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      Arsenal consider Bruno Guimaraes bid with Newcastle open to selling Brazil star in discount transfer

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      ARSENAL are considering a summer move for Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes.However, a striker remains Mikel Arteta’s top priority as the North London club prepare to back their manager with another hefty transfer kitty.Bruno Guimaraes is a target for Arsenal this summerCredit: EPAThe Gunners will be joined by the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in their pursuit of Brazilian midfielder Guimaraes, who has a reported £100m release clause.Yet there is a belief that the Toon will be open to selling their star man for slightly less should the deal be an attractive one with numerous add-on bonuses.Guimaraes, 26, has shone on Tyneside since his £40m arrival from Lyon in January 2022 – and signed a contract extension until 2028 back in October that sees him earn more than £150k-a-week.However, Guimaraes is desperate to play Champions League football next season and is aware of interest from several top sides currently in Europe’s elite competition.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSSunSport also understands that Guimaraes likes the idea of joining a club with a Brazilian connection, like he has at Newcastle with pal Joelinton.Arsenal’s ranks include Samba boys Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel.Manchester City have goalkeeper Ederson while PSG have defenders Marquinhos and Lucas Beraldo.There is no indication that Guimaraes is unhappy in the North East, however, having settled down and in the process of buying a new family home in the Northumberland area.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSArteta is keen to bolster his midfield with the futures of Thomas Partey, 30, and Jorginho, 32, unclear.Partey could potentially be sold to raise funds while Jorginho is still in talks over an extension with his deal running out at the end of the term.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shockerIt would not be the first time Arsenal go head-to-head with City for a midfielder, having won the £105m battle for Declan Rice last summer.But purchasing a top forward remains top of Arsenal’s list, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak a target, as well as Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.Arteta said on Monday: “We have to see how we finish first and what we are capable of doing, and then sit down and review everything we have done and see how we are going to make another step or two steps forward.“That is what this team, this club and our people are demanding — to keep moving forward, in a ruthless way. Because we are not satisfied with where we are.”Arsenal spent just over £200m last summer on Rice, Kai Havertz from Chelsea, David Raya from Brentford and Jurrien Timber from Ajax.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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      Jurrien Timber wants a ‘beautiful’ impact on Arsenal’s title charge after ending eight-month absence with a SCREAMER

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      JURRIEN TIMBER is ready to make a “beautiful” impact on Arsenal’s title run-in after his long-awaited injury return.The Dutch full-back signed for the Gunners from Ajax last summer for £34.2m – but suffered a serious knee rupture on the opening day of the campaign back in August.Jurrien Timber netted at Ewood Park – his first appearance in a match since August 12Credit: GettyTimber suffered an ACL rupture against Nottingham Forest on the Prem’s opening dayCredit: GettyEight months on and the 22-year-old is finally ready for first team selection once more, and is even in contention to be in the squad to face Tottenham on Sunday.Boss Mikel Arteta – who believes Timber can be a transformational figure for the club in future years – wanted the player to get some match experience before a senior comeback.He has done just that, playing the first half of the under-21s’ 2-2 draw with Blackburn at Ewood Park, scoring a screamer inside eight minutes.And with Arsenal chasing a first Premier League title in 20 years in a fierce race with Manchester City and Liverpool, Timber is desperate to make an impact.read more on arsenalHe said: “We’re doing really well. The last couple of weeks have been tough, obviously out of the Champions League, but we’re still in the mix, we’re still there.“I’m glad that I can be a part of it and let’s see what the last couple of weeks can bring. I hope something beautiful. The boys have been texting me. I can’t wait. It will be fun.”On his goal – a right-footed curler into the top corner – Timber added: “I didn’t realise I was even scoring a goal, because I don’t score a lot, maybe that’s changed since my rehab!”Since the injury against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on August 12, Timber has undergone extensive rehab work in a bid to get back before the end of this term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERArteta has remarked on several occasions how strong Timber now looks, and has been amazed at the Netherlands international’s recovery speed.Ahead of tonight’s clash against Chelsea, Arteta said: “He’s been training really well. He looks ready. He needs that exposure.’Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in Munich“After that, we’ll assess whether [the Spurs game] comes at the right time or too fast. We’ll try to get him with us for the final games.“At the moment, [the Euros] looks really far because he hasn’t played any football. So, let’s see if he can contribute in an impactful way to our system.”Timber said: “It’s been eight months, you know. I still don’t really know how to feel, but just being out there feels amazing. I feel happy, feel blessed to be out there.”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.

      The left-back position is now one of serious strength for Arsenal, but one that will give Arteta serious headaches at the end of this season and the start of the next.Oleksandr Zinchenko has had a mixed season, impressive with ball at feet but often vulnerable in defence, while Takehiro Tomiyasu – who signed a contract extension until 2026 last month – has slotted in well when needed. Jakub Kiwior, a central defender by trade, has surprised many with his displays as a makeshift left-back, but was heavily exposed by the pace of Leroy Sane in their Champions League quarter final first leg against Bayern Munich. More

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      Arsenal cult hero, 32, in line for shock role at Olympic Games with Thierry Henry ready to call him up to France team

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      FORMER Arsenal Alexandre Lacazette is “on the list” to play a surprise role at the Olympic Games for Thierry Henry.Lacazette, 32, has been capped 16 times by France during his career and scored three times for his country.Thierry Henry could spring a few surprises with his French Olympic squadCredit: GettyLyon’s Alexandre Lacazette could be going for Olympic gold this summerCredit: APHowever, he has not represented Les Bleus for SEVEN YEARS – but that could change at Paris 2024.Lacazette left Arsenal for Lyon in 2022 and he has been in sensational form for them since with 42 goals in 60 matches in the top-flight.Despite his prowess, his team were in the relegation zone after 16 games this term until Pierre Sage took over as manager.But Lacazette has fired eight goals since the turn of 2024 as the strugglers climbed up the table.READ MORE ON ARSENALThat form could be about to land the hitman a shot at winning a gold medal for his country.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is the manager of France’s U21 side and will be in charge of the team that enter the Olympics this summer on home turf.He holds grand ambitions of being able to include Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud in his squad.And now Henry assistant, another ex-Arsenal ace in Gael Clichy, has told Telefoot that Lyon skipper Lacazette is also on the list.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe said: “I see that he has a lot of playing time, I see that he is decisive and above all I see that he is a captain. He is a part of this list.“Inevitably, there will be some surprises.”Gus Poyet explains why Arsenal are not out of Prem title hunt after Aston Villa heartbreakLacazette spent five years playing in London for Arsenal and scored 71 goals in 206 games under Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.He lifted the FA Cup in 2020 with the Gunners but returned to Lyon in 2022 after leaving them for the Emirates in 2017.The star recently admitted how he was left shocked by the lack of facilities for young footballers in England.He said: “One thing that surprised me in London: there is no ground where you can play football for free.”And he also hit back at those critics that claimed he has “finished”.Lacazette added: ““Many people thought I was finished.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They were saying that I wouldn’t succeed, that the club was making a mistake.“I wanted to show that Lyon were right in calling on me.”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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      Barcelona join Arsenal in Alexander Isak transfer race as they prepare bid for £90m Newcastle ace to succeed Lewandowski

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      BARCELONA have joined Arsenal in targeting Alexander Isak as the Newcastle striker’s future grows increasingly uncertain.SunSport can reveal the Spanish giants see the Swedish hitman as a potential long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.Isak has been in brilliant form this seasonCredit: GettyAnd they believe Newcastle could be tempted to sell because they face having to balance the books to satisfy FFP and PSR rules.It’s believed Isak, 24, would cost around £90m – but Barcelona would be prepared to try and strike a deal.Our source said: “Isak is emerging as one of the best strikers in Europe, and Barcelona have been scouting him since Christmas.“They see him as a player who could come in and lead their line for the next three or four years and be a massive success. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He has all the attributes and would be a superb signing.“Although Isak is happy at Newcastle, the chance of a move to a club like Barcelona would be very difficult to turn down. “Newcastle know they will need to raise funds in the summer which is why Barcelona are ready to make their move.”And, at 24 years of age, his best years are ahead of him.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut the Spanish giants aren’t alone in targeting the forward. Arsenal are also monitoring Isak, as they look to bolster their forward line for next season.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkidsA poor week saw the club knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern and lose ground in the title race after losing to Aston Villa.But the club returned to the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Wolves.They could extend their lead on City to four points if they beat Chelsea tomorrow, with Manchester City not playing until Thursday.The Cityzens would have two games in hand, however.With Arsenal potentially coming up just short in the title race in successive seasons, a striker is seen as a top priority – with Isak among the club’s top candidates.He was heavily scouted by Arsenal before his move to St James’ Park in August 2022 for an initial £63m.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 outcast Aaron Ramsdale eyed by Premier League rivals who could sell their No1 to fund shock transfer

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      ARSENAL outcast Aaron Ramsdale is being lined up for a shock move to Wolves.That’s with the Midlands club set to sell keeper Jose Sa after continued interest from Saudi Arabia.Wolves are lining up a move for Arsenal No2 Aaron RamsdaleCredit: GettyJose Sa looks set for a Saudi switch this summerCredit: GettyPortugal star Sa, 31, may go to the Middle East with agent Jorge Mendes close to its transfer power brokers.Wolves are looking at replacements and may drop Sa before the end of the season.Arsenal No2 Ramsdale is on their wish list, as are Liverpool back-up Caoimhin Kelleher and Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson.Should Wolves look to move for any of them, they will need a big fee from Saudi for Sa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Crystal Palace No 1 Sam Johnstone’s elbow injury has made him an unlikely target in the summer window.Ramsdale could be ready to leave Arsenal after just six Premier League appearances this term.He was dropped by Mikel Arteta following the arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford last summer.The Spaniard’s deal will be made permanent at the end of the season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd Ramsdale faces another campaign on the bench unless he moves on.As for Kelleher, he has seen plenty of action for Liverpool this season.Aaron Ramsdale sends cheeky message to Arsenal fan account after Havertz attempts stunning bicycle kick goal in trainingThe Irishman has clocked up 26 appearances in all competitions — more than all his previous seasons combined at Anfield.However, most of those have come as a result of Alisson’s injury woes.And with the Brazilian back in business, Kelleher could fancy a switch after enjoying his stint as No1.Finally, Sunderland’s Patterson has impressed as their No1 for the last two seasons in the Championship.But the local lad could find it hard to turn down a top-flight move with the Black Cats missing out on a play-off place. More

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      Arsenal ‘lead transfer race’ for South American striker who has 24 goals in top European league but is keen to leave

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      ARSENAL are leading the race for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, according to reports.The 23-year-old is the third top scorer in the Eredivisie this season with 21 league goals to his name.Gimenez has impressed in the league this seasonCredit: RexAccording to Mexican outlet Record, the Mexico international has already made his mind up about leaving the club at the end of the season.The forward has set his sights on a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues, with Arsenal, Juventus and Atletico Madrid all reportedly interested in him.Gimenez will open talks with Feyenoord regarding his future in the summer and the Dutch club are open to selling him if they can find the right price.The Mexico international favours a move to LaLiga as he feels it favours his play style with Barcelona and Real Madrid showing an interest in the past.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBarcelona’s financial issues have left a move for Gimenez off the cards and Madrid’s impending signature of Kylian Mbappe will also leave that move off the table.Gimenez joined Feyenoord from Cruz Azul in 2022 and so far has 47 goals in 84 appearances in all competitions for the Dutch side.24 of those have come this season but he has been less prolific of late – and is currently without a goal in five games in the league.The player will be hoping to fire Feyenoord to Dutch FA Cup glory when they take on NEC tomorrow in the final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpurs have been consistently linked with Gimenez in the past which could cause a North London bidding war.The club are reportedly in for a striker next season with the plan being to move Son Heung-Min back to the left wing.How Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechanger More

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      Arsenal ‘monitoring Ajax star, 18, as they consider transfer replacement for out-of-form Oleksandr Zinchenko’

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      ARSENAL are reportedly keen on Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his backline.The North Londoners crashed out of Europe this week – days after a defeat to Aston Villa dented their Premier League title charge.Jorrel Hato is an important figure in Ajax’s defenceCredit: RexOleksandr Zinchenko’s Arsenal future could be in doubtCredit: ReutersAnd CaughtOffside transfer guru Charles Watts claims Oleksandr Zinchenko could be replaced by Hato next season after being made a scapegoat.Capable of operating at left-back or centre-back, the teenager is exactly the kind of versatile player the Gunners have set their sights on in recent years.Ben White has locked down the right-back role in Arteta’s system after going from strength to strength under the Spaniard.But Zinchenko’s form has not been as consistent, with Takehiro Tomiyasu preferred at left-back in the 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.READ MORE FOOTBALLJurrien Timber can operate on both flanks and is nearing a return from the injury he suffered on his Premier League debut after arriving from Ajax over the summer.Fellow Dutchman Hato, 18, has racked up 43 first-team appearances this season despite his tender years.A highly-regarded prospect, he is technically adept and a part of the Netherlands’ youth set-up.While Arsenal have one eye on the summer window, they still have plenty to play for this season as they sit just two points behind leaders Manchester City with six top-flight games remaining.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAsked if Arsenal would look back at that loss to Villa if they fail to land the title, Gus Poyet told SunSport yesterday: “I would say probably, but I think we shouldn’t be that dramatic.”I think that the most important for us is how they’re gonna react.The forgotten Arsenal wonderkids”Because if somebody was thinking they will be in a winning run without even drawing again until the end of the season, they are dreaming.”They don’t know the Premier League. I mean the Premier League is what we saw at the weekend.”When you think you’re good, somebody’s [going to] come in and knock you down.”So I think the important thing is the next games, I think it’s really important that they show that that game against Aston Villa didn’t affect the level of performances that they were having.”And for that we need to wait and see.”Who are these famous footballers?
      READ MORE SUN STORIES More

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      Meet ex-Arsenal star looking to break Man Utd’s hearts at Wembley with Arsene Wenger a huge fan

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will have to deal with a former Arsenal starlet on Sunday in the FA Cup.United lock horns with Coventry in the semi-finals of the competition at Wembley in their bid to win a trophy that would salvage something positive from a turbulent campaign.Manchester United will lock horns with Arsenal academy graduate Ben SheafCredit: GettyCoventry ace Sheaf attracted praise from Arsenal legend Arsene WengerCredit: GettyAnd the Red Devils will meet a Hale End academy graduate that was singled out for praise by the Gunners’ legendary manager Arsene Wenger during his seven-year stint in north London.That is none other than Ben Sheaf, 26, who has been enjoying an impressive tenure at Coventry.Sheaf joined Arsenal’s youth ranks in 2014 at the age of 16 following a three-year stint at West Ham.The midfielder amassed a total of three goals and one assist in 60 appearances with the Under-23s following a handful of outings with the Under-18s.Read More on FootballThat led to a surprise call-up to Wenger’s senior side in the 2017-18 season.The legendary Frenchman also gave the defensive midfielder his senior debut in the Europa League during a 1-0 victory at Red Star Belgrade.The 74-year-old tactician also fielded Sheaf in the EFL Cup quarter-finals against West Ham two months later and he helped his team advance to the semi-finals with a 1-0 win.The Arsenal great was full of praise for the then youngster and predicted he would have a “good career”.Most read in FootballWenger told Arsenal Player seven years ago: “He’s always ahead of the game and his anticipation quality is absolutely huge.”He has that kind of mental strength as well. A typical British way of handling things, facing the difficulties with a very cool and intelligent way.Arsene Wenger reveals Arsenal star Mikel Arteta signed after his own failed attempt “There is something in him that I believe will allow him to progress always.”Because he analyses well what’s happening to him, he assesses well what is going on and that’s why I believe he will have a good career.”Sheaf, though, never got his big break at Arsenal like other fellow academy graduates, such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.Instead, the ex-England youth international was shipped out on loan for various clubs, like Stevenage, Doncaster Rovers and of course Coventry who signed him on a permanent deal in 2021.Since then, Sheaf has turned into an essential player for Mark Robins’ side as he has amassed a total of nine goals and nine assists in 139 appearances.I used to give Declan Rice compliments on the football pitch… I couldn’t help myself, says Troy DeeneyBy Troy Deeney
      THERE are certain people that you come across in football and you know instantly who they are, what they’re about and what the trajectory of their life is going to be.
      Anyone who has worked or grown up with Declan Rice knows that he has always been destined for the top.
      When he was at West Ham, he was a centre-half who played in midfield purely to help out and ended up excelling.
      The way he used to listen and learn from his old captain Mark Noble and be a student of the game was second to none.
      And because of that, whenever I interacted with him on a football pitch, I never felt the need to be disrespectful towards him because there was just a pure will to win.
      We would tell each other to ‘do one’ every now and again but then I would get these weird moments when he would do something special and I couldn’t help but say, ‘Good touch, mate’.
      He had this joyful atmosphere around him which you can see in all of his interviews, even now at Arsenal. You never see him get in trouble, being outlandish, but he has that jokey personality.
      He is still quite kiddish at 25, yet with a very serious body and mind in terms of being the best player he can be.
      When he was announced as England captain against Belgium, there was no outrage, no shock or surprise or, ‘Why him?’. It was more a sense of, ‘Yeah, that makes sense’.
      There is no doubt in my mind that he is in line to take the armband for his country full-time after Harry Kane moves on, alongside his midfield partner Jude Bellingham.
      Click here to read Troy Deeney’s column in full. More