‘I don’t think it is possible for such a shallow squad to make a run through the All-Ireland series’

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Last Saturday saw one of the great Ulster Championship games unfold.

This would have turned into a non-event under the new rules after Derry built up a 10-point lead at half-time. They would have sat with 14 men behind the ball, picking off Monaghan on the counter.

Monaghan, who ironically were the lowest two-point scorers in the League, racked up eight two-pointers to Derry’s one.

This is the way amateur sport should be – skill and risk-taking should be incentivised over systems and efficiency.

I referenced Rory Beggan a few weeks back saying he is an outlier in the game. He may have had his definitive career performance. His three two-pointers and assist for Micheál Bannigan’s goal brought the Farney back from the dead.

Numerous Derry fans were already heading for the exits as soon as the foul was awarded at the end of extra-time. A 50-yard free in wet conditions should not have such an inevitable outcome except when Rory Beggan is standing over it.

Opponents have now been forewarned.

Beggan was not on his own on the two-point front and it was clear from the body language of the Monaghan players in the last 10 minutes that they were ready to roll the dice and they didn’t need any encouragement to shoot from distance.

Derry, in contrast, passing on taking chances outside the arc and favoured playing the ball through the hands and trying to work high-percentage point scorers or goal-scoring opportunities.

The rain at half-time made the ball and the surface greasier and Derry’s approach harder to execute.

They had already been turned over as a result of bouncing the ball three or four times before Patrick McGurk’s fatal bounce allowed Monaghan back up the field for the last minute of normal time.

As I suggested last week, Derry’s starting line-up can compete with most, if not all and would be superior to Monaghan.

There’s questions that will now be asked of this Derry team, but, in truth, their management gave the answers on Saturday.

In the second half, a number of Derry’s core players were either playing below their level or fatigued, which inevitably happens in a fast-paced inter-county game.

To bring on three subs in 70 minutes and to then reintroduce Conor Doherty and Niall Loughlin for two of the subs is a definitive statement by the manager on what he thinks of his panel.

I see many of the same names on the Derry bench over the last number of years but I rarely see them on the pitch.

Had Derry closed out the last few seconds of normal time or extra-time, I feel they would have the ability to overturn Armagh.

Now, I don’t think it is possible for such a shallow squad to make a run through the All-Ireland series. As fate would have it, they’ll now face the Orchard County in round one!

All-Ireland contenders aren’t hoping their key men can last it out or keep under-performers on for the last 20 minutes. They run the bench at every opportunity.

This isn’t a slight on the current Derry management. Their strengths and weaknesses personnel wise are largely what they were in 2022 when they were Ulster champions.

Derry have had a number of successful or heavily-hyped minor and U20 teams in the last three or four years – it seems they haven’t yet had a significant impact at senior level.

In the last two seasons, they’ve faced Tyrone at U20 level and I’d been told, on both occasions, that this Derry team were chasing an All-Ireland and would be too strong for the Red Hands.

Both times Tyrone came out on top.

These short-coming for Derry at U20s and the lack of depth in the senior panel should give the county set-up cause for reflection. There’s either unrealistic expectations or something that needs rectified.

On that note, a word for my own county winning a third U20 title on the trot and five in the last seven.

Another game that evidenced the transformation of the sport, as we racked up 4-19, with not a single score coming from a dead-ball.

That’s the type of statistic that will be trotted out on many a high barstool for the next few decades by those who were playing, coaching and supporting the team last Wednesday night.

Of-course winning U20 titles is no guarantee of future glory at senior level, but it’s a good indicator that you have talent and there are indications that the talent can translate to senior football.

There is so much that can change with regards to a players’ fortunes from under-17 to senior, but under 20 level gives a more accurate look on a player’s physical potential and mentality, which of course will go a long way to determine whether they can make a mark at senior county level.

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There are themes to every motor show – themes that often revolve around the latest technology, geopolitical matters and the financial climate.

At this year’s China Auto show – held in the massive China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing (it alternates with Shanghai) – the talk was all about AI and robotics. And robotics, of course, also includes the tech that powers driverless cars.

This show is on another level in terms of scale. Its 380,000 square metres – using the international measurement of area – equate to around 53 full-size football pitches, making it difficult to cover in a day, but I gave it my best shot.

As well as looking at the cars, it’s a great time to catch up with the people running the car companies. I took the opportunity to ask them why China matters to you and me as car buyers, and what effect it has on established car makers.

Jose Munoz is the President and CEO of Hyundai and was announcing a huge push for his brand in China. Hyundai was once big in China – not anymore. Munoz’s plan is to make Hyundai big again. But does what he sees and learns, and what Hyundai does in China, benefit the wider business and customers around the world?

“When you come here to China and you just spend time, this is a different market,” Munoz told me. “It’s a market that has grown a lot, where young consumers get access to a lot of new technologies, then connect with the entire world, with a lot of the different ecosystems.

“Then there are technologies that are here that are not in other markets and behaviours that are here that are different than in other markets. Then you can develop autonomous driving systems that are very suitable for those markets – let’s call it US or Europe. Now you come to China and there are more people with different priorities, with different objectives in that particular day. Then you just walk around and you see people walking differently, and then you face people who are running, other people who are on bicycles, other people are in cars, and it’s way more complex.

“No doubt, when you have an autonomous driving system that operates successfully here, that system is productively easy to adapt to other markets, but not the other way around. This is very, very unique.

“Also, the Chinese consumer is very demanding on software and technology because what other people do in other countries in their homes, in this country a lot of people do in their cars.

“Cars are a space where people spend time and work, and where they want to have a good quality of video or, let’s say, online series or music, or relax or whatever. So then it makes that space so special – it’s not just a commuting space, it’s a living space.

“These are all elements that help us extrapolate.”

The speed of development in China is also changing how Hyundai and other car companies work. “When you utilise certain technologies in China, people are used to it being immediate,” said Munoz. “In other countries, people didn’t have the technology – now they have it. If you are slow, it’s okay. But in this market, you need to be fast.”

Chinese companies’ ability to keep costs down is also inspiring Munoz, as he explained. “So there are many, many elements that are exportable, but the most important element that is exportable is affordability. We want more for less as people, right? I want to get access to as much as possible with the least payment. Because China is so competitive, if you’re able to compete in China, you can export that to another market.”

After chatting with Munoz, I caught up with Mathias Geisen, sales and marketing boss for German giant Mercedes-Benz. He echoed many of Munoz’s views, but specifically mentioned how autonomous driving developments in China are shaping the rest of the car world.

“China has very demanding customers, especially when it comes to entertainment and when it comes to technology itself,” said Geisen. “The customers here in China are definitely younger than the ones we have in Europe, and what we learn here is something which will also be very present in Europe and the rest of the world, because there may be a demand here for Level Two+ [autonomous driving], which we are all aware of, but not yet in Europe.

“Of course it will happen in Europe as well, because as soon as people realise that there is a superior technology available, they also want to have it.

“Basically, it speeds up a lot of things we do. This is why we also have an R&D hub here – to make sure that we stay on top of it and that we can keep innovating. This strong competition you have over here triggers an increasing speed of innovating what you’re doing. So I would say it’s beneficial.

“For example, Level Two+. We are now the only ones able to offer it in combustion engines because it was driven from here with our team here, with our local partner Momentum and with NVIDIA – now we do it for the rest of the world.

“So I would say if you’re competitive in China, you’re very well set up for the rest of the world. And when it comes to features like autonomous driving and digitisation, the customers here are the most demanding ones.”

To get a very different perspective, my next long-distance, cross-hall walk took me to one of China’s big players – a corporation called GAC, standing for Guangzhou Automobile Group. Of its many brands, Aion is the newest arrival in the UK, and leading the charge as general manager is experienced UK car (and dealer) boss Jon Wakefield.

It’s always strange to travel over 5,000 miles to chat with someone who’s based 40 miles up the road (we have met more locally, too), but Jon was keen to show me around the Aion stand and highlight a couple of other cars likely to head to the UK wearing Aion badges, including the S7 plug-in hybrid SUV that’s set for the UK, and another SUV, the S600, which to my eyes has a whiff of Porsche Macan about it but would cost a fraction of the price.

I asked Wakefield for his view on China and its importance to UK consumers.

“This is where the innovation, the development and the ability to build cars to a price come from,” he said. “This is the centre of it all.”

Even on the GAC stand, the scale of the organisation – and the opportunity for cars to come to the UK – is huge, as Wakefield told me: “The array of product is quite a lot to take in for us. Yes, we do have to choose the right car for the UK market. And within this sweet shop there are some really good models that are absolutely appealing for the UK consumer.

“The Aion V is, of course, the first one that’s coming, and then there’s the S7 over there, which is a hybrid SUV that really suits the UK fascination for a proper high SUV. We’ll be bringing that into market next year.

“But it’s not just about the shape, the touch and the fit – it’s about the powertrains as well. I’m really interested in how we could bring range extender technology to the UK because I think there’s a real logic to that. Plug-in hybrid is more ICE and a bit of battery, while the range extender is more battery with a little bit of ICE. So it’s the next step – it still gives you that confidence to be able to go on a long journey.”

With the proliferation of new brands on show in Beijing, including more heading to the UK, Wakefield is mindful of the need for focus.

“I think one of the observations I would make now – and I think it’s becoming quite evident in the Chinese market – is there are too many brands, too many car lines, and the confusion that creates for the consumer is manifest. But also, in terms of how you build the trust and reputation of a brand, it’s very complex. There are lots of words being thrown around on size and trust and reliability and so on. People have to make their own minds up.

“For me, our direction is to stick to one brand and then pull the other car lines in to sit within that brand.”

What’s clear out here is that there are definite areas where China is working hard to lead. I’ve just had a conversation with Chery chairman Yin Tongyue about his brand’s AiMoga humanoid robots – designed to support us humans and with plenty of learnings to take from the AI and autonomous technologies his cars are already using. He’s clearly keeping a watchful eye on what Elon Musk and Tesla are doing with robots, too.

Whatever your views on Chinese cars, they’re helping to raise standards and bring useful technology to every car – and I reckon that’s a good thing. You may have your own views and, as usual, I’d be delighted to hear them. Please drop me a line by hitting the email button below.

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The airport recently announced that it had achieved a 46 per cent reduction in carbon emissions since 2019, which its chief corporate affairs officer, Alice Andreasen, labelled a “major milestone”, adding that it “clearly shows” that the transport hub is “well ahead of schedule” on its journey to Net Zero by 2035.

Newcastle International said it had done so through several initiatives, including the switch to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to power all non-electric vehicles across its site, the installation of rapid-rise doors in the baggage handling area, AirDoors at the terminal entrance and the decommissioning of the gas‑powered hot water system at outlets in the departure lounge.

The airport’s announcements focused on the 46 per cent cut and its Net Zero 2035 goal, without spelling out that the target applies only to its own operations.

That detail appears in its Masterplan and Net Zero strategy, where aircraft emissions are listed separately under Scope 3, with the airport saying it will “work with airlines to reduce” them.

While local climate campaign groups, Aircraft Noise Action Group (ANAG) and Climate Action Newcastle (CAN), have praised the airport’s steps towards reducing its environmental impact on site, ANAG have stated that the promotion of its Net Zero credentials leaves out flight emissions, which they say “are by far and away the main contributor to climate change”.

“This fact is buried in the Masterplan, and most people will almost certainly assume ‘Net Zero’ covers aircraft as well as buildings and vehicles,” they added.

Both ANAG and CAN also stated that the airport’s Masterplan growth plan – moving from around five million annual passengers currently to nine million in 2040 – will “wipe out” and “outstrip” the emission reductions in its operations hub.

As part of its 2040 Masterplan, the airport is aiming to increase its annual passenger numbers by four million (Image: Newcastle Airport)

CAN has also asked that the airport’s carbon emission reduction information appear alongside projections of emission increases from the “huge number” of extra flights proposed.

Newcastle Airport said that the 46 per cent reduction relates to Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from its “direct operations” with “emissions from flights reported separately by the airlines themselves”.

It added: “Crucially, our ambition to reach Net Zero by 2035 has been developed in line with the growth projections outlined in the Masterplan and reflects the areas where the Airport has direct control.”

A spokesperson for ANAG said: “Provided the airport makes it absolutely clear that its Net Zero target excludes flights, and that flights are by far the main contributor to climate change, we would have no objection to it describing itself as ‘on track’, for its own operations only. The airport needs to be honest with the public so that people can make up their minds based on complete information.

“The Masterplan’s growth plans, moving from around five million passengers now to around nine million in 2040, cannot be achieved without more flights. That increase in flight numbers will bring increased climate‑changing emissions; there is an unbreakable link between the two. In our view, those extra emissions will wipe out the gains made on the ground.

“We think Newcastle Airport is big enough already and would like to see it abandon its expansion plans and drop any ambition to host long‑distance flights, which have the greatest climate impact.”

A spokesperson for Climate Action Newcastle said: “Based on the emissions total arising from current flight numbers, it is clear that the Masterplan’s extra emissions from nearly doubling passenger numbers will totally outstrip emission reductions in its hub operations.

“By positioning both sets of information together, it will help to avoid any confusion about the overall consequences of the airport’s plans.

“The simple fact is that the airport’s plans will generate extra greenhouse gas emissions, which will accelerate harmful global heating.”

A Newcastle Airport spokesperson said: “Our 2040 Masterplan sets out a clear vision for the Airport’s future and was shaped by our largest ever public consultation, with more than 600 responses from residents, businesses and stakeholders.

“This included input from community groups such as the Aircraft Noise Action Group, with whom we continue to meet regularly.

“Through initiatives such as our on-site solar farm, the creation of new woodland areas and the transition to a fully electric vehicle fleet, we have been recognised as an industry leader and are already delivering real, measurable results, putting us significantly ahead of our Net Zero target.”

Copmanthorpe used to dance round the maypole in the community orchard in Low Green every year during its May Day Street Fair.

Acorn Morris dancers at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

But a lack of volunteers and Covid restrictions meant that for some years the fair has not taken place.

Now the organisers of Copmanthorpe Carnival have revived the May Day Street Fair and hundreds of all ages flocked to enjoy traditional and modern music and dance.

Maypole dancing at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s a great success,” said Copmanthorpe resident Nigel Brown. “Let’s hope it keeps going. Once you resurrect something and it’s successful, you’ve got to keep going.  I hope it will be back next year.”

Families and residents of all ages filled Low Green and some joined in as Acorn Morris Dancers gave lessons on morris dancing before performing themselves.

Copmanthorpe Village Choir then took up the May welcoming baton and sang traditional May folk songs as well as more modern classics before Spark – girl singers Tilly and Beau and boy keyboard/singer Daniel – thrilled the crowd with hits from modern musicals and Abba classics.

Then the crowd moved to the site of the community orchard for the highlight of the MayDay celebration.

The May Queen Lucy Taylor at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

May Queen Lucy Taylor said: “My job is to build a maypole and that I have done. All I need now is 16 dancers.”

Children ran to take the coloured ribbons and she guided her recruits through basic maypole dancing moves. 

Alan Murray of Copmanthorpe Carnival said the event used to be run by St Giles Church, Copmanthorpe, but a lack of volunteers and Covid restrictions meant it stopped being held.

So the carnival organisation took it over and hope to interest more young people in getting involved particularly through the May Day traditions.

“It’s been absolutely amazing,” he said as he looked at the crowds visiting stalls laid out along the street and enjoying the entertainment.  “The community has come out to support it.”

Copmanthorpe Primary School opened its playground to house a Kids Area with a bouncy castle and other children-orientated activities which proved a big attraction.

York  City and District Society of Model Engineers provided a miniature steam train with track which was in constant demand throughout the event.

The miniature steam railway in action at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

The hot dog stall was so popular it sold out within an hour.

Stalls were manned by local organisations including local scouts and guides, ABC Gardening Club and St Leonard’s Hospice and there was an art exhibition and child art activities.

Kerry Katona has celebrated the one-year anniversary of her relationship with Paolo Margaglione by getting a new tattoo that pays tribute to her Italian partner

Kerry Katona has celebrated the one-year anniversary of her relationship with Paolo Margaglione by getting a new tattoo. The former Atomic Kitten singer, 45, met Italian fitness instructor Paolo, 33, in early 2025 when they filmed Celebs Go Dating together.

They struck up an official relationship after the show wrapped, and he had moved in with her by the summer. Over the May Bank Holiday, Kerry took to social media to unveil that she had been inked to mark the milestone.

She wrote on Instagram: “Felt like getting a tattoo!! @paolomargaglione1 I love you [red heart emoji] my gift to Paolo on our anniversary.” Alongside the post. Kerry shared an image of her new body art, which was of the words Ti Amo, which is Italian for ‘I love you’ inked onto her forearm.

READ MORE: Kerry Katona hits back at trolls as she reaches major milestone with Paolo MargaglioneREAD MORE: Kerry Katona heartbreakingly says ‘I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop’ in home life update

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Paolo clearly approved of the tribute, as he wrote on the comments section: “It’s very beautiful, just like you. Mi Amore” The star, who has a further 15 tattoos, was inundated with comments from fans who also praised her new ink. One fan wrote: “U both are so amazing to each other. Siete meravigliosi.”

A second fan said: “Looks amazing Kerry!!!” whilst a third wrote: “What a lovely gesture, Kerry,” and a fourth suggested: “Beautiful with some flowers around it too xx”

Kerry and Paolo are marking the occasion with a glitzy trip to the races but the showbiz legend previously dismissed those who thought that their romance was just something that came about quickly on TV.

Speaking in her new! magazine column, she said: “It’s our anniversary this week. We’re going to Chester Races on Thursday, and the funny thing is I went the Races last year on the 9th and we had our first date on the 8th.

“And then this year we’re going to the Races together the day before our anniversary because I’m working all weekend. It might look like we fell in love quickly on TV but we saw each other a hell of a lot off camera. It feels like 12 years.

“People think it’s all romantic and it’s all rainbows and it isn’t. It’s real life. It’s just a relationship that you’ve got to work at, but it’s a relationship we’ll want forever

Meanwhile, Kerry and Paolo previously opened up about their romance – and their plans to get married.

Kerry shared: “We will 100 per cent get married,” with Paolo adding: “I’m not just doing it for the sake of doing it. We’re trying to build something really special together, so I want it to be the right moment.”

However, with their romance, there was one boundary Kerry did have – she didn’t want to make a public declaration of love on Celebs Go Dating, despite pleas from the production team.

“They were so adamant for me to say it on camera to him. I said, ‘Listen, you guys have taught me to protect my boundaries and this is my boundary. I do love Paolo, but I’m not going to say that on camera because that’s just for me and him, because I’m deadly serious about him. I’m giving my all to him and I wanna keep that just for me and him,’” she said.

Kerry insisted she wouldn’t let any “outside noise” bother them. She shared: “It’s outside noise more than anything. But the good thing is, when there’s outside noise, we support each other and deal with it together.”

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Multiple people have been injured after a driver plowed into a crowd in the centre of the ⁠eastern ​German city ⁠of Leipzig on Monday, local ⁠broadcaster MDR reported, citing police.

A driver has been arrested, Saxony Police said, after Leipzig police confirmed to Reuters that there were injuries from a car but could not give more details. Local media has reported two deaths from the incident; these reports remain unconfirmed.

A damaged Volkswagen SUV ⁠with a person on top of the vehicle was seen speeding through a pedestrian zone, local broadcaster Radio Leipzig reported.

The ‌broadcaster cited eyewitnesses ​as saying there ‌were several bodies ⁠reportedly covered with ⁠sheets as well as ‌a stabbing.

Saxony Police said on social media that a police operation was taking place in central Leipzig, asking citizens to keep emergency routes clear and follow the instructions of the emergency services on site.

“A car struck several people in Grimmaische Straße and fled. The driver has been apprehended, and there is currently no further danger emanating from him. We will continue to provide updates.”

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.

Arsenal are on the verge of historic success but the Gunners must still address clear squad weaknesses this summer to stay ahead of the chasing pack next season

This summer presents Arsenal with the opportunity to not only reflect on an incredibly successful season but to also make decisive changes as they prepare for the next campaign. Mikel Arteta‘s side are just five matches away from potentially claiming a historic league and European cup double.

The Gunners sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League table ahead of Manchester City, who have two games in hand, with only three fixtures remaining for Arsenal themselves.

They are also on the verge of their first Champions League final appearance since 2006 ahead of Tuesday night’s second-leg clash with Atletico Madrid, having secured a 1-1 draw in Spain in the first-leg.

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But despite Arsenal’s excellence on the pitch this term, there have been clear weaknesses and aspects which require improvement. Here, Mirror Football examines who the Gunners should keep or part ways with from their current squad as they look to build on their progress next season.

READ MORE: Arsenal news: Ian Wright proven correct as pundit warns of ‘severe pressure’READ MORE: Cesc Fabregas gives Chelsea two-word response they wanted after Como open door for exit

In goal

David Raya – Keep. Raya has established himself as not just one of the Premier League’s but Europe’s most dependable goalkeepers this season. The Spaniard is usually faultless with his distribution and produces crucial saves whenever called upon. Raya is set to collect a third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove.

Kepa Arrizabalaga – Keep. Kepa’s game time since his move to Arsenal last summer has been restricted to domestic cup matches. He mainly proved reliable between the sticks in those appearances, though his costly error in the Carabao Cup final undoubtedly stands out as a major blunder. Even so, should the Spaniard be happy serving as understudy to his compatriot, Arsenal should retain the former Chelsea goalkeeper, considering how rare experienced and reliable goalkeepers are in the modern game.

Tommy Setford – Keep. The 20-year-old Dutchman’s only outing this campaign came in the FA Cup clash against Wigan in February, when he replaced Kepa. Given his youth and potential, Arteta should hang onto the youngster and see how he develops while learning directly from two Premier League veterans.

In defence

Jurrien Timber – Keep. Timber’s recent injury problems shouldn’t overshadow just how impressive he was earlier this season, especially before Christmas, when he was regularly hailed as one of the league’s finest full-backs. Frighteningly, he is still just 24 with room to improve. The only danger is Arteta overplaying the Netherlands international, which leads neatly to the next player…

Ben White – Sell. White has been an outstanding servant since arriving for £50million in 2021, fully justifying that controversial fee. However, it has become increasingly apparent that the England international’s peak years are behind him following a succession of injuries. The 28-year-old, once among Arteta’s most relied-upon players, has appeared sluggish since returning from his latest setback, and Arteta should explore the market for a replacement capable of sharing the workload with Timber without any dip in quality.

Cristhian Mosquera – Keep. It is extraordinary how quickly the 21-year-old centre-back has adapted to English football. Having recently earned his first Spain cap, he stands as one of Arsenal’s most astute signings in recent memory, snapped up for just £13m last summer. For the time being, he offers superb cover at both centre-back and right-back. Whether he will remain content in a supporting role over the coming seasons is yet to be seen, though his current trajectory suggests he could command a hefty transfer fee.

William Saliba – Keep. Saliba has arguably been the best central defender on the planet for three years running, making him an indispensable figure in the current Arsenal side. The Frenchman, frequently likened to a Rolls Royce for his effortless defensive ability and composure in possession, recently put pen to paper on a deal until 2030, and is expected to remain at the Emirates for the foreseeable future.

Gabriel Magalhaes – Keep. Gabriel started this campaign as arguably Arsenal’s standout performer, playing a pivotal role in the side that went several matches without allowing even a shot on target, while scoring slam-dunk-like headers from corners at the other end. At 28 years old, he still has plenty of years remaining at the highest level. And while his performances have plateaued since January, the Brazilian remains one of the first names on the team sheet.

Marli Salmon – Keep. The 16-year-old wonderkid has featured on a handful of occasions this term. While his costly mistake against Mansfield Town showed he is still raw, he is seen as the best defender produced by the academy since Ashley Cole, meaning he is expected to be handed more playing time next season.

Riccardo Calafiori – Keep. Calafiori, when fit, is among the best players in the world in his position. That was clear once more at the weekend against Fulham, where the Italian could have comfortably netted twice despite playing at left-back. The only concern surrounding Calafiori is his extensive injury record, but his talent means he is important for Arsenal to move on, for now.

Piero Hincapie – Buy. For a player whose arrival left many Arsenal supporters scratching their heads at the start of the season, the Bayer Leverkusen loanee has produced an outstanding maiden season in north London. The Ecuadorian has won over both Arteta and the fanbase with his no-nonsense defending and tireless effort. The 24-year-old arrived on loan with an option to buy for approximately £45m, and Arsenal are fully expected to activate the five-year clause to secure his services permanently this summer.

In midfield

Declan Rice – Keep. Arguably the Premier League’s standout performer this season. The chant, “Declan Rice, we got him half price”, continues to resonate despite him being the Gunners’ record signing. Rice, 27, has been dominant throughout the campaign, whether operating as an ‘eight’ or as a ‘six’, stifling opposition attacks with ease and fully embracing his responsibilities as a dressing room leader.

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Martin Zubimendi – Keep. The Spaniard was perhaps misunderstood by supporters and possibly even Arteta when he arrived last summer. Many expected him to be Arsenal’s equivalent to Rodri, whereas N’Golo Kante serves as a more accurate comparison. While that has occasionally been a source of disappointment, Zubimendi has featured in every league fixture this season and demonstrated why Liverpool and Real Madrid were so eager to secure his signature.

Christian Norgaard – Sell. The Norgaard signing is perhaps one of the most baffling Arsenal transfers in recent times. On paper, the former Brentford man’s Premier League experience made him a shrewd addition. Yet, Arteta hasn’t started him in a single league fixture, showing a clear mistrust in his abilities. Arsenal should therefore look to cash in on the Danish veteran this summer to raise funds for a more suitable central midfielder.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – Keep. The England international has suffered a challenging campaign, spending much of it on the substitutes’ bench following a breakthrough year last season. He was finally given his chance on Saturday, featuring in his first Premier League outing in his natural central midfield role and producing a commanding display. The 19-year-old ranks among the best teenage talents in his position, something Arteta appears to have only just recognised as the season draws to a close. Despite any temptation to part ways with him this summer, his potential firmly places him in the ‘must-keep bracket’.

Mikel Merino – Keep. Merino’s prolonged spell on the side-lines with a freak foot injury has had a detrimental effect on Arsenal’s season. The Spaniard, when available, provides valuable cover across multiple positions and an unexpected goal threat.

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Ethan Nwaneri – Sell. While there’s no questioning Nwaneri’s ability, something is clearly holding the 19-year-old back from establishing himself as a regular starter. That’s apparent from both Arteta and his current Marseille manager’s team selections this season. Nwaneri’s disappointing stint in France means they’re unlikely to pursue a permanent deal. But, given Arteta’s hesitance to deploy him even prior to his loan move, Arsenal should sell the Hale End graduate and reinvest the funds elsewhere.

Eberechi Eze – Keep. Eze has quietly enjoyed a superb campaign in his first season back at Arsenal since his academy days. His dream homecoming began slowly but he’s grown into his role as the season has unfolded, netting crucial goals and establishing himself as one of the few players at Arteta’s disposal capable of conjuring a moment of brilliance from nowhere.

Martin Odegaard – Sell. The Arsenal project has outgrown the captain. Odegaard, for several seasons now, has appeared a pale imitation of his former self. While still vital in the press and useful when dictating tempo, his creativity and finishing leave much to be desired. His displays no longer warrant his wages or lofty status at the club. For that reason, the Norwegian should either be demoted to a substitute role or sold for a substantial fee.

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Max Dowman – Keep. Selling England’s finest young prospect would be a catastrophic misjudgement by Arsenal. Fortunately, such a move appears unlikely in the foreseeable future. The 16-year-old has shown exactly why he is so highly-rated in his various cameos this season and will be a key player for the Gunners in the near future.

In attack

Bukayo Saka – Keep. Saka will know that this season has fallen short of his own lofty standards. However, his performance against Fulham, where he scored and provided an assist, proved he still has a clinical edge in the attacking third that nobody else in the squad can replicate. The England international, aged just 24, is expected to remain Arsenal’s leading light for at least the next five years.

Noni Madueke – Keep. Alternating between dazzling and exasperating, Madueke has split opinion following his contentious move from Chelsea. The 24-year-old England winger has started more matches than expected this season owing to Saka’s injury setbacks, yet he provides squad depth and a game-changing quality off the bench – something Arsenal had been missing for several years.

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Kai Havertz – Keep. Frustrating injury problems aside, Havertz has shown he is still a key cog in the Arsenal attack whenever he has played this season. The German possesses outstanding all-round play, even if his finishing can sometimes let him down.

Viktor Gyokeres – Keep. Gyokeres is perhaps the biggest enigma in the entire Arsenal squad. The Swede is clearly a level below his team-mates in terms of technical quality, yet he has 21 goals to his name, having largely delivered on what he was brought in to do. The encouraging sign for Arteta is that Gyokeres has grown as the season has progressed, meaning he could become even more potent next term.

Gabriel Jesus – Sell. Jesus should be the first player sold this summer given his persistent injury problems. The Brazilian is no longer capable of providing the same spark in the final third that he offered when he first arrived in N5.

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Gabriel Martinelli – Keep. Martinelli’s trajectory at Arsenal has been a major letdown. The Brazilian has gone backwards since three seasons ago, despite his Champions League stats this campaign telling a different story. Arsenal should be open to reasonable offers for the Brazilian this summer. However, any bid received is likely to fall short of what it would cost to bring in someone of comparable quality in the transfer market, meaning the wiser option may be to hold onto Martinelli for the time being.

Leandro Trossard – Sell. Much like Martinelli, Trossard has failed to consistently deliver throughout the season. The Belgian is still capable of flashes of brilliance, as demonstrated at the weekend. However, the one advantage Martinelli holds over him is pace. Given Trossard is 31 years old, this summer represents the ideal opportunity to bid farewell to a player who has given everything for the Gunners and bring in a world-class left winger in his place.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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