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      Mikel Arteta planning tactical switch to cope with Saka injury… and it could mean position change for star Arsenal man

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      MIKEL ARTETA is praying Declan Rice’s versatility can help Arsenal cope without Bukayo Saka.A torn hamstring looks set to rule out England winger Saka until at least March in a massive blow to the Gunners’ title hopes.Arsenal take on Ipswich in the Premier League during the holidaysCredit: GettyArsenal may be without Bukayo Saka until at least MarchCredit: ReutersArsenal boss Mikel Arteta may be set for a major tactical changeCredit: GettyArsenal star Declan Rice may be fielded in midfield or attackCredit: GettyBoss Arteta has been pondering how to set up the team in his absence — and midfielder Rice, 25, will be key to whatever he decides.Three Lions enforcer Rice can operate in a defensive midfield role or further up the field.And Arteta hinted he could be having a go at each of them in a busy festive period that kicks off with Friday night’s Premier League visit of Ipswich.The Spaniard, 42, explained: “With the squad that we have, he needs to be versatile.Read More on Arsenal“With the qualities that he has, he needs to be versatile. With the brain that he has, he needs to be versatile.  With the age that he is, he needs to be versatile.“He can offer so much in relation to the opponent, to the needs in the squad. Putting Declan in a box, there’s no point in my opinion.”The Gunners, who are six points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game extra, travel to Brentford and then Brighton in the league at the start of January.Then, they host Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, with the winners taking on Tottenham or Liverpool at Wembley.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat all adds up to a host of opponents with markedly different styles and Arteta will be relying on Rice to keep the Gunners in shape.The Emirates chief explained: “He’s going play as a No 6 against a low block in relation to what the nine does, he’s going to be with the centre-backs. If the No 10 is man-marking him, he’s going to have another role.”Exposing the secrets of Arsenal’s CHAOTIC corner routines that can win them the Premier League titleArsenal were struggling to score goals from open play before the Carabao Cup and Prem double-header with Crystal Palace.A 3-2  win at home  on Wednesday booked a semi-final berth — and that was followed by a 5-1 league romp at Selhurst Park on Saturday, which saw Saka limp off early on but Gabriel Jesus scored five times in those two matches.How Arsenal set up against struggling Ipswich will depend on where Arteta deploys Kai Havertz, with the German able to play up front or in attacking midfield.Arteta said: “It is always about that. If you cover something, you uncover something else. That is always the dilemma.“We scored goals with Kai on the pitch and with Declan, who is a different profile.“So, is it related to the players, is it related to the intentions of the team as individuals in certain moments of games and confidence? A lot of aspects play a part.”Ipswich lacking confidenceConfidence is something Ipswich are lacking at the moment following Saturday’s 4-0 home thumping by Newcastle.The Tractor Boys have still not won at Portman Road on their long-awaited Premier League return.But they have triumphed twice on their travels — at Wolves earlier in the month and at Tottenham.Gunners fans certainly enjoyed hearing about that one and Arteta declared himself a big admirer of Town manager Kieran McKenna.McKenna, 38, has guided Ipswich from League One to the Premier League in successive seasons.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Arteta added: “I have a lot of people who know him and they always say great things about him.“They have been very unfortunate not getting the results they deserve. It’s a very tough game for sure.”Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More

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      Arsenal join THREE Premier League rivals in transfer race for PSG frontman Randal Kolo Muani after Bukayo Saka injury

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      FOUR Premier League clubs are battling for the signature of France star Randal Kolo Muani.Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City have been exploring a deal for the speedy Paris Saint-Germain frontman.Randal Kolo Muani has been linked with a move away from PSGCredit: GettyAnd Arsenal have joined the race, with winger Bukayo Saka facing more than two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou desperately needs options given his side’s injury crisis.And Kolo Muani’s electric pace and ability to play anywhere along the frontline appeals.City boss Pep Guardiola wants to freshen things up given their dreadful form and a loan deal would suit both parties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPSG are keen on an obligation-to-buy clause with Frenchman Kolo Muani not part of boss Luis Enrique’s plans.Liverpool are weighing up their options with Mo Salah out of contract in the summer and allowed to talk to foreign clubs in the January window.Boss Arne Slot is a big fan of Kolo Muani, who has performed better for country than club of late.The 26-year-old was chased by Europe’s biggest clubs after scoring 26 goals and providing 17 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022-23.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBukayo Saka is set for a spell on the sidelinesCredit: RexHe joined PSG for £80million in September last year. But he has scored just four times in 14 appearances for the club this season and made just two Ligue 1 starts.He was not in PSG’s squad for recent games with Monaco and Lyon.Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool lossEnrique said: “I could speak about it, but I won’t.“My decisions say it all, even if all of my decisions can be changed.”Kolo Muani netted in the penalty shootout as France were beaten by Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.He was also denied by keeper Emi Martinez’s ‘save of the century’.France boss Didier Deschamps continues to pick Kolo Muani despite his lack of game time.Aston Villa also had dialogue with PSG, who were interested in a swap with striker Jhon Duran.But Villa are not interested in parting with the Colombian ace, 21. More

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      I was sacked as a factory worker, the next day I was playing along Mesut Ozil at Arsenal – I was gobsmacked

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      COHEN BRAMALL was training with Arsenal’s first team including World Cup winner Mesut Ozil – just days after being sacked by car giant Bentley.The current Rotherham’s left-back was “gobsmacked” when he was shoved straight into Arsenal’s senior practice under Arsene Wenger in 2017.Cohen Bramall impressed at an Arsenal trial, the day after he was made redundant from a factoryBramall now plays at League One side RotherhamBramall played for Hednesford in the Northern League Premier Division on a part-time basis, while working full-time at a car factory.He told BBC Sport: “I got made redundant by Bentley on the Tuesday [20 December], which was crazy because I didn’t know what I was going to do.”My agent Lee Payne rings me on the Wednesday saying you’ve got a trial at Arsenal. I was like ‘what?’ – I was gobsmacked.”He said pack your stuff and get to this postcode, so I packed all my stuff in about an hour, got there as fast as I could, slept for a bit, then the next minute I’m in training with the first team.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”It was crazy how quick everything happened, how I met everyone and they just took me straight in. I had to take the opportunity with both hands.”A trial match with Sheffield Wednesday U23s had been watched by Arsenal scout Brian McDermott, who called Bramall’s agent.The following morning, he was training with Arsenal’s first team after expecting to meet up with the reserves.He said: “I got chucked into a 5-vs-5 with some of the best players in the world, like Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech. It was crazy.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The tempo and movement was outstanding. It was a special moment for me.”He’d also played in a reserve game at Crystal Palace.Inside Arsenal’s new £300m+ stadium plans with futuristic Emirates project set to dwarf Spurs groundBramall’s four Arsenal appearances all came in friendliesAfter two days, Arsenal submitted a bid to Hednesford Town and signed the then 20-year-old left-back.The Gunners agreed terms on a reported £40,000 deal in January.At the time, Wenger said: “Bramall is a young, promising left-back who has a lack of experience at the top level but who has fantastic ingredients.”He has tremendous pace, a good left foot, a great desire to do well. Overall, he’s a very exciting prospect.”But the Crewe-born player spent the remainder of the season with the U23s.Bramall made his senior debut in a friendly against A-League side Sydney FC in July 2017.But he and Arsenal team-mate Carl Jenkinson were loaned to Championship club Birmingham City in August.On Bramall’s return to Arsenal, he played three times for their under-21 team in the 2018–19 EFL Trophy.But the club confirmed he would be released when his contract expired in the 2019 summer window.Bramall later played against Mason Greenwood at Old Trafford for ColchesterHe has since worked his way up the EFL pyramid and boasts 58,000 followers on InstagramUp the EFL ladder After his time with Arsenal was up, Bramall signed a two-year contract with League Two club Colchester United in 2019.He was sent off for the first time in his professional career that August for violent conduct during Colchester’s 3–0 win against Swindon Town in the EFL Cup.And he scored his first professional goal with a well taken free kick in a 3–0 win over Carlisle United in December.Next up was a multi-year contract at League One side Lincoln City in February 2021. Bramall made 46 appearances for Lincoln City before RotherhamBramall then climbed the football pyramid again after Championship side Rotherham matched his Lincoln release clause.The now 28-year-old became a first XI staple, racking up 75 Championship appearances, before Rotherham were relegated in May.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has since found himself playing second fiddle to former Man Utd youth player Reece James under manager Steve Evans.He told the Rotherham Advertisier: “This is a challenge and it’s good for my character. If I know I’ve not been doing great, I’ll definitely tell myself that.”Bramall enjoyed a trip to New York during an October international breakHe signed for Rotherham in 2022 More

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      Arsenal ‘to be offered PSG star Kolo-Muani’ as Gunners boss Arteta looks for Saka replacement after injury

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      ARSENAL are set to be offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo-Muani in January, according to reports.The Gunners could be on the lookout for attacking reinforcements next month after losing Bukayo Saka to injury last week.Arsenal are reportedly set to be offered the chance to sign Randal Kolo-MuaniCredit: GettyThe Gunners needs attacking reinforcements after Bukayo Saka picked up a hamstring injury last weekCredit: RexMikel Arteta revealed that Saka will be out for “many weeks” after the winger was substituted off in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Crystal Palace.And Saka could miss FIFTEEN matches as the star faces being out until March after leaving Selhurst Park on crutches with a torn hamstring.But Arteta and Co could be handed an attacking lifeline in PSG star Kolo-Muani with The Standard reporting the Parisians may offer the versatile striker to Arsenal in January.They claim that the north London outfit are one of a number of clubs that PSG could offer Kolo-Muani to in the coming weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe French international, 26, has struggled for game time this season and would benefit from a loan move elsewhere.Kolo-Muani has made just two starts in Ligue 1 this term, despite his mega £75m transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023.Despite mainly operating as a striker, Kolo-Muani is often able to play off the left and right hand side, meaning he could help provide cover for Saka if he was to join Arsenal.Arsenal aren’t currently thought to be looking for a new wide forward in January, but injury to Saka and Raheem Sterling could force their hand.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMikel Arteta has claimed that he is focused on filling Saka and Sterling’s gaps from within the squad, listing the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri as potential replacements.Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Ipswich on Friday, Arteta reiterated that point but kept his options open for a potential arrival in January. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace“My focus honestly now is just about within the squad, the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” he said.“We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”Mikel Arteta hasn’t ruled out signing a new forward in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

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      How long is Bukayo Saka injured for and what games will the Arsenal star miss?

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      BUKAYO SAKA is no doubt one of Arsenal’s brightest stars as he causes a threat to every team he comes up against – but the Gunners will have to continue without him for a while.The England star had to be forced off just 23 minutes into Arsenal’s 5-1 thrashing against Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury.Bukayo Saka is facing a lengthy time on the sidelinesCredit: GettySaka was then later spotted leaving Selhurst Park on crutches.Mikel Arteta admitted in his post-match press conference that he is ‘worried’ about his talisman.And SunSport can explain why as the severity of Saka’s injury has now been revealed.How long is Bukayo Saka injured for?Bukayo Saka is set to be sidelined for up to FIFTEEN games after tearing his hamstring against Crystal Palace.Read more on Bukayo SakaThis is Saka’s third hamstring injury in the 2024/25 campaign after he picked up a similar knock while on international duty with England during the October and November fixtures.However, none of those setbacks were serious enough to keep him out of action on a long-term basis.What games will Bukayo Saka miss for Arsenal?Bukayo Saka will be unavailable for several crucial matches such as the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle, the FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United.And the North London derby against bitter local rivals Tottenham.Most read in FootballHere are the 15 matches Saka is set to miss:Premier League unless statedIpswich (H) – December 27Brentford (A) – January 1Brighton (A) – January 4Newcastle (H) – January 7 (Carabao Cup)Man Utd (H) – January 12 (FA Cup)Tottenham (H) – January 15Aston Villa (H) – January 18 Dinamo Zagreb (H) – January 22 (Champions League)Wolves (A) – January 25Girona (A) – January 28 (Champions League)Man City (H) – February 1 Newcastle (A) February 5 (Carabao Cup)Leicester (A) February 15West Ham (H) – February 22Nottingham Forest (A) – February 25What has been said?Boss Mikel Arteta revealed on Monday Saka, 23, will be out for “many weeks” — but the winger is expected to miss a big chunk of this campaign.Arteta admitted: “It’s not looking good. He’s going to be out for many weeks.“I cannot be too specific because I don’t know — but it will be many.“The sample in this case is very small because he had very little issues.“But looking at him, the way he recovers from game to game, we can be hopeful we’ll make that period shorter.”The Spaniard said: “He is gutted. You can tell he has not been injured before as he was really emotional and down. We must lift him up.”Arteta will only dip into the transfer market to replace Saka if “something unbelievable” came up in next month’s window.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “My focus is just about within the squad — the resources we have to be as competitive as possible.“We have many options to do that. But if something unbelievable is available, and if the club is willing to do it, we will have to consider it.” More

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      Major Arsenal blow as Bukayo Saka sidelined for ‘many weeks’ after being forced off with injury

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      BUKAYO SAKA will be sidelined for “many weeks” after he was forced off through injury, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.Saka was subbed off in the 24th minute of Arsenal’s 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday with a muscle injury.Bukayo Saka will be out for ‘many weeks’ after picking up a muscle injuryCredit: ReutersSaka was spotted on crutches following the gameCredit: The SunMikel Arteta has confirmed Saka will be out for some timeCredit: RexThe Arsenal ace, 23, was spotted walking on crutches following the game.And the Gunners have now been handed a nightmare update on his fitness going into the new year.Speaking to reporters, Arteta said: “It’s not looking good. “He’s going to be out for many weeks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s a huge blow, but it’s going to be a big exercise for us to overcome another challenge.”Saka’s appearance against Palace saw him celebrate his 250th appearance for the North London club.Asked whether there was a fear the winger might not play again this season, Arteta answered with a definitive: “No.”He added: “I would be very optimistic that he will be well again well before the end of the season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta was also quizzed on Saka’s mentality in making his comeback following his injury, given how much he has played so far in his career.The Spaniard said: “Another part of player development is that at some stage at this level you’re going to get injured, unfortunately badly. Bukayo Saka is spotted on crutches after Arsenal’s win at Crystal Palace”He could have been much worse or [it could have] been something else.”It’s how you react to that and overcome that situation and it is a great learning process for him.”It is what it is, he is injured we cannot change it but we are going to use this time to help him for the following years in his career.”Saka has played an incredible 144 games for Arsenal and England since August 2022.Arteta has also revealed that Raheem Sterling will be sidelined for “weeks” as well.He said: “Raheem Sterling will also be out for weeks. He’s suffered an injury, it’s his knee.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He will be assessed again in the next days to understand how long he will be out.”Arsenal’s next game sees them host Ipswich on Friday evening.Arsenal ratings vs Palace as Gunners stuff Eagles at Christmas with Gabriel Jesus rebornGABRIEL JESUS produced his first Premier League goals since January on a day he could have had a hat-trick to continue his good form.Gabriel Martinelli impressed and got on the scoresheet but Arsenal did suffer a blow in the first half as Bukayo Saka limped off with injury, while William Saliba had a rare off day.Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated the Gunners display at Selhurst Park.David Raya – 8Lucky to escape a “Fraser Forster” moment as he played Thomas Partey into all sorts of problems early on before he was beaten by Sarr’s curler soon afterwards.But then bailed out Gabriel to foil Mateta when he seemed certain to equalise once again and made more key saves from Sarr and Mateta at the start of the second half. Often there at the biggest moments.Jurrien Timber – 6Dutch defender looked slightly uncomfortable at times on the right as he gave Palace far too much attacking leeway.Booked for taking an age and a half over a throw-in as well although it was not a costly one.William Saliba – 5All over the place in the first half as he seemed determined to open the door to the home side.Saliba stood off Sarr and paid the price as Palace levelled and then made another blunder only for Raya to save from Mateta. Not exactly a dominant performance.Gabriel – 6Saliba’s wobbles meant his partner-in-chief had to stand up and be counted more than normal but he was not at his best either and a booking after half an hour had him walking a tightrope.More of the same after the break. Fortunately Palace’s defensive deficiencies took the sting out of their attacking armoury too.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Youngster is grabbing his unexpected opportunity to make a first-team impact with an understanding of the inverted nature of the Arsenal full-back role.By some distance the best of the four defenders in the Arsenal back division.Thomas Partey – 7Asked to take care of the defensive midfield task but soon to the fore with the lay-off that allowed Jesus to put the Gunners back in front inside the first 14 minutes.Did what was needed defensively and willing to venture forward when the opportunity was there. Solid throughout.Martin Odegaard – 8When the Norwegian turns up, Arsenal turn up.At Selhurst, Odegaard was the orchestrator in chief from the start, dropping deep to pick up possession and then keeping it simple and effective. The skipper is a leader.Kai Havertz – 8Back in midfield having played most of the season up top but he was in the perfect centre-forward’s position to tap into the empty net when Jesus’ header came back off the post.Home hands went up but there were only the five Palace defenders playing the German onside. A tidy display on the ball but did leave his side slightly open defensively.Bukayo Saka – 7The early loss of the England winger to a worrying knee injury could be a major blow to Arsenal’s title chances.Always the out-ball, Saka had signalled his ongoing threat as he made space to deliver the cross that led to Jesus’ early opener. He could be missing for a while now.Gabriel Jesus – 9Midweek hat-trick against Glasner’s men earned him only fourth Prem start of the season and how he took the chance with the early double and another effort off the post that led to a simple Havertz goal.The Brazilian had been waiting more than 10 months for a top flight goal and got two in eight minutes. One against the woodwork and another missed sitter, too. He must want to play Palace every week.Gabriel Martinelli – 8Took the corner that led to Jesus’ second but then switched to the right flank after Saka limped away and supplied the cross which ended with Havertz making it three before netting himself from close range.Arteta will need that level of return from the Brazilian over the coming weeks if this title challenge is going to be a real one.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 25) – 6Belgian will have to step up if Saka is out for a long spell after his injury and his low cross ended up bringing the Arsenal fourth.Declan Rice (for Havertz, 58) – 8England star came on to secure the game after Arsenal’s sloppy start to the second half and set up Martinelli with his first touch before steering home the fifth.Riccardo Calafiori (for Lewis-Skelly, 58) – 6Martinelli’s strike meant the game was over before the Italian had touched the ball. That makes it easier.Ethan Nwaneri (for Gabriel Jesus 86) N/A More

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      Dramatic moment Prem ace Jorginho’s fiancee confronts woman in late-night doorstep showdown over Arsenal star

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      THE fiancee of footie ace Jorginho confronted a woman in a late night doorstep showdown over the star.Singer Catherine Harding, who previously dated actor Jude Law, turned up demanding to know about Vanessa Sandora and the Arsenal midfielder, 33.Jorginho’s fiancee was involved in a bust-up with another woman over the starCredit: GettyThe Arsenal ace with partner Catherine HardingCredit: Instagram @jorginhofrelloThe 11.30pm encounter took place at Vanessa’s £3million London home.She said yesterday: “I was terrified about who was knocking on my door unannounced so late at night.“I used my Ring doorbell to see it was a woman I did not know.“She said via the intercom, ‘I’m Jorginho’s fiancée, can you let me in?’.” READ MORE ON ARSENALVanessa met the Brazil-born Italy international three times several years ago, including at the Italian restaurant Stecca in West London. But earlier this month, she began receiving calls from an unknown number.Beautician Vanessa, 39, said: “I didn’t pick up but it turned out to be Catherine. When I didn’t answer her calls, she drove across London to knock on my door at 11.30pm.“She had got my address and phone number from an ex of mine who had contacted her. I did let her in and we had a frank chat, woman-to-woman. I felt she deserved the facts, so I gave them to her.”Most read in FootballVanessa explained to Catherine, 33, that she had met up with Jorginho in the past. She added: “He’s not really my type, and I’m not into football, so I was pretty unfazed.”Myles Lewis-Skelly shows off his skills playing for Arsenal She deleted Jorginho from her social media in 2022. Vanessa went on: “I thought that was the end of it and was very happy to get on with my life and build up my business.”But on December 4, Catherine turned up unannounced at her home in Chelsea, West London.Vanessa said her ex-boyfriend had contacted Catherine to tell her about her meetings with Jorginho, in a bid to cause trouble.She added: “I’m not a floozy. I told her I’m not interested in her bloke. But since then she’s been messaging me and won’t let it lie. She needs to move on and leave me out of her life.”Jorginho has more than 3.4million Instagram followers and Irish star Catherine has more than 51,000.The pair, who got engaged a year ago, live in Enfield, North London, near Arsenal’s training ground.Catherine confronting Sandora in a late-night doorstep showdownCatherine made the finals of The Voice UK in 2020 using the name Cat Cavelli.She was mentored by The X Factor star Olly Murs.In 2015, it was revealed she had a child with Fantastic Beasts and Sherlock Holmes star Jude Law.Jorginho married Natalia Leteri in 2017 and had two children together. They split two years later.The player later struck up a relationship with Catherine.He proposed surrounded by red roses and candles, while she was serenaded by a violinist.The couple shared videos and pictures of the intimate moment on Instagram. In February, the couple featured in Amazon Prime’s reality show Married to the Game, which explored the relationships between six top players and their partners.Jorginho has played 66 times for Arsenal and scored one goal since his £12million move from Chelsea in 2022. He had joined the Blues from Napoli for £50million in 2018.He has made 57 Italy appearances, netting five times. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2021 he became the first player to win the European Championship, Champions League and Uefa Super Cup in the same season.Jorginho, on the bench for Arsenal in their win against Crystal Palace yesterday, and Catherine were both approached for comment.Vanessa Sandora is a beautician More

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      Chelsea looking to snap up Sporting Lisbon midfield sensation Dario Essugo on cheap but face Leeds transfer scrap

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      CHELSEA want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheap.The Sporting Lisbon prospect, 19, is starring for LaLiga side Las Palmas on loan.Chelsea want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheapCredit: GettyBut long-term admirers Blues must act fast as Leeds are looking at securing a loan-to-buy deal.SunSport this month revealed how Leeds were keeping tabs on the midfield dynamo. They tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.Essugo played 25 times for Sporting as a teen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the summer, former boss Ruben Amorim – now at Manchester United – decided to loan him out.He has spent this season in LaLiga with Las Palmas.Essugo has played 10 times for his loan club so far.And he scored his first goal during a match against Mallorca last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Leeds are also set to sign Australian keeper Robbie Cook after a trial.Cook, 17, was wanted by Manchester United and Sunderland.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ More