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    Arsenal ‘pushing hardest’ for Julian Alvarez transfer but face battle with Premier League rivals for ex-Man City star

    ARSENAL are reportedly exploring a deal to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid this summer.The Gunners are keen to sign a striker as the final piece of their puzzle as they look to finally go one further than their three consecutive second placed finishes next season.Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Julian AlvarezCredit: GettyAccording to Spanish outlet Marca, one of their preferred options at centre-forward is former Manchester City man Julian Alvarez.Alvarez, 25, joined Atletico Madrid last summer in a deal worth up to £80m.And the Argentine has had an impressive first campaign in Spain, scoring 29 goals and registering seven assists in all competitions this season.That effort has seen many top clubs begin to circle the World Cup winner, including Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.READ MORE ON ARSENALBut Marca claim that Arsenal are “pushing hardest” of the interested clubs to convince Alvarez to jump ship.However, it won’t be easy to get a deal over the line with Atletico thought to be keen to keep hold of their star man and Alvarez seemingly happy to stay put too.Atletico boss Diego Simeone has said that Atletico “need” to keep hold of Alvarez, hinting that the club want to build around their star man to get the best out of him.He said: “We need Julian. He’s the one we wanted to find. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”He’s here, and I hope he’s happy to be on this team. We’re going to help him with everyone’s hard work to unleash his talent.”Arsenal may have to look elsewhere for a new front man if Atletico stand firm in their hopes to keep Alvarez at the Metropolitano Stadium.The Gunners have been linked with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig talent Benjamin Sesko.Both forwards are seemingly available for transfer this summer and could be easier deals to get over the line for Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy. More

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    Roma accuse former Premier League star, 25, of STRIKING two youth players in dressing room clash

    FORMER Aston Villa star Nicolo Zaniolo has been accused of STRIKING two Roma youngsters after their match with Fiorentina.Zaniolo, who is on loan at Fiorentina from Galatasaray, is said to have visited Roma’s dressing room after the semi-final of the Primavera youth league title play-off, which La Viola won 2-1.Fiorentina ace Nicolo Zaniolo has been accused of striking two Roma youth players after a play-off matchCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKThe former Aston Villa loanee has denied the allegationCredit: PAAnd Roma claim their former midfielder struck two of their youth team players after he “‘engaged in provocative behaviour”.The Serie A big boys said in a statement: “AS Roma announces that, following today’s match, a regrettable incident occurred involving player Nicolo Zaniolo.”According to initial reconstructions, the player allegedly entered the Primavera team’s dressing room after the match and engaged in provocative behaviour towards some of the Giallorossi youth players.”During the confrontation, two players from the Primavera squad were reportedly physically struck.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”AS Roma cannot but firmly condemn any form of aggressive conduct or behaviour that does not align with the values of sport.”Italy international Zaniolo, who made 39 appearances for Aston Villa during a 2023/24 loan spell at Villa Park, has denied Roma’s accounts of the incident.The former Giallorossi star claims he was insulted after visiting his old dressing room and left after receiving a torrent of verbal abuse.He said: “At the end of the match, I went into the locker room to congratulate the Fiorentina lads, then passed through the Roma room to salute and compliment them on their season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNicolo Zaniolo spent the 2023/24 season on loan with Aston Villa and scored three goals in 39 appearances for the VillansCredit: GETTY”However, at a certain point, they started to insult me.”So at that stage, to avoid the situation degenerating, I preferred to simply leave.”Emi Martinez in tears as he waves goodbye to fans after Aston Villa’s final home gameZaniolo added another update today on Instagram, in which he apologised for his behaviour but denied being “physically aggressive”.In a statement he wrote: “I went there with the only intention of giving a positive message… Unfortunately, I was verbally provoked by a boy and, mistakenly, I lost my temper.”However, I would like to point out that the facts are far removed from what has been reconstructed and that on my part, apart from a verbal argument, there was no physically aggressive behaviour.”I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart for what happened yesterday. I know I reacted badly and I take responsibility for it.”Zaniolo joined Roma in the summer of 2018 from Inter Milan for a fee in the region of £4million.He’d spend four and a half seasons at the Stadio Olimpico – a stint which was blighted by injury – before a £13.5m move to Galatasaray in February 2023.Read More on The SunHe’d join Villa on loan six months later and would score three goals in his 39 appearances for the Brummie club.He started the 2024/25 season on loan at Atalanta but would end the campaign with Fiorentina, for whom he made 13 appearances in all competitions. More

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    ASEAN All-Stars vs Man Utd: Start time, TV channel, live stream, team news for post-season friendly

    MANCHESTER UNITED kick-off their post-season just THREE days after the regular season concluded.Ruben Amorim will be looking to put a poor season behind them as he prepares for the 2025/26 season, travelling on post-season just days after the sides final Premier League clash.Manchester United will travel to Asia for two post-season friendliesCredit: GettyMan Utd ended the season on a positive with a 2-0 win over Aston VillaCredit: REUTERS/Chris RadburnUtd ended the season with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, which saw them end the Premier League season in 15th place, with no European football on the table for next season.Their season also ended trophyless, as the Red Devils were beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final, meaning their squad may look a lot different next season, with the side needing to raise funds. Amorim’s side will be taking on ASEAN All-Stars and Hong Kong during their post-season trip to Asia.SunSport has everything Red Devils fans need to know ahead of their clash against the ASEAN All-Stars.Read more FootballHow to watch ASEAN All-Stars vs Man Utd and is there a live stream?The game will be shown exclusively on Utd’s official television channel, MUTV.MUTV is available via Sky TV for £7 a month or £60 for 12 months access.Alternatively, the Man Utd website offers fans an option of £7.99 a month or £29.99 a year.When does ASEAN All-Stars vs Man Utd kick-off?Man Utd clash against the ASEAN All-Stars will take place on Wednesday, May 28.The Red Devils first clash in Asia will kick-off at 1:45pm BST.Man Utd’s streaming channel MUTV is the only place to catch the action. Who is in the Man Utd squad for their Asian post-season tour?Ruben Amorim has gone with a strong squad in Asia, with many first team regulars making the trip.Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom HeatonMost read in FootballDefenders: Harry Amass, Dan Armer, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu, Jonny Evans, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Jaydan Kamason, Godwill Kukonki, Harry Maguire, Reece Munro, Luke ShawMidfielders: Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Bruno Fernandes, Tyler Fletcher, Sekou Kone, Kobbie Mainoo, Jack Moorhouse, Mason Mount, Jim Thwaites, Manuel UgarteForwards: Alejandro Garnacho, Amad, Rasmus Hojlund, Shea Lacey, Chido Obi, Joshua Zirkzee More

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    Man Utd ‘agree Liam Delap deal with personal terms accepted’ as Ruben Amorim looks to wrap up quick transfer

    MANCHESTER UNITED have agreed terms with Ipswich Town over a deal to sign Liam Delap, according to reports.Man Utd are looking to get their business done early as they try and recover from one the worst seasons in the club’s history.Manchester United have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich TownCredit: GettyAccording to ESPN, United have agreed a deal with the Tractor Boys for their star striker, who looks destined to leave the club following their relegation back to the Championship.It’s claimed that Man Utd chiefs have agreed the “framework” of deal that would see them trigger Delap’s £30million release clause.While the Red Devils are also thought to have come to an agreement with Delap over personal terms too.However, a deal isn’t over the line yet with the 22-year-old still considering whether he would like to join United or head elsewhere.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDelap is one of the most sought after players of the summer window and has been linked to a whole host of top clubs.Amongst those keen is thought to be Chelsea, who are also looking for a new centre-forward and have the lure of securing Champions League football for next season.Delap scored 12 league goals in 36 appearances for Ipswich this season, an impressive return for a Championship bound side as a relative newbie to top flight football.Man Utd have also been linked with Wolves star Matheus Cunha.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordReports have claimed that the Old Trafford outfit are willing to activate the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause after his impressive season at the Molineux.Cunha notched 15 goals and six assists for Wolves in 33 Premier League matches this season.Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apologyManchester United are in dire need of goalscorers after their striker duo of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee only managed a combined seven league goals this season.Club legend Roy Keane has urged his former club to invest in signing Premier League ready players to try and return to form after a 15th place finish.He said: “They can’t get any worse than this next year, can they? They can’t get any worse. They’ll have to improve. There’s obviously a few players’ contracts up – who will leave.”We go back to recruitment. They certainly need to get players in who know the Premier League.”I think the majority of signings over the past two or three years are players who have never played in the Premier League and they’ve struggled to adapt.”He added: “This group of players have show this year, with the amount of games they’ve lost – and last year in the league – they’re not up to it.”That’s not going to change overnight with the manager and the system and having more time to work with them [the squad].”They need certain players to come in who know the league and who are men.”United may have to shift on some talent in order to bring new names through the doors after missing out on European football for the first time since 2015.Read More on The SunCaptain and star man Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia, while Argentine academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been told to find a new club in the summer.Garnacho, who was left out of the matchday squad alongside Andre Onana for the United’s final-day win over Villa, is one of many players that will be up for sale as United try and resolve their dire financial situation. More

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    Moment Scott McTominay swigs from whisky bottle thrown up by fan during wild Napoli celebrations

    THIS is the moment jubilant Napoli fans presented star midfielder Scott McTominay with a taste of home.Ecstatic supporters wildly celebrated and threw gifts up to acknowledge their heroes after they clinched the title following a 2-0 win over Cagliari on Friday night.Scott McTominay drinking whisky on open top bus parade in NaplesCredit: X @mctominay_HQScott McTominay and Billy Gilmour Napoli celebrate the victoryCredit: GettyScott McTominay’s stunning scissor kick against CagliariCredit: AFPAnd they had a touching moment for Scotland international Scott McTominay, when a video appeared to show him drinking from a bottle of whisky – apparently thrown up by one of the fans.McTominay is wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses and can be seen at the top of the bus with the rest of his team-mates. He delights punters below by raising the bottle and taking a swig before passing it back to fans, with the supporters chanting ‘Scott, Scott, Scott’. The 28-year-old has lit up Serie A, grabbing 12 goals including a stunning scissor kick against Cagliari on Friday.And after the sealing the title, McTominay capped off a remarkable a first season in Italy by being named the league’s Most Valuable Player.International team-mate Billy Gilmour also started in the title-winning victory on Friday and has played an important role in Napoli’s success.Meanwhile, former Rangers defender Lorenzo Amoruso has revealed what he believes has helped lead to McTominay flourishing at the Partenopei.Amoruso, who played more than 150 times for the Gers after signing from Fiorentina in a £4million deal in 1997, is now a football commentator in Italy.Most read in FootballHe was the skipper at Ibrox and won three league titles, three Scottish Cup and three Scottish League Cups during his six-year spell at Ibrox.The 53-year-old was full of praise for the former Manchester United midfielder, but believes the departure of one of Napoli’s top stars gave him the freedom to play.Georgian ace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia left Naples in January and joined Paris Saint-Germain after failing to agree a contract extension.Amoruso told Radio Goal on Kiss Kiss Napoli: “McTominay’s season rating cannot go below 8.’Only thing not erupting is Mount Vesuvius’ – Fans can’t believe how Napoli have been celebrating Serie A title”McTominay’s most important part came when Kvaratskhelia was sold. “I don’t know if that area of ​​the pitch would have been McTominay’s with the Georgian.”After Kvaratskhelia’s departure, the Scotsman found more space, the Georgian closed his runs. Every cloud has a silver lining.”Amoruso believes the development in McTominay is largely down to the influence of manager Antonio Conte who could leave the club according to reports in Italy. He added: “Those who don’t follow Napoli only see McTominay’s 12 goals, but the player must be evaluated in the possession phase, in the non-possession phase and in the defensive phase. “At the beginning, McTominay didn’t often score, but he was always there in the penalty area, he always arrived at the right time. “Let’s not forget that McTominay was criticised at Manchester United, it wasn’t easy for him to arrive in Italy and do so well. Read More on The Sun”Conte worked hard on him.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    in Soccer

    Referee who was hit with six-match ban this season named as official for Chelsea vs Real Betis Conference League final

    A REFEREE who was hit with a six-match ban this season will take charge of Chelsea’s Conference League final against Real Betis.Irfan Peljto will become the first Bosnian to officiate a major Uefa club competition final on Wednesday.Conference League final ref Irfan Peljto was banned for six matches earlier this seasonCredit: GettyThe clash sees Chelsea looking to become the first-ever club to win all three European titles.But Betis will prove to be their toughest test yet, with Premier League flops including Antony, Pablo Fornals and Gio Lo Celso shining under ex-Man City title winner Manuel Pellegrini.Enzo Maresca’s men will have to be at their best just days after securing Champions League football with a fourth-place domestic finish.However, their fate could end up in the hands of Peljto, who oversaw Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg win over Real Madrid in April.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 40-year-old is held in high regard by Uefa, having also taken charge of a further six Champions League matches and four Europa League clashes this term.However, back in his native Bosnia, Peljto was banned for six matches after overseeing an error-strewn game.He was found guilty of making three major mistakes, with two errors involving his failure to award clear penalties.September’s 1-1 derby draw between bitter rivals Zrinjski Mostar and Borac Banja caused plenty of controversy, with the Bosnian FA declaring both sides should have been awarded penalties on separate occasions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA damning statement declared: “In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.”In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team.Inside Chelsea’s dressing room celebrations after Champions League spot secured”In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.”Despite his previous ban, Peljto believes his selection for the Conference League final is a huge boost for Bosnian football.He told Uefa: “We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It’s an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.“I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.” More

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    in Motorsport

    Ferrari ‘want Red Bull F1 chief Christian Horner to join and become Lewis Hamilton’s boss’

    FERRARI want to hire Red Bull chief Christian Horner as their team principal, according to reports.Horner is one of the most successful team principals in F1 history, having overseen eight championship wins.Ferrari want to hire Christian HornerCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Red Bull chief could become Lewis Hamilton’s bossCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe has worked for Red Bull since 2005 and was in charge during Sebastian Vettel’s dominant period, and Max Verstappen’s.But he is out of contract in 2026, sparking speculation about his future.And according to Bild, Ferrari want him to end his 20-year Red Bull tenure by joining them.That would give the Brit a chance to work with compatriot Hamilton – Horner, however, is said to be keen to stay on at Red Bull.READ MORE IN F1Horner, 51, has been locked into a bitter feud with colleague Helmut Marko for several months.An insider claimed staff “tense up” when either Horner or Marko, Red Bull’s team advisor, walk into a room.There has been plenty of infighting at Red Bull in recent years also involving Verstappen’s dad Jos.The civil war even led to reigning world champion Verstappen declaring he would quit the team if Marko was sacked following rumours he might be suspended.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA recent clash between the pair saw them support different drivers for the No2 berth following Sergio Perez’s departure.Marko is said to have preferred Liam Lawson while Horner was keen on Franco Colapinto after he replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams. Lewis Hamilton crashes in Monaco causing red flag and leaving Ferrari a wreck with race against time before qualifyingMarko also stuck the knife in when saying that Max’s dad Jos was a “bigger fan” of Mercedes boss Toto Wolff than Horner last term.The father of Red Bull’s star driver Max Verstappen publicly called for Horner to leave the team last season after he had been accused of inappropriate behaviour by a female colleague.Horner was cleared by a Red Bull investigation, but Wolff publicly tried to sign the reigning world champion amid the unrest. More

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    I’m a LEGO nut and built Home Alone set at Christmas… here’s how I’ll celebrate Euro glory, says Chelsea’s Levi Colwill

    LEVI COLWILL will go from dreamland to LEGOLAND if he tops a sensational week with Chelsea by winning the Conference League.LEGO nut Colwill, 22, scored the only goal in Sunday’s win at Nottingham Forest to fire the Blues back into the Champions League.Levi Colwill will celebrate Champions League qualification with a trip to LEGOLANDCredit: RexThe defender loves lego and built a replica of the Home Alone houseCredit: The Mega AgencyAnd the England star says if they beat Real Betis tomorrow, he will treat himself to a trip to LEGOLAND in Windsor.Colwill said: “I’ll be there. I’ve not been for years.“I built the Home Alone set with the movie on in the background and time just flies. It was around Christmas time, so I got myself in the spirit.“It’s a big house. It took weeks. The detail they go into is crazy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“You don’t see it when you just look at it but things open up. There’s a basement, there’s a lot to it.“I love it. I’ve built so many. It just takes your mind away from everything.“Last season, when I had a toe injury and was trying to play, there was a lot going on on the pitch.“I wasn’t happy with how I was playing, so I needed to take my mind off everything.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I saw a girl on TikTok building LEGO, so I wanted to get into it. It relaxed me and made me feel like stepping away from everything.“That’s what I needed at the time. It really helped me.”Levi Colwill SWEARS in live Sky Sports interview as Chelsea ace hits out at pundits after Champions League qualificationColwill added: “I’m a big kid. I’ve built five or six different things. They take time but I enjoy it.“Sadly, they all broke when I moved back from here to Southampton. So I built a lot last year, brought them back and they all broke. It’s a heartbreaking subject.“It’s really expensive. I’ve had a few presents. I’ve maybe bought three myself that were £200 each.“But my mum will buy me one for Christmas. People know I love it.”LEGOLAND Windsor is just 20 miles away from Chelsea’s Surrey training HQ at Cobham. First, Colwill and his team-mates head to Wroclaw in Poland today hoping to round off their season with silverware.Boss Enzo Maresca will rotate his players because Chelsea have had 48 hours less to prepare for the game than Spaniards Betis.Blues academy graduate Colwill said: “Every player on the team deserves to be playing in the Champions League,Read More on The Sun“They’re not just amazing players but they’ve worked so hard all season as a team for the fans to get to the Champions League.“No matter what competition it is, if we’re in it we want to win it. And we believe we can.” More