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

    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

    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

    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

    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

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    Arsenal ‘match Chelsea’s £51m offer for Ousmane Diomande’ with Sporting Lisbon star set to spark transfer battle

    ARSENAL are set for a bidding war over Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande after matching Chelsea’s offer ahead of the summer transfer window.The Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his defence at the end of the season and Diomande, 20, has stood out in his eyes after some impressive performances in Portugal.Arsenal have matched Chelsea’s offer for Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane DiomandeCredit: GettyDiomande has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe centre-back has been so influential for Ruben Amorim’s side that he has attracted interest from the Gunners and the Blues as well as Bayern Munich and Newcastle.At the beginning it was Chelsea that led the transfer chase with an offer of €60million (£51m), plus bonuses.According to Record, however, Arsenal have matched their rivals’ bid for the Ivory Coast international.However, Sporting value Diomande at €80m (£69m) and are in no rush to sell as his contract doesn’t run out until 2027.Read More on ArsenalTherefore, both Premier League giants may have to cough up a larger sum for the Ivorian’s services.However, the same source claims there’s a strong possibility the African star will leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade in the summer.Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the defender since 2022 when he was in still Midtjylland’s books.And now the North Londoners have informed both the player’s camp as well as Sporting about their intention to sign him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDiomande joined the Lisbon giants last year despite not making a single appearance for Midtjylland, who loaned him out to Portuguese minnows Mafra in his one and only year with the Danish outfit.The towering defender has since amassed a total of two goals and one assist in 29 appearances with the Primeira Liga team.How Arteta turned Havertz from expensive flop to Arsenal’s gamechangerArsenal and Chelsea are currently focused on the Premier League as Arteta’s men are pushing for a first title since 2004.Mauricio Pochettino’s men, on the other hand, are languishing in the bottom half of the table with five points separating them from seventh place, which usually leads to European qualification. More

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    Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City only teams facing four consecutive double Gameweeks – Dream Team bosses take note

    THE international break rumbles on but Dream Team managers should already be thinking about the next step in their quest for Mini League glory.Following the European draws and alterations to Gameweek 32 over the weekend, the upcoming schedule has taken on a new look.Gaffers should always be aware of the fixture list so that they can set long-term strategies in motion for maximum returns – at least that’s the hope.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!It’s all eyes on the title challengersCredit: Dream TeamWith that in mind, Dream Team bosses intent on squeezing the schedule for all it’s worth in the coming weeks should focus on the Premier League title race.Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are the only three teams facing FOUR consecutive double Gameweeks.To be clear, this means each of the title contenders will fulfil eight fixtures between now and the end of Gameweek 32.By way of a comparison, Tottenham will play just four games in the same time frame.Gaffers currently stocked up on Spurs assets shouldn’t panic just yet as there’s plenty of time (and transfers) to pivot away from Son Heung-min (£4.8m) and company before they’re left twiddling their thumbs.Spurs assets look good for Gameweek 29 but they’ll need to be replaced fairly soonCredit: GettyEvery single top-flight club has two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 29 with a full round of Premier League fixtures in midweek to follow the weekend’s usual allotment.Most read in Dream TeamSpurs host Luton before travelling to West Ham and a home game against Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 30 has to be considered a favourable match-up that is likely to yield plentiful points.However, the North Londoners have just one fixture across Gameweeks 31 and 32 at a time when the aforementioned title challengers will be action four times each.Not accounting for rollovers, gaffers will have six transfers at their disposal between now and the start of Gameweek 31 so those who need to find replacements for their Spurs assets should have more than enough wiggle room.Let’s take a closer look at Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City’s fixture over the next four Gameweeks.ARSENAL: Man City (a), Luton (h), Brighton (a), Bayern Munich (h), Aston Villa (h), Bayern Munich (a), Wolves (a), Chelsea (h)LIVERPOOL: Brighton (h), Sheffield United (h), Man United (a), Atalanta (h), Crystal Palace (h), Atalanta (a), Fulham (a), Everton (a)MAN CITY: Arsenal (h), Aston Villa (h), Crystal Palace (a), Real Madrid (a), Luton (h), Real Madrid (h), Chelsea (n), Brighton (a)City’s busy period contains some tough fixturesCredit: GettyThe first thing to note is that while Pep Guardiola’s troops will have a lot of point-scoring opportunities in the coming weeks, they face some tricky opponents.Straight up after the international break, they take on league-leaders Arsenal and fourth-placed Villa in an ultra competitive double header – albeit with the benefit of both fixtures taking place at the Etihad.Elsewhere, two legs against the La Liga leaders will provide a stern test in the Champions League quarter-finals while Mauricio Pochettino’s side will fancy their chances of an upset in the FA Cup semi-finals given how they performed against City in the league this season.It’s a similar story for the Gunners with City, Bayern (twice), Villa and Chelsea to come across the next four Gameweeks.All things considered, it looks to be an opportune time to stock up on Liverpool assets, despite the Reds’ 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford last time out.Their league fixtures are considerably more friendly on paper and, with all due respect to Atalanta, their Europa League quarter-final is a simple task compared to Arsenal and City’s Champions League draws.Surely an essential asset for Gameweek 29?Credit: GettyThe other teams to mention in regards to the immediate schedule are Aston Villa and West Ham.Both sides face three consecutive double Gameweeks before relatively favourable league match-ups in Gameweek 32, giving each of them seven fixtures in total in the given time frame.ASTON VILLA: Wolves (h), Man City (a), Brentford (h), Lille (h), Arsenal (a), Lille (a), Bournemouth (h)READ MORE SUN STORIESWEST HAM: Newcastle (a), Tottenham (h), Wolves (a), Bayer Leverkusen (a), Fulham (h), Bayer Leverkusen (h), Crystal Palace (a)The most-successful Dream Team bosses are likely to have teams made up almost exclusively of players from Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City, Villa and West Ham across the next few Gameweeks.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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    Arsenal ‘chasing Forest star for shock transfer as embattled club frantically aim to balance books after FFP breach’

    ARSENAL are targeting Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White ahead of the summer transfer window, reports suggest.The Gunners are pushing for their first Premier League title since the Invincibles’ triumph in 2004 as they currently sit top of the table.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is already looking on summer transfersCredit: GettyHowever, the North Londoners are always keeping an eye on the summer market as manager Mikel Arteta’s rebuild continues.And according to The Star, Arteta is planning on some major transfer business come June.The Spanish tactician is looking to reshape his ranks and the club is keen on adding Gibbs-White, 24, to the squad.This comes amid reports suggesting Emile Smith Rowe could be on his way out of the Emirates.Read More on ArsenalAnd Forest’s playmaker is seen as the perfect replacement for Smith Rowe if the academy graduate decides to go after a different challenge.The same source claims Nottingham are weighing up cashing in on their star man.This comes after the Tricky Trees were hit with a four-point deduction for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.And thus player departures are on the cards as Forest look to balance the books.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERGibbs-White is currently fully focused on Nuno Espirito Santo’s side amid another intense relegation scrap.The recent points deduction has seen Forest plummet to the drop zone in 18th place.Morgan Gibbs-White’s stunning Wag Britney goes braless in daring dress to surprise him on Valentine’s Day The attacking midfielder joined Evangelos Marinakis’ club in 2022 following a record £44.5million deal with Wolves.The former England youth international has since justified his price with a total of 71 appearances in the last two seasons.Arsenal are keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-WhiteCredit: Rex More

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    Five Arsenal stars who have just a handful of games to save their futures including Smith Rowe and forgotten transfer

    WITH the end of the season approaching, Arsenal remain in the hunt for Premier League and Champions League glory.But some players are focused on fighting for their future as well as getting their hands on silverware.Mikel Arteta could cash in on several squad players this summerCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale may not make another appearance for ArsenalCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s side have a congested fixture list to content during the run-in.The Gunners have season-defining games such as their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich and clashes with Manchester City, Tottenham and Manchester United still to come.Arteta could need to use his squad depth and that will give a few fringe players a handful of games to prove they are worth keeping next year.SunSport take a look at five Arsenal players who are in danger of being axed this summer.READ MORE ON ARSENALAaron RamsdaleFuture appearances in an Arsenal kit appear limited for Ramsdale amid his desire for regular starts.David Raya was signed from Brentford before the start of the season and after the England star made a few mistakes, the Spaniard has been the first choice between the sticks.His heroics against Porto in the shoot-out only strengthened his hold on the position.And Ramsdale’s recent error against the Bees when his clearance was charged down by goalscorer Yoane Wissa showed his time at the Emirates is all-but over.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERGiven injuries and red cards, the much-loved back-up keeper could still have a part to play, although several Premier League clubs will be preparing bids for the 25-year-old assuming he will be off either way.Fabio VieiraVieira has become somewhat of a forgotten man at Arsenal and it is safe to say his £30million move from Porto hasn’t worked out.The midfielder has missed 16 games this term due to a groin injury, starting just three times in all competitions.Vieira, 23, is a player with talent but has fallen down the pecking order.It seems unlikely he will make it beyond the summer window as an Arsenal player unless he can come up with a big goal on the club’s route to a trophy.There is interest in Vieira, whose contract doesn’t expire until 2027, from sides abroad.Fabio Vieira has struggled to nail down a spot in Arsenal’s starting XI consistentlyCredit: GettyWill Pugh and Tom Barclay discuss Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes ahead of ‘biggest game in 20 years’ against Man CityEmile Smith RoweIt has been another season plagued by injury for Smith Rowe and his days at Arsenal look numbered.Similarly to Vieira, the attacking midfielder has huge potential but has started just three matches this season.Smith Rowe, 23, scored ten Prem goals just two seasons ago and he could be called upon off the bench should the Gunners find themselves struggling to break down an opponent during the run-in.And he needs to perform a miracle to avoid the axe amid previous interest from the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham.Smith Rowe could also help fund a revamp of the squad this summer as financially, selling him would count as 100 per cent profit due to him being a homegrown star.Emile Smith Rowe has been hit by injuries in recent seasonsCredit: RexReiss NelsonNelson penned a contract extension last summer but it 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.His 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.Reiss Nelson is surplus to requirements at ArsenalCredit: GettyEddie NketiahNketiah is often amongst the goals but there is a feeling he’s not quite good enough to lead the line for a title-challenging side.Arteta has found a way to get his team scoring prolifically without a recognised number nine and Gabriel Jesus remains his first choice striker.It would be no surprise to see Arsenal enter the transfer market for a new goalscorer this summer and part of the move could be funded by the sale of Nketiah.READ MORE SUN STORIESWolves and Crystal Palace have previously expressed an interest.Nketiah will be hoping for a big moment off the bench in the run-in to make the club want to keep him.Eddie Nketiah could make way for a new striker in the summerCredit: Getty More