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    Arsenal wonderkid who’s just FOURTEEN called up to first team training as fans say ‘Arteta is building a dynasty’

    ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta had fans dreaming after calling up a teeange wonderkid to first-team training ahead of the Premier League clash with Bournemouth.The Gunners host the Cherries on Saturday at the Emirates as they chase their first Prem title since their Invincibles triumph in 2004.Arsenal youngster Max Dowman participated in senior trainingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/max_dowman10Dowman trained with Arsenal’s senior squad ahead of Saturday’s match with BournemouthCredit: https://www.instagram.com/max_dowman10Dowman joined Arsenal’s first-team training at the age of 14Credit: https://www.instagram.com/max_dowman10Dowman is the latest prospect to be given an opportunity by manager Mikel ArtetaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/max_dowman10And Arteta included Under-18 starlet Max Dowman, who joined his senior squad for today’s training session at the young age of 14.Dowman plays as an attacking midfielder and can also operate on the right wing.The teenager’s inclusion brought a big smile on Arsenal fans’ face as many believe the Spanish tactician is already building the team’s future.One supporter tweeted: “Incredible heights Max is reaching already. One of the youngest to ever train with Arsenal’s 1st team.”Read More on ArsenalAnother commented: “Unbelievable level.”A third wrote: “Mikel Arteta is building a football dynasty, he will dominate this league for a very long period of time.”Another stated: “That’s crazy. He’s playing with players twice his size and strength.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDowman has made three appearances for Arsenal’s Under-16 side and has also registered one goal as well as four assists in five matches for the Under-18s.Most read in FootballArteta is very big on giving opportunities to young players at the Emirates.Police in riot gear clash with fans outside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Arsenal’s 3-2 win over fierce rivalsEthan Nwaneri, 17, made history two years ago when he became the youngest ever player to compete in the Premier League at the age of 15.Nwaneri came off the bench and helped the North Londoners beat Brentford 3-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
    ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
    Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
    But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
    And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
    BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
    One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
    VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
    Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
    ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
    Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
    Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
    XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
    An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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    Arsenal ‘to offer £115,000-a-week contract to land Serie A striker but face competition from new champions Inter Milan’

    ARSENAL are reportedly prepared to offer Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee a £115,000-a-week contract. But they face fierce competition from Italy, with newly-crowned Serie A champions Inter Milan poised to make a move.Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move to a number of European clubsCredit: GETTYAnd, even if they can tempt the Dutch striker to leave Italy, the Gunners will also have to fend off Man Utd and Aston Villa. According to Tuttosport, Zirkzee, 22, is at the top of Arsenal’s summer transfer list.Mikel Arteta’s side are said to have contacted the player’s agent already over a deal until 2029.And they could have the edge over Inter, with the Italians likely to struggle to match Bologna’s £51million price-tag.That fee would still be a significant chunk of Arsenal’s summer transfer kitty, especially if they want to abide by the new Premier League spending cap.But club scouts have been impressed by the Bologna number nine’s 12 goals and seven assists in 35 games across all competitions.The tally compares to Gabriel Jesus’s eight goals and seven assists in 33 games, and Kai Havertz’s 13 goals and 6 assists in 48.And, while there isn’t a huge difference in terms of stats, his youth is considered a factor in Arsenal’s interest.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe club do have a backup plan in case a deal for Zirkzee falls through.Inter Live reported that Arsenal are also eyeing up Inter Marcus Thuram.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsWith 14 goals and 13 assists across 43 games, he could be the catalyst to Arteta’s title push next season.The report claims that Arsenal could even offer Gabriel Jesus plus £26million to tempt Inter to do business.SunSport understands that, while Jesus accepts that he has not hit the expected standards this campaign, he is very settled at Arsenal and wants to fight for his place in Arteta’s side.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
    ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
    Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
    But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
    And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
    BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
    One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
    VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
    Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
    ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
    Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
    Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
    XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
    An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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    Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey linked with shock transfer to European giants with midfielder yet to agree new deal

    THOMAS PARTEY could call an end to his time in North London amid interest from a European giant.The Arsenal midfielder, 30, is reportedly a top target for Barcelona as he heads into the final year of his contract.Thomas Partey has been linked with a move to BarelonaCredit: GettySpanish journalist Adrian Sanchez has claimed that Partey is high up on the list of potential targets for the bigwigs at Barcelona this summer.And with the Ghanaian’s contract set to expire in 2025, he could prove to be an affordable option for the the cash-strapped Catalans. Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020, is yet to agree any kind of extension with the Gunners and looks likely to heading for the exit doors soon.While teammate Jorginho has been offered fresh terms with the club, leaving Partey to slip further down the pecking order.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPartey has struggled for fitness in recent seasons and has been limited to just 11 league appearances as a result this term.His time on the pitch has also taken a hit after the £105m arrival of Declan Rice this summer.Mikel Arteta is considering his options regarding Partey’s future with hopes that he can make some of the £45m the club spent on him back if a deal is sanctioned.Barcelona aren’t the only club to be linked with a move for the star with Serie A outfit Juventus also rumoured to be interested.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere had also been links to Saudi Arabia in the January transfer window but a deal didn’t come to fruition.Arteta and Arsenal sporting director Edu may be hoping to raise more funds for their transfer kitty ahead of what could be an expensive summer.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerReports have suggested the north Londoners are in search of a striker with names like Alexander Isak, Victor Gyokeres and Joshua Zirkzee touted.However Kai Havertz’s exceptional form since the turn of the year may mean the club shift their attention to other positions that need depth such as left-back and right-wing.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
    ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
    Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
    But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
    And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
    BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
    One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
    VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
    Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
    ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
    Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
    JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
    Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
    XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
    An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More

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    Man Utd frontrunners to land Michael Olise ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea as transfer release clause is revealed

    MANCHESTER UNITED are rated favourites to land Michael Olise ahead of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.Crystal Palace’s uncapped winger, 22, reportedly has a £50million-plus release clause becoming active this summer.Palace assist king Michael Olise is a top target for Prem giantsCredit: RexDortmund loanee winger Jadon Sancho is likely to exit United permanentlyCredit: GettyIt’s understood United’s new minority owners INEOS regard Olise as a core transfer target in what could be a major summer shake-up.ESPN reckon the Red Devils are frontrunners for the France Under-21 star, despite being unable to offer Champions League football next term.United could offer former Eagles right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka  in part-exchange.Meanwhile, wideman Jadon Sancho seems certain to depart Old Trafford permanently this summer, having fallen out with boss Erik ten Hag before thriving on loan with old club Borussia Dortmund. READ MORE ON MAN UTDOlise’s standing has remained sky high with Premier League giants this season, even though hamstring problems have limited his game-time.The London-born ace’s release clause is said to be around £50m-£60m – a huge rise on the £35m figure in his previous clause.Chelsea are thought to have come close to signing Olise last summer.Arsenal have been persistent admirers too, while Liverpool and even Manchester City have been linked with him over the current campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOlise was with the Gunners, Chelsea for seven years and Man City as a kid.He was then at Reading from 2017-21 before joining Palace.Pique reveals he and Lionel Messi were lined up for double transfer to Premier League giants before Man Utd swoopedOlise has now emerged as something of a goal-making king, notching 20 assists in 79 Prem games, as well as scoring 11 times.And not surprisingly the Eagles would love to somehow fend off so-called bigger clubs and keep him for at least another year. More

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    ‘I brought Declan Rice to Arsenal,’ says Keir Starmer after using his son to ‘trick England star into signing contract’

    SIR Keir Starmer has claimed responsibility for Arsenal’s signing of Declan Rice after using his son to trick him into signing a contract.The Labour leader, 61, joked that he was able to con the England ace when the midfielder signed an autograph for his son last year.Sir Keir Starmer is an Arsenal season-ticket holderCredit: GettyRice has been a revelation for Arsenal this seasonCredit: ReutersRice pictured following the Premier League match between West Ham and Arsenal at London Stadium on April 16, 2023Credit: GettyRice, 25, has been a standout performer in an Arsenal side chasing a first Premier League title for 20 years.The midfielder moved to Arsenal from West Ham for a whopping £105million in July 2023.And Sir Keir, an Arsenal season-ticket holder, has quipped that he played a pivotal role in the high-profile transfer.The politician was in attendance with his son to watch his side play against West Ham at The London Stadium last year, when Rice was captaining The Hammers.Read more sportHe told The Telegraph: “Mark Noble, Mr West Ham, took us down to meet Declan. “And so my boy had his programme open ready for signing and obviously we put the contract [for Arsenal] in underneath. “Declan signed it and thought he was signing the programme, but actually he was signing for Arsenal.”Sir Keir also revealed how he “religiously” pens the dates of Arsenal’s games into his diary when the fixture list is announced each year.Most read in FootballAnd he said watching his club is a “release” from the daily stress of being a politician.Sir Keir, who says he still plays regularly, also said he will continue travelling to the Emirates even if he were to become Prime Minister.Mikel Arteta picks a fight with Premier League supercomputer after he is told Arsenal’s chances of titleArsenal and Premier League legend Thierry Henry is his favourite player of all time, but he also mentions Dennis Bergkamp along with current stars Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Rice.But the Labour leader was muted on Arsenal’s title chances. While acknowledging this season has been “the best title race for ages”, he insisted “it depends on City” and praised stars Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.Sir Keir was last year pictured taking part in a kickabout in North London, though he ended up on the losing side – captaining Homerton Academicals in a 9-6 defeat.But he’s not always been full of praise for Arsenal, and joined many in taking a pop at The Gunners for sacking mascot Gunnersaurus during the Covid pandemic in October 2020.Speaking at the time, Sir Keir said he “takes a dim view” of football clubs spending millions on transfers while making staff redundant.Politicians and their football clubsDAVID Cameron drew nationwide laughs when he appeared to forget which team he supported.
    The then PM seemed to be confused over whether he followed West Ham United or Aston Villa.
    The current Tory leader Rishi Sunak has been open about the team he supports stating he’s a “massive football fan”.
    He supports Championship side Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last year.
    His choice of club is not surprising as, like many, Rishi supports the club at the heart of his home town – he was born in Southampton in 1980.
    When Sunak was 18, his father Yashvir owned a season ticket to watch the Saints, and Sunak said that he was given a card signed by the whole team for his 18th birthday celebrations.
    His predecessor Liz Truss revealed in September 2022 that she is a Norwich City fan
    Boris Johnson, meanwhile, is a well-known rugby fan and appears to have less of a liking for football.
    Boris has never stated he supports one particular football team.
    When he was London mayor in 2015, he was asked about his football allegiance but gave a non-committal answer.
    He told reporters he supported “all of the London teams”, refusing to name one.

    Labour Party leader Sir Keir in the stands during Arsenal’s match at Wolves last monthCredit: PA More

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    Gabriel Jesus is ready to fight for his Arsenal future despite links to a summer exit as Mikel Arteta eyes a new striker

    GABRIEL JESUS is happy at Arsenal and prepared to fight for his place amid reports of a potential summer exit.The Gunners striker has only scored four goals in 24 Premier League appearances this term with his momentum consistently halted by knee and hamstring issues.Gabriel Jesus is ready to fight for his Arsenal future after a tough seasonCredit: GettyMikel Arteta currently favours Kai Havertz as his first-choice strikerCredit: GettyJesus, 27, has also started just four of Arsenal’s last 13 league outings, with Kai Havertz now the preferred option to lead the line. The German has eight Prem goals this calendar year.Having signed from Manchester City for £45m in July 2022, there are suggestions that boss Mikel Arteta will consider cashing in on Brazil international Jesus in the upcoming window should offers arrive.However, SunSport understands that Jesus is very settled in North London and has no intention of leaving, ready to put in the work to regain his place in the starting XI.Arteta also remains a huge fan of Jesus, in particular his leadership, his mentality and impact on Arsenal’s younger players.read more arsenalThis is unlikely to stop the Spanish coach from going ahead with his plans to sign a world class No.9 in the coming months.It’s an area that club officials recognise as potentially the final piece to the jigsaw in the pursuit of major honours both domestically and in Europe.Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak are currently all being monitored.There is an acceptance on Jesus’ part that he has not hit the expected standards this campaign, with eight goals in total in all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut with his knee trouble reportedly behind him, despite recently admitting to being in pain every time he plays, Jesus believes his form will return after an uninterrupted pre-season.There is also the small matter of the Copa America from June 20 to July 14, with Jesus expected to be selected by Brazil should he manage to stay fit.Arsenal’s top targets in the summer transfer windowJesus’ first Premier League start of this season did not come until September 24 after needing minor surgery on his reoccurring knee problems.A hamstring injury on October 24 away at Sevilla in the Champions League kept him out for another month, before a second knee setback in late January at Nottingham Forest.Since then, Jesus has started just four Premier League games. Gabriel Jesus has only four goals this seasonIt was a similar story last season, making just 26 Premier League appearances but notching 11 goals and six assists in the process.Havertz meanwhile, signed initially from Chelsea last summer for £65m as a midfielder, is in the form of his life up top, with 11 Premier League goals to his name, including strikes in recent victories over Chelsea and Tottenham. More

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    Arsenal ‘prepared to listen to Gabriel Jesus transfer offers’ after stunning Kai Havertz renaissance

    ARSENAL are reportedly ready to listen to offers for Gabriel Jesus after the emergence of Kai Havertz.The Brazilian forward, 27, arrived at the Emirates for £45m in 2022 after winning the Premier League title four years out of five at Manchester City.Gabriel Jesus could be sold by Arsenal this summerCredit: GettyKai Havertz’s hot form means that Mikel Arteta may decide to cash inCredit: GettyHe scored three goals and produced three assists in his first five outings before his injury problems started to begin.Jesus suffered a knee injury in action for Brazil at the World Cup and spent three months on the sidelines.This season he has only missed six matches through injury, but his game-time has still been restricted due to the form of Havertz.The German forward, 24, arrived as an attacking midfielder from London rivals Chelsea last summer.READ MORE ON ARSENALBut after a shaky start, he has been deployed up front and repaid Mikel Arteta’s faith in him with some fine form.Havertz has scored 12 goals and produced six assists in the Premier League compared to Jesus’ output of four goals and four assists for Arsenal.The Gunners have also been linked with a potential move for several other strikers.And now The Athletic state that the club are willing to listen to offers for Samba ace Jesus.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe still has three years remaining on his contract at the Emirates.However, this update says chiefs are ready to sanction a sale if a suitable offer comes in for him.Arsenal stars Jesus, Martinelli and Ramsdale spill beans on team-mates in hilarious quickfire questions challengeJesus still remains a popular figure inside the Arsenal dressing-room and is well-liked by the boss.The pair developed a strong relationship at City when Arteta was Pep Guardiola’s coach.But Jesus recently revealed that he is still having problems with his knee and may have to go under the knife at the end of the season.He said: “Even here at Arsenal, there are things that you have to hold on to: go train, play, train today, don’t train, play.“In short, it’s difficult, but my desire is always to be available for both Arsenal and the national team.“It doesn’t matter if, at the end of the season, I have to open up my knee and correct what’s getting in the way and end up missing out on a chance to play in the Copa America.“I’m just trying to get fit and help Arsenal as much as I can.”Jesus, who has scored 19 goals in 66 appearances for Arsenal, last month vowed to stay and fight for his place amid speculation that the Gunners wanted a new striker.He said: “They already know if they want to [sign a striker] or not.“Maybe this question is not for me but for them. My job is to try to work, train hard, improve what I have to improve and help Arsenal win games and after win trophies.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The speculation will always be there, not only here but every club.“People want to decide who the club wants to sign. This is not just happening at Arsenal but a lot of clubs.” More

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    How Arsenal are tapping into stars’ Wags as secret weapon to fire Arteta’s men to Premier League glory

    AS the saying goes, “behind every every great man there’s a great woman”.That rule of thumb appears to apply completely to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.Arsenal are tapping into a secret weapon to help fire them to the Premier League titleCredit: Instagram / @laurahlvnSophie Weber, left, Tomali Benson, middle, Milly White, right, Helen Spilling, top left and Laura Trossard Hilven, top right, have been helping Arsenal charge to the titleCredit: Instagram/HelenespillingThe group have become a strong social group away from the pitchCredit: Instagram / @laurahlvnThey have become a regular sight at the Emirates in full supportCredit: instagram/@tomali_bensonBut unlike some WAG drama Arsenal stars partners have been a force for goodMikel Arteta saw an opportunity which has paid dividendsCredit: GettyAfter years of obscurity where the club struggled to compete for the title, Arteta and Gunners sporting director Edu have cultivated a positive culture within the club.Players on the pitch appear to be enjoying their football, having built a strong rapport with each other.And it seems this relationship has extended to significant others of a number of Gunners stars. Following their 5-0 thumping of Chelsea last week, a viral video of Martin Odegaard’s partner, Helene Spilling, dancing to Shakira’s “Waka, Waka” – adopted as Kai Havertz’s chant – typified this shift in culture. READ MORE ON ARSENALWag drama away from the pitch has been known to cause it’s fair share of problems for footballers in the past.However, Arsenal have turned this proverbial chink in the armour into an extra boost as they hunt for a first Premier League title in 20 years.A core group of Arsenal players including Odegaard, Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Ben White have blossomed on the pitch while their partners have become a core group off it.Helene, Sophie Weber, Tomali Benson, Laura Trossard Hilven and Milly White are often seen socialising together away from football.Most read in FootballMeet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendant

    Tomali Benson – partner of Bukayo Saka
    Benson 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 Odegaard
    A 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 Havertz
    Weber 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 White
    The 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 Trossard
    The pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.
    They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.
    Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan Rice
    Lauren 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 Ramsdale
    Georgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.
    The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019.

    Martin Odegaard and Spilling were first seen together in March 2023Ben White and Milly White have matching ‘I love you’ tattoos on their wristsArteta said ‘family support’ was keyCredit: Instagram / @laurahlvnThey were spotted over in Germany for Arsenal’s second leg against Bayern MunichCredit: Instagram / @millywhiteThey are often seen together on matchdays, including the second leg against Bayern Munich, and four of the women stayed together to see Arsenal thrash Sheffield United 6-0 in March.This bond is said to have been strengthened by the club’s trip to Dubai during the winter break.How Arteta’s tactical masterstroke turned Havertz into Arsenal’s most important playerArteta saw an opportunity to improve the players and invited players partners onto the trip, with the club putting on bonding sessions to help the group become closer.The decision was greeted by scepticism, but the gamble has more than paid off, with Arsenal winning 10 out of 11 league games following the break.The support network around the club’s players deserves huge credit pushing the club onwards and upwards according to Arteta and are “really helpful” in allowing players to settle.Speaking to the Daily Mail, Arteta said: “That’s great to see obviously because it’s needed. “We have a lot of foreign players that obviously they have their families, wives, girlfriends around and they need support.”They need to build those friendships and those close circles around them. Sophie Weber is a social media personalityCredit: Instagram / @sophiaaemeliaSpilling is a dancer from NorwayCredit: Instagram / @helenespillingBenson and Saka have largely kept their relationship under wrapsCredit: Instagram / @tolami_bensonThe Arsenal loving also sees club mascot Gunnersaurus involved”We have created that, big credit to them and how much they have put into that because it’s really helpful for the team so if they are happy, much better because the players are gonna be happy and more settled.”It gives you a much bigger sense of belonging somewhere when you really feel that you are part of something.”While this group are the most prominent to feel the benefit from the club’s culture, it has also been seen to be a help to Lauren Fryer and Georgina Ramsdale, the partners of Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale respectively.Arteta’s open arms policy naturally extends to whole squad, with the likes of relatively new signings Jakub Kiwior, David Raya and Jorginho seeing their partners – Claudia Kowalczyk, Tatiana Trouboul and Catherine Harding respectively – welcomed into the family.The Spaniard added: “We do certain things, we try to bring everybody together to try to at least have the capacity to connect and then obviously a relationship. “Whether you like somebody or want to spend time with somebody, that’s something super personal and something completely down to them.”READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal have a one point lead at the top of the table to Manchester City, who have the pressure on them to win their game in hand to reclaim the top spot in the table.The Gunners face Bournemouth, Manchester United and Everton to finish their season.Kai Havertz grew up with WeberGeorgina Ramsdale is also a beneficiary of the Arsenal policy with husband Aaron RamsdaleDeclan Rice is in a long-term relationship with Lauren FryerTrossard has two children with HilvenTactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
    KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
    But has now well and truly found his feet.
    The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
    But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
    In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
    That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
    Read more on how Mikel Arteta is using Kai Havertz.
    Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More