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      Paul Scholes claims Man Utd have NOT improved since last season after being left unimpressed by Fulham win

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      PAUL SCHOLES does not believe Manchester United have improved on last season despite their opening day win over Fulham.Erik ten Hag’s men edged past the Cottagers at Old Trafford thanks to a late goal from new signing Joshua Zirkzee.Paul Scholes does not believe Manchester United have improved from last seasonCredit: YouTube/ The OverlapErik ten Hag’s men kicked off their Premier League season with a 1-0 win over FulhamCredit: RexMan Utd supporters are keen to see progression after Ten Hag narrowly avoided being sacked in the summer.Beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final seemed to save the Dutchman from being dismissed.But Red Devils legend Scholes, 49, was left unimpressed by the Fulham victory as he berated old issues in the side.Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, Scholes said: “With Manchester United’s opening game against Fulham, I didn’t see many differences from their performances last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I thought they did okay, and they deserved to win the game, but there were still plenty of times where there were loads of space in central midfield.”The problem with United is that every time they have the ball, they are trying to attack, which isn’t a good thing.”You sometimes need five minutes on the ball to help take the sting out of the game, but constantly attacking, results in end-to-end football.”If you look at Manchester City and their midfield, they take the sting out of the play and kill opposition teams that way, but with United, there is so much chaos with players running everywhere.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue. They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. Next up for Man Utd is a trip to Brighton on Saturday lunchtime where they have won just one of their last three Premier League games.Matthijs de Ligt could make his first start for the club after joining from Bayern Munich as Harry Maguire faces a late fitness test.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’But a number of first-team players remain unavailable including Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia and new signing Leny Yoro. More

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      Liverpool want to snatch Man Utd target Jarrad Branthwaite in shock raid of arch-rivals Everton in £70million transfer

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      LIVERPOOL want to snatch £70million-rated Jarrad Branthwaite from Merseyside rivals Everton.SunSport understands the Reds will offer £63m plus £7m in add-ons to prise the centre-back across Stanley Park.Liverpool are eyeing up a swoop move for Everton defender Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: GettyEverton face competition from their fiercest rivals to keep the defenderCredit: PABranthwaite, a summer target for Manchester United, is open to the move and wants to play for a higher-profile club.He is under contract until 2027 on £60,000 a week but knows that his wages would treble if he left for Anfield.Liverpool are growing in confidence that a deal can be done with Arne Slot believed to be a huge admirer of the budding England star.Bookies have the 22-year-old as short as evens for a Kop move in this transfer window.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe last man to be sold by Everton to their local rivals was Abel Xavier for £800,000 in 2002.Toffees boss Sean Dyche has admitted he would be willing to sell any player for the right price.Despite making a £31m profit this summer Dyche says there is “not much wriggle room” to bring in more players amid an injury crisis which has left him down to just 14 fit first-team players.United have twice failed in bids for Carlisle-born Branthwaite — their latest offer was £50m — but they still want him.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSKop manager Slot is prepared to sell Joe Gomez — Newcastle failed in a £45m bid early in the window and Chelsea are interested.Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, 23, is close to arriving at Anfield for £30m but is likely to go straight out on loan.Watch Rafa Benitez ‘do Carragher dirty’ as he reveals how much Liverpool legend would cost todayOn Thursday, Dutch centre-back Sepp van den Berg, 22, joined Brentford for £30m, with the Bees paying £25m up front.Midfielder Bobby Clark, 19, also joined Red Bull Salzburg in a £10m deal – who are managed by former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders.But Liverpool have a week to get the deal done this summer, as the window shuts next Friday, August 30.The Arne Slot era got off to the perfect start in the Prem this season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. More

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      Fans say Marc Guiu has ‘played his first and LAST match at Stamford Bridge’ after shocking open goal miss vs Servette

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      CHELSEA fans joked Marc Guiu’s first start might be his LAST after a shocking open goal miss.The Spanish striker – poached from Barcelona in the summer – started up front for the Blues against Swiss side Servette in their Europa Conference League play-off tie on Thursday night.Marc Guiu was clean through on goal and just needed to tap inCredit: Chelsea TVBut the new Chelsea star somehow failed to scoreCredit: Chelsea TVGuiu had tackled Servette keeper Jeremy Frick to set up the chanceCredit: AlamyGuiu couldn’t believed he’d missedCredit: APEnzo Maresca’s side were booed off at half-time at Stamford Bridge after a lifeless 45 minutes.But they came out firing after the break and were 1-0 up thanks to Christopher Nkunku’s spot kick five minutes later.And it should have been two just moments after when £5million Guiu, 18, pounced on a horrendous mistake from the Servette keeper, leaving him clean through on goal.But it all went horribly wrong for the young Spaniard as he somehow failed to find the back of the net.READ MORE ON CHELSEAGuiu did the hard work by closing down keeper Jeremy Frick, setting himself up with what should have been a tap-in.But the stopper was somehow able to rush back and incredibly prevent Guiu’s tame effort from crossing the line.The forward then fluffed his lines again as he failed to connect with the rebound.One fan joked: “First and last start at stamford bridge for Marc Guiu.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea ratings vs ServetteCHELSEA sealed their first win under new manager Enzo Maresca as they beat Swiss minnows Servette.Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke got the second-half goals to give the Blues a commanding lead in their Uefa Conference League play-off double header.But it was far from convincing with Chelsea BOOED OFF at half-time.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Blues stars…Filip Jorgensen – 7Made some very smart saves – especially late on as the visitors caused problems and came close to finding a goal to get back in.Axel Disasi – 6Kept things quiet down Chelsea’s right hand side having been started out of position at right-back. The Frenchman did not offer much going forwards but was more than solid enough defensively.Tosin Adarabioyo – 6An assured first start for the club since joining from Fulham on a free transfer. The defender was not caused any real problems and dominated in the air – a big reason Chelsea decided to snap him up.Benoit Badiashile – 6Solid enough defensively but looked awkward on the ball at times, especially when Chelsea were trying to pick a way through a solid midfield.Renato Veiga – 5Was given the task of moving inside from left-back and looked to struggle a lot at points, losing the ball cheaply on half way at one stage.Moises Caicedo – 5The midfielder was sent out in the holding role and hardly helped defensively by having Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Nkunku, a striker, ahead of him. Struggled to get a grip of midfield and dictate the game.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7A very encouraging full debut for the summer signing – neat and positive on the ball and created some good chances for those ahead of him.Pedro Neto – 6A first start for his new club and the winger made some very encouraging runs down the right hand side. Will take time to settle but looks a very good option.Christopher Nkunku – 6Rather fortunate to win the penalty as it looked a touch harsh but stepped up and converted well.Mykhailo Mudryk – 4The definition of all bark, no bite. The Ukrainian winger has pace to burn and a huge bag of tricks but neither help him make any significant impact on games.Continuing to play like that and Raheem Sterling might have a future here after all.Marc Guiu – 6Missed an absolute sitter to score his first goal for Chelsea.After working so hard through the first half, Guiu turned a tap in into a howler when putting what should have been an easy finish straight at the scrambling Servette keeper.Another said: “Good to see Chelsea have solved their finishing issues with Guiu… “One fumed: “F***ing hell we need a striker…” Why Joao Felix’s transfer to Chelsea is not as crazy is it soundsGuiu was signed from Barcelona in a £5m summer move.And he looks to be in line to fight for his place under Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca this season despite rumours of a loan away. Chelsea remained interested in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen while also welcoming back Joao Felix to West London. More

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      Aston Villa hold shock talks over Raheem Sterling transfer with Chelsea star frozen out by Enzo Maresca

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      ASTON VILLA have held talks over a move for Raheem Sterling as he looks for a way out of Chelsea.The winger, 29, has been told he is no longer part of the plan at Stamford Bridge and has been training separately from the first team along with a number of other exiled players.Aston Villa could move for Chelsea outcast Raheem SterlingCredit: GettyA number of clubs have made enquiries as to the terms of a deal for the former Manchester City man.Villa have expressed interest but talks are at an early stage. Sterling would prefer to stay in the Premier League though his wages of more than £300,000-a-week are likely to be an obstacle for most suitors.All sides expect that Sterling would have to take a wage cut to move.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Blues are currently working on options for a move and will present them to the former Liverpool man.It is not clear what sort of fee Chelsea would demand, though they cannot have hopes for anything close to the £50million paid to City given the club have made it clear the winger is not wanted.Sterling has been excluded from Chelsea’s two match day squads this season while his squad number was given to new signing Pedro Neto.Maresca played the winger in all six of his pre-season friendlies before informing him on the Friday before the start of the season that he would not get game time in West London.Most read in FootballSterling’s camp statementA statement read: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.”He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.“Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe England international is one of up to 15 players Chelsea are looking to move on before next week’s transfer deadline.Romelu Lukaku is another high earner who needs to leave the club.Gary Neville claims Raheem Sterling ‘may be punching back on behalf of Gallagher and Chalobah’ after Chelsea statementFollow Chelsea vs Servette’s SunSport live blog here.Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is keen to bring the Belgian into Napoli.The Serie A side offered a loan deal with an obligation worth around £25.5m, though Chelsea want more for the former Everton man – who has two years on his deal.Talks between Napoli and Chelsea are scheduled in the next couple of days.Chelsea ratings vs Man CityCHELSEA began life under new boss Enzo Maresca with a 2-0 home defeat to champions Manchester City.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea lot as the season didn’t begin how they wanted.Robert Sanchez – 4/10Distribution-wise, it’s not good enough; that said, he made an absolutely fantastic save to deny a deflected effort from Jeremy Doku in the first half. Similarly in the second half, made a routine save to deny Erling Haaland before getting a hand to Mateo Kovacic’s shot, but failed to stop it rattling the back of the net.Malo Gusto – 5It’s more of the impressive attitude we saw last season from the flying Frenchman, but today, he couldn’t stamp his mark on the game at all going forward. We certainly see more of his best qualities in the game where Chelsea have more of the ball, he should grow into the season nicely over the next few games. Wesley Fofana – 5He didn’t look out of his depth in his first Premier League game for Chelsea for over a year, and despite conceding, it was a decent performance to build on in the coming games. Did well physically against Haaland in fairness, and made it through the 90 minutes unscathed which will please Chelsea fans in some capacity.Levi Colwill – 5Tough day at the office against physicality personified in Erling Haaland.Did play the ball well out from the back for Chelsea with a few good blocks and tackles. But much the same as with Wesley Fofana, there is room for growth into the season with easier fixtures upcoming, particularly where Chelsea will dominate on the ball.  Marc Cucurella  – 6Forced Jeremy Doku into a change of wing in the first half after winning a tough battle against the Belgian winger, and stepped into challenges well for the most part.Was solid again in the second half before going off with an injury. Romeo Lavia – 6He looked like a calming presence in the Chelsea midfield when he did get the ball and he broke up play pretty well for a player who has been out through injury for so long. Continued his good pre-season form and is deserving of a run  in the side. Moises Caicedo – 5A similar performance really to the aforementioned Lavia, but was one of Chelsea’s better progressors of the ball when they did get forwards and showed some nice touches in the middle of the park.Fans will be left wondering whether he, Lavia and Enzo Fernandez fit into the same midfield.Enzo Fernandez – 5A mixed performance from the Argentine midfielder who showed promise in spells, but it really wasn’t the level you would expect of a player with his price tag.This could have been a huge game for the Chelsea captain for the day, but he failed to really stamp his mark on it in comparison to the player whom he replaced, Mateo Kovacic.Christopher Nkunku – 4Enzo Maresca seemed to want him playing as a touchline winger, but the forward looks far more comfortable in the middle of the pitch.He was the first player to be hooked in the second half and was replaced by Pedro Neto, who looked more at home wide on the left-hand side.Cole Palmer – 5It was far from the electric performance which saw him scoop heaps of praise last season. He still did show glimpses going forward, but he just failed to impact the game in the ways he did last time around.  Nicolas Jackson – 4New season, same old Nicolas Jackson.A great run in the first half was let down by a pea-roller of a shot into a Man City defender, before he hit the back of the net only to see the official’s flag raised on the far side. I’m sorry Nic Jackson, but it’s a four for you this time round…SUBS:Pedro Neto (Nkunku, 58) – 5Not the kind of debut that got fans out of their seats, but with The Blues failing to really get him on the ball there was little to take note of.Marc Guiu  (Jackson, 66) – 5Less impactful than Nicolas Jackson, but in considerably less time.For a player who can dominate physically, he looked a little intimidated by the Manchester City defence and wasn’t really presented with any chances.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Lavia, 67) – 5Many Chelsea fans were disappointed to see Romeo Lavia come off after a good performance, and Dewsbury-Hall failed to add any of the attacking prowess we saw in the Championship last season.Renato Veiga  (Cucurella, 80) – 5He didn’t have enough time to impact the game after replacing Marc Cucurella, who had more time to establish himself as one of Chelsea’s better performers.  More

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      Jermaine Jenas sacking by BBC sees favourite to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day ruled out – so who will now?

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      JERMAINE JENAS’ sacking by the BBC means the favourite to succeed Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host is out of the running.The former Tottenham midfielder has lost his presenting roles on MOTD and The One show after the Beeb launched an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.Alan Shearer arguably had the best playing career of the candidates and has been a leading broadcaster for two decadesCredit: GettyFormer England defender Micah Richards a popular and jovial broadcasterCredit: GettyEx-Lionesses ace Alex Scott turned to presenting after quitting playing in 2018Credit: GettyHe’d been seen as the frontrunner to succeed the England legend but has now been totally taken off air.It comes as Lineker’s future remains uncertain, with his lucrative BBC contract ending in 2025. Asked how long he’ll stay in the job, the 63-year-old replied: “I don’t know. It depends how long they want me, I suppose.”I love doing it at the moment. I’ve still got another year left, at least.”READ MORE TOP STORIESBut speculation is mounting over who will be the next person to host arguably the most famous weekly broadcasting spot in British broadcasting.Lineker took the hotseat in August 1999 – as Manchester United were still celebrating completing the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League just months earlier.The Red Devils immediately followed that up with their sixth Prem crown in eight seasons.United had few challengers domestically back then – whereas the race to replace former Spurs striker Lineker on the Beeb could not be more open.Most read in FootballThe BBC have axed Jermaine Jenas, who worked on MOTD and The One showCredit: BBCGary Lineker has been on MOTD since 1999 but his Beeb deal ends in 2025Credit: BBCSeveral familiar names appear to lead the way, however.And here’s our list of possibly the eight top contenders.BBC presenter stunned after going behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker ALEX SCOTTThe former Lionesses’ hero is a favourite with many fans having swapped her boots for a microphone a decade ago.Picking up 140 caps while enjoying a peak-level club career with Arsenal in the WSL and and Boston Breakers gives her an impressive CV of knowledge.And her wide-ranging roles in broadcasting, plus huge presence on social media, makes her one of the best-known and most accessible candidates for the chief MOTD position.She’s covered sport for the Beeb, BT Sport and Sky Sports, also guest-presenting on The One show and appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.MICAH RICHARDSThe jovial ex-Manchester City defender is rated a brilliant team player behind the mike by many fans.His banter, laughter and upbeat manner balances the approaches of colleagues like Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville, Thierry Henry and Co.That’s included Sky Sports, CBS Sports and Match of the Day – meaning he’s done the groundwork for stepping into Lineker’s shoes.Such an exuberant would be an intriguing choice for the Beeb.GABBY LOGANHighly-respected for her general professionalism and insight across the sports, her chances of getting the MOTD gig have shot up since landing the job fronting the Beeb’s new Champions League highlights show.Gabby Logan was one of the main faces of Olympics coverageCredit: PAThe former top gymnast worked for ITV, switching to the Beeb in 2007.She was undoubtedly a stellar presenter at this summer’s Olympics, effortlessly flitting between events.MARK CHAPMANA respected all-round sports presenter who would arguably be the “safest” choice, especially as he’s famed for presenting Match of the Day 2.Mark Chapman has a long and varied track record in broadcastingCredit: GettyFew broadcasters can match the 50-year-old’s CV and ability to handle any situation.Chapman is one of the few candidates with a professional playing career.But he boosted his street cred with “serious” fans by becoming Non-Executive Director at fifth-tier Altrincham in 2022.ALAN SHEARERThe ex-England forward and MOTD veteran would surely be the most strait-laced choice.The Newcastle icon’s incredible career in front of goal demands respect.And he’s been a leading pundit for the Beeb since 2006.However, he might be seen as more of an earnest analyst than a charismatic guider of others’ views.DION DUBLINThe affable ex-target man wears his broadcasting career likely – slipping effortlessly between sports punditry and presenting Homes under the Hammer.The ex-targetman has a versatile presenting CVCredit: GettyHis playing days were just as varied as his roles with the mike – progressing up the leagues from the contrasting Uniteds of Cambridge to Manchester.Might be seen as a serious candidate if the Beeb wants to appeal more to a general audience.MANISH BHASINA global face in football – as the amiable presenter fronts Premier League Productions across the world.Manish Bhasin is known globally fro fronting  Premier League ProductionsCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe Leicester supporter, 48, first presented on the Beeb’s Football Focus in 2004, covering all sorts of sporting roles since then, including the Cricket World Cup.Like Chapman and arguably Shearer, he might be considered as a low-risk pick.MARTIN KEOWNPossibly the most serious-minded option, the former Arsenal hardman is a long-time pundit for the BBC and BT Sport.Whether he’d want to be the man in the middle, rather than just dishing out his verdict, might be in question.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there’s one thing you can say about the 58-year-old, who played in four major tournaments for England – he’s rarely ducked a challenge.The three-time Prem winner is also a part-time Gunners’ scout.Ex-Three Lions defender Martin Keown has been a BBC and BT Sport punditCredit: TNT Sports More

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      Fans set to get first look at revamped Premier League stadium with new feature ‘among largest in UK’

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      SOUTHAMPTON fans are set to get their first look at the revamped St. Mary’s Stadium this weekend.The Saints host Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon in their opening home match of the season.Southampton fans will get a first look at the changes made to St. Mary’s on SaturdayCredit: RexThe new safe standing area in the Northam Stand is one of the largest in the UKCredit: PARussell Martin’s side made their Premier League return away to Newcastle last weekend.Following the 1-0 loss at St. James’ Park, Southampton are back on home soil for matchday two.Home supporters attending the match against Forest will be able to enjoy the new safe standing area in the Northam Stand.The are spans the whole length of the stand and is one of the largest in the UK.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is part of several changes made to St. Mary’s this summer following promotion last term.The club have also relocated away fans and moved their family area within the ground.Meanwhile, there are further plans to improve the external spaces and footprint of the stadium.Areas behind both the Northam and Chapel stands are to be developed into fan parks.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSouthampton have confirmed these new areas will feature outdoor entertainment as well as food and drink stands.The Saints have played at St. Mary’s since 2001 after leaving The Dell to move into their 32,384-capacity home.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Southampton host Nottingham Forest following an opening weekend loss to NewcastleCredit: GettySaturday’s clash with Forest will mark the return of top flight football to the venue.Southampton secured an immediate return to the Premier League back in May after beating Leeds in the Championship play-off final. More

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      Jack Wilshere reveals why he loves playing golf with Arsenal star and it’s not just because he’s able to beat him

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      JACK WILSHERE revealed he loves playing golf with one Arsenal star in particular.And is not just because he can win against the Gunner. Jack Wilshere has got into golf more during his retirementCredit: Instagram @jackwilshereWilshere, 32, retired from football aged just 30 after a nightmare run of injuries.But as well as coaching the Arsenal Under-18s, taking them to the FA Youth Cup final in his first season in charge, and being a SunSport columnist for Euro 2024, he has also enjoyed more golf.Wilshere cited Mark Noble and John Terry as the best footballers he has played with. But then he revealed his favourite footballer to share a round with. READ MORE ON ARSENALSpeaking to the Mail, Wilshere said: “I’ll tell you who I enjoy playing with. He’s not necessarily the best. “He’s got really good chat, really good banter, good company to be around. “I first met him when I was at Bournemouth: Aaron Ramsdale.”Obviously he came to Arsenal, and we kept that relationship, and he’s a really good guy to be around. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I wouldn’t say he’s the best. He’s not bad at golf, but he’s not the best. “He’s probably actually around my level. So that’s probably why I enjoy it the most, because he doesn’t always beat me.Ex-Arsenal star Jack Wilshere opens up on daughter’s life-saving heart surgery as he becomes BHF ambassador “I’ll try and try and get two or three days away with a couple of friends in the summer. “I didn’t this summer, but the previous summers I have, and then I’ll probably, on average, play twice a month.”But Wilshere may have to be quick to get in some more rounds with Ramsdale together.That is because the Arsenal goalkeeper may well leave North London before the transfer window closes. The former Sheffield United and Bournemouth stopper, 26, lost his place between the sticks to David Raya last year.And in order to get regular minutes – and retain hopes of being the England No1 – Ramsdale could find a new club.READ MORE SUN STORIESAjax reportedly made a swoop but that approach was rejected by the Gunners.Southampton, Nottingham Forest and now Wolves have all been linked with landing Ramsdale and offering him an exit route within the Premier League. Wilshere loves a round alongside Aaron RamsdaleCredit: Instagram @ianjamespoulterThe pair may not be at Arsenal together for much longerCredit: Getty More

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      Five reasons shock Arsenal transfer target Ademola Lookman can be missing link to fire Gunners to the title

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN may not be the world-class striker some think Arsenal need – but he could be the perfect signing for the Gunners.Reports in Italy suggest the club are set to bid £43million for the Atalanta star.Ademola Lookman is wanted by ArsenalCredit: RexHe scored a hat-trick in the final of the Europa League and is a man reborn in ItalyCredit: GettyLookman has come along way since coming through the ranks at CharltonCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe has improved heavily since his days as an Everton wonderkidCredit: AFP or licensorsArsenal missed out on the title last season by just two points, with some believing a lack of cutting edge in attack saw them sloppily lose to the likes of Aston Villa, Fulham and West Ham.There have been calls for the club to splash the cash on a top quality No9, with the likes of Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen all being touted as options.But it appears Mikel Arteta wants a player more comfortable contributing across the whole pitch in a Kai Havertz mould – rather than just a penalty box beast like Erling Haaland.This is where Lookman comes in as potentially the surprise dream signing.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe player was dubbed a wonderkid after firing England’s Under-17s to World Cup glory in 2017 and joining Everton from Charlton for £11million. He burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old, scoring against Manchester City in a 4-0 debut demolition as Pep Guardiola watched on helplessly.Lookman was then tipped to become a world beater – but he struggled for game time and eventually moved to RB Leipzig.The German club have a reputation for developing young players – yet they were also not able to get the versatile winger to reach his full potential.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMediocre loans to Fulham and Leicester followed before he joined Atalanta in 2022.And it’s in Italy under the highly-rated Gian Piero Gasperini where Lookman has finally lived up to the hype, capping his 17-goal season off with a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.Here are five reasons why Lookman could be perfect for Arsenal and is ready to tackle his unfinished Prem business.Arsenal need major transfer clear out to beat Man City to Premier League title | Troy DeeneyPositionWhether it’s defenders like Riccardo Calafiori or attackers like Leandro Trossard – versatility is key for Arteta.And Lookman offers just that, having played as a No9, second striker and left-winger last season.His best performances came through the middle, playing just off Gianluca Scamacca.The striker has great technical ability but is not the most mobile, with Lookman adding speed, directness and an eye for goal to the attack.But he is also more the capable of playing on either flank and will be a good alternative should Gabriel Martinelli or Bukayo Saka get injured.Good finishingGasperini’s ability to improve players sees him lauded in Italy and Lookman’s finishing has gone from strength to strength.In the Europa League final, it was clever movement on the blindside of the defender for his first goal that showed he is capable of being a No9.He then made it 2-0, popping it through Granit Xhaka’s legs and firing it beyond the keeper from outside the box.And he got the match ball by dribbling past a defender on the outside and blasting it into the top corner with his weaker foot.There was no header to make it the perfect hat-trick but it fantastically showed a wide range of finishing that has caught the eye of Arsenal.Gabriel Jesus got just 34.5 per cent of his shots on target last season, while Lookman got 46.9 and 35.8 per cent over the last two campaigns.Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick versus LeverkusenCredit: GettyLookman scored a brilliant second goal after dribbling past XhakaCredit: ReutersHe completed his hat-trick with a powerful weak foot finishCredit: ReutersDirectnessAs proved by his finishing and his performance against Leverkusen, Lookman can go on either foot.He has always had blistering pace and he averages just over a foul won per match, 4.09 progressive dribbles and 1.87 successful take-ons.His pace is also seen without the ball as Atalanta relentlessly press from the front and Lookman often leads the chase.CreativityThe 26-year-old is not just a goalscorer and he can creates chances.Lookman registered ten assists in 45 matches last season and he averages 4.81 shot-creating actions per game.Arsenal will often need to break down defences that are sitting deep against them so having an extra player able to pull the strings will help share the burden on Saka and Martin Odegaard.Prem experienceArsenal want their new signings to hit the ground running instantly and experience in England has been a key theme of Arteta’s recent signings.Declan Rice, David Raya, Jorginho and Trossard were all signed within the last 18 months and had previous Prem experience.The Gunners are also closing in on buying midfielder Mikel Merino for £30m from Real Sociedad and he had a spell at Newcastle in 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith Eddie Nketiah set to leave Arsenal for £30m, re-investing that cash and more to sign Lookman looks like smart business.He is no longer the mid-table winger we saw in England a few years ago and could prove to be the missing link that helps dethrone City.Lookman goes from Panenka laughing stock to European hat-trick heroADEMOLA LOOKMAN will go down in Atalanta, and European football, folklore after his stunning Europa League final hat-trick vs Bayer Leverkusen.Lookman’s treble was the first in the final of a Uefa competition since 1975.But some Premier League fans won’t have believed their eyes – after witnessing his infamous Panenka miss for Fulham.Lookman was spotted playing Sunday league in Lambeth by Charlton just TEN YEARS ago, at the age of 16.Twelve months on, in 2015, he was already the Addicks’ best player, shining on the wing in the Championship.And before he knew it, Lookman was in the Premier League after a massive £11million move to Everton.Lookman, by now 20, made an instant impact, scoring on his debut in 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City.He even won the U20s World Cup with England, netting three goals in the tournament.But he struggled to earn regular football with the Toffees, before defying boss Sam Allardyce’s wishes by snubbing a loan to Derby to push through a move to RB Leipzig instead.Lookman impressed in the Bundesliga with five goals and earned a permanent move.But he again failed to settle and soon found himself back in the Prem on loan with FulhamHis spell at Craven Cottage saw moments of brilliance overshadowed by costly mistakes.None more so than his ill-fated Panenka penalty against West Ham.Lookman’s scuffed chipped effort dropped tamely into motionless Lukasz Fabianski’s waiting hands, leading to widespread criticism and ridicule from fans and pundits alike.A loan at Leicester followed but it was a switch to Atalanta in Serie A which saw Lookman finally fulfil his potential.Now playing international football for Nigeria, he helped them reach the Afcon final earlier this year.But he didn’t have to wait long to add his first senior trophy as the undisputed man-of-the-match in Dublin against the previous unbeatable Leverkusen. 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