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      Arsenal ‘want Florian Wirtz as they join transfer battle with Real Madrid and Man City for Leverkusen superstar’

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      ARSENAL are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, according to reports.The midfielder has attracted plenty of suitors and he is on the radar of Real Madrid and Manchester City.Arsenal want to sign Florian WirtzCredit: GettyWirtz was a key part of Bayer Leverkusen’s success last season as they won the Bundesliga for the first time in the club’s history.Xabi Alonso’s side did not even lose a single game and almost went all the way in Europe too, reaching the Europa League final.Wirtz caught the eye with 18 goals and 20 assists in all competitions, and followed that up with two goals at the Euros, including an equaliser in Germany’s defeat to Spain.He has started this season on fire too with six goals in seven games, sparking interest from Arsenal.READ MORE ON ARSENALAccording transfer guru Christian Falk Arsenal want to sign Wirtz, who reportedly wants to leave Leverkusen next summer.However the Gunners may have to spend big to land the 21-year-old as he has a price tag of £125million.And with several big hitters interested he could cost even more, with City and Real Madrid not afraid to spend heavily to get the targets they want.Wirtz could also be enticed by another German side, Bayern Munich, who are also linked to the attacking midfielder.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWirtz was a stand-out player in the Bundesliga last seasonLast season former Arsenal youngster Jermaine Pennant suggested Wirtz would be perfect for the Gunners, highlighting his football IQ.Pennant said: “I think Arsenal should have gone for Wirtz, his footballing IQ is off the charts.Mikel Arteta insists Ethan Nwaneri will get more chances for Arsenal this season “He’s not a speed merchant but he’s clever on the ball and he seems to always pick the right pass.“His assists are great, he has an eye for goal and I think he’d be a fantastic addition to Arsenal, he’d fit in perfectly there.” More

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      Arteta asked about a 12-year-old Ethan Nwaneri in his first week as Arsenal boss – five years later he must unleash him

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      MIKEL ARTETA has had his eye on Ethan Nwaneri since he was 12-years-old.Within the first week of his appointment as Arsenal boss in December 2019, Arteta spoke with U16 coach Dan Micciche about an immense talent playing with kids four years his senior and asked him: “I hear you’ve got a player for me…”Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has had his eye on Ethan Nwaneri since 2019Nwaneri signed his Arsenal contract alongside Jack WilshereCredit: Arsenal FC via Instagram / @ethan_nwaneriNwaneri made history when he featured in the Premier League at the age of 15Credit: GettyA video compilation was compiled to prove that the early comparisons to Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere were not as wild as they initially sounded.Fast forward to the present day and 17-year-old Nwaneri is on the cusp of a full Prem debut after scoring twice on his first senior start against Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.And given the Gunners’ current injury issues in midfield, Arteta should hold him back no longer ahead of their clash with Leicester at the Emirates on Saturday. The time is now.As Arteta himself admitted after the 5-1 thumping of the Trotters, “the boy is ready” before adding: “He’s ahead of what anybody could expect”.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, Arsenal’s Hale End academy have known about Nwaneri’s potential since his arrival as a nine-year-old – where he was introduced to several senior stars on his first day.His progress since has been nothing short of meteoric, playing with the U18s at the age of 14 and the U21s at the age of 15 before his history-making Prem debut in September 2022.There was interest from Chelsea and Manchester City before he signed his first pro deal back in March after his 17th birthday – but leaving Arsenal has never been a consideration.After scoring his first two goals for the club on Wednesday night, the England U19s starlet said: “It’s a great feeling when the club you love and have grown up with and the fans are chanting your name.Most read in FootballNwaneri scored two against League One side Bolton in the Carabao Cup on WednesdayCredit: RexNwaneri made his Prem debut in a 3-0 win over Brentford aged 15Credit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It’s a good feeling. It’s a surreal feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve wanted to feel for almost 16 years of my life so to actually feel it, it’s crazy. I just want more of it.”Nwaneri was one of NINE academy players in the squad against Bolton, with 16-year-old keeper Jack Porter, defenders Maldini Kacurri, 18, and Josh Nichols, 18, and winger Ismeal Kabia, 18, also making their debuts.Mikel Arteta insists Ethan Nwaneri will get more chances for Arsenal this season Nwaneri added: “All of those players that I’ve played with since I’ve been like nine and now we’re on the big pitch together, it’s a crazy feeling.”But Nwaneri is the shining light and the quiet leader among them, despite his shy and down-to-earth nature. Before kick-off against Bolton, Nwaneri led his academy pals out on to the pitch to soak up the atmosphere, shaking hands with managing director Richard Garlick.Nwaneri does his talking on the pitch, showing an eye for goal in the 37th and 49th minute and looking immensely comfortable on the ball, constantly dodging tackles with power and poise.Not that it has affected his school work. Much like another academy grad Myles Lewis-Skelly, the pair would often finish training, put on their uniforms and race to school to hand in homework.Nwaneri has had many a role model, coached by club legend Wilshere in the U18s and called “very, very special” by former midfielder Granit Xhaka while the Swiss international picked up his coaching badges with the U16s at London Colney.Nwaneri joined Arsenal when he was eight years oldCredit: Arsenal FC via Instagram / @ethan_nwaneriHe now plays for Mikel Arteta’s first teamCredit: GettyEven current skipper Martin Odegaard has gone out of his way to guide and nurture a player who could one day replace him as Arsenal’s talisman and fan favourite.With Odegaard and Mikel Merino missing through injury and Jorginho and Thomas Partey in need of a rest, these upcoming home league outings against the Foxes and Southampton could not have come at a better time for Nwaneri’s official unveiling as a first team regular.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has already featured once this Prem term, off the bench late on to help see out a 1-0 victory away at rivals Tottenham, adding to previous sub appearances at the Bees and West Ham.Nwaneri said: “It’s been intense, but it’s definitely helped me as a player. I’ve added that to my game.”Arsenal player ratings vs BoltonETHAN NWANERI will remember this night for the rest of his life after scoring twice on his full Arsenal debut.The Gunners eased to a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.See how their players, young and old, rated at the Emirates.Jack Porter – 6He may be 16 years old but he did not show it tonight. Had one scare when his pass was blocked by Aaron Collins and the ball flew over but other than that he did not put a foot wrong.Josh Nichols – 6Encouraging signs from the right-back although he was not really tested in a defensive capacity.Jakub Kiwior – 6Dealt with Bolton’s many crosses into the box but was far too high up the pitch, along with Calafiori, which allowed the visitors to break and score.Riccardo Calafiori – 7A Rolls-Royce defender who carries himself a bit like David Luiz, minus the erratic decision-making. Defended well and went close with a long shot.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Looked very comfortable in possession and saw plenty of the ball. Excellent composure for a young head and linked with Sterling well.Jorginho – 6Kept things ticking over but in truth it was quite an easy night for the Italian.Declan Rice – 7Took his goal very well and everything Arsenal did went through him.Ethan Nwaneri – 9A night to remember for the 17-year-old as he capped his first start for the club with his first goals. Showed great poaching instincts.Bukayo Saka – 9Typical Saka performance and he was a constant threat with his delivery, whether in open play or from corners.Raheem Sterling – 9A threat throughout and he is back playing with a smile on his face, which is great to see. Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he poked in from two yards out.Gabriel Jesus – 5Plenty of energy and panache up front but without the finishing to match – a familiar tale of his Arsenal career.See how the Arsenal subs rated here More

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      Manuela Zinsberger urges Arsenal to overcome ‘hard hit’ in Women’s Champions League battle with BK Hacken

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      MANUELA ZINSBERGER wants Arsenal to avoid dwelling on past Champions League results ahead of their decisive push for a group stage spot. However the Gunners will be without Leah Williamson with the defender ruled out of their clash with BK Hacken tomorrow. Manuela Zinsberger says Arsenal’s expectation is to get beyond the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: GettyArsenal are aiming to beat BK Hacken in their decisive second round qualifier clashCredit: GettyThe England skipper, 27, was placed in concussion protocol before her club’s WSL season-opening draw with City on Sunday.Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall explained she sustained concussion during an incident in training.The head coach said: “I don’t have a timeframe on Leah’s injury at the moment. It’s guided by our medical team.””When I have something more concrete to communicate, I will do that.”Read More Football StoriesArsenal host Swedish outfit Hacken at Meadow Park tomorrow evening in a second-leg clash in the Women’s Champions League second round qualifiers.Eidevall’s players require a win by two goals or more in order to reach the contest’s group stage, with their rivals having a 1-0 first-leg win advantage. And much is riding on the result with club chiefs planning to host the team’s remaining duels in the contest at the Emirates this season.Arsenal shot stopper Zinsberger, 28, said: “The Champions League should be motivation enough no matter what happened last season.Most read in Football”I’m not a fan of talking about the past. “I’m more a fan of looking forward and our motivation is as high as last season – I would say even higher.”Our expectation is (reaching) the group stage or (going) even further, but taking it step-by-step.”The motivation is high to win the game and turn it around and finally get to the group stages.”Zinsberger, who made 18 top-flight appearances last term, was part of the Arsenal team beaten on penalties by Paris FC in the Champions League qualifying stage last September.  And she hopes to help her side see off Hacken in their battle for a group stage spot following the Gunners’ loss last Wednesday.The Austria No1 added: “It’s important to learn (from that) and it was definitely a hard hit for us.”We all hadn’t expected that one, but it definitely hit us the way it shouldn’t, but it was a big learning that you have to take every chance as it would be your last.”With Hacken, we haven’t underestimated them, we’ve seen how good they are.”But I don’t want to talk about them, for us we’ve got to perform and we have to be at our best.”Tomorrow’s game comes three days before Jonas Eidevall’s side’s league trip to Leicester, having nabbed a point against Manchester City in their season opener. With club chiefs committing to making the Emirates their main home for WSL and European fixtures this term, Eidevall is eager to see them progress.  The Arsenal boss adds: “It’s that pressure we put on ourselves that we need to get into the group stage, and that’s what we should do.”Lotte Wubben-Moy is expected to start alongside Laia Codina in Arsenal’s central defenceCredit: GettyTomorrow’s match is likely to see Lotte Wubben-Moy and Laia Codina in central defence in the absence of Williamson.READ MORE SUN STORIESEidevall said: “Leah is a fantastic player and she would be missed by any team, but the strength of our squad is we have players like Manuela. “We have Lotte and Codi (Codina) playing phenomenally well together.” More

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      Arsenal 5 Bolton 1: 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri runs the show against League One opposition in comfortable win for Gunners

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      SOME of Arsenal’s greatest young talents have made their names in the Carabao Cup.You can add 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to that list.Teenager Ethan Nwaneri was the man of the momentCredit: GettyUnder Arsene Wenger, Cesc Fabregas became the club’s youngest-ever first team starter at 16 years and 177 days in a third-round tie against Rotherham in October 2003, before becoming their youngest ever scorer two months later in the fourth round against Wolves.In September 2008, Jack Wilshere made his first senior start and scored his first goal in a 6-0 third round thrashing of Sheffield United at 16 years and 266 days.And last night against Bolton, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta carried on that tradition by chucking more record-breaking Hale End academy teenagers into a third round clash.Four of them got their first run-outs, meaning Arteta has now handed debuts to TWELVE academy players since taking over in December 2019 – but it was two-goal Nwaneri who stole the show.READ MORE ON ARSENALNwaneri clinched the title of youngest ever Prem player back in September 2022 with a substitute appearance away at Brentford at the age of 15 years and 181 days.And here at the Emirates, on his first senior start, the midfield starlet grabbed a goal either side of half time after Declan Rice’s 16th minute opener against the Trotters.At 17 years and 188 days, Nwaneri is now Arsenal’s fourth youngest scorer of the 21st century, behind Fabregas, Wilshere and Arturo Lupoli.Arteta had a headache in between the sticks with No.1 David Raya left out as a precaution due to a thigh knock, new-signing Neto cup-tied and 18-year-old Tommy Setford injured too.Most read in FootballDeclan Rice opened the scoring for ArsenalCredit: PARice celebrates his openerCredit: ReutersNwaneri ran the show at the EmiratesCredit: AFPNwaneri celebrates his firstCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSo, at the age of 16 years and 72 days, fresh-faced Essex-born keeper Jack Porter became the youngest player to ever start a match for Arsenal, leap-frogging the great Fabregas.Porter now also holds the record of Arsenal’s youngest goalie in their history by two years and is the second youngest player to feature in a senior match, behind Nwaneri.Arsenal chief executive Tim Lewis fails to shake hands with Manchester City’s top brass after dramatic Etihad drawIn the 53rd minute, Porter’s clean sheet dreams were dashed without having to make a save – Aaron Collins rounding the youngster after a speedy counter.And in all the Hale End excitement, Raheem Sterling’s first start since joining on loan from Chelsea this summer was slightly overshadowed, despite also getting on the scoresheet.Porter and Nwaneri were two of NINE academy players in Arteta’s much-changed squad following Sunday’s Battle of the Etihad, with five in a starting line-up that had an average age of 22.7, including Bukayo Saka, Josh Nichols and Myles Lewis-Skelly.Left-back Lewis-Skelly, 17, had an eventful senior debut against Manchester City last weekend – booked as a sub and squaring up to Erling Haaland at full-time, but earned his first start in this one while right-back Nichols, 18, made his full debut.Fellow young Guns Ismeal Kabia, Maldini Kacurri, Ayden Heaven and Alexei Rojas made up a strong bench with defender Kacurri and winger Kabia, both 18, also making their debuts late on.Raya, Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Leandro Trossard were left at home, but all eyes were on Porter in the early stages – a player who had only tasted U21s football for the first time in August.With a nervy fifth minute first touch, he was left on his backside, but such was Arsenal’s dominance that Porter’s only real job before the break was to pick an offside goal out of his net.READ MORE SUN STORIESRice curled in a sweet effort from a Nichols cross not dealt with by Scott Arfield and Sterling teed up Nwaneri for a 37th minute tap-in.Some poor play from the visitors out the back gifted Nwaneri a fairy tale second in the 49th minute before Sterling and Kai Havertz wrapped up a near-perfect night in North London, as Lewis-Skelly limped off with an injury on the hour mark.Nwaneri doubled his tallyCredit: GettyNwaneri had a night to rememberCredit: GettyRaheem Sterling got his first Arsenal goalCredit: GettySterling was all smiles in Arsenal redCredit: GettyAaron Collins pulled one back for BoltonCredit: GettyIt was nothing more than a consolationCredit: GettyKai Havertz got in on the actionCredit: GettyIt wrapped up the winCredit: GettyArsenal player ratings vs BoltonETHAN NWANERI will remember this night for the rest of his life after scoring twice on his full Arsenal debut.The Gunners eased to a 5-1 victory over Bolton in the Carabao Cup third round.See how their players, young and old, rated at the Emirates.Jack Porter – 6He may be 16 years old but he did not show it tonight. Had one scare when his pass was blocked by Aaron Collins and the ball flew over but other than that he did not put a foot wrong.Josh Nichols – 6Encouraging signs from the right-back although he was not really tested in a defensive capacity.Jakub Kiwior – 6Dealt with Bolton’s many crosses into the box but was far too high up the pitch, along with Calafiori, which allowed the visitors to break and score.Riccardo Calafiori – 7A Rolls-Royce defender who carries himself a bit like David Luiz, minus the erratic decision-making. Defended well and went close with a long shot.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7Looked very comfortable in possession and saw plenty of the ball. Excellent composure for a young head and linked with Sterling well.Jorginho – 6Kept things ticking over but in truth it was quite an easy night for the Italian.Declan Rice – 7Took his goal very well and everything Arsenal did went through him.Ethan Nwaneri – 9A night to remember for the 17-year-old as he capped his first start for the club with his first goals. Showed great poaching instincts.Bukayo Saka – 9Typical Saka performance and he was a constant threat with his delivery, whether in open play or from corners.Raheem Sterling – 9A threat throughout and he is back playing with a smile on his face, which is great to see. Worked hard and got his deserved goal when he poked in from two yards out.Gabriel Jesus – 5Plenty of energy and panache up front but without the finishing to match – a familiar tale of his Arsenal career.See how the Arsenal subs rated here More

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      Premier League cult hero brutally tells Mikel Arteta to change name of Arsenal dog ‘Win’ until he gets another trophy

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      SHAY GIVEN has taunted Mikel Arteta by saying he should change the name of his dog ‘Win’ — as he has yet to show he can deliver the big trophies.Arsenal boss Arteta bought the chocolate Labrador last year with the aim of improving the atmosphere at the training ground.Mikel Arteta has been told he should change the name of Arsenal’s chocolate Labrador Win to “Maybe”Credit: GettyShay Given taunted Arteta due to the lack of silverware he has won at ArsenalCredit: GettyArteta led the Gunners to FA Cup glory in his first season in 2020 — beating Manchester City in the semi-final — but has won nothing since then.In 12 meetings since that semi, Arsenal have won just twice, although their ten-men did hang on for a draw on Sunday.Former City keeper Given told the Sports Agents podcast: “They’re going to have to change the dog’s name, to something like ‘Maybe’.“Until they get their hands on silverware, City will have bragging rights and power over them.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGiven also criticised Arsenal for being too defensive, adding: “Last year they went to the Etihad and got a draw.“We all felt they could have been more adventurous and tried to win.“The draw took the title to the last game of the season. “But we know what City are like in the home straight.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“They don’t let up and that will play on the Arsenal players’ minds.“Until he delivers, they will be nearly men.”How Arteta outsmarted Pep AGAIN with cunning Calafiori ‘piggyback’ trick and ‘secret Arsenal coach’ More

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      Watch moment Arsenal chief storms out of director’s box and fails to shake Man City counterpart’s hand after late goal

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      ARSENAL chief exec Tim Lewis failed to shake hands with Manchester City’s top brass having stormed out of his seat after Sunday’s dramatic game at the Etihad.The Gunners were devastated after their hopes of a famous win were dashed by a 98th-minute equaliser from John Stones.Arsenal bigwig Tim Lewis, sitting in the bottom row by the aisle, was sat next to Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar at the EtihadCredit: THE SUNAn irate Lewis, in the beige trenchcoat near the top of the stairs, stormed out of his seat when John Stones levelled the scoresCredit: THE SUNLewis failed to shake hands with the City brass after the final whistleCredit: THE SUNStones’ stoppage-time equaliser denied the Gunners of a massive three points at the EtihadCredit: GETTYAnd exclusive video footage obtained by SunSport shows the moment Lewis furiously left the director’s box when the ball hit the net.He did not return to greet the City hierarchy – as is the norm following a game.City chief exec Khaldoon Al Mubarak can be seen pointing to Lewis at the top of the stairs after his quick dash.So it was left to fellow members of the travelling Arsenal board to apologise and mingle with their hosts.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe incident was another sign of the growing tension between the two title rivals – both on and off the pitch.City were furious with some of the tactics deployed by the visitors as they tried to cling on to their slender lead in the second half.Some home players accused the Gunners of using “dark arts” after going down to ten men in first-half stoppage time.Erling Haaland was involved in angry confrontations with various Arsenal players in chaotic scenes after the final whistle.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Norwegian even told Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” after the Gunners boss came onto the pitch.But the Spaniard didn’t take offence to the City hitman’s post-match jibe, saying: “It’s part of football, part of sport.’Stay humble,’ Erling Haaland tells Arteta who gives him brutal death stare before Gabriel Jesus confronts Man City ace “After the game, all that goes away and we move on. That’s it.”Haaland also riled up the Emirates faithful by throwing the ball at the back of Gabriel Magalhaes’ head as City celebrated Stones’ leveller.And his actions drew the ire of Gunners legend Ian Wright, who said: “What really boiled me up properly was Haaland’s cowardly move.”Throwing the ball at Gabi’s [Gabriel] head when he’s not looking.”When Gabi’s back is turned to him, a real coward’s move. “Gabi would look you in the eye. “I’m looking at this like a really good defender vs striker for years to come. “I really like watching them two and then you’re doing a coward’s move like that? “That’s what bothered me more than anything else. I thought you were bigger than that, bro.”John Stones’ scrappy stoppage-time equaliser broke Arsenal heartsCredit: AlamyErling Haaland was at the centre of several flashpoints in the matchCredit: GETTYThe Norwegian even took aim at Mikel Arteta after the final whistleCredit: SKY SPORTSGabriel, who headed the Gunners into the lead in first-half stoppage time, downplayed Haaland’s action but is relishing his next encounter with the striker.The Brazilian said of the incident: “It’s a battle, a war.”So it’s normal to have provocative acts in football, it’s part of the game.”Now this is over and we are waiting for them at our ground.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will be back in action this evening, welcoming League One side Bolton Wanderers to the Emirates for their Carabao Cup third-round tie.SunSport have approached Arsenal for comment. More

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      I’m a Bolton icon who scored against Arsenal in famous upset – here’s why we will beat Mikel Arteta’s men in Carabao Cup

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      BOLTON legend John McGinlay believes his old club can dump Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup — 30 years after his Highbury heroics.‘Super John’ scored the opening goal when second-tier Wanderers shocked the Gunners in an FA Cup fourth-round replay back in 1994.John McGinlay celebrates his goal against Arsenal at Highbury thirty years ago with Bolton captain Phil BrownCredit: GettyBruce Rioch led Bolton to victory that night- and a year later was Arsenal bossCredit: PA:Press AssociationArsenal had completed an FA Cup and League Cup double the previous season but lost 3-1 after extra-time to Bruce Rioch’s free-flowing side.The Trotters are now in League One but McGinlay, 60,  believes Ian Evatt’s current crop of players are capable of humiliating Mikel Arteta’s men in Wednesday’s third-round tie at the Emirates — despite their poor start to the season.He said: “There were many occasions when Bruce Rioch was in charge of Bolton that we went into games when people gave us no chance.“But we enjoyed proving them wrong — and that is what we have to do against Arsenal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We have some good young players, who just need to go out and express themselves. It’s a free hit and it comes on the back of a big 5-2 win over Reading that was much needed.“It is the sort of night that can really click us into gear for the season. If the players play to their potential there is no reason why they can’t produce a shock.“Arsenal are likely to make changes and that could affect their rhythm so I see it as a great opportunity for Bolton.“They can cause Arsenal problems and it’s an occasion they must enjoy.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRioch’s Bolton also saw off Everton and Aston Villa on that famous Cup run before losing to Oldham in the last eight.And Scottish striker McGinlay, who made more than 250 appearances in five years at the Trotters,  revealed they EXPECTED to turn Arsenal over.What happened to Highbury?He said: “We were the lower-league team nobody wanted to draw in the Cup.“We had drawn 2-2 with Arsenal at Burnden Park so we knew we could be a match for them.“It was a great feeling to score with a header, then Alan Smith equalised.“Jason McAteer leathered one to put us back in front in extra-time and Andy Walker finished it off.“They had pretty much the England back four, with Tony Adams, Steve Bould, Lee Dixon and Nigel Winterburn in front of David Seaman, and an excellent manager in George Graham.Arsenal are likely to make changes and that could affect their rhythm so I see it as a great opportunity for BoltonJOHN McGINLAY“We respected every team we played but we knew if we played to our maximum, we could get a result. We had David Lee on the right wing — he would rip teams apart with his pace and skill.“One of biggest things was looking back at the footage. Arsenal were on their knees. We were extremely fit but they were out on their feet.“Bruce Rioch was hands down the best manager I played for, there is no question about that.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal have a tricky start to the season“He was a great leader. He was a hard taskmaster but he was fair with you.“He was fantastic and, looking back, that win probably sealed the Arsenal job for him.” More

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      Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann stopped by cops for ‘drink driving’ in Lederhosen after ‘necking steins’ at Oktoberfest bash

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      ARSENAL legend Jens Lehmann has been stopped for suspected drink-driving in LEDERHOSEN – after downing steins at Oktoberfest.The Gunners veteran – in goal for the famous ‘Invincibles’ team – was pictured partying at the huge Bavarian beer festival, in Munich, Germany, on Sunday.Jens Lehmann spotted at OktoberfestThe Arsenal goalkeeper in 2006Credit: PA:Press AssociationLehmann at Oktoberfest in 2014Credit: GettyLehmann, 54, was then pulled over by cops outside the beer extravaganza and was staggering and smelled of alcohol, Bild reports.Breath tests had to be abandoned because the ex-Emirates ace was “no longer able to blow” and instead was taken to a police station for further tests.His driver’s licence has been confiscated as a matter of procedure while cops continue looking into the case.Lehmann was earlier pictured in full traditional Bavarian dress with a beer, surrounded by female pals at the festival.Read more on footballFans also spotted him dancing in benches in the Schützenfest tent.A source said: “There are police officers lurking around the Oktoberfest who are supposed to prevent drink driving.”Senior public prosecutor Anne Leiding said: “Mr. Lehmann was subjected to a police check on September 23, 2024 at around 1:30 a.m. due to his unusual driving behavior in a car in the inner city area of Munich.”She added: “The police are said to have noticed a clear smell of alcohol and an unsafe manner.Most read in Football“A breath alcohol test did not produce any usable results, whereupon a blood sample was ordered and the driver’s licence was confiscated.“Our investigations are still pending. Suspicions of drunk driving continue.”Lehmann – who came third at the 2006 World Cup with Germany – has faced a string of trouble with police over recent years.In December 2023 he was fined £400,000 by the Starnberg District Court, in Bavaria, for chainsawing his neighbour’s garage roof to get a better view of Lake Starnberg.A court also previously heard he drove bumper-to-bumper behind a car under a barrier in order to avoid paying parking fees at Munich Airport.In 2009 Lehmann was dropped by then team Stuttgart for partying at Oktoberfest without permission.He is a regular at the festival and in 2012 was picture there with Sol Campbell in full traditional Bavarian dress. He was pictured at the festival with Didier Drogba in 2011.Lehmann famously became the first player to be sent off in a European Cup final after tripping Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o, in 2006.READ MORE SUN STORIESJens Lehmann told Blild: “I can’t say anything about it at the moment.”A spokesman for Munich police declined to comment. More