ARSENAL’S top four dreams are all but over after they were humiliated by Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
The Gunners’ poor performance resulted in a 2-0 loss and former captain Granit Xhaka claimed that some of his team-mates ‘lack balls to play’.
That result could put a huge dent in their hopes of signing key targets this summer.
SunSport can reveal that the Gunners have been offered Paulo Dybala on a free transfer and are keen to complete the deal.
However, the Juventus star is only interested in joining a club playing Champions League football.
But the Gunners have had a boost in their pursuit of another target, with defender Manuel Akanji set to leave Dortmund.
SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the Emirates in our live blog…
Trippier has cheeky Arsenal pop
Ex-Spurs star Kieran Trippier had a cheeky pop at Arsenal after they slipped in the race for a top-four Prem finish.
The right-back posted an Instagram message to Tottenham fans after his current side Newcastle beat the Gunners on Monday.
Trippier was an unused sub but that did not stop him enjoying the result with fans at Tottenham, where he played between 2015-2019.
The England star, 31, posted an image of himself on the touchline, and added a message which said: “Excellent by the lads tonight, once again showing what we are capable of at Newcastle.
“I hope you enjoyed that one tonight Spurs fans 😂.”
Newcastle fans taunt Arsenal
Newcastle taunted Arsenal as their team delivered a near-fatal blow to the Gunners’ Champions League hopes.
As their side dominated the Gunners, fans chanted: “Champions League, you’re having a laugh.”
They repeated the taunt over and over again.
United fans beg for Nkunku
Man United fans have begged the Red Devils to sign RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku after he was named Bundesliga’s Player of the Season.
Nkunku’s impact has wowed United’s faithful who flocked to Twitter to voice their desire for him to be in a Red Devils shirt next season.
One fan reckoned Nkunku’s switch to United is a foregone conclusion and wrote: “United player soon.”
United have had an indifferent season and currently languish in sixth spot in the Premier League with just one game left to play.
And one supporter who believes Nkunku will provide a solution to the club’s problems next season, added: “@ManUtd here is our man.”
While a third Red Devils loyalist chipped in: “Think he’d be perfect for us.”
Arsenal have also been linked with the midfield star.
Arsenal face Hickey transfer competition
Arsenal are keen on a £21million deal for Bologna defender Aaron Hickey.
But they face competition from Newcastle and Napoli.
However, the Mail claims Brentford are leading the race for the Scot, who wants regular minutes should he make a move.
Jesus taking time over move
Gabriel Jesus’ agents are in “no hurry” to sort the player’s future after Arsenal’s Monday night collapse.
SunSport understands Jesus’ agents are not going to rush into a decision and are keen for their player to end on a high with Man City before deciding on his next move.
It has also been made clear to SunSport by Jesus’ team that although the Champions League is a major attraction, they have not completely ruled out a move to the Emirates.
Van Persie Jr signs deal
Robin van Persie’s son Shaqueel could follow the striker’s footsteps to Arsenal or Manchester United – after signing a first contract with Feyenoord.
Shaqueel said: “I’ve been at Feyenoord since I was ten, so this is a special day. The club is like a second home for me.
“The fans and the stadium are great. My dream is to eventually play at De Kuip, and to be a success.”
Feyenoord academy head Rini Coolen added: “We as a club are very pleased with Shaqueel’s development.
“He is strong with an outstanding winner’s mentality, scores goals for fun and shows his leadership qualities. Signing his first professional contract is a fitting reward for him.”
Neville slams Xhaka over criticism
Gary Neville has branded Granit Xhaka a “disgrace” after the Arsenal star blamed teammates for their defeat at Newcastle.
Neville said: “I think I heard him say, ‘Stay at home if you haven’t got the balls’. So he’s obviously having a go at people in his dressing room.
“I don’t know who he’s having a go at, I hope he wasn’t having a go at the younger players…him?
“I tell you what he’s been a disgrace at times over the last four or five years, getting sent off recklessly. He’s left it up in the air there, that was nothing there.”
Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle uncovered
Arsenal were dominated at St James’ Park as their top four hopes went up in smoke.
Desperate Mikel Arteta watched on helplessly as his game-plan was undone.
But what exactly went wrong with Arsenal’s tactics on the night?
FIND OUT MORE HERE
Arsenal transfer hopes take hit
Arsenal’s Champions League dream is in chaos after a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle.
Spurs are now in pole position to secure fourth spot.
And Arsenal could miss out on a host of top signings as a result.
SEE THEIR TARGETS HERE
Prem Teams of the Year
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have revealed their Premier League Teams of the Year.
Unsurprisingly, the XIs are dominated by Man City and Liverpool players.
But there isn’t one single Arsenal player in the entire side.
Did Bukayo Saka or Martin Odegaard deserve a look-in?
Carragher doubts Arsenal’s elite credentials
Jamie Carragher admits he worries about Arsenal and Mikel Arteta’s future.
He said: “I thought they were awful. I think [Europa League] is a huge problem for Mikel Arteta and this Arsenal team going forward.
“I think they have had their opportunity this season – a big one – having no European football. That was a big advantage for them.
“I think it is going to be tough for him. I think this will be a game that will be looked back on when he eventually leaves the club.
“I really fear for him next season and if Arsenal are seventh or eighth at Christmas time with them in the Europa League there is going to massive pressure on his job.”
Xhaka tears into Arsenal flop
Granit Xhaka delivered a scathing verdict of Arsenal’s top four collapse at Newcastle.
He moaned: “From the first minute to the 90th we didn’t deserve to be on the pitch.
“With a performance like that you don’t deserve to play Champions League or Europa League.
“I don’t know why we aren’t doing what the coach is asking. If someone isn’t ready then stay at home.
“If you’re nervous and not ready, stay on the bench and don’t come here. It was not acceptable.
“Everything was in our hands – it’s a totally different game now.”
Tomiyasu faces fresh injury hell
Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of Japanese right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The defender was forced off injured during last night’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle.
Tomiyasu had only just returned to the side after a lengthy absence.
And he is likely to miss the season’s final game against Everton.
Wright slams Arsenal’s Euro collapse
Ian Wright admits he’s upset after seeing Arsenal blow their top four hopes at the final hurdle.
He said: “If we are going to be totally honest, we overachieved getting in there. This is a young squad. Mikel Arteta has done brilliantly with them.
“What we are seeing is that there isn’t enough experience and enough signings for them to, at a stage of the season, perform and win games to get it done.
“We didn’t have the quality. The intensity. We didn’t have that experience to do it. I said it at the start of the season.
“I think that the last few games, especially the [Crystal] Palace, the Brighton and Southampton results, proved we’re not ready for that level yet.”
Prem teams eye Monaco’s Badiashile
Monaco star Benoit Badiashile says he has had ‘contact’ with Prem clubs amid speculation of a summer move.
Badiashile said: “We all know the competitiveness of the Premier League, it is a fantastic league that of course, is very interesting and we all love the games.
“I had the chance to play in the Champions League with Monaco and I think this club deserves this competition, it’s a club that’s used to playing in this competition and we want to get back on track.
“Right now, I’m really happy with Monaco. I had some contact in the past with some [English] clubs but I’m fully focused on the end of the season and Monaco and I feel good.”
Good morning Arsenal fans
Arsenal have been dealt a massive blow to their top-four chances after losing 2-0 to Newcastle at St James’ Park.
The Gunners’ are now facing the prospect of finishing behind local rivals Tottenham in fifth place with one more Premier League game to go.
The Magpies opened the scoring on 55 minutes after an own goal by Ben White and sealed the victory half an hour later with star man Bruno Guimaraes.
The North Londoners are now two points behind Spurs in the Premier League table with only one more game to go.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are close to signing Sao Paulo starlet Marquinhos for £3million on a long-term contract until 2027.
It has been claimed that the Gunners have reached a full agreement with the Brazilian giants after the forward turned down various contract offers.
The North Londoners have managed to secure a cut-price fee for the 19-year-old ace following a legal issue.
And Arsenal have swooped in to negotiate a fee with Sao Paulo where they appear to have beaten Wolves as well as Atletico Madrid for the Brazilian.
And the Gunners have received a transfer boost in their bid to sign Benfica star Darwin Nunez as his club closes in on signing a replacement.
According to The Athletic, the Portuguese giants are lining up a swoop for Stuttgart star Sasa Kalajdzic.
The Lisbon outfit are expecting to lose Nunez this summer and ideally want a deal completed as soon as possible to allow them plenty of time to fill the void he will leave behind.
Now moves are being made to bring Kalajdzic to replace their centre-forward, who has also been linked with Manchester United.
Finally, Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign outgoing Juventus star Paulo Dybala, but there is a major catch.
Dybala is only interested in signing for a club that will definitely be playing in the Champions League next season.
And that is quite a blow for the Gunners after their loss to Newcastle, which saw them drop to fifth place.
With Alexandre Lacazette certain to leave this summer and Eddie Nketiah expected to follow, manager Mikel Arteta is in the market for two strikers
FT: Newcastle 2-0 Arsenal
Arsenal have been dealt a massive blow to their top-four hopes after losing 2-0 to Newcastle at St James’ Park.
The Gunners’ are now facing the prospect of finishing behind rivals Tottenham in fifth place with one more Premier League game to go.
The Magpies opened the scoring on 55 minutes after an own goal by Ben White.
The Toon sealed the win half an hour later with star man Bruno Guimaraes.
The North Londoners are now two points behind Spurs in the table.
Relive all the action on SunSport’s results page here
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
Newcastle have broken the deadlock against Arsenal at St James’ Park.
The Magpies are ahead following an own goal by Ben White after 56 minutes.
That is a significant blow for the Gunners’ top-four hopes as that means Tottenham remain fourth in the Premier League table.
You can follow all the action on SunSport’s live blog here
Arsenal consider Gabriel sale
Arsenal are reportedly considering offloading Gabriel Magalhaes with Juventus eye up a possible summer swoop.
Gabriel has been a key player for the Gunners since he made the move to the Emirates from Lille in 2020 for £27million.
Italian media revealed earlier this month that Juve are lining up an offer for the centre-back.
It was even stated that the Bianconeri are prepared to offer the North Londoners long-term target Arthur in a swap deal.
According to Tuttosport, the Old Lady are stepping up their pursuit of the 24-year-old as they desperately look to sign another centre-back.
Veteran Giorgio Chiellini will depart Turin in the summer after 18 years, with the 37-year-old tipped to leave for the MLS
HT: Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal are goalless at St James’ Park in their crucial Premier League clash against Newcastle.
The Gunners need to beat the Magpies in order to overtake rivals Tottenham in fourth place.
However, the North Londoners have been unable to break the deadlock and lost Takehiro Tomiyasu to injury on 39 minutes as he was replaced by Cedric Soares.
You can follow all the action on SunSport’s live blog here
Tear we go
Arsenal loanee Hector Bellerin was left in tears after playing the final game of his Real Betis loan.
Bellerin joined his boyhood club for the season after forcing a move away from the Gunners.
But after 32 games for Betis this season, the right-back’s loan is set to come to and end.
And the emotions were evident as the Spain international was left distraught on the pitch, well after Betis’ last league match against Granada.
They won the game 2-0 with the 27-year-old helping the Spaniards finish fifth in the LaLiga table.
What’s more, Betis also won the Copa del Rey – their first trophy in 17 years
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Sol Campbell’s next destination
Arsenal legend Sol Campbell is the favourite to take over as the next Queens Park Rangers manager
According to talkSPORT, Campbell, who used to play with QPR director of football Les Ferdinand at Spurs and England, is set to be interviewed for the vacant position.
The legendary defender has a history with the club as he used to coach Rangers’ youth sides while working on his badges.
The 47-year-old also led a session with the Rs’ young players while recording the talkSPORT documentary called ‘Being Sol Campbell’
Aaron Ramsey rematch
Rangers star Aaron Ramsey is determined to make up for his Europa League heartache with Arsenal by winning the competition this year.
Ramsey is in line to face Eintracht Frankfurt in Wednesday’s final in Seville.
The midfielder missed the 2019 final between his former club and Chelsea due to a hamstring injury.
Ramsey said: “To play in a final of a European competition doesn’t come around very often.
“Unfortunately I missed the Arsenal one a few years back but hopefully I can make up for it in this one.
“Of course, it still plays on your mind. We got to the final that year and lost to Chelsea.
“For me to miss it through injury was tough but hopefully now I get another opportunity at it and I can make up for that”
Newcastle vs Arsenal subs
And here’s who Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta chose for the bench:
NEWCASTLE: Darlow, Dummett, Lascelles, Ritchie, Gayle, Trippier, Fernandez, Fraser, Murphy
ARSENAL: Leno, Lacazette, Pepe, Sambi Lokonga, Swanson, Patino, Cedric, Martinelli, Salah-Eddine
You can follow all the action in SunSport’s live coverage here.
Newcastle vs Arsenal XI
Arsenal take on Newcastle at St James’ Park in a crucial match for the visitors as they need to win to overtake rivals Tottenham in fourth place.
You can follow all the action in SunSport’s live coverage here.
Here’s how the two teams will play tonight:
ARSENAL: Ramsdale, Tavares, White, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Odegaard, Elneny, Xhaka, Saka, Nketiah, Smith Rowe
NEWCASTLE: Dubravka, Krafth, Burn, Schar, Targett, Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
