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Tag: Arsenal

  • EPL: Bologna defender, Riccardo Calafiori agrees to join Arsenal

    EPL: Bologna defender, Riccardo Calafiori agrees to join Arsenal

    Bologna defender, Riccardo Calafiori has agreed personal terms with English Premier League side, Arsenal.

    It was gathered that the Gunners offered Calafiori a five-year contract, which is valid until June 2029.

    The Premier League side are now in discussions with Bologna over a €50 million transfer fee for the center back.

    FC Basel are expected to receive 50 per cent of the sale.

    Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “Arsenal have agreed terms of Riccardo Calafiori’s contract, valid until June 2029.

    “Arsenal and Bologna are discussing over fee, as request remains around €50 million.

    “FC Basel would receive 50% of the sale over €4.5 million — they’re also aware of talks ongoing, nothing sealed yet.”

  • Transfer: Arsenal approach Napoli for Osimhen deal with €75m

    Transfer: Arsenal approach Napoli for Osimhen deal with €75m

    Arsenal have approached Napoli for the signature of Victor Osimhen with an offer €75m against the player’s €120m release clause set by Napoli.

    Osimhen continues to be highly regarded as one of the top strikers in Europe, with offers coming from right left and center.

    Napoli are willing to allow Osimhen leave if they get the right deal.

    Arsenal is in search of a new striker, viewing Osimhen as a strong candidate after their failed attempt to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

    However, according to a report on Calcio Napoli24, Arsenal has no intention of paying the full release clause. They are prepared to offer €75m to secure the former Lille striker.

    This amount represents their maximum offer, and it is presented as a take-it-or-leave-it proposition to Napoli.

    Osimhen is one of the finest strikers in the market at the moment, and the Nigerian star is likely to leave Napoli this summer.

    He is more prolific than our current options and will add more goals to our game, but he is not worth €120m, and we should not be bullied into paying that much for him.

  • Van Dijk scares strikers – Arsenal defender, Saliba

    Van Dijk scares strikers – Arsenal defender, Saliba

    Arsenal defender William Saliba is full of praise for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

    Saliba says the Dutchman sets the standard for centre-halves.

    Speaking from the France camp, he said: “Van Dijk has aura.

    “He’s the boss. He commands everything. You can feel he’s scaring strikers away. And I’m starting to feel the same way.”

    Saliba also stated: “I need to continue to work to go even higher. In terms of concentration, I am a lot better. Before, I could play a top match but in one phase of play, I slept a bit. That is no longer the case. I am always on alert.”

  • Why I left Arsenal – Villa goalkeeper, Martinez

    Why I left Arsenal – Villa goalkeeper, Martinez

    Aston Villa shot stopper Emiliano Martinez has opened up about the time he left Arsenal.

    Martinez was the no.2 keeper at the Gunners behind Berno Leno when he chose to move on.

    Rather than continue to fight for his place, he decided to try his luck at Villa instead.

    Martinez recounted on his Arsenal career, per the Fozcast: “So Arsene Wenger, the legend, was standing in front of you, you’re going to be my number one (but) he was signing me, contract and money wise, like a number two and I was number three.”

    “(Unai Emery said) ‘Emi look, I give you this because I’m thinking you’re going to be my number one’.

    “When he left, I was 23, 24 and then I went on loan to Getafe where I didn’t play and then Unai Emery came in and was like sorry mate but you played for Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday, you know, teams that he didn’t even know.”

  • Kai Havertz reacts after Arsenal failed to win EPL title

    Kai Havertz reacts after Arsenal failed to win EPL title

    Arsenal’s Kai Havertz has promised the club’s fans their side “will be even better” next season after failing in their bid to win the 2023/2024 English Premier League title.

    Havertz told TNT Sports: “I feel sorry for all the Arsenal fans, for us, we gave our best, but it wasn’t enough. Maybe in two or three months we can say ‘it was a good fight’, but right now, I feel like we deserved more. It wasn’t enough in the end, but we go again next year.

    “Sometimes, it’s not fair in football, but we have to accept it. Football is hard, but hopefully we can go again next year and give the Arsenal fans what they need and what they’re all here for.

    “It’s frustrating. When you see all the fans here it’s tough, but I can tell them next year we’re going to be an even better team and we’re going to give everything again. That’s all I can say.”

    Phil Foden struck twice on Sunday as Manchester City secured a historic fourth successive Premier League title with a convincing 3-1 win over West Ham.

    There were few signs of last-day nerves from Pep Guardiola’s dominant side, although a spectacular effort from Mohammed Kudus just before half-time at the Etihad Stadium did give rivals Arsenal brief hope.

    Yet that was soon extinguished as Rodri drove home City’s third to complete their sixth league success in seven seasons under the inspirational Pep Guardiola on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

    The victory ensured they could not be caught by the second-placed Gunners regardless of their result against Everton.

    Foden told Sky Sports: “Its so hard to put into words what we’ve done today. I think now we’ve put ourselves in the history books.

    “No team’s ever done it and you see what it means to the fans and what it means to us. We’ve been working all year for this moment. It’s such a special feeling today.

    “You never get bored of it. I want this feeling every time. When you win something there’s no better feeling. I just want to keep winning as much as I can.”

    Foden scored his first goal inside two minutes and he believes the experience of City’s players in such situations played a part as they held off Arsenal, who beat Everton 2-1 late on.

    “All the lads have played in important games over the years, we’ve played this scenario a couple of times as well so I think it helps with the nerves.

    “I thought today we looked confident and just played our football and in the end it paid off,” he said

  • Arsenal chief Kroenke’s speech to fans ahead of title battle

    Arsenal chief Kroenke’s speech to fans ahead of title battle

    Arsenal chief Josh Kroenke has assured fans they won’t standstill this summer.

    With the title within reach today, Kroenke says planning is underway to again strengthen for next season.

    “While we are undoubtedly proud of the progress we have made, I want to be clear that no one at the club will stand still,” he told Arsenal’s website.

    “However things finish today, we’re all working behind the scenes to move us forward – always forward – again.

    “There is so much that we want to achieve, both at home and in Europe, and we are focused on writing some exciting new stories and chapters that build on the history of Arsenal Football Club.

    “There have been so many stories and milestones across the season, shaped by so many of our players.

    “We have all enjoyed seeing our summer signings flourish into being Arsenal players and we’re delighted that a number of players have committed to new contracts to keep this squad together, fighting on all fronts. We want to continue to forge that winning mentality that runs so deeply throughout the club.

    “Whatever happens between now and the final whistle today, I’m certain that this season will live long in our memories.

    “The football our teams have played has been a joy to watch and we can all rightly be proud of the progress and the direction of the football club.

    “To be fighting for the Premier League title on the final day of the campaign is a testament to the hard work, drive and determination of everyone at the club. So, too, is the fact we reached the Champions League quarter-final for the first time in 14 years and made it back-to-back Champions League qualifications for the first time in seven years.”

  • EPL: All eyes on Arsenal, City as title race goes down to the wire

    EPL: All eyes on Arsenal, City as title race goes down to the wire

    This is the first time in three years that the English Premier League (EPL) will go down the wire on the final match day of the season.

    Interestingly, Manchester City have been involved in all of these drama with the most shocking and dramatic being the 2012/ 13 season where City and rival Manchester United were involved but City nicked it at the last second of the game against Queens’ Park Rangers, it was  Argentine striker, Sergio Aguero who grabbed the headline with his breathtaking last minute goal.

    However, the last time it happened in the 2021/22 season where  City and Liverpool were involved in the drama, City needed an outright win but chose to trail Aston Villa for 75th minute but somehow managed to win they scored the in the dying minutes of the game and subsequently dashed Liverpool’s hopes of clinching their 20th title.

    Again, season 2023/24 is also going to the wire with City and Arsenal getting involved.

    The destiny is in the hands of Manchester City, having amassed 88points while rival Arsenal are trailing with 86 points.

    For City to win, they must win against hot rival, West Ham United, however the Gunners” fate lies on the result at Etihad.

    Arsenal’s victory against Everton may not guarantee the title for them after 20 years of waiting.

    The Difference between Manchester City and Arsenal

    Arsenal have churned out beautiful results this season by ensuring they didn’t lose to the so called big teams but have one or two moments and loss of concentration to blame for trailing City with two points.

    The Gunners defeated Manchester United home and away, Liverpool at the Emirate and snatched a draw at Anfield. They defeated Chelsea at the Emirate 5-0 and played out a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

    Arsenal also defeated Manchester City at the Emirate and played out a draw at the Etihad.

    Whereas, City drew home and away to Liverpool, defeated Tottenham and United  home and away but drew  Chelsea home  and away.

    The results showed that City didn’t quite do well against the big teams.

    However, they made up with amassing three points from smaller teams while Arsenal didn’t make most of that.

    At some points it was a three horse race with Liverpool in the mix, but the Reds lost it when they lost consecutively to Crystal Palace, Everton and drew 2-2 with West Ham with just three matches to go.

    Those streams of bad results removed the Reds from the race completely leaving only and and Arsenal to battle it out.

    With five games to go, the Gunners also failed to capitalize as they lost to Aston Villa 2-0 at the Emirate the results then put destiny in the hands of Manchester City.

    On Sunday, one EPL  champions will emerge, both City and Arsenal can still make it but the Cityzens are the most favoured considering past events, experience and the quality of opposition.

    Both teams will be playing on home soil.

    Destiny is in the hands of Manchester City but in football impossible is NOTHING.

    Manchester City will slug it out with West Ham at the Etihad, Arsenal will do battle with Merseysiders, Everton at the Emirate.

    All matches will be played simultaneously on Sunday afternoon but all eyes will be on Manchester City and Arsenal.

  • I really thought Son would score against City – Arteta

    I really thought Son would score against City – Arteta

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits he really thought Tottenham captain Heung-min Son would score against Manchester City.

    Son was denied by City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega with a one-on-one chance, before the visitors won 2-0 in midweek.

    Arteta said: “My kids running around the table and going like this [head in hands]. You can imagine. That is magic as well, to have the opportunity to be living it, next to your family and next to your colleagues. Being part of that.”

    He added: “If I had to pick a player in the Premier League for that moment, it probably would be him. Michael Jordan explained it many times, how many times he had the winning shot. It was always him. Sometimes yes, sometimes he did not manage to do it. This is the beauty of sport, as well. What can you do?

    “The hope was there and it didn’t happen. Now we have to do our job which is going to be tough because Everton are in a good moment. It’s one of the biggest weeks for sure for many of us. Certainly now is the most important moment. Can’t wait for Sunday to be in front of us. Very optimistic for the possible outcome.

    “So we have to prove again that we can be better than the opponent and win the game. We have to wish for the best and wish for West Ham to have a really good day and help us to fulfil our dream.”

  • EPL: Arsenal boss, Arteta hints at returning to Spain

    EPL: Arsenal boss, Arteta hints at returning to Spain

    Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has revealed his likely destination after his tenure at the Emirates.

    According to the Spanairds, he would love to return to Spain to continue his coaching career.

    Arteta’s current deal with the Gunners runs till the summer of 2025.

    He was recently linked with a move to Barcelona.

    During his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s final day clash with Everton, Arteta was asked if he sees himself managing in Spain.

    The former Spain midfielder said, “I have always thought that one day I will return. My home draws me a lot, our way of living, of getting together, the culture – and that means I always have it in my head.

    “But I am happy here [at Arsenal], happy with how they treat me, and I really enjoy my job. But someday I suppose it will come, I’m not going to be away for my whole life.”

  • Tottenham vs Man City: Haaland double sinks Arsenal’s EPL title hope

    Tottenham vs Man City: Haaland double sinks Arsenal’s EPL title hope

    Erling Haaland’s double put Manchester City within touching distance of an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 away on Tuesday.

    The Norwegian tapped home his side’s opener early in the second half and settled City’s nerves in stoppage time when he blasted home a penalty for his 27th league goal of the season.

    City had failed to earn a point or score a goal in their first four league visits to Tottenham’s new stadium but ended that jinx in timely fashion to the joy of their supporters.

    Pep Guardiola’s City have 88 points to Arsenal’s 86 and will be guaranteed to become the first side to win four English titles in a row if they beat West Ham United at home on Sunday when Arsenal must beat Everton and hope for the best.

    It was far from a vintage City performance and they were indebted to a couple of crucial saves by substitute keeper Stefan Ortega in the second half.

    One on one to deny Son Heung-min shortly before Haaland’s penalty made sure his side kept their destiny in their own hands.

    “Today was incredible, the character. We know it wasn’t the best game but we must talk about the substitutions,” City midfielder Rodri said. “Stefan Ortega was simply incredible and we have the best goalkeeper in the world.

    “We know it’s not done yet. We need the people behind us.”

    The loss ended Tottenham’s slim hopes of finishing fourth and qualifying for the Champions League.

    Although it was a result apparently welcomed by some sections of their fans who were loath to see their team avoid defeat and offer up a huge title gift to arch-rivals Arsenal.