Arsenal transfer news

FORMER Premier League star Fabrice Muamba got his big break in football after bravely ASKING for a trial with Arsenal.Ex-Gunners academy No2 Roy Massey revealed how Muamba, who lived across the road from Arsenal’s youth base as a kid, made a huge impression when he was just 14 years old.Fabrice Muamba’s Arsenal career was saved by a cheeky requestCredit: GettyAnd a cheeky request later on ended up saving Muamba’s Arsenal career when he had looked set to leave the club.The 36-year-old former midfielder played twice for the Gunners before enjoying spells at Birmingham and Bolton.But Muamba’s career was tragically cut short in 2012 when he suffered a cardiac arrest against Tottenham.The former England U21 ace was forced to bow out of the beautiful game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe moved into media before completing a degree in sports journalism.And after gaining his coaching badges, Muamba has since worked with Liverpool. Rochdale, Bolton and Burnley.But his beginnings with Arsenal have now taken centre stage, with Massey revealing all in his autobiography ‘A Life in Football and a Coach to the Stars’.It’s said that aged just 14, Muamba approached Massey outside Arsenal’s youth base — opposite his own house — to ask for a trial at the top level.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe sheer audacity impressed Massey, who wrote: “Fabrice lived over the road and he came in and asked for a trial at aged 14. He was big and we could not turn down someone who had the audacity to come in and ask for a trial at Arsenal.“He was not great on the ball but we felt he could become a big, strong centre-half and we agreed to allow him to train at the academy.”Sky Sports commentator points out Arsenal ‘weakness’ repeatedly targeted by BrightonMuamba’s playing career was cut short in 2012 after suffering a cardiac arrestCredit: AP:Associated PressHe has since worked in media and as a coachCredit: Getty – ContributorUnfortunately, Arsenal’s academy chief Liam Brady was not impressed and told Massey to let Muamba go.But a cheeky request from the ace ended up saving his Arsenal career.Massey continued: “After I did so (letting Muamba go), I informed him that as he lived in Walthamstow I would recommend him to his nearest professional club, Leyton Orient, my former team. As Fabrice did not have access to transport for training and the games this would also be a suitable place to play football.“The following day I was in my room when a knock came on the door and Fabrice poked his head round to ask when I was going to contact Orient and set up a trial for him. Such enthusiasm and attitude are just what any young player needs.“I asked him what he was doing the following Wednesday evening and when the answer was nothing, I told him that before I would recommend him to Orient, I would like him to play in one more Arsenal academy game.“I was short of a centre-half for a match against Norwich’s under-14s. It was an end-of-season fixture at Highbury. We beat Norwich 5-0 and Fabrice had a good game, so much so that I invited him to come back for pre-season training. This meant we could have another look at him.”This time round, Brady was hugely impressed and quickly urged Arsenal to sign Muamba.READ MORE SUN STORIESMassey added: “Liam immediately told Steve Leonard to go to Fabrice’s house and get his parents to sign forms before he moved elsewhere.“Ironically this proved not as easy as I anticipated. Fabrice’s dad was very doubtful about him becoming a footballer as he wanted him instead to become a doctor or a lawyer. Steve did eventually get him to sign the forms.”Fabrice Muamba’s career statsThose numbers in full:

Arsenal (2005-06): 2 games, 0 goals

Birmingham (2006-08): 79 games, 2 goals

Bolton (2008-12): 148 games, 4 goals More

ARSENAL moved back to the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win over Brighton.Bukayo Saka gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, ruthlessly converting after Tariq Lamptey brought down Gabriel Jesus.Bukayo Saka’s penalty have Arsenal a first-half leadCredit: GettyKai Havertz scored number two with a close-range tap inCredit: PAThe Gunners went in at half-time deservedly ahead, but David Raya was still called upon to produce a flying save to deny Julio Enciso’s brilliant curling effort.Arsenal then doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark as Jorginho’s cutback was poked home by Kai Havertz, before Leandro Trossard added a third late on.The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side one point clear of both Liverpool and Manchester City, though the former do have a game in hand away at Manchester United on Sunday.Here is how SunSport’s Dylan Terry saw the performances of the Arsenal players.READ MORE ON ARSENALDavid Raya – 7Looked nervy early on, shanking a couple of clearances and struggling with his longer passing.But he grew into the match very impressively and made a fine save to deny Julio Enciso at the end of the first half, diving to his left to claw the ball away.His distribution also improved as the game wore on.Ben White – 7Showed his creativity when supporting Saka going forward and produced a sumptuous cross that narrowly evaded Havertz.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDealt well enough with Enciso as Brighton enjoyed most of their positive play down the other flank.William Saliba – 8Utterly unfazed in possession and accomplished when distributing it out of defence.Fans furious after ITV News presenter’s ‘shameful’ Prem title race comment as Liverpool go two points clear of ArsenalA thoroughly calming presence alongside Gabriel. Unquestionably one of the best defenders in world football.William Saliba showed his class yet again on the South CoastCredit: ReutersGabriel – 6Missed a superb chance to give Arsenal the lead after only a minute, but skewed his header wide from close range.Had a tough job marshalling alongside an erratic Zinchenko, but he did not make any major mistakes.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5Lamptey, Carlos Baleba and Simon Adingra all caused him major problems in the first half – the Ukrainian fortunate not to be punished.A dreadful touch nearly allowed Adingra to pounce early in the second period.Has a lot of chaotic energy about him. Arsenal’s weak link – if there is one.Was hooked for Takehiro Tomiyasu with 20 minutes remaining and many will know why.Oleksandr Zinchenko struggled to deal with the flying Tariq LampteyCredit: ReutersDeclan Rice – 6May have been turned a couple of times by Baleba, but other than that it was another largely faultless display from the England man.As reliable as ever when shielding the back four, while he also provided some incisive passing in the final third.Jorginho – 6A real vocal presence in the Arsenal team, constantly barking orders and organising his team-mates, particularly during spells of Brighton possession.Seems to have an impressive understanding with Rice when it comes to one staying and the other going forward.Provided the pick-out for Havertz to tap home to seal all three points – just his second goal contribution in the Premier League this season.Martin Odegaard – 9A truly complete performance from the Arsenal captain.Odegaard is involved in everything positive his side offers up going forward – whether that be starting attacks, picking the final pass, having a shot, or delivering a deadly set-piece.He also works tirelessly to win the ball back and retains possession with such class once he has it.A ball of energy all over the pitch and the best player out there on Saturday evening.Martin Odegaard was outstanding for Arsenal as their captain led from the frontCredit: GettyBukayo Saka – 6Squandered a textbook Saka opportunity inside the first quarter of an hour, curling wide of the far post after White slid him in behind the Brighton backline.Tucked the penalty away with aplomb and, while he was sometimes crowded out, he did look dangerous when Brighton afforded him space.Kai Havertz – 7Led the line well enough without the ball, even if he struggled to create much in the way of chances before he found the back of the net.Took the goal well – his fifth in his last seven Premier League appearances – and is beginning to find his shooting boots just when Arteta needs him most.Gabriel Jesus – 6Denied a brilliant opening goal by the outstretched left arm of Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen, before he ran onto a header and planted it wide.Won the penalty with a clever bit of play, even if the decision was somewhat questionable.Subs:Leandro Trossard (for Saka, 64 mins) – 7Had little impact on the match but then suddenly robbed Brighton of possession and made sure of the win with a lovely dink.Leandro Trossard lifted the ball over Bart Verbruggen for Arsenal’s third late onCredit: AFPGabriel Martinelli (for Jesus, 64 mins) – 6Used his pace to stretch the Brighton backline on a couple of occasions.READ MORE SUN STORIESTakehiro Tomiyasu (for Zinchenko, 72 mins) – 6Defended solidly enough. Looked more of a reliable option than Zinchenko.Eddie Nketiah (for Havertz, 89 mins) – N/AFabio Vieira (for Odegaard, 89 mins) – N/AUnused subs: Ramsdale, Partey, Smith Rowe, Kiwior. More