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    Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners star

    ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta could be sacked come Christmas next season.That is according to a club legend who insists the Gunners will have to be at least second in the Premier League table before the New Year or may have to find a new manager.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could be sacked come Christmas next seasonArsenal legend Paul Merson insists Arteta will have to be at least in the top two before the New YearThe North Londoners are set to finish as runners-up for the third year in a row and many argue Arteta, 43, is facing a make-or-break campaign next term with the club longing for a title.Arsenal haven’t won the Premiership since 2004 and questions have started to rise regarding the Spanish tactician’s ability to lead them to the top.Especially after some questionable decisions, such as not signing a natural striker – a matter that is expected to be resolved in the summer with the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko targeted.And Paul Merson is adamant Arteta has only got until Christmas to convince the board he can be the first manager to win a Premier League title in the post-Arsene Wenger era.Read More on ArsenalMerson, 57, insists the Arsenal manager can’t hide behind any excuses as the club is more than capable of attracting top-level players.And four seasons without a title, despite all the quality in the squad, will purely not be good enough.Merson told Sky Sports: “That would be my worry: I think Arteta has got until Christmas. They will have to be in the top two at Christmas to keep on going.”If you get to four [seasons without any major trophies], you can’t [keep going]. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”People want to come to Arsenal so it’s not like they’re scratching to get players – and they’ve got the money.”For me, next year he’s got to be in the top two by Christmas or they’ll go for someone else. Mikel Arteta gives passionate speech to fans in Emirates after win over Newcastle“It’s timings. You have timings, you’ve got to make opportunities. “When it’s your time, you’ve got to make it count. Look at Liverpool, they went 30 years without a title and then all of a sudden it comes around – they win trophies.“I just think they have to make it count and I think this is the last year.” More

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    Jake Paul’s send offer to fight KSI on CHRISTMAS EVE and reveals terms including PPV and drug testing

    JAKE PAUL has a fight with KSI on his Christmas list after sending his bitter rival an offer to fight on December 24.The bitter YouTube enemies are yet to settle their score in the ring – despite recent attempts to strike a deal behind the scenes.KSI facing off with Jake Paul in 2020Credit: Getty Images – GettyNakisa Bidarian – co-founder of Most Valuable Promoters alongside Paul – revealed an offer to fight on Christmas Eve was sent to KSI. Bidarian said KSI and Wasserman – who promote Misfits Boxing bouts – have had the contract for 15 days. A bout over ten rounds, at 192.5lb, in an 18x18ft ring with VADA testing to be promoted by MVP and Wasserman was tabled. He added that the offer included a 50/50 deal PPV share other than the UK which is 60/40 in KSI’s favour and 60/40 to Paul in the US. READ MORE IN BOXINGA fan probed Bidarian over why the fight would be staged on Christmas Eve.He responded: “What are you watching Christmas Eve? Nothing. Jake and KSI will have the entire world’s attention.” Mams Taylor – KSI’s manager and co-founder of Misfits which homes to celebrity-style crossover bouts – hit back. Taylor said: “Hey man, we sent you an offer too and you insisted we redline yours. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Yours is one sided. Ours is fair and clearly a real attempt to make the fight actually happen.”Taylor said they countered with a fight in the US, with a coin toss to decide who walks out second. Jake Paul reveals stunning behind-the-scenes talks to fight Oleksandr Usyk after teasing shock world title shotIt would include full drug testing, at 190lb over eight rounds in a 20x 20ft ring, co-promoted down the middle with both to mutually approve all costs.Taylor added: “Your contract had MVP as lead promoter in charge of everything and you put Wasserman boxing USA as side promoter. “(FYI Wasserman boxing USA does not exist). You purposely omitted Misfits as an ego based mind game tactic. “C’mon man. Let’s give the people what they want and not let ego’s get in the way. “We have a duty to our clients and respect due to the fans that made them!!”KSI, 31, is yet to fought since losing a controversial decision to Tommy Fury, 26, in October 2023.He was due to return last August but pulled out with a hand injury before illness saw him withdraw from facing MMA star Dillon Danis, 31, in March.KSI is now due to have surgery on his busted hand with his boxing career up in the air.Meanwhile, Paul, 28, returns against ex-middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39, on June 28 in a cruiserweight clash.It comes after he fought at heavyweight in November to beat Mike Tyson, who controversially came out of retirement aged 58.Paul now drops back down to the 200lb limit of 14st 4lb while KSI lost to Fury a stone lighter at 183lb. Their weight disagreement has been the biggest factor standing in the way of the grudge bout. And Bidarian said: “Not engaging in a back and forth.”We proposed our terms to Wasserman on April 4 and the offer that followed was those exact terms. Jake Paul wants to fight KSI.Read More on The Sun”He does not need to fight KSI. Jake has campaigned at 200+ since December of 2023 and plans to continue at that weight with the intention to contest for a world championship by the end of 2026.” Jake Paul returns on June 28 against Julio Cesar Chavez JrCredit: The Mega Agency More

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    Newcastle’s Jason Tindall opens up on the Wham! jumper that wound up Unai Emery after 20-man tunnel brawl last Christmas

    JASON TINDALL vowed to carry on rattling opposition bosses – as his ‘Wham! hoodie’ feud continues at Aston Villa today.Tindall, in charge of Newcastle while Eddie Howe recovers from pneumonia, sparked a mass tunnel brawl during Villa’s 3-0 Boxing Day defeat at St. James’ Park.Jason Tindall will be in the dugout as Newcastle take on Aston VillaCredit: GettyIt will be the first meeting between the teams since Tindall infamously wore a Wham! hoodie on Boxing DayCredit: GettyVilla boss Unai Emery clashed with Tindall during a bad-tempered gameCredit: GettyEmery previously snubbed a handshake from Tindall, who shushed the Spaniard then wore a Wham! top to celebrate victory.Ahead of today’s clash, Tindall said: “The only thing that crosses your mind during battle is that you want to come out on top.“I know the hoodie got quite a bit of publicity but you certainly won’t be seeing any at Villa Park.”Tindall is known to friends and foes as Mad Dog – but it is opposition managers he has a knack of leaving foaming at the mouth.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNewcastle’s No 2 has been involved with public bust-ups with high-profile bosses such as Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta.With Eddie Howe sidelined by pneumonia, Tindall has stepped in, leading the Magpies to big victories over Manchester United and Crystal Palace.But, after the ruckus last Christmas, it is Saturday evening’s powderkeg trip to Aston Villa which promises to really test the discipline of the 47-year-old Toon assistant to the limit.Because it is not just Villa and Newcastle fans who have grown a rivalry over the years.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoth benches rub each other up the wrong way, too.Fate has now put Tindall in charge of the Geordies for their latest showdown with Villa. Fans spot Kevin Nolan’s classy gesture before hugging Klopp and joke Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall ‘needs to learn’ And that is sure to pour petrol on the flames — just four months after bedlam broke between the two benches.Emery was incensed when Jhon Duran was sent off and protested to the fourth official — then snapped as Tindall fanned the flames by putting his finger to his lips.A 20-man brawl broke out at half-time, with Tindall in the thick of it as Villa analyst Victor Manas squared up and accused him of disrespect.Mayhem ensued and Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, landed on his backside, while Tindall and Manas were both red-carded by referee Anthony Taylor.Both clubs were fined after accepting FA charges – but Tindall, who returned at the end of the game wearing a Wham! hoodie, denied the allegations against him.Newcastle said they could not provide CCTV images of the mayhem.Villa were rattled enough to mention it in their statement to the FA, which read: “Mr Tindall on the 85th minute reappeared within the tunnel wearing a Wham! jumper joking around with other members of Newcastle United’s staff.”Tindall already had previous with Emery, who refused to shake his hand after Newcastle’s last visit to Villa Park, when the Magpies won 3-1.I’ll certainly hold my hand out and if the manager wants to shake it, I’m sure he will.Jason TindallAsked if he would shake Emery’s hand this time, Tindall replied: “I’ll certainly hold my hand out and if the manager wants to shake it, I’m sure he will.“There was a lot of talk before the game about the hoodie.“It was pre-arranged — a fan asked me before the game to wear it, and I said I would if we won.“If people that don’t know me want to talk, then that’s fine.”Asked about Tindall on Friday, Emery replied: “I don’t have a problem. Sometimes we can be extremely competitive. But if we get the balance right, there is no problem. I will focus on the match and, of course, send my best wishes to Eddie.“I hope he comes back soon and is healthy.”Jhon Duran’s red card sparked the mass melee in the gameCredit: AlamyThere remains bad blood between the teamsCredit: GettyThe bitterness in the stands goes back to May 2009 when Villa fans unfurled banners taunting ‘Sob on the Tyne’ and ‘Who’s your next Messiah, Ant or Dec?’ to celebrate a win that sent their opponents Toon down to the Championship.Now Newcastle have some bragging rights after landing their first major domestic trophy for 70 years following last month’s Carabao Cup triumph.They look down on Villa from third place on the back of five Premier wins on the spin.And the Toon have won five of their last six meetings.Read More on The SunSpaniard Emery added: “They are in their best moment. They are feeling confident and strong.“There are still 18 points to play for and they have five more than us — this means a lot!” More

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    Deontay Wilder in secret surgery before announcing boxing return as ‘enormous’ Anthony Joshua fight at Wembley targeted

    DEONTAY WILDER had secret shoulder surgery before announcing his boxing return – with the hopes of reviving a fight with Anthony Joshua. Wilder was twice lined up to face AJ by Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alsheikh – but the American was beaten before both occasions. Deontay Wilder has had shoulder surgeryCredit: GettyThe former WBC champion lost on points to Joseph Parker in December 2023 and then knocked out by Zhilei Zhang last June. But what Wilder did not know was he had a severely busted right shoulder – which he went under the knife to fix four months ago. His manager Shelly Finkel told SunSport: “It may have been there with the Parker fight, but it was before the Zhang fight. “Not making excuses for the result, but it’s just the reality he had it.READ MORE IN BOXING”And when the doctor pressed down on his wrist and said extend your arm and push down, he said it’s amazing you could hold your arm up and fight at all.”He’s been now working out and his flexibility is back and he’s punching harder than ever.”Wilder, 39, now returns on June 27 against Tyrrell Herndon, 37, who has a 24-5 record with three wins on the bounce. The Bronze Bomber had a period of radio silence after his loss in Riyadh to Zhang, 41, but retirement was never even a whisper. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFinkel revealed: “No, he never wanted to call it a day because he never wanted his career to end the way that was.” Wilder plans to also fight around September time before teeing himself up for a blockbuster around Christmas or New Year. Inder Singh Bassi: Sikh Boxing Trailblazer on the Path to becoming World Champion | Contender DocumentaryAnd his camp refuse to give up on the overdue clash with AJ. Finkel said: “It would be a big, big fight still. Maybe not quite as big as it was, you know, five years ago, but it’s still enormous.”It’s like in a way, Mayweather and Pacquiao wasn’t the same when they fought, but it was pretty damn big.”Ex-UFC champ Francis Ngannou – who lost to Tyson Fury and Joshua – was also a name in discussions to face Wilder. But Finkel said: “It’s just timing wasn’t right on any of them and that could still be a major fight in the lead up to Joshua.”Or Deontay fights again this year after June and goes right into Joshua for the end of the year or next year.”I believe that’s a Wembley card, so we’ll see.”Anthony Joshua is still lined up to fight WilderCredit: REUTERS More

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    Mikel Arteta tells Bukayo Saka to jet off on HOLIDAY to help his recovery from hamstring surgery

    BUKAYO SAKA is spending his rehab from hamstring surgery like any elite professional would.Aside from recovering at home, the Arsenal star has remained a regular face at their London Colney training base after going under the knife just before Christmas Day – even supporting his teammates up close at home games.Bukayo Saka underwent hamstring surgery after a trip to Crystal Palace last monthCredit: GettySaka has been making the effort to support the team during his rehab phaseCredit: GettyHobbling on crutches, Saka was spotted pitch side at the Emirates watching his pals warm up ahead of the North London Derby in mid-week – and is expected to do the same ahead of today’s [SAT] clash with Aston Villa.Arteta admires the commitment, but the Gunners boss has urged Saka to instead use this time to jet off on HOLIDAY, telling the England winger: You need it!After facing Villa, Arsenal have another home game against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday before trips to Wolves and then Girona between January 25 and 29 – a four-day period that could be perfect for Saka to get some much-needed rest in the sunshine.Asked if Saka should take a holiday somewhere nice, Arteta said: “Yeah, he needs to. He is obligated to go! With his girlfriend or his family, he can choose. Or on his own.read more arsenal”But he needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things with his rehab because it is the perfect stage. I think it will make him really better.“He has been [around the squad] every single day. There is a moment, especially when we are going to be away for a few days, that he needs to do that. That is very important for him as well.“We need to look after our players.”Ever-present Saka started in all but three of Arsenal’s Prem games last season, as well as starting for England in every game of their Euros journey to the final in Germany last summer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis term, he has so far started 16 Prem games, as well as five of their six Champions League league phase matches.On what Saka should send his manager as a thank you for granting some time off, Arteta laughed: “A nice picture – or a present!”What Arteta really wants is one of his best players fit and firing sooner rather than later.Saka is targeting an early March return – perhaps in time for Prem outings against Manchester United on March 8 and Chelsea on March 15.Up until he hobbled off during a 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on December 21, Saka had been instrumental in Arsenal’s attack this term with five goals and 10 assists in the league.Since then, the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling have tried to replicate Saka on the right wing with little success.Jesus could now be crocked for the rest of 2025 with a ruptured ACL suffered in the FA Cup third round defeat to Man United, Nwaneri is recovering from a hamstring strain, Sterling looks shot of confidence or form while Martinelli and Trossard are naturally left-sided players.Why Arsenal were MYLES better than SpursAnd since Saka’s injury, Arsenal have dropped two points to Brighton in the Prem, been knocked out of the FA Cup and face an uphill task to reach the Carabao Cup final after a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in their semi-final first leg.It is why Arteta is hoping to land a new forward during this January window, but there will still be huge pressure on the shoulders of Saka to make an instant impact on his long-awaited return.Whether Arsenal will still be in the title race by then is another matter, despite recently closing the gap on Liverpool to four points, with Arne Slot’s Red still having a game in hand.On Saka’s time away from the team, Arteta continued: “The main part is the psychological part of how they feel emotionally. Because being a long time without doing what you love is not easy.“Your routine changes completely. You are much more isolated because you’re not going to work. That takes a little while to handle and to settle.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So, it’s a moment that if he can have a break as well and enjoy the parts of his life, great.“To be closer to the family, great. To learn about the game, certain aspects that he can still improve and develop.” More

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    Diletta Leotta wows in busty dress and shows off toned figure in bikini in winter photodump as fans say ‘is this legal?’

    FANS’ favourite broadcaster Diletta Leotta presented chills, frills and thrills in a wintry photo feast.The wife of ex-Liverpool keeper Loris Karius somehow managed to look toasty both indoors in just a bikini and outdoors in an unzipped top next to snowy mountains.Fans were impressed by Diletta Leotta’s winter attireCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaShe gave a revealing glimpse of her Xmas decorationsCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaLeotta can get sun to her body at the most unexpected timesCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaFamily scenes have rarely looked cosier than thisCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaOne of the DAZN star’s 9.1millions followers joked “But is all this legal?” as she defied some frosty settings with cheeky snaps.But he might have been referring to the way she outdazzled a shimmering Christmas tree in one photo.Because maybe she went against the spirit if not the ‘Letta’ of the law – by standing right in front of the upright array of baubles in a VERY revealing dress.But one fan appeared sure that admirers were straining to get a proper glimpse at the tree in the background.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe festive follower posted: “There are those who zoomed and those who lie.”Leotta also shared cosy family snaps as well as skiing pics.Another enthusiast called her “the real beauty of the world”.A second tribute was equally as fulsome: “Between you and nature I know no difference.”Most read in FootballLeotta and Karius wed last summerCredit: SplashThis outfit for a Serie A clash drew admiring commentsCredit: Instagram dilettaleottaAnd a third fan appeared to believe the Serie A presenter could solve the global energy crisis.He wrote that due to Leotta “The whole world was buzzing”.Sports presenter and ex-Premier League Wag Diletta Leotta stuns in see-through top for live TV broadcast She is used to making her mark – behind a microphone and online, with striking outfits and defiant comments.She chose a see-through top when fronting DAZN’s coverage of  Inter Milan’s 1-1 draw with Napoli two months ago.And Leotta has attacked sexist attitudes that dogged part of her career.She told F Magazine: “A colleague from Sky Sport told me how people were talking about me.”The worst thing was, ‘You’re only here because of your t**s’.”I had just arrived, I was twenty years old: it hurt like crazy. At home that evening I let out a liberating cry.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That brought out the lion in me, I learned a lot. I got my degree [in law] so that no one could ever say something like that to me again.”And it also means there’s no-one better to judge if her photos are legal!Leotta is a top presenter in the Italian top-flightCredit: RexShe wows viewers with her fashion senseCredit: Rex More

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    Hilarious reason Danny Dyer takes credit for West Ham’s Boxing Day victory revealed after Jarrod Bowen nets winner

    ACTOR Danny Dyer has claimed credit for West Ham’s 1-0 Boxing Day victory — because scorer Jarrod Bowen was allowed to eat his roast spuds on Christmas Day.Hammers striker Bowen, 28, who has to keep to a strict diet, got the all-clear from the club’s nutritionist before the festive feast at fiancée Dani’s dad’s house.Danny Dyer, pictured with Hammers star Jarrod Bowen, has taken credit for his side’s Boxing Day winAfter getting the okay, he called Dani to inform her famous Dad – who had been planning a special energy-fuelling pasta plate for Bowen.Next day, Bowen scored the 59th-minute winner against Southampton in the Premier League clash.Former EastEnders star Danny, 47, a West Ham fan, told a podcast: “We were a bit s**** — and one man won us that game, full of my potatoes and parsnips.“So in a way I’m claiming that victory because he was full up with my grub. He had the energy, he f*** won us that game because he’s such a hero.”READ MORE ON DANNY DYERDani and Jarrod got engaged on a romantic boat trip in Ibiza this summer.The pair escaped for a minibreak, leaving their one-year-old twin daughters Star and Summer at home with family, along with Dani’s son Santiago, three, from a previous relationship.But when you’re Love Island royalty and your hubby-to-be is a Premier League footballer, curating an intimate guest list isn’t easy. In fact, Dani has admitted that it’s something she’s “found so difficult”.Most read in Football“I would say it’s as intimate and small as it can be,” she shared on Instagram today. “I honestly can see why people elope and then have a big party, because the guest list I honestly found so difficult. Dani Dyer is engaged to Jarrod Bowen“I’m getting married in like five months. “I can’t believe it.“I’m so excited for you all to see.”The footballer with Danny’s daughter DaniCredit: Instagram More

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    Glam footballer Madelene Wright sends fans wild in see-through fishnet outfit as she pulls suggestive pose

    MADELENE WRIGHT swapped OnlyFans for OnlyFins as she wore fishnets to prove the 10th day of Christmas isn’t too late for a stocking thriller.And while Santa is enjoying downtime after all his sleighing, the footballer is still busy slaying – with fans loving her latest pictorial gift.Madelene Wright set fans a cheeky poser to go with her cheeky pose as she asked them a huge questionCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_Christmas might be behind us but Wright’s followers reckon there’s no harm in looking back as she wore an elf outfit for the festive periodCredit: X @WrightMadelene_She keens fans guessing with her outfitsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_This dress drew gasps from her followersCredit: X formerly Twitter / @WrightMadelene_The Chesham United player also popped a big question alongside the snap of her in a see-through outfit with only her hands protecting her modesty.She asked her social media followers: “Do you find natural women attractive?”That query sparked a wide variety of responses but with one thing in common – because Wright’s admirers all raved over her photo.But one fan appeared more interested in horticulture than haute couture.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpotting a large green protuberance directly behind Wright, he enquired: “What’s that plant called in the background?”It certainly wasn’t a Christmas tree – suggesting the former Charlton and Orient ace has put the festive period behind her, having earlier posed in rather minimalist elf garb.Wright shared an array of festive snaps in stockings and suspenders.That helped boost her Instagram following beyond 321,000. Most read in FootballShe played for Charlton and Orient before joining CheshamCredit: InstagramBut it was joining OnlyFans in 2021 that transformed her financial fortunes.She’d just been sacked by Charlton after being seen inhaling nitrous oxide at a party and drinking behind the wheel of her car.Glamorous footballer Madelene Wright sends fans wild in corset and short black dress as they brand her ‘unbelievable’But that notoriety boosted her profile when she set up an account on the adult subscription website.Madelene now claims she earns more than £500,000 a year from OnlyFans.Maybe it shows a “natural” approach to life is good for your elf…A glimpse into the life of the OnlyFans star…Wright regularly posts colourful snapsShe often wows her fans with raunchy picturesCredit: InstagramMadelene has over 300k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightShe recently celebrated her 25th birthdayCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightThe footballer also has an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wrightShe claimed to have made over £500,000 from the platformCredit: Instagram @madelene_wrightThe footballer has recently signed for Leyton OrientCredit: Instagram/@madelene_wrightShe has continued her OnlyFansCredit: twitter @MaddieMadeleneShe often dresses in revealing outfitsCredit: InstagramMadelene used to play for CharltonCredit: Instagram @Madelene_Wright More