Arsenal transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘in talks with Nico Williams’ agent’ over bargain £48m move for Atletico Bilbao star but face war with Bayern

      by

      ARSENAL have contacted Nico Williams’ representatives about a bargain summer transfer, according to reports.The Gunners are hoping to significantly bolster their attack ahead of next season.Nico Williams is in red-hot demand ahead of this summerCredit: ReutersWilliams, 22, has excelled in LaLiga with Athletic Bilbao and was among Spain’s star players as they won Euro 2024 last year.According to Bild reporter Christian Falk, Arsenal have opened dialogue with Williams’ management team over a potential summer move.The winger has a release clause in his contract, understood to stand somewhere between £48million and £67m.Arsenal will face significant competition for Williams’ signature.Falk adds that Bayern Munich are also keen on securing the Spanish wide man.While in January it was reported that Chelsea and Liverpool are admirers of Williams’ talent.The Pamplona-born star has played 23 times in LaLiga this term.Williams has scored four league goals and laid on a further five during the 2024-25 campaign.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe homegrown Athletic Bilbao star penned his most recent contract with the Basque side in December 2023.Williams’ deal runs until 2027, although the release clause offers him a way out.Nico Williams reveals which Ghanian and former Premier League cult-hero footballer he looks up tooArsenal have recently had to contend with injuries to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.Mikel Merino has had to fill in as a forward, while on-loan Raheem Sterling has struggled for form in the Premier League. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It was clear why’ – Mikel Arteta lifts lid on why ‘brave’ Arsenal star Ben White refused to play for England

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA saluted “brave” Ben White after he told Thomas Tuchel he wants an England return.The Arsenal defender has not played for his country since leaving the 2022 Qatar World Cup early amid an alleged fallout with assistant Steve Holland.Mikel Arteta says there is no way Ben White let England downCredit: GettyEmirates ace White allegedly fell out with England coach Steve HollandCredit: GettyBut White, 27, told new England boss Tuchel he would “love” to end his exile — although was not fit enough to be in yesterday’s squad.This is despite Three Lions legend Stuart Pearce warning: “If players let you down once, they will always let you down.”But Gunners chief Arteta hit back: “What Ben did was very brave and not a lot of people would have done it.“I was very involved in [White refusing to be called up].READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I know how Ben felt and it was very clear for me the reason why he made that decision.“It wasn’t about [letting his country down]. It was about facing the situation and saying, ‘I can’t handle it now and I am not the best person to represent the country the way I feel right now’.“So it was completely the opposite. What a lot of people would do is hide in that environment.“Whatever the outcome, what I want is for Ben to be happy.Most read in FootballNew Three Lions, boss Thomas Tuchel has opened the door for WhiteCredit: ReutersWhite won four England caps under Gareth Southgate from 2021-2022Credit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“Knowing Ben, he won’t be influenced by somebody else.“And if they found that chemistry between Thomas and him, that’s great. If he wants to come and Thomas wants him, great.Ben White set for England return as Thomas Tuchel confirms Arsenal star ‘would love to be back’ in squad “He has the level and the potential to achieve great things with the national team.”Tuchel held talks with right-back White before leaving him out of his first England squad to face Albania on Friday and Latvia three days later. White made a first start since November in Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven after a knee op.Tuchel said: “He loves to be back in the squad. It’s a bit too early, given the injury he had.“We’ve been monitoring his training. We are on it and are speaking to Ben. I’m delighted he’s back.“It’s a question about getting more minutes and rhythm. He has every chance to be back. He’s glad to be back.”Arsenal superkid Ethan Nwaneri earned a first England Under-21s call.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe forward, 17, will be involved for friendlies with France and Portugal.Academy kid Nwaneri has enjoyed a stunning breakout season under Arteta — with eight goals in all competitions — and was even touted for a senior call-up.Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, 17, has leapt up into the England U-21s squadCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Looking forward to him joining Man Utd’ – Cheeky fans taunt Arsenal as 15-year-old is promoted to first-team training

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED fans brutally mocked Arsenal after a 15-year-old academy wonderkid was spotted training with Mikel Arteta’s first-team.The Old Trafford faithful reckon they can STEAL Max Dowman from Hale End, after prying Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven over the last year.Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman is the new kid on the block at ArsenalManager Mikel Arteta has introduced Dowman to first team training sessionsArsenal’s trio of starlets Dowman, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly pose for a snap in DubaiBut Arsenal fans will surely riot if Mikel Arteta and Co. let this one go.Dowman has been a name on the lips of Gooners throughout the season and he has been pictured training with the first team regularly.And the Arsenal hierarchy are keen to show upcoming talent there is a pathway to the Prem after a two window exodus. Fans were utterly devastated to see record-breaking academy starlet Obi reject schoolboy terms and leave for Man Utd last summer.READ MORE ON ARSENALWhile Hale End defender Ayden Heaven soon followed Obi to Carrington in January.And Man Utd supporters have issued a hiliarious ‘watch out’ warning to the Emirates faithful, hinting Dowman might jump ship too.After spotting Dowman in Arsenal training ahead of Chelsea’s visit on Sunday, one fan wrote: “@ManUtd do your thing”.A second posted: “Looking forward to him joining United in 18 months 😁.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third added: “They are scared Man Utd will come knocking 😂😂.”While another said: “ManchesterUnited bound…”Arteta insists Arsenal are capable of reaching Champions League semi finals after PSV draw One more replied: “Can’t wait to see him at Old Trafford in a few years time!”Striker Obi, 17, has already broken into Man Utd’s first team, playing two Prem games and impressing fans in the club’s FA Cup shootout exit to Fulham.Meanwhile, Heaven came on at half-time against Arsenal on Sunday as Arteta’ side all but withdrew from the title race after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.The likes of Amario Cozier-Duberry, Lino Sousa and Reuell Walters left for Brighton, Aston Villa and Luton Town during the summer, but the departure which hurt most was that of Obi.Unsurprisingly, Arsenal don’t want a repeat of this.Meanwhile, Dowman was part of Arsenal’s first-team squad that travelled to Dubai for the winter training camp earlier this month.Former Arsenal whizzkid Chido Obi joined Man Utd last summerObi scored scored a club record of 32 goals for Arsenal under-18s in his last seasonAyden Heaven joined Man Utd from Arsenal in JanuaryThis season, teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have gone from Hale End hopefuls to first team stars.The earliest point Arsenal can officially sign Dowman to scholarship terms is ahead of the 2026-27 season.The attacking midfielder has been compared to AC Milan legend Kaka by his youth coach.While he was fast-tracked into Arsenal’s U18 team at the tender age of just 13 by former teen prodigy Jack Wilshere.Up until then, luring him away wouldn’t be too tricky. Incredibly, he only turned 15 on December 31. Already, though, he turned heads in matches in the Uefa Youth League.Arteta handed Nwaneri his league debut against Brentford in September 2022, making him the youngest player in the competition’s history at 15 years and 181 days.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn December, Dowman became the youngest player ever to feature for Arsenal at Under 21 level or equivalent after coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw with BrightonMail Sport understands that multiple Premier League academies have approached Dowman’s father to register their interest his son. Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Red Devils signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as everIT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.Arsenal’s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Major Arsenal stadium update as Gunners hold talks over Emirates expansion with architectural design firm

      by

      ARSENAL are exploring ways to expand the Emirates’ capacity after being approached by an architect, reports claim.It comes as Premier League rivals are moving quickly to expand their grounds or building new ones to supercharge financial revenue.Arsenal have taken a big step forward in their plans to expand the Emirates StadiumCredit: RexArsenal’s Emirates Stadium holds just over 60,000 fansMan Utd have confirmed plans for a new 100,000-seater stadiumManchester United unveiled glittering plans for a new £2billion 100,000-capacity super stadium earlier this week. The project, which will be the biggest stadium in the UK, has already been given the green light as part of a major regeneration of the area.And Newcastle followed suit with £3billion plans to move away from St James’ Park to a stunning 65,000-capacity arena.Arsenal are now mulling over their options as they attempt to keep up, according to The Mail.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTalks are reportedly at an early stage, with a number of potential options being considered. The cost and the length of the project are the main factors being discussed by Arsenal chiefs, while the impact on the surrounding area is also a major factor.Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has already discussed the prospect of an expansion.He said: “The internal conversations are starting to occur about the stadium.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It is not an easy renovation, but we see the possibilities of what’s there.”At 60,704 seats, Arsenal currently have the fifth-biggest stadium in the league – they were second behind Old Trafford when the Emirates opened.Mikel Arteta walks out of Sky Sports interview moments after Arsenal lose further ground in Premier League title raceTottenham (62,850), West Ham (62,500) and Liverpool (61,276) have all since shot past them.The cost and project time length are major factors for Arsenal when it comes to the available options.The North London club were reportedly approached about hosting Euro 2028 games, but declined. The Emirates has instead chosen to free up the summer 2028 calendar for events and concerts.This potentially presents an opportunity to get any stadium expansion completed by then.Meanwhile an architect has already given an insight into what a potential expansion project could look like.The cost of the Old Trafford project is said to be estimated at £2bnNewcastle are reportedly set to leave St James’ Park for a new homeHere’s how SunSport imagined it could lookNick Tyrer told The i Paper: “It’s efficient, everything fits together like a nice puzzle.“It’s impressive what they were able to do on that tight site, but the problem with a puzzle that fits nicely together is as soon as you want to make big changes to it, it’s difficult.”One of the big challenges is there’s an elegant roof that is supported in I think eight places.The whole roof sits on those eight points and if you want to do any kind of expansion you need to remove the structure that’s blocking you.”Tottenham’s state-of-the-art stadium took three years to build and was completed in April 2019.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Man City’s north stand, which started construction in July 2023, is expected to be done by the end of 2026.The Mail claim that money will be needed for work on at least Holloway Road underground station to increase its capacity. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal files: What really happened in Arteta’s Old Trafford interview as Gunners target £12.5m La Liga star transfer

      by

      FOLLOWING Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend, Mikel Arteta faced up to the world’s media, from the written press to international broadcasters.But it was his interview with Sky Sports in the Old Trafford tunnel that grabbed the attention of fans and pundits, appearing to show Arteta “storm out” of his one-on-one chat with reporter Patrick Davison.Mikel Arteta drew headlines after seemingly walking away from an interview with Sky SportsBut the real reason behind the mix-up has now been explainedCriticism followed. Some called it “petulant”, others claimed it showed that Arteta was cracking under the pressure of a Premier League title race.But what really happened, and why?To throw in some context, like most Prem managers, Arteta had a whole host of post-match media to get through before he could travel back to London with his squad.On this occasion, there were nine interviews to complete, including six international TV broadcasters, UK radio, Arsenal TV and a press conference.Arteta’s interview with Sky’s Davison was going as expected – questions about the match as well as Arsenal’s ongoing injury issues.The length of these full-time Sky interviews can vary. For example, United boss Ruben Amorim spoke for four-and-a-half minutes.But usually, they last between two minutes and two-and-a-half minutes before managers must move on to other post-match responsibilities.In this instance, after two minutes and 40 seconds, Arteta was asked whether he regretted not buying a striker in January, to which he replied: “No, it’s not about that” before moving to his right to leave the interview.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport understands that Arteta believed the interview had come to a natural conclusion, only for Davison to stop him and say: “Mikel, one more. “I have to ask you about the title race because it is 15 points now. Is it too much?”Arteta insists Arsenal are capable of reaching Champions League semi finals after PSV draw Arteta interrupted to say: “No, thank you” before walking off. As the screen flicked back to the Sky studio, pundit Gary Neville looked slightly alarmed at what had happened.Neville said: “Usually if you see a manager walk off from an interview when he’s been asked a question, you normally think there is something getting to them.“Is he sick of being asked that question? Does he think that’s too simple an answer that he doesn’t have a striker?”However, SunSport understands that Arteta had no issue with the line of questioning, nor did he have a problem with Davison’s approach, just keen to get on to his next media obligation.It is normal for reporters to try and squeeze as many questions in during the allotted time as possible, as Davison rightly attempted to do.You may argue that Arteta could have stood still for a couple more seconds to answer the final question, instead of his awkward-looking rushed getaway.But there was no malice in his hurried departure, nor was he attempting to avoid that particular question.Arsenal cruised into the Champions League quarters with an aggregate 9-3 win over PSVThe Gunners fielded SIX left-backs as they drew 2-2 on the nightIn fact, Arteta had already answered it in much more detail in several other post-match chats, including in the press conference, where he said: “I don’t want to say [the title race is over].“The frustration is that we haven’t won our game. We know the urgency and it’s about winning every single match if you want to have any chance of doing that.“I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk about that.”The Spaniard has not taken the reaction to the incident to heart either.Moments after Tuesday’s press conference previewing Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 clash with PSV, Arteta remarked to another Sky reporter with a smile that he thought he was going to be asked about it in order to clarify what happened.So, it may have looked tense, but it was far from it. Just clumsy.REAL (MADRID) CHANCEThe Bernabeu will soon play host to Arsenal in the quarter finals of the Champions League – a tie that brings back memories of Thierry Henry’s match-winning goal to down David Beckham and his fellow Galacticos in 2005/06.That season, Arsenal reached the final in Paris, eventually losing to Barcelona 2-1.Nineteen years on and it feels like it could be one step too far for this team – with no recognised striker – to knock out Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr on route to another final.But SunSport understands that there are those in the know in the Madrid press pack that feel the Gunners now have more of a chance to reach the semis after avoiding a two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid.Diego Simeone’s Atletico would have put up an ugly fight, like they always do, and shut up shop with a low block for 180 minutes or more – something Arsenal have struggled to break down this term.In comparison, Real will surely attack from the off. That may just make this a 50/50 tie if Arsenal can find their shooting boots and be brave with the ball when space opens up.Arsenal face 15-time European champions in the quarter-finalsCredit: APESPANYOL DECISIONSSunSport understands that Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El Hilali, who is believed to have a release clause of around £12.5m.El Hilali can also play as a winger, something Arteta likes in his new recruits. The Moroccan is just 21 years old with a contract until June 2027, and is also being looked at by Barcelona.He leads LaLiga in terms of successful tackles resulting in ball recoveries (63) this term.But Arsenal are also keen on Espanyol’s keeper Joan Garcia, 23, for the summer, needing a No.2 to come in to compete with David Raya when Neto returns to parent club Bournemouth. Garcia could cost upwards of £25m.In the scenario that Espanyol do not want to sell both their stars in the same window, Arsenal and Arteta may have a tricky decision on their hands.Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El HilaliCredit: GettyDRESSING DOWNNormally on a Champions League night at the Emirates, the Arsenal players cannot wait to shower, change and get home – speedily walking through the mixed zone where journalists often stand towards the car park.But on Tuesday night, after a 2-2 draw with PSV, they were nowhere to be seen.Instead, they were huddled around a TV in the dressing room watching the penalty shoot-out between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to find out their quarter final opponents.It is believed that among them were Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz – both watching the game from the stands as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori eventually came out to conduct interviews sometime after, the former revealing the reaction to the result amongst the squad.The Ukrainian said: “How can you cheer? It was a mixed feeling. No one said anything. It was just mixed emotions.”Real Madrid edged the most controversial shootout in recent European memoryCredit: ReutersFormer Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger just about sealed a 4-2 win over Atletico MadridCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal player ratings: Raheem Sterling shines with more confidence against PSV but rusty Ben White makes mistakes

      by

      ARSENAL set up a Champions League quarter-final showdown with Real Madrid as a 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven sealed a 9-3 aggregate win.Raheem Sterling provided two assists for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice after Arsenal blew the Dutch champions away by a 7-1 scoreline last Tuesday.Oleksandr Zinchenko scored six minutes into his rare startCredit: GettyDeclan Rice put Arsenal 2-1 up just before the intervalCredit: GettyPSV faced an impossible task of overturning the ridiculous six-goal deficit – but gave it a respectable go.Zinchenko curled in a sixth minute opener, before former Spurs star Ivan Perisic levelled.Rice headed in Sterling’s brilliant cross on the stroke of half-time, before Couhaib Driouech made it 2-2 on the night.But Arsenal now face an even more ominous task of facing 15-time European champions Madrid in the last-eight on April 8.Perhaps Sterling doubling his assist tally for the entire season with two on Wednesday evening was the biggest takeaway. That and Zinchenko refusing to celebrate against his old loan club – where he made 17 appearances in the 2016/2027 season.Arsenal made seven changes ahead of kick-off, with full-back Kieran Tierney playing as a WINGER, alongside stand-in No 9 Mikel Merino.Here is how SunSport’s Dan King rated Arsenal’s performances in North London.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Raya – 7 Had absolutely nothing of note to do before he found himself picking the ball out of the net. Had to find focus quickly because Driouech’s deflected shot was creeping in before the Spaniard fingertipped it around the post.Will not have been impressed with a lot that was going on in front of him, especially down the PSV left. Made another good save, from Isaac Babadi, before being totally exposed again for PSV’s second equaliser, which was also an excellent finish. Saved Jorginho’s blushes late on with another save.Ben White – 4 First start since November 10 after knee surgery just in time for plenty of England speculation..Plenty of energy, pressing high into the PSV half when required and getting forward to deliver a dangerous cross inside 15 minutes.But rustiness clear in two first-half mistakes that almost led to goals for Driouech. He was rescued by Raya the first time, and by Gabriel the second. Hit a tame shot straight at Benitez.Trademark spikiness in a spat with Tyrell Malacia but most of dangers was coming down his flank.Ben White made his first start since NovemberCredit: RexJakub Kiwior – 6 Had to fill in to cover injuries a few times but this was very much a case of his presence indicating a game without much jeopardy. Although he did his best to create some with a panicky attempted clearance that gave Johan Bakayoko a decent chance just before Perisic’s equaliser. Rightly unhappy to be booked for a tussle with Perisic and looked more solid as the game went on.Gabriel – 6 The Brazilian’s decision-making is usually excellent but when faced with a stick or twist dilemma, he left Perisic all on his own to equalise when PSV broke.Regained his composure to make a superb sprinting block in the box when White gave the ball away and could not catch Driouech.Was clearly frustrated with some of his team-mates, judging by the frequent arm gestures and the mini-tantrum after PSV’s second goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6 Arteta admitted the youngster became a “liability” in the away leg but gave him the chance to redeem himself in a match with less riding on it.It might be a bit harsh to criticise him for the Perisic goal, but once Gabriel had stepped across MLS really needed to bust a gut to get goal side of the Croat. Almost restored Arsenal’s lead but PSV keeper Walter Benitez actually made a decent smothering save that diverted the ball on to the post. Set up decent second-half chance for Calafiori in solid performance.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7 Instead of inverting into midfield from full back, the Ukrainian was asked to be there all the time. And he made his presence felt with a brilliant finish from outside the box after only six minutes.Zinchenko looked comfortable on the ball, although sometimes looked unsure where he needed to be when out of possession. Yet this was a decent all-round performance, especially compared to Jorginho just inside him. You can never question his commitment to the cause and willingness to do whatever job is asked of him.Jorginho – 4 Man voted most likely by his peers to become a coach was asked to anchor the team in what was at times a 4-1-4-1 formation.There is no doubting the Italian’s footballing brain but you wondered about his legs when he was trying in vain to get back to prevent Perisic’s goal. Important defensive header early in the second half but then caught out, losing the ball and unable to recover as Driouech made it 2-2. Another mistake gave PSV late chance to win it.Declan Rice – 7 The England star had been quietly efficient before restoring Arsenal’s lead with a powerful header. Showed off his usual strength, commitment and stamina in a controlled performance. Arteta had to include some of his regular starting 11 but can ill afford any more injuries to key players, so took the chance to bring Rice off before three-quarter mark. Another Arsenal player to receive a strange yellow card from the Slovenian referee and substituted straight afterwards.Raheem Sterling – 7 Livelier than usual right from the start, releasing the ball for Zinchenko to run on and score.Improved confidence was clear in way he attempted give-and-go’s and solo runs. One of those, and a fine cross, created Arsenal’s second for Rice. Yet the lack of complete belief could be seen in unconvincing finish when Zinchenko played him through late in first half.Faded a bit after the break, but kept going and almost got the goal at the death that most were willing him to score. Booked in stoppage time for rash foul so will miss first leg of QF.Sterling of Arsenal won Man of the Match for his lively first half performanceCredit: GettyKieran Tierney – 6 Having been preferred to Sterling as an attacking substitute in a recent game, the Scottish full back was given the chance to show what he could do from the start.The answer was: not a great deal. His ball retention and passing were fine but he didn’t offer much in the final third.Victim of a spiteful foul by Perisic that somehow didn’t earn a booking.Fair to say that his defensive nous was a help to Lewis-Skelly, the midfielder being picked ahead of him Full-back Kieran Tierney started as a left winger against PSVCredit: GettyMikel Merino – 6 Almost carved himself out a shooting opportunity straight from kick-off but Arsenal’s makeshift striker was soon upstaged by Zinchenko. A backheel flick almost turned into an assist for Lewis-Skelly, but only thanks to a deflection.Adept at holding up the ball and linking play but in terms of threat in the penalty area, the two-goal cameo at Leicester felt like a long time ago. The second half pretty much passed him by until he was taken off in a double change.SUBSLeandro Trossard (’63 for Merino) – 5 Not much is running for the Belgian at the moment. Made little impact, giving a new meaning to the term “false nine”.Riccardo Calafiori (’63 for Rice) – 6 The Italian defender is one of Arsenal’s best finishers but the chance laid on for him by Lewis-Skelly seemed to come too early and his shot was saved. Good block on a Babadi shot.Martin Odegaard (‘ 79 for Zinchenko ) – 6Added a bit of late zip to Arsenal’s attacks lbut did not have enough time to influence proceedings much.Jurrien Timber (‘ 79 for White) – 6On a night when Arsenal used four, five, or even six left backs, depending on your point of view, the Dutchman shored up the Arsenal right in the final minutes..Gabriel Martinelli (’80 for Tierney) – 6Got a few more minutes in his legs ahead of Sunday’s important game against Chelsea.  More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      PSV ultras take over League Two clash ahead of Champions League second leg against Arsenal

      by

      PSV EINDHOVEN fans took over a League Two game in preparation for their Champions League second leg against Arsenal.The Gunners take a commanding 7-1 lead into the Emirates tonight following their rout in the Netherlands. PSV fans turned up to watch Cheltenham beat AFC WimbledonCredit: GettyThose attending the League Two game were baffled by their appearanceCredit: GettyBut it appears to travelling support are undeterred as they settled into the English away stands early. In a video shared online, apparent “PSV Ultras” were spotted singing Dutch chants at AFC Wimbledon’s game against Cheltenham Town.They can be heard signing PSV songs as bemused fans watched on and recorded while others on social media were left in awe. One said: “Absolutely love it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Class.”One hailed: “Love this!!”Another said: “Brilliant – class!”The game ended 2-1 to Cheltenham but PSV would need more than that to somehow turn their fortunes around. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal boss Mikel Arteta hinted at resting some players due to the heavy deficit. Arteta said: “It is unique but it’s also understanding how the game was played a week ago and the fact that everything went in the right direction for us from the beginning. Liverpool boss Arne Slot left with sense of shock after Champions League penalty shoot-out exit against PSG “We’re going to have to earn the right tomorrow to go in the same direction, so we’re fully focused on that.“We understand what happened in the first game and the direction that it could have taken in the first 10 minutes. “After all the control that we had, if we give the goal away or if the referee would have given the second yellow card to Myles, it’s very simple. “This is football, you have to earn it and we’re going to have to do a great job tomorrow again to win the game.”Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the PSV clashCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘want Bruno Guimaraes as part of stunning TRIPLE transfer spree’ as incoming chief sets out plan

      by

      ARSENAL want to sign Bruno Guimaraes as part of a stunning TRIPLE summer transfer spree under incoming new chief Andrea Berta.The former Atletico Madrid sporting director is reportedly set to replace Edu Gaspar as Arsenal’s transfer guru.Arsenal are targeting Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes as part of a triple summer raidCredit: PAIncoming transfer chief Andrea Berta has already made contact with his representativesCredit: PA:Empics SportAnd Spanish outlet AS claims Berta is ready to arrive in London with a bang by moving for superstar Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes.The Brazil international, 27, has been a key player since joining Toon from Lyon for £40million in 2022.It’s reckoned Guimaraes is happy to stay put on Tyneside after penning a contract extension until 2028 just 18 months ago.However, he is also said to have an agreement with Newcastle to leave this summer for just £60m if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFive teams from England are set to play in Europe’s top competition next season.And Toon are currently sixth in the table, level on points with fifth-place Man City.Incoming Arsenal chief Berta is said to be a huge fan of Guimaraes, having tried to sign him THREE times while at Atletico.And he has already contacted the Samba star’s representatives to inform them that Guimaraes is at the top of Arsenal’s shopping list this summer.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut the playmaker isn’t the only Newcastle star in Arsenal’s sights.The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims Mikel Arteta is also desperate to sign teammate Alexander Isak, 25, and has made the Swede his No1 striker target.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires Arsenal also want Guimaraes’ Newcastle teammate Alexander IsakCredit: PAHowever, it’s believed Arsenal will need to spend a record £150m to get a deal done, with Isak also under contract until 2028 and in no rush to move on.Finally, AS adds that Arsenal are confident of completing a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, 26, for £50m.The Spaniard rejected a move to Liverpool last summer but is now thought to be on the verge of moving to England with the Gunners.Arsenal want both Zubimendi and Guimaraes as they will reportedly bid farewell to duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey.The veterans are both out of contract this summer and will be released on free transfers.Jorginho is apparently set to move to Brazil with Flamengo.While Partey has been linked with Barcelona.Arsenal also look set to seal a £50million move for Real Sociedad’s Martin ZubimendiCredit: Getty More