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      Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri set for mammoth pay rise as Gunners open talks over new contract

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      ETHAN NWANERI has been lined up for a huge pay rise after Arsenal opened talks over a new contract for the teen sensation.Nwaneri is enjoying an explosive breakthrough season after stepping in following injuries to the Gunners’ main attackers.Ethan Nwaneri is set to be rewarded for becoming a virtual regularCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s faith in Nwaneri has reaped big dividendsCredit: GettyThe England Under-21 star’s current deal runs until the end of next season.But the BBC say Arsenal have “initiated contact” with the 18-year-old’s representatives on extending his stay.New sporting director Andrea Berta, as well as manager Mikel Arteta, is keen to tie down the Gunners’ hottest prospects.And with the possible exception of left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri is surely at the top of that list.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s understood no official contract offer has yet been made to Nwaneri.But there are unlikely to be any obstacles to the academy product agreeing a long-term deal and landing a huge wage increase.Formal negotiations with the Londoners’ representatives are expected to start in the next few weeks.Nwaneri signed his first professional deal – until 2026 – when he was still a Gunners’ youth player.Most read in FootballThat means his next contract is certain to be far bigger.Nwaneri has amassed 31 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this term.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory And during his 21 Premier League games in 2024-25, he’s notched three goals and two assists.However, he remained on the bench in Tuesday night’s sizzling 3-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid.Instead, the same-aged Lewis-Skelly was a stand-out performer, although Declan Rice was Arsenal’s clear star man, scoring twice with stunning free-kicks.Nonetheless, Nwaneri has played more often this campaign than possibly even he would have hoped.Admittedly he’s profited from Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus getting crocked, plus the injuries of wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who are both now fit again.Saka is tipped for talks on extending his contract beyond 2027.The Gunners also want first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to agree new deals More

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      ‘You guys are my heroes’ – Emotional moment Michail Antonio meets paramedics who saved his life after horror car crash

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      WEST HAM star Michail Antonio touchingly sat down with the “hero” paramedics who helped save his life after his terrifying car crash.The 35-year-old crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in Epping, Essex on a stormy December 7 and was rushed to hospital.Michail Antonio met the paramedics that saved his lifeCredit: BBCAntonio sat down with first responders Rob Moon and Dr James MoloneyCredit: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance TeamThe West Ham striker went to Essex and Herts Air Ambulance HQAntonio crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in December and broke his legThe striker required surgery on a shattered femurHe suffered a broken leg in the accident and underwent surgery the following day.And now the Hammers’ record Premier League goalscorer has personally shown his appreciation to the men who helped him cheat death.Antonio met with the two first responders Rob Moon and Dr James Moloney on the BBC’s Morning Live show.The striker cannot remember the crash so he met with the heroic Essex and Herts Air Ambulance crew to “fill in the blanks”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAfter meeting them in an ambulance hangar, Antonio began: “I want to say thank you because I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.”So you guys are basically my heroes.”Antonio’s accident happened during Storm Darragh, which meant the air ambulance helicopter couldn’t take off due to strong winds. Dr Moloney and Moon – who were dispatched to the scene in a rapid response car – said they thought they recognised the Premier League footballer straight away.Most read in FootballAntonio was shocked to learn that the medics found his lifeless body in the back seat after noticing his fractured femur bone.As football fans, the paramedics clocked that they were helping a Premier League striker.Michail Antonio given hero’s welcome as he returns to West Ham for 1st time since escaping death in horror Ferrari crashBut their suspicions were confirmed after spotting a clue – his No 9 ‘Antonio’ shirt in the foot-well. Dr Moloney said: “We treat everyone the same whatever happens. But not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.”To get Antonio talking, the medics spoke to him about football, including his different managers and career highlights.The pair revealed that he was talking a lot and speaking repetitively, which is common when people bump their heads. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.Michail AntonioBBCThe medics put him on a trolley before boarding him onto the ambulance, and tried to keep him warm.Antonio added: “For me, personally, I could never do your job. “If I go there and see blood or people in trouble, I would just panic or faint. It’s definitely something I wouldn’t be able to do.”The seriousness of it hit home when the forward saw the remains of the car at a scrapyard a few weeks ago.The former Nottingham Forest star explained: “Being involved in a major accident can have life-changing physical and mental effects.”I’ve processed it to a certain degree, but I think the emotions are going to take a long time. Mentally, trauma lasts a long time.”Antonio was shocked to find out that the medics found his body in the back seatCredit: BBCThe West Ham striker signed merch for the crewAntonio said the medics were his heroesHe also revealed that it was harder for his loved ones to see him that way.He said: “My family probably experienced the incident more than I did. “They had to see how I was in the hospital. I don’t remember my face being cut or going down for surgery the next day. “They lived it. They have those memories.”While there was some initial doubt as to whether or not he would ever play football again, Antonio is determined to get back on the pitch.He previously told the BBC: “The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children.”It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.”During this, we kept it away from the kids. My eldest saw it, and he struggled with it.”Not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.Dr James MoloneyBBCAntonio would watch West Ham games weekly throughout the early stages of his recovery to motivate him.The Hammers icon admitted that hearing his name being sung by supporters “helped him massively”.Read More on The SunHe made an emotional return to the London Stadium for West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last month.Antonio has also been able to return to light training. More

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      Gary Lineker explains why BBC need THREE presenters to replace him on MOTD and gives verdict on trio

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      GARY LINEKER suggested he is being replaced by THREE presenters on Match of the Day because it is such a “massive commitment”.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of MOTD after 26 years in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Lineker will be replaced by three presenters on Match of the DayCredit: BBCMOTD2 host Mark Chapman is among the replacementsCredit: PALogan will be a regular on Saturday nights from now onCredit: PASky favourite Cates is making the switchCredit: PAThe legendary presenter will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, who will rotate from next term.The England great joked that he thinks it’s a compliment that so many people are needed to succeed him, but he admits this decision has nothing to do with his legacy.Instead, the Leicester icon believes this comes down to family reasons as the job would demand they all sacrifice a number of weekends that they could spend with their loved ones over the next few years.The former Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona hitman himself recently stated that he never really had Saturdays and Sundays off throughout his adult life.Read More on FootballSo the TV star claims that having all three available on a rotation basis would allow them to continue enjoying quality time with their families.And he is very much looking forward to watching the new team of “top presenters” doing a “great job”.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.’This is why I don’t talk to old people’ – Maya Jama bites back at Gary Lineker after he revealed relationship status“I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”Lineker confirmed recently that he will no longer do TV after leaving the BBC and will instead focus on his podcasts. More

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      Gary Lineker lands shock Glastonbury gig as he prepares to step down from Match of the Day role

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      DEPARTING Match of the Day host Gary Lineker is set for a shock appearance at Glastonbury Festival this summer.The annual music festival will take place in June, featuring headline acts including The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, and Neil Young.Lineker hosted Match of the Day for 25 yearsCredit: GettyThe England striker turned pundit is set to give a talk on Glastonbury’s ‘The Information’ stage alongside a crop of artists and activistsCredit: GettyFormer Lionesseds Carly Telford (left) and Jill Scott (right) are also set for appearances at The InformationCredit: Paul Tonge – The SunBut appearing among the world-famous musicians and comedians will be the former Leicester and England striker turned pundit.He is set to leave his hosting role at Match of the Day come the end of this season after 25 years in the job, but will soon return to the limelight as part of the ‘Silver Hayes’ programme.Silver Hayes is an area of Glastonbury which generally plays host to dance music, but Lineker will appear on ‘The Information’ stage.It is described by Glastonbury’s website as “a space for discussion, debate, and understanding on today’s current affairs and cultural issues,” under the slogan “optimism is a political act.”Read more footballAlso speaking are former Lionesses Jill Scott and Carly Telford, who is now a commercial manager at Chelsea Women’s FC.Dulwich Hamlet player Lucy Monkman will contribute a DJ set.The Information is a self-described “dedicated space for discussion and debate… with a diverse programme of speakers, activists and political figures.”The subject of Lineker’s talk is yet to be officially confirmed.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Information’s day-by-day timetable is yet to be announced.Lineker recently told FourFourTwo magazine that he does not expect to work with the BBC after leaving Match of the Day.’I don’t like it’ – Gary Lineker has wild reaction after spotting ex-Match of the Day star at Baller League launchHe has committed to appearing on The Assembly, an ITV show launched last year which will see celebrities grilled by a cast of interviewers with autism, neurodiversities, and learning disabilities.His focus, though, will likely land on his Goalhanger Podcasts network, which includes flagship show The Rest is Football and other popular shows including The Rest is Politics and The Rest is History. More

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      Premier League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie learning to walk again after rare condition left him paralysed

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      FORMER Premier League referee Uriah Rennie has opened up about the rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.Once described as the “fittest” referee in England’s top division, the 65-year-old is now learning to walk again.Uriah Rennie has revealed he is learning to walk againCredit: GettyThe 65-year-old has been diagnosed with a rare neurological conditionCredit: AlamyAfter experiencing intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year, Rennie was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.He told the BBC: “I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn’t go.”By the end of the holiday I couldn’t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.”I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”They kept me in hospital until February, they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it’s not something they can operate on.”I have had to learn to move all over again, I’m retraining my legs.”He continued: “It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.”I didn’t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn’t able to move and was in a spinal unit.”Most read in FootballHaving been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned for issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, Rennie was on the verge of starting a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he first went into hospital.He now spends much of his time in physiotherapy and completing movement exercises at his home.Describing his current state of movement, he said: “I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes.”I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I’m a very good, compliant patient.”It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”Half a year on from his hospital admission, Rennie is now due to start his role as a university chancellor next month. And he is determined not to give up on walking again.He concluded: “Lots of people are in wheelchairs, but it doesn’t define them.”It has made me resilient and forceful and I will never give up – I’m not on my own, there is a village helping me.”I recognise how brittle things are in life now.”I don’t know if I am going to walk fully, but I know what I need to do to try and you must never give up hope.”Read More on The SunRennie made history in 1997 when he became the Premier League’s first black referee, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.He is also a kick-boxing and aikido expert. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals plans for life after Match of the Day with just nine shows left until he steps down

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      GARY LINEKER outlined his plans after rolling credits on his glittering 26-year run as Match of the Day presenter.Lineker, 64, will step down from MOTD in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Gary Lineker outlined his plans after leaving Match of the Day in MayCredit: YOUTUBE / The Rest Is FootballLineker wants to travel and focus on his podcasts after leaving TVCredit: AlamyThere was speculation suggesting the famous host would be switching to Sky Sports but he recently quashed those rumours.The England legend was asked again about his future plans on the latest episode of The Rest is Football pod where he teamed up with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.A viewer sent a cheeky question to the Leicester hero asking him if he was planning to cover the Championship in a MOTD-style show while his favourite Premier League team is fighting to avoid relegation.Lineker was asked: “Gary, would you do a MOTD style show for the Championship next season so you can finally enjoy Leicester again?”Read More on FootballBut the Tottenham legend proved to be a good sport once more as he laughed it off.Lineker responded: “Alright, we’re not relegated yet, thanks. Well – one – we don’t have the rights on the BBC to show the Championship. And secondly, no thanks.”Shearer and Richards, though, had a follow-up question as they asked their fellow host what he will be doing with his weekends now that he will finally have Saturdays and Sundays off.And the ex-Barcelona star revealed he is planning to enjoy his free time by travelling.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker replied: “I was thinking the same thing because I’ve never really had weekends off in my adult life.”So I think I’ll be alright. I will go out to eat on Saturday night, have dinner. I’ll have little weekend trips away, possibly some places. Lots of places to go to – food trips, all that sort of stuff. I think I’ll be alright.”‘I don’t like it’ – Gary Lineker has wild reaction after spotting ex-Match of the Day star at Baller League launchShearer asked if he will continue working on TV but Lineker insists he is done with that outlet as there’s nothing better than Match of the Day and echoed his plans to focus on his podcasts.Lineker joked: “No, I’ve got a podcast to do with a couple of clowns and I’m obviously a podcast magnet. It’s not just this podcast, we’ve got lots of others as well.”I’m stepping away from Match of the Day. I mean, where do you go from there? So I think, that’ll do. Thank you very much.”I mean, never say never. Who knows what might pop. But at the moment I’m thinking, ‘No, that’s it. Television’s done’.” More

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      ‘You never gave it to me’ – Gary Lineker reveals why he refused to give young ballboy Pep Guardiola his Barcelona shirt

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed how he left Pep Guardiola with a long-term bone to pick with him, and why it happened.Speaking on Match of the Day Top 10 alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, Lineker recalled when he first went to interview Guardiola after he had joined Manchester City.Gary Lineker recalled how he left Pep Guardiola with a bone to pickCredit: X @BBCMOTDGuardiola asked him why he had refused to give him his shirt for all those years at BarcelonaCredit: GettyLineker played for Barcelona from 1986 to 1989 when Guardiola was still a ballboyCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut before they started, Guardiola wanted to ask the former England ace why he refused to give him his shirt despite asking many times.Lineker, 64, explained: “When he joined Manchester City, I went to do an interview with the BBC.”And he went, ‘Before we start, I was a ballboy at Barcelona when you played, when you were there.'”And he said, ‘At the end of every game I’d come to you and I said can I have your shirt? You never gave it to me.’READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”And I felt bad about it.”Lineker continued: “I did explain to him, I said, ‘Pep it wasn’t like it is now. In those days we only had one shirt. We weren’t allowed to give it away.'”Asked by Richards whether he could have bought a shirt to solve the issue, Lineker said: “I didn’t earn what you lot earned.”The comment sparked laughter from Richards and Shearer.Most read in FootballLineker starred for Barcelona from 1986 to 1989, scoring 52 goals in 138 games and winning two trophies, the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1989.City boss Guardiola, 54, came through the club’s world-renowned La Masia academy and went on to play 382 times for his boyhood club.Erling Haaland’s season all-but over as Pep Guardiola confirms extent of Man City star striker’s injury He was playing for the Barcelona C and B by the time Lineker left the club before making his debut in 1990 under Johan Cruyff and becoming a regular in the 1991/92 season.Guardiola eventually went on to manage the club after hanging up his boots, coaching arguably the greatest football team of all time spearheaded by Lionel Messi to unrivalled success.The Spaniard left in 2012 before joining Bayern Munich in 2013, where he stayed until 2016.He then joined City in 2016 and has gone on to dominate English football in the years since his arrival. More

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      Maya Jama goes full Pamela Anderson in mad dash live on TV to get to Baller League dugout

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      MAYA JAMA channelled her inner Pamela Anderson as she made a mad dash to the latest round of Baller League.The competition is back and headed up by president KSI, who recently sold out Wembley in the Sidemen Charity Match.Maya Jama channeled her inner Pammie as she made a mad dash to the Baller LeagueCredit: Sky SportsJama was shown running in slow motion and arrived at half-timeCredit: Sky SportsThe Love Island host made it in the end and inspired her team to victoryCredit: GettyJama resembled Pamela Anderson’s CJ Parker character from BaywatchCredit: AlamyAnd Jama, 30, is among the celebrities backing the new-look football format and has teamed up with stunning Swiss player Alisha Lehmann to lead MVPs United.The presenter attended the event on Monday but was running late and didn’t arrive until half-time.Cameras caught the TV star making a dramatic run outside the Copper Box Arena in Stratford.Sky Sports Mix decided to show her sprint in slow motion and inadvertenly made her look like Anderson’s legendary Baywatch character CJ Parker.Read More on FootballThe iconic TV show is famous for its opening title sequence that shows stars including Pammie, David Hasselhoff and Yasmine Bleeth dramatically running on the beach in glorious slow-mo.Nevertheless, Jama managed to make it for the second half and inspired her team to come back from 2-0 down against M7 FC to make it two wins from two with a 3-2 victory.Love Island host Jama and Lehmann are not the only stars managing at Baller League.Fans joke Baller League is the ‘future’ as madcap footage of debut night emerges The likes of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Ian Wright and John Terry are also taking part.Most read in FootballSome former stars are also appearing on the pitch.Former England, Everton and Man City defender Joleon Lescott was a surprise addition on Monday.He appeared for Lineker’s side Deportrio and helped them win on his debut.Maya is managing alongside Alisha LehmannCredit: GettyLescott made his Baller debut on Monday nightWhat are the Baller League rule?THE Baller League promises to be “excitingBut what are the rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four play-off in May to crown the winner.Baller League managersLuis Figo – Trebol FCTBJZL – VZN FCAlan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – DeportrioSharky – SDS FCJohn Terry – 26ersAngry Ginge – YanitedJens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FCMiniminter – M7 FCDave – Santan FCClint 419 – FC Rules the WorldIan Wright and Chloe Kelly – Wembley Rangers AFCMaya Jama and Alisha Lehmann – MVPs United More