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    Arsenal step up plans to sign world class striker in summer transfer after forwards flopped in Champions League

    ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world class forward in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.The Gunners crashed out in the quarter finals on Wednesday night without landing a meaningful blow on Bayern Munich in a drab second-leg 1-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena.Mikel Arteta must shrug off more Champions League frustrationCredit: GettyKai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Co struggled against Harry Kane’s BayernCredit: GettyOllie Watkins netted as Aston Villa beat Arsenal last Sunday but is tipped to be a summer target for ArtetaCredit: GettyAfter a first leg 2-2 draw at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta’s side had just three shots on target in Munich as Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich fired in the 63rd minute winner.And SunSport understands that the Arsenal hierarchy recognise that Arteta’s squad currently lacks an attacking focal point and clinical edge in the final third.Arteta has rotated the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in a central striker role this campaign, keeping Arsenal in the hunt for the Premier League title with six games left.However, that is the position that has ultimately cost them in Europe.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd the North London club are ready to act quickly in the market to rectify that problem with an acceptance that it is needed to reach the next level.Havertz – a £65m signing from Chelsea last June – started against Bayern before Jesus was thrown on in the second half, but neither had a meaningful impact.Jesus has just eight goals in all competitions this term, while Havertz has 10.Arsenal have previously been interested in landing a traditional No.9, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres monitored.Most read in Champions LeagueNewcastle’s Alexander Isak is on the Gunners’ shortlistCredit: RexWinger Saka’s poor stats from Wednesday’s woe reflect Arsenal’s failingsHowever, SunSport understands Arteta is now keen on bringing in a more versatile, modern forward, one who can influence games down the middle as well as from out wide.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, 24, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, 20, are players of interest, as is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, 28, but his age remains a sticking point.Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal being dumped out of Champions League by Bayern MunichArsenal’s plan to strengthen will not just focus on attacking areas, but to provide general depth – something which they currently lack and has led to their recent drop in form.SunSport understands that the Arsenal hierarchy are concerned with the fatigue that has hit several star names at this stage of the season, highlighted in Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Villa.The likes of Jesus, skipper Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Jorginho and Takehiro Tomiyasu have all carried niggling injuries and played through the pain without a much-needed rest period or chance for recovery this season.Arteta rarely rotates, mainly due to the fact he does not trust fringe players like Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah or Reiss Nelson to step in and make an impact.The Spanish coach has previously admitted he wants a squad of 22 elite players he can consistently swap in and out, much like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, something Arsenal hope to achieve over the next few windows.Benjamin Sesko is still on Arsenal’s radar after shining for RB LeipzigCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres, right, is the fourth top name being mentionedCredit: AFP More

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    Retired Man Utd ace says he’d ‘love to see Marcus Rashford in a better team’ and tells club ‘you need to help him’

    AN EX-MANCHESTER UNITED star has told the club to “help” Marcus Rashford – and says that he would “love to see him in a better team”.The England international forward, 26, enjoyed the best season of his career last term when scoring 32 goals.Bastian Schweinsteiger is a former team-mate of Marcus Rashford at Man UtdCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe says he’d like to see the forward ‘in a better team’Credit: ReutersThat earned him a bumper pay rise and a £325,000-a-week contract extension until 2028.However, since then he has struggled massively for form and has only found the net eight times this term.He was briefly axed from the squad in January after missing training following a night out in Belfast.And despite reconciling with Erik ten Hag, the winger continues to underwhelm on the pitch.READ MORE ON MAN UTDRashford faces a huge fight to secure a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024 while speculation continues to rumble on over his future.Ex-team mate Wayne Rooney believes he should leave Old Trafford for a “fresh start” in order to rejuvenate his career as he “doesn’t look happy”.But German World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was at the Red Devils when the attacker burst on the scene in 2016, has called on someone at United to help Rashford instead of flogging him.Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, brought to you by SkyBet, he explained: “He’s still the player who can decide the games, but he doesn’t show it too many times because maybe inside he’s a little bit frustrated.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“First, he has to understand he can also be the example – you can handle frustration differently – but someone needs to tell him and speak with him.“It has to come from him, that’s very important.Gary Neville ‘genuinely worried’ about Marcus Rashford as he and Roy Keane say ‘something’s not right’ with Man Utd star“Sometimes you have these coaches who tell you, stay left, stay right, but you need to understand, if you play for Pep Guardiola, you need to understand what he wants and then you have to do it.“You cannot just go to someone and say, ‘Hey, run faster’, you need to help him, and he needs to understand why.”Rashford has been linked with a Paris Saint-Germain move as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who is destined for a Real Madrid switch.But SunSport revealed that PSG made it clear they have NO interest in signing him.However, Schweinsteiger says he would be delighted to see Rashford with “better” players around him at another club.He added: “I would love to see him in a better team, where he gets the balls in the right moment.“I would love to see that because in the years past, you don’t really see that, so if he would play for a different team, maybe he would also increase his level a little bit more.” More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea ‘among most dangerous grounds after drill accident and attempt to put out spark with beer’

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are reportedly among the most dangerous grounds in the Premier League.A Freedom of Information request by freebets.com, via the Mail, claims there were 30 incidents logged during a one-year period with the Health and Safety Executive.Man Utd led the way for most incidents logged with the Health and Safety Executive one yearCredit: APChelsea saw a steward hit in the eye with the spark from a flareCredit: RexUnited had no less than three major reports logged during the undated time frame, with a carpenter managing to drill through his own thumb while fitting a door on a bar at Old Trafford.Another incident saw an employee taken to hospital with vomiting after suffering from smoke inhalation when protesting fans lit flares and smoke bombs.Meanwhile, a chef received an electric shock from a faulty light switch which was missing a button cap, sparking an unfruitful internal investigation.The report read: “He burnt the end of his finger and felt the current travel up his arm and across his chest.READ MORE SPORT NEWS“He felt sick for a while and confused.”At Chelsea, a steward ended up with a spark from a flare in his eye.A fan waved it in his face after initially being asked to drop it.And another supporter then threw a full beer over the steward’s head in an attempt to put the spark out.Most read in FootballAnother incident at Stamford Bridge saw two fans hurt while slipping over as they left the ground after a game.Liverpool had two records as well, with one unfortunate fan suffering fractured vertebra during an organised abseil from the roof of Anfield.7 times Arsenal vs Chelsea games EXPLODEDMeanwhile, a tour guide ended up with an injured nose after walking into a gantry shutter.At Sheffield United, a ball boy suffered a broken hand while getting a ball before a match.Bramall Lane also saw one fan break his jaw and require stitches to his knee after a fall from a gangway.Elsewhere, Man City reported a fan suffering from a broken finger after being pushed down a flight of stairs.A Crystal Palace fan ended up with a broken shoulder blade while falling during a goal celebration.And a student celebrating his graduation at a ceremony at Brighton’s Amex Stadium ended up cracking his head after attempting to slide down a railing.Worst incidents recordedA rundown of some of the incidents logged:

    Electric shock from faulty light switch (chef) – Manchester United

    Hospitalised from smoke inhalation (employee) – Manchester United

    Drill through thumb while fitting door (carpenter) – Manchester United

    Doused in beer after spark from burning flare in eye (steward) – Chelsea

    Two injured in slips (fans) – Chelsea

    Injured nose walking into gantry shutter (tour guide) – Liverpool

    Fractured vertebra from roof abseil (fan) – Liverpool

    Broken hand retrieving spare ball (ball boy) – Sheffield Utd

    Broken jaw and stitches from fall (fan) – Sheffield Utd

    Broken finger from push down stairs (fan) – Man City

    Broken shoulder blade in fall (fan) – Crystal Palace

    Cracked head from handrail fall (student) – Brighton More

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    Liverpool star Alisson’s £4.75m home on the market amid fears goalkeeper could follow Jurgen Klopp out the door

    LIVERPO0L star Alisson’s £4.75million house has been put on the market.It comes amid uncertainty at the club brought about by Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure.Alisson is moving house with his £4.75million pad on the marketCredit: GettyThe Liverpool goalkeeper has placed his luxury house up for saleCredit: Rightmove – Jordan Fishwick ExclusiveThe house is located in north-west EnglandCredit: Rightmove – Jordan Fishwick ExclusiveThe property boasts a home cinemaCredit: Rightmove – Jordan Fishwick ExclusiveAnd there is even a bar in one of the loungesCredit: Rightmove – Jordan Fishwick ExclusiveThe house contains six bathroomsCredit: Rightmove – Jordan Fishwick ExclusiveSeveral stars have been rumoured to be on their way out of the club including Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.And now Alisson’s home is on the market with an asking price just shy of £5m.The stylish house includes six bedrooms and six bathrooms and is 8,005 square feet.The property also boasts a state-of-the-art home cinema, gym, sauna and steam room.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt also has three reception rooms, a wine cellar and an entertainment balcony.One of the bathrooms features a stand-alone bath and modern appliances, with marble effect walls.Another features a walk-in shower with a built-in sofa made of tiles.The home cinema contains 12 plush armchairs and there is a bar in one of the lounge areas, as well as a pool table.Most read in FootballThere are six bedrooms tooCredit: Rightmove – Jordan Fishwick ExclusiveAlisson also has a gym in his homeCredit: Rightmove – Jordan Fishwick ExclusiveIt includes a state of the art kitchenCredit: Rightmove – Jordan Fishwick ExclusiveBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAlisson pays for the property thanks to his £200,000 weekly wage, and could still be planning to stick around at Anfield after penning a long-term deal in 2021.The 31-year-old still has two years to run on his current deal so could be on the look-out for a new house in north-west England.Gary Neville’s eerily accurate prediction about the title race re-emerges after shock defeats for Arsenal and Liverpool More

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    Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes dons tracksuit as he heads to swanky restaurant for lunch with wife Ana and pals

    MANCHESTER UNITED captain Bruno Fernandes was spotted enjoying some time out with his wife and friends.The 29-year-old was seen heading out of Juniper Restaurant in Wilmslow, Cheshire, with Ana and another couple on Thursday afternoon.Bruno Fernandes and his wife Ana were joined by another couple for lunch in WilmslowCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeFernandes was seen at Juniper RestaurantCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe midfielder and his male pal wore an all-black tracksuit, complete with white T-shirt and grey trainers.Both partners kept the ‘twinning’ alive with big white coats and blue jeans.Fernandes is set to captain Man Utd at Wembley this weekend when they face Coventry in an FA Cup semi-final.The midfielder has been an integral player for the Red Devils so far this season.Read More on Man UtdIn 42 appearances across all competitions he has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists.Gary Lineker heaped praise on him earlier this week for his influence in the squad.The England legend said: “He’s a very talented player. It would be interesting to see him in a team that was really structured and going well and successful.”He’s not had that really at Man Utd, whether he’s part and parcel of that I don’t know.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMan Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
    Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
    Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
    On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
    And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
    If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
    Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
    To read more from Dave Kidd, click here.

    “He’s a wonderfully gifted footballer, there’s no question about that.”Fernandes played 120 minutes as United beat Liverpool 4-3 in a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.Bruno Fernandes left stunned after Man Utd star’s brother scores wonder goal for non-league minnowsThe Red Devils approach Sunday’s match with several injury concerns.Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial and Tyrell Malacia are all set to be absent.However, Scott McTominay could return after missing last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth with a knee issue. More

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    Wolves vs Arsenal: Gunners face crucial Prem clash after suffering Champions League heartbreak – stream, TV team news

    ARSENAL will have to go all out for the Premier League now after suffering European heartbreak – and up next is a tricky test against Wolves.Joshua Kimmich’s powerful header sent the Gunners crashing out of the Champions League, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich.Arsenal got knocked out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyOllie Watkins scored a sublime goal against ArsenalCredit: GettyAnd it was a result that meant Mikel Arteta’s side suffered two crucial defeats in four days after losing to Aston Villa at the Emirates last Sunday.Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey both scored past Arsenal’s shaky defence putting a huge dent in the Gunners’ title aspirations.However, Arsenal will be hoping for a quick recovery and they’ll be encouraged by the fact they have scored twelve goals in their last five matches against Wolves – only shipping two in that time.But Gary O’Neil’s men will be determined to get their first win against the Gunners since 2021.Read more on ArsenalWhen is Wolves vs Arsenal?
    Wolves vs Arsenal will take place this Saturday – April 20 in the premier league.
    Kick off is scheduled for 19:30 BST.
    With Wolves being at home, the game will take place at the Molineux which can host 31,500 fans.
    Earlier on in the season Arsenal took all three points with a 2-1 win at home.
    What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
    Wolves vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on SKY Sports Main Events in the UK.
    Coverage is expected to take place at 19:15 BST.
    Any fans not at the game can stream the game on SKY Go.
    Alternatively, SunSport will have coverage of the whole match through our live blog.
    What is the team news?Gary O’Neil’s side will be hoping for the return of Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri to boost their side’s chances.Pedro Neto (Thigh), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Knee) and Craig Dawson (Groin/Hip/Pelvic) are all confirmed to be out for O’Neil’s Wolves side. Most read in FootballRayan Ait-Nouri (Calf/Shin/Heel) and Nelson Semedo (Thigh) are hoping to travel and play for Wolves.Jurrien Timber seen back in training for their Champions League Semi-Final matchup vs Bayern MunichCredit: GettyElsewhere, Jurrien Timber is hoping to still make a full recovery before coming back into the arsenal squad after injuring his knee/What are the odds?
    Wolverhampton Wanderers to win 7/1
    Draw 4/1
    Arsenal 1/3
    *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication More

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    Bayern Munich president hails Thomas Tuchel for ‘tactical masterpiece’ against Arsenal… just weeks after sacking him

    BAYERN MUNICH president Herbert Hainer hailed manager Thomas Tuchel for his “tactical masterpiece” against Arsenal, just two months after letting him go.Tuchel, 50, confirmed an agreement was reached with Bayern chiefs that he will depart at the end of the season following a series of poor results that saw the team miss out on all domestic honours.Thomas Tuchel was praised by Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer after eliminating ArsenalCredit: GettyHowever, Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over the Gunners at the Allianz Arena has lifted the mood as the Bavarians’ bid for Champions League glory is very much alive after making the semi-finals.Hainer was ecstatic after full-time and spoke in glowing terms about the ex-Chelsea boss’ work against Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title challengers.The German businessman was especially impressed with the way Tuchel handled star left-back Alphonso Davies’ absence.The ex-Paris Saint-Germain manager fielded right-back Noussair Mazraoui in Davies’ place and had natural left-back Raphael Guerreiro playing ahead of him down the wing.Read More on FootballHainer said: “I think Thomas Tuchel did an excellent job. A tactical masterpiece.”The fact that he played with Nous Mazraoui and Guerreiro was a perfect fit.”Director of sport Max Eberl also commended Tuchel’s tactical move down the left wing.The German tactician’s bold risk paid dividends as he also added cover for Serge Gnabry, who was also absent, while neutralising Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s threat at the same time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEberl said: “Simply done cleverly. Serge was out, Phonzy [Davies] was suspended.”They discussed it very cleverly with the coaching staff how they wanted to do it.”Bayern Munich’s private training session leaked as Thomas Tuchel appears to plan shock tactical tweak against Arsenal Tuchel is still expected to leave Bayern in May when the season concludes.However, the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea manager has remained true to his promise of keeping up the hard work until his departure.Tuchel said in February: “We have agreed that we will end our collaboration after the end of this season.”Until then, my coaching staff and I will of course continue to do everything we can to ensure maximum success for FC Bayern.” More

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    Carlo Ancelotti risks Uefa punishment as Real Madrid boss breaks protocol after Man City win

    REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti risks an earful by UEFA for breaking protocol after a dramatic Champions League victory over Manchester City.Ancelotti, 64, saw his Real side draw 1-1 with City on Wednesday at the Etihad after the hosts’ captain Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti risks UEFA punishment after breaking protocolCredit: RexReal Madrid manager Ancelotti went to the mixed zone after full-timeCredit: GettyHowever, Los Blancos prevailed during a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout thanks to the heroics of Andriy Lunin who handed his team a 4-3 win after denying Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.However, the Italian tactician’s triumph may be spoiled a bit after he appeared to go against UEFA rules regarding post-match interviews.Regulations state both managers must be made available to attend the post-match presser about 20 minutes after the end of a match.But the ex-Chelsea and Everton boss spoke with journalists in the mixed zone instead. Read More on FootballThat is where Ancelotti said: “Everyone thought we were dead, but nobody can do that, Real Madrid never dies.”Madrid have done it many times. It’s this badge. In the shootout we were convinced we would qualify. Andriy had a fantastic game.”I really like it when a team sacrifices, fights. Besides the quality. This is the only way to win here.”Nevertheless, Ancelotti did conduct post-match interviews with various rights holders, such as TNT Sports and LiveScore.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAncelotti will now look to extend Real’s record Champions League triumphs by sealing the club’s 15th crown, which would mark his third with the Merengues.The Madrid giants are now set to lock horns with Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossBayern punched their ticket to the final four after eliminating Arsenal. More