A frantic search continues at Arsenal for their missing bottle ahead of this Sunday’s clash with Liverpool in the FA Cup third round.
Paddy Power News can exclusively reveal that the North London club has taken the drastic action after their Premier League title credentials took a serious blow over the festive period – slightly earlier than we all expected – and there are now fears they could be smashed by Jurgen Klopp’s side on Sunday if it is not recovered.
A spokesperson for the Gunners explained: “Arsenal Football Club are interested in speaking to anyone who was in the Craven Cottage area around 4pm on New Years Eve who may be able to help our inquiry.
“Please be aware that any communication will be treated in the strictest confidence. Not even David Ornstein will find a source with access to calls to the club hotline.”
We understand that a crack team of agents are busy retracing Arsenal’s steps over the past seven days to see if any clues come to light, though dredging of the the river Thames has uncovered nothing apart from a few old bicycles, a signed picture of Hugh Grant and one of Mesut Ozil’s old snoods.
And the club’s request that all ferry ports and airports be put on high alert in case somebody tries to smuggle it out of the country have thus far been met with howls of derisive laughter.
“We can only conclude everyone involved in UK border control is a Spurs fan,” a source close to the Emirates said.
Such measures show how desperate the Gunners are to avoid a repeat of last season, when their bottle went in the closing weeks of the title chase.
Paddy Power News has learned that boss Mikel Arteta even considered hiring a private security firm in the summer to ensure there was no repeat this time around, but was overruled by club execs, who decided to spend the money on launching another retro leisurewear line instead.
PIRAEUS, GREECE – FEBRUARY 20: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal looks on during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first leg match between Olympiacos FC and Arsenal FC at Karaiskakis Stadium on February 20, 2020 in Piraeus, Greece. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
A club insider was prepared to go on record and tell Paddy Power News: “We still had it after our home defeat to West Ham because I saw the gaffer take it home with him and he is convinced he had it on the coach on the way to Fulham.
“Unfortunately, no-one remembers seeing it in the dressing-room at Craven Cottage.
“We are shocked and dismayed at what has happened. We’ve even been in touch with Mohamed Elneny to make sure he didn’t accidentally pack it in his luggage on the way to the African Cup of Nations.”
*Paddy Power’s news coverage is pure fantasy – don’t believe it for a second
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