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    Ruben Amorim ‘tells Man Utd chiefs he needs Viktor Gyokeres NOW’ and transfer can’t wait until summer

    RUBEN AMORIM is tipped to demand Manchester United buy Viktor Gyokeres RIGHT AWAY.The Old Trafford boss is reported by The Daily Star to be so worried by United’s lack of firepower that he wants to spend big this month rather than wait until the summer.Viktor Gyokeres is again attracting Prem interest, led by Man UtdCredit: GettyRuben Amorim is said to be urging instant transfer actionCredit: RexGyokeres, 26, is under contract at Sporting Lisbon until 2028 with a release clause of around £80million.It’s understood Amorim would be prepared to offload both Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee in a major shake-up of his attacking options.And Gyokeres is regarded as the man he most craves to replace them.The Sweden star has hit a staggering 26 goals in 24 matches this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat includes a brilliant hat-trick as Sporting demolished Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League two months ago.Sporting would reportedly consider selling Gyokeres for around £62m-£70m at the end of the season.And if the Red Devils come in with a firm offer this month then £80m might be the minimum offer needed to tempt the Portuguese giants.Amorim could also try to bolster his defence, notably at left-back.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited have been linked with Benfica’s Alvaro Fernandez, although his £25m buy-back clause only becomes active next summer.Meanwhile, £86m flop winger Antony appears a likely leaver as the 14th-placed Red Devils look to rebuild all over the pitch.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd face a relegation battleOld club Ajax, Fenerbahce and Real Betis are amongst clubs thought to be monitoring the Brazil winger.A January loan exit appears a strong option for the 24-year-old. More

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    Kai Havertz’s wife posts emotional New Year message to Arsenal star hours before he misses Brentford clash

    KAI HAVERTZ’S wife posted an emotional New Year message to the Arsenal star hours before he was left out of the squad to face Brentford.Several Gunners stars were absent from the starting line-up at the G-tech Community Stadium, including Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.Kai Havertz’s wife shared some party pics hours before the game against BrentfordCredit: Instagram / @sophiaaemeliaThe couple both dressed for the occasionCredit: Instagram / @sophiaaemeliaThey got married last yearCredit: Instagram / @sophiaaemeliaHavertz missed the Brentford match due to illnessCredit: GettyRumours before kick-off claimed there was a sickness bug in camp, which Mikel Arteta later confirmed.Havertz, 25, missed his first game since signing for Arsenal in the summer of 2023.Arteta said of his absence: “Kai [Havertz] wasn’t feeling good, a few players were like this.”Hours before kick-off Havertz’s wife Sophia shared a post of her and the striker on Instagram.READ MORE ON ARSENALShe celebrated the start of 2025 by sharing three pics from their wedding – with this new year being their first as a married couple.The caption on the post read: “Starting the new year with you again and again and again.”Havertz looked the part of the dashing groom as he was dressed in a smart white shirt and a black bowtie.While Sophia dazzled in a long white dress as she embraced her footie husband on their special day.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHavertz has returned to goalscoring form of late but they did not miss him in west London.Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli helped the Gunners overturn a 1-0 deficit to win 3-1.Amazon Prime Video presenter and John Legend give fans ‘second hand embarrassment’ after Arsenal’s win over Ipswich More

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    Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel Jesus cannot stop scoring but Martin Odegaard has rare off day against Brentford

    ARSENAL returned to second in the Premier League table with a hard-fought win away at Brentford to kick off the new year on a high.The Gunners found themselves a goal down in the opening stages following a Bryan Mbeumo strike.Arsenal moved up to second in the table with a 3-1 win over BrentfordCredit: GettyBut in-form Gabriel Jesus hit back before the break to equalise with a headed effort from close range.Arsenal were the quickest out of the blocks after half-time, with Mikel Merino firing his team in front for the first time in the match.And Gabriel Martinelli extended the advantage with a fantastic strike into the top-right corner just three minutes later.The Gtech Community Stadium has been a tough place to visit for many travelling teams this season, so Mikel Arteta and Co will be very happy with the result.Read More on ArsenalHere’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the performance.DAVID RAYA – 6Beaten at his near post by Mbeumo but not helped by slack defending. Almost doubled Brentford’s lead by fumbling a routine shot and forced to scramble back and clear off his own line.Shaky with ball at feet too. Not the best West London return.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Lucky to escape further punishment after a clumsy first half lunge earned him only a yellow. Worked hard down the right but could not give Nwaneri the support he needed.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWILLIAM SALIBA – 7Remained a calming presence when Arsenal struggled to create in the opening stages.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7A rock at the back defending set-pieces and aerial deliveries into his box.Arteta looks back on his five years managing Arsenal RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Should have done better to stop Mbeumo cutting inside for his opener. Far too easy.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Composed on the ball and with some neat and important interceptions. His curled shot paved the way for the equaliser.MIKEL MERINO – 7Won some important duels as Arsenal pinned Brentford back early on. Clinical in the box to put his side ahead after a goalmouth scramble.Mikel Merino scored his second Premier League goal for ArsenalCredit: GettyMARTIN ODEGAARD – 6Lost the ball in midfield before Brentford took the lead. A rare quiet outing. Lucky that others around him stepped up.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Struggled to have any real impact in open play, given the impossible job of replicating what Saka does out on the right wing.However, two deliveries into the box brought about two goals to secure the three points.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Lively with little end product in the first half. That all changed after the break with a sweet volley to kill Brentford’s comeback hopes. Was a constant threat.Martinelli made it three for the Gunners with a great strike into the top cornerCredit: AlamyGABRIEL JESUS – 8He just cannot stop scoring. His instincts in the box look to be back to the levels he produced at Manchester City.Gabriel Jesus got the Gunners back on level terms in the first halfCredit: GettySUBSTITUTESLEANDRO TROSSARD (NWANERI, 78) – 6Made a few good runs in behind but that was about it.READ MORE SUN STORIESDECLAN RICE (MERINO, 78) – 6Solidified the midfield. Played almost as a roaming No.10 when Odegaard went off.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (CALAFIORI, 78) – 6So comfortable on the ball. Practically played as a left winger at times.JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 88) – N/AOLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (JESUS, 90) – N/A More

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    Brentford 1 Arsenal 3: Gunners start 2025 with a bang as Jesus, Merino and Martinelli seal fightback win from 1-0 down

    AS the Premier League season reached its halfway point, there is a flicker of hope that we might have a contest for the title. Mikel Arteta’s obdurate, steely, resourceful Arsenal claimed a comeback victory at one of the toughest venues this competition has to offer – as goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli completed a perfect festive season for the Gunners. Arsenal mob Gabriel Martinelli after he made it 3-1 early in the second halfCredit: AlamyGabriel Jesus sparked victory with this spectacular equaliserCredit: ReutersJesus is suddenly in lethal form, there was yet another goal from a corner and the 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri enjoyed a promising first league start as the Arsenal made light of the absence of four first-choice starters.Over 12 days of Christmas football, they have claimed a maximum nine points – the only problem being that runaway leaders Liverpool have done the same.Arsenal trail Arne Slot’s Red men by six points, having played a game more than the leaders. Arteta’s perennial runners-up are hoping for a miraculous collapse from the Anfield club but at least they are showing themselves capable of building a relentless run of their own to keep in contention, just as they did in the opening months of 2024.   READ MORE ON ARSENALBrentford, who have enjoyed so many thrilling wins here at their house of fun in the shadows of the Chiswick flyover, seized an early lead through Bryan Mbeumo’s tenth goal of the season. But Arsenal – rarely pretty, but usually pretty effective – gritted their teeth and dragged it back on a cold, soggy Hounslow day.  With Bukayo Saka a long-term absentee and Kai Havertz struck down by illness, Arteta handed Nwaneri a full league debut at the ground where he’d made his first appearance off the bench as a 15-year-old schoolboy two seasons ago. The Gunners boss made four changes in all – Declan Rice, not fully fit, dropped to the bench in favour of Merino, with Riccardo Calafiori replacing young full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly.Most read in FootballEthan Nwaneri especially impressed before the breakCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBrentford had been wobbly of late – winless in four games, and without a goal in two, having had their outstanding home record dented by a 2-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest on their last outing at the Gtech Stadium. Thomas Frank welcomed back Sepp van den Berg at centre-half, while Yehor Yormoliuk slotted into midfield. Chrissy Teigen in sweary rant at British ‘knbs and tts’ after backlash over mistaking major error after watching Arsenal playAnd the Bees started with a bang, scoring with their first serious effort on goal.Mikkel Damsgaard’s well-weighted through-ball released Mbeumo, who cut inside from the right and drilled in a shot which beat David Raya at his near post. Raya, facing his former club, almost blundered more spectacularly just before the half-hour when he spilled a straightforward Keane Lewis-Potter shot and had to recover with an acrobatic effort to claw it back off from the line, preventing a second Brentford goal by inches. Arsenal were bossing possession but Brentford started the sharper, more purposeful side, winning a succession of 50-50s.Then, just as Arsenal were threatening to subside, they equalised. Thomas Partey lashed a shot from the edge of the area, Mark Flekken pushed it out but Jesus reacted quickest and met the rebound with a diving header. It was the Brazilian’s sixth goal in four games – the rest of them all against Crystal Palace – and it was a lifeline the Gunners barely merited. Arteta’s men were buoyed by their goal and pinned Brentford back for the rest of the half.Martinelli fired the Gunners’ clincher on just 53 minutesCredit: GettyMikel Merino put the visitors in front shortly after the breakCredit: GettyBryan Mbeumo slotted Brentford ahead in the 13th minuteCredit: ReutersDamsgaard floored Jesus with what looked like an accidental elbow and VAR found nothing to get excited about. At the start of the second half, Arsenal took a complete stranglehold on proceedings – scoring twice in the space of two minutes, with Nwaneri playing his part in both.The kid had threatened without much end product in the first period but five minutes after the restart, he whipped in a corner, Flekken completely botched his punch, Jesus had a shot blocked and Spanish midfielder Merino pounced to poke home. It was Arsenal’s 25th Premier League goal from a corner since the start of last season – nine more than any other club.Arsenal ratings vs BrentfordARSENAL came from a goal down to triumph 3-1 over Brentford on New Year’s Day.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 6Beaten at his near post by Mbeumo but not helped by slack defending. Almost doubled Brentford’s lead by fumbling a routine shot and forced to scramble back and clear off his own line. Shaky with ball at feet too. Not the best West London return.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Lucky to escape further punishment after a clumsy first half lunge earned him only a yellow. Worked hard down the right but could not give Nwaneri the support he needed.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Remained a calming presence when Arsenal struggled to create in the opening stages.GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 7A rock at the back defending set-pieces and aerial deliveries into his box.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6Should have done better to stop Mbeumo cutting inside for his opener. Far too easy.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Composed on the ball and with some neat and important interceptions. His curled shot paved the way for the equaliser.MIKEL MERINO – 7Won some important duels as Arsenal pinned Brentford back early on. Clinical in the box to put his side ahead after a goalmouth scramble.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6Lost the ball in midfield before Brentford took the lead. A rare quiet outing. Lucky that others around him stepped up.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Struggled to have any real impact in open play, given the impossible job of replicating what Saka does out on the right wing. However, two deliveries into the box brought about two goals to secure the three points.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Lively with little end product in the first half. That all changed after the break with a sweet volley to kill Brentford’s comeback hopes. Was a constant threat.GABRIEL JESUS – 8He just cannot stop scoring. His instincts in the box look to be back to the levels he produced at Manchester City.SUBSTITUTESLEANDRO TROSSARD (NWANERI, 78) – 6Made a few good runs in behind but that was about it.DECLAN RICE (MERINO, 78) – 6Solidified the midfield. Played almost as a roaming No.10 when Odegaard went off.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (CALAFIORI, 78) – 6So comfortable on the ball. Practically played as a left winger at times.JORGINHO (ODEGAARD, 88) – N/AOLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (JESUS, 90) – N/A“Set-piece again, ole, ole,” sang the away supporters, although their dead-ball guru Nico Jover – once of Brentford – couldn’t claim much credit for this one.  READ MORE SUN STORIESSoon it was 3-1. Nwaneri curled in a wicked centre which caused chaos, Nathan Collins only able to head out as far as Martinelli who arrowed a shot into the far corner with deadly accuracy.Jesus soon went close to a fourth and Arsenal never looked remotely like letting the hosts back in.  More

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    Arsenal hit with sickness bug before Brentford clash as Mikel Arteta explains squad selection

    MIKEL ARTETA confirmed several Arsenal stars missed the win over Brentford because of a sickness bug.The Gunners lined up with Declan Rice on the bench while Kai Havertz missed out altogether.Mikel Arteta confirmed a sickness bug in campKai Havertz missed his first game since joining ArsenalCredit: GettyCaptain Martin Odegaard was also rumoured to be struggling with illness but he was fit enough to start. Arteta was asked about the supposed bug ahead of kick-off and he confirmed the rumours were true.The Arsenal boss said: “Kai [Havertz] wasn’t feeling good, a few players were like this.”Hours before the match Havertz’s wife Sophia shared some photos of herself and the German on social media to see in the new year.READ MORE ON ARSENALShe wrote in the caption: “Starting the new year with you again and again and again.”Havertz’s absence was a big blow for Arsenal who were already without Bukayo Saka.The England star tore his hamstring in the win over Crystal Palace and could be out until March.Youngster Ethan Nwaneri started in attack at the same ground where he made history as a 15-year-old more than two years ago, when he became the youngest player to play in the Prem.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSArteta also confirmed Rice is suffering with a niggle – the England midfielder was named on the bench after being taken off in the 1-0 win over Ipswich.Gabriel Jesus deputised for the missing Havertz and made the most of his chance as he headed in an equaliser after Thomas Partey’s shot was saved.Arsenal Invincible and cult hero reveals we’ve all been saying his name wrong for nearly 45 yearsThe Brazilian failed to score for ten months before netting a hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup last month.He followed that up by scoring against the Eagles again before finding the back of the net at the G-tech Community Stadium.The Gunners then went on to win the match after making a fast start to the second half.Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli both found the net within eight minutes of the restart.The victory took Arsenal second, six points behind league leaders Liverpool. More

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    Real Madrid ‘sound out William Saliba’s entourage over world record fee to sign Arsenal star’ in shock transfer

    ARSENAL defender William Saliba has reportedly emerged as a top transfer target for Real Madrid.The Frenchman has firmly established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders over the last two years.Real Madrid reportedly want to sign William SalibaCredit: GettyAnd his impressive form has attracted interest from some Champions League rivals.Spanish outlet SPORT claims Real Madrid could launch a bid to sign him at the end of the season.But they will likely have to fork out at least £83million for him – which would be a world record fee for a defender.The report also claims Real Madrid chiefs sounded out Saliba’s entourage and received a positive response.Read More in FootballSaliba currently has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Arsenal contract.But last month he gave Mikel Arteta a boost by pledging his long-term future to the Gunners.He insisted: “I feel at home here.”I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked if could envisage staying at the Emirates for a long time, the Frenchman replied: “Yeah, of course.”Saliba is not the only man on Real Madrid’s radar.Arteta looks back on his five years managing Arsenal Los Blancos are also pushing to sign Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.The Reds turned down an approach from the La Liga giants on Tuesday.But Alexander-Arnold is now free to speak to Real Madrid officials about a potential summer move because he is within the final six months of his contract.Earlier this week, reports in Spain suggested Real are confident he will join at the end of the season. More

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    Brentford vs Arsenal LIVE SCORE: Premier League updates as Gunners begin the new year with trip to London rivals

    ARSENAL begin 2025 with a short trip to London rivals Brentford TONIGHT.The Gunners go into the match at the Gtech Community Stadium fresh from back-to-back Premier League wins – with their most recent triumph being last Friday’s 1-0 win over Ipswich.Mikel Arteta’s men face a tricky test in their 2025 opener – as they head to a Brentford side with the second-best home record in the league.Kick off time: 5.30pm GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Live stream: discovery+Brentford team: To follow…Arsenal team: To follow…FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…Welcome to Brentford vs ArsenalArsenal travel to Brentford this evening to kick off the new year, and we’ll be bringing you all of the updates right here on SunSport.The Gunners wrapped up a strong 2024 with victory over Ipswich, and will be looking to move up to second to keep alive hopes of a title challenge.While the Bees have slipped to 12th in the Premier League after having failed to win in their last three matches in the division.And although they lost 2-0 to Nottingham Forest last time out at the Gtech Community Stadium, their home form has been impressive this season joint top with league leaders Liverpool.Brentford have sealed 22 points at home in the Prem so far in this campaign, with an identical record of seven wins, one draw and one loss to Liverpool’s at Anfield.Copy linkCopied More

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    Jose Mourinho reveals his two biggest regrets from career in football… including brutal Chelsea swipe

    JOSE MOURINHO has revealed the two biggest regrets of his football career in a brutal swipe at former side Chelsea.The Special One is currently in charge of Turkish giants Fenerbahce after an incredible 25 years as a manager.Jose Mourinho aimed a dig at Chelsea as he revealed the biggest regrets of his careerCredit: GettyHis travels have seen him boss sides in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.And Mourinho has a host of trophies in his cabinet, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greatest.However, the tactician admits there are two huge decisions he made in his career which still haunt him to this day.The first saw Mourinho take a dig at old side Chelsea, who he won three Premier League titles with during two glittering spells.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMourinho rejoined the Blues in 2013 after enjoying success with Inter Milan and Real Madrid.But he admits he should not have returned to Stamford Bridge, revealing he regrets not accepting an offer to stay at Real.Mourinho told Corriere dello Sport: “The ‘no’ to Florentino Perez (is one regret). “He said to me, ‘Don’t leave, you’ve done the hard part and the best is yet to come’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I knew it was true, but I wanted to return to Chelsea after three years of great challenges in Spain.”Mourinho’s time at the Bernabeu saw him win a LaLiga title while ending Real’s 20-year Copa del Rey drought.Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager But it was fraught with controversy amid an epic rivalry with Pep Guardiola and Barcelona.While Mourinho also reportedly fell out with several players in the Spanish capital.Upon his return to Chelsea, he won a Premier League title and League Cup before being sacked in December 2015.After staying in England with Manchester United and Spurs, Mourinho ended up back in Italy with Roma.He led them to Europa Conference League glory in 2022 before reaching the Europa League final a year later.Roma controversially lost the match to Sevilla on penalties, leading Mourinho to confront English ref Anthony Taylor in the car park afterwards.He branded the official a “f*****g disgrace”, with Taylor subjected to further abuse from Roma supporters.Mourinho was eventually hit with a four-game ban for his tirade.And he now admits he should have QUIT Roma after the Europa final defeat.READ MORE SUN STORIESMourinho, who remained at the club until he was sacked in January 2024, added: “I have to talk about Budapest, not because of the confusion with Anthony Taylor.“But because I didn’t leave straight away. I should have left Roma straight away, I didn’t, and it was a mistake.” More