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      Tottenham face transfer battle with bitter rivals Arsenal in bid to sign Brighton star Leandro Trossard

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      TOTTENHAM are interested in a January move for Brighton’s Leandro Trossard.Spurs are looking to add one or two additions to their squad this window with right wing-back and an attacking player the priorities.
      Tottenham are interested in signing Brighton star Leandro TrossardCredit: Getty
      Versatile Trossard, 28, is on their radar for the latter role but other Premier League clubs are also keen, with arch-rivals Arsenal believed to be among them.
      The Belgian’s contract with the Seagulls expires at the end of the season.
      But SunSport understands Albion have the option to extend it by a further year, which they will do if he is still at the club beyond the January window.
      Trossard has seven goals in the Premier League this season, including a hat-trick at Liverpool in October, though his form has nosedived since returning from the World Cup.
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      He was criticised for his work ethic by Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi ahead of their 5-1 win against Middlesbrough on Saturday and missed that FA Cup clash with a calf problem.
      Arsenal’s long-standing interest dates all the way back to before Trossard joined Brighton in 2019 in Genk.
      Speaking exclusively to SunSport shortly after signing during a pre-season trip to Austria, Trossard felt a switch to the Amex was the smart move at the time which could lead to a bigger move in the future.
      Speaking in July 2019, he said: “The Brighton project is more for me at the moment. 
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      “Maybe in a few years I have another idea, I show myself in the Premier League and we can make the next step.”
      Brighton have raked in millions in recent years following the big-money sales of Ben White to Arsenal, Marc Cucurella to Chelsea and Yves Bissouma to Tottenham.
      Meanwhile, Spurs are big fans of Sporting Lisbon wing-back Pedro Porro, previously of Manchester City, but are currently unwilling to pay his £36.7million buy-out clause. More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal legend Robin van Persie’s son Shaqueel, 16, set for international debut after Holland U17s call-up

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      LEGENDARY Dutch striker Robin van Persie left a very distinct legacy behind on the pitch, but it seems the Van Persie name could soon be making a return to the headlines. This is because Van Persie’s son, Shaqueel, has just earned his first call-up to the Netherlands’ Under-17 team.
      Robin van Persie’s son has earned a call-up to the national youth team set upCredit: Rex
      Shaqueel has 16 goals in 13 games for Feyenoord’s U17 teamCredit: Alamy
      Shaqueel, 16, has followed in his father’s footsteps as a striker and seems to have inherited his scoring instincts.
      His first international call-up come’s with a record 16 goals in 13 Feyenoord U17 games this season – the club where “RVP” retired.
      And his development has been overseen by none other than his Dad.
      Arsenal and Man Utd legend Van Persie moved into the youth coaching set-up at the club following his retirement, where it appears to have paid dividends to the family.
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      Now Van Persie works as assistant to head coach Arne Slot, but was spotted dining with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag last month.
      In May of this year, Shaqueel was rewarded with a contract with Feyenoord, with Van Persie senior tweeting: “Congrats Shaq 🤩🔥.”
      Despite his call-up to the Oranje, Shaqueel could yet choose to play for Morocco due to the background of mum, Bouchra.
      But for now at least, Holland is he who he will be representing on the international stage – perhaps with a long-term goal to try and eclipse his Dad’s tally of 50 international goals.
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      Van Persie enjoyed a superb career as one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League in his era.
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      Despite an injury-hit time at Arsenal, he still struck 132 goals for the Gunners before swapping the red of North London for the red of Manchester in 2012.
      The moved proved to be a stroke of genius for both him and Man Utd as they picked up the title with Van Persie scoring 26 goals and adding a further 15 assists.
      The Red Devils have not been close to a title since, while Arsenal have only just remembered their own title-winning history after years of stagnation and mediocrity.
      A host of ex-United stars are also being followed by their sons, including Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, with the latter’s recently joining Brentford B on loan. More

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      Eric Garcia ready to snub Arsenal transfer to stay at Barcelona despite falling out of favour under Xavi

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      ERIC GARCIA is not interested in quitting Barcelona for Arsenal, according to reports.The Spaniard, 22, left Manchester City for boyhood club Barca 18 months ago.
      Eric Garcia has struggled for game time this seasonCredit: Getty
      But the move hasn’t yet worked out as he would have hoped.
      Garcia has struggled for game time under Xavi this season.
      Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the Spain international centre-back.
      But according to Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo, Garcia would not consider the move.
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      They add that he “only has in mind” to play for Barcelona.
      Garcia penned a five-year deal with the Catalan giants in the summer of 2021 while Ronald Koeman was still in charge.
      He was initially a regular, making 36 appearances in all competitions last term.
      But his importance has waned this time around.
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      Garcia has started only half of Barca’s LaLiga matches this season, and has been an unused substitute in the last four.
      Despite Gerard Pique’s retirement earlier this season he still faces stiff competition for places – with Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde all available to Xavi.
      The Barcelona boss even opted to start Marcos Alonso at centre-back ahead of Garcia for the recent Catalan derby draw with Espanyol.
      Despite Garcia’s lack of action, Xavi is determined to keep his current squad together for the remainder of the campaign.
      The 42-year-old wants to keep his squad intact as they fight on multiple fronts.
      Barcelona are three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.
      They will also face Manchester United in the Europa League knockouts. More

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      Arsenal boss Arteta urges club to splash the cash for new striker as club face transfer fight with Chelsea over Mudryk

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      MIKEL ARTETA piled pressure on Arsenal to sign another striker after warning that Eddie Nketiah can’t do it all on his own.The Gunners boss was delighted with Nketiah’s two-goal contribution in the 3-0 FA Cup win at League One Oxford.
      Mikel Arteta wants another striker to support Eddie NketiahCredit: Getty
      Arsenal appear to have missed out on Joao Felix to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The Gunners are still trying to sign Mykhailo MudrykCredit: Getty
      That was Nketiah’s fourth goal in four games since Gabriel Jesus underwent a knee operation before Christmas.
      But Arteta warned: “Eddie is getting better and better but the problem is that we have only one striker and to cope for that many months until Gabby Jesus is back is not easy.
      “We have to get the most out of the players that we have at the moment but it will be great if we can get some reinforcements.”
      Arsenal are still locked in negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk for Ukrainian international Mykhailo Mudryk but have lost out to Chelsea in their attempts to take Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid.
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      That leaves all the onus on Nketiah and Arteta said: “Eddie has been patiently waiting for this moment but he has been preparing himself with the right mindset.
      “That’s why he is performing the way he is and once again tonight he showed what a great finisher he is.
      “He showed great composure with the timing of his runs and the decision making in waiting until the last moment when the keeper has committed himself shows his quality.
      “His understanding and work-rate were top class.”
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      Nketiah added: “I’m grateful for the opportunities and I just want to keep helping the team.
      “We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy night because the pitch was tough with the way we want to play.
      “We had a difficult start and we weren’t good enough in the first-half. But we stayed patient and we were better after the break and eventually got our reward.
      “Manchester City away in the next round isn’t the best draw for us but we’re all up for it.”
      The good news for table-topping Arsenal is they suffered no further injuries ahead of Sunday’s North London derby away to Spurs, with Arteta confirming that Bukayo Saka is fine despite limping off 15 minutes from the end of the game.
      Arteta said: “It’s always tough to win these matches. They are a direct team and we needed to control certain things better.
      “We needed more continuity, more speed and threat in our possession to create the spaces to open them up.
      “But we changed a few things in the second-half and found the openings to win.”
      Oxford boss Karl Robinson said: “My players can be proud of some of their display but we got a bit giddy in the second-half and that made us very vulnerable to their counter-attacking.
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      “We can’t get away from the fact that every team in the Premier League has been trying to stop Arsenal and they’re still five points clear at the top.
      “We won’t come across another team with that speed and quality. We tried to play our way but the reality is that we don’t compete at that level.” More

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      Mikel Arteta goes wild on touchline AGAIN despite Arsenal being 3-0 up vs Oxford with Dixon calling him out for antics

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      MIKEL ARTETA went wild on the touchline again against Oxford – despite watching his Arsenal side cruise to victory. After an awkward first-half, a brace from Eddie Nketiah and a bullet header from Mohamed Elneny took the game away from the League 1 hosts.
      Mikel Arteta produced another eye-catching display on the touchline – even with Arsenal 3-0 upCredit: Getty
      From first-half frustration to second-half satisfaction, the Arsenal boss went through many emotions during the 90 minutes of actionCredit: Rex
      An impressive first-half showing from Karl Robinson’s side saw Arsenal have to fight to avoid an upset.
      And even though he watched the Gunners take a commanding 3-0 lead, boss Arteta grew increasingly animated and even caught the attention of co-commentator Lee Dixon.
      And the former Arsenal defender could not help but poke fun at the Spaniard, whose sideline antics has caused a stir among some fans.
      With the game winding to an end and Arteta frantically gesturing in front of the cameras, Dixon said: “[Arteta is] waving his arms about like he normally is.”
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      The pundit then added cheekily: “At least he has stayed in his technical area tonight.”
      The Arsenal boss had triggered a mixed reaction after putting on a show against Newcastle last week – and almost coming to blows with Eddie Howe.
      Arteta cut a frustrated and energetic figure as he watched Arsenal drop points in the league for the first time since October.
      Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness claimed the 40-year-old would have felt “embarrassed” watching back his antics the next day.
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      Alan Shearer was also less than impressed with what he saw.
      But the Gunners gaffer said he would refuse to change his ways.
      Ahead of the FA Cup tie, He said: “I haven’t read the criticism of my behaviour and I am not part of that debate.
      “They can all have their opinions but I will always try to do my best for this football club, to defend my players.
      “And I will always have the passion that I believe the game has to be played with. But that’s me. That’s the way I am, on and off the pitch, for the good and the bad.”
      Some Arsenal fans love Arteta’s fired-up behaviour on the sidelinesCredit: Getty
      Arteta rested some first-team stars for the trip to the Kassam StadiumCredit: Getty More

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      Bukayo Saka hands Arsenal injury worry after winger hobbles off in FA Cup clash at Oxford but Arteta plays down fears

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      ARSENAL fans were fearing the worst when Bukayo Saka went off with a knock.The star winger hobbled off the pitch during the Gunners’ 3-0 FA Cup third-round win over Oxford United, but manager Mikel Arteta has played down concerns.
      Bukayo Saka was forced off in Arsenal’s game against Oxford with an injuryCredit: Reuters
      The 21-year-old came off the pitch in the 75th minute as he was not risked by Arteta as Emile Smith-Rowe came on in his place.
      The injury to Saka did not cost Arsenal in the game as they cruised to victory and set themselves a fourth-round clash against Manchester City.
      If the injury is a serious one, then it could hamper the Gunners’ title charge in the Premier League.
      After he was subbed, fans shared their concerns on social media, with one tweeting: “Just hope Saka isn’t injured.”
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      A second commented: “Saka better not be injured. Hate games like this when there are unneeded injuries.
      “Hopefully, just a dead leg or cramp which will be fine after tonight.”
      A third said: “If Saka got injured, then none of it was worth it.”
      A fourth added: “We need to close the deal for Mudryk tomorrow if Saka is injured.”
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      A fifth chimed in with: “I hope Saka isn’t injured for the North London derby, we really need him I won’t lie if not, Martinelli needs to start on the right.”
      However, after the game, Arteta insisted that the player was “fine”.
      When asked about Saka’s condition, the Spaniard told ITV: “He’s fine, he was fine.”
      However, there will be concerns over whether or not he is 100 per cent ready for the Gunners on Sunday as they travel to face rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
      Following the North London derby clash, Arsenal have another tough fixture as they host Erik ten Hag’s in form Manchester United. More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Vieira stakes claim for first-team spot, Nketiah scores again but Lokonga fluffs chance

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      ARSENAL swept aside League 1 Oxford as they got their FA Cup campaign up and running. The Gunners struggled in the first-half and fans may have been fearing a repeat of last year’s third round calamity at Nottingham Forest.
      Eddie Nketiah had another two goals to add to his lot this eveningCredit: Getty
      Vieira impressed with his key contributions from midfieldCredit: Dan Weir / MatchDay Images Limited
      But Mikel Arteta’s side got their act together and outclassed Oxford.
      Mohamed Elneny powered home a header after the hour mark from Fabio Vieira’s free-kick.
      Before two brilliantly taken goals from Eddie Nketiah sealed passage to the fourth round.
      Up next will be Manchester City in a mouth-watering cup-clash.

      SunSport’s Kiro Evans runs through who impressed, and who didn’t, for Arsenal tonight.
      Matt Turner – 7
      The American had to come storming off his line to charge down Matty Taylor at the beginning of the second-half.
      Apart from a couple of nervy moments in possession in the first 45, it was a straightforward evening for the back-up keeper.
      Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6
      Not always the most attacking full-back but Tomiyasu made some decent overlaps down the right of Bukayo Saka in search of an opening.
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      More memorably he caused chaos in the box for Oxford keeper Edward McGinty during corners.
      Rob Holding – 6
      Not always comfortable in possession but enjoyed a decent night deputising for William Saliba.
      More opportunities should beckon for the defender with the Europa League knock-outs quickly approaching.
      Gabriel – 7
      Spent far too much time with the ball at his feet in the first-half as Arsenal coasted.
      But looked steady at the back otherwise and made a couple of key interceptions and defensive headers.
      Kieran Tierney – 5
      Struggled to impose himself in the game and did not do enough going forward to worry Oxford.
      It was unsurprising to see him taken off after an hour.
      Elneny’s well-taken header provided the all-important breakthroughCredit: Reuters
      Mohamed Elneny – 7
      The Egyptian was not enjoying easiest game against Oxford’s robust midfield but got the breakthrough with a bullet header in the second-half.
      It was a nice moment for Elneny who struggled to replicate the dominance and control that either Granit Xhaka or Thomas Partey exercise in the Premier League.
      Albert Sambi Lokonga – 5
      The Belgian midfielder had a good argument for a penalty after his first-half shot appeared to hit the hand of the sliding Elliot Moore.
      But otherwise his performance bordered on the weak and ineffective and it remains difficult to work out what exactly he excels at in midfield.
      Fabio Vieira – 9
      The midfielder was Martin Odegaard’s replacement in midfield and was tasked with providing the creative spark – which he eventually did.
      After a quiet 45, he created a great opening for Bukayo Saka early in the second-half and then whipped in a brilliant free-kick to provide the opener.
      And then he put a fantastic ball on a plate for Bukayo Saka to put the game beyond doubt. Arteta will be watching closely.
      Bukayo Saka – 5
      Uncharacteristically quiet in the opening 45 and overall did not seem like himself.
      Walked off awkwardly in the second-half after 75 minutes of tangling with by aggressive Oxford defenders.
      Eddie Nketiah – 9
      Eddie Nketiah is not Gabriel Jesus. It’s a fact he will be regularly reminded of if he spends more than a minute on Twitter.
      However, not being Jesus is not always a bad thing. Unlike the Brazilian, the 23-year-old is consistently deadly in front of goal.
      Two brilliantly taken chances put this game to bed and underlined Nketiah’s skill of picking up dangerous positions and poaching goals with regularity.
      Eddie Nketiah has had to step in and fill big, Brazilian boots but has regularly found his goal touchCredit: Getty
      Gabriel Martinelli – 6
      Threatened to explode into life on multiple occasions but Oxford managed to re-apply the shackles before any damage was done.
      Ultimately would have wanted to contribute more.
      Subs
      Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Tierney, 60mins) – 7
      A decent appearance off the bench as he kept things steady and helped Arsenal control the ball.
      Granit Xhaka (for Lokonga, 60mins) – 7
      After watching Arsenal flounder for an hour, Granit Xhaka came off the bench and all seemed right for the Gunners again.
      He took control of the midfield and suddenly Oxford looked far less comfortable bossing the Premier League leaders around.
      Emile Smith Rowe (for Saka, 74 mins) – 6
      How good was it to see Emile Smith Rowe back? The midfielder has missed most of the season with injury but returned off the bench at the Kassam Stadium.
      And he almost scored on his comeback but had to watch his effort get deflected wide.
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      Ben White (for Tomiyasu, 81 mins) – 6
      Did not get the chance to do much in his small cameo appearance.
      Marquinhos (for Vieira, 81 mins) – 6
      Off the bench late and did not find the time to make an impact with the game wrapped up. More

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      ‘He’s changed a bit’ – Arsenal legend Ian Wright stunned by ‘unrecognisable’ ex-team-mate spotted at Oxford FA Cup tie

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      IAN WRIGHT was wowed by how one of his former Arsenal team-mates had changed his look.The retired striker was working as a pundit during the Gunners’ third-round FA Cup tie against Oxford United when he saw his old friend.
      Ian Wright was on the pundit team for Arsenal’s clash with Oxford UnitedCredit: Reuters
      Wrighty spotted his old team-mate in the stands
      While watching the monitor, Wright’s former Arsenal team-mate David Platt popped up on the screen.
      Wright couldn’t believe how he had changed as he said: “Wow. He’s changed a bit.”
      Platt was amongst the crowd at the Kassam Stadium to watch the match in which the winner would face Manchester City in the fourth round.
      The pair played together for two years at Highbury, between 1996 and 1998.
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      They were part of the Gunners team that won the Premier League and FA Cup double in 1998.
      The duo then left the club in the same year as Wright Joined West Ham, while Platt moved to Nottingham Forest as player-manager.
      Platt only made five league appearances for the Midland side before leaving in 2001.
      Afterward, he went into coaching full-time and joined the England set-up as he took a role as the manager of the under-21 side for three years until 2004.
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      In 2010, Platt joined Manchester City as a first-team coach alongside manager and his former team-mate Roberto Mancini.
      Five years later, Platt became the manager of Pune City in the Indian Super League, but only stayed in the role for a year.
      In 2018, he was appointed as a club consultant of the English-owned Italian side Palermo.
      He returned to management in 2020, as he took charge of Wilmslow Sports Under-15s.
      Wright was ‘wowed’ when he saw how much his former team-mate David Platt had changedCredit: Rex
      Platt’s looks have changed a bit since his Arsenal daysCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More