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    Man Utd join transfer race for rising Brazil star, 18, as scout attends match with Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City keen

    MANCHESTER UNITED have joined Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool in the bidding war for a Brazilian wonderkid.According to The Mail, United sent a scout to Brazil to watch Gremio starlet Gustavo Nunes, 18, in action last week during the 2-0 loss to Huachipato in the Copa Libertadores.Manchester United sent a scout to watch Gremio star Gustavinho in actionCredit: AlamyManchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are also keeping tabs on GustavinhoCredit: AlamyGustavinho, as he has been nicknamed by fans, only made his senior debut in February but quickly rose through the ranks after impressing manager Renato Gaucho.The winger came on as a half-time substitute as he replaced Everton and showed his skills in front of the Red Devils’ representative.New United shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are said to be prioritising rising young talent from South America.That is because the Manchester giants want to get more value for their money amid Financial Fair Play restrictions.Read More on FootballGustavinho has amassed a total of four goals and four assists in 18 appearances across all competitions this season.The forward’s immediate impact attracted attention from City, Arsenal and Liverpool.Wolves and Norwich are also keeping tabs on the young Brazilian’s progress.However, the Citizens appear to be leading the race for the youngster’s signature.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNevertheless, Gremio are not keen to part ways with their wonderkid just yet.That is why the Brazilian outfit tied Gustavinho to a contract until 2028.Gary Neville ‘lost faith’ with ‘scrawny and erratic’ Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd before transformation into a ‘machine’Gremio, who own 70 per cent of the player’s economic rights, will also command a high fee which is said to be more than £18million City considered splashing in the summer. More

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    Jamie Carragher warns Man Utd and Arsenal off transfer for Everton star as he says ‘I don’t know what he is’

    JAMIE CARRAGHER has warned Arsenal and Manchester United to steer clear of trying to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.Onana, 22, has long been linked with an exit from Goodison, with the Gunners coming close to a bid in January.Carragher has warned both Arsenal and Utd chiefs against signing the Everton starCredit: RexAmadou Onana has not proven enough to be a big Premier League signing, says Liverpool legendCredit: RexErik Ten Hag’s side considered a move for the Belgium international last year, while Chelsea also disclosed their interest.The Toffees’ valuation of over £50million eventually prevented talks from going further with all three clubs.As a result of Everton’s well-documented financial issues, highly-rated players such as Onana are looked at as ideal sale income.But despite some brilliant performances last season, which helped Everton remain in the Premier League, Carragher is not convinced by Onana.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCarragher stressed that it would be a mistake for top clubs to sign him after Everton’s humiliating 6-0 defeat at Chelsea on Monday.He told Sky Sports: “I must say this, Onana is a player who Everton may have to sell with the situation that they find themselves in financially.”He came in with a huge reputation. Frank Lampard brought him in, he looks the part, did really well for Belgium at Wembley and there was talk of him going to other big clubs.”But I don’t see it. I haven’t since he’s been there.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I don’t know what he is. Is he a holding midfield player? Does he get forward? Does he get involved?”The only thing I have seen him do is try to lift the crowd, that is all I ever see him do when he plays for Everton.”Onana was withdrawn at halftime by manager Sean Dyche after the team conceded four goals in the first half, with Cole Palmer securing Chelsea’s fastest ever hat-trick inside 28 minutes.Onana has made 32 appearances in all competitions for Everton this season, scoring three goals and making one assist.Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson spotted arguing with Blues team-mate after 6-0 Everton thumping as penalty row rages onThe club’s ongoing financial difficulties – which has seen them twice deducted points – may once again force them to make significant player sales this summer.Defender Jarrad Branthwaite – who was removed through injury at Stamford Bridge – has been heavily linked with a transfer to United.But Red Devils fans have urged their club to abandon a move for the England international, who Everton value at £70m.Dyche’s side currently sit 16th, just two points clear from the drop, with six games remaining.Onana’s Prem stats this season More

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    Mikel Arteta ‘in talks’ with Man Utd cult hero and ex-team-mate about becoming Arsenal assistant manager next season

    ARSENAL are in talks over appointing Gabriel Heinze as Mikel Arteta’s new assistant, according to reports.Gunners coaches Albert Stuivenberg and Carlos Cuesta have both been tipped to leave this summer to become managers.Ex-Man Utd star Gabriel Heinze could join Arsenal as a coachCredit: PA:Press AssociationMikel Arteta could need a new assistant if Albert Stuivenberg leavesCredit: ReutersWith Arsenal on the lookout for new staff, reports suggest that Heinze is in the running to replace them at the Emirates.ESPN Argentina claim Arteta has made contact with the ex-Manchester United star and is trying to persuade Heinze to make the move to Arsenal.The duo know each other from their days as team-mates at PSG in the 2001/02 season.Heinze played for Man Utd for three seasons from 2004, making 83 appearances and winning the club’s Player of the Year award in his first campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 45-year-old former full-back also played for the likes of Real Madrid, Marseille and Roma.Overall, he won three league titles, including the Premier League in 2006.Since hanging up his boots ten years ago, Heinze has ventured into management.He has worked with four clubs in his homeland – Godoy Cruz, Argentinos Juniors, Velez Sarsfield and Newell’s Old Boys.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHeinze also spent a year in charge of MLS side Atlanta United before he was axed.Meanwhile, Arteta has refused to stand in Stuivenberg and Cuesta’s way should they want to move on.Emiliano Martinez gets emotional in live Sky Sports interview while talking about his love for ArsenalThe boss explained: “You cannot stop them. I wouldn’t, no.”I think everybody needs to feel that there is a path, there is a development plan for everyone. “People don’t want to do the same thing for three, four, five years and there is a way to incentivise people, to inspire other people, and then to explore.”You don’t really know the limit of a person unless you expose him to certain things. I think curiosity is a really important quality that we have within our young staff.”How Arteta made Arsenal horrible again, with Tony Pulis tactic and gentle star turned into Diego Costa-style hate figureBy Dave Kidd
    BOTTLERS, chokers, shandy-drinking southern softies.
    These were the charges levelled at Arsenal when they blew the title last season.
    And even if the actual reason they failed was because William Saliba got injured and Rob Holding had to start, Mikel Arteta clearly took those accusations to heart.
    If his team are not crowned champions next month, the Gunners boss has categorically ensured that they won’t go down being accused of nicey-niceyness.
    Because, as well as being thrillingly entertaining and free-scoring when they want to be, this season’s Arsenal are also thoroughly horrible.They are not here to make friends. They are not interested in being anybody’s second-favourite team.
    And so, six days after stink-bombing the Etihad with a display of Mourinho-esque anti-football for a 0-0 draw, Arsenal turned up at the home of former bogey-team Brighton and s***housed their way to a thoroughly impressive 3-0 win.
    How wonderful for the travelling Gooners to witness Ben White — against his former club — going down as if he’d taken a bullet to his neck when Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan brushed against him.
    White is renowned as a gentle and decent bloke, intelligent enough to challenge the zeitgeist and claim there might be things in life other than football.
    And yet suddenly he’s become some Diego Costa-style anti-hero hate figure, his wife goading the masses by posting social-media pictures of them playing a childish card game on a sun lounger after he’d refused an international call-up.
    Because Arsenal are horrible again. Even Ben White is a villain.And that might just be Arteta’s greatest triumph.
    Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
    To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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    Barcelona ‘reject £60million transfer offer’ from Premier League club for former Leeds star Raphinha

    BARCELONA have reportedly rejected a £60million bid for Raphinha from an unnamed Premier League club.The Brazilian, 27, joined the Catalan giants from Leeds in a £57m deal in the summer of 2022.An unnamed Prem club has allegedly had a bid rejected for Raphinha by BarcelonaCredit: RexThat was after he snubbed both Arsenal and Chelsea to secure his dream switch.However, the winger has struggled to be a regular starter since his arrival and has been linked with a departure numerous times.Tottenham were the latest team believed to be readying a swoop to try and bring Raphinha back to the Premier League, where he shone at Elland Road.Raphinha managed ten goals in his debut season to help Barcelona win LaLiga.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has battled several injury problems this term, which has restricted him to eight goals in 33 matches.However, he has popped up twice at crucial times over recent weeks with the winner against Las Palmas and then two goals in the 3-2 first leg win at PSG in the Champions League.Now Spanish publication Sport says that has led to “big European clubs” keeping an eye on him once again.It then goes on to state that Barcelona have placed a £68.3m price tag on his head due to his recent good form.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBarca are “very happy” with his performances and it will be “difficult” for them to accept anything less than this.And that figure was allegedly decided after a proposal worth around £49m was made by a mystery Premier League side.Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson spotted arguing with Blues team-mate after 6-0 Everton thumping as penalty row rages onThey received the offer but club chiefs rejected it as they believe the star’s value is continuing to rise.However, Barcelona are waiting to receive offers for him and several others that could help ease some of their financial difficulties.And they have both Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal who are able to line up instead of Raphinha.SunSport also reported how Al-Hilal are chasing former Leeds star Raphinha.The Saudi Pro League side, who forked out over £300million on new signings last summer, are ready to splash out £86m on him. More

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    Wrexham set for huge ‘scramble’ for Arsenal star as they target first transfer since promotion to League One

    WREXHAM are eyeing up a first transfer since returning to League One, according to reports.The Welsh club clinched successive promotions on Saturday following a 6-0 win over Forest Green.Arthur Okonkwo has impressed for Wrexham during his loan spell this seasonCredit: AlamyHe has started 34 of Wrexham’s 44 league matchesIt means they will spend next season in the third tier for the first time since 2005.And they are now understood to be considering a permanent move for keeper Arthur Okonkwo – who has spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Wrexham from Arsenal.He has been Phil Parkinson’s first-choice shot-stopper this season, starting 34 of their 44 matches in League Two.Okonkwo, named in the League Two Team of the Season, is set to return to Arsenal in a fortnight following the end of Wrexham’s domestic campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, according to Sport Bible, the Gunners have not offered a new deal to the man who played for them in a pre-season friendly against Hibernian in 2021.His existing contract expires at the end of May.And an exit from the Emirates, that would bring to an end a 15-year stay with Arsenal, is expected to spark a “scramble for his signature”.But Wrexham’s desire to sign Okonkwo, 22, will depend on his wage demands.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Welsh outfit, owned by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have covered less than half of his wages this season, with Arsenal continuing to pay the majority of his salary.But Wrexham will be keen to bring players in on permanent deals as a number of current players are preparing to see their contracts run down.Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurantAaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe, Luke Young, Ben Tozer, Callum McFadzean, Rob Lainton and Matk Howard are all set to become free agents in the summer if they do not pen extensions.Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could splash the cash this summerCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal wonderkid named in Team of the Season after helping lead Hollywood-backed Wrexham to promotion

    ARSENAL loanee Arthur Okonkwo has been named in the League Two Team of the Season.The 22-year-old goalkeeper joined Wrexham on a season-long loan in September and has since played a crucial role in the club’s promotion push.Arsenal loanee Arthur Okonkwo has been named in the Team of the SeasonCredit: GettyThe goalkeeper has been crucial in Wrexham’s promotion push this seasonCredit: PAIn 38 appearances across all competitions Okonkwo has kept 15 clean sheets and made several match-defining saves.His impressive form has even caught the eye of the Nigeria national team.NFF chiefs are now reportedly considering him for a senior international call-up.Okonkwo was named in the League Two Team of the Season at the EFL Awards on Sunday.Read More on ArsenalHis Wrexham team-mate Elliot Lee was also named in the XI.The Red Dragons secured promotion to League One with a 6-0 win over Forest Green Rovers at the weekend.Fans invaded the pitch at the STōK Cae Ras Stadium at full-time with Hollywood star and co-owner Ryan Reynolds watching on.Reynolds later took to X to congratulate the team, writing: “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”Wrexham fans were then treated to a night of singing, Jagerbombs, and celebration with the squad at a local restaurant and bar.Inside Wrexham stars’ boozy promotion celebrations as they sink Jagerbombs with fans and belt out songs at restaurantHow Ryan Reynolds has been watching Wrexham games in styleCO-OWNER Ryan Reynolds hasn’t been able to make it to Wrexham in recent weeks due to filming commitments.

    But that hasn’t stopped him from watching his team in style.
    Streaming the match on a laptop or even a TV was not grand enough for the Deadpool star as he worked on the set of his latest movie.
    With a giant green screen behind him, he could not resist broadcasting Wrexham’s recent game on to the huge projector.
    Reynolds and his crew watched on as the Welsh side notched their 23rd win of the season against Crawley Town.
    He looked enamoured as the game played on behind him while surrounding by various pieces of Hollywood machinery.
    And Reynolds captioned the moment: “Watching the Wrexham game at work: new level unlocked.”
    It’s not clear what project Reynolds was working on at the time, with the actor currently developing several new movies including sequels to smash hits Free Guy and Red Notice. More

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    Piers Morgan names Arteta’s ‘major blindspot’ as he sends distress call to Cristiano Ronaldo after huge Arsenal loss

    PIERS MORGAN has blasted Mikel Arteta’s “major blindspot” over Arsenal’s attack – and identified Cristiano Ronaldo as the solution.The broadcaster fears Arteta’s “refusal” to sign a proven finisher is ruining the Gunners’ title dream, as shown by Aston Villa’s 2-0 win at the Emirates.Saudi Pro League top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo bagged hat-tricks in successive games and would do a great job for Arsenal, says Piers MorganCredit: ReutersThis map shows how the Gunners struggled to penetrate against Aston VillaMikel Arteta wasn’t the only one frustrated by Arsenal’s shot-shy displayCredit: ReutersArsenal brought in Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz last summer but have not signed a true striker since Gabriel Jesus in July 2022.And with even Jesus more of a maker than a taker of goals, super-fan Morgan has no doubts about the reason Arsenal could again miss out on the Premier League crown.Sunday’s shocker left the Gunners two points off leaders Manchester City.Morgan responded by posting: “Arsenal’s lack of a proper striker has come back to haunt us.READ MORE TOP STORIES”So many chances in first half, but none taken. If Watkins was playing for us, we’d have won this 3-0.”That verdict came after Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins struck clinically late on – in contrast to the Gunners’ tame frontline.Morgan added: “I think @Cristiano would score 25+ goals a season in our team with the service he’d get.”Arteta’s refusal to prioritise a top striker is his one major blindspot.”Most read in FootballThe presenter added: “FFS. We’ve choked again. Unbelievable.”During the match, Gabriel Jesus took up no more of an advanced position than winger Leandro Trossard, with his average spot half way between the edge of the penalty box and the halfway line.Say fans after spotting Ollie Watkins’ antics when celebrating goal vs ArsenalFive-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, 39, has bagged 56 goals from 62 matches for Al-Nassr since moving to Saudi Arabia in December 2022.And the Portugal legend heads the Saudi Pro League scoring charts this season, netting 29 times in 25 games, including two hat-tricks in a row.Al-Hilal’s ex-Fulham hero Aleksandar Mitrovic comes next on 22 goals.That’s despite Al-Nassr sitting second, a distant 12 points behind Al-Hilal.Ronaldo was always prolific for Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, even though he was mainly a winger until his late-20s.But after netting 18 Prem goals in his first season back at Old Trafford in 2021-22, his form dipped ahead of his controversial exit.A tell-all Talk TV interview with Morgan was the final straw for United ahead of his departure 18 months ago he laid into boss Erik ten Hag. More

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    Arsenal hunting down sick racist who posted vile tweet about England ace Bukayo Saka

    ARSENAL have stepped up their efforts in the hunt for a racist who abused forward Bukayo Saka on social media.The Premier League side contacted X/Twitter bosses at the weekend to demand the post be removed.Arsenal have stepped up their efforts in the hunt for the racist who abused Bukayo Saka onlineCredit: AlamySaka also received racist abuse after missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 finalCredit: AlamyAnd they are now working with data science company Signify to unmask the troll.The firm uses AI tech to identify abusive social media users.Last year, 18 Arsenal members were banned as a result of its probes.Yesterday, London’s Met Police also confirmed officers are investigating the offensive post, but said no arrests had yet been made.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSaka, 22 — who played in yesterday’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa — was subjected to a vile slur by the yob who said he “needs to be humbled before he ruins this sport any further”.It came after Arsenal’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Bayern Munich last Tuesday in which Saka went down late on and appealed for a penalty.Some fans believe he tried to con the referee by throwing himself into Bayern’s goalie.His abuser’s account has now been made private, so it is not known if the offensive post has been deleted or not.Most read in FootballHowever, The Sun on Sunday revealed Elon Musk’s platform had refused to remove it after it was reported — insisting it “did not violate safety policies”.A source at Arsenal said: “Player welfare is our first priority and our full focus is on supporting Bukayo. We have began our own investigation to attempt to identify the abuser and have contacted X.Raging Bukayo Saka pushed away from referee after Arsenal are denied last-minute penalty against Bayern Munich “We’ll always take strong action to stamp out this abhorrent behaviour.”Arsenal began working with Signify after Saka and England teammates Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were racially abused for missing penalties in the Euro 2020 final shootout defeat to Italy.The Sun approached X for comment.X refused to remove the racist postCredit: Rex More