Arsenal reach Champions League semi-finals after Sporting stalemate
Former Arsenal keeper Alex Manninger, 48, dies in a road accident. He won the 1997/98 double, saved in the FA Cup semi-final shootout, made 64 Arsenal appearances and earned 33 Austria caps.
Claims emerge Arsenal may be masking Ødegaard’s knee issue, while ex-captain Cesc Fàbregas says he is committed to Como despite links as a future Arsenal boss.
Arsenal are stepping up interest in Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki, valued around £26m, though competition is strong and his contract runs to 2030.
Arsenal and Chelsea are monitoring Como’s 21-year-old centre-back Jacobo Ramón, with Premier League rivals also keen and Real Madrid holding a buy-back clause.
Arsenal’s 0-0 with Sporting secures a second straight UCL semi, but fatigue shows. Arteta praises Rice’s leadership and minutes, with injuries biting before a pivotal trip to Manchester City.
Arsenal draw 0-0 with Sporting to win 1-0 on aggregate and reach back-to-back Champions League semi-finals for the first time. Sporting hit the woodwork, but Arteta’s side manage the tie to face Atletico.
Arteta hails history after edging Sporting 1-0 on aggregate, praises depleted squad and fans, and relishes ‘two magical nights’ versus Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.
Arteta rejects Henry’s view that Arsenal lacked ‘fire’, citing players’ effort and Rice playing 94 minutes despite feeling unwell after the 0-0 that sealed progress over Sporting.
Martinelli lauds ‘amazing’ achievement as Arsenal advance after a 0-0 with Sporting, targeting Atletico next. He vows to learn from last season’s semi loss and ‘go for it’ in the Champions League.
Sheffield Wednesday target ex-Arsenal technical director James Ellis for sporting director amid David Storch’s proposed takeover, hoping to tap his recruitment work at the Emirates.
Pundits suggest Arteta is trying to convince fans worries over Arsenal’s form are exaggerated after a nervy Sporting draw that still sealed a Champions League semi spot.
