Arsenal and Benfica have reportedly found an agreement to play the first leg of their Europa League fixture in Rome.
According to the Portuguese publication, O Jogo, an agreement has been found that will see Arsenal and Benfica play the first leg at the neutral venue due to concerns and travel restrictions in place because of the pandemic.
The first leg was due to take place at Benfica on 18 February but that would have required Arsenal to quarantine on their return.
A venue still needs to be found for the return fixture that should have been played at the Emirates a week later. With the UK’s new restrictions on entry to the country, arrivals have to quarantine.
Although government advice states that there is no travel allowed to any country from the UK, they must have different restrictions for Italy and Portugal, although these don’t seem to be detailed publicly.
According to the report in O Jogo, Arsenal would only have to quarantine on their return if they went to Portugal whereas you and I would have to quarantine if we went to either Portugal or Italy.
Earlier on Monday, Arseblog news reported that the two sides were working together to find a suitable neutral venue.
The clubs have until 5 March to complete the tie. If a team cannot fulfil their fixture, they will be penalised with a 3-0 defeat.