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      Arsenal learn price of top transfer target Viktor Gyokeres as they get set to battle Chelsea for Sporting star

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      ARSENAL’S top No9 transfer target Viktor Gyokeres is set to be sold this summer for £68million by Sporting Lisbon.The Gunners will have to battle it out with Chelsea for the in-form striker as both Premier League sides are desperate for a talisman.Sporting are set to sell Arsenal’s top transfer target Viktor Gyokeres for £68m this seasonCredit: AFPGyokeres has been in top form for Sporting since moving from Coventry last July in a £20million deal. The 25-year-old has scored 37 goals and 14 assists in 50 games for club and country this season and for Sporting alone he has tallied 22 goals in 24 games.This has sparked interest from Arsenal who have been on the hunt for a powerful striker this year and Chelsea who have also been analysing his performances closely this season.The Swedish international goals have helped Sporting take the top spot in the Portuguese league above local rivals Benfica who they defeated in the cup to line up a potential double this term.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClub officials are expected to cash in on Gyokeres by demanding £68m this summer.AC Milan have also been linked with Gyokeres but the forward is thought to prefer a move to the Premier League after starting his career with Brighton in 2018.Arsenal have been set on finding a No9 after going a season without a designated striker.They have been keen on Brentford and England star Ivan Toney and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen for some time now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut The Athletic reporter David Ornstein has confirmed that the Gunners are no longer targeting the pair as Arsenal are more interested in Gyokeres alongside Benjamin Sesko and Evan Ferguson.Ornstein said: “The likes of Sesko & Gyökeres 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 snapped Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas with worst tackle of my life – I had to get his number and apologise afterwards”I don’t see it being an Osimhen or Toney. There will be other options too.” More

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      Thomas Tuchel makes bold Arsenal claim moments after conceding ‘title is over’ as fans fume ‘what a loser’

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      THOMAS TUCHEL admitted the Bundesliga title race is OVER – but still backs his Bayern Munich side to beat Arsenal in the Champions League. Bayern fell to a 2-0 home loss to Borussia Dortmund to leave Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen 13 points clear at the top of the table. Thomas Tuchel admitted the Bundesliga title race is overTuchel: ‘We are able to beat Arsenal even if today this is hard to believe. We have very different performances within a short period of time. Wouldn’t be the first time we bounce back with a crazy good performance’ [🎥 @archiert1, @ESPNFC]pic.twitter.com/qlVBRlzQSI— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) March 31, 2024

      With just seven games left, Tuchel conceded the title early following the crushing defeat. Asked if the race is now over, he said: “Obviously, yes. “After today’s game there is no more need to count points. How many is it now? Congratulations to Leverkusen.“We are very disappointed because we felt we did not bring the necessary passion to win the game. READ MORE IN football “It was too little from us when it came to the basics.” Tuchel’s comments angered fans as one said: “What a loser.”Another added: “What a loser mentality.” With hope lost in the league, Bayern will now turn their attention to their quarter-final clash with Arsenal next month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel – who had several showdowns with the Gunners during his reign at Chelsea – is hopefully the Germans can turn their form around. He said: “That is not the first time that it happens to us and it’s not the first time we could bounce back with a crazy good performance. Xabi Alonso announces he will stay at Bayer Leverkusen after showdown talks with club”That is basically the hope. It’s a bit strange but that is actually it. If we are honest, we could not have to guarantee that if we perform today at highest level that we do this again at Heidenheim. “This is our point for many, many months. We struggle to find this consistency. So today we didn’t find and now we prepare for Heidenheim. “We are able to beat Arsenal even if today this is hard to believe. We have very different performances within a short period of time so this is not new to us.” More

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      My dad’s a Double-winner and my uncle won a Ballon d’Or, now I’m making my own way and eyeing shock non-league title

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      HIS famous footballing father was a Double winner with Arsenal and will go down in history as the first African player to win the Premier League.His uncle is a former Ballon d’Or winner and two-time African Footballer of the Year who starred for Manchester City in the twilight of his career.Chris Wreh has carved his own way with Tamworth where he plays on loan from HartlepoolChris’ father Christopher Wreh won the Double with ArsenalCredit: PA:Press AssociationChris’ grandfather George Weah won the Ballon d’OrCredit: AFPWeah also used to play for Manchester City during his glory yearsCredit: AFPBut Chris Wreh – son of former Gunners striker Christopher Wreh and nephew of Liberian legend George Weah – has no time to worry about torn loyalties ahead of Sunday’s title showdown between City and Arsenal.That’s because he’s too busy closing in on a spectacular title success of his own.The 27-year-old Hartlepool United striker is currently on loan at National League North surprise packages Tamworth.And Andy Peaks’ high-flying Lambs can complete back-to-back promotions and clinch a shock promotion to the National League if they pick up a point at Brackley Town on Monday or Chorley fail to beat Blyth Spartans.Read More on FootballHowever, 26 years ago it was Chris’ dad Christopher who was closing in on the title as part of Arsene Wenger’s great 1997-98 Double-winners.Chris told SunSport: “I was only two when dad won the Double with Arsenal.”He’s not really one to talk about what he’s achieved, he was more interested in pushing me on to try and make a name for myself.”But lots of people have told me what a great player he was and I’ve watched some videos of him.Most read in Football”It’s pretty obvious he must have been talented to play in that Arsenal Double-winning team because he had to compete with Ian Wright, Dennis Bergkamp and Nicolas Anelka.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careers”One of his claims to fame is that Arsene Wenger signed him twice – first for Monaco and then Arsenal.”Wreh senior scored on his full debut in March 1998 – a 1-0 win at Wimbledon – as Arsenal put together a ten-match winning streak which saw them overhaul Manchester United to win the title.Wreh also scored a winner at Bolton before bagging his most famous Arsenal goal – the only goal of the game in a narrow FA Cup semi-final win over Wolves.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Arsene Wenger rewarded him by starting dad in the FA Cup final against Newcastle United, which they won 2-0,” said Chris.”Ian Wright was on the bench that day which says a lot for dad.”They were quite close and he used to call Wrighty, grandad, or old man, while Ian Wright dubbed dad ‘The Liberian Lion King!'”Dad also scored against Manchester United at Wembley when Arsenal won the Charity Shield at the start of the following season.”I still stumble across some of his international shirts in the garage or scattered all over the house and his Premier League winners’ medal and Community Shield medal are at home too.”He’s even got a Best Goal Celebration Award and became famous for his backflip celebrations after scoring but I’ve never tried to recreate it.”Living with HenryAt the start of his second season at Highbury, Wenger increased the quality even further by signing Thierry Henry and Croatian legend Davor Suker.Despite making 18 appearances in the first half of the season Wreh was eventually loaned out to AEK Athens, Birmingham City and Dutch side Den Bosch, before moving to St Mirren and then Al-Hilal in the fledgling Saudi League.”Dad knew all about Thierry Henry’s quality long before he became a Gunners legend,” said Chris.”Because he used to share a flat together when they were teammates at Monaco.”To get in that Arsenal team ahead of some of those players was obviously a massive achievement and something my mum must have been so proud of.”It showed he had the talent, it’s staggering to think of the level he achieved.Wreh was ‘bigger’ in France”Speaking to Mum and other family members he was actually far bigger in France than he ever was here.”He achieved a lot in French football with Guingamp, where he played in the French Cup final and Monaco before his move to Arsenal.”He played with some world class players at Monaco and at 18 he came off the bench in the semi-final of the Champions League against AC Milan at the San Siro, playing alongside Jurgen Klinsmann, Youri Djorkaeff, Enzo Scifo and Emmanuel Petit.”He’s currently out in Liberia where he is in charge of the National Under-20 team and he Facetimed me the other day before their international for a chat.”We tend to keep it light – he’s just my dad really. But if I ask him for something specific he’ll give me advice.”It’s my ambition to play for Liberia one day.Chris’ Liberia ambitions”Dad scored 12 goals in 36 internationals and my uncle George Weah is Liberia’s most famous player.”There was a possibility of me being called up when I was with Southend but unfortunately I got injured before the squad was announced.”Hopefully if Tamworth win promotion I’ll have options in the National League with Hartlepool or to stay here.”We’re 13 points clear with four games to go but I came in February after the boys did all the hard work.”I’m just here to hopefully provide the icing on the cake. I’ve managed five goals and four assists in 14 appearances so things have gone well.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Tamworth fans might want to borrow the anthem Arsenal fans used to sing about his double-winning dad.All together now ….. “We’re riding along on the Christ-oph-er Wreh!” More

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      I snapped Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas with worst tackle of my life – I had to get his number and apologise afterwards

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      PETER CROUCH has opened up about the time he hit Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas “with the worst tackle of my life” on his latest podcast.It came as he discussed the frustration he felt as a player when coming on as a substitute with co-hosts Steve Sidwell and Chris Stark.Crouch took his frustrations out on Fabregas after coming on as a subCredit: GettyHe said that some games he would come on “and just be so angry” at the disappointment of not making the starting XI.The former Liverpool man said that led to him lashing out at Cesc Fabregas when Stoke played Chelsea in 2017.He said: “You know when you’re fuming on the bench and you just release all your pent up frustration.”I did the worst tackle I’ve ever done in my life on Cesc Fabregas.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I had to call him up and apologise to him. I had to get his number to apologise. It was a bad one.”After Sidwell asked whether the Spaniard accepted his apology, Crouch said: “Yeah he did totally. He was like: ‘Thanks for getting in touch. It’s fine.'”Crouch was on the losing team that day as Chelsea went on to beat the Potters 4-0 thanks to an Alvaro Morata hat-trick and a goal from Pedro.Luckily for Crouch, he escaped a red card for the tackle.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he said he wasn’t so lucky in a game against Southampton in 2014.He said: “There was another one. We played Southampton and I got sent off, yeah. On as a substitute and [went for] two reckless tackles.”Luka Modric passed out in a cubicle and had to be carried out by a bouncer on his first Tottenham night out, says Jenas v2Stoke would go on to lose the League Cup game 3-2 thanks in part to the red card he received for the challenges.Crouch made 467 Premier League appearances for the likes of Spurs, Liverpool and Southampton, scoring 106 goals.He called time on his career after a year at Sean Dyche’s Burnley in 2019 at the age of 39.Crouch was given his marching orders against SouthamptonCredit: PA More

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      I was at Arsenal but moved to Man City because their fans are ‘more passionate’ – I got attacked on return to Emirates

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      HE’S the legend whose controversial switch from one Premier League giant to another turned ugly at his old hunting ground… AFTER he retired.Samir Nasri had deepened the discontent from Arsenal fans over his move to Manchester City in 2011 by claiming Etihad supporters were “more passionate”.Frenchman Samir Nasri was covering Arsenal vs Man City for home country TV channel Canal+ when trouble flaredCredit: Canal+Nasri returned with City but later got an angry reaction as a punditCredit: The FA – Getty ImagesBut nothing excused the reception he got back at the Emirates last October on the day Gabriel Martinelli earned the Gunners their first win over City for nine years.An Arsenal fan was seen throwing punches at fellow home supporters, as well as hurling abuse at the 36-year-old.One observer claimed the angry man was trying to reach the French playmaker.But the reaction online afterwards arguably showed some of football’s problems in an even worse light.A few keyboard warriors claimed Nasri “deserved” such hostile treatment at the Emirates.Others, however, hit back with posts like: “Violence is never the answer.”Nasri had been a popular midfielder in his three years at Arsenal under iconic manager Arsene Wenger.And his 125 stylish appearances brought 27 goals plus 15 assists.Most read in FootballBut Nasri won just the League Cup with the Gunners before big-spending City swooped for £25million.Already aggrieved by Nasri’s decision, Emirates supporters were agitated further by his explanation.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe ex-Marseille star said: “Arsenal have good fans but not that passionate since they moved from Highbury.”City fans are really passionate. When we played against City, the crowd was amazing. That’s what I want.”I went to Arsenal clash wearing nothing but body paint – it almost ended in disaster when it started drippingNasri went on to win the Prem under Roberto Mancini – then the top-flight again and the League Cup after Manuel Pellegrini replaced the Italian in June 2013.But his career petered out via a loan spell with Sevilla plus permanent stints at Antalyaspor, West Ham and Anderlecht. More

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      Arsenal ace Kim Little hoping for back-to-back Conti Cup triumphs for the first time under boss Jonas Eidevall

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      FOR Kim Little taking on Chelsea in cup contest deciders is among her “highest challenges” as an Arsenal playerTo date the Gunners have faced their London rivals in five FA and League Cup finals.Kim Little and her team-mates are targeting back-to-back Conti Cup wins under head coach Jonas Eidevall when they take on ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Gunners’ last match against the Blues ended in a 3-1 loss for them in the Women’s Super League earlier this monthCredit: AlamyLittle is hoping history will repeat itself following Arsenal’s Conti Cup final defeat of Chelsea last MarchCredit: GettyToday the Arsenal skipper, 33, and her team-mates will attempt to see off the Blues and lift the Conti Cup for the seventh time in her club’s history.A triumph at Molineux would mean back-to-back trophy wins for the first time under boss Jonas Eidevall.It would also be the Gunners’ first successive silverware win in the competition since winning it for three years in a row from 2011.Little, who netted against Chelsea in Arsenal’s Conti Cup triumph last March, said: “The rivalry with Chelsea is there I think in any game, and the cup games kind of add to that.Read More Football Stories“I feel like we’ve played them almost every year in both cups in some rounds, sometimes earlier than we would like.“They’ve been at the top of their game for the last few years and most obviously in the league.“But the cup games add a slightly different element to the season, this being one of them coming into the Conti Cup final again.“Whenever we play them, whichever team is the most dominant, is the one that gets a good start, and wins the physical battle.Most read in Football”But it’s a very different game turning up on the day and doing that and ultimately that’s our challenge as players “And playing against Chelsea is always the highest challenge, which I think, adds pressure. It means you have to be at the top of your game. “But that’s exciting and if it goes your way, then it’s the best feeling.”After Arsenal’s 4-0 defeat of Aston Villa in the contest semis, Eidevall, 41, commented on the club being “the most successful team in women’s (domestic) football in England”.Women’s Super League title wins have eluded the Gunners since 2019 with Chelsea’s dominance in that arena in the past four years.However, their League Cup success is currently unmatched with the club having won it six times previously.For Arsenal-fan favourite Little, who made her 300th appearance for the side in January, the contest has provided some of her fondest moments.The includes the Scotland ace being among the players to win it during the club’s domestic treble triumph in 2011.Back then a brace for Rachel Yankey and goals for Ellen White and Jayne sealed the Gunners 4-1 League Cup final defeat of Birmingham City.The playmaker, currently in the seventh year of her second Arsenal spell, adds: “I’ve had great moments in the (Conti) Cup.“Some of my early memories are when I was first at the club, playing in the team when we won the treble.“I’ve had really special moments from being in finals. “The final in 2018, I think, was my first full game (after returning from an ACL injury). We won 1-0 against Man City and Viv (Miedema) scored in that game.“I remember struggling to get through the 90 minutes because it was one of my first (games) back. “Getting a trophy at the end of it was a nice feeling when you’ve been out for so long.”This afternoon could see Alessia Russo feature in her first cup final as an Arsenal player.The England striker shone in her club’s semi-final defeat of Villa on March 6th with team-mate Stina Blackstenius bagging a hat-trick.And Little has no qualms about adapting her role in midfield to help both strikers deliver.The midfielder adds: “With Less (Alessia) coming in, she’s an incredible player and likewise with Stina,Little has won the League Cup on five occasions with ArsenalCredit: Getty“Stina and Less are very different players and my role is, what can I do to bring out their strengths most, and also allow me to do what I’m capable of?READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve enjoyed it. I enjoy playing football and the challenge of trying to win a game and whether that’s in a 10 position or an 8 or whatever I’m asked.”It’s about how can I do that as best as I can to get the win.” More

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      I was an Arsenal youth star but struggled to get first team football – I left and became a Man City cult hero

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      PAUL DICKOV is the type of cult hero Manchester City hoped they would never need.Because he’s the ex-Arsenal youth who saved City from remaining in the THIRD TIER during their darkest, daftest days of the 1990s – with a stoppage-time Wembley goal.Paul Dickov helped Man City climb back from the the third tier to the PremCredit: GettyThe frontman was just a bit-part player at first club ArsenalCredit: RexAnd even Dickov wonders if Sheikh Mansour’s transformational takeover of the club in 2008 would still have happened had he not scored his stunner nine years earlier.The Scot completed City’s late comeback from 2-0 down in the old Division Two play-off final with a 95th-minute strike past Gillingham keeper Vince Bartram – who had been the BEST MAN at his wedding!Joe Royle’s men went on to win 3-2 on penalties – earning an instant return to what was then Division One and is now the Championship.That memorable day in May 1999 came midway through Dickov’s six years at City – the same length of time he spent at first club Arsenal.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut he never came close to a regular Premier League spot with the Gunners.And following loan spells at Luton and Brighton he left Arsenal for City in August 1996 – two months before Arsene Wenger arrived for his golden 22-year reign in North London.Dickov was signed by 1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball but played under FIVE bosses in his first year at the old Maine Road stadium.The situation got so crazy that at one time City had 56 players – only settling down once Royle took charge in February 1998 and nearly kept them in the second flight.Most read in FootballHe did take them back to that level the following season, however – aided by Dickov’s Wembley glory – and they returned to the Prem in the striker’s final campaign at the club.The 5ft 5ins star went on to play for Leicester and Blackburn before returning to City from 2006-2008 – albeit now at the Etihad.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceTemporary stints with Crystal Palace and Blackpool followed before a second two-year spell with the Foxes.But although Dickov’s gritty style made him popular almost everywhere he went, it’s at City where he has a unique standing – as the little man who helped make them big again.In fact, the 10-cap Scotland ace believes his dramatic play-off intervention has only grown in importance now that current manager Pep Guardiola has cemented the club’s rise to the very top.Dickov told The Guardian in 2019: “If anything it’s been magnified more by the success. “Maybe 10 years ago fans would stop in the street, thank us for the goal in the game and that would be it. “Now, the club are dominating football and with the football that they are playing it makes it more iconic and nicer for the fans to think that 20 years ago we were there, 20 years later we’re winning Premier Leagues and breaking all sort of records.“I dread to think what might have happened if we hadn’t have won. If you believe what people were saying, the club would have really struggled.”And of inflicting anguish on the pitch on his best man, Dickov added:  “There is nothing better than getting one over your mate or reminding him of it a few years later.” More

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      I played for Arsenal and Man City, now I’m making my way in management alongside my old pal Thierry Henry

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      ARSENAL legend Thierry Henry has found a top assistant after taking over as manager of France’s Under-21 squad.Henry, 46, rolled credits on his spectacular 20-year career in 2014 and has been cutting his teeth in management since 2016.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has taken over as France’s Under-21 managerCredit: AFPThat was when the Gunners’ record goalscorer joined Roberto Martinez as Belgium’s assistant manager, where he worked for a total of three years across two stints.The France icon also underwent two hapless stints as Monaco and Montreal Impact manager in between.But now Henry is gunning for success ahead of the 2025 Under-21 European Championship.The ex-Barcelona star is taking no risks, and that is why he has enlisted the help of one of his most notable former team-mates from his glory years.Read More on ArsenalAnd that is none other than ex-Arsenal and Manchester City star Gael Clichy.Clichy, 38, spent four years playing with Henry in North London and together they helped the legendary Invincibles win the Premier League back in 2004.The former full-back also went on to lift the FA Cup a year later before making it to the Champions League final in 2006.The Frenchman eventually left Arsenal in 2011 and joined City where he remained for six years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat is where the former defender won two more Prem titles as well as two League Cups.Clichy also earned 20 caps for France between 2008 as well as 2013.Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceHe left the Citizens in 2017 and went on to spend three seasons with Istanbul Basaksehir before linking up with Servette in 2020.And that’s where he remained until Henry – who is making a huge name for himself as a pundit too on CBS – came calling last year when he eventually hung up his boots.Henry has enlisted the services of Arsenal hero Gael ClichyCredit: GettyClichy has been appointed as Henry’s assistant managerCredit: AFPHenry and Clichy spent four years together at Arsenal and won the Invincibles titleCredit: Getty More