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      How Arsenal’s new £42million ‘Bulldozer’ Calafiori fought back from ruthless Jose Mourinho axing to seal dream transfer

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      THE career of Riccardo Calafiori has often flirted with disaster and disappointment.At the age of 16, it was believed the Roma academy kid would never play – or even walk – again after a horror tackle during a Youth League match against Viktoria Plzen in October 2018.Riccardo Calafiori joined Arsenal for £42m this weekCredit: GettyJose Mourinho axed the Italy international from his Roma squad in 2021Credit: RexBut years before that Calafiori underwent a gruesome surgery after suffering a horror injuryCredit: Instagram @richycalaThe Italian defender had ruptured every ligament in his left knee.Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s surgeon Dr Freddie Fu was even taken aback before operating, comparing it to a motorbike accident. Roma practically went into mourning.Netting a hat-trick for the first team soon after in the Champions League, striker Edin Dzeko held up a shirt with Calafiori’s name on in support.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClub legend Daniele De Rossi would help ferry Calafiori from home to the training centre and back again in the weeks that followed.The rehab was brutal, but Calafiori’s recovery – mostly out in the States – was extraordinary, returning to action in just under 12 months, earning him the nickname of ‘The Bulldozer’ by his father.And he later got a tattoo on his hand that reads: “Just be sure to notice the collateral beauty”.It is why – back in the USA six years later to join up with Arsenal on their pre-season tour after completing a £42m switch from Bologna – Calafiori is still in disbelief.Most read in FootballCalafiori embraced Mikel Arteta after he joined the Gunners’ pre-season tourCredit: ArsenalBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEmbracing boss Mikel Arteta in their team hotel, the 22-year-old – known as ‘Ricky’ to those closest to him – asked: “Is this real?” with the Spaniard replying with a big smile: “Finally, it’s real”.Both Arteta and sporting director Edu have got their man after months of work to bring the Italy international to the Emirates.Former Chelsea team-mates Mason Mount and Jorginho embrace after Man Utd’s pre-season defeat to Arsenal A player they feel “fits the profile” – young but immensely talented as a versatile, ball-playing defender – while Calafiori only had eyes for North London, despite late interest from Juventus and Real Madrid.Arteta revealed last season he wants 22 world class players in his squad – two in each position – to be able to constantly rotate without feeling their starting XI is weakened.Calafiori certainly adds to this, joining the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu as defensive options.He is able to play at both left-back and centre-back – something he first learned he could do while at Basel during the 2022/23 campaign having just been let go his boyhood Roma under Jose Mourinho.This was yet another setback in Calafiori’s career that had the potential to be make or break, ruthlessly dumped by Mourinho in the winter window after featuring in a humiliating 6-1 Europa Conference League group stage loss to Bodo Glimt in October 2021.Yet ‘The Bulldozer’ continued on its path, helping Basel to the Conference League semi-finals before joining Serie A side Bologna for £4m last summer.Jose Mourinho ruthlessly sold Riccardo Calafiori during his time at RomaCredit: GettyCalafiori said of Mourinho: “It was his choice to sell me, but I’ll also tell you something. Mou and I talk; he wrote me several messages, and there’s a nice relationship between us.“He forged my character and personality. The fact that he asks you for 200% in every training session and that he makes his choices by looking at what you give on the pitch.”Calafiori’s development must also pay credit to coach Thiago Motta at Bologna, admitting last term: “I tried things tactically that I had never seen”.Motta and Arteta have similar philosophies, having grown up together as players in the Barcelona academy, perhaps accelerating any adaptation time.Arteta and sporting director Edu spent months trying to land the Italy international’s signatureCredit: GettyYet Calafiori is a quick learner. Last season in Serie A, he kept 15 clean sheets in 30 appearances, helping Bologna to Champions League qualification for the first time since 1964.He racked up a pass completion of 89.8% to rank third in the league last term, including 76 accurate long balls and 17 goalscoring chances created.No centre-back in Europe’s top five leagues produced more assists than him with five.He also became Bologna’s first-ever Serie A Player of the Month winner in May, paving the way for his Italy senior major tournament debut at the Euros last month.Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners against Man Utd in Los Angeles on the weekendCredit: AFPThere is now a Premier League debut on the cards, with Arsenal’s opener against Wolves on August 17 after Emirates Cup clashes with Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon next week.Calafiori has said in the past he aspires to be like Manchester City’s John Stones, while former England manager Fabio Capello has compared him to a young Sergio Ramos.But for someone so young and highly rated, Calafiori also has his feet firmly on the ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen previously asked about his biggest achievement in the football so far, he said: “Being able to buy my parents a house. “We lived in a rental, but when I played for Roma I managed to buy a beautiful house for them. Seeing them calm, safe and happy is priceless.”Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Chelsea fans say ‘I feel sad watching this’ as they spot what Mount and Jorginho did after Arsenal’s win over Man Utd

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      CHELSEA heroes Jorginho and Mason Mount reunited during Arsenal and Manchester United’s pre-season friendly in the US.And that brought back a strong sense of nostalgia for the Blues’ fans who took an emotional trip down memory lane.Chelsea heroes Mason Mount and Jorginho reunited in the USCredit: https://x.com/TheChelseaForumMount and Jorginho linked up after Manchester United and Arsenal’s friendlyCredit: https://x.com/TheChelseaForumChelsea fans were left feeling emotional after Jorginho and Mount’s reunionCredit: Getty Images – GettyArsenal’s Jorginho and United’s Mount caught up on Saturday at the SoFi Stadium in California during the two teams’ summer tour in the US.The two midfielders looked cheerful as they had a nice friendly chat after the Gunners’ 2-1 victory, which took place shortly after another disappointing performance by Chelsea who lost 4-1 to Celtic.That brought a sense of melancholy for a few Chelsea fans as they remembered them winning trophies at Stamford Bridge, like the Champions League and Fifa Club World Cup, before their unceremonious exits.One supporter tweeted: “I feel sad watching this for some reason.”Read More on ChelseaAnother commented: “Both seem so damn happy bro!”A third quipped: “‘Did you see the Chelsea game earlier?’”This fan said: “They seem delighted by the look of it.”And that one stated: “I miss my guy @mount.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea academy graduate Mount left Stamford Bridge in 2023 after 18 years with the club where he amassed 33 goals and 35 assists in 195 appearances.The playmaker moved to Premier League rivals United after he felt he was not part of owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s plans.Chelsea stars board flight to California for pre-season tour of USMount told MUTV last year: “Several months ago, it became clear that I wasn’t in Chelsea’s plans moving forward.”Jorginho left Chelsea in January 2023 after five years with the club, which included 29 goals and eight assists in 213 appearances, for rivals Arsenal.The midfielder also departed west London because he was no longer part of first-team plans but was won over by the Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta as well.Jorginho told DAZN last year: “It’s one of the reasons [Arteta], surely. He called me and it was all very quick, we made the deal in less than 48 hours. “I had spoken to Chelsea and I knew I was no longer part of their plans. I wanted to progress in my career and the Arsenal project suits me.”Sometimes you must accept when you are out of a project and that things come to an end.” More

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      Man Utd fans ask ‘are you mad?’ as Andre Onana pulls off amazing skill to beat Arsenal player in his own box in 2-1 loss

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans might be starting to forgive Andre Onana after he pulled off an incredible piece of skill against Prem rivals Arsenal.United lost 2-1 to the Gunners in Los Angeles in the first game of their USA tour.Onana feinted a long kick to trick Gabriel JesusRasmus Hojlund gave the Red Devils the lead before he hobbled off injured moments later to the dismay of Erik ten Hag.Gabriel Jesus levelled for Arsenal before Gabriel Martinelli won it for Mikel Arteta with ten minutes left.But it was Onana who seemed to have earned major plaudits among the United faithful after some pretty poor, blunder-ridden performances last season.The Cameroonian goalkeeper did improve towards the back end of last term – but now the turnaround appears to be complete.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThat is after Onana pulled off an incredible bit of ground skill to leave Jesus blocking the air.After receiving the ball from Jonny Evans, he tricked Jesus – who was intently chasing down – by feinting to kick the ball long before smoothly turning out.And the 48th minute dummy left many United fans dazzled.One wrote: “ONANA, ARE YOU MAD?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second said: “Onana can play as a midfielder.”Others added: “He just cooked Jesus” and “I love the confidence. He’s too cold!”Andre Onana says ‘nice things are coming’ after Man Utd’s pre-season win over RangersWhile another noted: “Ten Hag and his coaches have to utilise Onana’s ball playing skills more in the coming season, they simply have to.”United did at least have the consolation of winning the end of game penalty shoot-out exhibition 4-3.And Onana was spotted trying his best to put off Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira and several of his team-mates.In a comical interaction, he took a step to his right and then started pointing at the huge space to his left, almost daring the Portuguese ace to shoot there.Before joining last summer for £47m, the goalkeeper was credited for his brilliant footwork abilities.It was citied as one of the main reasons Ten Hag opted to bring Onana to Old Trafford, after he has impressed for Champions League finalists Inter Milan in the prior season.Man Utd pre-season tour squad in fullGoalkeepers: Tom Heaton, Demot Mee, Andre Onana, Radek Vitek.Defenders: Harry Amass, Rhys Bennett, Jonny Evans,Will Fish, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Sam Murray, Aaron Wan-Bissaka,Leny Yoro.Midfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Hannibal, Jack Fletcher, Sam Mather, Scott McTominay, Mason Mount, Maxi Oyedele, James Scanlon.Forwards: Antony, Amad, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Ethan Wheatley.Reported injured: Tyrell MalaciaLeft out: Joshua Zirkzee, Altay Bayindir, Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Pellistri and Luke Shaw. More

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      Arsenal leave 10 stars at home for pre-season US tour as they prepare for five clashes including Man Utd and Liverpool

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      ARSENAL have jetted off to their pre-season tour of the US without a host of first-team talents.The Gunners are taking on Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool across the pond.Arsenal pose at Stansted Airport ahead of their pre-season tourCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard gets ready to board the planeCredit: GettyGabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber look ready for the runwayCredit: GettyFabio Vieira does his best blue steelCredit: GettyThomas Partey will hope to avoid a repeat of his injury problemsCredit: GettyPlenty of youngsters will be given the chance to impress with 10 stars not in the initial group.Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz will join the squad on July 25 after being given an extra rest due to their Copa America and Euro 2024 runs.Kieran Tierney (hamstring) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) both miss out due to injury and will work on their rehab in London.England trio Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka are skipping the whole tour after making the Euros final.READ MORE ON ARSENALSpain keeper David Raya and William Saliba, who shone on France’s run to the semi-finals, will also link up with their team-mates when they return from the US.Skipper Martin Odegaard is involved, with Ben White, Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber joining him on the trip.White has already impressed fans who spotted the massive weights he was lifting in the gym.Euro 2024 stars Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko all made the journey.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEmile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson were pictured with the team before flying out.Karl Hein is the most senior goalkeeper. He is joined by new arrivals Tommy Setford and Lucas Nygaard, as well as youngster Alexei Rojas.Fans baffled as Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale joins Sky Sports’ commentary team for England’s CRICKET matchArsenal’s first game is against Bournemouth at LA Galaxy’s Dignity Health Sports Park in the early hours of Thursday morning UK time.They then take on United at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday.The clash with Liverpool is on August 1 in Philadelphia.On their return, the Gunners face Bayer Leverkusen on August 7 and Lyon four days later.Arsenal pre-season tour squad and notable absencesGoalkeepers: Karl Hein, Tommy Setford, Lucas Nygaard, Alexei Rojas.Defenders: Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, Josh Nichols, Jakub Kiwior, Ayden Heaven, Omar Rekik.Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Michal Rosiak, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Ethan Nwaneri, SalahEddine Oulad M’Hand, Jimi Gower.Forwards: Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, Charles Sagoe Jr, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah.Missing players: Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, David Raya, William Saliba, Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz.Wonderkid Tommy Setford joined Arsenal this summerCredit: GettyJorginho and Ben White head for the planeCredit: GettyEmile Smith Rowe shows off his sleeveCredit: GettyLucas Nygaad and Karl Hein are part of a young goalkeeper groupCredit: GettySunSport exclusively revealed that Arsenal have made a new bid for Wolves keeper Dan Bentley — and hope to clinch the deal.The Gunners are now talking about a move building up to £300,000 for the former Brentford and Bristol City stopper.READ MORE SUN STORIESWolves want £1million but the clubs are now closer to finding a compromise.There are expected to be several more incomings and outgoings for the Emirates club with Smith Rowe and Nketiah linked with exits.Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah were in high spiritsCredit: GettyArsenal will play three games across the pondCredit: GettyArsenal pre-season fixturesJuly 25 – Bournemouth (Los Angeles)July 28 – Man Utd (Los Angeles)August 1 – Liverpool (Philadelphia)August 7 – Bayer Leverkusen (Emirates Stadium)August 11 – Lyon (Emirates Stadium) More

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      Arsenal fans left speechless after spotting Ben White in the weight room in pre-season conditioning session

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      BEN WHITE looks like he has been busy this summer.The Arsenal defender did not travel to Germany for England’s Euro 2024 challenge.Ben White is getting in shape for the new seasonCredit: GettyFans were impressed with the weight he was liftingCredit: GettyWhite was also snapped hitting the punching bagCredit: GettyThe right-back hit the rowing machine hard tooCredit: GettyAnd judging by what he was lifting in the gym, he spent most of his summer break pumping iron.Fans were stunned to see White, 26, chest-pressing two 40kg dumbbells as the Gunners did some pre-season gym work.One commented on Arsenal’s Instagram post: “Throwing 80kg up, my guy.”Another added: “Ben White pressing 40kgs, my kinda guy.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third wrote: “Benny with the 40s.”For comparison, Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus had a pair of 22.5kg weights.Martin Odegaard was also looking ripped before joining Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri on the exercise bikes.White would almost certainly have made England’s squad on merit.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal fans were less impressed by Gabriel Jesus’ strength as he lifted 22.5kg weightsCredit: GettyFabio Vieira pumps some ironCredit: GettyThomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and Ethan Nwaneri hit the bikesCredit: GettyOdegaard is looking in fine shapeCredit: GettyJesus holds the bag for Karl HeinCredit: GettyBut he has not played for the Three Lions since leaving the Qatar World Cup for “personal reasons”.Speaking after picking his squad, Gareth Southgate said: “Clearly on form, I can’t sit here and say he doesn’t deserve to be here.Three Lions’ aces dance away Euros disappointment at wild Ibiza knees-upSunSport’s verdict on Arsenal starsMikel Arteta is looking to get Arsenal ready to beat Man City to the title after another near miss, but he may need to be brutal with his squad in order to do so. Here’s SunSport’s verdict on who should stay and who should go.David Raya – STAY: Initial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class keeper with all the attributes needed for Arteta’s way of playing.Aaron Ramsdale – GO: Unfortunate to be cast aside for Raya, but is now looking for a move to become a regular No.1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting in goal for England.Karl Hein – STAY: Unlikely to take Ramsdale’s spot as No.2 should the Englishman depart – but the club cannot afford to lose two keepers in one window.William Saliba – STAY: Saliba is of the best young defenders in the world right now, Arteta should be building his team around him. A vital part of the side’s spine that conceded just 29 Prem goals this term.Ben White – STAY: Another solid member of Arteta’s impressive back four. Has the flexibility to play on the right or as a central defender, but has made right-back his own this term.Gabriel – STAY: Was on the outskirts at the start of the campaign but forced his way back in and has forged an almighty partnership with Saliba in the middle of the defence. One of Arteta’s most important signings.Jurrien Timber – STAY: Yet to see the best of the Dutchman after an injury-hit season, but Arteta views him as a game-changing full-back.Jakub Kiwior – STAY: The Polish international has struggled to break up the duo of Saliba and Gabriel but has impressed when called upon, especially in a stint at left-back.Cedric – GO: Leaving the club with his contract expiring. Never really convinced Arteta he could be relied upon and spent most of the season warming the bench.Takehiro Tomiyasu – STAY: Another flexible and reliable figure that Arteta adores. Can play centre-back or right-back and is a real presence at set-pieces.Oleksandr Zinchenko – GO: With Timber in line to be Arteta’s first choice at left-back, it is hard to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season. A good signing at £35m but has shown himself to be limited defensively.Thomas Partey – GO: Injury prone and has looked leggy when finally back from his thigh issues that kept him out from October until March. Contract is up next summer.Martin Odegaard – STAY: Captain fantastic. A real leader amongst men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to lift the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.Emile Smith Rowe – STAY: Sidelined for most of the term and struggled to make an impact when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him. A decent squad option but you get the feeling he is running out of time to prove to the club he is a player worth sticking with.Jorginho – STAY: Arteta’s experienced general who, more often than not, has Arsenal playing better with him in the team.Fabio Vieira – GO: Perhaps harsh to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season but still looks out of place in English football. A loan move could help.Mohamed Elneny – GO: Another player departing with his contract expiring. The right call by both parties. A good servant from the Arsene Wenger days.Kai Havertz – STAY: Seems a bargain now at £65m from Chelsea following his barnstorming end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder, yet now leads the line as a first-choice No.9.Declan Rice – STAY: Arsenal’s most important and influential signing in years. Enough said.Bukayo Saka – STAY: An undroppable superstar for club and country right now. Will undoubtedly get even better in seasons to come.Gabriel Jesus – STAY: Fighting for a starting spot but right now but would be foolish to let him go given how much he can impact games and his winning mentality inside the group.Gabriel Martinelli – STAY: A dip in form this term but Arteta has huge faith in him. The added competition with Leandro Trossard will only make him better.Eddie Nketiah – GO: Career is at a crossroads right now and he needs to leave to turn that around. His six-figure wages could put Premier League suitors off.Leandro Trossard – STAY: Can bring his qualities as a starter or from the bench – a brilliant option to have when you are going for a title.Reiss Nelson – GO: Arteta has often spoken of Nelson’s potential and likes having him around the squad, but his impact has withered over the past 12 months.“[FA technical director] John McDermott had a call from [Arsenal sporting director] Edu last night saying Ben didn’t want to be considered for England squads.“It’s a great shame, he’s a player I really like, a player we took to the Euros, a player I took to the World Cup.“I spoke to him post-Qatar because I was keen to pick him, there was clearly reticence on his side. I don’t know fully why that is, but I have to respect that.“I want to leave the door open to him, he’s a good player, a player who can make a difference for England, but he’s not available to us.”Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Arsenal’s four Euro 2024 final stars set to miss pre-season tour of US but club have plan to get them up to speed

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      ARSENAL’S Euro 2024 finalists are unlikely to feature in the club’s U.S. pre-season tour.England trio Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale and Spain’s David Raya were all in Berlin for the European showpiece on July 14.Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice starred for England at the Euros this summerCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale and David Raya were also involved in the Euros finalCredit: PAThe Spaniards came out on top 2-1 against the Three Lions with Gunners duo Rice and Saka starting while keepers Ramsdale and Raya remained on the bench.Although not mandatory, Uefa guidelines suggest that players participating in an international tournament should have three weeks off before returning to club training.But SunSport understands that the Emirates foursome are not expected to be aboard the flight that sees Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal head across the pond next week.Rice, Saka, Ramsdale and Raya will likely not be involved as Arsenal face Bournemouth on July 25 and Manchester United on July 28 in LA and Liverpool in Philadelphia on August 1.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSInstead, they will aim to be involved in the club’s Emirates Cup fixtures against Bayer Leverkusen on August 7 and Lyon on August 11 before the Premier League campaign kicks off at home to Wolves on August 17.As a result, Arsenal No.3 Karl Hein – who has just signed a new deal – could play a starring role in the U.S. with a rare chance to shine.As is customary, all four players are believed to have been given individual programmes to ensure they return to North London primed and ready for a return to action.Defender William Saliba will also enjoy a staggered return having helped France reach the Euros semis before losing to eventual winners Spain.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRest and recovery could not come soon enough for Rice and Saka, who have barely missed a game for club and country during the 2023/24 campaign.Rice started all but one of Arsenal’s 38 Prem outings, starting a total of 48 games in all competitions, as well as playing every minute of England’s seven Euros clashes.Fans love what Arsenal legend was doing live on BBC during Gareth Southgate’s interview after Euro 2024 finalSaka started 35 Prem games last term, starting 46 games in all competitions and before featuring for 70 minutes or more in all but one of England’s games in Germany.After making 41 appearances in all competitions in his debut season at Arsenal, Raya played just once at the Euros – a dead rubber group stage victory over Albania with Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon first choice for La Roja.Meanwhile, wantaway Gunners No.2 Ramsdale was an unused Euros sub, and has made just one appearance since March 10 – a 1-0 friendly defeat to Iceland at Wembley on June 7.Arteta has no major injury concerns heading to the States, with Jurrien Timber fully recovered from his ACL rupture suffered on the Prem opener of last season. More

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      Arsenal officially release 2024-25 away kit with bold new colourway and reveal reason following furious fan backlash

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      ARSENAL have released a striking new away kit in collaboration with British African heritage brand Labrum London.The black shirt features a green adidas badge and red Gunners logo, with the same colours on the collar and shoulders. Declan Rice and Alessia Russo wear the new Arsenal away shirtsCredit: Instagram @arsenalThe design celebrates the club’s African supportersCredit: Instagram @arsenalArsenal will expect to challenge for trophies next seasonCredit: Instagram @arsenalA club statement said: “We’re celebrating our connection to our African supporters via inspiration from the continent’s design traditions.  “Featuring the traditional pan-African colours of black, red and green, this shirt is punctuated with a striking white zig-zag graphic designed by Labrum London founder Foday Dumbuya.”These colours and cultural cues bind together to create a mural of our past and present connection to the African diaspora in London and beyond – championing the rich cultural heritage within the team and across our supporter base.”Labrum London founder Foday Dumbuya added: “As a second-generation immigrant growing up in London, I watched some incredible Arsenal players with African heritage. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”These players were amazing role models to me, playing the game in a beautiful way, but also representing the wider community that I connect with. “Arsenal as a club has such a strong connection to this community, so it is an incredibly proud moment for me to have collaborated on this design with them.”When the shirt was leaked in April, some Gunners fans were not thrilled with the new look.One fan tweeted: “Replace addidas immediately.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second wrote: “That is f*****g awful man.”Another said: “So disappointed.”Fans love what Arsenal legend was doing live on BBC during Gareth Southgate’s interview after Euro 2024 finalA fourth added: “Big miss.”Arsenal narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last term.They will expect another challenge in the coming season.Fans wanting to buy the authentic away shirt can purchase one direct from the club for £110.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Brentford ready to slash Ivan Toney’s asking price by more than £30m with just two clubs left in transfer race

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      BRENTFORD are ready to slash their asking price for Ivan Toney to less than £50million due to a lack of interest.Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all made it clear to Brentford that they have no plans to bid for in the England striker.Brentford are prepared to lower their asking price for Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyThat leaves Tottenham and West Ham as his most likely suitors.Brentford had hoped to create an auction for Toney after he returned from an eight-month gambling ban in January and initially invited bids in excess of £80m.But there were no offers Toney during the winter transfer window and the club have been surprised at the lack interest this summer.Arsenal are not prioritising signing a striker this summer, Chelsea think Toney is too old and United have signed £36.5m Holland striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford’s position is complicated by the fact that they have been planning for Toney’s departure for over a year and have already signed his replacement.Brentford broke their transfer record to pay Club Brugge £31m for Brazilian striker Igor Thiago in February, and manager Thomas Frank will struggle to accomodate both players in his first-team plans.Toney is keen to leave Brentford this summer but has repeatedly spoken of his desire to join a “top club that wins trophies.”The 28-year-old could opt to see out the final year of his contract at Brentford in the hope of joining a big club on a free transfer next summer, although such a move may create tension with his employers.Most read in FootballBrentford stood by Toney during his FA ban placing over 200 bets on football, but their relationship is not straightforward.The former Newcastle and Peterborough striker initially denied placing any bets before changing his story and pleading guilty at an FA hearing, a U-turn which caused problems for the club.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashAny Tottenham bid for Toney would depend on them selling Brazilian international Richarlison.But they are also interested in Lille striker Jonathan David, who is available for £25m. West Ham have also inquired about Canada ace David. More