More stories

  • in

    Real Madrid ‘to turn to Erling Haaland if they fail in Mbappe transfer but will only have to pay HALF his release fee’

    REAL MADRID will attempt to sign Erling Haaland if they can’t seal a deal for Kylian Mbappe this summer, according to reports.Mbappe’s representatives have strongly denied claims that the Frenchman has agreed to join Los Blancos on a free transfer.
    Real Madrid want to sign Erling Haaland if they fail to land MbappeCredit: Getty
    Kylian Mbappe’s representatives have denied claims that he agreed to join Real MadridCredit: Getty
    As reported by RMC Sport, a statement from his team read: “There’s no agreement on Kylian future.
    “There have been no discussions about his futures. No type of influence could dictate the timing of Kylian’s discussions, reflections, decisions.”
    The World Cup winner has just six months remaining on his current Paris Saint-Germain contract, meaning he is now free to negotiate with other clubs.
    Real Madrid have been pushing to sign Mbappe for years, but there is no guarantee that he will make the switch this summer.
    Read More on Football
    If the Frenchman decides against moving, Los Blancos could attempt to sign Haaland instead.
    According to Spanish outlet AS, the Manchester City striker is still on Carlo Ancelotti’s radar.
    Haaland’s current deal runs until 2027 and includes a £172million release clause.
    However, that clause allegedly just applies to Premier League clubs.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Mbappe has scored 18 league goals so far this season
    Haaland is leading the Premier League Golden Boot race
    For European clubs it is said to be closer to £86m.
    Haaland enjoyed a record-breaking debut season in England.
    He won the treble with Man City and scored the most Premier League goals in a single campaign. More

  • in

    Mikel Arteta’s five-point list to get Arsenal’s faltering season back on track as Gunners jet off to Dubai

    ARSENAL jet off to Dubai on Tuesday hoping the change of climate brings good fortune.The Gunners have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions, including losing their last three on the spin.
    Mikel Arteta’s side are in a poor run of formCredit: AFP
    The Gunners slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on SundayCredit: Getty
    Their dramatic drop in form has seen them fall from Christmas Day Premier League top spot to fourth in the New Year with their surge for the title fading by the week.
    Mikel Arteta has a chance to press the reset button with Arsenal’s next game not until January 20 – welcoming Crystal Palace to the Emirates in the Prem.
    In the meantime, the squad will spend a week in the Middle East soaking up the sun and getting some crucial sessions under their belt in what has been described as a “hard working training camp” before returning on January 16.
    Here, SunSport reveals what boss Arteta needs to sort to get Arsenal’s season back on track:
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    WRAP BUKAYO SAKA IN COTTON WOOL
    To his high standards, Saka has been below par in recent weeks, scoring once in his last seven games in all competitions – coinciding with Arsenal’s drop in form.
    However, there are reasons for this. The England international has been nursing an Achilles injury for some time now and is currently playing through the pain.
    He is the third-most fouled player in the Prem – behind Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Palace’s Jordan Ayew – and that stat is starting to take its toll.
    These 12 days without a game could not have come at a better time, giving Saka’s body some well-deserved rest ahead of a busy upcoming period.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Bukayo Saka is the third-most fouled player in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    GET GABRIEL JESUS BACK FIT
    Arsenal are in need of goals and cannot afford to lose Jesus for a prolonged period yet again this campaign – having already missed nine games so far this season due to injury.
    The Brazilian missed the start of the season with a minor knee operation before picking up a hamstring strain in November seeing him sidelined for several weeks.
    He missed the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool with concerns over the same knee after feeling something in training – with scans suggesting there is a slight issue.
    Arteta said: “Hopefully it is not too big” and he will be eager to get the issue sorted before returning to action later this month.
    Should Jesus be out, pressure to find goals falls to Kai Havertz and Eddie Nketiah once more.
    Gabriel Jesus has struggled with injuriesCredit: Getty
    SORT OUT LEFT-BACK SITUATION
    Despite their woes in attack, Arteta will also have concerns at the back, in particular at left-back if the last two games are anything to go by.
    Jakub Kiwior deputised in the role against Fulham on December 31 only to be hooked at half-time for Takehiro Tomiyasu – who is now at the Asian Cup with Japan.
    With Oleksandr Zinchenko still recovering from a slight calf strain, Kiwior played there again against Liverpool with a similar outcome, scoring an own goal to give the visitors the lead.
    It is clear the Polish defender is uncomfortable in that position, and looks awkward attempting to play the inverted role that Arteta favours.
    Yet even with Zinchenko fit, Arsenal have looked shaky at the back.
    However, Arteta will not rush into a January panic-buy, with Tomiyasu returning in the next couple of weeks, while long-term absentee Jurrien Timber is making progress in his comeback from knee surgery back in August, targeting mid-February.
    Jakub Kiwior has struggled at left-backCredit: Getty
    CONSIDER GOALKEEPER OPTIONS
    Arteta made a huge call in dropping Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya back in September – and it initially paid off with six clean sheets in 11 appearances in all competitions.
    However, there has been the odd iffy display from the Spaniard, including the 4-3 win against Luton last month, at fault for two goals.
    Ramsdale – unhappy with the situation – has remained patient and got his chance against Liverpool, generally impressing with ball at feet and a few top saves.
    Bringing the England keeper back into the starting XI would certainly bring the feelgood factor back – Ramsdale is a real fan favourite around the Emirates.
    It would also be a big risk, and spark more debate over the uncertainty in that position – but Ramsdale has given his boss something to think about this month.
    Arteta replaced Aaron Ramsdale as his No1 keeper with David RayaCredit: PA
    REBUILD CONFIDENCE
    This recent run has taken a huge dent out of Arsenal’s title hopes, but also their spirit, which has been a massive factor in their rise on and off the pitch in recent years.
    Read more on The Sun
    What Arteta needs is to put smiles back on faces, and what better way than to get some sun and give opportunities for some bonding time away from the limelight.
    As well as taking part in a hard-working training camp, the players will also be taking part in some commercial activities and will get some down time in the evenings.
    Arsenal find themselves stuck in a rutCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Jordan Henderson to be slapped with £3m bill if he returns to Premier League with £700k-a-week star set to quit Saudi

    JORDAN HENDERSON will be slapped with a £3million tax bill if he leaves Al-Ettifaq this month.The midfielder wants to return to the Premier League just six months after his move to Saudi Arabia.
    Jordan Henderson faces a £3million tax bill if he leaves Al-Ettifaq this monthCredit: Getty
    Henderson departed Liverpool to sign a three-year deal with Al-Ettifaq in the summer.
    His contract includes £700,000-a-week wages, which were signed on a tax-free basis.
    However, that only applies if he honours the first two years of his contract.
    As a result, Henderson would be forced to pay £3million if he returns to Europe before the end of the January transfer window.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    SunSport revealed on Saturday that the 33-year-old had told his former team-mates he has made a huge mistake.
    A return to England is on the cards for Henderson, whilst Celtic and an unnamed German club are also understood to be interested in a move.
    Leaving Saudi Arabia could also boost his chances of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
    Henderson was made captain by Steven Gerrard after joining Al-Ettifaq but has yet to score in 19 appearances for the club.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Meanwhile, Gerrard is under mounting pressure with the club dropping to eighth in the Saudi Pro League after a torrid run.
    Al-Ettifaq have won just one of their last 13 matches across all competitions and are winless in nine.
    Gerrard also lost assistant manager Ian Foster last week after he agreed to become Plymouth’s new boss.
    Steven Gerrard signed Henderson on a three-year deal in the summerCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Tottenham transfer blow as ‘Bayern Munich make last-ditch attempt to sign top target in centre-back hunt’

    BAYERN MUNICH have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Genoa defender Radu Dragusin, according to reports.Dragusin, 21, has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs this month.
    Bayern Munich want to hijack Tottenham’s pursuit of Radu DragusinCredit: Getty
    The Lilywhites sent scouts to watch him in action earlier this season and they are now prepared to table a bid.
    However, according to German outlet Sport BILD, Bayern Munich are also interested.
    Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is understood to be keen on the prospect of signing the centre-back.
    However, Tottenham are still leading the transfer race for Dragusin.
    Read More on Football
    The Romania international is reportedly valued at around £26million.
    Dragusin made his professional debut for Juventus in 2020 but struggled to establish himself as a regular first team player.
    He was subsequently loaned out three times to Sampdoria, Salernitana and Genoa.
    The defender completed a permanent move to Genoa last January and has since made 62 appearances.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Tottenham are also on the verge of signing Timo Werner on loan until the end of the season.
    The deal is expected to include an option to buy for around £14million. More

  • in

    Arsenal to beat Man Utd to top target after ‘agreeing to trigger £34m release clause’ in stunning transfer

    ARSENAL have agreed to trigger Jeremie Frimpong’s £34million release clause, according to reports.The Dutch international has emerged as a target for both the Gunners and Manchester United in recent weeks.
    Arsenal are ready to trigger Jeremie Frimpong’s £34million release clauseCredit: Getty
    He has been a key man for Bayer Leverkusen so far this season as Xabi Alonso’s side push for a first-ever Bundesliga title.
    However, Frimpong could be on the move come the end of the season.
    Bild report that Arsenal are willing to meet his £34million release clause once it becomes active in the summer.
    The Gunners are said to see the clause as a potential bargain as they move ahead of United in the race to sign the 23-year-old.
    READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
    Leverkusen are keen to keep hold of Frimpong, though, the report adds.
    They know, however, that the release clause, which was included in the new deal he signed in October, has taken his potential exit out of their hands.
    Frimpong has spent the majority of his career as a right-back but has largely been used further forward by Alonso this season.
    In 22 appearances across all competitions, the Dutchman has scored seven goals and provided 22 assists.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    He has also featured in every match of their unbeaten Bundesliga campaign so far, with Leverkusen also yet to lose in the cup or Europe.
    Frimpong previously came through Manchester City’s academy and spent two years with Celtic before joining Leverkusen in 2021. More

  • in

    Five strikers Arsenal should sign to solve goalscoring woes including Ivan Toney as Ian Wright calls for Serie A star

    ARSENAL’S woes in front of goal continued as they crashed out the FA Cup at home to Liverpool.The Gunners mustered 18 shots but again failed to find their clinical edge as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat.
    Mikel Arteta has seen his team struggle in front of goal in recent gamesCredit: Reuters
    Kai Havertz was the latest to play up front and not hit the back of the netCredit: Getty
    It is a worryingly reccurring issue after having 30 attempts without a goal in the previous home loss to West Ham.
    Arsenal have not scored in three of their last seven games and they have won just once during this disaster run.
    Fans are desperately calling for the club to sign a striker in January amid concerns Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah won’t rediscover their form and fire them to Premier League glory.
    Legend Ian Wright cried “we need a killer” after yesterday’s defeat and Martin Keown added: “If ever a game underlined the deficiencies in front of goal that was it.”
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Piers Morgan also ranted: “Best football Arsenal have played all season but same old problem – no striker who knows how to score goals. Incredibly frustrating.”
    With the transfer window now open, SunSport have taken a look at five forwards who could solve the goalscoring problem.
    Victor Osimhen
    Osimhen, 25, hit an incredible 31 goals in 39 games last season as he carried Napoli to the Serie A title.
    He has scored a more modest eight this term but remains one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    The Nigerian penned a new contract last month that runs until 2026.
    However, the deal includes a release clause worth £112million that Arsenal could trigger if they find the cash.
    Wright is in favour of a move for Osimhen, saying: “The calibre of player Arsenal need right now is somebody who hits the ground running, a top end striker, like the Osimhens of this world… that level.
    “If Arsenal want to do it now they’re going to need that level of goalscorer who will slot in straight away.”
    Osimhen has also been linked with a switch to Chelsea.
    Victor Osimhen has a £112m release clause in his contractCredit: Getty
    Ivan Toney
    Toney, 27, will return to the field next week with his eight-month betting ban coming to an end.
    The Brentford striker scored 20 goals last season and his Premier League know-how could fix Arsenal’s lack of cutting edge.
    But a January deal may prove difficult with Thomas Frank “desperate” to keep his star man for the club’s possible relegation battle.
    Meanwhile, Toney has revealed that he is keen to “repay” the club for sticking by him during his time out of football.
    It has been reported that any bid under £80m will not be considered by Brentford.
    A transfer for Ivan Toney may be tough to complete with the player hinting at staying with Brentford this seasonCredit: Alamy
    Dusan Vlahovic
    Vlahovic has been on Arsenal’s radar for two years after he nearly joined them instead of Juventus in 2022.
    The Serbian striker was signed for £62m and has scored 30 goals in 80 games for the Old Lady.
    Vlahovic has been linked with a move away from Turin with Juve needing to balance the books.
    But the 23-year-old wants to stay and recently insisted that transfer talk was just “noise”.
    Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic has been on Arsenal’s radar for some timeCredit: Reuters

    Dominic Solanke
    Reports suggest that Arsenal could launch a bid for Solanke this winter.
    The Bournemouth striker is enjoying a fantastic season in front of goal, scoring 13 times in all competitions.
    His ability to bring others into play and his Prem experience could make him a solid option for Arsenal.
    Tottenham and West Ham have also been linked with Solanke – though the Cherries insist they will not sell the 26-year-old.
    But speculation has hinted that a bid in the region of £60m could change their minds.
    Bournemouth are keen to keep Dominic Solanke until the end of the seasonCredit: Alamy
    Serhou Guirassy
    After splashing just over £200m in the summer, Arsenal may not be able to afford spending big this month.
    Therefore, Guirassy is a cheaper alternative to many other targets.
    The Stuttgart striker is having a sensational campaign, having hit 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga games this term.
    Read more on The Sun
    Guirassy, 27, has a reported £15m release clause in his contract.
    Arsenal could try to tempt him to the Emirates but there is much interest from across Europe, meaning that £15m price tag could soar.
    Serhou Guirassy is available for £15m in JanuaryCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Djed Spence set for immediate Tottenham transfer exit just days after Leeds ripped up loan contract

    DJED SPENCE is reportedly set for another loan move away from Tottenham.The right-back returned from his spell at Leeds last week after the Championship side triggered his recall clause.
    Djed Spence is set to be loaned out again after returning to Tottenham from LeedsCredit: Alamy
    Spence made just seven appearances during his loan after recovering from a knee injury.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are planning to loan the 23-year-old out again for the remainder of the season.
    The report adds that he is expected to secure a move away from North London within a matter of days.
    Spence has played for Spurs just six times since signing from Middlesbrough in 2022.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    He previously spent the second half of last season in France with Rennes after failing to establish himself at his new club.
    Ange Postecoglou also deemed him surplus to requirements after his appointment in the summer.
    As a result, the former England under-21 international had reportedly been put up for sale after his return from Leeds due to apparent “attitude issues”.
    However, Spence instead seems set for another loan move away from Spurs, where he is contracted until 2027.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Elsewhere, Eric Dier could also leave the club this week after agreeing terms on a move to Bayern Munich.
    As for incomings, former Chelsea striker Timo Werner is on the verge of becoming Postecoglou’s first January signing.
    The German forward will sign on loan from RB Leipzig with an option to buy. More

  • in

    Amad Diallo forces famous Man Utd fan page to delete post and apologise after trolling them with ‘stop lying, mate’ post

    MANCHESTER UNITED winger Amad Diallo has shut down rumours linking him with a loan move to the Championship this month.The 21-year-old returned to Old Trafford in July following a successful season-long loan with Sunderland.
    Amad Diallo has suggested that he will stay at Man Utd this seasonCredit: Alamy
    The 21-year-old shut down rumours linking him with a move to the ChampionshipCredit: X / @Amaddiallo_19
    However, he suffered a knee injury during the club’s pre-season tour and spent the first half of the 2023-24 campaign on the sidelines.
    His lack of minutes have led some Man Utd fans to believe that he will be loaned back to the Championship until the end of the season.
    But Diallo has suggested that he will be staying with the Red Devils for the foreseeable future.
    Responding to a Man Utd fan page that had shared speculation around his future on X, he wrote: “Stop lying mate!”
    Read More on Man Utd
    The fan page then replied: “Hi Amad, apologies if the post has been misunderstood.
    “We’re not saying that you’re leaving. We’re just sharing quotes from a former Premier League player who suggested a Championship side could look to make a move for you. That’s why used the word ‘tipped’.
    “As United fans, we would love to see you play and tear it up now that you’ve returned from injury.
    “You can see the context of what we’ve written in the article itself. Hope that clears the situation up. Best regards!”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Diallo joined Man Utd in a £37million transfer from Atalanta in 2021 and has since made 10 first team appearances.
    Erik ten Hag is confident that the Ivory Coast international will add a spark to his attacking line-up.
    He said: “Yeah, he is very ball secure. He can bring key actions, final passes, score a goal. And so I think he has some weapons. That is always what you are looking for with offensive players.” More