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      Man Utd make ‘unacceptable’ opening offer for Jarrad Branthwaite as Everton immediately reject transfer proposal

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      EVERTON have reportedly rejected Manchester United’s ‘unacceptable’ £35m opening offer for Jarrad Branthwaite.The Merseyside club value the talented defender at £70m, despite reports that United agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old.Everton deem United’s initial offer ‘unacceptable’Credit: AlamyBranthwaite, 21, emerged as one of United’s priority targets ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window.As such Everton will demand a premium for Branthwaite amid concerns over their compliance with the Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).But Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not prepared to overpay for the Toffees centre back and is reluctant to meet the asking price, according to reports last week.So much so that United have only initially offered half of Everton’s valuation.read more football newsThe Old Trafford hierarchy are determined not to be forced into paying over-inflated fees as they overhaul the squad ahead of next season.United’s finances are somewhat restricted by PSR after having spent £400m in the previous two summer windows.Nonetheless, Everton are holding out for £70m, according to The Athletic.The Toffees believe Branthwaite, who narrowly missed out on a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad, is in the same bracket as fellow central defender Harry Maguire who left Leicester for £80m in 2019.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBranthwaite enjoyed a sensational season at Goodison Park which saw him earn his first international cap against Bosnia & Herzegovina.And SunSport understands if an Everton takeover is completed then they will not allow the 6ft4in defender to leave.Erik ten Hag STAYS at Man Utd – so now what?But Branthwaite’s arrival at Old Trafford would make him the club’s first signing since co-owner Ratcliffe purchased his stake.News of Everton’s rejection of the ‘unacceptable’ offer also comes just 48 hours after it was revealed manager Erik ten Hag will be staying. More

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      Everton could lose England star on free transfer after new contract snub as Champions League giants circle

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      BEN GODFREY could leave Everton on a free after rejecting several new contract offers.SunSport exclusively revealed last week that AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are leading the chase for the 26-year-old defender.Everton’s versatile defender Godfrey could be available on a free transfer next summerCredit: GettyGodfrey was impressive for Everton in the second half of the season as Sean Dyche’s men avoided relegation with easeCredit: GettyGodfrey has just 12 months left on his Goodison Park deal.But, after turning down the new terms to extend his contract beyond next summer, the £10million-rated star is in line to leave without a transfer fee.The versatile ex-Norwich defender will be able to speak to foreign clubs from January unless Everton improve their offer.The interest from Serie A giants Milan and Bundesliga big-hitters Dortmund in Godfrey is long-standing.READ MORE EVERTON NEWSBut Everton boss Sean Dyche was reluctant to let Godfrey leave as they fought relegation last season.Godfrey impressed for Dyche’s men in the second half of the season and became a regular starter, making 13 of his 16 appearances.Everton eventually staved off any threat of dropping into the Championship and finished 15th in the table.But the Toffees face a firesale of players as they battle financial peril following 777 partners’ recent takeover collapse.Most read in FootballPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

      Godfrey has been twice capped by England and also played for the U21 side.He signed for the club from Norwich in a £25million deal back in 2020 when Dortmund first registered their interest.I dumped a bucket of cold water on David Moyes on the toilet – he still doesn’t know it was me, says Wayne Rooney More

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      Watch Luis Guilherme’s Palmeiras highlights as West Ham complete £25m transfer for Brazilian winger

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      WEST HAM have confirmed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Luis Guilherme.The 18-year-old joins from Palmeiras for a reported £25million fee.Luis Guilherme has signed for West HamCredit: Instagram / @westhamThe highly-rated youngster has been capped five times by Brazil’s youth-teamCredit: GettyGuilherme has signed a five-year deal and his move will be completed on Friday when the transfer window opens – subject to international clearance and a work permit being issued.He has become the first signing made by the Hammers since the arrival of new boss Julen Lopetegui.And the versatile attacking midfielder revealed that the Spaniard was crucial in him moving to East London, saying: “The head coach and I already had a conversation. “He showed me his project and I believe I’ll learn a lot from him.”I also want to thank everyone at West Ham, particularly Tim Steidten [director of football] and his team who came to Brazil, and not only talked with me, but also with my family. “They presented the project, and both my family and I liked it. So, I’m very happy to be signing with this club and hope to contribute as much as possible. “The Premier League is the best league in the world. I believe I’ll improve a lot here with the entire staff at West Ham, which is crucial for my development.“Growing up, whenever I had the chance, I watched English football. Seeing how it is and now being able to play here is an incredible feeling.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Since I was eleven, I had this dream, and now it’s becoming a reality. I’m very happy about it and grateful to West Ham.”Guilherme has been capped five times by the Brazil Under-20s.SunSport latest transfer headlinesHe has made 45 senior appearances for Palmeiras, scoring one goal.The South American side are building a reputation for developing top young talents as Guilherme’s team-mate Endrick, 17, has signed for Real Madrid and Estevao Willian, 17, is set to join Chelsea. More

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      Roberto De Zerbi closing in on shock return to management with European giants after leaving Brighton

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      ROBERTO DE ZERBI is closing in on a shock return to management after leaving Brighton. De Zerbi left the Seagulls at the end of the season to pursue a new job after making a huge impact in the Premier League. Roberto De Zerbi is closing in on a shock return to management after leaving BrightonCredit: PAThe likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United were all linked with the Italian. But the Blues instead hired Enzo Maresca from Leicester, Liverpool took Arne Slot from Feyenoord and United are sticking with Erik ten Hag. It looked to leave De Zerbi out in the lurch but according to Fabrizio Romano, Marseille are ready to pounce. It is claimed the French giants have sent contract proposal with negotiations underway. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer Italian international and AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso was last year sacked by Marseille after just five months in charge. He was replaced by Jean-Louis Gasset but the experienced Frenchman announced his retirement after the end of the season.So Marseille have started the recruitment process with De Zerbi top of their wishlist. De Zerbi replaced Graham Potter when the English coach joined Chelsea in September 2022.Most read in FootballNot De Zerbi’s first rodeo

      By Jack Rosser: THIS is not the first time Marseille have tried to land Roberto De Zerbi
      When the Italian was a relative unknown ahead of his move to Brighton, talks were held over the possibility of him taking over at the Stade Velodrome.
      De Zerbi is known for his fiery personality and passion for football – something which will chime with the famously energetic fanbase at Marseille.
      It was something the former Seagulls boss witnessed first hand when his Seagulls side played out a 2-2 draw with Marseille back in September during the Europa League group stages.
      Asked then about whether he had ever been approached to take the job, De Zerbi outlined why it would be such a good fit.
      He said: “It is true there was the possibility to come here and for me it was a great solution but we didn’t find the agreement with the club.
      “I was sorry because this stadium, these fans are a big motivation for me. But for me it was better maybe because I found another big team, another big stadium.”

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRoberto De Zerbi’s Prem record
      Matches: 70
      Wins: 26
      Draws: 19
      Losses: 25
      Goals For: 116
      Goals Against: 110

      And he gained a good reputation after taking Brighton to European football contenders. But a drop off in form at the end of the season left doubts over De Zerbi and has since him snubbed by the Premier League’s top clubs. Erik ten Hag STAYS at Man Utd – so now what? More

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      Euro 2024 set for major rule change with cricket technology entering the tournament

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      FOOTBALL chiefs have turned to cricket for a new spin on vital decisions at Euro 2024.Technology will switch from the three stumps to the Three Lions in the latest push to help referees get the tightest calls right.Football’s version of snickometer decided Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t touch this, meaning the 2022 World Cup goal went to Bruno FernandesCredit: Sunday TimesCricket has long used snicko as well as hotspotCredit: Sky SportsInstead of monitoring flicks down the off-side, broadcasters will monitor flicks through for offside – thanks to a special version of the snickometer.The device is most commonly used in cricket for marginal judgements on catches and LBW appeals.Frame-by-frame replay measures whether the ball hits something, such as a batting pad.In contrast, it will be deployed at the Euros for handballs and offsides.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLVAR officials at the 2022 World Cup used the motion-sensing microchip in real time.Cristiano Ronaldo famously had a “glancing header” taken off his goal slate in Qatar and awarded to Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes – as snicko suggested the five-time Ballon d’Or winner hadn’t touched the ball.TV viewers might be delighted to hear Euro 2024 broadcasters will be sent “touch detection” graphics used by refs on what could include some key decisions.The posh name for football’s snicko is “connected ball” technology.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe innovation is the latest in a series of high-tech features at the Euros.VAR itself leads the way, of course – with a slight amendment.Wayne Rooney claims Trent Alexander-Arnold ‘can’t defend’ and says he ‘shouldn’t be near’ England’s midfieldEach match will get one Video Assistant Referee and two assistant VARs, compared to three assistants per game at Euro 2020.Meanwhile, a semi-automated system for checking offsides should mean an end to the line-drawing and endless angles that frustrate many viewers.Instead the technology in Germany will instantly rule on the point of ball contact and the offside judgement – thanks to ten cameras monitoring 29 different body points on players.Qatar 2022, as well as the Champions League, have used this device – and successfully so.There are also two major changes that have nothing to do with technology.A new rule aims to stop players crowding around refs – with only captainS allowed to approach the official.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere’s just one exception – if the stopper himself is the skipper then he can nominate an outfield player to do the approaching for him.The other alteration is already done ‘n dusted – the increase in squad sizes from 23 to 26.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Erik ten Hag’s three demands before signing Man Utd contract revealed after shock Sir Jim Ratcliffe U-turn

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      ERIK TEN HAG is ready to play hardball over new contract negotiations after his public humiliation.Manchester United have decided to stick with the Dutchman as manager having failed to find another suitable candidate.Erik ten Hag wants three demands to be met before signing a new Man Utd dealCredit: PATen Hag will not let Sir Jim Ratcliffe have total control over transfersCredit: AlamyThomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino pulled out of the running, while Gareth Southgate being with England at the Euros sidelined talks with him.It left the club announcing Ten Hag “deserves a chance to show what more he is capable of”.But the boss is not merely grateful to get more time and will lay down the rules for how things will go forward.He will not cede control of transfers, which the new set-up wanted to take out of his hands.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 54-year-old is not prepared to be dictated to by Jason Wilcox as to how the team should play  — after the new technical director was credited with suggesting he start Bruno Fernandes as a false nine in the FA Cup final win.And Ten Hag will not allow Jadon Sancho back into the first team squad unless the player apologises for labelling him a liar last term.The boss also wants his first-team coach Benni McCarthy given a new contract with his current deal set to expire.Ten Hag wants these assurances before he puts pen to paper on a new three-year deal with just one left on his current contract.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSErik ten Hag is no safer now than before FA Cup winBy Neil Custis
      After Manchester United announced Erik ten Hag was staying on, they tried to explain why it has taken over two weeks since the Dutchman paraded the FA Cup at Wembley to actually tell him he still had the job.
      A thorough review of the season was needed even though Ten Hag said before the Cup final that this had been done.
      The club said that they had ‘considered all eventualities’.
      In other words ‘which manager would be best for us, and not necessarily the bloke we have got?’.
      And the club were also at pains to make it clear how much they admired Ten Hag’s ‘dedication, dignity and professionalism’.
      In other words he did not publicly flip his lid at the appalling way he was being treated despite asking Ratcliffe for a public vote of confidence months before the end of the season.
      Let us remember Ratcliffe did not even namecheck Ten Hag in his ‘congratulations message’ after the FA Cup was won, despite the fact it was all down to him and the way he outthought Pep Guardiola on the day.
      Read the full column from Neil Custis on Manchester United.

      He remains angry and frustrated at his treatment and the lack of public support since Ratcliffe’s arrival.Ten Hag faced the sack before shocking Manchester City in the FA Cup final to prompt a wave of support from United fans to keep him on, despite an all-time club worst Premier League finish of eighth.Man Utd coach reveals why Jadon Sancho refused to apologise to Ten Hag before exile that sparked Dortmund transferTen Hag remains adamant Jadon Sancho will not return unless he apologisesCredit: GettyThe Dutchman also wants a new contract for coach Benni McCarthyCredit: GettyAfter learning he will stay at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said he wants  to take the “next step” on their pre-season tour.The Red Devils face Rosenborg in Norway on July 15 and Rangers at Murrayfield five days later.They then head to the US to face Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool.Ten Hag said: “Pre-season is for preparing and we have to make that our next step.“It is one of the only times you have the team together and can work on structures and on standards.“We’ll be as strong as possible but, of course, the players who go far in the Copa America and the Euros will not be involved.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
      Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
      Gareth Southgate
      Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
      Kieran McKenna
      Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
      Roberto De Zerbi
      Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
      Thomas Frank
      Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
      Marco Silva
      Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
      Mauricio Pochettino
      Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Thomas Tuchel
      Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
      Ruben Amorim
      Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
      Roberto Martinez
      Portugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Newcastle legend Patrick Kluivert reveals plan to emulate Xabi Alonso’s success with Premier League job

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      PATRICK KLUIVERT is driven to one day become a Premier League manager.As he sat down with SunSport to assess Holland’s chances at the Euros, he now sees everything through the lens of a coach.Patrick Kluivert plans to become a Premier League manager in the futureKluivert says ‘things need to fit like a glove’ if the Netherlands are to win Euro 2024Credit: GettyKluivert was one of the finest strikers of his generation, scoring the winner in the 1995 Champions League final and jointly winning the Golden Boot at Euro 2000.The former Newcastle striker, 47, has occupied several different roles since retiring — including sporting director at Paris Saint-Germain and academy director at Barcelona.Speaking in the Catalan city, Kluivert said: “I am waiting for a good opportunity and a good project. I am ready.“I’m eager to show the world that I’m capable of doing big things in coaching.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I like to have challenges and the Premier League would be fantastic.“What kind of experience did Xabi Alonso have? You need to have an opportunity and what he did with Bayer Leverkusen is unreal.“He had only trained the second team of Sociedad and then got the opportunity to train a first team in the Bundesliga and won the title.”Kluivert, who was Louis van Gaal’s assistant when Holland reached the 2014 World Cup semi-finals, does not deviate from an attacking mindset.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHe said: “I like to dominate the game, play high-pressure, offensive football.“I like to have possession of the ball. I came from the Ajax youth and Barcelona have the same philosophy . . . attack is the best defence.”Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Patrick Kluivert’s career statistics

      Ajax, 1991-97 – 52 goals in 100 appearances
      AC Milan, 1997-98 – 9 goals in 33 appearances
      Barcelona, 1998-2004 – 122 goals in 257 appearances
      Newcastle, 2004-05 – 13 goals in 37 appearances
      Valencia, 2005-06 – 2 goals in 16 appearances
      PSV, 2006-07 – 3 goals in 21 appearances
      Lille, 2007-08 – 4 goals in 14 appearances
      Netherlands, 1994-2004 – 40 goals in 79 caps
      Honours – Champions League, La Liga, Uefa Super Cup, 3x Eredivisie, 2x Dutch Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup

      Kluivert, whose last job was as boss of Turkish side Adana Demirspor, knows his country must again knit together a team of individuals if they are to have any hope of emulating their 1988 Euros triumph on German soil.He added: “If we have the confidence and can show the opponent we’re strong as a team, we can win it. But things need to fit like a glove.“At the moment you have better teams like Spain, Italy, France, Portugal and England. We have to fight against them as a team.“Holland have great individual quality and players who play in the highest competitions in the world. But they need to be solid and determined.“It’s not about the best players but the best team, and if they stick together individual qualities can come out.“Football is a total performance. Mentally it can help to know they already won it in Germany to return and do that extra thing.”My son Justin should be at the EurosJUSTIN  KLUIVERT   deserved to be in the Netherlands’ Euros squad, according to father Patrick.
      Despite his impressive displays for Bournemouth, beating his dad’s tally of six goals for Newcastle, he was snubbed by Dutch boss Ronald Koeman.
      Football runs in the family — Patrick’s father Kenneth was a respected winger in Suriname.
      While three of Patrick’s sons play professionally.
      Shane in Barcelona’s La Masia, Ruben at Dordrecht in the Dutch second tier and Justin at Bournemouth. Eldest son Quincy is an international DJ.
      Kluivert Sr said: “Not only as a father, I think he deserved a call-up. He did a great job at Bournemouth.
      “Especially now you can take three more players — but it’s not my decision.
      “If I was coach I’d give him a chance. He can make a difference.
      “He’s fast and could do something important. He’s done it in the Premier League, one of the strongest leagues in the world.”
      When Kluivert Sr was at Ajax in 1994, and PSV signed Brazilian Ronaldo, boss Louis van Gaal responded: “They have Ronaldo, we have Kluivert.”
      Kluivert said: “It was confidence but also pressure which I managed.”Justin wishes he could say the same.

      Kluivert, who scored 40 times in 79 outings for Holland, despairs at their lack of world-class strikers after the heady days of Marco van Basten, Ruud van Nistelrooy and himself.Brian Brobbey and Memphis Depay are the main men in attack, with Cody Gakpo coming from deeper positions to score goals.Holland used to wow the crowds with their Total Football. And the philosophy still has not changed despite a lack of  attacking talent.Ahead of their opener against Poland, Kluivert said: “The balance is now more towards midfielders and defenders who play in big  competitions.“In my day the focus was more on midfielders and attackers. We had van Nistelrooy and after me there was Robin van Persie.“When I started out I looked up to Van Basten, the best striker in history. In this team, it’s not that you can choose a lot of No 9s, that’s a pity.“Brobbey is the right person at the moment and Depay will be the target man if match fit. Gakpo showed his importance at the World Cup in Qatar.“The difference is in my time we played a lot on the streets — that’s where I progressed. Not only in Ajax’s academy but on the streets of Amsterdam.“Nowadays a lot of players are hooked on social media, which we didn’t have in my time. And it was a good thing.“In this team no one can score a goal like Dennis Bergkamp against Argentina in 1998.”Kluivert scored six Premier League goals for Newcastle during the 2004/05 seasonCredit: GettyThe 47-year-old scored 40 goals in 79 caps for the Netherlands as a playerCredit: GettyHolland have a wealth of expensive defenders but it remains to be seen if the likes of Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Spurs’ Micky van de Ven, Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt can match the bulletproof back four of Stam, De Boer, Van Bronckhorst and Reiziger from Kluivert’s heyday.He said: “If you look at Ake, Van Dijk and De Ligt they are fantastic but need to defend more as a block. Van Dijk is the captain of the team and doing well at  Liverpool, while De Ligt is a leader and great player.”It still pains Kluivert that his international career ended without a  trophy.He said: “The 1998 side was the best Dutch national team we’ve seen — even better than 1974.“We had a balanced team with fantastic qualities, playing the  football that we did and winning against Argentina.“We played incredibly well also against Brazil and we would have won the 1998 World Cup had we beaten them.“In 2000 we missed two penalties against Italy. It was in our own country so it was doubly bitter.“Still now when I talk about Euro 2000 it hurts. But 1998 is the biggest regret. Losing on penalties is devastating.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKluivert famously joined AC Milan on a free transfer from Ajax in 1997.So one final question — how much does he think he would he be worth in today’s market? With a smile, he said: “£100million? I hope so… I was quite big.” More

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      Arsenal’s three-man striker shortlist revealed as Mikel Arteta plots move for ‘next Olivier Giroud’ in summer transfer

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      ARSENAL have drawn up a shortlist of three striker targets this summer, according to reports.The Gunners are keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.Mikel Arteta’s three-man striker shortlist has been revealedCredit: ReutersSporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres is wanted by Arsenal this summerCredit: GettyMikel Arteta is expected to add a striker to his squad, with Eddie Nketiah linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium.Selling Nketiah would leave Gabriel Jesus as the club’s only senior recognised striker.Arsenal suffered a setback this week, though, with Benjamin Sesko opting to sign a new deal with RB Leipzig instead of heading to England.However, Give Me Sport now report Arteta has identified three alternative transfer targets.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Brighton striker Evan Ferguson and Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna are all on the Spaniard’s radar.Gyokeres is understood to be available for £68.5million this summer after finishing as top scorer in the Portuguese top flight.The Sweden international scored 29 league goals in his debut season with Sporting after signing from Coventry last summer.Chelsea were previously linked with a move for the 26-year-old in January.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Ferguson scored just six goals for Brighton during an injury-hit campaign.An ankle injury has kept the Irishman, who signed a new deal in November, out of action since March.How Arsenal’s 180-page dossiers on transfer targets have led to outstanding recruitmentSunSport’s verdict on Arsenal starsMikel Arteta is looking to get Arsenal ready to beat Man City to the title after another near miss, but he may need to be brutal with his squad in order to do so. Here’s SunSport’s verdict on who should stay and who should go.

      David Raya – STAY: Initial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class keeper with all the attributes needed for Arteta’s way of playing.
      Aaron Ramsdale – GO: Unfortunate to be cast aside for Raya, but is now looking for a move to become a regular No.1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting in goal for England.
      Karl Hein – STAY: Unlikely to take Ramsdale’s spot as No.2 should the Englishman depart – but the club cannot afford to lose two keepers in one window.
      William Saliba – STAY: Saliba is of the best young defenders in the world right now, Arteta should be building his team around him. A vital part of the side’s spine that conceded just 29 Prem goals this term.
      Ben White – STAY: Another solid member of Arteta’s impressive back four. Has the flexibility to play on the right or as a central defender, but has made right-back his own this term.
      Gabriel – STAY: Was on the outskirts at the start of the campaign but forced his way back in and has forged an almighty partnership with Saliba in the middle of the defence. One of Arteta’s most important signings.
      Jurrien Timber – STAY: Yet to see the best of the Dutchman after an injury-hit season, but Arteta views him as a game-changing full-back.
      Jakub Kiwior – STAY: The Polish international has struggled to break up the duo of Saliba and Gabriel but has impressed when called upon, especially in a stint at left-back.
      Cedric – GO: Leaving the club with his contract expiring. Never really convinced Arteta he could be relied upon and spent most of the season warming the bench.
      Takehiro Tomiyasu – STAY: Another flexible and reliable figure that Arteta adores. Can play centre-back or right-back and is a real presence at set-pieces.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko – GO: With Timber in line to be Arteta’s first choice at left-back, it is hard to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season. A good signing at £35m but has shown himself to be limited defensively.
      Thomas Partey – GO: Injury prone and has looked leggy when finally back from his thigh issues that kept him out from October until March. Contract is up next summer.
      Martin Odegaard – STAY: Captain fantastic. A real leader amongst men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to lift the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.
      Emile Smith Rowe – STAY: Sidelined for most of the term and struggled to make an impact when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him. A decent squad option but you get the feeling he is running out of time to prove to the club he is a player worth sticking with.
      Jorginho – STAY: Arteta’s experienced general who, more often than not, has Arsenal playing better with him in the team.
      Fabio Vieira – GO: Perhaps harsh to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season but still looks out of place in English football. A loan move could help.
      Mohamed Elneny – GO: Another player departing with his contract expiring. The right call by both parties. A good servant from the Arsene Wenger days.
      Kai Havertz – STAY: Seems a bargain now at £65m from Chelsea following his barnstorming end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder, yet now leads the line as a first-choice No.9.
      Declan Rice – STAY: Arsenal’s most important and influential signing in years. Enough said.
      Bukayo Saka – STAY: An undroppable superstar for club and country right now. Will undoubtedly get even better in seasons to come.
      Gabriel Jesus – STAY: Fighting for a starting spot but right now but would be foolish to let him go given how much he can impact games and his winning mentality inside the group.
      Gabriel Martinelli – STAY: A dip in form this term but Arteta has huge faith in him. The added competition with Leandro Trossard will only make him better.
      Eddie Nketiah – GO: Career is at a crossroads right now and he needs to leave to turn that around. His six-figure wages could put Premier League suitors off.
      Leandro Trossard – STAY: Can bring his qualities as a starter or from the bench – a brilliant option to have when you are going for a title.
      Reiss Nelson – GO: Arteta has often spoken of Nelson’s potential and likes having him around the squad, but his impact has withered over the past 12 months.

      Ferguson has attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in the past.As for Zirkzee, AC Milan currently lead the race to sign the 23-year-old.His 11 goals and five assists in Serie A last term helped fire Bologna to Champions League qualification, with Zirkzee even compared to ex-Arsenal man Olivier Giroud.The Dutch forward is also understood to be on United’s shortlist of striker targets this summer.Away from their striker hunt, reports have also claimed Arsenal are keen on Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov.An approach is said to have been made last week for the 26-year-old, who has already been linked with Milan and Tottenham in recent weeks. More