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      I wasted my Arsenal career partying and not trying in training – Arsene Wenger put me back in my place

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      AN ARSENAL flop admitted he looks back at his failed spell with the Gunners with “a lot of regrets” as he never fulfilled his potential.The North Londoners ruled the Premier League in the early 2000s along with then bitter rivals Manchester United.Arsenal flop Francis Jeffers has ‘a lot of regrets’ from his time at HighburyCredit: Getty Images – GettyJeffers went out partying and didn’t work hard enough during Arsenal trainingCredit: AP:Associated PressThat was when legendary manager Arsene Wenger decided to bring one of the Prem’s most exciting strikers over to Highbury in 2001.That was none other than Francis Jeffers, who shone bright with his beloved Everton the previous four years, a period that saw him register a total of 18 goals and one assist in 55 appearances.However, Jeffers never lived up to his star billing as he only managed eight goals and three assists in 39 appearances during his three-year stint with Arsenal, who loaned him back to the Toffees in 2003.The former striker conceded that he didn’t work hard enough in training and would instead go out partying.Read More on ArsenalThe ex-England international downed tools as he thought he wouldn’t play anyway, with the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Sylvain Wiltord and Nwankwo Kanu ahead of him in the pecking order.That is why Wenger gave him a “fair crack of the whip”, which he insists was very well-deserved as it put him back in his place.Nevertheless, the ex-Charlton ace is adamant he didn’t “throw it all away” as he realised a lot of dreams throughout his career.Jeffers told The Independent back in 2014: “I was out partying, living life, tossing it off in training because I always thought I wouldn’t play Saturday anyway. Most read in Football”Now, I look back with a lot of regrets. That is where I should have been putting it in more. Wenger gave me a fair crack of the whip. “I haven’t got a bad word to say about him. He tells you how it is, one of the only managers I played for who did.I slide tackled Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry on my Arsenal trial – I couldn’t believe manager’s reaction“He said there were things going on in my head that shouldn’t have been and that it was an important time in my career. I am not saying I threw it all away, because I had a decent career.“I fulfilled a lot of ambitions but I always say it, I know how much ability I had. “I’m not soft. I know how good a player I was. One England cap wasn’t enough.” More

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      ‘Now everyone’s calling me it…’ – Declan Rice reveals hilarious new nickname he has among Arsenal team-mates

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      DECLAN RICE is known as the Horse to his Arsenal team-mates — and he is still hoping to gallop to a famous title success.The £105million star revealed his new nickname as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare for the home straight in this Premier League campaign.Arsenal star Declan Rice revealed his new nicknameRice’s Arsenal team-mates call him the Horse after a series of impressive performancesCredit: GettyArsenal, sweating on the fitness of forward Kai Havertz following a hamstring scare during their Dubai winter training trip, visit Leicester on Saturday.Rice and Co are six points off leaders Liverpool and will be keeping an eye on the Merseyside derby at Everton tonight — the Reds’ game in hand.Arne Slot’s Kop side also face tough matches at Aston Villa and Manchester City this month and Rice feels his fitness and form are ramping up at just the right time.On his new nickname, he said: “It’s positive. Oleksandr Zinchenko started it then Jorginho went with it — now everyone’s calling me it.Read More on Arsenal“I think it’s because they think I can run all day, that I’m athletic, my ability to go again, my sustainability and availability to the team.“Even two days since the last game, I’m running around and they’re thinking I’m a mad man. I don’t mind the nickname but I just have to keep it going.”Only Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has played more minutes than Rice, 26, since August 2022.A toe injury in November kept him out of the only Arsenal game he missed in that two-year period.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe has not had the greatest of campaigns but the midfielder feels good about ending the season on a high.Rice, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “It probably was a slower start for me, coming off the back of the Euros. Because I’ve been so consistent over the last few years. But I’m hitting form and full fitness at the right time. Jamie Carragher points out Declan Rice’s moment of genius after Myles Lewis-Skelly copied Erling Haaland’s celebration“I knew I had to up my game, up my level. Over the last few months, I’ve been watching lots of clips, sitting down with analysts and seeing where I can improve. There’s been a gradual, good increase so I need to keep going.”Rice also revealed that only since he left West Ham and joined Arsenal in 2023 has he been more focused on his nutrition.He said: “I never really took to that side of the game until the nutritionist at Arsenal sat me down, went through it properly and showed me how your body works.“And what you have to be eating and drinking constantly to be at the top of your game.Chasing Liverpool“That’s a really important part and with the number of games we’re playing, it’s probably the most important part. Once we’ve played, it’s how we go again in a few days’ time.“It’s really tough. Every player has a different routine and lives differently. The staff at the club keep us going. You’re away from home a lot — there’s hotels, travel and a lot of away games.“There’s a lot in the mind but when you’re competing for stuff at the top end of the game, it’s about how much you want it.“That’s why I keep myself going and I know it’s the same for my team-mates as this year we want to achieve some really good things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for catching Slot’s side, Rice said: “There’s a long way to go. We can only keep believing, working and having full trust we can achieve great things.“It’s down to us to get that over the line. Big things are coming. We must stay positive and keep going.” More

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      ‘Congrats to Liverpool on the title’ moan Arsenal fans as Havertz suffers injury to leave Arteta without any strikers

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      ARSENAL face being without any strikers after an injury scare to top scorer Kai Havertz.Boss Mikel Arteta had already confessed his disappointment at failing to land any new frontmen in the winter transfer window.Kai Havertz, pictured in Dubai with Arsenal team-mate Leandro Trossard, has reportedly picked up a hamstring niggleCredit: GettyGunners manager Mikel Arteta has had frontline problems all seasonCredit: GettyAnd that headache could now become much worse.First-choice attackers Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are crocked.And now Havertz has reportedly been troubled by a hamstring injury during a training trip to Dubai.Some fans on social media reacted by claiming Arsenal should now say “Congrats to Liverpool on the title”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArne Slot’s Reds are six points clear of the second-placed Gunners in the Premier League and also have a game in handBut other supporters reckon it’s ridiculous to rule out a title surge just because of a fitness scare over Havertz.The 15-goal German has yet to win over all the Arsenal faithful despite his best season so far.And fans are desperate for winger Saka to return.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut after a handful of gloomy Gunners’ messages, one X user responded: “It’s not over yet bro and I’m a Liverpool fan.”If we beat Everton tomorrow (Wednesday) I think it’s done. If not still a big chance for you imo. You can’t get any more meaningful injuries though.”How Liverpool’s genius offside-buster gives them HUGE edge over EvertonAnother wrote: “Buddy said congrats here as if Kai Havertz was supposed to be the difference.”But a third supporter insisted Liverpool are already sure to lift the crown – but for a different reason.He said: “They won long before – when Manchester City lost a few games in a row.”  More

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      Jorginho ‘agrees Arsenal exit’ with former Chelsea midfielder’s contract running out at the end of the season

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      JORGINHO has reportedly agreed terms with Flamengo for a free transfer from Arsenal.The Italian is in the final months of his contract with Arsenal that expires in June, and could be headed back to the country of his birth on a free transfer this summer.Jorginho joined Arsenal from ChelseaCredit: GettyAs he is in the last six months of his deal, Jorginho is able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any club abroad.Brazilian side Flamengo were reportedly pushing to sign the midfielder last month, but didn’t want to pay a transfer fee for the player.Brazilian outlet BolaVIP claim that the interest has now advanced and Flamengo have agreed a salary with Jorginho.Ex-Chelsea full-back Filipe Luis, who is now head coach at Flamengo, spoke to the Arsenal player last month to help convince him to join the Brazilian outfit.Read more Arsenal newsJorginho has been in demand and it was reported last month that his representatives held talks with another Brazilian club Palmeiras. The former Chelsea player is among seven Arsenal players who could be axed in the summer.It has been reported that Mikel Arteta has sanctioned the departure of players in order to raise funds for a summer spending spree.Getting Jorginho’s £110,000 weekly wages off the books could allow Arsenal to reallocate those funds towards summer reinforcements.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal were inactive in the January transfer window, potentially missing an opportunity to bolster their squad as they look to catch Premier League leaders Liverpool.Jorginho joined Arsenal from Chelsea two years ago for a fee of £12million.He has appeared 73 times for the Gunners in the Premier League, but has been a bit part player this season only starting six games and appearing off the bench four times. More

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      Man Utd ‘considered £58m transfer for Barcelona star in January’ but wonderkid snubbed move

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      MANCHESTER UNITED considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in January – but he reportedly rejected the switch.The Red Devils were allegedly willing to offer £58m for the 21-year-old midfielder, with Aston Villa also interested.Man Utd considered a move for Barcelona wonderkid Fermin Lopez in JanuaryCredit: RexFermin Lopez opted to stay at BarcelonaCredit: RexUnited wanted Lopez to bolster their midfield options amid another dismal Premier League campaign, according to The Mail.While Villa – who brought in five new players, including Marcus Rashford on loan- were also keen to add Lopez to their ranks.But the Spaniard made it immediately clear that he wouldn’t entertain a move and was desperate to continue at Barca.United are known to be long-time admirers of Lopez’s talents amid their recent changes in midfield.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChristian Eriksen is expected to leave Old Trafford as a free agent in the summer and Casemiro is no longer considered a regular starter.Roma expressed interest in Casemiro in January and United could loan the legendary midfielder out in June.That could mean that Ruben Amorim’s side could go for Lopez again in the next window in a few months time. In October 2024, Lopez signed a new contract at the club until 2029, and it is understood that he has a £416.5m release clause.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLopez wants to fight for his future at Barca after seeing his playing time reduced under new gaffer Hansi Flick.He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 LaLiga games this season, having been named in the starting XI on five occasions.Roy Keane breaks silence on Marcus Rashford’s shock transfer to Aston Villa and has MAJOR concernLopez – who came through the ranks at Real Betis before moving to La Masia – returned from the Olympics with an injury, which left him out for the first few weeks of the season. The youngster has to battle fierce competition in Barca’s midfield which includes Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, Gavi and Pablo Torre.Meanwhile, United loaned out Rashford and Antony to reduce their wage bill.But Old Trafford chiefs spent £29.9m on wing-back Patrick Dorgu, while Ayden Heaven joined from Arsenal’s under-21s.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Mikel Arteta to axe SEVEN Arsenal players to fund summer transfer spending spree for new striker

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      MIKEL ARTETA is set to let go of SEVEN players to fund a huge summer spreading spree, according to reports.The Gunners signed ZERO players in the winter window despite their obvious issues up-front.Mikel Arteta is eyeing a huge summer spending spreeCredit: GettyNewcastle’s Alexander Isak is on Arsenal’s radarCredit: AFPThe Gunners see Benjamin Sesko as a more realistic option but Real Madrid are also interested in the midfielderCredit: ReutersBut Arsenal will now be armed with a vast amount of cash at the end of the season to strengthen their attacking ranks.Arteta – who is currently enjoying a team break in Dubai – made it clear that he was “disappointed” with the lack of January activity and is ready to push for a new marquee striker in six months time.Newcastle’s talisman Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko are the top of the Spaniard’s wish-list.But Arsenal will need to have a proper clear out and cut the wage bill in order to fund any move for Isak – which would surely take a British-record transfer fee.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Magpies want to keep the 25-year-old Swede – who has scored 59 goals in 94 games for the Toon – at all costs and reports have suggested a £150million asking price.But Arteta has sanctioned the departure of seven first-team stars in order to facilitate a spree, according to The Mirror.For starters, loanee Raheem Sterling is set to return to Chelsea and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams remains on Arsenal’s radar.There will be major surgery in midfield with Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract in the summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSJorginho is currently in discussions with Brazilian giants Flamengo over a pre-contract agreement.Notable groundwork has already been done on a £51million move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi although Real Madrid could yet enter the fray for the Spaniard, who snubbed Liverpool last summer.Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goalThomas Partey is out of contract in the summer and Oleksandr Zinchenko could be lured elsewhere for game timeCredit: GettyRosenberg’s 18-year-old Sverre Nypan is a target that’s likely to be revisited this summer after the Norwegian prodigy opted to remain in Scandinavia for an additional six months.Meanwhile, left-back Kieran Tierney will likely rejoin Celtic on a free transfer and Arsenal will likely be open to offers for centre-back Jakub Kiwior.And Oleksandr Zinchenko looks poised to pursue a transfer due to his lack of minutes this season.Myles Lewis-Skelly has leapfrogged both Riccardo Calafiori and Zinchenko in the Arsenal pecking order in recent months.That could mean a replacement for the Ukrainian is not deemed as essential.Veteran loanee Neto – who was signed as a stopgap – is due to return to Bournemouth.And Espanyol No 1 Joan Garcia remains a player of interest since Arsenal saw two bids rejected by the Spanish club in August.Arsenal have splashed the cash on their backline in recent transfer windows and further defensive reinforcements are likely to be dependent on outgoings, with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato on their radar.Spain Euro 2024 star Nico Williams is on Arsenal’s radarCredit: APMartin Zubimendi, who has a £52million release clause, looks certain to arrive but Madrid have registered an interest nowCredit: GettyWhile the departure of the seven stars may not raise significant transfer funds, it will certainly free up plenty of space on the wage bill.The Emirates Stadium hierarchy are currently finalising the appointment of former sporting director Edu’s successor. Jason Ayto has stepped up on an interim basis and is a strong candidate to land the job permanently. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are facing the prospect of another trophyless season after they were knocked out of both domestic cups.While their Premier League hopes are fading as the club sit six points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand, the Gunners are hoping to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Arsenal boost as Mikel Arteta considers putting Ben White straight back in squad just days after returning to training

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      MIKEL ARTETA is considering throwing Ben White straight back into the Arsenal squad – just days after returning to full training following a knee operation.The Gunners have been in Dubai since Thursday morning for a mid-season winter break – flying back to London on Tuesday ahead of their Prem clash at Leicester on Saturday.Arsenal ace Ben White is closing in on a return from knee injuryCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta is considering throwing White straight back into the squadCredit: GettyWhite has followed Arsenal’s squad for the mid-season winter break in DubaiCredit: GettyOne of the standout names in the travelling group out in the Middle East is right-back White, 27 – who has not played since November 10.The versatile defender underwent knee surgery, having played through the pain for weeks, with fears he could be out for five or six months – but is now in contention to feature after three months of rehab.Arsenal’s medics predicted a speedy recovery from White, whose injury record has been exemplary since joining the club from Brighton in the summer of 2021 for £50million.And they have been proven right with White ahead of schedule and back in full training with the first team in a timely boost for the North Londoners.Read More on ArsenalFull-back is a position that Arteta has plenty of options in with the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney to choose from.As a result, the Arsenal boss will not take any unnecessary risks – but is keen to get White back on the bench to face the Foxes at the King Power Stadium.Winger Bukayo Saka is also out in Dubai with the squad, but has not been involved in training, instead continuing his rehab from hamstring surgery underwent just before Christmas.The England star is due back at the start of March, with Arsenal targeting the Champions League Last 16 first leg on either March 4 or 5 – or their trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Prem on March 9.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut the injury issues continue to pile up for Arteta with Gabriel Martinelli potentially out for a month with a hamstring issue.The Brazilian hobbled off in the first half of their 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat away at Newcastle on Wednesday.Ben White ruled out for months in mega blow to Arsenal title hopes, confirms Mikel Arteta There are hopes that Martinelli – who has also flown out to Dubai – can defy that timeline and get back sooner ahead of the final run-in to the end of the season.Martinelli joins Saka and striker Gabriel Jesus in the medical room – the latter out for the rest of 2025 following an operation on an ACL rupture last month.Arteta’s fit attacking options include Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and 17-year-old academy product Ethan Nwaneri. More

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      Real Madrid ‘make William Saliba No1 transfer target’ but Arsenal convinced he would be world’s most expensive defender

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      REAL MADRID are prioritising a transfer swoop for Arsenal star William Saliba.Saliba, 23, has been established as one of the best defenders in the Premier League where he has formed a rock-solid duo with Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back.Real Madrid see Arsenal star William Saliba as an ‘absolute priority’Credit: GettyArsenal wopuld only let Saliba leave for a record transfer feeCredit: RexAnd that has led to immense interest from some of the world’s elite clubs for the Gunners’ star.According to RMC Sport, Real have made the France international an “absolute priority” ahead of the summer transfer window.However, the North Londoners are demanding a massive fee for their star Frenchman.Arsenal see Saliba as the best centre-back in the world following two goals in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.Read More on ArsenalMikel Arteta’s side is not keen to sell the ex-Saint-Etienne star any time soon.However, if Arsenal have no option then they are planning to demand a hefty fee.The same source claims the Premier League giants are convinced Saliba will go down in history as the most expensive defender if he leaves the Emirates.That means Arsenal won’t consider any bid worth less than £80million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is how much Manchester United splashed to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester in 2019 and made him the most expensive defender in football history.Saliba has a contract with Arsenal until 2027, which means the club is in no rush.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaThe Frenchman joined the Gunners in 2019 from Saint-Etienne but was immediately sent back on loan to the French outfit to gain more experience.That led to more loan stints to Nice and Marseille until he was finally established in Arsenal’s first team in 2022.Since then, Saliba has stood out for Arteta’s side with a total of seven goals and two assists in 116 appearances. More