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      Arsenal already making huge summer transfer plans with talks between sporting director Edu and Mikel Arteta starting

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      ARSENAL are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window, according to sporting director Edu.The Gunners have put together the unlikeliest of Premier League title charges this season, sitting five points clear of Manchester City with 11 games remaining.
      Arsenal are already making big plans ahead of the summer transfer windowCredit: Getty
      One of the many positive areas for the north London side this campaign has been their recruitment – both last summer and in the winter window.
      The arrivals of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, as well as Jorginho and Leandro Trossard back in January, have transformed Mikel Arteta’s team into serious challengers.
      And even with the pressure of holding off Pep Guardiola’s City in an incredible Prem run-in, Edu says plans are being put in place to strengthen the squad further.
      Arsenal are heavily linked with a move for West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice, who could cost upwards of £100m.
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      Asked when planning starts for the summer, Edu – who won two Prem titles during his time at Arsenal – said: “It’s already started because you know what’s happening in the market, everybody is doing stuff.
      “You have to plan with people as well just to be prepared so when you go again in the summer you are very prepared.”
      He continued: “I always make myself comfortable going into the transfer window when we’ve prepared how to face those challenges.
      In the Premier League there’s a lot of clubs and a lot of good managers so the competition is hard. So as soon as you prepare well, you feel comfortable.
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      “So, we went into the winter period really, really well prepared and then we started to make some quick and important decisions.
      “So far it’s helping the team and the team’s performing well so that’s good.”
      Edu has previously spoken of the five-year plan he put in place when returning to the club at boardroom level – suggesting this would be the season to judge Arteta on.
      So far, the Brazilian has been proven right. He added: “I think we’re in the right place in terms of playing well.
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      Arsenal chief Edu and manager Mikel Arteta are already planning transfersCredit: Reuters
      “Of course, the performance of the team and the way we’re playing is special. I see around us everybody wants to follow us. Everybody wants to watch us.
      “I receive a lot of messages from Brazil and South America and different places which is very nice to receive.
      “We are very excited with where we are at the moment, but we have to understand there’s still a journey to go, still things to do.
      “Of course, we’re happy to be in moment we are now, but we have to understand there’s still things to go to keep going.”
      One final push is required to finish the job. Having narrowly missed out on a top four spot last season to Tottenham, the initial target back in August was to return to the Champions League for the first time since 2017.
      Has the expectation changed? Edu explained: “Every day we train, prepare in the best way possible and think in the best way possible.
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      “We don’t think about anything, just the next game, how we can improve ourselves, how we can be better individually and as a squad as well.
      “Then come the end of the season we’ll see where we’re going to be. So, our intention is really to live week by week, game by game, enjoy the games and try to be the best version possible for the season.” More

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      Jamie O’Hara pinpoints seven-day period when Arsenal will ‘bottle the title’ despite being five points clear at top

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      FORMER Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara has highlighted a seven-day period when he predicts that Arsenal will “bottle the title”.The Gunners are five points clear at the top of the Premier League with 11 games to go.
      Jamie O’Hara still thinks Man City will win the leagueCredit: Getty
      Arsenal are five points ahead of closest rivals Man CityCredit: Getty
      However, O’Hara reckons that current champions Manchester City will catch them up and Mikel Arteta’s side will crumble under pressure.
      Arsenal face a tough set of fixtures at the end of April and beginning of May with trips to City and Newcastle either side of a London derby versus Chelsea.
      O’Hara believes these games could cause Arsenal issues, telling talkSPORT: “I think Man City will still win.
      “We’ve had a tweet come in and this is exactly what I think, ‘City stay in touch with Arsenal until the last five games of the season, the Gunners will bottle it’ and I think the same thing.
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      “You stay in touching distance with Arsenal, five points, three points, they’ve got to play each other. Man City need to beat Arsenal, that’s in six games time. After that you’ve got five games left.
      “If Man City beat Arsenal, they’re in touching distance with five games to go, who’s going to have the experience, who’s going to have the bottle? Man City have been there all before.
      “There’s a lot of football to play. They’ve still got to play Man City, and after they play Man City, they’ve got to play Chelsea, who have pulled it together, then they’ve got to play Newcastle away.
      “Alright, three huge games, where in my opinion, Arsenal will bottle the title.
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      “That week there, April 29 to May 6, that is when Arsenal are going to lose the league.”
      O’Hara revealed that he will only accept that the title is heading to the Emirates Stadium if they are top on May 6.
      He is not the only pundit to still have doubts about Arsenal despite their brilliant season and form of winning their last five league games.
      Gary Neville still thinks Man City will win the title, most recently saying he’s sticking with them over changing his mind to the Gunners.
      Meanwhile, Paul Merson believes the return to fitness of Gabriel Jesus after knee surgery could actually hinder Arsenal as it presents Arteta with a headache over who to play. More

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      Ben Chilwell racks up Dream Team points for fun when available – but can he stay fit?

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      MARCH has been a much happier month for Chelsea so far.Having endured five miserable fixtures without a win in February, the Blues have beaten Leeds and Leicester in the Premier League and dismissed Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in the last fortnight.
      This upturn has aligned with Ben Chilwell’s (£5m) return to full fitness with the England international providing 25 Dream Team points in the last two Game Weeks.
      Chelsea fans are praying the left-back can stay fit
      It was his corner that Wesley Fofana (£3.5m) headed home to edge out Javi Gracia’s side at Stamford Bridge.
      Factor in a clean sheet and a 7+ rating and the ex-Leicester defender was able to register his first double-digit haul (ten points) since Game Week 5.
      He followed that up with seven more points at the expense of the aforementioned German giants before scoring against his former club on Saturday for another eight.
      Dream Team bosses shouldn’t need reminding about Chilwell’s viability when available by now.
      The problem is that the attacking left-back has had terrible luck with injuries in recent times.
      This season, he’s been limited to just eight Premier League starts, which is actually more than he managed last term.
      His stats in that time (when not sidelined) have been very impressive.
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      Since the start of last season, he’s averaged a goal or assist every 165.5 minutes in the Premier League – a rate healthy enough for a winger let alone a full-back.
      Chilwell has made a difference for Chelsea this monthCredit: GETTY
      Any Dream Team manager worth their salt will know that defenders who combine regular clean sheets with attacking contributions are among the most valuable assets in the game – Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.5m), Andy Robertson (£4.1m) and Joao Cancelo all come to mind.
      Graham Potter’s side have struggled in the final third this season but they’ve actually been very sturdy in defence.
      They’ve conceded just one more league goal than Manchester City and Arsenal at this stage, the table’s top two are joint-second behind Newcastle in the only defensive metric that really matters.
      At the time of writing, Chilwell features in just 1.7% of teams, making him a massive differential.
      Dream Team gaffers in need of a difference-maker would do well to give him serious consideration… but his recent injury record makes him a risk. More

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      Premier League to make radical changes to kits next season with whole new design

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE is planning some major changes to players’ kits from next season.The Prem’s official name, number and sleeve badge supplier Avery Dennison revealed the newly-designed font and embellishments that will feature on the shirts.
      The Premier League is set to introduce some major changes next seasonCredit: Getty
      Premier League shirts will be redesigned starting from next seasonCredit: Getty
      In addition to the name and number change, the Premier League sleeve badge has been redesigned.
      It will be transformed into a standalone iconic Prem lion from next season onwards.
      This design will be replicated in gold for the champions’ badge worn by the 2022/2023 season’s title-winning team.
      Premier League Chief Commercial Officer Will Brass said: “We wanted to work closely with Avery Dennison, using their expertise and experience to create new names and numbers which were not only clearer for those watching matches in stadiums or at home, but which also incorporated the Premier League brand more readily.
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      “The names and numbers have become part of the fabric of the Premier League.
      “For fans, having the name and number of a favourite player, their own name or even a personal message helps to bring them closer to the competition and their favourite clubs.”

      EU aftermarket commercial director of Avery Dennison Simon Allen said: “The beauty of the Premier League is that it creates era-defining names and numbers. It is very rare that the design itself changes, so it is an honour for the team at Avery Dennison to have been part of that process.
      “The request was for the new design to be an evolution rather than a revolution.
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      “With many components to be considered, such as legibility, durability and readability, we also needed to keep sight of the Premier League branding.
      “Through everything, we wanted to ensure that what we put on the pitch keeps the fans in the stadium and watching at home at the heart of it.” More

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      I booked Craig Bellamy for diving but it was a blatant penalty…when I tried to explain he grabbed my b***s in the tunnel

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      FORMER Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has opened up on his frosty relationship with Craig Bellamy. The official revealed that the former Wales striker never forgave him for handing him a second yellow card for diving when, in fact, he should have been awarded a penalty.
      Mark Clattenburg incorrectly sent Craig Bellamy offCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Asked by Sport Bible what players he didn’t like to referee, Clattenburg, who was a top-flight official from 2004 to 2017, explained Bellamy used to give him a difficult time.
      The man with the whistle even joked he wished Newcastle had kept him on a “20-year-deal” so he never had to take charge of one of his matches because Clattenburg is a Geordie.
      He said: “The player I didn’t get on with was Bellamy.
      “He played for Manchester City. It was my fault. He abused us in the first-half. I gave him a yellow card.
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      “And then I ended up sending him off, and when you watch it, it was a penalty and I cautioned him for diving.
      “He would not forgive us. He was right and I was wrong.
      “I probably got sucked into his way, not manipulative, but he was hard work and in your face, in your ear. He was hard work.
      “I spent more time with him, fighting him, than I should have. I should have just left it.”
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      Clattenburg was asked if he had tried to explain to Bellamy that he made a mistake at their next meeting when he made a shocking revelation.
      The referee said: “Yeah, he grabbed my b***s in the tunnel at Man City.
      “It was a laugh, it was a joke, of course.”
      Clattenburg also confessed he was wrong to go up to one of Bellamy’s coaches at the club and ask if “he is always like this?”
      The 48-year-old, who recently quit his role as head of referees in Egypt over threats, admitted that other footballers were nicer to him.
      Clattenburg claimed that Vincent Kompany once came up to him and told him not to beat himself up over a mistake he made.
      The ref in the Champions League and Euros finals in 2016 also told the tale of ex-Chelsea skipper John Terry being a “gentleman” even though he once waited in the official’s office to protest a red card he received.
      Clattenburg also believes Manchester United stars were under instruction to influence the referee due to a different player coming up to him to complain after every decision.
      Mark Clattenburg said Craig Bellamy was difficult to deal with on the pitchCredit: AFP More

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      David Beckham watches on at Brentford B beat Arsenal… but son Romeo doesn’t play single minute as unused sub

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      DAVID BECKHAM braved the cold and the wet to watch Brentford B in action last night.But his son Romeo did not even get on the pitch in the win over his beloved Arsenal.
      David Beckham headed along to Sutton’s ground to watch Brentford B vs ArsenalCredit: Click News and Media
      The ex-England skipper was joined by son Cruz and his girlfriend Tana HoldingCredit: Click News and Media
      Romeo Beckham was an unused sub in the Premier League Cup quarter-final winCredit: Click News and Media
      Former England captain Beckham, 47, was joined by his youngest lad Cruz and his girlfriend Tana Holding in the stands at Sutton United’s VBS Community Stadium.
      The largely-empty 5,000-capacity stadium was boosted by the presence of Becks as he took his seat in the stand.
      He opted for a beige coat, blue jeans and a black baseball cap.
      Cruz wore a purple hoody under an orange jacket while Tana went for a black coat as she held a flask with ‘VB’ inscribed on it, possibly borrowed from her boyfriend’s mum Victoria.
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      But the family’s hopes of cheering on Gunners-fan Romeo were dashed when he was named on the bench by Brentford B boss Neil MacFarlane for the Premier League Cup quarter-final clash.
      And as the tight game ticked on goalless, Beckham Jr – on loan from Inter Miami – was not turned to for a winning goal despite his dramatic last-gasp strike against Wealdstone last month.

      But there was finally something to cheer for David, Cruz and Tana and the other 513 in the crowd as Brentford B’s captain Alex Gilbert scored a penalty in the final minute of injury time to secure a 1-0 victory.
      Former Manchester United and Real Madrid man Beckham has regularly attended Romeo’s matches since joining Brentford B for six months in January.
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      He had to hop over a fence to make a discreet getaway at his middle son’s debut and also took daughter Harper Seven and wife Victoria to watch Romeo in action.
      And as revealed by SunSport, Beckham Jr is poised to feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Ukraine ahead of the country’s Euro 2024 qualifier with England.
      Brentford have opened up their training ground to the Ukrainians and their B team will play the warm-up game on March 23. More

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      Paul Merson highlights ‘problem’ that could derail Arsenal’s Premier League title bid with just eleven games to go

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      PAUL MERSON has claimed one Arsenal player could hinder their Premier League title push.The Gunners beat Fulham 3-0 on Sunday to restore their five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.
      Paul Merson believes one factor could negatively impact Arsenal’s title bidCredit: Rex
      Gabriel Jesus returned to action against Fulham on SundayCredit: Getty
      Mikel Arteta’s men have just 11 games remaining to hold on to their advantage as the defending champions play catch up.
      And Arsenal were given a boost over the weekend as forward Gabriel Jesus came off the bench for his first appearance since getting injured at the World Cup.
      Jesus, 25, had been replaced in the team by Eddie Nketiah, before an injury to him led to Arteta playing Leandro Trossard through the middle.
      The Brazilian’s return is a welcome addition to Arsenal’s squad ahead of the run-in.
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      However, Merson feels it could actually have the opposite effect.
      Speaking on Sky Sports, the Gunners legend said: “Arsenal’s performance in the first half at Fulham was mind-blowing.
      “It was like watching Man City in their pomp and this was against a good Fulham team. It was scary. It was bordering on ridiculous.
      “It felt like they had at least two more players on the pitch but the thing that will win Arsenal the league is starting matches well.
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      “I watched them at Leicester when they were under pressure for a result and they started well and were great.
      “Then they were at home against Bournemouth and start poorly. Against Fulham they start well and it’s a walk in the park. I don’t see how they’re going to be stopped if they start well in matches.
      “Gabriel Jesus coming back is a bit of a problem for Arsenal because the lad will want to play – he didn’t sign to be a bit-part player like he was at Man City.
      “It will cause problems in time but at the moment it’s like another signing.”
      Jesus contributed five goals and seven assists in 21 games for Arsenal before his injury.
      It remains to be seen whether he will start against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday.
      If not, his final opportunity to make Arteta’s starting XI before the international break comes at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday. More

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      Arsenal boost over keeping 16-year-old wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly after ‘reaching contract agreement with midfielder’

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      ARSENAL have received a huge boost over 16-year-old wonderkid Myles Lewis-Skelly.That’s after reportedly reaching an agreement over a new contract with the midfielder.
      Arsenal have agreed a new contract for teen ace Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: Getty
      Lewis-Skelly is rated as one of Arsenal’s top young prodigies.
      He went viral last month with an incredible performance in the FA Youth Cup against Watford.
      And some Gooners believe the teen is the “future” of the club.
      Indeed, Lewis-Skelly is already being hailed as a blend of Thomas Partey and Jack Wilshere — making him the complete midfielder.
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      And the Telegraph claims the ace will be staying at the Emirates for at least another two years after agreeing a new contract.
      The news delighted fans, with one saying: “Better midfielder than Casemiro.”
      Another declared: “He is the future.”
      One added: “Yesssss.”
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      It’s certainly an exciting time for Arsenal fans, who could be set for a first Premier League title win since 2004.
      There are plenty of top youngsters ready to make an impact on the first team.
      And Mikel Arteta has already shown his faith in the academy after Ethan Nwaneri became Arsenal’s youngest league debutant aged just 15 years and 181 days in September. More