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      Arsenal set to splash £150m in summer transfer overhaul with Isak and Ekitike targeted and SEVEN stars facing exit

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      ARSENAL are set for a huge squad overhaul this summer with a £150MILLION splurge – as SEVEN stars are set to be shown the exit.The Gunners have endured yet another trophyless season after their Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain and the club recognise the need for several world class players.Arsenal’s Champions League exit to PSG leaves them with nothing to show for their seasonCredit: ShutterstockArsenal need a new No9 and Alexander Isak is a top targetCredit: GettyHugo Ekitike is also expected to land a big-money move this summerCredit: GettyThe club are now preparing for a ruthlessly busy transfer window that could change their fortunes for next season.Arsenal are comfortable spending big on major talent, forking out just over £200m in the summer of 2023 for Declan Rice [£105m], Kai Havertz [£65m] and Jurrien Timber [£35m] – but what about this summer?Transfer targets New sporting director Andrea Berta’s main focus is on finding an elite No9 to take the North Londoners to the next level.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, 25, is top of Arteta’s wishlist, unsurprising given their faltering firepower is one of the team’s biggest weaknesses.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Swede has 23 league goals this season and will not be let go easily, as the Carabao Cup winners hold out for £150million.SunSport revealed that Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, 22, is being targeted as a cheaper, £60m, alternative.Other targets include long-desired RB Leipzig’s Sesko, 21, and Sporting’s Gyokeres, 26, with over 50 goals between them.Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is another attacking target but as with the previous names, could prove financially difficult due to his large wages.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSNico Williams is another Arsenal attacking targetCredit: RexArsenal have already struck a deal to sign Martin ZubimendiCredit: GettyFinal midfield strengthening will depend on how talks develop with Thomas Partey but there is already an agreement to splash out £51m on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, 26, with that deal expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks. Finally, well-admired Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is being explored as an option with Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens and Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia linked to the club as well. ‘Upset’ Mikel Arteta claims there ‘hasn’t been a better team’ than Arsenal in the Champions League in blunt interviewOutgoingsIn order to make space for the Gunners’ hopeful incomings, some fringe players may face the chop. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Jesus are among those potentially being shown the door but the Brazilian forward’s knee injury has delayed the discussion of offers.Defender Nuno Tavares, midfielders Fabio Viera and Albert Lokonga could also leave alongside Sterling who will return to Stamford Bridge at the end of his loan.Gabriel Jesus is set to leave this summer with Thomas Partey’s future uncertainCredit: GettyOleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney are both expected to be offloadedCredit: GettyNew contracts Good news for Arsenal fans, the club are attempting to secure a new contract with beloved star Bukayo Saka.Reports have said that talks are positive, with a shiny new deal looming that could make the 23-year-old one of the best-paid players in the league.There are also plans to hand out new contracts to stars like William Saliba and Gabriel – with their current deals expiring in the summer of 2027.Fellow Hale End graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, both 18, will also likely be offered improved contracts.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Barcelona legend Xavi’s wife complaining to him about Man Utd as he reveals what he’s been doing while unemployed

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      XAVI has been getting it in the neck from his wife for the amount of football he’s been watching during his unemployment.The legendary Spanish midfielder has been spending more time with his other half since his reign as Barcelona manager came to an end last May.Xavi Hernandez was brutally sacked by Barcelona last MayCredit: GETTYThe Spaniard has been using his unemployment to spend more time with his wife, Nuria CunilleraCredit: GETTYCunillera has been frustrated by the amount of football Xavi has been watchingCredit: EPAHis Nou Camp axing, however, hasn’t dampened his passion for the game, which he still watches daily.But wife, Nuria Cunillera, is getting annoyed with the number of games he’s watching and vented her frustrations during United’s epic Europa League quarter-final second-leg comeback against Lyon last month.The 45-year-old said of his unemployment in an interview with The Athletic: “I still love football, it’s my passion. I’m watching it 24 HOURS [a day].”My wife complains to me: ‘Again!’ she says. ‘Yes but it’s the Europa League,’ I reply. Did you see the game between Man United and Lyon?READ MORE ON MAN UTD”It was 4-2 to Lyon. I was thinking, ‘Oh no. Very difficult now for Amorim!’ And then, 10 minutes later, it was incredible.”“The maximum number of games I’ve watched in one day was EIGHT. I like to analyse teams.”I might put into my computer ‘Atalanta’ and then watch them four games in a row. Why?”Because I might be interested to see what [Gian Piero] Gasperini is doing.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSXavi’s wife was annoyed when her husband watched Manchester United’s epic comeback against Lyon last monthCredit: GETTY”Man to man, 90-minute duels for every player, that’s why they sign strong, physical players. Or (Roberto) De Zerbi at Marseille.”Or Nuno Espirito Santo at Forest. I love to see the different styles of football and what coaches are doing.”Xavi to leave BarcelonaXavi was replaced at the Nou Camp helm by Hansi Flick, who this season guided the Catalan club to the Champions League semi-finals.And despite the brutal nature of his axing, his family still very much loves the club.He said: “My children love the team; my son adores Lamine Yamal and Pedri.”While my daughter follows Raphinha and [Robert] Lewandowski, we live the atmosphere of Barcelona in all its details.”We watch the first team and the women’s team matches; people think I am sad after my departure.”But I am proud of what Flick is doing and happy with the team’s level.” More

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      Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham LIVE SCORE: Europa League updates as Spurs look to avoid major slip-up and progress to final

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      TOTTENHAM travel to Bodo/Glimt for the second leg of their Europa League semi-final TONIGHT.Spurs head to the Norwegian minnows with a 3-1 advantage after last week’s opener in North London.Ulrik Saltnes’s 83rd-minute strike has given Bodo/Glimt a glimmer of hope after his stunning strike narrowed Tottenham’s lead.Should Spurs get over the line in Norway, it looks highly likely that they will face Premier League rivals Manchester United in the Europa League final as they lead Athletic Bilbao 3-0.Kick off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 2Live stream: discovery+Bodo/Glimt team: To follow…Tottenham team: To follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Ange Postecoglou on the importance on reaching a European finalCopy linkCopiedLooking aheadAfter their first leg victory, Spurs are optimistic of making the final of the Europa League.So much so, that they have requested their clash against Aston Villa be moved.It won’t come back to bite them, surely? Copy linkCopiedNot the momentum they wantSpurs played a massive clash in the context of the Premier League table last weekend, but it did not end how they would have liked.They faced West Ham, who are also struggling this season, but the Hammers held Spurs to a 1-1 draw.They will hope for a better showing tonight, although a draw would be enough to see them into the Europa League final.Copy linkCopiedThe time is now!It’s been a poor season for Tottenham but all of that negativity can be washed away tonight!Ange Postecoglu’s side hold a 3-1 advantage from the first leg but now must navigate a plastic pitch wet weather in Norway.Surely even Spurs can’t throw it away from here?Can they?Credit: RexCopy linkCopied More

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      Leeds fan fighting for his life in coma after falling from tree in title celebrations as NBA star donates £2,000 to help

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      A LEEDS supporter is fighting for his life in hospital after falling from a tree during their title celebrations.Thousands of fans lined the streets on Monday for an open-top bus parade following the club’s promotion back to the Premier League.Ed O’Brien is fighting for his life after falling from a treeCredit: JustgivingThousands of supporters filled the city centre to celebrate promotionCredit: PABut disaster struck when supporter Ed O’Brien fell from a tree in Millennium Square.The 23-year-old was rushed to hospital and is now in a coma.A JustGiving page was launched in support Ed’s brave fight and a whopping £10,000 has so far been raised, smashing the £750 target.Basketball star Larry Nance Jr has contributed, donating £2,000 to the cause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlong with the cash, he wrote: “Thinking of you. Strength and love!”The Atlanta Hawks ace is a huge Leeds supporter and an investor in the 49ers Enterprises group that own the club.Ed’s mum Stacey Barker wrote online: “As far as I am aware, he had consumed alcohol but I am confident he wasn’t paralytic as some posts are suggesting. “I am also as confident as a mother can be that no other substance was involved.”Most read in FootballShe added that his recovery is set to be a “slow and lengthy process” and “unlikely to be without implications”.The JustGiving page reads: “To support Ed O’Brien and his family after Ed sadly fell out of a tree when celebrating Leeds winning the league on Monday and now is sadly fighting for his life in hospital.”His mum and dad both live in York and at this time it will be costing them both a lot in travel and time off work.”I am just hoping we can all raise some money to take that stress away from them. MOT stay strong Ed.”Larry Nance Jr has donated £2,000 to the fundraiserCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd vs Athletic Bilbao LIVE SCORE: Red Devils look to avoid catastrophic collapse and book Europa League final spot

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      MANCHESTER UNITED host Athletic Bilbao in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final TONIGHT.The Red Devils have one foot in the final after smashing the Spaniards 3-0 on their own turf last week.Ruben Amorim’s men will be looking to avoid a catastrophic collapse at Old Trafford and keep their hopes of silverware alive.Kick off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Man Utd team: To follow…Athletic Bilbao team: To follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Bao outRuben Amorim is worried about losing to Athletic Bilbao as his team have a tendency to “lose our minds”.The manager admitted in his pre-match press conference: “We cannot control, we cannot say what is going to happen.”There are some teams that understand the game is going to be like this.”It can change a little bit but the story is going to be like this and you can control the narrative of the game. But we cannot do that.”We have to face the game as one more game, to win it, I feel we need to score to go to the next round.”We use Brentford, we are near a draw then we suffer a goal and another goal quite fast.”We will have to suffer a bit to go to the final and we are ready to suffer.”Copy linkCopiedGarna stayAlejandro Garnacho has vowed to stay at Manchester United and could now smash one of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo’s records.The Argentine brushed off comparisons with Ronaldo as he stands on the brink of surpassing one of the Portuguese superstar’s many feats.Yet he knows he will likely have to deal with them for as long as he remains a United player.After all, it was Ronaldo who created the Argentinian winger’s first goal for the Red Devils back in November 2022.And when the six-time Ballon d’Or winner left Old Trafford for the second and final time a few weeks later, the Stretford End immediately gave his song to Garnacho.But deep down he probably would not have it any other way.Copy linkCopiedManta StayManchester United’s young Saka-like starlet Bendito Mantato has signed his first professional contract with the club.Mantato, 17, was named on the bench for the first time last week as he travelled to Spain for the first leg of United’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.He was also absent from Monday’s U21 squad to face West Ham to be instead part of the preparations for the second leg on Thursday night.The teenager is so highly-rated that he has drawn comparisons with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka with his dynamic left-footed play on the right wing.His journey from wing-back to right wing mirrors the Arsenal star’s youth journey and makes him an attractive fit for Ruben Amorim’s side.The United boss has experimented with wing-backs this season, using Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot in the role.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied(Red Devils)Manchester United will not wear their usual home kit against West Ham at Old Trafford.The Red Devils host the Hammers in the Premier League on Sunday in the battle to avoid finishing 17th.But United’s red home shirt is being changed for the match.Rather than the logo of sponsors Snapdragon on the front of the jersey, the symbol for (Red) will feature instead.The special edition changed tops will also be used for Manchester United Women’s WSL clash with Arsenal on Saturday.The one-off shirts from the matches will then be sold off on online auction site MatchWornShirt to raise funds, with net proceeds going to (Red)’s campaign against health injustice.Copy linkCopiedWelcome!We have a big night in store for Manchester United with a place in the Europa League final up for grabs.Ruben Amorim’s side were incredible last week in the Basque country, putting Athletic to the sword with a superb 3-0 win.Surely even they can’t blow a lead from this position…We’ll bring you all the build-up to a huge night at Old Trafford.Copy linkCopied More

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      Chelsea vs Djurgarden LIVE SCORE: Conference League updates as Maresca’s Blues close in on final spot – latest

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      CHELSEA host Djurgarden in the second leg of their Conference League semi-final TONIGHT.The Blues are all but in the final after Enzo Maresca’s men dominated the first leg last week with a 4-1 win.It would require a monumental collapse from Chelsea for them not to progress past the Swedish minnows this evening.Kick off time: 8pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 3Live stream: discovery+Chelsea team: To follow…Djurgarden team: To follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Cole Palmer back in the goalsCole Palmer spent a while away from the back of the net, but managed to get a HUGE goal to secure Chelsea a win over Liverpool at the weekend.Copy linkCopiedOne for the futureEstevao has got Chelsea fans excited, with his talent getting him compared to the likes of Neymar.He scored another stunning goal for Palmeiras last weekend, can he bring the talent to London?Copy linkCopiedA big momentum builderChelsea picked up three crucial points in their pursuit of the Champions League on their way into this clash.They beat Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.Admittedly, Liverpool have nothing to play for, so once going 2-0 down, motivation to get back into it would have been low.But, for Cole Palmer, ending his run without a goal would have been a much better feeling than three points.Can he kick on tonight, and guide Chelsea into the Conference League final?Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon!Here we go! Chelsea have one foot in the Europa Conference League final and are facing Djugarden at home to finish their semi-final job.Enzo Maresca’s side hold a 4-1 lead over the Swedish side heading into the second leg and should be confident of reaching the final in Poland.The Blues have a full strength squad to choose from with even Marc Guiu having a chance to get back into the side.Big night ahead in West London!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Chelsea star Sam Kerr and footballer partner Kristie Mewis welcome first child as they reveal adorable name

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      CHELSEA star Sam Kerr and footballer partner Kristie Mewis have welcomed their first child together.The pair first met in 2019 and began dating a year later before going public in 2021.Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis have welcomed their first child togetherCredit: Instagram @samanthakerr20The pair have been together for five yearsCredit: InstagramAustralian and Chelsea forward Kerr and American midfielder Mewis, who plays for West Ham, then got engaged in 2023.And in November they announced they were expecting their first child together.Now, the duo have revealed their bundle of joy has arrived.And they have named the kid Jagger Mewis-Kerr.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA post on social media read: “Our little man is here, Jagger Mewis-Kerr.”Fans were quick to react to the amazing news.One said: “Aw congrats you two he’s adorable.”Another declared: “The cutest little man.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSOne noted: “So happy for you.”Another added: “Lil Jagger is so cute.”Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis baby announcementMewis has played just four times for West Ham after joining them in 2023.As for Kerr, she has been sidelined for the past 15 months with a cruciate ligament injury.Kerr plays for Australia and Chelsea, while Mews represents West Ham and the USACredit: GettyThey have shared lots of loved-up moments togetherCredit: InstagramThey announced they were expecting in NovemberCredit: Instagram.com/kmewis19 More

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      ‘Were we not good enough?’ – Man Utd legend Roy Keane takes cheeky dig at David Beckham over 50th birthday snub

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      ROY KEANE joked that former Manchester United team-mate David Beckham “forgot” to invite him to his star-studded 50th birthday party at the weekend – while Gary Neville admitted he “wasn’t the best” the following day.Beckham turned 50 last Friday and marked the occasion with a dinner party in central London.Gary Neville attended David Beckham’s birthday party in London at the weekendCredit: SplashRoy Keane joked Beckham ‘forgot’ to invite himCredit: YOUTUBE / The OverlapThe England legend’s family and closest friends were all in attendance at the three Michelin star restaurant Core on Saturday.Eva Longoria, Tom Cruise and Gordon Ramsay were among those on the guest list.Neville also enjoyed the occasion – and was pictured outside the restaraunt after the party.The former United defender was asked about the party by Jill Scott in the latest episode of the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by SkyBet.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe United icon went on to say: “It was before Sunday’s game, I wasn’t the best on Sunday,” before revealing that he left at 3:30am.Just hours later he then appeared at Stamford Bridge to cover Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool.Neville was reportedly the only ex-Man Utd player to have been invited to the party.It prompted Keane to joke: “Did he forget about all his other team-mates? Were we not good enough? Know what I mean…”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordGordon Ramsay was on the star-studded guest listCredit: InstagramInstantly, Neville responded: “It is because you didn’t invite us to your 50th.”But the former Ireland international replied: “You know my 50th, it was at the Pizza Express in Altrincham.”Furious Brooklyn Beckham convinced dad chose Romeo over him & Nicola as real reason for snubbing David’s 50th revealedHe then hit back with: “I didn’t want you there,” when Neville said that he would have attended.As well as the party, Beckham marked his 50th birthday with a family gathering at his £10million Cotswolds mansion, a black tie bash in Miami and a trip to France.His children – Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13 – were at each celebration, as was his wife, Victoria, 51.However, Beckham’s eldest son, Brooklyn, 26, was absent amid rumours of a family feud.Neville was the only former Man Utd player at the partyCredit: FacebookTom Cruise was also thereCredit: Facebook More