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      Real Betis considering rare transfer gambit to complete Antony switch which would see him part-owned by Man Utd

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      REAL BETIS are considering a bold strategy to keep Antony at the club, according to reports.The Brazilian has been on loan at the Spanish side from Manchester United since January.Real Betis are exploring ways to keep AntonyCredit: GettyAntony has scored nine goals in 26 games for Betis, with both the player and club keen for him to stay.But the Conference League finalists do not have an option to buy him inserted in the current loan deal.Spanish outlet Marca report that Betis and Man Utd chiefs will hold talks over Antony’s future next week.The Red Devils will not accept a cut-price deal and the LaLiga side may therefore struggle to afford him permanently.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey will instead offer to take him on loan again and even have plans to co-own Antony with Man Utd.In a rarely-seen move, Betis could reportedly agree to purchase just a percentage of the winger’s rights.It means both teams could benefit from any future sale.But the scheme still relies on Antony cutting his £200,000-a-week salary, which Man Utd have been covering 16 per cent of.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBetis fans are desperate to keep hold of their new fans’ favourite and chanted for him to stay after they beat Fiorentina in the Conference League semi-final.Club legend Joaquin even joked he would help Antony’s kidnapping to ensure he does not return to Old Trafford.’Leaving Man Utd works wonders’ – Fans love Antony’s wild Real Betis celebrations as he goes topless and waves huge flagHe said: “I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what.”Meanwhile, new Bayer Leveruksen boss Erik ten Hag is supposedly open to a reunion with Antony and Alejandro Garnacho. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Real Madrid announce Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer as Liverpool rake in staggering fee for letting star go early

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      LIVERPOOL have agreed to let Trent Alexander-Arnold join Real Madrid early in a deal worth £10million.The right-back was set to join the 15-time Kings of Europe for free on June 30 – but the LaLiga giants want him for the Club World Cup.Liverpool have banked £10million for letting Trent Alexander-Arnold leave earlyCredit: ReutersAlexander-Arnold won two Prem titles at LiverpoolThe expanded tournament in the USA begins 16 days before Alexander-Arnold’s contract expires – meaning he wouldn’t have been able to be registered.So Madrid have now agreed to pay over £300,000-PER-DAY to bag the 26-year-old a month early.The two-time Premier League winner will move when the special transfer window opens on Sunday. Madrid will make a single payment of £8.4m (€10m) and pay his June wages – which all adds up to £10m (€11.9m).READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMadrid were originally offering just £840,000, but Liverpool held firm for more.Alexander-Arnold will reportedly earn £240,000-per-week on a six-year deal, with his release clause set at €1BILLION or £840million.A statement from the club read: “The full-back is now set to join the La Liga club ahead of the expiry of his Reds contract this summer.”Liverpool will receive a fee for his services, with the deal to be concluded once the window opens on June 1.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes.”Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement Xabi Alonso wanted Alexander-Arnold in his squad for their first match against Al-Hilal in Miami on June 18. Andy Robertson pays tribute to ‘best friend’ Trent Alexander-Arnold after he is booed by Liverpool fansFifa has created a special transfer window from June 1 to June 10 specifically for the Club World Cup.Madrid’s injury crisis at right-back is understood to be behind the push to get him in early.Midfielder Federico Valverde has been filling in for Spain Euro 2024 hero Dani Carvajal, who had knee surgery last October.Alexander-Arnold is due to link up with the England squad next week for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra a week on Saturday.What happened to the Englishmen who joined Real Madrid?TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD has finally completed his move to Real Madrid joins an exclusive club to pull on the famous white jersey.So how did those who came before him get on?LAURIE CUNNINGHAM (1979-1984)Real Madrid splashed out £950,000 to sign Cunningham from West Brom in 1979.As one of the “Three Degrees” alongside Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson, Cunningham had left an unforgettable mark at the Hawthorns.The left winger became an instant hit in the Spanish capital, scoring twice on his debut.Cunningham helped his side to the LaLiga title in 1980, and played in the European Cup final against Liverpool the following year.Following a loan spell with Manchester United, Cunningham moved to Marseille in 1984.Having played for Leicester, Charleroi and Wimbledon, Cunningham returned to Madrid with Rayo Vallecano in 1988.The following year he tragically died in a car crash in the city aged just 33.STEVE MCMANAMAN (1999-2003)Like Alexander-Arnold is set to, McManaman left boyhood club Liverpool for the bright lights of Madrid in 1999.A silky winger, McManaman proved to be a hit in Madrid.The Bernabeu crowd immediately took to their new English hero, with his floppy hair and nonchalant flair.McManaman helped Real win six trophies in four years, and scored his side’s second goal in their victorious 2000 Champions League final.He went on to leave Madrid in 2003, spending the final two years of his career with Manchester City.After hanging up his boots, McManaman worked as a pundit for Setanta Sports, BT Sport and ESPN.Now 53, he can regularly be seen on TNT Sports’ football coverage, especially when Liverpool or Real Madrid are playing.DAVID BECKHAM (2003-2007)In 2003, Real Madrid made Manchester United superstar Beckham their latest Galactico.Golden Balls joined a squad boasting the likes of Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos in the Spanish capital.Despite his love for high-end fashion and the celebrity lifestyle, Beckham became much beloved in Spain for his incredible work rate, professionalism and of course, quality.Despite boasting a star-studded squad, the fabled La Decima – a tenth Champions League triumph – eluded Real Madrid during his four-year stint.He didn’t leave empty-handed, however, winning the LaLiga title in 2007 before leaving for LA Galaxy.Since Beckham hung up his boots in 2013 he has continued to have several endorsement deals; including the likes of Adidas, Armani, Pepsi and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Beckham, 49, also owns MLS side Inter Miami, and played a big role in their groundbreaking deal for Lionel Messi in 2023.MICHAEL OWEN (2004-2005)Like McManaman before him, Owen quit Liverpool for Real Madrid.But the former Ballon d’Or winner endured a frustrating season at the Bernabeu, finding himself stuck behind Ronaldo and Raul.Twelve months on from Owen’s £8million switch, Real Madrid doubled their money by flogging him to Newcastle.Owen then spent three years with Liverpool’s rivals Man Utd, before one final year at Stoke.Immediately after hanging up his boots, Owen signed up to be BT Sport’s primary co-commentator upon the channel’s launch.In addition to his punditry work, the former striker has enjoyed several other ventures.Owen, 45, has his own clothing range with Peacocks, while he also appeared on The Masked Singer.JONATHAN WOODGATE (2004-2007)Woodgate endured one of the most infamous debuts of all time after switching Newcastle for Real Madrid in 2004.The luckless defender went through injury hell following the £13.4m transfer, having to wait 17 months before playing his first game.Just 25 minutes in, the England international headed into his own net. Things then got even worse when he was sent off just after the hour mark.Woodgate played just 14 times that season, before a loan move to Middlesbrough effectively ended his Real Madrid career.After signing permanently for Boro, Woody earned a move to Tottenham in January 2008. He won the League Cup barely a month later, and remains the last Spurs player to score a winning goal in a cup final.Following spells with Stoke and back at Middlesbrough, Woodgate retired in 2016.He has since gone into coaching, managing Boro and Bournemouth.Woodgate, 45, returned to Middlesbrough once again in 2022, where he works as a first team coach under Michael Carrick.JUDE BELLINGHAM (2023-present)England superstar Bellingham sealed a blockbuster £115m transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.The move has been a resounding success, with the midfielder immediately excelling in Spain.Bellingham scored on his debut, and went on net five times in his first four LaLiga matches.The image of the 21-year-old with his arms outstretched has quickly become an iconic one.Birmingham’s finest has already won LaLiga and the Champions League during his young career.And with Alexander-Arnold now alongside him, Bellingham will feel that he can add plenty more to his already impressive trophy tally.England play a friendly against Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s ground three days later.Liverpool fans were fuming about losing a world-class player for free, even booing their homegrown star against Arsenal last month.Alexander-Arnold was given a more warm goodbye on the final day of the season, before breaking down in tears after 20 years with the club.Read More on The SunHe now departs Anfield after 354 appearances and 23 goals for the club, winning eight major honours.Trent won two titles, the Champions League, Fifa Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups with his boyhood side. 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      Real Madrid interested in Lewis-Skelly free transfer next summer with Arsenal star’s contract talks ‘not going well’

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY is being eyed for a stunning transfer by Real Madrid, according to reports. The youngster has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates, playing 39 games for the Gunners and chipping in with one goal and three assists.Myles Lewis-Skelly could leave Arsenal on a free transferCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly had a breakthrough campaign this seasonCredit: APReal Madrid could land a second England international on a free transferCredit: APHowever, having signed his first professional contract in October 2023, the 18-year-old could already be set to move away from north London and end a decade-long association with the club.That’s because with just one year left on his contract, Real Madrid are now “sniffing around” the situation as they possibly eye another free transfer for an English star.According to The Guardian, negotiations between the player and Arsenal over new terms are “not going well.”And this has left Spanish giants Real on red alert to sign the England international full-back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe La Liga club have already landed Liverpool’s own English international full-back in Trent Alexander-Arnold, with a £10million fee agreed to allow him to play at the Club World Cup next month.Combined with Jude Bellingham already at the club, it means Xabi Alonso’s new-look Madrid team could feature as many as three English stars at the Bernabeu.But ultimately, the player’s future could depend on where he is seen as playing long-term.Lewis-Skelly played as a midfielder during his days in the Hale End Academy, but has primarily starred as a left-back – often inverting – since breaking into the Arsenal first-team.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, Arteta has hinted at a possible switch into midfield from next season for the teenager. He said: “He is very intelligent, very willing and very physical. If you have those three ingredients and you have a personality that can go through blips — it can happen — that is Myles. That is what he has done.Arsenal wonderkid Lewis-Skelly’s mum reveals he’s ‘still on washing-up duty’… and how she nearly missed Man City goal”He can do as a 6 and an an 8. It will depend a lot on the relationships and the chemistry with other players, how this evolves within the team.”And football, which direction it goes , what demands of certain positions as well. He is certainly a player that can play a in lots of positions.”Lewis-Skelly was selected in Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.Tuchel deployed him as a full-back in his last two Three Lions’ appearances, World Cup qualification clashes against Albania and Latvia in March, the first of which Lewis-Skelly scored in.Losing him to Los Blancos, who have also been long-term admirers of William Saliba, would be a bitter blow to the Gunners long-term transfer plans.Arsenal are also in negotiations with fellow starlet Ethan Nwaneri.Read More on The SunIn terms of incomings this summer, Arsenal have submitted an offer to land Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres but have been joined in the pursuit by Chelsea.However, the Blues being boosted after news emerged that Liam Delap wants to join them may give the Gunners a clear shot at the former Coventry ace.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Barcelona reveal first game at renovated Nou Camp as 100,000-seater stadium finally nears completion

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      BARCELONA president Joan Laporta has revealed when the Nou Camp will officially be reopened.The iconic stadium has been undergoing a period of redevelopment over the last two years.Joan Laporta has revealed when he expects Barcelona to return to the Nou CampCredit: AlamyThe reopening of the stadium could be in AugustCredit: AFPAs a result, the capacity is expected to increase from 99,000 to around 105,000 when the building work is finished.The ground was initially expected to open at the end of last year, but delays pushed the date back.Now, Barcelona expect to return in August.Club president Laporta has earmarked August 16 – the day of the Gamper Trophy match – as the potential reopening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on TV3 while reviewing the club’s season, the Spaniard said: “We want it to serve as the pilot test for the stadium’s reopening. We’re working on this idea.”The Gamper is expected to be held at the Spotify Camp Nou.”We want it to be a pilot test in terms of access, operational capacity, etc.”We believe it’s the best way to run a full-scale trial.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe new stadium is expected to cost Barcelona £1.25billion overall.But, it is also anticipated to earn the club an extra £25million per year in revenue.Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou Since leaving the Nou Camp, Barcelona have been playing their home matches at the nearby Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.When they return, the ground would have officially been renamed to the Spotify Camp Nou following a £235m deal with the music streaming service.The Spanish giants go into the 2025-26 season as La Liga champions having beat Real Madrid to the title by four points. More

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      Crystal Palace in talks to complete Atletico Madrid star transfer with Ben Chilwell set for Chelsea return

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are in talks to sign defender Reinildo Mandava.The Atletico Madrid left-back will be a free agent this summer and is being eyed by Premier League clubs.Reinildo Mandava is in talks over a move to Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyBen Chilwell is unlikely to stay at Selhurst ParkCredit: PAPalace want the Mozambique star as competition for Tyrick Mitchell.Ben Chilwell joined on loan from Chelsea in January but is not expected to stay. Yet Everton and Fulham are also fans of Reinildo.The 31-year-old, previously linked to Barcelona and Manchester United, joined Atletico from Lille in 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since played 102 times for the club, scoring once and assisting two goals.Reinildo started ten LaLiga and three Champions League matches this season.Palace boss Oliver Glasner wants to wrap up transfer business quickly  having moaned about the time it took to do deals last year.And it is set to be a busy summer at Selhurst Park with them keen to bolster their squad ahead of their first ever Europa League campaign.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Palace risk losing key players like Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.Guehi’s contract expires in a year’s time and Newcastle could reignite their interest after seeing a £70million bid rejected last summer.How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup finalAs for Eze, he is believed to have a release clause of around £65m and reports have linked him with the likes of Aston Villa and Man Utd. More

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      Lamine Yamal’s staggering new Barcelona deal broken down with wonderkid, 18, set to increase salary TENFOLD

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      BARCELONA wonderkid Lamine Yamal has penned a bumper new contract that will make him one of the club’s highest earners.The 17-year-old has established himself as one of the most-talented players in world football.Lamine Yamal has become one of Barcelona’s highest-paid playersCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe 17-year-old has signed a new contract keeping him at Barcelona until 2031Credit: ReutersSince breaking into the first team aged just 15 in 2023 – making him the youngest player to ever represent Barcelona – Yamal has made 106 senior appearances, scoring 25 goals and providing 34 assists.During that time, the winger has won two LaLiga titles, along with the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.He also became a European Champion with Spain last July after shining on the international stage.And having put himself in Ballon d’Or contention, the teenager has earned a new, lucrative contract.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Athletic has reported that Yamal this week signed a deal which could see him earn just shy of £33.5million (€40m) a year before tax – a whopping £644,230 per week – making him Barcelona’s highest-paid player.His base salary is now understood to be £25.2m (€30m) with performance-related bonuses potentially increasing the total by almost £10m.That means he now earns around 10 times more than he did previously.The new deal comes into play immediately, rather than on the winger’s 18th birthday in July.Most read in FootballYamal’s new deal runs until 2031, meaning it will expire just before his 24th birthday. He also reportedly has a release clause worth a staggering €1billion.I sold Lamine Yamal trading card for life changing amount – my wife doesn’t think it’s a silly hobby nowAnd the winger is now set to follow in the footsteps of Barcelona hero Lionel Messi by taking the No10 shirt.The number will become vacant with Ansu Fati expected to join Monaco in a permanent transfer. More

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      Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference final

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      VIOLENCE has broken out again on the streets of Poland between Chelsea and Real Betis fans in ugly scenes ahead of their Conference League final tonight.Supporters were seen hurling punches and kicks, launching bottles and smoke grenades near the fanzone in Wroclaw with riot police forced to defuse the violence.Fans clash in ugly scenes in Poland ahead of the Europa Conference FinalCredit: AFPSupporters were seen hurling punches, kicking, launching bottles and smoke grenadesCredit: AFPFans hurled flares at each other on the streetSome officers were deployed with guns to quell the violenceCredit: ReutersTables and chairs were thrown to the floorCredit: EPAThe ugly scenes continues after similar violence yesterday when tear gas was needed to separate the hostile fans. One Spaniard was arrested and police are attempting to identify more fans involved in a scuffle last night.Betis fans are looking forward to their first ever major European final, with tensions boiling over into a full on brawl this afternoon.Supermarket shelves are running dry of beer and pubs are out of pint glasses as fans soak up the atmosphere ahead of the final.And six hours before kickoff tonight, the violence spilled over when fans started kicking and throwing flares into each other’s camps.Soon, chairs were hurtling through the air as the fans squared up to each other before police, some armed with guns, came to separate them.The fans were already brawling on the streets a full 24 hours before the match as riot police with tear gas were deployed yesterday to force the warring supporters apart.Footage posted to social media showed a series of fierce clashes in cobbled streets outside the city’s bars and restaurants.Most read in FootballShocking moment Chelsea fans brawl & throw glasses as violence erupts in Poland ahead of Conference League finalIn one clip, a group of around five young men were seen smashing chairs and hurling glasses at another group sheltering in the canopy of a building.In the window is a large blue flag which reads: “London only”, indicating it could be a spot designated for Chelsea fans.Another clip from elsewhere shows two sides lobbing missiles at one another from the cover of two different pubs.More than 70,000 fans are expected to descend on the picturesque town of Wroclaw to watch The Blues try to take the title tonight.Last week’s Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur was also marred by clashes between supporters ahead of the match in Bilbao.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said: “Zero tolerance for violence on our streets!”I thank the police for their decisive actions against the hooligans in Chelsea and Betis shirts in Wroclaw. We warn you: if necessary, the police will be even more ruthless today!”Fans of the London side will be hoping their team isn’t distracted by the drama – with the honour of being the first-ever club to win all three European titles on the line.Chelsea booked their place by defeating Swedish side Djurgardens IF 5-1 on aggregate earlier this month.Earlier, head coach Enzo Maresca got a shock when his banned winger Mykhailo Mudryk arrived in the city unannounced – and wearing a Chelsea kit.Mudryk is currently suspended from playing after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium while on international duty in November.Chelsea fans have descended in the Polish city for the European finalCredit: ReutersChairs were hurling through the skyOne man was seen getting attacked with blood pouring down his faceCredit: AFPThe fans were already brawling on the streets a full 24 hours before the matchCredit: ReutersPolice positioned themselves between the hostile fansCredit: AFPAfter missiles were launched into the neighbouring camps, Polish police managed to separate the fansCredit: ReutersThe ugly scenes continues after similar violence yesterday when tear gas was needed to separate the hostile fansCredit: ReutersTables were launched in the violent scenes hours before the matchCredit: ReutersMen were seen fleeing as police came armed with truncheonsCredit: AFPThe streets were strewn with litter and chairsA fan poses in front of police amid the high tensionsCredit: ReutersThe Blues will be playing Champions League football next season after they secured a top-five finish in the Premier League.While the Spaniards have already qualified for the Europa League with a 6th placed finish in LaLiga.This means the two sides are just playing for the right to win a European trophy – and the cash prize that comes with it.Read More on The SunUefa have revealed that the winners of this year’s Conference League will take home a staggering £5.9million.While the runners-up are set to pocket approximately £3.37m.A chair can be seen flying through the airCredit: XGroups lobbed missiles at each other across the squareCredit: x
      Police spray jets of tear gas at Chelsea fansCredit: APChelsea fans were out in force on Tuesday nightCredit: APHEDGE YOUR BET-S Chelsea vs Real Betis tale of the tape: How Conference League finalists compareCHELSEA are on the brink of history as they prepare to take on Real Betis in the Conference League final.Enzo Maresca will clash with “football dad” and former boss Manuel Pellegrini when the two sides collide in Warsaw on Wednesday.And a win for Chelsea will see them become the first-ever team to win all three major European competitions.They face a tough test in Betis though, with the Spanish side boasting strong names including Isco, Antony and Gio Lo Celso.Here, SunSport compares the two sides for what is sure to be a lively clash in Poland.But just who will come out on top?SEASON SUCCESSWith both sides reaching the Conference League final, neither side can say they have fallen short in Europe.Yet they have also enjoyed good club campaigns – to an extent.Chelsea at one stage looked on course to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title before a dramatic Christmas collapse.The Blues then faced a tough challenge to qualify for the Champions League.They eventually sealed a return to Europe’s top table on Sunday with victory over fellow challengers Nottingham Forest.And although they ultimately achieved their season goal, Chelsea undoubtedly made a meal out of it.As for Betis, they too enjoyed mixed fortunes in LaLiga.They ended up finishing sixth, sealing their place in next season’s Europa League regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s final.However, fifth place in Spain would have been enough for Champions League football.Betis ended up finishing 10 points behind Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, who took the last two spots.And although Europa League qualification will be welcomed by them, they surely would have loved to have been in the Champions League instead.BEST PLAYERSChelsea’s squad is worth a whole £627MILLION MORE than Betis’ – but there is always one man who stands head and shoulders above his teammates.Despite not enjoying the same success as he did in the 2023/24 campaign, Cole Palmer undoubtedly remains Chelsea’s star player and danger man.The midfielder has taken up a deeper role in a more central position under Maresca, allowing him to dictate more of the play.Palmer’s brilliant technique and vision means he is often the one keeping Chelsea ticking over in possession as teammates look to make darting runs through the lines.And if the Blues are to take control on Wednesday, he will need to be at his mercurial best once again – regardless of whether he scores or assists in the process.As for Betis, they have been inspired in the second half of the season by a Premier League misfit.Brazilian winger Antony, on loan from Manchester United, has been nothing short of a revelation since moving to Spain.He has a smile on his face again after hitting the goal regularly, with fans also showing their appreciation and adoration.A permanent transfer now looks on the cards this summer.And Antony will be desperate to reward the faith shown by Betis by guiding them to glory in Warsaw.TACTICSChelsea have adopted a possession-based style since Maresca’s arrival last summer, with players instructed to keep the ball moving as they inch their way forward to goal.Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 system, the Blues quickly become a fluid unit as players drift out of their regular positions to line up in a 3-2-4-1 shape.Whether it has been a raging success is up for debate, with Chelsea sometimes left exposed at the back while also failing to get enough players into the box to finish off a move.But Maresca’s system has built some team unity, with his unquestionable plan on the pitch making the Blues a strong cohesive force when it finally clicks.MANAGERSChelsea’s Italian gaffer Enzo Maresca has one of the safest seats in football – and that was before he sealed a top four finish on Sunday.The ex-Leicester man was brought in to Stamford Bridge to provide stability while also moulding Chelsea’s youngsters into English football’s next great team.Despite reservations over his playing style, fans appear to have finally taken to Maresca thanks to his calm approach and desire to win.The former Man City coach isn’t the most experienced either.But with time on his side, a trophy win in his debut season will only strengthen his position in the Chelsea hot seat.As for Manuel Pellegrini, he has now been at Betis for nearly five years.Having enjoyed most of his success at Man City, the Chilean has helped build Betis into plucky underdogs.Pellegrini broke their trophy curse by guiding them to the 2022 Copa del Rey.And he remains a wildly popular figure with fans and players alike, having resurrected the careers of fallen men like Isco and Antony.Pellegrini also knows Chelsea boss Maresca well, having coached him at Malaga before appointing him as assistant boss at West Ham.And it should be a fascinating battle between the pair, with Maresca warmly branding Pellegrini his “football father.” More

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      Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal medical ahead of £51m transfer as Gunners beat Real Madrid to Real Sociedad midfielder

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      MARTIN ZUBIMENDI will complete a medical in the coming days ahead of his £51m switch to Arsenal.The Real Sociedad midfielder has been in advanced talks with the Gunners since January and is on the verge of becoming Mikel Arteta’s first capture of the summer.Martin Zubimendi is on course to join Arsenal in a £51million dealCredit: GETTYThe 26-year-old is set to undergo a medical with the north Londoners in the coming daysCredit: GETTYPersonal terms and relevant documents have already been signed and agreed, as well as the payment structure around the Spaniard’s £51m release clause.Senior Arsenal figures expect the deal to be completed swiftly as they also target landing a striker – with Sporting Lisbon’s £60m-valued Viktor Gyokeres a top priority.Once Zubmendi, 26, passes his medical, he will be announced as an Arsenal player.He will provide depth to a midfield that has already lost veteran Jorginho, who is heading to Brazilian outfit Flamengo on a free transfer with his Emirates deal expiring next month.READ MORE ON ARSENALThomas Partey is also out of contract, but the club are in talks to extend his stay after an impressive campaign, while Albert Sambi Lokonga – who spent last season on loan at Sevilla – will see a one-year extension triggered on his contract.Zubimendi is highly rated by Arteta, who convinced the Euro 2024 winner of the North London project after he turned down a switch to Arne Slot’s Liverpool last summer.It is the start of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal as they prepare to splash around £200m on new talent to fire them to Premier League glory next term.Swedish striker Gyokeres, 26, is viewed as an ideal attacking signing following a two-year stint in Portugal that has seen him bag 97 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions, and is favoured by sporting director Andrea Berta.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSporting vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha revealed this week: “He has three more years on his contract. At the moment there are no offers.“We want to keep the best players and retain talent. We want to continue to be champions, have competitive teams and fight on all fronts.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’“But the market is not under our control, we are always dependent.”Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, 21 – valued between £60m and £70m – is also on Arsenal’s radar, having attempted to sign the Slovenian last summer and in the winter window.There is still a chance Arteta could make a move for Sesko, but SunSport understands there is a concern over his age and experience at the top level, needing the player to hit the ground running in the Prem.Chelsea are also interested in Sesko as they prepare to sign a No.9 this summer too.Arsenal are also considering moves for £50m-rated Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, 22, as well as £25m-valued Espanyol back-up keeper Joan Garcia, 24. More