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      in Soccer

      Hanna Bennison ready for ‘tough’ Arsenal test and a ‘must-win’ Women Champions League game for Juventus

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      HANNA BENNISON has grown accustomed to performing under pressure during her journey to the top of women’s football.Tonight the Juventus ace and her club pals face the tough task of attempting to keep their Champions Leagues hopes alive by avoiding a loss to Arsenal.   Hanna Bennison and her team-mates are currently third in their Women’s Champions League group behind Bayern Munich and ArsenalCredit: GettyJuventus will need to avoid a defeat away at Arsenal should Bayern Munich beat or draw with Valerenga in their group stage gameCredit: GettyArsenal have been fine form under interim boss Renee Slegers winning five and drawing one of their last six games in the WSL and EuropeCredit: GettyIt was four years ago in January that the former Everton ace, then 17, was included on a Uefa list of ten young up and coming players to look out for. Being named by as one of Europe’s promising young players is a fond memory for BennisonIt also made her reflect on the pressure that comes with performing at elite level. The playmaker said: “It was really fun to get their nomination, but then also I think it brought a lot of pressure on me. Read More Football Stories”I felt like I had to show that I’m one of those (top players). “But of course I was really happy to be recognised in that way. “I’ve always been putting pressure on myself ever since I was young because I want to be the best I can be. “I’ve always played with pressure. Most read in Football”At times it got a bit hard but then I took the help I needed, for example, by talking to my family and friends, and that has helped a lot. “You’re always going to feel pressure somehow when you play football. “You need to perform, you want to perform and you want to be the best you can. “I accept that there is going to be pressure. For me it’s about learning how to deal with it.”Since making her senior club football debut at 15 at the start of a three-year stint with Rosengard, Bennison’s journey has included her lifting a top-flight title with them in Sweden.  An August 2021 transfer to Everton, with the forward signing for a club record-breaking six-figure sum, followed her time with the Swedish side.And after three years and 63 Women’s Super League appearances for the Toffees, Bennison sealed a three-year move to Juventus in July. Her switch to the top-flight Italian side came 11 months after helping Sweden battle their to a bronze medal win in last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia. And having been part of Everton teams that finished tenth, sixth and eighth in England’s top tier, Bennison felt she was “ready for something new” with Juve.This includes competing for a Serie A Women’s title and in the Champions League with the Turin club. Before her move the midfielder chatted to her Sweden international team-mate Linda Sembrant who spent three years at Juve prior to joining Bayern Munich this summer.  Bennison adds: “I just got a really good feeling speaking to the head coach and other staff around the club.”I spoke to Linda who was here before. For me, I needed something new and Juventus are interesting because of their style of play.”Winning games, playing in the Champions League and competing at the highest level is important to me.”I felt this is a good environment for me to come to and to hopefully play a lot as well.  “I want to develop and grow with the team and of course we want to win things.”On the domestic front Juventus are currently faring well with the team top of the table. Ahead of their Sunday away clash with Como, Bennison’s side are unbeaten in 10 games and four points off second-placed Fiorentina. Tonight at 8:00pm however they face a battle to keep hopes of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals alive. The team are currently third in Group C and three points behind Arsenal who are second after two losses from their opening three group stage fixtures. They must avoid a loss to Gunners at the Emirates should Bayern Munich beat Valerenga in the other Group C clash taking place this evening. Bennison, whose side lost 4-0 to Arsenal last week, said: “It’s a game we need to win. Juventus will take on Como when they return to Serie A action this SundayCredit: Getty”We will do our very best to deliver a good performance and try to win it, but we know it will be hard. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We let in a lot of goals towards the end of the last game which we’re not happy about. We want to do things differently in this game.”It would mean a lot (to win) and that’s our goal. But it’s going to be tough for sure.” More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Diogo Dalot launches LinkedIn profile to reveal second career investing in new sport

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      DIOGO DALOT has launched a LinkedIn profile and revealed his business interests include investing in a popular new sport.The Portuguese full-back, 25, has been one of very few Manchester United players to impress so far this season.Diogo Dalot has impressed for Manchester United this seasonCredit: GettyHe has now revealed a second career in businessCredit: LinkedIn/Diogo DalotThe Red Devils will begin a new era on Sunday when they face Ipswich in their first game under new manager Ruben Amorim.And while Dalot will be keen to impress Erik ten Hag’s replacement, he also has interests off the pitch.His LinkedIn page will be solely dedicated to his “personal insights” and “business endeavours”.Among those ventures includes a financial stake in padel tennis – a Mexican sport that is becoming increasingly popular across Europe and which Dalot says he “loves”.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Portugal international released a lengthy statement on the social media site.It read: “Bom dia all and welcome to my LinkedIn profile. Follow my account to see an up close and personal perspective on my life beyond the football pitch.”On my page you will see the work I am putting in off the pitch – keep a close eye. Looking forward to connecting with you to help bring our ideas to life.”LinkedIn provides a space dedicated to my personal insights, extending beyond my love for football and being on the pitch.”Through LinkedIn I can now more readily connect with the interests and causes I am most passionate about and launch my own business endeavours that grow and give back to those communities.”My LinkedIn page will exist as a kind of diary entry, helping to tell the stories around my work on and off the pitch, whilst also establishing a platform where I can voice my opinions and insights on all things business.”I am so happy to be creating such a space where I can discuss the matters closest to my heart and continue to grow alongside my football career.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMexican sport padel is becoming popular across EuropeCredit: Alamy”Whether it is discussing my ongoing investment in padel – a sport I love – or joining wider debates around travel in football: both the impact on the environment and the impact on the athlete, you can look at my LinkedIn profile for an honest and reasoned perspective. Stay tuned 🤝📂.”Dalot has played 18 games for Man Utd this season, contributing two assists.Diogo Dalot goes wild after Man Utd win over LiverpoolHe has started all 11 of the Red Devils’ Premier League matches, but could now be called upon in a different role.New manager Amorim, 39, is expected to employ the 3-4-3 formation he played consistently at Sporting Lisbon.This is likely to mean Dalot is utilised as a wing-back and will be crucial in providing the team’s width. More

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      in Boxing

      Harlem Eubank undercard: Who else is fighting on the Channel 5 card?

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      HARLEM EUBANK returns to action on Friday night in a big clash against Nurali Erdogan in the welterweight division. The Brighton boxer was touted for a big fight against Adam Azim but negotiations for that bout fell through, allowing Erdogan to step up. Harlem Eubank is in action on Friday evening against Nurali ErdoganCredit: ReutersHarlem Eubank vs Nurali Erdogan – UK start time, stream FREE Eubank won his last two fights by stoppage and will be looking for another statement victory here.Erdogan lost his last encounter, and will be hoping to pull off a big upset in Newcastle.The bout will be held at the Walker Activity Dome in Newcastle. Ring-walks for the main event should get going from around 10.45pm GMT.Channel 5 will show the fight in the UK from 10.30pm GMT, and you can live stream all of the action from the My 5 app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Wasserman will show the undercard on their YouTube channel, with the action switching to 5Action (Sky channel 150) from 9pm until 10.30pm. Eubank vs Erdogan full cardEubank’s fight against Erdogan may be the main event, but there are some tasty fights on the undercard too.Ben Marksby comes up against Levin Kinsiona in a brilliant super-lightweight clash.Most read in BoxingRobert Lloyd-Taylor faces Robin Zamora at 147lbs and both Joe Laws 7 Cyrus Pattinson are also in action.Harlem Eubank vs. Nurali ErdoganBen Marksby vs. Levi KinsionaRobert Lloyd-Taylor Jr. vs. Robin ZamoraDan Toward vs. Johan NovaNiall Brown vs. Pablo SosaJ’Hon Ingram vs. Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de OliveiraCyrus Pattinson vs. Andrei AntonovSophie Alisch vs. Marina SakharovJoe Laws vs. Adam CieslakCodie Smith vs. Engel GomezLee Rogers vs. Yin CaicedoEduard Georgiev vs. Jack England More

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      in Soccer

      English football competition rebranded and given new name midway through season

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      THE EFL Trophy has been rebranded and given a name change yet again.It was known as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy for just over a year, with the company taking over as the rights holders for the start of the 2023-24 season.The EFL Trophy has undergone a rebranding and has a new nameCredit: RexNow the competition will be known as the Vertu Trophy – with Vertu a parent company of Bristol Street Motors.It is the latest sponsorship deal for the company, who are already the front of shirt sponsors for Yorkshire County Cricket.Vertu also have a deal with basketball team Newcastle Eagles, with their ground named Vertu Motors Arena.Their sponsorship of the EFL Trophy was part of a deal which saw Vertu become the official car dealer of the EFL.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rebranding will come into immediate effect, starting with Friday’s Round of 32 draw.Chief Executive Officer at Vertu, Robert Forrester said: “Our partnership with the EFL has been a huge success over the past twelve months, allowing us to engage with community groups across the country and including one of the most dramatic finals in competition history at Wembley Stadium back in April.“As our business evolves to operate under one brand, we look forward to continuing to work alongside the EFL to drive the Vertu Trophy forwards, and are interested to see what fixtures emerge from Friday’s draw for the Round of 32.”The EFL Trophy has had 11 different sponsors since 1984 with the competition formerly known as the Papa John’s Trophy and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL Chief Commercial Officer, Ben Wright said of the change: “Vertu have contributed significantly to the ongoing success of the competition and have made a lasting impact in communities by supporting accessible football with ticket initiatives.“Trophy attendances contributed strongly to the EFL’s status as the highest attended league body in Europe last season, and with every Vertu Trophy match live on Sky Sports this season, the exposure for the competition will continue on an upward trajectory.”Roy Keane reduces Ian Wright and Gary Neville to tears with crude comments about Premier League icon More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal legend’s son training with Wrexham as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bid for promotion to Championship

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      THE son of an Arsenal legend is training with League One side Wrexham as they eye a third successive promotion.The Welsh club have enjoyed a sensational few years since being taken over by celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have helped Wrexham to successive promotionsCredit: GettyA young attacker with an ex-Arsenal defender for a father has been training with WrexhamCredit: GettyThey returned to The Football League in 2023 after winning the fifth tier.And last season they claimed the second automatic place behind Stockport to clinch back-to-back promotions.Now they are flying high in League One, sitting in third place and just two points adrift of the automatic promotion spots.According to The Mail, a young right-sided attacker is training with Wrexham’s squad – Yassine Toure.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 18-year-old, who has played for Celtic and Leicester’s academy sides, is yet to feature for the first-team but is hopeful of securing a contract at Wrexham.Along with his talent, he also boasts the pedigree of being the son of ex-Arsenal defender Kolo Toure.Toure Sr, 43, was a part of the Gunners’ Invincibles side from the 2003/04 Premier League campaign.He also won two FA Cups and reached the Champions League final under Arsene Wenger.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKolo Toure, centre, was a part of Arsenal’s Invincibles side from the 2003/04 campaignCredit: GettyThe centre-back went on to join Manchester City in 2009 – where he won a second Premier League title and is now a coach.Toure Sr, who also played for Liverpool, earned 120 caps for Ivory Coast, but his son is still waiting on a first senior call-up.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersYassine was in the Celtic academy but made the switch to Leicester with dad Kolo and manager Brendan Rodgers.When Kolo left Leicester for Wigan, the Ivory Coast youth international stayed put at the King Power Stadium after signing a two-year scholarship contract.Now he has departed the Premier League side and could finally get his chance in Wrexham’s senior team. More

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      in Boxing

      Derek Chisora set to fight disgraced 22 stone heavyweight in Manchester showdown as fans predict chaotic build-up

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      DEREK CHISORA is set to fight disgraced drugs cheat Jarrell Miller.The pair are in line to headline on February 8 in Manchester with Frank Warren promoting the bout. Derek Chisora is set to fight disgraced drugs cheat Jarrell MillerCredit: PAMiller is to travel to Manchester for the boutCredit: GettyChisora, 40, beat Joe Joyce, 39, on points in July in his 48th bout and later revealed he wants to retire on 50 fights. Miller, 36, meanwhile drew with former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr, 35, in August. Fans are expecting a chaotic build-up between the American loudmouth and Chisora as one said: “That’s gonna be a slobber knocker.”Another added: “The pre-fight trash talk is gonna be a show in itself.”READ MORE IN BOXINGOne joked: “These 2 are made for each other.”Another said: “Cant wait for press conference.”Miller weighed nearly 22 STONE before his draw with Ruiz in Los Angeles following a dramatic body transformation. The New Yorker is one of the most controversial figures in the sport – infamously blowing his chance to fight Anthony Joshua in 2019. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe shockingly failed a series of pre-fight drug tests, blaming it on a tainted supplement and stem cell shots in his elbow.Miller then received a contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable but again tested positive for a banned substance.Former Anthony Joshua rival Jarrell Miller shows off insane body transformation ahead of Andy Ruiz Jr fightThis time the ex-kickboxer put it down to a SEX PILL and was handed a two-year suspension.Miller returned in 2022 and won three on the spin including a stoppage over ex-champ Lucas Browne, 45. But he was beaten by Brit Daniel Dubois, 27, last December before failing to beat Ruiz in the summer. More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s romance, from the ‘magical night’ they met to a PDA at US Grand Prix

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      MAX Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s romance knows no bounds.As recently as the US Grand Prix, they packed on the PDA as the world champion finished on the podium and edged closer to winning another title.Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet pack on the PDA on a race dayCredit: RexDutch champion Verstappen and Piquet have been together for four yearsCredit: InstagramVerstappen celebrates becoming world champion with Piquet in 2021Credit: GettyVerstappen can now secure his fourth consecutive championship at the Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend by bettering rival Lando Norris.Sure to be cheering the Dutchman on from the Red Bull paddock is Brazilian Wag, Kelly.The pair met in 2016 – bonding over having fathers who were F1 drivers.Love blossomed in 2020 and they soon moved in together in a £13million Monaco mansion overlooking the Med.Read more F1 newsSunSport looks at their relationship, from that ‘magical moment’ when they first laid eyes on each other.Magic momentIn 2016 Verstappen had dinner with Kelly’s brother, Nelson Jr.The pretty brunette joined them for the occasion in Monaco, which she spoke about to Vogue Netherlands.He was 19 at the time, while she was 28.Most read in Motorsport”Max was friends with my brother Nelson and we all went out for dinner in Monaco one night,” she said in an interview with the fashion magazine in 2022.Inside Max Verstappen’s incredible love for his cats who are named after his favourite Monaco nightclubs”That was six years ago, in 2016. But there was already something magical that evening.”She added: “Our connection started then. And I’ll leave it at that for now.”However, instead of Max – Kelly began dating Russian driver Daniil Kvyat from 2017.They had a daughter together called Penelope, but split just two years after getting together.In 2020, Kelly and Max reconnected and became Instagram official on 2021.Max shared a photo of the pair together on social media on New Year’s Day.”Let’s make 2021 a year to remember in many ways,” he captioned the cute snap.”Wishing you all success, love and happiness just as I found mine.”Piquet and Verstappen went Instagram official in 2021 with his New Year’s snapCredit: InstagramPiquet has a daughter called Penelope from a previous relationshipCredit: InstagramGlam Piquet is the daughter of F1 legend Nelson PiquetCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/Kelly’s thoughtsFor her part, Kelly has been very open about her relationship with Max.In that same interview with Vogue Netherlands she spoke about their nine-year age difference. “I think we have a very healthy relationship, easygoing, we have a lot of understanding and support for each other,” she said.”You would think the age difference could be a challenge, but so far things are going really well.”I also really appreciate how he treats Penelope. It’s so sweet to see.”He always asks for her, always visits her to say hello when he leaves, and gets her love back. So cute!”As well as bonding over her daughter, Kelly has grown up around motor racing.Her father is Nelson Piquet, a three-time F1 champion from Brazil.While Verstappen’s dad Jos was an F1 racer from 1994 to 2003.Beauty Piquet has been open about her relationship with VerstappenCredit: instagram @kellypiquetBoth Verstappen’s and Piquet’s fathers were in motorsportCredit: GettyJos Verstappen competed in F1 from 1994 to 2003Credit: GettyThree time world champion Nelson Piquet poses with his daughterCredit: GettyHow they liveFor all the snippets they share on Instagram, in the whole Verstappen and Kelly keep their personal life fairly private.Declarations of love appear on Valentine’s Day, and most recently, when they celebrated four years together.After their intimate kiss in Texas at the US Grand Prix in October, Kelly took to Instagram to celebrate their anniversary as she posted a bikini picture next to Verstappen, who also soaked up the sun.She captioned the photo: “4 years and countless happy moments.”The photo appeared to be taken from the balcony of their £13million Monaco home.He has shared glimpses of his chic pad, which he and Kelly also share with their Bengal cats.In his spare time he likes to take to the water on a Red Bull-branded jet ski, said to be worth around £16,000.For all his travels around the world, Max is said to have bought a private jet from Sir Richard Branson, worth £12million, which costs over £830,000 to maintain.Max has made sure the Falcon-900EX is customised to his expensive taste – it has a matt finish and has Max’s logo of a lion on the tail fin, paying homage to the national animal of the Netherlands.Piquet and Verstappen live a glam life in MonacoCredit: instagram/@kellypiquet/The hot couple reside in a £13million home in MonacoCredit: instagram/kellypiquetPiquet is one of the most desirable F1 WagsCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquetread more sport featuresKelly often joins him when he flies privately.What the future holdsAs it stands, there is no wedding on the horizon just yet.Previously, Verstappen has said “time will tell” if he and Piquet are to get married, and he hinted he wasn’t ready yet.But as a stepdad, Verstappen has excelled and has spoken of the possibility of having children with Piquet.He told Brazilian journalist Mariana Becker: “At the end of the day, it’s not something you decide. Sometimes it needs to happen.”Piquet plays the role of supportive Wag – championing Verstappen when she canCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquetThere are no wedding plans on the horizon for Piquet and Verstappen as of yetCredit: Instagram @kellypiquetBoth Verstappen and Piquet have hinted that they wanted to have kids togetherCredit: RexHe added: “I don’t know if there’s any God or not, who decides when it’s time to have a baby. But it would be great to have a child.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKelly, herself, has spoken about having a baby with Max too.Watch this space because their family might just grow soon. More

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      in Soccer

      Why Arsenal fans may have to wait years to see Ethan Nwaneri regularly as Mikel Arteta hatches Bukayo Saka-style plan

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      IT IS the bulk, not the brains, that still has Mikel Arteta hesitant when it comes to Ethan Nwaneri.Arsenal academy product Nwaneri, 17, is in the Premier League’s history books as the competition’s youngest ever player – coming on as a 15-year-old sub at Brentford in September 2022.Ethan Nwaneri has been sensational for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup this season – here he celebrates one of his two goals in the win over BoltonCredit: GettyThe 17-year-old (right) also scored a cracker against PrestonCredit: PANwaneri with boss Mikel Arteta during training – but the Spaniard does not fully trust him to be a regular yet in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyAnd this season has provided glimpses of the young midfielder’s seemingly limitless potential.Three Carabao Cup goals in his first two Arsenal starts have been followed by notable substitute appearances away at Tottenham, Newcastle and Inter Milan.For Arsenal fans, the next logical step is for Nwaneri to get a Prem start. The Emirates faithful are desperate for another teenage sensation to idolise and adore.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is why social media erupted when Arteta claimed: “The boy is ready” after the 5-1 Carabao Cup third round win over Bolton – with two goals from Nwaneri on his first start.There is no doubt that he possesses the technical ability to make an impact in this Arsenal first team, but these days, it is Prem-proven physicality that really wins over Arteta.The Gunners boss is obsessed with height and power and since the start of his tenure in December 2019, Arteta has transformed this squad from tiny toddlers to towering titans.It is understood that under Arteta, certain players have three or more sessions a week of heavy lifting in the gym to get them to the required standard.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd gazing over his starting XI now is like staring at a city of skyscrapers. William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey are all six foot-plus and strapping.This big-man obsession has influenced recruitment too. Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino [both 6ft 2in] were signed this summer with exactly that in mind.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedArteta wants Nwaneri to bulk up like Bukayo SakaCredit: GettyNwaneri may have the maturity of a seasoned pro, but with the body of a kid standing at 5ft 9in, there appears to be a long way to go before Arteta takes the plunge from the off.And with giants like Rice, Partey and Merino to choose from in midfield, Arteta is unlikely to stray from what he knows gets results in the Prem.The good news is that Arteta has proven to be patient when waiting for players to beef up with varying methods – and it certainly pays off.The best example is Bukayo Saka – a spindly baby-face when he made his debut in November 2018 under Unai Emery as a 17-year-old, and had barely changed by the time Arteta took over.In order to protect him from being bullied by physically-superior opposition, Arteta kept Saka at left-back until he was ready bulk-wise to take on a demanding right-wing role.Saka’s mindset and dedication off the pitch has also been vital, having a home gym installed at his home, putting in extra rehab hours to stay fit and admitting to relying on his mother’s nutritious Nigerian home cooking.While Saka’s talent shone through in those early years, Arteta still demanded more from him physically. The big change came in the summer of 2023 where Saka’s body shape went from boy to man. It took four years, but Saka is now at the expected level.Ben White was another. A skinny, fresh-cheeked talent when he joined from Brighton for £50m in July 2021 as a 23-year-old, criticised on his Gunners Prem debut in a 2-0 defeat at Brentford for being too soft.Fast forward three years and White sent Arsenal fans crazy this summer when pictures emerged from pre-season of the right-back bench pressing 40kg dumbbells.Arteta’s other means of bulking is through the loan market, sending a 19-year-old Saliba out to Nice and Marseille between 2020 and 2022 to get to grips with men’s football.Now, the French centre-back is one of the best and most intimidating defenders in the division, able to match the likes of Erling Haaland for pace and power.It does not always work. Arteta signed Fabio Vieira for around £30m from Porto in June 2022, and instantly put him on a programme to make him more muscular.For whatever reason, the 24-year-old playmaker never really appeared to adapt to the Prem and was sent back to Porto on loan this summer in a bid to resurrect his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESNwaneri is unlikely to have a major growth spurt any time soon to suddenly become a starter – his physical development will take time and Arteta will continue to protect him.But, as 5ft 10in Saka has shown, it will be worth the wait. More