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      Newcastle Utd offer fans FREE BEER at crunch midday Chelsea clash to thank supporters and get St. James’ Park rocking

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED fans are being given a free pint to help raise the roof against Chelsea.Fans attending St. James’ Park tomorrow can get on the beers early by claiming a complimentary drink token when heading through the turnstiles between 10am-11am.Newcastle fans will be able to enjoy a morning pint before kick off against ChelseaCredit: GettyThe vouchers can be redeemed for a free pint/bottle of beer or cider, or a bottled soft drink in the concourse, Platinum Club and Bar 1892.The free drink has been organised as a thank you for their support as well as ensuring that the crowd is in full voice for the crunch Champions League qualification clash.Newcastle CEO Darren Eales said: “We greatly appreciate the lengths that fans have gone to this season, travelling to every corner of the country to back the club, so we’re pleased to offer a token of appreciation for their loyalty and support this weekend.“Alongside toasting the incredible support they have already shown, the offer of a free drink aims to ensure that everyone is in position for the early kick-off on Sunday, bringing that iconic St James’ Park atmosphere from the warm-ups to the final whistle.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Eddie Howe admits he has a huge call to make on whether to unleash frustrated Anthony Gordon against Chelsea.The 24-year-old last started for Newcastle on March 2 after suspension and injury.Winger Gordon received a three-game ban after being sent-off against Brighton and then hurt his thigh while on international duty and missed another two matches.The tremendous form of Harvey Barnes, who has scored four since stepping in, has provided another obstacle for the ex-Everton ace to overcome.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGordon, who has nine goals this term, impressed after coming off the bench last week to replace Jacob Murphy and is chomping at the bit for a start.Howe said: “He’s pushing just in terms of his general training performance. If I just think back, this is his best week physically.Newcastle ace Dan Burn pushing crashed car“He had an issue obviously that he picked up with England and it’s taken him a while to get back to full fitness because it was a nasty injury but he’s looked good.“I thought he did well when he came on against Brighton. He adds a different dimension to our game. Directness in running, very front footed player. So let’s wait and see.”Howe also admitted that Gordon is not happy about being out of the side but said: “There’s an understanding from Anthony that he hasn’t been fully fit.“We’ve had discussions and communication, of course, and I try to do that with all the players, but naturally I know now he feels good within his body and that he probably feels ready to start. So that’s the decision I have to make.”Although Newcastle already have silverware and a play-off spot in the Uefa Conference League in the bag, Howe admits matches do not come much bigger than tomorrow’s high noon showdown with Chelsea.With only a superior goal difference keeping them fourth ahead of the Blues, Howe said: “Every game we’ll have between now and the season probably becomes our biggest game of the season. You could debate the cup final there with it, but now that’s gone and that’s behind us.Eddie Howe has a tough call to make regarding Anthony Gordon’s selectionCredit: Getty“We know the importance of where we finish in the Premier League and we’re doing everything we can to finish as high as we can.“There’s a possibility it will go to the last game. All we can do is take care of our next opponent and give everything we can to win.“It’ll be a difficult game. Chelsea are a good team and we’ve played them twice already this season, so we know their qualities.”Howe’s achievements have been all the more remarkable considering Newcastle’s struggles to meet PSR – while at the same time Chelsea have found ways to splash the cash on their squad.Howe added: “I’ve absolutely no emotion or feeling towards it at all because they have every right to do what they want to do and run the club in their way. I have no opinion on any other club and how they run their football club.Read More on The Sun“I can only speak about how we do what we do and why we do what we do. Any other focus on any other club just leads to wasted time.”We have a lot to think about ourselves and a lot to prepare and plan for so all my energy goes into that.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story… More

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      Premier League LIVE SCORES: Haaland STARTS but City goalless, latest from Ipswich vs Brighton & two other fixtures

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      SATURDAY’S Premier League action features some huge matches in the race for Europe.Manchester City travel to rock bottom Southampton as Pep Guardiola’s side look to chase down Arsenal in second.Elsewhere, Fulham look to give their European aspirations a boost as they take on Everton.Wolves host top-8 hopefuls Brighton, and Ipswich face a Brentford side who also have a chance of qualifying for Europe.In the evening kick off, two sides with ambitions for continental football next season, Bournemouth and Aston Villa, go head-to-head at the Vitality.Kick off times: 3pm/5.30pm BSTCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…From Jack Rosser at St Mary’sWhat a ridiculous afternoon.That is the loudest cheer at St. Mary’s since they earned their place in the Play-Off final a year ago.Guardiola has marched onto the pitch and looks furious – aggressively congratulating Southampton players in a way only he can. Copy linkCopiedFull time – Fulham 1-3 EvertonEverton take the honours on the banks of the Thames, and Fulham’s slim hopes of making the Europa Conference League have come to an end.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Wolves 0-2 BrightonBrighton follow Brentford’s lead and claim a vital – and impressive -three points that has them fully in the hunt for eighth spotCopy linkCopiedFull time – Southampton 0-0 Man CityA surprise on the south coast! The Saints move on to 12 points and away from the 11-point low set by Derby County in 2008. Copy linkCopiedFull time – Ipswich 0-1 BrentfordThe Bees survive a late scare to register their fourth win in a row, and Thomas Frank’s team are on course for Europe.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-0 Man City90. Substitute Omar Marmoush almost wins it for Manchester City!The Egyptian takes charge on the edge of the box, and rockets a shot past Aaron Ramsdale that cannons back off the crossbar.It’s the closest City have come this afternoon.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Wolves 0-2 Brighton85. Brighton are on the charge for Europe!Brajan Gruda seals the deal at Molineux, cooling dinking over Jose Sa for his first goal for the Seagulls.Copy linkCopiedFrom Graham Hill at MolineuxThe jaw-dropping stat of the day – in Wolverhampton at least – is that this is the first time Danny Welbeck, 34, has scored 10 Premier League goals in a season.Considering his career has stretched over 17 seasons, that is some revelation.He netted nine in a campaign twice, but the last time was 11 years ago. Incredible, he has never reached double figures until today’s penalty which, right now, looks to be enough to win the game.Meanwhile, Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has seen enough – and made a QUADRUPLE substitution.Wolves have been getting nowhere fast today, and the Portuguese coach will hope Jorgen Strand Larsen, Rodrigo Gomes, Pablo Sarabia and Jean Bellegarde can bring their side back into this.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Fulham 1-3 Everton74. Fulham’s season is collapsing upon itself.Beto has made it 3-1, and the Cottagers are going to be comfortably beaten in a game that they could have won by the half hour mark.The hosts are caught cold as they try to find an instant reply, allowing Everton to break at pace.Carlos Alcaraz picks out Beto on the left, and he lets rip with a shot that seems to go through Bernd Leno on its way to the back of the net. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Fulham 1-2 Everton70. The Toffees have turned it around at Craven Cottage!Dwight McNeil’s corner is met emphatically by Michael Keane at the far post, who beats Bernd Leno in the Fulham goal.There’s a VAR check for both a foul and an offside, but Carlos Alcaraz is deemed not to have impacted the game on both counts.David Moyes’ men hit the front!Copy linkCopiedIpswich 0-1 Brentford67. A lengthy VAR check takes place after Axel Tuanzebe and Nathan Collins wrestle each other to the ground at a Michael Kayode long throw.The Brentford centre-half is convinced he’s been fouled and wants a penalty, but Samuel Barrott does not agree.Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-0 Man City63. City are turning up the gas on the south coast.Last season’s Premier League champions have had the last 11 attempts on goal in this game, and Bernardo Silva has just come the closest so far to breaking the deadlock.Southampton have only kept two clean sheets in the last 47 Premier League games. Surely they don’t hold out this afternoon?Copy linkCopiedSouthampton 0-0 Man City58. Southampton continue to frustrate Manchester City at St Mary’s.Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva have just had a couple of shots blocked, but Saints are digging in.Jeremy Doku is already on for Pep Guardiola’s side, but how long will it be until the City boss turns to others on his bench?Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-1 Everton49. Harry Wilson almost restores Fulham’s lead!Kenny Tete picks out the Welshman with a ball over the top, and Wilson responds by attempting a delicate lob over Jordan Pickford.It initially looked perfect, but somehow the England goalkeeper got back and clawed the ball away.In saving Everton, Pickford looks to have landed awkwardly on his elbow and requires a bit of magic sponge action.Copy linkCopiedFrom Jon West at Portman RoadReferee Barrott was inevitably booed off at the break but the truth is Brentford deserve to be ahead. Just. It’s not a classic by any stretch but the Tractor Boys have barely threatened.Copy linkCopiedFrom Graham Hill at MolineuxBrighton have edged the first half and might have had more than their one goal but for some hesitancy going forwards.Danny Welbeck’s penalty separates the sides after he had a goal ruled out for an offside against Yankuba Minteh – which VAR took around four minutes to decide.Matheus Cunha might have been lucky to escape a red card for bringing down Mats Wieffer for the penalty – ref Michael Oliver only showed him a yellow.Wolves look out-of-sorts all over the pitch, but it might not be too long before Jorgen Strand Larsen makes an appearance from the subs’ bench.Copy linkCopiedFrom Jack Rosser at St Mary’sA very odd first half on the south coast.Southampton have parked all of their outfield players within 20 yards of their goal and City have struggled to create anything of note.Haaland and Guardiola have both been talking about a lack of hunger this week. and there does not look to be too much of it here.You would get a more intense encounter at Soccer Aid.Copy linkCopiedThe half-time scoresAll four afternoon games in the Premier League have reached the break, and this is the current state of play:Fulham 1-1 EvertonIpswich 0-1 BrentfordSouthampton 0-0 Man CityWolves 0-1 BrightonCopy linkCopiedGOAL! Fulham 1-1 Everton45+3. On the stroke of half-time, Everton find a fortuitous equaliser!Vitalii Mykolenko has his first goal since November 2023, and he has a huge deflection off Andreas Pereira to thank for it.Bernd Leno fails to get distance when opting to punch a corner, and that allows Abdoulaye Doucoure to nudge it back for Mykolenko to strike. Fulham concede from outside the box AGAIN and now have work to do.Copy linkCopiedFulham 1-0 Everton43. Harry Wilson goes close to a second!The Welsh wing wizard dribbles in on the left, teasing the Everton defence, and then strikes low towards the bottom corner.Jordan Pickford has to wait for it to travel through a crowd, but then gets down brilliantly to push the shot around the post.Copy linkCopiedFrom Graham Hill at MolineuxIt’s been a strange few minutes for Brighton, first, they had a goal controversially ruled out by VAR, then they took the lead two minutes later from the penalty spot.Danny Welbeck looked to have given Brighton the lead when his shot found the net after being left by Yankuba Minteh.There then followed a VAR check of around four minutes, which brought a chant of ‘Boring, boring’ from Wolves fans.But the final verdict was that Minteh was deemed to be in an offside position and interfering with play, despite not touching the ball.Hope that’s clear.Brighton’s response was to win a penalty when Matheus Cunha and Mats Wieffer tangled outside the box and then the Brazilian carried it inside the area. Ref Michael Oliver showed Cunha a yellow card, but it looks like the Seagulls’ bench wanted a red.Welbeck cooly dispatched the penalty for his 10th Premier League goal of the season.Copy linkCopiedFrom Jon West at Portman RoadIpswich fans are venting their fury at referee Sam Barrott for allowing (in their opinion) Brentford to carry on taking a corner until they scored.Jacob Greaves was lucky to escape a |VAR penalty call for a rugby tackle on Sepp van den Berg initially, Barrott booked Christian Norgaard and Jack Taylor from the next attempt. And Kevin Schade headed in the third.”1-0 to the referee” and “Premier League, corrupt as f***” chanted Town fans.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Wolves 0-1 Brighton28. Now Danny Welbeck has his goal, and it comes from the penalty spot!In the absence of the suspended Joao Pedro, the former England international stepped up and calmly placed his spotkick beyond Jose Sa!It’s a deserved lead, and there was no debating the decision that led to the opener.Matheus Cunha was caught in possession just outside his own 18-yard box, and in his bid to get back and make amends, he tripped Mats Wieffer just as the Brighton man was about to shoot.Cunha is yellow carded for his part, and – to be honest – he’s fortunate not see red as I’m really not sure if that was a genuine attempt to win the ball.Copy linkCopiedWolves 0-0 Brighton24. Danny Welbeck has the ball in the back of the net at Molineux!But no sooner had the striker wheeled away in celebration, he saw the linesman’s flag up on the far side.However, it’s not that clearcut.In fact, Welbeck was definitely onside when he steered a centre from the right into the far corner.However, Yankuba Minteh who followed the ball towards goal was offside, and he has been adjudged to have been interfering with play.VAR take a long look at it, and eventually uphold the on-field decision.Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Ipswich 0-1 Brentford18. West London delight!Seconds after Fulham took the lead, Brentford have followed suit at Portman Road.Kevin Schade has his third in a week, following his double against Manchester United with another header here.The German gets on the end of Bryan Mbeumo’s corner, and cooly beat Alex Palmer in the Ipswich goal.Copy linkCopied More

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      Steven Gerrard lined up for emotional return to former club but faces competition from sacked Premier League bosses

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      STEVEN GERRARD could be set for a sensational return to Rangers.Gerrard, 44, has been a free agent since January after his acrimonious exit from Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq and is looking for his next challenge.Steven Gerrard has been pencilled in for a potential return to RangersGerrard won the Scottish Premiership at IbroxGerrard is a free agent after a hapless stint in Saudi ArabiaAccording to The Telegraph, that could lead the Liverpool legend back to Ibrox, where his managerial career officially kicked off.The former England international joined the Gers in 2018 and enjoyed tremendous success during his three-year spell as he won the Scottish Premiership in 2021.And Rangers are keen on a reunion with the Scouse tactician as they are seeking a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, who was sacked in February. Former midfielder has been in temporary charge since.Gerrard is part of a long list of candidates that is said to run into double figures.Read More on FootballThe likes of former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards and Russell Martin, who was recently dismissed by Southampton, are also being considered.O’Neil had a short but impressive stint with Bournemouth and Wolves before becoming a free agent.Edwards stood out at Luton as he led them to the Premier League two years ago.And Martin has history with Rangers as he underwent a loan spell as a player in 2018 before managing at MK Dons, Swansea and of course Saints.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere are also foreign head coaches being monitored by club chiefs amid the closing stages of the season.Nevertheless, it is thought to be an open race with no clear favourite for the top job. Steven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq Rangers could offer Gerrard a second chance in his new career as he has seen his stock plummet after two unsuccessful stints at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq.The legendary midfielder joined Villa on November 2021 – the same year he ended Celtic’s nine-year dominance in the Scottish Premiership.After a positive first season at Villa Park, Gerrard failed to keep it up and was dismissed following a run of poor results and performances on October 2022.The Liverpool great then made the big leap to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 but left 18 months later with his team 12th in the table and five points above the relegation zone.Former Bournemouth and Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is also being targeted by RangersEx-Southampton boss Russell Martin is also part of Rangers’ longest of candidatesThe same goes for ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards, while there are also foreign candidates More

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      ‘Marco Silva won’t be happy with this’ – Moment Fulham star is FLOORED by Adama Traore in dressing room wrestling match

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      FULHAM star Adama Traore went viral for FLOORING team-mate Calvin Bassey TWICE in two dressing room wrestling matches.Traore, 29, and Bassey, 25, locked horns in a friendly bout in front of their team-mates at the Cottagers’ training ground at Motspur Park.Fulham stars Adama Traore and Calvin Bassey wrestled in the dressing roomAnd Traore showcased his monstrous power by slamming Bassey on the concrete floorThe two heavyweights faced off in two rounds that required each participant to pin his opponent’s back on the floor.Traore showed his monstrous strength as he won the first round with relative ease by slamming his opponent on the concrete floor.And Bassey joked later that the result would be different if he just had more “grip”, perhaps in reference to the fact he had sliders on for the first bout.The second round didn’t go any better for the centre-back, who had trainers on by this point, as the winger floored him again in another dominant display that justified his reputation as the Premier League’s biggest powerhouse.Read more on FootballThe friendly bout was met with laughs and cheers from team-mates.And some fans joined in on the fun as they wondered what would happen if manager Marco Silva had walked in.One supporter tweeted: “Marco Silva won’t be happy with this video…”Another commented: “When he [Silva] comes in.. PAUSE.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA further comment read “Bet the manager was p***** they was doing this”While others jokingly advised Traore to consider a career in UFC or MMA.Fulham star Calvin Bassey shows Arsenal fans his bum at worst time possible A fan wrote: ” Lol, [Traore] would’ve had better chances with UFC than with football.”Another said: “His [Traore] agent should call Dana White. A summer UFC fight won’t be bad.”But there were also some Fulham fans who weren’t too impressed with what they saw in the dressing room as they pointed out that could have led to a serious injury.This comes amid the West Londoners’ bid for a rare European qualification as they chase an eighth-place finish, which would lead to the Conference League if Crystal Palace don’t win the FA Cup.One fan tweeted: “What if they get injured in the process?! Who’s paying the wages?”Another commented: “Wrestling on concrete. Great idea…”A third wrote: “Imagine being a pro footballer and you get injured like this…”Fulham star Traore showcased his monstrous strengthBassey joked he would do better if he had more ‘grip’ More

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      Arsenal ‘agree deal’ to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad but fans have big doubts over £50m transfer

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      ARSENAL have “agreed a deal” to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi ahead of the summer transfer window.The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Zubimendi, 26, since last summer following a raft of impressive displays with Sociedad and have beaten Real Madrid to his signature.Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Real Sociedad star Martin ZubimendiArsenal boss Mikel Arteta has finally signed ZubimendiAnd according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the North Londoners have finally agreed to meet the midfielder’s release clause worth a whopping £50million.Mikel Arteta’s side will now have to take “formal steps” to meet the player’s expensive asking price.The Spain international has also reached a verbal agreement with the Premier League giants.Zubimendi is now set to sign a “long-term” deal and become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer.Read More on ArsenalHowever, some fans are not too excited about the defensive midfielder’s arrival at the Emirates.That is because Arsenal supporters have been crying out for an elite centre-forward for the last three years.In fact, many fans and pundits have insisted that is the last piece of the puzzle which will finally lead them to their first Premier League title in 21 years.And many have blamed the lack of a quality striker as the reason why Arteta’s side are likely to finish as runners-up for the third season in a row.Most read in FootballOne fan tweeted: “Another midfielder. Do they recognize that they went trophyless without a striker? Lmao.”Another commented: “Striker???”These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts’ best betsA third wrote: “Misplaced priorities. Arsenal need a proper number 9, not a midfielder.”This fan said: “Everyone: Arsenal still needs a CF – Arteta: Give me my 5th DM.”And another stated: “A striker should be the next target please!”Nevertheless, many Arsenal fans also understand the significance of this signing as Zubimendi is one of the most highly-rated midfielders in the world.Furthermore, Thomas Partey’s future is uncertain with his contract running out in June.And Arsenal beat interest from Real to attract the world-renowned prospect, which poses as a major coup.Read More on The SunAccording to Foot Mercato, incoming Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, who quit Bayer Leverkusen and is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Santiago Bernabeu, wanted to sign Zubimendi.The same source claims Alonso asked Los Blancos’ president Florentino Perez to sign the No6 and help Leverkusen star Jonathan Tah follow him to Spain.Arsenal ratings v PSG ARSENAL’S Champions League dream ended in tears as they failed to revolt against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.The Gunners came flying out of the blocks and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma early, but it seemed it was going to be one of those nights from the get go. And so it proved.Despite early pressure, Arsenal found themselves behind following a Fabian Ruiz volley.Achraf Hakimi then added a brutal second mere moments after David Raya had kept Arsenal in the tie by denying Vitinha from the penalty spot.But Bukayo Saka, who had been denied all night by old nemesis Donnarumma, finally bested the Italian in the 76th minute when he made the most of a deflected cross to round him and fire into the net.With the deficit on the night halved, Saka then had the chance to level the score as he was found free in the middle with an open goal at his mercy.But the winger was unable to keep the ball down once he made contact and saw his effort sail miles over the bar.PSG then saw out the result without further worry to book their spot in the Munich final against Inter Milan.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris. More

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      Viktor Gyokeres ‘makes transfer decision’ amid Arsenal and Man Utd links with Sporting ready to sell for cut-price fee

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      VIKTOR GYOKERES has decided to move to the Premier League – and has already chosen his next club.The 26-year-old has attracted serious interest since his move to Sporting Lisbon in 2023 from Coventry, scoring 95 in 99 appearances in Portugal.Viktor Gyokeres is set to move to the Premier League in the summerCredit: RexArteta’s Arsenal could do with a striker to lift their squad into the silverwareCredit: ReutersArsenal and Manchester United have been particularly keen amid a league-wide striker drought.Gyokeres, 26, has been widely reported to have an £85million release clause.But it’s now understood Sporting would be willing to accept bids of around £58m.And, according to talkSPORT, it’s Arsenal who are in pole position to get a deal done.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe North London club are set for a huge summer of refreshing their squad after another season without silverware and the striker position is one key weakness.Kai Havertz attempted to fill in the centre-forward position earlier in the season but underwent hamstring surgery in early February and has not been seen since.Neither he nor fellow makeshift striker Gabriel Jesus are natural frontmen however.Despite being only one place below them, Arsenal have scored 17 fewer goals than league-winners Liverpool.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWith Gyokeres on course to become the first player outside of Europe’s top five leagues to win the European Golden Boot in 23 years, he could take the Gunners to the next level.United have also expressed interest as they have only scored 42 this league campaign while Hojlund and Zirkzee find their feet amidst injury and inconsistency.These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts’ best betsThe Red Devils boast the Sporting connection as boss Ruben Amorim has managed the striker in Portugal.Gyokeres’ newly-reduced price tag makes him an attractive prospect, with Newcastle likely to demand around £150m for Alexander Isak after 23 league goals this season.Gyokeres himself has maintained a tight-lipped silence over his potential summer moves but Arsenal’s sporting director Berta is a well-known fan of his. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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      Casemiro ready to see out career at Man Utd after incredible Ruben Amorim U-turn on veteran midfielder

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      CASEMIRO could be set to see out his career at Manchester United after an incredible U-turn by Ruben Amorim.The former Real Madrid star looked certain to leave Old Trafford over the summer after an alarming dip in form.Casemiro was on target against BilbaoCredit: ReutersIt seemed as though Casemiro’s career under Ruben Amorim was overCredit: GettyBut the midfielder has been revitalised in recent weeks and has starred for the Red Devils in their European adventure. United sources say Amorim has been working closely with the player at Carrington, and now thinks he has a big role to play in the rebuilding of the club.Amorim believes the player’s experience and versatility could be a key asset as he looks to bring back success at Old Trafford.It means remaining at Man United is now a serious option for Casemiro, who has been linked to moves to America and the Saudi League.Read more FootballAnd although he could earn big money there, sources close to the player say he is happy in England and open-minded to seeing out his career at the highest level.He currently pockets a whopping £375,000-a-week to boot, one of the biggest salaries going.Casemiro spoke about the passion he retains for top-level football in an interview ahead of United’s crunch Europa League game against Athletic Club.The five-time Champions League-winner told United’s official matchday programme: “I have won what I have won.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“But I always want more. I always want to earn it, to win, that is the winning mentality. “People only see the 90 minutes, I always say ‘the matches are the reflection of what you do every day’ and that is me – always working.“Whether I play or don’t play, I am there every day. That is me as a person, that is me. Whether I play or not – all I want is for United to win.”If United win, I am winning. The most important is that United win. It is not about me winning or another player winning, it is about United winning.“I want to help in any way I can, I will be there. This is my mentality. That is why I have won what I have won in my career.”Casemiro has one goal and zero assists this season in the Premier LeagueThe Brazilian midfielder joined United in the summer of 2022 for £70million.He scored United’s second goal in their 4-1 win over Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final on Thursday. It added to the opener he scored in the first leg to set Amorim’s on their way to a 3-0 victory at San Mames.Man Utd ratings vs Bilbao as magnifent Mount sends Red Devils to Europa League final but ineffective Garnacho hooked earlyMANCHESTER UNITED all-but booked their spot in the Europa League final a week ago.And, despite a brief first-half wobble, it was never really in doubt at Old Trafford on Thursday night as the Red Devils secured a comeback 4-1 win at home over Athletic Bilbao.Mikel Jaureguizar sent a nervous shiver around the ground with his fine effort on the half-hour mark.United struggled to click and no doubt some feared of an almighty collapse.But, when Ruben Amorim turned to the bench, it made all the difference – as Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were all involved in Mount’s delightful equaliser.Casemiro scored with a clever header and even Rasmus Hojlund got in on the act to tap in.Then Mount finish the job in style with his long-range effort into an empty net. Smiles all round. Now United have an all-English blockbuster with Spurs later this month to save their dreadful season.Roll on, Bilbao…Here’s how SunSport’s Joshua Jones rated Ruben Amorim’s men at Old Trafford… More

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      Arsenal files: How Gunners snubbed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia transfer as emergency William Saliba replacement is prepared

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      ARSENAL passed up the opportunity to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia four years ago because of doubts about how good he would become.According to a former Gunners scout, the Georgian superstar’s ceiling was something that divided opinion at the club.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia caused Arsenal problems throughout their Champions League tie with PSG – but he could have been playing for the GunnersCredit: GettyKvaratskhelia was playing for Rubin Kazan at the time and was beginning to attract the interest of top European clubs.Napoli took a risk by paying £10m for the winger in 2022 — a fortnight after Arsenal shelled out £3.5million for Marquinhos.The Brazilian never made the grade at Emirates Stadium while Kvaratskhelia made a stunning impact in Naples.He helped to end the Serie A club’s 33-year title drought in his first season, landing the league’s MVP award as well as being named UEFA’s Champions League Young Player of the Season.And in the week that the Georgian played a major role in destroying the Gunners’ Champions League dreams, it has emerged that Arsenal were aware of him well before Napoli or PSG.Tomasz Pasieczny, who scouted for Arsenal in Eastern Europe for seven years until 2021, initially spotted Kvaratskhelia by chance.He told weszlo.com: “Georgia’s youth team visited Poland, there was a qualifying tournament.“My job was to pay attention to other teams, but when you saw them — Khvicha and Zuriko Davitashvili — we had long discussions with other scouts about who was better.“Then I watched both of them in Russia, so I followed their development for a long time.“I was at the old stadium in Kazan for a match with Dynamo Moscow, Khvicha came off the bench, made two completely unsuccessful dribbles and the fans reacted very negatively.“At that stage he couldn’t cope with it. Every next move was bad, from start to finish. He got lost, the ball bounced off him, you could see that he had lost his confidence.“He overcame it, but if it had continued, it would have been a problem. Being affected by a few thousand people in Kazan doesn’t lead to a good rating…”Everyone knew he would be mega good, but they wondered how good. Whether he would be the absolute top or a bit lower”Few had any doubts that he wouldn’t be anything at all. However, at that stage I had to write how it is, draw conclusions, write where the problems are.”Pasieczny takes pride in the fact that as many as eight of the Arsenal side that overcame Real Madrid in the quarter-finals were signed under his watch, although he did reveal he was totally convinced by only seven.He added: “Leandro Trossard — I thought he was not a player for Arsenal, but after his time at Brighton it turned out very well.“I simply thought he was a player for a good English club, but not a top one. Something was missing, a bit of quality. Trossard was versatile, but he was a bit short of the top level.“Nevertheless, I will give credit to the fact that he has proved to be very useful. “Of course, it is difficult to judge now whether he reached this level thanks to Brighton, or whether I was wrong and he was ready then.”SECOND CHANCEJAKUB KIWIOR seemed certain to be heading out of the exit door at the Emirates this summer.But the Polish defender has impressed manager Mikel Arteta so much that he could still have a future at Arsenal.Kiwior, 25, has not exactly been a blazing success since his £21million move from Italian side Spezia in January 2023.Although he has made just 25 Premier League appearances, he has improved recently and impressed when filling in for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes.While there could be several arrivals and departures at Arsenal this summer, Arteta might consider that Kiwior is a useful squad player.Although the centre-half has been looking at leaving, he could now be persuaded to stay.Asked about Kiwior by a Polish journalist at his pre-match press conference before the Champions League second leg tie at PSG.Arteta said: “He deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t played too much for many months and sadly, he’s been thrown into the difficult situations at the highest level, playing against the best opponents.“That is tough when you haven’t had the physical rhythm or the confidence to do it so he’s been exceptional.”Jakub Kiwior has fought his way back into Mikel Arteta’s plansCredit: GettyTOUGH SALKIWIOR’s resurgence could prove timely, with Real Madrid preparing a summer move to prise William Saliba out of Arsenal.The Spanish giants, set to be under new management with Xabi Alonso lined up to replace Carlo Ancelotti, are ready to jettison former Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger after his latest disciplinary flare-up brought a six-match ban for throwing ice at a referee from the bench.France star Saliba is their prime target, despite the fact that the defender has two years left on his Gunners deal.Arsenal are keen to open talks on a contract extension for Saliba, 24, in a bid to tie him to the club long-term.But Madrid’s appeal to any world star has not abated, proven by the recent captures of Saliba’s France team-mate Kylian Mbappe and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.Expect to read suggestions that he is “keen on a move” from Spain any time soon. The softening up process is about to begin.Real Madrid are desperate to lure William Saliba to the clubCredit: GettyFAN-NING THE FLAMESARSENAL had 2000 supporters inside the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night and each of them were handed a free red and white scarf by the club.Sadly, they did not have too much to cheer about during the game.The away supporters were then kept at their seats for an hour after the final whistle and after being told they could leave, were then held in a separate area for a further 15 minutes.Meanwhile, while the Londoners headed back to their hotels or for a quiet drink, it was all going off along the Champs-Elysees.While PSG fans flocked to the famous street in their thousands, there was a car-ramming incident with three people injured as the celebrations got out of hand. The Parisian supporters were so angry that they set the car on fire.Arsenal fans were kept inside the Parc des Princes for more than an hour after the match had finishedCredit: AlamyCUP A LOAD OF THATARSENAL look like a team desperate for the campaign to end, and desperate for a summer break with their silverware dreams crushed.Thoughts turn immediately to transfers. Owners Stan and Josh Kroenke are set to provide a hefty kitty — around £200m — to Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta to bring in several world class players in an attempt to end 19 years of league title hurt.And the Club World Cup could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Gunners – forcing them to take action in the market sooner rather than later and giving them a better chance of landing their top targets.Because of Gianni Infantino’s new ludicrous, US-based champions of champions competition – from June 14 to July 13 – the transfer window is going to be split in two this summer.It will open between June 1 and June 10, then close for five days before running again from June 16 until September 1.That first 10-day period should see plenty of teams – including Prem Club World Cup attendees Manchester City and Chelsea and other European sides – attempt to cash in quickly so they can take their new purchases to the States.This will no doubt encourage Arsenal to do the same, to get ahead of their rivals and get some early business done before the ‘second’ window.SunSport understands that Arteta is keen to get deals done earlier than usual this summer, especially after the January debacle that saw them spend too long on long-shot targets that they were not able to get over the line.Talks with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in mid-January came to nothing and then a late £40m bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins went the same way.It left Arsenal dangerously short up top, and has ultimately cost them both domestically and in Europe.It is understood that the first 10 days of the summer window should see £51m midfield signing Martin Zubimendi join from Real Sociedad.And significant ground work will also be made in getting an elite No.9 nailed down.Especially as Sesko, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak are in high demand by Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona.Arteta is also known to prefer having all his new signings through the door and fully acclimatised BEFORE their pre-season tour, which this summer is in Singapore and Hong Kong from July 19 to July 31.So, do not be surprised if Arsenal decide to avoid a long, drawn-out bidding war for Isak and go straight for the slightly cheaper options of Sesko or Gyokeres, or even Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.There is hope that while City and Chelsea battle it out across the pond in a gruelling competition, Arsenal can welcome a few new faces to London Colney and get to work straight away.Martin Zubimendi could join Arsenal within weeksCredit: GettyIN GOOD MIKNOT only has Mikel Merino been a saviour of sorts on the pitch – filling in as a striker these past few months – but he has also pleased the club with his willingness to engage in media activities, even after defeats.Following Arsenal’s first leg 1-0 semi-final defeat to PSG at the Emirates, the Spaniard faced reporters in the mixed zone, and he did the same minutes after their 2-1 second leg loss in Paris.He spoke of the need to learn from the mistakes, and insisted that this group would be ready to go again and win major trophies next year.SunSport understands that Merino has become a reliable and trusted voice to sum up the emotions of the dressing room and to give positive, reassuring messages to journalists post-match, especially when results have not gone to plan.It may sound like a small thing, but Merino’s commitment to this has not only left a good mark on reporters, but has also taken the weight off his teammates in these moments.Arteta knew Merino would be a valuable squad member, and he is proving just that in more ways than one.Mikel Merino is proving his worth off the pitch as well as on itCredit: Getty More