Philippa Kaur

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    World Cup 2030 could make history for TWO reasons as chief proposes expanding tournament to 64 TEAMS

    THE WORLD CUP could expand to 64 teams in a radical transformation, it has been revealed.An official proposal from Conmebol president, Alejandro Dominguez, for the 2030 tournament was submitted on Thursday.The 2030 World Cup could expand to 64 teams as part of a new proposalCredit: PAA 64-team tournament would mean more than a quarter of Fifa’s 211 member nations would qualify.The 2022 World Cup in Qatar played host to 32 teams, while the 2026 tournament – hosted between USA, Canada and Mexico – will have 48 teams.The 2026 expansion is already facing criticism for diluting the quality of the nations involved.A total of 12 third-place teams will be able to make the knockout round, while under a 32-team format the top two from the group reach the knockout stage.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootball’s governing body, Fifa, is aware of the 64-team proposal.President Gianni Infantino, who participated in the Conmebol Congress, noted the “exceptional milestone” of the centennial tournament.The idea was first flouted last March by a delegate from the Uruguay Football Association during an online meeting of the ruling council of world soccer’s governing body.However, Dominguez has now put the idea into motion for the 100-year anniversary of the tournament.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKSpeaking at Conmebol’s 80th Ordinary Congress, he said: “This will allow all countries to have the opportunity to live the world experience and so nobody on the planet is left out of the party.”We are convinced that the centennial celebration will be unique because 100 years are celebrated only once.”UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Fifa chief Gianni Infantino confirms just ‘one valid bid’ for tournamentThe 2030 World Cup will already make history to be the most widespread edition of the tournament with six host nations spread across three continents.Uruguay, the hosts of the first-ever World Cup in 1930, will host one game, while Paragauy, Argentina, Spain, Portugal and Morocco co-host.The expansion would likely most heavily benefit Conmebol, with all 10 member countries able to make the tournament proper – and therefore allowing Venezuela, who have never qualified, to play.Dominguez added: “That is why we are proposing, for the first time, to hold this anniversary with 64 teams, on three continents simultaneously.”A Fifa statement on the idea on Friday said it had a “duty to analyse any proposal from one of its Council members”.Fifa’s 75th congress will be held on May 15 in Paraguay, when the proposal could be discussed.Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has already positioned himself against the idea, calling it a “bad idea” earlier this month.He said at a news conference: “This proposal was maybe even more surprising for me than you. I think it is a bad idea.”With 48 teams, the 2026 tournament will have 104 matches.Read More on The SunBut an increased 64-nation format would see 128 matches played – a dramatic increase from the 64-games seen at World Cups between 1998 and 2022.Earlier this month it was announced the UK is set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup after the Home Nations bid was confirmed as the “sole bidder”. More

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    ‘The state of our club.. trolling fans’, moan Tottenham supporters as ex-ARSENAL transfer bigwig lands shock Spurs job

    TOTTENHAM have hired former Arsenal bigwig Vinai Venkatesham as their new chief executive.The British-Indian supremo, 44, will take over in the summer and be responsible for all operations on and off the pitch in his new role after crossing the North London divide.Tottenham have appointed ex-Arsenal bigwig Vinai Venkatesham as their new CEOCredit: ReutersVenkatesham held a post at Arsenal for 14 years before leaving at the end of last seasonCredit: GettyVenkatesham, who is currently a non-executive director of the British Olympic Association, stepped down as CEO of the Gunners last summer and has rejected other jobs in the meantime.He said: “I’m excited to be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.“After taking some time to recharge and evaluate my options, I believe this is an exceptional opportunity to work with Daniel, the Board and all of the staff, to take the club forward.”It remains to be seen if this will impact the role of chief football officer Scott Munn.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Aussie, 51, has been in his role in charge of all footballing departments – de facto No2 to chairman Daniel Levy – since September 2023.Levy said: “The club has experienced significant growth in recent years, making it crucial to expand our executive management.“I have known Vinai for many years, having worked together in the Premier League and the ECA (European Club Association). “I am personally delighted that he has agreed to join our board as we build for success.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, the appointment of someone with 14 years of history at Arsenal has not gone down well with Spurs fans.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Is this seriously the state of our club where we hire the former CEO of Arsenal?”‘We want Levy out’, chant Tottenham fans as thousands swarm streets in latest furious protest against club’s ownerA second said: ” Yeah Levy is trolling the fanbase again. “This is the last straw. A director from Arsenal! #Levy out.”A third said: “The term ‘tone deaf’ is spectacularly lost on this club.”Another said: “Embarrassing.”Spurs face Wolves this Sunday as they aim to climb towards the top half of the Premier League table.Ange Postecglou’s side drew 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt last night in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.The competition is the final chance for Ange Postecoglou’s side to win some silverware this season, with the second leg to be played out next week. More

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    Iconic stadium of English football giants set for major overhaul including 20,000 more seats as they submit shock plans

    LEEDS UNITED are submitting plans to bolster Elland Road’s capacity by nearly 20,000 – whether they win promotion or not.Leeds City Council have confirmed that the Championship leaders, who host Preston on Saturday, are expected to put in a formal planning application “imminently” to increase their home to 56,500.Leeds United are submitting plans to increase the capacity at Elland RoadCredit: RexThe increase will add 20,000 more seats to the iconic groundCredit: RexShould they be approved, then the plans would also see the area around the ground regenerated with the stadium becoming a “thriving 365 day a year destination”.Work could potentially start on the west stand within the next year with the second phase of the redevelopment then being on the north stand.James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Elland Road and Leeds United are part of the heart and soul of the city, and the club deserves a stadium befitting of its special status and incredible fans.“Naturally we’re keen to support this however we can, and to work closely with the club to ensure they are in the best possible position to achieve their ambitions and build a bigger, brighter future for the club, their supporters and sport in the city.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe plans are due to be discussed on 23 April at a meeting of the council’s executive board.Paraag Marathe, chairman of Leeds United and president of the club’s owners, 49ers Enterprises, said back in September: “The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.“Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.”While the club waits for the green light on their stadium, Daniel Farke’s side will be hoping to take another step towards the Premier League in front of a current capacity crowd of 37,792 at Elland Road.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, he will have to do that without two of his most influential players.Defender Pascal Struijk hobbled off at Luton Town last Saturday and was replaced by Ethan Ampadu for the midweek victory over Middlesbrough.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline loomsNow Farke has revealed that the vice-captain’s campaign is over, even if they have to face the play-offs.He said: “I can officially confirm the season is over for him, he has a fracture in his foot.“Thank God he doesn’t need surgery but he will definitely be out for about 10 weeks. He will be ready when pre-season starts for next season.”Joe Rothwell was already ruled out for three weeks with a calf injury and now Farke has revealed that star winger Dan James, the matchwinner at Boro, will miss out too against Preston and is also a doubt for crunch clashes with Oxford and Stoke.He said: “He came out with some hamstring problems. It will be a tight race for the Easter weekend.“Our medical department will try everything to make him available for these games but it will be a tight race.” More

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    Why Jacob Murphy and Bruno Fernandes will decide Newcastle vs Manchester Utd | Experts’ best bets – Weekend Wager

    SUNSPORT’s finest are back with another set of tips for this weekend’s Premier League action – and a wildcard punt on The Masters.There’s a bumper selection of fixtures to get our teeth into as the Prem run-in continues. Jacob Murphy is featured in this weekend’s best betsCredit: GettyArsenal take on Brentford in a London derby in the evening kick-off on Saturday. While Manchester United head north to Newcastle for a juicy Super Sunday clash.The Masters runs through the entire weekend – plus we have a very special tip for the Scottish Grand National. Here are the thoughts of host Kweku Afari, broadcaster Toni Afoke and Betfair’s James Mackie as they eye the best bets of the weekend.READ MORE ON SPORTArsenal vs Brentford – Saturday, 5.30pmToni – BTTS, Arsenal to win, Merino to score at 6/1.Arsenal will have one eye on the Champions League second leg against Real Madrid. Despite that, I still think the Gunners are going to win this one.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKI’m going for both teams to score, Arsenal to win, and for Mikel Merino to score. Most read in FootballMerino has got six in his last ten and I think Brentford are good enough to find the net at the Emirates. Ian Wright fears three Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka Kweku – Saka to score or assist, Saka to be fouled 2+ times at 2/1This is a little cheeky bet builder. Saka’s a player who also needs to get minutes in his legs. He’s a player that is very, very durable. Anything good that comes from Arsenal comes from Bukayo Saka. He’s got 15 goal involvements this season. James – Leandro Trossard 3+ shots and Yoane Wissa 3+ shots at 4/1Leandro Trossard is being backed to bring his shooting boots against BrentfordCredit: GettyTrossard has had three or more shots in four of his last five Premier League outings for Arsenal, having 19 in total. That’s an average of 3.8 per 90 minutes, which is an absolutely cracking record.Wissa has had three-plus shots in 10 of his last 12 Premier League appearances.He had three shots and scored at the Emirates last season – he’s the man to follow. Newcastle vs Manchester United – Sunday, 4.30pmAlejandro Garnacho averages over 3 shots per game this seasonCredit: GettyToni – Under 2.5 goals, Manuel Ugarte to be booked, Alejandro Garnacho 2+ shots at 10/1 Anyone who watches Man United knows that Garnacho loves a shot.He’s averaging 3.51 per 90 in all competitions this season.Newcastle are not going to need a lot of goals to beat Man United.United have failed to score 16 times this season, which is the most since 1989. Kweku – Jacob Murphy to score or assist at 9/5Murphy has been so instrumental for Newcastle this season.In the absence of Anthony Gordon, who’s been injured for the last couple of weeks, Murphy’s definitely come to the fore. He’s been directly involved in 19 goals and 33 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring eight and assisting 11. And if you look at this Newcastle side, they’re very, very functional. What they do really well is use their wide men.James – Bruno Fernandes to score or assists at 9/5Bruno Fernandes is a superb price to either score or assistCredit: GettyUnited would be nowhere without Bruno Fernandes this season.He’s created 15 chances across his last three Premier League appearances and created three-plus chances in each game. He’s averaging 2.6 chances created per 90 minutes this season.And I think at 9/5, for him to score assist, I think that’s cracking value, I really do.The Masters – Round 3 bet James – Any Round 3 Par 3 hole-in-one at 12/1Overall, there’s been at least one ace at the 16th hole at Augusta in six of the last nine years. And you’re getting even money for one to happen. Doesn’t matter across day one, day two, day three, and day four. So I think that’s a cracking bet.Scottish Grand National Macdermott is among the favourites for the big race at AyrCredit: PAJames – Macdermott 8/1I can’t look away from a Willie Mullins run. He’s going to clean up again. Read More on The SunAnd I actually think the horse he’s going to do it with is the horse he won it with last year, called MacDermott. This is a win only bet, not each way. This horse will either win or will fall out the back of the TV because that’s the type of horse he is. More

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    Andre Onana could be DROPPED by Man Utd for Newcastle clash after Lyon disasterclass and war of words with Nemanja Matic

    RUBEN AMORIM is considering taking Andre Onana out of the firing line for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle.The Manchester United No1 had a difficult week after initially being involved in a war of words with former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic.Ruben Amorim could take Andre Onana out of the firing line for Sunday’s trip to NewcastleCredit: RexThe goalie made several howlers against Lyon after his war of words with Nemanja Matic this weekAmorim refused to rule out replacing Onana in the Premier League this weekendCredit: GettyHe then had a nightmare game in the Groupama Stadium – as he blundered for both of Lyon’s goals in the 2-2 draw.Onana was understood to feel deflated after the match – although Amorim said he had not spoken to his keeper.His team-mates rallied round him afterwards and echoed the manager’s claims that nobody is blaming the keeper.Joshua Zirkzee – who scored United’s second goal in Lyon – was on the wrong end of a terrible ordeal at the hands of supporters against the Toon in January.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAsked about Onana, he said: “We’re one team – so we’re not going to take someone out for making mistakes. That’s ridiculous.”Amorim was planning to make changes for the game at St James’ Park – making the second leg against Lyon his priority.And one of those could be pulling Onana out and replacing him with understudy Altay Bayindir.Asked if he would make changes for the trip to Tyneside, Amorim said: “Sometimes winning games is the best way of preparing for the next one.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“But of course, I am going to be careful with some players but again we need to be competitive.“We will make this evaluation with all the staff and all the data that we have.Andre Onana suffers shocking howler to put Man Utd behind after being booed and insulted during warm-up over Matic spat“Then, because we know already the players, we will try to protect the ones that it will be hard to make a lot of games.”But several United stars gave Matic – who said Onana was “one of the worst keepers in United’s history” before kick -off – a slew of gifts on Thursday night.Meanwhile, United’s legendary former keeper Peter Schmeichel said: “There are so many issues for Ruben Amorim to sort out.“I would be very uncomfortable pointing to one player but it’s not great to watch.“You never feel safe because you always feel the other team are going to come back.”Man Utd ratings vs Lyon as two Onana blunders earn under-fire keeper a ONE out of 10MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte’s volley.And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France… More

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    ‘I preferred to wait to publish this’ – Edu releases lengthy statement as Arsenal gardening leave finally expires

    EDU GASPAR has released an emotional tribute to Arsenal fans after his final day with the club.Having joined as technical director in 2019, Edu became the sporting director in 2022, working closely with Mikel Arteta to overhaul the culture at the Emirates.Edu Gaspar has paid an emotional tribute to Arsenal fans following his official exitCredit: GettyArsenal’s new sporting director is former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea BertaHe is widely credited with doing an excellent job and playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s rebuild into a title-chasing side.Edu, who was last month replaced by Andrea Berta, was on gardening leave until this week, and he has paid farewell to the Gunners. He posted on Instagram: “Thank you, Arsenal. Thank you, Gunners!”With a heart full of gratitude, today formally I close one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”After five and a half years, my journey officially as Sporting Director of Arsenal FC has come to the end.”I joined the club in July 2019 as Technical Director, with the challenge of bringing Arsenal with the mission of bringing Arsenal back where it belongs among football’s elite, driving a cultural shift, keep competing for trophies, and making Champions League qualification the minimum expectation for a club of Arsenal’s size. “Later, I had the honour of becoming the first-ever Sporting Director in the club’s history, a milestone I will always carry with great pride.”And throughout this process of rebuilding, you the fans were an essential part of everything! Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”To the supporters, my most sincere thank you! The support, the energy, and the connection we felt again in every match were simply special. “The Emirates became an amplified version of the old Highbury atmosphere! To have experienced this alongside you is something I will never forget.”Arsenal’s Kai Havertz hits the gym as he continues his recovery from injury The later added: “It was never easy, but our intense work, united by a true team spirit, made me feel fulfilled throughout all these years!”If I’m only now sharing this message, it’s because I’ve been on garden leave in recent months and, out of respect for the club and everyone involved, I preferred to wait until the final official day of my contract to publish this.”I wish Arsenal FC all the best and every success, and I also send my warmest wishes to the new Sporting Director Andrea, who now takes on this beautiful role.”I leave with a peaceful heart and immense pride in what we’ve built together!”Edu’s 35 signings rankedEDU oversaw the arrival of 35 players during his time at the club.Some worked out better than others.Here, SunSport ranks them from worst to best…35. Nicolas Pepe (£72m)34. Willian (Free)33. David Luiz (£8m)32. Runar Alex Runarsson (£2m)31. Mat Ryan (Loan)30. Fabio Vieira (£34m)29. Neto (Loan)28. Marquinhos (£3m)27. Nuno Tavares (£8m)26. Matt Turner (£5m)25. Cedric Soares (Free)24. Albert Sambi Lokonga (£17m)23. Pablo Mari (£5m)22. Dani Ceballos (Loan)21. Raheem Sterling (Loan)20. Jakub Kiwior (£17m)19. Jorginho (£12m)18. Riccardo Calafiori (£42m)17. Kieran Tierney (£25m)16. Takehiro Tomiyasu (£20m)15. Mikel Merino (£28m)14. Aaron Ramsdale (£24m)13. Oleksandr Zinchenko (£30m)12. Gabriel Jesus (£45m)11. Kai Havertz (£65m)10. Jurrien Timber (£38m)9. Gabriel Martinelli (£6m)8. David Raya (£27m)7. Leandro Trossard (£20m)6. Thomas Partey (£45m)5. Ben White (£50m)4. Gabriel Magalhaes (£27m)3. Declan Rice (£105m)2. William Saliba (£27m)1. Martin Odegaard (£30m)Click here to read more Arsenal stories.Edu is expected to front Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’s multi-club operation which includes the Premier League side, Olympiacos and Rio Ave. He won six trophies with Arsenal during his playing career, including two titles – in 2002 and the Invincible 2004 campaign.As a director, he witnessed one FA Cup triumph and two Community Shield triumphs.The Gunners have finished second in the Premier League in each of the past two seasons, having placed eighth, eighth and fifth in the three campaigns before that.Read More on The SunArteta’s men look set to miss out on the title once again this term as they sit second, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. But Arsenal have on foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League after hammering 15-time Kings of Europe Real Madrid 3-0 on Tuesday.Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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    Arsenal files: Gunners linked with £40million transfer for ‘next Martin Odegaard’ who’s eerily similar to Ethan Nwaneri

    AMID the chaos and brilliance of Arsenal’s stunning Champions League quarter final first leg 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night, two young stars watched on from the bench.With the return of Bukayo Saka from injury, Ethan Nwaneri was an unused sub against the Los Blancos after his incredible breakthrough season.Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win over Real Madrid this weekCredit: GettyArda Guler, who did not play, has been linked with a move to the EmiratesCredit: GettyOn the opposite bench, another young starlet – 20-year-old Arda Guler – enjoyed the spectacle in a watching capacity having also shone brightly out in Spain, and is now being linked to Arsenal, as well as other big clubs in Europe.Having joined Madrid from boyhood club Fenerbahce in July 2023 for an initial £17.2m, the Turk’s debut campaign was hampered by injuries, making only 12 appearances in all competitions.Yet he still managed six goals in 10 La Liga appearances and 330 minutes of playing time, becoming the fastest player in Madrid history to hit that tally.More game time has followed this term with 34 appearances in all competitions so far, but just 10 of these have been starts, including 56 minutes of a 2-0 Champions League defeat away at Liverpool in November.There is the feeling in Spain that Guler – way down the pecking order behind the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and 39-year-old Luka Modric – may need to leave the Bernabeu to reach his full potential, similar to the Martin Odegaard situation before his £30m switch to Arsenal in the summer of 2021.Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti struggled to integrate Odegaard into his Galactico squad upon his January 2015 arrival as a 16-year-old, and is having similar issues with Guler.Paul Clement – Ancelotti’s former assistant who remains in contact with the Italian – confirmed this to SunSport last week: Guler needs more game time than he is currently getting, something the Madrid coaching staff recognise.The question is: do Arsenal actually need Guler with 18-year-old Nwaneri now an established first-team player with 14 starts in all competitions this season?Guler has featured mostly as an attacking midfielder, but also pops up on the right, just like Nwaneri. But how do the two compare?Guler has 1,171 minutes under his belt this year, averaging 34 minutes per game. Nwaneri is similar with 1,199 minutes and averaging 39 minutes.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsIn terms of touches per 90 minutes, Guler has 77 and Nwaneri has 58. The Turkish international has 14 shots on target from 39 attempts. England U21 star Nwaneri has 18 shots on target from 38 attempts.There is nothing between them for goal involvements too – Guler has nine [three goals and six assists] and Nwaneri has 10 [eight goals and two assists].Guler would cost between £30m and £40m at least should anyone come calling, but it appears not to make too much sense with a younger Nwaneri living up to his potential and capturing the hearts of Arsenal fans as a Hale End product.Mikel Arteta will be prioritising an elite striker this summer, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi already lined up and the defence needing bolstering too.Guler is a massive talent ready to explode, in the Odegaard mould, but Arteta will be wary of stifling what he already has on the books.How the two compare – domestic league matches onlyNWANERI CONTRACT TALKS?Speaking of Nwaneri, he is one of several players Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are desperate to tie down to long-term contracts in the coming months.Talks will begin soon, with Nwaneri’s current deal – his first professional contract signed in March 2024 – expiring at the end of next season, along with fellow academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly, who put pen to paper in October 2023.SunSport understands Nwaneri is in line for a competitive salary raise, in line with a regular squad player and first-team option.However, with Arsenal’s wage bill increasing by nearly £100m in their 2023/24 financial accounts – from £234.8m to £327.8m – the club will be wary over giving an astronomical wage packet to a teenager, regardless of his talent and potential.Arsenal will also need to fork out for extensions on major first-team stars like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel this summer.Ethan Nwaneri is in talks to sign a new dealCredit: GettyHowever, boss Mikel Arteta often asks for wage negotiations or announcements to be delayed until after big months of the season, especially if they progress into the semi-finals of the Champions League.It is why Arteta has been tight-lipped over the futures of midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho, whose deals run out in a few months.ARSENAL’S SURPRISE FAN CLUBThe quality of action on show in the Premier League has been a hot topic, with Gary Neville pouring oil over the fire this week in a passionate rant.On the Stick To Football podcast, he raged: “If we’re constantly served up this crap where we are watching centre-backs, full-backs and goalkeepers touch the ball hundreds of times more than the most talented players on the pitch.“That isn’t right – the game can’t be evolving in the right way.”SunSport understands that directors from Arsenal’s Prem rivals are hoping the Gunners can change this perception with a strong run in the Champions League.Should Mikel Arteta’s men see off Real Madrid next week in a similarly stunning and entertaining fashion, before beating Paris Saint-Germain in the semis and Barcelona in the final, there is a feeling that this would reinvigorate the Prem and show what English clubs are capable of.RICE’S FREE-KICKS WERE COMING…Declan Rice’s free-kick double act against Madrid sent the Emirates – and social media – into meltdown.They were his first in senior football in over 400 matches, with many asking the same question: Why has he not been taking free-kicks before?After all, set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has had him on corner-taking duties because of his incredible delivery and the amount of whip he can get on a ball ever since he honed Rice’s talent on a mid-season trip to Dubai.The answer is: He has, but has not found the top corner until now.This season in the Prem, he had one poor effort deflected by the wall behind for a corner in the 1-0 win over Chelsea last month before smacking one straight at Jordan Pickford in their 1-1 draw away at Everton last weekend.Last season, in April 2024, he had another tame approach blocked at Wolves, with another in the March comfortably saved in the 6-0 win at Sheffield United and another hitting the wall in a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in December 2023.Even at West Ham he was getting his eye in – blasting one well over the bar in the 2021/22 season away at Tottenham and another low drive saved at Aston Villa.His last attempt in Europe appears to be in the 21/22 Europa League, seeing a long-range flier blocked in a 2-0 win away at Dinamo Zagreb.In total, Rice had taken 12 free-kicks before scoring twice past Thibaut Courtois, none of which came close.This is not just a Rice problem however, more an Arsenal problem, scoring just ONE of their last 64 dead-ball attempts before facing Madrid, one of the worst records in the Prem.In that time, Manchester City have scored 10, Chelsea have scored seven, Newcastle United have scored five and five other Premier League teams have scored four.Declan Rice scored two stunning free kicks against Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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    Ange Postecoglou fumes at mole within Tottenham camp and reveals he’s ‘narrowed it down’ to a few names

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU claims there is a LEAK in the Tottenham camp giving out team secrets.The Spurs boss says the club have narrowed down who the mole is after noticing key private information getting into the public domain in the last year.Ange Postecoglou has revealed there is a mole at TottenhamCredit: ReutersInformation relating to Spurs’ team news has been leaked throughout the seasonCredit: AlamyHis startling revelation came after Postecoglou was asked about the fitness of winger Wilson Odobert following claims on social media ahead of Thursday’s Europa League fixture with Eintracht Frankfurt that the Frenchman had been sent for scans due to a hamstring issue.Odobert, who missed a large chunk of the campaign with a hamstring problem, was left as an unused substitute as Spurs drew 1-1 in their quarter-final first leg.The Aussie revealed: “Look, there is no doubt we have got a leak inside the club.”Somebody who continues to leak out information. They have all year. I don’t know why.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”It doesn’t help us. It just makes our job more difficult.“We try really hard to keep things in-house like all clubs because we don’t want on game-day opposition being aware of any sort of team selection.”But we’ve got somebody within our camp who continually gives out information.”We’ve narrowed it down, we’ve been looking at it for quite a while and kind of have a fair idea of where it is coming from.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We’ll deal with it but it’s not helpful for us and half of it is mis-information, half of it is half of the information.”But irrespectively, it certainly doesn’t help our cause because on game-day what you want to try and do is keep as much information in-house.Tottenham fan brings along his puppet to watch the match “We try really hard to find out information about the opposition and very hard to, but with us, someone has an open line to what we do.”It’s disappointing because you’d like to think everyone who is in our camp is working with us, not against us.”New signingTottenham have hired former Arsenal bigwig Vinai Venkatesham as their new chief executive.The British-Indian supremo, 44, will take over in the summer and be responsible for all operations on and off the pitch in his new role after crossing the North London divide.Venkatesham, who is currently a non-executive director of the British Olympic Association, stepped down as CEO of the Gunners last summer and has rejected other jobs in the meantime.He said: “I’m excited to be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer. “After taking some time to recharge and evaluate my options, I believe this is an exceptional opportunity to work with Daniel [Levy], the Board and all of the staff, to take the club forward.”It remains to be seen if this will impact the role of chief football officer Scott Munn.The Aussie, 51, has been in his role in charge of all footballing departments – de facto No2 to chairman Daniel Levy – since September 2023.Levy said: “The club has experienced significant growth in recent years, making it crucial to expand our executive management. Read More on The Sun”I have known Vinai for many years, having worked together in the Premier League and the ECA (European Club Association). “I am personally delighted that he has agreed to join our board as we build for success.”Former Arsenal chief exec Vinai Venkatesham has joined SpursCredit: Getty More