ANTONIO CONTE taking charge of Tottenham is looking ‘increasingly likely’, according to reports.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is reportedly set to agree a new four-year deal with Barcelona, which features a two-year loan to Inter Miami.
WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
GUNNERS GONERS
Arsenal have confirmed that NINE players will leave the club when their contracts expire later this month.
David Luiz and Martin Odegaard lead the names departing the Emirates as Mikel Arteta seeks an epic summer rebuild after missing out on European football.
Joining Luiz and Odegaard on the axed list are fellow senior squad members Dani Ceballos and Mat Ryan.
There are exits in the youth set-up too, with Levi Laing, Joseph Olowu, Luke Plange and Jason Sraha leaving.
Arsenal were reportedly keen on signing Odegaard permanently.
But he could now form part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans after the Italian sealed a sensational return to Spain this week.
ON RED ALERT
Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Manchester United have gone past Liverpool – despite the ‘excuses’ the Reds had last season.
The former Red Devils defender also believes that Old Gunnar Solskjaer will be pleased with the progress shown by the club’s second-placed finish.
United finished five points ahead of Liverpool – a vast improvement on the season before when they finished 33 points behind their rivals.
When asked for his assessment of United’s season, Ferdinand told Goal: “I think in the league we’ve got what we wanted, which was an improvement.
“I think Man United at the end of last season finished 30-odd points behind Liverpool.
“Liverpool are now behind us and they’ll have their excuses and reasons why but the cold facts are that we have gained that much ground on them that we’ve gone past them this season.
“That shows vast improvement and we’re second in the league.
“By no means are we the finished article but I think at the beginning of the season if you’d said you’d finish second in the league from where we were I think they’d have snapped your hand off.”
GOING, GOING, RON
Paris Saint-Germain are in talks with Cristiano Ronaldo over a sensational summer transfer – with the Juventus star ‘welcoming’ the approach, according to reports.
The Portuguese forward’s time at Juventus appears to be up after a disappointing season for the Turin giants.
Ronaldo, 36, now looks destined to leave with Real Madrid and Manchester United both linked with the star forward.
The 173-cap Portugal legend’s club team-mates are believed to have ‘abandoned’ him after growing tired of the ‘perks’ his receives.
And Ronaldo is now claimed to have been approached by PSG in what could spark a summer transfer merry-go-round, according to AS.
The Spanish outlet have also revealed Ronaldo ‘welcomes’ the approach from the Ligue 1 giants.
KANE & STABLE
Antonio Conte will reportedly only join Tottenham if Harry Kane stays at the club, reports say.
The Italian boss, 51, is in talks to take over in North London after leaving Inter Milan.
And The Times report that retaining Kane’s services could be key to Spurs’ hopes of landing Conte.
Kane, 27, is wanted by both Manchester clubs and Chelsea after revealing he wants to leave Spurs to win trophies.
The Times report adds that Conte will want to be backed with funds in the transfer market if he’s to move to North London.
Meanwhile, respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham and Conte are around £2.6million apart in salary expectations.
EMI NOD
Aston Villa are interested in signing playmakers Emile Smith Rowe and Emi Buendia, according to reports.
The Premier League side could face a busy summer in the transfer market as captain Jack Grealish has been linked with a number of clubs.
According to The Telegraph, Villa are keeping tabs on Arsenal youngster Smith Rowe.
The 20-year-old has made an impressive start to his professional career, making 20 Premier League appearances this term.
But he is yet to commit his future to the Gunners and has just two years left on his existing deal at the Emirates.
Reports also suggest Dean Smith’s side are keen on Norwich midfielder Emi Buendia.
Arsenal are targeting Emi x Emi this summer BEND OF THE ROAD
Nicklas Bendtner has opened the door to a potential Arsenal return – as a MANAGER.
The former forward , who retired earlier today, said: “I miss football every day, but I’m well aware there is a cut-off date in this job.
“I’m going to have to spend time understanding that it’s really over now.
“I have to find something else to care about, and find something to give me what football has given me all these years.
“I’ve been playing football all my life, and it just stops overnight. Suddenly I’m outside the game, and I want to do a lot of things.
“But this has not been possible because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The rush you get from being inside a stadium is impossible to get anywhere else.
“Football is such a big part of my life that I can’t step away from it.
“That is why I am taking coaching courses. I hope this can give me as much, or maybe even more, than I got from being a player.
“In this way I still want to be part of football.”
Nicklas Bendtner could return to Arsenal one day⦠as boss SON BURNED
Son Heung-min hit out after being grilled over Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane’s future.
The South Korean forward insisted the pair are both only focused on international duty – with Kane set to skipper England at Euro 2020.
The Spurs striker, 27, has been linked with a £150m move to Man Utd or Man City in a bid to win trophies.
And if Kane leaves North London this summer it would end a brilliant partnership with Son – who he broke a record with in March when they combined for a 14th goal of the season.
But Son, 28, was in no mood to discuss Kane’s potential transfer when asked by reporters while on international duty.
He snapped back: “Has Kane moved already?
“Everything is not decided. Rather than worrying about his transfer, I am doing my best at Tottenham.
“I want to focus on the national team and Tottenham. Maybe Kane is doing the same, he is busy preparing for the Euros.”
Son and Kane have a terrific partnership up top LUC RUN OUT
Manchester United and Chelsea have missed out on the chance to sign Lucas Vazquez after he signed a new, three-year contract at Real Madrid.
The versatile Los Blancos ace, 29, had been a top target of both Premier League giants this summer.
But Real Madrid have confirmed the Spanish forward has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at the Bernabeu.
A club statement read: “Real Madrid CF and Lucas Vázquez have agreed to extend the player’s contract.
“He will remain linked to the club for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2024.”
FOR GOODNESS SAK
By SunSport’s Duncan Wright
Bukayo Saka admits being England’s Mr Versatile can get tough – despite shining for the Three Lions and firing them to victory over Austria.
Saka, 19, scored his first senior international goal to seal the win and stake a claim for involvement when the Euros start next weekend.
The Arsenal star also ended up playing in three different positions to suit Gareth Southgate’s tactics and substitutions at the Riverside, to show just how capable he is as a footballer.
But the teenager admits constantly switching roles can cause problems and he needs the help of senior players to make sure he stays switched on.
Saka said: “It’s not easy all the time, you know.
“The information I get from the coaching staff and the players makes things much easier – all the communication from the more experienced players around me like Kieron Trippier, Conor Coady, Tyrone Mings, making sure I’m where I need to be.”
“I feel like anytime I played for England I really enjoyed myself because of the quality and the top players you have around.
“Things feel good, things flow, I always feel like I can I can express myself and I think I did that.
“I can learn a bit from everyone, there’s so much different quality players especially in attack but even in the midfield and defence you know there’s so much experience I can take from everyone to try to speak to everyone and get some advice from them.”
Bukayo Saka is Arsenal and England’s Mr VersatileCredit: PA
RAF RACE
Chelsea have entered the race to sign £70million-rated Inter Milan star Achraf Hakimi, according to reports.
The Serie A champions are actively looking to sell one of their big-name stars this summer to raise some much-needed money.
The decision played a pivotal role in Antonio Conte quitting the San Siro – with the Italian now linked with the top job at Tottenham.
Hakimi, 22, appears to be the man on the way out, with Paris Saint-Germain having already launched a £52m bid.
The Ligue 1 giants’ first attempt was swiftly knocked back by Inter, with the Italian champions holding out for bids of around £70m.
Arsenal have already expressed an interest as they hunt for a new right-back, with Hector Bellerin – the club’s longest-serving player – expected to leave this summer.
And now Chelsea have joined the hunt for Hakimi, according to Sky Italia.
GUNNER JOIN?
Arsenal are in talks to hire ex-Lille sporting director Luis Campos, according to reports.
The talent spotter, who is also believed to be wanted by Real Madrid, was director of football at Monaco when Kylian Mbappe was discovered.
According to journalist Loic Tanzi, Campos will not join Nice following weeks of speculation.
Both Arsenal and Real Madrid are now believed to be interested in acquiring the 56-year-old’s services, although it is unclear if he will be hired as a director of football or scout.
ME AND ROUD FOREVER
AC Milan are on the verge of snapping up former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, according to reports in Italy.
The free agent was set to leave Chelsea last summer before hitting form and earning a new deal.
This season, he has largely been restricted to the bench aside from a seven-goal December and last started a game for Thomas Tuchel in March.
With his contract up at the end of the month, Giroud is free to negotiate a free transfer away from Chelsea with several clubs reportedly interested.
But Serie A side Milan have won the race, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Negotiations with Rossoneri legend and technical director Paolo Maldini are described as going well and an agreement is within sight.
The opportunity to remain in the Champions League while experiencing Italian football is said to be high on Giroud’s wishlist.
Also useful is a significant tax cut which the Frenchman will receive on his rumoured two-year, £65,000-a-week contract.
Giroud is said to be excited by the prospect of playing alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who enjoyed a stunning start to last season before encountering injury problems.
BENTEK-STAY
By SunSport’s Duncan Wright
Christian Benteke has signed a new two-year deal with Crystal Palace after finally establishing himself as first choice striker at the club.
Benteke, 30, has suffered a nightmare with injuries since Palace splashed out a club-record £27million to sign him from Liverpool five years ago and struggled to live up to his price tag.
But the Belgian international was at last able to stay fit for an extended run last season and responded by scoring ten goals in 30 appearances for the Eagles.
That has persuaded the managerless South London club to tie him down for two more years.
Benteke said: “I’m happy and proud to commit my future to Crystal Palace. Five years already and still a lot more to come.
“We have a great group of players and staff, and I’m looking forward to the season ahead and playing in front of our fans again.”
Palace chairman Steve Parish added: “Christian has been an integral part of consolidating our position as an established Premier League club over the last five years.
“He is an outstanding professional and has more than proven that he still has the quality and the hunger to perform for our club at the highest level, and I couldn’t be happier to see him in red and blue for another two seasons.”
Christian Benteke will be back in front of the Palace faithful next seasonCredit: AP WELCOME BONUS
Real Madrid will reportedly increase their efforts to sign Kylian Mbappe following Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment.
The ex-Everton boss could land the Paris Saint-Germain star this summer, leading to a potential exchange of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mauro Icardi.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian’s arrival in Madrid will lead to the club attempting to sign Mbappe as a ‘gift’ to the coach.
Real failed to win a trophy in 2020-21 and linking up the striker with France team-mate Karim Benzema is seen as a surefire route to success.
On Wednesday night, the pair combined in a 3-0 friendly win over Wales.
Mbappe, 22, is out of contract in 12 months’ time leading to lengthy talks with PSG over his future.
If a deal cannot be agreed, Madrid are said to be confident that they can swoop in and nab their number one target for a relatively cheap fee.
Kylian Mbappe could be on the move this summer FLOR BLIMEY
Arsenal have announced that they will compete in the ‘Florida Cup’ this summer.
The Gunners will head stateside in July to take part in the four-club competition.
Mikel Arteta’s side join Everton, Inter Milan and Millonarios – with games taking place at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
Arsenal will take on Inter Milan on July 25 in the semi-final, with their second match taking place three days later.
CON JOB
Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is ‘the clear front runner’ for the vacant Tottenham job – after talks advanced last night.
And according to BBC Sport, there is a ‘growing expectation’ that he will be Spurs’ next boss.
Tottenham are also in talks with Fabio Paratici, with the former Juventus sporting director set to take on a similar role in North London.
Antonio Conte is ‘expected’ to be Spurs’ next boss KOU WANTS ME?
LaLiga clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid have joined the race for highly-rated Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has also been linked with Premier League sides Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in recent months.
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have been monitoring Kounde for two years and now want to sign him.
But the Catalan giants are said to be struggling to afford the player’s rumoured €75million release clause – around £64.5m.
It is believed Sergio Aguero’s new club may offer some players as part of a swap deal to help fund a move.
Kounde’s international colleague Samuel Umtiti is rumoured to be one of those stars Barca manager Ronald Koeman is happy to let go.
Real Madrid are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the Sevilla defender as they may need to replace Raphael Varane this summer.
The four-time Champions League winner is entering the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu, with both United and Chelsea rumoured to be interested.
Jules Kounde has been a rock at the back for Sevilla BUK THE TREND
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was the hero last night, as he netted the goal that sealed a 1-0 win for Gareth Southgate’s side against Austria at Riverside Stadium.
The Gunners teen labelled it ‘the moment I always dreamt of growing up’.
BUK THE TREND
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was the hero last night, as he netted the goal that sealed a 1-0 win for Gareth Southgate’s side against Austria at Riverside Stadium.
The Gunners teen labelled it ‘the moment I always dreamt of growing up’.
BUK THE TREND
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was the hero last night, as he netted the goal that sealed a 1-0 win for Gareth Southgate’s side against Austria at Riverside Stadium.
The Gunners teen labelled it ‘the moment I always dreamt of growing up’.
UN-LISHED
Jack Grealish was England’s Cristiano Ronaldo in Wednesday’s win over Austria, according to Roy Keane.
The Irish pundit told ITV: “[Grealish] is the star man, he makes things happen.
“He has courage and always wants the ball in tight areas.
“Like Cristiano Ronaldo at Portugal, you need players like that in your team. It is brave.”
Roy Keane highlighted Jack Grealish for praise on Wednesday
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
Chelsea have been dealt a huge transfer blow after top striker target Romelu Lukaku declared he’s staying at Inter Milan.
The Belgian ace said: “I am staying at Inter. I have already had contact with the new manager Simone Inzaghi.
“Maybe I shouldn’t say that yet, but it was a very positive conversation. I feel good at Inter.”
Meanwhile, Spurs are reportedly in advanced talks with Antonio Conte to become their new boss.
Sky Sports Italy claims the former Chelsea manager looks set to take charge in north London after leaving Inter Milan.
Conte, who led Chelsea to Premier League glory in 2017, had just won the Serie A title.
And he looks set to pip Mauricio Pochettino to the Spurs hotseat, with PSG unwilling to part ways with the Argentine.
Finally, PSG have agreed to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer and will loan him back to Italy for the first season, according to reports.
Duncan Castles claims the French giants have won the race for AC Milan’s goalie, who is out of contract this summer.
However, PSG still plan on using Keylor Navas as their No1 next term.
And Donnarumma will find himself a short-term option before taking up the PSG gloves in 2022.
NOU HOME
Lionel Messi will sign a new deal with Barcelona, according to Tancredi Palmeri.
However, there is a catch.
The four-year contract will involve a two-year loan at Inter Miami!
SPUR-ED ON
It is looking “increasingly likely” that Antonio Conte will be the new Tottenham manager, according to Football.London’s Alastair Gold.
And Fabrizio Romano stated that Spurs are looking to sweeten the deal by bringing in Conte’s former director of football at Juventus, Fabio Paratici.
He tweeted: “Tottenham tried to appoint Fabio Paratici as director of football five years ago – #THFC proposal is now on the table again. He’s gonna answer/decide soon. White circle #Spurs
“Antonio Conte representatives are discussing details with Tottenham board in order to reach an agreement.”
MOUR PLEASE
Real Madrid approached former Man United Jose Mourinho about replacing Zinedine Zidane BEFORE they hired Carlo Ancelotti, according to reports.
The Telegraph claims Real made contact with Mourinho over the weekend.
But the Special One, who was axed by Spurs this year, declined having only just joined Roma.
Real then turned to Ancelotti, who has now signed a three-year contract after leaving Everton.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
