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    Arsenal winger Willian ‘expected to leave this summer’ with Inter Miami fancied to make another move for Brazilian

    WILLIAN is expected to leave Arsenal this summer with Inter Miami among those in the transfer race, reports say. The Brazilian arrived from Chelsea on a free transfer last summer but has failed to hit the same heights he once achieved in the Blue side of London.
    Willian is expected to leave Arsenal with Inter Miami in the transfer race, reports sayCredit: Getty
    With only one goal all season, Willian has largely been overlooked in Arsenal’s frontline, leaving his future in doubt.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, the winger, along with countrymen David Luiz, is looking to leave the club.
    Inter Miami were interested in taking him to MLS last year before he opted to remain in England with Arsenal.
    And they are joined by other European sides lodging interest in the 32-year-old.
    Willian still has two years on his contract so will command a transfer fee, which the Gunners could use to invest further in their squad.
    But they do have strength in depth going forward, due to the emergence of youngsters like Bukayo Saka, 19 and Emile Smith Rowe, 20.
    David Beckham is looking to build an empire Stateside and has already signed Gonzalo Higuain, 33, and Ryan Shawcross, also 33.
    And they have been given hope in the pursuit of Willian after he admitted to fancying a move to America.
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    But that depended on first winning trophies with Arsenal, who this season will go empty handed and face a fight to even qualify for the Europa League.
    Willian said: “My plan is to stay at Arsenal, I have a contract here, and to win trophies.
    “I have two more years here and my plan is to stay and be successful, to play and win something with the club.
    “I still want to achieve a lot of things. I want to win more trophies, and I want to be at the next World Cup. I will do my best to be there.
    “But, yeah, I want to lift trophies for Arsenal – I have a lot of things in my mind that I want to achieve.
    “I want to win as much as I can with the team, and go back to the national team as well.
    “Whenever I have finished here, I really want to go to America and play there.
    “Possibly stay in Europe, I don’t know, but at the moment one of my targets is to play in America at some point in my career.”
    Arsenal boss Arteta refuses to defend transfer flop Willian More

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    Ian Wright aims dig at Arsenal owners as he admits ‘jealousy’ watching Leicester chief celebrate FA Cup win with players

    ARSENAL legend Ian Wright revealed his dismay at the stark contrast between his old club and Leicester’s heartwarming FA Cup glory.The Foxes lifted the trophy for the first time on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Chelsea in front of 21,000 fans at Wembley.
    Kasper Schmeichel brought Top Srivaddhanaprabha to the Wembley pitchCredit: PA

    Youri Tielemans’ strike won the final thanks to a late leveller being ruled out by a tight VAR call.
    On the pitch to celebrate with the Foxes was chairman Top Srivaddhanaprabha, lifting the cup in emotional scenes following the death of his father and Leicester owner Khun Vichai in a 2018 helicopter crash.
    Kasper Schmeichel brought the 35-year-old onto the pitch to join in with the players and fans in the stands.
    And Wright told BBC Sport that the moment was ‘magnificent’ – but left him with a touch of ‘jealousy’ as a Gooner.
    The ex-striker, 57, said: “I tell you what, look at him with the players, with the manager.
    “The jealousy I feel, knowing an owner can be like that… Honestly, it breaks my heart.
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    “I’m absolutely delighted for Leicester and him. Magnificent, magnificent. Brilliant.”
    Arsenal fans have spent much of the past few weeks protesting against owner Stan Kroenke.
    The European Super League plot, which featured the Gunners, ninth in the Premier League, but not third-placed Leicester led to longstanding tensions boiling over.
    Spotify founder Daniel Ek claimed on Saturday night that he has made an offer for the club, which was nonetheless rejected.
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    Daniel Ek adamant he DID make £2bn Arsenal takeover offer after Gunners chiefs claimed Spotify owner hadn’t tabled bid

    ARSENAL have denied receiving a £2bn takeover approach from Spotify founder Daniel Ek’s consortium.But the Swedish billionaire, 38, hit back and insisted he DID table a bid to buy the Premier League side from unpopular owner Stan Kroenke.
    Arsenal have denied receiving a takeover bid from Daniel EkCredit: Getty

    In a statement released on Saturday evening, he said: “This week an offer was made to both Josh Kroenke and their bankers that included ownership, representation at the board and a golden share for the supporters. 
    “They replied they don’t need the money. I respect their decision but remain interested and available should that situation ever change.”
    Fan protests against American Kroenke have escalated since the Gunners’ attempt to join the doomed European Super League.
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    Arsenal supporter Ek promptly announced his intention to buy the club with the backing of Gunners legends Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.
    But a spokesperson for the North London outfit has denied receiving any official approach.
    Kroenke Sports Entertainment insist they have no intention of letting the club go despite the fan fury.
    Speaking earlier this month on Sky Sports, Arsenal legend Henry asserted Ek’s plan was going ahead.
    He said: “It is true. “Daniel is an Arsenal fan. He did not say it for any publicity, he has been an Arsenal fan for a very long time.
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    “He approached us, we listened to him. And we knew, first and foremost, that he wanted to involve the fans.”
    Ek has also taken part in talks with the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust (AST), who described the meeting as ‘very welcome’.
    A statement read: “The AST welcomed a recent approach from Daniel Ek and his consortium partners Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira, and that they said meeting us was a priority for them.

    “A constructive meeting was held and we were encouraged to hear their commitment to making the role of fans central to their proposals.
    “This is very welcome and we look forward to further dialogue.  
    “We will engage with anyone who has a serious proposal as it is important any current or future owner is aware of the importance of working with fans.
    “We also continue to seek a constructive and meaningful dialogue with Stan and Josh Kroenke.”
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    Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka ‘wants to leave club this summer’ with keeper Bernd Leno also looking for transfer

    GRANIT XHAKA and Bernd Leno are among a string of Arsenal players set to leave this summer, reports say. Xhaka has been a vital part of manager Mikel Arteta’s reign, playing as a central partner for Thomas Partey and also as a makeshift left-back.
    Granit Xhaka and and Bernd Leno reportedly want to leave this summer
    And keeper Leno has been the Gunners No1 since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2018.
    But according to The Athletic, Arsenal staff are growing concerned the experienced pair will push for a transfer in the summer.
    And it gets worse, with defender David Luiz, 34, and striker Alexandre Lacazette, 29, also facing uncertain futures.
    Luiz, signed from Chelsea in 2019, has been in and out of Arteta’s starting 11 this season, having also battled injuries as his deal expires this summer.
    But with William Saliba, 20, set to return from his successful loan with Nice, Arsenal are comfortable they will have a ready-made replacement at centre-back.
    And should Lacazette, whose contract expires next summer, decide to also depart, the Gunners have strength in depth going forward.
    But they would be forced into recruitment if ex-skipper Xhaka, 28, and stopper Leno, 29, leave.
    Arteta’s decision to bring in goalkeeping coach Inaki Cana has also been questioned after his recommendation of back-up keeper Alex Runarsson.
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    Runarsson, 26, failed to impress when called up to replace Leno and the club later swooped for Mat Ryan, 29, on a free from Brighton.
    The report also states Hector Bellerin, 26, and Willian, 32, are also ready to go.
    Bellerin has faced a spell on the bench in recent weeks with growing speculation linking him with a move away.
    And Willian, who joined from Chelsea on a free, has failed to hit the heights he once showed on the Blue side of London.
    With only ONE goal this season, the Brazilian forward has been overlooked on either wing following the emergence of Arsenal’s young forwards.
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    Sol Campbell has already met with England officials over U21 job as Arsenal legend aims to succeed Aidy Boothroyd

    SOL CAMPBELL met with England officials on Thursday for discussions over the vacant Under-21s job.SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that the ex-Arsenal defender, 46, had thrown his hat in the ring to succeed Aidy Boothroyd.
    Sol Campbell has been linked with the England Under-21s jobCredit: Getty
    It remains to be seen whether he will get the nod over the likes of current Under-17s chief Justin Cochrane and Liam Rosenior, who are also in the frame.
    Campbell, who won 73 caps for the Three Lions, previously bossed Macclesfield and Southend.
    Boothroyd is leaving this summer when his contract expires after presiding over a second successive group-stage exit from the Euros.
    Prospective candidates have been encouraged to apply as the FA conducts a ‘formal open process’ to appoint the new boss.
    Former Chelsea star Joe Cole spoke of his interest in the role last month but this week revealed he was given a ‘polite no’.
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    I sent in my CV. It’s the only job I have ever applied for.
    “I got a polite no. But I would have loved the opportunity to stand in front of them and be interviewed.

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    “Managing the Under-21s is the only job I would step away from what I am doing now for. The job is so unique.”
    He added: “I would have loved the job but it was politely declined.
    “No grudges and I hope whoever gets the job is someone of my ilk, an ex-player who has experienced all of that.”
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    Sol Campbell has been mocked after a post match blunder where he said he managed Southampton More

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    Arsenal joined by Leicester in Ryan Bertrand transfer race with Southampton left-back available on free deal

    LEICESTER have joined Arsenal in the bidding war over the departing Southampton ace Ryan Bertrand.Bertrand confirmed on Wednesday that he will be leaving St Mary’s once his contract expires on June 30 and a raft of clubs have reportedly shown interest.
    Southampton ace Ryan Bertrand has been linked with a move to Leicester and ArsenalCredit: Getty
    West Ham and Crystal Palace are said to be keeping tabs on the left-back, who will be available for a free transfer in the summer, and the same also goes for Arsenal.
    The Gunners have been long-term admirers and manager Mikel Arteta is believed to still be keen on the 31-year-old.
    According to the Evening Standard, Leicester have renewed their interest after being linked with Bertrand last year.
    Brendan Rodgers, who worked with him during his time at Chelsea’s coaching staff, said last year: “Ryan’s a player I know very well. We took him into Chelsea at 16 and he’s had a brilliant career.
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    “But we’ve got England’s number one left-back [Ben Chilwell], we’ve got a fantastic senior professional here in Christian Fuchs, and we have James Justin who can play left-back as well.
    “At this moment in time, it’s not a position we would be looking at.”
    Bertrand joined Southampton on loan from Chelsea in 2014 and completed a permanent move to St Mary’s a year later.
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    The England international has since made a whopping 240 appearances across all competitions for Saints but it has been confirmed he won’t be part of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad next season.
    A Southampton statement read: “Whilst that time will always be fondly remembered, the club and Ryan have agreed that now is the time to respectfully part ways and move forward on different paths.”
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    Arsenal skipper Aubameyang looks glum after being subbed despite playing key role in Gunners’ shock win over Chelsea

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG played a key role in Arsenal’s shock win over Chelsea – yet couldn’t help but look glum after being subbed off.Arsenal claimed a vital 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night with the striker playing his part in the winner.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cut a forlorn figure after being taken off

    A horrendous backpass from Jorginho had to be clawed off the line by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
    Aubameyang pounced on the loose ball and showed great composure to roll a pass back to Emile Smith Rowe for the only goal of the game.
    Alas, the Gunners captain endured a quiet night from then on as Chelsea pushed for a leveller.
    Taken off on 79 minutes for Alexandre Lacazette having failed to get off a shot of his own, Aubameyang did not look impressed on the sideline as the game was played out.
    However, he came away from West London with a momento when swapping shirts with Chelsea star Thiago Silva after the final whistle.
    And the Gabonese star may be feeling optimistic as Arsenal pulled within touching distance of a Europa League place.
    Moving into eighth, the Gunners are well in the fight although West Ham, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton each have games in hand.
    Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal’s league finish is out of their hands but praised his stars’ performance at Stamford Bridge.
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    I’m really happy with a lot of things we did tonight. We had to dig in.Mikel Arteta

    He told Sky Sports: “The players gave me everything every day.
    “We can play better, worse, win, lose. That [work-rate] is unquestionable and non-negotiable, 100 per cent.
    “I’m really happy with a lot of things we did tonight. We had to dig in. We had to against a fantastic team. We put everything we had to get the best positive result.”
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    Arteta’s tactical tune-up reminds Arsenal how to win ugly as Chelsea triumph fuels late Europe bid

    MIKEL ARTETA’S Arsenal finally caught a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel with a vital victory away to Chelsea.A huge transfer market overhaul may be the focus at the Emirates but Wednesday’s win underlined the necessities for a successful new season.
    Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to victory with a smart tactical tune-up against ChelseaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Namely, the Gunners showed fight and heart to hold onto a win, Arteta got his tactics right, and there is finally a sense of momentum to build on.
    Europa League qualification is out of their hands but Arsenal fans can still dream of an exciting end to the season.
    Of course, they may not lose much sleep over whether they reach the inaugural Europa Conference League but seventh place is one hell of a building block given this team’s problems.
    Arsenal need two from the four of West Ham, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton to fall away.
    The Hammers don’t play anyone above 14th while Everton and Liverpool both boast two games in hand on Arteta’s men, even if Jurgen Klopp has to contend with a Manchester United side that will actually be trying on Thursday.
    Gooners may be hopeful of Tottenham bottling it with Wolves, Aston Villa and Leicester a tough finish, but that alone would not be enough.
    Furthermore, Arsenal face two bogey sides in Crystal Palace and Brighton, who have combined to lose to the capital club only once in their last 11 meetings.
    Regardless of the final table, beating these two would inject further momentum than can be carried into the summer and a potentially less-hectic 2021-22.
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    And that is what Arteta must chase because this team needs to learn how to see out matches, how to tactically match a good opponent, and how to believe in themselves – exactly like they did against Chelsea.
    The Blues, with a rotated line-up and directionless in attack, were fairly average and the goal came via a mistake.
    But Arsenal can only play the cards they are dealt and, with Arteta’s five-man backline and a spirited performance from front to back, reminded themselves how to win ugly like the best sides do on a regularly basis.
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