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      Arsenal files: Gunners linked with £40million transfer for ‘next Martin Odegaard’ who’s eerily similar to Ethan Nwaneri

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      AMID the chaos and brilliance of Arsenal’s stunning Champions League quarter final first leg 3-0 victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night, two young stars watched on from the bench.With the return of Bukayo Saka from injury, Ethan Nwaneri was an unused sub against the Los Blancos after his incredible breakthrough season.Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win over Real Madrid this weekCredit: GettyArda Guler, who did not play, has been linked with a move to the EmiratesCredit: GettyOn the opposite bench, another young starlet – 20-year-old Arda Guler – enjoyed the spectacle in a watching capacity having also shone brightly out in Spain, and is now being linked to Arsenal, as well as other big clubs in Europe.Having joined Madrid from boyhood club Fenerbahce in July 2023 for an initial £17.2m, the Turk’s debut campaign was hampered by injuries, making only 12 appearances in all competitions.Yet he still managed six goals in 10 La Liga appearances and 330 minutes of playing time, becoming the fastest player in Madrid history to hit that tally.More game time has followed this term with 34 appearances in all competitions so far, but just 10 of these have been starts, including 56 minutes of a 2-0 Champions League defeat away at Liverpool in November.There is the feeling in Spain that Guler – way down the pecking order behind the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and 39-year-old Luka Modric – may need to leave the Bernabeu to reach his full potential, similar to the Martin Odegaard situation before his £30m switch to Arsenal in the summer of 2021.Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti struggled to integrate Odegaard into his Galactico squad upon his January 2015 arrival as a 16-year-old, and is having similar issues with Guler.Paul Clement – Ancelotti’s former assistant who remains in contact with the Italian – confirmed this to SunSport last week: Guler needs more game time than he is currently getting, something the Madrid coaching staff recognise.The question is: do Arsenal actually need Guler with 18-year-old Nwaneri now an established first-team player with 14 starts in all competitions this season?Guler has featured mostly as an attacking midfielder, but also pops up on the right, just like Nwaneri. But how do the two compare?Guler has 1,171 minutes under his belt this year, averaging 34 minutes per game. Nwaneri is similar with 1,199 minutes and averaging 39 minutes.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsIn terms of touches per 90 minutes, Guler has 77 and Nwaneri has 58. The Turkish international has 14 shots on target from 39 attempts. England U21 star Nwaneri has 18 shots on target from 38 attempts.There is nothing between them for goal involvements too – Guler has nine [three goals and six assists] and Nwaneri has 10 [eight goals and two assists].Guler would cost between £30m and £40m at least should anyone come calling, but it appears not to make too much sense with a younger Nwaneri living up to his potential and capturing the hearts of Arsenal fans as a Hale End product.Mikel Arteta will be prioritising an elite striker this summer, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi already lined up and the defence needing bolstering too.Guler is a massive talent ready to explode, in the Odegaard mould, but Arteta will be wary of stifling what he already has on the books.How the two compare – domestic league matches onlyNWANERI CONTRACT TALKS?Speaking of Nwaneri, he is one of several players Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are desperate to tie down to long-term contracts in the coming months.Talks will begin soon, with Nwaneri’s current deal – his first professional contract signed in March 2024 – expiring at the end of next season, along with fellow academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly, who put pen to paper in October 2023.SunSport understands Nwaneri is in line for a competitive salary raise, in line with a regular squad player and first-team option.However, with Arsenal’s wage bill increasing by nearly £100m in their 2023/24 financial accounts – from £234.8m to £327.8m – the club will be wary over giving an astronomical wage packet to a teenager, regardless of his talent and potential.Arsenal will also need to fork out for extensions on major first-team stars like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel this summer.Ethan Nwaneri is in talks to sign a new dealCredit: GettyHowever, boss Mikel Arteta often asks for wage negotiations or announcements to be delayed until after big months of the season, especially if they progress into the semi-finals of the Champions League.It is why Arteta has been tight-lipped over the futures of midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho, whose deals run out in a few months.ARSENAL’S SURPRISE FAN CLUBThe quality of action on show in the Premier League has been a hot topic, with Gary Neville pouring oil over the fire this week in a passionate rant.On the Stick To Football podcast, he raged: “If we’re constantly served up this crap where we are watching centre-backs, full-backs and goalkeepers touch the ball hundreds of times more than the most talented players on the pitch.“That isn’t right – the game can’t be evolving in the right way.”SunSport understands that directors from Arsenal’s Prem rivals are hoping the Gunners can change this perception with a strong run in the Champions League.Should Mikel Arteta’s men see off Real Madrid next week in a similarly stunning and entertaining fashion, before beating Paris Saint-Germain in the semis and Barcelona in the final, there is a feeling that this would reinvigorate the Prem and show what English clubs are capable of.RICE’S FREE-KICKS WERE COMING…Declan Rice’s free-kick double act against Madrid sent the Emirates – and social media – into meltdown.They were his first in senior football in over 400 matches, with many asking the same question: Why has he not been taking free-kicks before?After all, set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has had him on corner-taking duties because of his incredible delivery and the amount of whip he can get on a ball ever since he honed Rice’s talent on a mid-season trip to Dubai.The answer is: He has, but has not found the top corner until now.This season in the Prem, he had one poor effort deflected by the wall behind for a corner in the 1-0 win over Chelsea last month before smacking one straight at Jordan Pickford in their 1-1 draw away at Everton last weekend.Last season, in April 2024, he had another tame approach blocked at Wolves, with another in the March comfortably saved in the 6-0 win at Sheffield United and another hitting the wall in a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in December 2023.Even at West Ham he was getting his eye in – blasting one well over the bar in the 2021/22 season away at Tottenham and another low drive saved at Aston Villa.His last attempt in Europe appears to be in the 21/22 Europa League, seeing a long-range flier blocked in a 2-0 win away at Dinamo Zagreb.In total, Rice had taken 12 free-kicks before scoring twice past Thibaut Courtois, none of which came close.This is not just a Rice problem however, more an Arsenal problem, scoring just ONE of their last 64 dead-ball attempts before facing Madrid, one of the worst records in the Prem.In that time, Manchester City have scored 10, Chelsea have scored seven, Newcastle United have scored five and five other Premier League teams have scored four.Declan Rice scored two stunning free kicks against Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      ‘He doesn’t feel good’ – Pep Guardiola gives Jack Grealish update as Man City star ‘slapped’ after Manchester derby

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      PEP GUARDIOLA says Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are just two of his stars living in a crazy world.The pair are still recovering from the abuse they suffered in the Manchester derby.Jack Grealish was slapped by a fan after the Manchester derbyCredit: ReutersFoden’s mum Claire was repeatedly targeted by sections of the United supportCredit: GettyMidfielder Foden’s mum Claire was repeatedly targeted by sections of the United support who chanted that she was “a s***g.After the final whistle winger Grealish was slapped around the face by a supporter near the entrance to the tunnel – an assault that produced a charge of assault on the elleged perpetrator.Guardiola described the insults hurled as Foden mother as having “no class” while City officials were understood to have been disgusted.But the City boss who will lead his team against Crystal Palace on Saturday fears there will only be more similar incidents in the future.READ MORE IN football Asked how Grealish and Foden have been, Guardiola declared: “He doesn’t feel good but move forward. It happens everywhere.” The City boss added: “It’s a crazy world, not just in sport. Nobody is away from that. it’s not about united.“It’s not a problem about a specific club or department in world football, it happens everywhere.”Guardiola faces the Eagles with a raft of injuries including Erling Haaland but is hopeful he can still steer City into a top five place – and the Champions League for next season.Most read in FootballHe stressed: “The injuries have been all season. So we adapt.“You can see it as a problem or a challenge or a disaster. it could be worse.  I’m really satisfied for the way we handle it.”New footage shows Phil Foden’s reaction to Man Utd fans’ sick chant aimed at his mum City lie a point behind fifth – placed Newcastle United with a game more played but he says: “We have a chance to qualify for the Champions League next season. “This is what we have to do, especially at home and tomorrow is a team who has been in incredible form in the last two months and they have always been difficult here. “I admire the manager, the talent they have. But at the same time, I’m optimistic to finish well this season.” More

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      Huge Arsenal boost as Mikel Arteta hints crocked Kai Havertz could return before end of Premier League season

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that Kai Havertz could return before the end of the season.Havertz suffered a hamstring injury during the club’s mid-season Dubai training camp in February and was expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.Kai Havertz could return from injury before the end of the seasonCredit: GettyHowever, Arteta has offered a positive update on the striker.During a press conference on Friday, he said: “Hopefully we can have him back. But let’s wait, I think.”Havertz shared a video montage of his recovery on social media earlier this week, leading many fans to believe that he was closer to a return.The 25-year-old underwent surgery on his injury in February.Sharing a picture from his hospital bed at the time, Havertz wrote: “The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally.”But yesterday was a good day. A successful op and a win.”Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped.”I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe potential return of Havertz could be a huge boost for the Gunners if they progress in the Champions League.Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of the quarter-finals on Tuesday thanks to a composed strike from Mikel Merino and two world-class free kicks from Declan Rice at the Emirates.Arteta reveals Havertz tore hamstring during set-piece routine and admits Arsenal could sign free agentShould they ease through the second leg, the Gunners will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the semi-finals which are due to be played on April 29 and May 6.Ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Brentford this weekend, Arteta also gave a positive injury update on Rice and Bukayo Saka after they were both withdrawn in the second half against Real Madrid.He said: “Declan Rice and Saka are fit, no issues or injuries. It’s all good.” More

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      Former West Ham star Dimitri Payet’s lover claims he made her perform humiliating sex act as police launch probe

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      FORMER West Ham star Dimitri Payet is at the centre of a police probe in Brazil – with a girlfriend accusing him of psychological and sexual abuse.The France international has played for Rio de Janeiro club Vasco da Gama since leaving Marseille in 2023.Dimitri Payet is at the centre of a police probe in BrazilCredit: RexLarissa Ferrari is in a relationship with PayetCredit: NewsflashLarissa with Payet, who she accused of abusing herCredit: NewsflashThey got together last yearCredit: NewsflashLarissa is a Brazilian lawyer and social media starCredit: NewsflashHe spent 18 months with West Ham, becoming their 2015-16 player of the season, before Marseille paid them a then club record £25million for him in January 2017.Payet, 38, has four children with wife Ludivine in France.But Sun Sport told last month how Brazilian lawyer and social media star Larissa Ferrari claims to have had a seven-month relationship with Payet after he “got lonely” following a move to Rio de Janeiro club Vasco da Gama.Rio police have now revealed they are investigating after Larissa, 28, filed a complaint against him.READ MORE IN football She claimed he has forced her into humiliating punishments – and filming her as she carried them out.Larissa said: “I was attacked by Dimitri Payet, and this has left marks on my body.”I have suffered physical, moral, psychological and sexual violence.”We had our first dispute in December, and he began saying he would punish me.Most read in Football”He asked me to prove my love for him in humiliating ways – by drinking my own urine, licking the floor and drinking water from a toilet.”He filmed me doing these things. He pushed me about, walked over me and made veiled threats.How Ruben Amorim can fix Man United’s Garnacho problem”I want justice to be done.  He abused my mental vulnerability to take sexual advantage of me.”I am a lawyer, and I would never make such serious accusations lightly.”Playmaker Payet has yet to respond to media questions.The 38-cap France international played 60 times for West Ham, scoring 15 goals.But he left the club under a cloud after pushing for a transfer, claiming he was homesick.Payet and his wife LudivineCredit: AFPLudivine was a star at Euro 2016Larissa reported the alleged incident to the policeCredit: NewsflashPayet was a star for West HamCredit: Getty More

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      Mo Salah’s new Liverpool wages revealed as Liverpool star becomes joint-second highest Premier League earner

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      MO SALAH has finally signed a new Liverpool contract – and become the joint-second highest Premier League earner.It brings an end to one of the league’s most drawn out transfer sagas with Salah having spent the season linked with a move away. Mo Salah has finally signed a new Liverpool contractCredit: AFPBut Liverpool confirmed their talisman has extended his deal – believed to be until at least 2027. And it improves his wages to a stunning £400,000-per-week – an improvement on his current £350,000 weekly salary. That puts Salah on par with Kevin De Bruyne’s earnings – although the Manchester City legend is leaving the club when the season ends. De Bruyne’s team-mate Erling Haaland is the current Prem top earner – with a £500,000-per-week deal. READ MORE IN football Casemiro – who joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 – remains third with wages of £350,000 per week. Raheem Sterling – on loan at Arsenal from Chelsea – is still on £325,000-per-week with his pay divided between the London clubs. Marcus Rashford is also on the same money, currently shining on loan at Aston Villa from United. Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Jack Grealish are all on the same £300,000-per-week deal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd Kai Havertz – who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023 – earns £280,000-per-week in North London. Salah joined Liverpool in 2017 from Roma and has enjoyed a trophy-laden career in Anfield. Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonThe forward is a Prem and Champions League winner while scoring 243 goals – 32 coming this season. And after committing his future, he said: “Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. “Before also we had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.“It’s great, I had my best years here. I played eight years, hopefully it’s going to be ten. Enjoying my life here, enjoying my football.”I had the best years in my career. I would like to say to [the fans], I am very, very happy to be here. “I signed here because I believe we can win a lot of big trophies together.Read More on The Sun”Keep supporting us and we’ll give it our best, and hopefully in the future we’re going to win more trophies.”Defender Virgil van Dijk is also set to sign a new Liverpool deal – but Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to move to Real Madrid in the summer. Erling Haaland is the Prem’s top earner with Kevin De Bruyne just behindCredit: APBernardo Silva and Jack Grealish both earn £300k-per-weekCredit: ReutersMarcus Rashford and Casemiro are in the Prem’s top ten earnersCredit: AlamyRaheem Sterling’s wages are covered. by Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: GettyKai Havertz earns £280k at ArsenalCredit: Getty More

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      Virgil van Dijk ‘agrees new Liverpool contract and will sign very soon’ in huge boost after Mo Salah’s new deal

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK has reportedly agreed a new Liverpool contract.The 33-year-old Dutchman has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield over the last year.Virgil van Dijk has allegedly agreed a new Liverpool dealCredit: PAHis current deal is set to expire in June, but he is now expected to stay in Merseyside.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that he will put pen to paper on a new two-year deal before the end of the season.Last week, Van Dijk hinted that he was close to signing a new contract.Quizzed on the subject, he replied: “There is progress, yes. I don’t know, we’ll see.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Listen, these are internal discussions and we’ll see.”It comes as another huge boost for Liverpool, with Mohamed Salah also extending his time at the club.The Reds confirmed on Friday morning that Salah had penned a fresh two-year deal.It put an end to several months of speculation regarding his future.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe centre-back has been a crucial player for Liverpool since joiningSalah said: “Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team.”But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football. Fans convinced they know what Virgil van Dijk said to Newcastle hero Alexander Isak after Carabao Cup final”It’s great, I had my best years here. I played eight years, hopefully it’s going to be 10. Enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I had the best years in my career.”Salah had previously hinted several times that he would leave Anfield at the end of the season.But reports in Egypt have claimed that he was offered up to £400,000-a-week to stay.Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave on a free transfer.The full-back has reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid this summer, putting an end to his 21-year stay with his boyhood club.Mohamed Salah has just penned a new two-year dealCredit: AFP More

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      Mo Salah FINALLY signs new two-year, £42m Liverpool contract… and Virgil van Dijk ‘will follow after agreeing deal’

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      MO SALAH has finally signed a new Liverpool contract to end speculation over his future.The iconic forward, 32, has penned terms on a deal keeping him “beyond” this season – with reports in Egypt claiming he will pocket up to £400,000 a week.Mo Salah has signed a new contract to stay at LiverpoolCredit: AFPVirgil van Dijk is also on the verge of extending his stayCredit: GettyAnd captain Virgil van Dijk is set to follow suit too after agreeing his own extension,Liverpool confirmed Salah’s deal without saying how long it runs for, revealing: “Liverpool FC can announce Mohamed Salah has signed a new contract that will keep him with the club beyond the 2024-25 season.”Today’s news means Salah will extend an eight-year stay at Anfield into the future and continue to help Arne Slot’s team challenge for the game’s biggest honours.”But the Athletic claims Salah’s contract will run for a further two years until 2027, meaning he will pocket a tasty total of £41.6million in fresh wages.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt marks the end of a drawn-out saga that would have seen Salah become a free agent this summer.The Premier League and Champions League winner, who looks set to add another title to his trophy cabinet, announced his new contract in brilliant fashion.Salah posted a number of pictures to social media showing him posing at Anfield – without captioning them for a reference.But he did go on to explain why he had snubbed interest from Saudi Arabia to remain at Liverpool, with reports from Salah’s homeland claiming he was offered annual wages of £130m to ditch the Reds.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut the veteran rejected the offers due his legacy, his desire to break more records and to fulfil his ultimate dream of winning the Ballon d’Or.He will also be pocketing £400,000-a-week according to reports in Egypt – a rise on his current £350,000-a-week deal.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave on a free for Real MadridCredit: GettySalah has netted 184 Prem goals for Liverpool, making him the joint-fifth all-time scorer with Man City legend Sergio Aguero, and is just 39 strikes off second-place Harry Kane.Salah, who joined Liverpool in 2017 from Roma, said: “Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team. “But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.“It’s great, I had my best years here. I played eight years, hopefully it’s going to be 10. Enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I had the best years in my career.“I would like to say to [the fans], I am very, very happy to be here. I signed here because I believe we can win a lot of big trophies together. “Keep supporting us and we’ll give it our best, and hopefully in the future we’re going to win more trophies.”Since joining Liverpool eight years ago for just £36.5million, Salah has gone on to score 243 goals in 394 games.He is the league’s top scorer this term with 27 strikes to his name – six more than Man City’s Erling Haaland.And Salah’s goals have helped Liverpool move 11 points clear at the top of the table with just seven games remaining.Arne Slot will be delighted to have secured his star man’s future as attention turns to Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Van Dijk is also expected to pen a new two-year contract to stay at Anfield and avoid becoming a free agent.Read More on The SunTransfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that he will put pen to paper on a new two-year deal before the end of the season.But Alexander-Arnold has reportedly agreed a five-year deal to join Real Madrid, ending his 21-year stay at Liverpool. More

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      Bed-ridden Eddie Howe forced to pull out of Newcastle press conference after falling ill just days before Man Utd clash

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      EDDIE HOWE has been forced to pull out of Newcastle’s pre-match press conference with illness.It comes as the Magpies prepare to take on Manchester United this weekend.Eddie Howe has been forced to withdraw from his pre-match press conferenceCredit: PAHis assistant, Jason Tindall, will take the press conference instead.Newcastle host the Red Devils at St James’ Park on Sunday.It is currently unclear whether Howe will be in the dugout for the Premier League clash or notA short statement from the club read: “Due to illness, please note that Jason Tindall will take this morning’s pre-match press conference as a replacement for Eddie Howe.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTindall gave an update on Howe while addressing the media on Friday morning.He said: “He’s been really poorly. Bed-ridden. We’ve been in daily contact but it’s not affected any of the preparations.”Still got a few days and hopefully he’ll be back for weekend.”The Magpies last match saw them face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday with Howe showing no signs of illness during the game.Most read in FootballThey cruised to a 3-0 win over Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side thanks to an early brace from Jacob Murphy and a 34th-minute strike from Harvey Barnes.Following the match, Howe said: “Impressive, but really professional as well in terms of the way that the players took the game.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success “We stuck to our task, we were professional, really good to get a clean sheet, and three goals.”I don’t think we were at our very best today.”We certainly need an upturn in performance if we’re going to win the next three.”Newcastle currently sit fifth in the Premier League table – in the Champions League positions.England earned a fifth spot in Europe’s elite competition earlier this week following Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid.A win on Sunday could take the Magpies above Chelsea and up to fourth.Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall will take the press conference insteadCredit: Getty More