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    Arsenal star Folarin Balogun wanted by AC Milan in summer transfer as Gunners set out their asking price for loan star

    AC MILAN are targeting a summer move for Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun, reports in Italy say. The American-born England Under-21 international has spent the season on loan with Reims and is shining with 18 goals in 29 league games.
    Folarin Balogun has spent the season on loan with Reims from ArsenalCredit: Getty
    And his form has attracted attention from across Europe, especially with Serie A champions Milan.
    According to Calciomercato, the Italian giants have added Balogun to their shortlist of targets in the summer.
    But they expect Premier League leaders Arsenal to demand a transfer fee of £26.5million.
    Milan are currently off the pace, only one point above rivals Inter in fourth.
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    Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, 36, leads the way as their top scorer this term with 12 in 34.
    And the Frenchman is close to confirming a new two-year deal with Milan, despite their interest in Balogun, 21.
    The Arsenal forward looks braced to return to London in the summer with the club already in fine scoring form.
    It means he faces a fight to compete with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, 26, and Eddie Nketiah, 23.
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    And the Athletic claim the striker has no interest in another season out on loan away from the Gunners.
    It leaves Emirates chiefs to decide whether to either sell Balogun permanently of give him the chance to compete in the squad.
    Gabriel Martinelli is Arsenal’s most prolific finisher this season, with 14 goals while Bukayo Saka is behind by one.
    Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are Arsenal’s top scorersCredit: Reuters More

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    Premier League Supercomputer predicts final table but how does Arsenal’s dramatic draw at Liverpool affect it?

    THE Premier League title race took yet another twist this weekend as Arsenal’s lead over Manchester City was cut to just six points. Pep Guardiola’s chasers emphatically beat Southampton 4-1 on Saturday before Arsenal visited Liverpool.
    The final Premier League table has been predicted to go down to the wireCredit: Getty
    But who will emerge victorious in the title race?Credit: Getty
    The Gunners had been two goals to the good after a stunning opening 30 minutes.
    However, a famous win was snatched from their grasp as Liverpool mounted a thrilling late comeback to draw 2-2.
    Following the result, bettingexpert.com has predicted who will emerge as the season’s champion.
    And, according to their supercomputer, it will be heartbreak for Man City.
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    This is because Arsenal are set to win the league title with an agonising one-point gap.
    It means the Gunners will see their current six-point gap to City dramatically reduce for a thrilling title run-in.
    How the final Premier League table will look according to the supercomputer
    Further down the table, Newcastle and Manchester United have been projected to hold on to their current positions in the top four.
    Their status is also set to be achieved with some decent wriggle room to fifth place Tottenham, who will finish seven points shy of fourth place Man Utd.
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    The remaining two European spots will be claimed by Brighton and Liverpool.
    It will mean Brighton will embark on their first European campaign, while Liverpool will be making their debut in the Europa Conference League.

    Further down the table, struggling Chelsea are predicted to have their worst Premier League season since 1996, finishing all the way down in 11th.
    In terms of relegation, Leicester, Nottingham Forest and Southampton are the unfortunate trio set to become the Championship’s newest arrivals. More

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    Arsenal ace Folarin Balogun refusing to go out on loan transfer again and ‘wants to be first choice striker next season’

    FOLARIN BALOGUN is reportedly “opposed” to going out on loan again with Arsenal facing a headache over the in-form striker. The 21-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding breakout season with French side Reims this year and has 18 goals in 29 league appearances.
    Folarin Balogun had an underwhelming loan spell at Middlesbrough last season but has found his feet in France in this campaignCredit: AFP
    His most recent was a last-minute pressure penalty against Brest to earn Reims a point, just the latest impact he has made during his impressive loan stint away from the Emirates.
    Only Chelsea target Jonathan David and Kylian Mbappe have scored more goals in France’s top flight this season.
    While Arsenal will be overjoyed with Balogun’s progress, his sudden rise presents them with a problem this summer.
    Balogun, who has been with the club since he was an eight-year-old, wants to continue being a first-choice striker when his loan spell ends.
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    And the Athletic reports that the forward has no intention of being sent out on loan again.
    It presents the Gunners with a serious dilemma given the club are already well-stocked in the No 9 position.
    Gabriel Jesus has made an instant impact after signing from Manchester City last summer.
    The Brazilian scored at Anfield on Sunday after a long injury lay-off and also hit a brace earlier this month against Leeds.
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    His spell on the sidelines also saw Eddie Nketiah emerge as a capable and consistent goal scorer before injury left him also missing games.
    Despite his starring role for Reims, Balogun might struggle to leapfrog either Jesus or Nketiah in the pecking order.
    He has two years left on his contract and is attracting interest from European giants such as AC Milan, Inter Milan, Marseille, Monaco and RB Leipzig. More

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    Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko in TEARS on bench after being beaten by Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool equaliser

    OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO broke in tears after being substituted in Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool. Arsenal went two goals ahead at Anfield after 28 minutes, putting them on course to maintain their eight-point gap to Manchester City.
    Oleksandr Zinchenko broke into tears after coming offCredit: @SkySportsPL
    Zinchenko looked broken after being substitutedCredit: @SkySportsPL
    He was beaten by Trent Alexander-Arnold for the equaliserCredit: @SkySportsPL
    However, a Mohamed Salah goal was later followed up by super sub Roberto Firmino.
    The Brazilian headed home a late equaliser after some brilliant play from Trent Alexander-Arnold to nutmeg Zinchenko before clipping a cross to the far post.
    It would prove to be Zinchenko’s final part in play, being subbed off for Kieran Tierney a moment later.
    The Ukrainian could then be seen on the bench with his hands on his face.
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    He appeared to be upset with his last involvement being one which saw Arsenal lose the chance for an important victory.
    Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was critical of Zinchenko’s defending, telling Sky Sports: “I can’t get Zinchenko out of my head.
    “The league title’s on the line, you’ve got to be more aggressive. That can’t happen.
    “There’s got to be more intensity from Zinchenko. It’s almost like he’s training and doesn’t want the ball to go through his legs.”
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    Fellow Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane added: “You think about the modern full-back and the obsession is how good they are going forward.
    “I think they have lacked that real pride in defending. Zinchenko had to get down low. It’s all far too easy – especially if you’re going to win titles.”
    Zinchenko’s ex-club Man City produced another emphatic win on Saturday, and it now means the title race is down to just six points.
    It also means Pep Guardiola’s serial winners can close the gap to just three points if they win their game in hand.
    This being said, the two sides will meet on April 26 for a crunch title decider at the Etihad. More

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    Relive Liverpool vs Arsenal through Piers Morgan’s roller coaster Twitter feed, from half-time taunt to ‘torture’ tweet

    SUN columnist Piers Morgan didn’t hold back while watching an absolute rollercoaster of a clash between Liverpool and his beloved Arsenal.Piers witnessed the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes being dealt a blow after a last-gasp 2-2 draw against the Reds at Anfield.
    Piers Morgan didn’t hold back on Twitter during Liverpool vs Arsenal
    The TV personality’s pre-match confidence paid off after just eight minutes when Gabriel Martinelli put the the North Londoners ahead.
    Mikel Arteta’s men then doubled their lead only 20 minutes later with Gabriel Jesus, who showed quite the timing on Easter Sunday – an irony caught up by many, including the TalkTV presenter.
    But Mohamed Salah put the Merseysiders back on the game with a strike just three minutes before half-time.
    Piers, however, felt confident at half-time as he treated himself with a cuppa on his favourite mug and taunted Liverpool fans… a little too soon.
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    Tension started to build up afterwards with players getting on each others’ faces and the 58-year-old begging usual suspect Granit Xhaka not to see red.
    But the first-half dominance gave way to “torture”, which became too much for the SunSport columnist who almost saw his team crumble on 54 minutes when Salah missed a penalty.
    Aaron Ramsdale went on to produce some vital saves, which led to the broadcaster channelling in his inner Meg Ryan.
    But Sally quickly turned into Jack Torrance as Arsenal conceded a last-gasp equaliser by Roberto Firmino just three minutes before full-time.
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    Fans quickly took to social media to let their voices heard and took a cheeky swipe at Piers.
    One supporter tweeted: “That was coming.”
    Another posted: “North London, the kings of bottling titles.”
    A third commented: “Runners up is still pretty good though.”
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    Arsenal were dealt a title blow after their last-gasp draw with LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    This fan said: “Always said Arsenal will bottle it and so happy we facilitated that.”
    And that one wrote: “The choking has started.”
    Arsenal are now six points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
    City will also get to host the Premier League leaders on April 26 at the Etihad.
    PIERS MORGAN’S TIMELINE DURING LIVERPOOL VS ARSENAL

    Regroup, Arsenal. Go again. 👊— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 9, 2023 More

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    Arsenal player ratings: Jesus and Martinelli get Gunners off to a flyer but Ramsdale the hero late on for leaders

    ARSENAL and Liverpool played a thrilling encounter at Anfield.But the visitors had to settle for a point in an amazing 2-2 draw – and lead Man City by six points.
    Gabriel Jesus celebrates putting the Gunners 2-0 upCredit: PA
    The Gunners raced into a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
    However, Mo Salah got Liverpool back in the game right before half-time.
    The Reds missed a chance to draw level from the spot, when Salah side-footed wide.
    Jurgen Klopp’s side got themselves level late on though thanks to Roberto Firmino.
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    Following an unforgettable clash, SunSport’s Jon Boon rates Arsenal’s performance.
    Aaron Ramsdale – 9
    Had no chance with Salah’s close-range tap in or Firmino’s header. Psyched Salah out later who skewed his penalty wide. Saved from the Egyptian brilliantly moments later.
    Made a brilliant one-on-one save from Darwin Nunez with 10 minutes left. Then another wonder save from Salah with the ball curling towards goal.
    And made another astonishing save from Konate in injury time. Was booked for playing mind games on the pen.
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    Ben White – 6
    Unlucky to be booked early on for a tackle on Robertson that left him walking the tight-rope.
    Didn’t get forward like he has done this season, but defended diligently.
    Rob Holding – 5
    In the side because of William Saliba’s injury. Massively let off after conceding a penalty for a clumsy kick on Diogo Jota.
    His fondness to tightly mark and his lack of pace on the turn left him exposed by Liverpool’s quick-attack.
    Gabriel – 7
    Was unlucky to deflect Salah’s goal in off the forward, when making a last-ditch tackle on the forward.
    Had Gunners fans nervous when he went down with a head injury from a blocked shot. But, made some brilliant defensive clearances in the box to keep Liverpool at bay.
    Could have sealed it late on – but his header was straight at Alisson.
    Gabriel was unlucky his last ditch tackle deflected off Salah and inCredit: AP
    Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
    Tough game for the Ukrainian with Salah running at him all day.
    Was caught out of position a few times, which is the norm. But, his passing – as always – was great.
    Kept the ball in tight situations to take the pressure off. However, was done by Alexander-Arnold for the equaliser.
    Thomas Partey – 6
    As the pivot in midfield, Partey was vital in picking the right pass to push his team forward.
    Hardly gave the ball away, and got his foot in to deny many Liverpool counters. His positional sense is always first class.
    Granit Xhaka – 6
    Booked stupidly, raising temperatures at Anfield – right before Salah scored. But kept his head in the second half and was given the captain’s armband when Odegaard was subbed off.
    Made some crunching tackles in the middle of the park.
    Granit Xhaka receives a yellow card as the temperates were raised at AnfieldCredit: Getty
    Martin Odegaard – 6
    Probing, constantly. Was involved in Martinelli’s opener, pulled the strings as a No10 and sometimes deeper.
    As captain, he showed his leadership qualities by fighting for Arsenal’s cause in the middle of the park.
    Bukayo Saka – 7
    Important run for Martinelli’s opener, left Robertson for dead before the ball broke to the Brazilian.
    Whenever he got the ball, looked dangerous. Showed a magic bit of skill to allude two Liverpool defenders. Worked tirelessly.
    Gabriel Martinelli – 8
    Poked past Allison for Arsenal’s opener and a brilliant cross for Jesus to nod home.
    Had Alexander-Arnold on toast in the first half and was constant outlet on the break on the left. Pick of the attackers.
    Gabriel Martinelli got Arsenal off to the flyerCredit: Reuters
    Gabriel Jesus – 7
    Led the line brilliantly, holding up the ball and giving Van Dijk something to think about.
    Brilliant downwards header into the corner past his fellow countryman Alisson to put the Gunners 2-0 up.
    Subs
    Leandro Trossard (for Jesus 78 minutes) – 6
    Won a late corner to relieve the pressure off Van Dijk. But was largely anonymous and struggled to get into the game.
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    Jakub Kiwior (for Odegaard 78 minutes) – 6
    Came on for his defensive energy, kept the ball well and offered some physicality in the middle.
    Kieran Tierney (For Zinchenko 88 minutes) – 6
    Almost got on the scoresheet with a banana kick late on. Was brought on for defensive stability but surged forward a few times well. More

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    Arsenal and Chelsea in five-club transfer battle to land son of ex-Premier League star

    MANCHESTER CITY rookie Kian Breckin is on the hitlist of a host of Premier League clubs.The 19-year-old midfielder is the son of former Nottingham Forest centre-back Ian.
    Kian Breckin is attracting attention from a number of Premier League clubsCredit: Getty
    The likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs and Southampton have all watched the midfielder in action.
    However, only a sizable bid could tempt City to sell.
    Breckin has played 21 times in the Premier League 2 for City’s U21s this season.
    He has an impressive return from midfield, scoring seven goals and providing four assists this term.
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    The teenager first joined City back in 2015.
    He played a key role in helping the club to the U18 Premier League title in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
    The youngster then moved up to City’s Elite Development Squad for the current campaign.
    SunSport exclusively revealed in January that Breckin was attracting interest from Southampton.
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    Breckin’s dad, Ian, played over 150 times for Forest in a four-year spell at the City ground from 2005 to 2009.
    The former centre-back, 47, also spent time with Rotherham, Chesterfield and Wigan. More

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    Arsenal title blow with Man City key man Phil Foden set to return for huge April 26 clash after appendix surgery

    PHIL FODEN will get on his bike and is ready to cycle back in time for the title clash against Arsenal.The Manchester City midfielder was expected to be sidelined until at least the start of May after having his appendix removed less than a fortnight ago.
    Foden has nine goals and four assists in 24 Prem appearances this seasonCredit: Getty
    But Foden, 22, is already up and about.
    He will start bike and strength work this week and there are hopes to ease him back before the table-topping Gunners visit the Etihad on April 26.
    The FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United on Saturday week has been mentioned but Arsenal are firmly in his sights.
    Foden had to miss England’s win over Ukraine last month due to his appendix issues flaring up just before the game.
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    But the star updated fans from his hospital bed during the Wembley victory as he reassured them he was “feeling much better”.
    He is now set to miss both legs of Manchester City’s huge Champions League quarter-final clash with Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich.
    Pep Guardiola’s side are still fighting on three fronts as they look to land the treble.
    The game against Arsenal in late April could be huge in deciding where the title ends up with the Gunners having a five point lead at the top.
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    Meanwhile, City rookie Kian Breckin, 19, is on the hitlist of a host of Premier League clubs.
    Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs and Southampton have all watched the midfielder, who is the son of former Nottingham  Forest centre-back Ian.
    Only a sizable bid could tempt City to sell. More