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    Liverpool star Andy Robertson gives own team-mate death stare before X-rated rant in feisty clash

    ANDY ROBERTSON clashed with Liverpool team-mate Kostas Tsimikas when the pair faced off in a Nations League tie between Greece and Scotland on Thursday night.The Reds left-backs showed that they have no club loyalties when they don their national shirts as they locked horns in a feisty exchange on the pitch in Greece.Andy Robertson shot a death stare at a Liverpool teammate during Scotland’s clash with Greece on Thursday nightRobertson clashed with fellow Red left-back Kostas TsimikasTempers seemed to flare in the second half when VAR overturned a Greece penalty that would have levelled the scores in the 86th minute of the Nations League play-off tie.During the lengthy wait for VAR to make their decision, Robertson was seen discussing the incident with referee Tobias Stieler – something that Tsimikas appeared to take issue with.Seemingly saying something to Robertson off camera, the Scot appeared to snap back in what fans think was an X-rated rant. Robertson, who was wearing the captain’s armband for Scotland, shot a death stare at his counterpart before launching the fierce words.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans online reckon he was referring to his role as captain during the rant.With one writing: “No love lost between Robertson and fellow Liverpool left-back Tsimikas. ‘Because I’m the f*****g captain, Kostas, outside.’”And another adding: “I canny be sure exactly what Robertson is shouting at Tsimikas, but it includes “…because am the f*****g captain'”.It was Robertson’s Scotland that wound up victorious in the first leg, taking a 1-0 advantage into the second leg at Hampden Park on Sunday afternoon.Most read in FootballTsimikas and Robertson have only played together five timesCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt appears there will be no grudges between Robertson and Tsimikas back in Liverpool after the international break either, as the pair shared a hug at full-time.Despite both being on the books at Liverpool together for almost five years, the pair have actually only shared the pitch as teammates five times.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadySharing the same position means they often spend more time jostling for a place in the lineup than they do playing alongside one and other.And their time at Anfield together could be coming to an end too, with Liverpool reportedly keen to sign a new left-back in the summer.Even Robertson has opened up on a potential replacement at the end of the season.He said recently: “I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world.“That comes with playing for one of the greatest clubs in the world. I look back on these eight years I’ve had as the starting left-back at that club and I feel a lot of pride.“Your time comes and I don’t think it’s my time yet but even if we do bring someone in, then so be it. I’ll always back myself.”Sure, this season there have been a couple of moments when I haven’t covered myself in glory but some things have been taken way out of proportion.“I think the performance levels have been there for me. I think I’ve had a relatively good season but one thing people will say about me is that’s I’ve been pretty consistent, so when you make a couple of mistakes, then people can talk.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That’s the world we live in, that’s the Premier League. Everyone has eyes on you, everyone has an opinion. “It is what it is but I’m always confident in my ability. I’ve shown that right throughout my career but especially during my time at Liverpool.”Robertson has opened up about his future with LiverpoolCredit: Reuters More

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    Jermaine Pennant’s ex bombarded with thousands of messages by deluded stalker who spent £30k on her OnlyFans account

    JERMAINE Pennant’s OnlyFans model ex was bombarded with messages by a deluded stalker who believed they were in a relationship.Married Mark Inkster spent £30,000 on Alice Goodwin’s account and sent flowers and Valentine’s cards to her home.Alice Goodwin was hounded for two years by a deluded stalkerCredit: InstagramThe model was married to ex-Liverpool star Jermaine PennantCredit: Getty Images – GettyMark Inkster was handed a suspended sentenceThe besotted 43-year-old also sent more than 11,000 declaring his love during the two year stalking campaign.Alice, who was married to former Liverpool and Arsenal star Pennant, was forced to take three months off work and install extra security.Inkster avoided jail and was instead handed a 12 month sentence suspended for two years after he pleaded guilty to stalking.Judge Philip Head said: “Over a two-and-a-half-year period you became obsessed with your victim over two platforms – OnlyFans and Babestation. You subscribed and you exchanged messages. These messages were highly sexual and flirtatious. Read more news”It is clear what you did had a massive impact on her health and her work. She had to take three months off work and suffered untold anxiety.”Nottingham Crown Court was told Inkster became obsessed with Alice, who appeared in Celebs Go Dating, after paying to subscribe to her OnlyFans.He then forked out extra cash to have private one-to-one messages and videos with her – spending £30,000 in total between August 2021 and January 2022.Inkster would contact Alice daily and ask details about her private life and buy tickets for events she was attending.Most read in FootballHe sent Birthday and Christmas cards to her home and religiously watched the model when she appeared on TV show Babestation.The deluded stalker messaged Alice, telling her: “Like I told you, Alice, there is nothing you can do to stop me loving you because you are my twin flame.”He also contacted her daughter on social media and told Alice: “I could just imagine your face if (I) turned up at your doorstep.”When Inkster was arrested, he gave a prepared statement saying there were “no threats” in his messages.But in a victim impact statement, Alice said: “This has had a huge impact on me and I feel incredibly unsafe. “I am considering moving away due to the trauma. He sent me 50 messages a day professing his undying love.”As well as a suspended jail term, Inkster was ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work and attend 40 rehabilitation sessions.He was also slapped with a five-year restraining order and ordered him to pay £1,000 costs.Alice married Pennant in May 2014 after he split with the mother of his one-year-old son.The pair broke up in 2020 after appearing together on The Jeremy Kyle Show.Pennant began his career at Notts County before being signed by Arsenal in 1999 when he was 15.He stayed at the club for six years – with stints at Watford – before moving to Birmingham.The winger signed for Liverpool in 2006 for £6.7million and played in the team’s 2007 Champions League final against Milan.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite winning Man of the Match, Pennant never received a first time call-up for England.After leaving Liverpool in 2009, he played for a number of teams including Stoke City and Wigan before hanging up his boots.Alice was forced to ramp up security at her homeCredit: InstagramShe was sent Valentine’s cards and flowers to her home addressCredit: InstagramInkster spent £30,000 on Alice’s OnlyFansCredit: InstagramShe told how how the stalking campaign had a ‘huge impact’ on herCredit: InstagramShe also considered moving home due to the ‘trauma’Credit: Refer to CaptionAlice was married to Pennant for six yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Arsenal files: Mikel Arteta wants shock Leroy Sane free transfer as Bayern Munich star’s contract talks stall

    MIKEL Arteta is eyeing up a potential reunion with a former star he coached at Manchester City. Sun Online can reveal Arsenal are weighing up a move for Bayern Munich player Leroy Sane and could land the player for FREE.Arsenal are ready to make a shock move for Leroy SaneCredit: ReutersMikel Arteta coached the Bayern Munich star when he was assistant manager at Man CityCredit: GettyThat’s because the ex-Manchester City winger, who Arteta worked with at the Etihad, is out of contract at the end of the current campaign.And the lack of any talks between Sane and Bayern chiefs has put Arsenal on red-alert.The North-London giants decided against bringing in an attacker in the January transfer window despite key injuries to the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.Shortly after the window closed, Gabriel Martinelli was hit with a hamstring injury and Kai Havertz was ruled out for the remainder of the season, with Mikel Merino having to step in as a makeshift number nine.Arsenal fans expressed their frustration with club owner Stan Kroenke, blaming the decision to not secure attacking reinforcements. Many believe this has severely hindered the club’s push for the Premier League title.So, as the summer transfer window approaches, the Gunners are expected to focus on strengthening their attacking options – and that’s brought the focus onto Sane. The respected German outlet BILD Sport’s Christian Falk recently revealed there are currently “no negotiations” between the player and Bayern regarding a new contract.The 29-year-old will be a free agent come the summer, and Arteta is no stranger to working with the forward, having previously coached him at Manchester City. It’s not the first time the forward has been linked with a move back to England, as Football Insider revealed back in October that Arsenal were still interested in Sane after failing to land him in the summer transfer window.Newcastle were also linked with a sensational move for Sane, but with Anthony Gordon having signed a new contract, those rumours have since quietened.I’m Arsenal’s biggest fan but people want me banned because I turn up to stadium in nothing but body paintBIRTHDAY BOYARSENAL’S Hale End star Ethan Nwaneri is celebrating his 18th birthday.Among many things, that means he is finally allowed to get changed in the senior dressing room at the Emirates and London Colney.Safeguarding restrictions had prevented him from doing so until now.But he will not be spending his big day like any other teenager. No parties or booze – instead preparing for a friendly against France with Lee Carsley’s England U21s.The group are staying at the four star Domaine du Liziec hotel in Vannes before playing at the FC Lorient stadium later tonight.SunSport understands that Nwaneri woke up with balloons on his door to celebrate the occasion, but there is unlikely to be a cake – due to it being a match day…Ethan Nwaneri is now able to join the rest of Arsenal’s players in the dressing roomCredit: GettyARTETA’S SMALL FISH PROBLEMARSENAL’S 1-0 win over Chelsea before the international break means that the Gunners under Mikel Arteta have not lost to their London rivals in all competitions since August 2021.In fact, since Arteta took the Emirates job in December 2019, Arsenal have lost just TWICE in 13 meetings.Arteta has prided himself on improving Arsenal’s record against the ‘Big Six’ as a whole on their journey to challenging for the Prem title and other major honours.Arsenal’s last competitive defeat against Manchester City was in April 2023, against Manchester United was September 2022, against Tottenham was May 2022 and against Liverpool was March 2022.But it has been results against the ‘others’ that have ultimately cost Arteta and Arsenal in recent seasons.Arsenal have failed to beat West Ham home and away in a Prem season since 2021/22.They have also failed to do the double over Aston Villa since 2022/23, while the likes of Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Brighton continue to take points off them on a regular basis.If Arsenal are to finally get over the line, they will need to improve in matches away from the ‘Big Six’ clashes.Arsenal have struggled against the likes of West Ham for a long time under Mikel ArtetaCredit: EPAMERINO’S HOMEWORKMIKEL Merino’s incredible goal-scoring form continued this week – netting a late leveller for Spain in their 2-2 Nations League quarter final draw against the Netherlands.It is now five goals in his last eight games for club and country – even if on this occasion he came off the bench in a midfield capacity for La Roja, having deputised as a striker for the Gunners in recent weeks.Merino has recently revealed that his Arsenal pals are asking him all about their Champions League quarter final opponents Real Madrid, who they face next month, including what it is like to play at the Bernabeu.More importantly, Merino has the inside scoop on several of his compatriots who play for Los Blancos.Yet ironically, in Spain’s most recent 26-man squad, there was just ONE Madrid call-up in uncapped defender Raul Asencio, 22 – and he was left out of the 23-man group to face the Dutch.Merino – and fellow Spaniard David Raya – may have to do some more undercover reconnaissance work to get the edge over Madrid in a few weeks…Mikel Merino scored for a Spain team that had more players from Arsenal than Real Madrid in its squadCredit: GettyTREATMENT TABLETHE recent numbers around hamstring injuries in the Premier League make for interesting reading – but should they be taken at face value?As of the beginning of March, Prem data reported that of the 418 injuries suffered this season, 100 relate to hamstrings.At the same stage last year, a reported 120 hamstring issues made up the 457 injuries.The data also suggested players are being kept out for slightly longer this term. Of those 100 hamstring-sufferers this term, 51 have been out for more than 30 days.Last season’s 120 hamstring injuries led to 49 absences of more than 30 days.In short, there’s not a lot in it. Nevertheless, hamstring strains and tears continue to be troublesome and frustrating for top flight medical rooms across the country.Tottenham have been forced to manage Micky van de Ven’s return, with talk of the Dutch defender needing to adapt his game to meet the demands of both the Prem and boss Ange Postecoglou’s intense, high-press style.Bukayo Saka has been one of many players to suffer hamstring injuries this seasonCredit: ReutersChelsea and Arsenal have been left without recognised strikers because of damaged hamstrings. Nicolas Jackson is out until next month, while Kai Havertz will not be back until next season after undergoing surgery.And of course, there is Bukayo Saka – another Gunners star to go under the knife to solve the problem, hoping to return in the next few weeks having been out since late December.There was a time when people feared the worst for those with torn hamstrings, worried their heroes would never be the same explosive, electric player they once were.Michael Owen is the most notable example, tearing his hamstring off the bone aged 19 at the peak of his powers at Liverpool in April 1999.Owen would later admit to being “terrified of running at top speed” for the rest of his career, even suggesting: “I wish I had broken my leg instead.”Back then, hamstring operations were not the norm, instead allowing it to heal and reattach naturally.But times have changed, and for the better, which is good news for the likes of Saka and Havertz.Speaking to SunSport, Colin Lewin – Arsenal’s Head of Medical Services from 2008 to 2018 – said: “The reason for doing surgery now is the confidence that you’re going to get them back to where they were before.“It’s also potentially reducing the chances of a recurrence from having that big gap in the hamstring that gets filled up with scar tissue when you get that nasty tear.“Surgical intervention, when it’s indicated, is often a better option for making sure they get back to where they were rather than not.“It’s individual, but certainly in some cases, they can come back even stronger. “I think we see that with a lot of different injuries, even ACLs, back quicker and stronger than they were in pre-season.”Lewin currently shares his time between a consultancy role in the Ipswich Town medical department and his Essex-based ‘Lewin Clinic’ alongside his cousin Gary – another former Arsenal and England physio – looking after a wide range of customers.As with Saka, he admits there is always more concern when it is a player who relies on their pace, often taking inspiration from the rehab of 100m athletes and “sprint mechanics”.Lewin said: “You have to keep an eye on all the secondary issues that you’ve got, as well as your primary injury.“Being away from a pitch for three months might do a great deal of good for your hamstring recovery after surgery. It may not be particularly great for other niggling problems.“Sometimes it’s easy to take your eye off the ball and just focus on the primary injury.“That’s why you bring them back gradually, looking at the whole body, looking at the whole system, rather than just being primed in on the hamstring, hamstring, hamstring.”Colin Lewin spent ten years as Arsenal’s Head of Medical ServicesCredit: Louis Wood – The Sun More

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    Reading face being thrown out of EFL in 44 days as hated owner Dai Yongge is handed deadline to sell club

    READING face being expelled from the EFL if Dai Yongge does not sell in the next 44 days.The Royals owner, 56, has failed the EFL’s owners and directors test.Dai Yongge has failed the EFL’s owners and directors testCredit: Rex FeaturesDai’s company, Renhe Sports management, has been in a court battle with former prospective Reading buyer Rob Couhig’s Redwood Holding Ltd.Couhig, who previously owned Wycombe Wanderers, had agreed a £30million deal to buy the Royals.But the deal subsequently collapsed.Couhig, 75, is claiming more than £12m in lost potential profits after claiming that Reading’s current owners broke exclusivity rules.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAs the case unfolded, the court was told that, due to debts in China, Dai had failed the EFL’s owners and directors test.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    ‘I was scared’ – Forgotten Premier League ace reveals horror moment he suffered panic attack on pitch

    EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Marko Arnautovic has revealed he was struck down by a panic attack during a key international game.West Ham paid a then club record £20million to sign the winger from Stoke City in 2017.Ex-Premier League star Marko Arnautovic was struck down by a panic attackCredit: RexArnautovic took part in Austria’s Nations League clash with Serbia on ThursdayCredit: GettyArnautovic went on to play for Chinese side Shanghai SIPG and Bologna before joining the Italians’ Serie A rivals Inter Milan two years ago.He took part in Austria’s Nations League clash with Serbia in Vienna on Thursday night.But the 35-year-old needed medical intervention early on after severe knee discomfort triggered a bout of panic disorder.”I had all the symptoms,” Arnautovic said.  “I first felt pain in my knee, then had huge pressure in the upper part of my stomach.Read More on Football”At the same time I had a panic attack.  I felt nauseous and dizzy, and I was scared.”I have no idea why it happened.  Maybe it was connected to the extreme pain in my knee.”The team doctor took a look at me, and gave me a remedy.”I carried on playing, and thankfully was OK at the end of the game.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAustria, managed by ex-Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, drew their Nations League play-off 1-1.Michael Gregoritsch gave them a 37th-minute lead, only for Serbia to level just past the hour through Lazar Samardzic.Arnautovic makes personal calls to West Ham fans to win back their heartsArnautovic, a £2m Stoke buy from Werder Bremen in 2013, scored 26 goals in 145 games for the then Premier League side.The Vienna-born ace however failed to live up to expectations at West Ham, and joined Shanghai SIPG after scoring 22 times in 65 appearances. More

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    Chelsea handed major fixture change as Club World Cup opponents are kicked OUT of competition by Fifa

    CHELSEA have been handed a major fixture change in the Club World Cup. some three months out from the competiton.The Blues were set to face Mexican side Leon in their opening match of the summer tournament, but will now take on a different side after Fifa have KICKED OUT the Liga MX side.Chelsea will face new opponents in the Club World CupCredit: GettyClub Leon have been kicked out of the competitionCredit: GettyLeon, who are currently second in Liga MX, have failed multi-club ownership rules relating to the competition – meaning they are now banned from competing.Leon are part of a multi-club ownership group – Grupo Pachuca – that also includes fellow Liga MX side CF Pachuca.Due to Pachuca’s involvement in the Club World Cup too, Fifa have decided that Leon must be ejected from the tournament.A Fifa statement read: “Following disciplinary proceedings opened against CF Pachuca and Club Leon, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to refer the case directly to the FIFA Appeal Committee in accordance with article 56 paragraph 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”After having evaluated all evidence on file, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee has decided that CF Pachuca and Club León failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership defined under article 10 paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.”In line with article 10 paragraph 4 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025M, FIFA has determined that Club León will be removed from the competition, with the club to be admitted as a replacement to be announced in due course.”No replacement has been decided for Leon yet, but is expected soon.Leon have a released a statement of their own outlining their plans to appeal the decision in court if they are prevented from playing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt read: “Club Leon expresses its disagreement with the decision made by FIFA, which could exclude us from the next Club World Cup.”The decision on which team will not attend the tournament is the responsibility of the organization’s Secretary General, who will notify us in the coming days.’This is a joke’ – Danny Drinkwater reveals moment he was told he had ONE HOUR to leave Chelsea”In recent months, we have presented each piece of evidence and documents confirming that Club Leon operates autonomously in all financial, administrative, and sporting aspects.”Should Club Leon be prevented from participating in the 2025 Club World Cup with the same rights with which it earned a place on the pitch, we will pursue the matter to the fullest extent possible in the highest sporting courts.”CF Pachuca have also released a statement claiming they will be taking action.It added: “In our case, we will defend what was won on the field in a fair, professional manner, and in compliance with the rules of the competition.”The CONCACAF contingent for the Club World Cup now stands at three sides – Monterrey, Seattle Sounders FC and Pachuca.And a replacement for Leon would likely have to come from North America too.Grupo Puchuca owner Jesus Martinez said last year that he would be willing to sell his controlling stake in Leon if it allowed them to compete in the Club World Cup.Martinez said: “We told them [Fifa] that we informed at the last Liga MX owners’ meetings that Leon is the team we are going to sell control of.”We plan to give up the majority stake in the club before 2027. However, I think we’re going to maintain some kind of sports control.”What we want is to contribute to the growth of the Mexican league, and if they see that multi-property can have a negative impact, we’re willing to help in every way”.The other teams remaining in Chelsea’s group are Brazilian side Flamengo and Tunisian outfit ES Tunis.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe revamped tournament, which is taking place across North America, will begin in June.MORE TO FOLLOW…THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Which striker should Arsenal buy? We rate the contenders and name the man Arteta must sign in the transfer window

    INJURIES have forced Arsenal to play Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, adding fuel to the fire around their lack of signings.However, even if Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz had not been injured the Gunners would still be lacking in firepower.Mikel Arteta is desperately searching to find the next great goalscorerCredit: GettyEven with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus available the Gunners lacked some punchCredit: GettyNeither Jesus or Havertz completely fit the profile for the position Arteta wants to lead the line of his team in dropping deep or running into the channels.Modern football’s development in recent seasons means strikers need to be capable of breaking a game open on their own.They are athletic, strong and capable of playing on the last line and threatening to attack space behind the defensive line.Arsenal’s issue is every top club appears to be in a similar situation as they search for the next great goalscorer; there simply are not enough top strikers to go around at the moment. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle ace Alexander Isak would have been the natural top target, but last weekend’s Carabao Cup final win means the Swede is now unobtainable.We take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the strikers that Arsenal will be considering this summer.Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting Lisbon and SwedenVictor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s top strikersCredit: EPAThe first name on the list is a striker who Arsenal have been linked with several times in recent seasons, 26-year-old Victor Gyokeres.The Swedish ace has been one of Europe’s top strikers in the last two seasons, hitting 50 goal contributions in 41 games this season after his 58-goal contribution tally at club level last season.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesRightfully so, the former Coventry star is being billed up for a possible transfer fee of £83million.He already has experience in English football with Brighton and Coventry, contributing to 60 goals or assists in 116 games for the Sky Blues, while he scored just one for the Seagulls.How Arteta’s Merino experiment is surprising defenders and crucial to Arsenal’s attackGyokeres is far beyond the level of the Portuguese top-flight and his ability to score goals from a variety of positions and situations have really stood out for Sporting.His biggest strength comes in his ability to lead the line and to attack in moments of transition, working the channels effectively and gathering loose balls.Meanwhile, his strength and athleticism means he can drive through the final third towards the opposition area to create danger – a quality Arsenal are missing in their squad.Gyokeres typically finds himself in situations stretching the play and leading the lineHowever, there are genuine questions about how effective a striker like Gyokeres would be with a team that is more possession-dominant.His technical level when receiving in tight areas and when under pressure on his touch can be slightly loose. There is no doubt that he is better when he has space to attack as opposed to when he is trying to unlock a deeper defensive block.Victor Osimhen – Galatasary and NigeriaVictor Osimhen is itching for a transferCredit: GettyVictor Osimhen, 26, is a very experienced Nigeria international with 39 caps and 23 goals at senior international level as well as stellar at club level with 166 goal contributions across 253 games.His time at Napoli, which of course culminated in the club’s first Serie A win since Diego Maradona, looks to have come to a difficult end with Osimhen ending up on loan to Galatasaray.This season alone he has scored 26 goals and added five assists in 30 games in all competitions, including six goals in seven matches in the Europa League.He has clear similarities with Gyokeres in terms of profile, with both being strong and athletic strikers who are adept at playing on the last line and disrupting opposition defensive lines.But while Gyokeres excels when he has space to attack, Osimhen is more effective in tight spaces looking to receive and break down a deeper defensive block.Here we see how Osimhen likes to position himself between the defensive playersOsimhen is extremely powerful with the ability to receive under pressure and create chances for himself with creative touches and movements to create separation for himself.These qualities give weight to his £62m price tag despite having just one year left on his contract with parent club Napoli, and he is the exact type of striker Arsenal should be looking for.The biggest area of weakness for Osimhen comes in his out-of-possession work, with him being far from a monster in that respect. Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt and FranceHugo Ekitike looks set to be the next big money striker to be sold by FrankfurtCredit: ReutersEintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga have developed something of a reputation as a finishing school for strikers with several players being sold for big money.The France Under-21 international Hugo Ekitike, 22, appears to be the latest gem on that conveyor belt, with an estimated potential fee of £67m.Ekitike has scored 19 goals in 38 matches in all competitions so far this season, having moved to Frankfurt last summer from Paris Saint-Germain in France.The 22-year-old is extremely similar to Isak in that he is comfortable in a variety of situations.He can receive back to goal in deeper areas and link the play and he is comfortable in the channels. Here we see Ekitike receiving a forward pass before he turns, holds off defenders and pressure and then creates a shooting angle for himselfCrucially, however, he is strong when receiving on the last line with the ability to make space for himself and to get shots away.At the moment the biggest area of development that Ekitike has is improving his consistency and decision making in the final third. He is obviously younger than both Gyokeres and Osimhen with more development to come from him, but it can be argued Arsenal need a ready-made forward sooner rather than later.Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig and SloveniaArsenal have already been linked with Benjamin SeskoCredit: GettyThe fact Arsenal need a striker has been common knowledge for some time now and as such there have been players who have been consistently linked to a move to the club.One of those is the 21-year-old RB Leipzig and Slovenia star Benjamin Sesko.The Gunners were rumoured to be interested in the striker both in the summer and in the winter transfer window, although Sesko was keen to see the season out in Germany.So far this season Sesko has scored 17 goals in 36 games including four goals in eight Champions League games.Sesko is tall, powerful and fast and he combined the ability to play in space and transition with the ability to play on the highest line and to receive the ball with back to goal. Here Sesko shows his shot power as he receives and gets turned to face the opposition goal on his first touchThere is no doubt that his biggest strength as a striker though comes through his ball striking and the power that he can generate from shots.Sesko’s biggest area of development is his technical ability, patience and consistency when he receives the ball. At the moment there is still a sense with him that he has a tendency to try to force the game too aggressively as opposed to being more composed and calm in possession of the ball.Sehrou Guirassy – Borussia Dortmund and GuineaSehrou Guirassy’s form has exploded in the last two seasonsCredit: AFPThe next player we have shortlisted is 29-year-old Sehrou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmunda and Guinea, who could cost as much as £40m.After a slightly slower start to his career Guirassy exploded last season while at VfB Stuttgart before making a move across Germany to sign for Dortmund.Guirassy has scored 24 goals in 36 matches this season including 10 goals in 12 Champions League appearances.It would be fair to say Guirassy is very much a last-line striker, and there is no doubt he would improve Arsenal’s forward play with his ability to play high and receive the ball under pressure.He has impressed in recent seasons with his ability to get on the ball and create space and angles to get shots away around the penalty area.Here we see Guirassy positioned between the two central defendersHis movement and ability to get little pockets of separation from defenders help him to create shooting opportunities.Despite the impressive performances that we have seen from Guirassy in recent seasons there is still some doubt as to his ability to perform at the highest level. Does he have the ability to play with his back to goal and then to attack space against the more athletic profiles of defenders in the Premier League?Samu (Omorodion) Aghehowa – Porto and SpainSamu Aghehowa has already been linked with a top Premier League moveCredit: GettyThe rise of Samu Aghehowa, also known as Omorodion, to this point has been nothing short of spectacular.From playing in the fourth tier of Spanish football just two seasons ago to being recognised as one of the most promising young strikers in European football.The young striker moved initially to Atletico Madrid having just broken into the first team at Granada, leading to heavy links with Chelsea before he moved to join Porto.So far this season he has scored 20 goals in 34 games this season with six goals in nine games in the Europa League.Aghehowa, 20, is extremely powerful and he is at his best in the final third and around the opposition penalty area.He is very strong when it comes to attacking the ball in the air and he routinely displays the ability to dominate opposition defenders from crosses or high balls into the area. Here we see how Aghehowa can excel in tight areas as he performs an overhead kick under tight pressureRated at potentially £84m, he can also shield the ball and bring others into the game as his team attacks.At the moment Aghehowa still has to refine and improve his technical level.He needs to improve his ability to receive and outplay defenders and add more to his game in terms of his passing when he comes into deeper positions.Liam Delap – Ipswich and EnglandLiam Delap has had a solid season despite his team’s looming threat of relegationCredit: GettyIt would be fair to say the performances of Liam Delap have been one of the real highlights of Ipswich’s first season back in the Premier League.The 22-year-old, England Under-21 star is a product of the youth academy at Manchester City but moved to Ipswich on a permanent deal last summer.He is another striker who has real power and pace with the ability to stretch the game and provide threat with his off-ball movement to attack space around the final third.So far this season he has scored 10 goals in 31 matches, a strong return for a team facing relegation from the Premier League this season.Delap has the ideal profile for a modern striker. Here we see where Delap actually picked the ball up deep before starting to drive forwardHe has the frame to attack with real power and he is quick when he gets into stride and can run to attack space in advanced areas.As a striker he can carry the ball over longer distances and drive past opposition players with real pace and power.He still needs to develop his consistency and at the moment it is unclear whether he would be as effective when playing against a team who sit in a deeper and more compact defensive block or for a team that are more possession-dominant.ConclusionThere are several players who are options for Arsenal going forward as they look to add a striker to their current squad. The issue is that there will be significant competition for any of the seven players that we have discussed in this article.Arsenal will have to be aggressive in terms of securing the right target. Given the position Arsenal are in they need to add a proven winner and goalscorer who can give them the edge and help them to win the Premier League. While there is every chance that a forward like Ekitike would thrive at Premier League level, we believe Osimhen is the striker who would have the biggest impact next season for Arteta’s side.His experience of leading Napoli to the Serie A title just a couple of seasons ago and the fact Napoli would be very keen to do a deal. are key factors.The fact he is not a pressing monster can be worked around, as we saw in his time at Napoli under Spalletti.Two seasons ago, he was the man who led the press for Napoli, and there is no reason why he cannot do it again.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis tactical approach is something that Arteta could easily replicate given the nature of the players that would be either side of Oshimen.And his attacking prowess at both holding the ball up and also stretching that last line of defence make him a very interesting match for Arsenal.We reckon Osimhen would be the perfect fit for Arsenal’s striker problemCredit: Getty More

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    Matheus Cunha has ban EXTENDED and slapped with £50,000 fine after Wolves star ‘punched and headbutted’ Milos Kerkez

    WOLVES striker Matheus Cunha has had his three-match red card ban extended by an FA commission.Brazilian Cunha was dismissed after a tear-up with Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez in the final minute of extra-time in the FA Cup fifth round tie.Matheus Cunha was sent off for a headbutt on Milos Kerkez earlier this monthCredit: GettyThe two players came to blows in the FA CupCredit: GettyThe volatile South American was dismissed by ref Sam Barrott for kicking out at Cherries’ left back Kerkez when the defender was on the ground following a skirmish between them.Cunha, who had earlier scored a brilliant long-range equaliser, then aimed a headbutt at Kerkez after both had got to their feet, before seemingly ignoring the red card as he refused to leave the pitch.It was the latter behaviour that saw him charged with misconduct and an independent disciplinary commission ordered him to serve an extra match suspension with a fine of £50,000 on top.The FA said the full written reasons behind the sanction would be published “in due course” while Cunha, who admitted the charge, will miss upcoming games against West Ham and Ipswich before being available to face Spurs on April 13.Read More in FootballBut the punishment was something of an escape given it was the second time this season that Cunha has fallen foul of Wembley disciplinary beaks.In December he was charged with misconduct following the flare-up at the end of Wolves’ home defeat by Ipswich when he got into a ruckus with one of the visitors’ security staff.While the commission which sat on that case found he deserved a three-match ban and £120,000 fine, both punishments were reduced by a third – to two matches and £80,000 – after it emerged he had offered to buy the Ipswich steward a new pair of glasses.Cunha has been heavily linked with a move away from Wolves in recent months.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSArsenal and Manchester United were understood to be among the clubs interested.But he instead revealed that he is happy at Molineux and penned a new contract.Wolves forward Matheus Cunha faces trial over ‘driving blunder’ More