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    Arsenal fans left speechless after spotting Ben White in the weight room in pre-season conditioning session

    BEN WHITE looks like he has been busy this summer.The Arsenal defender did not travel to Germany for England’s Euro 2024 challenge.Ben White is getting in shape for the new seasonCredit: GettyFans were impressed with the weight he was liftingCredit: GettyWhite was also snapped hitting the punching bagCredit: GettyThe right-back hit the rowing machine hard tooCredit: GettyAnd judging by what he was lifting in the gym, he spent most of his summer break pumping iron.Fans were stunned to see White, 26, chest-pressing two 40kg dumbbells as the Gunners did some pre-season gym work.One commented on Arsenal’s Instagram post: “Throwing 80kg up, my guy.”Another added: “Ben White pressing 40kgs, my kinda guy.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third wrote: “Benny with the 40s.”For comparison, Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus had a pair of 22.5kg weights.Martin Odegaard was also looking ripped before joining Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri on the exercise bikes.White would almost certainly have made England’s squad on merit.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal fans were less impressed by Gabriel Jesus’ strength as he lifted 22.5kg weightsCredit: GettyFabio Vieira pumps some ironCredit: GettyThomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and Ethan Nwaneri hit the bikesCredit: GettyOdegaard is looking in fine shapeCredit: GettyJesus holds the bag for Karl HeinCredit: GettyBut he has not played for the Three Lions since leaving the Qatar World Cup for “personal reasons”.Speaking after picking his squad, Gareth Southgate said: “Clearly on form, I can’t sit here and say he doesn’t deserve to be here.Three Lions’ aces dance away Euros disappointment at wild Ibiza knees-upSunSport’s verdict on Arsenal starsMikel Arteta is looking to get Arsenal ready to beat Man City to the title after another near miss, but he may need to be brutal with his squad in order to do so. Here’s SunSport’s verdict on who should stay and who should go.David Raya – STAY: Initial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class keeper with all the attributes needed for Arteta’s way of playing.Aaron Ramsdale – GO: Unfortunate to be cast aside for Raya, but is now looking for a move to become a regular No.1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting in goal for England.Karl Hein – STAY: Unlikely to take Ramsdale’s spot as No.2 should the Englishman depart – but the club cannot afford to lose two keepers in one window.William Saliba – STAY: Saliba is of the best young defenders in the world right now, Arteta should be building his team around him. A vital part of the side’s spine that conceded just 29 Prem goals this term.Ben White – STAY: Another solid member of Arteta’s impressive back four. Has the flexibility to play on the right or as a central defender, but has made right-back his own this term.Gabriel – STAY: Was on the outskirts at the start of the campaign but forced his way back in and has forged an almighty partnership with Saliba in the middle of the defence. One of Arteta’s most important signings.Jurrien Timber – STAY: Yet to see the best of the Dutchman after an injury-hit season, but Arteta views him as a game-changing full-back.Jakub Kiwior – STAY: The Polish international has struggled to break up the duo of Saliba and Gabriel but has impressed when called upon, especially in a stint at left-back.Cedric – GO: Leaving the club with his contract expiring. Never really convinced Arteta he could be relied upon and spent most of the season warming the bench.Takehiro Tomiyasu – STAY: Another flexible and reliable figure that Arteta adores. Can play centre-back or right-back and is a real presence at set-pieces.Oleksandr Zinchenko – GO: With Timber in line to be Arteta’s first choice at left-back, it is hard to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season. A good signing at £35m but has shown himself to be limited defensively.Thomas Partey – GO: Injury prone and has looked leggy when finally back from his thigh issues that kept him out from October until March. Contract is up next summer.Martin Odegaard – STAY: Captain fantastic. A real leader amongst men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to lift the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.Emile Smith Rowe – STAY: Sidelined for most of the term and struggled to make an impact when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him. A decent squad option but you get the feeling he is running out of time to prove to the club he is a player worth sticking with.Jorginho – STAY: Arteta’s experienced general who, more often than not, has Arsenal playing better with him in the team.Fabio Vieira – GO: Perhaps harsh to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season but still looks out of place in English football. A loan move could help.Mohamed Elneny – GO: Another player departing with his contract expiring. The right call by both parties. A good servant from the Arsene Wenger days.Kai Havertz – STAY: Seems a bargain now at £65m from Chelsea following his barnstorming end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder, yet now leads the line as a first-choice No.9.Declan Rice – STAY: Arsenal’s most important and influential signing in years. Enough said.Bukayo Saka – STAY: An undroppable superstar for club and country right now. Will undoubtedly get even better in seasons to come.Gabriel Jesus – STAY: Fighting for a starting spot but right now but would be foolish to let him go given how much he can impact games and his winning mentality inside the group.Gabriel Martinelli – STAY: A dip in form this term but Arteta has huge faith in him. The added competition with Leandro Trossard will only make him better.Eddie Nketiah – GO: Career is at a crossroads right now and he needs to leave to turn that around. His six-figure wages could put Premier League suitors off.Leandro Trossard – STAY: Can bring his qualities as a starter or from the bench – a brilliant option to have when you are going for a title.Reiss Nelson – GO: Arteta has often spoken of Nelson’s potential and likes having him around the squad, but his impact has withered over the past 12 months.“[FA technical director] John McDermott had a call from [Arsenal sporting director] Edu last night saying Ben didn’t want to be considered for England squads.“It’s a great shame, he’s a player I really like, a player we took to the Euros, a player I took to the World Cup.“I spoke to him post-Qatar because I was keen to pick him, there was clearly reticence on his side. I don’t know fully why that is, but I have to respect that.“I want to leave the door open to him, he’s a good player, a player who can make a difference for England, but he’s not available to us.”Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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    Arsenal’s four Euro 2024 final stars set to miss pre-season tour of US but club have plan to get them up to speed

    ARSENAL’S Euro 2024 finalists are unlikely to feature in the club’s U.S. pre-season tour.England trio Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale and Spain’s David Raya were all in Berlin for the European showpiece on July 14.Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice starred for England at the Euros this summerCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale and David Raya were also involved in the Euros finalCredit: PAThe Spaniards came out on top 2-1 against the Three Lions with Gunners duo Rice and Saka starting while keepers Ramsdale and Raya remained on the bench.Although not mandatory, Uefa guidelines suggest that players participating in an international tournament should have three weeks off before returning to club training.But SunSport understands that the Emirates foursome are not expected to be aboard the flight that sees Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal head across the pond next week.Rice, Saka, Ramsdale and Raya will likely not be involved as Arsenal face Bournemouth on July 25 and Manchester United on July 28 in LA and Liverpool in Philadelphia on August 1.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSInstead, they will aim to be involved in the club’s Emirates Cup fixtures against Bayer Leverkusen on August 7 and Lyon on August 11 before the Premier League campaign kicks off at home to Wolves on August 17.As a result, Arsenal No.3 Karl Hein – who has just signed a new deal – could play a starring role in the U.S. with a rare chance to shine.As is customary, all four players are believed to have been given individual programmes to ensure they return to North London primed and ready for a return to action.Defender William Saliba will also enjoy a staggered return having helped France reach the Euros semis before losing to eventual winners Spain.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRest and recovery could not come soon enough for Rice and Saka, who have barely missed a game for club and country during the 2023/24 campaign.Rice started all but one of Arsenal’s 38 Prem outings, starting a total of 48 games in all competitions, as well as playing every minute of England’s seven Euros clashes.Fans love what Arsenal legend was doing live on BBC during Gareth Southgate’s interview after Euro 2024 finalSaka started 35 Prem games last term, starting 46 games in all competitions and before featuring for 70 minutes or more in all but one of England’s games in Germany.After making 41 appearances in all competitions in his debut season at Arsenal, Raya played just once at the Euros – a dead rubber group stage victory over Albania with Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon first choice for La Roja.Meanwhile, wantaway Gunners No.2 Ramsdale was an unused Euros sub, and has made just one appearance since March 10 – a 1-0 friendly defeat to Iceland at Wembley on June 7.Arteta has no major injury concerns heading to the States, with Jurrien Timber fully recovered from his ACL rupture suffered on the Prem opener of last season. More

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    Arsenal officially release 2024-25 away kit with bold new colourway and reveal reason following furious fan backlash

    ARSENAL have released a striking new away kit in collaboration with British African heritage brand Labrum London.The black shirt features a green adidas badge and red Gunners logo, with the same colours on the collar and shoulders. Declan Rice and Alessia Russo wear the new Arsenal away shirtsCredit: Instagram @arsenalThe design celebrates the club’s African supportersCredit: Instagram @arsenalArsenal will expect to challenge for trophies next seasonCredit: Instagram @arsenalA club statement said: “We’re celebrating our connection to our African supporters via inspiration from the continent’s design traditions.  “Featuring the traditional pan-African colours of black, red and green, this shirt is punctuated with a striking white zig-zag graphic designed by Labrum London founder Foday Dumbuya.”These colours and cultural cues bind together to create a mural of our past and present connection to the African diaspora in London and beyond – championing the rich cultural heritage within the team and across our supporter base.”Labrum London founder Foday Dumbuya added: “As a second-generation immigrant growing up in London, I watched some incredible Arsenal players with African heritage. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”These players were amazing role models to me, playing the game in a beautiful way, but also representing the wider community that I connect with. “Arsenal as a club has such a strong connection to this community, so it is an incredibly proud moment for me to have collaborated on this design with them.”When the shirt was leaked in April, some Gunners fans were not thrilled with the new look.One fan tweeted: “Replace addidas immediately.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second wrote: “That is f*****g awful man.”Another said: “So disappointed.”Fans love what Arsenal legend was doing live on BBC during Gareth Southgate’s interview after Euro 2024 finalA fourth added: “Big miss.”Arsenal narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last term.They will expect another challenge in the coming season.Fans wanting to buy the authentic away shirt can purchase one direct from the club for £110.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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    Brentford ready to slash Ivan Toney’s asking price by more than £30m with just two clubs left in transfer race

    BRENTFORD are ready to slash their asking price for Ivan Toney to less than £50million due to a lack of interest.Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all made it clear to Brentford that they have no plans to bid for in the England striker.Brentford are prepared to lower their asking price for Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyThat leaves Tottenham and West Ham as his most likely suitors.Brentford had hoped to create an auction for Toney after he returned from an eight-month gambling ban in January and initially invited bids in excess of £80m.But there were no offers Toney during the winter transfer window and the club have been surprised at the lack interest this summer.Arsenal are not prioritising signing a striker this summer, Chelsea think Toney is too old and United have signed £36.5m Holland striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford’s position is complicated by the fact that they have been planning for Toney’s departure for over a year and have already signed his replacement.Brentford broke their transfer record to pay Club Brugge £31m for Brazilian striker Igor Thiago in February, and manager Thomas Frank will struggle to accomodate both players in his first-team plans.Toney is keen to leave Brentford this summer but has repeatedly spoken of his desire to join a “top club that wins trophies.”The 28-year-old could opt to see out the final year of his contract at Brentford in the hope of joining a big club on a free transfer next summer, although such a move may create tension with his employers.Most read in FootballBrentford stood by Toney during his FA ban placing over 200 bets on football, but their relationship is not straightforward.The former Newcastle and Peterborough striker initially denied placing any bets before changing his story and pleading guilty at an FA hearing, a U-turn which caused problems for the club.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashAny Tottenham bid for Toney would depend on them selling Brazilian international Richarlison.But they are also interested in Lille striker Jonathan David, who is available for £25m. West Ham have also inquired about Canada ace David. More

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    Ex-Arsenal cult icon Nicklas Bendtner in shock career change after taking up new hobby during Covid lockdown

    ARSENAL cult hero Nicklas Bendtner has launched his own gaming company.Bendtner, 36, rolled credits on his turbulent football career in 2019 and is now set for a completely different endeavour.Arsenal cult hero Nicklas Bendtner started his own gaming groupCredit: AFPBendtner spent nine turbulent years with ArsenalCredit: Getty – ContributorAccording to Esports Insider, the former striker created his own group that he calls Legendary Gaming Group.This comes after the ex-Denmark international spent the Covid-19 pandemic playing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.Bendtner said, “My own role in the company will be an active one, but what the exact title will be is not 100% decided yet, as it also depends on what roles the other sports profiles coming in will have.”The ex-Arsenal ace propped up a website alongside Morten Jensen, Atle Stehouer, Stephen Shine, and Jonas Rosbech.Read More on ArsenalThe site says: “Legendary Gaming Group offers a premier esports experience, blending elite talent development, cutting-edge scouting, and thrilling events. “We collaborate with top brands, NGOs, and sponsors to create impactful partnerships. “Join us to elevate your gaming journey and be part of the future of esports innovation.”Bendtner joined Arsenal’s academy in 2004 from Kjobenhavns Boldklub at the age of 16.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe controversial forward earned a senior call-up in 2005 and went on to amass a total of 47 goals and 22 assists in 171 appearances with the Gunners.The Dane played for the likes of Birmingham, Sunderland and Juventus on loan during his nine-year stint with the North Londoners.Ex-Arsenal striker Bendtner shows off new look in shock appearance in Denmark World Cup 2022 squad announcement video Bendtner also played for Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest, Rosenborg and Copenhagen before his early retirement at the age of 31. More

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    Arsenal and Chelsea want Spain Euro 2024 hero Nico Williams transfer.. but agent Lamine Yamal could give Barcelona edge

    ARSENAL and Chelsea are set to fight it out for Spain star Nico Williams this summer – but Barcelona already have an edge over the Premier League sides.Athletic Bilbao forward Williams, 22, scored two and assisted one for Luis de la Fuente’s men at Euro 2024.Nico Williams, right, shone for Spain at the Euros and is now being chased by Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: GettyWilliams was one of the best players at this summer’s EurosThat included the opening goal in Sunday’s final against England as Spain triumphed 2-1 to clinch a record-breaking fourth European Championship.Williams’ stellar Euros comes off the back of a superb campaign for Bilbao which saw him contribute eight goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances.According to The Athletic, signing the winger would require paying the LaLiga club his £49million release clause up front.Williams is at the front of Arsenal’s list of priorities, but it is understood Mikel Arteta would need to sell players to finance the deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners are linked with selling the likes of Kieran Tierney, Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.Chelsea also remain keen on Williams having monitored him for some time.However, they do already possess a number of options on the flanks – Mykhaylo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling to name a few.And they are also aware Barcelona appear to be the front-runners to sign Williams.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLamine Yamal, who occupied the other flank for Spain at the Euros and assisted Williams’ goal in the final, is keen for the Bilbao man to join him at the Nou Camp.Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also made it clear they could pursue Williams.Lamine Yamal accidentally shows world his naked Spain team-mates in live social media blunder after England win He told radio station Catalunya Radio: “Today Barca could cope financially with a signing like Nico Williams.”But it remains unclear whether Laporta’s claims are legitimate as it is widely known Barcelona remain in a difficult financial position.Inside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turned 17 the day before the Euros final, and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full… More

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    Ex-Arsenal wonderkid who earned £10,000-a-night playing Fortnite signs for new club after turning down contract offer

    A FORMER Arsenal star who earned £10,000-a-night playing Fortnite has joined a new club.Reuell Walters turned down a new deal at the Gunners in order to pursue first-team football elsewhere, and has found a new home with nearby Luton.Reuell Walters has joined Luton after turning down a new Arsenal dealCredit: Luton TownWalters, 19, is a versatile defender capable of playing in both central and wide defensive positions.The England Under-20 star joined Arsenal in 2020 from Tottenham before signing a pro deal in 2022.But, after failing to make a first-team appearance, he has now signed a four-year deal with Championship side Luton as they bid to earn promotion back to the Premier League.Speaking to club media, Walters said: “I’m really excited by the challenge ahead. I think I resonate with all the club’s beliefs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I like the style of play, I get along with Rob really well and there are a few friendly faces from the past here as well.”Zack Nelson and Axel Piesold were at Tottenham’s academy with me when I was younger. “We’ve known each other from when we were young and have kept in contact the last few years, so some things just come back around.”As well as having skills on the pitch, Walters is also handy with a controller or keyboard and mouse, in particular Fortnite.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBack in November 2019, the youngster got an email from the game’s creators to say he’d made £16 for his RJW’s BoxPVP map.Dad Raphael said: “He said ‘I just made $20 for my map. People are in my map and when they buy stuff with their V-Bucks, I get a commission, so I made $20.'”Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonIt’s estimated his map was used 250million times in one week.In a video posted by 101GreatGoals, linking to UnderArmour, Walters added: “Obviously we weren’t allowed to leave our homes so I picked up a different hobby where everyone loves the game.”I think as a teenage boy I was playing Fortnite with my friends and they were talking to me about how they just wanted to play this game mode and how it hadn’t been made before.”So I just decided, you know, I’ll make something for them to play.”The map has proven to be a popular one, with a staggering 250 million people downloading it.And all the downloads led to Walters earning a cool £10,000 a night for a week straight.So I just decided, you know, I’ll make something for them to playReuell Walters 101GreatGoalsRob Edwards also hailed the transfer as Walters became the Hatters second signing of the summer. He said: “Reuell is another person we are delighted to bring into the club. He’s a really exciting signing – a dynamic, quick, talented young player.”He’s had a brilliant upbringing at a couple of top clubs, and we are so pleased to get his move done.”Pathway is very important to him. That is one of the reasons why he is leaving Arsenal. “He had a number of inviting options, but we are so glad that he chose us and sees us as the right step to take on his journey now.”He’s got brilliant support, great family. He’s got loads of ability and high potential.”He can play in a number of positions – right-back, right centre-back, right wing-back – and he’d be able to do the middle as well. He’s got lots of strings to his bow.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s a young player, so there is no pressure. But we see him as someone who could potentially make an impact this season and I really hope he does. “We’re looking forward to getting to working with him.”Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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    Arsenal’s Lia Walti backs compatriot Xhaka to shine in Switzerland’s Euros knockout battle with England

    LIA WALTI is backing Granit Xhaka to continue shining for Switzerland when they battle England for a Euros semi-final spot today.And the Arsenal midfielder is relishing the chance to fulfil her dream of playing in a Women’s Euros on home soil, with Switzerland hosting the contest next year.Lia Walti believes Granit Xhaka’s influence will be key for Switzerland against EnglandCredit: PAThe Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has impressed for his country during their run to the Euros quarter-finalCredit: APSwitzerland, whose players include Man City defender Manuel Akanji, knocked holders Italy out in the Euros last 16 stageCredit: AFPWalti, 31, who has been monitoring her compatriots’ progress in the men’s tournament in Germany, sees Murat Yakin’s side as one of the contest’s dark horses.And she believes the influence of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Xhaka, 31, and Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, 28, will be key to Switzerland’s chances.The duo have flourished at the Euros with their team picking up two wins and two draws on their way to a last eight duel with England in Dusseldorf.A win against Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions would see their side reach the contest’s last-four stage for the first time in their history.Read More Football StoriesThe Switzerland Women’s skipper, who has 119 senior international caps, said: “Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji have had big, big seasons with their clubs on an individual and team level.”They’re two leaders who help carry the team and a lot depends on their performance if the system continues to be successful.”Tournament football can be full of surprises and anything can happen. “Switzerland have shown a lot in the past they can beat the big teams.Most read in Football”It’s all a matter of performing on the day. You can be prepared for the game, but you don’t know what’s going to happen.”You just have to believe and build something with your own team and believe you’re going to be lucky enough that you have the better day.”Switzerland’s Euros knockout clash with England comes three months after ex-Arsenal star Xhaka helped his current club Bayer Leverkusen storm their way a title win in Germany’s top-flight.The team, managed by Xabi Alonso, went unbeaten with 28 wins and six draws In April they were crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time in the club’s history. Walti added: “When Xhaka was at Arsenal we spoke quite a lot.”I really appreciate him because if you go through so many up and downs as he did, and you fight your way back when there is so much pressure, then you deserve respect.”He’s a great guy and a leader and a role model on the pitch. “He’s leading Switzerland in the best possible way to help the team to be successful.”During this year’s tournament Walti, teamed with vegan food firm Beyond Meat to help launch their new jalapeno burger.The WSL star is supportive of Uefa’s push to have one hundred per cent plant-based foods available at all stadiums at this year’s Euros.And the Arsenal ace teamed up with vegan food influencer Alfie Steiner to come up with a Jalapeno Crunch Burger recipe.Walti has joined forces with vegan food chef Alfie Steiner to promote the launch of Beyond Meat’s jalapeno burgerWalti, who joined Arsenal six years ago from German side Turbine Potsdam, added: “When food companies try to make alternative as close as possible to meat, it’s not always great.”But I think we created a really cool recipe and I actually loved it. It had a bit of a spicy kick.”For a couple of years I’ve been trying to reduce eating meat and eating fish just because I think it’s the right thing to do.“I’m part of a campaign called Football for Future and I’m proud to support innovative things like this where I can eat less meat to help the planet. “When I was a kid going to matches including (games at) the Euros and watching games at stadiums, we always ate a burger at half time during the games or before the games.”Next summer will see Walti’s home country host a Women’s Euros for the first time in their history. Reigning champions England are among the teams battling for an automatic qualification spot. The Lionesses will take on the Republic of Ireland and Sweden this month in their next round of qualifiers for next summer’s Euros.Matches in the 16-team tournament will be held in eight venues in eight cities across the country. In February this year, the Federal Council of Switzerland’s announcement that it planned to cut tournament funding after initially pledging 15 million Swiss Francs, was met with criticism.However that decision went on to be reversed in May following a vote within the Swiss Assembly.Walti hopes that the tournament can be catalyst for growing the women’s domestic game in her country and pushing women’s and girls’ football in the right direction.The midfielder adds: “There aren’t many players who get to experience a home tournament during their careers. “It’s something really, really special. This is something you dream about as a player”If somebody told me, four or five years ago (Switzerland would be hosting the tournament), I wouldn’t have believed it.”We’re a little bit behind in Switzerland with women’s football. If you look around Europe and see how many professional leagues now.”I do hope the tournament is going to give a big boom for young girls who want to play football.”We need more girls who are going to give us competition when we’re older to have to make a choice on who is going to be in the national team.”We don’t have professional league at the moment (in Switzerland).Walti hopes Switzerland hosting next year’s Women’s Euros will help women’s football to evolve in the countryCredit: Getty”We do have some clubs who pay players part-time salaries, but it’s really not good enough at the minute.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I hope that women’s football is going to be more visible (after the tournament). “We want to help the girls to have the same opportunity as the boys and men as well.” More