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      Bukayo Saka ready to sign new Arsenal deal that will make him club’s top earner on up to £15MILLION-a-year

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      BUKAYO SAKA will become Arsenal’s top earner when he signs a new five-year contract worth up to £300,000-a-week.The 21-year-old England international has been in talks with the club for more than a year and is now ready to put pen to paper.
      Saka has very quickly become a fan favourite among the Arsenal faithfulCredit: Getty
      And the agreement will more than quadruple his current £70,000-a-week salary to make him the club’s highest paid player.
      He will overtake Gabriel Jesus in the Emirates pecking order after the Brazilian striker agreed a £250,000-a-week deal when he signed from Manchester City for £45million last summer.
      Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu were both keen to reward Saka’s efforts with a deal which reflects his status as the team’s most valuable player.
      And though he won’t be getting quite as much as the £350,000-a-week deal which made Mesut Ozil the highest paid player in the club’s history, a breakthrough was still reached last month following negotiations to iron out the final details over various bonus payments.
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      Now the club are set to announce the lengthy new deal to 2028 which will end all the speculation surrounding Saka’s long-term future and delight Gunners supporters.
      And with Gabriel Martinelli having already signed a new deal to 2027 and talks with William Saliba progressing, Arteta is assured of keeping the core of his young squad together for Arsenal’s impending return to the Champions League next season.
      The club currently have an eight point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table but Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand.
      The two will meet in a crunch game at the Etihad next month that could have a big say in the outcome of the title.
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      Saka is enjoying a stunning individual season as well and continues to impress despite the high bar he has already set himself.
      The star has 12 goals and 10 assists in the league this season, already his best return in a single campaign.
      A star for club and country, Saka scored a beauty against Ukraine on the weekend for EnglandCredit: PA More

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      Emile Smith Rowe breaks silence on Arsenal pal Folarin Balogun’s decision over England or USA international allegiance

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      ARSENAL ace Emile Smith Rowe insists Folarin Balogun has to do “what’s best for him” regarding his international future.Balogun is currently part of England’s Under-21 side but he can also choose Nigeria and USA, who have expressed an intense interest.
      Emile Smith Rowe wants Arsenal team-mate Folarin Balogun to join him at EnglandCredit: Getty
      Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe insists Folarin Balogun must do what’s best for himCredit: Getty
      Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun can play for England, USA or NigeriaCredit: AFP
      The striker has been shining bright in Ligue 1 this season during his loan stint at Reims from the Gunners as he is second in the league’s goalscoring charts.
      Smith Rowe insists he would love to have the 21-year-old in the Three Lions after spending many years playing with him in North London.
      However, the playmaker insists that’s his decision and he needs to look after his best interest.
      Smith Rowe said: “Of course [I would prefer he choose England], but obviously it’s his decision.
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      “That’s down to him to do what he wants to do. It would be nice if he could be with us in the summer [for the European Under-21 Championship] but like I said, that’s down to him and he’s got to do what’s best for him.”
      England boss Gareth Southgate admits he is impressed with Balogun, who has scored more goals than Paris Saint-Germain superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar this season.
      However, Southgate insists the centre-forward, who has registered 17 goals in 27 league appearances, will have to be patient.
      The 52-year-old tactician claims Balogun has yet to make his squad due to a lack of Premier League experience.
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      Southgate said: “It is up to the player to weigh up where his heart feels. Is he prepared to wait a little bit for an opportunity if he backs himself and feels he can push his way into our squad?
      “Because anybody who has followed us will know that we will give young players a chance. So, we cannot go and give first-team call-ups to someone just because we don’t want them to go somewhere else.
      “We like Flo. He has obviously not had an opportunity in the Premier League yet, so we have to weigh up those goals to Ivan [Toney], for example, or Ollie Watkins. Or Eddie Nketiah, who has done really well with the opportunity he has had at Arsenal.
      “I know there are going to be offers as 80 per cent of our players can play for more than one country now, and we are not arrogant expecting everybody to want to come to play for England. We have to make them feel wanted and feel part of that.” More

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      Seven players who left Arsenal and flopped, including Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, as Gunners plan clear out

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      THE grass is not always greener on the other side, as these ex-Arsenal flops have proved.The Gunners are planning on a massive overhaul of their squad in the summer.
      Alexis Sanchez was in the form of his life at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      At Man Utd, Sanchez was a big flopCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo have been linked, while a new striker to compliment Gabriel Jesus could arrive in the form of Danish sensation Rasmus Hojlund.
      But that means some high-profile stars may have to make way, with the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Kieran Tierney potentially facing being cut from Mikel Arteta’s squad.
      And let this be a warning; it doesn’t always work out – as these seven who left North London for pastures new then flopped when they left Arsenal show.
      Alexis Sanchez
      As high-profile as it got, Sanchez, 34, had it good at Arsenal – where he scored 80 goals in 166 games.
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      But, the allure of a big money transfer to Man Utd and a huge £350,000-per-week deal saw the Chilean head north.
      However, he had a miserable time at Old Trafford – scoring just five times in 45 games.
      An inconsistent spell at Inter Milan followed, although he’s picked up at Marseille – where he’s managed 16 goals this campaign.
      Aaron Ramsey
      A cult hero at the Emirates, FA Cup final goals were Ramsey’s speciality.
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      The now 32-year-old gave Arsenal 369 games and managed 64 strikes from midfield.
      However, when Juventus came calling in 2019 and dangled a £400,000-per-week contract in front of him – he was quick to jump ship.
      His time in Turn was miserable. Injuries hindered him and he managed to hit the back of the net a measly six times in 70 games.
      He hardly pulled up trees during a loan spell in Scotland at Rangers, and now plies his trade at Nice.
      Aaron Ramsey scored 64 goals for ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Moving to Juventus saw Ramsey’s career suffer a dipCredit: Reuters
      Mesut Ozil
      The recently retired World Cup winner was brilliant on his day.
      And when he arrived on our shores, for £42.5million in 2013 from Real Madrid, it was seen as a massive coup that Arsenal had managed to lure Ozil to the Premier League.
      There were some great times in the capital, but when Mikel Arteta arrived it was clear his days were numbered – with a different playing style preferred.
      Ozil, now 34, then bounced around Turkey – first with Fenerbahce for a season, then with Istanbul Başakşehir – but it was never the same.
      Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil recently announced his retirementCredit: Getty
      A disappointing spell in Turkey followed when Ozil left ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Alex Hleb
      The Belarusian was blessed with flawless technique and bamboozled Premier League defenders with his dribbling skills.
      A £12 million signing from German side VfB Stuttgart, Hleb was an integral part of the Gunners side that reached the Champions League final in 2006.
      But, after missing out on the trophy to Barcelona, he thought the next best thing would be to join the Spanish giants in 2008.
      Four years later, having played just 36 times for the Catalans, his career petered out – with spells at Birmingham City, and several Russian and Belarusian clubs, including Bate Borisov which handed him a return to the Emirates.
      Needless to say, he has said he regretted leaving Arsenal.
      Alex Hleb was a wing-wizard for ArsenalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Hleb returned to Arsenal with Bate BorisovCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Alex Song
      Another one who jumped ship for the Camp Nou.
      An offer of £15million prised Song, who is still playing at 35 in Cameroon, from the Emirates to Spain in 2012.
      That was after his best season in an Arsenal shirt – where he contributed 12 assists after replacing Cesc Fabregas as the Gunners’ creative force in the middle of the park.
      Song has previously revealed he left Arsenal for the money and didn’t care if he played or not.
      Alex Song’s best years were with ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Song flopped at Barcelona – admitting he went for the moneyCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Hector Bellerin
      Fashion-conscious Bellerin’s career trajectory has been miserable since his contract was terminated in North London.
      After falling out of favour under Arteta, a free transfer move to Barcelona was supposed to reignite his career.
      But, he played back-up to Sergino Dest – who hardly missed a game.
      Bellerin has played just 141 minutes of football for the LaLiga giants. Now, he’s on loan at Sporting Lisbon, but has suffered with injuries.
      Hector Bellerin was given a free transfer by ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Bellerin has played just 141 minutes of football at BarcelonaCredit: AFP
      Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
      Injuries can be a cruel thing in football.
      The Ox, still only 29, has had his fair share of problems, including severe knee injuries.
      A bid of £35million from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool was too good for Arsenal to turn down in 2017.
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      Initially it looked like the Reds had got themselves the player Arsenal thought he would become, alas injuries again wrecked those plans.
      Two severe knee injuries, as well as a loss of form, have seen Oxlade-Chamberlain become a periphery figure in Liverpool’s squad now.
      Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain left Arsenal for Liverpool for £35mCredit: Reuters
      Oxlade-Chamberlain has struggled at Liverpool with injuries and poor formCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘I can’t believe that…’ – Chelsea star Ben Chilwell in awe of Arsenal ace after sensational week with England

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      CHELSEA ace Ben Chilwell “can’t believe” England team-mate and Arsenal star Bukayo Saka started out as a left-back.Saka led the Three Lions to a routine 2-0 victory over Ukraine in their Euro 2024 qualifier at Wembley on Sunday as he set up record goalscorer Harry Kane’s opener and then netted a wondergoal.
      Chelsea star Ben Chilwell praised England team-mate and Arsenal star Bukayo SakaCredit: Rex
      Saka started out as a full-back and turned into a lethal goalscorerCredit: PA
      The winger was named Man of the Match amid a stunning season that has also seen him register a total of 13 goals and 10 assists in 38 matches across all competitions for Arsenal.
      Chilwell has been left in awe of the 21-year-old’s incredible development as he went from a full-back to one of the Premier League’s most lethal goalscorers.
      The 26-year-old Chelsea ace, who also plays as a left-back, sang Saka’s praises as he revealed how important he is to the team both on and off the pitch.
      Chilwell said: “I can’t believe he played at left-back when he can do that.
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      “Bukayo is such a great talent. I think everyone can see what he gives on the pitch but he’s one of the best people I have met in football as well.
      “We see him on a daily basis around the camp and he just brings happiness to everyone.
      “He is always smiling and a good guy to be around, and then he comes out on the pitch and delivers like that for us.
      “An assist and a goal and it ultimately wins us the game. I am delighted for him.”
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      Saka has played a key role in England’s qualifying campaign getting off on the right foot as Gareth Southgate’s side have won both of their first two matches.
      The Three Lions also got a little payback for their loss in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
      Southgate’s men defeated the reigning European champions 2-1 in Naples.
      Fellow Group C outfits North Macedonia and Malta are next for in-form England. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal in Dusan Vlahovic transfer boost as Juventus ‘prepare for life without’ Serbia striker

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have reportedly received a huge boost in their pursuit to sign Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.SunSport revealed last month that Erik ten Hag has made Tottenham star Harry Kane his No1 transfer target this summer.
      Man Utd and Arsenal have received a boost in the chase for Dusan VlahovicCredit: Reuters
      Kane, 29, has less than 18 months remaining on his deal and United are hoping to take advantage of the England captain’s contract situation.
      But as we stated previously, they are still anticipating a “nightmare” pursuit as Spurs chief Daniel Levy is renowned as a tough negotiator.
      That has led to Ten Hag identifying striking alternatives, and Vlahovic is among his top picks.
      Now he has received a boost as La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Juventus are “preparing for life without” the forward.
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      And it also states that they have identified potential replacements for him.
      Juve are believed to be plotting moves for either West Ham’s Gianluca Scamacca, who has struggled in the Premier league, and Galatasaray’s Nicolo Zaniolo.
      Vlahovic, 23, joined Juventus from Fiorentina back in January 2022 after snubbing the chance to move to the Premier League with Arsenal.
      Mikel Arteta’s side were desperate to bring the Serbian international to the Emirates – but he rejected them in favour of Turin – but they are still keen.
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      Vlahovic has scored eleven goals this term but has struggled for goals over recent weeks for his club.
      He has just one in his last eight appearances.
      And, after Juve’s early Champions League exit left them needing to raise funds, he could find himself as one of their stars to be sacrificed once the transfer window re-opens this summer. More

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      Arsenal fans beg Harry Kane ‘to do a Sol Campbell’ and seal shock free transfer to link up with Bukayo Saka full time

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      ARSENAL fans are begging Harry Kane “to do a Sol Campbell” and quit Tottenham in favour of a move to the Gunners.The striker linked up with Bukayo Saka brilliantly during England’s 2-0 win over Ukraine yesterday, converting his cross to put the Three Lions ahead.
      Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane have combined fantastically when playing for EnglandCredit: Getty
      Sol Campbell won trophies at Arsenal after his controversial switch from TottenhamCredit: Getty
      And it led to some cheeky supporters dreaming about Kane moving across North London.
      Kane’s future at Spurs is uncertain with his contract up in the summer of 2024 and he has been urged to leave in search of trophies.
      Sol Campbell made the controversial switch from Tottenham to Arsenal in 2001 and went on to win two Premier League titles and three FA Cups at the club.
      Kane has been encouraged to follow in his footsteps, as one fan said: “Kane x Saka is a broken combo. Kane feel free to do a Sol Campbell.”
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      Another reacted: “If Harry Kane wants to do a Sol Campbell, mate, we would win it all.”
      More commented: “Need Kane to do a Campbell as this Saka and Kane duo is nuts.”
      It remains unlikely that England’s all-time record goalscorer would ever make the switch to the Emirates.
      Manchester United is possibly a more likely destination for him and the Red Devils believe they can sign the player this summer.
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      Spurs could be forced to lower their £100million asking price for Kane if they finish outside the top four.
      Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have also been linked with the Spurs star. More

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      Arsenal fans convinced they know what Zinchenko asked transfer target Rice in secret chat after England beat Ukraine

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      ARSENAL fans reckon they know what Oleksandr Zinchenko said to Declan Rice after England’s win over Ukraine.Gareth Southgate’s men secured a comfortable 2-0 victory at Wembley on Sunday evening thanks to goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.
      Declan Rice embraced Oleksandr Zinchenko before they exchanged a brief wordCredit: Twitter
      Arsenal fans are convinced they know what Zinchenko said to RiceCredit: Twitter
      Arsenal full-back and Ukraine captain Zinchenko, 26, who plays in midfield for his country, embraced several of the England players after the game.
      One of those was Gunners transfer target Rice, 24, who is expected to leave West Ham this summer.
      A host of Premier League clubs are in the frame to sign the Hammers skipper including Manchester United and Chelsea.
      But Arsenal supporters believe Zinchenko had a quick word with the Three Lions midfielder in an attempt to convince him to go to the Emirates.
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      One fan shared a clip of Zinchenko hugging Rice, before he briefly says something to him.
      Alongside the footage, they added the caption: “Did Zinchenko ask Rice: ‘You joining, yeah?’ 😂😂.”
      Another added: “That man’s work is never done: left-back, attacking midfielder, head cheerleader, and recruitment coordinator.”
      A third replied: “I think it was more of a statement instead of a question 🤣.”
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      And a fourth said: “Arsenal scouting system is the players 😂.”
      Rice will enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer, but West Ham are still thought to be holding out for around £80million.

      Arsenal are keen to bolster their midfield, having previously seen two offers for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo rejected.
      They did bring in Jorginho in the January window, but are still thought to be looking for further reinforcements. More

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      Arsenal’s on-fire striker Folarin Balogun refuses to close door on quitting club after lighting up Ligue 1 on loan

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      FOLARIN BALOGUN has fuelled speculation he could leave Arsenal by revealing he would be open to returning to Stade Reims.The striker has been a hit on loan at the Ligue Un club with 17 goals in 27 league games.
      Folarin Balogun is open to returning to Stade Reims next seasonCredit: AFP
      His form could encourage Mikel Arteta to use the youngster in the first team next season.
      But Balogun is not closing the door to a potential exit and would be open to moving back to Reims.
      When asked about his future in an interview with Ligue Un he said: “Contractually I have to go back because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement.
      “I’m not sure what is going to happen in the future.
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      “A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we’ll see what happens.
      “I mean there’s no door that’s closed. Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here. So yeah I mean I don’t know what the future will bring.”
      Balogun also needs to decide his international future after being left out of the England squad.
      He appeared to be frustrated by his omission and posted a message hinting at a potential switch to the USA saying: “In life go where you are appreciated.”
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      The 21-year-old then jetted out to Orlando, Florida this week – where the USMNT had a training camp.
      USA interim boss Anthony Hudson also revealed he had held talks with Balogun over a potential switch.
      He said: “As I said before, we’ve had dialogue we’ve spoken.
      “He’s out here, having a bit of a break and some training, and we’ve had some discussions. So yeah, now it’s about him just enjoying the rest of his trip.
      “It’s been good, because it’s been an opportunity for us just to share about our program and who we are and what we do.
      “And look, that’s it, I hope we get the chance to speak to him again. So it’s been good to meet him, and I know a few of the guys who have spoke to him as well.” More