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      Arsenal set sights on world-class striker with eight players on transfer shortlist… ‘but four stars could leave’

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      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.Boss Mikel Arteta needs firepower, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres all on the radar.Mikel Arteta is set to be given a war chest again this summerCredit: GettyThe Gunners are also being linked with an array of other stars as the club prepare to unleash their war chest.Arsenal have spent big in the last two summer windows, bringing in the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for a combined £204.5million last year.This summer, signing a striker is the priority with Gabriel Jesus being plagued by injuries since he arrived in North London.Kai Havertz has had to fill the role for much of the summer, with the German and Jesus combining for 18 goals between them.READ MORE ON ARSENALSunSport understands the Arsenal hierarchy recognise Arteta’s squad currently lacks an attacking focal point and clinical edge in the final third.Isak, Sesko and Gyokeres are of particular interest.The Gunners have sent scouts to watch RB Leipzig’s 6ft 4in Slovenian Sesko, 20, and Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish former Coventry star Gyokeres.Sesko has a £43m release clause, but he is also being tracked by both Manchester United and Chelsea, while Gyokeres would cost upwards of £80m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSesko has scored 13 goals in 37 appearances in Germany.Impressively, Gyokeres has bagged 36 goals and 16 assists in 44 games in all competitions after moving to Portugal from Championship Sky Blues in a £21m deal last July.’Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in MunichIsak, 24, has hit 21 goals this season despite an injury-hit campaign.The Swede was scouted by Arsenal before his £60m Toon deal in 2022.Joshua Zikzee and Xavi Simons are also on the radar.Bologna’s Dutch wonder Zikzee is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe with the 6ft 4in 22-year-old forward valued at around £50m.Simons is a talent in the Bukayo Saka mould currently on loan at RB Leipzig from PSG, but would cost close to £80m to sign.Martin Zubimendi could prove an effective partner for Declan RiceAccording to The Mirror, Arteta also wants to sign players to provide competition for Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who have been overused this season.Wolves winger Pedro Neto is a long-term target while Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams is another option, they claim.Arsenal appear to have cooled their interest in Ivan Toney but another name on their wishlist is Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who could be an effective partner for Declan Rice.To help fund incoming Arsenal could let a number of stars leave according to The Mirror, including Eddie Nketiah who is priced at £30m and a target for Crystal Palace.READ MORE SUN STORIESReiss Nelson is also available with Aaron Ramsdale’s future uncertain, having been demoted to David Raya’s understudy.There is also interest being shown in youth product Emile Smith Rowe who has recently returned to first-team action.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here. More

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      Sir Chips Keswick dead at 84: Former Arsenal chairman who oversaw four FA Cup triumphs dies as tributes pour in

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      FORMER Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick has died at the age of 84.Keswick was a lifelong Gunners supporter, and was a regular feature at Highbury when he was younger.Former Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick has diedCredit: Getty – ContributorKeswick took over as chairman in 2013 and oversaw four FA Cup triumphsCredit: Getty – ContributorAn Arsenal statement announced the sad news this morning.The club said: “It is with great sadness that the club reports the death of former Chairman, Sir Chips Keswick.”A lifelong Arsenal supporter, he was a regular at Highbury after first standing in the boys’ enclosure in 1949 and listed his early heroes as the Compton brothers and Jimmy Logie but, above all, goalkeeper – and later manager – George Swindin, as young Chips was a budding schoolboy keeper himself.”Keswick became the chairman of the north London side in 2013 having initially joined the club’s board alongside Lord Harris in November 2005.READ MORE ON ARSENALIn becoming chair he replaced Peter Hill-Wood.During his time there he oversaw the team winning four FA Cups, with his final year fittingly seeing the team win the 2020 FA Cup as he stepped down in May of that year.The tribute continued: “Retirement allowed him to spend more time with his beloved family as well as indulge in his other great sporting passion, horse racing – he was a respected owner of numerous racehorses over the years. “Sir Chips will be greatly missed by everyone at Arsenal who knew him and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Lady Sarah and their children David, Tobias and Adam.”Most read in FootballKeswick had previously been a vice-chairman of Hambros bank between 1986 and 1998 and knighted by the Queen for services to banking in 1993.He was known to be a keen racehorse owner and owned some with the Queen.Keswick won the Cheltenham Festival Novices’ Handicap Chase in 2014 with Present View, trained by Jamie Snowden, but missed it because Arsenal were playing in Europe.After landing another Cheltenham win last year, he said on his first time miss: “It is great to be here this time. I had to watch Arsenal against Bayern and they beat us 3-1 (on aggregate).”I retired when I was 80 from the board. I think when you leave, you leave. “You shouldn’t hang around, but rest assured I watch Arsenal every time on the television.”Sir Chips Keswick “the perfect chairman”
      Sir John Chippendale “Chips” Lindley Keswick was a major figure at Arsenal Football Club.
      He joined the board in 2005 and then in 2013 was named chairman – a role he held for seven years.
      During that time as chairman, Arsenal won the FA Cup four times.
      He earned his money as chairman of Hambros Bank and as a director of the Bank of England.
      Upon his retirement as the most powerful man at Arsenal in 2020 he said: “It has been an honour to be the chairman of this great football club.
      “Arsenal has always held a special place in my life and that will remain the case in the future.”
      Current Arsenal owners Stan and Josh Kroenke said at the time he stepped down: “His extensive business knowledge and experience coupled with his deep love of Arsenal have made him the perfect chairman.”
      He was a lifelong Arsenal fan. More

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      Arsenal step up plans to sign world class striker in summer transfer after forwards flopped in Champions League

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      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world class forward in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.The Gunners crashed out in the quarter finals on Wednesday night without landing a meaningful blow on Bayern Munich in a drab second-leg 1-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena.Mikel Arteta must shrug off more Champions League frustrationCredit: GettyKai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Co struggled against Harry Kane’s BayernCredit: GettyOllie Watkins netted as Aston Villa beat Arsenal last Sunday but is tipped to be a summer target for ArtetaCredit: GettyAfter a first leg 2-2 draw at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta’s side had just three shots on target in Munich as Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich fired in the 63rd minute winner.And SunSport understands that the Arsenal hierarchy recognise that Arteta’s squad currently lacks an attacking focal point and clinical edge in the final third.Arteta has rotated the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in a central striker role this campaign, keeping Arsenal in the hunt for the Premier League title with six games left.However, that is the position that has ultimately cost them in Europe.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd the North London club are ready to act quickly in the market to rectify that problem with an acceptance that it is needed to reach the next level.Havertz – a £65m signing from Chelsea last June – started against Bayern before Jesus was thrown on in the second half, but neither had a meaningful impact.Jesus has just eight goals in all competitions this term, while Havertz has 10.Arsenal have previously been interested in landing a traditional No.9, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres monitored.Most read in Champions LeagueNewcastle’s Alexander Isak is on the Gunners’ shortlistCredit: RexWinger Saka’s poor stats from Wednesday’s woe reflect Arsenal’s failingsHowever, SunSport understands Arteta is now keen on bringing in a more versatile, modern forward, one who can influence games down the middle as well as from out wide.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, 24, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, 20, are players of interest, as is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, 28, but his age remains a sticking point.Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal being dumped out of Champions League by Bayern MunichArsenal’s plan to strengthen will not just focus on attacking areas, but to provide general depth – something which they currently lack and has led to their recent drop in form.SunSport understands that the Arsenal hierarchy are concerned with the fatigue that has hit several star names at this stage of the season, highlighted in Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Villa.The likes of Jesus, skipper Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Jorginho and Takehiro Tomiyasu have all carried niggling injuries and played through the pain without a much-needed rest period or chance for recovery this season.Arteta rarely rotates, mainly due to the fact he does not trust fringe players like Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah or Reiss Nelson to step in and make an impact.The Spanish coach has previously admitted he wants a squad of 22 elite players he can consistently swap in and out, much like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, something Arsenal hope to achieve over the next few windows.Benjamin Sesko is still on Arsenal’s radar after shining for RB LeipzigCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres, right, is the fourth top name being mentionedCredit: AFP More

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      Arsenal’s ‘spooky’ April curse leaves fans astonished with third Mikel Arteta season on verge of being torpedoed

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      ARSENAL fans have bemoaned their April “curse” as another season threatens to go off the rails in the month.Defeat in the Champions League to Bayern Munich last night saw the Gunners dream of making a first semi-final since 2009 left in tatters. Mikel Arteta’s side have fallen foul of their April curseCredit: RexIt is the third year running Arsenal have seen their season derail in AprilCredit: GettyThat followed a 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa which saw Manchester City regain the advantage in this season’s title race, another dream of the Gunners having not won it in 20 years. However, a consistent reality of the last three seasons has seen results for Mikel Arteta’s side crumble in the month of April.When Arsenal were gunning for the top four in 2022, a three-game stretch at the start of the month saw them lose to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton.And despite bouncing back to win their final two games of the month, in the end it would cost them as two back-to-back defeats in May allowed Tottenham to pip them to fourth.READ MORE ON ARSENALMeanwhile, last season saw Arsenal in a title race, but three draws on the spin against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton before a defeat to Manchester City saw them relinquish their top spot.And history in threatening to repeat itself this season.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here.

      Arsenal, who are in a title race and the Champions League quarter-finals, have seen their form slip up massively.Despite a wins over Brighton and Luton at the start of the month, this followed a 2-2 draw at the Emirates against Bayern Munich, before a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa and 1-0 loss to Bayern yesterday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReacting to the deja vu results, one fan said online: “Arsenal in April, spooky times.”A second said: “April curse continues.”‘Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in MunichA third added: “Football heritage.”Another said: “Arsenal is the biggest April fool.”Arsenal have three games left in the month to try and dispel their curse and get their season back on track, with those matches coming against Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham.Arsenal April fixturesHere’s how Arsenal have performed in the April over the last three seasons.
      2021/22
      Crystal Palace (A) 3-0 L
      Brighton (H) 1-2 L
      Southampton (A) 1-0 L
      Chelsea (A) 2-4 W
      Man Utd (H) 3-1 W
      2022/23
      Leeds (H) 4-1 W
      Liverpool (A) 2-2 D
      West Ham (A) 2-2 D
      Southampton (H) 3-3 D
      Man City (A) 4-1 L
      2023/24*
      Luton (H) 2-0 W
      Brighton (A) 0-3 W
      Bayern Munich (H) 2-2 D
      Aston Villa (H) 0-2 L
      Bayern Munich (A) 1-0 L
      *Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham still to play
      Overall April record in last three years:
      Played: 15, Wins: 5, Draws: 4, Losses: 6 More

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      Wolves vs Arsenal preview: Best free betting tips, odds and predictions for Premier League clash

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      ARSENAL are in desperate need of a pick-me-up after a disastrous week which has threatened their season to unravel.They head to Molineux to face Wolves in a rare Saturday late kick off, so SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest – and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the encounter.Best free bets for Wolves vs Arsenal
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      Already have these accounts? Don’t worry, we’ve got loads more terrific deals with our partners.Wolves vs Arsenal previewArsenal’s season is in danger of petering out after a calamitous week.Their performance on Sunday when losing to Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa was a real cause for concern, particularly having watched Liverpool fluff their lines earlier in the day.But Mikel Arteta’s side froze on the big stage at the Allianz Arena to allow Bayern Munich – much criticised for their poor season – to progress to the last four in Europe’s premier competition.So that’s no wins in three for the Gunners, who are beginning to look tired, especially in the middle of the park where they’ve been so dominant for much of the campaign.They’re now two points behind Manchester City, who are in FA Cup action this week. So this represents a chance to move back top of the league.And for as good as Wolves have been for long spells this year, they haven’t won any of their last five games – including against two relegation threatened sides and a Championship side.Wolves are in 11th place and seven points off Manchester United in seventh. So they look like having not much to play for. Does that make them more or less dangerous?Wolves vs Arsenal oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Wolves vs Arsenal betting tipsMore miseryArsenal’s much-praised defence can encounter further issues with a Wolves side looking to take a big scalp.And they’d likely be in a much stronger position in the table had Matheus Cunha stayed fit and not missed seven games.He had six goals in his seven games prior to injury and showed his quality with two goals last time out in the away draw at Nottingham Forest and at 3/1 is decent value to back that up with a goal here.
      Matheus Cunha to score anytime at 3/1 – CLAIM HERE
      Hav thatFor all the recent praise handed to Kai Havertz, he has the same amount of yellow cards in the league as he does goals.That’s a damning stat for the Gunners centre forward and goes some way to explaining their lack of cutting edge recently.Nine goals and nine yellows in the league, yet he’s 17/10 to score anytime and a much, much bigger price to be booked. Away from home and his team under pressure? I’m going after that value.
      Kai Havertz to be carded at 7/2 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
      Rice-ly does itDeclan Rice’s own performances have dropped significantly in the past few weeks.Maybe the season is finally catching up with him as he finds himself in the heart of the midfield every game.Regardless, he can still be the Gunners driving force and against a team like Wolves who have the ability to sit in, his efforts from distance could be profitable for the Gunners – and this bet!
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      Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson sued after his Italian mastiff ‘attacked sports masseur’ as they posed for selfie

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      ARSENAL star Reiss Nelson is being sued by his sports masseur who claims the player’s Italian mastiff attacked him as they posed for a selfie.Saeid Motaali, 50, alleges the dog went for his neck and bit him on the arm he raised to protect himself at Nelson’s pad in North London.Reiss Nelson, with his Italian mastiff, is being sued by a sports masseur who claims the dog attacked himCredit: FieldfisherSaeid Motaali claims Reiss’s dog attacked his neck and bit him on the armCredit: FieldfisherNelson playing for the GunnersCredit: GettyIt is said to have happened in 2020 after Mr Motaali finished a sports massage with the star and asked for a photo with him and his pet.According to the Evening Standard, Mr Motaali’s legal team said: “The dog was a large powerful animal.”A High Court claim accuses Nelson of failing to control the animal, which had allegedly been trained as a guard dog.The therapist says he has not been able to work for more than three years due to the incident.READ MORE ON REISS NELSONMr Nelson previously denied the accusation.Nelson also has concerns on the pitch, after penning a contract extension last summerit would be no surprise to see the club cash in this time around.The 24-year-old winger has been in the starting XI just once across both the Prem and Champions League this season.Nelson is surplus to requirements and it would take an injury to a key man like Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli for him to be handed a chance in the remainder of the campaign.Most read in FootballHis best moment in a Gunners shirt came when he scored a last-gasp winner in the 3-2 victory over Bournemouth last season.He has to come up with something similar to avoid being sold amid interest from Brighton.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shocker More

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      Michael Owen names three Premier League players Arsenal should sign that would take them to next level

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      MICHAEL OWEN has listed the three players Arsenal should bring in to improve them this summer.The former England star, 44, believes Mikel Arteta needs to add a striker to his ranks come the end of the season.Michael Owen believes Arsenal need to be looking at three strikersCredit: PAOwen has named England pair Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins as players Arsenal should go afterCredit: GettyThat is despite the Gunners having outscored everyone in the Premier League aside from Manchester City – with the champions netting just one more than them after 32 games.Owen believes Aston Villa man Ollie Watkins, Brentford’s Ivan Toney, and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak could all improve Arsenal.When discussing the Gunners’ reported interest in England man Watkins, Owen told Premier League Productions: “He is a player who is getting better and better year on year.”He’s the type of player who could go into the Arsenal team, whether or not they can buy him is another thing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There are a lot of players in the Premier League at the moment who would probably be an upgrade on what Arsenal have right now.”You’re looking at [Alexander] Isak up at Newcastle, maybe Ivan Toney at Brentford and Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa.”Arsenal have hit the back of the net on 75 occasions in the league.In all competitions, Bukayo Saka [18], Leandro Trossard [13], Martin Odegaard [10] and Kai Havertz [10] are the Arsenal players that have reached doubled figures.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOwen also believes Arsenal should look at Alexander IsakCredit: EPAOllie Watkins is enjoying a prolific season up front for Aston VillaIsak, 24, has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Tottenham amid Newcastle’s concerns surrounding profit and sustainability rules.Toney has made it clear he would be open to leaving Brentford in the summer.And Watkins’ sensational campaign is bound to turn heads, although his Villa contract runs until 2028.Watkins has scored 26 goals in 45 games this season, while Isak has netted 21 times in 34 matches.Toney’s betting ban left him ineligible until January, but he has scored four goals in 13 games since returning to Thomas Frank’s side.Ivan Toney has scored four league goals since returning to the Brentford teamIsak has led the line superbly for Newcastle this season More

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      Arsenal and Liverpool ‘make contact with Eintracht Frankfurt’ over mega-money summer transfer

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      ARSENAL and Liverpool have “made contact” with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for defender Willian Pacho, according to reports.The centre-back, 22, has started all but one of the German club’s Bundesliga games this season.Willian Pacho only joined Eintracht Frankfurt last summer but has had a superb seasonCredit: GettyPacho has been ever-present for Frankfurt in the 2023/24 campaignAnd his impressive displays have seen his asking price skyrocket as some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs circle for his signature.Pacho joined Frankfurt from Royal Antwerp last summer for just £7.6million.Now Sky Sports are reporting the 2022 Europa League winners want between £43-51m in the summer.Pacho, who has already earned 10 caps for Ecuador, is under contract with Frankfurt until 2028.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal and Liverpool are both understood to have “held discussions”, with Frankfurt “aware” of their interest.But the strength of Frankfurt’s contractual situation with the player means they can demand a substantial fee.And manager Dino Toppmoller recently revealed he believes the centre-half can become one of the best in the world.Toppmoller said: “He’s doing a great job, and is getting better all the time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s really reliable and has world-class potential.”Frankfurt sit sixth in the Bundesliga table and are poised to qualify for the Europa Conference League.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shockerBut they are just three points ahead of Augsburg, so could still miss out on European football. More