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Ian Wright says Arsenal star is ‘proving himself’ after ‘nervous’ Champions League performance

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Arsenal legend Ian Wright has heaped praise on Jakub Kiwior, commending the defender’s recent form and resilience after a difficult Champions League performance against Bayern Munich.

Kiwior was heavily scrutinized after being outplayed by Leroy Sane in last season’s first leg, where he was substituted at halftime during the 2-2 draw. However, his form has seen a significant turnaround.

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With Gabriel Magalhaes sidelined due to a season-ending hamstring injury, Mikel Arteta turned to Kiwior, who has stepped up impressively in Gabriel’s absence.

Despite an up-and-down start to life at Arsenal and speculation about a potential summer departure, the Polish international has started all five matches since Gabriel’s injury. He has looked composed and confident alongside William Saliba in the heart of defense.

Kiwior played every minute of Arsenal’s quarter-final clashes against Real Madrid, helping the team secure a historic aggregate win over the reigning champions.

He followed that with a solid performance in the Premier League, contributing to a 4-0 clean sheet victory over Ipswich. He is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup as Arsenal prepare to face Crystal Palace midweek.

Wright, who was previously critical of Kiwior’s performances, acknowledged the defender’s improvement on The Kelly & Wrighty Show.

He pointed out that Kiwior has shown significant growth under pressure, especially at this crucial stage of the season.

Wright admitted there were concerns about Kiwior’s ability to perform against top-level opposition, especially with the increased expectations of the title run-in and Champions League campaign.

But he emphasized that the 25-year-old has exceeded expectations and proven he can handle the responsibility.

“He’s made some mistakes, but what matters is how he responded. When we needed him, he delivered,” Wright said. “That speaks volumes about his character and potential.”

The former striker also praised Arsenal’s evolution as a team, especially after their impressive Champions League performances.

He believes their displays against Madrid will attract top players looking to join a club on the rise. Wright also highlighted the impact of sporting director Andrea Berta, who has helped elevate Arsenal’s profile in European football.

Wright suggested that the way Arsenal controlled both legs of their tie against Real Madrid, despite missing key players like a recognized striker and a natural left-back, sent a strong message to rivals and potential recruits. He noted that Mikel Arteta’s intensity and tactical approach have made the team one to watch.

In Wright’s view, Arsenal have transformed into a genuinely competitive side, not only in the Premier League but also in Europe. He called the club an “attractive destination” for players, thanks to Arteta’s leadership and their upward trajectory.

As the Gunners chase glory both domestically and in Europe, Kiwior’s rise could be a crucial factor in their continued success.

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Dwight Yorke urges Man Utd to sign Liverpool flop and £17m Aston Villa star

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Dwight Yorke has encouraged Manchester United to set aside their historic rivalry with Liverpool and consider a bold move for Darwin Nunez during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Uruguayan striker is expected to part ways with Liverpool after a turbulent season under new manager Arne Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp.

Nunez, who joined Liverpool in 2022 for a potential fee of £85 million, has struggled to consistently deliver on expectations. With only five goals in the Premier League this season, the 25-year-old has faced scrutiny over his performances.

Despite this, former Manchester United forward Yorke sees untapped potential in the striker and believes a fresh start at Old Trafford could help Nunez flourish.

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While interest in Nunez is growing from clubs across Europe, Yorke believes Manchester United must act decisively. The Red Devils have endured a frustrating campaign in front of goal, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee—signed for a combined fee exceeding £100 million—failing to make the desired impact.

Manager Ruben Amorim is already eyeing attacking reinforcements, including Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. However, Yorke insists that Nunez deserves serious consideration.

Yorke, speaking to GamblingIndustryNews.com, praised Nunez’s energy, presence, and adaptability. He acknowledged that the forward has not lived up to expectations at Anfield but argued that the situation at Liverpool—with stars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk dominating the spotlight—has prevented Nunez from becoming a central figure.

In contrast, Yorke believes United could offer Nunez a fresh platform to lead the line and reach his full potential.

Despite the intense rivalry between the two clubs, Yorke emphasized the importance of looking past the history and focusing on the player’s attributes.

He noted that Nunez, now familiar with the Premier League and English football culture, could bring aggression, hunger, and a much-needed attacking threat to Manchester United.

Yorke also touched on Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation, suggesting another potential summer target: Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.

The Argentina international, who helped his country win the World Cup, appears set for a transfer and may have signaled his exit after Villa’s final home game. Yorke believes Martinez is a significant upgrade over current United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has endured an inconsistent debut season.

Yorke described the potential acquisition of Martinez as a “no-brainer,” praising the Villa man’s experience and reliability.

With Manchester United finishing a disappointing 16th in the Premier League, the club has one final shot at redemption in the Europa League final against Tottenham.

Regardless of the outcome, major changes are expected at Old Trafford this summer, and Yorke’s comments underscore the need for decisive action in the transfer market.

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Man Utd flop tipped to become a ‘superstar’ under Ruben Amorim next season: ‘He’s a baller’

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Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee is poised to make a strong impact under Ruben Amorim next season, according to former winger Lee Sharpe. Despite enduring a tough debut campaign following his £36.5 million move from Bologna, the Dutch forward has shown flashes of promise that hint at a brighter future at Old Trafford.

Zirkzee, who has scored just seven goals in 48 appearances across all competitions, struggled to find his rhythm early on.

Used in a deeper attacking role, the 23-year-old began adapting to Amorim’s tactical demands before a hamstring injury in April sidelined him for several weeks.

Though back in training ahead of United’s Europa League final clash against Tottenham, his involvement in the crucial fixture remains uncertain due to his recent return from injury.

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Sharpe, however, believes Zirkzee has the talent to thrive. He expressed confidence in the young striker’s potential, stating that the player only needs a consistent run of games to truly shine.

Noting that Zirkzee hadn’t enjoyed a sustained stint in the starting lineup, Sharpe suggested that the forward was just starting to settle before injury struck. With a full pre-season ahead, he expects the Dutchman to become a key player in the upcoming campaign.

As Manchester United prepare for the summer transfer window, Zirkzee is set to face new competition in the squad. The club is reportedly close to finalizing a deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and has made progress in talks with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

Sharpe praised both potential signings, highlighting Delap’s physical presence and goal-scoring instincts, as well as Cunha’s creativity and ability to change games.

Sharpe emphasized Cunha’s standout performances in a struggling Wolves side and compared his dynamism to that of Kobbie Mainoo. He did caution that the Brazilian forward’s temperament may need refining but believes his addition would bolster United’s attacking depth.

Looking ahead to the Europa League final in Bilbao, much is at stake for Amorim and his squad. Securing victory would not only mark Amorim’s first silverware with the club but also secure a Champions League spot next season. Sharpe remains optimistic about United’s chances in the final, citing the club’s tradition of delivering when it matters most.

Despite an underwhelming domestic campaign, United’s unbeaten run in Europe this season offers a glimmer of hope. Sharpe underscored the importance of a single, decisive performance that could set the tone for a critical summer rebuild.

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Wojciech Szczesny says Arsenal transfer target is ‘best in La Liga’

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Wojciech Szczesny has spoken highly of Joan Garcia, describing the Espanyol star as the best goalkeeper currently playing in La Liga.

Garcia, who joined Espanyol at just 15, made his senior debut in 2021 and has since become a crucial figure for the club.

Given the number one shirt for the 2022/23 season, the 24-year-old has already made 64 appearances across all competitions, winning fans over with his consistent and confident displays.

Last season, Garcia was named Espanyol’s Player of the Season, which further raised his profile. Arsenal expressed strong interest and even agreed personal terms with the Spaniard. However, the move fell through as the Gunners were unwilling to pay the €30 million (£25 million) release clause set in his contract.

Despite the failed transfer, Arsenal remain keen. If Espanyol are relegated from La Liga, Garcia’s release clause will drop to €15 million (£12.6 million), reigniting hopes of a potential move to north London.

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Meanwhile, Real Madrid have also entered the race, reportedly holding talks with Garcia’s camp in an attempt to lure him to the Santiago Bernabéu this summer.

Within Espanyol, there is growing acceptance that Garcia may be destined for a bigger stage, regardless of whether the club avoids relegation.

Szczesny, who returned from retirement to win La Liga with Barcelona this season, added fuel to the transfer rumors by showering praise on Garcia in a recent interview.

Speaking to Eleven Sports, the former Arsenal shot-stopper said he believes Garcia is the best goalkeeper in the league and one of the finest in both Spain and Europe. His endorsement underscores just how much the young Spaniard has impressed within the footballing world.

Garcia, for his part, remains focused on the present. In a February interview with Estadio Deportivo, he emphasized his commitment to ending his time at Espanyol with dignity should he leave.

He acknowledged that the future is uncertain but expressed a strong desire to bid farewell in a respectful manner, noting the deep gratitude he feels for the club that has shaped his career.

Espanyol’s head coach Manolo Gonzalez also hinted that keeping Garcia might be out of their hands, admitting he cannot guarantee the player will remain at the club beyond the current season.

As speculation grows, all eyes will be on whether Garcia will continue his journey with Espanyol or take the next step in his promising career at one of Europe’s elite clubs.

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