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      Ivan Toney could be set for shock transfer abroad having been linked with moves to Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea

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      ENGLAND star Ivan Toney is a top target for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli, according to shock reports.The Brentford striker has been heavily linked with an exit as he has just one year left on his contract.Ivan Toney is wanted by Saudi Pro League chiefsCredit: ReutersSunSport exclusively revealed that the Bees were initially ready to slash their asking price to just £30million for Toney.But after new striker Igor Thiago picked up a knee injury that is set to rule him out until December, the club were having a re-think about selling their main man.A host of Premier League clubs have been linked with a move for Toney – including Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham.But reporter Fabrizio Romano claims there is interest from the Saudi Pro League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe reports that Toney is one of the “main strikers being considered” by chiefs in the Middle East.Al-Ahli have supposedly had an interest since January.The report also claims that the player is “assessing his options” and is yet to make a decision on his future.But his choices could now be limited as United have signed Joshua Zirkzee, Spurs have completed a deal for Dominic Solanke and Niclas Fullkrug has joined West Ham.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSToney scored four goals in 17 games last season after serving an eight-month betting ban.He was also a member of the England squad that fell just short in the final to Spain.A move to Al-Ahli would see him team-up with ex-Prem stars Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino.Man Utd transfer target Ivan Toney talks about his experience playing for England More

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      Dream Team 2024/25: Arsenal’s top stars, bargain options & players to avoid

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      HAVING failed to make top four for six consecutive seasons between 2016/17 and 2021/22, Arsenal have since finished as Premier League runners-up twice in a row.The Gunners have raised their game and Dream Team points have flowed freely as a result.And so it’s no surprise several of Mikel Arteta’s favourites are set to the start the new campaign among the most-popular players in the game – but are gaffers got the true lay of the land?PLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS £5,000 FOR GAMEWEEK 1 WINNER!A top-tier Dream Team assetCredit: Dream TeamLet’s analyse Arsenal’s top stars, bargain options and players to avoid.TOP STARSStill just 22 years old, Bukayo Saka (£6m) is a well-established Dream Team superstar.2023/24 was the talented winger’s best campaign yet as he racked up 363 points when all was said and done – a total bettered by just three players.Goals, assists, bonus points… the England star does it all.Arsenal dominated defence last season with Ben White (£5m), Gabriel (£5m) and William Saliba (£5m) making up the podium, leaving the likes of Josko Gvardiol (£4.5m) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.5m) in their wake.Most read in FootballInterestingly, it’s the Frenchman who is the most selected of the trio ahead of Gameweek 1 with a massive ownership of 25.2%.Over a quarter of gaffers are prepared to back Saliba from the get-go at £5mCredit: GettySaliba is undoubtedly a class act but it’s worth noting that White amassed 28 points more than his team-mate last time out, by virtue of ten goal involvements.Gabriel features in almost a third as many times as his centre-back partner, which is rather curious as the Brazilian generally poses a greater threat at attacking set-pieces.Dream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!Free to play£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus weekly prizesPlayers score points in Premier League games, European competitions and both domestic cupsPlay in Mini Leagues against your mates£5,000 prize for Gameweek 1Play via Dream Team’s app or website today!Switching focus back to midfield, Martin Odegaard (£5m) is worthy of his status as the joint-sixth most-expensive asset in his position and the fifth-most selected.The Gunners’ captain scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists on his way to 272 points last time out.He picks up very few yellow cards, is a guaranteed starter when fit, and passes the eye test with flying colours more often than not.BARGAIN OPTIONSNew recruitCredit: GettyArsenal’s improvement in recent years has resulted in a price hike across the board, meaning genuine bargains are virtually non-existent.That being said, Riccardo Calafiori’s (£4m) arrival is an interesting proposition.If the Italy international immediately establishes himself as first-choice left-back then he would offer a relatively affordable route into the best defence in the country – he’s £1million cheaper than White, Saliba and Gabriel right now.This strategy might be overly bold for Gameweek 1 as it’s not a given that Calafiori will slot straight into the starting line-up – Oleksandar Zinchenko (£3.5m), Takehiro Tomiyasu (£3m), Jurrien Timber (£3.5m) and Jakub Kiwior (£3m) are all capable of playing at left-back.Waiting for a clearer indication of Arteta’s pecking order seems wise.PLAYERS TO AVOIDMartinelli struggled at times last seasonCredit: GettyGabriel Martinelli (£4m) has been a frustrating asset in the world of Dream Team of late.Having plundered 15 league goals in 2022/23, he mustered just six last season and seemed bereft of confidence at times.Dream Team bosses know what the Brazil international is capable of when everything clicks but most will want to see improvements before he’s considered viable.It’s a similar story for Gabriel Jesus (£4.5m) who has enjoyed hot streaks in previous seasons but has suffered injury setbacks and a dip in form more recently.READ MORE SUN STORIESKai Havertz (£4.5m) was mightily effective at the back end of last term when tasked with leading the line and if he is given the nod at centre-forward again come Gameweek 1 then Arsenal’s Brazilian No9 may have to settle for a substitute role.PICK YOUR DREAM TEAM TODAY! More

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      Arsenal chief Edu opens up on ‘unpopular’ transfers and reveals three factors which kill a player’s Gunners career

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      EDU believes a series of “unpopular decisions” have transformed Arsenal from pretenders to championship contenders.The Gunners’ squad has undergone a massive face-lift since their former midfielder was appointed the club’s technical director in July 2019.Edu joined Arsenal in 2019 as the club’s technical directorCredit: GETTYThe Brazilian was promoted to the club’s sporting director in November 2022Credit: GETTYEdu oversaw a major shakeup of the squad and helped get rid of high earners Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut OzilCredit: GETTYEdu, Sporting director of Arsenal FA Cup 3rd Round Oxford United v Arsenal Kassam Stadium 09.01.2023 Photograph By Marc Aspland The TimesCredit: MARC ASPLANDHe was promoted to sporting director in November 2022 and subsequently took a more hands-on role with the comings and goings at the club.Former fan favourites like Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have all departed the Emirates since Edu was appointed sporting director.Arsenal’s fortunes on the pitch have simultaneously improved since the Brazilian has been at the helm of the transfer ship, with the club narrowly missing out on the Premier League title in the last two seasons.And Edu believes there has been a correlation between the club’s uptake in recent years and the clearing of the deadwood.READ MORE ON ARSENALHe told the Men in Blazers podcast: “When you live in the football world, sometimes you have to make decisions simple and sometimes you have to make decisions even if it is not popular. “You have to be very strong on your ideas, what you believe, what is good for the club, what is good for the future of the club.”For me, there are some elements in football which I will always give a lot of attention. “When I joined, I looked at the squad balance, the positions, the age of the group.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal have a tricky start to the season”There are three elements that you have to be really aware of.”First of all, we have to see the age of the player. Then you have to see the salary of the player. Three reasons Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori is a huge upgrade “And third you have to see the performance of the player.”If you have a player over 26 or 27 years, you need attention. If his salary is high, you need attention. And if he is not performing, you are dead.”Let’s come back… If you have a player, 27 years old or 28, on a big salary, but he is performing, you can accept it. “What you cannot accept is if you have those three elements and the player is over 28.”You start to become uncomfortable and it is better for you to move them on – because maybe this player is blocking someone younger, an asset who could help you.”When I came to Arsenal, I saw all the squad, with respect, almost everyone was over 26, 27, on big salaries and not performing.”If you have those three elements, which club in the world wants to come here and buy one of our players? No-one.”So how do you deal with that situation? You have to be strong and sometimes you have to make decisions. “You can go strong and try to let those players go or your project is going to take, instead of three or four years, maybe seven, eight or nine.”Unpopular decisions started to come.EduOn Arsenal’s transfer policyEdu continued: “Then unpopular decisions started to come. Because most of the players that have those elements, they have a fanbase and a media that love them.”But for the club, it is not healthy sometimes to keep the player in that situation.’ “When I started I saw every single player in the squad with those three characteristics.”Then I said: ‘Guys, we have to clean this squad, with all my respect, to build a new foundation here.'”From that foundation, we need to sign younger players, on lower salaries, with better futures, who are hungry to take us where we want to go.'”READ MORE SUN STORIESEdu would have played a key role in Arsenal’s two signings of the summer, the permanent acquisition of David Raya from Brentford and the £42million arrival of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.Arsenal kick off their Premier League campaign a week on Saturday, welcoming Wolves to the Emirates.Edu and Mikel Arteta have worked synergistically to improve Arsenal’s form on the pitchCredit: Getty More

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      Three reasons Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori is a huge upgrade for Mikel Arteta both in defence and attack

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      TO SOME, the decision from Arsenal to sign the Italian international defender Riccardo Calafiori for £42million has come as something of a surprise. This is a player after all who only moved back to Italy last summer having been forced to switch to Switzerland to join Basel in order to kickstart his career. Riccardo Calafiori in training after his £42m move to ArsenalCredit: GettyCalafiori had a breakthrough season for BolognaThere are also some who will point to the performances of Calafiori in the recent Euros as the prime motivating reason for Arsenal finalising the deal. Both groups, however, are missing the fact that Calafiori has long been highly-rated in the Italian game and, were it not for a near career-ending injury as a young player, he was touted as a future captain at his boyhood club Roma.Indeed, last season saw Calafiori fully emerge as one of the top young defensive prospects in the game having taken his chance early to establish himself in a Bologna side that ended up qualifying for the Champions League. It is these performances, as well as those over the summer with Italy, that convinced Arsenal and their notoriously detail-orientated coach Mikel Arteta that Calafiori was the defensive addition that their squad needed.read more on footballCalafiori is one of the most versatile defenders in the game at the moment both in terms of his position and the different roles that he can play.And given that Arteta can already call on the likes of Ben White and Jurrien Timber, who missed the entirety of his first season at the club due to injury, in defence and now with the addition of Calafiori they have another strong option in their back line. Indeed, there is an extremely strong possibility that Arsenal will look to use Calafiori as a left-back in the first instance.Let’s consider the key strengths of Calafiori’s game in order to better understand Arsenal’s reasons for completing the deal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCarrying the ballTowards the end of last season in Serie A Calafiori gave an interview in which he was asked which defenders in the game he modelled his game on. There is every chance that the interviewer thought that Calafiori would answer with one of the great Italian defenders of the game. Perhaps Giorgio Chiellini or Paolo Maldini. Instead, Calafiori namechecked the English international John Stones. Calafiori is comfortable moving into the midfieldThe Italian star is equally comfortable at left back, as against Roma, or at centre backCalafiori went into greater detail mentioning that he appreciated the way that Stones stepped into midfield and recognised that this was a result of coaching instruction. Those of you that followed the Italian national team in the Euros will have seen Calafiori making this kind of run as he drove forward with the ball late in the game against Croatia and ended up setting up the late equaliser. What is key for Calafiori, and indeed for Arteta, is that the Italian defender is comfortable stepping into the midfield from either a centre back or left back position.Calafiori is the last defender for Bologna but has the confidence to drive in possession and to outplay the first striker before then moving into an advanced position.Earlier in his career Calafiori either played at left-back or as a left-sided central defender in a back three. It was Thiago Motta, his coach last season at Bologna, who convinced Calafiori that he had the skill set to play in a back four system. At Arsenal next season we expect to see the Italian used, at least in the first instance, as a left-back although I would expect him to play the position in an inverted style moving more into central areas in the midfield when Arsenal are in possession.In these situations the Italian defender is comfortable receiving and playing and breaking lines through his passing ability.For Arteta though it is likely more important that when he moves into midfield Calafiori is extremely strong at the moment of defensive transitions when the opposition try to counter attack quickly.Playing as left-back Calafiori is a position where a lot of natural defenders would look for a quick forward pass. Instead, the Italian drives inside and then forward to attack spaceAs a line breaking runner from the defensive line Calafiori will bring a lot to this Arsenal side.Passing abilityAs well as being comfortable in possession when driving out and breaking lines through carries and dribbles, Calafiori is also a modern defender who can pass progressively and move the ball through the lines. While on the right-hand side Arteta has typically utilised Ben White in this position there is no doubt that Calafiori is a more aggressive passer than the Englishman.There were times last season that Arsenal had almost become too functional with no real creativity when playing from the first third into the middle third. Calafiori will bring a more consistent sense of ball progression from the first-line than Arteta had last season from his options across the back four.Calafiori has the quality in possession to play a longer driven pass that breaks the lines of the opposition defence and releases a teammate attacking into spaceCrucially, when moving forward in possession of the ball Calafiori is not a player who will simply play to the next line with a safe passing profile that sees the ball move to the next available player. He has more range to his game than that with the ability to play longer switches of play or driven passes that break the last line to release players in behind.It has to be said, of course, that this kind of passing profile will lead to a less impressive pass completion percentage as more of his passes have a higher level of risk attached to them. This is part of the risk/reward that coaches have to consider when they have a more aggressive and progressive passer as part of their defensive unit.Calafiori steps forward with the ball at his feet but instead of dribbling and looking to attract pressure towards the ball, he plays a longer pass to release a midfielder making a movement to attack and occupy spaceHis array of passing was impressive at the EurosHe didn’t miss a single pass against Juventus last seasonHaving a player with the passing profile of Calafiori in the defensive unit will give Arteta and his coaching staff more options in terms of the way that they build the attack.Defending 1v1For all that Calafiori is a player who is very modern in his profile as a defender he is still a defender first and foremost and an Italian defender at that. He has the physical profile, listed at 6’2”, to defend against Premier League attackers but it is his positioning and reading of the game when he is defending that really stands out.He is equally comfortable when asked to defend in space as the more reactive defender or when he is asked to defend tight to the opposition attacking players as the more proactive defensive player. This is why although he is likely to start at left-back he already has the ability and the skill set to play as a central defender for Arteta. Indeed, his skill set would be a very good match as a partner to William Saliba in the RCB role.Calafiori reads the threat as the ball is played into the front side of the penalty area and wins the duel, comfortably clearing the ballAs a defender Calafiori is quick and aggressive when it comes to entering in direct defensive duels with opposition strikers. His initial positioning is typically very good and this allows him to get an advantage in attacking the zones that passes or crosses are played into. In this regard the Italian matches the way that the likes of Saliba and Gabriel defend currently for Arsenal with Arteta favouring defensive players who have the ability to defend tight and in space equally well.Napoli look to release Victor Osimhan but as soon as the pass is played, however, Calafiori moves to intercept and out muscles the Nigerian forwardCalafiori was dominant for Italy against Albania at the EurosThere is little doubt that from a defensive point of view the addition of Calafiori will be an upgrade on the options that Arteta had from left-back last season. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe may also represent one of the stronger defensive options for the team at centre back as well.ConclusionWhile some may think that Arsenal have signed Calafiori purely on the basis of his performances at the Euros the truth is that he has been a defender of interest to the wider game for a lot longer than that.  More

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      Arsenal breakthrough star closing in on LaLiga transfer after move to EFL club hijacked at last-minute

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      ARSENAL keeper Karl Hein is on the verge of joining La Liga side Real Valladolid on loan.The Spanish club have swooped in late to nab the Gunners No3 after League One Charlton had shown an interest.Karl Hein is set for a loan move to Real ValladolidCredit: GettyHein, 22, started all three of Arsenal’s pre-season games in the States with David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale enjoying an extended break after their Euros antics.But having signed a new deal in June, it was always the plan for Hein to go out on loan this season for some much-needed first-team experience.Valladolid are owned by former Brazil striker, Ronaldo, who knows Arsenal’s sporting director Edu from their playing days.The Estonia international was particularly impressive against Bournemouth in LA last month, saving two penalties in a spot-kick victory over the Cherries after a 1-1 draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis will be the second loan spell of Hein’s time at Arsenal after spending six months with Reading during the 2021-22 season.Questions remain over No2 Ramsdale, who is also looking for more first-team football after being axed as No1 last season in place of Spaniard Raya.Ramsdale has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Newcastle and Southampton in the past.But he looks likely to be involved in the Emirates Cup this week as Arsenal host Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday and Lyon on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMikel Arteta’s men kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Wolves on August 17.They follow that up with a trip to Aston Villa, before games against Brighton, Tottenham and Manchester City.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s wild dancing after guiding France to Olympics 2024 finalArsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Mikel Arteta was happy to axe Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil but Granit Xhaka’s Arsenal goodbye was different

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      REGRETS? Mikel Arteta has had very few during his Arsenal tenure – especially when it comes to moving on players.Bad eggs have had their contracts ripped up. Think Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil were booted out by Mikel ArtetaCredit: ReutersArteta had a close bond with Granit Xhaka before last summer’s departureCredit: GettyAgeing stars have been allowed to leave on a free. Think Willian, David Luiz, Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac.Money has also been made to make way for the future. Think Emiliano Martinez, Bernd Leno, Folarin Balogun and Emile Smith Rowe.And yet, there is perhaps one goodbye that is still on the mind of Arteta on the eve of an intriguing North London reunion this week – Granit Xhaka.Ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Emirates Cup clash with the Gunners tomorrow, the Switzerland international will play at his old stomping ground for the first time since last summer’s £21.4m move back to Germany.read more arsenalXhaka – who signed for Arsenal from Borussia Monchengladbach in May 2016 for £30m – returns with a Bundesliga title to his name having played a starring role in an unbeaten domestic campaign under boss Xabi Alonso.In contrast, Arteta’s Arsenal fell short in their Premier League title push for a second successive term behind Manchester City – the most recent without Xhaka in their ranks.Would Xhaka’s leadership and experience have made the difference?It has hard to say, but it is a debate that has gained momentum following his stunning performances for the Swiss at the Euros that had German outlets calling for a Ballon d’Or nomination.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere is no doubt that Arteta lost one of his most important dressing room generals, one that demanded excellence, acted as a perfect go-between from dug-out to pitch, and one whose own renaissance in an Arsenal shirt sums up the Spanish coach’s impact at the club.Arteta and Arsenal were torn over the future of Xhaka towards the end of the 2022/23 season – a player who had transformed into an integral cog in a more advanced midfield role.They did not want him to leave, but unwilling to hand a long-term deal to a 30-year-old as they planned for a window that included the £105m capture of a 24-year-old Declan Rice.With 12 months left on his deal, with a club-option to extend, Arsenal and Xhaka decided to part ways after a sit-down chat with sporting director Edu.The midfielder said recently: “I was a bit sad, but also quite happy because I didn’t like that uncertainty.“The length of the Leverkusen contract [five years] gives me security. I’m not someone who likes to play poker… I like peace and order.”Xhaka was booed off by Arsenal fans in October 2019Credit: ReutersArsenal could put out as strong starting XI to face Bayer Leverkusen-Xhaka will likely receive a grand reception back at the Emirates, much like the one he had on his 297th and final appearance for the club, scoring twice in a 5-0 victory over Wolves in May 2023 before being subbed to a standing ovation.Four years earlier, those same fans had booed him off in the 61st minute of a draw at home to Crystal Palace in October 2019.Upon leaving the pitch, Xhaka told them to “f**k off” and stormed down the tunnel, an incident that saw him stripped of the captaincy by then-manager Unai Emery.Two months later, Emery was sacked and Arteta was in, with convincing Xhaka to stay one of the first tasks the former midfielder set himself.Xhaka explained: “When I met [Mikel] for the first time, my bags were already packed and I was about to hop on a plane. With my heart and soul, I had already left the club.“The club showed me little respect even though I was the captain. It was clear they wanted to get rid of me as quickly as possible, apart from one person: Mikel Arteta.”Ignoring the advice of his friends and family, Xhaka stayed.Arteta would then bring about a career revival that no one saw coming, not least the Arsenal faithful.Xhaka added: “Arsenal supporters sometimes can take a bit of persuading to change their minds. But at the end, I won them around.”Arteta also owes much to Xhaka, a player he could rely on during the tough times and who stepped up and raised his game in the good times.It could be argued that Arsenal’s midfield is all the better for Xhaka leaving. Rice and skipper Martin Odegaard are a formidable pair with Jorginho and Thomas Partey adding the extras.But Arteta had a bond with Xhaka that is hard to replace. How he would love to still be able to call upon his services, even if the player himself would not accept a role from the bench.Of all the players he has let go, Arteta has rarely issued an emotional farewell statement, but for Xhaka he did, saying: “We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us. “It has been an incredible journey for him and he has given absolutely everything.“We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years.”Xhaka returned to the Emirates as a supporter last December to witness Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham, signing autographs from his car on arrival.Yet this time, he will be granted a welcome home from out of the shadows, even after a recent cheeky remark where he stated leaving Arsenal was a “step forward” in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe still is an avid watcher of Arsenal games, and remains in contact with assistant coach Carlos Cuesta and old teammates Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.Expect a warm embrace of Arteta tomorrow too – the man who no doubt wishes Xhaka’s Arsenal story did not have to end so soon. 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      Arsenal boss Arteta to make late call on Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale in Emirates Cup after Euros break

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      MIKEL ARTETA will make a late call on whether to include his England trio in Arsenal’s Emirates Cup clash with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale – as well as Spain’s David Raya and France’s William Saliba – joined back up with the squad at London Colney for training on Sunday morning.Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice returned to Arsenal training on SundayCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale was also pictured by at London ColneyCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba could make an appearance against LeverkusenCredit: GettyThe five North London stars enjoyed an extended break following the Euros while Arteta took the club on their 10-day tour of the United States from July 21, facing Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool.Four of them had been involved in England’s Euros final defeat to Spain in Berlin on July 14, while Saliba was a part of Les Bleus’ disappointing exit at the semi-finals.With 12 days to go until Arsenal’s Prem opener at home to Wolves, Arteta will want the spine of his team ready to go, having completed personal training regimes while on their holiday.And they were put through their paces with individual fitness tests back at Colney before being seen in good spirits as they took part in some small-sided drills.read more arsenalArteta was pictured embracing Saka upon his return, while the five were in fits of giggles as they were given the traditional ‘head-slapping’ tunnel treatment by the rest of their teammates on the training pitch.The question remains whether Arteta will risk throwing them back into a competitive match as they welcome Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bundesliga champions Leverkusen to the Emirates this week before playing Lyon on Sunday.It is worth noting that Germany’s Kai Havertz and Brazil pair Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli did not travel out to the States until July 26 after their own Euros and Copa America action.And 48 hours later, they were all second half substitutes in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over United out in Los Angeles.Most read in FootballDavid Raya is gearing up for his first competitive appearance in over a monthCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSo, there is a high chance Rice, Saka and Saliba will not only be included in the squad but will play some part against Leverkusen – either as a starter or from the bench.Rice played every minute of England’s seven Euros clashes, while Saka was on the pitch for 70 minutes or more in all but one of England’s games.New video reveals Riccardo Calafiori was at Arsenal SEVEN MONTHS before Italian signed in £42m transferSaliba also started and played every minute of France’s run to the semis.Arteta could be tempted to start Ramsdale in goal, despite his links with a move away this summer, given the Three Lions keeper failed to play a single minute at the Euros.Arsenal No.1 Raya also had limited game time in Germany, featuring in just one 90-minute clash in a dead-rubber group stage clash against Albania on June 24.In comparison, current No.3 Karl Hein played every minute in the States.Arteta has a near-fully fit squad to choose from against Leverkusen, with only Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) missing the summer tour – the latter likely to leave the club in the coming weeks.READ MORE SUN STORIESJurrien Timber – back after suffering an ACL rupture in last term’s Prem opener – played all but one of the U.S. matches, rested for the Liverpool clash as a precautionary measure.Riccardo Calafiori could make his full debut after his £42m move from Bologna. The versatile left-footed Italian defender joined up with the States group after signing on July 29 but was only a spectator.Arsenal have a tricky start to their 2024/25 Prem campaign More

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      Rice and Saka spotted in Arsenal training for first time after extended holiday following England Euro 2024 final run

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      DECLAN RICE was all smiles as he returned for his first Arsenal training session since the Euro 2024 final.The Gunners midfielder, 25, joined England colleagues Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale back at London Colney.Bukayo Saka returned for his first training session of preseasonCredit: GettyDeclan Rice also returned from his holidaysCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba returned to Arsenal’s London Colney training base this weekCredit: GettyFrance centre-half William Saliba was also in action for the first time since the summer festival of football.The quartet were allowed an extended break after a busy tournament at Euro 2024 – which started four weeks after the Premier League season ended.Saliba took a well deserved break in Sardinia with his girlfriend Sandra Shehab after playing every minute of Arsenal’s Prem campaign, in which they fell agonisingly short to Manchester City – again.While Rice was pictured partying in Ibiza with Ivan Toney and Luke Shaw days after England’s Euros final heartbreak.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRice and Saka started every game for the Three Lions, while Saliba played the full 90 in every French game.Goalkeeper Ramsdale did not receive any minutes under Gareth Southgate, but trained alongside Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson.Only Saka and Rice featured in England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final, but all players were granted the time off.France failed to live up to expectations, crashing out of the semi-finals following a 2-1 defeat to Spain.Most read in FootballAaron Ramsdale returned to training after his month offCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt means all four missed Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States, which meant they couldn’t wave off Emile Smith Rowe who left midway through for Fulham.The summer warm-up games have been a mixed bag for Mikel Arteta with Arsenal having won, lost and drawn one each.Emile Smith Rowe leaves Arsenal to join Fulham in £XXmillion transfer after 14 years with GunnersThey drew 1-1 with Bournemouth but beat Manchester United 2-1 in LA, before losing an expedition penalty shootout to the latter.The Gunners’ final game across the pond saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho.Arsenal will play Bayer Leverkusen on August 7 at the Emirates Stadium.But this might come too soon for Saka, Saliba, Rice and Ramsdale.Before kicking off their Premier League campaign against Wolves at home on August 17.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More