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      Wrexham set for huge ‘scramble’ for Arsenal star as they target first transfer since promotion to League One

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      WREXHAM are eyeing up a first transfer since returning to League One, according to reports.The Welsh club clinched successive promotions on Saturday following a 6-0 win over Forest Green.Arthur Okonkwo has impressed for Wrexham during his loan spell this seasonCredit: AlamyHe has started 34 of Wrexham’s 44 league matchesIt means they will spend next season in the third tier for the first time since 2005.And they are now understood to be considering a permanent move for keeper Arthur Okonkwo – who has spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Wrexham from Arsenal.He has been Phil Parkinson’s first-choice shot-stopper this season, starting 34 of their 44 matches in League Two.Okonkwo, named in the League Two Team of the Season, is set to return to Arsenal in a fortnight following the end of Wrexham’s domestic campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, according to Sport Bible, the Gunners have not offered a new deal to the man who played for them in a pre-season friendly against Hibernian in 2021.His existing contract expires at the end of May.And an exit from the Emirates, that would bring to an end a 15-year stay with Arsenal, is expected to spark a “scramble for his signature”.But Wrexham’s desire to sign Okonkwo, 22, will depend on his wage demands.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Welsh outfit, owned by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have covered less than half of his wages this season, with Arsenal continuing to pay the majority of his salary.But Wrexham will be keen to bring players in on permanent deals as a number of current players are preparing to see their contracts run down.Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurantAaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Luke Young, Ben Tozer, Callum McFadzean, Rob Lainton and Matk Howard are all set to become free agents in the summer if they do not pen extensions.Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could splash the cash this summerCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal wonderkid named in Team of the Season after helping lead Hollywood-backed Wrexham to promotion

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      ARSENAL loanee Arthur Okonkwo has been named in the League Two Team of the Season.The 22-year-old goalkeeper joined Wrexham on a season-long loan in September and has since played a crucial role in the club’s promotion push.Arsenal loanee Arthur Okonkwo has been named in the Team of the SeasonCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper has been crucial in Wrexham’s promotion push this seasonCredit: PAIn 38 appearances across all competitions Okonkwo has kept 15 clean sheets and made several match-defining saves.His impressive form has even caught the eye of the Nigeria national team.NFF chiefs are now reportedly considering him for a senior international call-up.Okonkwo was named in the League Two Team of the Season at the EFL Awards on Sunday.Read More on ArsenalHis Wrexham team-mate Elliot Lee was also named in the XI.The Red Dragons secured promotion to League One with a 6-0 win over Forest Green Rovers at the weekend.Fans invaded the pitch at the STōK Cae Ras Stadium at full-time with Hollywood star and co-owner Ryan Reynolds watching on.Reynolds later took to X to congratulate the team, writing: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”Wrexham fans were then treated to a night of singing, Jagerbombs, and celebration with the squad at a local restaurant and bar.Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurantHow Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.

      But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
      Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
      With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
      Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
      He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
      And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
      It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice. More

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      Piers Morgan names Arteta’s ‘major blindspot’ as he sends distress call to Cristiano Ronaldo after huge Arsenal loss

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      PIERS MORGAN has blasted Mikel Arteta’s “major blindspot” over Arsenal’s attack – and identified Cristiano Ronaldo as the solution.The broadcaster fears Arteta’s “refusal” to sign a proven finisher is ruining the Gunners’ title dream, as shown by Aston Villa’s 2-0 win at the Emirates.Saudi Pro League top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo bagged hat-tricks in successive games and would do a great job for Arsenal, says Piers MorganCredit: ReutersThis map shows how the Gunners struggled to penetrate against Aston VillaMikel Arteta wasn’t the only one frustrated by Arsenal’s shot-shy displayCredit: ReutersArsenal brought in Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz last summer but have not signed a true striker since Gabriel Jesus in July 2022.And with even Jesus more of a maker than a taker of goals, super-fan Morgan has no doubts about the reason Arsenal could again miss out on the Premier League crown.Sunday’s shocker left the Gunners two points off leaders Manchester City.Morgan responded by posting: “Arsenal’s lack of a proper striker has come back to haunt us.READ MORE TOP STORIES”So many chances in first half, but none taken. If Watkins was playing for us, we’d have won this 3-0.”That verdict came after Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins struck clinically late on – in contrast to the Gunners’ tame frontline.Morgan added: “I think @Cristiano would score 25+ goals a season in our team with the service he’d get.”Arteta’s refusal to prioritise a top striker is his one major blindspot.”Most read in FootballThe presenter added: “FFS. We’ve choked again. Unbelievable.”During the match, Gabriel Jesus took up no more of an advanced position than winger Leandro Trossard, with his average spot half way between the edge of the penalty box and the halfway line.Say fans after spotting Ollie Watkins’ antics when celebrating goal vs ArsenalFive-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, 39, has bagged 56 goals from 62 matches for Al-Nassr since moving to Saudi Arabia in December 2022.And the Portugal legend heads the Saudi Pro League scoring charts this season, netting 29 times in 25 games, including two hat-tricks in a row.Al-Hilal’s ex-Fulham hero Aleksandar Mitrovic comes next on 22 goals.That’s despite Al-Nassr sitting second, a distant 12 points behind Al-Hilal.Ronaldo was always prolific for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, even though he was mainly a winger until his late-20s.But after netting 18 Prem goals in his first season back at Old Trafford in 2021-22, his form dipped ahead of his controversial exit.A tell-all Talk TV interview with Morgan was the final straw for United ahead of his departure 18 months ago he laid into boss Erik ten Hag. More

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      Arsenal hunting down sick racist who posted vile tweet about England ace Bukayo Saka

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      ARSENAL have stepped up their efforts in the hunt for a racist who abused forward Bukayo Saka on social media.The Premier League side contacted X/Twitter bosses at the weekend to demand the post be removed.Arsenal have stepped up their efforts in the hunt for the racist who abused Bukayo Saka onlineCredit: AlamySaka also received racist abuse after missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 finalCredit: AlamyAnd they are now working with data science company Signify to unmask the troll.The firm uses AI tech to identify abusive social media users.Last year, 18 Arsenal members were banned as a result of its probes.Yesterday, London’s Met Police also confirmed officers are investigating the offensive post, but said no arrests had yet been made.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSaka, 22 — who played in yesterday’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa — was subjected to a vile slur by the yob who said he “needs to be humbled before he ruins this sport any further”.It came after Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich last Tuesday in which Saka went down late on and appealed for a penalty.Some fans believe he tried to con the referee by throwing himself into Bayern’s goalie.His abuser’s account has now been made private, so it is not known if the offensive post has been deleted or not.Most read in FootballHowever, The Sun on Sunday revealed Elon Musk’s platform had refused to remove it after it was reported — insisting it “did not violate safety policies”.A source at Arsenal said: “Player welfare is our first priority and our full focus is on supporting Bukayo. We have began our own investigation to attempt to identify the abuser and have contacted X.Raging Bukayo Saka pushed away from referee after Arsenal are denied last-minute penalty against Bayern Munich “We’ll always take strong action to stamp out this abhorrent behaviour.”Arsenal began working with Signify after Saka and England teammates Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were racially abused for missing penalties in the Euro 2020 final shootout defeat to Italy.The Sun approached X for comment.X refused to remove the racist postCredit: Rex More

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      Arsenal fans called out by Rio Ferdinand and Des Kelly as Emirates empties before final whistle in Aston Villa clash

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      RIO FERDINAND and Des Kelly called out Arsenal fans’ early exodus from the Emirates during a devastating 2-0 loss against Aston Villa.Shock home defeats for the Gunners and Liverpool left Manchester City two points clear amid a pivotal weekend for the Premier League title race.Many Arsenal fans started heading out once Aston Villa went in frontCredit: ReutersJorginho and Declan Rice reflect on what could be a costly defeatCredit: PAViewers including pundits were stunned to see early departuresCredit: ReutersBut pundits like Manchester United legend Ferdinand struggled to accept Arsenal supporters streaming out well ahead of the final whistle.Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins struck on 84 and 87 minutes as Villa went three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham with a deserved victory.And ex-England defender Ferdy shared a picture of fast-emptying seats behind the goal as he wrote: “Early train Arsenal fans??? Ffs.”Former long-serving BT Sport broadcaster Kelly posted an even sparser image from the touchline stands and added: “With 8 mins still to go..?”READ MORE TOP STORIESOne viewer labelled the home crowd “an embarrassing set of fans”.Another observer responded: “The title race is not over, the players need to feel their support more than ever.”Ferdinand’s displeasure over the disappearing Emirates audience won plenty of backing on social media.”Rio is cooking,” said one football enthusiast.Most read in FootballRio Ferdinand posted his shock at fans not backing Arsenal all the wayCredit: RexAnd another added: “Shocking support when your team really needs it. 75% of fans had left once 2 nil down.”Inevitably, of course rival supporters joined the taunts from the wider football audience.Paul Merson’s pre-match prediction that ‘might come back to bite Arsenal’ comes true in Aston Villa clash”Yep, fire drill started at 1 nil down,” mocked one, while a few dubbed the early-leavers “plastic” fans.One supporter tried to hit back by posting: “95th minute, 2-0 down with no chance to win, why wait around?”But he came under instant fire from replies like: “That’s with 2 and half minutes left, it was empty with 7 and half to go.” More

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      Forgotten Arsenal star reveals ‘sadness’ as he prepares to return to Gunners after loan transfer

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      ARSENAL defender Kieran Tierney has expressed his “sadness” at the prospect of leaving Real Sociedad this summer.The Scotland international who joined the Spanish club on loan at the start of the 2023/24 season, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency during his time in Basque Country. Kieran Tierney has revealed his ‘sadness’ at the prospect of leaving Real Sociedad this summerCredit: GettyThe Arsenal defender went on loan to the La Liga giants at the beginning of the seasonCredit: PAWith Real Sociedad unlikely to make his move permanent and Tierney is not in line to return to the first team at Arsenal his future in North London is at risk.An exit to another Premier League side or a return to the 26-year-old’s former side Celtic has been mentioned.But with only a few weeks left in the season, he is disappointed he will have to leave Sociedad.He told Marca: “I don’t speak as much Spanish as I would like. It’s very difficult to learn and you need to be consistent for three or four days a week.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”But I have learned a different style of football and a different culture.“I’m living an incredible experience, which I’m enjoying. It’s sad there is so little left with only six or seven weeks until the season ends.”The La Liga giants are aiming for a spot in the UEFA Europa League as they currently sit sixth in the league.They sit eight points adrift from fifth place Atheltic Club who are sitting in the qualification spot for the European tournament. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERMeanwhile, Tierney has had an underwhelming term at Imanol Alguacil’s side.Missing a chunk of games due to a hamstring injury has left the defender with only 18 appearances this season.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsTierney arrived at Arsenal from Celtic in 2019 on a £25million deal – a record amount for both a Scottish national and a player from the Scottish league. More

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      Ex-Man Utd star who demanded hugely controversial transfer ‘close to joining Arsenal backroom team under Mikel Arteta’

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      MIKEL ARTETA is reportedly lining up a controversial former Manchester United star to add to his backroom team.That’s according to reports in Argentina that are linking Gabriel Heinze with a move to Arsenal’s coaching team.Arteta has identified Gabriel Heinze as a potential member of his coaching staffCredit: GettyHeinze most recently managed Newell’s Old BoysCredit: AFPHeinze has some first-team coaching experience, having briefly been head coach of Atlanta United in the MLS.He most recently managed Argentine giants Newell’s Old Boys for one year between January 2023 and December 2023 but left after a mid-table finish.ESPN Argentina report that Heinze is a character that Arteta likes, particularly with one of his current coaches, Carlos Cuesta, being linked with a managerial move to Norwich.Fellow coach Albert Stuivenberg has also been linked with a managerial move to Ajax.READ MORE ARSENALJournalist Leandro Alves says Heinze has been in London and has held talks with Arsenal.He was recently pictured watching a Real Madrid Under-19 game with Arteta as Los Blancos took on Atletico Madrid.Heinze played for Manchester United between 2004 and 2007, playing 83 times for the club.He caused controversy for trying to force a move to rivals Liverpool in 2007 before eventually leaving for Real Madrid.Most read in FootballHeinze angered Sir Alex Ferguson by trying to force a move to LiverpoolCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHad he made the move directly from Manchester United to Liverpool he would have been the first to do so since 1964.Heinze said at the time: “My fight is for the freedom to negotiate with any club.What happened to Highbury?”United never wanted me to leave for one of the big clubs, but this anti-Liverpool clause is incredible.”He has since admitted that he regrets trying to force through the transfer.He recently said: “I hope it doesn’t tarnish the way they [the fans] see me and they will remember the three years I had in the team.”Heinze played with Arteta when they both played for PSG in the 2001-02 season and the pair appear to have maintained a good relationship.Arteta was asked about the prospect of some of his coaching staff leaving to take managerial jobs back in February.He said: “If that’s their will? You cannot [stop them]. I wouldn’t, no.”It’s very important, and with the staff as well. I think everybody needs to feel that there is a path, there is a development plan for everyone.”People don’t want to do the same thing for three, four, five years you know, and there is a way to incentivise people, to inspire other people, and then to explore.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because you don’t really know the limit of a person unless you expose him to certain things. I think curiosity is a really important quality that we have within our young staff, and that thrives.”We all need opportunities. I got an opportunity when I didn’t have any experience in coaching, first of all at Man City and then here, and I’m very grateful for that.”How Arteta made Arsenal horrible again, with Tony Pulis tactic and gentle star turned into Diego Costa-style hate figureBy Dave Kidd
      BOTTLERS, chokers, shandy-drinking southern softies.
      These were the charges levelled at Arsenal when they blew the title last season.
      And even if the actual reason they failed was because William Saliba got injured and Rob Holding had to start, Mikel Arteta clearly took those accusations to heart.
      If his team are not crowned champions next month, the Gunners boss has categorically ensured that they won’t go down being accused of nicey-niceyness.
      Because, as well as being thrillingly entertaining and free-scoring when they want to be, this season’s Arsenal are also thoroughly horrible.They are not here to make friends. They are not interested in being anybody’s second-favourite team.
      And so, six days after stink-bombing the Etihad with a display of Mourinho-esque anti-football for a 0-0 draw, Arsenal turned up at the home of former bogey-team Brighton and s***housed their way to a thoroughly impressive 3-0 win.
      How wonderful for the travelling Gooners to witness Ben White — against his former club — going down as if he’d taken a bullet to his neck when Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan brushed against him.
      White is renowned as a gentle and decent bloke, intelligent enough to challenge the zeitgeist and claim there might be things in life other than football.
      And yet suddenly he’s become some Diego Costa-style anti-hero hate figure, his wife goading the masses by posting social-media pictures of them playing a childish card game on a sun lounger after he’d refused an international call-up.
      Because Arsenal are horrible again. Even Ben White is a villain.And that might just be Arteta’s greatest triumph.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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      Hollywood superstar interrupts interview to reveal she is Arsenal fan as supporters boast ‘we are gargantuan’

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      ANNE HATHAWAY has revealed herself to be an Arsenal fan. The Hollywood star was promoting her new movie, The Idea of You, alongside die-hard Gooner and co-star Nicholas Galitzine. Anne Hathaway, right, has revealed herself to be an Arsenal fanCredit: RexNicholas Galitzine joins Hathaway as an Arsenal fanCredit: GettyGalitzine described himself as a ‘die-hard’ GoonerDuring a chat with Interview Magazine, Hathaway said: “Okay, next question. What formation should Arsenal be playing in?” A shocked Galitzine replied: “Oh, thank you, Anne Hathaway! The people at Interview don’t know that we’re both diehard Arsenal fans. “I really believe we’re in a great place right now. Is this a genuine question? Because I will tell you.”To which Hathaway said: “I just thought this is a good chance to get Mikel Arteta’s attention.”READ MORE ON ARSENALGalitzine, from Hammersmith, wasted no time in giving Arteta a full tactical breakdown on how the Gunners should play. He said: “Listen, Mikel, if you’re looking for an assistant, it is a 4-3-3. It is a 3-5-2 in attack, really. “But we need a center forward who’s able to play in those spaces that Martin Ødegaard does, but is a focal point in attack. “I don’t think we have that just yet. So we need to dip into the market in the summer because the January transfer window is not a great time to buy. Most read in FootballArsenal’s glamorous fans

      Kim Kardashian
      Ivana Knoll
      Dido
      Charlize Theron
      Demi Moore
      Gwyneth Paltrow
      Gisele Bundchen

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      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We don’t want to spend money for the sake of it, but I think we’re in a good place.” Arsenal have a string of famous celebrity fans including Kim Kardashian but she has proven a bad omen for teams in the past. Arsenal’s top targets in the summer transfer windowBut Gooners were taken aback by Hathaway’s shock alleigance to the club as one said: “I’ve always liked her. She knows ball.”Another added: “Anne Hathaway supports Arsenal? We are gargantuan.”Kim Kardashian posing with a Gunners topCredit: Instagram/@arsenal More