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      Cristiano Ronaldo smashes his own record with Al-Nassr goal before making emotional dedication to late father

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO smashed his own unique goalscoring record after bagging his 904th career goal in Al-Nassr’s 2-1 win.Ronaldo pointed to the sky and dedicated the goal to his late father Jose Dinis Aveiro on what would have been his 71st birthday.Cristiano Ronaldo’s late finish means he’s scored 441 goals in his 30sRonaldo dedicated his latest Al-Nassr goal to his late dad’s birthdayThe Portugal star has now officially scored more goals in his 30s than he did during his 20s.Ronaldo scored 440 goals in 596 games throughout his 20s.And after Monday’s heroics, the 39-year-old has now bagged 441 goals in 593 matches during his 30s.Speaking after the game, he said: “Today’s goal has a different flavour… I wish my father was alive because today is his birthday.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOne fan wrote on X: “Keep breaking records. We love you Ronaldo❤.”Another said: “He would be proud to produce one of the best footballers of all time.”Ronaldo’s deadly left-footed effort put Al-Nassr 2-0 up in the 76th minute after former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane opened the scoring.Al Rayyan pulled themselves back into the contest via Roger Guedes’ 87th minute close range strike – but could not find another.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAl-Nassr full-back Salem Al-Nadji reportedly knocked himself unconscious on the bench while celebrating Ronaldo’s goal.Ronaldo turned 30 in February 2015 when he was at Real Madrid, before he had spells at Juventus and Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo ‘agreed to rejoin Man Utd with Real Madrid star in £200m deal’ Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalscoring recordSporting Lisbon: 5Manchester United: 145Real Madrid: 450Juventus: 101Al-Nassr: 68Portugal: 131His dad tragically passed away from liver failure aged 51 in September 2005 – two years after Ronaldo first joined United.Ronaldo rarely discusses his father but previously revealed that he finds it difficult that his dad couldn’t witness his astonishing career.The five-time Ballon d’Or said in a previous interview: “I really don’t know my father 100 per cent. He was a drunk person. “I never spoke with him, like a normal conversation. It was hard. “To be the number one and he don’t see nothing, and he don’t see to receive awards, to see what I became.”Ronaldo’s latest goal was his seventh in eight appearances this term, after he missed the previous two games through illness.Since leaving European football he has scored 65 times in 72 outings for Al-Nassr.He recently became the first player to exceed 900 career goals.READ MORE SUN STORIESRonaldo has already signalled his intent to eventually hit four figures before he retires.He told Rio Ferdinand: “I want to reach 1,000 goals. “f I don’t have any injuries, this for me is the most important thing. I want that.” More

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      How to watch Arsenal vs PSG for FREE and why is the Champions League clash not on TNT Sports?

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      ARSENAL host PSG in a blockbuster Champions League clash at the Emirates TONIGHT.The Gunners go into the match on the back of a dramatic 4-2 win over Leicester City in the Premier League last weekend.The Gunners avoided an unlikely slip-up against Leicester on SaturdayCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s men left it late to secure all three points after blowing a two-goal lead earlier in the game.Arsenal have enjoyed a good start to the 2024/25 Premier League season and sit one point off the top of the table.But the Gunners are still searching for their first win in the Champions League after their 0-0 stalemate with Atalanta in their league phase opener two weeks ago.Tonight they host a PSG side – who are top of Ligue 1 – and are up and running in Europe after a 1-0 win over Girona, thanks to a 90th-minute own-goal from former Tottenham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the French side’s trip to the Emirates is one of the highlights of this week’s Champions League action – and you can watch it for absolutely NOTHING! How to watch Arsenal vs PSG in the Champions League for FREEThis season’s Champions League sees a new broadcaster enter the UK scene.Amazon Prime Video will be showing the top Tuesday match in the iconic European competition each week at no additional cost to Prime members.Should you not currently hold a subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member.Most read in FootballArsenal vs PSG is the second Champions League clash to be broadcast on Amazon Prime this season – after Liverpool’s 3-1 win at AC Milan two weeks ago.Why is Arsenal vs PSG not on TNT Sports?TNT Sports – formerly BT Sport – have held the rights to air European football in the UK since 2015.This year, the broadcasting giants will still show 184 of the 204 matches live, but both Amazon Prime Video and the BBC now have coverage rights until 2027.BBC’s coverage is restricted to highlights, but Amazon Prime Video will be exclusively showing the top Tuesday match for the next three seasons, including Arsenal’s clash with PSG this evening.Who is on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage?Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage will see Gabby Logan as the streaming giant’s lead presenter.Punditary will come from the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge, Josie Henning, Frank Lampard, Gael Clichy and Laura Georges.Jon Champion and Alan Shearer will provide live commentary of every top Tuesday Champions League fixture, with Gabriel Clarke and Alex Aljoe reporting from inside the stadium More

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      Euro 2024 winner Robin Le Normand suffers ‘traumatic brain injury’ after severe blow in final minutes of Madrid derby

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      ATLETICO MADRID defender Robin Le Normand suffered a “traumatic brain injury” during their derby draw with Real Madrid.The Spain international, 27, sustained the blow in the latter stages of Sunday’s clash at the Wanda Metropolitano.Robin Le Normand sustained the brain injury against Real MadridCredit: RexAtletico have confirmed Le Normand has suffered a subdural hematoma – which is when blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain.It is understood he has not travelled to Portugal for their Champions League clash with Benfica on Wednesday.A statement from the club read: “Robin Le Normand suffered a severe blow to the head in the final minutes of the Madrid derby, for which he underwent a series of tests and was assessed by specialists who determined that he suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with subdural haematoma.”In the process of returning our player to competition, the guidelines set out in the protocol established for this type of trauma will be followed.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMarca are reporting a “serious injury has been ruled out”, but his immediate absence will be a disappointment for Atletico manager Diego Simeone.Le Normand has started all but one of Atletico’s nine matches so far this season.He also featured for Spain against Serbia and Switzerland in their two Nations League games last month.Atletico’s 1-1 draw with Real Madrid ended in chaos after the match was suspended for around 15 minutes due to home fans throwing objects onto the pitch.Most read in FootballThibaut Courtois was targeted with missiles as he attempted to take a goal kick.The referee sent both sets of players down the tunnel, while Atletico’s players and head coach Simeone urged the fans to stop.England fans heartbroken as Spain score late to WIN Euro 2024The match eventually resumed with Real Madrid leading 1-0, but Atletico equalised in stoppage time through Angel Correa. More

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      Southampton star’s shocking X-rated rant at officials in Man Utd clash revealed as he is handed extra two-game ban

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      SOUTHAMPTON defender Jack Stephens has been handed a hefty fine and a two-match ban for an X-rated rant during last month’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.The 30-year-old was sent off for a knee-high challenge on Alejandro Garnacho late in the match.Jack Stephens was sent off for a challenge on Alejandro Garnacho last monthCredit: RexThe defender was shown a straight red cardCredit: GettyStephens has been fined £50,000 and handed a two-match banCredit: GettyHe was left furious as a result and made his feelings clear with referee Stuart Atwell.As reported by The Mail, he said to assistant Gavin Ward: “You f***ing little ****”, before he later added: “You’re a ****”.It prompted Ward to file an extraordinary incident report at full-time.Having assessed the report, the FA has now decided to charge Stephens with misconduct.Read More in FootballA statement read: “Jack Stephens has been given a two-match suspension and £50,000 fine for misconduct during Southampton’s Premier League match on Saturday 14 September against Manchester United.”The defender admitted that he used abusive and insulting words towards both the match referee and fourth official around the 79th minute after he had been sent off.”Stephens requested a personal hearing to oversee his case.He also admitted to using abusive and insulting language towards the match officials after being sent off.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe defender said: “I am well aware that what I said was completely unacceptable and below the standard of conduct expected of me.”I am very embarrassed by my behaviour and want to apologise sincerely for it… I know the importance of accepting a referee’s decision.Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag speaks after his side’s 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Tottenham “Instead, I spoke to him saying something that I would not normally say. I then used that language again to Mr Ward.”This is not an excuse, but it was in the heat of the moment… I sincerely apologise to Mr Atwell and Mr Ward.”Stephens will now be unavailable for upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Leicester City.The Southampton star has already served a three-match ban for the initial red card.He missed games against Ipswich Town, Everton and Bournemouth. More

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      Man Utd stars ‘failed to back Erik ten Hag just moments after winning the FA Cup’ with ‘clear issues among squad’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars were not in full support of Erik ten Hag even after their FA Cup final victory, reports suggest.Pressure is mounting on Ten Hag following a poor start to the season that has seen the Red Devils win just three of their first eight games in all competitions.Man Utd players were not in complete support of Erik ten Hag even after the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe latest defeat, a 3-0 drubbing at home to Tottenham, was the latest evidence of a team flat on its back.It follows a continuously concerning trend stretching back to last season, when the team recorded the club’s lowest finish in Premier League history.Winning the FA Cup ultimately proved to be Ten Hag’s salvation from almost certainly being sacked in June, with new club bosses Ineos instead opting to keep faith with the Dutchman for the new season.However, it has now been revealed that United players had their issues with the former Ajax manager’s set-up even in the aftermath of that famous triumph over Man City at Wembley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to The Athletic, who claim to have spoken to half a dozen players following the final, some stars had issues with the approach in certain matches throughout the season.While the report stipulated that no player definitively called for the manager to be sacked, no star definitively backed him to stay either.Players had a critical opinion of some of the tactics used during the season – ultimately with a change of approach in the Wembley final against Manchester City proving beneficial.It quotes one anonymous player as saying: “You cannot have teams in the relegation zone like Sheffield United and Burnley coming to Old Trafford and carving us open.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReporter Andy Mitten adds that following the final, while “all the players respected Ten Hag as a person and coach, the mood was far from harmonious”.Though he caveats this by explaining how stars both respected and feared Sir Alex Ferguson.Erik ten Hag criticises Man Utd’s desire in Twente draw SunSport today reported that Ten Hag’s potential exit is being discussed openly by Manchester United players.We understand the vast majority of United’s stars are behind the beleaguered manager.But there has been much talk among the squad over how much longer he will remain in charge with the club floundering in the Prem. Games this week against Porto and Aston Villa could prove pivotal in deciding whether he remains in the job after the international break.Ineos – who now run the sporting operation at the club – handed Ten Hag a contract extension in July.It would have reportedly cost £10million to sack Ten Hag in the summer, but will now set them back £17.5m.Man Utd face four away games in their next five fixturesA number of managers have been linked with the Old Trafford gig in the event that Ten Hag is sacked, with Joe Cole believing that former England boss Gareth Southgate is the “obvious choice” to step in.READ MORE SUN STORIESElsewhere, ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and Inter Milan gaffer Simone Inzaghi have both emerged as potential candidates.Assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy could also be appointed to the role given his previous, albeit brief, success with PSV.Why NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

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      Ferencvaros vs Tottenham: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses for Europa League clash with William Hill

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      FREE-SCORING Tottenham head for Hungary this week to face Ferencvaros in their second Europa League tie.And brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereFerencvaros vs Tottenham: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*How to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesWilliam Hill: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Ferencvaros vs Tottenham: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Not got a William Hill account? No problem!It’s really easy to register an account and you can get your hands on that generous £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on the footy!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Ferencvaros vs Tottenham: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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      Ferencvaros vs Tottenham prediction: Free betting tips, odds and preview for Europa League

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      TOTTENHAM’S Europa League glory quest continues on Thursday with a trip to take on Hungarian side Ferencvaros.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest – and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the European tie.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesFerencvaros vs Tottenham previewIt was a bit of a sticky start for Tottenham to kick-off the new season.But four wins on the bounce and they’re now purring, and scoring plenty of goals along the way.It’s difficult to know how good they were in tearing Manchester United apart a few days ago, or whether United were having one of their frequent dodgy days.They were a class above that day and it marked the third successive game where they’ve scored three goals.Doing so without Son Heung-min, too. It helps that Brennan Johnson is a new man, scoring in four consecutive games.Ange Postecoglou’s footballing icon Ferenc Puskas hailed from Hungary and the Aussie’s style of play and attacking mindset was based on working with the great man. He’ll be so determined to show what his side can do here.Ferencvaros top the Hungarian top flight with six wins from six, beating Puskas Academy 3-0 who themselves were unbeaten before the weekend.They lost their opening Europa League game 2-1 at Anderlecht.Ferencvaros vs Tottenham latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.William Hill new customer offerWilliam Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Ferencvaros vs Tottenham prediction and betting tipsMain manYou simply cannot ignore Brennan Johnson in this run of form.He’s scored in the last four games, including the opening goal in the last two Spurs games.Huge price to open the scoring here considering that, so would feel daft not to take it.ScoringSpurs have scored three times in each of their last three games.Not just that, they’ve found the net either side of half time in each of those games, too. That can continue.Spurs to score in both halves at Evens – CLAIM HERE*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply.*BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10+ via mobile on any football market at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      How £32million Mikel Merino will revolutionise Arsenal midfield and give Declan Rice new lease of life in different role

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      MIKEL ARTETA is hoping to finally unleash his caged animal this week.Arsenal have been coping with a midfield injury crisis in the early weeks of this season after skipper Martin Odegaard’s ankle injury while on international duty last month.Mikel Merino was one of Spain’s top performers at Euro 2024Credit: REXHis fine displays prompted Arsenal to splash out £32million on his servicesCredit: GETTYThe midfielder has yet to play for the Gunners after breaking a bone in his shoulder in his first training sessonCredit: TNT SPORTSBut the 28-year-old is poised to make his debut for the North Londoners imminentlyCredit: GettyBut the real kick in the teeth was the blow for £32m summer arrival Mikel Merino – breaking a bone in his shoulder in his very first training session at London Colney in late August.Signed from Real Sociedad with a reputation as one of Europe’s most feared duel monsters, the Spanish midfielder was sidelined after losing a collision with new teammate Gabriel.As a result, the likes of Thomas Partey and Jorginho have been forced to carry the majority of the workload in an intense period that saw Arsenal travel to Tottenham and Manchester City.Mikel Arteta will be without Merino for tonight’s Champions League clash with PSG, but he has been pictured back in full training and is targeting making the squad for Arsenal’s Prem outing at home to Southampton on Saturday.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSArteta said recently: “We are trying to keep him in the cage.”Because he’s been pushing everyone — the physios, the doctors, everybody — and he’s ready to go.“He really wants it. We are comfortable exposing him with contact and he looks really good in training.”What will he bring?Despite his frustratingly ironic injury in an aerial battle with Gabriel, what Merino will bring primarily is a dominance both in the air and with ball at feet in the middle of the pitch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 28-year-old won 326 duels last season – the most of any player in Europe’s top five leagues, with 168 of them coming in the air.Standing at 6ft2, his usefulness at set-pieces in attack and defence and crosses would also have been key for Arteta when recruiting the player for his squad.Emotional reason for Spain hero Mikel Merino’s celebration revealed as incredible footage from 33 years ago is unearthed Those who watched Spain at the Euros this summer would have seen this first hand as Merino headed in an extra-time winner to knock out hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.But Merino is not just midfield muscle. His technical ability and intelligence will also be on show. Arteta added: “He’s going to bring first an unbelievable football brain.“He’s so intelligent, the way he decides, he occupies spaces, he makes decisions. “It’s very rare to see that. And he’s a very talented player, in every phase — defending, attacking.“He can do things that complement really well the quality we have in midfield. Physicality, for sure, and then he’s a big threat.“The moment that he’s in the opponent’s box, you’ll see that he’s a big, big threat.”Merino has already proven himself to be a sociable team member off the pitch, attending David Raya’s birthday party alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus just weeks after his shoulder injury.Mikel Merino is one of the Gunners’ most multi-faceted playersCredit: GETTYWHERE WILL HE PLAYMerino is multi-faceted when it comes to the role he will play in Arteta’s midfield.When needed, Merino can slot in at the defensive base of the three, allowing Odegaard and Declan Rice to play in more advanced positions.But being left-footed, he can also play as a marauding eight – similar to Rice – so gives Arteta plenty of options for team selections and mid-game alterations.It will also give Partey and Jorginho – both in their 30s and lacking the legs to play multiple 90-minute games in a week – the chance for a rest.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith everyone back fit, Arsenal’s bench will suddenly look incredibly healthy and full of depth and quality with Merino, Rice, Odegaard, Partey and Jorginho to choose from.And let’s not forget the experience and knowledge Merino can pass on to Arsenal’s young stars, in particular 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri who is still finding his feet in the first team.Mikel Merino’s inclusion in the starting XI will free up Declan RiceCredit: REUTERS More