Arsenal set to splash cash this summer as Gunners continue Declan Rice pursuit

04 May 2023 , 15:14

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Anthony Hudson is the Englishman who has cracked America.

‌Hudson, 42, was United States assistant boss at the World Cup, has been interim manager since the turn of the year and now could be heading back to these shores. Former West Ham trainee Hudson will lead the United States in their Gold Cup campaign this summer before his contract expires this summer.

‌Hudson, son of Chelsea legend Alan, has enjoyed a remarkable 15 year coaching journey from Newport to Bahrain, New Zealand and now the United States where his reputation has been further enhanced. Hudson, who became one of the youngest coaches to get his UEFA Pro Licence, said: “I enjoy what I do, enjoy working with players and I’d not planned to go this route but I’ve learnt a lot and I’m enjoying being a coach and managing more than ever.

‌“A lot of coaches my age are just starting in management. I feel I’ve grown so much in the past few years. I’m a lot calmer, I’m more sure about myself. I’m a lot clearer about who I am as a coach. I’ve grown a lot, the experience I’ve had and whether it’s successes or getting sacked have added to me feeling where I’m in a position where I’m clear about where I am as a coach, who I am and my biggest love for this job is being out on the training pitch with the players.

‌“Being in a club job eventually is something I would love to do. But again, I’m not stressing about it. I believe it will happen at some point. I’m very relaxed about the situation now and what will happen next. After all that experience, I’m more calm and how I want to manage. Eventually the plan is to come back, I’ve got family there and that alone is a big reason to be closer but the English game is something I love and watch all the time.”

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

‌Gregg Berhalter was in charge at the last World Cup, but his contract expired in December and was then later cleared following an investigation into a family feud involving Gio Reyna. The United States are still looking to appoint a permanent manager this summer but Hudson is set to leave his post having flown the flag for English coaches overseas.‌‌

Arsenal to splash cash

Will Declan Rice soon be shaking hand with Mikel Arteta on a regular basis?

Arsenal expect to be very busy in the summer transfer window.

‌They are one of the few top Premier League clubs who have resisted offering image rights packages which is a common way of adding on big money incentives to potential signings.‌ Other clubs do it as a matter of course for big name signings but Arsenal have been reluctant even back to Arsene Wenger’s days with few exceptions to the rule.

‌However, it has not stopped them from doing good business and they are after big players this summer to build on this campaign. They are a long way down the line in their long-running pursuit of West Ham’s Declan Rice. They want another midfielder and are looking at options - having gone for Moises Caicedo in January while N’Golo Kante has yet to commit himself to a new Chelsea deal - plus a dynamic winger to back up and compete with Bukayo Saka and another defender.

‌William Saliba’s injury absence has been costly and has reinforced that they might need a right-sided centre half rather than the original plan of a right back. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is firmly on their radar.‌

Conte is heading 'Back Into The Sunshine'

Antonio Conte will feature in a BT Sport documentary (getty)

‌Antonio Conte will be back on our TV screens on BT Sport’s latest documentary Back Into The Sunshine.

‌The broadcaster has made a series of brilliant football films and this one features the ex-Tottenham boss and Juventus star among the names talking about English clubs being excluded from European football in the 1980s and then the return to glory.

‌Steve McManaman, Mark Lawrenson, Roberto Donadoni, Paul Parker and Andy Cole are among the other star turns. It will premiere on Sunday May 28 at 10pm on BT Sport 1.

Icons enter the Premier League Hall of Fame

Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger have gone into the Premier League Hall of Fame (STUART ROBINSON)

‌The Premier League inducted Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand, Petr Cech and Tony Adams as the latest members of their Hall of Fame.

‌Prem bosses have made a real success of the whole concept, using the best of American sport to honour footballing legends. And it genuinely means a huge amount to the recipients, no matter how much they achieved in their careers.