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      Fans ‘gutted’ for Scotland star Kieran Tierney after Arsenal ace stretchered off during crunch Euro 2024 clash

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      SCOTLAND star Kieran Tierney’s Euro 2024 appears to be over after he was stretchered off against Switzerland.The Arsenal full-back, 27, suffered the injury around the hour mark of their crunch draw with the Swiss with the score locked at 1-1.Kieran Tierney’s Euro 2024 looks to be over after he suffered an injuryCredit: PAThe star went down in agony with what appeared to be a hamstring injuryCredit: RexTeam-mates quickly moved to console the devastated defenderCredit: RexA stretcher then carried him off as he covered his face with his handsCredit: APIt occurred when opposition forward Dan Ndoye spun the defender and raced away on goal only to fire off target.Just as he pulled the trigger, Tierney appeared to place his foot on the ground awkwardly as he tried to get back and looked to have hyper-extended his knee.And he soon fell to the turf in agony with what appeared to be a torn hamstring.Scotland medics raced on to the touch to treat him, but they were soon calling for a stretcher to take the devastated ace back to the dressing-room as Scott McKenna replaced him.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Tierney, who spent last season on loan in Spain at Real Sociedad, looked completely distraught as he was carried off as he covered his face with his hands while his team-mates tried to console him.And it did not take long for former players and fans to react to the crippling blow.Ex-Scotland striker Steven Thompson told BBC Sportsound: “He is done, he’s done his hamstring. This is terrible news for Scotland.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“That is really, really disappointing.”Most read in FootballEx Scotland winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Kieran Tierney’s game is done.Buckie for sale and Tartan Army super singing creates cracking Cologne atmosphere“He’s been injured enough times in his career to know when something has gone wrong. That’s his hamstring absolutely gone there.”Fans soon joined in as they offered their sympathies for the much-loved ace.One wrote: “This brought tears to my eyes, Tierney cannot catch a break.“Prayers for Kieran”Another commented: “This doesn’t look good for Tierney man. Lets hope he didn’t do his ACL there. Comeback stronger and better.”While a third wrote: “Oh no. Kieran Tierney. “That’s a full hamstring. Hyperextended and gone again. Poor guy feel so sorry for him.”The star has suffered two spells on the sidelines over the past season with hamstring injuries.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYTierney left boyhood club Celtic for Arsenal in 2019 and won the FA Cup during his first season there.But his first-team chances have reduced since Oleksandr Zinchenko and then Jurrien Timber arrived at the Emirates in the last two seasons.Just last August the Gunners reportedly wanted £30million for the former Celtic hero before they eventually allowed him to go out on loan.But he was hardly a roaring success during his 2023-24 loan with Sociedad, making only 14 LaLiga starts.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal are now willing to offload Tierney this summer for around £10m.However, a lengthy spell on the sidelines could scupper that.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      William Saliba ignoring his Arsenal team-mates at Euro 2024 as he opens up on France breakthrough

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      WILLIAM SALIBA is ignoring his Arsenal teammates as the defender bids to defy his France doubters.The Gunners star, 23, has decided not to keep in touch with his club pals playing for other nations during Euro 2024 in a bid to give everything to France.William Saliba is focusing on France and not talking to his Arsenal teammates while at Euro 2024Credit: GettyAsked whether he was in contact with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, he said: “I haven’t spoken to anyone from Arsenal. I will leave them be for the tournament.”The coach is on vacation, you have to leave him alone. I already see my teammates enough during the season!”My France teammates are giving me enough support.”Saliba admitted he was surprised to be given a start in Les Bleus’ opener against Austria on Monday, keeping a clean sheet in Dusseldorf as Didier Dechamps men won 1-0.READ MORE ON EURO 2024While many have hailed Saliba as one of the best defenders in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta, he has struggled to make his mark with France.Dayot Upamecano, who started alongside Saliba against Austria, and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate are the usual pairing at the back at international level.The Gunners man has not had many chances to show he can replicate his Arsenal form for his country and earlier this year was even criticised by his manager.Speaking in March, Deschamps said the defender was having a good season but “does things that I don’t like so much.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the veteran France boss has been impressed by Saliba’s performances in training since the squad gathered at Clairefontaine last month and gave him the nod ahead of Konate against Austria.There were a couple of hairy moments at times in Dusseldorf, but Saliba ended with a clean sheet and praise from fans and reporters back home.Arsenal star William Saliba shows off collaboration with Crocs as bemused fans say ‘I can’t believe this is real’It was a crucial step for someone who has struggled with confidence when it comes to international football – admitting when speaking from their Paderborn base that playing for his country brings added pressure.Asked if the start came as a surprise, Saliba said: “I wasn’t really expecting it but when I got called up for the Euros you know you have to be ready for the team.”I played the last friendly and kept a clean sheet and now I’ve got more confidence than the previous matches.”The national team jersey is heavier than the club jersey, we have a whole country behind us.”Competition is intense. We are lucky to have a lot of good centre backs.”Usually it’s Upamecano and Konate who start and who set the bar high.”So I know that when I start I must not do less than that. We pull each other up, we’re all friends.”Saliba’s journey with France – having to silence critics and show his class under pressure – is nothing new.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYArsenal signed the young defender from St. Etienne in 2019, sending him back to the French club for that season.Two more loans, to Nice and Marseille, followed before finally being given a chance at The Emirates and becoming the formidable force fans see today.Saliba added: “When I was on loan I wanted to come back to Arsenal and show that I can play in this team and it was the same with the national team.”I want to start games and prove that the coach can count on me. I will try to do my best when the coach needs me.”Having had doubts early on in his career, it was at Marseille where things really clicked.He said: “The biggest turnaround was when I went on loan to Marseille.”The first six months at Arsenal I didn’t play and then went to Nice for six months.”Afterwards when I went to Marseille I improved a lot quickly. That gave me my first step into the French team. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There was a year and a half between Nice and Marseille and it was good to stay at the top level.”Having taken his chance at a major tournament with France, Saliba is hoping for another shot when Les Bleus face the Netherlands in Leipzig on Friday night – an opportunity to repeat the trick of his growth at Arsenal with his country.France Euro 2024 guideFRANCE are the one nation all England fans are truly afraid of.
      They are many punters’ favourites after knocking the Three Lions out of the 2022 World Cup and will be hoping to do much better than at Euro 2020, when they lost to Switzerland in the last 16.
      MANAGER: Didier Deschamps
      Coming up to 12 years in the job, the only thing missing from his CV is a European Championship.
      STAR MAN: Kylian Mbappe
      Mbappe’s PSG may have underachieved on the European stage but he remains France’s most deadly threat, with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup final hat-trick to his name.
      How France attack
      Expect to see France play in a fluid 4-3-3 – which becomes 4-2-3-1 in possession – throughout the tournament.
      Giroud acts as the focal point in the attack with the two wide players and Griezmann as No 10 supporting.
      How France defend
      We can expect to see France defend high with an emphasis on winning back possession as far up the pitch as possible.
      France will stagger their defensive shape when the opposition are in possession.
      Read the full France Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags. More

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      Keira Walsh thought to be in Barcelona’s plans for next season despite Arsenal interest, according to reports

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      BARCELONA are thought to be keen on retaining Keira Walsh’s services amid reported interest from Arsenal.Walsh, 27, who helped the team win their third Champions League trophy in May, is thought to be a Gunners summer transfer target. Keira Walsh is reportedly attracting interest from ArsenalCredit: GettyThe England midfield star is due to enter the final year of her contract with BarcelonaCredit: AFPLast Friday, the Athletic reported the WSL side are interested in signing the midfielder who joined the Catalan club almost two years ago from Manchester City.Following her September 2022 move the England ace has gradually flourished in Barcelona’s midfield a longside Patri Guijarro and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.The player, who spent seven years at Man City, has helped the team win seven major trophies including two top-flight titles.Silverware triumphs for Walsh, who sealed a world transfer recording-breaking £400,000 Barca switch two years ago, include a quadruple during the side’s 2023-24 campaign.Read More Football StoriesLast season the Catalan giants won the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Women’s Super Cup for the tenth and fourth time.These trophy wins occurred under former boss Jonatan Giraldez who left this month to become head coach of US side Washington Spirit. Since her move to Spain Walsh has started in 32 the team’s 49 top-flight games in the past two seasons.The England ace who, is set to help their Lionesses continue their push for an automatic place at next year’s Euros, has one year left on her current Barcelona contract.Most read in FootballIt is thought Spain’s top-flight champs are likely to after a hefty fee from the Gunners if they continue their chase for the midfielder.And the Athletic claims Arsenal’s interest in the player occurred before playmaker Victoria Pelova suffered a knee ligament injury whilst on international duty with the Netherlands.Spanish outlet Relovo reports discussions between Barcelona and Arsenal over the potential transfer of Walsh are at an advanced stage.However sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims sources have informed them the midfielder is part of Barca’s plans for next season.Mariona Caldentey has reportedly agreed to join Arsenal this summerCredit: EPAShould Arsenal succeed in signing Walsh it would see her become the second player from the Catalan side to join the club this summer.According to Sky Sports Mariona Caldentey has reached an agreement to join the Gunners when her Barcelona contract expires at the end of June.Barca’s women’s side are now under new management with Pere Romeu taking over as head coach following Giraldez’s departure. More

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      Ian Wright and Wayne Rooney pay touching tributes to tragic team-mate Kevin Campbell as football mourns death at 54

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      TRIBUTES poured in following the tragic news of Kevin Campbell’s death. The Arsenal and Everton legend passed away aged 54 after being raced to hospital a week prior when he fell unwell. Tributes poured in following the tragic news of Kevin Campbell’s deathCredit: GettyIan Wright was quick to pay tributeCredit: GettyThe two were a formidable front twoCredit: AlamyIt sent the football world into shock as tributes from clubs and players flooded in. Arsenal posted: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness. “Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.”Everton added: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev.”Former Arsenal team-mate David Seaman posted: “Devestating news that Kevin Campbell has been taken way too early. “Such great memories of playing with Rambo during our time together @Arsenal – sending all my love to his family and friends.” Tony Adams said: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart. Most read in FootballKevin Campbell’s career stats

      Arsenal: 1998-95, 163 appearances, 46 goals
      Leyton Orient (loan): 1989, 16 appearances, 9 goals
      Leicester City (loan): 1989, 11 appearances, 5 goals
      Nottingham Forest: 1995-98, 77 appearances, 31 goals
      Trabsonzpor: 1998-99, 18 appearances, 5 goals
      Everton: 1998-05, 151 appearances, 39 goals
      West Brom: 2004-06, 49 appearances, 6 goals
      Total: 521 appearances, 149 goals
      Honours: Arsenal – Division One (1991), FA Cup (1993), League Cup (1993), Community Shield (1991), European Cup Winners’ Cup (1994)
      Nottingham Forest – Football League First Division (1998)

      “An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us. “Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”Arsenal and Everton legend Kevin Campbell dead aged 54Strike parter Ian Wright had no words following the devastating news – instead he shared a series of photos alongside his friend.Together, they won the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup as a formidable front two. Also paying tribute, Arsenal fan Piers Morgan said: “What incredibly sad news. Top player, and a great guy. RIP.”England’s official X account also wrote: “We are devastated to learn that Kevin Campbell has passed away aged 54. “Kevin won four caps for our under-21s and represented our B team in the early 1990s. “Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family, friends and loved ones.” Campbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.During his time at the Gunners he won the old First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.After stints in Nottingham and Turkey he made 137 appearances for Everton where he scored another 39 goals.In Merseyside, he became the club’s first black skipper and played with a young Wayne Rooney.Rooney posted: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev. Thinking of all his family and friends. “Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”Campbell played for the Toffees between 1999 and 2005 before finishing off his career with a year at West Brom and then Cardiff City.He called time on his career in May 2007 after the Baggies released him following their relegation from the Premier League.In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.He holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe did, however, make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B squad.In retirement, he became a beloved pundit for the likes of Sky Sports and will be a true loss to the footballing world. Campbell played with Wayne Rooney at EvertonCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDCampbell became a beloved pundit in retirementCredit: Getty More

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      Kevin Campbell dead: Arsenal & Everton legend dies aged 54 after short illness as ‘devastated’ club pays tribute

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      ARSENAL and Everton legend Kevin Campbell has died aged 54 after a short illness.Emotional tributes are pouring in for the ex-striker, who spent a memorable two decades on the pitch and later became a pundit.Campbell scored 59 goals for the Gunners in all competitionsCampbell became a pundit later in his lifeCredit: GettyHe played at Everton between 1999 and 2005Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDArsenal announced Campbell’s death in a statement this morningCredit: Twitter/ArsenalIan Wright shared this snap of him and CampbellCredit: AlamyWright also shared this picture in a Twitter tributeCredit: GettyCampbell made 213 appearances for Arsenal between 1988 and 1995, scoring 59 goals in all competitions.During his time at the Gunners he won the old First Division, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.Arsenal said: “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness. “Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Read more on sport”Rest in peace, Kevin.”Everton said: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54.”Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know.”RIP, Super Kev.”Most read in FootballWayne Rooney said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Kev – thinking of all his family and friends.”Kev was a great team mate but more importantly a brilliant person who helped me a lot in my earlier years.”Tony Adams said: “Super Kev: a goal machine, a giant of a man, with an even bigger heart. “An intensely private and a truly wonderful human being. I’m devastated for his loved ones, and all of us. “Love you Super Kev, Skipper.”Campbell’s Nottingham Forest teammate Mark Crossley said: “Life can be so cruel at times.Kevin Campbell’s heartbreaking three words in last photo he posted of himself
      By Morgan Johnson, News Reporter
      FOOTBALLING legend Kevin Campbell’s last photo posted of himself contained three heartbreaking words.
      The Arsenal and Everton ace has sadly died at 54 years old after a memorable two decades on the pitch.
      The ex-striker, who had since become a pundit for his sport, was rushed to hospital at the end of May after falling “very unwell”.
      His last selfie shared to Instagram was on March 23 last year, in which he said: “Health is Wealth”.
      The legend beamed with a box of products from Earthborn Naturals – a company who specialise in making healthy natural food and drink products.
      He captioned the snap: “I have got it thanks Earthborn Naturals. Health is Wealth.”

      “Absolutely devastated with news of my ex forest team mate Kevin Campbell’s passing.”A true gentleman, a great player, a shining light of a dressing room, fun loving guy.”Thoughts are with all his family and friends. RIP mate.”Paying tribute, Piers Morgan said: “What incredibly sad news. Top player, and a great guy. RIP.”It was revealed on Sunday he had been rushed to hospital the week prior after falling unwell. Everton said he was “very unwell”.Toffees said on X: “We have been made aware our former striker Kevin Campbell is currently very unwell.”Not just a great footballer but an incredible person, Kevin is, and always has been, a fighter and we wish him and his family well at this challenging time.”Sending all our love.”Campbell made a name for himself after kicking off his career in 1988. After stints in Nottingham and Turkey he made 137 appearances for Everton where he scored another 39 goals and played with a young Wayne Rooney.At Trebizond, club president Mehmet Alu Yilmaz had frozen him out of the team and called him a “cannibal” and “discoloured”, the Guardian reported.Ex-Arsenal star Kevin Campbell hospitalised (1)At Everton, he became the club’s first black skipper.Campbell played for the Toffees between 1999 and 2005 before finishing off his career with a year at West Brom and then Cardiff City.He called time on his career in May 2007 after the Baggies released him following their relegation from the Premier League.In a two-decade career, Campbell scored 149 goals and made 521 professional appearances.He holds the record for the most Premier League goals without representing England.He did, however, make four appearances for England U21s and one appearance for the England B squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESCampbell began his career at Arsenal and broke into the first team in 1988.His 24-year-old son Tyrese has played 146 matches for Stoke City beginning in 2018, but has not had his contracted renewed.Campbell playing in 1994 for Arsenal against Blackburn RoversCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal’s three-man striker shortlist revealed as Mikel Arteta plots move for ‘next Olivier Giroud’ in summer transfer

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      ARSENAL have drawn up a shortlist of three striker targets this summer, according to reports.The Gunners are keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.Mikel Arteta’s three-man striker shortlist has been revealedCredit: ReutersSporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres is wanted by Arsenal this summerCredit: GettyMikel Arteta is expected to add a striker to his squad, with Eddie Nketiah linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium.Selling Nketiah would leave Gabriel Jesus as the club’s only senior recognised striker.Arsenal suffered a setback this week, though, with Benjamin Sesko opting to sign a new deal with RB Leipzig instead of heading to England.However, Give Me Sport now report Arteta has identified three alternative transfer targets.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Brighton striker Evan Ferguson and Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna are all on the Spaniard’s radar.Gyokeres is understood to be available for £68.5million this summer after finishing as top scorer in the Portuguese top flight.The Sweden international scored 29 league goals in his debut season with Sporting after signing from Coventry last summer.Chelsea were previously linked with a move for the 26-year-old in January.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Ferguson scored just six goals for Brighton during an injury-hit campaign.An ankle injury has kept the Irishman, who signed a new deal in November, out of action since March.How Arsenal’s 180-page dossiers on transfer targets have led to outstanding recruitmentSunSport’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.

      Ferguson has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in the past.As for Zirkzee, AC Milan currently lead the race to sign the 23-year-old.His 11 goals and five assists in Serie A last term helped fire Bologna to Champions League qualification, with Zirkzee even compared to ex-Arsenal man Olivier Giroud.The Dutch forward is also understood to be on United’s shortlist of striker targets this summer.Away from their striker hunt, reports have also claimed Arsenal are keen on Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov.An approach is said to have been made last week for the 26-year-old, who has already been linked with Milan and Tottenham in recent weeks. More

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      Arsenal ace Victoria Pelova set for ‘extended period’ out of action following ACL injury

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      ARSENAL have been dealt an injury blow with Victoria Pelova suffering a knee ligament tear on Netherlands duty.Earlier today the club confirmed the Dutch forward, 25, ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a Women’s Euros qualifier.A serious knee injury led to Victoria Pelova coming off in the 12th minute of the Netherlands’ Euros qualifier score draw with FinlandCredit: ReutersArsenal confirmed Pelova has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligamentCredit: GettyPelova went off injured early on in her country’s 1-1 draw with Finland last Tuesday.The Gunners’ playmaker was forced to withdraw in the 12th minute of the clash at Tammelan Stadium after “extending her knee”.Pelova’s ACL rupture has come at a time of Arsenal planning to boost their attacking ranks following the departure of her compatriot Vivianne Miedema.The Netherland’s forward, 27, who is the WSL’s current all-time top scorer, left the club last month ending her seven-year stint.Read More Football StoriesHowever the Gunners, who finished third season and won this year’s Conti Cup, are claimed to have sealed a move for Mariona Caldentey.Sky Sports reports the Spain forward, 28, and three-time Champions League-winning ex-Barcelona ace is expected to join Arsenal next month.Yesterday Gunners’ full-back Laura Wienroither, 25, signed a new contract with the club two months after her return from an ACL rupture.In the past two years the WSL giants have contended with a number of their stars being sidelined for months due to knee ligament damage.  Most read in FootballLeah Williamson, 27, Beth Mead, 29, and Miedema are among those to have returned to action last term after suffering ACL injuries the season before. Mariona Caldentey is expected to join Arsenal next month, according to reportsCredit: EPAPelova, who helped her side win the Conti Cup in March, will undergo surgery “in due course” according to an update on her club’s web site.The Netherlands attacker is set for an extended period on the sidelines. It means she will miss Arsenal Women’s first ever pre-season tour of the United States in August.  More

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      Arsenal suffer transfer blow as Benjamin Sesko ‘decides to STAY at RB Leipzig with gentlemen’s agreement in place’

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      ARSENAL have been dealt a huge transfer blow after it was firstly claimed that they “held the upper hand” in the chase for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old Slovenian striker is currently preparing to face England in the Euro 2024 group stages.Arsenal are allegedly in pole position to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin SeskoCredit: GettyHe has a host of top clubs chasing his services after he fired 23 goals for club and country last term.A report emerged last week that three of the Premier League’s biggest teams are battling it out for the signature of the Bundesliga ace this summer.Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all determined to strengthen their front line before the start of next term.They all want Sesko – who has a release clause of £55.3m – while Newcastle have also joined the long-list of admirers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut one giant appears to be leading the chase.The NY Times states that “the feeling among those interested parties” is “that Arsenal are in pole position” to sign him.The chasing pack “would like clarity on the situation” before the European Championship begins on Friday.However, even though they know that his price tag will not be inflated should he have a golden summer for Slovenia in Germany due to the release clause, no-one wants any potential deal to drag on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd that could be good news for Arsenal.There is a belief among the English clubs that Mikel Arteta’s men allegedly “hold the upper hand because they can offer Champions League football and stability”.How Arsenal’s 180-page dossiers on transfer targets have led to outstanding recruitmentThey are two things he and his camp feel are “lacking at Chelsea and United”.But “there is a very real possibility Sesko will opt to stay at Leipzig”.And this fresh report claims that “is more of a threat to Arsenal’s hopes than him electing to move elsewhere in the Premier League”.Now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has added more weight to that claim by stating that the player will be going nowhere.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      He wrote on X: “Benjamin Sesko has decided to STAY at RB Leipzig and sign new contract on improved terms!“Decision made for talented striker, similar to what Haaland decided back in the days at BVB.“Sesko will stay at Leipzig with a new gentlemen agreement for future exit.”Sesko signed for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria back in 2019 as a 16-year-old from Domzale in his homeland.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter spending two years on loan at their reserve team in the second tier, he went on to score 21 times for the first-team.That led to him joining Salzburg’s sister club RB Leipzig on a five-year contract in 2022.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More