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      I loved basketball and Arsenal as a kid – it’s a dream to be playing in the Premier League against the Gunners

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      BOURNEMOUTH’S ‘top dog’ basketball player Antoine Semenyo wants to slam-dunk his beloved Arsenal.The Ghana forward, 23, is on standby to start against the Gunners today, with the Cherries’ leading striker Dominic Solanke struggling with an ankle injury.
      Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring for Bournemouth at Anfield and hopes there is more to come as he settles into Premier League lifeCredit: Getty
      Our graphic of Semenyo mocked up playing basketball, his favourite sport growing up
      And Semenyo, a £9million signing from Bristol City in January, is  desperate to get a three-point shot at the team he followed as a kid.
      He said: “It’s a dream playing against the team you support when you are young.
      “It will be nice playing against them but you have a job in hand and we want to win the game.
      “I feel like I am building all the time in the Premier League but I wouldn’t say I am there yet.

      “There are still many more games to be played and many more goals to be scored.
      “So  I am  just keeping my head down and I’ll  keep working hard, and hopefully I will have many more starts and many more goals.”
      Semenyo was always on the  basketball court in his school days but eventually opted for football.
      He explained: “It is  a funny one because one of my friends who I used to go to school with said to me, ‘It’s crazy you play football  as you love basketball’.
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      “I was just good at the sport, nothing more than that, but life is  football now, isn’t it?”
      And the Chelsea-born star has not completely turned his back on  basketball and loves beating  team-mates on  NBA computer games.
      He said: “I’ve just come off the PlayStation and playing NBA with Brooksy (David Brooks) and Tavs (Marcus Tavernier).
      “You get some time off the pitch and we play each other and we enjoy it. We all love it and, yes, but I am the top dog!”
      The Cherries are 17th in the table and still seeking their first Premier League win under new Spanish gaffer Andoni Iraola.
      But they have secured three creditable draws against West Ham, Brentford and Chelsea.
      Semenyo said: “I don’t think this group is hurting but it is  just frustrating because we haven’t been playing badly.”
      The striker made a rare start on Wednesday night in the 2-0 Carabao Cup third-round win over Stoke.
      But he was replaced at half-time by Solanke, who notched his fourth goal of the season before going  off injured.
      One of the highlights of Semenyo’s season so far was scoring at Anfield in last month’s 3-1 defeat at Liverpool.
      When we win, it’s like a big celebration and you know you are going to be bombarded  — but it’s a nice feeling.Semenyo on Ghana
      And although the Cherries supporters  have not seen the best of him yet, in Ghana it is a very different story — because he is mobbed wherever he goes in his homeland.
      In March, he scored his first  competitive   international goal in a 1-0 victory over Angola.
      And this month he set up Ernest Nuamah’s late winner against  Central African Republic, which secured Ghana a place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
      So even though Semenyo can walk around Bournemouth virtually unnoticed he describes the attention he gets in Ghana as “really crazy”.
      He added: “I tell you, the fans out there are passionate.
      “Football means everything to them and we are playing for them, for us and for our country.
      Semenyo (right) with Thomas Partey, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Fatawu Issahaku and Tariq Lamptey in Ghana’s World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      “When we win, it’s like a big celebration and you know you are going to be bombarded  — but it’s a nice feeling.
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      “It’s online, it’s on the streets and you can be in your hotel, just  sitting around, and five or six people will run at you.
      “When you are out there, it’s really crazy — but you just embrace it.” More

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      Man Utd stars Sancho and Martial on Barcelona’s budget transfer shortlist of flops and outcasts along with Arsenal duo

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      BARCELONA have Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial on their six-man transfer shortlist, it’s claimed.The Spanish champions are also said to be eyeing moves for Arsenal duo Kai Havertz and Jorginho next summer.
      Jadon Sancho is on Barcelona’s stunning six-man transfer shortlistCredit: Getty
      Anthony Martial has struggled for consistent minutes this seasonCredit: Getty
      Barca’s financial problems have had a direct impact on their transfer business in recent seasons.
      In order to manage their issues, the club have been forced to look at free agents, flops, and out-of-favour players from top teams in Europe.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, they have already applied that approach to their plans for next summer.
      The report claims that Barca have drawn up a six-man list of potential targets, which includes Sancho and Martial.
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      Sancho has not played for United since August 26 following his public falling out with Erik ten Hag.
      The Red Devils boss has even banished the winger from attending any first-team activities as their feud continues.
      As a result, Sancho’s future at Old Trafford appears to be over, with Roma joining Barcelona in being linked with a move.
      Meanwhile, Martial has also struggled for consistent opportunities so far this season and is into the final year of his contract.
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      The Frenchman was also booed by his own fans as he replaced Rasmus Hojlund against Brighton earlier this month.
      Xavi is not just looking at United players, though, with the report adding that he has his eye on Arsenal pair Havertz and Jorginho.
      The former Chelsea duo have both joined the Gunners this year, with Jorginho arriving in January ahead of Havertz’s summer move.

      Mikel Arteta has yet to start Jorginho in the league this season and the Italian was linked with an exit in the summer as his contract expires in 2024.
      Havertz, on the other hand, has struggled for form since joining the club and is yet to register a goal or an assist this term.
      He was also dropped for the trip to Everton earlier this month and again started on the bench in last weekend’s North London derby.
      Barcelona’s six-man shortlist does include players from outside the Premier League, though.
      Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt is their sole defensive target, having complained about his playing time with the German giants.
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      The Blaugrana are also one of a number of clubs tracking Athletic Club forward Nico Williams.
      With less than a year remaining on his deal, the Spain winger has provided four assists in four LaLiga matches this season.
      Jorginho is out of contract at the end of this seasonCredit: Getty
      Kai Havertz has struggled for form since joining Arsenal in the summerCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe opens up on his ‘relief’ after first start in 499 days and admits he ‘had a lot of doubts’

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      EMILE SMITH ROWE has overcome his crisis of confidence and is finally ready to make his mark at Arsenal.The young midfielder admits he was crippled by doubt as he struggled to nail down a regular place in Mikel Arteta’s team.
      Emile Smith Rowe returned to the Arsenal side for the first time in 499 daysCredit: Alamy
      But a change of attitude has sparked fresh belief in his ability and now he is determined to show that all that early promise was not just a flash in the pan.
      Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win at Brentford was Smith Rowe’s first start in 499 days for Arsenal.
      And though he was unable to last the full 90 minutes, he still took enough encouragement from his performance to believe that his fortunes are about to change for the better.
      Last season was a virtual write-off for the frustrated 23-year-old after he was sidelined for three months by a groin operation and was then unable to force his way back into a team fighting for the Premier League title.
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      But he was a key player in England’s summer triumph at the Euro Under-21 Championships and is now knocking firmly on the Arsenal door for more first team minutes.
      He admits “I used to have a lot of doubts. I didn’t have a lot of confidence and I questioned myself at times.
      “But I have changed my mentality and now I am just going to go for it because I really don’t have anything to lose.
      “Last season was a really tough period for me, having surgery for the first time and then suffering another setback when I finally got back onto the pitch.
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      “It was really challenging but the gaffer helped me through that period because he supported me through the injury and he often pulled me in for chats about how I could become mentally stronger.
      “He’s told me that I have to stay patient and to keep working hard in training and there’s a lot of stuff I’ve been working on to improve.
      “It’s been a long wait to get back into the team and it has been a challenge, but I’m enjoying it and now I feel happy and really fit.
      “It’s definitely a relief for me and now I am going to push on from here.”
      One thing which has never been in doubt has been the backing of Smith Rowe’s team-mates and the Arsenal supporters.
      The loudest cheer of last week’s 4-0 Champions League win against PSV Eindhoven came when he was introduced as a second-half substitute and he says: “To hear the fans singing my name was a really proud moment for me and all my family.
      “I had the whole team behind me when I was going through surgery. They all had my back and that definitely made me feel stronger.
      “It’s such a talented team at Arsenal with so much quality, so I know that I have to stay patient and wait for my chance.
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      “There is always going to be competition  at a massive club like Arsenal and it will always be difficult to cement your place in the team.
      “But I really believe in myself now. I have all the right people around me to help so I just have to keep going and I am sure my chance will come.” More

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      Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool ‘to rival City in race for £50m-rated Brentford star after red-hot start to 2023-24’

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      MANCHESTER CITY are facing competition from three Premier League rivals for Brentford’s Aaron Hickey.Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have joined the race and are ready to make bids for the £50million-rated Scottish defender.
      Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal have joined Man City in the race to sign Aaron HickeyCredit: Getty
      The 21-year-old full-back has been in remarkable form for both club and country – attracting interest from a the Premier League’s big-hitters in the process.
      SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this year that City were chasing Hickey, who was then rated at £30m.
      And Pep Guardiola remains keen on the Bees star, despite seeing his side win six out of six in a flawless start to the season.
      But it won’t be easy, with the Mirror reporting title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, as well as neighbours United interested too.
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      German giants Bayern Munich who already poached Harry Kane from the Prem this summer, are also keen.
      And Hickey’s performances have seen his price-tag continue to rise too, with Brentford set to demand at least £50m.
      Bees boss Thomas Frank will be gutted if he loses another key asset with Rico Henry sidelined due to a serious knee injury, and suspended talisman Ivan Toney set to depart in January.
      Frank spoke about Hickey’s versatility and importance in the Bees squad.
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      He said: “With Aaron there is a lot of talk about whether he is a right back or a left-back, but I am in that privileged position that he can play on both sides and will most likely go on the left.
      “He is both-footed and has huge ability, we don’t have that many full-backs so he is very important.
      “He is a player we signed a year ago with big ambitions and his future and it is going in the right direction for him.”
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made it clear how much he rates Hickey’s ability to play on either flank and is ready to fight for his signature.
      United meanwhile are desperate to add to their full-backs with Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka suffering injuries.
      Liverpool are keen to reboot what Jurgen Klopp is calling ‘Liverpool 2.0’ with youthful talent and Hickey fits the bill perfectly.
      The Brentford star started out as a left-back for Hearts before making his way to the Serie A side Bologna in 2020.
      Hickey then made his debut in 2022 for the Premier League and has since made a remarkable start under Frank. More

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      Arsenal star facing months out as he posts Instagram message after being forced off with nasty injury

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      LUTON’s Albert Sambi Lokonga is facing months out with a hamstring injury.The Belgium midfielder on loan from Arsenal was withdrawn in the 57th minute as the struggling Premier League new boys drew 1-1 at home to Wolves on Saturday.
      Albert Sambi Lokonga is gutted to be injured after joining promoted Luton from Arsenal for the season to get regular gamesCredit: PA
      Lokonga, 23, said on Instagram: “Unfortunately, an injury has come and delayed everything. I will be focused on my recovery.”
      Luton boss Rob Edwards added: “It is really disappointing because he really wants to play and was excellent [in his first couple of games].”
      Lokonga has played twice for Luton since arriving in the summer,
      And Edwards is reeling as he believed the former Anderlecht starlet could play a key role in the Hatters’ fight to rise out of the bottom three.
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      The ex-Watford manager said: “Sambi made a real positive start to his life at Luton Town – two really good performances.
      “So it’s a real shame for him first and foremost as he wanted to come and perform, play games.
      “‘He was going to have the opportunity to do that with us.”
      Lokonga is tipped to sit out at least two months.
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      And Edwards added: “It could be a while, we’ll have to see.
      “We’re disappointed for him as he made a great start and he’s a really good player.”
      Luton have bagged just one poInt from their five games back in the top flight.
      But the Hatters’ next Prem clash on Tuesday is high up their target list for wins.
      Luton host Championship winners Burnley, who are one of only three other clubs without a victory so far this term. More

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      Brentford 0 Arsenal 1: Reiss Nelson nets as Ramsdale helps Gunners grind out Carabao Cup win with defensive display

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      AARON RAMSDALE silenced the abuse of the Brentford fans as Arsenal edged their way into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.The England international keeper was taunted as a “s*** David Raya” on his return to first-team action for the Gunners.
      Arsenal kicked off their Carabao Cup campaign away to BrentfordCredit: ALAMY
      Reiss Nelson put the Gunners 1-0 up in the eighth minuteCredit: REX
      The 23-year-old was all smiles after breaking the deadlockCredit: AFP
      But it was Ramsdale who had the last laugh as his stunning second-half save from Yoane Wissa was enough to see his team over the line courtesy of Reiss Nelson’s early strike.
      Mikel Arteta always claims that the aim for Arsenal is to win every competition they play. But we all know that’s not strictly true.
      The reality is that no one really gives a toss about the Carabao Cup at the Emirates because they have bigger fish to fry these days.
      But it remains a useful opportunity to give some of the fringe players a run-out…even if most of them know it’s like a glorified reserve match.
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      So this was the perfect time for Emile Smith Rowe to step out of the shadows and end 499 days without a first-team start for the Gunners.
      This was the midfielder’s 100th appearance for the club and it was immediately apparent that he was out to show Arteta what he has been missing.
      The former England international was one of the eight changes to the team which had drawn with Spurs in Sunday’s North London derby, with 19-year-old Charles Sagoe Jr making his debut on the right wing in place of Bukayo Saka.
      Brentford stuck pretty much with the team which had lost 3-1 at home to Everton and if Thomas Frank was hoping to see a reaction to that dismal display he was to be sorely disappointed.
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      Aaron Ramsdale was back in the starting XI for the trip across LondonCredit: Reuters
      The England stopper made a crucial save to preserve the Gunners’ 1-0 leadCredit: REX
      Having been opened up by the worst attack in the Premier League at the weekend, it was no surprise that it took them just eight minutes to fall behind again last night.
      And once again they were the architects of their own downfall when Zanka’s wayward back pass was picked off by Eddie Nketiah before Nelson calmly rolled his shot past Mark Flekken.
      The visitors were passing the ball around for fun and almost doubled their lead in the 30th minute when Smith Rowe swapped passes with stand-in skipper Jorginho before his shot was saved by Flekken with an outstretched leg.
      Brentford’s only response was to go quick and long and it almost paid off when Vitaly Janelt’s powerful shot was blocked by Takehiro Tomiyasu.
      And they should have been level in the 34th minute when Yoane Wissa found himself completely free in the Arsenal area with only Ramsdale to beat but somehow managed to drag his shot wide.
      It was a welcome let-off for Ramsdale, who was desperate to mark his return to the starting line-up with a clean sheet.
      He was serenaded throughout the night with chants of “England’s number one” from the travelling Arsenal fans making it clear that he remains deep in their affections.
      But no one made him feel more comfortable than the wayward Brentford attack which failed to test him with a single shot on target until the 66th minute.
      And when Wissa finally found his range, Ramsdale responded with a splendid full-length save to tip the ball against the base of his far post.
      It was the kind of match-winning contribution Ramsdale had been dreaming of, so it was no surprise when he celebrated his act of defiance in front of the Brentford fans who had been questioning his ability.
      But with Brentford pushing harder and more powerfully in search of an equaliser, Arteta was forced to send on the big guns of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard to see his team over the line.
      Nelson should have put the tie to bed in the 70th minute when he was teed up by Kai Havertz but rolled his shot wide when he should have scored.
      That made for a nervous last 20 minutes for Arteta as Ramsdale was forced back into action to push away Frank Onyeka’s shot before Tomiyasu applied another important block to deny Saman Ghoddos.
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      Ramsdale was finally beaten in the 84th minute when Keane Lewis-Potter was left completely free to pick his spot, but Jakub Kiwior raced back to pull off a stunning goal-line clearance.
      And that was just about enough to see Arsenal into the fourth-round draw for another Carabao Cup tie which they really could do without.
      Jakub Kiwior made a crucial goal-line clearance in the 84th minuteCredit: Rex More

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      Piers Morgan begs Victor Osimhen ‘come to Arsenal’ with Napoli star considering suing OWN CLUB over mocking TikTok video

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      PIERS MORGAN urged Victor Osimhen to “come to Arsenal” as the striker considers suing his own club Napoli for a mocking TikTok video.Osimhen’s agent blasted the Italian champs for a now-deleted post taunting their main man for missing a penalty in Sunday’s 0-0 Serie A draw at Bologna.
      Victor Osimhen’s agent has accused Napoli of causing the frontman ‘very serious damage’ with a video teasing him over a spot-kick fail
      Piers Morgan hopes Osimhen joins Saka and Jesus up front for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      And Gunners’ super-fan Morgan responded with a direct plea to the Nigerian, who was linked with Arsenal, Manchester and Chelsea earlier this year.
      The Sun columnist posted: “Don’t take this terrible treatment @victorosimhen9 – come to Arsenal instead.”
      PSG, Newcastle and Everton also reportedly shown interest in the 23-year-old in the last two transfer windows.
      Napoli have appeared determined to keep a player who some pundits rate as the world’s most complete frontman.
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      That stance has not altered publicly – but the decision to make, let alone post, a video trolling Osimhen seems bizarre.
      Napoli added the caption “Gimme penalty please” to his spot-kick miss, plus a whining voice-over appearing to take fun out of the ex-Lille star.
      Osimhen’s representative Roberto Calenda issued a statement on Tuesday night condemning the club’s actions.
      He wrote: “What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable.
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      “A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted.
      “A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment that the boy is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news”.
      “We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor.”
      Osimhen later appeared to have deleted all reference to Napoli from his Instagram account, with only pictures from Nigeria and his previous clubs remaining. More

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      Mauro Icardi repeats Arsenal Invincibles’ epic penalty fail 18 years later… and can’t resist laughing at himself

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      MAURO ICARDI accidentally recreated the most infamous penalty miss in Premier League history – and couldn’t help seeing the funny side of it.The Galatasaray superstar aped Arsenal’s embarrassing effort from 2005 when Robert Pires failed to make contact with a cheeky short pass to fellow “Invincibles” legend Thierry Henry.

      Kerem Akturkoglu taps the penalty – ready for Mauro IcardiCredit: beIN Sports
      Icardi then somehow rolls the ball wide, despite the keeper being groundedCredit: beIN Sports
      Even the former Inter Milan and PSG star found it amusingCredit: beIN Sports
      Robert Pires and Thierry Henry might now feel less bad about their failCredit: Getty
      This time Turkey winger Kerem Akturkoglu did at least manage to tap the ball sideways.
      But Icardi somehow slotted the pass wide when the İstanbulspor keeper was on the ground.
      The ex-PSG frontman briefly held his head in his hands.
      But he soon burst into a huge grin as he walked back swinging his arms.
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      That reaction was almost as remarkable as his miss – because Galatasaray were attempting to extend their lead at the top of the Turkish top-flight.
      Shocked fans posted “Are you serious?”
      And the Argentina hitman instantly proved he certainly was – as he hit the only goal at lowly Istanbulspor on Tuesday.
      Meanwhile, Arsenal’s notorious spot-kick calamity is still the centre of controversy – 18 years later.
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      Pires seemed to stumble when he tried to nudge the ball to Henry – with Manchester City defender Danny Mills rushing into clear before the referee gave a free-kick.
      But former strike hero Henry told Sky Sports: “That penalty should have been retaken, because the ball never moved from the spot.” More