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    ‘Psychopathic’ Arsenal Invincible ‘would have been a criminal if it weren’t for football’, jokes former team-mate

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    EMMANUEL PETIT claims football “saved” fellow Arsenal legend Martin Keown from a life of crime.Petit revealed the ex-hardman “reminded me of psychopaths” but controlled his behaviour as he knew he was being watched on TV.Martin Keown famously confronted Man Utd’s Ruud Van NistelrooyCredit: GettyEmmanuel Petit says he and fellow midfielder Patrick Vieira were ‘so happy’ to have Keown playing behind themCredit: Action Images – ReutersKeown, 57, now a BBC and BT Sport pundit, won the last of his three Premier League titles with the Gunners as one of the 2003-4 “Invincibles”.But French World Cup winner Petit reckons only the discipline of sport kept the former England centre-back on the straight and narrow.The ex-midfielder, 53, told talkSPORT: “I always told him that football saved his life. Otherwise he would have been a criminal.”You know, the rules on the pitch… the fact that he could fight on the pitch, but with referees, things like this, he knew that television was looking at him, fans were looking at him, so he had to behave – with good manners as well.READ MORE TOP STORIES”But I remember so many things with him. This guy sometimes reminds me of psychopaths.”Petit smiled as he added: “I told him football saved you. Otherwise you’ll be in trouble in normal life because he’s such a nice guy but all of a sudden in the space of one second he can change.”Keown was at the centre of one of English football’s most notorious images – aggressively taunting Manchester United Ruud van Nistelrooy over a missed penalty in September 2003.But Petit gave another dramatic example of what he believes was the defender’s sensitive temperament.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe explained how Arsenal team-mates intervened against Sheffield Wednesday when Keown got his fingers around Paolo Di Canio’s throat.The former Chelsea and Barcelona star said: “You could see his eyes – he was not there anymore. He just wanted to kill Paolo Di Canio.The Wags of the North London Derby”So the way he plays, the way he used to take care of the strikers all the time – me and Patrick (Vieira) in midfield were so happy to have Martin at the back for you.”Petit also joked that Keown’s defensive partner Tony Adams was “clever” at “managing Martin just like someone who is walking with his dangerous dog”.Arsenal defensive icons Tony Adams and Keown hold the Prem trophy in 2002Credit: Getty More

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      Arsenal transfer boost as Newcastle boss Howe confirms Bruno Guimaraes IS up for sale.. but they’ll have to move quickly

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      EDDIE HOWE revealed Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes is available for £100million for one month this summer.Arsenal, Manchester City and PSG are all eyeing up moves for Toon’s Brazilian midfielder.Bruno Guimaraes will be available for £100m this summer – for a limited periodCredit: PABut the Magpies boss told them they’ll have to stump up the cash from the last week of May to the beginning of the last week of June.Bruno, 26, penned a new five-year deal with the Magpies last October but there is a £100m release clause valid for four weeks at the end of this season.And Howe told rivals to put up or shut up if they want the Samba international.He said: “We don’t want the constant speculation, it’s not healthy for the player or for us.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Having the release clause was well planned and structured by the club, in the sense that there is a finish point.“It goes without saying what my thoughts on the Bruno situation are.“We want to keep him, we want to build our team around him and he’s an integral part of what we are doing. He seems very happy and settled.“He’ll be thinking about a busy summer ahead and where we can hopefully take the team.Most read in Football“He is a bit of that but we are not in control, so we shall see.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in Subway
      NEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.
      And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.
      Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.
      Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.
      “I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.
      “I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.
      “When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?’
      “He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”
      Click here to read the full story…

      Howe is predicting a bumpy summer on Tyneside, with Arsenal and Barcelona also interested in red-hot striker Alexander Isak.The Toon Army are worried at least one of Bruno or Isak will be sold to help Saudi-funded Newcastle navigate Financial Fair Play restrictions.England star Anthony Gordon planning shock career change as Newcastle ace reveals his ‘calling’Asked if he can sign who he wants without selling one of the two stars, Howe added: “Yeah, I think so. I can’t predict the future but whatever happens we can fight, live again and create a slightly different team.“I want to make changes but changes that can transport us forward.”However, Howe warned: “I know exactly where I want to take the team but with our current financial situation, I’m not sure we’re able to recruit ready-made elite players.Both in terms of wages and transfer fees, we’re not in a position to do that. We have to sign players with the potential to become world class.“We have to be really smart with our recruitment, we maybe have to be slightly different to some of the other clubs we’re in and around.” More

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      How ‘donkey’ Kai Havertz went from sympathy penalty at Bournemouth to being Arsenal’s star in Premier League title race

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      KAI HAVERTZ has a soft spot for donkeys but is affectionately viewed by Arsenal fans as a real thoroughbred.Two goals in Tuesday night’s 5-0 thumping of Chelsea brings his total Prem tally to 11 this term.Kai Havertz celebrates his first goal against former club Chelsea on TuesdayCredit: RexHavertz sheepishly celebrated scoring his ‘sympathy’ penalty against BournemouthCredit: ReutersThe German also has five assists, with seven goals and four assists coming in his last ten league outings.It is the sort of form that has thrust the Gunners into the heart of an epic three-pronged title race with Manchester City and Liverpool.Should Havertz carry on like this and lead Mikel Arteta’s men to top-flight glory, he may be seen as the bargain buy of the season.All from a player who was bought originally by boss Arteta to be a midfielder — and a player who has had to fight to convince the fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLQuestions were raised when Arteta forked out £65million for Havertz last summer. Chelsea could not say yes fast enough.The 24-year-old may have scored one of the biggest goals in their history — the   2021  Champions League final winner against Manchester City  — but  was  considered underwhelming across his three-year stint.In 139 appearances for the Blues, after signing from Bayer Leverkusen for £62m in September 2020, he scored just 32 goals.Havertz is not your stereotypical footballer. A quiet soul who plays  piano and revealed last March he had opened a donkey sanctuary in Germany, having been gifted three by his parents when he turned 18.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSo, you can imagine his awkwardness as he strolled around the  Emirates pitch on Tuesday, having turned over his old club, while the home fans sung his name to the tune of Shakira’s “Waka Waka” hit.His Arsenal team-mates like that tune too,  chanting the “£60million down the drain, Kai Havertz scores again” lines after a 3-0 victory at Brighton earlier this month in which he scored the second goal.Mauricio Pochettino accuses Chelsea players of ‘giving up’ in gutless 5-0 loss to Arsenal saying ‘there is no excuse’The adulation may not sit well with him but he deserves it now.During his Chelsea days, Havertz was misused and misunderstood.The likes of Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter struggled to nail down a starting spot for him, flirting  between a wide striker, a No 9 and No 10. Even with Germany, he has been shifted about, flung to left-back  last November.Arsenal and Arteta shook things up further by plotting to use  Havertz as a free-roaming No 8,  trialling the system in pre-season.But circumstances forced Arteta’s hand. Gabriel Jesus’ extended time on the sidelines with a  knee injury meant Havertz was thrust back into the centre-forward limelight.Just the one goal in his opening 12 Prem appearances had fans muttering, wondering if Arteta had bitten off more than he could chew.The Arsenal squad could feel this, which is why they sympathetically let Havertz take a penalty in a 4-0 win at Bournemouth in September.Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
      KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
      But has now well and truly found his feet.
      The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
      But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
      In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
      That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
      Click here to read all about it.
      Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

      But it was not until February and March that things really clicked, scoring in four successive Prem games and leading the line in three of them. He’s not looked back since.Arsenal are still prioritising a world-class No 9 in the summer, yet Arteta has been given an almighty headache by Havertz and his impressively varied skillset.He was lovingly nicknamed  “donkey” at Chelsea but at Arsenal he now looks anything but — while at 6ft 4in, his aerial presence is immensely effective.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd during the heat of battle, you can always count on Havertz to keep his cool. He said last March: “From day one, I felt a special relationship with donkeys. It’s a very calm  animal.“Maybe I relate to them because I’m calm too. They chill all day, don’t do much, just want to live their life. I have loved them always.” More

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      How Mikel Arteta’s tactical genius turned Kai Havertz into Arsenal’s most important player

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      KAI HAVERTZ was the star of the show as Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table with a rout of a lacklustre Chelsea.The Gunners ran out 5-0 winners over their London rivals on Tuesday night thanks to a Leandro Trossard strike and braces from Ben White and Havertz.Kai Havertz helped Arsenal smash his old club Chelsea and has been a key man in the Gunners’ title pushCredit: REXSunSport’s Dean Scoggins reveals why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerCredit: YouTube / The Sun SportHavertz endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea but has now well and truly found his feet.The German’s second-half strikes against his former club took his tally to season to 12 goals in 47 appearances, a haul which seemed unfathomable just a few months ago.But the 24-year-old has provided much more than goals in recent months.Leading the lineMikel Arteta initially deployed Havertz on the left of his midfield three but he struggled to make any sort of impact.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now that he’s leading the line, he’s flourished and has played a big part in the glut of goals the Gunners are scoring.The North Londoners have found the back of the net a whopping 26 TIMES since Havertz became the focal point two months ago.And the way things are going, they’ll add plenty more goals to that impressive haul.Havertz initially played on the left of midfield but is now Mikel Arteta’s main man in attackCredit: YouTube / The Sun SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLink up playHavertz isn’t just shining with his goalscoring exploits, he’s also helping his team-mates find the back of the net.Most read in FootballHow Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechangerHis hold-up play and ability to drop deep has allowed the likes of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice to get in on the goalscoring act.The German’s knack for finding space to receive the ball and creating openings for his comrades has paid major dividends for Arteta, who was lambasted for splashing out £65million to acquire his services.Havertz has the ability to drop deep and dictate play to allow the likes of Declan Rice to get into scoring positionsCredit: YouTube / The Sun SportHavertz was terrific in the 5-0 win over ChelseaHot off the pressArsenal have become masters in winning the ball back in transitions and turning those positions into goalscoring opportunities this season.And that’s in no small part thanks to Havertz’s tactical and methodical leading of the press.He doesn’t just run around like a headless chicken, he closes the opposition down when he knows he’s got support behind him.But crucially, he only presses when the holding midfielder in Rice and the defence are set.Havertz is the key man in Arsenal’s press and when he moves his team-mates followCredit: YouTube / The Sun SportKai Havertz’s pressing when Arsenal aren’t in possession has been unheraldedCredit: GETTYTactical runsHavertz has become attuned to Arsenal’s reliance on getting the ball out wide to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli,And his runs across the centre-back – instead of the traditional one in behind – have yielded great results.They either create space for a runner in behind or drag the entire defence in a single direction.Havertz’s runs across the defensive line have created acres of space for Bukayo SakaCredit: YouTube / The Sun SportFinal verdictHavertz’s transformation has been nothing short of remarkable – and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Emirates faithful.READ MORE SUN STORIESArteta is rumoured to be in the market for a new frontman this summer.But with Havertz scoring and helping create goals galore, the Spaniard shouldn’t even think of dropping £100m on the likes of Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen unless they can do all the things the German is currently doing and more.Mikel Arteta doesn’t need to sign a new striker in the summer if Havertz continues turning in such impressive displaysCredit: GETTY More

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      Supercomputer predicts final Premier League table with shock champions crowned after Arsenal’s demolition job on Chelsea

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      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted how the Premier League season will end – and it’s good news for Arsenal fans. The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the table after hammering Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates. So in the latest crunching of numbers, it’s looking good for Gooners. BonusCodeBets’ SuperComputer works as a probability model, predicting the outcome of every Premier League match. It estimates the outcome of each remaining fixture based on a team’s current strength based on factors such as table position and form. In their latest reading, it has Arsenal finishing the league top on 85 points with defending champions City a point behind in second. READ MORE IN football Liverpool would also miss out by the same margin while Aston Villa would get their first taste of a top four finish and Champions League football. Missing out on Europe’s elite would be Tottenham and Newcastle.Manchester United are predicted to finish in seventh, which would surely seal manager Erik ten Hag’s sacking. Look away Chelsea fans as the Blues come in at 11th, not far off their worst-ever Prem finish of 14th in 1994. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt would mean West Ham, Fulham and Brighton all finishing above the West Londoners. Facing the drop is Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton with Nottingham Forest just about surviving. That is despite being hit with a four-point deduction in March after breaking financial rules.Mauricio Pochettino accuses Chelsea players of ‘giving up’ in gutless 5-0 loss to Arsenal saying ‘there is no excuse’ More

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      RIP Chelsea FC – Blues fans turn on Pochettino’s team after club set unwanted record in shocking 5-0 rout at Arsenal

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      CHELSEA supporters viciously turned on the club after they made unwanted history when getting thrashed at Arsenal.The Blues were blown away as the Gunners romped to a 5-0 win in the London derby last night.Chelsea made unwanted history as they were trounced 5-0 at ArsenalCredit: EPAThat moved Arsenal three points clear at the top of the Premier League table, but it was a night to forget for their rivals.Leandro Trossard broke the deadlock early on but it was not until the second half that the onslaught began.Ben White and ex-Chelsea forward Kai Havertz both grabbed a brace as Mauricio Pochettino brought on extra defensive reinforcements to keep the score down.The dire display even led to a young Blues fan being spotted holding up a sign in the away end that read: “I don’t want your shirt. I want you to fight for ours.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe result capped a miserable few days for Pochettino after they were beaten by Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.And it also means that Chelsea, who sit ninth in the top-flight table,  have now conceded a whopping 57 goals this season.That is the most that the club have conceded since the formation of the Premier League in 1992/93.To make matters even worse, things could get even grimmer as they still have six matches left to play.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd fed-up fans vented their fury on social media afterwards, with one saying: “70 at the end won’t be surprising.“I think the lion in our logo has even given up on us, is he still in there?”How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerAnother wrote: “RIP CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB 1905 – 2023. It’s not Chelsea anymore.”“I heard someone saying there is some improvement from last season,” posted a fellow fan.“I will just laugh and let Chelsea become whatever they want. It is better they change the name to something else.”A fourth said: “This club is falling apart.”While a fifth added: “What a mess. How can it get worse?Meanwhile, Thiago Silva’s wife Belle rubbed salt into Chelsea wounds after they were hammered by Arsenal.MAURICIO POCHETTINO – WE GAVE UPHere’s what the Chelsea boss had to say after their hammering by the Gunners:
      “It’s not difficult to explain, everyone saw we didn’t compete from the beginning of the game.
      “After we conceded the team was so soft. I’m so disappointed with the start because we’re supposed to have full energy and compete better.
      “We were not aggressive and we did not concentrate on situations where it is easy to find the solution. That is why I’m so disappointed.”
      He added: “We were talking at half-time to start in a different way. But we did not.
      “When we conceded the third goal the team gave up. It was tough on them.
      “We competed really well against Manchester City, it was a fantastic game. But then we did not compete three days later. Maybe we were not fresh.
      “It’s not fair to talk about the players we are missing. From the start of the season we have been missing so many players every single week.
      “The team showed a lack of capacity to resist – that is what is the problem.”

      Silva, 39, came off the bench after 78 minutes to provide experience to a youthful Chelsea starting XI.And after the game, the centre-back’s wife appeared to take aim at the poor performance.Belle, 37, simply tweeted three emojis – which mean see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil – which suggest she is not allowed to speak her mind honestly.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis is not the first time the outspoken Wag has made a dig at Chelsea.After a 4-2 loss to Wolves in February, she appeared to call for Mauricio Pochettino to be sacked. More

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      Arsenal consider Bruno Guimaraes bid with Newcastle open to selling Brazil star in discount transfer

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      ARSENAL are considering a summer move for Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes.However, a striker remains Mikel Arteta’s top priority as the North London club prepare to back their manager with another hefty transfer kitty.Bruno Guimaraes is a target for Arsenal this summerCredit: EPAThe Gunners will be joined by the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in their pursuit of Brazilian midfielder Guimaraes, who has a reported £100m release clause.Yet there is a belief that the Toon will be open to selling their star man for slightly less should the deal be an attractive one with numerous add-on bonuses.Guimaraes, 26, has shone on Tyneside since his £40m arrival from Lyon in January 2022 – and signed a contract extension until 2028 back in October that sees him earn more than £150k-a-week.However, Guimaraes is desperate to play Champions League football next season and is aware of interest from several top sides currently in Europe’s elite competition.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSSunSport also understands that Guimaraes likes the idea of joining a club with a Brazilian connection, like he has at Newcastle with pal Joelinton.Arsenal’s ranks include Samba boys Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel.Manchester City have goalkeeper Ederson while PSG have defenders Marquinhos and Lucas Beraldo.There is no indication that Guimaraes is unhappy in the North East, however, having settled down and in the process of buying a new family home in the Northumberland area.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArteta is keen to bolster his midfield with the futures of Thomas Partey, 30, and Jorginho, 32, unclear.Partey could potentially be sold to raise funds while Jorginho is still in talks over an extension with his deal running out at the end of the term.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shockerIt would not be the first time Arsenal go head-to-head with City for a midfielder, having won the £105m battle for Declan Rice last summer.But purchasing a top forward remains top of Arsenal’s list, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak a target, as well as Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.Arteta said on Monday: “We have to see how we finish first and what we are capable of doing, and then sit down and review everything we have done and see how we are going to make another step or two steps forward.“That is what this team, this club and our people are demanding — to keep moving forward, in a ruthless way. Because we are not satisfied with where we are.”Arsenal spent just over £200m last summer on Rice, Kai Havertz from Chelsea, David Raya from Brentford and Jurrien Timber from Ajax.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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      Jurrien Timber wants a ‘beautiful’ impact on Arsenal’s title charge after ending eight-month absence with a SCREAMER

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      JURRIEN TIMBER is ready to make a “beautiful” impact on Arsenal’s title run-in after his long-awaited injury return.The Dutch full-back signed for the Gunners from Ajax last summer for £34.2m – but suffered a serious knee rupture on the opening day of the campaign back in August.Jurrien Timber netted at Ewood Park – his first appearance in a match since August 12Credit: GettyTimber suffered an ACL rupture against Nottingham Forest on the Prem’s opening dayCredit: GettyEight months on and the 22-year-old is finally ready for first team selection once more, and is even in contention to be in the squad to face Tottenham on Sunday.Boss Mikel Arteta – who believes Timber can be a transformational figure for the club in future years – wanted the player to get some match experience before a senior comeback.He has done just that, playing the first half of the under-21s’ 2-2 draw with Blackburn at Ewood Park, scoring a screamer inside eight minutes.And with Arsenal chasing a first Premier League title in 20 years in a fierce race with Manchester City and Liverpool, Timber is desperate to make an impact.read more on arsenalHe said: “We’re doing really well. The last couple of weeks have been tough, obviously out of the Champions League, but we’re still in the mix, we’re still there.“I’m glad that I can be a part of it and let’s see what the last couple of weeks can bring. I hope something beautiful. The boys have been texting me. I can’t wait. It will be fun.”On his goal – a right-footed curler into the top corner – Timber added: “I didn’t realise I was even scoring a goal, because I don’t score a lot, maybe that’s changed since my rehab!”Since the injury against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on August 12, Timber has undergone extensive rehab work in a bid to get back before the end of this term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERArteta has remarked on several occasions how strong Timber now looks, and has been amazed at the Netherlands international’s recovery speed.Ahead of tonight’s clash against Chelsea, Arteta said: “He’s been training really well. He looks ready. He needs that exposure.’Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in Munich“After that, we’ll assess whether [the Spurs game] comes at the right time or too fast. We’ll try to get him with us for the final games.“At the moment, [the Euros] looks really far because he hasn’t played any football. So, let’s see if he can contribute in an impactful way to our system.”Timber said: “It’s been eight months, you know. I still don’t really know how to feel, but just being out there feels amazing. I feel happy, feel blessed to be out there.”Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him.

      The left-back position is now one of serious strength for Arsenal, but one that will give Arteta serious headaches at the end of this season and the start of the next.Oleksandr Zinchenko has had a mixed season, impressive with ball at feet but often vulnerable in defence, while Takehiro Tomiyasu – who signed a contract extension until 2026 last month – has slotted in well when needed. Jakub Kiwior, a central defender by trade, has surprised many with his displays as a makeshift left-back, but was heavily exposed by the pace of Leroy Sane in their Champions League quarter final first leg against Bayern Munich. More

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      Arsenal cult hero, 32, in line for shock role at Olympic Games with Thierry Henry ready to call him up to France team

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      FORMER Arsenal Alexandre Lacazette is “on the list” to play a surprise role at the Olympic Games for Thierry Henry.Lacazette, 32, has been capped 16 times by France during his career and scored three times for his country.Thierry Henry could spring a few surprises with his French Olympic squadCredit: GettyLyon’s Alexandre Lacazette could be going for Olympic gold this summerCredit: APHowever, he has not represented Les Bleus for SEVEN YEARS – but that could change at Paris 2024.Lacazette left Arsenal for Lyon in 2022 and he has been in sensational form for them since with 42 goals in 60 matches in the top-flight.Despite his prowess, his team were in the relegation zone after 16 games this term until Pierre Sage took over as manager.But Lacazette has fired eight goals since the turn of 2024 as the strugglers climbed up the table.READ MORE ON ARSENALThat form could be about to land the hitman a shot at winning a gold medal for his country.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is the manager of France’s U21 side and will be in charge of the team that enter the Olympics this summer on home turf.He holds grand ambitions of being able to include Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud in his squad.And now Henry assistant, another ex-Arsenal ace in Gael Clichy, has told Telefoot that Lyon skipper Lacazette is also on the list.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe said: “I see that he has a lot of playing time, I see that he is decisive and above all I see that he is a captain. He is a part of this list.“Inevitably, there will be some surprises.”Gus Poyet explains why Arsenal are not out of Prem title hunt after Aston Villa heartbreakLacazette spent five years playing in London for Arsenal and scored 71 goals in 206 games under Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.He lifted the FA Cup in 2020 with the Gunners but returned to Lyon in 2022 after leaving them for the Emirates in 2017.The star recently admitted how he was left shocked by the lack of facilities for young footballers in England.He said: “One thing that surprised me in London: there is no ground where you can play football for free.”And he also hit back at those critics that claimed he has “finished”.Lacazette added: ““Many people thought I was finished.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They were saying that I wouldn’t succeed, that the club was making a mistake.“I wanted to show that Lyon were right in calling on me.”Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More