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      Ethan Nwaneri signs first professional contract at Arsenal after turning down offers from TWO Premier League giants

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      ARSENAL wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri signed his first professional contract and said: “I didn’t have to think about it – this is my home”.The highly-rated Gunners midfielder – who turned 17 last week – put pen to paper on a deal between two and three years to end speculation of leaving for interested Prem rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.Ethan Nwaneri is Arsenal’s shining light in their Hale End academy systemCredit: GettyNwaneri has already made two Premier League appearances under Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyAnd it is understood that preliminary talks are already in place for another bumper extension to be signed when Nwaneri turns 18.While Nwaneri’s new wages are unknown, fellow academy graduates Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe – now 22 and 23 respectively – were believed to be earning around £3,000-a-week upon signing their first pro deals.Nwaneri made Prem history in September 2022 when at 15 years and 181 days old he became the youngest to ever feature in an English top-flight match, brought off the bench by boss Mikel Arteta in a 3-0 win away at Brentford.Arteta has given the teenager more Prem opportunities this campaign – another substitute appearance in their 6-0 win away at West Ham back in February.MORE FROM ARSENALAnd after leaving his scholarship days behind to commit to his boyhood club, which he joined at nine-years-old, Nwaneri said: “It’s a proud moment for me and my family to finally be here. I’m ready to keep working.“It was the dream to get to this stage. I’ve always thought about when this day would come and I’ve been looking forward to it. I didn’t have to think about it – this is my family and it feels like home here.“It feels so special to me here. The opportunities from Mikel, all the under-21 coaches, under-18s coaches, they’ve all helped me develop so I’m grateful to them.”Academy manager Per Mertesacker added: “Ethan has a strong ability to master the ball and dominate possession, this is what we are all about at Arsenal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“He is someone that will thrive on and off the pitch, he is a strong young gunner and we look forward to working with him during his ongoing development in the years to come.”With Man City and Chelsea lurking, Arteta took a hands-on approach in negotiations to ensure the club’s homegrown Hale End talent in Nwaneri stayed put.Nwaneri has already been compared to the likes of Jack Wilshere, Phil Foden and current skipper Martin Odegaard for his ability on the ball – impressing several current first team players when he regularly joins in training with the seniors and in numerous Champions League matchday squads.He has shown that ability this season in the academy set-up, with 14 goals in 14 appearances so far.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars? More

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      Arsenal ‘unlikely to sign Osimhen or Toney as Arteta’s top three striker transfer targets are revealed’

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      ARSENAL have reportedly gone cold on Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney as Mikel Arteta identifies alternative transfer targets.The Gunners have long been linked with both Osimhen, 25, and Toney, 28, as they bid to add a natural goalscorer to their frontline.Ivan Toney is no longer Arsenal’s top No9 target this summerCredit: AlamyVictor Osimhen’s injury has also meant he has fallen out of favour with the GunnersCredit: AFPBut, according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Napoli and Brentford stars are now falling out of favour. It is understood Osimhen’s injury record and Toney age are concerns for the Gunners.And it’s claimed Arteta has now switched his focus onto three alternative strikers.Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s former Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres make that list, along with Brighton hotshot Evan Ferguson.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSOrnstein said: “The likes of Sesko & Gyokeres are well thought of. “As is Ferguson but the price Brighton would want & the season he has had so far perhaps makes him less likely at the moment. “I don’t see it being an Osimhen or Toney. There will be other options too.”Sesko has impressed in the Bundesliga with 11 goals in 30 games this season. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 20-year-old forward has been linked with fairly recently and has been on top form for Leipzig this season.While Gyokeres, 25, leads the European top-flight leagues with 30 goals and 11 assists in 34 matches. Ivan Toney reveals ‘ideal summer’ involves transfer to European giantsFerguson, the youngest of the three at 19, has shown promise at Brighton but has been in and out of the Seagulls starting XI this season.And the teenager may come with a hefty transfer fee having scored 16 goals in 60 senior appearances.Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has been on superb form this season with Arsenal now interested in the strikerEvan Ferguson is another target but the 19-year-old may come with a hefty price tagSporting’s Viktor Gyokeres is now a top transfer target for ArsenalCredit: AFP More

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      Arsenal and Tottenham ‘set to do battle for Pedro Neto as Ange Postecoglou joins transfer race for Wolves star’

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      ARSENAL face a battle with bitter rivals Tottenham to land Pedro Neto.That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, via CaughtOffside, who says Wolves are prepared to set their asking price for the winger ahead of the summer transfer window.Arsenal and Tottenham are in a battle to sign Wolves wingerCredit: AFPArsenal have been long linked with Neto, 24, as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his forward line.But the Spanish boss won’t have it all his own way with North London rivals Spurs ready to make their move too.Ange Postecoglou is still trying to fill the void of goals left by Harry Kane’s departure.And, with loan signing Timo Werner seemingly unlikely to be made a permanent addition, Neto could fit the bill.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he certainly will come cheap, with Wolves hoping to start a bidding war at around £60million.Neto’s future, and how he will feature in Arsenal’s plans, were discussed and Romano said: “Arsenal have some wingers in their sights for the summer.”But while it’s normal to see a long list of names linked with clubs in this situation, who’s really emerging as the main options on Arsenal’s list?“Pedro Neto is a player Arsenal like and have looked at before, but we have to wait for Wolves to decide initial price tag to understand what Arsenal, Tottenham and more clubs will decide to do.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNeto has scored twice and notched nine assists in 19 Premier League games for Wolves this season.He also netted in the FA Cup win over West Brom in January.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?But it’s thought the former Braga star could push his game to a new level if he gets a move to a bigger club.Neto would allow Arteta to rotate Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings for the Gunners.While he could form a deadly combination with James Maddison and Son Heung-min at Spurs. More

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      Gabriel Jesus targets injury free end to season in massive boost to title-chasing Arsenal ahead of Manchester City clash

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      GABRIEL JESUS is confident he can play a major role for Arsenal in their season run-in – despite his injury woes.The Brazilian has missed 16 games in all competitions so far this campaign due to persistent knee problems and a hamstring issue.Gabriel Jesus has returned to training after seeing his season disrupted by injuriesCredit: GettyJesus suffered a major setback back in October with a hamstring injuryCredit: ReutersHis last Premier League start was on January 30, and since then he has played just 53 minutes of football, leaving Gunners boss Mikel Arteta short of a specialist No.9.However, having not been called up by the Brazil national team this month in order to fully recover, there is optimism around Jesus’ fitness and availability for the coming weeks.SunSport understands the 26-year-old striker is feeling much better and is preparing his body to feature heavily in both the Prem and Champions League.He is likely to be in the squad to face former side Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday in a mammoth title bout – a big boost to Arteta, who also has an eye on Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel with the trio nursing minor knocks.READ MORE ARSENALJesus has looked sharp in training sessions, with coaches said to be encouraged by his attitude, physicality and finishing.Arteta still has faith in Jesus to deliver when called upon, regardless of his statistics so far this season of just eight goals in all competitions – four of those in the Prem.But with Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard stepping up in recent weeks, with eight goals between them since the turn of the year, Jesus needs to earn back his starting XI spot.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMost read in FootballYet Arteta will take the positives, knowing he has the squad to rotate with a Champions League quarter final against Bayern Munich and trips to Man City, Manchester United and Tottenham still to navigate.Jesus missed the start to the season with a minor operation to clean out an existing knee issue that crocked him at the end of the 22/23 campaign.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?During a Champions League group stage trip to Sevilla last October, he then suffered a hamstring strain that left him on the sidelines for almost a month.Two setbacks with his knee in 2024 have done nothing to give Jesus some much-needed minutes, but he has been slowly building his way back to full fitness.Having come off the bench in Prem victories over Sheffield United and Brentford, he was brought on in extra-time to help his side see off Porto in the Champions League last 16 earlier this month.Jesus will also be motivated to convince Arteta his injury days are behind him with Arsenal looking to sign another central striker in the summer.Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres have been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates, leaving Jesus’ future up in the air.Since signing from City for £45m in the summer of 2022, Jesus has 19 goals in 59 Arsenal appearances.Jesus’ stats in the Prem this season More

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      Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas tipped to follow in Mikel Arteta’s footsteps and land huge manager role

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      CESC FABREGAS has been tipped to follow Mikel Arteta and become an elite manager.Arsenal chief Arteta, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira all gained their coaching badges on Osian Roberts’ watch.Cesc Fabregas has been tipped to follow in Mikel Arteta’s footstepsCredit: GettyNow former Gunners and Chelsea star Fabregas is Roberts’ assistant manager at Serie B side Como.Roberts, the former technical director of the FA of Wales, said: “I have worked with and mentored a few bright young coaches, Mikel, Patrick, ­Thierry, Pep Lijnders.“But Cesc is certainly in the top category. He wants to be a head coach in the future.“This is the perfect scenario for him as he only finished playing last summer but he gets the opportunity to coach and present as an assistant manager.“He was a top quality player but he is also intelligent.“He’s a very impressive young man, serious about his work and improving as much as he can. And he has been key for me. He played in the league last season so he knows all the teams, stadiums, opposition and knows our dressing room. He has been a big help.”Roberts, 58, reversed roles with Fabregas, who is co-owner of Como alongside Henry, when the Welshman was named manager in December after the Spanish hero removed himself due to a lack of Uefa coaching badges.Most read in FootballFabregas is assisting Roberts at ComoCredit: GettyHe’s backed Fabregas to follow in Arteta’s footstepsCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFabregas — a World Cup and two-time European Championship winner — starts his pro licence this summer and the 36-year-old will then be able to manage in the top leagues.Roberts’ previous job was No 2 to Vieira at Premier League outfit Crystal Palace before he was sacked 12 months ago.I snapped Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas with worst tackle of my life – I had to get his number and apologise afterwardsThe former Wales assistant to Gary Speed and Chris Coleman added: “I’ve quite often held roles where I have been a mentoring assistant and older than the head coach.“It’s important to help Cesc to be the next coach. You do that by giving him space to develop.“I always enjoyed it when managers delegate so it’s important I do likewise for my staff so they can make a significant contribution.”The double act of Roberts and Fabregas are on a mission to lead Como — in the shadow of the Alps — into Serie A against the likes of Italian giants AC Milan, Inter and Juventus next season.Como, who host Sudtirol next Monday, are fourth in Serie B, only two points behind Venezia in the second automatic promotion spot.Roberts said: “There are eight games to go and the club is trying to be in fast forward mode.Roberts was Patrick Vieira’s assistant at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty“In the last two seasons we’ve finished 13th so the jump in the last 12 months has been significant. We are going to push all the way.“There are ambitious people here who want to get into Serie A. READ MORE SUN STORIESThat’s the aim. It’s a tough league with big teams like Sampdoria, Parma and Palermo.“But we plan to build a new stadium on the lake, a training ground and academy. It’s not about throwing money about, we want to do it in the right way and develop the club.” More

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      Man City facing huge injury crisis with SEVEN key stars including De Bruyne at risk of missing crunch Arsenal clash

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is facing a ­massive injury crisis.Manchester City defenders Kyle Walker, John Stones and Manuel Akanji are all doubts for Sunday’s title showdown with Arsenal after being crocked on international duty.  Man City boss Pep Guardiola may be without seven stars, including Kevin De Bruyne against ArsenalCredit: RexEderson, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and  Matheus Nunes  are also concerns for boss Guardiola.England star Walker is having a second scan on the hamstring injury he suffered in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Brazil and is a major doubt for the Etihad clash with the table-topping Gunners.Fellow defenders Stones and Akanji also returned from international duty with problems. And that gives City chief Guardiola a real headache ahead of a huge run of games.Read More on FootballCity have seven matches between now and April 20 — four in the Prem, a two-legged Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid and an FA Cup semi against Chelsea.There was hope Walker was taken off as a precaution by Gareth Southgate on Saturday.Initial reports suggested he should be fine to face the Gunners but that now looks less likely with City carrying out more tests on the  full-back.And he has been joined on the treatment table at the Etihad by Stones, who limped out of England’s 2-2 draw against Belgium on Tuesday.Most read in FootballStones has suffered a series of setbacks already this season and has managed only 11 league starts for the Treble winners.To make matters worse, Akanji, who has filled in at right-back as well as being a key man at centre-half, is also a doubt after pulling out of the Swiss squad with a knock.Guardiola explains why he subbed off De BruyneMidfielder Nunes reported a foot injury and was withdrawn from the Portuguese squad.Kingpin De Bruyne has been nursing a groin niggle but did come through a session with City’s Under-23s on Tuesday.Winger Grealish and keeper Ederson are working their way back to fitness — and Guardiola will be hoping for positive updates when he returns from a break in Barcelona today. More

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      Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Olivier Giroud agrees transfer to join new club aged 37

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      AC MILAN striker Olivier Giroud is set to join MLS side Los Angeles FC in a permanent transfer.The 37-year-old was first linked with the club back in October.Olivier Giroud is set to join LAFCCredit: AFPBut according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement has been reached.Giroud’s proposed contract will be valid until December 2025.The Frenchman is yet to officially sign, but his deal is close to being completed.Giroud has spent the last three years with AC Milan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo far this season he has scored 14 goals and provided nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.Prior to joining the Serie A giants he spent three years at Chelsea, where he won the Europa League, Champions League and FA Cup.But arguably his most memorable spell was with Arsenal.Giroud joined the Gunners in a £9.6million transfer from Montpellier in June 2012.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGiroud has impressed for AC Milan this seasonHe went on to make 253 appearances, scoring 105 goals and providing 41 assists.The striker won the coveted Puskas Award during his time in north London after scoring a sensational scorpion kick against Crystal Palace in 2017.Olivier Giroud goes IN GOAL for AC Milan and makes wonder save Giroud has also established himself as a France legend over the years.He became the country’s all-time top goalscorer at the 2022 World Cup after surpassing Thierry Henry’s record.However, in December he admitted that Euro 2024 could be his last major tournament.Giroud told TéléFoot: “I’m not planning beyond the short-term. The most important thing is to be fit and competitive, these Euros are an objective.”We nearly got it in 2016, and it is a trophy that I would love to win with France.”It will maybe, probably, be my last competition, but I can’t tell you what will happen after.”Seven ex-Prem stars now playing in MLS
      1 – Hugo Lloris, LAFC
      Lloris made an emotional exit from Tottenham in December having failed to secure a move away from North London last summer.
      He has since made five MLS appearances.
      2 – Luis Suarez, Inter Miami
      A Liverpool great, Suarez currently plays for David Beckham’s Inter Miami, alongside ex-Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
      The club is even managed by former Barca boss Tata Martino.
      3 – Xherdan Shaqiri, Chicago Fire
      Shaqiri joined Chicago Fire from Lyon back in 2022. He joined in a £5.6m transfer, becoming the club’s most expensive player.
      The midfielder has since made 67 appearances.
      4 – Christian Benteke, D.C. United
      The former Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace striker could be unplayable on his day in the Premier League, but also went through notorious dry spells in front of goal.
      Benteke joined DC United in 2022 when former England captain Wayne Rooney was in charge.
      5 – DeAndre Yedlin, Inter Miami
      The American international right-back has gone from lining-up behind Jeff Hendrick or Ayoze Perez at Steve Bruce’s Newcastle to sharing a flank with Messi in South Florida.
      Quite the rise for the full-back, who also played for Sunderland and, very briefly, Tottenham during his time in England.
      6 – Teemu Pukki, Minnesota United
      The Finnish striker has swapped Norfolk for the Twin Cities on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.
      Pukki joined Minnesota United in June last year after scoring 88 goals in more than 200 appearances for the Canaries in the Premier League and Championship.
      7 – Victor Wanyama, CF Montreal
      The Kenyan midfielder made his name in English football with Southampton and Tottenham before heading to MLS.
      Wanyama, who starred for Celtic before moving to the Premier League, now has more than 100 appearances for Canadian side CF Montreal. More

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      Arsenal made Ousmane Diomande transfer target while scouting ANOTHER star as they’re set for £50m battle with Chelsea

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      ARSENAL are mulling over a summer bid for Sporting Lisbon central defender Ousmane Diomande.SunSport revealed earlier this month that the Gunners took notice of the 20-year-old Ivorian during a scouting mission at a Sporting vs Benfica clash out in Portugal.Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande is a transfer target for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe main focus of that trip was to see Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, 25, ahead of a potential move for the red-hot forward with 36 goals in 39 games in all competitions so far.However, Diomande also stood out – and SunSport understands Arsenal are considering their options regarding an imminent move for the centre-back.Chelsea are likely to rival them for the player, who has a release clause of around £68.6million, but that fee could drop to £50m with significant contractual add-ons included.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is interested in strengthening his defence, providing depth and cover for their first-choice centre-back pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDiomande has played the majority of this campaign for Sporting in a back three, so is comfortable featuring in wide positions – something Arteta likes in his defenders.Ideally, Arteta would go into the start of next season with four central defenders at his disposal, adding to Saliba, Gabriel and Jakub Kiwior.But any bid depends on how much money they can raise through sales, as well as how much they are willing to spend in other areas, such as in attack.Arsenal’s priority going into the summer is a No9 – and Gyokeres is among the list of names the club are considering splashing out on.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBrentford’s Ivan Toney is also a consideration, but Arteta will likely wait until the end of the season before deciding on the profile of striker his team needs compared to the options he already has.Gabriel Jesus has spent a lot of this season injured, while Kai Havertz has contributed from deeper positions when leading the line.What happened to Highbury?A winger is also on Arteta’s wish list, providing cover for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.In the meantime, Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Cedric Soares could all be leaving the club in a summer clear-out. More