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      Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea fans can watch their teams for FREE in Europa and Conference League finals

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      SPURS, Manchester United and Chelsea fans are set to be able to watch their sides’ European finals for free this month.Broadcaster TNT Sports is understood to be planning to make all three of this season’s Uefa Finals available to all fans through its Discovery Plus channel.Bruno Fernandes hopes Man Utd put aside domestic woe to beat fellow Prem strugglers Tottenham in the Europa League final on May 21Credit: ReutersBrennan Johnson and Co might not save boss Ange Postecoglou’s job if Tottenham defeat the Red Devils in the Bilbao finalCredit: GettyCole Palmer’s Chelsea are gunning for Real Betis on May 28 in the Conference League showdownCredit: GettyWhile a formal announcement is yet to be made, Sun Sport understands TNT will repeat last season’s model for the three games.It means the all-Prem Europa League showdown between United and Tottenham in Bilbao on May 21, Chelsea’s Conference League climax with Real Betis in Wroclaw seven days later and the Munich Champions League Final between Inter Milan and PSG can all be watched by fans without a TNT subscription.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is under so much pressure he could even be axed if he triumphs.Tottenham have been trophyless since lifting the League Cup in 2008.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd United counterpart Ruben Amorim says victory for his team is the least his club’s fans deserve – after admitting he must get better at his job.It comes as the English top flight could have a record NINE teams competing in Europe next season.That would smash the previous best of five from 2017-18, which saw United miss out on the top four but win the Europa League.The Prem has been awarded five Champions League spots next season – thanks to performing so well under Uefa’s coefficient rankings.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMan Utd and Spurs will fight for the Europa League trophyCredit: GettyThe key achievement in being rated so high was Arsenal beating Real Madrid in their quarter-final first leg.The Gunners went on to exit against Paris Saint-Germain in the semis – with Emirates boss Mikel Arteta sparking a mixed response for claiming his team were the best in the competition.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThis Conference League trophy is the prize at Chelsea vs BetisCredit: Shutterstock EditorialStamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea are accused of ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’Arsenal’s Real success meant the Prem’s Europa and Conference League places would now be filled by the sides finishing sixth and seventh.And they will down a spot further – if Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.Spurs and United are far closer to the bottom of the table than the teams challenging for European places.But whoever wins the Europa League final will book a Champions League place.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

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      Virgil van Dijk looking great value to expose hidden Arsenal weakness in Anfield clash –  Weekend Wager’s best bets

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      SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager is back to give you the best set of betting tips for this weekend’s Premier League action.The title race may be over, but the Champions League race is only hotting up as some blockbuster fixtures hit the calendar.Our betting experts have some great tips for the weekend’s Premier League actionCredit: ReutersFirst of all we have the best two teams in the country facing off at Anfield as Arsenal look to restore some pride and end their season on a high on their visit to champions Liverpool.Elsewhere, Newcastle play Chelsea in what could be a pivotal match for the top five.And Bournemouth host Aston Villa as Unai Emery’s team look to claw their way into the Champions League spots.We have all that and more on this weekends edition as host, Will Pugh, is joined by football journalist, Kweku Afari, and Betfair betting expert, James Mackie.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLiverpool vs Arsenal – Sunday, 4:30pmKweku: Mohamed Salah to score anytime. 7/5″When I was looking at this, I could not believe the odds. “They’re aiming for my bet. Mo Salah to score anytime, 7-5.”Let’s remember Salah is the top goal scorer in the Premier League, has scored 28 league goals this season, and also leads the league in assists.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”He is by far the best player in the league and the man for the big occasion as well. Most read in Football”The stats back it up, Salah has scored 11 Premier League goals against Arsenal, only netting more against Manchester United, 13 goals, and Tottenham, 12 goals. This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final”So, you know Salah, when it’s a big occasion, especially off the back of last week where it was a bit disappointing, you know it’s going to turn up for Liverpool.Will: Draw. 15/8Will thinks deflated Arsenal will draw with on the beach LiverpoolCredit: Getty”I was racking my brains about this game, and it’s so hard to call with not loads riding on it. Obviously a little bit of pride. Arsenal will be sort of mentally deflated. “So if I had to pick, I’d say maybe Liverpool, you know, big party atmosphere, as there will be at Anfield. But I just couldn’t pick a winner. So I’ve gone draw 15-8. I know it’s not very adventurous, but I just couldn’t see anything anywhere else result-wise.”Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 14 home games against Arsenal in all competitions, won seven and drawn seven since a 2-0 defeat in the Premier League in September 2012. “So that tells me Arsenal probably aren’t going to win. Arsenal, though, are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games against Liverpool with two wins and three draws, which is their longest run without defeat against Liverpool since a run of eight between October 2007 and April 2011. “This is also the third time Arsenal are facing the Prem champions in a season once the title has already been confirmed. “And the last two was a 1-0 draw with Man Utd in 2012-13 and actually beat Liverpool in 2019-20.”James: 2+ shots for Virgil van Dijk. 12/5James reckons Virgil van Dijk’s aerial prowess is too good to ignoreCredit: Getty”I’ve looked down at the, what a seriously special player, Virgil van Dijk. And he scored two in his last four. So when you look at stuff like that, you’ve got to think, right, can he keep going?”He’s just an absolute menace off corners. And another stat to back up this bet is it’s Virgil van Dijk to have two plus shots in the game at 12-5. It was 4-9 for just one, 12-5 for two.”He scored two in his last four, but he’s had two plus shots in three of those four games. So the stats are there. He’s been doing it already.”Another thing I was looking at here as well is that Arsenal conceded 39 per cent of their goals in the Premier League this season from set-piece situations. That’s the most from any side in the Premier League.”But yeah, look, the stats back it up. You’re getting 12-5 about Van Dijk. He’s going to go for every corner. “Also, it’s the main man’s 300th Premier League game on Sunday. So look, what better way than going, give me the 12-5, two plus shots.Speaker 2: So that’s the hidden value for me there.”Bournemouth vs Aston Villa – Saturday 5:30pmKweku: Emiliano Martinez 5+ saves. 11/4″The stats back this up as well. Bournemouth have had more shots following a high turnover than any other side in the Premier League this season, with 65. “Their 65 shots and eight goals from high turnovers this season are the most of any of their top five campaigns, which is eight, which suggests the high press from [Andoni] Iraola, the fact that Bournemouth are up and at them, converts into chances.”And I think that Martinez, like I say, will be a very busy man. Kweku believes it’s a sure bet Emiliano Martinez will have a busy afternoonCredit: Getty”And only Salah with 121 and Cole Palmer with 120 shots have had more shots than Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who’s had 118 this season. “So it suggests that Bournemouth do create chances. They don’t always take them. “But the fact that there’s a world-class shotstopper in Martinez in goal for Aston Villa and Bournemouth all have a lot of shots, I think Martinez, five or more saves, 11/4. I like it.Will: Draw HT, Bournemouth win FT. 11/2″Bournemouth have scored more goals in second-half stoppage time than any other team in the Premier League this season, while only Southampton, on ten, have conceded more than Aston Villa have in that time. “Villa have conceded eight in second-half stoppage time. Bournemouth have scored eight in second-half stoppage time. So they’ve got the stamina. They can go deep into games. “Bournemouth lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa in their first ever Premier League match in August 2015. But since then, the Cherries are unbeaten in three at home to Villa, scoring exactly two goals in each of those games.Bournemouth should have enough about them to win at home after 90 minutesCredit: Rex”That’s two victories and one draw. So they’ve got a good record against them, they’ve got used to playing them. And Bournemouth have won seven of their 13 Premier League games against teams starting the day above them in the table this season.”They’ve drawn three and lost three of the other ones that they didn’t win, which is the highest win rate of any side to play more than one such game this term. “So more than half of their games, they’ve played against teams above them in the league at time of kick-off. They have come out victorious. So I did really like that. I do give Bournemouth a chance. I think they’re getting a bit underrated this season.”James: Ollie Watkins to score or assist. 11/10″I think this is the bet of the weekend. “When you’re getting odds against about top strikers in the Premier League, either scoring or assisting, you’ve got to have a look and take advantage. And Ollie Watkins is the man that I’m looking at here.”Watkins has been directly involved in five goals in his four Premier League starts against Bournemouth. Ollie Watkins is up against one of his favourite opponents in BournemouthCredit: Getty”One goal, four assists. He’s four assists against the Cherries, the most against any opponent he’s got.”Absolutely superb. “And like I said, when you’re looking, not even just to score, to assist as well, and you get an 11-10 about their talisman up top, who’s bagged all season, I think it’s a brilliant bet.Ascot, Victoria Cup – Saturday, 2:40pm It is set to be another exciting week at the Ascot RacecourseCredit: ReutersJames: Qirat 5/1″It’s Qirat at the top of the market of 5-1. This horse for Ralph Beckett, Ross O’Ryan’s one of the best jockeys I think around at the moment. He’s doing the steering.”This horse has got some proven form already at Ascot in an 18-runner handicap. But what I like from this horse is I think we’ve got a group horse in a handicap here. “So you see horses that are running against lesser horses. They’ve got a bit bigger weight. They’re going to go on to deeper waters later on in the season.”It’s his first run of the season. He’s racing off a mark of 99. He’s won off a mark of 92. He’s finished second last twice off marks of 97 and 98.”Back at Ascot on the straight where he’s already done it, finished second in a really good handicap. Read More on The Sun”I think at 5-1 off what, five or six pounds higher. I think he’s going to go on to deeper waters. And I think 5-1, I think he’s got a cracking chance in this handicap, Qirat.18+ | GambleAware.org | Please Gamble Responsibly More

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      Viktor Gyokeres ‘makes transfer decision’ amid Arsenal and Man Utd links with Sporting ready to sell for cut-price fee

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES has decided to move to the Premier League – and has already chosen his next club.The 26-year-old has attracted serious interest since his move to Sporting Lisbon in 2023 from Coventry, scoring 95 in 99 appearances in Portugal.Viktor Gyokeres is set to move to the Premier League in the summerCredit: RexArteta’s Arsenal could do with a striker to lift their squad into the silverwareCredit: ReutersArsenal and Manchester United have been particularly keen amid a league-wide striker drought.Gyokeres, 26, has been widely reported to have an £85million release clause.But it’s now understood Sporting would be willing to accept bids of around £58m.And, according to talkSPORT, it’s Arsenal who are in pole position to get a deal done.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe North London club are set for a huge summer of refreshing their squad after another season without silverware and the striker position is one key weakness.Kai Havertz attempted to fill in the centre-forward position earlier in the season but underwent hamstring surgery in early February and has not been seen since.Neither he nor fellow makeshift striker Gabriel Jesus are natural frontmen however.Despite being only one place below them, Arsenal have scored 17 fewer goals than league-winners Liverpool.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWith Gyokeres on course to become the first player outside of Europe’s top five leagues to win the European Golden Boot in 23 years, he could take the Gunners to the next level.United have also expressed interest as they have only scored 42 this league campaign while Hojlund and Zirkzee find their feet amidst injury and inconsistency.These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts’ best betsThe Red Devils boast the Sporting connection as boss Ruben Amorim has managed the striker in Portugal.Gyokeres’ newly-reduced price tag makes him an attractive prospect, with Newcastle likely to demand around £150m for Alexander Isak after 23 league goals this season.Gyokeres himself has maintained a tight-lipped silence over his potential summer moves but Arsenal’s sporting director Berta is a well-known fan of his. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Stamford Bridge erupts in brawls as Chelsea launch probe into ‘most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory’

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      CHELSEA have launched a probe after hundreds of away fans infiltrated the home end for Thursday’s Conference League match.Supporters of Swedish side Djurgarden were able to buy tickets in almost every section of Stamford Bridge for the semi-final second leg.Djurgarden fans packed into every section of the Stamford Bridge during the Conference League second legCredit: GettyFans were seen climbing the barriers between themCredit: GettyFans were seen clashing in the standsCredit: XFans from both sides came to blows during the gameCredit: XChelsea Supporters Trust called it a ‘serious security breach’Credit: XCops and stewards had to intervene to keep the peaceCredit: AlamyPolice have confirmed a number of arrests were madeCredit: AlamyCops and stewards had to intervene to keep the peace during the game, which Chelsea won 1-0.Chelsea claim to be cracking down on illegal ticket sales and are going digital with seat allocation from next season in a bid to beat the touts.The visiting supporters made no attempt to remain anonymous and sang loudly throughout the 90-minute match.Footage from inside the ground on the night shows one section of Stamford Bridge being completely taken over by visiting fans, which saw Chelsea release an update during the game and relocate fans in the impacted areas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne fan captured a video showing fans clashing in the Matthew Harding Stand of the stadium during the match, with another showing fans brawling in the West Stand concourse at half-time.The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust released a damning statement following the game and asked fans to come forwards to present evidence for an formal investigation.The statement said: “During Thursday’s UEFA Conference League vs. Djurgården, a huge number of away supporters were able to infiltrate large areas of the home end.”This is the most serious breach of stadium security in recent memory, and it significantly undermines any security protocols Chelsea FC put in place ahead of the fixture.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge”As a result, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust will formally write a letter of complaint to Chelsea FC’s COO and Head of Security. “We will call for a formal investigation by the club into the ticket sales process and Chelsea FC’s security response during the match.Chaos at Stamford Bridge as Djurgarden fans jump over barriers and clash in away end against Chelsea”The findings of this investigation and any subsequent recommendations must be made available to supporters.”The CST invites all supporters who attended the fixture on Thursday to submit written, photographic, and video evidence they captured during the fixture.”The CST will then collate this evidence and then submit it to Chelsea FC.”A Chelsea statement read: “We will be reviewing all ticketing arrangements following this evening’s match and commit to implementing all necessary changes following this review. “We will also share all our findings with the Fan Advisory Board.”Large numbers of police were on duty as they were in the previous round when the notorious Legia Warsaw ultras also gained entry into home sections of the ground.Chelsea’s own chairman Todd Boehly owns a stake in US-based Vivid Seats which is an unauthorised ticket resale site.A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Officers were deployed to support stewards at Stamford Bridge last night after a number of away fans were identified in home stands. “The fans had purchased tickets but not for the appropriate part of the ground.“A number of away fans who had found themselves in the home stands climbed into the designated away stand where they remained without incident.Read More on The Sun“Where away fans remained in home areas, officers and stewards provided a visible presence to ensure any incidents or altercations could be dealt with.“While there were six arrests outside the ground for various offences including assault and possession of drugs, there were no arrests within the ground.” Chelsea ratings vs Djurgarden as Dewsbury-Hall makes most of rare start but Sancho should have done betterCHELSEA coasted their way into the Conference League final thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half finish.Enzo Maresca’s men had done the difficult work last week with a thumping first-leg win.But Dewsbury-Hall gave the home fans something to cheer about with a smart finish.Tyrique George fed the midfielder, who cut inside Djurgarden defender Miro Tenho before slotting home.From there, Chelsea were going through the motions – and no wonder given how poor their Swedish visitors were.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea stars… More

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      Casemiro ready to see out career at Man Utd after incredible Ruben Amorim U-turn on veteran midfielder

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      CASEMIRO could be set to see out his career at Manchester United after an incredible U-turn by Ruben Amorim.The former Real Madrid star looked certain to leave Old Trafford over the summer after an alarming dip in form.Casemiro was on target against BilbaoCredit: ReutersIt seemed as though Casemiro’s career under Ruben Amorim was overCredit: GettyBut the midfielder has been revitalised in recent weeks and has starred for the Red Devils in their European adventure. United sources say Amorim has been working closely with the player at Carrington, and now thinks he has a big role to play in the rebuilding of the club.Amorim believes the player’s experience and versatility could be a key asset as he looks to bring back success at Old Trafford.It means remaining at Man United is now a serious option for Casemiro, who has been linked to moves to America and the Saudi League.Read more FootballAnd although he could earn big money there, sources close to the player say he is happy in England and open-minded to seeing out his career at the highest level.He currently pockets a whopping £375,000-a-week to boot, one of the biggest salaries going.Casemiro spoke about the passion he retains for top-level football in an interview ahead of United’s crunch Europa League game against Athletic Club.The five-time Champions League-winner told United’s official matchday programme: “I have won what I have won.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“But I always want more. I always want to earn it, to win, that is the winning mentality. “People only see the 90 minutes, I always say ‘the matches are the reflection of what you do every day’ and that is me – always working.“Whether I play or don’t play, I am there every day. That is me as a person, that is me. Whether I play or not – all I want is for United to win.”If United win, I am winning. The most important is that United win. It is not about me winning or another player winning, it is about United winning.“I want to help in any way I can, I will be there. This is my mentality. That is why I have won what I have won in my career.”Casemiro has one goal and zero assists this season in the Premier LeagueThe Brazilian midfielder joined United in the summer of 2022 for £70million.He scored United’s second goal in their 4-1 win over Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final on Thursday. It added to the opener he scored in the first leg to set Amorim’s on their way to a 3-0 victory at San Mames.Man Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford… More

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      ‘Not for £100million either’ – Gary Lineker reveals he turned down reality TV offer following Match of the Day exit

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed that he has turned down multiple reality TV shows since it was announced that he would be leaving the BBC. Lineker, 64, will step down from his post as host of Match of the Day at the end of the season. Lineker’s tenure as Match of the Day frontman is coming to an endCredit: BBCThe presenter has always made his political views public, sometimes to his detrimentHe will be replaced by the trio of Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman. He will, however, be kept on to lead the Beeb’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup in the US and Mexico. He will also continue to front the broadcaster’s FA Cup offerings. In an interview with The Times, Lineker admitted that he had several offers from reality TV shows to appear. Read more in FootballAccording to Lineker, the producers of Big Brother tapped up his agent to enquire about the former England striker’s interest in appearing on the programme. They were met with a £100million price tag, although Lineker revealed that he “wouldn’t have done it for £100million either,” with the sum being “a little over their budget”. In the interview, Lineker, who earned 80 caps for his country, scoring 48 goals, said that he had become quite the chef in his spare time. That had also led to offers from culinary shows. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe insisted: “I’ve actually been offered to do cookery programmes, but I don’t want to, because whilst I’m a very keen cook and I think I’m a good cook, I’m not Gordon f***ing Ramsay.”Lineker believes that he is a better presenter now than he ever has been, with his podcast “The Rest is Football” helping him behind the microphone and in front of the camera.Lineker has been the subject of bids from several showsCredit: AlamyHowever, that venture did not help sway the BBC’s decision to keep him on. He said: “I think I’m a better presenter now than I’ve ever been.“I know everything that can go wrong, and everything that can go right. Which is a good time to go.“There wasn’t a great desire to give me another three-year contract.”Lineker got the Match of the Day gig in 1999, replacing Des Lynam in the hotseat.He was also the Beeb’s lead presenter for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and he was reported to be the corporation’s highest-paid presenter in July 2022. He was suspended from Match of the Day in 2023 for criticising the British government’s immigration policy on social media.  More

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      How Real Madrid could line up under Xabi Alonso with Alexander-Arnold starring in new formation and Chelsea icon axed

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      REAL MADRID could line up in a stunning new formation with Xabi Alonso at the helm.The Spaniard is expected to link up with his former side after announcing he will leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.Xabi Alonso is set to join Real Madrid after confirming his Bayer Leverkusen exitCredit: EPATrent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join on a free from LiverpoolCredit: PAAlonso’s impending arrival at Real is set to see Carlo Ancelotti finalise a deal with Brazil.And Los Blancos are set for an exciting revamp on the pitch as well as off it.A free transfer deal for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has almost been completed.He is expected to kick-start a summer of spending as Real looks to make amends for a disappointing league and European campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOther players they are looking at include Arsenal’s William Saliba, Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.Should they land all their targets, Real could line up in a bold new way under tactical expert Alonso.The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich playmaker has used several formations during his time as a boss.But Alonso’s main tactic at Leverkusen is the 3-4-2-1, which led the Germans to a title-winning Invincibles season last year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat could see Thibaut Courtois line up in goal, with Saliba and Huijsen joining Eder Militao in the back three.There may not be room for ex-Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger as a result, while David Alaba could also be frozen out.Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘banned from Currys and Popworld’ after quitting Liverpool for Real Madrid in free transferFurther forward, Alexander-Arnold and Gutierrez could operate as Real’s wing-backs.Sticking Federico Valverde in midfield alongside Zubimendi would allow Alexander-Arnold to drift infield, as the Uruguayan is often found bombing down the right flank.And up top, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr could play the supporting roles behind striker Kylian Mbappe.Another formation Alonso used at Leverkusen, mainly this season, is the classic 4-4-2.That would see a back four of Alexander-Arnold, Saliba, Huijsen and Gutierrez start in front of Courtois.Bellingham could partner Zubimendi in midfield while being flanked by Vinicius Jr and fellow Brazilian winger Rodrygo.And up front, youngster Endrick could finally get a proper chance to flourish alongside Mbappe.Finally, Alonso could revert to the 4-2-3-1 system he used back with Real Sociedad’s B team.It also holds the benefit of being the formation Real currently deploy under Ancelotti.And that would see a similar back five supported by a midfield pivot of Zubimendi and fellow holder Eduardo Camavinga.Read More on The SunRodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Mbappe would then form a fearsome attack.And not many would bet against Alonso leading Real to LaLiga glory in his first season in charge. More

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      Arsenal files: How Gunners snubbed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia transfer as emergency William Saliba replacement is prepared

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      ARSENAL passed up the opportunity to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia four years ago because of doubts about how good he would become.According to a former Gunners scout, the Georgian superstar’s ceiling was something that divided opinion at the club.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia caused Arsenal problems throughout their Champions League tie with PSG – but he could have been playing for the GunnersCredit: GettyKvaratskhelia was playing for Rubin Kazan at the time and was beginning to attract the interest of top European clubs.Napoli took a risk by paying £10m for the winger in 2022 — a fortnight after Arsenal shelled out £3.5million for Marquinhos.The Brazilian never made the grade at Emirates Stadium while Kvaratskhelia made a stunning impact in Naples.He helped to end the Serie A club’s 33-year title drought in his first season, landing the league’s MVP award as well as being named UEFA’s Champions League Young Player of the Season.And in the week that the Georgian played a major role in destroying the Gunners’ Champions League dreams, it has emerged that Arsenal were aware of him well before Napoli or PSG.Tomasz Pasieczny, who scouted for Arsenal in Eastern Europe for seven years until 2021, initially spotted Kvaratskhelia by chance.He told weszlo.com: “Georgia’s youth team visited Poland, there was a qualifying tournament.“My job was to pay attention to other teams, but when you saw them — Khvicha and Zuriko Davitashvili — we had long discussions with other scouts about who was better.“Then I watched both of them in Russia, so I followed their development for a long time.“I was at the old stadium in Kazan for a match with Dynamo Moscow, Khvicha came off the bench, made two completely unsuccessful dribbles and the fans reacted very negatively.“At that stage he couldn’t cope with it. Every next move was bad, from start to finish. He got lost, the ball bounced off him, you could see that he had lost his confidence.“He overcame it, but if it had continued, it would have been a problem. Being affected by a few thousand people in Kazan doesn’t lead to a good rating…”Everyone knew he would be mega good, but they wondered how good. Whether he would be the absolute top or a bit lower”Few had any doubts that he wouldn’t be anything at all. However, at that stage I had to write how it is, draw conclusions, write where the problems are.”Pasieczny takes pride in the fact that as many as eight of the Arsenal side that overcame Real Madrid in the quarter-finals were signed under his watch, although he did reveal he was totally convinced by only seven.He added: “Leandro Trossard — I thought he was not a player for Arsenal, but after his time at Brighton it turned out very well.“I simply thought he was a player for a good English club, but not a top one. Something was missing, a bit of quality. Trossard was versatile, but he was a bit short of the top level.“Nevertheless, I will give credit to the fact that he has proved to be very useful. “Of course, it is difficult to judge now whether he reached this level thanks to Brighton, or whether I was wrong and he was ready then.”SECOND CHANCEJAKUB KIWIOR seemed certain to be heading out of the exit door at the Emirates this summer.But the Polish defender has impressed manager Mikel Arteta so much that he could still have a future at Arsenal.Kiwior, 25, has not exactly been a blazing success since his £21million move from Italian side Spezia in January 2023.Although he has made just 25 Premier League appearances, he has improved recently and impressed when filling in for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes.While there could be several arrivals and departures at Arsenal this summer, Arteta might consider that Kiwior is a useful squad player.Although the centre-half has been looking at leaving, he could now be persuaded to stay.Asked about Kiwior by a Polish journalist at his pre-match press conference before the Champions League second leg tie at PSG.Arteta said: “He deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t played too much for many months and sadly, he’s been thrown into the difficult situations at the highest level, playing against the best opponents.“That is tough when you haven’t had the physical rhythm or the confidence to do it so he’s been exceptional.”Jakub Kiwior has fought his way back into Mikel Arteta’s plansCredit: GettyTOUGH SALKIWIOR’s resurgence could prove timely, with Real Madrid preparing a summer move to prise William Saliba out of Arsenal.The Spanish giants, set to be under new management with Xabi Alonso lined up to replace Carlo Ancelotti, are ready to jettison former Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger after his latest disciplinary flare-up brought a six-match ban for throwing ice at a referee from the bench.France star Saliba is their prime target, despite the fact that the defender has two years left on his Gunners deal.Arsenal are keen to open talks on a contract extension for Saliba, 24, in a bid to tie him to the club long-term.But Madrid’s appeal to any world star has not abated, proven by the recent captures of Saliba’s France team-mate Kylian Mbappe and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.Expect to read suggestions that he is “keen on a move” from Spain any time soon. The softening up process is about to begin.Real Madrid are desperate to lure William Saliba to the clubCredit: GettyFAN-NING THE FLAMESARSENAL had 2000 supporters inside the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night and each of them were handed a free red and white scarf by the club.Sadly, they did not have too much to cheer about during the game.The away supporters were then kept at their seats for an hour after the final whistle and after being told they could leave, were then held in a separate area for a further 15 minutes.Meanwhile, while the Londoners headed back to their hotels or for a quiet drink, it was all going off along the Champs-Elysees.While PSG fans flocked to the famous street in their thousands, there was a car-ramming incident with three people injured as the celebrations got out of hand. The Parisian supporters were so angry that they set the car on fire.Arsenal fans were kept inside the Parc des Princes for more than an hour after the match had finishedCredit: AlamyCUP A LOAD OF THATARSENAL look like a team desperate for the campaign to end, and desperate for a summer break with their silverware dreams crushed.Thoughts turn immediately to transfers. Owners Stan and Josh Kroenke are set to provide a hefty kitty — around £200m — to Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta to bring in several world class players in an attempt to end 19 years of league title hurt.And the Club World Cup could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Gunners – forcing them to take action in the market sooner rather than later and giving them a better chance of landing their top targets.Because of Gianni Infantino’s new ludicrous, US-based champions of champions competition – from June 14 to July 13 – the transfer window is going to be split in two this summer.It will open between June 1 and June 10, then close for five days before running again from June 16 until September 1.That first 10-day period should see plenty of teams – including Prem Club World Cup attendees Manchester City and Chelsea and other European sides – attempt to cash in quickly so they can take their new purchases to the States.This will no doubt encourage Arsenal to do the same, to get ahead of their rivals and get some early business done before the ‘second’ window.SunSport understands that Arteta is keen to get deals done earlier than usual this summer, especially after the January debacle that saw them spend too long on long-shot targets that they were not able to get over the line.Talks with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in mid-January came to nothing and then a late £40m bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins went the same way.It left Arsenal dangerously short up top, and has ultimately cost them both domestically and in Europe.It is understood that the first 10 days of the summer window should see £51m midfield signing Martin Zubimendi join from Real Sociedad.And significant ground work will also be made in getting an elite No.9 nailed down.Especially as Sesko, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak are in high demand by Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona.Arteta is also known to prefer having all his new signings through the door and fully acclimatised BEFORE their pre-season tour, which this summer is in Singapore and Hong Kong from July 19 to July 31.So, do not be surprised if Arsenal decide to avoid a long, drawn-out bidding war for Isak and go straight for the slightly cheaper options of Sesko or Gyokeres, or even Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.There is hope that while City and Chelsea battle it out across the pond in a gruelling competition, Arsenal can welcome a few new faces to London Colney and get to work straight away.Martin Zubimendi could join Arsenal within weeksCredit: GettyIN GOOD MIKNOT only has Mikel Merino been a saviour of sorts on the pitch – filling in as a striker these past few months – but he has also pleased the club with his willingness to engage in media activities, even after defeats.Following Arsenal’s first leg 1-0 semi-final defeat to PSG at the Emirates, the Spaniard faced reporters in the mixed zone, and he did the same minutes after their 2-1 second leg loss in Paris.He spoke of the need to learn from the mistakes, and insisted that this group would be ready to go again and win major trophies next year.SunSport understands that Merino has become a reliable and trusted voice to sum up the emotions of the dressing room and to give positive, reassuring messages to journalists post-match, especially when results have not gone to plan.It may sound like a small thing, but Merino’s commitment to this has not only left a good mark on reporters, but has also taken the weight off his teammates in these moments.Arteta knew Merino would be a valuable squad member, and he is proving just that in more ways than one.Mikel Merino is proving his worth off the pitch as well as on itCredit: Getty More