Latest news with #Gunners
The Sun
an hour ago
- Sport
- The Sun
‘He means business' – Ethan Nwaneri in amazing body transformation as Arsenal teen bulks up for new season
ARSENAL fans are ready to see what Ethan Nwaneri can bring to the team next season after spotting his impressive transformation during the summer. Nwaneri, 18, has returned for pre-season looking considerably more physical than he did at the backend of last season. 7 7 7 The teen prospect looks to have bulked up after pictures emerged of him during the Gunners' pre-season tour in Singapore. Nwaneri has been tipped for a big future ever since he made his debut for Arsenal as a 15-year-old back in 2022 - becoming the Premier League's youngest ever player. Now supporters are ready to see him take the next step after he broke into the first team on a more regular basis last season. The versatile midfielder racked up nine goals and two assists in all competitions last season in what was effectively his first full campaign as a first team player. Fans online have suggested that Nwaneri "means business" with his new filled out physique after working on his strength in the off-season. The England U21 international looks set to be a big part of Arsenal's future too, with reports suggesting he is on the brink of putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal. Nwaneri's current terms expire at the end of the season, but it's claimed he will sign the dotted line on a fresh five-year contract in the coming days. There had been suggestion that Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea were amongst a whole host of clubs interested in luring him away from the Emirates, but Nwaneri's priority has always been to stay at his boyhood club. 7 When he does officially sign on he will join pal and fellow academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly in tying his future down to North London. Lewis-Skelly, 18, signed his own five-year deal last month after interest from Real Madrid. 'It's like Messi... there I said it' - Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him 'potential superstar' The breakout star of last season is understood to know be one of the highest paid teenagers in world football. Arsenal are thought to be ready to offer similar terms to Nwaneri. Arsenal fans have plenty to be excited about when it comes to the future of the club and their impressive crop of Hale End talent. As well as Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, 15-year-old Max Dowman has been earmarked as one of the country's biggest talents and is currently working with the first team in Singapore. While ball-playing centre-back Marli Salmon, 15, is another rising star that was included in Mikel Arteta 's 30-man contingent for pre-season in Asia. 7 7 7
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal to finally sign Viktor Gyokeres with imminent transfer one step away
Arsenal are finally closing in on the signing of Viktor Gyokeres, with a conclusion to lengthy transfer talks now "imminent". The Gunners have been locked in talks to snap up the in-demand Sweden striker for weeks, but his club Sporting Lisbon have been playing hard ball over his signature. At one point Gyokeres threatened to go on strike amid the lack of progress over a deal, with Sporting adamant they would not sell him on the cheap. The striker has long been Mikel Arteta's number one transfer target this summer after watching him score 54 goals in 52 games last season, with many of Europe's elite keeping their eye on him. But Arsenal quickly emerged as frontrunners, even with Manchester United rumoured to still be in the frame - after Gyokeres' old manager Ruben Amorim moved to Old Trafford. Arsenal have already agreed a fee with Sporting - understood to be around £55m plus a further £8.6m in add-ons. The delay is said to be caused by the structuring of those bonuses that have been included in the deal. Now, however, the Athletic have reported that both parties are now "on the verge if a total agreement for the player", with a conclusion to talks "imminent". It says only "finishing touches" are needed to wrap up the negotiations, with Arsenal already agreeing personal terms with the player. Gyokeres will sign a five-year deal at the Emirates and become the fifth major signing through the door this summer, following on from Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke. Meanwhile, it's believed Sporting are already eyeing up Gyokeres' replacement after targeting Almeria striker Luis Javier Suarez. Arsenal's new transfer chief Andrea Berta has been in Portugal this month working hard on bringing Gyokeres to north London as he aims to give Arteta a team that challenge both Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Arsenal now have ‘power, strength' to compete on all fronts, says Gunners' legend Gilberto Silva
Martin Zubimendi's addition to Arsenal's midfield means it now has quality, power and strength, said former Gunners' star Gilberto Silva. SINGAPORE – There are not many footballers who can say that they have been a part of two iconic football teams, at club and international level. Gilberto Silva is one of the few. As the midfield lynchpin of the 'Invincibles' Arsenal side that lifted the 2003-04 English Premier League title and 2002 World Cup winners Brazil, he knows what a winning team need. And the 48-year-old believes Arsenal's new-look midfield has what it takes to compete on multiple fronts in the coming season. This summer, the Gunners signed Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for around £55 million (S$95 million) and the Spaniard is expected to be part of Arsenal's new-look midfield trio with Declan Rice and club captain Martin Odegaard. 'They have a lot of quality (and) offer power and strength in the middle. This is what the club need, because the Premier League is so competitive,' Gilberto told The Straits Times on July 22 at Molly Malone's Irish Pub, where Arsenal announced a multi-year global partnership with Guinness at an event attended by over 300 local supporters. 'Arsenal are back in the Champions League, and they are going to face many challenges again. Last year they had a great campaign (reaching the semi-finals) , and I hope this year they can get through to the final, and why not win it? Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Singapore Woman evacuated from lift in Supreme Court building after falling glass triggers emergency halt Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving 'It is what, as a fan, we expect and hope that the midfield (players) can do a great job. Because when you control this part of the field, it is so important for the development of the game and for the results.' Gilberto, who starred in Arsenal's historic 2003-04 EPL triumph, joined Arsenal in August 2002 from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro and also won the FA Cup twice with the North London side, in 2003 and 2005. Now an ambassador for the club, Gilberto, like fellow Arsenal fans, has endured the pain of seeing the Gunners finish second in the league for three consecutive seasons. Last season, Odegaard, defenders Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes and attackers Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka all missed parts of the campaign through injuries and Arsenal sputtered to the finishing line, winning just five of their final 13 league games. The additions of Zubimendi, another midfielder in Christian Norgaard from Brentford, and winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea, are indications that Arsenal have gleaned lessons. Gilberto believes the club should continue to build their squad depth ahead of the new season. 'There is a way for the club to look forward and improve the squad in terms of quality players,' said the Brazilian. 'When we have so many games in the season, there are a lot of things you cannot predict. For example, with injuries last year, Arsenal suffered quite a lot. Some important players got injured, which cost them a lot. 'But you need quality players not only in the first XI, but players that can come in during the match... (and) keep the same quality and intensity, because it is so important to have the consistency during the season.' Another of Gilberto's former teams that have struggled with the weight of expectation are Brazil, who were eliminated in the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But Gilberto hopes that, just like the Gunners, Brazil can get their hands on the trophy in 2026. The Selecao qualified for the 2026 World Cup in North America with a 1-0 win over Paraguay in June, in what was Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti's first victory as Brazil coach. Gilberto said Ancelotti – appointed in May – has the experience to deal with the expectations. The 66-year-old has led AC Milan and Real Madrid to the Champions League title and has also won domestic league honours in England, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. 'When you are manager of Brazil, you are under a huge amount of pressure, but with his experience, he can handle everything, and I'm sure he's going to do a great job. And I hope that they achieve the title (in 2026),' said Gilberto. With a squad featuring players from some of the best teams in the world, he is confident Brazil will perform well in North America – if they show heart as well. 'One important aspect when you play for the national team is that you have to be proud to be there, because not many good players had an opportunity to wear that shirt. Once you are there, you have to be like a soldier who goes to a war to fight for the country. This is what we expect from them.' Gilberto will be in stands at the National Stadium alongside the Arsenal fans when the Gunners' pre-season tour of Asia begins against Italian giants AC Milan on July 23. The Gunners will conduct an open training session on July 25 at the same venue, before facing English League Cup holders Newcastle United two days later. Gilberto is thankful that his former side gets to visit this part of the world, saying: 'It's a good way to make a connection with the fans around the world. I really enjoy it. 'The only tough thing sometimes is just the first few days because of the time difference, but then we adapt and we have the love of everyone. 'Everyone feels happy and we enjoy that.' Tickets to the Singapore Festival of Football are available at .
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mikel Arteta reveals what Arsenal need to achieve trophy dreams
Mikel Arteta knows the stakes have never been higher after another season without any silverware in north London. After transforming Arsenal from Europa League hopefuls into genuine Premier League and Champions League contenders, the Gunners boss is preparing for the defining season of his short managerial career. 'Yes, I do,' he says with certainty when asked if his team can win the title. 'But it's getting more and more competitive each year. The level is increasing, and so our demands have to increase too.' Arsenal again came heartbreakingly close last season, only to falter amid a lack of ability to win close games during a storm of injuries to key players like Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, and top scorer Kai Havertz. Arteta's squad ran out of steam and, at times, out of players. 'Last year, the lineup was done for us,' he admits. 'We were asking, 'Give me five players who can finish 90 minutes.' That's how we played for seven months. We need to get away from that. 'These restrictions were limiting our capacity to perform and have the freshness that we need at the end of the season. 'Hopefully this season is going to be very different, and we can decide what is the best team with the best players to play against any opponent. 'Then, if we want to change the game, the team, whatever the context is, whether we are drawing or losing, we can change it immediately and have those players that can impact the game.' That's why Arsenal's board have thrown their weight and their wallet behind their manager's ambitious masterplan to emulate former club Manchester City by having players of like-for like quality in every position. Four new faces are already through the door, including Spanish midfield star Martin Zubimendi and Chelsea's Noni Madueke. Arteta now wants three more: Sporting striker Victor Gyokeres, Spanish wonderkid defender Cristhian Mosquera, and either Real Madrid's Rodrygo or Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. 'They're tier one signings,' Arteta says. 'That means they can start. But we want a squad where you look at the team and you can't tell who'll play tomorrow. That's the level we're aiming for.' The Spaniard believes the squad is finally approaching the 'perfect mix' of maturity, youth, and hunger. 'We have the right balance,' he says. 'But there are 6, 7, 8 clubs that also have it and there's only one winner.' And he's not just building for now. Arteta is giving teenagers such as Max Dowman a glimpse of the first-team setup, even handing the 15-year-old a squad number. 'This generation goes faster,' he smiles. 'I couldn't do it at that age. But we have to manage expectations. We don't want to rush; we want to get it right.' Arteta will come under pressure if his side fails to impress, but this time, with depth, vision, and a point to prove, Arsenal believe their time is now.
Metro
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
Mikel Arteta fears eight clubs are in Premier League title race next season
Mikel Arteta reckons there are up to eight clubs ready to challenge for the Premier League title next season, feeling the division is getting ever more competitive. The Gunners have finished second in each of the last three seasons and are desperate to make that final step to title winners in the coming campaign. The likes of Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Christian Norgaard have been brought in to help them do that, while more arrivals are expected in the coming weeks. Their rivals have also strengthened, though, with champions Liverpool not resting on their laurels by signing the likes of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, with Hugo Ekitike about to follow. That has not dissuaded Arteta of Arsenal's ability to win the title next season, but he admits it will be very difficult. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'Yes I do,' Arteta said when asked if he thinks the Gunners can become Premier League champions. 'It is getting more and more competitive each year. The level is increasing. 'We know that so our demands have to increase as well. But we have also been very active in the market. 'We have to improve the players we already have, which is a massive objective after that. And then, set the right fundamentals and the right principles in pre-season to get the team ready with the best possible shape and availability to start the season.' The Spaniard did not name which clubs he is thinking about when weighing up the title challengers, but does believe there could be up to eight of them battling with Arsenal to lift the trophy. 'Every year we have to see how things develop, but I see the right balance in terms of maturity, experience, youth, hunger – all these ingredients are there,' he said. 'The thing is there are another six, seven, eight clubs in the league that have the right ingredients to win and there is only going to be one winner. 'So we have to focus a lot on the things that we can control, that we can do, to achieve what we want at the end of the season.' Arteta was speaking on Arsenal's pre-season trip to Asia, taking on Newcastle and AC Milan in Singapore. Liverpool 2/1 Arsenal 9/4 Man City 3/1 Chelsea 8/1 Newcastle 28/1 Man Utd 40/1 Tottenham 50/1 Aston Villa 66/1 Brighton 125/1 Nottm Forest 175/1 West Ham 300/1 Bournemouth 300/1 Everton 300/1 Fulham 500/1 Leeds 500/1 Crystal Palace 500/1 Wolves 500/1 Brentford 500/1 Burnley 1000/1 Sunderland 1000/1 Odds courtesy of Betfair He is hoping that deals will be done while he gets back to work on the training pitch and in the dugout, admitting that his squad is short in certain areas. 'There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking still,' he said. 'In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. 'Until that happens, [we] focus on the players we have – and I'm very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days.' More Trending Fans were convinced that he dropped something of a hint that the long-awaited deal for Viktor Gyokeres is going to be done soon. Asked how close Arsenal are to signing Gyokeres, Arteta told reporters: 'You know I cannot comment on any player that is not part of our group yet.' The final word is what really got supporters excited. MORE: Aston Villa respond to Man Utd loan offer for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez MORE: Chelsea move ahead of Arsenal in transfer race for 'exceptional' £60m star MORE: Bryan Mbeumo explains Tottenham snub after Man Utd announce £71m new signing
