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      Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal players plotted this season’s title battle with Man City HOURS after final day heartbreak

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      IN the hours following their Prem title heartbreak, the Arsenal squad – as well as their families, coaching staff and owner Josh Kroenke – attended a gathering at a venue in central London.But instead of licking their wounds, boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that his players used it to plot this season’s title battle with Manchester City, telling him: “We’re going to do it”.Owner Josh Kroenke joined the players hours after missing out on the titleCredit: GettyMikel Arteta believes his Arsenal squad are hungrier than ever to topple Man CityCredit: GettyThe Gunners came agonisingly close to winning a first league trophy since 2004 last term, finishing two points off winners City with top spot still up for grabs on the final day back in May.A 2-1 victory over Everton at the Emirates was not enough as Pep Guardiola’s City saw off West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad to earn a fourth crown on the bounce.Yet after back-to-back second-place finishes, Arteta is confident his players have what it takes this campaign to finally dethrone the most dominate side in English football history.Asked how hungry his squad is ahead of today’s opener against Wolves, Arteta explained: “Since the last day. It was the same evening as the Everton game. We had a gathering together with all the club.read more arsenal“Everybody was talking about the same thing. They were saying to me: ‘We’re going to be better. We’re going to do it. We want more.’ They are the ones driving that ambition.“We are not going to stop here and that we want much more. We know the things that we can still do better and how the players can still evolve.“How we have evolved as a club is huge as well. How we feel playing at Emirates Stadium is another one.“When you’re looking ahead and see everything that we are doing, everybody is so enthusiastic about it, that willingness to do better, to keep demanding of each other.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“To look for higher ceilings, this is what everybody needs. It’s motivating. It’s inspiring. Every day is something new to look at. We are creating that culture and want to keep going.“It’s like you’re trying to climb the highest mountain, the most difficult leap in the world and you’re surrounded by people trying to achieve the same ambition.Fans can’t stop laughing at Roy Keane’s blunt response to bizarre Mikel Arteta Arsenal ‘pickpocket’ story“The main focus that we have as a coaching staff is to improve our players and give them the best possibility to find a level that probably they haven’t even dreamed about.”Arsenal broke numerous records last season, including most wins in the Prem era [28], their second ever highest points tally [89], most set-piece goals [22] and a league-best defence [29].However, Arteta has told his men to set new standards by using the pain of seasons gone by.He said: “We need to break more of those records again, earn more points for sure. [Last year’s tally] won’t be enough.“With the level we are competing with and every season is getting harder. We are going to have to improve again.“Whether it is pain, whether there are experiences, whether there are moments where you have to accept that somebody else has been better you want to get to where you aren’t.”He continued: “I don’t know what perfect is but it has to be very close to the numbers that we’ve seen in recent years. For me, we’re still very far from perfection.“I want a team that has no roof, can play in any context, dominate the opponent in any circumstance. Can play every three days.“This team still has levels to reach and give me reasons to believe that because I see the way they train and the way they play every day. I believe there are still big rooms to improve.”Having improved their points tally for four seasons on the spin, Arsenal will likely need to do what no Prem team has ever done and see progress for a fifth successive year.But, can it really be progress without lifting the title in 2025? Arteta said: “I would love that feeling bit I cannot think about that right now.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everything I do, I try to win. I try to do it at my best. I am happier afterwards, I feel fulfilled. If I am not able to do it, I try to learn from it. That is the way I am.”Full-back Jurrien Timber [foot] and midfielder Fabio Vieira [hip] are set to make the squad but Takehiro Tomiyasu [knee] and Kieran Tierney [hamstring] remain out injured.Arsenal have a tough start to the new season More

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      Ian Wright fights back tears as Arsenal legend reveals tragic death of brother days after Kevin Campbell’s passing

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      IAN WRIGHT fought back tears as he revealed the tragic death of his brother shortly after Kevin Campbell passed away.While appearing on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, the emotional Arsenal legend opened up about his struggles this summer.Ian Wright fought back tears as he opened up on the loss of his eldest brother Maurice and former team-mate Kevin CampbellCredit: YOUTUBE / The OverlapCampbell passed away in June after spending a month in hospitalCredit: AlamyWright, 60, experienced the double loss of former Gunners team-mate Campbell and his eldest brother, Maurice, within a couple of weeks of each other.Asked about his tough summer by Gary Neville, the former Match of the Day pundit said: “It’s been emotional, losing my man Kevin Campbell, and a couple of weeks later losing my brother.”It’s one of those things that you have to get on with – it catches you every now and then.”You drive along, think of my brother, he’s really good, good cricketer and footballer. Didn’t come up to the house as often as you liked but that’s because he’s a loner.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith a shaky voice, he continued: “You’re constantly trying to get in touch and bam – he’s gone. “I’m going to Kevin’s tomorrow then my brother’s on the 30th. It’s tough man sometimes.”Now I feel pretty much in control of it, but at some stage later on it just catches you.”On how he has coped with his double loss, he added: “It helps me being amongst people – grieving is a process, it’s not like it ever leaves you. Most read in Football”It’s going to come at some stage but I don’t know, even now I don’t know what to say – I miss them both.”Former Everton and Cardiff ace Campbell passed away on 15 June at the age of 54 due to multi-organ failure caused by a heart infection, having been admitted to hospital a month before his death.Fans in hysterics as video from Community Shield shows the difference between greeting Roy Keane and Ian WrightOn his brother, Wright credited him with shaping his determination, saying in 2007: “My brother Maurice shaped my determination. His life was all about winding me up. “He told me I was rubbish at football. He told me I couldn’t run. I practised for his approval and that’s what gave me my drive.” More

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      Alan Shearer predicts Premier League table in full with Chelsea to finish NINTH and Man City denied title

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      ALAN SHEARER has made a bold set of Premier League predictions as he names the table in FULL ahead of the new season starting on Friday.Manchester City are aiming for an historic fifth consecutive title with Arsenal the favourites to challenge their dominance.Alan Shearer has made his Prem predictionsCredit: GettyHe backs Arsenal to overcome their demons and lift the titleCredit: RexBut his projections are bad news for Chelsea and Todd BoehlyCredit: GettyAnd Shearer backed the Gunners to do just that – and overcome their 21-year title drought to be crowned Prem champions for the fourth time.He did press that Arsenal need to land themselves a “statement” striker before the window slams shut to give them a real chance.The Newcastle icon expects Chelsea’s misery to continue, predicting the Blues to finish NINTH after they climbed up to sixth last season.Shearer can hardly be blamed though – Chelsea did come 12th two years ago and are onto their fourth manager of the Todd Boehly era.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStamford Bridge chiefs have forked out £185m on ten new faces this summer to rank the American’s total bill up to £1.2billion.Shearer told Betfair: “I don’t see Chelsea getting into the top four at all. They’re not ready yet.”While the Match of the Day star also predicted Newcastle to pip Manchester United and Tottenham to a fourth place finish, while Liverpool will come third under new boss Arne Slot.The Red Devils finished eighth last season – their worst ever position- and have brought in some clever signings, but Erik ten Hag is forecasted to struggle to find a way for his side to gel again.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlan Shearer’s full Premier League tableShearer added: “It’s a big season for Ten Hag and Man United because they’re going to have to improve massively in the league.”He is projecting a tight relegation battle but thinks the three who got promoted, also including Ipswich and Leicester, will go straight back to the Championship.Fans can’t stop laughing at Roy Keane’s blunt response to bizarre Mikel Arteta Arsenal ‘pickpocket’ storyThe ex-Southampton man is predicting the Saints to be relegated and former Premier League winners Leicester to finish rock bottom.Shearer believes Aston Villa will follow in Newcastle’s footsteps and drop from fourth to seven amid the constraints of playing Champions League football this season.As for the golden boot race, Shearer, who knows a thing or two about putting the ball in the back of the net, thinks Man City’s Erling Haaland will claim his third successive award.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Former England star, 41, hints Arteta’s role for Kai Havertz ‘didn’t go to plan’ before Arsenal star’s transformation

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      MANCHESTER CITY legend Joleon Lescott claims Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had different plans for Kai Havertz after signing him last summer.The Gunners landed Havertz, 25, from rivals Chelsea in 2023 following a £65million deal.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a different role for Kai Havertz before his transformation as a false nineCredit: RexLescott praised Havertz’s performances at Arsenal and slammed the criticsCredit: GettyThe versatile German often led the Blues’ attack during his three-year stint at Stamford Bridge and scored the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against City.Lescott, 41, expected the Germany international to play in a different position at Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta appeared to have the same idea as he hinted he would use him in midfield.However, plans changed and Havertz quickly returned up front as a false nine and often led the North Londoners’ attack amid another round of injury hell for striker Gabriel Jesus.Lescott praised Havertz’s ability to successfully adjust after Arteta’s original ideas “didn’t go to plan”.Read More on ArsenalHavertz received plenty of criticism for some early performances but went on to amass an impressive tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances.Lescott dismissed all the negativity and insists Havertz deserves more credit as he compared his style to Manchester United and Tottenham’s legendary striker Dimitar Berbatov.The ex-England international is adamant the former Chelsea star deserves more respect as he has also proven himself as a false nine in Germany’s national team.Lescott told SunSport: “Yeah, I think it [the criticism] was unfair. I believe when they signed him, I didn’t think he would have or play in the role that he played for them. Most read in Football”I believed he would be important to them. I think Arteta had a different role for him at the start. It didn’t go to plan. And then he and the player, Kai Havertz, was able to adjust. “And yeah, I think because we want a profile of a striker – a number nine – to have a certain look and image, I think we’re not giving him the credit as a number nine. 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’ “But if you compare him to his style, like his attributes, are they much different to a Berbatov, really? He’s able to travel with the ball long distances, he is technically very, very good. He scores. He always looks comfortable in front of goal.”So yeah, I think because he’s played in the previous positions, that hinders the appeal of him looking like a number nine. “But you have to respect, you don’t play for Arsenal being a genuine title contender, playing in the Euros for one of the top nations as a number nine, and not be able to do it adequately.”Lescott is so impressed with Havertz’s “exceptional” performances that he even questions whether the striker’s position is the most important area in which Arsenal need to strengthen this summer.Havertz was ‘exceptional’ last seasonThe former centre-back doubts there are many options available and also insists Arteta’s side didn’t lose the title to his beloved City because of a lack of goals last season.Lescott added: “I think it’s easy to suggest that [Arsenal need a striker], but are there many that are available and that guarantee you the goals they would need? “I do believe strikers get you a different type of goal, whether it gets you more goals than Havertz, who I thought was exceptional last season. “I do think strikers have a different knack of taking an opportunity that’s not really there. I think forwards in general want to see the goal and want to see a perfect position where forwards or strikers just go, ‘I’m just going to shoot’, and sometimes get lucky with the deflection.”I think a striker would bring that different element to it. But again, I think just strengthening your squad, strengthening your team is important. READ MORE SUN STORIES”[But to ] Be specific to a position is slightly harsh, because they didn’t lose the title based on just not having a striker . They did enough to win the games and scored a goal. So it’s just finding an alternative to the little bits that Arteta thinks he needs.”Joleon Lescott was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the new £1million Golden Goals game this season by predicting Premier League scores at https://www.betmgm.co.uk. BeGambleAware 18+Arsenal boss Arteta hinted he was going to use Havertz in midfieldCredit: The Times More

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      Arsenal vs Wolves preview: Best free betting tips, odds and predictions for the Premier League

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      ARSENAL start their fresh title bid with a home game against Wolves on Saturday.SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesArsenal vs Wolves previewArsenal managed to take the title race to the final day last time out, ultimately falling short in their quest for glory.It was a valiant effort from Mikel Arteta’s side but given they were hopeless in the cup competitions and exited them early to put everything into the league, it’s not hard to argue it was a failure of a campaign.Defender Ricardo Calafiori is the only new face in the door over the summer which will likely still leave them short of a top-class striker who’ll score them goals when they need it.That was the story of pre-season where, other than the Bayer Leverkusen game, the Gunners created umpteen chances they failed to take, scoring just six in the other five outings.They could have been handed a tougher opening, though and must take advantage of the fixtures to get off to a strong start if they’re to go one better than last year.They’ve beaten Wolves in all of the last six meetings between the sides, conceding just twice in that run too.Wolves would argue they were better than their 14th place finish last year but arguably go into the season in a weaker position having sold Pedro Neto and Max Kilman this summer.Arsenal vs Wolves oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Arsenal vs Wolves betting tips and predictionsOff to a flyerWolves are a dangerous team and will see this as a ‘nothing to lose# opening to the season.That makes them a tricky opponent and I fancy Wolves to score, just as they did in their last visit to the Emirates.But the Gunners should have too much for them and recent record proves that.Arsenal to win & BTTS at 9/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREHav thatThe focus on Arsenal’s lack of world class marksmen could be damning again, but Kai Havertz will be keen to show he can fill that void.He lead the line for much of last year and looks set to do so again this year so a quick start will help him – and Arsenal.Kai Havertz to score 2+ goals at 13/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREHow may I assist?Bukayo Saka scored the opener the last time these two met at the Emirates but can turn provider here.Did only manage nine assists in his 35 appearances in the league last year which is surprisingly poor. Plenty opportunities down his side to improve on that.Bukayo Saka to assist a goal at 9/4 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*Ladbrokes. 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. 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Only valid with code B10G50 on registration. £/€10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £/€10 Place). Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€20 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Arsenal step up efforts to seal Mikel Merino transfer as Edu flies to Spain… but ‘may need to sell to buy’

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      ARSENAL sporting director Edu has been in Spain hoping to wrap up a deal for Mikel Merino.Real Sociedad ace Merino, 28, wants to join the Gunners with the clubs locked in talks over the Spain midfielder.Arsenal are in talks over a move for Mikel MerinoCredit: GettyThe midfielder helped Spain win the Euros this summerCredit: GettyHe was missing from their pre-season friendly squad against Union Berlin on Friday amid rumours he is heading to the Emirates.Merino was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 and he scored the winner against Germany in the quarter-final.Mikel Arteta is said to have wanted the midfielder for some time with Arsenal in talks over his signing.It is believed agreeing personal terms with Merino would be straightforward once a bid is accepted.READ MORE ON ARSENALReal Sociedad are keen to keep Merino and have offered him a new deal with his contract set to expire next year.However the player’s representatives have reportedly informed the club that Merino intends to sign for the Gunners.But Arsenal may not be able to complete a transfer until they sell players, with Eddie Nketiah tipped to leave.Marseille were in talks to sign the striker but refused to match Arsenal’s £27million asking price.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBournemouth are interested in Nketiah as a potential replacement for Dominic Solanke.Arsenal also had to let go Emile Smith Rowe this summer to fund a move for Riccardo Califiori.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’ More

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      Police probe into racist who abused Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is dropped after X refuses to reveal yob’s location

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      A POLICE investigation into a racist who abused Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has been dropped because X/Twitter refused to reveal the culprit’s location.Winger Saka, 22, was targeted with a manipulated image and slur by the yob who said he “needs to be humbled before he ruins this sport any further”.A police investigation into a racist who abused Bukayo Saka has been dropped because X/Twitter refused to reveal the culprit’s locationCredit: GettyIt came after Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich in April when the England star went down and appealed for a penalty.Some fans believed he tried to con the referee by throwing himself into the opposition’s goalie.Arsenal contacted X to get the post removed but it took four weeks for it to suspend the account.The Met brought in specialist UK Football Policing Unit detectives to trace the racist.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey found the account-holder was based overseas but X would not say which country so it could not be passed on to the relevant authorities.Labour MP Clive Betts, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Football, said: “Simply because they are overseas and X is not prepared to take action is not good enough. “If we cannot rely on them to self-moderate then further regulation is required.”Sunder Katwala, of equality think-tank British Future, said: “When the police want to act, it is enormously disappointing if X are refusing to facilitate the effort to prosecute and show that extreme racial hatred should carry consequences.”Most read in FootballArsenal said it was supporting Saka. X has been approached for comment.Bukayo Saka breaks silence on amazing reaction to Watkins’ Netherlands winning goal to fire England into Euro 2024 final More

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      Chelsea offered Victor Osimhen as part of sensational transfer that would see Romelu Lukaku join Napoli

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      CHELSEA can kill two transfer birds with one stone.The Blues are set to be offered Victor Osimhen if Napoli can take out-of-favour Romelu Lukaku plus cash as part of a proposed deal.Victor Osimhen is eyeing a move to Chelsea – but a few conditions must be met firstCredit: GettyChelsea have been in talks with Napoli over signing Osimhen, who handed in a transfer request to accelerate his exit this summer.In order to a get deal through the Serie A side might be open to accepting Chelsea’s Lukaku heading the other way.Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed the Blues could agree on a Osimhen deal with Napoli using both cash and Lukaku. But the two sides differ on their evaluation of Lukaku. READ MORE ON CHELSEAStamford Bridge chiefs are keen to receive at least £40m for the Belgian striker, who has two years left on his contract.But Napoli value Lukaku at around £30m and Osimhen at around £100m.The Blues don’t want to pay Osimhen’s £110m release clause, and launched a failed move to loan the striker.Lukaku, 31, is still on £325,000 a week at Chelsea but has made clear that he only wants to be reunited with Antonio Conte.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnder Conte, Lukaku scored 47 league goals across two seasons to help Inter Milan win their first Serie A title in 11 years in 2020-21. He returned to Chelsea for £97.5m in 2021 but, after one unhappy season caused by a public dispute, has spent two campaigns on loan in Serie A.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedMeanwhile Osimhen, 25, has been the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Saudi Arabia this summer. He scored 26 goals in 32 league games to help Napoli win Serie A two seasons ago.Osimhen has been left out of pre-season friendlies by Conte, who has taken a firm stance over his team’s star striker.Lukaku has been told to train with the under-21s at Cobham alongside Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah, who have also been listed for transfer. More