ARSENAL again fans protested against their ownership outside the Emirates before the Villarreal draw which dumped them out of Europe.
On the pitch, a goalless draw was enough to see former boss Unai Emery knock the Gunners out and progress to the Europa League semi-final.
Meanwhile, Daniel Ek and his consortium have held a meeting with the Arsenal Supporters Trust as the Spotify founder steps up his takeover bid.
However, the Kroenke family are reportedly planning a huge summer of spending on transfers as they look to get angry Gunners fans on side.
CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH
Stay up to date with every twist and turn from North London in our live blog…
CHEERS TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Arsenal Women secured Champions League football for next season with a 0-0 draw against WSL strugglers Aston Villa this afternoon.
The North Londoners ended up third in the WSL behind second placed Man City and champions Chelsea who retained the title.
SAKA’S BEAUTY
The last time Arsenal faced West Brom they hammered them 4-0 at the Hawthorns.
The match is fondly remembered for this beautiful move from the Gunners, finished off by Bukayo Saka.
ERGING FOR ACTION
Arsenal will have to cough up £35million for Sheffield United ace Sander Berge as manager Mikel Arteta calls on the board to splash the cash this summer.
The Gunners have endured yet another torrid season that could see them missing out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years following Thursday’s Europa League elimination to Unai Emery’s Villarreal.
Arteta is looking to bolster his midfield ahead of next season and Berge appears to be among his top summer targets, even though the Norway international endured a rough campaign marred by injury.
According to Yorkshire Live, Berge is rated at a cut-price £35m due to a relegation clause in his contract with the Blades who will playing in the Championship next season, dropping his original asking price of £45m.
This comes after the north Londoners’ manager urged the club’s hierarchy to spend big in the summer in order to put an end to the ongoing downward spiral.
Credit: AP
TOFFEE TWOSOME
Everton are lining up moves for Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny and Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, according to reports.
Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti is almost certainly set to try and bolster his squad in the summer.
And according to Calcio Mercato, Juventus are hoping to offload 31-year-old Szczesny.
Everton are one of the clubs that have been linked with the Pole, who spent six years at Arsenal between 2009 and 2015.
Chelsea are also said to be a possible suitor for the ex-Gunners shot-stopper despite already having both Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga on their books.
Another player who Everton are looking at according to The Mirror is Fulham midfielder Anguissa.
The Cameroon international has been ever-present for Scott Parker’s side this season, playing in 30 of their 34 Premier League games.
ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
The team news for Arsenal’s final WSL match against Aston Villa is in.
Kick-off is at 2:30pm.
BISSOUMA HANDS IN REQUEST
Brighton’s Yves Bissouma has handed in a transfer request, according to the Sunday Times.
The midfielder, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, has been in excellent form this season – making 32 Premier League appearances.
The 24-year-old is believed to be keen on playing Champions League football, which may hamper Arsenal’s chances.
He is expected to cost around £30million.
PAUL ONUACHU LATEST
Genk’s goal machine Paul Onuachu reportedly hopes to end up an Arsenal player by the end of the summer.
The 6ft 7in forward has been a revelation at the Belgian club, smashing home an incredible 32 goals in 37 games in all competitions this season.
Voetbal Belgie reports the 26-year-old is eyeing up a move to the Emirates and is optimistic he could land a dream Prem move by the end of the upcoming transfer window.
The Nigerian forward is contracted until 2024 and is believed to have a market value of around £15million.
Genk are hoping to cash in around £25m for his services after his sensational goalscoring form.
JILL ROORD LATEST
Jill Roord is being heavily linked with a summer move to Wolfsburg from Arsenal.
The German outfit are thought to be keen on adding the Netherlands midfielder to their ranks and have refused to rule out a move for her, according to Sports Buzzer.
When asked about Roord the club’s sporting director Ralf Kellermann remained tight-lipped.
He said: “We will not comment on transfer rumors in the week before the important game against Bayern.”
Wolfsburg are looking to strengthen their squad after being knocked out of the Women’s Champions League by Chelsea in the contest’s quarter-finals.
The two clubs have done business previously with the Gunners selling Dominique Janssen to Wolfsburg in 2019.
ACHRAF HAKIMI LATEST
Bayern Munich are reportedly ready to join the race for Achraf Hakimi amid interest from Arsenal.
The right-back, 22, has been a key part of Inter Milan’s Serie A title triumph but could still leave the club.
Arsenal and Chelsea had both been credited with interest in recent months.
In particular, the Gunners may be seeking a replacement for Hector Bellerin amid reports linking him with Paris Saint-Germain.
But Bundesliga giants Bayern are also on the lookout ahead of Julian Nagelsmann’s arrival.
According to German football reporter Manuel Bonke, the Bavarians are targeting Hakimi although the transfer fee could be a big stumbling block.
The defender is seen as someone who would fit the incoming coach’s system perfectly, with current starter Benjamin Pavard a more defensive right-back.
DOWN THE STAN
Stan Kroenke’s offer to pay their Uefa fine from his own pocket could leave Arsenal with LESS money to spend this summer.
Kroenke, along with his fellow American owners at Liverpool and Manchester United, promised to meet the initial £1.44million European Super League fine – plus five per cent of the club’s next season of European cash earnings – from his personal funds.
But finance specialists warned such payments would be deemed as “owner funding” in Financial Fair Play calculations.
One expert explained: “If Kroenke pays from his own funds, that is deemed an owner expense.
“It means Arsenal’s next income will be reduced and will have an impact on the amount they are allowed to spend on players.
“While the Arsenal fans may be welcoming his decision now, they might not be so impressed if they discover they will have less to spend on players as a direct result.”
KT IS BACK
Kieran Tierney is likely to start for the Gunners against West Brom today.
The last time he played against the Baggies was when Arsenal hammered them 4-0 at the Hawthorns in January.
That match is remembered for this superb strike from Tierney – and Mikel Arteta, desperate to finish the season strongly, will be hoping for another masterclass today.
ICYMI – DWIGHT FIGHT
Aston Villa are ready to launch a £15million bid for Burnley ace Dwight McNeil, according to reports.
The talented winger has been admired by Manchester United and Arsenal in the past.
But Dean Smith wants to take him to the West Midlands.
According to Football Insider, McNeil is one of Villa’s ‘top targets’ for the summer.
And they think that £15m could be enough to convince Burnley to sell.
The Clarets, however, agreed a contract extension with McNeil last October, currently tying him to Sean Dyche’s side until June 2024.
And Burnley are believed to have an option to trigger an extra year.
Credit: AP TOP FOUR HOPES (OFFICIALLY) OVER
Arsenal’s extremely slim hopes of finishing in the top four this season are officially over following Chelsea’s 2-1 victory at Manchester City.
The result leaves them 14 points behind Leicester City with four games to go.
There’s always next year…
MCCABE ON NEW DEAL
Arsenal forward Katie McCabe has signed a new long-term contract with the club.
The Republic of Ireland captain has been in good form this season, scoring four and setting up 12.
Discussing her new deal, McCabe said: “I’m absolutely delighted.
“I love this club and I feel like we’re in a really good place and that we’re ready to push on now.
“I’m delighted it got done and now I’m ready to kick on and help this club win more trophies.
“It’s been amazing ever since I came over, it’s been such a massive part of my life.
“There’s been ups and downs along the way, but I feel like I’m in a really good place now with the team that we’ve got, the players we’ve got and all the staff we have behind the scenes.
“I’m really, really happy to be here and to commit my future.”
INJURY UPDATE
The Gunners have confirmed David Luiz, Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari will miss today’s match against West Brom.
Luiz sustained a hamstring injury against Newcastle in Arsenal’s last Premier League match and will continue his rehab next week.
Whether the Brazilian will play again this season – or indeed for the club due to his expiring contract – is unknown.
Xhaka has suffered a groin strain and will continue to be assessed over the coming days.
Mari sprained an ankle during Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Villarreal and is aiming to rejoin training next week.
MORNING ARSENAL FANS
Arsenal take on lowly West Brom at Emirates Stadium this evening looking to lift the gloom that has hung over the club since Thursday’s Europa League exit at the hands of former manager Unai Emery’s Villarreal.
And in his programme notes for the match, skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has apologised to supporters for his side’s poor performance.
The striker, 31, wrote: “I thought my header was in when it hit the post but it just wasn’t going to happen.
“Like I said, we are really upset about going out of the competition at this stage, for ourselves, for the club and most of all for you the supporters.
“It’s been such a difficult season for fans and we desperately wanted to give you something positive this season – I’m just so sorry we couldn’t do it for you.”
Gunners fans have protested outside the Emirates before their last two home games.
And club insiders are fearful of provoking more fury with a latest blow.
SunSport exclusively revealed last night that teenage prodigy Kido Taylor-Hart is considering walking away for nothing at the end of the season.
And club insiders fear that losing a prominent youngster could further push already fuming supporters into taking action.
‘ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE’
Under-fire Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must spend big — before the gap to the top sides becomes “almost impossible” to bridge.
And the Gunners boss believes owner Stan Kroenke WILL provide a significant war chest this summer to try to stop the rot.
Mid-table Arsenal are way off the pace again and Arteta said: “Time is catching up right now.
“It’s a trend, it’s years now that this has been happening.
“If the distance and the margins with the rest becomes too big, then it’s almost impossible to do it.
“I think we are still on time and we have put some very strong pillars and foundations in the last few months to do what we have to do.
“We are in the right place to do it — and we have to do it.
“The squad needs changing. There were already a lot of changes in December, something that has not been done in years, but it tells us where we were.
“Things have to change and the owners are going to back it up.”
You can read Dan King’s piece in full by clicking here.
Mikel Arteta has begged for transfer funds before Arsenal fall too far behind leading clubs TAKING THE MIK
Former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov has called on Arsenal to stick with under-fire Mikel Arteta.
Ad the Bulgarian also described his former rivals not reaching the Europa League final as a ‘shame’.
He told Betfair: “People are talking about changing the Arsenal manager? Really? Mikel Arteta is a young manager and I hope he stays – I think that will be the case.
“It’s a shame they didn’t reach the final as that would have given them a good end to the season. They are massively underperforming.
“They need to strengthen their squad. Manchester United are looking like old United finally under Alex Ferguson, whilst Arsenal look no better than the last days under Arsene Wenger.”
Former Spurs striker Berbatov took a shot at Arsenal fans wanting Arteta outCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd HARTS IN MOUTH
SunSport Exclusive by Duncan Wright
Arsenal fear more fan fury if they fail to tie down teenage prodigy Kido Taylor-Hart to a new deal in the next month.
The highly-rated 18-year-old’s scholarship runs out this summer and a host of clubs from England and the continent have offered him pro terms.
Arsenal put a professional contract on the table earlier this year.
But so far Taylor-Hart has not committed himself and could still walk away for nothing at the end of the season.
His situation is being watched closely by Gunners fans.
Supporters are already upset at how the club is being run – not just in terms of the first team but also the development of young talent.
And there is likely to be uproar if the club is unable to tie him down to a contract and let him walk away.
He has options open to him in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Holland and Belgium.
You can read the rest of Duncan Wright’s exclusive by clicking here.
Arsenal fear fan backlash if they lose Kido Taylor-Hart NO CHANGE
Josh Buatsi fears if Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has been forced off of social media by racist abuse then most other black sportspeople don’t stand a chance.
The Ghana-born South Londoner boldly took the knee before his thrilling October win over Marko Calic to fight against racial injustice.
But after spending eight weeks in San Francisco training with new trainer Virgil Hunter, he has returned to an almost identical landscape and learned Gunners icon Henry quit social media all together.
Ahead of Saturday’s Manchester match-up with undefeated Daniel Dos Santos, the 13-0 Rio 2016 bronze winner said: “I don’t think things have really improved but, when we talk about the sport of boxing, I personally have never experienced any racism in professional boxing.
“Internationally, in the amateurs, yes a few times in different countries but in [pro] boxing I have not.
“In the world now, are things changing? No, I think things are still the same.
“I can understand why certain Premier League footballers are saying ‘forget getting the knee, no changes are being made whatsoever’. I can see that.
“When I was in America I think I read that Thierry Henry has quit social media totally, he is just not up for it.
“He was a really good footballer so if people like him are experiencing it, then who knows what other people are experiencing?
“I haven’t thought about taking the knee for this fight yet, we will see.”
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is boycotting social mediaCredit: PA GAME AUBA
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has apologised to the fans for his side’s Europa League exit on Thursday night.
The striker wrote in his programme notes for tomorrow’s clash with West Brom: “We struggled to find our rhythm in the first half and didn’t give Villarreal enough problems.
“And when we had a chance, the luck wasn’t there for us, when I hit the post with the volley and then the header in the second half.
“I thought we started the second half with more energy and put them under pressure, but we just couldn’t maintain that drive and ultimately, we just didn’t find a way through Villarreal.
“I thought my header was in when it hit the post but it just wasn’t going to happen.
“Like I said, we are really upset about going out of the competition at this stage, for ourselves, for the club and most of all for you the supporters.
“It’s been such a difficult season for fans and we desperately wanted to give you something positive this season – I’m just so sorry we couldn’t do it for you.”
Aubameyang has apologised to supportersCredit: Getty
STUTT-ERING
Bundesliga side Stuttgart are in talks with Arsenal over keeping loanee Konstantinos Mavropanos, according to club chief Sven Mislintat.
The former Gunners transfer guru told Kicker: “We’re trying to get a loan.”
And he also admitted: “Buying is difficult in the current situation. Now there is a bit of back and forth.”
Mavropanos has enjoyed a decent season at StuttgartCredit: AP ART OF WAR
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta urged his players to ‘show fans on the pitch’ why his is a project to get behind.
In the aftermath of Thursday night’s clash with Villarreal, he said: “We have to show them on the pitch, not talking.
“We are hugely disappointed because we wanted to deliver something special to them after the difficult season that we had.”
Mikel Arteta is under pressure at ArsenalCredit: Reuters TAKING THE MIK?
England legend John Barnes has called on Arsenal to stick with rookie manager Mikel Arteta.
He said: “Arsenal must learn from Klopp’s first two years at Liverpool and stick with Arteta.
“Arsenal will look at what Arteta is doing and realise that he is building for the future with the young players like Saka and Smith Rowe.
“They’re looking to promote and play young players so Arsenal can’t demand instant success as they’re not spending hundreds of millions of pounds on players so, therefore, they have to put up with what they’re doing now if they believe in the long-term future of the club.”
Mikel Arteta could look to emulate Jurgen KloppCredit: Getty BACK TO THE FUTURE
Not a bad impersonation of an Arsenal great, from current star Emile Smith Rowe.
The youngster has Charlie George’s celebration down to a tee.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
