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      Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall gives Eddie Howe health update as stars dedicate Man Utd thumping to hospitalised boss

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      SKIPPER Bruno Guimaraes dedicated Newcastle’s rout of Manchester United to stricken Eddie Howe.The Toon boss watched the game from a hospital bed as his team surged up to fourth in their quest for a Champions League place.Bruno Guimaraes quickly thought of ill boss Eddie Howe after rounding off Newcastle’s 4-1 defeat of Man UtdCredit: GettyEddie Howe could return in charge of the Toon’s next Prem gameCredit: ReutersGuimaraes, who scored in the thumping, said: “When we went to the pitch we said, ‘We’ll play for him’.“He’s been unbelievable for us. We missed him on the training ground.“Hopefully it gave him happiness and he’s back for the next game. It’s been a tough week for him.”Two-goal hero Harvey Barnes said: “He’s on the road to recovery, hopefully. He’s so influential throughout the week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We knew that we had a job to do without him. We said before the game we had to put a smile on his face.”Howe, 47, was admitted to hospital on Friday so his No 2, Jason Tindall, took charge against United on Sunday.The top five places guarantee a Champions League place this term and Toon started strongly.Sandro Tonali’s opener was levelled by Alejandro Garnacho to make it 1-1 at half-time.Most read in FootballStand-in chief Jason Tindall had a congratulatory message from HoweCredit: GettyBut Toon blew the Red Devils away after the break, with Barnes’ two goals and Guimaraes’ strike  securing a first league double over United for  94 YEARS.Tindall said: “I had a message from Eddie congratulating the team and the performance.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success “He was able to watch the game and I’m sure that performance will put a smile on his face.“I’m super proud of the players. But I am not  surprised because we have a fantastic group and some great leaders.“When the manager isn’t there you have to step up individually and collectively, and we did that. I’m really proud.”Asked  whether Howe would be back for Wednesday’s home clash with Crystal Palace, Tindall said: “Not sure. “He’ll be in good spirits and the sooner the manager is back, the better for everyone.”He was able to watch the game and I’m sure that performance will put a smile on his face.Jason TindallTindall, 47, who was a former team-mate as a player and then Howe’s assistant at Bournemouth, added: “He was hugely missed. Certainly for me.“It’s only the second time in 17 years that we’ve not been side by side and I did miss him.“You miss your leader when he’s not there. But it’s testament  to everybody to be able to step into them big shoes to fill.“He’s one of the best managers around and credit to everybody to be able to go out and deliver that performance.“We’ve had a good week, a really positive result away at Leicester on Monday, too.Read More on The Sun“We know our expectations and our goals, and what we want to try to achieve.“Every game is so important especially when you come into the money end of the season as they say, so it’s important we deliver a performance.” More

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      Harry Redknapp: Eddie Howe has a huge summer ahead – Newcastle are THREE good signings away from challenging for title

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      NEWCASTLE fans waited so long for a proper knees-up that it was always going to be one to remember.They may have forgotten what it was like to win a trophy but not how to throw a party — as we all got to see two weeks ago.Harry Redknapp says Newcastle can now target more silverware after winning the Carabao CupCredit: GettyWhich is just as well, because their gaffer Eddie Howe is building something so special I think those supporters will have a lot to celebrate from here.Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup, with all due respect, because in my book that is just the start.They certainly won’t be waiting 70 years for the next domestic trophy!I am not saying the next stop is the Premier League title as they are three good signings short of pushing the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal over a season — but they are moving closer.READ MORE IN football Eddie, who was in hospital yesterday after feeling ill during the week, will miss their clash against Manchester United today and I wish him a speedy recovery.And so will all the Toon fans — which certainly shows up all those who reckoned Eddie was only keeping the seat warm for a glamorous foreign name after the Saudis appointed him.Whether that was the plan when they arrived I don’t know but — four years on — the only way I can see Howe leaving St James’ Park is for the England job.The search for Thomas Tuchel’s replacement, when that day comes, won’t take long, although I am not saying Newcastle fans should start worrying yet. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat’s for the future.For now, all that matters is making sure this is the real thing, not just another false start.Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose – he’s the best uncle everAfter the Saudis took over there was a lot of talk the richest club in the world would take off, and when they made the Champions League two years ago, it certainly looked that way.But despite that famous win over Paris Saint-Germain, they never really got off the launch pad and when they went from finishing fourth in the Prem to seventh, quite a few feared the worst for Eddie.Thankfully the people who matter never doubted he was the right man and now you won’t find anyone who disagrees.Actually there was one… the radio pundit I heard who said Howe wasn’t the answer if they wanted to push on after the League Cup. What a load of cobblers!I think those supporters will have a lot to celebrate from here. Far bigger things than the Carabao Cup, with all due respect, because in my book that is just the start.Harry RedknappOf course, they must make sure the Wembley win isn’t a one-off and Newcastle can only prove that over time but what convinces me they will is the way Eddie has gone about it.Right from the start he said it wouldn’t be a trolley dash for the biggest names in football just because he had the money and he proved it by making Kieran Trippier his first signing.When Dan Burn, something of a journeyman up to then,  arrived soon after fans weren’t exactly buzzing at the new buys.Ask them now, though, and you will get a different answer. And do not forget, either, that for all there is no shortage of stars in the squad, the fact most have become bigger at the Toon than they were before says a lot.Eddie Howe lifted the Carabao Cup but he can win more with NewcastleCredit: PAThe Geordie’s still know how to party but fans shouldn’t be happy yetCredit: SplashAlexander Isak is a world-class striker you could put alongside any in the game, while Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are top-notch midfielders.Anthony Gordon is one of the best wingers around and young full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall have both won England caps since signing.But for me, Trippier has been the real star of the show and the leader every manager wants.The second leg of the League Cup semi-final was perfect proof, when he steamed into the first tackle and set the tone. Arsenal were never in it after that.Dan Burn is just unbelievable. From doing the rounds at places like Yeovil, Birmingham and Wigan to man of the match at Wembley and an England cap. What a career!Harry Redknapp And Burn is just unbelievable. From doing the rounds at places like Yeovil, Birmingham and Wigan to man of the match at Wembley and an England cap. What a career!There have been more glamorous names since — most of them, to be honest — but Eddie knew it had to start with characters. And they don’t come bigger than those two.He knows there is a huge summer ahead, too, and top of the list has to be keeping Isak, with loads of Europe’s big names sniffing around.Read More on The SunSecuring a Champions League place will help, for sure, and with five teams in it from England next season, there is a great chance of Newcastle being one of them.Now those incredible Geordie fans are already daring to dream — and this time there may be no rude awakening. More

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      ‘This is why people don’t like Arsenal’ – Gunners fans spotted already wearing Champions League WINNERS shirts

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      ARSENAL fans were spotted already wearing Champions League WINNERS shirts. The Gunners take a commanding 3-0 lead to the Spanish capital after their quarter-final first-leg victory against Real Madrid at the Emirates. Arsenal fans were spotted already wearing Champions League winners shirtsCredit: AFPSo confidence was high ahead of Brentford’s Premier League trip to North London. In a picture shared by the Prem’s official Instagram account, two Arsenal fans have “CL WINNERS” on their backs. Unsurprisingly, it caused outrage online with football fans quickly taking the opportunity to mock.One said: “This is exactly why no one likes them.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother quipped: “This delusion is getting out of hand someone give them medical attention.”A third wrote: “They’re brave.”And one added: “The type of thing you just don’t do… setting yourselves up for potential disaster.”Even fellow Arsenal supporters couldn’t condone the behaviour.Most read in FootballArsenal ratings vs Brentford as Partey dominates in midfield but Jorginho a passenger as title hopes fizzleCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne saying: “Nah our fanbase can be annoying sometimes.” While another feared the worst, adding: “Ah they’ve proper jinxed it with that shirt…”Arsenal’s Kai Havertz hits the gym as he continues his recovery from injury Those Arsenal fans may be biting their fingernails if the Brentford match is anything to go by.Thomas Partey’s opener was cancelled out by Yoane Wissa to drop more league points – with Liverpool three wins from the title. Mikel Arteta left out Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly – but Arteta said his team’s minds were not focused on Madrid. He insisted: “The way we did the game certainly not. The way the feeling was with the players, certainly not.”To prepare well you have to play as well as possible and win the next game.” More

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      Arsenal ratings: Partey states his case for contract extension but Jorginho is a passenger against Brentford

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      ARSENAL saw any lingering Premier League title hopes go up in smoke after dropping more points against Brentford.Mikel Areta made five changes from Tuesday’s stunning 3-0 win over Real Madrid for the Gunners’ return to domestic duty.Thomas Partey opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 61st minuteAfter a quiet afternoon, Yoanne Wissa equalised for BrentfordAnd, the magnificent Thomas Partey aside, it seemed this Arsenal XI had more than one eye on Wednesday’s return leg in their Champions League quarter-final.It started out like a pre-season friendly, with Arsenal cautiously trying to avoid any unnecessary injuries ahead of the big trip to the Bernabeu.And while Brentford chanted “You’ll win f*** all” come May, the away players started flat in their chase for European qualification. Arsenal thought they took the lead but Kieran Tierney’s header in the 26th minute was ruled out by the new semi-automated offside rule.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd moments later Brentford captain Christian Norgaard avoided a red card for a rough challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.Partey finally found a breakthrough after a lung-bursting counter-attacking run from provider Declan Rice, before Arteta brought on the cavalry.Yet the subs actually negatively effected Arsenal’s momentum, and Brentford quickly equalised through Yoane Wissa’s acrobatic finish.After just two wins in their last seven league games, Arsenal are now 10 points behind Liverpool, who need a maximum of just three victories to secure the title.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHere’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Gunners at the Emirates stadium…David Raya – 7Not as composed and commanding as he was against Madrid, but how could he be?The Spaniard sent a few iffy passes into the visitors’ path early on. But he produced a great save to deny Kristoffer Ajer from an opener inside 20 minutes, after Bryan Mbeumo’s great first time ball for the overlap around Tierney. Distribution was fantastic as pro-active goalkeeping saw him pluck a testing Brentford corner out the air before rolling out to Rice for his on a rampaging run for Arsenal’s goal. Great vision.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesKieran Tierney – 6The left back looked chuffed after receiving huge applause from the fans and hugs from his team–mates after heading in a goal in the 26th minute.But an offside call from VAR denied the Scot what could have been his last goal for the club, with a likely summer exit to Celtic looming.Brilliantly got back to nick the ball from Mbeumo, who was a few yards from getting a shot off.Jakub Kiwior – 6The Pole just keeps growing in confidence with each passing game, a credit to his circumstance and how he has taken the opportunity. There is a sense of calm that previously was not there when he first came in. William Saliba – 8Woke the fans up from their sleep with an inviting 20 yard run, to win Arsenal a corner in the first 15 minutes.The Frenchman wasn’t asked to do much defensively in the first half.But he dealt with the pace of Kevin Schade and dominated their one-on-one strength battle later in the game.Brilliant on the ball as he repeatedly carried it out from the back, rarely making a mistake.Thomas Partey – 8Should the 31-year-old be given a contract extension when his current deal expires in the summer? Tuesday’s unsung hero moved into right back in Arteta’s five man squad rotation ahead of the trip to Madrid on Wednesday. He inverted into midfield, with Brentford unable to offer any threat down the right hand side. And just as Arteta was prepping Saka and Odegaard to come on, Partey lashed in his first fourth Prem goal of the season.Things turned sour though, because Partey could be a doubt for Madrid, after the Ghanaian picked up an unspecified knock.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 5Started in midfield and was eager to impress with some nice flashes in his audition to come off the bench against Madrid.Gifted chances to Ethan Nwaneri and Martinelli in the first half and tested Mark Flekken’s goal himself.The Ukrainian, of course, isn’t as brave going forward as Odegaard. But this was a solid performance.Declan Rice – 7 His name was cheered the loudest before kick-off after his thunderous free kicks against Madrid here on Tuesday.But he’s clearly the engine of this Arsenal team, who dominates in midfield, gets in the box and sends glorious corners in time after time. It was Rice’s near 30-yard run that set up Partey’s opener.He did head down into Vitaly Janelt’s path inside six minutes, but luckily for him, Brentford couldn’t get a shot off.But there’s a feeling among fans that something special can happen every time Rice touches the ball in the opposition box.Rice is on unstoppable formJorginho – 4The Italian was wearing the armband from the off with Odegaard rested on the bench and Gabriel Magalhaes out until the end of the season.But it wasn’t exactly a captain’s performance from a deeper role in midfield. Much of the game seemed to pass him by at times.The former Chelsea star is clearly one of those destined to leave in the summer overhaul. Arsenal went down to 10 as Jorginho limped off with a suspected rib injury and all five subs were used.Ethan Nwaneri – 5The 18-year-old stepped into Bukayo Saka’s shoes on the right wing, with Arteta saving the England superstar for Madrid. But he didn’t see much of the ball and struggled with Brentford’s physical low block.Produced a brilliant cross which sadly was nodded in by the only player who happened to be offside in the build-up.And got the fans up from their seats with some tricky feet through several Brentford stars at the start of the second half.Nwaneri didn’t see much of the ball and struggled with Brentford’s physical low blockGabriel Martinelli – 5Was Arsenal’s most fouled player. He took a bizarre touch when Zinchenko found him a few yards from Flekken’s goal in the first half. The Brazilian needs to be stronger at times. But his runs were a handful down the left flank all afternoon.The Emirates went nuts – and so did Arteta – when Norgaard avoided a red card after clattering into Martinelli from behind in the first half.Leandro Trossard – 6Another game, another makeshift striker for Arsenal, with club player of the month Merino rested on the bench.Trossard did well to break away inside 13 minutes but his pass was just behind Martinelli. He’s always a great player to have in your squad and had several shots kept out by busy bees keeper Flekken in the first half.SUBSBukayo Saka – (for Nwaneri ’63 min) – 5Should’ve scored a massive chance when he pinched the ball off Flekken and rounded him late on, but couldn’t make it count.Martin Odegaard – (for Zinchenko ’62 min) – 5A valiant attempt to pull some strings, but to no avail.Myles Lewis-Skelly – (for Tierney ’62 min) – 6Strolled through Brentford’s left hand side within a minute of coming on. What a talent he is.Imagine being saved and prioritised for the 15 times Kings of Europe at 18 years old.Read More on The SunJurrien Timber – (for Partey ’70 min) – 4Was turned by Wissa for Brentford’s goal.Mikel Merino – (for Rice ’75 min) – 5A smart sub for Arteta, came just a minute after 1-1. But the midfielder had little-to-no impact on proceedings. More

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      History-making Premier League legend retires immediately after featuring in Man City vs Crystal Palace match

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      PREMIER LEAGUE mainstay Darren Cann has officially retired from assistant refereeing.Cann, 58, has been running the line in the English top-flight for over 25 years and is one of the most recognised officials in the country.Assistant referee Darren Cann has retired from officiatingCredit: AFPCann began his officiating journey all the way back in 1991Credit: PACann has officiated the most matches in Premier League history and called time on his career after Manchester City’s win over Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPCann cut an emotional figure after the final whistle of his careerCredit: TNT SPORTSBut after helping officiate 579 Premier League fixtures – the most of any official in the competition’s history – the veteran linesman has decided to hang up his flag.Cann’s final Prem appearance came in Manchester City’s 5-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.Ahead of the game, Cann, who reffed over 1000 games in his career, said: “It’s been an honour to serve the professional game for the last 25 years.“Officiating the World Cup final and the Champions League final are memories I will cherish forever.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But, above all, I’m proud of the fact I’ve given 100 per cent in every single match throughout my career.“I would like to thank every single person who has helped and supported me to work in this wonderful sport, PGMOL and The FA as well as all of the clubs, managers, players and fans that have made the Premier League the greatest league in the world.“It’s been the privilege of my life to serve the game that I love.”Cann, who played in Crystal Palace’s youth team as a striker alongside Ian Wright, began his refereeing journey in 1991.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCity skipper Kevin De Bruyne had some words for the retiring Darren Cann after the final whistleCredit: TNT SPORTSIt would take him ten years to be promoted to the Football League, where he’d officiate for four years.Cann would go on to represent England on the global stage, taking part in 140 international fixtures – including games at the Euro 2008 and the 2010 and 2014 World Cups in South Africa and Brazil.Ruben Amorim’s Garnacho dilemma explained ahead of Manchester derbyHe was part of the refereeing team that officiated the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finals, which were contested by Bayern Munich and Inter Milan and Spain and the Netherlands, respectively.PMGOL chief Howard Webb, who knows Cann all too well having worked alongside him in the Champions League and World Cup finals, was quick to pay tribute to the retiring official.He said: “As I know first-hand from working with Darren on many matches.”He is an official of extraordinary talent and he has performed at the very highest level with distinction.”His professionalism and dedication have made him an outstanding ambassador for English officiating.”We wish him all the very best as he steps away from the field.”Though we’re sure his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.”Darren Cann was part of the officiating team for the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finalsCredit: GETTY More

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      Stop obsessing over set-piece coach ‘messiahs’ – top-class football will always be about special stars like Declan Rice

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      DO you want to know the best thing about Declan Rice’s two magnificent free-kicks against Real Madrid?It’s that we can all now stop obsessing about set-piece coaches — and Arsenal’s supposed ‘Messiah’ Nico Jover in particular.Football will always be about the top starsCredit: GettyWe need to stop obsessing over so-called set-piece ‘messiah’s’ like Nico JoverCredit: RexGreat players do great things in the heat of the momentCredit: GettyI loved the fact that Declan came out in his post-match TV interview and revealed Jover had wanted him to cross the ball rather than shoot from 28 yards.And also that Declan, 26, had told Bukayo Saka: “I fancy this.” And Saka had replied: “Go on, then. Have a go.”The statisticians, sports scientists, number crunchers and coaching gurus would have said: “You’ve played 400-odd games as a professional footballer, Declan, and you’ve never scored a direct free-kick, so you ain’t taking one against Madrid in a Champions League quarter-final.”But here were two excellent footballers, Rice and Saka making an instinctive, off-the-cuff, on-field decision in a hugely consequential match.That is what top-class football will always be about: great players doing great things in the heat of the moment. And even more special was the fact that Declan went and did it twice.The coverage of football is becoming far too intellectualised by people in the media who want to make themselves sound clever by over-complicating a game which is both simple and chaotic.Great coaches can rein in that chaos factor but most goals come from elements of individual brilliance which cannot be coached, or from serious defensive errors which can’t be predicted.Arsenal’s supporters painted a mural of Jover on a wall near the Emirates. But surely we can now stop mythologising these blokes?BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Gunners are good at set-pieces for the same reason that certain teams have always been good at set-pieces — great delivery and great heading ability.Saka, Rice and Martin Odegaard can all deliver a wicked dead ball and Gabriel, in particular, is seriously good at heading them in. Jover’s routines are not rocket science.’Get off the phone’ snaps Troy Deeney after his wife called him out live on air over Arsenal commentFrom corners, Arsenal usually position a bunch of players beyond the back stick, a couple move to the near post, a couple to central areas and a few remain at the far post so that all areas are covered.It’s pretty much the same as it ever was. Set-piece coaches became a major part of the game about seven or eight years ago, when I was playing in the Premier League.The best ones are the guys who realise they are not the stars of the show, that they are at training to deliver a short, sharp 20-minute session without trying to bore the pants off of everyone — because very few footballers enjoy practising set-pieces.These coaches can sometimes give a team an extra one per cent. But they aren’t reinventing the wheel.I reckon Newcastle’s set-piece coach must keep to himself because when Dan Burn scored the opening goal in the Carabao Cup final, we didn’t hear about coaching genius.We just saw Kieran Trippier — one of the best dead-ball merchants in the business — crossing it to the tallest bloke on the park, who nutted it in.When it comes to taking direct free-kicks, that is a true art form.I’d have fancied myself to score them in training but doing it in a match, getting the ball up and over a wall of 6ft 3in blokes — or round them — in front of a full house is a different matter.At Watford we had three particularly good free-kick takers — Gerard Deulofeu, Tom Cleverley and Jose Holebas.There were times when, as captain, I had to intervene when they were arguing about who was going to take one.And given that I was substantially bigger than all three of them, that was where the argument ended.Gerard would want to take every single one but some days he just wasn’t at it and I’d have to tell him as much.Before Rice’s first goal against Madrid, he and Saka had a conflab with Odegaard and Mikel Merino.Skipper Odegaard was telling them that Jover wanted the ball crossed, while Rice was simply going with his gut instinct.He doesn’t think he is anybody special, even though he is a very special player. Troy DeeneyOn Declan RiceBut if Arsenal get a free-kick around 25 yards out against Brentford today, no conversations will be necessary. Declan will take it.For Declan to have scored two direct free-kicks in 12 minutes made Tuesday a career-defining night for him.Having played against him and met him, it is impossible not to like Dec. I was just delighted that it was him.Here is a kid who fully appreciates the life of a professional footballer and who thoroughly enjoys it.There is no sense of entitlement. He doesn’t think he is anybody special, even though he is a very special player. It’s lovely when good things happen to good people.Especially when they’ve treated a crucial moment in a Champions League quarter-final as if they were having a kickabout with their mates at the park.“I fancy this, I’m going to have a pop here” — and not just once, but twice. That is the sort of instinct you simply cannot coach.Rice revealed Bukayo Saka told him to ‘go for it’ More

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      Pilar Rubio stuns in stripes but draws the line at moving home after footie ace hubby Ramos signs for Mexico’s Monterrey

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      MODEL Pilar Rubio draws the line at moving home after Spanish centre-back partner Sergio Ramos signs with Mexico’s Monterrey.Pals say Pilar, 47, who recently wore a striped dress to launch Selmark Mare’s new swimwear collection, is settled in Madrid and doesn’t want to relocate.Pilar Rubio, 47, stuns in stripes as pals say she’s staying put in MadridCredit: GettyFormer Real Madrid and Sevilla centre-back Ramos signed a one-year deal with Mexican club Monterrey in FebruaryCredit: GettyPals say Pilar can not ‘bear the thought of moving again’Credit: GettyFormer Real Madrid and Sevilla centre-back Ramos signed a one-year deal with Monterrey in February.A friend revealed: “She went to Paris with him, then Ramos moved to Seville. Later, she decided to settle in Madrid for professional reasons.“She can no longer bear the thought of moving again.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRamos was without a club after leaving Sevilla over the summer before penning the surprise one-year deal with the Liga MX outfit.The ace has opted to wear the No. 93 shirt during his time in Mexico.The 38-year-old married Rubio, a popular TV presenter and model in Spain, in 2019.Ramos left Real Madrid to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before moving back to La Liga with Sevilla in 2023.”Most read in FootballSergio Ramos’s wife Pilar Rubio wows as she poses in a red swimsuit for her second collection with Selmark More

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      Arsenal files: Gunners linked with £40million transfer for ‘next Martin Odegaard’ who’s eerily similar to Ethan Nwaneri

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      AMID the chaos and brilliance of Arsenal’s stunning Champions League quarter final first leg 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night, two young stars watched on from the bench.With the return of Bukayo Saka from injury, Ethan Nwaneri was an unused sub against the Los Blancos after his incredible breakthrough season.Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win over Real Madrid this weekCredit: GettyArda Guler, who did not play, has been linked with a move to the EmiratesCredit: GettyOn the opposite bench, another young starlet – 20-year-old Arda Guler – enjoyed the spectacle in a watching capacity having also shone brightly out in Spain, and is now being linked to Arsenal, as well as other big clubs in Europe.Having joined Madrid from boyhood club Fenerbahce in July 2023 for an initial £17.2m, the Turk’s debut campaign was hampered by injuries, making only 12 appearances in all competitions.Yet he still managed six goals in 10 La Liga appearances and 330 minutes of playing time, becoming the fastest player in Madrid history to hit that tally.More game time has followed this term with 34 appearances in all competitions so far, but just 10 of these have been starts, including 56 minutes of a 2-0 Champions League defeat away at Liverpool in November.There is the feeling in Spain that Guler – way down the pecking order behind the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and 39-year-old Luka Modric – may need to leave the Bernabeu to reach his full potential, similar to the Martin Odegaard situation before his £30m switch to Arsenal in the summer of 2021.Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti struggled to integrate Odegaard into his Galactico squad upon his January 2015 arrival as a 16-year-old, and is having similar issues with Guler.Paul Clement – Ancelotti’s former assistant who remains in contact with the Italian – confirmed this to SunSport last week: Guler needs more game time than he is currently getting, something the Madrid coaching staff recognise.The question is: do Arsenal actually need Guler with 18-year-old Nwaneri now an established first-team player with 14 starts in all competitions this season?Guler has featured mostly as an attacking midfielder, but also pops up on the right, just like Nwaneri. But how do the two compare?Guler has 1,171 minutes under his belt this year, averaging 34 minutes per game. Nwaneri is similar with 1,199 minutes and averaging 39 minutes.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsIn terms of touches per 90 minutes, Guler has 77 and Nwaneri has 58. The Turkish international has 14 shots on target from 39 attempts. England U21 star Nwaneri has 18 shots on target from 38 attempts.There is nothing between them for goal involvements too – Guler has nine [three goals and six assists] and Nwaneri has 10 [eight goals and two assists].Guler would cost between £30m and £40m at least should anyone come calling, but it appears not to make too much sense with a younger Nwaneri living up to his potential and capturing the hearts of Arsenal fans as a Hale End product.Mikel Arteta will be prioritising an elite striker this summer, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi already lined up and the defence needing bolstering too.Guler is a massive talent ready to explode, in the Odegaard mould, but Arteta will be wary of stifling what he already has on the books.How the two compare – domestic league matches onlyNWANERI CONTRACT TALKS?Speaking of Nwaneri, he is one of several players Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are desperate to tie down to long-term contracts in the coming months.Talks will begin soon, with Nwaneri’s current deal – his first professional contract signed in March 2024 – expiring at the end of next season, along with fellow academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly, who put pen to paper in October 2023.SunSport understands Nwaneri is in line for a competitive salary raise, in line with a regular squad player and first-team option.However, with Arsenal’s wage bill increasing by nearly £100m in their 2023/24 financial accounts – from £234.8m to £327.8m – the club will be wary over giving an astronomical wage packet to a teenager, regardless of his talent and potential.Arsenal will also need to fork out for extensions on major first-team stars like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel this summer.Ethan Nwaneri is in talks to sign a new dealCredit: GettyHowever, boss Mikel Arteta often asks for wage negotiations or announcements to be delayed until after big months of the season, especially if they progress into the semi-finals of the Champions League.It is why Arteta has been tight-lipped over the futures of midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho, whose deals run out in a few months.ARSENAL’S SURPRISE FAN CLUBThe quality of action on show in the Premier League has been a hot topic, with Gary Neville pouring oil over the fire this week in a passionate rant.On the Stick To Football podcast, he raged: “If we’re constantly served up this crap where we are watching centre-backs, full-backs and goalkeepers touch the ball hundreds of times more than the most talented players on the pitch.“That isn’t right – the game can’t be evolving in the right way.”SunSport understands that directors from Arsenal’s Prem rivals are hoping the Gunners can change this perception with a strong run in the Champions League.Should Mikel Arteta’s men see off Real Madrid next week in a similarly stunning and entertaining fashion, before beating Paris Saint-Germain in the semis and Barcelona in the final, there is a feeling that this would reinvigorate the Prem and show what English clubs are capable of.RICE’S FREE-KICKS WERE COMING…Declan Rice’s free-kick double act against Madrid sent the Emirates – and social media – into meltdown.They were his first in senior football in over 400 matches, with many asking the same question: Why has he not been taking free-kicks before?After all, set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has had him on corner-taking duties because of his incredible delivery and the amount of whip he can get on a ball ever since he honed Rice’s talent on a mid-season trip to Dubai.The answer is: He has, but has not found the top corner until now.This season in the Prem, he had one poor effort deflected by the wall behind for a corner in the 1-0 win over Chelsea last month before smacking one straight at Jordan Pickford in their 1-1 draw away at Everton last weekend.Last season, in April 2024, he had another tame approach blocked at Wolves, with another in the March comfortably saved in the 6-0 win at Sheffield United and another hitting the wall in a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in December 2023.Even at West Ham he was getting his eye in – blasting one well over the bar in the 2021/22 season away at Tottenham and another low drive saved at Aston Villa.His last attempt in Europe appears to be in the 21/22 Europa League, seeing a long-range flier blocked in a 2-0 win away at Dinamo Zagreb.In total, Rice had taken 12 free-kicks before scoring twice past Thibaut Courtois, none of which came close.This is not just a Rice problem however, more an Arsenal problem, scoring just ONE of their last 64 dead-ball attempts before facing Madrid, one of the worst records in the Prem.In that time, Manchester City have scored 10, Chelsea have scored seven, Newcastle United have scored five and five other Premier League teams have scored four.Declan Rice scored two stunning free kicks against Real MadridCredit: Getty More