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      Robin van Persie lands new job at Champions League club and could be set for instant Arsenal reunion

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      ROBIN VAN PERSIE is on the verge of landing a new job with his boyhood club.The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker turned to a career in coaching after hanging up his boots in 2019.Robin van Persie is on the verge of a return to FeyenoordCredit: RexHe first took up an unofficial role at Feyenoord as an assistant to then-manager Dick Advocaat.After his position was eventually made permanent two years later, the Dutchman became the co-head coach of the club’s U16s.Van Persie was then promoted to co-head coach of the U18s and U19s.But he left in May 2024 to become head coach of Heerenveen – his first proper job in senior football.READ MORE ON ARSENALNow, however, he is in talks to make a triumphant return to Feyenoord.Dutch outlet 1908.nl claims the Rotterdam-based side want Van Persie to replace Brian Priske, who was sacked last week.The 41-year-old is understood to be keen on the move, but Feyenoord have to reach an agreement with Heerenveen first.While he would like a return to his former club, the ex-striker will not force a move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVan Persie would like to take his coaching staff – including assistant Brian Pinas – with him should he complete the switch.Rene Hake, who worked with Erik ten Hag at Man Utd, is also in talks to join Feyenoord.How did you get this’ – Aaron Ramsey left stunned as details of Arsenal bust-up with Robin van Persie leakedShould he return to his old club, he could be in line to face Arsenal in the Champions League last-16.After leaving the Dutch side as a player in 2004, Van Persie joined Arsenal and spent eight years in London, where he scored 132 goals in 278 appearances.He then moved on to join United in 2012 and stayed at Old Trafford for three years before signing for Fenerbahce.The ex-striker then ended his playing career back at Feyenoord. More

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      Champions League last-16 confirmed as Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa learn which two teams they could face

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      LIVERPOOL, Arsenal and Aston Villa finally know which two teams they might face in the Champions League last 16.The big draw for the first true knockout phase is at 11am on Friday – after the midweek play-off results at last made the format of the new-look competition appear more straightforward!Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick helped Real Madrid KO Man CityCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard & Co face a tough last-16 tie if Arsenal are to taste gloryCredit: RexMo Salah and Liverpool will take on PSG or BenficaCredit: PAOllie Watkins hopes Villa’s impressive European adventure continuesCredit: GettyKylian Mbappe’s hat-trick sent Manchester City crashing out 6-3 on aggregate after a 3-1 loss at Real Madrid.But the Prem’s other three representatives had already qualified automatically after finishing in the top eight in the group stage, with Liverpool going through as top seeds.The other teams into the last 16 without needing the play-offs were Barcelona, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lille. And following the midweek action, the Champions League takes the shape of a standard cup competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBayern Munich broke Celtic’s hearts on Tuesday, with Benfica, Club Brugge and Feyenoord also reaching the last 16 the same night.And on Wednesday they were joined by Real, Borussia Dortmund, PSG and PSV, who edged out Juventus 4-3 on aggregate after extra time.It all means Liverpool will face a mammoth task against PSG, who thrashed Brest 10-0 on aggregate, or Benfica.Arsenal take on Dutch opposition – either Feyenoord or Juventus’ extra-time conquerors PSV.Most read in Champions LeagueHOW THE LAST 16 LOOKSHere’s what is coming up next – with Liverpool boss Arne Slot perhaps hoping to avoid PSG. PSG vs Liverpool/BarcelonaClub Brugge vs Lille/Aston VillaReal Madrid vs Atletico/LeverkusenBenfica vs Barcelona/LiverpoolBorussia Dortmund vs Aston Villa/LilleBayern Munich/Leverkusen vs AtleticoFeyenoord vs Inter/ArsenalPSV vs Arsenal/Inter MilanBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd eighth-ranked Villa meet Borussia Dortmund (10th), who KO’d Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, or Club Brugge (24th).Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real face Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.Barca’s Lamine Yamal is dreaming of his first Champions League crownCredit: RexPep Guardiola’s City had begun a dramatic Wednesday night by leaving record-breaking goal-getter Erling Haaland on the bench.And they ended it dumped out in humiliating fashion at the Bernabeu.Arsenal post new footage of Mikel Merino goal… but supporters are more interested in what Leicester fans are doingBut for the remaining trio of Prem giants, it’s all eyes on Friday.Meanwhile, Guardiola admitted: “After we conceded a goal we didn’t defend well.”But we accept it – the best team won. Now we focus on the Premier League.”Borussia Dortmund celebrated going through after a 0-0 home draw sunk Sporting Lisbon 3-0 on aggregate in the play-offsCredit: AFPKhvicha Kvaratskhelia was one of seven scorers on the night as PSG destroyed Brest 7-0 to triumph 10-0 over the two legsCredit: AFPPSV scorer Ivan Perisic tangles with Juve’s Lloyd Kelly as the Dutch side beat the Italian giant 3-1 on the night, 4-3 on aggregateCredit: Rex More

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      ‘He’s not Messi or Ronaldo’ – Man Utd and Arsenal target warned to keep his head down under ‘strict’ Prem manager

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      MATHEUS CUNHA has been told to stay out of trouble and keep proving his worth at Wolves because he is not “Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo”.The Brazilian striker was linked with a move away in January – and appeared to have his head turned by Arsenal before signing a new deal until June 2029 on February 1 with a £62.5m release clause.Matheus Cunha has been told to keep his head down amid links with top clubsCredit: GettyCunha has been warned he is not in the same league as stars like Lionel MessiCredit: GettyWolves boss Vitor Pereira has had run-ins with Cunha since replacing the sacked Gary O’Neil in late December, previously criticising the 25-year-old forward’s body language and suitability as captain.That looks to be in the past now with Cunha scoring in Wolves’ last three games in all competitions – including a beautiful strike in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield to take this season’s tally to 13 goals and four assists.Centre back Abdoulaye Ba, 34 – now at Saudi second tier side Al-Faisaly – played under Pereira at Porto from 2011 to 2013 where he lifted the Portuguese top flight in 2012/13.And Senegalese defender Ba told SunSport: “Pereira is very strict with discipline and his game plan. I remember he would often tell our Porto side: ‘I have two hands, one to give and the other to receive’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He acted like a father or a protector when the players gave their all without limits and raised the level of the team.“Cunha is not Messi or Ronaldo or even Neymar, so it does not surprise me that they have worked together to find the best way to help the team.”Cunha was berated by Pereira for allegedly refusing to acknowledge the away fans in a 3-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month, having been banned under O’Neil for two games by the FA for an on-field scuffle with Ipswich security just before Christmas.Pereira, 56, who has managed in Greece, Turkey, Germany, China, Brazil and Saudi Arabia during his varied managerial career to date, also played hard-ball with want-away midfielder and then-captain Mario Lemina, 31, before the Gabon international was sold to Galatasaray in the winter window.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBa continued: “Under Pereira, I became more mature with tactical discipline and respected the game plan, and above all, trusted my team-mates in difficult situations.“He always prioritised teamwork and the group. In his speeches, he would say that optimism is a magnet of happiness.Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-timeVitor Pereira has been backed to revitalise WolvesCredit: GettyAbdoulaye Ba won a title playing under Pereira at PortoCredit: Getty“While he was a coach in the Porto youth team, he convinced me to sign in 2008 as a teenager with an inspiring video call. He knew how to find the right words to convince and motivate me.“He has the sense to explain and talk with you. He says titles are won with discipline and attitude.”Pereira was linked with the Everton job in 2013 to replace David Moyes, and again in December 2019 to replace compatriot Marco Silva but turned it down to stay with Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG.He was then tipped to take over at Goodison in January 2022 after Rafa Benitez was axed, only for Frank Lampard to be hired following protests from Toffees supporters.Wolves have won five of 11 matches with Pereira in charge at Molineux, three those in the Prem.Should Wolves avoid relegation – currently two points off the bottom three with 13 games remaining – the Portuguese coach could be a wanted man again in the summer.Ba added: “To follow managers like Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas Boas at Porto, he must have the same stuff and DNA as them. He has the confidence and the ability.READ MORE SUN STORIES“His office door was never closed and he wanted communication. He is a humble person and a true leader. His loyalty to all players was incredible.“He has already shown a lot of good things in different countries. The results, the numbers, the evidence is there. He is very stubborn and has all the abilities to succeed in the Premier League.” More

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      ‘I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels’ – Former Arsenal star reveals why he felt ‘misjudged’ at the club

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      FORMER Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez has admitted he felt “misjudged” throughout his time with the Gunners.Azeez first joined the London side at the age of five and spent the next 11 years climbing the Hale End academy ranks.Miguel Azeez has opened up about feeling ‘misjudged’ at ArsenalCredit: GettyThe midfielder, who now plays in Greece, expresses himself through fashionCredit: INSTAGRAMHe also has a love for music and artCredit: INSTAGRAMHe signed his first professional contract in 2019 and made his senior debut the following year in a Europa League match against Dundalk.That proved to be his only first team appearance for Arsenal as he was later sent out on several loan spells to Portsmouth, Ibiza and Wigan respectively before joining Spanish side Atletico Baleares last January.Seven months later, Azeez moved on again, this time to PAS Giannina in Greece.The midfielder has since made 13 appearances, scoring once.Read More on ArsenalAlongside football, Azeez enjoys expressing himself through art, music and fashion.But in a recent interview with The Athletic he revealed that he felt “misjudged” compared to his team-mates.The 22-year-old said: “I definitely felt, not adversity, but being misjudged.”Ask anyone at Arsenal — I was always first into training and last to leave.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAzeez left Arsenal last JanuaryCredit: INSTAGRAM”If I looked like a quintessential footballer they would not have thought anything of it but because of how I looked, the hairstyles, the face, jewellery, whatever it was, they would say, ‘He is trying to be aloof by coming in early to be by himself’. I was just trying to improve.”That word ‘aloof’ was used against me at Arsenal. My team-mates were in the changing room on their phones on Snapchat when I was in the gym working, but they would just see me by myself and put two and two together.Arsenal player ratings vs Leicester: Ethan Nwaneri excels amid injury crisis but dreadful Raheem Sterling shadow of old self”The players seemed to take to it, which was nice. It was from the coaching side of things.”I don’t know if it was an upbringing thing or a hierarchy thing. I took it as people thinking, ‘Who does he think he is? Does he think he is better than me?’.”Nah, I’m just being myself. I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels.”There was always this thing representing the badge. I get that, but I think they wanted a different image to what I was giving.”I guess there’s a lot of people who would change their personalities just to get to where they felt they needed to be. I’ve always said I’m a person who plays football.Nah, I’m just being myself. I’m not causing any harm by wearing a pair of heels.Miguel Azeez”When people start to think they are a footballer before they’re a person, that’s when they start to change who they are.”Recalling his Arsenal departure, he added: “I felt like I had to go. You would train with the 21s, be in with the first team and be on the bench but not get on. I had to try to create my own path.”I don’t think anybody would like a player not extending their contract, but it wasn’t the nicest send-off.”Normally, a player who was leaving would get their shirt signed by all the players and staff. I didn’t get that or a meeting saying goodbye.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Not that I cared as I don’t need that to feel validated but me being the longest-serving player, it would have been nice to get something.”SunSport has approached Arsenal for comment. More

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      Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen’s transfer release clause revealed as Real Madrid battle Man Utd to sign Spaniard

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      DEAN HUIJSEN has a hefty release clause built into his Bournemouth contract – as Real Madrid and Manchester United eye a summer swoop. The Spanish defender, 19, has attracted interest from clubs around Europe after an impressive breakthrough season.Dean Huijsen is attracting interest from around EuropeCredit: ReutersThe 19-year-old has a release clause built into his Bournemouth contractCredit: GettyHuijsen has helped the Cherries surge up the league in a surprise European push.The 19-year-old joined Bournemouth from Juventus in a £12.6million deal. He has played 19 times this season, scoring twice and helping Andoni Iraola’s men to fifth place. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Huijsen has a £50million release clause in his contract.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe fee can be activated by any club in the summer window.As such, it could be that Huijsen has his pick of Europe’s elite come July. Man United boss Ruben Amorim is a big admirer of Huijsen – but the Red Devils face stiff competition from Real Madrid. Amsterdam-born Huijsen, 19, started his career in Spain and is a Spanish citizen after his family moved there when he was five.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe only made one appearance for Juventus before being shipped out on loan to Roma. Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Milan are also said to be interested in signing the youngster.Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card Huijsen signed a six-year deal at the Vitality Stadium last summer.And he admits he is “grateful” to ex-boss Jose Mourinho for helping to launch his career at Roma. Huijsen played 13 times in Serie A under the former Chelsea and Man United coach.He told the Guardian: “Jose was great even though I wasn’t with him for too long.”He was really good to me and he gave me an opportunity and I’ll always be grateful for that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He believed in me and I think someone that big believing in you is very special, especially for a young guy coming through.”For someone that big to say what he said is really special and it only gives you confidence as a player.” More

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      Baffled Arsenal fan buys two match tickets for £350 only to be told they belong to a star forward

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      A FAN says he bought two tickets for an Arsenal match — and found they were given free to Gunners star Gabriel Martinelli. Nathan Shaw, 51, paid £350 for the pair of tickets clearly marked “Player Complimentary”.Arsenal insiders said Gunners star Gabriel Martinelli had not applied to use the ticketsCredit: GettyThere is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Martinelli, who did not travel to the matchThey were for seats in the away end for his team’s 2-0 win at Leicester on Saturday.He said that after buying them, he was called by a club official saying they were originally allocated to injured £180,000-per-week Brazilian striker Martinelli, 23.But last night, Arsenal insiders said Martinelli had not applied to use the tickets.They were put in a central pot and redistributed to a ­contractor who asked for some. Sales manager Nathan, from Hawkhurst, Kent, snapped the tickets up from website Livefootballtickets for £175 each.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe had failed to get two of the 3,200 seats in the away end for himself and pal Cillian Oliver when Arsenal sold out their allocation of the £30 tickets.Nathan, who has a season ticket for home games, got a message from the site telling him to pick up the tickets at a collection point at Leicester’s ground before the match, and to bring ID. The message named a club worker.Our source said the contractor had given the tickets to a pal who sold them to the site. Most read in FootballNathan said: “I was delighted to get tickets but stunned when I picked them up and they were clearly complimentary ones given to a player.“I got a call as well before the game, and the guy told me they were Martinelli’s.Arsenal fans love it as Martinelli cracks Ted Lasso joke while Turner teaches him and Nketiah about MLS ahead of US tour“I don’t blame Martinelli and suspect he might have just not used them and someone else has sold them on. I doubt he needs the money.”There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Martinelli, who did not travel to the ­Midlands. Arsenal and the site were approached for comment.Sales manager Nathan, from Hawkhurst, Kent, snapped the tickets up from website Livefootballtickets for £175 each More

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      Tottenham eye ambitious £80m transfer swoop for Dortmund and England U21 star Jamie Gittens

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      TOTTENHAM are eyeing up an audacious summer move for Borussia Dortmund starlet Jamie Gittens.Winger Gittens, 20, has been a long-term target of Spurs who are keen to bolster the left-side of their attack.Spurs are eyeing up an audacious summer move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie GittensCredit: AlamyBut there is likely to be plenty of competition for the former Manchester City academy player.Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea also tracking the England Under-21 international.Gittens has scored 16 goals in 91 appearances for Dortmund, coming on as a late sub in last season’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.This year he has developed into a first-team regular, netting 11 goals in 33 appearances.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has not scored in eight games though as Dortmund have slid down to 11th in the Bundesliga table, winning just one and losing five of their last seven league games.Dortmund are eight points off the top four but are still in the Champions League, holding a 3-0 lead going into their play-off second leg against Sporting Lisbon.Should they miss out on qualification for Europe’s elite club competition for next season, they may be forced to cash in on Gittens, believed to be valued at £80million.Former Dortmund and Liverpool striker Karl Heinz-Riedle told SunSport in November that Gittens has the potential to emulate ex-team-mates Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe German, 59, said: “Jamie is still not 100 per cent what we expect from a world-class player  — but he has all the talent to become one of those.“He can become the next Sancho, Erling Haaland or Bellingham.”Gittens has 16 goals for Dortmund in 91 matches – scoring 11 of those this season.Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card More

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      Arsenal fans ‘will never forgive Edu’ after academy kid Gunners sold for just £4m last summer scores ANOTHER hat-trick

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      FORMER Arsenal academy starlet Mika Biereth has scored hat-tricks in back-to-back home games for AS Monaco.The striker, 22, was allowed to leave the Gunners to join Sturm Graz for just £4million last summer.Mika Biereth scores against Nantes for AS MonacoCredit: AFPThe Swede has impressed since moving to FranceCredit: AFPAfter excelling in his first half a season in Austria, Biereth signed for Monaco last month in a deal worth up to £12.5m.While Arsenal have struggled with an injury crisis among their forward players of late, Biereth has excelled since moving to France.The Swede continued his rich vein of form on Saturday afternoon by bagging a brilliant hat-trick against Nantes.Biereth’s treble helped his side on their way to a 7-1 demolition of Les Canaris at Stade Louis II.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe hat-trick made it seven goals in five league games for his new side, with Biereth having also netted in his previous two home outings.And Monaco even took the opportunity to goal Arsenal in a post on X, calling him an “absolute Gunner”. He scored his first goal for his new side in a 3-2 win over Rennes on January 25.The 6ft 2in forward then added a treble in a 4-2 triumph over Auxerre.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBiereth, 22, was allowed to leave Arsenal last summerCredit: GettyBiereth is now team-mates with fellow former Arsenal academy graduate Folarin Balogun.But the US international, 23, has been sidelined for much of this season with a shoulder injury.Arteta reveals Havertz tore hamstring during set-piece routine and admits Arsenal could sign free agentBiereth never made a first team appearance for Arsenal.He made a Premier League matchday squad just once, for a 0-0 draw with Burnley in January 2022.During his time at Arsenal he spent loan spells at RKC Waalwijk, Motherwell and Sturm Graz.Seeing his latest goalscoring exploits for Monaco, several Gunners supporters ranted about his sale on social media.One fumed: “2021… Edu Gaspar I will never forgive you for selling Mika Biereth.. he should have been Arsenal’s main striker.”While a second claimed: “We could have given Mika Biereth a chance.”Another added: “Another day to lament about the selling of Mika Biereth. Many of us knew he was class.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are currently without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli.Mikel Merino rose from the bench as a makeshift centre forward to net a double in the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Leicester earlier today. More