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      Arsenal face approach from RB Leipzig over Folarin Balogun transfer as replacement for Chelsea-bound Christopher Nkunku

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      FOLARIN BALOGUN is reportedly attracting interest from RB Leipzig as they search for a replacement for Chelsea-bound Christopher Nkunku.Arsenal starlet Balogun, 21, has had a fantastic season on loan at Reims, with 18 goals in 29 Ligue 1 games so far this season.
      Balogun is attracting interest from clubs across Europe following his exploits at ReimsCredit: AFP
      Only Kylian Mbappe and another Chelsea target Jonathan David have scored more goals in the French top flight.
      The Arsenal loanee’s form hasn’t gone unnoticed.
      And, with the Gunners unlikely to be able to offer Balogun a regular starting spot up front next season, clubs across Europe are monitoring his situation.
      Fichajes claim that RB Leipzig are one of the sides set to slug it out for Balogun’s services, with Nkunku set to depart for Chelsea this summer.
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      The report adds that the German outfit are looking to add a goalscorer to their ranks to complement Timo Werner, and the incoming Benjamin Sesko from RB Salzburg.
      Arsenal will be delighted with Balogun’s progress, but his sudden rise presents them with a problem.
      Balogun has two years remaining on his Arsenal deal but will return to the Emirates at the end of the season with his future up in the air.
      And the Gunners will weigh up what would be an acceptable offer for the striker in the close season.
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      The 21 year old has been with the Gunners since he was an eight-year-old.
      But he wants to continue being a first-choice striker when his loan spell ends after his breakout season in France.
      Arsenal are already well stocked up top, with Eddie Nketiah ably deputising for Gabriel Jesus when the Brazilian was injured earlier in the campaign. More

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      Roy Keane opens up on how Gary Neville concerned him after coming through Man Utd academy and had brutal prediction

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      ROY KEANE has joked that he and his team-mates had concerns about Gary Neville’s ability when the defender came through Manchester United’s academy.Neville was famously part of the Class of ’92 – which featured club legends including Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.
      Roy Keane has joked he had doubts Gary Neville would succeed at Man UtdCredit: PA
      He was handed his debut by Sir Alex Ferguson in 1992, and would go on to become first-choice right-back in the 1994-1995 season.
      But, before that, Keane said of Neville “he won’t last” when he was handed his opportunity.
      The Irishman added, though, that it was important for big clubs to bring players through from the academy.
      Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane said: “We were doubtful honestly when Gary came along, he won’t last. Becks, Schoesly, Giggs, the rest of them had a chance. But no, it’s great for the club to have lads come through the academy.
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      “We’ve seen with the Arsenal lads, the fans can identify with them, particularly if they’re local lads. And the beauty of lads like Gary and the lads coming through is when you get an opportunity, it’s about taking it.
      “A lot of the lads do get a chance but don’t take it. But these lads at Arsenal have done it, obviously Gary and the other lads at United.
      “It’s so important for the club, recruitment is vital, you have to go out and spend big money, but to get young lads through and do so well is very nice to see.”
      Neville would go on to play 602 games for the Red Devils – winning eight Premier League titles, and the Champions League twice.
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      In the last six years of his career at Old Trafford, he would captain the side.
      Former boss Fergie said of Neville when he announced his retirement during the 2010-2011 season: “Gary is an example to any young professional, hard-working, loyal and intelligent. His impact on the club in general has been huge.
      “His presence in the dressing room and leadership qualities have been an asset to me as a manager. As a young boy he had the will and determination to succeed as a footballer and that character remained with him throughout his career.” More

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      Tottenham stars Davinson Sanchez and Porro delete social media accounts after vile abuse following Bournemouth loss

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      TOTTENHAM duo Davinson Sanchez and Pedro Porro have deleted their social media accounts following the defeat to Bournemouth.The defenders both received vile abuse from fans after the game.
      Davinson Sanchez was booed by fans and later received abuse on social mediaCredit: Getty
      Pedro Porro also received abuse and the pair have deleted their social media accountsCredit: Getty
      Sanchez was booed at the ground after being substituted in the second half.
      The centre-back was only brought on in the first half but lasted less than 22 minutes after his error led to Bournemouth’s second goal.
      He was the first to delete his Instagram account following abuse from fans.
      And Porro, who only arrived at Spurs in January, followed suit – cancelling his Instagram and Twitter accounts.
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      Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris slammed fans for booing Sanchez’s every touch following his mistake, describing the situation as “sad”.
      Lloris said: “It started earlier, it’s when he came on the pitch. I’ve never seen this in my career.
      “I feel really bad for Davinson. He’s a team-mate, he’s a friend and he’s been fighting for the club for many many years now, and it’s just sad.
      “The story is sad for the club, for the fans, for the player. It’s something you don’t want to see in football.”
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      Sanchez, 26, joined the club from Ajax in 2017 for £42million and has played 203 times for the club, though he has largely been overlooked this term.
      The Colombian has done little to appease fans with some shaky performances this season, including a disastrous “thin air” tackle during last month’s FA Cup defeat at Sheffield United.
      Against the Cherries Sanchez was caught out immediately as he lost possession just two minutes after coming on.
      The centre-back failed to control the ball before Mathias Vina equalised for the visitors in the 38th minute.
      Later on, Sanchez lost possession again as Dominic Solanke raced past him in the 51st minute before making it 2-1. More

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      Robert Pires slams Arsenal for ‘lack of concentration’ at West Ham and rages ‘this isn’t Anfield’ after collapse

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      ROBERT PIRES has slammed Arsenal for their “lack of concentration” against West Ham.And the former Gunner also questioned how Mikel Arteta’s men blew a two-goal lead at the London Stadium, adding: “This isn’t Anfield.”
      Arsenal have been criticised for throwing a two-goal lead to draw at West HamCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Robert Pires believes Arsenal’s lack of concentration came back to bite againCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Arsenal threw away a comfortable two-goal lead last weekend in a chaotic draw against Liverpool.
      Now their title dream hangs in the balance after lightning struck twice against at West Ham on Sunday.
      The Gunners were cruising at 2-0 following early goals from Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard.
      West Ham pulled one back before half-time through Said Benrahma’s penalty.
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      But Arsenal blew the chance to restore their two-goal lead after Bukayo Saka missed his own spot-kick.
      Jarred Bowen then ensured the points would be split with an equaliser for 2-2.
      And Arsenal are now just four points ahead of defending champions Man City, who still have a game in hand after beating Leicester 3-1 on Saturday.
      The Gunners, who still have to play City this month, have now recorded two successive draws after also being held at Liverpool.
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      Arsenal also surrendered a two-goal lead at Anfield after struggling to cope with the ferocity of the home crowd.
      And former winger Pires has now blasted his old side for lacking a winning mentality.
      The legendary Frenchman believes West Ham were buoyed by Arsenal’s slip in concentration.
      But Pires insists the comeback was unforgiveable, reminding the Gunners they were not at Anfield – famous for its hostile reception.
      He told Canal Plus:  “We are not at Anfield but it’s a similar lack of concentration, a little mistake.
      “It gives the opponent a notion that they can come back into it. Basically the same thing against Liverpool.
      “Two points lost with Man City’s rhythm… It still comes down to the April 26th fixture. I think there is fear.”
      Fellow pundit and former Leeds star Olivier Dacourt added: “Even for Mikel Arteta, this is new.
      “As a coach having a title shot, it’s a new experience. He should have made substitutions earlier today.” More

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      Piers Morgan fumes Arsenal ‘are throwing away title’ as he rages following West Ham collapse and title blow

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      PIERS MORGAN fumed Arsenal are “throwing the title away” as they blew a 2-0 lead for the second Premier League game in a row.The SunSport columnist warned “Wake the f*** up, Arsenal” as West Ham followed Liverpool in earning a 2-2 comeback draw.
      Gabriel and Granit Xhaka show the pain as the Prem-leading Gunners were pegged back for just a point at West HamCredit: Reuters
      Arsenal winger Buyako Saka reacts after his penalty miss at 2-1 up, which encouraged the Hammers to go on and earn a deserved pointCredit: Alamy
      Wake the f*ck up, Arsenal – we’re throwing the Title away.— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) April 16, 2023

      Bukayo Saka missed a penalty as the table-topping Gunners moved only four points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
      With Pep Guardiola’s champions facing Champions League and FA Cup matches this week, Arsenal will expect to move seven points ahead at home to Southampton on Friday.
      But Piers is furious at unexpected turnarounds in two successive games.
      Roberto Firmino snatched a deserved late point for Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday.
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      And seven days later the Gunners again wasted early control.
      This time Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard struck inside nine minutes.
      But Said Benrahma’s penalty left Arsenal nervy.
      And, soon after Saka drilled a spot-kick well wide, Jarrod Bowen volleyed a brilliant equaliser for the hard-grafting Hammers.
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      Morgan had greeted both the Gunners’ goals with “BOOOOOOM!”
      But his mood changed to gloom as the TalkTV host posted following the draw: “Wake the f*** up, Arsenal – we’re throwing the Title away.”
      And after giving himself half an hour to reflect, he tweeted a cartoon meme of an angry man exploding with fire.
      Piers has been dreaming of title glory for months after admitting in a self-deprecating article in January he had made a “Grand Canyon-sized” error in calling for boss Mikel Arteta’s sacking last season.
      He wrote in the Sun: “I’m sorry for doubting you, Mikel. You’re the real deal. Keep up the great work.” More

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      Man Utd star Harry Maguire booked just THREE MINUTES into Nottingham Forest clash after hilarious rugby tackle

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      FANS mocked Harry Maguire after the Manchester United captain was booked less than three minutes into the clash with Nottingham Forest.The defender hauled down Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi with a hilarious rugby tackle just inside the opposition half.
      Harry Maguire was booked for his clumsy rugby tackle on Taiwo AwoniyiCredit: AP
      Maguire was caught out by a long ball and fouled Awoniyi to stop the counter-attack, leaving referee Simon Hooper no choice but to brandish the yellow card.
      And the clumsy nature of the foul led United fans to ridicule Maguire, who has come under fire for his performances this season.
      One fan wrote: “Harry Maguire gives me hope that I can still be a professional footballer 👏🏼”
      Another added: “There’s no way Maguire gets another year in the PL let alone at United. Atrocious.”
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      And a third said: “Three minutes into the game and Maguire is already carded, this guy is a total disappointment 😞”
      Gary Neville, providing co-commentary on the match, said: “It’s not what Erik ten Hag would have wanted.”
      Minutes later Maguire further incurred the wrath of fans by misplacing a simple pass out of play, with Neville adding: “It’s been a difficult start for Maguire.”
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      Maguire, 30, was starting just his seventh Premier League game of the season following the injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.
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      The defender replaced the injured Varane against Sevilla on Thursday and scored an own goal to gift the visitors a last-minute equaliser.
      He almost gave away a penalty in the opening 20 minutes at the City Ground too after the ball struck his arm in the box, but the ref waved play on. More

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      Declan Rice did his Arsenal transfer audition no harm, he chased shadows to start but showed his £100m class

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      AS JOB interviews go, this probably wasn’t what Declan Rice had envisaged.The West Ham captain had thundered into Arsenal dangerman Gabriel Jesus right from the kick-off as he looked to make an immediate impression on the League leaders.
      Declan Rice starred for West Ham against ArsenalCredit: Reuters
      But for the next half hour that was close as he got to any of his opponents as the visitors strolled into a two-goal lead while barely breaking sweat.
      Rice was doing his best to plug all the holes in his team but it was impossible for him to be in four places at once.
      Arsenal were simply bypassing him in a blur of first time passes and when Martin Odegaard drifted in unchallenged to volley Arsenal’s second goal, he looked as though his head was going to explode.
      Every time he managed to get on the ball he found himself looking in vain for options and team-mates showing for a pass.  
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      But there is a reason that Arsenal are leading the race to sign the 24-year-old England international in the summer.
      And after chasing shadows for most of an embarrassingly one-sided first-half, Rice stepped up to show just why so many teams are so eager to buy him.
      When Thomas Partey dawdled in possession deep inside his own half, Rice didn’t need to think twice before pouncing.
      Arsenal claimed the ball had ricocheted off his arm before he played in Lucas Paqueta to win the 33rd minute penalty which kickstarted the West Ham fightback.
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      But VAR didn’t agree and when Said Benrahma sent Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way from the spot suddenly it was a completely different match.
      And no-one impressed more than Rice as he constantly broke up play and made sure his team continued to play on the front foot.
      But it was his ability to keep a cool head when all about him were losing theirs which would have most impressed Mikel Arteta. 
      As the Arsenal boss watched his team implode for the second week, how he could have done with Rice’s calm authority in the middle or the pitch to calm their nerves.
      Hammers boss David Moyes has regularly stated that it will take a British record transfer fee to prise his midfield diamond away this summer.
      But Rice has already stated his ambition to play in the Champions League sooner rather than later.
      And, let’s be honest,  that’s not going to happen at West Ham in a month of Super Sundays.
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      And though he still has another two years to run on his contract at the London Stadium, everyone at the club is already resigned to him leaving this summer.
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      The best West Ham fans can hope for is that Rice will help to keep them in the Premier League and maybe lift the Europa Conference League trophy before packing his bags for somewhere in the region of £100million.
      And while he might have done his best to damage Arsenal’s title chances, they are still going to be playing in Europe’s top competition next season and look a perfect fit to take Rice’s career to the next level. More

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      Chelsea have NO intention of losing Levi Colwill in summer transfer window as Brighton loanee continues to impress

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      CHELSEA have no intention of selling Levi Colwill this summer.That’s despite reported interest from rivals Man City and Liverpool.
      Chelsea will not sell Man City and Liverpool target Levi Colwill after his Brighton loanCredit: Rex
      Colwill, 20, is rated as the best Blues youngster to come through the academy in recent years.
      The versatile centre-back, who can also play on the left of defence, is currently on loan at Brighton.
      And Colwill has already established himself as one of Roberto De Zerbi’s favourites with 15 impressive performances.
      The England U21 star’s brilliant development has caught the eye of City and Liverpool, who are both eager to sign a young defender.
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      City see Colwill as an ideal option to replace Aymeric Laporte and challenge Nathan Ake for left side of their back three.
      And Liverpool believe Colwill could be the long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk following the Dutchman’s dip in form.
      But both sides are set to receive a cool reception from Chelsea, who have no intention of selling Colwill.
      The Independent claims Blues chiefs are well aware of how good Colwill will become.
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      And they see him as one of several young players at the club with the potential to become world-class.
      Indeed, additional reports suggest Chelsea have already slapped a £150million price tag on their Cobham ace.
      Todd Boehly will now look to extend Colwill’s contract as soon as possible, with his current deal expiring in 2025.
      There is an automatic option for THREE more years, but that can only be triggered when Colwill reaches a certain amount of games for Chelsea.
      The Brighton loanee is keen on impressing at Stamford Bridge but wants his chance to come next season.
      He has no intention of going out on loan again, and Chelsea fans could soon be seeing him line up alongside the likes of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile in an exciting XI. More