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    Ethan Nwaneri signs first professional contract at Arsenal after turning down offers from TWO Premier League giants

    ARSENAL wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri signed his first professional contract and said: “I didn’t have to think about it – this is my home”.The highly-rated Gunners midfielder – who turned 17 last week – put pen to paper on a deal between two and three years to end speculation of leaving for interested Prem rivals Manchester City and Chelsea.Ethan Nwaneri is Arsenal’s shining light in their Hale End academy systemCredit: GettyNwaneri has already made two Premier League appearances under Mikel ArtetaCredit: GettyAnd it is understood that preliminary talks are already in place for another bumper extension to be signed when Nwaneri turns 18.While Nwaneri’s new wages are unknown, fellow academy graduates Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe – now 22 and 23 respectively – were believed to be earning around £3,000-a-week upon signing their first pro deals.Nwaneri made Prem history in September 2022 when at 15 years and 181 days old he became the youngest to ever feature in an English top-flight match, brought off the bench by boss Mikel Arteta in a 3-0 win away at Brentford.Arteta has given the teenager more Prem opportunities this campaign – another substitute appearance in their 6-0 win away at West Ham back in February.MORE FROM ARSENALAnd after leaving his scholarship days behind to commit to his boyhood club, which he joined at nine-years-old, Nwaneri said: “It’s a proud moment for me and my family to finally be here. I’m ready to keep working.“It was the dream to get to this stage. I’ve always thought about when this day would come and I’ve been looking forward to it. I didn’t have to think about it – this is my family and it feels like home here.“It feels so special to me here. The opportunities from Mikel, all the under-21 coaches, under-18s coaches, they’ve all helped me develop so I’m grateful to them.”Academy manager Per Mertesacker added: “Ethan has a strong ability to master the ball and dominate possession, this is what we are all about at Arsenal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“He is someone that will thrive on and off the pitch, he is a strong young gunner and we look forward to working with him during his ongoing development in the years to come.”With Man City and Chelsea lurking, Arteta took a hands-on approach in negotiations to ensure the club’s homegrown Hale End talent in Nwaneri stayed put.Nwaneri has already been compared to the likes of Jack Wilshere, Phil Foden and current skipper Martin Odegaard for his ability on the ball – impressing several current first team players when he regularly joins in training with the seniors and in numerous Champions League matchday squads.He has shown that ability this season in the academy set-up, with 14 goals in 14 appearances so far.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars? More

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    Alphonso Davies’ agent slams ‘unfair ultimatum’ from Bayern Munich as uncertainty surrounds Real Madrid target

    ALPHONSO DAVIES’ agent has hit out at Bayern Munich for “unfairly attacking” the defender as contract negotiations continue to stall.The Canadian, 23, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the campaign.Alphonso Davies’ future remains uncertain following comments from his agentCredit: GettyDavies’ agent Nedal Huoseh did not hold back when asked about negotiationsCredit: Instagram @nedalhuosehHe is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his contract – which expires at the end of next season.Reports last month claimed he had reached a “verbal agreement” with Los Blancos to join them either this summer or in 2025.Bayern are keen to tie him down to ensure he does not leave for a bargain price.However, his agent, Nedal Huoseh, has criticised the “ultimatum” being placed upon Davies, particularly given the managerial uncertainty at the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHead coach Thomas Tuchel is leaving in the summer and his replacement has not yet been announced.Speaking to BILD, Huoseh said: “It’s unfair to receive an ultimatum from Bayern. We will decide how to proceed at the end of the season when there is more clarity.”It’s unfair that Alphonso is now being attacked.”We were close to an agreement a year ago. Then the entire club management was replaced. We didn’t hear anything for seven months. Although I tried during this time to contact the club myself.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Now we are being given an ultimatum and are supposed to react within two weeks because the club is under pressure and took a long time to reposition itself in the management? That’s not fair.”Huoseh went on to add: “It’s a very important contract in Alphonso’s career and we’re supposed to make the decision without knowing who the coach will be next season or what the team looks like.How Harry Kane got even better at Bayern”That’s why we think it’s unfair to react to the ultimatum.”Davies joined Bayern from Vancouver Whitecaps in January 2019 for a then MLS record fee of £17.5million.He has racked up 184 appearances for the German giants, winning five Bundesliga titles, two German Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.He also has 45 caps and 15 goals for Canada. More

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    Forgotten Man Utd flop ‘first reserve’ if Liverpool target Xabi Alonso turns down Bayern Munich job

    FORMER Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is in the running for the Bayern Munich job, according to reports.The German giants are in the hunt for a new manager as Thomas Tuchel is leaving at the end of the season.Xabi Alonso is on Bayern Munich and Liverpool’s radarCredit: GettyShould Bayern fail to land Alonso, they could go after Ralf RangnickCredit: ReutersBayern’s first choice is Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, whose team are in the hunt to win the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Europa League, having not lost a game this season.But Liverpool also want to appoint the Spaniard as they need to replace Jurgen Klopp in the summer.Should Bayern fail to convince Alonso, they could turn their attention to Rangnick.Kicker report he is “their “second alternative” due to his good relationship with sporting director Christoph Freund.READ MORE ON MAN UTDRangnick is currently in charge of the Austrian national side and will lead them at Euro 2024.His future beyond the tournament is unclear.Rangnick appeals to Bayern as he has plenty of Bundesliga experience after managing Stuttgart, Hannover, Schalke, Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig.He also had a spell as interim boss at Man Utd during the 2021/22 season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 65-year-old stepped in following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.United finished the season on just 58 points – their worst ever total in Premier League history.After Rangnick’s 29 games in charge, he left the club and did continue his initial role as a consultant.Ralf Rangnick responds after Cristiano Ronaldo slammed ex-Man Utd manager as ‘not even a coach’ More

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    Arsenal ‘unlikely to sign Osimhen or Toney as Arteta’s top three striker transfer targets are revealed’

    ARSENAL have reportedly gone cold on Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney as Mikel Arteta identifies alternative transfer targets.The Gunners have long been linked with both Osimhen, 25, and Toney, 28, as they bid to add a natural goalscorer to their frontline.Ivan Toney is no longer Arsenal’s top No9 target this summerCredit: AlamyVictor Osimhen’s injury has also meant he has fallen out of favour with the GunnersCredit: AFPBut, according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Napoli and Brentford stars are now falling out of favour. It is understood Osimhen’s injury record and Toney age are concerns for the Gunners.And it’s claimed Arteta has now switched his focus onto three alternative strikers.Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s former Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres make that list, along with Brighton hotshot Evan Ferguson.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSOrnstein said: “The likes of Sesko & Gyokeres are well thought of. “As is Ferguson but the price Brighton would want & the season he has had so far perhaps makes him less likely at the moment. “I don’t see it being an Osimhen or Toney. There will be other options too.”Sesko has impressed in the Bundesliga with 11 goals in 30 games this season. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 20-year-old forward has been linked with fairly recently and has been on top form for Leipzig this season.While Gyokeres, 25, leads the European top-flight leagues with 30 goals and 11 assists in 34 matches. Ivan Toney reveals ‘ideal summer’ involves transfer to European giantsFerguson, the youngest of the three at 19, has shown promise at Brighton but has been in and out of the Seagulls starting XI this season.And the teenager may come with a hefty transfer fee having scored 16 goals in 60 senior appearances.Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has been on superb form this season with Arsenal now interested in the strikerEvan Ferguson is another target but the 19-year-old may come with a hefty price tagSporting’s Viktor Gyokeres is now a top transfer target for ArsenalCredit: AFP More

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    Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney owed huge sum by Wrexham as League Two high-flyers announce latest losses

    WREXHAM owe owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney a huge sum according to their latest financial statement.The League Two high-flyers announced losses of £5.113million for the year ending June 30 2023.Wrexham have announced losses of £5.113million for the previous financial yearCredit: GettyThose losses are an increase from £2.913million the previous year.Meanwhile, The R.R. McReynolds Company, LLC are now owed £8.977million.That figure has increased from £3.714million following promotion to the Football League during the 2022/23 season.Their National League triumph secured a return to League Two after 15 seasons in non-league.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe latest financial statement comes after executive director Humphrey Ker claimed in December that Reynolds and McElhenney were “losing a tonne of money”.The Hollywood actors had recently installed a new £250,000 temporary stand at the Racecourse Ground.Opened just before Christmas, the temporary stand holds 2,289 fans and was added to the Town End.As well as the losses, Wrexham have also announced an increased turnover to £10.478million from £5.972million in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis comes after increases in retail, sponsorship and revenue from the club’s 2022/23 FA Cup run.Wrexham reached the fourth round of the competition for the first time since 2000, taking then Championship side Sheffield United to a replay.Prince William visits Wrexham’s The Turf pub made famous by Ryan Reynolds after Palace gives update on Kate’s recoveryThe financial statement also outlined an increase in payroll to just under £7million.A club statement explained: “The financial losses suffered by the Club since the takeover shouldn’t be repeated, with income generated by the Club now sufficient to meet the operational costs of the Club going forward.”Wrexham are currently on course for a second consecutive promotion this season.Phil Parkinson’s side sit third in League Two with seven matches remaining, three points ahead of fourth placed MK Dons.They could even move level on points with league leaders Mansfield when they meet at the Racecourse Ground on Friday.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElnenney have owned the club since 2020Credit: Getty More

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    Meet Sam Abdulrahim, 34, the boxing star who was shot SIX times at funeral but fought back to become world champion

    LESS than two years after being shot in the chest SIX times, one former biker is now a boxing champion.Sam Abdulrahmin, a former Mongols biker, has had an incredible two years in the ring following a traumatic shooting at a funeral.Sam Abdulrahim is the WBC Australian cruiserweight championCredit: INSTAGRAM @sam_abdulrahimAbdulrahim was shot in the chest six times in 2022Credit: INSTAGRAM @sam_abdulrahimThe 34-year-old was shot six times while attending his cousin’s funeral in Melbourne Australia back in 2022.The boxer was reportedly leaving the funeral when a car pulled up next to him and sprayed him with bullets.It is also said that he was unbelievably able to drive himself to a nearby police station in order to seek help.And after being rushed to hospital in a critical condition Abdulrahmin miraculously battled through to survive the attack.READ MORE IN BOXINGNow two years on and the Aussie puncher has won the WBC Australian cruiserweight championship.’The Punisher’ beat Thailand’s Panya Chomphoophuang on Thursday to claim the title.Abdulrahmin secured his title in the fifth round with a knockout blow coming in the shape of an uppercut sending Chomphoophuang down to the canvas.The victory increases his unbeaten record to 8-0 with five of his eight victories coming as knockouts.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDespite the incredible story and impressive performance from Abdulrahmin, the fight almost didn’t go ahead.The pair were supposed to come to blows at Melbourne’s Furlan Club, but the venue was set on fire just days before the bout was initially due to take place last month.Inside Anthony Joshua’s amazing car collection Instead the fighters chose to face-off in Bangkok, Thailand where Abdulrahmin was still able to get the job done despite fighting away from his home nation. More

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    Ex-Arsenal star and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey to weigh up his international future after Euro 2024 heartbreak

    AARON RAMSEY is considering his Wales future after their cruel Euro 2024 play-off exit.The Dragons captain, 33, was an unused substitute and watched on as Dan James suffered penalty heartbreak in the 5-4 shootout loss to Poland in Cardiff on Tuesday night.Dan James saw his penalty saved as Wales’ Euro 2024 qualification dreams were ended by Poland.Credit: GettyAaron Ramsey has had a brilliant Wales career, playing at three major tournaments but there are question marks over if he will carry on for the 2026 World Cup qualifiersCredit: Getty ImagesThe painful defeat ended Welsh hopes of qualifying for this summer’s finals in Germany.Ramsey has won 84 caps and is sixth on the all-time list of goalscorers with a tally of 21 strikes.But it is understood to be weighing up whether he will play on for his country in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.The Cardiff midfielder has had an injury-plagued season with a knee injury keeping him out for five months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter returning for two substitute appearances for the Bluebirds, Ramsey picked up a calf injury and was a doubt for the Euro play-offs.He was named in Robert Page’s squad and played 20 minutes for Cardiff in the South Wales derby defeat to Swansea on March 16.But Ramsey did not play a single minute either against Finland in last Thursday’s 4-1 win or the Poland defeat with Ben Davies taking over as captain.Ramsey, who has a year left on his Cardiff contract, was part of three major qualification successes with Wales.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe was named in the team of the tournament at Euro 2016 where Chris Coleman’s men reached the semi-finals.The ex-Arsenal and Juventus star also played at the delayed Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup – Wales’ first global appearance since 1958.The World Cup qualifiers start next March and Ramsey would be 35 by the time the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico come around if Wales qualified.Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, 37, who has 109 caps, is another Wales player who could now weigh up his international future.Page said: “There have been no conversations like that. It’s been an hour since we’ve ended the game. Aaron was a big part of this squad.”It’s not just what he brings on the pitch, it’s off the pitch as well. We want to continue to add to the squad and at the right time we will start introducing the younger ones in.”When quizzed why Ramsey was not brought on in extra-time or for penalties, Page added: “Who could he have come on to replace? “We needed the two 6s in the middle of the park. We weren’t going to take any more gambles or unnecessary risks late on into injury-time.”We made the changes which we thought were going to go on and win us the game.” More

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    Robert Page to remain Wales boss despite Euro 2024 play-off failure

    ROBERT PAGE will remain Wales boss despite their Euro 2024 play-off failure.The Dragons suffered a penalty shootout heartbreak to Poland on Tuesday night after Dan James’ decisive spot-kick was saved by Wojciech Szczesny.Wales keeper Danny Ward looks gutted after Euro 2024 play-off exitCredit: GettyPage wants to carry on as Wales boss until 2026 and FAW president Steve Williams has backed himCredit: RexFootball Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney publicly stated Page’s position would be reviewed if automatic qualification was not secured.But Page is under contract for two more years and received a vote of confidence yesterday that his job is safe for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.FAW president Steve Williams said: “The FAW can confirm Rob Page is their manager for the forthcoming campaign in accordance with his contract.”Rob is the manager. His contract runs to the end of the World Cup and that is how we continue to work.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite the cruel Euro exit on spot-kicks in Cardiff which ended Welsh hopes of qualifying for Germany this summer, Page insists he is “absolutely” the right man to lead Wales forward.SunSport understands there was no break clause in the manager’s contract to activate at the end of the Euro campaign.Page, 49, is the only Welsh manager to lead his country to two major tournaments and he has the support of his squad.Next up is a June 9 friendly in Slovakia before the start of Nations League ties in the autumn and then next year’s World Cup qualifiers.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPage said: “I’ve got a great relationship with Dave Adams, the technical director of the FAW. “We’ve had our issues in the past, haven’t we? It’s been well documented.”But everything’s fine and great. “The board, the chief exec, the president, they see the journey we’re on and what we’re trying to do. They appreciate it.”In 12 months we’ve gone from the retirement of senior players to introducing younger players and being one kick away from qualification.”Poland progressed without even registering a shot on target in 120 minutes – prompting criticism of Page’s tactics and substitutions.But ex-Wales star midfielder Joe Allen, who won 74 caps and retired after the 2022 World Cup, says Page deserves the chance to try and lead the Dragons to the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico.Allen, 34, said: “The two things you have to look for is, are the players supportive of the manager? That’s very evident.”Does the future look bright and is the team improving and that is also evident.“He deserves the chance to carry on and the chance to prove himself again.”Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas, 18, Fulham’s 19-year-old attacker Luke Harris and Cardiff midfielder Rubin Colwill, 21, are viewed as the next generation of talent to come through.Page added: “I know I’ve got a good group of players, great staff, and we’re going on the right path. “There are younger players to be introduced so that’s my next aim.”We haven’t got there this time but with the games in June, we can introduce younger players and build on what we have already got here. We’re going places.”Jordan James will be another Ethan Ampadu and I’ve no doubt he’ll have around 50 caps by the time he is 23.“Having gone through that experience will make them bigger and better in the future. “We’re disappointed but we have learned lessons.”But Wales will be counting the cost of missing out on a £10m-plus windfall.The Dragons would have got a cash boost of almost £8million for just participating in Germany with sponsorship and commercial spin-offs to follow.Now the spotlight will be on Wales’ latest financial results which are due with Companies House by March 31.The failure to qualify will only increase the concerns at the Welsh FA over budget cuts following a series of cost-cutting measures in recent times.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the worrying state of Wales’ finances could explain the public backing of Page as the FAW would have had to stump up a compensation package to bring in a new boss.Mooney, appointed in August 2021, has also made a string of financial promises to the grassroots game in Wales as well as pledging millions to the Welsh Premier. More