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      Arsenal lining up shock cut-price transfer for Man City outcast who fell out with Pep Guardiola

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      ARSENAL are ready to pounce for Joao Cancelo – if Barcelona are unable to turn his loan move into a permanent one.Cancelo, 29, still has three years left on his Manchester City contract but has not been at the Etihad for 14 months after a fall-out with Pep Guardiola.Joao Cancelo is currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester CiyCredit: GettyCancelo fell out with Man City boss Pep Guardiola before leaving the Etihad on loanCredit: AFPHe moved to the Nou Camp in September but, despite being a regular and Barcelona having first option to sign him, they insist the £40million asking price is too steep.That has alerted Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, who knows Cancelo well from his time as Guardiola’s assistant.His ability to play on either flank is a huge plus for Arteta, who is in the market for a top level left-back, while Cancelo also impressed in midfield when he was pushed forward at City.Cancelo has made it no secret that he would prefer to stay at Barca.READ MORE ON ARSENALYet they do not want to go beyond paying another loan fee to keep him for a further 12 months.He spent the previous six months at Bayern Munich but the German giants also insisted the asking price was too high.City want the Portugal international off the books, rather than seeing his price drop the longer he remains their player.Arteta has raided City for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus in the past.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd, as much as he would like to stay at Barca, Cancelo may be tempted by another link-up with the Spaniard in the summer.He made 154 appearances for Man City, scoring nine goals and providing 22 assists.Four Arsenal stars confronted Arsene Wenger after huge stars sold to bitter rivals, reveals Jack Wilshere The full-back won three Premier League titles and the Carabao Cup at the Etihad, before he left for Barcelona and won the LaLiga title last year.This season he has played 32 games in all competitions, starting 22 of their 29 league matches. More

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      Four Arsenal players confronted Arsene Wenger after huge stars sold to bitter rivals, reveals Jack Wilshere

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      ARSENAL accepted finishing in the top four as success in the past, but disgruntled players often confronted Arsene Wenger when they sold big stars – according to Jack Wilshere.Now, the former Gunners midfielder believes Mikel Arteta can lead the club to their first Premier League title since 2004.Jack Wilshere has claimed Arsenal players confronted Arsene Wenger when top players were soldCredit: GettyWenger was criticised for selling a number of top stars during the later stages of his tenureCredit: GettyWilshere – now 32 and manager of Arsenal’s U18s – broke through at the Emirates as a 16-year-old wonderkid just four years after Wenger’s Invincibles league triumph.In the years that followed, the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie all left due to a lack of ambition in challenging for trophies and the title.Despite that, Wenger maintained Arsenal as a top four club, qualifying for the Champions League for nineteen consecutive seasons between 1998 and 2017.However, Wilshere says that came at a price, explaining: “Being totally honest, as a group of players we knew that fighting for for the top four was our level.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Manchester City had just come through, spent a load of money on the likes of Nasri and Adebayor. Manchester United were still there with Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand. “We knew that we were always going to fall short.“It was difficult for me at that time to listen [to the Invincibles comparisons]. “That was going on, but there were never any conversations between players where we questioned why Arsene was coming out with lines like ‘top four is a trophy’.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I remember celebrating top four as success. It was difficult for fans to understand that because of the Invincibles.“I remember one of my first pre-seasons and it was the year that Adebayor left, Kolo left. We were in Austria. What happened to Highbury?”I wasn’t part of the conversations but Fabregas, Van Persie, Nasri, Gallas going to Arsene and asking: ‘What’s going on? Where are we going with the club?’“During my time at Arsenal, there were always those questions – where is the Patrick Vieira? Where is the Thierry Henry? Where is the Tony Adams? Where are the leaders?“Especially when we threatened to drop out of the top four, and rightly so. We could have done with someone to grab us in those tough moments.“While we were losing big personalities, we did replace them. We still had quality players, but were we challenging for the league? Probably not.”One of Wenger’s most controversial sales was Van Persie to rivals Manchester United in the summer of 2012 for around £30m – one that still stings the Arsenal fan base now.Wilshere continued: “I was surprised that Wenger let Robin van Persie go. I was disappointed but, being completely honest, that is probably the trajectory that Arsenal were on at the time.“Robin knew that we weren’t going to challenge for the Premier League title for a few years.“The reaction from the fans was quite visceral and rightly so. It was understandable. It hurt and there were definitely conversations between players about what was actually going on at the club.“The hurt surrounding Robin’s departure was more of a personal one, because we knew him so well. He was the captain. He was a good leader and he set high standards.“As much as it hurt, he made the right choice, because he won the league that year.”Wilshere was at Arsenal when Arteta joined as a player on 2011 Deadline Day from Everton, and his first interactions with the Spaniard convinced him of his leadership qualities.Speaking on Simon Jordan’s Up Front podcast, Wilshere said: ““When Mikel Arteta came to Arsenal, you could tell straight away that he was a leader – he was different.“I was injured and in a boot when he joined. On his first day he asked me: ‘How long are you out for Jack?’ It was as straight as that. He told me I needed to hurry up and get back.“He was very much an arm around the shoulder, empathetic kind of person. However, I remember him having heated discussions with other team members from time to time.“He could be both types of leader; we saw that with how he dealt with Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang in the documentary.“He is so intense. He cares so much. I think he can [win the league at Arsenal]. He will eventually, whether that’s this season or next season.”Asked whether Arsenal bottled the league last season – giving up an eight-point lead on Manchester City – he added: “I wouldn’t say that.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Everyone was saying: ‘No one is going to catch City or Liverpool’. Now we are in the conversation and getting stronger. There are still some hurdles to face like last year.”***Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bpVNYCLY28*** More

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      I’m a World Cup winner who left Arsenal for a woman… I immediately regretted it

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      A WORLD CUP-winning legend has revealed the reason that he left Arsenal was “for a woman”.Emmanuel Petit arrived at Highbury from Monaco in 1997 as an unknown on these shores.Emmanuel Petit has revealed he quit Arsenal ‘for a woman’Credit: GettyThe French star posing with ex-wife Agathe de la Fontaine at his Barcelona unveilingCredit: ReutersBut he and fellow new French recruit Patrick Vieira instantly formed an incredible partnership in midfield under Arsene Wenger.That led to Arsenal winning the league and cup double in 1998, which was followed that summer by the pair helping Les Bleus to World Cup glory.Petit, who scored in the final for his country against Brazil, played over 80 times in the top-flight for the Gunners before he made a shock exit to Barcelona in 2000.The now 53-year-old struggled at the Nou Camp and only stayed for 12 months before returning to England and signing for Chelsea, where he stayed until retirement in 2004.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow Petit has admitted his regret at leaving Arsenal and insisted that it was a move made for love and not money or football.He told Football España: “I left Arsenal for a woman.“I always liked Barcelona and Real Madrid, two of the biggest clubs in the world. But I should have stayed at Arsenal, definitely.”Petit married French actress Agathe de la Fontaine in 2000, whom he has a child with, but they divorced two years later.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe continued: “You know, sometimes the grass is not greener elsewhere.“It’s better to stay where you are when you receive love, happiness, and success. I’m a former Arsenal and England star who had to pay kitman £10k when washing gamble backfired“If I could turn back time, I would probably make a different decision.”Petit struggled to make an impact under boss Lorenzo Serra Ferrer at Barcelona and scored one goal in 23 appearances.He added: “I arrived at a bad time. There was a war in the dressing room between Catalan and Dutch players.“In addition, we had Serra Ferrer as a coach, who did not have the necessary strength or charisma to handle the team.”Petit’s switch to Chelsea failed to return him to his top form as he suffered a crippling knee injury that forced his retirement after just three years. More

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      Forgotten Arsenal stars return in behind-closed-doors friendly against QPR… but Arteta’s side are humiliated 4-0

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      ARSENAL gave two first team players some much-needed minutes in a behind-closed-doors 4-0 friendly defeat to QPR today.The Gunners are making the most of the break to give those who are not on international duty a chance to get up to full speed ahead of the season run-in and title charge.Thomas Partey is working back to full fitness ahead of the season run-inCredit: GettyTakehiro Tomiyasu is also on the comeback trail after suffering calf issuesCredit: GettySunSport understands that Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu were involved. Partey got 60 minutes under his belt while Tomiyasu played for 45 minutes.But, Jurrien Timber did NOT feature as he continues his rehab from ACL surgery.The game took place at one of QPR’s training pitches, and mainly featured a lot of Arsenal U21s with a chance to impress Mikel Arteta.Arsenal had not played since their penalty shoot-out victory over Porto on March 12 to reach the Champions League quarter finals, and next up face Manchester City on March 31.READ MORE ON ARSENALPartey made his official comeback off the bench on March 4 against Sheffield United having been out for five months following thigh surgery in October.Before that, the Ghanaian had been on the pitch for just 30 minutes since August.Partey also played the final few minutes of Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Brentford on March 9 as he is eased back into regular football.Boss Arteta will hope Partey can play a big role with just 10 league games left as they sit atop the Premier League, as well as a Champions League quarter final next month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTomiyasu has also had his injury woes this season, struggling with a calf problem that means the Japanese international is yet to play for Arsenal this calendar year.But after signing a new two-year deal – with the option of another 12 months – this week, Tomiyasu got game time against QPR.Will Pugh and Tom Barclay discuss Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes ahead of ‘biggest game in 20 years’ against Man CityThe return of Tomiyasu will give Arteta plenty of options at the back, and can rotate the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White and Jakub Kiwior if required.However, Dutch full-back Timber – who got injured on the Prem opening day against Nottingham Forest in August – is not yet ready to take part in a match situation just yet.Timber has been involved in full training with the senior side for the past few weeks and is building his way back to featuring at some point next month.However, Arteta will not take any risks on a player he sees as crucial to his set-up, and internally the club are very excited by what Timber can bring to the side next season when fully fit. More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea transfer blow as top target to begin new contract negotiations including bumper £102m release clause

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      SPORTING LISBON are opening talks on a new mage transfer release clause for Viktor Gykores to “protect” them from the Premier League clubs circling.The Swedish striker cost a club-record £17m last summer from Coventry City but he has already repaid that faith with his scintillating form.Sporting’s hope to convince Viktor Gyokeres to sign a new deal with an improved release clauseCredit: AFPThe 25-year-old has scored 27 goals in 33 appearances, as well as recording double figures in assists, to catch the eye of Europe’s big guns.Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the hotshot – with the latter allegedly having a £74m approach rejected in January.Previous reports had claimed that Sporting Lisbon were holding out for the £87m release clause fee that was part of his package.Now A Bola have claimed that the Portuguese league leaders want to secure him to a new agreement that would not only land Gyokeres a bumper pay rise but would also offer them “greater protection”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey are well aware of the growing interest in their star striker.As well as Arsenal and Chelsea, Bayern Munich are also keen to bring him to the Bundesliga while French giants Paris Saint-Germain have joined the transfer chase.This update also adds that several Spanish teams are in the hunt – but a host of the interested clubs may soon be ruled out of signing him.Sporting Lisbon are hoping that the reward of a pay rise would see Gykores pen his new contract and agree to a release clause of a whopping £102m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd that would ensure that any sale of their prized-asset would turn out to be a record departure for the club.The agents of Gykores, who was snapped up by Coventry in 2021 after failing to make the grade at Brighton, are also allegedly making a trip to Portugal in April.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnd Sporting will be looking to use that time to thrash out terms on the updated agreement.Meanwhile, the transfer speculation does not seem to be having any adverse effect on the player himself.He fired a hat-trick against Boavista on Sunday as the 6-1 victory ensured they remain a point ahead of rivals Benfica, who have played a game more, at the top of the table.The forward will now be hoping to take that form on to the international stage with Sweden, who he has scored five times in 19 caps for.They take on Portugal away tonight in a friendly before taking on Albania on home turf on Monday. More

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      Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu doubles his money as he signs new two-year contract and says ‘it’s a dream’

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      TAKEHIRO TOMIYASU has signed a new two-year deal at Arsenal – with the option of a further 12 months.The Gunners defender, 25, is the latest player in North London to commit his future to the club – as revealed by SunSport earlier this month – and has doubled his salary in the process.Takehiro Tomiyasu is the latest Arsenal player to pen a new dealCredit: GettySigned from Bologna in the summer of 2021 on a four-year contract for around £17m, making 73 appearances so far, the Japanese international admits playing at Arsenal is “a dream”.And with a potential Premier League and Champions League double on the cards, Tomiyasu is eyeing a successful end to the campaign.He said: “Arsenal is one of the best clubs in the world. And it’s a dream to play for this club, so I’m happy.“I’m playing for Arsenal and this means I’m playing for Arsenal’s supporters. So that’s why I dedicate my life for this club, and for the supporters. I want to give them something back.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“When I joined Arsenal, we were not playing in European competitions. But now we are playing in the Champions League and we are in the title race. We improved a lot.“Now, I want to achieve something. I want to win something with my team-mates, with the supporters.”Boss Arteta said: “We are so pleased to have Tomi commit his future with us. Together with his natural ability and strength, Tomi’s attitude, mentality and values are first class.“Tomi is loved by everyone and has been an integral part of the squad since joining us. The way he trains, with his desire and determination to be the best version of himself every day, is admirable. We look forward to continue working with Tomi in the future years.”Most read in FootballInjuries have limited the defender’s game time this seasonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd sporting director Edu added: “We are very excited to have Tomi with us for more years to come.“He has huge qualities both on and off the pitch, and offers so much strength and versatility to our squad. Tomi is a top professional and it’s great that he’ll continue to play an important role in the coming years, as we work towards achieving our goals.”Will Pugh and Tom Barclay discuss Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes ahead of ‘biggest game in 20 years’ against Man CityTomiyasu joins the likes of Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba to have committed over the past 18 months.Arteta believes he has built a squad with a core of young talent that can challenge for major trophies for several years to come – with Tomiyasu a big part of that on and off the pitch.Having struggled with injury issues this season, Tomiyasu – who can play on either side at full-back – is currently competing for a starting spot with the likes of White, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko and the returning Jurrien Timber. More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea in six-club transfer battle for Murillo as Nottingham Forest may be forced to sell

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      ARSENAL and Chelsea are reportedly locked in a six-way tussle for Nottingham Forest star Murillo.The Brazilian defender has been one of Forest’s better players this season, clocking up 27 appearances following a £12million move from Corinthians last summer.Arsenal and Chelsea are among six clubs keen on Nottingham Forest star MurilloCredit: AlamyMurillo, 21, was on the radar of Man City, West Ham and Napoli before sealing his switch to the City Ground.But the centre-back could soon be on the move due to Forest’s financial issues.The relegation battlers find themselves in the drop zone after being docked four points for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.And regardless of whether they stay up, Forest will likely have to sell several stars to balance the books.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGiven his age, talent and potential, Murillo is one of the top candidates to leave.Indeed, the Mail claims Arsenal and Chelsea are already circling after being left impressed by his performances.Liverpool and Newcastle are monitoring the situation too, with club chiefs having their interest piqued by Murillo’s seamless adaptation to life in England.However, there is interest in the youngster from abroad too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERParis Saint-Germain snapped up fellow Brazilian kids Lucas Beraldo and Gabriel Moscardo in January for a combined £34m.And with the club continuing to move in a new direction following the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar, they could bid for Murillo this summer too.‘Even Nando’s love the Arsenal’, say fans as Bukayo Saka launches own signature PERi-PERi sauce that ‘actually bangs’There is also interest from Barcelona, who already have a new young defensive star in Pau Cubarsi.Murillo could be a long-term partner for the 17-year-old, who has been called up by Spain.But the Forest man’s ability to play as a holding midfielder could also see him earmarked as a replacement for the ageing Oriol Romeu. More

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      ‘Even Nando’s love the Arsenal’, say fans as Bukayo Saka launches own signature PERi-PERi sauce that ‘actually bangs’

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      BUKAYO SAKA has unveiled a signature brand of PERi-PERi sauce that he hopes is as “smoking” hot in the pot as his form on the pitch.Fans claim “even Nando’s loves Arsenal” after the winger’s surprise loan transfer to become “head chef” at the chain restaurant.Bukayo Saka becomes a wings wizard as the Arsenal wideman pours his creation onto a popular Nando’s dishCredit: PAThe England ace enjoyed his stint as ‘head chef’ at the chain restaurantCredit: PASaka proved he has plenty of bottle with his kitchen performanceCredit: PAThe 22-year-old saw his limited edition “PERi-PERi Saka Sauce” launched just as England knuckle down to training for two prestigious friendlies.Showing the confidence and individualism that has helped the Gunners top the Premier League, the Three Lions’ hero chose smoky BBQ and tomato alongside the eatery’s most famous sauce. Saka said: “The sauce mixes sweet, spiciness and smokiness. I love it and can’t wait for everyone to try it. “I’ve been going to Nando’s since I was little so to have my own PERi-PERi sauce in every restaurant in the country is quite mad!READ MORE TOP STORIES”My family’s really important to me so I wanted to make sure they liked it, too. As soon as my Dad said he was a fan, I knew it was the one.”Football supporters responded enthusiastically online, one joking: “Do any doctors follow me that could advise me on how many bottles of Saka’s Nandos sauce is *too many* to drink in a row?”Another fan insisted the concoction “actually bangs” and a third suggested: “Saka with his own Nando’s sauce – this guy is generational.”And yet more admirers called on him to launch more “collaborations”.Most read in FootballSaka was with England team-mates like Jude Bellingham on TuesdayCredit: GettySaka made his move into the spicy sideline just as the season sizzles nicely for club and country.The Gunners are attempting to fend off Liverpool and Manchester City to win the Prem for the first time since 2004. How Arsenal’s Fab Five are driving Premier League title charge as stats show incredible form after mid-season breakAnd England face Brazil this Saturday followed by Belgium three days later in key warm-up games for the Euros, which start in Germany this June.So with a great sense of timing, Saka proved he has a taste for glory on more than one front with a brief but brilliant diversion into the kitchen.And apart from formulating his own sauce he played a key role in a light-hearted “Yes Chef” mini-movie that accompanied it.Director Josh Cohen said via Sticker films: “We had such a great time shooting it.”Bukayo really embraced the concept and his role as head chef!”Saka has sniffed success in an exciting new wayCredit: PA More