day swoop for Tevez & Mascherano ​

Finally some proven Premier League performers.

Arsenal have given their chances of Premier League survival a major shot in the arm with a deadline day double swoop for Argentinian duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

Striker Tevez and midfielder Mascherano, both 37, join the Gunners on free transfers after the club struck a deal with their agent, who owns the rights to the player’s souls.

A club statement said: “Arsenal are delighted to announce the double signing of the ageing mercenaries Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

NEW TO PADDY POWER?

“All aspects of the transfer will remain confidential and undisclosed – but you can rest assured it was all above board.

“This keeps in line with our policy of signing ancient South American players on huge salaries.

“Both players will go into the squad for our relegation six-pointer against Norwich after the international break.”

Javier Mascherano

Gunners boss Mike Arteta said he was excited at the prospect of working with the pair as he looks to save his side from the drop.

“Carlos and Javier have been in a Premier League relegation scrap before and their experience will prove vital during the run-in,” the Spaniard told Paddy Power News.

“I’ve been on the phone to Alan Pardew, who worked with the players before, to ask his advice. Alan has been a mentor to me and I hope to one day emulate all he achieved in football management.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles has spoken of the increase in quality he has witnessed since being demoted to train with the club’s Under-21s.

“It’s definitely a step-up from the first team, the 24-year-old said. “The quality, the intensity, the fact Calum Chambers isn’t involved. It’s just a better standard all round, basically.”

Maitland-Niles also alerted his Instagram followers that he’d be taking a break from the social media platform for a period.

“Going off this for a while. Too many snakes on this thing,” wrote the England midfielder. “Just gonna concentrate on me and youth team kids from now on.”

**Paddy Power’s breaking news coverage is 100% fake news. And that’s the truth.**

READ MORE

The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com now

The Paddy Power Guide To Responsible Gambling – Everything You Need To Know