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    Former England star Trevor Sinclair facing bankruptcy battle over £36k unpaid tax bill after ‘hiding head in the sand’

    FORMER England star Trevor Sinclair is facing a court bid to make him bankrupt over a £36,000 tax debt.Ex-Queens Park Ranger and Manchester City winger Sinclair, 52, earned a fortune during his playing career and went on to become a TV and radio pundit.Trevor Sinclair leaves Blackpool Magistrates court after facing a drink-driving charge in 2017Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdManchester City winger Sinclair, 52, with his wife NatalieCredit: Instagram/trevor8sinclairSinclair enjoyed five-and-a-half seasons with West HamCredit: GettyBut his career stalled in 2022 when he asked why “black and brown people” should mourn the Queen.And HMRC chiefs are now threatening to make him bankrupt unless he settles an unpaid tax bill for punditry work in 2021-22.Since retirement, the former wideman has worked as a pundit for media outlets including Talksport and the BBC on Football Focus and Final Score.But Central London County Court heard that he got into trouble with his finances and “hid his head in the sand” over money he owed to the taxman after his accountant died.Read more Sports NewsShabab Rizvi, for HMRC, told Judge Caroline Wilkinson that the ex-player has ignored demands for payment.Ms Rizvi told the court: “HMRC’s position today is that we are seeking a bankruptcy order,” she told the judge.”Since the breathing space order ended, we have had no contact from the debtor, she told the judge.”The debtor is a former Premier League footballer and should have the means to satisfy the debt, but there’s been no contact with HMRC at all.”Most read in FootballRobert Lee, for Mr Sinclair, however asked the judge to put off making the bankruptcy order and give him another chance to get the money together and pay up.He told the judge: “Mr Sinclair is seeking an adjournment. He is a former Premier League footballer and he was working in the media.Man City legend Trevor Sinclair slams Cristiano Ronaldo amid Man Utd dressing room woes “Mr Sinclair is currently in receipt of a job offer in Saudi Arabia.”As a footballer Sinclair starred as a winger for QPR, West Ham United and Manchester City in the Premier League in the 1990s and 2000s.He won the 1997 Match of the Day’s “Goal of the Season” with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick in an FA Cup tie against Barnsley.He won 12 caps for England, four in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, before retiring in 2008 following a stint at Cardiff City.District Judge Caroline Wilkinson explained that the debt is for the tax year 2021-22, consisting of two “large sums of £13,000-odd” each, plus outstanding National Insurance and penalties.She said: “Mr Sinclair has to wake up to the fact that there’s no more head in the sand because this is serious.”The case was adjourned for two months to allow the former Prem ace time to try to get the money together to pay his debt.He won 12 caps for England before retiring in 2008Credit: PA:Press AssociationTrevor Sinclair previously joined the coaching staff with the India national teamCredit: X @trevor8sinclairThe ex-QPR man in his role as a coach at Lancaster CityCredit: PA More

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    Jamie Vardy reveals best XI he’s played with at Leicester with huge snub to England stars and ENTIRE current squad

    JAMIE VARDY made some huge snubs when naming the best XI he has played with at Leicester City.The Foxes legend has announced he will be leaving the club after 13 years at the end of the season.Jamie Vardy has picked his all-time Leicester City XI from his team-matesCredit: GettyKasper Schmeichel was an obvious choice in goalCredit: GettyRiyad Mahrez was picked by Vardy for the left wingCredit: Getty – ContributorVardy, 38, enjoyed huge success at the club, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup titles.However, he has suffered two relegations from England’s top flight, which has been reflected in his XI.The veteran striker did not have space for a single member of the current Leicester City squad in his team.This includes the likes of big-name players such as Wilfred Ndidi and Ricardo Pereira.READ MORE ON JAMIE VARDYVardy also left out England internationals such as Harry Maguire and James Maddison.The duo left the King Power Stadium for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for big money.Another England star who was left out was the captain, Harry Kane.The Bayern Munich forward played nine minutes with Vardy at Leicester during a loan spell from Spurs in 2013.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOther notable players that have not made Vardy cut include Inter Milan legend Esteban Cambiasso, Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana and Ademola Lookman.Vardy’s team did have a theme – and that was the title victory in 2016.Jamie Vardy anounces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video with striker left close to tears after 13 yearsHe left out Manchester United star Harry MaguireCredit: Getty Images – GettyThere was also no place for James Maddison in the XICredit: ReutersVardy also snubbed Harry Kane, with whom he played in 2013Credit: Getty Images – GettyIn goal, the striker opted for Kasper Schmeichel, behind a back four of Danny Simpson, Wes Morgan, Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs.He went for a midfield three of Youri Tielemans, N’Golo Kante and Danny Drinkwater.In the attack, Vardy, of course, picked himself and was flanked by Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton.Fans were quick to pick up on the fact he has left out all of his current team-mates as a damning indictment of the state of the team.One posted: “None of his current team-mates lol.” A second wrote: “So no current squad? Yeahhh…. Even Jamie knows.”A third commented: “No one from the current crop of rubbish.”A fourth joked: “Surprised Wout Faes hasn’t been included in that tbf.”Vardy confirmed his exit from Leicester in an emotional video.His decision comes after the club was relegated from the Premier League by Liverpool.Read More on The SunVardy would want to be bowing out in better circumstances, and has described this relegation season as a “s**t show”.He is expected to continue his playing career with SunSport, exclusively reporting that clubs in the US are keen on him.He ended the video in a typically cheeky fashionCredit: X @LCFC More

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    Eni Aluko is wrong to criticise Ian Wright, he cares – women’s football is lucky to have him

    WOMEN’S FOOTBALL needs more people like Ian Wright.In a world where the “nobody cares” narrative is still all too common, the Arsenal legend remains a huge advocate for the game both on and off our TV screens.Ian Wright is a fantastic advocate for women’s footballCredit: GettyEni Aluko accused him of “dominating” punditry in women’s football this weekCredit: GettySo I was quite surprised to see that former England Lioness Eni Aluko accused him of “dominating” punditry in women’s football earlier this week.Speaking on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, she explained: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.Read More in Football”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”Ex-forward Aluko, who according to the Daily Mail could be axed over her comments, later continued: “Men need to be aware that you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”When it comes to women in football, it would be difficult to find anyone more supportive than Ian Wright.The much-loved former England star has invested both time and money into building up the game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWright supported Stoke defender Kayleigh McDonald throughout her ACL recovery and is now paying for her rehabCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxAnd he is not just doing the bare minimum.The Telegraph revealed on Wednesday that Wright is personally covering the cost of rehab (around £1,700-a-month) for a semi-professional Stoke player who ruptured her ACL in March last year.Emotional Man Utd icon Roy Keane is visibly moved by Ian Wright interview Kayleigh McDonald turned to social media for help when her club refused to pay for surgery in the wake of the incident.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely due to Wright.The 61-year-old paid for a sports lawyer to represent the defender and make sure that she received the support she needed.He cares.Wright has also committed to increasing the number of female coaches at grassroots level by teaming up with Barclays to create the Ian Wright Coaching Fund.In 2023 he donated £15,000 to pay for 664 women to attend a Level One training course.He cares.There is no doubt that Euro 2022 was a turning point for women’s football in England – and from a broadcasting perspective, Wright was at the forefront of it.The Arsenal icon repeatedly championed the prospect of more girls having access to the sport, insisting they deserve the same opportunities that boys have.He cares.The Arsenal legend started the Ian Wright Coaching Fund in a bid to help more women into coachingCredit: GettyAnd now, when many of his colleagues seemingly don’t want to, he keeps the conversation going in a bid to grow the women’s game even more.The question is – why would someone who cares so much be “blocking” opportunities for others?Having followed the game for so long, Wright clearly knows what he is talking about.If you ask me, that’s surely the No1 priority when it comes to hiring a pundit.What does it matter if he’s not a woman?Last year, the ITV pundit started a new women’s football podcast called ‘Crossways’ with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton.The insight that he and Houghton give is fascinating and fresh, a unique perspective on the WSL and international football.Speaking of England’s top tier, it would be fair to say that coverage is dominated by women already.The likes of Houghton, Ellen White, Anita Asante, Izzy Christiansen, Karen Carney, Jen Beattie and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk feature on coverage across the BBC and Sky Sports.Meanwhile, Wright only covers England games on TV as a pundit for ITV Sport.His involvement is certainly not “blocking” opportunities for women.Read More on The SunIt’s a great thing that one of the most universally beloved figures in English football is an advocate for the sport.Ian Wright? We’re lucky to have him.Women are at the forefront of WSL coverage across the BBC and Sky SportsCredit: Getty More

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    Serie A clash postponed after Lecce physiotherapist dies suddenly at 38 with team left ‘deeply shocked’

    LECCE’S Serie A match against Atalanta is set to be postponed following the tragic death of their physiotherapist Graziano Fiorita aged 38.Fiorita had been with the team at a training camp in Coccaglio when he passed away.Lecce physiotherapist Graziano Fiorita has died aged 38Credit: US LEECEThe Italian side have expressed their shock at Fiorita’s sudden passing and have confirmed that they will travel back to Lecce – with tomorrow’s match to be called off.A club statement read: “U.S. Lecce is deeply upset to announce that Graziano Fiorita has suddenly passed away.”The physiotherapist, who has been in the Giallorossi ranks for over 20 years, was with the first-team at the Coccaglio training camp.”The team will return to Lecce immediately, as tomorrow’s game against Atalanta will be postponed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”In this moment of deep pain and total disbelief, the club can only huddle around his wife, Azzurra, children Carolina, Davide, Nicolo and Riccardo, his mother Francesca and all members of his family.”Fiorita had been a mainstay at Lecce for more than two decades, with his father Fernando having previously served as a team masseuse.Atalanta have also posted a message of condolence on social media.It reads: “Atalanta BC joins the family and @OfficialUSLecce in mourning the sudden passing of Graziano Fiorita, physiotherapist of the Salento club.”Most read in FootballFour Serie A matches scheduled for Easter Monday were postponed following the death of Pope Francis aged 88.The games were instead played on Wednesday. World leaders pay tribute after death of Pope FrancisNone will take place this Saturday either, due to the late Pope’s funeral.Six matches are scheduled to go ahead on Sunday, with a further three next Monday.It remains to be seen where Atalanta against Lecce will be fit into the schedule.Both sides have five matches remaining – with Atalanta seven points off top spot and Lecce and battling the drop in 17th. More

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    Leeds star Patrick Bamford in awkward phone call with Chris Wilder after leading X-rated chants about Sheff Utd boss

    PATRICK BAMFORD made an awkward call to Chris Wilder after leading an X-rated chant about Sheffield United’s boss at Leeds’ promotion party.The Blades’ 2-1 defeat at Burnley on Easter Monday ensured both the Clarets and their Yorkshire rivals Premier League football next term.Leeds star Patrick Bamford was seen leading a chant referencing Blades boss Chris WilderCredit: AlamyWilder revealed he received a call from Bamford after video of the chant went viralCredit: AlamyWilder’s side, who travel to Stoke on Friday, are now consigned to third and the play-offs.Leeds’ players and supporters showed little mercy as they celebrated with fans.Striker Bamford was caught on camera starting a less-than-complimentary chant about Wilder that ended with supporters calling him “a w****r”.Former Blades ace Jayden Bogle was also spotted dancing as supporters chanted along to the song.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Bramall Lane chief Wilder revealed on Thursday: “I had a conversation with Pat yesterday and I’ve no issue at all with it.”I’m not sure about the words from a fellow pro, but I appreciate and respected him giving me a call and we had 20 minutes. “I spoke to Daniel [Farke] as well and had a half-hour chat with him. He’s a top guy.”They’re a top team and a top football club. I’m a big boy.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I would in a heartbeat have swapped our position for theirs but it isn’t the case. “Ninety-four points for both of those teams is an incredible achievement.Frank Lampard tipped for England job as former Premier League manager Chris Wilder says ‘it just shines through’ “It was a tough campaign from the off for us and we’ve kept it alive to the 44th game. “But ultimately we’ve finished in the position we will.”Wilder has been no stranger himself to celebrations after being spotted revelling in his team’s Steel City derby win over Sheffield Wednesday in a boozer this term.And he also infuriated the Whites six years ago with his infamous “muppets from Leeds” speech after United beat Leeds to promotion.He said: “I’m a big boy, you give it you take it. “You give it out locally, you take it locally as I’ve always done. We have our moments, other teams have their moments.”I’d have done the same in terms of enjoying themselves, because promotion is an incredible achievement and you have to do a lot of things right.Chris WilderWilder also added that he believes that football would be a lot more boring without the extra spice.He added: “One hundred per cent. You know from my character, I don’t just sit here and roll out the boring things. “You want to dig deep into what this club’s about and my thought process, and it’s a big boys game.“When I was playing, we used to give it and take it and it’s part and parcel of the game, even on a Sunday morning. “It’s part of the interesting bit of the game. “Local rivalries, rivalries between teams and everything that goes with it. So I have no issue. “You have to take it and get on with it and I’m absolutely cool with it, and I said that to Pat.”We had our moment in 2018/19, possibly off the back of an incredible afternoon against Ipswich and a long night and an early start and they’ve possibly done the same. Read More on The Sun”I’d have done the same in terms of enjoying themselves, because promotion is an incredible achievement and you have to do a lot of things right.“We did a lot of things right and went close, and we’re going to have to do a lot of things right between now and the end of the season.” More

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    Premier League club announce plans to expand stadium with new stand and concert venue boosting capacity to over 50,000

    A PREMIER LEAGUE club has announced plans to expand its stadium capacity to over 50,000.Aston Villa’s Villa Park ground boasts a capacity of 42,918.Aston Villa have announced plans to expand the North Stand at Villa ParkCredit: Aston Villa FCThe work will raise the capacity of the stand to 12,000Credit: Aston Villa FCThe total capacity of Villa Park will rise to over 50,000Credit: Aston Villa FCThe club have claimed there will be more space and faster serviceCredit: Aston Villa FCThe West Midlands club are now planning on redeveloping the North Stand to boost its capacity.The club has announced plans that will refurbish and expand the number of seats in the iconic stand.The North Stand is planned to have its capacity raised from 5,000 to 12,000.This increase will see the club’s total capacity rise to over 50,000, making it one of the largest in the Premier League.READ MORE ON SPORTPlans for expansion were first announced but were postponed despite being approved by Birmingham City Council.Work is expected to be completed in 2027 ahead of Euro 2028 in which Villa Park is a host venue.The club have stated that the work will “further modernise the stadium” and will “solidify its status as a world-class sports and entertainment venue.”A video shared on social media by the club claims that the stand will offer more space and faster service and a better fan experience.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAs well as the stand being refurbished, Villa are also be opening a new club shop.Villa’s executive chairman Nassef Sawiris said: “Since Wes [Edens] and I became owners of this storied club in 2018 and Atairos joined us as partners in 2024, we have shared a clear ambition: to restore Aston Villa to its rightful position competing at the highest levels of English and European football, and to transform the club into a global brand and European powerhouse.Heartwarming moment Matty Cash’s reporter sister tells him she loves him after Aston Villa’s PSG defeatThe work is expected to be completed in time for Euro 2028Credit: Aston Villa FCThe North Stand currently holds just 5,000Credit: GettyVilla have played at the historic ground since 1897Credit: Aston Villa FCNassef Sawiris [right] has insisted that the work will help the club’s ability to competeCredit: Getty”Thanks to the Mayor’s commitment to develop Witton Station and to improve local transport links, this project will mark an important milestone in the club’s journey to becoming a world-class sports and entertainment venue.”A bigger, better North Stand will not only allow many more Villans to see their team in person, improving matchday experience, but will also dramatically improve the club’s ability to invest and compete in the long term.”The club has also stated that it will be able to “adapt and modernise” the North Stand without losing any seasons during the season.In December, the club also revealed it will be building the Premier League’s largest beer hall.The multi-million pound renovation project, planned to launch this Christmas, will feature a centrepiece named ‘The Warehouse’.It will become the largest beer hall in the Prem and access will be free to ticketed supporters on matchday.Top ten biggest Premier League groundsHere are the biggest grounds in the Premier League in their current state..Old Trafford – 75,653London Stadium — 62,500Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – 62,06Anfield – 61,276Emirates Stadium- 60,704Etihad Stadium – 55,097St James’ Park – 52,338Villa Park – 42,660Stamford Bridge – 41,798Goodison Park – 39,571 More

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    Jamie Vardy, 38, announces he’s LEAVING Leicester in emotional video statement after 13 years

    JAMIE VARDY has announced he will leave Leicester City at the end of the season in an emotional video.The Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League was confirmed following their defeat by Liverpool on the weekend.Jamie Vardy has announced he will leave Leicester CityCredit: XHe cost the club just £1million from Fleetwood Town in 2012Credit: Getty – ContributorHe won the Premier League with the club in 2016Credit: PA:Press AssociationHe also won the FA Cup with Leicester in 2021Credit: APVardy won plenty of accolades at the clubCredit: GettyThe club legend – described by Leicester as ‘our greatest-ever player – was emotional when he revealed this season would be his last at the King Power Stadium.Vardy, 38, said: “It’s something that I’ve thought about and spoken about with my family. I think it’s time.”I’ll be devastated on the day when it is the last [game], but good things, they come to an end.”It’s going to be one of those emotional days. Who knows which way that can go.READ MORE ON SPORT”If you ask anyone, I’m not really an emotional guy.”Nothing like that ever comes across with me, but when you’ve been somewhere for so long, and it is time to say goodbye, you just never know what your personal reaction is going to be.”I’ve spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs.”It’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about it, but I think the timing it right.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSVardy helped Leicester into the Premier League in 2014 and helped keep them in it against the odds.The striker then played a key role as the club pulled off their miracle league title victory in the 2015/16 season.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsHe won the Championship twice in the East MidlandsCredit: GettyLeicester City statement on Vardy exitLeicester City released the following statement after Jamie Vardy revealed he would be leaving the club…It read: “We can confirm legendary striker Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer after 13 seasons that have seen him become our greatest-ever player.”Jamie Vardy to leave Leicester City at the end of the 2024/25 seasonThe legendary striker leaves the Club after a trophy-laden 13 yearsThe 38-year-old is closing in on 500 appearances since joining City in 2012″His final King Power Stadium appearance will be on Sunday 18 MayVardy, 38, joined us for £1M from Fleetwood Town in 2012 and has gone on to become a Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and double Championship winner during a golden era for our Club.”There is no other player more synonymous with the incredible successes achieved in that time and, with nearly 500 appearances and almost 200 goals to his name, Vardy’s achievements on Filbert Way are unrivalled throughout our 141-year history.”Jamie’s final game at King Power Stadium will be on Sunday 18 May against Ipswich Town, where he will bid farewell to the supporters with whom he has lived through his rise from a non-league hopeful to one of the best goal scorers the Premier League has ever seen.”Vardy netted an impressive 24 times during that glorious campaign under Claudio Ranieri.The Foxes captain also played a vital role in the club’s 2021 FA Cup triumph over Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.These feats did not look very likely when he joined Leicester in 2012, for £1million from non-league Fleetwood Town.Veteran Vardy has scored 198 goals in 496 appearances for the club and is their record Premier League scorer, as well as their third highest of all-time.He stayed with the Foxes following relegation from the Premier League in 2023 and helped them return the following season.Vardy has not been able to save the club this campaign, however, as they are heading back down to the Championship.Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha said: “Jamie is unique.”He is a special player and an even more special person. He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City, and he certainly has my deepest respect and affection.”I am endlessly grateful for everything he has given to this football club.”Although Jamie’s time with us as a player is ending, he and his family will always be welcomed back to King Power Stadium with open arms after all he has achieved.”On behalf of everyone at Leicester City, I wish Jamie and his family the very best for the future and I know our supporters will join us in giving him the send-off he deserves at the end of this season.”Vardy’s last game at the King Power Stadium will be on May 18 as the Foxes host Ipswich Town.His last game for the club could be the following week in the season finale against Bournemouth at the Vitality.Vardy would want to be bowing out in better circumstances, and has described this relegation season as a “s**t show”.He is currently 15th in the list of all-time Premier League scorers with 143 goals despite playing his first game in the division aged 27.Read More on The SunHe has more goals in England’s top-flight than the likes of Robbie Keane, Nicolas Anelka, Dwight Yorke, Ian Wright and Steven Gerrard.He has been tipped to continue his career as clubs in America remain interested in his signature.Vardy is the 15th all-time record goal scorer in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyHe has spent 13 years at Leicester CityCredit: RexALL-TIME PREMIER LEAGUE TOP SCORERSVARDY is 15th on the list of all-time Prem goalscorersAlan Shearer (260 goals)Harry Kane (213 goals)Wayne Rooney (208 goals)Andy Cole (187 goals)Sergio Aguero (184 goals)Mo Salah (184 goals)Frank Lampard (177 goals)Thierry Henry (175 goals)Robbie Fowler (163 goals)Jermain Defoe (162 goals)Michael Owen (150 goals)Les Ferdinand (149 goals)Teddy Sheringham (146 goals)Robin van Persie (144 goals)JAMIE VARDY (143 goals) More

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    Arsenal confident of completing Martin Zubimendi transfer this summer despite Real Madrid’s late hijack attempts

    ARSENAL are confident of making Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi their first signing of the summer – despite reports of a hijack attempt from Real Madrid.It was revealed in January that the Gunners had agreed to pay the Spanish midfielder’s £51million release clause, as well as sorting personal terms, with a view to joining ahead of next season.Arsenal expect Martin Zubimendi to join in the summer for £51mCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has convinced Zubimendi to snub Carlo Ancelotti’s Real MadridCredit: GettyIn recent weeks, Real have been linked with a late smash-and-grab raid – desperate to bolster their ageing midfield after a disappointing campaign under Carlo Ancelotti that included losing 5-1 on aggregate to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter finals.But SunSport understands the Gunners still expect Zubimendi, 25, to choose North London instead of Madrid – having been convinced of the Emirates project by boss Mikel Arteta.Arteta wanted Zubimendi to join immediately in the winter window, providing competition for the likes of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Thomas Partey, only for Sociedad to demand he remain in San Sebastian for the rest of the season.Liverpool were on the brink of signing the Euros winner last summer but for a last-minute U-turn, one that scuppered the plans of new boss Arne Slot.read more arsenalThe arrival of Zubimendi is considered a done deal by Arsenal internally but it is unlikely to be announced until at least early June.It is a key bit of business with the futures of midfielders Partey, 31, and Jorginho, 33, up in the air.The pair’s contracts expire this summer. Partey has been linked with a move back to Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona also keen, but the Ghanaian would prefer to stay in London, and Arsenal are open to negotiating a short-term deal.Jorginho is considering interest from Brazil and the MLS, but is also enjoying learning from Arteta at Arsenal and would be happy to sign a rolling one-year contract. The Italian has been taking his coaching badges at London Colney.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesZubimendi is anticipated to be the beginning of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal, with Arteta revealing it will be “big” following the appointment of new sporting director Andrea Berta.Berta had no influence on the Zubimendi deal, but will now be tasked with bringing in an elite striker, while also strengthening the general depth of the squad, selling fringe players to raise cash and extending the contracts of the likes of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.Mikel Arteta accidentally photobombs Sky Sports report as he takes Arsenal dog Win for a walkIt is for that reason Alexander Isak may be out of Arsenal’s reach, valued between £100m and £120m by Newcastle, with Berta instead looking at Sporting Lisbon’s £60m Viktor Gyokeres, Red Bull Leipzig’s £70m Benjamin Sesko and Athletic Bilbao’s £50m Nico Williams.A cheaper option up top would allow for more signings in other areas. Arsenal are tracking Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia with current No.2 Neto’s season-long loan spell from Bournemouth ending shortly, having played just ONCE this term.And as Kieran Tierney plots a move back to Scotland and Oleksandr Zinchenko linked with a move away, left-back could be an area to strengthen. SunSport revealed in March that Espanyol’s £12.5m Omar El Hilali was being monitored. More