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    Man Utd ‘failed in £100m Declan Rice transfer bid last summer’ as price for Arsenal and Chelsea target is revealed

    MAN UTD reportedly saw a £100MILLION bid for West Ham captain Declan Rice rejected last summer.The Hammers skipper, 24, has been heavily linked with a host of top six clubs including Chelsea and Arsenal.
    Declan Rice has been heavily linked with a move in the summer windowCredit: Getty
    But it was Man Utd who were leading the race to sign him ahead of the 2022/23 season as they looked to bolster the centre of their midfield.
    They eventually landed on Brazilian Casemiro, 30, as he arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid for £70m.
    But according to talkSPORT, United were not so lucky when it came to their mammoth offer for Rice as West Ham turned down £100m.
    And the reports are that it will take £120m plus add-ons to secure the England international this summer.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    That is despite his contract expiring in 2024.
    Rice is being closely monitored by both Arsenal and Chelsea as they prepare to do battle for the Kingston-born midfielder at the end of the season.
    Mikel Arteta’s men see him as a long-term replacement for Thomas Partey or Granit Xhaka – despite the arrival of Jorginho in the January window.
    And Chelsea are keen to strengthen in the middle of the park following the departure of Jorginho.
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    N’Golo Kante is also set to become a free agent in the summer if he does not pen a new deal.
    Rice has made 222 appearances for West Ham since breaking through in 2017, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists.
    He has also received 39 England caps and become one of Gareth Southgate’s most trusted lieutenants in recent years.
    And during the Qatar World Cup, Rice dropped a big hint he was open to leaving West Ham.
    Speaking in an England press conference, he was asked if he is hungry to win titles at club level, to which he replied: “Yeah, 100 per cent. For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that.
    “I’ve been consistently playing well for my club. I want to win trophies for my club.
    “You only get one career and you want to look back at what you’ve won and play in the biggest games. I am really ambitious and I want that.”
    West Ham currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone.
    They are still in both the FA Cup and Europa Conference League. More

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    Arsenal member will chair independent commission into Man City after they’re charged with financial rule breaches

    AN ARSENAL member will chair the independent commission into Manchester City following their alleged breaches of financial rules.The reigning champions have been charged by the Premier League with more than 100 breaches between 2009 and 2018.
    Arsenal member Murray Rosen will chair independent commissionCredit: https://www.4newsquare.com/profile/murray-rosen-kc/
    City are now facing a potential points deduction, while other punishments could include transfer bans, spending limits and even having their previous titles stripped.
    At this stage City have been charged but not found guilty.
    The man set to be investigating their off the field conduct is Arsenal member Murray Rosen KC.
    According to BBC, Rosen has been appointed as the chair of the independent commission looking into City’s wrongdoings.
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    And he’s an avid Gunners supporter.
    Rosen’s profile on the 4 New Square chambers says: “He is a strong believer in fairness and in the power and benefits of sport and has a keen appreciation of its social, political and financial aspects.
    “He has participated in sport all his life, is a member of the MCC and Arsenal FC, and still regularly plays real tennis and ping pong.
    “His knowledge of the sports scene and the issues which arise, both commercial and regulatory, in relation to the governance of sport, and its competitions and events, makes him a sympathetic hands-on tribunal chairman and a successful mediator.
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    “He has recently initiated an ad hoc working party consulting and reporting on the Impact of Covid-19 on sport disputes resolution procedures, supported and published by LawinSport.”
    In response to the charges, City released a brief 79-word statement and said they were “surprised” by allegations being made.

    Meanwhile, Arsenal supporter and SunSport columnist Piers Morgan reckons the Etihad Stadium club should be docked points immediately to improve the the Gunners’ title chances.
    He tweeted: “Outrageous. Immediate points deduction!” More

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    Why Gabriel was not given penalty against Everton after Arsenal star was tripped in box

    AN EXPLANATION has been given as to why Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes did not get a penalty despite being tripped in the box by Everton’s Neal Maupay.The Gunners were defeated 1-0 by the Toffees on Saturday in what looked to be a bitter blow to their title hopes.
    Neal Maupay and Gabriel were in the thick of it as Arsenal lost at EvertonCredit: Getty
    Gabriel wanted a penalty after being tripped by Neal MaupayCredit: BT Sport
    However, they received a huge favour from North London rivals Tottenham as Harry Kane’s record-breaking goal was enough to beat Manchester City 24 hours later.
    That kept them five points clear at the top of the Premier League table – but some Gooners believe they should have had the opportunity to at least earn a draw ay Goodison.
    Just moments after James Tarkowski had headed Everton ahead, Arsenal were claiming a penalty.
    Gabriel appeared to have been tripped by Blues ace Maupay, which sent the Brazilian clattering into Idrissa Gueye.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    The referee awarded Everton a free-kick, leading to even more protests from the visitors.
    VAR was called upon to check the incident, but they ultimately decided against awarding Arsenal a spot-kick.
    And former Prem ref Peter Walton would later explain the reason behind the decision on BT Sport.
    He said: “Well actually the initiation of contact was from the Arsenal player so I don’t think this will be given as a penalty kick, certainly there was enough contact there, but not a penalty kick.”
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    He seemed to have the view that Gabriel had initiated contact with Maupay – although Gooners certainly do not have the same view.
    Following the game, Arteta insisted on praising his players rather than tearing into them, saying: “Today I love them much better than the week before or a month ago, it is easy to be next to someone when they are winning well.
    “I am still so proud of all of these players, they deserve it. This is not going to be a rose pathway.
    “This is going to be tricky and we will have to dig in and play much better than we did today.” More

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    Arsenal favourites to sign Youri Tielemans in the summer with Leicester ace available on free transfer

    ARSENAL are “favourites” to sign Youri Tielemans on a free transfer this summer when his Leicester City contract expires.The Belgian, 25, was heavily linked with the Gunners last year as he entered the final year of his deal.
    Arsenal are ‘overwhelming favourites’ to sign Youri TielemansCredit: Rex
    But a transfer failed to materialise as the Foxes clung on to their playmaker.
    Manchester United are keen on Tielemans as the ex-Monaco ace prepares to decide on his future.
    However, Team Talk claims that it is Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal that are “overwhelming favourites” to get him.
    That is despite the fact that the Premier League leaders snapped up midfielder Jorginho from Chelsea after failing to land Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has also reported that Tielemans will still be on Arteta’s shortlist once the window re-opens.
    He said: “Come the summer, if Tielemans is available on a free transfer, there’ll be a variety of clubs looking at him.
    “Arsenal will still be there for sure and we know that Tielemans very much wanted that move a year ago and was hopeful that something might come off throughout the summer, but Arsenal moved in a different direction.”
    Tielemans arrived at Leicester on loan from Monaco in January 2019 and signed permanently six months later in a £32m move.
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    He has made over 200 appearances for the club with his crowning moment coming in 2021 when he scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final.
    Tielemans helped Leicester ease their relegation fears yesterday as he played a key role in their 4-2 win at Aston Villa. More

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    Arsenal ‘lead race’ for Brighton sensation Kaoru Mitoma but will have to fork out £35MILLION in summer

    ARSENAL are leading the race to sign Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma, according to reports. The Seagulls could demand £35million for the Japanese winger in the summer.
    Kaoru Mitoma is being monitored by ArsenalCredit: Getty
    The 25-year-old has taken a unique route to becoming a Premier League ace, delaying signing a professional contract at homeland club Kawasaki Frontale aged 19.
    He instead went to university and wrote a thesis on dribbling.
    In 2021, he was signed by Brighton for a reported fee of just £2.7million.
    Last season, Mitomawent on loan to Belgian side Union Saint Gilloise.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Now back in England, he has been in incredible form this term, netting seven goals and registering two assists in 20 games.
    His impressive performances have attracted the attention of the Gunners, reports Fabrizio Romano.
    Mitoma’s deal on the South Coast runs until 2025 and Roberto De Zerbi will be desperate to keep hold of him.
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been keen to bolster his attack and could view Mitoma as similar in style to Mykhailo Mudryk, who eventually signed for Chelsea despite Arsenal’s attempts.
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    The club have been keeping a close eye on Brighton talent, having already signed Leandro Trossard in January for £27million.
    Arsenal also saw bids rejected for central midfielder Moises Caicedo.
    The player ending up staying at the Amex Stadium despite him trying to force a move away.
    Arsenal remain keen on West Ham captain Declan Rice as an alternative, but his gaffer David Moyes claims it will take a British record offer for the Irons to sell. More

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    Mikel Arteta ‘forced to drag Zinchenko off pitch after Arsenal loss’ after bizarre coming together with Everton’s Maupay

    MIKEL ARTETA was allegedly forced to pull Oleksandr Zinchenko off the pitch after Arsenal’s loss at Goodison Park.The Ukrainian had been involved in an altercation with Neal Maupay towards the end of the game, and it has been suggested that the arguments continued after the full-time whistle.
    Oleksandr Zinchenko was agitated after a coming together with Neal MaupayCredit: Getty
    He continued to argue with Everton players after the full time whistleCredit: Reuters
    And Mikel Arteta had to take him off the pitchCredit: Getty
    Arsenal tempers were high after they slipped to defeat against Everton after James Tarkowski’s 60th-minute header.
    But Zinchenho was not letting go despite the game ending, as it has been claimed he continued to argue with the Toffees players after full-time, according to The Telegraph reporter Sam Dean.
    He also claimed that the left-back was carrying on his heated state and needed Arteta to remove him from the pitch.
    He tweeted: “Arteta dragging Zinchenko off the pitch after the final whistle.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    “The Arsenal left-back had a few things he wanted to say to some Everton players.”
    Zinchenko would feel aggrieved with his clash with Maupay. The striker threw himself to the ground before appearing to kick out at the left back.
    At this point, the former Manchester City defender reacted, sharing some harsh words with the Toffees star.
    Both players were booked for their parts in the flashpoint.
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    Fans reacted to the moment, with one Arsenal fan praising Zinchenko for his “fight”, they tweeted: “The only player that showed a fight today.. we felt we were going to cruise through.. poor mentality.”
    A second commented: “I love the passion of the arsenal team but anger should be controlled. Great game by Everton, and that’s just beauty of football.
    “You can never play down a new manager effect, and Arsenal suffered for it but they are still on top of the EPL so nothing to be worried about.”
    A third wrote: “Just clocked why Zinchenko was so angry his Premier League win rate just dropped from 82 to 81%…..”
    A fourth said: “Zinchenko shows fight at the wrong place, IMO.”
    A fifth added: “Arteta just saved Zinchenko from a Gallas moment.” More

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    Arsenal Ratings: Day to forget for Odegaard and White with Saka one of few stars to shine against tough Everton

    ARSENAL suffered a shock defeat to Everton in Sean Dyche’s first game in charge of the club.The new man in the dugout guided the Toffees to a huge win in his first match with James Tarkowski rising highest from a corner to head home the decisive goal.
    Gabriel Martinelli was subbed off before the hour mark for Leandro TrossardCredit: Reuters
    Martin Odegaard had a day to forget in midfieldCredit: AFP
    The Gunners could now see their five point lead at the top of the Premier League table cut by Manchester City if they can pick up something against Tottenham tomorrow.
    It was a day to forget for normal heroes Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, who were both subbed off as the team chased a goal.
    Jorginho made his debut, replacing Martinelli after just 59 minutes, but his Arsenal career started horribly as his new side conceded a minute after he entered the field.
    Bukayo Saka was one of few Arsenal players who can leave Goodison Park with their head held high.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Here’s how SunSport’s Mark Irwin rated the Gunners’ players performances at Goodison Park.
    Aaron Ramsdale – 6
    Brave early block from Calvert-Lewin showed that Arsenal were ready for the physical challenge.
    Calm assurance was crucial when Everton tried to turn the screw but never looked comfortable on corners and that proved his undoing.
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    Ben White – 5
    Sloppy first-half pass almost led to an Everton goal and struggled to keep on top of the lively McNeil which meant he wasn’t able to get forward very much.
    William Saliba – 6
    Crucial back post blocks to deny Onana and then Tarkowski, this was probably the sternest physical test of the young Frenchman’s career.
    Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
    Relished his aerial battle with Calvert-Lewin and Onana but was fortunate that his slip did not lead to a goal when Doucoure was left with a free header which he sent wide.
    Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
    He might have started the game at left-back but spent most of the game in central midfield and was always looking to play those slide rule passes between the lines.
    Thomas Partey – 6
    The glue that holds everything together for Arsenal, he shrugged off a rib injury to provide the link between defence and attack again.
    But clearly wasn’t 100 per cent and had to come off as Arteta looked for more control in midfield.
    Granit Xhaka – 6
    Now that Arsenal dominate possession so much, Xhaka is free to show more of his creative side instead of having to make those risky challenges on the edge of his own area. 
    But won’t be happy that so much of this game passed him by.
    Martin Odegaard – 5
    Not one of his best games as he struggled to shake off Everton’s close marking.
    Squandered a decent chance when he blazed over and wasn’t strong enough to hold off Tarkowski when the Everton centre-half headed his team ahead.
    Bukayo Saka – 7
    Buffeted from pillar to post again but kept coming back for more and was unfortunate not to break the deadlock when his volley was cleared off the line by Coady.
    Eddie Nketiah – 5
    No one can question his work-rate or commitment, but when Arsenal were crying out for a cool finish he slashed his only shot of the game into the crowd.
    Gabriel Martinelli – 5
    Constantly boxed in by Everton doubling up on him and is starting to look as though he could be running out of steam. No surprise when he was replaced by Trossard on the hour.
    Substitutes:
    Leandro Trossard (for Martinelli 59 minutes) -5
    Had a couple of late chances to rescue a point but couldn’t find a killer finish and a couple of poor corners didn’t help his team-mates.
    Jorginho (for Partey 59 minutes) – 5
    On for his Arsenal debut, he was supposed to give his new team more control but within a minute of his introduction they were a goal down.
    Fabio Vieira (for Odegaard 77 minutes) – 5
    Rare run-out for the lightweight Portuguese but the game had already got away from Arsenal by then.
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    Takehiro Tomiyasu (for White 85 minutes) – 5
    Not enough time to make a real impact.
    Jorginho made his debut after joining from ChelseaCredit: AFP More

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    ‘Timing is key’ – Arsenal boss Arteta urges Saka and Saliba to sign long-term contracts with only 18 months left on deal

    MIKEL ARTETA has urged Bukayo Saka and William Saliba to follow Gabriel Martinelli by pledging their long-term futures to Arsenal.But he admits there is still plenty of work to be done to tie down the young superstars after months of negotiations.
    Mikel Arteta wants Bukayo Saka to sign a new deal at ArsenalCredit: AP
    William Saliba sees his contract expire in the summer of 2024Credit: Getty
    Brazilian international Martinelli has ended the speculation surrounding his own future after signing a new £180,000-a-week contract to 2027 with the option of a further year.
    But fellow 21-years-olds Saka and Saliba are yet to put pen to paper despite the club’s best efforts to strike a deal.
    Arteta admitted: “The plan is to extend the contracts of our biggest talents and commit them for the future and that’s what we are trying to do.
    “We have started with Gabi, which is good news, and the others will be done whenever we can.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    “But we all have to agree because we have to meet everybody’s expectations and timing is key on that.”
    Both Saka and Saliba are under contract until 2024 and Arteta insisted: “I see everybody really happy and willing to continue with Arsenal.
    “We want to build with all the talent and youth we have in the squad so it’s great news that Gabi has signed because he’s a player with enormous potential.
    “He’s still very young so we know there is still much more to come from him and we all look forward to seeing him perform for Arsenal in the years to come.
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    “Our supporters see his quality and energy every time he puts the shirt on and he’s the same every day in training with his hard work and values.”
    Martinelli, who cost the Gunners just £6million when Unai Emery signed him from Ituana in 2019, said: “I love everything about Arsenal. I love the city, my team-mates, the fans and the club.
    “I am so proud to wear this shirt and now we need to win trophies.”
    Gabriel Martinelli has committed his future to ArsenalCredit: Getty More