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      Meet Tottenham wonderkid Will Lankshear, 19, who has been compared with Harry Kane and released by bitter rivals Arsenal

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      JAMES MADDISON summed up just how much excitement there is at Tottenham over the club’s clutch of teenage talents right now.The England midfielder told assistant boss Matt Wells he “could not believe” how good they were earlier this summer.Will Lankshear scored for Tottenham against Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy in AugustCredit: RexLankshear was Premier League 2 player of the season last termCredit: RexLankshear chilling out on a night offCredit: https://www.instagram.com/will.lankshear/Striker Will Lankshear leads that group – which also includes 17-year-old wonderkid Mikey Moore.The centre-forward, 19, won the Premier League 2 player of the year last season and has impressed Ange Postecoglou so much in pre-season, there is a chance he could be in the first-team picture this term.HOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?AN exciting, young English striker released by Arsenal and picked up by Tottenham – where have we heard that one before?Comparisons between Harry Kane and current Spurs starlet Lankshear are not hard to draw, and not just because of their similar path across North London at academy level.Read more football newsLankshear, 19, has echoes of Kane in his physique, his willingness to improve and his predatory instincts inside the penalty box.He has even celebrated scoring goals in a similar manner to the England captain, with that little jump and fist pump, although their all-round playing style differs.It goes without saying that no one in N17 is expecting Lankshear to emulate Kane’s historic feats – that would be ridiculous and unfair pressure to put on any young player.TELL US ABOUT HIS RISELankshear began his footballing journey in the Arsenal academy along with older brother Alex Lankshear, 21 and now of Blackpool.Most read in FootballYet the Gunners made the questionable decision to let Will go in the summer of 2021 – perhaps because of a change in academy manager at the time, with Per Mertesacker arriving – just as they did all those years ago with a nine-year-old Kane.Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England starLankshear quickly shook off the disappointment and moved north to join Sheffield United.The Blades scouts had been tipped off that Arsenal were not going to offer a deal and invited Lankshear in on a trial, where he impressed with his attitude and work-rate.They agreed a scholarship contract in February 2021, with Lankshear valuing how the Yorkshire side had a track record of successfully moulding other physical centre-forwards such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin.Lankshear struck up a strong relationship with academy boss and former EFL striker Jack Lester, who regularly coached the forwards, including Daniel Jebbison and William Osula, now of Premier League pair Bournemouth and Newcastle respectively.Lankshear, 19, has echoes of Kane in his physique, his willingness to improve and his predatory instincts inside the penalty box.It was not long until he was training up with Paul Heckingbottom’s first team and it was in the Steel City where he honed his physical prowess, speed and agility.Lankshear hit a hat-trick on his Blades’ Under-18s debut in a 4-1 win over Coventry and ended up with more than 30 goals at that level.But when United encountered financial problems in the summer of 2022, they saw selling Lankshear as a chance to earn a quick return on a player that had cost them nothing.Tottenham got him in a deal that could rise to £2.5million if all clauses are met was the first time Spurs had spent big on a teenager from the EFL since prising Dele Alli from MK Dons in 2015.Lankshear was attracted to the world-class facilities at Spurs’ training ground and loved the idea of learning from record-scorer Kane, with whom he spent a season before the England captain’s move to Bayern Munich last August.Lankshear impressed for Tottenham in pre-seasonCredit: ReutersYet his first six months in N17 were spent on the sidelines after an operation on his knee.It meant that going into last season, all Lankshear was hoping for was an injury-free campaign – but he got so much more: ending up the Premier League 2 player of the season after his 21 goals and two assists in 22 games helped Spurs to the title.Tellingly about his character, Lankshear showed his team-mates with praise when interviewed in May about his gong.The youngster told Spurs’ website: “I’m proud of the goals I’ve scored but it’s all come from the team.“The quality we’ve got in this team has definitely helped me and definitely I wouldn’t have got my top goalscorer without my team-mates.”Lankshear could get more first-team opportunities this season given that there will be more fixtures – and scored in the EFL Trophy against Bristol Rovers last month.He damaged his hamstring in that match but is expected to be fit by the end of the international break.WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?Paul Heckingbottom coached Lankshear at Sheffield United.The 47-year-old told SunSport: “He was hungry. He was just what we were all about.“Jack Lester quickly picked up on his movement in and around the box and thinking like a goalscorer which I think is his biggest attribute.The way that Ange plays, having a No9 occupying centre-backs and trying to play on the shoulder and being good in the box is a big, big thing… Will can do thatPaul Heckingbottom“When we were coaching him and putting on a session for the centre-backs, him and his movement could destroy a session. His instincts constantly caused problems as a coach and as a defender.“The way that Ange plays, having a No9 occupying centre-backs and trying to play on the shoulder and being good in the box is a big, big thing. Will can do that.“He makes good runs off the shoulder and he’s all about being alert and alive in the box and finishing chances.“I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes out on loan and see him scoring goals in the EFL.”Can you name the famous fathers?WHAT DOES THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD?Dane Scarlett and Alejo Veliz were ahead in the pecking when the players returned in July but Lankshear’s energy and cameo displays off the bench saw him supersede those two, who have since been loaned respectively to Oxford and Espanyol.Lankshear, who netted six goals in pre-season, could have been farmed out too, with Birmingham boss Chris Davies – Postecoglou’s No2 last season – keen to borrow him..But with Richarlison’s continuous injury problems – and the recent setback to £65million new-boy Dominic Solanke – Spurs have decided to keep him close for the first half of the season at least. Like whizkid team-mate Moore, Lankshear will be hoping for cameos here and there when back fit. His best chance of minutes will come in the cups and in the Europa League.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 19-year-old’s ability to find space in the box and finish, which he showed in pre-season goals against Hearts and Team K League, seems a good fit for Postecoglou’s attacking approach which carves out plenty of close-range opportunities for the central striker.He would likely have the support of his team-mates too, with Lankshear understood to have felt like he’s been accepted by the senior pros in the dressing room. More

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      Osimhen ‘brokered Galatasaray transfer himself and inserted unique clause to leave if one of TEN clubs come calling’

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      VICTOR OSIMHEN organised his own Galatasaray loan move without the help of his agent after the Deadline Day fiasco with Chelsea.But a bizarre clause has reportedly been inserted into the Nigerian international’s season-long Turkish transfer- which could see him leave in January.Victor Osimhen included a unique clause in his self-manufactured loan move to GalatasarayThe striker was exiled out of Napoli’s squad after a failed Chelsea move this summerCredit: GettyThe 25-year-old touched down in Istanbul to flare-wielding fans during the early hours of Tuesday morning ahead of his medical.The wantaway striker was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea throughout the summer, but the Blues could not get the deal done.Osimhen will sign a one-year deal with Galatasaray, but reports have now claimed there is a unique clause in his loan contract.According to Turkish outlet A Spor, Osimhen has asked for a break clause in his deal which applies to a total of 10 specific clubs. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIf any of the unnamed teams submit an offer in January, he will therefore have permission to leave.But Turkish reporter Kagan Dursun claimed Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are all included on his desired list.Football Italia further speculated that Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also on the list.Osimhen has also asked for his Napoli release clause be reduced from £109million to £63million, as he seeks a permanent exit.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis loan move came after he was excluded from Antonio Conte’s squad list for the 2024-25 campaign.Napoli completed the signing of Romelu Lukaku for £38m from Chelsea earlier in the week.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyThe Belgium forward scored on his Napoli debut to help his side come from behind to beat newly promoted Parma.Osimhen scored 26 league goals in 2022-23 as Napoli claimed their first title in 33 years.And he managed 15 last term, but it proved to be a disastrous campaign for the club.They finished down in 10th place, missing out on Europe altogether.Meanwhile, the tension between Osimhen and his agent Roberto Calenda has reached breaking point following a turbulent summer window.It led to the striker handling his own loan-deal move to Turkey this weekend.Chelsea are a circus – it will be TERRIBLE for football if they win anything, says Troy DeeneyCHELSEA are a circus — aren’t they?, writes Troy Deeney.But the bigger concern should be if somehow, some way, Todd Boehly’s insane master-plan brings about success this season.Finish in the top four. Win a trophy like the FA Cup.He will then turn around and say: “See, it works” and all of a sudden, other clubs will begin considering copying this mad model to try and compete in the Premier League.Before you know it, there will be a bigger divide between the top clubs and the rest and this country’s top flight will become something we have been fighting against — a Super League.The smaller sides and promoted teams will be wiped out by the elite and will end up saying, ‘What’s the point?’Football as we know it will change, and there will be no going back.As a neutral, you don’t want to wish failure on a club or a regime, but it’s depressing to think about.We should almost be looking at it in amazement — the owners have come in with this model and they’ve treated it as if they are buying stocks and shares, not players or human beings.Boehly has wiped away any sense of sentiment or old-school values from that club and the worrying thing is that he doesn’t seem to care.Does he even like football?Read Troy Deeney’s hard-hitting opinion on Boehly’s Chelsea shambles in full.Or check out all of Troy’s columns on SunSport. More

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      Leah Williamson backs Arsenal to handle Women’s Champions League qualifier pressure in clash with Rangers

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON insists Arsenal aim to avoid the hurt of a Champions League qualifier exit when they face Rangers. The Gunners host Scotland’s top-flight leaders tomorrow evening with a place in the first round qualifying final at stake.Leah Williamson and Arsenal are targeting a win against Rangers in their Women’s Champions League first round qualifier duelCredit: GettyRangers are top of the Scottish Women’s Premier League after five wins from their first five games this termCredit: RexThe 7:30pm Meadow Park clash comes almost a year after Williamson’s side were knocked out on penalties last term in the contest’s qualifier stage by French side Paris FC.And the Arsenal centre-back, 27, who was then working her way to back fitness from a ruptured knee ligament, insists her team are eager to get the job done this time around.  Williamson said: “Last year was a hurtful situation. We were left to regret that for the rest of the year.”Everyone knows what it feels like to lose, no one wants to feel like that again.Read More Football Stories “But with this team, one of the benefits, or one of the strengths of the team, is the intensity that we’ve played at.”And when pressure arrives, that sort of tension can be taken out on the way that we play.”The last time Williamson featured in a Champions League fixture for her club was in March 2023.Back then she helped the Gunners overturn a 1-0 quarter-final first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballThey sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory in a second-leg clash at the Emirates.And it was Williamson’s backheeled assist that teed up Frida Maanum’s stunning top corner strike which put the game to bed.The defender, who made her senior Arsenal debut in a Champions League last eight duel with Birmingham ten years ago added: “That night of football was incredible.”It was the first time I think I really felt the real magic of the Champions League with overturning a 1-0 deficit.”There were so many elements. Frida’s goal was incredible.”And it was the first time on a night like that, with that many people coming out to watch us, when there was rain and it was cold. “But that is actually my core memory when I think about playing in the Champions League. That’s the last game I played in it.”Tomorrow night, regardless of it being a qualifier and not quarter-final, that does not matter to me. “It’s Champions League and I’m very excited to get back involved. “And the opportunity of playing in those knockout games is special because it offers you those special moments if you are on the right side of them.”Arsenal will be without the services of forward Beth Mead and defender Steph Catley with the duo both ruled out due to injury. However the team will have Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar in their squad along with new forwards Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji. The Wednesday evening game will pit Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners against a Rangers side with five wins from five games in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.The team are coached by former Arsenal midfielder Jo Potter who also guided her players to a Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup win in March via a 4-1 defeat of Partick Thistle.Eidevall, 41, adds: “They were very, very close to knocking out Benfica who we know are a good European team.“We know the qualification stages is not easy. We need to bring our very best from the first second in the game to the very last, so it’s no underestimating opponents from us.”The victors of tomorrow’s game will face Atletico Madrid or Rosenborg BK in Saturday’s first round qualifier final.And while boss Eidevall sees the push for a WSL title as his team’s “bread and butter”, reaching the Champions League group stage is a priority.He adds: “If you look at football as a global phenomenon, Champions League is what makes European football so special.”It’s what makes the whole world want to come to Europe and compete. “Of course, if I look it (the game) the league (in England) is our bread and butter.”That has to be our foundation. That has to be our main target – to win the (Women’s Super) League.Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall is eager to see his side reach the Champions League group stageCredit: Getty”But Europe always has to be the vision and it’s going to bring the toughest challenges, it’s going to be knockout football and down to moments.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And it’s the jeopardy of that as well that makes football so exciting.”As a club, I very much see us as a European club then you need to be a part of the competition and be present in the group stages.” More

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      Arsenal full squad wages revealed for 2024-25 season with Raheem Sterling taking top spot but surprise key man very low

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      ARSENAL’S wages for the 2024-25 season have been revealed – with Raheem Sterling the top earner.The Gunners will be desperate to go one better in the Premier League this year after falling short of Manchester City by just two points last season.Raheem Sterling is the highest-paid player at Arsenal this seasonCredit: GettyThe loanee from Chelsea earns £325,000 per weekCredit: GettyMikel Arteta strengthened his squad with a series of new additions in the summer transfer window. David Raya made his loan switch from Brentford permanent while Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino joined for a combined £70million. Goalkeeper Neto came in as the back-up for Raya with Aaron Ramsdale heading to Southampton.But it was the deadline-day loan signing of Sterling from Chelsea that sparked shockwaves in the Premier League.READ MORE ON ARSENALSterling, 29, was booted out of first-team training by new Blues boss Enzo Maresca.But Arteta stepped in to offer the winger an escape route, reuniting with the player he worked with at Manchester City.Sterling’s Chelsea contract sees him earn a whopping £325,000 per week.And his arrival at the Emirates meant he secured top spot among the player salaries.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesHowever, Arsenal are understood to be paying no more than 50 per cent – £162,500 – of Sterling’s wages, with Chelsea covering the rest. Sterling overtook Kai Havertz as the No1 earner with the German on £280,000.How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch outGabriel Jesus (£265,000), Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard (both £240,000) complete the top five with Thomas Partey on £200,000.Bukayo Saka earns £195,000 per week, pipping the likes of William Saliba (£190,000), Gabriel Martinelli (£180,000) and Ben White (£150,000).New defender Calafiori’s deal pockets the Italian £120,000 a week while fellow summer arrival Merino is understood to be on around £90,000, the same as Leandro Trossard and Jurrien Timber.Surprisingly, Raya is one of the lowest-paid players on £85,000.That figure is only ahead of Jakud Kiwior (£58,000) and Neto (£50,000).Academy graduates Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah both exited the club in big-money moves.READ MORE SUN STORIESMarquinhos, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, Karl Hein, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson all left on loan – the latter joining Smith Rowe at Fulham alongside ex-Gunners men Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno.Arsenal’s stars are still some way off the Prem’s top earners, with £400,00-a-week Kevin De Bruyne leading the way, ahead of Manchester City team-mate Erling Haaland on £375,000 a week.Kai Havertz’s wages are £280,000 per week at the EmiratesCredit: GettyGabriel Jesus’ contract is worth £265,000 per weekCredit: GettyDeclan Rice and Martin Odegaard are on £240,000 per week, with Thomas Partey on £200,000Credit: GettyBukayo Saka currently pockets £195,000 per weekCredit: GettyArsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian, 36, set to return to football after being left unemployed following Fulham exit

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      WILLIAN has joined Olympiacos as a free agent shortly after his exit from Fulham.The ex-Chelsea and Arsenal ace stood out for the Cottagers last season with five goals and two assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.Willian is joining Olympiacos as a free agent after leaving FulhamCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea and Arsenal ace Willian passed his medical at OlympiacosCredit: GettyThe West Londoners’ manager Marco Silva wanted the winger to stay at Craven Cottage and the club offered him a new one-year contract after his previous deal expired in June.The ex-Brazil international, though, decided to move on and will continue with last season’s Europa Conference League winners who will be playing in the Europa League this season.The 36-year-old agreed a deal with Olympiacos and flew to Athens where he passed his medical in Piraeus and put pen to paper.The summer transfer window in Greece runs until September 11 and Jose Luis Mendilibar’s side is eager to add more attacking reinforcement.Read More on FootballOlympiacos missed out on signing Wolves ace Daniel Podence on a permanent deal after his successful loan stint last season.Podence is moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Shabab after Gary O’Neil’s side landed Carlos Forbs on loan from Ajax.Mendilibar’s side has also been linked with another former Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech, who is looking to leave Galatasaray.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWillian moved to the Premier League in 2013 when he joined Chelsea from Anzhi Makhachkala.Most read in FootballThe Brazilian went on to enjoy a glittering seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge where he won two Premier League titles, the 2015 EFL Cup, the 2018 FA Cup and the 2019 Europa League trophy.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ clubThe ex-Shakhtar Donetsk star registered a total of 63 goals and 57 assists in 339 appearances with the Blues.Willian then moved to Arsenal but struggled to replicate the same success in north London with only one goal and seven assists in 37 matches before his departure just a year later in 2021.The Gunners’ sporting director Edu Gaspar claimed the forward failed to be a success at the Emirates because he wasn’t “100 per cent comfortable” during a season in which he started well but became “inconsistent”, just like the rest of the team.After a brief spell at Corinthians, Willian returned to London for Fulham where he scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in 67 appearances.Fulham offered Willian a new contract and manager Marco Silva wanted him to stayEvery Chelsea signing under Todd BoehlyHere is a list of all Chelsea’s signings under Todd Boehly…Raheem Sterling – £50mKalidou Koulibaly £33mGabriel Slonina – £8mCarney Chukweumeka – £20mMarc Cucurella – £57.5mCesare Casadei – £13.3mWesley Fofana – £70mPierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £10.3mDenis Zakaria – £2.7m (Loan fee)David Datro Fofana – £10.6mBenoit Badiashile – £33.7mAndrey Santos – £11.1mJoao Felix – £9.7m (Loan fee)Mykhailo Mudryk – £62m Noni Madueke – £30mMalo Gusto – £26.75mEnzo Fernandez – £107.8mChristopher Nkunku – £52mDiego Moreira – FREENicolas Jackson – £31.5mAngelo Gabriel – £13mLesley Ugochukwu – £23.3mAxel Disasi – £38.9mRobert Sanchez – £20mMoises Caicedo – £100mRomeo Lavia – £53.2mDeivid Washington – £13.7mCole Palmer – £40.1mDjordje Petrovic – £13.6mTosin Adarabioyo – FREEMarc Guiu – £5.1mCaleb Wiley – £8.63mRenato Veiga – £12mAarón Anselmino – £14mOmari Kellyman – £19.2mFilip Jorgensen – £21mKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30.2mPedro Neto – £51mJoao Felix – £42.6m More

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      Inside Raheem Sterling’s first meeting with Arsenal team-mates in dressing room after controversial Brighton draw

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      RAHEEM STERLING met his new Arsenal teammates for the first time in the dressing room in the aftermath of their 1-1 draw with Brighton.And the 29-year-old is ready to hit the ground running thanks to a specialised individual fitness programme alongside a former Three Lions coach. Raheem Sterling signed for Arsenal on loan from Chelsea on Deadline DayCredit: GettySterling visited the Arsenal dressing room after watching the 1-1 draw vs BrightonCredit: GettySterling is expected to train for the first time at London Colney todayCredit: GettySterling was in the stands at the Emirates for the Seagulls clash – hours after joining the Gunners on a season-long loan from Chelsea on Deadline Day.Having only seen his Arsenal switch confirmed at around 2am on Saturday morning, Sterling was unable to make the squad, instead showing support for his new club alongside his family.And he was given a great reception from the Arsenal fans just before kick-off with his name read out over the tannoy system.Joined by another late loan capture in Bournemouth keeper Neto, Sterling made his way down to the changing rooms at the final whistle to introduce himself to members of the squad he was yet to catch up with.read more arsenalIt was a game that saw Arsenal drop points after Declan Rice’s controversial sending off for two yellow cards in either half.Sterling is expected to take part in his first full training session at London Colney today – reuniting with boss Mikel Arteta who was Manchester City’s assistant under Pep Guardiola between 2016 and 2019.SunSport understands that Arsenal are anticipating Sterling to be a fast learner under Arteta as a result, with the player raring to go to prove himself after being brutally axed from the Chelsea squad. Sterling has been keeping fit away from Cobham over the last two weeks with England’s former lead physical performance coach Ben Rosenblatt – who stepped down from his role in June 2023 after seven years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe pair have worked together for pre-seasons in the past, and have recently made use of Sterling’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities at his home in West London.Sterling could be thrown into a Prem debut for Arsenal straight after the international break due to Rice’s suspension ahead of the trip to face North London rivals Tottenham on September 15.Arsenal travel to Man City later this month More

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      Arsenal wonderkid, 22, has contract ripped up after transfer request and asking to leave on Deadline Day

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      OMAR REKIK is reportedly a free agent after RIPPING UP his Arsenal contract.The defender joined the Gunners in January 2021 with the hopes of breaking into the first team.Omar Rekik joined Arsenal in January 2021Credit: GettyThe 22-year-old has reportedly had his contract ripped up after asking to leave the clubCredit: GETTYBut the 22-year-old wonderkid, like many other youngsters at the Emirates as of late, has failed to make an impression on Mikel Arteta and graduate into the first-team squad.The centre-back has had FOUR loan spells throughout his time at the club, enjoying stints with Sparta Rotterdam, Jong Sparta, Wigan Athletic and Servette.But he’s said to have grown frustrated by his lack of progression at the club and asked to leave.That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims the Dutchman’s wish to have his contract terminated was granted by the Arsenal brass.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSHe wrote on X: “Omar Rekik, [is] no longer an Arsenal player as [his] contract was terminated on mutual agreement yesterday.”Rekik [is] now available as [a] free agent after his specific request to leave and try [a] new chapter.”The Emirates faithful were quick to react, with one saying: “Interesting, another youth player leaves.”Another said: “An amazing player.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal ratings vs BrightonARSENAL drew 1-1 with Brighton in a game that turned when Declan Rice was sent off for a daft second booking.Here, we take a look at how the players rated…David Raya – 6/10Initially had very little to do but was solid on the few occasions he was called upon. Denied Yankuba Minteh in the first half with a routine save.Stopped his side from going 2-1 down in the 75th minute, brilliantly saving Yasin Ayari’s shot at a largely open goal.Ben White – 6Spent large portions of the match in the Brighton half supporting Saka.Was solid defensively against the tricky Karou Mitoma.William Saliba – 6Continues to show an incredible ability to read the game and positional awareness. Thwarted the few Brighton attacks which managed to make their way into the box before Rice’s red.Gabriel – 5Marshalled the defence well with Saliba but seldom found himself in a one-on-one situation before Rice’s red. Was too far apart from the Frenchman in the build-up to Brighton’s equaliser.Jurrien Timber – 6Switched off and allowed Minteh to ghost in behind him for a header early in the first half but was solid after that lapse in concentration.Martin Odegaard – 7Was at the centre of everything good the Gunners did, pulling the strings from the first minute of the match.Should’ve put his side ahead in the 17th minute when he ghosted onto a cross into the box.Thomas Partey – 6Anchored the midfield well and showed new signing Mikel Merino that he won’t give up his place in the starting XI without a fight.Declan Rice – 4Tenacious on the left side of the midfield and was a threat going forward in the first half.Stupidly put his team under pressure just after the restart by getting himself sent off for kicking the ball away.Bukayo Saka – 7Was lively from the outset, tormenting Seagulls left-back Jack Hinshelwood every time he ran at him.Should have scored in the eighth minute when Odeegard beautifully teed him up for a close-range effort.Made up for his poor finish with a stellar assist for Havertz after bullying Lewis Dunk off the ball. Should’ve got a better connection on Havertz’s 77th-minute cross to restore the North Londoners’ lead.Kai Havertz – 8Was anonymous for large portions of the match but constantly made his brilliant runs in behind which created space for his team-mates.Produced a deft finish over the advancing Bart Verbruggen in the 37th minute to break the deadlock.But he missed a sitter in the 75th minute that would’ve restored his side’s advantage.Leandro Trossard – 6Struggled to get into the match against his former club and cut a frustrated figure on the left wing.But he produced a good save from Verbruggen just before the half-time interval.SubsRiccardo Calafiori – 6The Italian was thrown on to shore up the defence after Rice’s red card and did just that, as well as offering an outlet on the left wing.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Tried his best but failed to inject his usual energy into the game.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5The Ukranian was brought on to further bolster the struggling defence but almost cost his side the game in stoppage time by allowing Carlos Baleba a free header in the box.And another said: “Interesting, now where is he downgrading to.”One remarked: “He has a good talent, but he can secure a position at Arsenal?”How superstar Mikel Merino is the final piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw – City should watch outAnother chimed in: “OMG amazing player.”Several Arsenal fans were quick to send the outgoing Rekik messages of support.One wrote: “Wishing Omar Rekik all the best in his next chapter. Excited to see where he lands next.”Another said: “Wishing Omar Rekik all the best in his future endeavours!”It takes courage to ask for a change and pursue new opportunities.”Hopefully, he’ll find a great fit and continue to grow as a player.” More

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      ‘I’m glad he’s gone’ – Rio Ferdinand speaks out on ‘ridiculous’ Raheem Sterling transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal

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      RIO FERDINAND is happy to see Raheem Sterling put his Chelsea nightmare in the rear-view mirror.The England international completed a deadline-day loan move to Arsenal earlier this week after Blues boss Enzo Maresca told him he was surplus to requirements.Raheem Sterling was deemed to have been surplus to requirements by Chelsea boss Enzo MarescaCredit: ALAMYThat prompted the England international to join Arsenal on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: GETTYRio Ferdinand reckons the move is a great one for the 29-year-oldCredit: GETTYBarring a massive change of heart from Maresca, Sterling likely would’ve sat on the sidelines until January.And Ferdinand is pleased the veteran forward managed to avoid a prolonged period of inactivity.The former Manchester United star said on his YouTube channel: “What a mad circus act this was.”But I’m just pleased and happy that the situation got sorted out for Raheem Sterling and he got a move he wanted.READ MORE ON STERLING”‘The situation wasn’t handled properly – it could’ve been better from Chelsea. But I’m glad he’s gone now.”It’s a great business by Arsenal. From their perspective, this is a ridiculous bit of business.”You’re getting an experienced winger who has won four league titles, he knows how to get it done.”He’s played for some of the biggest clubs this country has to offer.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArsenal ratings vs BrightonARSENAL drew 1-1 with Brighton in a game that turned when Declan Rice was sent off for a daft second booking.Here, we take a look at how the players rated…David Raya – 6/10Initially had very little to do but was solid on the few occasions he was called upon. Denied Yankuba Minteh in the first half with a routine save.Stopped his side from going 2-1 down in the 75th minute, brilliantly saving Yasin Ayari’s shot at a largely open goal.Ben White – 6Spent large portions of the match in the Brighton half supporting Saka.Was solid defensively against the tricky Karou Mitoma.William Saliba – 6Continues to show an incredible ability to read the game and positional awareness. Thwarted the few Brighton attacks which managed to make their way into the box before Rice’s red.Gabriel – 5Marshalled the defence well with Saliba but seldom found himself in a one-on-one situation before Rice’s red. Was too far apart from the Frenchman in the build-up to Brighton’s equaliser.Jurrien Timber – 6Switched off and allowed Minteh to ghost in behind him for a header early in the first half but was solid after that lapse in concentration.Martin Odegaard – 7Was at the centre of everything good the Gunners did, pulling the strings from the first minute of the match.Should’ve put his side ahead in the 17th minute when he ghosted onto a cross into the box.Thomas Partey – 6Anchored the midfield well and showed new signing Mikel Merino that he won’t give up his place in the starting XI without a fight.Declan Rice – 4Tenacious on the left side of the midfield and was a threat going forward in the first half.Stupidly put his team under pressure just after the restart by getting himself sent off for kicking the ball away.Bukayo Saka – 7Was lively from the outset, tormenting Seagulls left-back Jack Hinshelwood every time he ran at him.Should have scored in the eighth minute when Odeegard beautifully teed him up for a close-range effort.Made up for his poor finish with a stellar assist for Havertz after bullying Lewis Dunk off the ball. Should’ve got a better connection on Havertz’s 77th-minute cross to restore the North Londoners’ lead.Kai Havertz – 8Was anonymous for large portions of the match but constantly made his brilliant runs in behind which created space for his team-mates.Produced a deft finish over the advancing Bart Verbruggen in the 37th minute to break the deadlock.But he missed a sitter in the 75th minute that would’ve restored his side’s advantage.Leandro Trossard – 6Struggled to get into the match against his former club and cut a frustrated figure on the left wing.But he produced a good save from Verbruggen just before the half-time interval.SubsRiccardo Calafiori – 6The Italian was thrown on to shore up the defence after Rice’s red card and did just that, as well as offering an outlet on the left wing.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Tried his best but failed to inject his usual energy into the game.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5The Ukranian was brought on to further bolster the struggling defence but almost cost his side the game in stoppage time by allowing Carlos Baleba a free header in the box.Ferdinand reckons the addition of Sterling will help Arsenal in their bid to end their 21-year-long wait for Premier League glory.The 45-year-old continued: “He knows the path to trophies and that is invaluable.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statement”How Chelsea have let that out the door I don’t know, it’s crazy.”‘his is a marriage made in heaven for Arsenal. It’s a perfect fit for me. Raheem has something to prove, too.”I think he will deliver there and I’ll say it again, I think Arsenal will win the league this year and this signing only reinforces that thought.”I think he could be that important.”Sterling, 29, watched from the stands on Saturday as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton.And he’s relishing the new task ahead of him, saying: “It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting.”It [the move] is one where we kind of left it late, but it’s one I was hoping for.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Looking at everything, I’m just, like, “this is a perfect fit for me”, and I’m super happy that we got it over the line.”Sterling could make his Arsenal bow a week on Sunday when the Gunners face Tottenham Hotspur in the first North London derby of the season. More