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      Mikel Arteta issues worrying transfer update with Arsenal desperately scrambling after failed Ollie Watkins bid

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      MIKEL ARTETA says he cannot promise fans that Arsenal will sign a striker before the January deadline.But the Gunners boss has assured them the club are “actively” working on bringing someone in, suggesting that age does NOT matter following their failed Ollie Watkins bid.Mikel Arteta has issued a worrying transfer update for Arsenal fansThe Gunners had a £60m bid for Ollie Watkins rejectedAston Villa rejected an offer of around £60m for Watkins, 29, from Arsenal earlier this week, and are now unlikely to sell with the impending £64m departure of Jhon Duran, 21, to Saudi’s Al Nassr.Arteta is desperate to bring in a forward before Monday’s deadline to bolster a squad that has suffered big injuries in attacking areas to the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.But the Spaniard admitted: “We are trying everything that we can, but I don’t want to give any reassurance or not. It doesn’t depend only on us.“We have the intention, the purpose and the ambition to try to help the team and support the squad to be better and to finish the season really, really strong. We are actively trying to do that.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL NEWS“I’m very confident with the work that the club is doing, and exploring every single opportunity that we believe can have an impact on the team.“If that’s the certainly the case and we can agree on something, we will, and if not, we won’t. I’m not going to talk about any individuals.”Arsenal’s pursuit of Watkins has taken some by surprise given the player’s age and profile, with Arteta in the past opting to strengthen his squad with young talents with potential.But Arteta explained: “We don’t really look at the market in those terms.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We look at what we have in this squad and what we are lacking and what can really impact.“And bring something that potentially can make us much better, regardless of the age or sometimes the background that they have.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory “It’s a real belief that that player can be really good for us over time.”Jesus is fighting to be back in 2025 after undergoing surgery on an ACL rupture, while Saka is targeting a March comeback following a hamstring operation.On if another injury or a negative result against Manchester City on Sunday could change their approach, Arteta added: “Hopefully not.“But obviously if something happens that obviously is not planned, it would put the squad in a much dangerous position.“It might do, you know, but [signing someone because of a defeat] no. That would mean that we haven’t planned anything and we’re just reacting to something last second, which is not good.”There are also concerns over the fitness of No.1 David Raya, who missed the 2-1 Champions League victory at Girona on Wednesday night with a muscular issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESLoanee Neto would be forced to step in to face City after only making his debut in Spain. Arteta said: “We are still uncertain. We have another session so we have to wait and see.”Arsenal ratings vs Girona as Neto has a shocker on debut but is rescued by wonderkidNETO endured a nightmare Arsenal debut against Girona but had 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to thank for sparing his blushes.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has provided his ratings for the Arsenal team…Neto – 4He made his long-awaited debut, having joined Arsenal on loan from Bournemouth last summer.The goalkeeper got away with an early mistake and was caught out by former Spurs star Arnaut Danjuma.Thomas Partey 45′ – 6Too aggressive from the right-back spot and was beaten for pace by Danjuma as Girona opened the scoring.Partey struggled with the winger for much of the game which gave the hosts an edge.Managed to win a penalty to give Arsenal a route back into the game after a needless challenge but was hooked at half-time.Jakub Kiwior – 6The defender put in a decent shift at the back and was able to keep Abel Ruiz quiet for much of the match.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like Kiwior, Gabriel was fairly solid against Girona and dealt with most of the danger from the hosts.Riccardo Calafiori 69′ – 6Thought he scored the opener but was a good foot offside.Continued to be positive up the wing and helped the Gunners up the pitch.Mikel Merino – 6Merino was fine against Girona. It was not a performance that will grab headlines but did what he needed to do in midfield.Jorginho 80′ – 7It’s been a while, but the Italian was back on the scoresheet after converting from the spot in the 38th minute.The midfielder was composed on the ball and helped recycle the ball and control possession.Martin Odegaard – 6It was a quiet night for the Gunners captain as he helped the team maintain the ball but lacked that creative spark.Raheem Sterling – 4Struggled to make a big impact in the first half and was the weakest of all of the Gunners’ frontline.To make matters worse, he was booked for diving in the 70th minute.And just as he though it couldn’t get even worse, he missed a penalty late on.Leandro Trossard 69′ – 6Should have given Arsenal the lead early on but was unable to deflect the ball goalwards.Continued to prob and rattled the crossbar before the break with a powerful effort.Ethan Nwaneri 85′ – 8The youngster showed why he is one of the most promising players at the club with a wonder strike in the first half.He wrapped a curling effort into the top corner before half-time on his first Champions League start.His goal saw him become the second youngest English goalscorer in the history of thre Champions League.SUBSJurrien Timber 45′ – 6Added some energy down the left-hand side after replacing Partey at half-time.Kai Havertz 69′ – 6Got involved in the attack but struggled to find a clear scoring chance,Myles Lewis-Skelly 69′ – 6Another comfortable outing for the impressive youngster.Declan Rice 80′ – 6Came on in the final stages to help solidify the defence for the Gunners and put in some dangerous corners.He did pick up a booking late on.Gabriel Martinelli 85′ – N/AReplaced Nwaneri late on and looked dangerous on the wing for the final minutes. 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      Robert Lewandowski buys stunning £9.2m Mallorca mega villa in with six bedrooms, secluded swimming pool and sea view

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has forked out £9.2million on a luxurious Mallorca villa.The Barcelona striker, 36, loves to holiday on the Spanish island.The ocean villa features a swimming poolIt also possesses a luxurious interiorThe bedroom offers spectacular sea viewsRobert Lewandowski and wife Anna love spending time by the oceanCredit: Instagram @annalewandowskaLewandowski frequently heads to Mallorca with wife Anna and their two children when time allows.In 2021 he spent around £3m on a villa in Santa Ponca.Per Bild, he has now added to his property portfolio by purchasing a six-bedroom villa in Mallorcan seaside village Camp de Mar.The luxurious home features 700 square metres of land and boasts astonishing ocean views.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt also includes a pool, in addition to plenty of outdoor areas to relax and sunbathe.While its spacious interior offers Lewandowski a perfect home away from home.Mallorca is located a one-hour flight from Barcelona, where veteran striker Lewandowski is under contract until June 2026.The forward – who famously eats his dessert first – also owns a £7million apartment in Warsaw, complete with a golf simulator.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYLewandowski enjoys going for a swimLast year, Lewandowski admitted that he nearly signed for Manchester United during an exclusive sit-down interview with SunSport.He said: “I had decided to go to Manchester United. I remember when I was speaking with Sir Alex Ferguson and I was already decided.Lewandowski on Klopp, Man United and Euros – Exclusive”I was 22, 23 [years old] and it was after one or two years in Dortmund [when Sir Alex called me]. You cannot say no [to him], it’s the prime of Manchester United, the prime of Sir Alex Ferguson. I was decided, okay, I want to join to Manchester United.”But in the end Dortmund said no. So I had to respect this.”Lewandowski wed wife Anna in 2013Credit: INSTAGRAM @_RL9 @annalewandowska More

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      Aston Villa join Marcus Rashford transfer race with Barcelona increasingly unlikely to sign Man Utd outcast

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is a late January target for Aston Villa – with a move to Barcelona looking increasingly unlikely. The out-of-favour Manchester United striker has not played for the Red Devils since December 12. Marcus Rashford is being eyed by Aston Villa late in the transfer windowCredit: GettyRashford has been linked with various loan moves away from Old Trafford during the ongoing window. AC Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were all interested in a temporary move for the England man. Barcelona are still hopeful of signing the 27-year-old, who has spent his entire career with the United. But Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages have proved a stumbling block in negotiations with the Spanish side. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe England striker revealed he was “ready for a new challenge” just weeks after Ruben Amorim took over in the North West.And according to The Athletic, Villa are ready to swoop late in the window. Unai Emery’s side are keen for reinforcements upfront to help out Ollie Watkins.Jhon Duran is set for a £64million switch to Saudi club Al Nassr, while Emi Buendia has moved to Bayer Leverkusen.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe report claims Rashford’s own preference would be a move to Barcelona. But the Catalan giants have financial issues which could stand in the way of a loan deal. ‘It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonThe Man Utd star would reportedly “need some convincing” to head down the M6 to Villa on a temporary deal.Rashford’s last appearance for United was in a Europa League game against Plzen almost two months ago.He signed a five-year contract extension with the Red Devils in the summer of 2023.A little over 18 months later, it looks unlikely he will play for the club again. Man Utd ratings vs FCSB as Mainoo shines in new role but one team-mate strugglesKOBBIE MAINOO ran the show as Manchester United marched on in the Europa League in Romania.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of the United players against FCSB…Altay Bayindir – 6He was often a bystander during the game despite the hosts often getting up the pitch.Did show that he needs to work on his ball control with his feet with a few sloppy clearances.Noussair Mazraoui – 7Battled well at times as he took up the third centre-back role.Did very little wrong throughout the match.Matthijs de Ligt – 7Solid showing from the Dutchman in Romania who provided the muscle in the backline.Lisandro Martinez 70′ – 6Did well to help out in defence and keep the ball moving forward.Although, he should never have been allowed to take a decent free-kick opportunity in the first half that he blazed over.Diogo Dalot – 7Out on the wing, Dalot struggled to have a good impact on the game and was caught out on occasion when needing to defend.But proved crucial as he netted the opening goal with a tap in after making a good run at the back post.Toby Collyer 45′ – 6Made up one-half of Man United’s academy midfield duo and looked composed throughout the clash.He did not let the occasion get to him, as he showed plenty of strength when required.Harshly hooked at half-time.Kobbie Mainoo – 8Excelled in a slightly more advanced role to Collyer in the midfielder.Mainoo set up the opener with a cracking low cross to Dalot before scoring himself with a composed finish.Tyrell Malacia 45′ – 5Provided plenty of width in the left-wing-back role and whipped in a couple of decent crosses.Was replaced at the breakChristian Eriksen 70′ – 6Forced a decent save inside 20 minutes and linked the play between the midfield and final third.Fell off during the second half and was replaced by Casemiro.Bruno Fernandes – 6Had a couple of moans at the referee in the first half and was largely quiet.Benefitted from the changes at the break as he had more natural attackers to link up with.Rasmus Hojlund 80′ – 5The misfiring striker put in plenty of effort as he was often making runs.Had a decent chance with his head but failed to get enough power on it to trouble the goalkeeper.SUBSAmad Diallo 45′ – 6Added a bit more threat on the wing after replacing Malacia.Alejandro Ganracho 45′ – 7Almost made an instant impact as he latched onto a loose ball but his effort hit the wrong side of the post.Picked up an assist with a decent pass to Mainoo.Leny Yoro 70′ – 6Slotted into the backline to help see out the game.Casemiro 70′ – 6Dropped deep into the midfield and gave himself as an option for defenders to pass to do move the ball forward.Joshua Zirkzee 80′ – 5Did not get much of an opportunity to grab a goal.Rashford has managed just four goals this season from 15 appearances. And Amorim claimed last week he would rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach over the wantaway forward.Amorim said: “I’d put [goalkeeping coach Jorge] Vital on the bench before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day. I’ll not change in that department.“It’s always the same reason. The reason is the training. READ MORE SUN STORIES”The way that I see what a footballer should do in training,  in life, every day.  If things don’t change, I will not change.“Same situation for every player — if you do the maximum, if you do the right things, we can use every player.” More

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      Chelsea plans to build brand new Earls Court stadium back on agenda and Government could foot some of the bill

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      GOVERNMENT cash could ease the way for Chelsea to move from Stamford Bridge to a new site at Earl’s Court.Manchester United’s plans to knock down Old Trafford and build a new 100,000-capacity ground as the centrepiece of an entertainment and housing complex have been earmarked for funding from the Government.Chelsea could be set to leave Stamford Bridge behind for a new stadiumCredit: GettyAnd a similar approach from Whitehall to allow the redevelopment of the current Stamford Bridge for housing could be backed by planning chiefs in Chelsea’s home borough.Chelsea have been linked with a move away from their home since 1905 for nearly two decades.Plans for a £500m total rebuild for a new 60,000-capacity venue were finally confirmed in 2015.Those plans, though, were scrapped in 2018 after former owner Roman Abramovich had his “golden visa” to stay in the UK scrapped by the then-Government following the Salisbury poisoning attack by Russian agents.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLast year, the Blues were again linked with a possible move to Earl’s Court, a mile from the ground, where the exhibition and concert centre was closed in 2014 and demolished 12 months later.The latest plans for the redevelopment of the site include 4,000 homes, a shopping centre and a park, with no provision for a football stadium.But the idea of the club moving to Earl’s Court could be back on the agenda – with the possibility of Government funding similar to the Man Utd plan.Hammersmith and Fulham Council could then seek to use the 14-acre current stadium site to meet its housing needs and rejuvenate the area.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Chelsea Pitch Owners – the supporter group which owns the freehold of the Stamford Bridge site  – would have to first agree to a move.The CPO was given the freehold by former owner Ken Bates after he won his battle with development companies who threatened to bulldoze the club into the ground in the 1990s.OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM VT YOUTUBE masterProvisions of that deal means that the CPO can block the club moving to another site and playing under the name of Chelsea FC without their consent.Up in Manchester, United are planning to build a £2billion, 100,000-seater stadium.Chancellor Rachel Reeves has revealed that she will champion the regeneration project put forward by Man Utd’s stadium task force.The project will not only make changes to the Man Utd stadium, but will also lead to new housing, commercial and public spaces.Red Devils bosses are yet to make a final decision on refurbishing Old Trafford or knocking it down to build a brand-new home.While United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has pushed for a new “Wembley of the north” project.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s reported that a final decision will be made before the end of the current season.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.  More

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      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 22: Latest news on David Raya, James Maddison and others

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      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 22 in one convenient location.David Raya is a doubt ahead of Arsenal’s highly-anticipated clash with Manchester City this weekend.Raya has more points than any other goalkeeper in Dream Team this seasonThe Spanish goalkeeper, who features in 19.5% of teams at the time of writing, didn’t feature against Girona in midweek and is due for an assessment on Saturday.Myles Lewis-Skelly had his much-discussed red card rescinded upon appeal and is therefore available.As for the defending champions, Pep Guardiola expects to have the same squad available from Wednesday night’s win over Club Brugge, meaning Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku remain sidelined.Oscar Bobb has resumed full training but it’s not clear when he will be reintroduced to the playing squad.Joe Gomez, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota all returned to training ahead of Liverpool’s double Gameweek but the trio will be assessed before Arne Slot makes final decisions.Maddison has a calf strainCredit: ReutersThomas Frank was pleased to confirm that Ethan Pinnock, Kevin Schade and Christian Norgaard will all be available to face Tottenham on Sunday.However, the unfortunate Rico Henry faces several weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.As for Spurs, James Maddison and Radu Dragusin are the latest names added to the club’s extensive injury list – the latter was forced off against Elfsborg on Thursday night with a jarred knee.Most read in FootballThe England midfielder is expected to be unavailable for two to three weeks with a calf strain – he’s currently the most transferred-out player in Dream Team ahead of Gameweek 22.In more positive news for North London outfit, Micky van de Ven made his comeback in the Europa League and several other players due to return in February.Van de Ven returned on Thursday nightCredit: RexUnai Emery offered an estimated recovery time of three weeks for Matty Cash in his Friday press conference.Aston Villa’s head coach also said that Tyrone Mings’ injury was “not really bad” but ruled the centre-back out of the Villains’ trip to Wolves.The hosts will be without striker Jorgen Strand Larsen at Molineux following his withdrawal at Arsenal last weekend with a hamstring issue – Joao Gomes is suspended.David Moyes told journalists that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be sidelined for “a number of weeks” and revealed that Orel Mangala (ACL) is out for the rest of the season.But combative midfielder Tim Iroegbunam may be involved in Everton’s matchday squad for Leicester’s visit to Goodison Park on Saturday.Eze will not feature at Old Trafford this weekendCredit: GettyCrystal Palace will be without key man Eberechi Eze for their trip to Old Trafford.Oliver Glasner will be able to call upon midfield pair Adam Wharton and Matheus Franca if required but Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad are both ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.Lucas Paqueta is due for an assessment while Graham Potter is “hopeful” Jarrod Bowen may be able to play some part for West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, David Raya (doubt)Suspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Pau Torres, Amadou Onana, Tyrone Mings, Ross Barkley, Matty CashSuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra (doubt), Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Adam Smith, Evanilson, Enes Unal, James HillSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Igor Thiago, Rico HenrySuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Evan Ferguson (doubt), Mats Wieffer, Igor Julio, Solly March, Pervis EstupinanSuspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo LaviaSuspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Cheick Doucoure, Joel Ward, Chadi Riad, Eberechi EzeSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Tim Iroegbunam (doubt), Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Seamus Coleman, Orel Mangala, Dominic Calvert-LewinSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson, Harry WilsonSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin, Sammie Szmodics, Wes BurnsSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu, Mads Hermansen (doubt), Wilfred Ndidi Suspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe Gomez (doubt), Diogo Jota (doubt), Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez (doubt)Suspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb (doubt), Rodri, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Jeremy DokuSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Jonny EvansSuspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Callum Wilson, Harvey BarnesSuspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Ibrahim Sangare, Callum Hudson-OdoiSuspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart, Jack Stephens (doubt), Ryan Fraser, Nathan Wood-GordonSuspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, James Maddison, Radu DragusinSuspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen (doubt), Jean-Clair Todibo, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville (doubt), Lucas Paqueta (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWOLVESREAD MORE SUN STORIESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Carlos Forbs, Leon ChiwoneSuspensions: Joao Gomes More

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      Chelsea enter Evan Ferguson race with Blues ready to beat Graham Potter to £40m-rated Brighton star transfer

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      CHELSEA have joined the race for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.The Blues have considered moves for Ferguson in the past and are now rivalling West Ham and Everton for a deal before Monday’s deadline.Even Ferguson is a surprise target for ChelseaCredit: GettyWest Ham have been confident over a loan deal for the Irishman – who is set to be named in the Seagulls squad for the first time since December tomorrow.But any move from the Hammers could be undone if Chelsea or Everton offer serious money for Ferguson.Brighton are prepared to let the striker leave permanently if the money is right, with the south coast side valuing him at more than £40million.It is not clear whether Chelsea would move for a permanent deal now or look at a loan with an obligation.READ MORE ON CHELSEA NEWSEnzo Maresca wants to add competition for Nicolas Jackson this month.While Christopher Nkunku’s future remains unclear amid interest from Bayern Munich.The Blues have also told Everton that they will not be recalling Armando Broja from his injury-disrupted loan at Goodison Park.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMost read in FootballFerguson joined the Seagulls in 2021 and enjoyed a breakthrough season a year later on the South Coast.But he’s endured a tough time over the past two years, including a 33-game goalless streak that finally ended last October.Ireland ace Jessie Stapleton recalls marking Evan Ferguson in her schoolboy football daysBrighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has indicated he wants the striker to remain at the club.But he admitted Ferguson’s desire for first-team football could see him leave.Hurzeler said earlier this week: “I want to keep working with him.“But like I’ve always said, it’s important to discuss with him what is important for the individual development of the player because that’s the main thing from the club. “We want to improve the development of the players, we want to help them and therefore we need an exchange.“Then we’ll see what makes sense for the player [over] the next six months, what makes sense for the club and then we will make a decision together. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It won’t be an individual decision, always a togetherness.”I’ve felt in the conversations I’ve had with Evan that he only wants to play, that’s his main thing, no matter if it’s here or for another club.” More

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      England set to play away from Wembley with 30,445-seater Premier League stadium eyed as host for first time in 116 years

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      ENGLAND will sell out Thomas Tuchel’s first game as manager at Wembley – before potentially heading to a venue they haven’t played at in over a century. Although the World Cup 2026 qualifier against Albania is not until March 21, only a few tickets remain and they are expected to all be sold by next week.Thomas Tuchel’s first game against Albania is set to be a sell-outCredit: PAEngland could play Senegal later this year at Nottingham Forest’s City GroundCredit: GettyThe iconic stadium hasn’t hosted international football since Euro 1996Credit: RexThe news underlines the popularity of England matches at Wembley, even if the opposition is not always top-level. The Albania gate will be about 86,000.England are also at home at Wembley three days later in a qualifier against Latvia.Tuchel’s first away match in charge of the Three Lions will be in Andorra on June 7.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThere will also be a home friendly on June 10 but it will not be at the Home of Football. It could see Senegal play at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground- although nothing has yet been finalised.German boss Tuchel was at the World Cup draw in Zurich before Christmas but he officially took over on January 1.He has been at a string of Premier League games while he has spoken to a number of England players.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTuchel has also met with Lee Carsley who was interim England manager after the departure of Gareth Southgate but has now returned to the under-21s.The 51-year-old will confirm his first Three Lions squad late next month. Nottingham Forest owner Marinakis wants 50,000-seat City Ground The City Ground hasn’t hosted an England international since 1909, excluding wartime games. Forest’s home was used in Euro 1996, hosting games involving Turkey, Croatia and Portugal.But it’s well over a century since England played there – a 2-0 win over Wales in the Three Lions’ 100th international. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is planning a huge overhaul of the stadium, which has been the team’s home for 126 years.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024The Greek hopes to expand the City Ground’s capacity to 50,000 due to a “huge waiting list” for season-ticket holders. Forest chief executive Tom Cartledge added: “If you add up our 20,000 season-ticket holders, plus the 21,500 or more who were waiting in a queue for tickets, the city of Nottingham should be able to sustain a 45,000 to 50,000-seat stadium.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We can get ourselves to 40,000 and, if there was no obstruction, he [Marinakis] would get on it next season. “He just wants to get going with it and that’s very exciting.” More

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      Arsenal face nightmare path to Champions League final as play-off draw leaves fate in the balance

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      ARSENAL face a potential nightmare journey to Champions League glory following the play-off draw.The Gunners qualified automatically from the league phase after finishing third behind Liverpool and Barcelona.Arsenal face a potentially tricky path to the Champions League finalCredit: AlamyBut they have been dealt a tough draw with Juventus potentially up next if the Italian side beat Lille.Alternatively, Arsenal could play the winner of Feyenoord or AC Milan, depending on the draw for the Round of 16.If they progress an even more difficult quarter-final clash will await.That is because Arsenal have been picked out in the same side of the draw as Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.READ MORE ON ARSENALThey could face any of that trio or one of Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid or Celtic.Liverpool, Paris St Germain or Barcelona could come next in the semi-final, so the Gunners face a massive challenge to get to Munich.City have been tasked with the same nightmare run – only they face an game extra against Real Madrid in the play-off, with both juggernauts failing to finish in the top eight.By contrast Liverpool have an easier set of fixtures up until the semi-final, with PSG and Borussia Dortmund arguably the most difficult teams they could potentially face.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Gunners could face a nightmare runAston Villa were pulled out on the same side of the draw as Liverpool and could face Club Brugge, Atalanta, Sporting or Dortmund in the Round of 16.City’s horror draw means they face Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool in the space of a few weeks next month.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory More