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    Man Utd ‘considered £58m transfer for Barcelona star in January’ but wonderkid snubbed move

    MANCHESTER UNITED considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in January – but he reportedly rejected the switch.The Red Devils were allegedly willing to offer £58m for the 21-year-old midfielder, with Aston Villa also interested.Man Utd considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in JanuaryCredit: RexFermin Lopez opted to stay at BarcelonaCredit: RexUnited wanted Lopez to bolster their midfield options amid another dismal Premier League campaign, according to The Mail.While Villa – who brought in five new players, including Marcus Rashford on loan- were also keen to add Lopez to their ranks.But the Spaniard made it immediately clear that he wouldn’t entertain a move and was desperate to continue at Barca.United are known to be long-time admirers of Lopez’s talents amid their recent changes in midfield.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChristian Eriksen is expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer and Casemiro is no longer considered a regular starter.Roma expressed interest in Casemiro in January and United could loan the legendary midfielder out in June.That could mean that Ruben Amorim’s side could go for Lopez again in the next window in a few months time. In October 2024, Lopez signed a new contract at the club until 2029, and it is understood that he has a £416.5m release clause.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLopez wants to fight for his future at Barca after seeing his playing time reduced under new gaffer Hansi Flick.He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 LaLiga games this season, having been named in the starting XI on five occasions.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concernLopez – who came through the ranks at Real Betis before moving to La Masia – returned from the Olympics with an injury, which left him out for the first few weeks of the season. The youngster has to battle fierce competition in Barca’s midfield which includes Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, Gavi and Pablo Torre.Meanwhile, United loaned out Rashford and Antony to reduce their wage bill.But Old Trafford chiefs spent £29.9m on wing-back Patrick Dorgu, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal’s under-21s.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Mikel Arteta to axe SEVEN Arsenal players to fund summer transfer spending spree for new striker

    MIKEL ARTETA is set to let go of SEVEN players to fund a huge summer spreading spree, according to reports.The Gunners signed ZERO players in the winter window despite their obvious issues up-front.Mikel Arteta is eyeing a huge summer spending spreeCredit: GettyNewcastle’s Alexander Isak is on Arsenal’s radarCredit: AFPThe Gunners see Benjamin Sesko as a more realistic option but Real Madrid are also interested in the midfielderCredit: ReutersBut Arsenal will now be armed with a vast amount of cash at the end of the season to strengthen their attacking ranks.Arteta – who is currently enjoying a team break in Dubai – made it clear that he was “disappointed” with the lack of January activity and is ready to push for a new marquee striker in six months time.Newcastle’s talisman Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko are the top of the Spaniard’s wish-list.But Arsenal will need to have a proper clear out and cut the wage bill in order to fund any move for Isak – which would surely take a British-record transfer fee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Magpies want to keep the 25-year-old Swede – who has scored 59 goals in 94 games for the Toon – at all costs and reports have suggested a £150million asking price.But Arteta has sanctioned the departure of seven first-team stars in order to facilitate a spree, according to The Mirror.For starters, loanee Raheem Sterling is set to return to Chelsea and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams remains on Arsenal’s radar.There will be major surgery in midfield with Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJorginho is currently in discussions with Brazilian giants Flamengo over a pre-contract agreement.Notable groundwork has already been done on a £51million move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi although Real Madrid could yet enter the fray for the Spaniard, who snubbed Liverpool last summer.Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goalThomas Partey is out of contract in the summer and Oleksandr Zinchenko could be lured elsewhere for game timeCredit: GettyRosenberg’s 18-year-old Sverre Nypan is a target that’s likely to be revisited this summer after the Norwegian prodigy opted to remain in Scandinavia for an additional six months.Meanwhile, left-back Kieran Tierney will likely rejoin Celtic on a free transfer and Arsenal will likely be open to offers for centre-back Jakub Kiwior.And Oleksandr Zinchenko looks poised to pursue a transfer due to his lack of minutes this season.Myles Lewis-Skelly has leapfrogged both Riccardo Calafiori and Zinchenko in the Arsenal pecking order in recent months.That could mean a replacement for the Ukrainian is not deemed as essential.Veteran loanee Neto – who was signed as a stopgap – is due to return to Bournemouth.And Espanyol No 1 Joan Garcia remains a player of interest since Arsenal saw two bids rejected by the Spanish club in August.Arsenal have splashed the cash on their backline in recent transfer windows and further defensive reinforcements are likely to be dependent on outgoings, with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato on their radar.Spain Euro 2024 star Nico Williams is on Arsenal’s radarCredit: APMartin Zubimendi, who has a £52million release clause, looks certain to arrive but Madrid have registered an interest nowCredit: GettyWhile the departure of the seven stars may not raise significant transfer funds, it will certainly free up plenty of space on the wage bill.The Emirates Stadium hierarchy are currently finalising the appointment of former sporting director Edu’s successor. Jason Ayto has stepped up on an interim basis and is a strong candidate to land the job permanently. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are facing the prospect of another trophyless season after they were knocked out of both domestic cups.While their Premier League hopes are fading as the club sit six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand, the Gunners are hoping to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Arsenal boost as Mikel Arteta considers putting Ben White straight back in squad just days after returning to training

    MIKEL ARTETA is considering throwing Ben White straight back into the Arsenal squad – just days after returning to full training following a knee operation.The Gunners have been in Dubai since Thursday morning for a mid-season winter break – flying back to London on Tuesday ahead of their Prem clash at Leicester on Saturday.Arsenal ace Ben White is closing in on a return from knee injuryCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta is considering throwing White straight back into the squadCredit: GettyWhite has followed Arsenal’s squad for the mid-season winter break in DubaiCredit: GettyOne of the standout names in the travelling group out in the Middle East is right-back White, 27 – who has not played since November 10.The versatile defender underwent knee surgery, having played through the pain for weeks, with fears he could be out for five or six months – but is now in contention to feature after three months of rehab.Arsenal’s medics predicted a speedy recovery from White, whose injury record has been exemplary since joining the club from Brighton in the summer of 2021 for £50million.And they have been proven right with White ahead of schedule and back in full training with the first team in a timely boost for the North Londoners.Read More on ArsenalFull-back is a position that Arteta has plenty of options in with the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney to choose from.As a result, the Arsenal boss will not take any unnecessary risks – but is keen to get White back on the bench to face the Foxes at the King Power Stadium.Winger Bukayo Saka is also out in Dubai with the squad, but has not been involved in training, instead continuing his rehab from hamstring surgery underwent just before Christmas.The England star is due back at the start of March, with Arsenal targeting the Champions League Last 16 first leg on either March 4 or 5 – or their trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Prem on March 9.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the injury issues continue to pile up for Arteta with Gabriel Martinelli potentially out for a month with a hamstring issue.The Brazilian hobbled off in the first half of their 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat away at Newcastle on Wednesday.Ben White ruled out for months in mega blow to Arsenal title hopes, confirms Mikel Arteta There are hopes that Martinelli – who has also flown out to Dubai – can defy that timeline and get back sooner ahead of the final run-in to the end of the season.Martinelli joins Saka and striker Gabriel Jesus in the medical room – the latter out for the rest of 2025 following an operation on an ACL rupture last month.Arteta’s fit attacking options include Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and 17-year-old academy product Ethan Nwaneri. More

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    Real Madrid ‘make William Saliba No1 transfer target’ but Arsenal convinced he would be world’s most expensive defender

    REAL MADRID are prioritising a transfer swoop for Arsenal star William Saliba.Saliba, 23, has been established as one of the best defenders in the Premier League where he has formed a rock-solid duo with Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back.Real Madrid see Arsenal star William Saliba as an ‘absolute priority’Credit: GettyArsenal wopuld only let Saliba leave for a record transfer feeCredit: RexAnd that has led to immense interest from some of the world’s elite clubs for the Gunners’ star.According to RMC Sport, Real have made the France international an “absolute priority” ahead of the summer transfer window.However, the North Londoners are demanding a massive fee for their star Frenchman.Arsenal see Saliba as the best centre-back in the world following two goals in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.Read More on ArsenalMikel Arteta’s side is not keen to sell the ex-Saint-Etienne star any time soon.However, if Arsenal have no option then they are planning to demand a hefty fee.The same source claims the Premier League giants are convinced Saliba will go down in history as the most expensive defender if he leaves the Emirates.That means Arsenal won’t consider any bid worth less than £80million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is how much Manchester United splashed to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester in 2019 and made him the most expensive defender in football history.Saliba has a contract with Arsenal until 2027, which means the club is in no rush.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaThe Frenchman joined the Gunners in 2019 from Saint-Etienne but was immediately sent back on loan to the French outfit to gain more experience.That led to more loan stints to Nice and Marseille until he was finally established in Arsenal’s first team in 2022.Since then, Saliba has stood out for Arteta’s side with a total of seven goals and two assists in 116 appearances. More

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    Arsenal lining up ‘unprecedented’ summer spending spree with Alexander Isak top target and lengthy shortlist

    ARSENAL are gearing up for an unprecedented summer spending spree after signing ZERO players in January.And Newcastle striker Alexander Isak is the name at the top of Mikel Arteta’s lengthy wanted list.Alexander Isak is understood to be Arsenal’s top targetArsenal fans aren’t exactly happy that the club failed to bring in reinforcements last month – Arteta expressed his disappointment too before taking his team out to Dubai for some TLC.Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final exit to Newcastle will serve only to strengthen the fans’ view that the window was a huge letdown.Fans and pundits alike have been belting: “Arsenal need a striker!” for some time now.Injuries to star boy Bukayo Saka (hamstring), goalscorer Gabriel Jesus (knee) and now seemingly Gabriel Martinelli have only compounded that assertion. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Gunners have just one fit centre-forward in ex-Chelsea man Kai Havertz, 25, having decided to stick with what they have instead of bringing in a body to bolster the team.Arsenal did try to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa but had a £45m bid rejected after the Villans sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for £70m.With all that said, Arteta’s quiet January should result in a summer of hefty spending.The foundations are in place but there is an understanding the next window is “critical” to firing the club towards trophies, reports The Mail.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal are at risk of finishing second best in the Prem for the third successive year after Liverpool’s incredible season replaced the dominance of Manchester City.But the Gunners also have their eyes on winning the Champions League for the first time in their history.Mikel Arteta looks ahead to Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle in Carabao Cup semi-final second leg Achieving that goal requires investment. Having kept their purses closed in January, there will be a spending spree before next season.But the big money will be spent on a new dream ticket centre forward – ideally 25-year-old Isak.The Swede has scored 59 goals in 94 games for Newcastle since joining the Toon for a club record from Real Sociedad in 2022.Yet before Isak’s move to St James’ Park was made final, Arsenal had been chasing the striker too.But his £75million release clause was deemed a risk at the time for the then 22-year-old star.Arteta insisted the Gunners’ lack of transfer activity was NOT a “gamble” in January as the club will splash the cash in few months.Martin Zubimendi, who has a £52million release clause, looks certain to arrive from Real Sociedad in the summer.Arsenal are preparing for the expected midfield departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who are both out of contract in June.They will likely go all out for Red Bull Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, 21, who is valued at £60m, after registering their interest during the last two windows.Arsenal will likely go all out for Red Bull Leipzig striker Benjamin SeskoCredit: RexThe North London club will explore a move for a versatile right winger too, with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams on the list.Meanwhile, Wolves forward Matheus Cunha was linked with a move to the Emirates in the summer.Cunha surprisingly signed a new four-and-a half-year deal to stay at Molineux on February 1 – but it does include a £62.5million release clause.Potential moves for Mathys Tel – who has since joined rivals Tottenham – and AC Milan striker Alvaro Morata were also discussed.The role of interim sporting director Jason Ayto was an intriguing backdrop to Arsenal’s January activity.READ MORE SUN STORIESAyto is effectively sitting an on-the-job interview for the permanent position after Edu’s shock departure towards the end of 2024.While fans are furious, Ayto’s considered approach is one that’s aligned with the club’s long-term strategy.Midfielder Martin Zubimendi looks set to join in the summer too More

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    Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea discover how much Matheus Cunha transfer will cost as release clause revealed

    MATHEUS CUNHA is one of the Premier League’s most coveted stars – and it will take a huge offer to prize him away from Wolves. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all tracking the exciting 25-year-old Brazilian striker. Matheus Cunha has signed a new long-term contract with WolvesCredit: AlamyThe deal includes a hefty eight-figure release clauseCredit: RexCunha penned a new four-year deal at Molineux last weekend as speculation swirled over his future. The forward was linked with a move away from the West Midlands throughout the January transfer window.But he committed his long-term future to Wolves on Saturday.Cunha’s new release clause stands at a hefty £62million, according to The Mail. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe report claims the clause will become active at the end of the season. And it can be activated by ANY club – with no restrictions on who can come in for the exciting playmaker. Cunha was targeted by United and Arsenal in January, but neither put in a solid bid.While Nottingham Forest were reportedly ready to smash their transfer record to bring him to the City Ground.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCunha is now tasked with helping Wolves stay in the Premier League.The arrival of new boss Vitor Pereira initially sparked a revival among the strugglers.Which Manchester United stars should stay and go?But four defeats in the last five mean Wolves have been unable to pull away from the chasing pack.They currently sit 16th, just two points above Leicester in the final relegation spot and seven behind a resurgent Everton in 15th.Manchester United are likely to require a centre-forward this summer as they eye a complete rebuild under Ruben Amorim.The Red Devils are set to put almost their entire squad up for sale as they reset following a dismal last few years. United will have to sell their biggest stars to make room for incomings, with striker Marcus Rashford set for a permanent move away after joining Aston Villa on loan. Arsenal are also in need of additional firepower and currently lack a natural centre-forward in the squad.Cunha made the switch to Wolves from Atletico Madrid, initially on loan in January 2023 before a £44million permanent deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe began his career with Swiss side Sion before spells in Germany with Red Bull Leipzig and Hertha Berlin.So far this season, he’s scored 11 goals in 23 games, adding 4 assists. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Arsenal suffer huge injury blow as Martinelli limps off on 35 minutes vs Newcastle days after transfer window failure

    ARSENAL have suffered another significant injury blow, with Gabriel Martinelli the latest casualty.The 23-year-old was forced off in the 37th minute of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.Gabriel Martinelli was forced off against NewcastleCredit: GettyMartinelli has joined Arsenal’s injury listCredit: GettyHe went to ground holding his hamstring before limping down the tunnel.Ethan Nwaneri – one of two attacking players on the bench – was on hand to replace him.But the latest blow adds to Mikel Arteta’s growing list of injury concerns.Star man Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring injury in December and was forced to undergo surgery.Read More in FootballThe England international is not expected to return until the spring.Striker Gabriel Jesus has also been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.The Brazilian fell awkwardly and was stretchered off during Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United last month.Should Martinelli also be assigned to the physio room with a significant issue, the Gunners will be limited to just four senior attacking players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe latest setback comes just two days after the conclusion of the transfer window.Arsenal failed to sign any players in January – much to the dismay of fans.Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up strikerArteta himself was also “disappointed” that his superiors failed to seal a deal.He said: “We haven’t achieved it so we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring ­certain kinds of players and we have to be very disciplined with that and I think we will.”The Gunners made one attempt to sign Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins last week but their offer was immediately rejected.As well as the loss of Martinelli, Arsenal had to deal with a 2-0 defeat and exit from the Carabao Cup. More

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    Arsenal’s Class of 2024 pals Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly could make Arteta’s dream of conquering Europe with kids come true

    MIKEL ARTETA has dreams of winning the Premier League with Arsenal’s very own Class of ’92.Under the mentorship of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United began to dominate English football from 1992 with academy stars like David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Gary and Phil Neville.Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have really come into their own for Arsenal this seasonCredit: GettyThe pair are best of friends having known one another for most of their livesCredit: GETTYThe Emirates faithful have already taken an immense shining to the teenagersCredit: GETTYLewis-Skelly and Nwaneri could be end up being Arsenal’s equivalent to Manchester United’s Class of ’92Credit: GETTYBy the end of the 2002-03 campaign, that group of Fergie Fledglings had won eight Prem titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League crown.Back in August, with 23-year-old Bukayo Saka his only Hale End starting XI representative, Arteta said: “I want to have a team that’s half academy, half foreign and win the Premier League and Champions League consistently.”At the time, it sounded like a far-fetched press conference soundbite.Six months on, and Arteta’s Class of ’24 are making headlines in 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri and 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly.READ MORE ON ARSENALAfter joining the seniors on a pre-season tour of the States last summer, Lewis-Skelly has quickly become a cult hero from left-back, leapfrogging experienced pros like Oleksandr Zinchenko.Midfielder Nwaneri has been around Arteta’s squad for a few years now, making his name in September 2022 as the youngest-ever Prem debutant at 15 years and 181 days before another cameo off the bench at West Ham in February 2024.But this season, the pair have seized their moment together, taking on the challenges of the top flight side by side. Jack Wilshere – who managed both in Arsenal’s U18s – previously suggested their immense talent was “uncoachable” at times.They have already made a combined 41 first-team appearances this term. Nwaneri has seven goals in 22 games. Lewis-Skelly has one goal in 19 games.Most read in FootballArsenal player ratings vs Man CityARSENAL stunned Man City 5-1 at the Emirates on Sunday evening.It was an incredible result against their rivals of recent years.Here, we take a look at how the Gunners rated…David Raya – 7/10Had very little to do in the first half but made a brilliant save in the 22nd minute to deny a goalbound header from Josko Gvardiol. Made another stunning save two minutes from the half-time interval, stopping a deflected Savinho shot from close range. Powerless to stop Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute header from briefly levelling the scores.Jurrien Timber – 6Didn’t offer his usual attacking threat going forward but was solid defensively. Picked up a pointless yellow breaking up a harmless counter-attack in the 24th minute. Almost scored late in the second half.William Saliba – 5Didn’t have much to do in the first half but won all his aerial battles in the first 45 minutes. Marshalled the defence well early in the second period but was embarrassingly outjumped and outmuscled by Haaland for City’s equaliser – a major flaw of his that continues to be exposed.Gabriel Magalhaes – 6Like his defensive partner, he was seldom called into action in the first half. Dominant in the air in his battles with Haaland, who he trolled after Odegaard’s goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 8Continues to endear himself to the Emirates faithful with composure and tenacity beyond his years as he brilliantly floated between left back and midfield. Put real daylight between the two sides with a thumping finish just after the hour mark. This young lad is a real bright prospect for both the Gunners and England.His trolling of Haaland by copying the Norwegian’s ‘Lotus’ celebration went down a storm with fans.Thomas Partey – 7Steady in the heart of midfield and broke up play well when required. Fired the Gunners back into the lead in the 57th minute with a deflected shot from outside the box.Martin Odegaard – 7Was in the right place at the right time to benefit from the aftermath of an uncharacteristic Manuel Akanji error and break the deadlock. Was at the heart of everything good the north Londoners did going forward.Declan Rice – 6Combative, as always, in the middle of the park and played a role in the home side taking the lead, teeing up Havertz who squared the ball to Odegaard.Leandro Trossard – 6Was particularly lively on the left in the first half, giving Matheus Nunes a real run for his money. His end product, however, wasn’t the best.Gabriel Martinelli – 6Lively on the right wing in the early goings. Found the back of the net in the fifth minute after some beautiful play from Odegaard but was needlessly offside. Forced a good save out of Ortega with a rasping effort in the 68th minute.Kai Havertz – 6Lively early doors, testing Stefan Ortega with a tame shot in the first minute. Teed up Odegaard for a tap in a few moments later. Missed a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 25th minute, dragging the ball wide with the goal at his absolute mercy. Made amends for his howler by finishing an even harder chance in the 76th minute. He well and truly needed that as he looked absolutely devoid of confidence.SUBSEthan Nwaneri – 83 (on for Trossard) – 7Put the cherry on top of the cake with an outrageous effort in second-half stoppage time.Mikel Merino – 83 (on for Odegaard) – 5Raheem Sterling – 89 (on for Kai Havertz ) – N/ARiccardo Calafiori 89 (on for Lewis-Skelly) – N/ARead more on all the latest Arsenal news.Arteta said: “They are very lucky to have each other. There is a bond there. For them, it is special.“When you see those two walking next to each other, talking to each other, there is a chemistry there.”Mikel Arteta looks ahead to Arsenal’s clash with Newcastle in Carabao Cup semi-final second leg Ahead of starting together for the first time in Arsenal’s 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton in September, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly snuck out onto the Emirates pitch before kick-off to soak it all up.In last week’s 2-1 win at Girona, on his first Champions League start, Nwaneri scored a curling beauty to earn Man of the Match.At full-time, as he had photos with his award by the side of the pitch, who was stood less than six feet away as his hype man? Of course, Lewis-Skelly.In the 1-0 victory at Wolves last month, Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off just before half time – on the day he and Nwaneri became the first two English players aged 18 or under to start a Prem match for Arsenal for 26 years.Lewis-Skelly was emotional and distraught. Nwaneri had been subbed at half-time, so decided to spend the second half in the Molineux dressing room with Lewis-Skelly, watching the rest of the match on a TV screen, celebrating Riccardo Calafiori’s late winner together.They truly are inseparable, joining the Arsenal academy in 2015 as eight-year-olds following a stint at Chelsea. Nwaneri recently revealed: “We have been best friends since we were six.”Now we’re in the Arsenal team together. It’s crazy, isn’t it?” Yes, it is.They live close to each other in London, and would often train together. Around the London Colney training base, they are constantly walking as a duo. On flights to games, they are seat buddies.With England’s U17s, they studied together for their GCSEs at the 2023 European Championships in Hungarian hotel rooms.The only place they are separated, weirdly, is in the Emirates first team dressing room.Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri studied for their GCSE’s togetherCredit: GETTYDue to safeguarding restrictions, as Nwaneri is under 18, he must get changed away from the group before and after games.That will change next month when Nwaneri celebrates his birthday, not that he will have a wild party, such is his reserved and shy personality. He is not yet a natural on camera in interviews.They may be close pals, but Lewis-Skelly’s personality is the complete opposite – emotive and expressive, often bombarding Arteta with questions during training sessions.Having been booked as a sub at the Etihad back in September before making his Prem debut in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City, he squared up to Erling Haaland at full-time.And last weekend, scoring his first senior goal against City, he cheekily mimicked Haaland’s meditation celebration.This is nothing new. Subbed off in the 2-1 victory over Tottenham at the Emirates last month, Lewis-Skelly opted to rev up the crowd and point to the badge when walking around the side of the pitch.And in the aftermath of that Spurs win, Lewis-Skelly was seen laughing and joking with club legend Ian Wright about his grandma in front of the cameras.In contrast, in Girona, as he walked in front of the away end who were singing his name, Nwaneri kept himself to himself, quickly applauding before walking towards the bench.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe too scored against City in the 5-1 thumping, celebrating by simply walking away and shrugging his shoulders.They may be chalk and cheese, but Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri are taking England and Europe by storm, hand in hand. Perhaps Arteta will get his wish after all.Myles Lewis-Skelly could be the key to Mikel Arteta winning trophies with ArsenalCredit: GETTY More