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      Five reasons shock Arsenal transfer target Ademola Lookman can be missing link to fire Gunners to the title

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN may not be the world-class striker some think Arsenal need – but he could be the perfect signing for the Gunners.Reports in Italy suggest the club are set to bid £43million for the Atalanta star.Ademola Lookman is wanted by ArsenalCredit: RexHe scored a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League and is a man reborn in ItalyCredit: GettyLookman has come along way since coming through the ranks at CharltonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe has improved heavily since his days as an Everton wonderkidCredit: AFP or licensorsArsenal missed out on the title last season by just two points, with some believing a lack of cutting edge in attack saw them sloppily lose to the likes of Aston Villa, Fulham and West Ham.There have been calls for the club to splash the cash on a top quality No9, with the likes of Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen all being touted as options.But it appears Mikel Arteta wants a player more comfortable contributing across the whole pitch in a Kai Havertz mould – rather than just a penalty box beast like Erling Haaland.This is where Lookman comes in as potentially the surprise dream signing.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe player was dubbed a wonderkid after firing England’s Under-17s to World Cup glory in 2017 and joining Everton from Charlton for £11million. He burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old, scoring against Manchester City in a 4-0 debut demolition as Pep Guardiola watched on helplessly.Lookman was then tipped to become a world beater – but he struggled for game time and eventually moved to RB Leipzig.The German club have a reputation for developing young players – yet they were also not able to get the versatile winger to reach his full potential.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMediocre loans to Fulham and Leicester followed before he joined Atalanta in 2022.And it’s in Italy under the highly-rated Gian Piero Gasperini where Lookman has finally lived up to the hype, capping his 17-goal season off with a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.Here are five reasons why Lookman could be perfect for Arsenal and is ready to tackle his unfinished Prem business.Arsenal need major transfer clear out to beat Man City to Premier League title | Troy DeeneyPositionWhether it’s defenders like Riccardo Calafiori or attackers like Leandro Trossard – versatility is key for Arteta.And Lookman offers just that, having played as a No9, second striker and left-winger last season.His best performances came through the middle, playing just off Gianluca Scamacca.The striker has great technical ability but is not the most mobile, with Lookman adding speed, directness and an eye for goal to the attack.But he is also more the capable of playing on either flank and will be a good alternative should Gabriel Martinelli or Bukayo Saka get injured.Good finishingGasperini’s ability to improve players sees him lauded in Italy and Lookman’s finishing has gone from strength to strength.In the Europa League final, it was clever movement on the blindside of the defender for his first goal that showed he is capable of being a No9.He then made it 2-0, popping it through Granit Xhaka’s legs and firing it beyond the keeper from outside the box.And he got the match ball by dribbling past a defender on the outside and blasting it into the top corner with his weaker foot.There was no header to make it the perfect hat-trick but it fantastically showed a wide range of finishing that has caught the eye of Arsenal.Gabriel Jesus got just 34.5 per cent of his shots on target last season, while Lookman got 46.9 and 35.8 per cent over the last two campaigns.Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick versus LeverkusenCredit: GettyLookman scored a brilliant second goal after dribbling past XhakaCredit: ReutersHe completed his hat-trick with a powerful weak foot finishCredit: ReutersDirectnessAs proved by his finishing and his performance against Leverkusen, Lookman can go on either foot.He has always had blistering pace and he averages just over a foul won per match, 4.09 progressive dribbles and 1.87 successful take-ons.His pace is also seen without the ball as Atalanta relentlessly press from the front and Lookman often leads the chase.CreativityThe 26-year-old is not just a goalscorer and he can creates chances.Lookman registered ten assists in 45 matches last season and he averages 4.81 shot-creating actions per game.Arsenal will often need to break down defences that are sitting deep against them so having an extra player able to pull the strings will help share the burden on Saka and Martin Odegaard.Prem experienceArsenal want their new signings to hit the ground running instantly and experience in England has been a key theme of Arteta’s recent signings.Declan Rice, David Raya, Jorginho and Trossard were all signed within the last 18 months and had previous Prem experience.The Gunners are also closing in on buying midfielder Mikel Merino for £30m from Real Sociedad and he had a spell at Newcastle in 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith Eddie Nketiah set to leave Arsenal for £30m, re-investing that cash and more to sign Lookman looks like smart business.He is no longer the mid-table winger we saw in England a few years ago and could prove to be the missing link that helps dethrone City.Lookman goes from Panenka laughing stock to European hat-trick heroADEMOLA LOOKMAN will go down in Atalanta, and European football, folklore after his stunning Europa League final hat-trick vs Bayer Leverkusen.Lookman’s treble was the first in the final of a Uefa competition since 1975.But some Premier League fans won’t have believed their eyes – after witnessing his infamous Panenka miss for Fulham.Lookman was spotted playing Sunday league in Lambeth by Charlton just TEN YEARS ago, at the age of 16.Twelve months on, in 2015, he was already the Addicks’ best player, shining on the wing in the Championship.And before he knew it, Lookman was in the Premier League after a massive £11million move to Everton.Lookman, by now 20, made an instant impact, scoring on his debut in 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City.He even won the U20s World Cup with England, netting three goals in the tournament.But he struggled to earn regular football with the Toffees, before defying boss Sam Allardyce’s wishes by snubbing a loan to Derby to push through a move to RB Leipzig instead.Lookman impressed in the Bundesliga with five goals and earned a permanent move.But he again failed to settle and soon found himself back in the Prem on loan with FulhamHis spell at Craven Cottage saw moments of brilliance overshadowed by costly mistakes.None more so than his ill-fated Panenka penalty against West Ham.Lookman’s scuffed chipped effort dropped tamely into motionless Lukasz Fabianski’s waiting hands, leading to widespread criticism and ridicule from fans and pundits alike.A loan at Leicester followed but it was a switch to Atalanta in Serie A which saw Lookman finally fulfil his potential.Now playing international football for Nigeria, he helped them reach the Afcon final earlier this year.But he didn’t have to wait long to add his first senior trophy as the undisputed man-of-the-match in Dublin against the previous unbeatable Leverkusen. More

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      Chelsea and Arsenal blow as Victor Osimhen ‘chooses next team’ and will wait until end of transfer window for dream move

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      VICTOR OSIMHEN is tipped to reject Chelsea and Arsenal – so he can wait up to two weeks for his dream move.The Napoli striker has a £100million-plus release clause in a contract expiring in June 2026.Napoli main man Victor Osimhen could be off and running at the end of the season, but maybe not to the Premier LeagueCredit: RexAnd Premier League giants have shown the strongest interest in the Nigerian over the past two seasons.Manchester United were linked with the 25-year-old at one stage.But Paris Saint-Germain have stepped up their hunt over the summer.And it’s claimed the battle for his signature is now between just three clubs – Chelsea, Arsenal and the French giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg believes PSG would have to offload a big-name attacker before they could lure Osimhen.Portugal star Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani are the two main players on that list.And Plettenberg reckons Osimhen has not only set his heart on joining PSG, he is also prepared to hold on until the eleventh hour of the transfer window to seal a deal.Chelsea’s faltering hopes to sign the goal-getter have been matched by their frustration at failing to permanently move out 31-year-old frontman Romelu Lukaku.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd whatever happens, Osimhen is said to be determined to leave Napoli.The ex-Lille ace might fancy the idea of succeeding Kylian Mbappe as PSG’s main man.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesMbappe netted emphatically on his Real Madrid debut on Wednesday as the Spaniards won the Uefa Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta.Osimhen notched 41 goals in 57 matches over the last two seasons in Serie A.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Chelsea offered Victor Osimhen as part of sensational transfer that would see Romelu Lukaku join Napoli

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      CHELSEA can kill two transfer birds with one stone.The Blues are set to be offered Victor Osimhen if Napoli can take out-of-favour Romelu Lukaku plus cash as part of a proposed deal.Victor Osimhen is eyeing a move to Chelsea – but a few conditions must be met firstCredit: GettyChelsea have been in talks with Napoli over signing Osimhen, who handed in a transfer request to accelerate his exit this summer.In order to a get deal through the Serie A side might be open to accepting Chelsea’s Lukaku heading the other way.Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed the Blues could agree on a Osimhen deal with Napoli using both cash and Lukaku. But the two sides differ on their evaluation of Lukaku. READ MORE ON CHELSEAStamford Bridge chiefs are keen to receive at least £40m for the Belgian striker, who has two years left on his contract.But Napoli value Lukaku at around £30m and Osimhen at around £100m.The Blues don’t want to pay Osimhen’s £110m release clause, and launched a failed move to loan the striker.Lukaku, 31, is still on £325,000 a week at Chelsea but has made clear that he only wants to be reunited with Antonio Conte.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnder Conte, Lukaku scored 47 league goals across two seasons to help Inter Milan win their first Serie A title in 11 years in 2020-21. He returned to Chelsea for £97.5m in 2021 but, after one unhappy season caused by a public dispute, has spent two campaigns on loan in Serie A.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedMeanwhile Osimhen, 25, has been the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Saudi Arabia this summer. He scored 26 goals in 32 league games to help Napoli win Serie A two seasons ago.Osimhen has been left out of pre-season friendlies by Conte, who has taken a firm stance over his team’s star striker.Lukaku has been told to train with the under-21s at Cobham alongside Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah, who have also been listed for transfer. More

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      Fans slam Chelsea TV over ‘awful’ broadcast blunder after struggling to watch Inter Milan clash

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      FANS slammed Chelsea TV for their “awful” coverage of the pre-season friendly against Inter Milan. The Blues’ channel charged £5 to watch the match but viewers were distracted by the commentary. Lesley Ugochukwu levelled against Inter MilanCredit: GettyThat is because separate commentators from another channel could be heard over those of Chelsea TV.One said: “Chelsea TV (or whatever they identify now as) is awful. “You can always hear the other commentators in the background commentating for their channel.”Another asked: “Why can I hear a muffled Jason Cundy on the Chelsea stream?”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSomeone replied: “You can always hear him and the other Chelsea tv commentator..don’t remember his name, can hear both their voices right now.”Another said: “Can’t hear it on any other broadcast, ever. Either too close or the equipment ain’t great. “Either way, bad for the club’s own media channel.”A late Lesley Ugochukwu leveller cancelled out Marcus Thuram’s opener as the sides could not be separated. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea fans were introduced to Pedro Neto for the first time since joining in a £54million move from Wolves. He stepped out in blue for the first time waved to fans at Stamford Bridge. Stamford Bridge locals reveal what life’s like More

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      Drake steps in to save much-loved Italian club from going BUST by helping raise more than £31million

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      POP STAR Drake has helped save Serie A side Venezia from going bankrupt.The club, founded in 1907, were promoted to Italy’s top flight last season after two years in the second tier.Rapper Drake has helped struggling Serie A club VeneziaCredit: GettyVenezia were facing relegation down to the fourth tierCredit: GettyBut it was their spending during their last stint in Serie A – the 2021/22 campaign – that landed them in huge amounts of debt.Those financial problems were threatening to earn them a severe punishment which could have come in the form of relegation down to Serie D.According to TMZ, Venezia’s chief brand officer Matte Babel, a part of Drake’s management team, then put in a call to the rapper.And he used his expertise to help the Venice-based club out of their economic hole.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBabel told GQ Italy: “He [Drake] laid out the problem, simply — Venezia needs to raise ten million euros in a couple weeks, and then at least thirty million euros in a few months, or the club will go bankrupt.”Venice is an incredible city and Venezia has always been a special club, I spoke to Drake, and then Brad [Venezia owner Brad Katsuyama] and I discussed how we could help.”Within a fortnight, on Drake’s advice, Venezia had raised the funds needed to avoid going bust, receiving around £31million from North American investors.Babel added: “The value of Drake to any football club is undeniable given his global superstardom and brand reach.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”This intersection of culture and sport is exactly where we want to be and as a sports organization the ability to tap a brand like NOCTA that also teeters the same line is incredibly valuable.”Since then, Venezia bosses have bolstered their squad with new signings as they prepare for Serie A football.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedThere has also been investment into upgrading club facilities – work that is projected to be completed ahead of the 2027/28 season. More

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      How Arsenal’s new £42million ‘Bulldozer’ Calafiori fought back from ruthless Jose Mourinho axing to seal dream transfer

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      THE career of Riccardo Calafiori has often flirted with disaster and disappointment.At the age of 16, it was believed the Roma academy kid would never play – or even walk – again after a horror tackle during a Youth League match against Viktoria Plzen in October 2018.Riccardo Calafiori joined Arsenal for £42m this weekCredit: GettyJose Mourinho axed the Italy international from his Roma squad in 2021Credit: RexBut years before that Calafiori underwent a gruesome surgery after suffering a horror injuryCredit: Instagram @richycalaThe Italian defender had ruptured every ligament in his left knee.Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s surgeon Dr Freddie Fu was even taken aback before operating, comparing it to a motorbike accident. Roma practically went into mourning.Netting a hat-trick for the first team soon after in the Champions League, striker Edin Dzeko held up a shirt with Calafiori’s name on in support.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClub legend Daniele De Rossi would help ferry Calafiori from home to the training centre and back again in the weeks that followed.The rehab was brutal, but Calafiori’s recovery – mostly out in the States – was extraordinary, returning to action in just under 12 months, earning him the nickname of ‘The Bulldozer’ by his father.And he later got a tattoo on his hand that reads: “Just be sure to notice the collateral beauty”.It is why – back in the USA six years later to join up with Arsenal on their pre-season tour after completing a £42m switch from Bologna – Calafiori is still in disbelief.Most read in FootballCalafiori embraced Mikel Arteta after he joined the Gunners’ pre-season tourCredit: ArsenalBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEmbracing boss Mikel Arteta in their team hotel, the 22-year-old – known as ‘Ricky’ to those closest to him – asked: “Is this real?” with the Spaniard replying with a big smile: “Finally, it’s real”.Both Arteta and sporting director Edu have got their man after months of work to bring the Italy international to the Emirates.Former Chelsea team-mates Mason Mount and Jorginho embrace after Man Utd’s pre-season defeat to Arsenal A player they feel “fits the profile” – young but immensely talented as a versatile, ball-playing defender – while Calafiori only had eyes for North London, despite late interest from Juventus and Real Madrid.Arteta revealed last season he wants 22 world class players in his squad – two in each position – to be able to constantly rotate without feeling their starting XI is weakened.Calafiori certainly adds to this, joining the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu as defensive options.He is able to play at both left-back and centre-back – something he first learned he could do while at Basel during the 2022/23 campaign having just been let go his boyhood Roma under Jose Mourinho.This was yet another setback in Calafiori’s career that had the potential to be make or break, ruthlessly dumped by Mourinho in the winter window after featuring in a humiliating 6-1 Europa Conference League group stage loss to Bodo Glimt in October 2021.Yet ‘The Bulldozer’ continued on its path, helping Basel to the Conference League semi-finals before joining Serie A side Bologna for £4m last summer.Jose Mourinho ruthlessly sold Riccardo Calafiori during his time at RomaCredit: GettyCalafiori said of Mourinho: “It was his choice to sell me, but I’ll also tell you something. Mou and I talk; he wrote me several messages, and there’s a nice relationship between us.“He forged my character and personality. The fact that he asks you for 200% in every training session and that he makes his choices by looking at what you give on the pitch.”Calafiori’s development must also pay credit to coach Thiago Motta at Bologna, admitting last term: “I tried things tactically that I had never seen”.Motta and Arteta have similar philosophies, having grown up together as players in the Barcelona academy, perhaps accelerating any adaptation time.Arteta and sporting director Edu spent months trying to land the Italy international’s signatureCredit: GettyYet Calafiori is a quick learner. Last season in Serie A, he kept 15 clean sheets in 30 appearances, helping Bologna to Champions League qualification for the first time since 1964.He racked up a pass completion of 89.8% to rank third in the league last term, including 76 accurate long balls and 17 goalscoring chances created.No centre-back in Europe’s top five leagues produced more assists than him with five.He also became Bologna’s first-ever Serie A Player of the Month winner in May, paving the way for his Italy senior major tournament debut at the Euros last month.Arsenal ran out 2-1 winners against Man Utd in Los Angeles on the weekendCredit: AFPThere is now a Premier League debut on the cards, with Arsenal’s opener against Wolves on August 17 after Emirates Cup clashes with Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon next week.Calafiori has said in the past he aspires to be like Manchester City’s John Stones, while former England manager Fabio Capello has compared him to a young Sergio Ramos.But for someone so young and highly rated, Calafiori also has his feet firmly on the ground.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen previously asked about his biggest achievement in the football so far, he said: “Being able to buy my parents a house. “We lived in a rental, but when I played for Roma I managed to buy a beautiful house for them. Seeing them calm, safe and happy is priceless.”Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Chelsea legend Dennis Wise leaves Como 1907 and appears to take swipe at Cesc Fabregas in exit statement

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      CHELSEA icon Dennis Wise has left Serie A side Como 1907 and appeared to take aim at Cesc Fabregas in his departure statement.The Blues legend, 57, was appointed technical consultant of the Italian side in 2019 and rose to sole administrator in 2021.Dennis Wise has seemingly taken aim at new Como manager Cesc Fabregas in his exit statementCredit: Andrea ButtiWise released a lengthy message on social media confirming his departureCredit: InstagramDuring his time at the club, Como have achieved two promotions and last season clinched their place back in the top division for the first time in 35 years.Ex-Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas, 37, joined Como as a player in 2022 before he became U19 and B-team coach.Last week, he was then announced as manager of the first team, signing a four-year deal.It came just days after Como defended an unnamed defender for an alleged racist remark made at Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan during a pre-season friendly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLComo received huge backlash following their statement – which claimed the incident had been “blown out of proportion”.Following that controversy and the appointment of Fabregas, Wise has opted to leave the club.And some of his words seemed to be aimed at Fabregas.He posted: “The club has decided to follow Cesc Fabregas’ direction.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDennis Wise’s statement in full”It is with a heavy heart that I leave Como 1907. I wish the club success going forward. It has been an incredible journey with Como 1907, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had here.”The support from the team, the coaching staff, and our loyal fans has been overwhelming, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve made together.”During my time with the club, we have made significant progress and achieved promotion back into Serie A, which gives me immense pride. I want to acknowledge the collective effort that made that possible.”I am also incredibly grateful to the fans who have supported us through thick and thin. Their passion and unwavering support has been a driving force for me to achieve the success they deserve.”The club has decided to follow Cesc Fabregas’ direction. I wish good luck to the team, to Cesc, and to all the new recruitment team in the next steps; Serie A status and European football – I wish you continued success.”While this is farewell, it is not the end. I will always carry the spirit of Como and its wonderful people with me, wherever I go.”Wise then went on to wish the Arsenal legend good luck, while he also insisted he will “carry the spirit of Como and its wonderful people with me, wherever I go”.Wise’s managerial career spanned from 2003 to 2008 when he coached at Millwall, Southampton, Swindon and Leeds.Chelsea and Wrexham stars Levi Colwill and James McClean fight just two minutes into pre-season friendly As a player, he spent 11 years with Chelsea, winning two FA Cups, one League Cup, the Cup Winners’ Cup and Uefa Super Cup.Wise also had spells at Wimbledon, Leicester, Millwall, Southampton and Coventry, while he earned 21 caps for England. More

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      Inside stunning future stadium of football giants that includes impressive feature that will be the largest in Europe

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      ROMA have unveiled their plans for a stunning new stadium.The Italian giants’ proposal includes an impressive feature which would become the largest in Europe.Roma have unveiled plans for a stunning new stadiumCredit: X / @ASRomaENThe proposed venue includes the largest Curva Sud in EuropeCredit: X / @ASRomaENRoma have played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome since 1953, sharing the stadium with city rivals Lazio.However, the Serie A side are now looking to build their own ground elsewhere in the Italian capital.A video shared to social media showed off the design of the venue, including a new Curva Sud.The Curva, a curved stand of seats, would be the largest in Europe and is described as “a testament to the unwavering passion” of Roma’s fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Italian club have already met with the Mayor of Rome to discuss their plans.Vice-president Ryan Friedkin has explained the plans, telling the club website: “This extraordinary stadium is not only a new home for AS Roma and its fans but also a landmark for all the citizens of Rome.”The new Curva Sud, set to become the largest Curva in Europe, will be a powerful focal point that embodies the passion and energy of our supporters.”With its iconic design inspired by classical Roman architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, the stadium will offer a world-class experience to everyone, from football fans to the local community.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”As proud custodians of AS Roma, we are committed to creating a space that embodies the spirit and tradition of our club while becoming a global symbol of innovation and excellence and a model of environmental responsibility.”Roma previously announced plans for a new stadium in 2012 as part of their Stadio della Roma project. Inside world’s most expensive stadium…but it’s SMALLER than Wembley However, plans for the new 52,500-capacity venue were rejected by the city in 2017.Despite later being approved, the project was abandoned completely in 2021.Roma have instead continued to play at the Stadio Olimpico, which holds 70,634 supporters.Roma released their planned design in a video shared to social mediaCredit: X / @ASRomaENThe club hope to build a ground that is ‘a testament to the unwavering passion’ of their fansCredit: X / @ASRomaEN More