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    Joshua Kimmich ‘considering huge Arsenal transfer with Bayern Munich ready to sell in the summer’

    JOSHUA KIMMICH is reportedly considering a shock move to Arsenal.The Germany international’s future with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich has been up in the air for several months.Joshua Kimmich’s future at Bayern Munich is unclearCredit: GettyThe Germany international is reportedly considering leaving the Allianz ArenaCredit: GETTYBayern tried to flog the versatile midfielder to Newcastle last summer in a deal involving defender Kieran Trippier, who they tabled three bids for.And they remain keen to sell the former RB Leipzig man this summer so as not to lose him on a free transfer next year.Arsenal are said to be one of five teams keen on acquiring the services of Kimmich, who is said to be open to the idea of potentially moving to the Emirates.That’s according to Sky Sports Germany, who claim Kimmich isn’t “ruling out a move, and he is open to discussions” with potential suitors.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSKimmich was reportedly involved in a bust-up with Thomas Tuchel’s assistant Zsolt Low after their defeat to table-toppers Bayer Leverkusen last month.BILD claimed he had to be held back by team-mates in the tunnel after Low shouted something at him.The incident, however, was downplayed by Tuchel, who said: “I know what was going on.”This is not for the public. We are in a football locker room.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBayern Munich are ten points behind Bundesliga table-toppers Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GETTY”This is a pretty normal occurrence if kept within limits. And it stayed within limits.”Defending Bundesliga champions Bayern have endured a disastrous campaign this season.Astonishing moment man tries to steal Kimmich’s shirt thrown to kid in crowd after Bayern Munich clash Tuchel’s troops are a whopping TEN points behind Leverkusen – despite the impressive haul of £82million summer signing Harry Kane.And they face a tricky path to winning the Champions League, facing Arsenal in the quarter-finals and potentially meeting Manchester City or Real Madrid in the semis. More

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    Rapper tries to lure Jude Bellingham and Ivan Toney to Arsenal in cheeky transfer mission

    UK rapper Chip has cheekily revealed he tried to convince Jude Bellingham and Ivan Toney to join Arsenal.The rapper posted a photo of him hanging out with both Toney and Bellingham and wrote: “Just tryna get everyone to Arsenal lol🤞🏾🥂🐾”.Chip posed with Jude Bellingham after a mealCredit: https://twitter.com/OfficialChipHe says he tried to convince both Bellingham and Toney to join ArsenalCredit: https://twitter.com/OfficialChipToney in particular has been linked extensively with a move to the Gunners.The North London club were widely expected to come in for the star in January, with Brentford holding out for an £80million fee.But Arsenal did not end up launching a move for the striker, with many believe they were limited by Premier League profit and sustainability rules.It’s since been suggested that Arsenal preferred to wait until the summer to launch a move for the forward, with Arteta keen to play with a false nine until the end of the season.READ MORE ON ARSENALBoth Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard have taken turns to play up front for the Gunners with the club currently sat at the top of the league.Arsenal are now believed to be prioritising bringing in a central midfielder over a striker.They have, however, been linked with moves for strikers Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres.The potential for Bellingham to join Arsenal appears more fanciful however.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe has enjoyed a stellar debut year for Real Madrid and looks set to star for England at the upcoming Euros.He is also likely to be joined by PSG star Kylian Mbappe in the summer, with Madrid finally looking like they will come good on their long-term interest in the forward.Jude Bellingham stunned as dramatic ‘winner’ for Real Madrid ruled out as referee blows final whistle with ball in airChip is a regular at Gunners games, and recently posted a photo of himself with Declan Rice and Havertz on his Instagram after their victory over Porto in the Champions League.He captioned the photo “170ms well spent.”Rice returned the love by commenting: “Yesssssir my guy🤝”Chip regularly hangs out with Arsenal playersCredit: InstagramHe said the money spent on Havertz and Rice was well spentCredit: Instagram More

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    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta one of two ‘obvious’ candidates to replace Xavi at Barcelona, claims Gerard Pique

    GERARD PIQUE has named Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as one of two “obvious” candidates to take over at Barcelona.Current Barca boss Xavi Hernandez is leaving the club in the summer with the team struggling in LaLiga.Mikel Arteta has been named as one of two obvious candidates for BarcelonaCredit: APGerard Pique believes Arteta understands the Barcelona DNACredit: GettyThis coming summer represents a pivotal moment for the Spanish giants owing to their crippling financial situation.However, in an interview with The Times, former Barcelona and Manchester United defender Pique has revealed who he believes to be the best candidates to steer the ship next.The 37-year-old said: “To manage Barça you need to be a specific type of coach and to understand the way Barça play, so the options are much less.”The obvious ones are [Pep] Guardiola, because he had his past here, and he is the best coach right now, and [Arsenal’s Mikel] Arteta. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He would be a good one also. He understands Barcelona and played for Barça in the past.”Arteta, 41, and Arsenal categorically denied reports in January which claimed he had decided to quit the Gunners to head to Spain. Indeed, Arteta said in a press conference following the news: “That’s totally fake news what you read yesterday.”I don’t know where it’s coming from and it’s totally untrue. I’m really upset about it…Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I could not believe [it] (the reports). I don’t know where it’s coming from.”I think we have to be very cautious when you talk about personal things.”The Premier League’s Top 10 sexiest managers according to AIHowever, Pique also believes that Xavi’s decision could still be reversed.He added: “I don’t think it’s a decision that is 100 per cent. “Let’s see how the season ends. I think maybe he will stay.” More

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    Gareth Southgate admits he can’t protect Ben White from fan backlash after player rejected England call-up

    ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate urged fans to lay off Ben White  after he asked to not be picked for his country again.Southgate, who named a 25-man squad to face Brazil and Belgium, revealed the Arsenal star does not want a call-up despite his red-hot form.Ben White has signed a new Arsenal deal but rejected an England returnCredit: PAGareth Southgate says it’s a ‘shame’ White said no to himCredit: PAFour-cap White, 26, who signed a new four-year Gunners deal on Thursday, went home for personal reasons during the 2022 Qatar World Cup.Yet Southgate says the door is still open for him, adding: “I don’t want a backlash. I understand we are in a situation where that could happen.“But he’s signed a new contract so there’s no question he’s got the love of the Arsenal fans.“The shame is I’d have liked to have picked him.READ MORE TOP STORIES“In these situations, I’ve tried to protect players. Yet that’s impossible here.“Because of the timing of asking to come off the long-list for our squad,  I don’t think that it would be right not to state the situation we’re in.“We’ve explained to Arsenal we were going to do that. And if you make a decision like that, you do have to stand by it.“The door is  open — but that’s unlikely now for the Euros because of the situation this month.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACING“Moving forward, I’d hope he feels differently about it. I can’t say he doesn’t deserve to be in.”SunSport understands the defender has not ruled out a return one day.Gareth Southgate reveals England have invited Sven-Goran Eriksson to Wembley friendlies after terminal cancer diagnosis But Arsenal sporting director Edu rang  FA chief John McDermott to tell him White still did not want to be considered.Knowing that Southgate would be asked about White, Arsenal yesterday morning confirmed he has signed on until 2028.Southgate, whose side host Brazil a week on Saturday and Belgium three days later, added: “I have to respect the decision.  “I spoke to him post- Qatar and there was reticence from his side.“I don’t know fully why that is. There is no issue between us. There is no issue with [England No 2] Steve Holland. That has been mentioned and I don’t like that.”Meanwhile, Southgate fears Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, 28, could miss the Euros with a muscle injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “The timelines would suggest he will only be available in the dying embers of the season.“You don’t know what version of the player you’re going to get.” More

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    Shock stat shows how lucky Arsenal were to scrape past Porto and reach first Champions League quarter-final in 14 years

    ARSENAL may have got through to the Champions League quarter-finals – but they left their shooting boots at home against Porto.The Gunners claimed a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory after David Raya’s double save allowed them to scrape through to Friday’s last-eight draw.Arsenal were limited to a few attempts on target across both legsCredit: RexSpot-kicks were needed to settle the tie after Leandro Trossard’s first-half strike made it 1-1 on aggregate.But Mikel Arteta’s side were limited to only four shots on target across both games.And all of them came on Tuesday’s tense affair at the Emirates – just two on target attempts in each half.After failing to challenge keeper Diogo Costa three weeks ago, Arsenal were again frustrated by a defensive Porto for long periods. READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSIt took a world-class pass from Martin Odegaard to finally put them on the scoreboard after 130 minutes of trying.That – and Odegaard’s disallowed goal – were the only times Arsenal were able to force the ball past the keeper across two games.One fan wrote: “Arsenal had the same number of shots on target in the penalty shoot-out (4), as they did in 180 minutes over the two legs against Porto (not including extra time).”While another tweeted: “Over 210 minutes of football, free-scoring Arsenal managed to get 4 shots on target against Porto. All 4 came tonight at home. Sergio Conceicao, ladies & gents.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis is a far cry from their free-scoring domestic form, which has left them top of the Premier League.The Gunners have netted an incredible 34 goals during a run of eight successive league wins – which amounts to an average of almost 4.5 goals per game.Porto boss Sergio Conceicao claims Mikel Arteta made horror insult during last-16 clash and blasts result as ‘unjust’Their current league tally stands at 68 – the most in the division and the most Arsenal have ever had at this stage of a campaign in the Premier League era, even more than the Invincibles season.And yet, less than three months ago, boss Mikel Arteta was under serious pressure to finally splash out on an elite No9 to take the North London club to the next level.Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Trossard, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Odegaard have all stood up in that time, hitting 24 goals between them since January 1.But fans noticed Saka’s quiet night against Wendell on Tuesday – although the England international did get the better of him in the shoot-out.Arsenal had been knocked out at the last-16 stage in their last seven appearances in the competition and are through to their first quarter in 14 years.The Gunners will be grateful their meeting with Chelsea initially scheduled for this weekend has been postponed. The Blues will face Championship leaders Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday. More

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    Fans convinced Declan Rice suffered ‘Gary Lineker moment’ as they spot wardrobe malfunction during Arsenal clash

    FOOTIE fans reckon Declan Rice had a “Gary Lineker” moment in Arsenal’s win over Porto.Rice anchored the Gunners’ midfield in their Champions League last-16 triumph over the Portuguese giants.Declan Rice was at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield in their Champions League clash with PortoCredit: GETTYThe unfortunate placing of some mud on his backside had footie fans joking that he’d accidentally done a number twoCredit: TNT SPORTSBut the unfortunate placing of some mud on his shorts ended up being one of the big talking points after the match.A streak of mud and some grass on his backside had football fans joking that the England international had pooed himself.One wrote on X: “Did Declan Rice s**t his pants?”Another said: “No wayyyy.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd another said: “Eww, that man s**t his pants.”One remarked: “Declan Rice’s bowels think he’s Gary Lineker.”Another chimed in: “Is Declan Rice the new Gary Lineker?”Most sensible footie fans, however, were quick to blast suggestions Rice had done a number two.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote: “It’s literally from the ground.”Another said: “It’s mud.”LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Declan Rice of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Porto at Emirates Stadium on March 12, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)And another said: “No mate that’s mud.”Match of the Day presenter and former Barcelona hitman Gary Lineker famously lost control of his bowels during England’s 1990 World Cup opener against Ireland.Recalling the incident, he said: “I’d been ill overnight and it was the opening day of the cup and I’d woken up a few times with diarrhoea, etc.”I didn’t want to tell Bobby Robson because I thought he might leave me out of the team, and I wanted to play, as always.”Anyway the game started and I was alright, then about 20 minutes I started cramping. “Somehow I made it through to half-time and I thought I’d be alright.”The ball went left down the Irish left hand side and I ran across and tried to block something. “I sort of fell to the ground and relaxed for a second and it just went ‘boom’. Gary Lineker accidentally soiled his pants while on England duty”It was like, ‘Oh my god,’ but it was everywhere.”Arsenal booked their place in the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in 14 years thanks to a shootout victory after a 1-1 draw on aggregate.When asked if he was confident going into the shootout, manager Mikel Arteta said: “‘No, [I wasn’t].”Because practising in the training ground, a few of them missed by the way yesterday, not today.”We prepare everything, the extra-time, the scenarios, the changes, how the players have to drink and eat.”And all that and in the end, you have to do it in the game, and to replicate the scenarios is really difficult.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Total credit to the boys, stepping up with maturity, with that confidence and they delivered.”The North Londoners will learn their fate for the last eight on Friday afternoon.Arsenal beat Porto on penalties to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions LeagueCredit: GETTY More

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    How Arsenal lined up the last time they were in Champions League quarter finals with cult hero blown away by Messi

    ARSENAL have at long last broke their last 16 Champions League curse by booking their place in the quarter final. Keeper David Raya was the hero on the night as his penalty shootout heroics saw off Porto. The Gunners won 1-0 on the night thanks to Leandro Trossard’s opener which levelled the tie on aggregate. And following shootout victory, Arsenal are into their first Champions League quarters since 2010. But they are not happy memories to look back on. The first-leg was drawn 2-2 at the Emirates giving the Gunners some hope heading into the return tie at the Nou Camp. READ MORE ON ARSENALArsene Wenger picked a backline of Bacary Sagna, Thomas Vermaelen, Mikael Silvestre and Gael Clichy with Manuel Almunia in goal.Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri made up the midfield with Theo Walcott, Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner up front.It was actually Arsenal cult hero Bendtner who gave the visitor’s a shock lead on the night after 18 minutes. But it soon became the Lionel Messi show after the future six-time Ballon d’Or winner scored FOUR, completing a first-half hat-trick. Most read in FootballArsenal’s Champions League record Gunners break their last-16 curse

    2010-11 vs Barcelona – L 4-3 on aggregate
    2011-12 vs AC Milan – L 4-3 on aggregate
    2012-13 vs Bayern Munich – D 3-3 (out on away goals)
    2013-14 vs Bayern Munich – L 3-1 on aggregate
    2014-15 vs Monaco – D 3-3 (out on away goals)
    2015-16 vs Barcelona – L 5-1 on aggregate
    2016-17 vs Bayern Munich – L 10-2 on aggregate
    2023-24 vs Porto – D 1-1 win on pens (through 4-2 on penalties)

    CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL The match ended 4-1 and 6-3 overall but Arsenal watched as Inter Milan went onto knock Barca out in the semis and win the lot. Arsenal would meet Barca again the following season, this time in the last 16 where they were again dumped out by the Spaniards. Bukayo Saka forced to sing live on TV by Kate Abdo after Arsenal win sparking shock reaction from Carragher and RichardsThis time, though, Pep Guardiola’s legendary side went onto win the whole thing, beating Manchester United 3-1 in the final. Barca are five-time Champions League winners but have no got their hands on the trophy since 2015. Meanwhile Arsenal have made it to the final only once before only to suffer heartbreak… to Barca. Lionel Messi ran riot in the 2010 quarter finalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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    Arsenal player ratings: David Raya the hero but William Saliba shows his nerves in Champions League thriller

    DAVID RAYA showed exactly why Mikel Arteta was so keen to bring him in as his penalty saves sent Arsenal into the Champions League quarter-finals.He was joined in his penalty heroics by Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who all showed nerves of steel to convert their spot kicks.It was dreamland for Arsenal as they won on penaltiesCredit: AFPDavid Raya provided two saves in the shootoutCredit: GettyThe Gunners had to dig deep to get there though, facing an uphill battle tonight having lost the first leg in Porto 1-0.When Leandro Trossard gave the Gunners the lead it looked as though they would go on to grab a second and maybe more with ease.But it wasn’t to be, Porto were gritty, and fortified themselves into an unbreachable base.In the end though, the Gunners showed composure when it mattered most and their fans will be eagerly awaiting the identity of their opponents in the last eight.READ MORE ON ARSENALHere’s how the Arsenal players rated…David Raya – 10Very little to do initially except watch a few long-rangers from Porto whizz past his post, but looked calm on the ball and his distribution was as consistent as ever.But what he did in the shoot-out was special. Two saves of the highest quality to send his side through to the quarter finals.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Ben White – 7His telepathy with Bukayo Saka was not quite there in the first half and struggled to get into as many attacking positions as he has been over the past couple of weeks.Most read in FootballKate Abdo reveals that Micah Richards flew in a day early for ‘special treatment’ ahead of Arsenal vs Porto clashImproved after the break. Arteta’s Mr Reliable put in a real shift.William Saliba – 6Perhaps the 22-year-old showed some nerves on such a big stage, heading long balls into danger when he had time to touch it down on two occasions before picking up a needless yellow card in the 38th minute.Gabriel – 7Showed some much-needed resilience with his partner on a yellow card for most of the match. The only disappointment was his lack of effectiveness from attacking set-pieces – a real strength of his game this season.Jakub Kiwior – 8Yet another solid display in a position that is not natural to him.Ironically, he now looks like Arsenal’s first choice left-back. His positioning and covering was superb, including a massive goal-saving tackle in his own box.Jorginho – 7Added some steel and experience to this midfield, as well as some composure in the first half when Arsenal were being frustrated in and out of possession.Looked tired as the game wore on and was right of Arteta to bring him off when he did.Declan Rice – 8Lung-busting until the end, galloping from box to box but his chances to dart in for a goal scoring opportunity were rare given the nature of the game.Looked to enjoy dictating from deep at times in a leadership role when Arsenal needed it.Rice continues to show why Arsenal paid the money for himCredit: EPAMartin Odegaard – 8Looked even more revved up than usual. His pressing was tireless, creating early inroads for his side before a beautifully weighted assist to tee up Leandro Trossard.Was so unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in the second half after his cute dink was ruled out for a harsh foul in the build-up.Bukayo Saka – 7Was kicked to shreds from the first minute but his blistering pace wreaked havoc down the right, and got more joy in terms of threatening the goal later in the game.But ultimately, he was very wasteful when chances fell to him.Kai Havertz – 7Did a lot of the dirty work up top and almost forced the goal to make it 2-0 only to have been judged to shove Pepe in the back before Odegaard converted.Leandro Trossard – 7Looked slightly off the pace until his brilliant finish into the corner just before the break. Faded away again after that, but was entrusted by Arteta to remain on the left.Trossard’s goal proved to be crucialCredit: GettySubsGabriel Jesus (on for Jorginho 83′) – 7Had a great chance moments after coming on but his effort from a tight angle was well smothered by Porto keeper Diogo Costa. Made a big impact and looked lively.READ MORE SUN STORIESOleksandr Zinchenko (on for Jakub Kiwior 106′) – 5Was brought on to bring composure and a bit of maturity, but struggled to do both, as well as being clumsy on the ball in the wrong areas.Eddie Nketiah (on for Leandro Trossard 106′) – 6Teed up Saka with a deft pass in the box that should have been finished late in injury time. More