ARSENAL are in jubilant mood after smashing three past Manchester United in the huge top-four decider at the Emirates.
Goals from Nuno Tavares, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka put downtrodden United to the sword to all-but knock them out of the Champions League race.
At the same time, the Gunners are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus this summer according to reports.
The Brazilian is being lined up as a replacement for out-of-contract strikers Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
Meanwhile, former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has urged his old side to go big for West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the Emirates in our live blog…
Government back plan to block rogue owners
Powers to stop rogue owners buying clubs at all levels will be formally backed by the Government today, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston will announce the 10 main recommendations of November’s “fan-led review” are to be introduced in a Parliamentary Bill.
That will see the legal establishment of an “independent regulator” with powers to oversee the game at all levels.
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and her team urged the adoption of a new “integrity test” for owners.
That is aimed at ensuring no repeat of the chaos that saw Bury go bust after more than a century of football at Gigg Lane.
Huddleston wants to “protect clubs and their fans from unscrupulous owners” amid concetat the number of clubs throughout the pyramid living beyond their means.
Huddleston said: “Radical change is needed to protect the future of our national game.
“We will establish a strong, independent regulator but the football authorities can take action now to tackle issues currently facing the game.”
Shearer baffled by Utd display in Arsenal defeat
Alan Shearer is baffled at what Ralf Rangnick and his staff do in training at Manchester United.
The Red Devils suffered another crushing defeat yesterday as they were beaten 3-1 at Arsenal to virtually end their top four hopes.
That result follows the terrible display at Anfield on Tuesday when United were walloped 4-0 by Liverpool.
And after watching them at the Emirates, the Newcastle and England legend Shearer insists Rangnick’s team showed zero reaction to being “battered” by the Reds.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: “New manager, they’ve been battered by Liverpool, changed personnel – left Harry Maguire out – so I’m thinking there’s going to be a bit of a response, certainly in the first 20 or 30 minutes and there wasn’t at all.
“Within three minutes you’ve had three big mistakes: Varane and Telles make one and you’ve also got one from Dalot letting Tavares go.
“There was no pressing, no organisation, the understanding of when or how to press in this team zero, probably because they don’t know how to do it or they are not working on it at all in training.
“They don’t know how or when to do it… what they’re doing on the training ground, I don’t know, because it doesn’t look like they’re doing much in terms of the pressing.”
Gabriel third on error list
Four Manchester United players feature among the players who have made the most errors leading to shots in the Premier League, writes JOSHUA JONES.
And it is blundering captain Harry Maguire who tops the unwanted list. The 29-year-old is struggling to catch a break on the pitch at the moment – and was inexplicably sent a shocking bomb threat.
Now Opta’s stats show Maguire has made seven mistakes in 62 appearances that have allowed opponents to take a shot since the start of last season.
That is more than any other outfield player in England’s top flight.
And to make matters worse, Nemanja Matic is second on the list with six from 40 games. Red Devils full-backs Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also feature among the top 17 with four errors each, from 52 and 54 appearances respectively, in a further blow for David De Gea.
Arsenal defender Gabriel and Luke Ayling both have made six mistakes.
Wham bam, thank you Gran
Here’s how Granit Xhaka’s 25-yard cracker looked from the stands as it rounded off Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Manchester United yesterday.
After three straight losses against mid-table sides, victory over erratic Chelsea and hapless United have lifted the Gunners back to fourth, two points clear of Spurs.
Arsenal & Utd target Osimhen valued at £67m
Arsenal will reportedly have to fork out £67million to land striker target Victor Osimhen, who has also been linked to Man Utd.
The Napoli ace has 16 goals to his name this term and has played a key role in keeping his side in the hunt for the Serie A title.
Napoli are sat third, five points behind table toppers Inter Milan with four matches to go.
But with Osimhen’s fine form comes interest in acquiring his services.
And according to CBS, Arsenal have been tracking the Nigeria international for a number of months.
But any move would cost the Gunners an eye-watering £67m to land Osimhen.
La Gazzetta dello Sport are also reporting that Arsenal have “already taken several concrete steps, through intermediaries” to lay the groundworks for a deal.
However, the striker is keen to play Champions League football.
Thiel the money
Arsenal have reportedly been told they can land FC Koln star Jan Thielmann for £12.5million this summer.
The 19-year-old right winger has caught the eye in the Bundesliga this term.
He has been a regular at Koln, scoring once and providing two assists during his 26 top-flight appearances.
And despite his stats not being outstanding, his displays have captured the attention of Mikel Arteta.
Now Tag 24 states that Koln are willing to cash in if they receive an offer of £12.5m.
They claim the club can “hardly say no” to such a figure due to the financial impact of the coronavirus.
Ready to grab Ab
Arsenal are reportedly lining up a summer move for Tammy Abraham… if they qualify for the Champions League, writes Giacomo Pisa.
The Gunners were linked with Abraham last summer before he joined Roma in a £34million deal from Chelsea.
But 12 months on Mikel Arteta is set to reignite his interest in the striker after a stunning first season under Jose Mourinho.
The 24-year-old has scored 24 goals in all competitions this campaign.
And his form could see Arsenal lodge a bid this summer if they finish in the top four, according to the Daily Star.
It’s claimed the Gunners are plotting a £50million offer for the upcoming transfer window.
Woeful Utd hit train barrier
Alan Shearer is baffled at what Ralf Rangnick and his staff do in training at Manchester United.
The Red Devils suffered another crushing defeat yesterday as they were beaten 3-1 at Arsenal to virtually end their top four hopes.
That result follows the terrible display at Anfield on Tuesday when United were walloped 4-0 by Liverpool.
And after watching them at the Emirates, the Newcastle and England legend Shearer insists Rangnick’s team showed zero reaction to being “battered” by the Reds.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: “New manager, they’ve been battered by Liverpool, changed personnel – left Harry Maguire out – so I’m thinking there’s going to be a bit of a response, certainly in the first 20 or 30 minutes and there wasn’t at all.
“Within three minutes you’ve had three big mistakes: Varane and Telles make one and you’ve also got one from Dalot letting Tavares go.
“There was no pressing, no organisation, the understanding of when or how to press in this team zero, probably because they don’t know how to do it or they are not working on it at all in training.
“They don’t know how or when to do it… what they’re doing on the training ground, I don’t know, because it doesn’t look like they’re doing much in terms of the pressing.”
Gunning for Jesus?
Gabriel Jesus will leave Manchester City this summer in a boost to Arsenal’s transfer hopes, according to reports.
The 25-year-old Brazilian ace has just over 16 months remaining on his current contract at the Etihad and the champions may have to cash in.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Gabriel Jesus will leave Man City in the summer, the plan is clear since months as they’re working on Haaland deal and contract expires in 2023.
“Arsenal interest is confirmed and serious, as per David Ornstein – but still no bid or direct talks between clubs.”
Mikel Arteta is desperate to bolster his attack, and is claimed to have identified the striker as a potential option in the upcoming transfer window.
Arsenal & Utd target Osimhen valued at £67m
Arsenal will reportedly have to fork out £67million to land striker target Victor Osimhen, who has also been linked to Man Utd.
The Napoli ace has 16 goals to his name this term and has played a key role in keeping his side in the hunt for the Serie A title.
Napoli are sat third, five points behind table toppers Inter Milan with four matches to go.
But with Osimhen’s fine form comes interest in acquiring his services.
And according to CBS, Arsenal have been tracking the Nigeria international for a number of months.
But any move would cost the Gunners an eye-watering £67m to land Osimhen.
La Gazzetta dello Sport are also reporting that Arsenal have “already taken several concrete steps, through intermediaries” to lay the groundworks for a deal.
However, the striker is keen to play Champions League football.
Jan could be the man
Arsenal have reportedly been told they can land FC Koln star Jan Thielmann for £12.5million this summer.
The 19-year-old right winger has caught the eye in the Bundesliga this term.
He has been a regular at Koln, scoring once and providing two assists during his 26 top-flight appearances.
And despite his stats not being outstanding, his displays have captured the attention of Mikel Arteta.
Now Tag 24 states that Koln are willing to cash in if they receive an offer of £12.5m.
They claim the club can “hardly say no” to such a figure due to the financial impact of the coronavirus.
Arsenal in for Tammy again
Arsenal are reportedly lining up a summer move for Tammy Abraham… if they qualify for the Champions League, writes Giacomo Pisa.
The Gunners were linked with Abraham last summer before he joined Roma in a £34million deal from Chelsea.
But 12 months on Mikel Arteta is set to reignite his interest in the striker after a stunning first season under Jose Mourinho.
The 24-year-old has scored 24 goals in all competitions this campaign.
And his form could see Arsenal lodge a bid this summer if they finish in the top four, according to the Daily Star.
It’s claimed the Gunners are plotting a £50million offer for the upcoming transfer window.
Fab Gab ‘WILL leave City in the summer’, say reports
Gabriel Jesus will leave Manchester City this summer in a boost to Arsenal’s transfer hopes, according to reports.
The 25-year-old Brazilian ace has just over 16 months remaining on his current contract at the Etihad and the champions may have to cash in.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Gabriel Jesus will leave Man City in the summer, the plan is clear since months as they’re working on Haaland deal and contract expires in 2023.
“Arsenal interest is confirmed and serious, as per David Ornstein – but still no bid or direct talks between clubs.”
Mikel Arteta is desperate to bolster his attack, and is claimed to have identified the striker as a potential option in the upcoming transfer window.
Xhak-attack
After his wonder strike yesterday, the club awarded the midfielder their Man of the Match award.
Do you agree Arsenal fans?
Playing for the shirt
Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard bizarrely gave their Manchester United shirts to Arsenal fans following their side’s 3-1 defeat, writes JAKE LAMBOURNE.
Both men came on as second half substitutes at the Emirates as the Gunners beat the Red Devils to leapfrog Tottenham into fourth.
Rashford is one of 12 players that could be heading out the door at the Theatre of Dreams when Erik ten Hag takes charge.
He has even been linked with a shock move to link up with the Gunners.
Rashford and Lingard have endured a strained relationship with United’s supporters recently due to poor form and questions over their work rate.
And the club’s faithful haven’t reacted kindly following their antics after the full-time whistle at Arsenal.
Morning, Arsenal fans
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been promised “one or two” main signings this summer by technical director Edu.
Edu told ESPN Brazil: “We are going to focus on signing one or two players.
“After last summer revolution, we need the next step. We have our strategy ready.
“Our planning has already been done, it has already reached the owners.
“It’s a matter of step by step, how we are going to finish the season and put the plan in place that I’m very excited about”
While Granit Xhaka stated he wants to have a “better relationship” with the fans.
Xhaka said: “I can’t pretend that my relationship with the fans will ever be the same, because that moment will always be in my heart.
“I would like us to have a better relationship. I would like us to understand each other better”
Arsenal will have to pay £67million for Victor Osimhen in the summer to sign him from Napoli, according to reports.
The Serie A club signed the Nigerian striker from Lille in 2020, and has scored 26 goals in 57 appearances for the Naples outfit.
“Napoli want at least €80m (£67m) if they are to consider selling Victor Osimhen,” CBS Sports James Benge revealed.
“He is among the many strikers Arsenal have been tracking over recent months.”
Arsenal chase Thielmann
Arsenal have reportedly been told they can land FC Koln star Jan Thielmann for £12.5million this summer.
The 19-year-old right winger has caught the eye in the Bundesliga this term.
He has been a regular at Koln, scoring once and providing two assists during his 26 top-flight appearances.
And despite his stats not being outstanding, his displays have captured the attention of Mikel Arteta.
Now Tag 24 states that Koln are willing to cash in if they receive an offer of £12.5m.
They claim the club can “hardly say no” to such a figure due to the financial impact of the coronavirus.
Smith Rowe cheers on Fury
Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe celebrated victory over Manchester United by taking a trip to Wembley to watch Tyson Fury vs Dillian Whyte.
The Gunners attacking midfielder secured himself a ringside seat at the Home of Football after helping his side move up to fourth in the table.
He was one of a number of famous faces attending the WBC heavyweight title showdown between the two British icons.
Hoping to forget the Red Devils’ loss was Rio Ferdinand, who is backing Fury to emerge victorious.
Joining the former England international and his ex-Three Lions team-mate Joe Cole was musician Noel Gallagher, who seen speaking to media.
British magician Dynamo was another high-profile star keen to watch the historic fight live, along with Hollywood A-lister Daniel Kaluuya, star of Get Out and Judas & The Black Messiah.
Henry and Bergkamp meet Smith Rowe and Saka
It was a case of the old guard meeting the new, when Arsenal legends Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp met current fans favourites Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.
The four were snapped together on the Emirates Stadium pitch in a photo that was shared on the Gunners’ official Instagram.
Henry and Bergkamp were later seen in the stands enjoying all the action as the Gunners saw off rival Man Utd 3-1.
And the two couldn’t help but share a smile as their old team won.
Arsenal will have to pay £67million for Victor Osimhen in the summer to sign him from Napoli, according to reports.
The Serie A club signed the Nigerian striker from Lille in 2020, and has scored 26 goals in 57 appearances for the Naples outfit.
“Napoli want at least €80m (£67m) if they are to consider selling Victor Osimhen,” CBS Sports James Benge revealed.
“He is among the many strikers Arsenal have been tracking over recent months.”
Morgan’s glee
Celebrity Arsenal fan and The Sun columnist Piers Morgan couldn’t hide his glee with is team’s win on Saturday.
The Gunners ran out 3-1 winners over Man Utd, which please Morgan when he took to Twitter to celebrate.
However, the ex-GMB host couldn’t help but wonder how the Gunners lost to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton before “stuffing” Chelsea and Man Utd.
He wrote: “I’m sure someone can explain Arsenal losing three games on the bounce to Brighton, Palace & Southampton.. then stuffing Chelsea & United. I can’t, and right now I don’t care. Great performance today lads.”
Pawson gives Arteta a cheeky wink
Man Utd fans lost the plot after seeing referee Craig Pawson WINK at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Pawson gave Arteta a cheeky wink with his left eye milliseconds before shaking the Spaniard’s hand after the Gunners’ huge victory at the Emirates.
The gesture didn’t go unnoticed by the United fans, who flocked to Twitter to express their fury.
One tweeted: “Nothing to see here, just Craig Pawson winking at Mikel Arteta.”
Another said: “What on earth is he doing there?”
And another said: “Bruh I seen this and wow. Unexplainable.”
One remarked: “Ref was deffs in on it too.”
Another chimed in: “Dodgy, dodgy.”
Ed-ing to a new direction
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been promised “one or two” main signings this summer by technical director Edu.
Edu told ESPN Brazil: “We are going to focus on signing one or two players.
“After last summer revolution, we need the next step. We have our strategy ready.
“Our planning has already been done, it has already reached the owners.
“It’s a matter of step by step, how we are going to finish the season and put the plan in place that I’m very excited about”
Jesus four real
Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus scored a whopping four goals against Watford at the Etihad.
Jesus led City to a 5-1 victory over the struggling Hornets to remain top of the Premier League table.
The striker has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Reports have also suggested that the Gunners and the Brazil international are in “advanced talks”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Xhaka on fans
Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka stated he wants to have a “better relationship” with the fans.
Xhaka said: “I can’t pretend that my relationship with the fans will ever be the same, because that moment will always be in my heart.
“I would like us to have a better relationship. I would like us to understand each other better”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
