More stories

  • in

    David Raya’s agent gives behind-the-scenes lowdown on Arsenal transfer and Aaron Ramsdale won’t be happy

    DAVID RAYA’s agent has revealed all about the keeper’s move to Arsenal… and Aaron Ramsdale might not like what he hears.The Spanish stopper joined on loan from Brentford in the summer, with the Gunners paying a £3million upfront fee with a £27m option to buy at the end of the season.
    Raya has ousted Ramsdale as Arsenal’s no1Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Agent Jaume Munell says that Arsenal had to fend off interest from Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich in order to secure his client’s services.
    And, in bad news for his new team-mate Ramsdale, Munell insists that Arsenal’s interest in the keeper predates the England star’s own £30million signing from Sheffield United in 2021.
    In fact, Munell told AFTV that Arsenal only signed Ramsdale because he was an “easy option” compared to the complexities of signing Raya from Brentford at the time.
    He said: “Arsenal showed interest for the first time three years ago in 2021. They tried to buy him but Brentford didn’t want to sell him at any price.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    “After they bought Ramsdale that was an easier option but David has always been the priority.
    “This summer, he had just one year left on his contract with Brentford and Arsenal was the club that showed the most concrete interest and have always been our priority.
    “Tottenham were also interested and made an official bid but it was refused because was lower than the £34.9m that Brentford wanted to sell him.
    “Also Bayern Munich was interested and had an amazing offer but with no buy option included and for this reason, we’ve not accepted it.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    “Bayern Munich didn’t understand our refusal because they thought that Raya would have been the backup keeper at Arsenal but as you can see it’s not like this. Also Manchester United and Chelsea made an inquiry but nothing concrete.”
    Munell revealed that part of Arsenal’s long-term interest in Raya stems from their goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana.
    Cana worked with Raya at Brentford before making the switch to North London to join The Gunners.
    And he has sung the praises of Raya to the club’s hierarchy ever since.
    Cana added: “Inaki and [Mikel] Arteta were key for the deal.
    “They have been determined for the choice that we made to play for Arsenal, the club have a project and a philosophy that fit completely for David”.
    The interview will not make for pretty reading for Aaron Ramsdale, who may leave the club in January.
    Past reports have linked him with a move to Chelsea, with the Gunners wanting £60million for the keeper. More

  • in

    Arsenal, Fulham and Liverpool ‘send scouts to Copa Libertadores final’ tracking Brazil star with transfer agreement

    ARSENAL and Liverpool sent scouts to watch transfer target Andre Trindade in the Copa Libertadores final, according to reports.The midfielder impressed as he helped Fluminense win their first Copa Libertadores title.
    Andre Trindade is wanted by Liverpool, Arsenal and FulhamCredit: AFP
    The midfielder helped Fluminense win the Copa Libertadores at the weekendCredit: AFP
    Trindade, 22, has been monitored by Premier League clubs for several months but he was keen to stay at Fluminense.
    He wanted to help them win the Copa Libertadores and although he could now leave, Fluminense will not sell before the Club World Cup which takes place next month.
    According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Liverpool, Arsenal and Fulham have all sent scouts to watch Trindade.
    The Reds had a £26million offer for the Brazil international rejected in the summer.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    It is believed Fluminense want closer to £30m to let Trindade leave.
    That means the interested Prem trio would all be able to afford him, with Fulham and Arsenal potentially in most need of a midfielder.
    Fulham had to reject interest in Joao Palhinha in the summer from West Ham and Bayern Munich.
    Meanwhile, reports claim Thomas Partey has told the Gunners he wants to leave amid interest from Juventus.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    However one journalist has claimed Trindade has verbally agreed to join Liverpool.
    The defensive midfielder has amassed a total of four goals and three assists in 161 appearances for Fluminense. More

  • in

    Mikel Arteta is a ‘Mercedes version of Neil Warnock’ and Arsenal’s statement is ’embarrassing’ blasts referee charity

    A LEADING referee’s charity has condemned Mikel Arteta’s comments following Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle on Saturday.The Arsenal manager went on a sensational rant in his post-match press conference after feeling that Newcastle’s winning goal should never have stood.
    Arteta said Gordon’s goal should never have stoodCredit: Getty
    There were three separate moments of controversy in the lead-up to the goal.
    The ball looked as though it may have gone out of play in the lead-up to the goal when Joe Willock kept it in.
    Many Arsenal fans also felt Gabriel was fouled in the lead-up by Joelinton and there was a tight offside call on Anthony Gordon.
    Arteta said the decision to let Gordon’s goal count left him “embarrassed” at the standard of refereeing in the country before labelling it an “absolute disgrace”.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Arsenal then went on to release a statement condemning the level of refereeing in the Premier League in support of the club’s manager.
    But the CEO of Ref Support UK, Martin Cassidy, says it is the behaviour of Arteta that is an even bigger disgrace.
    Cassidy told The Telegraph: “[Arsenal] would have more credibility if they addressed and made a public statement about the unacceptable behaviour of their players or manager.
    “Mikel Arteta’s touchline behaviour is the worst in the Premier League and his behaviour is a large part of the problem in football. He has become a Mercedes version of Neil Warnock. 
    Most read in Football
    “His behaviour and comments, that now appear to be supported by Arsenal as a club, is very worrying for me and the game in general. 
    “This statement [by Arsenal], in my opinion, is nothing other than an infantile moan.”
    Cassidy says the behaviour of the likes of Arteta and Jurgen Klopp on the touchline directly correlates to the rise in the abuse of referees at grassroots level.
    The charity says that abuse is particularly bad for grassroots referees under the age of 18.
    Cassidy was joined in his condemnation of Arteta’s behaviour following the game by Sky Sports pundits’ Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.
    Both tweeted their disapproval at the rant and subsequent statement by the club.
    Carragher tweeted: “The Arsenal statement and complaints from their manager about the officials and VAR, on the Newcastle goal, is way over the top!”
    And Neville echoed his calls when he tweeted: “Arsenal and Liverpool’s statements are wrong. Do it privately. Managers and players make far more mistakes than refs!” More

  • in

    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta set to escape FA punishment for astonishing VAR rant after Newcastle loss.. for now

    PREMIER LEAGUE and PGMOL chiefs will not respond to Mikel Arteta’s Newcastle rant – until next week.Arsenal boss Arteta slammed the “embarrassing” officiating in his side’s 1-0 defeat as a “disgrace”, suggesting it brought the Prem into disrepute.
    Prem and PGMOL chiefs will not respond to Mikel Arteta’s Newcastle rant until next weekCredit: Alamy
    VAR awarded the goal after checking if the ball had gone out of play in the build-upCredit: Sky Sports
    Joelinton’s challenge on Gabriel was also checked for a possible foulCredit: Sky Sports
    VAR could not rule the goal out for offside as there was ‘no available angle to see the point of contact’Credit: Sky Sports
    While the Gunners chief questioned the competence of ref Stuart Attwell and the VAR team at Stockley Park over Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner, he did not call their integrity into account.
    And while he could yet be charged with misconduct if found to have made a “prolonged” or “unreasonable” complaint, it is more likely that he would be hit with a warning rather than a fine.
    Arsenal’s decision to make a public statement in support of Arteta on Sunday ruffled feathers at both Prem headquarters near Paddington and for PGMOL bosses.
    Privately there is understood to have been a feeling that the Gunners over-reacted in a determination to show they had Arteta’s back.
    read more on arsenal
    And while Arteta had reason for being unhappy at the crucial decision it is felt he went too far – especially as there was no conclusive proof that the ball was out before being crossed by Joe Willock or that Gordon was offside.
    FA disciplinary beaks are expected to confirm whether or not Arteta faces any action on Tuesday after all his post-match comments have been reviewed.
    Despite that, Prem bosses and PGMOL head Webb will not make any official comments in response this week.
    Webb, though, is certain to give the incident top billing in the next edition of “Match Officials Mik’d Up”, scheduled to be broadcast at the start of next week in the international break.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMER
    The PGMOL boss may agree that Joelinton could have been deemed to have fouled Gabriel in the immediate build-up to the goal, although he will point out it was a subjective decision – and that the on-field ruling of a goal has to have priority unless there is definitive proof of an error.
    That view was articulated by former Prem ref Dermot Gallagher, who told Sky Sports News: “The crux of the matter is that it was a subjective decision.
    “For me, it’s a push but I’ve spoken to a lot of people and while a lot agreed with me there were as many who didn’t.
    “That’s the dilemma. The referee said it wasn’t a foul and the VAR didn’t see enough to over-rule him.” More

  • in

    Former Arsenal star opens up on ‘catastrophic’ time in brutally honest interview following shock transfer to Euro giants

    CHUBA AKPOM has opened up about the start of his Ajax career, which he has labelled as a “catastrophe”.The former Arsenal striker joined the Dutch giants in the summer in a shock £10.5million transfer from Middlesbrough.
    Chuba Akpom has opened on up life at AjaxCredit: TikTok
    Akpom has scored three goals for AjaxCredit: Rex
    He joined the club from MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
    Akpom, 28, has not enjoyed the best start to life at his new club.
    Ajax currently sit 11th in the Eredivisie after losing five of their first ten games of the league season.
    The poor form had seen the side drop all the way to the bottom of the league at one point.
    The club has started to rebuild their season in recent weeks with back-to-back wins.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Akpom has played his role in the victories scoring three goals off of the bench.
    After the game against Heereveen, Akpom opened up on his time in Holland so far.
    He admitted to not being settled at the club.
    He told ESPN: “It’s been a catastrophe, personally and for the team.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    “I haven’t felt settled for two months, it’s only this week that I’ve felt settled.
    “I’ve been in a hotel by myself, I’ve not been playing and I feel like I’ve been alone here, but this week I feel back to my normal self.”
    Akpom’s upturn in form has come with the change of manager.
    Maurice Steijn was sacked as manager in October and replaced by John Van ‘t Schip.
    Akpom has praised his new boss for helping improve his mood by speaking to him about his life and not just football.
    He added: “The manager came and spoke to me straight away, on a human level not a football level.
    “He asked how I am, how my family is.
    “We’re footballers but we’re human beings firstly and I really appreciated that little chat with the manager and the assistant.
    Akpom came through the Arsenal academyCredit: Getty
    “But, it’s been really tough for me.
    “I try to stay professional and keep working, but a new country, new environment, new team, in a hotel – it’s really a struggle.”
    Expectations were high for Akpom following his switch from Boro as he was coming off the back of an exceptional season in the Championship.
    The strike finished the season as the league’s top scorer having netted 28 goals in 38 appearances.
    Akpom graduated from Arsenal’s academy and made 12 appearances for their first team before joining Greek side PAOK in 2020.
    Read More on The Sun
    During his Gunners stint, he had loan spells at Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest, Hull, Brighton and Sint-Truidense V.V..
    Following two years in Greece, he signed for Middlesbrough in 2020. More

  • in

    Piers Morgan reveals he has ‘big question marks’ about Mikel Arteta as he blasts Arsenal boss over two positions

    ARSENAL fan Piers Morgan has revealed he has “big question marks” over Mikel Arteta this season.Arsenal surrendered their unbeaten status in the Premier League on Saturday after suffering a controversial 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.
    Piers Morgan has asked questions of Mikel Arteta in his latest interview with talkSPORTCredit: Reuters
    The decision to drop Ramsdale for Raya drew particular ireCredit: Rex
    And the loss has led Morgan, 58, to ask questions over the direction of the club.
    The Gunners fan and TV host criticised Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation in particular.
    Arsenal signed David Raya from Brentford this summer on loan with the option to buy for a deal worth £30million.
    While Ramsdale initially retained his place in the team, Raya has been first choice from the first international break onwards.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    And Morgan has asked why Arteta has opted to drop Ramsdale after he performed so well last season.
    He told talkSPORT: “I still don’t get the [David] Raya thing in goal.
    “On the goal that should never have been allowed, he made yet another cock-up.
    “Aaron Ramsdale is watching week after week. Is Raya showing anyone he is an upgrade from Ramsdale? I don’t think he is.
    Most read in Football
    Raya has displaced Ramsdale as the undisputed number one at ArsenalCredit: Getty
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    “I think unfortunately all the pressure was created entirely by Arteta, who said he was going to have two No1s.
    “Nobody believed that when he said it, and it is clear he thinks Raya is his No1.
    “I don’t think most Arsenal fans look at this situation and are still confident in our goalkeeper.
    “So [Mikel Arteta] has managed to destabilise the goalkeeper situation; he hasn’t bought a world-class striker, and I think these are big question marks on Arteta.
    “Did he really look at last season when we choked the title and think, how do we go and win the title?
    “Getting Declan Rice was brilliant, but he did not get a striker, and he has cocked-up the goalkeeper thing.
    “Personally, I would bring back Ramsdale with a point to prove. I think he is a better goalkeeper.
    “I don’t care what fancy footwork Raya does; if he can’t stop goals, then I am afraid he should not be in goal.
    “The primary function of a goalkeeper is to stop goals from being scored, not to play like Zinedine Zidane.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Arsenal host Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday, with a chance that Ramsdale may come back.
    Their next Premier League game comes at home to Burnley on Saturday. More

  • in

    Jorginho REFUSED to shake Newcastle opponent’s hand as details emerge of Arsenal’s furious response to feisty defeat

    JAMAAL LASCELLES blasted Jorginho  for being a bad loser after the Arsenal skipper refused to shake hands.And Newcastle condemned the sickening online racist abuse sent to Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock following Saturday’s 1-0 win over the Gunners.
    Newcastle star Jamal Lascelles claims Arsenal ace Jorginho refused to shake handsCredit: Getty
    Lascelles slammed Jorginho after the match that saw Newcastle winning 1-0Credit: Rex
    Toon captain Lascelles hammered Italian midfielder Jorginho for his “unacceptable” conduct at the end of the spiky clash.
    He said: “Jorginho didn’t want to shake hands after the game. Whatever happens on the pitch — handbags or whatever — you show sportsmanship and shake hands.
    “He didn’t do that, so I’m so glad we beat them. Players like that, I don’t think it’s acceptable.
    “A lot of them walked in at the end.
    Read More on Football
    “I went up to shake Jorginho’s hand but he didn’t want to! I was  fuming, it’s not on.
    “I would never refuse to shake an opposition captain’s hand, no way.”
    Furious Arsenal suffered their first loss of the season following  Anthony Gordon’s controversial second-half winner.
    Asked if he thought Newcastle had recorded a statement win, defender Lascelles added: “Yeah and especially with how they go on as well.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    On his Instagram stories, Willock posted screenshots of the racial slurs he was sent, along with a photo of a ‘Show racism the red card’ banner at St James’ Park.
    After being told, “F*** u n*****”, the former Arsenal midfielder replied: “It’s a game of football mate no need for this.”
    A club statement read: “Newcastle  strongly condemns racist abuse sent to Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock.
    “There is no room for racism in football or society.
    “We will work with relevant authorities and social media platforms to identify those responsible so that they can be held to account.” More

  • in

    New goal line footage claims to prove ball stayed IN as VAR dominates Newcastle vs Arsenal clash

    SHOCKING new footage appears to show the ball did stay ON the pitch before Newcastle’s winner against Arsenal.The Magpies ended the Gunners’ undefeated run in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory at St James’ Park thanks to Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner.

    Footage claims to show the ball was still in play before Newcastle’s winner against ArsenalCredit: X / beINSPORTS_EN
    VAR deemed Joe Willock kept the ball in play before building Anthony Gordon’s goalCredit: X / beINSPORTS_EN
    Gordon broke the deadlock on 64 minutes with a highly questionable goal that demanded three separate VAR checks from the officials which totalled four minutes and six seconds.
    Referees first tried to determine if the ball went out of play and then checked whether or not there was a subsequent foul before analysing a potential offside.
    Replays were assessed at Stockley Park as VAR officials checked whether the ball had gone out before Joe Willock regained possession.
    The ball had appeared to cross the touchline before it was crossed back into the North Londoners’ penalty area.
    Read More on Football
    Gabriel Magalhaes then went down to the ground under the challenge of Joelinton before Gordon lashed the ball into an empty net.
    VAR ultimately deemed there was no clear angle to show whether or not the ball went out before Willock’s cross.
    They also determined Gabriel wasn’t fouled and the Gordon was onside.
    Regarding the first matter, goal line footage from beIN SPORTS appear to agree with the officials.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Images prove that a tiny sliver of the ball was still on the line and was correctly considered to be in play before Newcastle hit the back of the net.
    However, hosts Richard Keys and Andy Gray still argue the goal should have been chalked off.
    That is because they insist there was both a foul on Gabriel and a handball by Joelinton in the build-up.
    The VAR decision led to a furious reaction by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who described the refereeing as a “disgrace” and has promised to fight the controversial VAR ruling.
    Arteta told Sky Sports: “I have praised my players for the performance and the way that we played – we didn’t deserve to lose the match.
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was furious after that VAR decisionCredit: Getty
    “We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. It’s a disgrace. That’s what it is, a disgrace.”
    And when asked if he will be taking up his frustrations with the PGMOL, Arteta made it clear he would indeed be escalating things.
    The Spanish tactician said: “Yeah. We will be taking it for many months. There is so much at stake and we put in so many hours.
    “I am here to represent the football club and to get my team to compete at the highest level.
    Read More on The Sun
    “The margins are so small. It’s a disgrace. It’s embarrassing. That’s how I feel and that’s how everyone feels in that room [the dressing room].
    “You cannot imagine the amount of messages that we’ve got saying ‘this cannot continue’. It’s embarrassing, I’m sorry, embarrassing.” More