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      Arsenal step up plans to sign world class striker in summer transfer after forwards flopped in Champions League

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      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world class forward in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.The Gunners crashed out in the quarter finals on Wednesday night without landing a meaningful blow on Bayern Munich in a drab second-leg 1-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena.Mikel Arteta must shrug off more Champions League frustrationCredit: GettyKai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Co struggled against Harry Kane’s BayernCredit: GettyOllie Watkins netted as Aston Villa beat Arsenal last Sunday but is tipped to be a summer target for ArtetaCredit: GettyAfter a first leg 2-2 draw at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta’s side had just three shots on target in Munich as Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich fired in the 63rd minute winner.And SunSport understands that the Arsenal hierarchy recognise that Arteta’s squad currently lacks an attacking focal point and clinical edge in the final third.Arteta has rotated the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in a central striker role this campaign, keeping Arsenal in the hunt for the Premier League title with six games left.However, that is the position that has ultimately cost them in Europe.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd the North London club are ready to act quickly in the market to rectify that problem with an acceptance that it is needed to reach the next level.Havertz – a £65m signing from Chelsea last June – started against Bayern before Jesus was thrown on in the second half, but neither had a meaningful impact.Jesus has just eight goals in all competitions this term, while Havertz has 10.Arsenal have previously been interested in landing a traditional No.9, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres monitored.Most read in Champions LeagueNewcastle’s Alexander Isak is on the Gunners’ shortlistCredit: RexWinger Saka’s poor stats from Wednesday’s woe reflect Arsenal’s failingsHowever, SunSport understands Arteta is now keen on bringing in a more versatile, modern forward, one who can influence games down the middle as well as from out wide.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, 24, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, 20, are players of interest, as is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, 28, but his age remains a sticking point.Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal being dumped out of Champions League by Bayern MunichArsenal’s plan to strengthen will not just focus on attacking areas, but to provide general depth – something which they currently lack and has led to their recent drop in form.SunSport understands that the Arsenal hierarchy are concerned with the fatigue that has hit several star names at this stage of the season, highlighted in Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Villa.The likes of Jesus, skipper Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Jorginho and Takehiro Tomiyasu have all carried niggling injuries and played through the pain without a much-needed rest period or chance for recovery this season.Arteta rarely rotates, mainly due to the fact he does not trust fringe players like Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah or Reiss Nelson to step in and make an impact.The Spanish coach has previously admitted he wants a squad of 22 elite players he can consistently swap in and out, much like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, something Arsenal hope to achieve over the next few windows.Benjamin Sesko is still on Arsenal’s radar after shining for RB LeipzigCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres, right, is the fourth top name being mentionedCredit: AFP More

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      Arsenal’s ‘spooky’ April curse leaves fans astonished with third Mikel Arteta season on verge of being torpedoed

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      ARSENAL fans have bemoaned their April “curse” as another season threatens to go off the rails in the month.Defeat in the Champions League to Bayern Munich last night saw the Gunners dream of making a first semi-final since 2009 left in tatters. Mikel Arteta’s side have fallen foul of their April curseCredit: RexIt is the third year running Arsenal have seen their season derail in AprilCredit: GettyThat followed a 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa which saw Manchester City regain the advantage in this season’s title race, another dream of the Gunners having not won it in 20 years. However, a consistent reality of the last three seasons has seen results for Mikel Arteta’s side crumble in the month of April.When Arsenal were gunning for the top four in 2022, a three-game stretch at the start of the month saw them lose to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton.And despite bouncing back to win their final two games of the month, in the end it would cost them as two back-to-back defeats in May allowed Tottenham to pip them to fourth.READ MORE ON ARSENALMeanwhile, last season saw Arsenal in a title race, but three draws on the spin against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton before a defeat to Manchester City saw them relinquish their top spot.And history in threatening to repeat itself this season.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here.

      Arsenal, who are in a title race and the Champions League quarter-finals, have seen their form slip up massively.Despite a wins over Brighton and Luton at the start of the month, this followed a 2-2 draw at the Emirates against Bayern Munich, before a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa and 1-0 loss to Bayern yesterday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReacting to the deja vu results, one fan said online: “Arsenal in April, spooky times.”A second said: “April curse continues.”‘Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in MunichA third added: “Football heritage.”Another said: “Arsenal is the biggest April fool.”Arsenal have three games left in the month to try and dispel their curse and get their season back on track, with those matches coming against Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham.Arsenal April fixturesHere’s how Arsenal have performed in the April over the last three seasons.
      2021/22
      Crystal Palace (A) 3-0 L
      Brighton (H) 1-2 L
      Southampton (A) 1-0 L
      Chelsea (A) 2-4 W
      Man Utd (H) 3-1 W
      2022/23
      Leeds (H) 4-1 W
      Liverpool (A) 2-2 D
      West Ham (A) 2-2 D
      Southampton (H) 3-3 D
      Man City (A) 4-1 L
      2023/24*
      Luton (H) 2-0 W
      Brighton (A) 0-3 W
      Bayern Munich (H) 2-2 D
      Aston Villa (H) 0-2 L
      Bayern Munich (A) 1-0 L
      *Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham still to play
      Overall April record in last three years:
      Played: 15, Wins: 5, Draws: 4, Losses: 6 More

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      Wolves vs Arsenal preview: Best free betting tips, odds and predictions for Premier League clash

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      ARSENAL are in desperate need of a pick-me-up after a disastrous week which has threatened their season to unravel.They head to Molineux to face Wolves in a rare Saturday late kick off, so SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest – and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the encounter.Best free bets for Wolves vs Arsenal
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      Already have these accounts? Don’t worry, we’ve got loads more terrific deals with our partners.Wolves vs Arsenal previewArsenal’s season is in danger of petering out after a calamitous week.Their performance on Sunday when losing to Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa was a real cause for concern, particularly having watched Liverpool fluff their lines earlier in the day.But Mikel Arteta’s side froze on the big stage at the Allianz Arena to allow Bayern Munich – much criticised for their poor season – to progress to the last four in Europe’s premier competition.So that’s no wins in three for the Gunners, who are beginning to look tired, especially in the middle of the park where they’ve been so dominant for much of the campaign.They’re now two points behind Manchester City, who are in FA Cup action this week. So this represents a chance to move back top of the league.And for as good as Wolves have been for long spells this year, they haven’t won any of their last five games – including against two relegation threatened sides and a Championship side.Wolves are in 11th place and seven points off Manchester United in seventh. So they look like having not much to play for. Does that make them more or less dangerous?Wolves vs Arsenal oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Wolves vs Arsenal betting tipsMore miseryArsenal’s much-praised defence can encounter further issues with a Wolves side looking to take a big scalp.And they’d likely be in a much stronger position in the table had Matheus Cunha stayed fit and not missed seven games.He had six goals in his seven games prior to injury and showed his quality with two goals last time out in the away draw at Nottingham Forest and at 3/1 is decent value to back that up with a goal here.
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      Hav thatFor all the recent praise handed to Kai Havertz, he has the same amount of yellow cards in the league as he does goals.That’s a damning stat for the Gunners centre forward and goes some way to explaining their lack of cutting edge recently.Nine goals and nine yellows in the league, yet he’s 17/10 to score anytime and a much, much bigger price to be booked. Away from home and his team under pressure? I’m going after that value.
      Kai Havertz to be carded at 7/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
      Rice-ly does itDeclan Rice’s own performances have dropped significantly in the past few weeks.Maybe the season is finally catching up with him as he finds himself in the heart of the midfield every game.Regardless, he can still be the Gunners driving force and against a team like Wolves who have the ability to sit in, his efforts from distance could be profitable for the Gunners – and this bet!
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      Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson sued after his Italian mastiff ‘attacked sports masseur’ as they posed for selfie

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      ARSENAL star Reiss Nelson is being sued by his sports masseur who claims the player’s Italian mastiff attacked him as they posed for a selfie.Saeid Motaali, 50, alleges the dog went for his neck and bit him on the arm he raised to protect himself at Nelson’s pad in North London.Reiss Nelson, with his Italian mastiff, is being sued by a sports masseur who claims the dog attacked himCredit: FieldfisherSaeid Motaali claims Reiss’s dog attacked his neck and bit him on the armCredit: FieldfisherNelson playing for the GunnersCredit: GettyIt is said to have happened in 2020 after Mr Motaali finished a sports massage with the star and asked for a photo with him and his pet.According to the Evening Standard, Mr Motaali’s legal team said: “The dog was a large powerful animal.”A High Court claim accuses Nelson of failing to control the animal, which had allegedly been trained as a guard dog.The therapist says he has not been able to work for more than three years due to the incident.READ MORE ON REISS NELSONMr Nelson previously denied the accusation.Nelson also has concerns on the pitch, after penning a contract extension last summerit would be no surprise to see the club cash in this time around.The 24-year-old winger has been in the starting XI just once across both the Prem and Champions League this season.Nelson is surplus to requirements and it would take an injury to a key man like Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli for him to be handed a chance in the remainder of the campaign.Most read in FootballHis best moment in a Gunners shirt came when he scored a last-gasp winner in the 3-2 victory over Bournemouth last season.He has to come up with something similar to avoid being sold amid interest from Brighton.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shocker More

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      Michael Owen names three Premier League players Arsenal should sign that would take them to next level

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      MICHAEL OWEN has listed the three players Arsenal should bring in to improve them this summer.The former England star, 44, believes Mikel Arteta needs to add a striker to his ranks come the end of the season.Michael Owen believes Arsenal need to be looking at three strikersCredit: PAOwen has named England pair Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins as players Arsenal should go afterCredit: GettyThat is despite the Gunners having outscored everyone in the Premier League aside from Manchester City – with the champions netting just one more than them after 32 games.Owen believes Aston Villa man Ollie Watkins, Brentford’s Ivan Toney, and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak could all improve Arsenal.When discussing the Gunners’ reported interest in England man Watkins, Owen told Premier League Productions: “He is a player who is getting better and better year on year.”He’s the type of player who could go into the Arsenal team, whether or not they can buy him is another thing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There are a lot of players in the Premier League at the moment who would probably be an upgrade on what Arsenal have right now.”You’re looking at [Alexander] Isak up at Newcastle, maybe Ivan Toney at Brentford and Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa.”Arsenal have hit the back of the net on 75 occasions in the league.In all competitions, Bukayo Saka [18], Leandro Trossard [13], Martin Odegaard [10] and Kai Havertz [10] are the Arsenal players that have reached doubled figures.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOwen also believes Arsenal should look at Alexander IsakCredit: EPAOllie Watkins is enjoying a prolific season up front for Aston VillaIsak, 24, has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Tottenham amid Newcastle’s concerns surrounding profit and sustainability rules.Toney has made it clear he would be open to leaving Brentford in the summer.And Watkins’ sensational campaign is bound to turn heads, although his Villa contract runs until 2028.Watkins has scored 26 goals in 45 games this season, while Isak has netted 21 times in 34 matches.Toney’s betting ban left him ineligible until January, but he has scored four goals in 13 games since returning to Thomas Frank’s side.Ivan Toney has scored four league goals since returning to the Brentford teamIsak has led the line superbly for Newcastle this season More

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      Arsenal and Liverpool ‘make contact with Eintracht Frankfurt’ over mega-money summer transfer

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      ARSENAL and Liverpool have “made contact” with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for defender Willian Pacho, according to reports.The centre-back, 22, has started all but one of the German club’s Bundesliga games this season.Willian Pacho only joined Eintracht Frankfurt last summer but has had a superb seasonCredit: GettyPacho has been ever-present for Frankfurt in the 2023/24 campaignAnd his impressive displays have seen his asking price skyrocket as some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs circle for his signature.Pacho joined Frankfurt from Royal Antwerp last summer for just £7.6million.Now Sky Sports are reporting the 2022 Europa League winners want between £43-51m in the summer.Pacho, who has already earned 10 caps for Ecuador, is under contract with Frankfurt until 2028.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal and Liverpool are both understood to have “held discussions”, with Frankfurt “aware” of their interest.But the strength of Frankfurt’s contractual situation with the player means they can demand a substantial fee.And manager Dino Toppmoller recently revealed he believes the centre-half can become one of the best in the world.Toppmoller said: “He’s doing a great job, and is getting better all the time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s really reliable and has world-class potential.”Frankfurt sit sixth in the Bundesliga table and are poised to qualify for the Europa Conference League.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shockerBut they are just three points ahead of Augsburg, so could still miss out on European football. More

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      Bayern Munich’s private training session leaked as Thomas Tuchel appears to plan shock tactical tweak against Arsenal

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      BAYERN MUNICH could be about to spring a tactical shock against Arsenal.After a 2-2 draw at the Emirates, the last-16 tie is delicately poised going into this evening’s clash.Thomas Tuchel is plotting Arsenal’s downfall with a sneaky tactical switchCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka is Arsenal’s dangermanCredit: GettyAnd Bild claim Thomas Tuchel is ready to shake things up in a bid to ensure the Gunners’ sights are off.Alphonso Davies is suspended after being booked in the first leg with one of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro expected to replace him.But Bayern’s pre-match training session saw the pair both feature in what is expected to be the first team, with Thomas Muller playing for the reserves.Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka is the visitors’ main driving force and it appears Tuchel, 50, is planning to double up on the danger man.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSBild believe Mazraoui will play at left-back with Guerreiro playing higher up.Bayern will still have plenty of firepower with Jamal Musiala  operating behind Harry Kane.The former Tottenham hitman will need no extra motivation to face his former club’s bitter rivals.But a chance to go all the way in Europe and finally break his trophy duck is a huge factor.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKane, who was a beaten finalist with Tottenham in 2019, said: “For sure (it is unfinished business), whenever you reach the final of a competition and don’t quite get over the line there’s always that burning fire inside you to get back there and go that one step further.”Spurs fans may have mixed feelings, however, as the Premier League is in real danger of losing its fifth Champions League spot next season.Huge Arsenal concerns as two key stars facing late fitness test before Champions League second leg with BayernIf the Gunners KO Bayern, it will be a massive boost England’s battle with Germany to have five clubs in the competition.Tottenham currently sit fifth in the league – three points off in-form Aston Villa in fourth. More

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      Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea in major Victor Osimhen transfer boost as Napoli move for replacement

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      CHELSEA, MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been given a boost in their battle to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.The Italian club are reported to have lined up a replacement for the Nigerian centre forward, paving the way for him to make a big-money move to the Premier League this summer.Victor Osimhen could be set to leave Napoli this summerCredit: AlamyLille frontman Jonathan David, himself a target for a number of Premier League clubs, is the man Napoli want to fill Osimhen’s boots.According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Canada international David is ready to join the Italian club even if they fail to qualify for European football next season.Napoli and Lille are said to be haggling over David’s transfer fee, with the Italians said to be offering £30m plus bonus payments while the Ligue 1 side want £42.7m up front.But the negotiations appear to signal that Napoli are resigned to losing Osimhen, the striker who fired them to the Serie A title last season, this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOsimhen’s release clause is believed to be up to £110m, putting him within the reach of only a small number of clubs.Long-term suitors Chelsea and United would have to raise money through sales to be able to afford the 25 year old. Inside Victor Osimhen’s life as a footballerArsenal would also have to think hard about breaking the club transfer record they set when Declan Rice arrived from West Ham for £105m.The Premier League trio are also likely to face stiff competition from Champions League semi-finalists Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballThe French side regard Osimhen as the best candidate to replace star striker Kylian Mbappe, with the Frenchman all but certain to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.Napoli are prepared to triple David’s wages at Lille to nearly £60,000 per week and to give the 24 year old a five-year deal.New York-born David helped Lille win a shock French title in his first season at the club  in 2020/1 and has continued to bang in the goals.The former Gent striker has found the net 81 times in 175 appearances for Lille.Lille hotshot Jonathan David has been linked with a Premier League move but is now set to join NapoliCredit: Alamy More