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      Arsenal announce major chairman shake up in ‘long-standing show of commitment’

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      ARSENAL have shaken the club’s hierarchy up with some fresh appointments at the top.The Gunners’ majority shareholder Stan Kroenke and his son Josh have become Co-Chairs.
      Arsenal have announced a major shake-up at the top of their hierarchyCredit: Getty
      Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke and his son Josh are now Co-ChairsCredit: Getty
      Tim Lewis, on the other hand, has been announced as the North Londoners’ Executive Vice-Chair.
      Arsenal issued the following statement: “The appointments are a recognition of how our leadership structure has evolved over the past several seasons since Kroenke Sports & Entertainment assumed 100 per cent ownership of Arsenal Football Club in 2018.
      “Stan, Josh and Tim have worked together to drive our club forward and their appointments bring clarity to our structure that reflect their roles and responsibilities and will ensure we continue in our pursuit of progress and success.”
      Stan stated that the changes have been implemented as part of the family’s “long-standing commitment” to Arsenal.
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      The American supremo also confirmed that he is planning to build the club as champions challenging for trophies every season.
      Stan said: “This is a simple evolution as part of us all driving Arsenal forward and further reaffirms our family’s long-standing commitment to this great club.

      “Stability in football has never been more important as we move past the pandemic, and we believe this is the perfect time to formalise these roles.
      “Our objectives and ambition will never waver – to field teams that compete for trophies at the highest level and lead our club in a way that inspires our passionate supporters around the world.
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      “Supported by our Director, Phil Harris, and together with our Executive Team and all our wonderful people, we have an incredible opportunity to build on the values and traditions of Arsenal Football Club.”
      This comes amid a stunning season that sees Arsenal challenging for their first Premier League title since 2004.
      Mikel Arteta’s men are currently top of the table with five points separating them from second-placed Manchester City. More

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      Antony told to copy legendary Man Utd DEFENDER to improve his game by Andrei Kanchelskis as he identifies ‘problem’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Andrei Kanchelskis has told Antony to learn from one of the quiet, unsung heroes of the 1999 Treble-winning team.Brazilian Antony arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax for a whopping £85.5million last summer.
      Antony has been urged to take a leaf out of a former Man United defender’s bookCredit: Getty
      Legend Andrei Kanchelskis has urged fans to be patient with the BrazilianCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The winger, 23, has produced a rollercoaster of displays so far for United with his trickery proving to be both hit and miss with supporters and former players who are now pundits.
      Antony has scored six goals for the Red Devils and ex-United winger Kanchelskis has urged the Stretford End to be patient with the Samba star.
      Kanchelskis exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “My advice for Man United fans is to please just be patient with Antony.
      “I really believe the club have a great player in him – there’s no question about it. His problem right now is finding that consistency. One game he’s great, the next? Not so good.
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      “But he’s still so young and I’m confident he can go on to be a success at United.”
      And the now 54-year-old, who also played for Everton, Manchester City, Southampton and Rangers, also advised the attacker to take a leaf out of legendary United full-back Denis Irwin’s book.
      The ex-Russian international said: “Consistency is such a hard thing to find, though.
      “In fact, there’s only one player I can think of during my time at the club, who I can honestly say was consistently good in every single match, and that was Denis Irwin.
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      “He’s the only player I know who was at the same level in every game. I would say to all players – including Antony – that Irwin is the level of consistency you should strive for.
      “I’m very lucky to say I played with him; he’s a great guy.”
      Kanchelski added: “Antony needs time, and that’s all I ask of Man United fans: give him time. I’m sure after one season playing in England – which is a really tough place to adapt to and settle in – he can go on to be a real success. Wait for him, please; he’s a great player. 
      “When I first moved to England, it was a completely different experience for me, compared to anything I’d been used to.
      “When I think back to some of the names I came up against, those tough, old-school, English centre-backs, the Tony Dorigos and so on… it was a really tough experience.
      “My English wasn’t the best at the time, but I can remember hearing and understanding exactly what Vinnie Jones said when I first faced him and he called me a f****** w*****!
      “It was a shock to the system so I’d be lying if I didn’t say it took me some time to get used to. But I got there, and I’m grateful for my time in England, and the support I got from Man United and Everton fans.
      “I thank them so much, because I know at times I wasn’t as good as I wanted to be, but they stuck by me… and that’s what I’m asking them to do with Antony.”
      Sir Alex Ferguson signed Kanchelskis from Shakhtar Donetsk in 1991 for £650,000 and he played 123 top-flight matches, scoring 28 goals, throughout his four-year stay and won the title twice and lifted both the FA Cup and League Cup.
      Irish ace Irwin moved to United 12 months earlier than the flanker and was undoubtedly one of Fergie’s greatest ever signings as he proved a snip at just £625,000 from Oldham.
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      In 12 years at Old Trafford, he made 296 Premier League appearances and won seven Premier League titles, as well as two FA Cup winner’s medals, a League Cup and the Champions league and European Cup Winners’ Cup.
      He was also an expert at both free-kicks and penalties, and he managed to score 22 league goals for the club throughout that period. 
      Denis Irwin proved to be one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s best-ever buysCredit: Reuters More

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      Lionel Messi set to be offered eye-watering £194MILLION-A-YEAR Saudi transfer as PSG star’s dad is spotted in Riyadh

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      LIONEL MESSI is reportedly set to be offered a £194-MILLION-A-YEAR deal to move to Saudi Arabia.The Argentine, 35, will become a free agent in the summer if he does not agree a contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain.
      Lionel Messi’s Paris Saint-Germain contract runs out in the summerCredit: Rex
      رئيس أكاديمية مهد الرياضية الأستاذ عبدالله حماد @AfHammad14 وأحد المقربين من سمو #وزير_الرياضة الأمير عبدالعزيز الفيصل يلتقي والد الاسطورة ميسي والذي يعتبر وكيل أعمال ابنه داخل الأراضي السعودية .. pic.twitter.com/iDK3tIFWZD— أحمد العجلان (@ahmad2man) March 14, 2023

      Cristiano Ronaldo joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in DecemberCredit: Reuters
      But while the French giants remain keen to secure a deal, Saudi chiefs are hoping they can lure the Barcelona legend to the Middle East.
      They are set to offer him the same deal Cristiano Ronaldo, 38, agreed when he joined Al-Nassr in December.
      Earlier this week, Messi’s dad, Jorge, was spotted in Riyadh meeting Professor Abdullah Hammad, – head of the Mahd Sports Academy and a close associate of sports minister Prince Abdulaziz Al-Faisal.
      Messi is an ambassador for the Saudi Arabia Tourist Board – one explanation for his father’s visit.
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      But Marca are reporting the Saudis are also set to propose a £194m-a-year offer to the superstar forward.
      And his dad’s presence in the country has added further speculation surrounding a potential move to the Saudi Pro League – with Al-Nassr’s rivals Al Hilal the most likely destination.
      However, there are a number of other options on the table for Messi.
      One of those is a return to Barcelona – where Jorge flew to following his trip to Saudi.
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      The World Cup winner has also been linked with a move to David Beckham’s MLS club Inter Miami.
      Yet despite links to both Saudi and America, staying in European football is still the most likely outcome for Messi.
      He is understood to want at least one more year at the top level of the game.

      And his performances for Argentina at the World Cup proved he remains one of the best players in the world.
      He has also contributed 18 goals and 17 assists in 31 games for PSG this season. More

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      Man Utd’s plan for Facundo Pellistri revealed as club plot for future and are willing to let him leave on loan transfer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly considering offering youngster Facundo Pellistri a new contract before allowing him to go on loan next season. Pellistri arrived at Old Trafford for £9million back in 2020 and has made seven appearances for the Red Devils this season.
      Facundo Pellistri made his Manchester United debut in January.Credit: Getty
      Facundo Pellistri is still waiting for his Manchester United start.Credit: EPA
      The winger is still waiting to be handed his first start by Erik ten Hag but has impressed the Dutchman with his cameos from the bench.
      Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that United are now considering offering the Uruguayan a new deal before sanctioning a loan move next season.
      Romano stressed that no final decision has been made but concrete talks would take place in April.
      The 21 year old made his debut in January during the Carabao Cup victory over League One side Charlton Athletic grabbing an assist in the process.
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      Pellistri has more recently appeared from the bench during the 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Europa League and the goalless draw against Southampton last weekend.
      Ten Hag has been impressed by the youngster who could be getting closer to his first start.
      Speaking to MUTV after the Betis victory he said: “He is the example by deserving his position by performance on the training ground.
      “And I said the other day, I did not select him for Liverpool and it was not even totally justified because he was training that well.
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      “Now this was his moment to come on because of a longer period he performed in training. What impressed me was he came on and, straight away, showed himself.
      “When they came on, Scott [McTominay] and Pelli, it was 3-1 but 4-1 is huge, to make the extra goal. In the first moment, they did, which was brilliant.”
      Pellistri has had successive loan spells at Spanish outfit Alaves spending the entire of last season in La Liga.
      The winger didn’t find the back of the net in his 33 appearances for the club.
      The Uruguayan international is expected to be one of two players United allow to leave on loan this summer. More

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      Man Utd could be set for huge takeover boost as Uefa consider huge U-turn over ownership rules

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been given a huge takeover boost.That’s as Uefa considers a huge U-turn over its ownership rules for the Champions League.
      Uefa are considering a U-turn on current rules on clubs with the same ownerCredit: PA
      Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are in the running for UnitedCredit: AFP
      The Red Devils are on the market for £6billion as the Glazers look to sell up.
      Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe have both launched initial bids of around £4.5bn.
      And the Times claims Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin is now considering an overhaul of rules which currently ban clubs with the same owner from playing in the same competition.
      Ratcliffe already owns French side OGC Nice, who hold dreams of playing in the Champions League after major investment in their squad last summer.
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      As for Sheikh Jassim, there are concerns over his links to Qatar’s ruling elite — who own a controlling share in European regulars Paris Saint-Germain.
      But a change in Uefa’s rules would quash doubts for both parties in the running for United.
      Ceferin’s softened stance comes after Sheikh Jassim enlisted US financial giant Bank of America to help decide his final valuation for buying United.
      The battle for control of the Red Devils is taking a significant step forward with both main bidders at Old Trafford this week.
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      But Sheikh Jassim’s decision to include Bank of America representatives in his party when it meets the Glazer family’s chosen selling agent, the Raine Group, appears a significant step.
      That meeting is expected to take place over the next 48 hours, before Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos deploys agents to Old Trafford for their first proper scrutiny of the club’s financial books on Friday.

      The meetings were set in motion when the two bidders were approved by Raine ten days ago as having passed the initial threshold.
      But SunSport revealed last week that one option being considered by the Glazers was taking the club OFF the market and instead using outside capital to create a new company to hive off the club’s merchandising and digital commercial operation into a separate concern.
      This would allow them to rake in money from potential opportunities from digital sales, video gaming and merchandise licensing that would be separate from what happens to the pitch. More

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      Ex-Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique ‘open to joining Tottenham’ in appointment which could keep Harry Kane

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      FORMER Barcelona and Spain boss Luis Enrique is reportedly open to joining Tottenham.And his appointment could be key in keeping Harry Kane at the north London club this summer.
      Luis Enrique is keen on holding talks over the Spurs jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Spaniard’s arrival could see Harry Kane stayCredit: Getty
      Antonio Conte looks increasingly likely to leave Spurs after a dismal season.
      His last chance at a trophy disappeared with last week’s Champions League exit against AC Milan.
      And SunSport understands Fulham boss Marco Silva is Daniel Levy’s top target to replace Conte.
      But Totteham are also exploring other options.
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      The Times claims Enrique is also high on Levy’s managerial shortlist.
      And the Spaniard himself is keen on holding talks should the position become available.

      The 2015 treble winner with Barcelona has been out of work since leaving Spain after the World Cup.
      Enrique, who was tipped to replace Graham Potter at Chelsea before results turned around, is keen to return to football.
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      And he would love to test his abilities in the English top flight after seeing Barca predecessor Pep Guardiola work his magic at Man City.
      Should Enrique take charge, it could also help Tottenham keep hold of star striker Kane.
      The England captain will have one year left on his contract this summer.
      And he is considering his future after another barren campaign with silverware.
      But Enrique has the trophies to back up his credentials.
      And his attractive style of possession football could be right up Kane’s street too. More

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      Edouard Mendy’s Chelsea future ‘uncertain after holding showdown talks with club’

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      CHELSEA keeper Edouard Mendy’s future at Stamford Bridge remains up in the air as he prepares for crunch talks with the club, according to reports.The Blues shot-stopper, 31, has returned to full training this week after a lengthy time on the sidelines following surgery on his finger in January.
      Edouard Mendy could be set to leave Chelsea in the summerCredit: Getty
      He has been unavailable since returning from the World Cup – where he helped Senegal reach the last-16.
      And Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to continue in between the sticks, with the Spaniard having already racked up 25 appearances this season.
      Mendy has started just eight Premier League games in the 2022/23 campaign – only two of which have come since Graham Potter took over from Thomas Tuchel.
      And according to The Times, Chelsea are struggling to tie him down to a new deal.
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      Mendy, who has kept 49 clean sheets in 104 games for the Blues, is under contract until 2025.
      However, new owner Todd Boehly is keen to avoid any player’s deal running under the two-year mark.
      It comes after they lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen for free last summer.
      But talks between Mendy and the club have failed to see them come anywhere near reaching a deal.
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      And Chelsea are understood to be prioritising other players’ contracts ahead of the Senegalese keeper – who won the Champions League with the club in 2021.
      They include Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante – who is set to return to Potter’s squad for the home game against Everton on Saturday.
      Chelsea will assess their goalkeeping situation in the summer, with Brentford’s David Raya, Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and Leeds’ Ilan Meslier all potential replacements if Mendy departs.

      Spaniard Raya, 27, has emerged as a highly-rated Premier League keeper with Manchester United and Tottenham monitoring him.
      Brentford are thought to be looking for a fee in the region of £40million. More

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      Pep Guardiola names Julia Roberts among his three idols… and recalls the time the Hollywood actress broke his heart

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has named Julia Roberts as one of his three idols… and revealed how the American actress broke his heart.The Spaniard was in a mischievous mood after his side’s crushing 7-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League last night.
      Pep Guardiola was in a cheeky mood after his side’s 7-0 thrashing of RB LeipzigCredit: Getty
      Julia Roberts visited Old Trafford in 2016Credit: Reuters
      The Hollywood icon met Michael Carrick after the matchCredit: Reuters
      During his post-match press conference, Guardiola claimed that Roberts’ decision to go to Old Trafford, rather than the Etihad, in 2016 will always nag at him.
      He said: “I am a failure in the Champions League. If I win the Champions League three times in a row I will be a failure.
      “I have three idols in my life. Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Julia Roberts. These are my three idols.
      “Julia Roberts years ago came to Manchester – not in the 90s when Sir Alex (Ferguson) was winning titles and titles and titles.
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      “She came in the period where we were better than United, in these four or five years, right?
      “And she went to visit Man United. She didn’t come to see us. That’s why even if I win the Champions League it will not compare for the fact that Julia Roberts came to Manchester and didn’t come to see us.
      “Even if I win the Champions League it will not compare to this disappointment I had.”
      Roberts, 55, visited the Theatre of Dreams in November 2016, taking in the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw with West Ham.
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      Roberts is one of Guardiola’s three idolsCredit: Alamy
      Roberts watched on as Man United drew with West HamCredit: Reuters
      Diafra Sakho gave the Hammers a 2nd minute lead on the day, cancelled out by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s effort on 21 minutes.
      Julia gleefully took to the pitch after the match, and met United stars Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick.
      She attended the game with husband Daniel Moder and her three Man United supporting kids.
      Following Guardiola’s comments, Man United cheekily trolled City by posting three pictures of Roberts’ visit to Twitter, captioning them: “Throwing it back to when Julia Roberts visited Old Trafford 😏”
      Guardiola’s other heroes have also snubbed City games for other clubs.
      NBA legend Jordan, 60, watched Paris Saint-Germain beat Reims 4-1 in September 2018 – seeing goals by Neymar, Thomas Meunier and a double from ex-Man United star Edinson Cavani.
      Woods, meanwhile, watched Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Liverpool in September 2006, Didier Drogba netting the Blues’ winner.
      Michael Jordan watched PSG beat Reims 4-1 in 2018Credit: Reuters
      Tiger Woods visited Stamford Bridge in 2006Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd More