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      Meet Randal Kolo Muani, the Tottenham and Man Utd target who’ll forever be haunted by the goal he DIDN’T score

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      EVEN Randal Kolo Muani admits that his World Cup final miss will haunt him forever.But a move to the Premier League could be a big step in burying that memory and reigniting his career after he was frozen out at Paris Saint-Germain.Randal Kolo Muani has been out of favour at PSGCredit: GettyKolo Muani was thwarted by Emi Martinez in the World Cup finalCredit: EPATottenham are leading the chase for the France international, 26, with Manchester United also in the hunt.And they hope RKM can reproduce the form that made him a star at Eintracht Frankfurt, rather than the moment that he is best remembered for outside Germany.It was 3-3 in stoppage time at the end of extra-time in the most incredible World Cup final of all time when Kolo Muani had the chance to win it for France.As he bore down on Argentina’s goal, he had captain Kylian Mbappe to his left, ready to become the first player to score four times in the biggest game in international football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Kolo Muani went for goal himself and Emi Martinez kept the ball out with the left leg, earning his team a penalty shootout which they won to clinch the trophy for the third time.RKM said: “I could have lobbed him, I could have given the ball to Kylian, but in the moment, I didn’t see him.“After when you see the video, you see that there were other options, but it’s too late, you cannot do anything. It still sticks it in my throat and it’ll be there for life.”To be fair to Kolo Muani, he didn’t seem to allow the disappointment to affect the rest of his breakout season for Eintracht.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHaving been signed on a free transfer from French club Nantes in the summer of 2022, he returned from Qatar and picked up where he had left off.Kolo Muani racked up 10 more goals and three more assists in the Bundesliga and fired Eintracht to the German cup final, ending the campaign with 23 goals and 17 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.Spain star Nacho smashes France ace Kolo Muani’s head to the ground in Euro 2024 semi-finalErik Peters, who covers Eintracht for leading German media outlet Bild, said: “Kolo Muani had an incredible season.“From his very first game, when he came on as a substitute and scored against Bayern Munich, he looked special.“He was so quick, with his long legs, and had great skills.”.One of Kolo Muani’s standout moments is a painful memory for one of the managers who could soon be in charge of him.Ruben Amorim was boss of Sporting Lisbon when Eintracht came to Portugal in December for a winner-takes-all clash in the final round of Champions League group games.And it was Kolo Muani who grabbed the winner as the German side came from behind to win 2-1, thus clinching a place in the last 16 and sending Sporting into the Europa League.You can make a good argument that Kolo Muani would be better suited to Amorim’s system of play at United than Ange Postecoglou’s set-up at Spurs.Kolo Muani previously starred for Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: GettyAt Eintracht, he was mainly used as the front man in a 3-4-2-1 formation.And if Postecoglou sees the Frenchman more as an option out wide, he will be making a mistake – according to Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.The Palace head coach left Eintracht at the end of 2022-23.Shortly after Kolo Muani made his own move to PSG, Glasner still gave him a glowing reference – but warned he would be wasted if played on the wing.Glasner said: “For me, he isn’t a wide player.“I needed to see a Kolo Muani who scored goals, and out wide, he made lots of assists, but he scored very little.“So he needed to be in the middle.“Kolo Muani was also our No9, but he had a lot of freedom. I couldn’t ask for him to wait in the box for the ball to come. He needed to find spaces in the defence.”BITTER FAREWELLBut the happy memories that Eintracht fans have of Kolo Muani were overshadowed by the manner of his departure to PSG.To some, it was understandable that the Frenchman wanted to play for one of the biggest clubs in Europe in the city of birth – he, Arsenal’s William Saliba and Mbappe are all from the French capital’s north-east suburbs.But the way he forced the move left a bad taste in the mouth.After returning from the World Cup, Kolo Muani had changed his agent and teamed up with Moussa Sissoko, whose client roster included Ousmane Dembele.Back in 2017, Dembele went on strike at Borussia Dortmund before moving to Barcelona.Kolo Muani did the same when PSG, having already signed Dembele, stepped up their efforts to sign him as well.The transfer went right to the wire on deadline day in September 2023, but in the end Eintracht were able to squeeze 95m Euros (nearly £80m) out of PSG.It was an incredible fee but little compensation at the time for the Eintracht fans, who branded Kolo Muani greedy.’Cash doesn’t change character, it just makes it visible’At the first game after his rancorous exit, they displayed a banner that read: Kohle Muani (Kohle is German for money) – cash doesn’t change character, it just makes it visible.”Some still feel that Kolo Muani is a decent bloke who was just badly advised.But it’s fair to say that there is plenty of schadenfreude in Frankfurt that things have not worked out for him at PSG.Boss Luis Enrique repeatedly defended Kolo Muani as he struggled to gel with Mbappe and Dembele, despite them being established as France’s front three.But with RKM being shifted out wide at times and amid rumours of a row with Mbappe, the big-money signing’s form flatlined, with the last of his six Ligue 1 goals in 2023-24 coming on February 10.NOT A ONE-HIT WONDEREnrique seems to have given up on Kolo Muani this season, giving him just two starts in the league before leaving him out of the squad completely and making him available for transfer.Anyone who takes him will want to see the frontman who scored three times as France topped their Nations League A group – and who looked like one of the hottest talents in the world in 2022-23.Peters said: “In Frankfurt, they know that the price they got for Muani was inflated because PSG wanted him so badly.“But they don’t think he is a one-hit wonder.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Premier League, with the pace of the game and the importance of transitions, could be the perfect place for him.”But even if Kolo Muani ends up scoring past Villa goalkeeper Martinez, it won’t make up for that World Cup final moment.Kolo Muani could bring his skills to the Premier League soonCredit: Getty More

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      World Cup winner and Lionel Messi enforcer Rodrigo de Paul’s ex-Wag moves on with female footballer-turned-rapper

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      WORLD CUP winner Rodrigo de Paul’s Wag has left him … for a female footballer-turned-rapper.Atletico Madrid star De Paul, 30, helped Argentina beat France to lift the 2022 World Cup.Rodrigo De Paul’s relationship with Tini Stoessel ended in August 2023Credit: AFPShe has since appeared to move on from the midfielderShe is now reportedly dating Young MikoCredit: GettyShe is a rapper with seven million followers on social mediaCredit: GettyThe midfielder was at the time in a relationship with Argentine singer Tini after splitting with longtime partner Camila Homs.However, Tini, a huge star in Spain and Latin America, and De Paul went their separate ways two summers ago.The 27-year-old pop star has since been romantically linked with rapper Young Miko.The Puerto Rican, also 27, played for her country’s Under-20 women’s team before switching careers to music.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA former right-back or defensive midfielder, her full name is Victoria Ramirez de Arellano Cardona.The one-time tattoo artist came out as gay a number of years ago.Now a multiple award-winning singer, she has worked with top Latin American music stars including J Balvin and Bad Bunny.Tini, born Martina Stoessel in Buenos Aires, posted pictures on social media of herself with Miko.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEven though the rapper’s face was not visible, fans quickly recognised her from her distinctive tattoos.And footage surfaced earlier this week of the couple together in a bar.Watch Argentina star Rodrigo De Paul SLAP Lionel Messi in face in training and ask ‘are you stupid?’De Paul currently plays for Atletico MadridCredit: ReutersTini Stoessel has insisted she is ‘happier than ever’Credit: AFPRecently quizzed about her personal life, Tini said she was in a new relationship – insisting: “I’m happier now than ever.”Tini has over 21 million followers on Instagram, while Miko herself boasts seven million fans on the site.De Paul played for Racing Club, Valencia and Udinese before joining Atletico in 2021.Capped 75 times, he has helped Argentina win the Copa America twice as well as the World Cup.During his time in the national team he has often been referred to as Lionel Messi’s enforcer and bodyguard.He has two children from his 12-year relationship with Argentine model Homs.He won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022Credit: Getty More

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      Mikel Arteta faces third different ball this week after Newcastle excuse as Man Utd target FA Cup surprise vs Arsenal

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      ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta bizarrely suggested the Carabao Cup ball factored into his team’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday.But the Gunners will be forced to play with ANOTHER different football this weekend when they face Manchester United in the FA Cup third round.Mikel Arteta suggested the Carabao Cup ball contributed to Arsenal’s loss against NewcastleCredit: ReutersThe Gunners missed several opportunities on TuesdayCredit: GettyAs things stand, Arsenal remain competitive in four different major competitions – each of which use a different ball.Arteta highlighted the main difference between the Carabao Cup and Prem balls after the club’s defeat to Newcastle earlier this week, citing numerous missed attempts on goal.He explained: “We also kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it’s tricky that these balls fly a lot so there’s details that we can do better.”But at the end that’s gone, there’s no way back it’s about the next game and that’s our world, the reality is our world.Read More in Football”It’s just different. Very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different.”When you touch it the grip is very different as well so you adapt to that.”In response to Arteta’s comments, an EFL spokesperson said: “As is required throughout the professional game, the PUMA ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup and in EFL competition since 2021/22 is tested in accordance with the FIFA Quality Programme for Footballs, and meets the FIFA Quality Pro standard.”In addition to the Carabao Cup, the same ball has been successfully used in other major European leagues, including both Serie A and LaLiga and our three divisions in the EFL.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal’s average shot on target percentage with different footballsThe Gunners have enjoyed a slightly higher success rate in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyArsenal play with the Premier League football mostCredit: Getty”All Clubs play with the same ball, and we have received no further comments of this nature following any of the previous 88 fixtures which have taken place in this season’s Carabao Cup.”Before Tuesday’s semi-final first leg against Newcastle, 27 of Arsenal’s 51 shots in the Carabao Cup this season were on target – an average of 53 per cent with the Puma football.Arsenal player vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup first leg tie at the Emirates (1)In comparison, 102 of Arsenal’s 197 shots in the Premier League have been on target – an average of 52 per cent with the Nike ball.And in the Champions League, the Gunners have managed to direct 58 per cent of their shots on target – 33 out of 57 shots with the Adidas ball.The Carabao Cup ball slammed Arteta will be used in the Prem next season.SunSport understands that an exact version of the ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season.Like other competitions, the FA Cup also involves the use of a different ball.The beloved domestic competition has its footballs supplied by Mitre.Arsenal will use them for the first time this season on Sunday when they face Man Utd.The Gunners will go into the match with some key players absent.READ MORE SUN STORIESBukayo Saka remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while his replacement, Ethan Nwaneri, is also unavailable due to a muscle problem.Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu both remain absent from the squad due to injuries.Cup ball to be used in PremBy Martin LiptonTHE Carabao Cup ball slammed by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be used in the PREMIER LEAGUE next season.Gunners chief Arteta suggested the “tricky” Puma ball used by the EFL in its flagship competition had been a factor in his side’s shooting woes during the 2-0 semi-final first leg defeat by Newcastle.Arteta said the Puma balls “fly a lot”, admitting “there’s details that we can do better”.Pressed further, Arteta added: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.“You have to adapt to that because it flies different. “When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”But Arteta  and his players will certainly have to adapt next term as Prem chiefs will switch to the SAME ball for the new season.The Prem has used Nike balls since 2000 but a contract dispute saw the decision to switch to the German manufacturer from the 2025-26 season in what was described as a “lucrative” deal.Sun Sport understands that an exact version of the Carabao Cup ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season.Moving to Puma may, though, help ease the delayed introduction of semi-automated offside technology.The versions used by Fifa and Uefa have been developed in collaboration with Adidas, while Italy’s Serie A has brought in the technology with a Puma ball.PGMOL had hoped to introduce a semi-automated system developed by US-based Genius Sports in the autumn but it is now not expected to be unrolled until next term after issues in decision-making accuracy.Working with Puma specialists, who have already used a similar system, over the coming months should enable a fool-proof version to be ready for the big kick-off in August. 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      Arsenal dealt fresh blow as Carabao Cup ball slammed by Mikel Arteta to be used in Premier League next season

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      THE Carabao Cup ball slammed by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be used in the PREMIER LEAGUE next season.Gunners chief Arteta suggested the “tricky” Puma ball used by the EFL in its flagship competition had been a factor in his side’s shooting woes during the 2-0 semi-final first leg defeat by Newcastle.Mikel Arteta slammed the ball used in their semi-final defeat to NewcastleCredit: AFPThe boss claimed the ball ‘flies a lot’Credit: EPAArteta said the Puma balls “fly a lot”, admitting “there’s details that we can do better”.Pressed further, Arsenal’s boss added: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.“You have to adapt to that because it flies different.“When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Arteta and his players will certainly have to adapt next term as Prem chiefs will switch to the SAME ball for the new season.The Prem has used Nike balls since 2000 but a contract dispute saw the decision to switch to Puma from the 2025-26 season in what was described as a “lucrative” deal.SunSport understands that an exact version of the Carabao Cup ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season.Moving to Puma may, though, help ease the delayed introduction of semi-automated offside technology.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe versions used by Fifa and Uefa have been developed in collaboration with Adidas, while Italy’s Serie A has brought in the technology with a Puma ball.PGMOL had hoped to introduce a semi-automated system developed by US-based Genius Sports in the autumn but it is now not expected to be unrolled until next term after issues in decision-making accuracy.Arsenal dubbed the ‘new STOKE CITY’ live on Amazon Prime by Man Utd legend after corner masterclassWorking with Puma specialists, who have already used a similar system, over the coming months should enable a fool-proof version to be ready for the big kick-off in August.On the ball, an EFL spokesman said: “As is required throughout the professional game, the Puma ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup and in EFL competition since 2021/22 is tested in accordance with the Fifa Quality Programme for Footballs, and meets the FIFA Quality Pro standard.“In addition to the Carabao Cup, the same ball has been successfully used in other major European leagues, including both Serie A and LaLiga and our three divisions in the EFL.“All Clubs play with the same ball, and we have received no further comments of this nature following any of the previous 88 fixtures which have taken place in this season’s Carabao Cup.”Arsenal ratings vs Newcastle as Havertz fluffs golden chance with academy statlet the only bright light for GunnersARSENAL have a mountain to climb to reach the Carabao Cup final after a shock 2-0 first-leg defeat to Newcastle.Here SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates every Arsenal player on a disappointing night at the Emirates…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Looked nervy with ball at feet at times but could do nothing to stop Alexander Isak’s brilliant close-range finish.Unlucky to see his palmed save tapped in by Anthony Gordon.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8The academy product was very impressive again. Turned out of danger well at both ends of the pitch. So calm under pressure.GABRIEL – 6Gave Isak far too much space to manoeuvre a shot in the box before the Toon’s second. Wasteful and ineffective from corners.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Had an early effort blocked near the line by Dan Burn. Was dealing with Isak well until losing a header to Sven Botman that saw the Toon striker score.JURRIEN TIMBER – 5Missed an absolute sitter from a yard out from a corner.Was then caught sleeping just after the break to allow Gordon to double Newcastle’s lead.THOMAS PARTEY – 6Linked defence and attack fairly well without ever really doing anything spectacular.DECLAN RICE – 6Plays Jacob Murphy onside from a flicked on free-kick that leads to Newcastle taking the lead.Took more responsibility in the second half on the ball.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Heavily man-marked by Joelinton but looked back to his very best after a spate of illness.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Much more direct in his running. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his driven shot hitting the post after a half-way line sprint.Continued to be positive in his play – just lacked the finishing touch.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6Sneakily got away with dragging Isak down to stop the Swede joining a Newcastle counter in the first half and a good first-time pass to set Martinelli away. Those were his only highlights.KAI HAVERTZ – 5May just be back from a sickness bug, but the big German did very little, apart from somehow fluffing a header wide unmarked from six yards.SUBS:JORGINHO (PARTEY, 59) – 7Some nice passes into dangerous areas and sprayed the ball about with conviction.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 59) – 6Lively and sharp without every really testing Newcastle’s back four or goal.OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (LEWIS-SKELLY, 77) – 5Booked within a minute of coming on for a rash challenge on Joelinton. More

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      Tottenham rivalling Celtic for Irish wonderkid, 17, with £1m bid already rejected… and he can’t join until next year

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      CELTIC are rivalling Tottenham for Irish whizkid Mason Melia.Striker Melia, 17, has been billed as one of the most exciting talents to come out of the Republic of Ireland in recent years and could leave St Patrick’s Athletic this month.Teenager Mason Melia is attracting interest from clubs across EuropeCredit: SportsfileMany clubs across Europe have shown an interest including Eintracht Frankfurt and Genk.But Melia has been most keen on joining Spurs, who are understood to have had a £1million bid rejected last month.Personal terms will be no problem and Tottenham are weighing up whether to complete a deal in January.But due to Brexit rules, he would not be able to join a British club until January 2026, the first transfer window after he turns 18 on September 23.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe same therefore applies to Celtic, yet the Bhoys remain very keen on acquiring his services as they see him as a possible future star.A deal could be set up this month though to be completed in a year’s time.It would however be possible for Melia to move to the continent now though due to having an EU passport.Melia played 41 times for St Pat’s last season – as well as one appearance for the Under-19s.Most read in FootballThe teenager became the youngest goalscorer in League of Ireland history last year.In June 2023 he came off the bench against UCD to find the net at the age of just 15 years and 281 days old.Celtic fans convinced footage captures exact moment Rangers supporter throws coin at Arne EngelsMelia caught the eye on the European stage during St Patrick’s Conference League playoff with Istanbul Basaksehir in August. Teammate Aidan Kenna said after the game: “He knows how good he is and how good he can be, he has a good head on his shoulders.”He’s playing men’s football, and it’s not just his goals, his overall game is getting better and better. “I am there to give him any advice he needs but he doesn’t need much, it will be me asking him for advice soon.” More

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      ‘All clubs play with same ball’ – EFL reveal Arsenal are ONLY team to complain about ball as Carabao Cup trolls Arteta

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      THE EFL have responded to Mikel Arteta’s suggestion that the Carabao Cup balls “fly different”.Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at the Emirates by Newcastle in their semi-final first leg thanks to goals either side of the break from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.Mikel Arteta hit out at the ball used in the Carabao Cup match against NewcastleCredit: YouTube/BeanymanSportsThe EFL ball is made by PumaThe Gunners had 23 shots and 11 corners that led to just three efforts on target, and also recorded an xG of 3.12 – the highest from a Prem club without scoring in any game this term.Boss Arteta appeared to suggest post-match that the Carabao Cup Puma ball was a factor in his side’s lack of efficiency in front of goal.The Spaniard said: “We kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it’s tricky that these balls fly a lot so there’s details that we can do better.“It’s very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different. When you touch it the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut an EFL spokesperson said: “As is required throughout the professional game, the Puma ball used in this season’s Carabao Cup and in EFL competition since 2021/22 is tested in accordance with the Fifa Quality Programme for Footballs, and meets the FIFA Quality Pro standard.“In addition to the Carabao Cup, the same ball has been successfully used in other major European leagues, including both Serie A and LaLiga and our three divisions in the EFL.“All Clubs play with the same ball, and we have received no further comments of this nature following any of the previous 88 fixtures which have taken place in this season’s Carabao Cup.”Puma will also be in the Premier League from the 2025/26 campaign, replacing Nike after 25 years in what has been described as a lucrative deal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSManagers criticising variations between manufacturers is not new.The official X account of the Carabao Cup also responded to a post which showed Arteta discussing the ball.Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka is set to miss months after surgery as he gives injury update on Arsenal starArteta’s criticism of the EFL ballMikel Arteta insisted the ball used in the EFL Cup is “tricky”…He said: “We also kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it’s tricky that these balls fly a lot so there’s details that we can do better.”But at the end that’s gone, there’s no way back it’s about the next game and that’s our world, the reality is our world.”It’s just different. Very different to a Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different.”When you touch it the grip is very different as well so you adapt to that.”Nike make the Premier League ballsThe Carabao Cup responded to Arteta with a 50 Cent memeCredit: xThe post included a snap of rapper 50 Cent from a viral clip in which he says “why you say f*** me for.”Arsenal will look to overturn the two-goal deficit on February 5 in the second leg at St James’ Park.Meanwhile, Arsenal fans were left convinced that Isak’s opener should not have counted.They spotted a push from the forward on Martin Odegaard moments before hitting the net.More fans were left stunned when Gordon scored his goal as he pulled off a Thierry Henry-inspired celebration in North London.Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was left in tears at full-time as he appeared to say farewell ahead of a move to Saudi Arabia.The League Cup was still using a Mitre ball in 2017 when Manchester City beat Wolves on penalties in the last 16.Pep Guardiola – who had Arteta as his assistant – said at the time: “It is not acceptable, the ball was unacceptable for a high-level competition.“It is too light, it moves all over the place, it is not a good ball. It is impossible to score with a ball like that and I can say that because we won, I’m not making excuses.”Nike’s Prem ball consists of ‘four fused panels’, whereas the Carabao Cup Puma ball has a ‘unique eight-panel configuration’.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is understood that all clubs competing in the Carabao Cup are provided with the balls to train with ahead of their fixtures.Puma ball to stayBy Martin LiptonTHE Carabao Cup ball slammed by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be used in the PREMIER LEAGUE next season.Gunners chief Arteta suggested the “tricky” Puma ball used by the EFL in its flagship competition had been a factor in his side’s shooting woes during the 2-0 semi-final first leg defeat by Newcastle.Arteta said the Puma balls “fly a lot”, admitting “there’s details that we can do better”.Pressed further, Arteta added: “It’s just different. It’s very different to a Premier League ball.“You have to adapt to that because it flies different. “When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you adapt to that.”But Arteta  and his players will certainly have to adapt next term as Prem chiefs will switch to the SAME ball for the new season.The Prem has used Nike balls since 2000 but a contract dispute saw the decision to switch to the German manufacturer from the 2025-26 season in what was described as a “lucrative” deal.Sun Sport understands that an exact version of the Carabao Cup ball has already been developed and agreed as the new Prem model – despite the complaints by some managers about it this season.Moving to Puma may, though, help ease the delayed introduction of semi-automated offside technology.The versions used by Fifa and Uefa have been developed in collaboration with Adidas, while Italy’s Serie A has brought in the technology with a Puma ball.PGMOL had hoped to introduce a semi-automated system developed by US-based Genius Sports in the autumn but it is now not expected to be unrolled until next term after issues in decision-making accuracy.Working with Puma specialists, who have already used a similar system, over the coming months should enable a fool-proof version to be ready for the big kick-off in August. More

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      Inter Milan preparing Oleksandr Zinchenko bid as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta targets marquee Theo Hernandez transfer

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      INTER MILAN are preparing a January bid for Oleksandr Zinchenko, SunSport can reveal.Mikel Arteta is believed to be “open-minded” to the idea of letting the Ukrainian leave.Oleksandr Zinchenko has struggled for game time this seasonCredit: GettyEx-Manchester City ace Zinchenko has slipped down the pecking order at the Emirates.And Inter think that Zinchenko could help massively boost their domestic campaign.The full-back’s arrival from City ousted Kieran Tierney, before the 28-year-old himself was sidelined by the arrivals of first Jurrien Timber and then Riccardo Calafiori, both of whom can play across the backline.Tierney will be leaving the club on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season, and Zinchenko could well follow him out of the door, having started just two Premier League games this term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe question mark over Zinchenko’s future comes as Arsenal reportedly monitor the future of French international defender Theo Hernandez.The rampaging full-back is AC Milan’s highest ever scoring defender but struggled under recently-sacked boss Paulo Fonseca.He has started 10 Serie A games but was dropped for their clash with Genoa and began their win over Hellas Verona on the bench.As it stands, the Frenchman’s £81,000 a week deal at San Siro expires in 2026, and Italian reports claim that to date there has been no significant progress on his renewal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTheo Hernandez has been linked with the GunnersCredit: GettyIt has raised speculation that the left-back could be sold in the next transfer window.Arteta is believed to be a huge fan of the player.Mikel Arteta bizarrely appears to blame Carabao Cup BALL for Arsenal’s missed chances as trophy drought set to continue More

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      FA Cup changes rule for first time in 154-year history with huge impact on mega-money prize pot

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      THIRD round losers will get prize money for the first time as the FA Cup kicks off for real on Thursday. All 32 teams eliminated at the last 64 stage will be paid £25,000 from Wembley funds, with the winners each bagging £115,000.The FA have announced brand new prize pot rules for the FA CupCredit: GettyFA chiefs agreed the extra payments to compensate clubs for the abolition of all replays from the first round proper.Losing sides in the first and second round earned £15,000 and £20,000 respectively.Although this weekend’s ties will be the last this season that have a financial consolation prize.The total prize pot on offer from the first round onwards has gone up by £2.44m to £20.3m.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut the majority of the extra cash will go to lower league clubs.And there is no change to the money available for winning games from the fourth round onwards.May’s Wembley winners will earn a total £3.91m, just £10,000 more than Manchester United picked up in prize money last term.That compares to the £6.795m that Arsenal earned for their behind closed doors Final win over Chelsea in 2020.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe impact of the pandemic on Wembley finances saw a significant reduction in FA Cup prize money.That has only marginally increased over the intervening four seasons.FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoyThe 12 clubs involved in the third-round matches selected for live screening by BBC and ITV – including Tamworth, who host Spurs on Sunday – will all receive £85,000.In addition, being broadcast on BBC iPlayer and Red Button services will earn Chelsea, Preston, Manchester City and Huddersfield £40,000.While Shrewsbury and Wrexham will split £96,000 equally after their game was chosen by SC4. More