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      Chelsea wonderkid Omari Hutchinson, 18, has been compared to new team mate Raheem Sterling and is a viral sensation

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      CHELSEA moved quickly to re-sign talented teen Omari Hutchinson from Arsenal last season and got a glimpse of his brilliance last night.The wing-wizard, 18, was highly-rated by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and regularly featured in first team training last season.
      Omari Hutchinson, pictured with head of youth recruitment Jim Fraser, rejoined Chelsea last summerCredit: Chelsea
      Omari Hutchinson celebrates after scoring a scorcher against Leyton OrientCredit: Getty
      Omari Hutchinson was highly-rated at their Hale End academyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mikel Arteta was impressed by Hutchinson and included him in first team training
      But, after seven years at Hale End – Cobham will be is now where he his football career is growing.
      And he scored a brilliant solo goal to help their Under-21s beat Leyton Orient 3-2 yesterday which sent Twitter into meltdown.
      On a weekly basis last campaign, it was Arsenal fans that were left purring by the attacker and a piece of magnificent skill he had performed during an Under-23 game.
      Back in October 2021, Hutchinson produced a stunning backheel assist in a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
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      While in January, it was the Blues who were left stunned by Hutchinson’s incredible solo goal in a 4-1 loss in the Papa John’s Trophy.
      His form excited boss Arteta and sporting director Edu, who believed they may have found the next Bukayo Saka.
      Like Miguel Azeez, Charlie Patino and Nikolaj Moller, Hutchinson was on the fringes of a first team call-up, earning rave reviews among the Arsenal coaching staff. However, he never did get that first team call up.
      An attacking midfielder with quick feet and bags of pace, Hutchinson was spied listening attentively to his ex-Spanish boss during coaching sessions in the past few seasons.
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      Former Arsenal star David Luiz was also impressed by his efforts – and embraced the youngster with a high-five.
      FULL OF POTENTIAL AND BELIEF
      Back in 2020, Hutchinson signed his first pro contract with Arsenal, who he had been with since the age of 11 after a previous spell in Chelsea and Charlton’s youth ranks.
      “A proud day for me and my family and I look forward to pushing on and continuing to work hard,” he wrote on his Instagram as a caption for a photo that showed him inking his deal.
      Cheekily, he added: “Debut soon to come.”
      The confidence he has in his ability translates to the swagger he plays with on the pitch.
      An attacking midfielder who has drawn comparisons with Raheem Sterling, Hutchinson boasts fine dribbling skills and an eye for a goal playing on the right wing.
      Ironically, Sterling is now his team mate at Stamford Bridge – so he will able to learn first hand from his hero.
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      Hutchinson signed his first pro contract with Arsenal in 2020
      Hutchinson, pictured with Pele, had been with Arsenal since he was 11
      A quick midfielder, Hutchinson can play out wide or as a No10Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Big Performance from the boys in a 4-1 Win against Tottenham šŸ‘ŒšŸ¾ Good to get back on the scoresheet plus and assist āš½ļø šŸ…°ļø We go again šŸ¦ pic.twitter.com/RIZld1a2wMā€” Omari Hutchinson (@omarihutch7) January 24, 2021

      And Hutchinson knows a thing or two about performing against London teams. Last season, he was the star performer in the 4-1 rout of Tottenham for the U18’s – scoring another brilliant individual goal and grabbing an assist.
      And he is equally as adept playing in a No10 role, while he was also used at left-back.
      ARTETA WAS IMPRESSED
      A few months before Hutchinson penned his deal with Arsenal, he was drafted into a first team training session with Arteta and Arsenal’s main stars.
      Immediately, he impressed his boss with his passing, skill on the ball, movement and his determination.
      Of course, Arteta had heard from Hutchinson’s youth coaches that he was one of the most exciting players in the academy.
      That is now all academic now.
      But there’s still some way to go before we know he can do it with the big boys.
      Last season, he was raved about – scoring a goal in a 4-3 win away at Newport County in the Football League Trophy.
      Fans raved that he was Arsenal’s standout performer.
      His outstanding season was rewarded with an international call-up by Jamaica, which he accepted with glee even though he was capped at England youth level.
      In the Football League Trophy win over Newport County, Hutchinson was Arsenal’s standout playerCredit: Getty
      Ex-Arsenal first team star David Luiz was impressed by HutchinsonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Hutchinson takes the ball past Alex RunarssonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Big things are expected of HutchinsonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      So it’s no wonder Chelsea are happy to have nabbed a Gunners youth star. “We are delighted that Omari has agreed to sign for Chelsea,” head of youth recruitment Jim Fraser revealed.
      “He is a brilliant addition who joins us as an exciting emerging talent hoping to make a quick impression in the senior game.” More

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      Arsenal facing fight to keep hold of Edu with European giants looking to snatch technical director away from Emirates

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      ARSENAL face a fight to keep hold of technical director Edu, according to reports.The 44-year-old Brazilian joined the Gunners back in 2019 and has thrived in the role at the Emirates.
      Edu has spearheaded a positive change at ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      He has been widely praised for the appointment of manager Mikel Arteta, as well as the club’s impressive recruitment.
      Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table after nine wins from their opening 10 matches.
      And according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Edu is attracting interest from several European clubs.
      The former midfielder’s name is said to have been “discussed internally” as a suitable technical director – although the identity of the teams are not known.
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      However, Edu is considered to be “100 per cent focused on the Arsenal project”, with the club seeing him as a “key figure” in their plans for the future.
      The former Brazilian midfielder will always be remembered as a member of Arsene Wengerā€™s 2003-04 Invincibles.
      But he has been playing an even more important role since being appointed technical director in 2019 to help salvage a club in serious danger of losing their place at footballā€™s top table.
      In the summer, the South American told SunSport the Gunners were not simply going to settle for a place in the top four as he outlined ambitious plans.
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      Edu said: “Arsenal should not be building to just fight for fourth. A club of our size cannot accept that.
      “Thatā€™s what really hurt when I returned three years ago. I was asking, ā€˜Whatā€™s happening here? Everybody is comfortable and theyā€™re all OK with that?ā€™
      “Well, f*** you, because thatā€™s not the mentality of this club. I want everyone to feel, ā€˜F*****g hell, now we are really going to go for thingsā€™.
      “So we needed a squad with personalities that say, ā€˜I am not losing this game ā€” I will kill someone first but I donā€™t loseā€™.
      “And this summer I think weā€™ve added more players with that kind of character.”
      Arsenal signed five new players ahead of the new season – Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos.
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      And Arteta’s men now look ready to compete for the title as they have opened up a four-point lead over Manchester City.
      Edu will be hoping Arsenal can build on their positive start as he looks to add to the FA Cup they won during his first season at the club. More

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      Arsenal star Bukayo Saka wanted by Chelsea in shock transfer move with Todd Boehly making move for England winger

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      CHELSEA couldĀ launch a shock bid for Bukayo Saka – as Liverpool’s hopes of landingĀ the Arsenal winger fade.The GunnersĀ remain confident of tyingĀ the England superstar, 21, to a long contract.
      Chelsea have reportedly joined Liverpool in eyeing Arsenal’s Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty
      But CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs suggest Chelsea owner Todd Boehly regards Saka as an ideal recruitĀ for Graham Potter’s young squad.
      The Blues’ main hope would surely be to dangle a huge contract for a player tipped to be one of the Three Lions’ main men at the World Cup.
      But Londoner Saka has helped Arsenal to the top of the Premier League.
      And few strikeforces offer more dynamism than his link-up with fellow wideman Gabriel Martinelli and out-and-out striker Gabriel Jesus.
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      Saka sunk Leeds with the only goal at Elland Road on Sunday as the Gunners made it nine wins from ten Prem matches this season.
      Reported interest from Liverpool and Manchester City has dipped, however,
      Jacobs told The Football Terrace that Chelsea might be willing to presentĀ the pacy 20-cap star with a bigger deal than Arsenal.
      But the contract offer from the Emirates – thought to be around Ā£200,000 a week for five years – is already on the table.
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      And the Gunners are confident it’s a question of when, not if, he’ll sign it.
      Meanwhile, Martinelli, like Saka,Ā has two years left on his current deal.
      And the Brazilian insists he is keen to remain for much longer.
      He said:Ā “We are talking about a contract so letā€™s see what happens. But of course I want to stay.
      “I think this is my best season at Arsenal and I am so happy for this moment.
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      “Everyone can see our hunger and our mentality. We want to win every single game.
      “I am so happy to be playing alongside players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.” More

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      Arsenal players at World Cup 2022: 18 stars set for Qatar with seven to stay at home

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      ARSENAL aces aim to take their Samba-style hot form to Qatar.Three Brazilian join a trio of Three Lions among up to 18 Gunners who could go to the World Cup, with around seven players missing out.
      Brazilian centre-back Gabriel, England centre-back Ben White and Three Lions’ keeper Aaron Ramsdale, are all hoping for World Cup placesCredit: Getty
      England winger Bukayo Saka and Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus have been in scintillating form for the Gunners ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      Exciting attackers Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Jesus could get the chance to make their biggest impact yet on the international stage.
      And two unsung midfielders who skipper their national sides will expect to have key roles in Qatar.
      Switzerland’s GranitĀ Xhaka has looked reborn under Emirates chief Mikel Arteta this season, although Ghana hero Thomas Partey will be anxious to avoid more fitness problems.
      But one star definitely absent, due to groin surgery, is three-cap Englishman Emile Smith Rowe.
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      And a batch of young Gunners hope the World Cup has not come too early for them, such as Portugal’s Cedric Soares and Belgium midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
      Here’s our guide to the Arsenal men fighting for spots in Qatar.
      ENGLAND
      Wideman Bukayo Saka is the only Gunner likely to start for the Three Lions.
      Versatile defender Ben White could scrape into Gareth Southgate’s squad, while Aaron Ramsdale is tipped to be one of the two back-up keepers to Jordan Pickford.
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      BRAZIL
      Gabriel Jesus has arguably been the Prem’s top striker this season – except of course for Erling Haaland at his old club Manchester City.
      And of the Gunners’ three Brazilian Gunners, he’s in pole position to make Tite’s World Cup squad.
      Defender Magalhaes and wideman Martinelli, however, should also make the party.
      PORTUGAL
      Right-back Cedric Soares, 31, and playmaker Fabio Vieira, 22, are struggling to make Fernando Santos’ powerful squad.
      FRANCE
      William Saliba’s brilliant breakthrough campaign at the Emirates, after three loan spells away, means he’s suddenly a near cert for the French squad.
      But a starting spot looks a tough ask as France have one of the world’s most formidable selections are blessed with one of the best selection of centre-backs.
      USA
      Ex- New England Revolution keeper Matt Turner appears sure to go.
      And Auston Trusty, the right-back recruited from Stan Kroenkeā€™s Colorado Rapids, is shining brightly enough on loan for Birmingham to also have a real chance.
      Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are major players for Ghana and Switzerland respectively and also enjoying their best seasons for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      SWITZERLAND
      Granit Xhaka is finally a fixture for Arsenal – just like he’s long been for Switzerland in winning 106 caps as anchorman.
      Only injury can deny the 30-year-old the winter sun in Qatar.
      GHANA
      Xhaka’s midfield partner Thomas Partey is nailed on for the World Cup – as long as he doesn’t pick up yet another untimely injury.
      BELGIUM
      Former Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga is sweating on his World Cup place after playing just a bit-part role for the Gunners.
      JAPAN
      Despite limited game-time at club level after recovering from injury, right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu should be a solid contributor for outsiders Japan.
      SPAIN
      Full-back Hector Bellerin must be long odds to make the Spanish squad, having slipped well down the pecking order at the Emirates.
      MEXICO
      Having rebuffed England and Canada in favour of Mexico, 19-year-old attacking midfielder Marcelo Flores is pushing for a spot in Qatar
      TUNISIA
      Dutch-born centre-back Omar Rekik, 19, should go to Qatar, particularly as he’s performing well for Sparta Rotterdam on loan.
      STAYING AT HOME
      Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard are big-name absentees, while Mohamed Elneny also misses out.
      Former England Under-21 stars Rob Holding andĀ Reiss Nelson are also preparing for a mount without action.
      And Emile Smith Rowe is recovering from groin problems. More

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      Sambi Lokonga ā€˜p***ed offā€™ with Belgium boss Martinez and says he ā€˜almost snappedā€™ and asked for Arsenal transfer exit

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      ARSENAL midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has revealed he almost quit both Arsenal AND the Belgium national team earlier this year.The 22-year-old joined the Gunners from Anderlecht for Ā£18million in the summer of 2021.
      Lokonga has taken aim at both club and country for their recent treatment of himCredit: Getty
      He started 16 times under Mikel Arteta last season, but was often reduced to being used as a back-up in the middle of the park.
      This consequently saw him struggle for game time with his country as Belgian boss Roberto Martinez opted to leave him on the bench in both of their friendly matches in March.
      And it has left Lokonga furious with the former Wigan and Everton manager as the World Cup fast approaches.
      Speaking to La Derniere Heure, he said: “I called him the day after the international match in March. I was really p****d off.
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      “I thought for a moment that I didnā€™t even want to play for the national team anymore. I was disgusted.
      “Martinez said he preferred players who are playing regularly at their club.
      He was also not completely satisfied with my training. I donā€™t think he can portray me as a bad boy who doesnā€™t work hard. It would be too easy to put up such a picture of me.
      “He canā€™t use something like that to justify why I donā€™t get to play.”
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      Lokonga has not been included in Martinez’s squad since the friendlies in March.
      And the midfielder has also admitted he considered departing Arsenal following just one campaign in England.
      “At the end of last season, I almost snapped,” he added when speaking about his first year in the Premier League.
      “I called my agent to ask him if staying at Arsenal was a good idea.
      “He comforted me in my choice, even though I know I need to start more often to develop.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Lokonga has enjoyed more game time so far this season, featuring in six of the Gunners’ 11 Prem matches and starting all three of their Europa League games.
      Arteta’s men sit top of the Premier League table with nine wins from 10 and also boast a 100 per cent record in Europe. More

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      Watch Sadio Mane whisper message to Arsenal star Bukayo Saka at Ballon dā€™Or ceremony amid Liverpool transfer links

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      BAYERN MUNICH star Sadio Mane whispered a message to Bukayo Saka as the pair met at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday night.Former Liverpool forward Mane, who moved to the German champions in the summer, finished as runner-up in the award to Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.
      Sadio Mane shared a discreet message with Bukayo SakaCredit: Twitter
      Mane may have spoken to Saka about his transfer futureCredit: Splash
      Arsenal are keen to tie Bukayo Saka down to a new dealCredit: AFP
      Before the ceremony got underway he bumped into Arsenal gem Saka, embracing his fellow forward.
      It is not clear what was said between the pair but Saka beamed as he listened to what Mane had to say.
      Some have speculated that Mane was trying to persuade the England international to move to Anfield.
      Jurgen Klopp is believed to be a big fan of Saka with Liverpool and Manchester City reportedly monitoring his situation at Arsenal.
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      The Gunners are trying to ward off interest by offering the 21-year-old a new contract.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is confident an agreement will be reached after claiming in the summer that Saka and the club are aligned in their in their goals.
      The North London outfit are reportedly keen to tie Saka down for three or four more years.
      And the club have offered him a contract worth Ā£200,000 per week – nearly SEVEN TIMES his current salary which stands at just Ā£30,000 a week.
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      Saka also dropped a huge hint he is staying put with Arsenal back in the title race.
      He has “personally invested” in an executive box at the Emirates, a significant indicator that he does not see a transfer away from Arsenal transpiring in the near future. More

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      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tapping up England rugby boss Eddie Jones and Michael Jordanā€™s ex-coach for manager tips

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      MIKEL ARTETA has been tapping up England rugby boss Eddie Jones and big hitters from American sport as Arsenal tilt for the title.The Gunnersā€™ manager has kept up his regular chats with a group with Jones and Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers.
      Mikel Arteta is seeing his methods bear fruit with Arsenal top of the table this seasonCredit: PA
      Michael Jordan’s former coach Mike Dunlap is among those sharing adviceCredit: Getty
      Arteta and the rest of the brains trust swap ideas and share headaches over Zoom and Jones has had the Arsenal chief into England camp in Bagshot.
      Jones 62, said: ā€œHeā€™s a super bright young coach. Itā€™s like Alcoholics Anonymous. We all go in and share our problems and everyone tells you what they think. Itā€™s fantastic.
      ā€œWeā€™ve got Mikel, Matt LaFleur the Green Bay Packers head coach, George Karl whoā€™s an NBA hall of famer, Mike Dunlap who was Michael Jordanā€™s head coach when he bought the Hornets. Weā€™ve got all these guys in the same room.
      ā€œWe just share stories and each otherā€™s problems and try and come up with ideas of how we can take coaching forward. He (Arteta) is a brilliant young guy.ā€
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      Jones was glued to the Amazon All or Nothing Gunners documentary and has picked up tips from the Spaniard who is over 20 years younger than him.
      And the Aussie will urge his England rugby side to take a leaf out of Arsenalā€™s book with a year to go to the Rugby World Cup.
      Jones added: ā€œLook how fast Arsenal get out of the blocks. Every game theyā€™re at it. They play with energy, they know how they want to play, they put the opposition on the back foot.
      ā€œIn rugby – and weā€™ve been good at it at times and not so good at other times – 75 per cent of Test matches are won by the team who score the first try.
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      “I donā€™t know what the percentage would be in the Premier League for teams who score the first try but Iā€™d imagine it would be high.ā€
      Arsenal have a four point lead in the table after another positive weekend for Arteta’s team.
      They had to dig deep to win at Leeds amid late VAR controversy.
      Later Liverpool won a pulsating match against Manchester City at Anfield to stop Pep Guardiola’s side from closing the gap. More

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      ā€˜Weā€™ve signed a weird oneā€™ ā€“ Watch Vieira bizarrely brush injured Arsenal star Martinelliā€™s face leaving fans puzzled

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      FABIO VIEIRA left Arsenal fans scratching their heads as he was spotted brushing off Gabriel Martinelli as he lay on the floor.Martinelli had gone to ground and appeared to be in pain as he writhed around on the floor.

      Fabio Vieira bizarrely brushed Gabriel Martinelli as he lay on the floor
      The interaction left fans puzzled
      However, Vieira, seemingly in an attempt to help his team-mate, brushed off the Brazilian’s head instead of helping him to his feet.
      And the interaction left Arsenal fans perplexed.
      One user said: “I think weā€™ve signed a weird one.”
      A second user said: “This guy,” and added a trio of laughing emojis.
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      A number of other users remarked with comments such as “wtf” or a row of laughing emojis.
      One user even shared a gif of the Simpsons with main character Homer enjoying a bird picking at his hair, and paired it with the caption: “Itā€™s called grooming mate.”
      The Portuguese playmaker was only on the pitch for 17 minutes in The Gunners’ 1-0 win against Leeds but definitely gave the fans something to remember, even if the overall performance was less than stellar.
      Despite producing arguably their worst performance of the season, Mikel Arteta’s side went four points clear at the top of the table thanks to Bukayo Saka’s first-half strike.
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      They were also helped out by Patrick Bamford’s profligate finishing in front of the net, with the striker missing late on from the penalty spot.
      Fans also noted the leadership qualities of Granit Xhaka after he gave a stern dressing down to Gabriel Magalhaes to help him avoid a red card – with the defender still fuming after lashing out against Bamford. More