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      Arsenal ‘in advanced talks with Champions League sporting director as Gunners close in on Edu replacement’

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      ARSENAL’s hunt for a new sporting director may be resolved soon, according to reports.Last month, Edu resigned from his position with the Gunners to take up a new role at Nottingham Forest.Real Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe is in ‘advanced talks’ with ArsenalCredit: Ander GilleneaArsenal have been looking for a new sporting director after Edu left the clubCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was offered a bumper pay rise at the Emirates, but wanted a new challenge under Evangelos Marinakis in a multi-club role.Since then, the Gunners have turned their attention to find his replacement.And according to reports, it appears they have found their man.Foot Mercato claims that Mikel Arteta’s side are in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Real Sociedad’s director of football, Roberto Olabe.Read more Arsenal newsThe 57-year-old has been considered the architect of the La Liga team’s success in recent years.Olabe announced he would be leaving Real Sociedad at the end of the current campaign.During his tenure with the Spanish side, Real Sociedad won their first major trophy in three decades when they lifted the Copa del Rey in 2021.While their league form dramatically improved as they became regulars in the top six.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn 2023-2024, they returned to the Champions League following a 10-year absence.For the past five seasons, they have qualified for European competition.Bukayo Saka appears to laugh in West Ham supporters’ faces as Arsenal fans say ‘love the new villain arc’Real Sociedad have been lauded for their conveyor belt of talent.Their success stories include Alexander Isak, Martin Odegaard, David Silva, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino.Arsenal already have ties with Real Sociedad.Captain Odegaard and Merino now star for the Premier League side’s first team.And Nacho Monreal and Kieran Tierney swapped North London for San Sebastian in recent times.Further still, like Olabe, manager Mikel Arteta is from the Basque Country and starred for the club during his playing days. More

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      Man Utd hit with Bruno Fernandes injury fears as worrying picture emerges days before Arsenal clash

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has left Man Utd fans sweating on his fitness after limping off during Ruben Amorim’s 4-0 trouncing of Everton.And it comes at an awful time for United with a massive trip to the Emirates looming in just three days time.Man Utd fans are concerned about Bruno Fernandes’ injury status after he was spotted wearing an ice pack at Old Trafford on SundayFernandes provided two goals on Sunday before Amad Diallo did the sameFernandes provided two assists for double goal scorers Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee either side of half-time against the Toffees before he was subbed off in the 66th minute.The Portugal international was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho as United moved into the top-half of the table for the first time in months. But the only potential concern for United ahead of their trip to second-placed Arsenal on Wednesday was the sight of their best playermaker in discomfort.Fernandes was pictured with an ice-pack strapped to his ankle after being substituted.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe skipper was, however, able to join his team-mates on the pitch after the game to salute the home fans attending Amorim’s first Prem game at Old Trafford.It could, of course, be precautionary as United had scored all FOUR goals by the time he and Casemiro came off.But United fans are concerned about his availability before they travel to North London in three days time.One posted: “Bruno Fernandes off injured. Arsenal have never seen luck like this.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother said: “So if Bruno gets injured what happens?”A third replied: “Just when Fernandes starts to find some form. I hope he makes the Arsenal game 🙏.”Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decisionBut others were more optimistic.One wrote: “Bruno never misses a game. He’ll be there midweek 💪.”While a second quizzed: “Surely he’d be in the medical room if it was that bad?”The returning Kobbie Mainoo has been suspended for United’s trip to Arsenal after picking up his fifth yellow of the season. The England star went into the ref’s book in the 49th minute when he hauled down Dwight McNeil just outside the United 18-yard box.It marked Mainoo’s first start under Amorim having been an unused substitute against Ipswich Town and Bodo/Glimt.Kobbie Mainoo will miss United’s mid-week trip to ArsenalLikewise, Lisandro Martinez will miss the game against Mikel Arteta’s back in-form men for the same reason.Martinez received a caution two minutes later when he pulled back Toffees striker Beto, who looked to get on the end of a through-ball.Meanwhile, United fans fans labelled co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe a “c***” as they protested the rise in ticket prices.READ MORE SUN STORIESRed Devils chiefs have hiked Old Trafford tickets to a staggering £66 per game.They have also abolished concessions for children and pensioners as fans outside Anfield had their own protests ahead of Man City’s visit on Sunday.United fans staged a protest against the rise in ticket price More

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      Man Utd’s Chido Obi-Martin breaks goal record months after joining as fans say ‘we stole Arsenal’s biggest ever talent’

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      CHIDO OBI-MARTIN made history as Manchester United Under 18s continued their perfect start to the season.The 17-year-old was signed from Arsenal’s academy to much fanfare given his record-breaking exploits with the Gunners of 32 goals in just 20 appearances in the competition.Chido Obi-Martin became the highest goalscorer in Premier League U18 historyCredit: GettySince officially switching North London for Manchester in September, those record-breaking exploits have continued.The teenage striker’s first professional contract with the club started on Friday.And he celebrated it by becoming the record goalscorer in Premier League Under 18s history.Obi-Martin opened the scoring in the Red Devils 3-0 win over Stoke on Saturday in the 71st minute.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe latched on to a long ball before being hauled down in the penalty area before going on to score the subsequent penalty.The goal put him on five goals in as many games for United, while it also took his tally in the competition up to 37 overall.That saw the Dane move ahead of Coventry star Ellis Simms’ tally of 36 scored for Everton.Following the game, Obi-Martin shared a post of his trademark celebration with his fingers in his ears.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe captioned his post: “Nice team win, happy to become the record goalscorer in the Premier League U18’s history.”Reacting on social media, one fan said: “We stole Arsenal’s biggest ever talent.”New Man Utd signing arrives at Old Trafford for first time since transfer… only to see horror show against TottenhamA second said: “We really snatched him from that small club.”A third said: “Breaking records already… wow.”He scored just 11 seconds in his Man Utd debut before bagging a 14 minute hat-trick.United went on to win the game 3-0, with James Scanlon and Dante Plunkett netting to seal the tenth win of the season for Mark Lawrence’s team. More

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      Premier League star became a viral sensation at 12 at Arsenal then was signed by Charlton after playing in a car park

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      OMARI HUTCHINSON was an internet sensation at the age of 12 — but only now is he on the stage he really craved.Hutchinson, 21, has been on a high since scoring his first Premier League goal as Ipswich drew 1-1 with Manchester United last week.More than 4million viewers saw Omari Hutchinson’s special skillsCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelFootball fans went head over heels for his exhibition stuffCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelHutchinson’s career took many twists on the way to facing Man UtdCredit: RexNow Nottingham Forest are in his sights as the Tractor Boys battle to prove they are good enough to mix it with game’s established stars.And that is a feeling Hutchinson knows only too well despite having his super skills praised by Pele when he was a schoolboy.Chelsea released Hutchinson twice and gave him just two first-team outings before Ipswich paid a club-record £22.5million fee for the youngster in the summer.Inbetween was a spell at Arsenal that made him famous — but not on the pitch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThen there were the unsuccessful trials at Tottenham and Brentford.Plus a couple of seasons at Charlton, who only signed the Londoner because they saw him playing in their car park.It has not been a conventional route to the top by any means for Hutchinson, even though his talent was always there to see.A collaboration with the F2 Freestylers when he was 12 saw more than four million viewers log on to watch his skills.Most read in FootballAdvice from Arsenal and Chelsea aces kept Hutchinson on the upCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “It had its pros and cons.“I got quite popular at a young age but at the time I wasn’t really playing much football.Arsenal player ratings vs Sporting“I wasn’t really a starter at Arsenal at that time and you want to be playing every minute of every game at a young age.“I would play football with my dad after a game and do extras.”One constant, however, was the refusal to give up on his dream.Hutchinson added: “One hundred per cent. As a young player you need that self-confidence and self-belief that you are going to make it and be one of the best in the league — or the world. That’s what I have been doing.“I have been at two of the best clubs in the world and trained with the first team in both of them.“I have seen what it takes to get to that stage and a lot of senior players have spoken to me saying, ‘You’re a very talented player, make sure you focus on this and that and you will make it’.“They also told me not to get distracted and I have taken it on board. I have gone a different route and shown myself from there.”Hutchinson is far too young to remember Pele, the world’s greatest player in the 1960s, but the Brazil legend still had a part to play on his journey. The three-time World Cup winner — who died in December 2022 — witnessed Hutchinson’s skills on a visit to London and let the youngster know he was impressed.Hutchinson said: “It was at a Brentford tournament when I was with the Under-12s at Arsenal.“He was there, he came towards the end, and we did some freestyling skills.“All the teams gathered round in a circle and a player from each team had to show some skills — I got forced to go up!“He saw it and he liked it. When we took a picture of him he told me to come up and rest on his knee.I saw that the Lottery is easier to win than becoming a professional footballer in the Premier League.Omari Hutchinson“I was doing kick-ups-round-the-world and putting the ball on my neck.“When I was young my grandma always used to say, ‘You’re going to be like Pele when you’re older’. She gave me a lot of books and cards and stuff like that.”It was no surprise that Hutchinson joined Ipswich on their return to the top tier after 22 years away, although there were other offers.The attacking midfielder, who can play wide or No 10, had helped them to promotion when on loan from Chelsea last season.And Tractor Boys manager Kieran McKenna promised Hutchinson the chance of the regular football he craved.He said: “I spoke to Kieran in the summer and it was a no-brainer to come here.“I knew I was going to play in the Premier League, which is a rare occasion.“I saw that the Lottery is easier to win than becoming a professional footballer in the Premier League.”Hutchinson still has one big decision to make however — to choose England, where he is in the Under-21s, or go back to Jamaica, for whom he has played a couple of friendlies and qualifies through his dad.READ MORE SUN STORIESNo Town player has represented the Three Lions at senior level since Richard Wright in 2001 — and only 12 have in total.That might change soon but Hutchinson insisted: “I have very high ambition but I’m not focused on that right now.”Hutchinson has gone on to play for England U-21s and JamaicaCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills ChannelNine years on from this, he’s up to his young tricks again – but in the PremCredit: YOUTUBE/ F2Freestylers – Ultimate Soccer Skills Channel More

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      Arsenal ‘identify Serie A star as new striker priority’ with Gunners set to be beaten to Isak and Gyokeres transfers

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      ARSENAL are interested in signing Atalanta star Mateo Retegui, according to reports.The Gunners are keen to bolster their striker options in January.Mateo Retegui has been in red-hot form for AtalantaCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak has impressed Barcelona with his displaysCredit: AlamyViktor Gyokeres has gathered plenty of admirersCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side have shown interest in Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.But SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this week that both forwards are likely to move elsewhere.Newcastle star Isak has emerged as Barcelona’s top summer target.While Gyokeres reportedly wants to reunite with former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLosing out on Isak and Gyokeres could see the Gunners turn their attention towards Retegui.Italian outlet Calciomercato claim that Arsenal scouts were present as Retegui’s Atalanta took on Young Boys in the Champions League this week.The 25-year-old will have done his reputation no harm, having scored twice in the 6-1 rout.Retegui signed for Atalanta from Genoa in a August in a deal worth around £23million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Italy international has had a blistering start to life in Bergamo, scoring 12 goals in his opening 13 Serie A appearances for his new club.If Arsenal are to secure Retegui’s signature, they may have to beat off interest from Paris Saint-Germain.Ben White ruled out for months in mega blow to Arsenal title hopes, confirms Mikel Arteta Kai Havertz has primarily been deployed down the middle of Arsenal’s attack this season.Leandro Trossard has also played the role, although Gabriel Jesus is yet to score in the Premier League or Champions League this term.The Gunners spread the goals out as they trounced Sporting 5-1 on Tuesday night.Gabriel Martinelli, Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Trossard scored as Arsenal thrashed Gyokeres and Co.After the game, boss Arteta said: “I’m very happy. It’s a big result against a big opponent. We wanted to make that statement.”When you play in this competition against these teams you have to enjoy it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What I loved about this team is the way that they flowed. They played with purpose.”If you want to be challenging for big trophies you have to be consistent.”Mikel Arteta was pleased with his team’s efforts against SportingCredit: Getty More

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      Moment Arsenal star Gabriel mercilessly mocks Viktor Gyokeres with cheeky celebration… before Sporting star snaps back

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      GABRIEL MAGALHAES brutally mocked Viktor Gyokeres after scoring during Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition of Sporting Lisbon.The Gunners ran riot in the first half with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz before Gabriel, 26, scored a third in injury time to put them 3-0 up.Arsenal star Gabriel mimicked Viktor Gyokeres’ celebration after scoring against Sporting LisbonCredit: AFPGyokeres celebrates by interlocking his fingers over his nose and mouthCredit: AlamyFollowing his goal he then performed the celebration of Gyokeres, 26, by interlocking his fingers in front of his face.Gabriel’s version of it covered his eyes as opposed to his nose and mouth like what Gyokeres’ version does.Sporting, now coached by Joao Pereira following Ruben Amorim’s departure to Manchester United, pulled one back after the break through Goncalo Inacio.However, a penalty from Bukayo Saka and late goal from Leandro Trossard sealed the deal for Mikel Arteta’s side. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt also marked the first time they had scored five goals away from home in the Champions League for 16 years.However, Gyokeres hit back at Gabriel following the celebration.He told Viaplay: “[Gabriel is] Welcome to steal it if he can’t create his own celebration!”I didn’t know he did that, but it’s fun he likes my celebration.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe celebration appears to be inspired by iconic Batman film The Dark Knight Rises villain Bane, who wears a mask in a similar fashion.However, the former Coventry star told a Swedish newspaper: “There were lots of guesses…Inside Viktor Gyokeres’ glamorous life, from dating fellow footballer and actress to luxury holidays around world”There was Hannibal Lecter and Batman and everything possible, but nobody got it right.“No-one came close. Yes, it’s a secret. I can clarify that, but not today.”Gabriel has previously referenced rivals celebrations after a win himself, famously mimicking Ivan Toney’s, “Nice kick about with the boys” tweet in 2022.However, Arsenal icon Freddie Ljungberg slammed Gabriel for the “disrespectful” move.The Invincibles icon told Viaplay: “I’m not a fan of it.”Of course, he must have had a lot of talk about playing against Gyokeres and whether he would be able to do it. “Then his point in showing that he can handle it is quite simple.”But I think it’s a bit disrespectful. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I don’t think it’s necessary. “I think someone else has that target gesture, leave it alone. I don’t like to see it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThere is a chance Gabriel could face off with Gyokeres in the Premier League in the future.SunSport exclusively revealed how both Man Utd and Manchester City are scrapping it out for the Swede in a £65million deal.Arsenal ratings vs SportingDavid Raya – 6Did not have much to do besides a save from Morten Hjulmund. Good distribution and catches from crosses.Jurrien Timber – 8A great low cross into the box for Arsenal’s opener. Very solid at right-back all game.William Saliba – 7Dealt with Viktor Gyokeres well. Did not get drawn into fouling him and held his ground before timing the tackle well.Gabriel – 8Scored his trademark back-post crashing goal from a corner. A great leap and powerful header once again. Riccardo Calafiori – 5Lost his man and ended up on the deck as Goncalo Inacio headed in from a corner. Thomas Partey – 8A sensational ball over the top of the Sporting defence to put Saka through on goal for the second.Declan Rice – 6His first game back from injury. Was perhaps the reason why his display was not as good as usual and was taken off early. Martin Odegaard – 9Pulls the strings for the Gunners and has the ability to pick passes that carve open defences from the edge of the box, particularly combining well with Saka.Such a huge difference between performances with and without him in the team. Absolutely incredible.Bukayo Saka – 8Simply brilliant. A constant threat down the right as always, twisting and turning defenders inside out. His penalty was exceptional and came at a time when Arsenal were a little up against it.Kai Havertz – 8Was in the right place at the right time for the goal. Intelligent runs and movement from him as he often dropped deep to receive the ball. Gabriel Martinelli – 7Was incredibly lively in the opening period, working hard defensively and causing Sporting a problem with his directness. Good movement for the goal.But Martinelli faded and did very little after that. More

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      Arsenal transfer blow as Barcelona make Isak top transfer target with Gyokeres set to snub Nou Camp for Man Utd move

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      BARCELONA have made Alexander Isak their number one summer target, SunSport can reveal.The Spanish giants will make a mega-money offer for the Newcastle striker at the end of the season.Barcelona have identified Alexander Isak as a top transfer targetCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres has his sights set on a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyIt comes days after Eddie Howe said Sweden star Isak could go on to be one of the world’s best forwards.Directors at the Nou Camp have switched their focus to Isak after learning they will struggle to secure the services of his international team-mate Viktor Gyokeres – another player they covet.SunSport understands Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres has his heart set on a move to the Premier League and a reunion with ex-boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.But Isak is viewed as a plan B by Barcelona who think he can help lead them to success in Spain and in Europe.Read More in FootballArsenal have also been heavily linked with a move for Isak, who is yet to agree terms for a new deal with Newcastle.He is said to be one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets for 2026.Last week, speaking in the build up to their game with West Ham, Newcastle manager Howe said: “He’s building momentum into his season and has scored some big goals of late for us. His general performances I think have continued to improve.“He’s gone away to Sweden and played very well, I’m delighted with how he has looked on international duty as well, to continue that good form.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I think being a striker, having not been one myself, but just from my experience it’s all about confidence and how you feel.“Alex has got undoubted qualities. I would put him right up there in terms of world strikers that are currently playing.”Rúben Amorim talks about the future of Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting Asked if he could be the best in the world, Howe added: “I feel that his potential is great.“I think he can really, if he can continue on the path he has been the last few seasons, continue to go and prove himself as one of the world’s best.”That would be, without putting pressure on him, my target if I was him. More

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      ‘I’ll never forget that image’ – Theo Walcott reveals how bizarre Arsene Wenger moment convinced him to join Arsenal

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      THEO WALCOTT has revealed how Arsene Wenger convinced him to join Arsenal.Walcott joined the Gunners from Southampton in 2006, before making his debut for them as a 17-year-old.Theo Walcott has revealed how Arsene Wenger convinced him to join ArsenalCredit: PA:Press AssociationWalcott revealed one ‘unusual’ thing he will never forget about Arsene WengerCredit: AFPThe 35-year-old lifted the lid on the deal that took him to North London amid interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and a late offer from Manchester United.Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, he said: “There was [options for me]. Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd came in with a very late bid which I wasn’t aware of at the time.”[But] To be honest my mind was already made up as soon as Arsene Wenger got involved. “I remember going back to his place with David Dein.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”His sofa was a little bit lower than this and his legs were higher than his actual face itself being how tall he was.”(Laughing) I’ll never forget that image it was very unusual.”And Thierry Henry of course was a player that I was really inspired to learn from.”As soon as I had Arsenal involved I just want to go there and play with him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It was my dream to play with someone like ‘that’ and if you ask any kid if they want the opportunity to play with their star they’re going to do it.”And it was an easy option.” Fans can’t believe Theo Walcott’s ‘shocking’ blind ranking of top 10 Champions League stars and ask ‘is this a prank?’Walcott had the chance to play with Henry for one season before he departed for Barcelona.However, having become one of the main figures at the Emirates, Walcott was still at the club when Henry made his return in 2012.He was substituted off the field moments before Henry’s famous late winner against Sunderland.Walcott scored 108 goals in 397 games for the Gunners overall.He eventually left the club in 2018 to join Everton.After 85 appearances with the Toffees Walcott returned to Southampton, initially on loan in 2020.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe switch was made permanent the following summer, with Walcott starring for the Saints for another two seasons before announcing his retirement.He also earned 47 caps for the England national team, scoring eight goals.Walcott said playing with idol Thierry Henry was a major factor in his decision to join ArsenalCredit: EPATheo Walcott career statsArsenal (2006-2018): 397 appearances, 108 goals, 73 assistsHonours: FA Cup x3, Community Shield x2Southampton (2005-2006 + 2020-21 on loan + 2021-2023): 82 appearances, 10 goals, five assistsEverton (2018-2021): 85 appearances, 11 goals, nine assists More