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      Ruben Amorim ‘was prepared to RESIGN in January and needed reassurance he would be backed by Man Utd chiefs’

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      RUBEN AMORIM was reportedly prepared to RESIGN from Manchester United in January.ESPN claims the Red Devils boss was left hugely disillusioned by his start to life at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim reportedly considered resigning as Man Utd boss in JanuaryCredit: AlamyUnited had won just one of their previous eight matches at the time in question.Their most recent result had been a disastrous 3-1 home defeat to bogey club Brighton – which saw Amorim smash a TV in the dressing room in frustration. And it’s claimed that after the hammering, Amorim quickly became “disenchanted” with how things were working out.The Portuguese tactician even considered stepping down from the job he had taken just two months earlier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut associates managed to “talk him out” of quitting.At the same time, chiefs including Omar Berrada reassured Amorim that he had the full backing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.United have also told SunSport that although January was a low moment for the club, there was never a discussion about Amorim leaving his post.The gaffer certainly looks set to be backed this summer with several new signings.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat’s regardless of whether United beat Tottenham in Wednesday’s Europa League final in Bilbao.Wolves star Matheus Cunha is reportedly nearing a deal to join the Red Devils.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesIpswich’s Liam Delap has held face-to-face talks with United chiefs amid links with Chelsea.While unwanted men like Marcus Rashford will be flogged for extra transfer funds. More

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      Micky van de Ven reveals tragic yet heartwarming story behind picking No37 as Tottenham shirt number

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      MICKY VAN DE VEN has revealed the tragically heartwarming story behind his Tottenham shirt number.The Dutch defender, 24, has endured mixed fortunes since joining Spurs from Wolfsburg for £42million in 2023.Micky van de Ven has revealed why he wears the number 37 for SpursCredit: GettyVan den Ven quickly established himself as a key player in Ange Postecoglou’s bizarre tactical system.But the giant centre-back, who is also blessed with rapid speed, has since suffered numerous injury problems.And as a result, he has played just 49 times across two seasons.Despite the setbacks, Van de Ven remains a popular figure with Tottenham fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is hoping to reward their faith when Spurs take on Manchester United in Wednesday’s all-English Europa League final.And his popularity is only sure to increase after he revealed the meaning behind his shirt number.Van de Ven wears the No37 for the north Londoners – an unusual choice for any first-team star, let alone a defender.However, the 10-time Dutch international has now explained that he chose the number in tribute to a deceased friend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSVan de Ven revealed that when he was just 15 years old, his best friend tragically passed away.The number 37 had been his pal’s favourite number since a young age.EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd, Spurs and ARSENAL fans take epic 32-hour ‘bucket list’ ferry trip to Bilbao for Europa League finalAnd therefore the decision to select it as his Spurs squad number came easily to Van de Ven.The star explained: “When I was 15 years old, my best friend Dimitri passed away. He was really sick and I always promised to make him proud.“He was the person I always played football with, so the day before he passed away I promised him I was going to make sure I became a professional football player.“When I made this beautiful transfer to Tottenham, they said, ‘These are the numbers you can pick for your shirt’.“Number 37 was there, it was Dimitri’s favourite number when he was younger. So straight away I knew 37 had to be my number here.” More

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      Man Utd, Spurs and ARSENAL fans take epic 32-hour ‘bucket list’ ferry trip to Bilbao for Europa League final

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      MANCHESTER United, Spurs and ARSENAL fans are heading to Bilbao on a 32-hour ferry trip ahead of Wednesday night’s Europa League final.Hundreds of supporters joined holidaymakers for the epic boat ride which left Portsmouth at 10pm on Sunday and doesn’t arrive until 8am Tuesday morning.Sun man Dave Courtnadge enjoys a pint on the ferryCredit: The SunThe journey from Portsmouth to Bilbao takes 32 hoursCredit: The SunFans soak in the sun on the top deckCredit: The SunWith flights to Spain rocketing to over £1,000 after United and Spurs sealed their places in the final, many took advantage of the cheaper, but much longer, ferry option, which costs around £260 with a cabin.And some were even looking forward to their time at sea more than watching the game itself.Lifelong United follower Dave, from Derby, is one of many who haven’t even got a match ticket, but called the journey a “bucket list trip”.He added: “The way our lot have been playing I’m more excited about the boat anyway. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I didn’t buy a cabin originally but then I didn’t fancy sitting in a seat for two days.”Others have been planning the trip for months, including father and son Tottenham fans Neil and Leo, who booked their ferry tickets and hotel in Bilbao in AUGUST.Leo, 17, said “I just had a feeling we’ll do it”, and is now confidently predicting Spurs will win 4-2 in the final – after going 2-1 down.The mood on board so far has been brilliant, with fans of both clubs mixing in the bar until 2am this morning, even though last orders were called at midnight.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFour United fans who had driven to Portsmouth from Somerset were still going strong despite starting their pre-match build-up on Saturday morning and having barely been to sleep since.One did have a black eye to show for his troubles though after falling over along the way.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesAmong the United and Spurs fans was even one Arsenal supporter who was making the journey purely in the hope of seeing his North London rivals lose.He said: “I’m very much enjoying being among United fans and having a night out in Bilbao. “On a scale of one to ten, I’d say my hatred for Spurs is about 80.”Spurs fan Paul will just be happy to make it to Spain after having a nightmare trying to get on the boat.The IT worker and Tottenham TikToker, who booked his ferry tickets with pal Ben midway through the first leg of the semi-final win over Bodo/Glimt, was nearly denied entry on to the boat due to an “expired” passport.Inside the cabin which has no windowsRooms were squeezed in togetherThere was plenty of dining spaceFans got down for breakfast in a build to fuel upFresh crepes were even on offerBut SunSport had stew and rice for lunchLife on board leaves me wobblyBy Dave CourtnadgeI HAD no idea what to expect after booking a 32-hour ferry trip from Portsmouth to Bilbao to see Manchester United hopefully beat Spurs in Wednesday’s Europa League final.I’d also read reviews of the Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry ride, calling it “one of the most serene ways to travel to the Continent”.I’d heard the BBC podcast on Man Utd and West Ham fans having a full-blown riot on a boat trip to Holland in the 1980s.The reality of my trip so far, thankfully, is nothing like either of those.The atmosphere has been absolutely brilliant, with fans of both clubs mixing in the pub long before the 10pm departure, and in the ferry bar long after last orders at midnight.There’s even an Arsenal out her hoping to see Spurs lose too.I enjoyed a few in the beer garden of the Ship and Castle near the ferry port on the sunny Sunday before we took off.I’d be talking to some fans about the mad boat trip ahead and plans for Bilbao for 10 minutes before we’d establish who one another supported.There’s still good banter about both sides’ abysmal seasons, but with a lot of the chat being about who is actually worse, not better.Plenty of Murphy’s and some classic cabaret just added to the holiday mood once we were on board.We ramped up the booze cruise vibes at about 1am by venturing out on to the top deck (I was pretty amazed they left the doors unlocked considering the clientele on board)But after convincing one particularly drunk shipmate that he’d be in serious trouble if he jumped in the sea, I thought it safer to head back inside.After another nightcap I returned to my four-man cabin which thankfully I have all to myself.Because my cabin is in the middle of the boat it’s pitch black. That, coupled with not being disturbed half-way through the night by my two young kids, meant I slept like a baby.As for sea-sickness, there’s not so much a gentle rocking of the waves but rather a weird constant jolty sensation like you get when you start a car that has left me a bit wobbly.I’m sure it’s nothng to do with all that Murphy’s anyway.I’ve at least managed to hold down my breakfast, which I ate surrounded by the normal holidaymakers, not football fans, who make up about half of the passengers on board.Not surprisingly, most of the supporters were still in bed at that point, but I’m sure I’ll catch them in the bar later for the quiz and more cabaret.Chants of “Keano, Keano…” from down the corridor suggests some are now starting to rise.As for me, it’s time to check out that top deck again…He revealed last night: “I still feel like I’m having a positive day even though it’s been pretty challenging.”Our train from London to Portsmouth ended up not being from London to Portsmouth, but London to Eastleigh. “So we found another train that took us from London to Petersfield, which meant we then ended up having to get a taxi.”The taxi driver didn’t know where we needed to go to for the ferry. He got lost, he wanted cash only and we didn’t have cash, so we had to sort all that palaver out.”Eventually we got that sorted and then we thought it was an eight o’clock leave and it’s not, it’s ten o’clock, so two hours extra in the pub.”And now I’ve just found my passport might not have let me on the ferry after all that, even though I’ve spent an absolute fortune on ferry tickets, accommodation, flights around Europe to get home and tickets for the game of course.Read More on The Sun”I have found out I can get on but that’s on the basis that I’ve booked a flight to say that I am actually coming back to the UK.”But otherwise, I’m going to have to get a new passport.”There was even some live entertainmentCredit: The SunUnited fans get into the swing of itCredit: The SunFans were mixing wellThe booze was flowingFans were discussing the big gameMan Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash More

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      Meet Jeremie Frimpong’s stunning partner Tamira who was left with ‘jaw on the floor’ by romantic incoming Liverpool star

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      JEREMIE FRIMPONG left his girlfriend Tamira Blankson with her “jaw on the floor” after an incredible romantic gesture.And Liverpool fans could soon be loving him just as much as he closes in on a move to Anfield.Tamira Blankson is Jeremie Frimpong’s stunning girlfriendCredit: Instagram @tamirablanksonThey have been together for a yearCredit: Instagram @jeremiefrimpongTamira has 35,000 followers on TikTokCredit: Instagram @tamirablanksonFrimpong made an incredible romantic gesture on Valentines DayCredit: TikTok/tamirablanksonFrimpong, 24, is completing his medical today ahead of his £29.5million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.The switch from the German side will see him replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool, who is leaving to join Real Madrid this summer.And making the move to Merseyside with him is his stunning partner Tamira, 25.The couple have been together for just over a year and are no strangers to showing their love for one another online.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFrimpong displayed his romantic side on Valentines Day this year, putting on an incredible candlelit dinner for his girlfriend.There were roses, balloons and gifts with the words “I love you” written on them as Tamira videoed the beautiful setup and posted it on social media.She captioned the upload: “My jaw was on the floor”.And Tamira showed her supportive side by joining her man on the Leverkusen pitch at the end of last season.Most read in FootballHe lifted the Bundesliga title alongside her and his family as she wrote online: “Proud of you bae.”Tamira has also seen donning a Holland shirt in the stands while cheering on the right-back at the Euros.Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong reveals why he snubbed Liverpool and chose Man City last time Reds tried to sign himThe brunette beauty is rumoured to be of Ghanaian descent just like Frimpong.And she has 35,000 followers on TikTok thanks to her make-up routine videos.Aside from the occasional loved-up posts, both Tamira and Frimpong choose to the keep their private lives off the internet.But all eyes will soon be on the Dutchman once he signs for Liverpool.He is set to pen a five-year deal to add to the reported £20m contract he has agreed to be the new face of sportswear brand New Balance.Tamira is supposedly of Ghanaian descent like FrimpongCredit: Instagram @jeremiefrimpongTamira admitted her jaw was on the floor after Frimpong’s Valentines surpriseCredit: Instagram @tamirablanksonShe is set to move to Liverpool with himCredit: TikTok/tamirablankson More

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      Man Utd files: Seven strikers targeted across two transfer wishlists in case United miss out on Champions League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S summer striker search will be shaped by Bilbao on Wednesday night.Beating Tottenham to lift the Europa League will make a £100million-plus difference to United’s finances – as well as bringing silverware and a ticket back to the Champions League elite.Viktor Gyokeres is a target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSo too is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin SeskoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLiam Delap is set to leave Ipswich after the club’s relegation from the Prem and is at the top of United’s wishlistCredit: AlamyUnited scouts have scoured the market over the past six months, desperate to give Ruben Amorim the attacking weaponry he needs to take the Old Trafford club back into Premier League title contention.Yet if Ange Postecoglou and his Spurs players are parading around San Mames in joy after the final whistle, the knock-on effects for United’s recruitment drive will be huge.United’s talent-spotters have kept tabs on Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Moise Kean, Liam Delap, Mateo Retegui and Jean-Philippe Mateta as well as Udinese’s “Tower of Pisa” Lorenzo Lucca.Both Gyokeres, 26, and Sesko, 21, are also targets for Arsenal, who have reportedly made the Sporting Lisbon striker No1 on their shortlist.Swede sensation Gyokeres is one of Europe’s hottest properties after netting 53 goals so far this term, with Portuguese champions Sporting willing to let him go for around £60m.Amorim knows his former star well but he is unlikely to come to Old Trafford without top-level European football.Likewise, RB Leipzig star Sesko’s reported £64m release clause would be out of United’s price range, too, given their PSR concerns – unless Amorim can shift out a swathe of his current players.Delap, 22, would cost just £30m thanks to a relegation clause in his Ipswich contract and is believed to be the Red Devils’ top target.The former Manchester City striker has impressed in an often lonely and forlorn role, scoring 12 Prem goals and showing power and intelligence.But there are questions, too, over whether he would join United without European football, especially if fellow admirers Chelsea qualify for the Champions League.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesSunSport understands the Blues – managed by Delap’s former City academy coach, Enzo Maresca – are confident of landing the England Under-21 international.Should United miss out on Champions League football, it would mean shopping in a different market – less Harrods, more Waitrose.Ex-Everton forward Kean, Atalanta’s Retegui and Lucca are among the fallback options.Italy star Retegui, 26, has 23 goals in 31 games for Atalanta this term, with Liverpool reportedly also interested.Kean, 25, flopped in the Premier League with the Toffees but has revived his career with 17 league goals in 30 games for Fiorentina this season, while 6ft 7in Lucca has netted 11 Serie A goals for mid-table Udinese.Amorim’s scouting team have also identified Crystal Palace’s Mateta, 27, following his 14-goal breakout season.The Frenchman, who showed his value once more in Palace’s FA Cup triumph at Wembley on Saturday,  would cost around £30m, with the Eagles already resigned to losing him in the summer.United are also big fans of Marcus Thuram at Inter Milan but a deal could be tricky as his agent does not get on with Red Devils CEO Omar Berrada.Lorenzo Lucca is Udinese’s ‘Tower of Pisa’ up frontCredit: GettyEverton flop Moise Kean, now at Fiorentina, is a surprise target for UnitedCredit: GettyMateo Retegui of Atalanta is also on their listCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta – another target – celebrates Crystal Palace’s FA Cup winCredit: GettyWIL POWER UNITED hope technical director Jason Wilcox could be their trump card in the battle with Chelsea for Delap.Ruben Amorim has identified the England Under-21 striker as one of the men who could solve their chronic goal-scoring problems next season.And Wilcox knows him well through his work at the City Football Academy while Delap was coming through the ranks.He was the head of the youth set up at the Etihad when Delap joined from Derby in 2019. That personal relationship might give United an advantage.Man Utd technical director Jason WilcoxCredit: GettyTURKISH DELIGHT TURKISH champions Galatasaray could give United a way out of their increasingly troublesome Jadon Sancho predicament.United believed they had seen the last of the former England winger when he was sent on loan to Chelsea with a £25m obligation to buy him at the end of this season.But Chelsea are understood to be ready to send Sancho, 25, back to Old Trafford for a £5m “penalty” repayment, leaving Amorim with another player he knows the club do not want.With Sancho having a year of his contract remaining, United need to raise just under £15m for him this summer to avoid a PSR “loss” on any move.Galatasaray, who clinched the Turkish crown this weekend, are gearing up for their Champions League return and are ready to come in with a bid.Sancho, though, who broke through at Borussia Dortmund after leaving Manchester City when he was just 17, might be more tempted by a return to the Bundesliga, especially with Bayer Leverkusen expected to undergo a major rebuild following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.Jadon Sancho is wanted by Turkish champions GalatasarayCredit: GettyFRIENDLY FIRE HARRY MAGUIRE and Amad Diallo were among a handful of players on media duty when United held their Europa League open day – and all seemed to be harmonious between the pair.That might not be the case on Saturday though – as two of their former clubs go head to head at Wembley in the Championship play-off final.Maguire took time out from his busy season to watch Sheffield United complete their demolition of Bristol City last Monday night.And 24 hours later, Amad sent a good luck message to his old team-mates at the Stadium of Light – which maybe helped inspire their dramatic late winner against Coventry.Neither player is likely to be at Wembley for the final as Man United play Aston Villa in their last Prem game of the season the following day.Harry Maguire watched Sheffield United’s play-off semi-finalCredit: GettyFAN FRIENDLY THOUSANDS of United supporters are heading to Bilbao – many of them with tickets for the game and some without.But all will be encouraged to visit the designated fan zone at Etxebarria Park – which is described as ‘one of the largest green zones in the city’.It is surrounded by green hills and offers magnificent views of Bilbao – according to the local tourist board – so supporters should be quite happy there.Local police are not anticipating too much trouble but the Spurs faithful will be directed towards the Amezola area of the city for their fan zone.Man Utd’s designated fan zone at Etxebarria ParkCredit: AlamyPICTURE THATDAVID DE GEA netted a whopping £22.8 in image rights while at United.The Spanish star – set for a return to Old Trafford in a pre-season friendly with Fiorentina – built up a fortune of £22,755,059 in Bedamarse Ltd, the company he used to handle his off-field pay. The keeper’s fortune shot up £3.5m in his last season at Old Trafford, the equivalent of £67,300 a week, according to accounts.The mega pay came on top of De Gea’s £375,000 a week wages.As well as image rights payments, De Gea signed a number of lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Adidas, Pepsi and EA Sports.David de Gea netted a whopping £22.8m in image rights while at Manchester United.Credit: PALEAVING A MARC MARCUS RASHFORD paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last year.The forward paid himself the huge sum from his investment company, MUCS Enterprises.Rashford also took out an interest free loan from the business worth £6.6m.The company made a profit of £6.2m in 2024.And despite pocketing the huge sums, his firm still has assets worth £5.6m.The on-loan Villa striker has also hit the jackpot with his investment properties.The total value of his rental properties jumped by almost £700,000 last year – from £7.1m in 2023 to £7.8m, according to latest paperwork for his rental firm, MUCS Properties Limited.Marcus Rashford paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last yearCredit: RexGETTING SHIRTY MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool may be miles apart in the Premier League, but the fierce rivals both banked £123m in kit sales last season.The pair received the whopping sum from kit and merchandise sales, according to a fresh Uefa report.Only Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich pocketed more than the Premiership giants.Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid top the charts with club sales worth £165m last season.The England man’s shirt is the most popular in the club’s official stores.Bruno Fernandes jerseys are the biggest sellers at Old Trafford, while Mo Salah’s shirt is among the most popular for champions Liverpool.Man Utd banked £123million in kit sales last seasonCredit: GettyWAYNE TO GOWAYNE ROONEY has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running dispute.The United legend, 39, has landed the huge sum after closing down the firm he used for his lucrative sponsorship deals and image rights as a player.He has been waiting for three years for the payment after placing his company, called Stoneygate 48 Limited, into voluntary liquidation.Company liquidators said: “We have continued to be in contact with HMRC over a substantial tax refund which was due. This has resulted in a substantial but, in our opinion, partial repayment. We are seeking clarification of whether anything else is due.”The Manchester United legend received £22.2m after closing down the firm, including £11.9m in cash and more than £9mfrom the sale of properties.Wayne Rooney has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running disputeCredit: GettyFROM THE GROUND UP UNITED’s new stadium bill could reach £4BILLION, according to industry experts.A number of experts have warned in private that the Red Devils’ ambitious plans for a 100,000-seater arena could spiral out of control.The new stadium will replace Old Trafford, which has been the Red Devils’ home since 1910.Ineos chief and club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe put an ambitious five-year target on the build.It would see United move into their new ground for the 2030-31 campaign.But industry insiders believe that United’s plans could cost double the club’s £2bn budget.A concept of Man Utd’s new stadiumCredit: PA More

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      ‘Rotten vs rancid’ – Lineker, Shearer and Richards predict winner of Man Utd vs Tottenham in Europa League final

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      GARY LINEKER, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards shared their predictions ahead of the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham.United and Spurs lock horns on Wednesday at San Mames with both teams in desperate need to win the trophy as it is their only hope of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards shared their Europa League final predictionsLineker and Shearer predicted Tottenham, while Richards backed Manchester UnitedThe two Premier League giants have endured a horrid campaign that will see them finishing in the bottom half of the table and thus the loser will miss out on European football altogether next term.That is why Shearer, 54, dubbed both Man Utd and the North Londoners as “rancid” and “rotten” in his most recent appearance on The Rest is Football with Lineker, 64, and Richards, 36.The Newcastle legend said: “They have been rotten in the Premier League. Rancid and rotten – rancidly rotten the both of them and one of them will be playing Champions League football next season.”Nevertheless, Shearer still predicted an entertaining encounter filled with goals that will go to penalties with Tottenham ending their 17-year run without a trophy.Read More on Man UtdThe legendary striker added: “My prediction is going to be 2-2 or 3-3 after extra-time and Spurs to win on penalties.”Tottenham legend Lineker agreed with his fellow Match of the Day icon and also isn’t ruling out extra-time.The England icon replied: “Oh, he’s gone full on there, sounds like a World Cup final. I’m going to have to go for Spurs, I couldn’t not.”Shearer responded: “After 90 minutes?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLineker said: “Well, I’ve got this feeling that it’s the teams that have not won for ages this year. “And I think they’re going to, I don’t know about 90 minutes or, I think it could easily go to extra-time.”Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechlessRichards was the only one that backed United to lift the Europa League and finally lift the gloom at Old Trafford following their worst ever Premier League season.In fact, the Manchester City hero expects Man Utd to win 1-0 with Casemiro’s winner following an assist by Bruno Fernandes.Richards predicted: “I’m going to say, I think a lot of people have laughed off Casemiro or laughed at him for a while now. “But I think in these competitions, sometimes it goes down to set pieces. So I’m going to say Bruno assist for a Casemiro goal, 1-0.” More

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      Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku at centre of six-way transfer race with Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim a huge admirer

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      CHELSEA star Christopher Nkunku is at the centre of a six-way transfer race this summer.The talented Frenchman is pushing for an exit from Chelsea, two years after a £52million switch from RB Leipzig.Six clubs are battling to sign Christopher Nkunku this summerCredit: GettyAnd SunSport can reveal that London rivals Arsenal are among those lining up a move for Nkunku.The Gunners are desperate to boost their firepower and Mikel Arteta sees the 27-year-old as a good option to add to his squad.But five other clubs are heavily in the race to secure Nkunku’s services.Manchester United, who made a move for the player during the January transfer window, are planning to go back this summer. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRuben Amorim is a huge admirer of the player, and believes his Premier League experience makes him a superb option for his Old Trafford rebuild.Liverpool also like Nkunku due to his versatility and previous goal record at Leipzig, where he netted 58 goals in his final two seasons.And West Ham, who will undergo a major rebuild, are plotting an ambitious raid of their own after ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter identified Nkunku as a star target.But there’s also strong interest from overseas, with Champions League finalists’ Paris St Germain among those to be monitoring developments. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey are believed to big admirers of Nkunku and think he could be a perfect addition to the stunning playing style Luis Enrique has created.Atletico Madrid are also interested in the player, with uncertainty over the future of Liverpool-linked ex-Man City forward Julian Alvarez.Cole Palmer eats sandwich and ketchup as Brit music legend makes cameo in brilliant Chelsea kit release videoIf Alvarez does go, then Nkunku is seen as the first option for a replacement.The Frenchman has endured a frustrating season for Chelsea and is fully expected to push for a move away.Just seven of his 22 starts this term have come in the league, with Nkunku instead a regular in the Conference League and domestic cups.He’s thought to prefer the idea of a move to a club in the Champions League, which would make Arsenal, Liverpool, Paris St Germain and Atletico Madrid the leading contenders. Chelsea would prefer to see the player move abroad as, despite his limited playing time, boss Enzo Maresca knows Nkunku has a lot of ability and knows selling him to a rival club could be risky. More

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

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