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France boss Didier Deschamps reacted positively to the news of Paul Pogba's four-year doping ban being reduced.

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• Deschamps reacts to reduction of Pogba's ban
• Could move out of Juventus
• France manager vowed support to Pogba

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Juventus midfielder recently found out that his four-year doping ban has been cut to 18 months after his successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). As per the new ruling, Pogba is now expected to be back in action in March 2025.

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  However, there has been speculation over the Frenchman's future at Juventus, with the claiming that the Serie A giants are in talks with the player over a mutual termination of his contract. France manager Deschamps has welcomed the news of Pogba's ban being reduced and vowed to keep supporting the player in the next stage of his career, albeit without directly opening the door for him to return to the national team.

• WHAT DIDIER DESCHAMPS SAID

  In an interview with the France Football Federation, the World Cup-winning coach said: "I’ve spoken on the phone with him for a long time during this challenging period for him. Obviously, it’s very, very, positive news for him. At least now, he knows he can return to play football in March. There will be a time, from January to March, when he’ll have to do a lot of specific work. It’s a relief for him, and I am happy for him too. It’s still a heavy sanction, but 18 months is less harsh than the initial four years. Some steps must be taken, but it’s excellent news humanly."

  Deschamps added: "In the meantime, there will be discussions with his club, Juventus, his current employer. But at least he knows that in March 2025, he can return to playing. He loves football so much. I ensure I remain in contact with and support all the players. I’ve known Paul from the very start, but when there are complicated moments, injuries, private issues, or suspensions like this one, the players know that I am available at any time and can communicate with them and with him in this case. It’s essential to me, without knowing what will happen tomorrow. This kind of support is natural in the relationship of trust that I feel I have with the players."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PAUL POGBA?

  The 31-year-old has been linked with a move to MLS as several U.S. clubs have reportedly shown interest in his services. A move to Ligue 1 could also be an option, with former Manchester United and France star Patrice Evra admitting that he wants to see Pogba linking up with Mason Greenwood at Marseille.

Celtic are set to compete in the revamped and restructured Champions League set-up next season after they won the Scottish Premiership title.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the Hoops will play eight games in the new league phase (formerly the group stage). They will play eight sides from Europe, rather than three teams twice, and play half of the games at Parkhead and half of the matches away from home.

Teams will need to finish inside the top eight in the league to automatically qualify for the knock-outs, whilst teams from ninth to 24th will then compete in two-leg play-off games to make the last 16.

The Scottish giants were knocked out of the Champions League during the group stages this season, as they finished bottom of their group, which included Lazio, Feyenoord, and Atletico Madrid.

Brendan Rodgers may now look to use the upcoming summer transfer window to improve his squad with the hope of making more progress in Europe next term.

The Northern Irish head coach could aim to strengthen his attacking options after the Hoops scored just five goals in six Champions League matches in the first half of the 2023/24 campaign.

Celtic's interest in signing loan star

According to the Daily Record, Rodgers is 'desperate' to sign loan star Adam Idah from Norwich City after his impressive stint with the club this year.

The report claims that the Ireland international is a target for the former Liverpool and Leicester boss, who wants to snap him up on a permanent deal after his temporary spell at Parkhead.

It also states that the Canaries are looking for a fee of at least £6m to allow their academy graduate to move on from Carrow Road before the end of the summer transfer window.

There is no mention, though, of how much Celtic are prepared to pay for the 23-year-old centre-forward and if they are willing to splash out £6m on his services.

Football Insider have also published a report on the situation and they claim that new Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup, who recently replaced David Wagner in the dugout in Norfolk, wants to evaluate the forward in pre-season before making a decision on his future.

The outlet states that he is a 'top target' for the Scottish giants, which backs up the Daily Record's claim, but adds that they are not going to wait around for too long if Thorup takes his time to decide on whether or not to cash in on the striker.

If Rodgers and Celtic can convince the Yellows to part ways with the forward this summer, though, then he could come in and thrive at Parkhead alongside another potential signing – Stuart Armstrong.

Celtic's interest in a Parkhead reunion

Football Insider recently claimed that the Premiership champions are plotting a swoop to sign the Scotland international on a free transfer ahead of next season.

The outlet reported that the 32-year-old attacking midfielder has emerged as a target for the Bhoys after his 'surprise' exit from Southampton upon the expiry of his contract, after they won promotion to the Premier League.

They are said to be considering a move to sign the former Hoops ace but will look at younger alternatives before they decide to bring him back to Parkhead for a second stint in Glasgow.

During his first spell with Rodgers at Celtic, between 2016 and 2018, Armstrong racked up an eye-catching 22 goals and 13 assists in 88 appearances as a central midfielder.

This shows that the Scottish dynamo already knows how to perform in the Premiership and for the Hoops under the pressure of winning titles and trophies each season, which suggests that he could hit the ground running at Parkhead next season.

Like Idah, Armstrong has the experience of playing in Glasgow and in Scotland, which makes them both ideal targets in comparison to players from foreign leagues who would need time to adjust to the league and the pressures of playing for the club.

As you can see in the table above, the Hoops target is also still in top form after an impressive season in the Championship with Southampton, as they won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Idah could now be an exciting signing alongside Armstrong as the duo could come in and hit the ground running at Parkhead as an impressive attacking duo.

Why Adam Idah could thrive with Stuart Armstrong

The Saints maestro showcased his creative quality from a central midfield position during the 2023/24 campaign and he could be a fantastic player to play behind the Irish marksman.

Armstrong ranked within the top 9% of midfielders in the Championship for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.20) and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90 (4.33), which speaks to his ability to create high-quality opportunities for his teammates.

Idah, meanwhile, displayed his ruthless finishing in a Celtic shirt as he scored eight goals from 6.86 xG in the Premiership during the second half of the season.

That came after the 23-year-old striker, who Rodgers hailed as "fast" and a "catalyst", had scored six goals from 5.23 xG during the first half of the campaign for Norwich in the English Championship.

These statistics show that he was an efficient and effective finisher in England and Scotland during the season, with a combined 14 goals from 12.09 xG.

As you can see in the table above, the 6 foot 3 star was prolific during his short spell at Paradise as he impressively averaged a goal every 76 minutes for the Scottish giants.

Whilst there is no guarantee that he will be able to carry that form over to a full campaign in the Premiership if Celtic sign him permanently, Idah has the potential to thrive alongside Armstrong.

Celtic could start the window perfectly with £4m+ swoop for star target

The Hoops are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the shot-stopper this summer.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 10, 2024

The pair could be an exciting duo to watch at Parkhead next term as the free agent midfielder has the creative quality to split open the opposition's defence to put the forward in positions to showcase his superb finishing ability.

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has opened up on his team's 'bitter' 4-1 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League.

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• Bayern Munich lose 4-1 to Barcelona
• Kompany opens up on a 'bitter' loss
• Belgian takes responsibility for the defeat

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Over the last few years, Bayern Munich have enjoyed facing Barcelona in the Champions League as the Bundesliga giants have controlled games and cruised to victories. However, the same was not the case when Kompany's men travelled to Barcelona to face Hansi Flick's men on Wednesday, as the Catalan side romped to a 4-1 win.

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  Barcelona took less than a minute to open the scoring as Raphinha capitalized on some loose defending by Kim Min-Jae. Harry Kane equalized just a few minutes later and it seemed to wake up the Barcelona midfield as Flick's men gained total control of the game and went on to a 4-1 win thanks to Raphinha's hat-trick. Kompany has now opened up on the loss.

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  WHAT KOMPANY SAID

  Speaking to the media, Kompany said: “Congrats to Barça. They are a top team in Europe, so it's not a surprise. These are the games we want to win and show the best version of Bayern.

  "We lost, it was a clear defeat. We will stand together and learn from this defeat. The first goal is bitter. In the first half, I had the feeling for half an hour that we could win. Then the game changed with the second and third goals. But the right analysis will come in peace so that we can learn from it.

  "I want to make a very precise analysis. I don't want to beat around the bush. We didn't find a solution to the counterattacks and the individual play of the three (Lewandowski, Yamal, Raphinha). We were a step too late in the decisive moments.

  “There are no excuses. What's important is that we learn from this game. This game won't decide our season. Why there was such a big difference between the first and second half is something we need to look at.”

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• WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

  Kompany will look to dust off the disappointing loss as quickly as possible as he will hope that his men will be ready for their next clash against Bochum on Sunday, October 27.

Former Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has denied a charge of smuggling cannabis worth £600,000 ($780,000) through Stansted Airport.

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• Emmanuel-Thomas pleads not guilty
• Trial to take place in 2025
• Last played for Greenock Morton

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ex-Arsenal youngster Emmanuel-Thomas has pleaded not guilty to a charge of smuggling cannabis through Stansted Airport along with co-defendants Rosie Rowland and Yasmin Piotrowska. The former Gunners prospect is currently on remand at HMP Durham while Rowland and Piotrowska are on bail.

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  Emmanuel-Thomas was sacked by Scottish club Greenock Morton after being arrested in Chelmsford in September. The National Crime Agency made the arrest after border officials seized the drugs, worth £600,000, that were vacuum packed in suitcases after arriving from Bangkok in Thailand. A trial is currently planned for May 2025.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Emmanuel-Thomas came through the ranks at Arsenal but only made one senior appearance for the club. Having gone on a variety of loan spells, he left in 2011 to join Ipswich Town, and has gone on to play for Bristol City, QPR, MK Dons, Gillingham, PTT Rayong in Thailand, Livingston, Aberdeen, Jamshedpur in India, Kidderminster Harriers, and Greenock Morton before his sacking.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Emmanuel-Thomas is now 33 and one has to imagine his football career is over, especially if he is found guilty when his case eventually reaches trial.

A former chief executive officer says one £60 million player from his ex-club is in talks to join Arsenal, with negotiations ongoing behind the scenes.

Midfielders linked with moves to Arsenal this summer

Uncertainty surrounds the future of current engine room ace Thomas Partey, and Mohamed Elneny is already confirmed to be leaving Hale End on June 30.

Arsenal plot opening bid and negotiations to sign £50 million England star

The Gunners have set their sights on one of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 19, 2024

While Arsenal elected to extend Jorginho's contract, manager Mikel Arteta is still looking to bring in another midfielder who can compete with or partner star man Declan Rice in the middle of the park.

Many names have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, including the likes of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Everton ace Amadou Onana.

Zubimendi is happy at Real Sociedad despite Arsenal being willing to pay his release clause, so the Gunners may well turn to Guimaraes as an alternative given the Brazilian's phenomenal campaign on Tyneside. Reports suggest Arsenal could make a player-plus-cash offer for Guimaraes, in an effort to avoid paying £100 million (Football Transfers), but it may well still be a difficult deal to pull off this summer.

Onana, meanwhile, could be sacrificed by the Toffees in an attempt to comply with PSR and make a big-money sale by June 30. Everton reportedly value Onana up to £60 million, with the Belgian even called one of Europe's most exciting talents by Roberto Martinez.

"He's a really exciting footballer. I know sometimes when we speak about players it's very difficult to measure potential," he told Sky Sports News.

"We're talking about a 20-year-old boy that is probably one of the most talented young players at that age in European football. That's how excited we are in Belgium.

"He's already played in two major leagues in Germany and France, he joined Lille for a big fee and nothing is going to faze him to go into a new project after a big transfer fee.

"He has the physicality and the presence of a player Everton fans know very well – a Marouane Fellaini type. I can understand the excitement around Everton, this is one of the most exciting prospects in European football at this time."

Onana "in negotiations" over joining Arsenal

Now, speaking to Football Insider, Everton's ex-chief executive officer Keith Wyness has made a very interesting claim regarding the midfielder. Indeed, he says that Onana is in ongoing negotiations over a move to Arsenal, with Wyness sharing what he's heard from sources.

“Onana is one who I think will go. I believe from my sources there is interest from Arsenal, and that’s something which could materialise," said Wyness.

“He’s exactly the kind of player Arteta likes, and I’ve heard certainly that negotiations are ongoing. We’d all like to keep Branthwaite. The way Man United and Ratcliffe have handled that negotiation has been very poor.

“As for Everton, the point is that everything we do is managed for the long-term, and the age of the squad is at the core of that."

A Ballon d'Or executive has denied the final rankings for this year's award were leaked amid claims Real Madrid are boycotting the ceremony.

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• Ballon d'Or winner reportedly leaked
• Real Madrid boycott ceremony in response
• Executive insists reports are lies

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Brazilian attacker Vinicius Junior was heavily regarded as the natural option to win the award for the world's best player of 2024 at Monday's ceremony, but it was claimed earlier in the day that the Madrid star will lose out to Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri. Madrid's collective outrage has resulted in the club boycotting the awards, with Vinicius and his team-mates and fellow contenders Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde all refusing to attend.

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  However, Ballon d'Or executive Marc Las has spoken out to dismiss the rumours that the winner has already been announced, as he insisted that only two people are aware of the final results, and he is one of them.

• WHAT BALLON D'OR CHIEF SAID

  "Only two people know the winner, me and the chief of France football. Anyone who says they know the winner or have a list is a liar," Las told .

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The Ballon d'Or ceremony gets underway on Monday evening. As well as the best men's player, awards will be given out for the women's player of the year, as well as the top coaches across the men's and women's game among other prizes.

Nottingham Forest have a huge summer ahead of them to avoid any further breach of the Premier League’s PSR rules whilst improving their squad to maintain their top-flight status.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side endured a tricky second half of the 2023/24 campaign, especially considering a four-point deduction which plunged them into fresh relegation woes.

With the summer transfer window now open, the club will undoubtedly need to bolster their ranks if they are to build on the end of the season which saw Nuno’s side win two of their last three matches.

However, given their financial troubles, they may have to sell multiple players to cut the wage bill and give themselves a huge chance of avoiding a second PSR punishment in as many seasons.

Financial Fair Play: What is PSR, how does it work and who's in trouble?

Leicester City have become the latest club charged with an alleged PSR breach, but what could happen next?

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 16, 2024

One player in particular must be sold, especially considering his lack of impact since his move to the East Midlands last summer.

Odysseas Vlachodimos’ stats at Forest in 2023/24

After arriving in Nottingham following a £7.7m move from Portuguese side Benfica, goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos had ambitions of becoming the club's number one despite the addition of Matt Turner just a couple of weeks prior.

The 30-year-old, who is Greece's number one, had to bide his time before making his debut for the club, failing to make a single appearance until the 2-0 win over Aston Villa in November.

His clean sheet against Unai Emery's side is his only during his time in the Premier League, with his game time decreasing massively since the turn of the year.

Vlachodimos has only featured twice under Nuno, with both starts coming in the FA Cup against Blackpool. Insteaad, January addition Matz Sels started every Premier League match after his move to the City Ground.

The former Benfica shot-stopper has since become the third choice behind Sels and Turner, failing to appear in a single matchday squad since the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal in January.

A summer move must be on the cards for the 30-year-old, with the club needing to shift his hefty wages to avoid another punishment from the Premier League for breaking their PSR rules.

How much Odysseas Vlachodimos earns at Forest

A recent report from Football Insider claims that the Reds are willing to part ways with the shot-stopper this summer, hardly a surprise given his hefty wages at the City Ground.

The goalkeeper signed a four-year deal upon his move to the East Midlands, on a reported £45k-per-week, as per Capology – a huge figure given his lack of impact on Trentside.

His weekly wage of £45k-per-week sees the Greece international take home £2.3m a season, with the club needing to cut such a figure off the bill this summer.

Vlachodimos’ subsequent wage sees him earn nearly two times more than attacker Anthony Elanga, who only earns a reported £25k-per-week, despite his stellar first campaign at the City Ground which saw him register 14 goal contributions.

Whilst at the time it was seen as a brilliant piece of business signing a player of his calibre, it has, unfortunately for both parties, been a complete disaster.

Given his experience in Portugal and internationally, he certainly won’t be short of interest, with the Reds needing to cash in as soon as possible to avoid missing the June 30th PSR deadline.

What Forest's starting XI could look like after £77m spending spree

The Forest boss has a huge transfer window ahead of him this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 16, 2024

Manchester City have failed to make any signings during the transfer window thus far, but Pep Guardiola wont be pushing the panic buttons just yet.

He led the club to their fourth straight Premier League title last season, therefore, the squad is in a pretty solid shape.

If the Spaniard wishes to add another Champions League title to his collection, however, might he go big on a few star signings ahead of the 2024/25 campaign?

Man City eye move for Real Madrid superstar

According to a report from TEAMtalk earlier this month, City are the only team with a genuine interest in signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid this summer.

Any potential move will cost Guardiola, however, as the La Liga champions will demand a fee in excess of £100m for the Brazilian to leave the club he joined in 2019.

Arrivals of Kylian Mbappe and Endrick this summer mean competition for places will be extreme in the Spanish capital next term, which could suggest Rodrygo’s departure ahead of the new season.

Guardiola could sign his own version of the French sensation by swooping for Rodrygo in the next few weeks, as the pair offer similar qualities going forward.

How Rodrygo compares to Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé ended months of speculation by finally signing for Madrid at the start of June. The Frenchman could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they chase more history.

Will his arrival spark the end of things for Rodrygo, however? The Brazilian scored 17 goals and registered nine assists across 51 matches for the Spanish side last term and there is no doubt he could offer a wonderful attacking threat for Pep next term.

According to FBref, Mbappé is the third-most comparable player to the 23-year-old in Europe’s top five leagues, which suggests Guardiola could land a player with incredible talent in the final third.

Indeed, the duo registered similar statistics domestically with regard to assists (five vs seven), shots per 90 (1.32 vs 2.09), shot-creating actions per 90 (4.2 vs 4.04), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.52 vs 0.79) and touches in the attacking penalty area (206 vs 207), demonstrating how impressive the pair where from an attacking standpoint last season.

U23 talent scout Antonio Mango hailed Rodyrgo as “sensational” late last year, and he has emerged as one of the finest attacking players on the continent since moving from his homeland five years ago, with his finishing levels having even been dubbed "terrifyingly good" by journalist Sam Tighe.

Across 216 appearances for the current Champions League holders, the winger has registered 95 goal contributions – 54 goals and 41 assists – which works out as a goal involvement every 2.3 matches, a sublime statistic.

Man City chase "extraordinary" £205k-p/w star as potential Grealish upgrade

The Cityzens are keen to strengthen their ranks this summer.

By
Ben Browning

May 31, 2024

Numbers like this would make him an instant hit in a City team full of quality players on their own merit. The likes of Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden would help Rodrygo potentially improve on his figures from last season.

£100m may sound a lot on the surface, but it could be a wise move should Guardiola lure him to Manchester this summer.

Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has been tipped to return to Aston Villa "when the time is right" by former team-mate Henri Lansbury.

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• Grealish left Villa for City in 2021
• Tipped to return to his former team
• Lansbury hints he wants 'to do more'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Grealish, who came through the Aston Villa youth academy and rose to first-team stardom, has enjoyed a successful career since joining City in 2021, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League crown as part of Pep Guardiola's side.

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  The England international had a diminished role last season, though, as he started 10 of his 20 Premier League appearances, while he has been named on the bench on several occasions this term, too. Lansbury has suggested his fellow ex-Villa star feels stifled by Guardiola's tactics at City and feels a move back to his old stomping grounds is a possibility.

• WHAT LANSBURY SAID

  "Look, he wants to do unbelievable, but this is just a totally different playing style under Pep Guardiola. You see him do bits here and there, and he will still get assists and goals – I'm sure he'll want to do more himself," Lansbury said, according to .

  "In terms of an Aston Villa return… I think it's something he'd want to do, but it would have to be when the time is right for him. For me, his standout moment in a Villa shirt was that goal against Birmingham, when he got punched. I wasn't playing in that game… I was either left out or on the bench! Look, he really does hate the Blues, and given what happened in that game, it was just such a nice thing to see: a local kid score in that derby."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?

  Grealish has been out injured for City in recent weeks, but he was named in the England squad for their upcoming games against Greece and Ireland. Interim Three Lions manager Lee Carsley said that the winger is expected to be fit ahead of the clash with Greece on November 14.

Arsenal are now set to sell a praised member of Mikel Arteta's squad this summer, as sporting director Edu Gaspar also lines up a replacement for him.

Players who could still leave Arsenal this summer

Following the departures of Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares, after their contracts expired on June 30, it now appears that both defender Nuno Tavares and midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga are next out the door.

Arsenal have submitted opening bid for ex-player who "works his socks off"

Edu and the recruitment team have gone in with their first bid.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 11, 2024

Fabrizio Romano has given his famous "here we go" as Tavares agreed on a five-year contract with Lazio. The Portuguese will sign for Marco Baroni's side on loan initially, but the deal includes a mandatory buy-clause set at around £7.5 million.

Meanwhile, Lokonga is having his Sevilla medical today ahead of a proposed switch to La Liga. He'll also join on loan, but just like Tavares, the deal includes a £10 million buy-option clause.

Their moves will free up space in the Arsenal squad, with manager Mikel Arteta looking to reshuffle his options ahead of another Premier League title challenge. Many more could join Tavares and Lokonga, as Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey, Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, and Kieran Tierney are other players who Arsenal may still sell.

All of these men have been linked with a move away from the Emirates in the past few months, with striker Eddie Nketiah also a point of debate.

Arsenal set to sell Nketiah as Edu lines up replacement

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, Arsenal are set to sell Nketiah and Edu is lining up a replacement for him this summer.

Other reports claim the Gunners will demand around £40 million amid serious interest from Ligue 1 side Marseille, but it remains to be seen if they're willing to meet that valuation. Nketiah, called a "top level" striker by Arteta, scored six goals in 37 appearances across all competitions last season, but under half of those cameos came as full starts.

“One of the best athletes we’ve got on our books in terms of his attitude and commitment,” said Athletic Development Club director Chris Varnavas to ESPN via talkSPORT.

“He’s just on another level. His goal was to build a bit of muscle, build some strength, improving his overall athleticism so his strength, his speed, his power. We sat down with the family, with himself, we put a plan together. What we do in the gym, can we transfer it to the pitch? That’s the most important thing.

“Even when he first came to us, when he was around the first team but maybe on the bench here and there, he had that inner belief in himself that he could be Arsenal’s main striker. He never doubted his self-worth.”