MANCHESTER City's Premier League clash with Arsenal has been postponed as a "precautionary measure" over coronavirus fears.

It is the first top-flight match in England to be affected by COVID-19, after previous widespread measures to play games behind closed doors or call games off altogether across Europe in countries including Spain, Italy and France.

Nottingham Forest and Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis, who announced on Tuesday that he had contracted the virus, met Arsenal staff and players during the February 27 Europa League tie at the Emirates Stadium.

The Premier League issued a statement in the early hours of Wednesday confirming the postponement.

It read: "Tonight's game between Manchester City and Arsenal has been postponed as a precautionary measure following the announcement yesterday that Evangelos Marinakis has contracted COVID-19.

"Thirteen days ago, Olympiakos played at the Emirates Stadium in the Europa League and Mr Marinakis, the Greek club's owner, met with several Arsenal squad members and staff.

"Following medical advice, Arsenal FC and Manchester City FC consider it is necessary to postpone their fixture due to be played this evening to give time to fully assess the situation.

"The Premier League has therefore agreed that tonight's game will be rearranged.

"We understand this will cause inconvenience and cost to fans planning to attend the game but Arsenal, Manchester City and the Premier League have agreed that the short notice of Mr Marinakis' infection means there is no alternative but to take the time to complete a proper assessment of risk.

"All necessary measures are being taken and the Premier League currently has no plans to postpone any other matches."

It is understood that while no Arsenal players have reported symptoms, a number are now self-isolating until the end of the recommended 14-day period, which made them unavailable for the Man City clash, which comes 13 days after they faced Olympiakos.

The Gunners, who have since faced West Ham and Portsmouth, are due to play Cherries' relegation rivals Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. That game is currently still due to go ahead as planned as is Wolves's Europa League trip to Olympiakos tonight.