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      Arsenal release statement confirming Edu has RESIGNED as sporting director with Brazilian set to join Nottingham Forest

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      ARSENAL have announced that sporting director Edu Gaspar has left the club.The chief has helped oversee the Gunners’ rise to title challengers under Mikel Arteta.Edu has officially quit ArsenalCredit: GettyEdu has been key to Arsenal’s rise under Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal player re-joined as their technical director in the summer of 2019 and was then promoted to sporting director two years ago.He has decided to quit following talks about a hierarchy reshuffle.The 46-year-old Brazilian is now considering taking up a role under Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ stable of clubs, which include Olympiacos in Greece and Rio Ave in Portugal.Arsenal confirmed his resignation in a statement that read: “We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart. “READ MORE ON ARSENALOn his time at the club, Edu said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make. “Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. “It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.  “I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend. “Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”Co-chairman Josh Kroenke added: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.  Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.  “Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”Mikel Arteta debunks claims referees and VAR have conspiracy against Arsenal after flurry of controversial decisions Edu could triple his salary by moving to oversee Marinakis’ football empire.He has been credited for transforming Arsenal in recent years, being key to the appointment of Arteta.Edu played a huge role in securing hit signings like William Saliba, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, while also seeing stars like Ben White and Bukayo Saka pen new contracts.With Edu as Arsenal’s top chief, they have come runners-up to Manchester City twice.How Edu made Arsenal great againBy Jack RosserEDU GASPAR has been on a mission to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ ever since returning to the club he played for 2019.After a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.Overpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.Edu finally got the club competing in the transfer market again, with Martin Odegaard an outstanding capture for the club. In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they couple compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.Arsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too, always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu. More

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      Arsenal star Martin Odegaard ‘secretly marries pregnant partner’ just 18 months after announcing they were together

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD might be sidelined through injury – but he’s keeping busy away from the field. The Arsenal midfielder has reportedly secretly tied the knot with pregnant partner Helene Spilling. Martin Odegaard has reportedly married his girlfriend Helene SpillingCredit: GettyThe pair announced earlier this year they were expecting their first babyCredit: Instagram @odegaard.98Spilling is a professional dancer and has won numerous awards in NorwayCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98Odegaard, 25, went Instagram official with the pro dancer, 27, last summer after she embraced him on the pitch at the end of the 2022-23 season.In August, the pair announced they were expecting their first child together with an adorable baby reveal. The 25-year-old Gunners skipper prefers to keep his private life behind closed doors.Spilling was spotted out for a stroll in London last month wearing what appeared to be an engagement ring.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to Norweigan outlet Verdens Gang, the Arsenal star has now changed his status to married in the national register. Helene has also updated her name to Helene Spilling Odegaard.A professional ballroom dancer, Spilling has won 17 gold medals in the Norwegian national championships. She has also founded her own dance studio and launched a fashion brand. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHelene was a former pro on “Skal vi Danse”, Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, winning the competition in 2021.Spilling has been spotted supporting her man at numerous Arsenal games over the past year.Arsenal vs Newcastle: Player RatingsIn April, fans claimed Odegaard was “winning on and off the pitch” after his stunning Wag danced in the stands following the Gunners thrashing of Chelsea.Odegaard is currently sidelined from action with an ankle injury.The Gunners skipper hasn’t played since picking up the issue during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League win over Austria in September.The loved-up pair have reportedly married in secretCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98Meet the Arsenal Wags from Strictly star to a flight attendantTolami Benson – partner of Bukayo SakaBenson and Saka have kept information on their relationship largely quiet.They do not appear on each others Instagram pages but she was seen speaking to Saka at the 2022 World Cup.Helene Spilling – partner of Martin OdegaardA professional dancer from Norway who rose to fame in the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing, the pair were first spotted together at the Football Awards in March 2023. Sophie Weber – partner of Kai HavertzWeber works as a model and social media influencer and is the most high profile member of the group on online with almost 400,000 followers on Instagram.They are childhood sweethearts having grown up in the same neighbourhood.Milly White – partner of Ben WhiteThe couple got engaged in 2022 before tying the knot officially in May last year. They have matching “I love you tattoos” on their wrists. Milly White works as a model.Laura Trossard Hilven – partner of Leandro TrossardThe pair met in 2014 before getting married in 2019.They have two sons together, Thiago and Amadeo.Lauren Fryer – partner of Declan RiceLauren Fryer and Declan Rice have been together since 2015. She tends to keep a lower profile compared to some of Arsenal’s other Wags but is no less stunning.She sadly deleted all pictures on her Instagram after suffering horrific abuse by vile trolls.Georgina Ramsdale – partner of Aaron RamsdaleGeorgina Ramsdale works as a flight attendant.The couple got married last June after the Arsenal star proposed in 2022. They originally met in 2019.He has recently returned to training and could be in contention to face Inter Milan on Wednesday. Odegaard wrote in an Arsenal programme last month: “I’ve been out for a few weeks now, and have been working hard to get back as soon as possible. “I feel like it’s close now, but although I haven’t been involved in the games lately, I feel I’ve still been able to use that time pretty well too.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Hopefully I can come out of this period fresher and stronger and ready for the rest of the season. “That’s the aim now, look at the positives and use this time in a good way. When I’m back I’m going to be feeling pretty good, I’m sure.” More

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      Erling Haaland suffers injury scare in Man City training just hours before Sporting clash and left writhing in pain

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      ERLING HAALAND appeared to suffer an injury scare in training ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Sporting Lisbon.City face the Portuguese champions, who are still managed by new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Erling Haaland suffered an injury scare in trainingCredit: ReutersThe striker went down clutching his leg and was pictured rolling in painCredit: ReutersHaaland grimaced before slowly climbing back onto his feetCredit: ReutersHe has still been named in the squad to face Sporting tomorrowCredit: GettySeveral of Haaland’s team-mates are already in the treatment roomCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola’s men trained at their usual base this afternoon before flying out to Portugal later on Monday.And during the first 15 minutes of the session, Haaland went down hurt and was left writhing in pain.The striker hit the deck after briefly moving gingerly, with the injury not sustained due to contact with another player.He rolled around on the floor and was seen clutching his right leg while grimacing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaaland required treatment on the same area during 2-1 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.Phil Foden went over to Haaland and quickly made sure he was OK before carrying on with training.The man with 14 goals in 14 games for City in all competitions this season soon slowly got back to his feet but remained hunched over for short time.He was later seen smiling and seemingly continued to join in with the session.Most read in Champions LeagueHaaland has also been named in City’s squad for Tuesday’s game.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut their treatment room is already full of absentees with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Rodri, Oscar Bobb and Jack Grealish all out injured.However, the champions have been boosted by the returns of Savinho and Kevin De Bruyne.Both were unused subs in the Bournemouth loss and are nearing full fitness.Asked if Haaland’s needs a rest, Guardiola said pre-match: “I don’t think so – maybe he’ll get one in the international break.”On other injuries, the manager added: “Most of them Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake are still with problems.“De Bruyne is getting better, he’s having sessions with less pain so we feel that he feels more comfortable.“That is excellent news for all of us and Kyle Walker as well with problems with his knee since he was with the national team.“The rest, Jeremy Doku has had a little problems with muscular issues, Savinho is getting better with his ankle, the rest are fine.”Haaland picked up an injury on the same leg against BournemouthCredit: Reuters More

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      Ruben Amorim set for major boost in first Man Utd match with forgotten man to return against Ipswich

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      RUBEN AMORIM could be handed a huge boost ahead of his game in charge of Manchester United.On Friday the club announced Amorim as their new head coach – a first in history for the men’s team – and that he would officially take over the role on November 11.Ruben Amorim could be boosted in his selection when he takes charge of his first Man Utd game on November 24Credit: PAIt comes as Leny Yoro nears a return to full fitnessCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy has taken interim charge of the squad in the meantime and has overseen a 5-2 win over Leicester in the League Cup and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.SunSport understands the players have made it clear they would like the legendary ex-player to remain at the club when Amorim takes charge.But before a decision is made on that front, Amorim will be thinking about how he can implement his style of play with the squad available to him.The 39-year-old is known to favour a 3-4-3 formation at Sporting CP, which has won two league titles since he took charge in 2020, ending a 19-year league drought.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd Amorim looks set to be handed a timely boost with the return of £52million summer signing Leny Yoro.Yoro, 18, was sidelined after sustaining a metatarsal injury during the pre-season friendly against Arsenal. There are high hopes that in time the defender can be a key figure at Old Trafford for years to come.And the ex-Lille star is now edging closer to his first taste of competitive action with the Red Devils.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Evening Standard suggests Yoro could be in contention to face Ipswich on November 24, which comes after the next international break. Yoro may also be joined by the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire and long-term lay-off Tyrell Malacia, who is back in full training after his last match with the team coming in May 2023.Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben AmorimSporting beat Estrela da Amadora 5-1 on Friday night led by Viktor Gyokeres scoring four goals.The Portuguese outfit will face Manchester City on Tuesday evening before Amorim’s final game in charge of the club away at Braga, whom he managed before the Lisbon outfit.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

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      Could Ruben Amorim be Man Utd’s next Sir Alex Ferguson? Eerie similarity between both appointments emerges

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      RUBEN AMORIM is the latest man tasked with leading Manchester United back to glory.The 39-year-old became the new United head coach last week following Erik ten Hag’s departure.Ruben Amorim will take over at Man Utd next weekCredit: PAHis appointment has similarities to the time Sir Alex Ferguson first arrived at UnitedCredit: GettyTen Hag was sacked following a poor start to the season, with the club struggling in the bottom half of the Premier League table.Amorim quickly emerged as the priority target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and penned a two-and-a-half year deal just a matter of days later.The ex-Portugal midfielder will officially take the reins on November 11 – but he faces the huge challenge of hauling Man Utd up the Prem table and through the Europa League group stage.Despite the sheer weight of the task, he can look to legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson for inspiration.READ MORE ON MAN UTDWhen the United icon first took over at Old Trafford back in 1986, the Red Devils had just 12 points from 10 league games.At the time, Ferguson had only managed in Scotland.Now, with Amorim about to step in, Man Utd sit 13th in the table with 12 points from 10 games.And similarly, the ex-midfielder has only managed in Portugal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim jokingly compared himself to Ferguson when looking ahead to Sporting Lisbon’s Champions League clash with Manchester City on Monday.He said: “The focus is on winning the game for Sporting, after that, the inferences that people will draw from this game are not important to me because they could be misleading.Watch as Sporting CP’s fans jeer at new Manchester United Manager Rúben Amorim”If the result is negative, expectations will drop; if we win they will think that the new Alex Ferguson has arrived!”What interests me is to win, a good farewell in Alvalade, win in Braga and start a new adventure in Manchester.”What I want is to leave the fans and my players happy for what is to come in the new season.”Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

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      Tottenham star James Maddison’s mum BANS him from celebration he ‘doesn’t know why he did’

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      JAMES MADDISON has been banned from taking his shirt off when he scores for Tottenham – by his MUM.The Spurs midfielder, 27, was ticked off by his parents for the automatic yellow card he received for whipping off his top during last month’s 3-1 win over Brentford. James Maddison whipped his top off in celebration last month – much to his mum’s annoyanceCredit: RexThe Spurs star revealed he had received a ticking off after the matchCredit: InstagramAfter scoring a superb free-kick on Sunday in the 4-1 victory over Aston Villa, Maddison stopped himself from going topless once again.His mum is an avid fan of Fantasy Football and players in the starting XI lose points if they are cautioned by the referee.Maddison, who celebrates goals with a darts celebration, said: “I don’t know why I took my top off.“My mum text me about this actually.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“She said ‘Keep your top on next time because I’ve got you in my Fantasy team and I got minus one for the yellow card.’He laughed: “Sorry mum!”Dead-ball specialist Maddison has vowed to continue channelling his inner David Beckham and score more free-kicks for Tottenham.The 27-year-old feels he has not properly shown Spurs fans what he is capable of doing from stationary positions since he moved to North London from Leicester in the summer of 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe £40million recruit – who has scored seven Tottenham goals – spent countless hours in his garden as a kid, trying to copy Becks who was a free-kick wizard during his time at Manchester United.The Spurs vice-captain said: “It can be difficult sometimes, the really close ones which are right on the edge.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark Halsey”You haven’t got as much time to get it up-and-down, so it’s why I took it a little bit quicker.”Not sure if you noticed but as soon as the whistle went, I was already leaning into it, to try and catch Martinez out a bit, because he’s a good goalkeeper.”I used to watch Becks. I think last season was the first year I ever had in my whole career where I didn’t score a direct free-kick.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine.”I’ve scored quite a few, maybe 15-16 direct free-kicks. So it annoyed me last year that I didn’t get one.”I know I can be dangerous from them. I probably haven’t shown it to Spurs fans yet.” More

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      Inside departing Arsenal sporting director Edu’s family life, from fiery wife to footballer son and those famous BBQ’s

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      ARSENAL fans have been rocked by the news that sporting director Edu is set to leave the club.The good times are back at the Emirates, as the Gunners have built a team capable of challenging Man City at the top.Arsenal’s departing sporting director Edu with his familyEdu has been married to Brazilian Wag Paul for 21 yearsIt has been reported that Edu will link up with Nottingham Forest in a more senior roleCredit: GettyPart of that has been down to the work of Edu, who was famously one of the Invincibles in 2004, who has helped transform the club with a host quality signings.The likes of Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, and Declan Rice have all arrived in North London during the Brazilian’s tenure.It’s reported Edu is looking at a bigger challenge – taking on a senior role at Nottingham Forest to become a chief executive to Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing empire, which includes Olympiacos and Rio Ave.The move could TRIPLE his wages.Read more football newsAway from the game, the ex-Brazil international has developed a cult following.He shares his family life on social media, with wife Paula and their three children taking centre stage on Instagram.While in the summer, those famous memes of him manning a barbecue had Gooners purring over Edu cooking up a huge transfer deal.Family manEdu’s Instagram is almost an ode to his family life.Most read in FootballEdu’s family life is played out on his social media, including wedding dayWhen it comes to party, Edu makes sure he celebrates with his familyAt Christmas time the Gaspar family enjoy a big get-togetherHe shares plenty of personal moments to his 435,000 followers, including his wedding anniversaries over the years.He’s been married to Paula for 21 years, sharing their wedding day to his fans.‘F—ing shut your mouth’ – Ian Wright in X-rated rant at giggling Alan Shearer after Newcastle stun ArsenalAnd the Gaspars love an occasion to celebrate.Back in January, they wore matching white outfits to celebrate the turn of the New Year.Before that, at Christmas, they showed off their family home – posing in front of their tree.Edu and Paula share three children together, that includes their only son Luigi, 20, and daughters Maria, 18, and Isabelli, 11.His wife has always got his back.When the wife got into botherBack in 2021, with the Gunners in a transitional period, things did not start well for Mikel Arteta’s side.The club had to suffer before there were signs of improvement, which meant fans had to be patient.However, tensions spilled over during a home game against Chelsea.With Arsenal trailing 2-0, one angry supporter confronted Edu by getting out of his seat and berating him from the steps.A video was shared on social media showing the tense moment.While Edu managed to remain composed throughout the abuse, Paula could not contain her frustration.After the fan had finished angrily making his point, Paula put her middle finger up at him as frustrations boiled over, demonstrating her willingness to stand up for her husband in the face of criticism.Clearly, Paula isn’t to be messed with.Paula Gaspar is the supportive Wag of EduWhen Edu received abuse from an Arsenal fan in 2021, Paula jumped to his defencePaula told the fan exactly where to go after seeing her husband get stickread more sport featuresFootballer sonFollowing in dad’s footsteps on the pitch is Edu’s son, Luigi.Also a midfielder, he began his career like his father at Brazilian club Corinthians.He joined at U7 level, before representing the club in futsal.When Edu joined Arsenal in 2019, his son linked with up with their academy.But three years later he departed the club by mutual consent.He joined fellow London side Watford in 2022, and has broken into their youth sides.They extended his contract until the end of the season.Luigi Gaspar joined Arsenal in 2019 from CorinthiansA midfielder like dad, Luigi now plays for Watford’s youth sidesEdu’s 35 signings rankedEDU oversaw the arrival of 35 players during his time at the club.Some worked out better than others.Here, SunSport ranks them from worst to best…35. Nicolas Pepe (£72m)34. Willian (Free)33. David Luiz (£8m)32. Runar Alex Runarsson (£2m)31. Mat Ryan (Loan)30. Fabio Vieira (£34m)29. Neto (Loan)28. Marquinhos (£3m)27. Nuno Tavares (£8m)26. Matt Turner (£5m)25. Cedric Soares (Free)24. Albert Sambi Lokonga (£17m)23. Pablo Mari (£5m)22. Dani Ceballos (Loan)21. Raheem Sterling (Loan)20. Jakub Kiwior (£17m)19. Jorginho (£12m)18. Riccardo Calafiori (£42m)17. Kieran Tierney (£25m)16. Takehiro Tomiyasu (£20m)15. Mikel Merino (£28m)14. Aaron Ramsdale (£24m)13. Oleksandr Zinchenko (£30m)12. Gabriel Jesus (£45m)11. Kai Havertz (£65m)10. Jurrien Timber (£38m)9. Gabriel Martinelli (£6m)8. David Raya (£27m)7. Leandro Trossard (£20m)6. Thomas Partey (£45m)5. Ben White (£50m)4. Gabriel Magalhaes (£27m)3. Declan Rice (£105m)2. William Saliba (£27m)1. Martin Odegaard (£30m)Click here to read more Arsenal stories.What’s cooking?When it comes to the summer, Arsenal fans are always hungry for new signings.Bizarrely, some have found a link to their transfer activity when Edu is manning a barbecue.Often, the retired footballer shares clips of him cooking up a treat for his family.Brazilian’s traditionally love grilled meats and fish, and Edu is no different.How Edu made Arsenal great againBy Jack RosserEDU GASPAR has been on a mission to ‘Make Arsenal Great Again’ ever since returning to the club he played for 2019.After a few wobbles early on – signing Nicolas Pepe will never reflect well – the Brazilian has, alongside Mikel Arteta, been crucial in the club’s transformation.Arteta was brought in as the new manager within months of Edu’s return to North London and the former midfielder stuck by the boss when the pressure was on two years into the job.Instead of making the knee-jerk decision to change manager again, the former Brazil international, joined forces with Arteta to institute a huge change of culture at The Emirates.Overpaid toxic influences such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were purged from the dressing room and Arsenal set about adding strong characters.Edu finally got the club competing in the transfer market again, with Martin Odegaard an outstanding capture for the club. In landing Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City last year Arsenal showed they couple compete for and sign some of Europe’s biggest talents once more.Arsenal have become one of the most attractive clubs in the Premier League and one of the most efficient in the market.While there have been big deals for the likes of Rice and Calafiori, there have been smart ones too – picking out value where others have lost hope.Kai Havertz appeared as a surprising signing after a dreadful season at Chelsea. But after Edu gave the German space and support to rebuild his confidence he has developed into a fine asset for Arteta.Edu does not only have a tight relationship with Arteta – who many fans will be glad signed a new deal before the sporting director’s departure – but the players too, always ready and waiting to check in, keep them going.London Colney and The Emirates will feel a very different place for all of them without Edu.He has been seen with a cigar in mouth turning over some steaks and sausages ahead of huge deals that have been completed.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s an impressive barbecue fitted with plenty of upgrades, just like the squad he helped build.One wonders if it will be heading to Nottingham with him.Edu puts his BBQ skills to good use with a cigar in his mouthArsenal fans linked their transfer activity with Edu manning his bbqEdu’s barbecue is certainly well stacked More

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      David Beckham’s former team-mate becomes referee and one of first ex-players to make the jump

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL’s football career took him from Port Vale to Los Angeles – and now he’s eyeing up the Premier League. The former LA Galaxy midfielder has retrained as a referee since hanging up his boots in 2016.Chris Birchall (right) could finally be ready to achieve his Premier League dreamCredit: GettyThe former LA Galaxy midfielder has retrained as a refereeCredit: Paul TongeBirchall played alongside David Beckham in LACredit: Paul TongeBirchall started the process of becoming an official earlier this year.The 40-year-old signed up for a special PGMOL initiative aimed at fast-tracking ex-pros into refereeing. Birchall took charge of his first qualification game in April.And he told SunSport just a month later: “I’d love to ref in the EFL. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”The hardest things are positioning  yourself and making split-second decisions.”Birchall has now secured a three-year deal with the FA, blazing a trail for ex-players going into the profession.He revealed on Monday: “I am over the moon to accept a 3yr contract offer from the PGMOL to become one of the first ex-players to transition into professional refereeing! “Huge thanks to the PFA and Premier League along with PGMOL for this opportunity.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSTagging in Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, a vocal referee critic, he added: “Don’t be sceptical, be very excited!”The new recruitment drive is part of the Elite Referee Development Plan, which is funded and supported by the Premier League. Fans dub David Beckham’s dream 5-a-side team ‘probably the best ever’ as legend picks just one former Man Utd team-mateIt aims to revamp refereeing in English football, giving ex-professionals a fast-track route into the system.Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb explained: “We’ve made no secret that we are looking to broaden our pool of officials and entice people from other areas of the game and society into refereeing who may have historically not been well represented.”It’s been fantastic to collaborate with the PFA on this programme.”The level of interest from their members strongly indicates they feel this is an exciting opportunity to explore an avenue which could potentially lead them to the highest levels of our game – this time as a match official.”VAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.Birchall spent much of his early career in England’s lower leagues, playing for Vale, Coventry and Brighton.His world was turned upside down in 2009 when he joined the Galaxy, replacing David Beckham on his debut. Speaking to SunSport earlier this year, Birchall said: “David was great with me. “Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.”There was banter between us as English guys. He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?HandsStarting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.On his little finger, he has the year he was married.Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.ArmsBecks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.NeckOne of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.BackBeckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.BodyBeckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has.”He sends video messages when it’s my lad’s birthday and I’ll text him when any big news happens. He’s humble and the type of person you want to be associated with.”Birchall played international football for Trinidad & Tobago, facing off against Golden Balls in the 2006 World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe remembers: “My biggest memory was Beckham shaking my hand at the end and telling me, ‘You had one hell of a game’. “He was my hero so that was special.” More