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    Major Arsenal blow as Bukayo Saka sidelined for ‘many weeks’ after being forced off with injury

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    BUKAYO SAKA will be sidelined for “many weeks” after he was forced off through injury, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.Saka was subbed off in the 24th minute of Arsenal’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday with a muscle injury.Bukayo Saka will be out for ‘many weeks’ after picking up a muscle injuryCredit: ReutersSaka was spotted on crutches following the gameCredit: The SunMikel Arteta has confirmed Saka will be out for some timeCredit: RexThe Arsenal ace, 23, was spotted walking on crutches following the game.And the Gunners have now been handed a nightmare update on his fitness going into the new year.Speaking to reporters, Arteta said: “It’s not looking good. “He’s going to be out for many weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s a huge blow, but it’s going to be a big exercise for us to overcome another challenge.”Saka’s appearance against Palace saw him celebrate his 250th appearance for the North London club.Asked whether there was a fear the winger might not play again this season, Arteta answered with a definitive: “No.”He added: “I would be very optimistic that he will be well again well before the end of the season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta was also quizzed on Saka’s mentality in making his comeback following his injury, given how much he has played so far in his career.The Spaniard said: “Another part of player development is that at some stage at this level you’re going to get injured, unfortunately badly. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace”He could have been much worse or [it could have] been something else.”It’s how you react to that and overcome that situation and it is a great learning process for him.”It is what it is, he is injured we cannot change it but we are going to use this time to help him for the following years in his career.”Saka has played an incredible 144 games for Arsenal and England since August 2022.Arteta has also revealed that Raheem Sterling will be sidelined for “weeks” as well.He said: “Raheem Sterling will also be out for weeks. He’s suffered an injury, it’s his knee.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He will be assessed again in the next days to understand how long he will be out.”Arsenal’s next game sees them host Ipswich on Friday evening.Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More

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      Dramatic moment Prem ace Jorginho’s fiancee confronts woman in late-night doorstep showdown over Arsenal star

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      THE fiancee of footie ace Jorginho confronted a woman in a late night doorstep showdown over the star.Singer Catherine Harding, who previously dated actor Jude Law, turned up demanding to know about Vanessa Sandora and the Arsenal midfielder, 33.Jorginho’s fiancee was involved in a bust-up with another woman over the starCredit: GettyThe Arsenal ace with partner Catherine HardingCredit: Instagram @jorginhofrelloThe 11.30pm encounter took place at Vanessa’s £3million London home.She said yesterday: “I was terrified about who was knocking on my door unannounced so late at night.“I used my Ring doorbell to see it was a woman I did not know.“She said via the intercom, ‘I’m Jorginho’s fiancée, can you let me in?’.” READ MORE ON ARSENALVanessa met the Brazil-born Italy international three times several years ago, including at the Italian restaurant Stecca in West London. But earlier this month, she began receiving calls from an unknown number.Beautician Vanessa, 39, said: “I didn’t pick up but it turned out to be Catherine. When I didn’t answer her calls, she drove across London to knock on my door at 11.30pm.“She had got my address and phone number from an ex of mine who had contacted her. I did let her in and we had a frank chat, woman-to-woman. I felt she deserved the facts, so I gave them to her.”Most read in FootballVanessa explained to Catherine, 33, that she had met up with Jorginho in the past. She added: “He’s not really my type, and I’m not into football, so I was pretty unfazed.”Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal She deleted Jorginho from her social media in 2022. Vanessa went on: “I thought that was the end of it and was very happy to get on with my life and build up my business.”But on December 4, Catherine turned up unannounced at her home in Chelsea, West London.Vanessa said her ex-boyfriend had contacted Catherine to tell her about her meetings with Jorginho, in a bid to cause trouble.She added: “I’m not a floozy. I told her I’m not interested in her bloke. But since then she’s been messaging me and won’t let it lie. She needs to move on and leave me out of her life.”Jorginho has more than 3.4million Instagram followers and Irish star Catherine has more than 51,000.The pair, who got engaged a year ago, live in Enfield, North London, near Arsenal’s training ground.Catherine confronting Sandora in a late-night doorstep showdownCatherine made the finals of The Voice UK in 2020 using the name Cat Cavelli.She was mentored by The X Factor star Olly Murs.In 2015, it was revealed she had a child with Fantastic Beasts and Sherlock Holmes star Jude Law.Jorginho married Natalia Leteri in 2017 and had two children together. They split two years later.The player later struck up a relationship with Catherine.He proposed surrounded by red roses and candles, while she was serenaded by a violinist.The couple shared videos and pictures of the intimate moment on Instagram. In February, the couple featured in Amazon Prime’s reality show Married to the Game, which explored the relationships between six top players and their partners.Jorginho has played 66 times for Arsenal and scored one goal since his £12million move from Chelsea in 2022. He had joined the Blues from Napoli for £50million in 2018.He has made 57 Italy appearances, netting five times. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2021 he became the first player to win the European Championship, Champions League and Uefa Super Cup in the same season.Jorginho, on the bench for Arsenal in their win against Crystal Palace yesterday, and Catherine were both approached for comment.Vanessa Sandora is a beautician More

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      Chelsea looking to snap up Sporting Lisbon midfield sensation Dario Essugo on cheap but face Leeds transfer scrap

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      CHELSEA want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheap.The Sporting Lisbon prospect, 19, is starring for LaLiga side Las Palmas on loan.Chelsea want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheapCredit: GettyBut long-term admirers Blues must act fast as Leeds are looking at securing a loan-to-buy deal.SunSport this month revealed how Leeds were keeping tabs on the midfield dynamo. They tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.Essugo played 25 times for Sporting as a teen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the summer, former boss Ruben Amorim – now at Manchester United – decided to loan him out.He has spent this season in LaLiga with Las Palmas.Essugo has played 10 times for his loan club so far.And he scored his first goal during a match against Mallorca last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Leeds are also set to sign Australian keeper Robbie Cook after a trial.Cook, 17, was wanted by Manchester United and Sunderland.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ More

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      Arsenal and Man City ‘ready to battle Bayern Munich’ for Dani Olmo transfer and could sign Barcelona star for free

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      ARSENAL and Manchester City are set to battle Bayern Munich to sign Barcelona star Dani Olmo in January, according to reports.Olmo, 26, was one of the standout stars of Euro 2024 and signed for Barcelona in a £52m move this summer.Arsenal and Man City are reportedly battling for the signature of Dani Olmo from BarcelonaCredit: GettyHowever, the Spaniard could already be on his way to the Premier League next month – and it may be in a free transfer.Barcelona’s dire financial situation has meant that the attacking midfielder is only registered until December 31st and looks unlikely to be able to play for the Catalan club in the new year.Reports in Spain have claimed that a clause in Olmo’s contract means that he can leave Barca for free next month if the issue isn’t resolved.El Nacional report that both Arsenal and Man City have already put down attractive offers to the player in the hopes of convincing him to jump ship to the Prem.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile German giants Bayern Munich are also said to be keen on making a move for the former RB Leipzig man.Barcelona execs Joan Laporta and Deco are understood to be scrambling to try and resolve the situation, but face a battle against the clock.Laporta recently spoke out about his optimism in registering Olmo in time for the new year.The club president said: “We have temporarily registered him and hope to do so definitively. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”There are always doubts about registrations, but in the end, we always manage to register them,Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, has been keen to keep hold of Olmo and views him of part of his plans.Ian Wright convinced Spain star Dani Olmo is ‘taking the micky out of us’ with pre-Euro 2024 final gestureOlmo has excelled during his time with Barcelona, scoring five goals in 10 league appearances this term.The star’s team have begun listening to offers from other teams and could More

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      I was playing in NINTH tier after following Saka’s route into football – now I want to upstage Arsenal star at Wembley

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      ANIS MEHMETI is on a mission to follow in Bukayo Saka’s footsteps  — and upstage the England ace at Wembley.Like illustrious Arsenal and Three Lions stars Saka and Raheem Sterling, the Bristol City ace honed his skills on the streets of North London.Anis Mehmeti followed Bukayo Saka’s route into footballCredit: GettyBut the Albania star is now looking to upstage Saka at WembleyCredit: PAAnd now he is dreaming of following the duo on to the biggest stage when England start their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in March.That would see wingman Mehmeti, already capped three times by Albania, complete a remarkable journey from the capital’s cages to Wembley’s iconic arch.Mehmeti, 23, told SunSport: “I learned to play my football on the streets of London since I was three or four.“I grew up on an estate so all I wanted to do was play football in the cages and that’s where I learned to be fearless.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s because of that upbringing that I love to play attacking football and take on my opponents.“You’ve got to be brave in those settings and that’s the way I still am and I’m not going to change.“It was the same with the likes of Sterling and Bukayo Saka, albeit in different parts of North London.“But it all boil downs to the same things — loving football and enjoying the game which is the reason we play.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMehmeti thrived under the watchful eyes of his parents, who moved to England some 25 years ago.He added: “It’s a long time ago but we played every day. I still want to play every single day and it would be a dream come true for me to represent Albania against England.Arsenal star Saka stars in touching ad for Persil“I was born in England but my blood is Albanian and I speak Albanian. And I used to visit every summer until I became a pro footballer when you make sacrifices.”Mehmeti could face Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold or Ben White when Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions reign begins. But the Robins man will not be daunted by anyone he pits his wits against. The Islington-born ace said: “I always joke with the lads that, respectfully, I don’t care who’s in front of me.”I don’t want to sound arrogant but I know what I can do and games like England versus Albania are the sort you live for.“It’s exciting Albania have been drawn in England’s group and I’m determined to be part of it.“I’ve played three times for Albania but there’s been a stint where I didn’t get called up over the last year.“That’s frustrating but hopefully I’ll get a chance to play England because you want to test yourself against the best.“I feel ready. I’m feeling sharp. I’ve just got to keep working hard for the team, scoring goals and, hopefully, the Albanian Federation will call.”Mehmeti aims to add to his six goals this term when the Robins visit West Brom tomorrow.He has become a crowd favourite following a £1million move from Wycombe in January 2023 that capped a rise from non-league football.After a youth career at Fulham, Tottenham and Norwich, he dropped down to join Woodford Town in Essex.He said: “I ended up clubless for a while because of Covid.“I always had belief in myself but there’s doubts when it’s five months without a club and you wonder when the next chance will arise.“I played for Woodford in the Essex Senior League which was a lifeline and I always trained hard so I was ready.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That paid off when I got into Wycombe on trial for the B team before I really kicked on.“It’s been a rough ride, and I know there’s going to be more struggles but I’m ready because I’ve never had a straight road in football.” More

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      Cesc Fabregas could offer Dele Alli a return to football as Arsenal legend ‘likes ex-England star a lot’

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      DELE ALLI could be set for a major return to football in Serie A by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.Dele, 28, has been a free agent since June but continued to train with former club Everton while looking for his next challenge.Dele Alli could return to football after leaving Everton in JuneCredit: GettyComo manager Cesc Fabregas is keen to sign Dele in the Serie ACredit: RexThe versatile midfielder used to be one of the best players in the English top flight thanks to some stunning performances with Tottenham, where he spent seven years.The ex-England international burst onto the scene in 2015 and went on to amass 67 goals and 58 assists in 269 appearances, which included a place in Spurs’ starting line-up in the 2019 Champions League final.However, Dele fell out of favour and ended up leaving the North Londoners in 2022 to move to Everton where he underwent a series of injury setbacks and a hapless loan stint at Besiktas.The playmaker then revealed in a brave and heartbreaking interview that he became addicted to sleeping pills after his rough spell in Turkey and opened up about his difficult childhood.Read More on FootballAfter that, the ex-Tottenham star revealed he is determined to make a dynamic comeback and is now targeting a return to England ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Dele’s resurgence could be put together by one of his beloved Spurs’ biggest rivals in Arsenal and Chelsea legend Fabregas, 37.The Barcelona hero manages Italian outfit Como, where he is also a minority shareholder.Dele was spotted in the stands alongside Hollywood A-listers Keira Knightley, Adrien Brody and Michael Fassbender at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia watching Como beat Roma 2-0 on Sunday.Most read in FootballThat led to reports suggesting the fallen England star would start training with Fabregas and co come Boxing Day before signing a deal with the club.And Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi confirmed “something interesting could develop” and revealed the manager “likes him a lot”.Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panelLudi told TMW Radio: “In ideal conditions, he’s of interest to everyone.“We have an excellent relationship with his agent, and something interesting could develop, but we can’t know for sure yet.“We need a few weeks, including time to get to know each other, and then we’ll make the best decision. “A percentage? It’s too early to say. We’ll go through a period of training and mutual understanding, but Fabregas likes him a lot.” More

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      Leah Williamson reckons fans are ‘seeing the best’ of Arsenal after eight straight wins under Renee Slegers

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON joked at being relieved to not be responsible for deciding who will become the next permanent Arsenal Women’s boss. The case for appointing stand-in gaffer Renee Slegers grew stronger after the team exacted Champions League revenge on Bayern Munich. Williamson says Arsenal’s players have taken advantage of Renee Slegers encouraging them to be themselvesCredit: GettyAlessia Russo’s form has improved under Slegers with the striker netting her tenth goal in 11 games during a defeat of Bayern MunichCredit: GettyStand-in Arsenal boss Slegers has remained tightlipped on her future despite fans being keen to see her become Arsenal’s permanent bossCredit: GettyArsenal centre-back Williamson and her side finished top of their group in the contest after battling from 2-1 down to beat the German giants 3-2. The victory on Wednesday night at Meadow Park sealed Arsenal’s eighth win on the bounce under Slegers.And it saw them extend their unbeaten run under the Netherlands to 11 games ahead of Christmas and following the start of the Women’s Super League’s winter break. On whether Slegers should be given the job permanently, Williamson said: “We have been zeroing in on the games but I am so happy coming into work. Read More Football Stories “But I am so happy it is not my decision or not my role!”We had two targets at the beginning of this block (when Renee came in) and we ticked them both. It puts us in good stead, we wanted to win the group and we did.”Slegers, who has become a popular figure amongst Gunners’ supporters took on her current role following a difficult start to the season for the side. A poor run of results, including three winless games at the Emirates and 2-1 and 5-2 losses to Chelsea and Bayern, led to former boss Jonas Eidevall resigning from his role. Most read in FootballSince Slegers took charge in mid-October, the team have conceded only five goals in their past 11 gamesAnd Williamson is among the players who feel there has been a momentum shift since then. The England captain and Gunners defender adds: “When you don’t have a set manager and you have an interim, everyone becomes more accountable and everybody has to step up. “Everybody is pulling their weight a bit more and maybe we needed that. “You’ve seen a different side because we as players have taken more responsibility. “Renee has just encouraged everyone to be themselves, we found a way that fits everybody and taken advantage of that.” With Arsenal finishing top of Group C in the Champions League the Gunners will face either Manchester City, Real Madrid or Wolfsburg in the contest’s last eight. The Gunners will find out who their quarter-final opponents will be following the draw on February 7. And Slegers reckons the team are capable of toppling any of their rivals in Europe.The Arsenal interim head coach said: “We have a top squad. “It is demanding and we have had so many challenges now over the last couple of months and many times we came out positively.Real Madrid are among the teams Arsenal could face in the Champions League quarter-finals next yearCredit: Getty”The team has shown grit and determination, in combination with quality players and their idea of how we are together when we play football. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think you can go very far but we respect all the other teams. “There are so many teams who can do really great things. It is a big challenge.” More

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      Three ways Arsenal could line up with Marcus Rashford as wantaway Man Utd ace is tipped for sensational transfer

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      ARSENAL could be able to line up in three unique ways if they sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.The England forward has revealed he is ready for a “new challenge” after falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.Arsenal could fit Marcus Rashford into three different systems if he joins them from Man UtdCredit: PAUnited’s new boss insists he wants to keep Rashford at Old Trafford.But the versatile winger is on an eye-watering £325,000-a-week package.And with Sir Jim Ratcliffe making no secret of his desire to cut back on spending, Rashford could be heading off sooner rather than later.There are sure to be plenty of suitors available depending on United’s asking price.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLParis Saint-Germain are among foreign teams who have long-term interest in Rashford.But should he stay in the Premier League, Arsenal could end up being his ideal home.Mikel Arteta has transformed the Gunners from has-beens into title contenders.Their resilient style of play relies on moments of magic from superstars like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka – something Rashford has in spades.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd should the 27-year-old make the move to north London, Arsenal could be able to fit him into three systems.The Gunners tend to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kai Havertz leading the line while being supported by Odegaard and Saka.Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Arteta currently has a number of options to fill the final attacking spot on the left, including Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling.But the position would likely open up immediately for Rashford should he join Arsenal.The 2022/23 campaign saw him slam home 30 goals from that position.And should he rediscover that form at the Emirates, it would surely be a game-changer for the recently goal-shy Gunners.A variation of that system could also see Rashford slot in as a striker.Arteta sometimes prefers a technical dribbler like Martinelli or Trossard out wide.And Rashford’s speed could make him a preferable option to the rangier Havertz through the middle.Arsenal are also no strangers to an all-out attack when they are in desperate search of a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 4-2-4 formation has occasionally been used when chasing a game.And that could see Rashford take up a position as the left-central forward, giving him support to the left as well as two options on the right.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. 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      Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal career OVER as Gunners decide against extending former Celtic star’s contract

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      KIERAN TIERNEY’S Arsenal career is over after the Gunners decided against extending his contract.The 27-year-old’s time at the Emirates has been blighted by numerous injury problems.Kieran Tierney is free to leave Arsenal after the club decided against extending his contractCredit: GettyAnd Arsenal have decided the time is right to let him leave.Tierney’s latest setback came in last night’s 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace – his first appearance in six months.The Scot was forced off the field late on, leading to fears he is set for another spell on sidelines.But regardless of the outcome of scans, Tierney’s Arsenal career is now completely over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis contract expires in the summerAnd Arsenal have decided against triggering a one-year extension, with the deadline for that action having now passed.The Gunners are even ready to let Tierney go as soon as January, but a free transfer next summer is the more likely outcome.Celtic’s former left-back can strike a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from next month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut suitors are likely to wait and see the outcome of his latest injury setback, with Tierney having made just two appearances in as many years for Arsenal.The ace joined them from Parkhead in 2019 for £25million and became an instant hit with fans.Watch Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s hilarious reaction after being called out by boxing champ Oleksandr UsykTierney won the FA Cup in his first season at the club.But injuries began to take their toll, and the ace has only made 125 appearances across six seasons in north London.Last term saw Tierney join Spanish side Real Sociedad on loan.He played 26 times as they finished sixth in LaLiga while also reaching the last-16 of the Champions League.Tierney is already attracting attention from several teams overseas.And he will have to wait until his Arsenal deal expires if he wants to negotiate with any fellow Premier League sides. More