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      ‘His finishing is NUTS,’ say Man Utd fans as teen who scored 10 against Liverpool trains alone before joining Red Devils

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans hope Chido Obi-Martin will bring consistent goals back to Old Trafford if his training clips are anything to go by.The 16-year-old Arsenal wonderkid made headlines after scoring ten goals in a single game against Liverpool U16s last November.United fans are excited about the arrival of Chido Obi-Martin after watching his training clipCredit: XMartin-Obi agreed to join Man United last monthCredit: GettyThe Red Devils pulled off a coup for Obi-Martin under the noses of their Premier League rivals, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.The young Dane had doubts about his potential pathway to first-team football in North London and has chosen to continue his career at United.United are now awaiting clearance from the FA for the deal before Obi-Martin can formally be unveiled.The talented striker is training in his homeland before likely signing his first professional contract on his 17th birthday in November.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA video released on Obi-Martin’s Instagram story has got United fans excitedly anticipating his pending arrival.The clip shows the teenager rapidly curling shots into various target holes with both feet.The prolific goal-scorer simply walked off smiling, leaving his supporters in awe.Commenting on the video, one United fan wrote on X: “This guys finishing is NUTS! 🤯”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother remarked: “Chido Obi-Martin is gonna be absolutely mental.”A third added: “Almost forgot that we snatched this gem from Arsenal.”Man Utd fans sob ‘don’t make me cry’ as Scott McTominay gets emotional after he’s given parting gift by Man Utd fanMeanwhile one stated: “We need to get him on the roster as quick as possible.”A fifth said: “Chido is built like a MONSTER!❤”Obi-Martin’s prolific goalscoringMoving to Arsenal’s academy from Denmark in 2022, the rising star established himself and first played for the U18s and U21s aged 15.He subsequently bagged a hat-trick during his first start for the U18s in a 4-0 win over Southampton last September.The Dane was then called up to Mikel Arteta’s first-team training before netting ten goals against Liverpool U16s.A month later, he made headlines again after scoring seven goals in Arsenal’s 9-0 win over Norwich City, and four against West Ham.He ended the 2023-24 campaign with a record-breaking 32 goals in 18 Premier League 2 games.READ MORE SUN STORIESObi-Martin has most recently represented Denmark at U17s level, where he found the back of the net 12 times in 19 appearances.It represents United’s first attack-minded signing from Arsenal since a swap deal for Alexis Sanchez in 2018 which saw Danny Welbeck go in the opposite direction. More

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      Champions League simulated with Arsenal landing horror fixtures in new league format

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      THIS week’s eagerly-anticipated Champions League draw has been simulated – and the results make for bad reading for Arsenal fans.The 2024/25 instalment of Europe’s elite club competition will be the inaugural outing of the tournament’s new format.The draw for the Champions League takes place on Thursday eveningCredit: GettyArsenal will bid to go further than the quarter-finals this seasonCredit: SUNDAY TIMESA simulation of the draw has given the Gunners a Group of DeathCredit: AFPThe well-known 32-team competition format, which has been in place since 1967, is now a thing of the past.It’s been replaced by a new setup including 36 of Europe’s best clubs – but they won’t be competing in the traditional group stage.The 36 teams will compete in a SINGLE league format in which they’ll play eight fixtures.In the new setup, each team will play four matches at home and four games away.READ MORE ON UCLTeams will be ranked in four seeding pots and will play two opponents from each of the pots.The top eight teams will automatically secure qualification for the last 16, while the ninth to 24th-placed sides will take part in a two-legged playoff.Teams who finished in 25th place and below will be eliminated from the tournament and WON’T drop into the Europa League.The draw for this season’s tournament takes place in Monaco on Thursday afternoon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a simulation of the draw has given Arsenal the proverbial ‘Group of Death’.A super-computer has drawn the Gunners – who are in Pot 2 in the draw – against European giants Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.Champions League releases new anthem as fuming fans say ‘the beautiful game has died’Paris Saint-Germain Juventus, Sporting Lison and PSV Eindhoven make up the North Londoners’ opponents from Pot 2 and Pot 3.It’s been predicted that they’ll then face the winner of this week’s FC Midtjylland qualification clash with Slovan Bratislava.Arsenal reached the quarter-finals of last season’s Champions League following a five-year absence from the competition.Mikel Arteta’s troops were dumped out of the competition by Bayern, losing 3-2 on aggregate to the Bundesliga big boys. More

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      Sonia Bompastor praises Chelsea for frustrating Arsenal and says more work needs be to done ahead of WSL season

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR is keen to keep building Chelsea’s team spirit following an unbeaten start to her Blues reign.It is a case of so far good two months into the Blues’ chief’s reign with her team beating Arsenal in their first friendly since she took charge in July.Chelsea have picked up two wins from their first two friendly games under Sonia BompastorCredit: GettyThe Blues will face Feyenoord in their third pre-season friendly this summer before the start of the new WSL season next monthCredit: GettyBompastor, who took over from Emma Hayes, has notched up two friendly wins including a 1-0 defeat of the Gunners during a United States pre-season tourSandy Baltimore’s close-range, walloped effort, following by a clever intervention from Maika Hamano, was enough to seal victory last night despite a fight-back from their opponents.Bompastor, whose side host Feyenoord in a September 7 friendly, said: “What I take from the game is we worked really hard as a team.”Even if we had some difficult moments, we were able to manage them.Read More Football Stories “There is a good team spirit in times like that and of course the result is good, even if we know we still need to work. “These two games – are good games to build on and progress.Of Baltimore’s first goal in a Chelsea shirt, she added: “I feel really happy for her because it’s always something special to have the opportunity to score for your first goal with your new team.”It will give her some confidence and it’s always good for her to get highlighted. That’s a good thing.”Most read in FootballThe result left the Gunners, who begin their push for a Champions League group stage place next week, with a few things to ponder in terms of their attack.Star forward Beth Mead withdrew last night’s game shortly before kick-off and Stina Blackstenius is out of match action as she works her back from a hip issue.Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall told the supporters site Arseblog: “When I summarise this trip there are a lot of positives but the clear negative for us is that we have poor player availability.”We come away from this trip disappointed that we haven’t been able to nurture more of the key relationships that we want to have this year.”We need to get players back on the pitch because to have a fast start, we need those relationships.”Off the back of Chelsea’s 3-1 win against National Women’s Soccer League champions Gotham FC, the France-born boss made use of most of the squad at her disposal.Lauren James was a notable absentee with the player missing the match due to an unspecified injury.But the forward is expected to be okay following Chelsea’s return to London.Eleven substitutes featured for Bompastor in a match that underlined the attacking and defensive depth of one of Europe’s most intimidating sides.Among the starters was Japan playmaker Maika Hamano, one of the best performer on the night, who provided the assist for Baltimore after pinching the ball off Kim Little.Lucy Bronze and teenage Netherlands midfielder Wieke Kaptein were also among the new Blues who started, with Kaptein, 18, at times controlling the midfield in the game’s early stages.Following Baltimore’s 48th minute strike Arsenal took control of the game. Jonas Eidevall will be hoping for a clinical response from Arsenal when they face Rangers in the Champions League qualifiersCredit: GettyThis followed the introduction of Frida Maanum and summer signing Mariona Caldentey, with the ex-Barcelona forward causing problems on the left flank.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile they dominated with Alessia Russo and Caitlin Foord lively in attack, the Gunners were unable to make their dominance count with Chelsea thwarting them in the final third.This is something Eidevall will be eager to rectify ahead of the team’s Champions League first round qualifier clash with Rangers on September 4. More

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

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

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

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

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      What is Riccardo Calafiori’s goal celebration?

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

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

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

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

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