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      Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah lined up by Nottingham Forest’s Premier League rivals after transfer breaks down

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      EDDIE NKETIAH’S move to Nottingham Forest has broken down after an agreement with the Arsenal striker could not be reached.And now Crystal Palace have entered their name into the mix after the Eagles identified him as a potential competition for Jean-Philippe Mateta.Eddie Nketiah move to Nottingham Forest has been called offCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old striker could not agree on personal terms after Arsenal and Forest had negotiated on a £30m fee ahead of a summer exit.Palace – who have held a long-standing interest in the Gunners academy product – could now swoop in if they can match Arsenal’s evaluation of the player.The South London club are now considering a loan with an obligation to buy for Nketiah, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.Nketiah has been looking for a new club during this window after demanding more first team football to boss Mikel Arteta – something the Spaniard cannot give him.READ MORE ON ARSENALMarseille also saw talks collapse earlier this month having failed to offer a big enough up-front fee.The French side have since signed striker Elye Wahi from Lens.Nketiah has scored 38 goals in 168 games for Arsenal after coming through their academy.He netted six times in 37 appearances for Arteta’s side in the 2023-24 campaign but has been an unused substitute in both of their Premier League games this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNketiah’s Arsenal contract runs until June 2027 after he signed a new deal in 2022.Forest have been seeking to bolster their forward options which already include Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi. Arsenal need major transfer clear out to beat Man City to Premier League title | Troy DeeneyArsenal ratings vs Aston Villa: Raya and Saliba rock solid at the back but Martinelli toothlessARSENAL made sure to keep pace with Manchester City as they bagged a late 2-0 win against bogey team Aston Villa.Timely goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey helped Mikel Arteta maintain a 100 per cent start to the season.But they owed a lot to keeper David Raya who somehow denied Ollie Watkins at 0-0.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners stars…DAVID RAYA – 9/10Other than watching Watkins’ shot dribble wide, a fairly quiet first half before a smart save to halt Rogers’ flick across goal.He then pulled off an unbelievable stop on the line to deny a Watkins header, getting up off the floor after a deflected shot smacked the bar and bounced out.JURRIEN TIMBER – 7Showed his quality in the opening few minutes to break Villa’s tricky block before leaving Onana in a heap with a hefty body check.Likely to keep this starting spot ahead of Zinchenko.WILLIAM SALIBA – 9Immense. Watkins barely had a sniff up against him. Arsenal’s difference-maker in these tight, nervy games.In a rare instance, lost his temper with McGinn in the first half, but regained his composure and was a rock at the back.Made a late lung-busting run back to block a late counter and celebrated like it was a goal.GABRIEL – 5Very lucky not to hand Villa the lead. Stripped on the edge of his box claiming a foul but thankful to see Watkins somehow drag his effort wide.Picked up a needless yellow in the second half for wild challenge on Onana. One of his poorer games in an Arsenal shirt with mistakes that should have been punished.BEN WHITE – 7Solid as ever, needing to be alert with Villa lethal on the counter, covering superbly.In pure White fashion, started a melee after smacking a ball into McGinn for doing the same to Saliba, with an expressionless look on his face throughout.THOMAS PARTEY – 8Brilliantly stopped several early Villa counters and showed good physicality in his entertaining battle against McGinn.Looked leggy late on but kept on by Arteta, and rewarded his manager with a rare goal.DECLAN RICE – 7Drove forward more with Partey sitting deeper. Lovely pass in behind for Havertz which should have been finished off.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 7Kept things ticking with some cute passes in the Villa final third and threw around plenty of tackles in the middle of the pitch.Played in Saka in the 64th minute but the winger opted not to shoot, but three minutes later teed up Saka again to provide for Trossard.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 5Had an early chance to break free down the left but his delivery into Saka was under hit.Was just as lacklustre after the break and lucky to stay on for as long as he did, coming off in the 65th minute.BUKAYO SAKA – 8Looked to have put Arsenal ahead after 15 minutes but for a wonderful Martinez fingertip save.Through on goal in the second half, he wrongly chose to try and round the Villa keeper and made a mess of his finish.But, all that matters are his assists for Trossard and Partey – his persistence paid off.KAI HAVERTZ – 6Unlucky not to find the net from a scrappy corner, hitting the bar with a toe poke. Wasteful in Villa’s box with two great chances squandered.Worked hard, but not as clinical as he has been.SUBS:LEANDRO TROSSARD (MARTINELLI, 65) – 9Almost gave Villa the lead within seconds of coming on, losing Ezri Konsa at a free-kick with a volley looping just wide.But then, he pops up in the other box and instinctively curls in a beautiful finish.Played his part in Partey’s strike too with a perfect run in behind.RICCARDO CALAFIORI (TIMBER, 80) – 6Premier League debut for the Italian. Got in the good books of Arsenal fans by winding up Martinez almost instantly.REISS NELSON (SAKA, 87) – N/AArsenal themselves may need to dip into the market for another striker regardless of whether Nketiah gets his move or not with Gabriel Jesus injured yet again.The Brazilian – plagued with hamstring and knee issues last term – missed Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Aston Villa with a “slight groin issue” that will require an MRI scan this week.However, should Jesus’ layoff be minor then Arteta has suggested he is more than happy with his attacking options with or without Nketiah in the squad.Nketiah, who has been capped once by England, joined Arsenal in 2015 from Chelsea’s youth system.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Arsenal’s Katie McCabe eager to clinch another ‘dream’ WSL title win with the Gunners

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      BEING crowned a WSL champion at the Emirates, whilst helping Arsenal end their title drought, would be a dream come true for Katie McCabe.It has been five years and three months since her side lifted the top prize in women’s club football in England.Katie McCabe hopes Arsenal can take their strong finish to the end of last term into next seasonCredit: GettyMcCabe and her team-mates will take on Chelsea in a pre-season warm-up ahead of their push to qualify for the ChampionsCredit: GettyA 4-0 away defeat of Brighton, with McCabe netting second goal in that game, clinched the Gunners’ third WSL title win and 15th in an English top-flightOut of the squad that helped the team become WSL champions, just five players remain.Aside from McCabe, 28, they are skipper Kim Little, centre-back Leah Williamson, Lia Walti and superstar forward Beth Mead.And Republic of Ireland skipper McCabe, would love her team, who finished third in the league last term, to return top of the pack.Read More Football StoriesThe versatile winger, whose side will face Chelsea in a pre-season clash in the United States tonight, said: “When we go into every season, we want to be competing for all trophies available.”The league will absolutely be one of them going into next season as well.”It would be a dream come true (if we were) to win a WSL title in front of 60,000 at the Emirates.”For us it’s something we want and we’re always competitive.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLast summer Arsenal experienced a difficult start to their season.In September they suffered a shock exit from the Champions League group qualifying stage, losing on penalties to Paris FC.Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ A result that McCabe described as disappointing.However the second half of last term saw Jonas Eidevall’s aces rally, picking up five wins from six games between the end of March and mid-May.This included their 1-0 Conti Cup final defeat of Chelsea at Molineux.And McCabe, who has lifted five major trophies with the club since her 2015 arrival, expects the Gunners to push on.This starts with Eidevall’s side hosting Rangers on September 4 in a first round qualifier for a place in the Champions League group stage. The winger, who notched up more than 200 Arsenal appearances added: “Wearing the Arsenal shirt, you carry that weight and that responsibility to bring back silverware for the club.”I know me and my team-mates will be hungry to do that for sure next season.”For us, we’re always looking to be better than in previous seasons, so of course it’s to progress more.”I feel like towards the end of the season we got into a really nice groove of how we want to play and playing our style of football.”Going into next season we want to continue that – to play our way and use that going into games and winning matches early on.”The Champions League will be massive for us too and, of course, competing for all trophies available.”This December it will be nine years since McCabe sealed a move from Irish side Shelbourne to an Arsenal team then managed by Joe Montemurro.Since then the winger, who struggled with injury and faced a battle for minutes early in her Gunners career, has become a firm fan favourite. And she hopes to keep the crowds cheering.McCabe, who said: “I feel old. It’s been an incredible eight-and-a-half years. To say I’ve over 200 appearances now for Arsenal is incredible”Having the fans’ support has been massive for me whether it’s the chants and the support of the goals. I always want to give back.”Her efforts for her club aside, McCabe is among several profile athletes who have been utilising a fitness tracker to monitor their performance.The app known as WHOOP, and worn as a wristband, is used the Republic of Ireland international and a few of her Arsenal team-mates.They include England forward Mead.According to McCabe, it provides her with useful insight on her fitness sleep patterns as well her sleep patterns and cardiovascular performance.She says: “It’s not just athletes it’s available for. It’s for people working in their everyday lives as well.”There’s a high focus on tracking your menstrual cycle, so there’s a lot of women’s specific data in there as well. Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea will be first against their London for since Sonia Bompastor’s began her role as Blues head coachCredit: Getty”It’s data I personally use and it helps me be able to perform at my maximum each day.”My favourite is the match-day data that that comes out of it and how much strain as such you have on your body too.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Having the WHOOP app there to help with that, it’s important for me to then fine tune those details and put it into my performances each day, including training in the gym.”Chelsea vs Arsenal can be watched live from 21:15 tonight on DAZN’s women’s football channel on YouTube. More

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      What is Riccardo Calafiori’s goal celebration?

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      RICCARDO Calafiori may be a new name to some Arsenal fans, but his journey to the Premier League is one worth knowing.From overcoming a serious injury to establishing himself as a top defender, and even creating a unique goal celebration, there’s much more to discover about this rising Italian star.Riccardo Calafiori is a new addition to the Arsenal teamCredit: GettyWho is Riccardo Calafiori?Riccardo Calafiori is an Italian professional footballer born on May 19, 2002. He plays as a defender, primarily for Premier League club Arsenal and the Italy national team.Riccardo began his career at Roma, signing his first contract in 2018. Despite suffering a serious knee injury in 2018, he made a notable debut in Serie A in August 2020, contributing to a win against Juventus.read more on ArsenalRiccardo told Roma TV about his injury: “The journey was definitely the hardest thing I faced.“I had a knee that was three times the size of the other one, I had a fever, and I felt insecure.”He scored his first professional goal in December 2020 during a UEFA Europa League match.Riccardo spent part of the 2021-2022 season on loan at Genoa.Most read in FootballIn August 2022, he joined Basel on a permanent deal and played under head coach Alexander Frei.Returning to Serie A in August 2023, Riccardo signed with Bologna, where he adapted to a centre-back role under Thiago Motta. His standout performances, including scoring twice against Juventus, helped Bologna qualify for the UEFA Champions League.In July 2024, he signed a five year deal with Arsenal, marking a significant move to the Premier League.Riccardo made his debut for the Italy U21 team in September 2021. He received his first call-up to the senior team in May 2024 and made his debut in June 2024 during a friendly against Turkey. He was included in Italy’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024.Arsenal confirm £42m Riccardo Calafiori transfer from Bologna after defender passes medical and joins squad in the USWhat is Riccardo Calafiori’s goal celebration?Riccardo’s future goal celebration involves a tribute to his home countryCredit: GettyRiccardo Calafiori has hinted at a unique and playful goal celebration for his time at Arsenal. During a media day, he was asked about his goal celebration and admitted that he didn’t have one planned. He was then asked to consider his favourite food for inspiration.Riccardo has devised a celebration that charmingly mimics twirling spaghetti around a fork, offering a delightful nod to traditional Italian cuisine.At Arsenal, several players are known for their distinctive goal celebrations.READ MORE SUN STORIESGabriel Jesus often celebrates with mimic holding a phone to his ear after scoring, while Bukayo Saka has been known to hold the corner flag. Meanwhile, Martin Ødegaard frequently places his hands over his ears as part of his celebration. More

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      What is Mikel Merino’s goal celebration and what does it mean?

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      MIKEL Merino’s journey from Osasuna’s youth ranks to becoming a pivotal player for Spain and Real Sociedad is nothing short of inspiring.His story takes a turn with a heartfelt tribute to his father during a dramatic Euro 2024 moment—discover how this personal connection has shaped his remarkable career.Mikel Merino has an impressive career behind him and with that many goal celebrationsCredit: GettyWho is Mikel Merino?Mikel Merino Zazón is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Real Sociedad in La Liga and the Spain national team.Mikel began his football journey at Amigó before joining Osasuna’s youth ranks. He made his senior debut for Osasuna’s first team in August 2014 and scored his first professional goal in December of that year. Over the next couple of seasons, he became a key player for Osasuna, helping them reach the promotion play-offs in 2016.read more on mikel merinoIn February 2016, Mikel signed with Borussia Dortmund, but his impact was limited, and he struggled to secure a regular spot. In July 2017, he joined Newcastle United on loan, with the deal turning permanent later that year.During his time at Newcastle, he made 25 appearances and scored one goal.Mikel moved to Real Sociedad in July 2018.Most read in FootballHe has been instrumental in the team’s midfield and captained the side on several occasions. Mikel has represented Spain at various youth levels, winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2015 and the Under-21 Championship in 2019.In September 2020, he made his senior debut and played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign, including scoring a crucial goal in the quarter-final against Germany.Spain went on to win the tournament, adding to their record of European championships.Mikel is set to sign a four-year deal with Arsenal worth over £33m.Arsenal has finalised the deal with Real Sociedad.Why does Mikel Merino run around the corner flag after scoring?Mikel marked his celebration with a tribute to his fatherCredit: GettyMikel Merino’s corner flag celebration after scoring Spain’s goal against Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals was a touching homage to his father, Ángel Miguel Merino Torres. He mirrored his father’s iconic celebration from 1991, when Ángel performed the same gesture at the Stuttgart Arena while playing for Osasuna. The recreation of this celebration, in the same stadium and under similar circumstances, connected a memorable moment from Ángel’s career with Mikel’s achievements, adding a deeply personal layer to his dramatic late winner.In a post-interview he said: “This stadium has something.“I’ll remember this for ever. And on top of it all, it happened here.”A cycle closes which makes me happy. I played my first Spain game in this stadium and my dad scored here.”His father told Cope, a Spanish radio, about the moment: “We had talked about this subject because he is determined to leave me behind.”He has done many more things than me but this was the only thing I had left and he is determined to leave me behind again. “He had not told me but we talked about that coincidence. “I did not care at all and we had a laugh after the game. “He told me ‘another goal in Stuttgart, like you’.”I am super proud of his behaviour, the minutes he played.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was emotional, it was special. I had tears in my eyes.” It was such an important moment… they were on a high and their arrows were pointing upwards .” More

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      Five reasons shock Arsenal transfer target Ademola Lookman can be missing link to fire Gunners to the title

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN may not be the world-class striker some think Arsenal need – but he could be the perfect signing for the Gunners.Reports in Italy suggest the club are set to bid £43million for the Atalanta star.Ademola Lookman is wanted by ArsenalCredit: RexHe scored a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League and is a man reborn in ItalyCredit: GettyLookman has come along way since coming through the ranks at CharltonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe has improved heavily since his days as an Everton wonderkidCredit: AFP or licensorsArsenal missed out on the title last season by just two points, with some believing a lack of cutting edge in attack saw them sloppily lose to the likes of Aston Villa, Fulham and West Ham.There have been calls for the club to splash the cash on a top quality No9, with the likes of Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen all being touted as options.But it appears Mikel Arteta wants a player more comfortable contributing across the whole pitch in a Kai Havertz mould – rather than just a penalty box beast like Erling Haaland.This is where Lookman comes in as potentially the surprise dream signing.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe player was dubbed a wonderkid after firing England’s Under-17s to World Cup glory in 2017 and joining Everton from Charlton for £11million. He burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old, scoring against Manchester City in a 4-0 debut demolition as Pep Guardiola watched on helplessly.Lookman was then tipped to become a world beater – but he struggled for game time and eventually moved to RB Leipzig.The German club have a reputation for developing young players – yet they were also not able to get the versatile winger to reach his full potential.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMediocre loans to Fulham and Leicester followed before he joined Atalanta in 2022.And it’s in Italy under the highly-rated Gian Piero Gasperini where Lookman has finally lived up to the hype, capping his 17-goal season off with a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.Here are five reasons why Lookman could be perfect for Arsenal and is ready to tackle his unfinished Prem business.Arsenal need major transfer clear out to beat Man City to Premier League title | Troy DeeneyPositionWhether it’s defenders like Riccardo Calafiori or attackers like Leandro Trossard – versatility is key for Arteta.And Lookman offers just that, having played as a No9, second striker and left-winger last season.His best performances came through the middle, playing just off Gianluca Scamacca.The striker has great technical ability but is not the most mobile, with Lookman adding speed, directness and an eye for goal to the attack.But he is also more the capable of playing on either flank and will be a good alternative should Gabriel Martinelli or Bukayo Saka get injured.Good finishingGasperini’s ability to improve players sees him lauded in Italy and Lookman’s finishing has gone from strength to strength.In the Europa League final, it was clever movement on the blindside of the defender for his first goal that showed he is capable of being a No9.He then made it 2-0, popping it through Granit Xhaka’s legs and firing it beyond the keeper from outside the box.And he got the match ball by dribbling past a defender on the outside and blasting it into the top corner with his weaker foot.There was no header to make it the perfect hat-trick but it fantastically showed a wide range of finishing that has caught the eye of Arsenal.Gabriel Jesus got just 34.5 per cent of his shots on target last season, while Lookman got 46.9 and 35.8 per cent over the last two campaigns.Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick versus LeverkusenCredit: GettyLookman scored a brilliant second goal after dribbling past XhakaCredit: ReutersHe completed his hat-trick with a powerful weak foot finishCredit: ReutersDirectnessAs proved by his finishing and his performance against Leverkusen, Lookman can go on either foot.He has always had blistering pace and he averages just over a foul won per match, 4.09 progressive dribbles and 1.87 successful take-ons.His pace is also seen without the ball as Atalanta relentlessly press from the front and Lookman often leads the chase.CreativityThe 26-year-old is not just a goalscorer and he can creates chances.Lookman registered ten assists in 45 matches last season and he averages 4.81 shot-creating actions per game.Arsenal will often need to break down defences that are sitting deep against them so having an extra player able to pull the strings will help share the burden on Saka and Martin Odegaard.Prem experienceArsenal want their new signings to hit the ground running instantly and experience in England has been a key theme of Arteta’s recent signings.Declan Rice, David Raya, Jorginho and Trossard were all signed within the last 18 months and had previous Prem experience.The Gunners are also closing in on buying midfielder Mikel Merino for £30m from Real Sociedad and he had a spell at Newcastle in 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith Eddie Nketiah set to leave Arsenal for £30m, re-investing that cash and more to sign Lookman looks like smart business.He is no longer the mid-table winger we saw in England a few years ago and could prove to be the missing link that helps dethrone City.Lookman goes from Panenka laughing stock to European hat-trick heroADEMOLA LOOKMAN will go down in Atalanta, and European football, folklore after his stunning Europa League final hat-trick vs Bayer Leverkusen.Lookman’s treble was the first in the final of a Uefa competition since 1975.But some Premier League fans won’t have believed their eyes – after witnessing his infamous Panenka miss for Fulham.Lookman was spotted playing Sunday league in Lambeth by Charlton just TEN YEARS ago, at the age of 16.Twelve months on, in 2015, he was already the Addicks’ best player, shining on the wing in the Championship.And before he knew it, Lookman was in the Premier League after a massive £11million move to Everton.Lookman, by now 20, made an instant impact, scoring on his debut in 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City.He even won the U20s World Cup with England, netting three goals in the tournament.But he struggled to earn regular football with the Toffees, before defying boss Sam Allardyce’s wishes by snubbing a loan to Derby to push through a move to RB Leipzig instead.Lookman impressed in the Bundesliga with five goals and earned a permanent move.But he again failed to settle and soon found himself back in the Prem on loan with FulhamHis spell at Craven Cottage saw moments of brilliance overshadowed by costly mistakes.None more so than his ill-fated Panenka penalty against West Ham.Lookman’s scuffed chipped effort dropped tamely into motionless Lukasz Fabianski’s waiting hands, leading to widespread criticism and ridicule from fans and pundits alike.A loan at Leicester followed but it was a switch to Atalanta in Serie A which saw Lookman finally fulfil his potential.Now playing international football for Nigeria, he helped them reach the Afcon final earlier this year.But he didn’t have to wait long to add his first senior trophy as the undisputed man-of-the-match in Dublin against the previous unbeatable Leverkusen. 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      Man Utd flops set unwanted Premier League record as Arsenal and Man City fill almost entire PFA Team of the Year

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      MANCHESTER UNITED hit another new low as they set an unwanted Premier League record.It’s the first time in the Prem era United have gone two seasons in a row without having a player in the PFA Team of the Year.Man Utd hit another new low as they set an unwanted recordCredit: GettyIt’s the first time in the Prem era United have gone two seasons in a row without a player in Team of the YearCredit: GettyIn a season full of unwanted records that saw them finish in an unprecedented eighth in the Prem, the Red Devils have added yet another bad omen.While the red side of Manchester has been subject to a downward spiral since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, players have still managed to often sneak into the Team of the Year XI.Of course, years have come where no United player has featured in the star-studded XI, but it’s never happened for TWO consecutive seasons.Cristiano Ronaldo – who returned for his second spell in 2021 – was the last Old Trafford player to make the top line-up in 2021/22.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw made the 2020/21 XI after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finished second behind Manchester City.Paul Pogba made the XI in 2019 – even though United finished sixth.David de Gea was often their saving grace, featuring as the No1 goalkeeper for four consecutive years between 2015-2018.This time round the PFA Team of the Year features five Arsenal players and four City stars.Most read in FootballThe 2023/24 Premier League Team of the YearFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal loanee David Raya – who joined on a permanent basis from Brentford this summer- edged out Alisson to a spot between the sticks.While William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel and Kyle Walker made up a back line of zero City representatives for the first time since 2020.Arsenal vs Wolves: Player RatingsRodri was named in the heart of the midfield trio, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also got the nod in the XI.Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Aston Villa’s topscorer Ollie Watkins made up the front three.The last time United went two seasons without a player featuring in the best starting XI was between 1986-87 and 1987-88. But it did happen THREE times in a row between 1979 – 1980, when Liverpool and Arsenal were dominating the league.Arsenal stars dominated the starting XIGianfranco Zola presents Cole Palmer with his PFA Young Player of the Year trophyCredit: PA More

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      Premier League 2023/24 Team of the Year revealed with FIVE Arsenal players lining up and only four clubs featuring

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      THE PFA Premier League Team of the Year has been announced – with runners-up Arsenal dominating the star-studded XI.Mikel Arteta’s Gunners fell agonisingly short in a thrilling final day of the 2023/24 season, ultimately coming up two points adrift of eight-time champs Manchester City.Arsenal stars dominated the PFA Team of the YearDeclan Rice was named in the midfield XI after a stellar debut season for ArsenalCredit: GettyGabriel got the nod at the backCredit: GettyPhil Foden claimed the most coveted prize on the nightThe Emirates side played superbly all season – and their squad has been rewarded by their fellow pros by having no fewer than FIVE stars voted into the campaign’s best XI.While Premier League champions Man City only have FOUR players in the line-up.Arsenal loanee David Raya – who joined on a permanent basis from Brentford this summer- edged out Alisson between the sticks.While top defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel were an obvious choice at the back.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe PFA opted for another centre-half in Virgil van Dijk to shore up the back-line.The Liverpool captain, who finished third in Jurgen Klopp’s final season, beat title winners John Stones and Ruben Dias to the other position, with Kyle Walker in at right-back.Rodri was named in the heart of the midfield trio, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard also got the nod in the XI.That means it’s the first time since 2019 that Kevin de Bruyne has failed to make the best starting side.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd in a repeat of last year, only FOUR clubs are represented – Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Aston Villa.It’s the first-time Phil Foden and Ollie Watkins have been picked in the PFA XI, both notching 19 goals a piece.Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher make Prem predictions as Man Utd icon reveals why his club will come above Liverpool And Erling Haaland jumps straight back into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for the second successive campaign.Foden was named the PFA Player of the Year, having already landed the Football Writers’ Association award three months ago.Chelsea and England whiz Cole Palmer claimed the Young Player of the Year gong at the Manchester Opera House.Haaland’s 27 goals means he nabbed the Golden Boot for the second year in a row.Notable exemptionsSuperstar Palmer – who enjoyed the best-ever Premier League debut campaign – failed to get the nod in the XI despite scoring 22 goals last term.While Bukayo Saka also failed to make it after his form somewhat dropped off towards the end of last season.Despite many believing De Bruyne is the greatest ever Prem midfielder, the Belgium international missed most of the early campaign through injury.He still managed ten assists and four goals in 21 domestic appearances.Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is another notable exception.READ MORE SUN STORIESSalah struck 18 times to take his overall Premier League tally to 155, a number since raised to 156 after striking at Ipswich on Saturday.The Egyptian star is a two-time recipient of the PFA Player of the Year award – in 2017/18 and 2021/22.Man Utd fan and rapper Aitch attends the PFA Awards 2024Credit: GettyJules Breach and Alex Scott stunned on the red carpet before the ceremony commencedCredit: GettyOllie Watkins and his finacee Ellie Anderson arrivaed to pick up his first mention in the team awardCredit: RexPep Guardiola wore a dashing suit to the awards night in ManchesterCredit: GettyFoden arrived with missus Rebecca Cooke and young son RonnieCredit: GettyThe Man City ace won PFA Player of the YearCredit: PA More

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      Arsenal boost in transfer hunt for Mikel Merino as Real Sociedad chief makes ‘unfortunate’ admission about midfielder

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      ARSENAL are closing in on a move for top midfield target Mikel Merino.The Spaniard was omitted from Real Sociedad’s squad to face Real Vallecano as they kicked off their LaLiga campaign with a 2-1 defeat.Mikel Merino could be heading to North LondonCredit: GettyThe playmaker won Euro 2024 with SpainCredit: GettyHe has Premier League experience with NewcastleCredit: PA:Press AssociationNow, president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that talks are underway with the Gunners and a deal is possible.Per Chris Wheatley, he said: “Unfortunately, one of the teams we didn’t want to show up showed up [Arsenal]. “When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes. “We know what Merino’s wishes are, so we decided not to call him up [to the squad].”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSociedad manager Imanol Alguacil admitted before Sunday’s game that Merino’s absence was due to a potential transfer.He said: “I’ve left Merino out of the squad as there are talks with other clubs… and this is the best solution now.”Arsenal’s initial bid of £21.5million was rejected, but they are now preparing an improved offer of £30m to secure a transfer.Sporting director Edu has been actively involved in negotiations for the Euro 2024 winner, 28.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Newcastle ace Merino has one year remaining on his contract and played a pivotal role for Spain in Germany this summer.He scored the crucial second goal against Germany in the quarter-finals, a looping header that found the net in the 119th minute, securing Spain’s victory.Arsenal vs Lyon: Player Ratings RevealedThe star also contributed to Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the final, coming on during the closing stages to help see out the match.Last season the midfielder made 45 appearances across all competitions for Sociedad, scoring eight goals.The Gunners have already secured Italian international defender Riccardo Calafiori for £42million and made David Raya’s loan move from Brentford permanent.Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendantTolami Benson – partner of Bukayo SakaBenson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.Helene Spilling – partner of Martin OdegaardA professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023. Sophie Weber – partner of Kai HavertzWeber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.Milly White – partner of Ben WhiteThe couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro TrossardThe pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan RiceLauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron RamsdaleGeorgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019. More