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    Marginal gains? More like major shambles… Sir Dave Brailsford presided over Man Utd’s worst season for half a century

    IT turns out Manchester United wasn’t the right place for ‘marginal gains’ man Sir Dave Brailsford.Had Brailsford been the ‘bloody great whopping gains man’, then perhaps it might have been, because United aren’t failing by fine margins.Sir Dave Brailsford has stepped down from his duties at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyLast season they failed to win the title by 42 points, gaining exactly half as many as champions Liverpool.They failed to qualify for Europe this year.And, for years now, their player recruitment has failed to make any footballing or economic sense.When Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over United’s footballing arm in December 2023, Brailsford — as Ineos director of sport — assumed a hands-on role at Old Trafford.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBrailsford was the billionaire’s eyes and ears, his most trusted lieutenant, and it was hoped his philosophy of ‘marginal gains’ — which made him so successful in cycling — would translate to football.Yet just 18 months later, Brailsford relinquishes his day-to-day duties at the club with United further away than ever from where they want to be.Brailsford had forged his reputation in cycling on those ‘marginal gains’ — think of everything that goes into riding a bike, improve them all by one per cent, add them up and you have a significant increase in performance.Which is all well and good when it comes to the singular act of cycling.Most read in FootballBrailsford was brought in as part of Ineos’ Man Utd revolution under Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: AlamyBrailsford was a key part of British cycling before his more recent move into footballCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordNot so much when it comes to the very many more moving parts that make up a massively underachieving football club.Back at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where his Team GB cyclists racked up eight gold medals, Brailsford was widely regarded as the finest mind in sport.Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inBy 2012, when Britain won another eight golds in the London velodrome, and Brailsford’s Team Sky had taken their stranglehold on the Tour de France Yellow Jersey, it was ‘arise Sir Dave’.But a lot of effluent had passed under the bridge between that high watermark and Brailsford’s arrival at Old Trafford more than a decade later.By then, his reputation had taken a battering — there had been allegations about the contents of a jiffy bag, the employment of ‘Therapeutic Use Exemptions’ for banned drugs, as well as accusations of bullying under Brailsford’s watch from some of his most successful cyclists.While clearly a brilliant man in many ways, Brailsford was damaged goods by the time he rocked up at United.And those who have tried to bring ideas from other sports into football have tended to fail — World Cup-winning rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward’s spell at Southampton being a prime example.Brailsford — who is 61 but only celebrated his 15th birthday last year, due to him being born on February 29 — played a key part in Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford ‘politburo’.He was instrumental in the Carrington training ground refurbishment and staff job cuts, as well as in the appointment of Ruben Amorim as manager.Brailsford helped guide Man Utd to the appointment of Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyBrailsford led ‘Mission 21’ to deliver United’s 21st league title, which forms part of ‘Project 150’ to mark the club’s 150th anniversary in 2028 — because these people always have to have a ‘mission’ and they always have to have a ‘project’.But the idea of United being crowned champions within three years looks pie in the sky after what was comfortably the club’s worst season for half a century.Brailsford has come and gone, Dan Ashworth — one of the most well-regarded administrators in football — has been and gone within five months.The same period of time he served on gardening leave after Ratcliffe poached him from Newcastle.Former Manchester City bigwig Omar Berrada remains in post as chief executive after winning his power struggle with Ashworth, while Jason Wilcox has been promoted from ‘technical director’ to ‘director of football’.At least, for the time being.Read More on The SunBrailsford remains on United’s board but is expected to devote more time to the Ineos Grenadiers cycling team, as well as Ratcliffe’s other football club, Nice.His time at United has been a curious one but rather than marginal gains, he presided over a major shambles.Man Utd have endured one of their worst ever seasonsCredit: Getty More

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    Olympic bronze medalist Lewis Richardson, 28, set for professional boxing debut at stadium where he used to sell pies

    LEWIS RICHARDSON flogged Pukka Pies as a schoolboy in the same Ipswich stadium he’ll earn his first real crust in on Saturday.The 2024 Olympic bronze winner helped put himself through his GCSEs and A-levels by serving up grub to hungry Tractor Boys at Portman Road over a decade ago.Lewis Richardson returns to the same stadium he sold pies for his pro boxing debutCredit: GettyRichardson won bronze in the 2024 OlympicsCredit: GettyRichardson turned professional in May 2025Credit: GettyAnd the Colchester southpaw will break into the paid ranks by filling in Dmitri Protkunas, just down the road from his family home in a dream debut.He told SunSport: “Despite it being so close, this is probably the first time I have been in Ipswich for a year.“I came for one night out here when I was younger but I quickly realised that I had to stay true to my roots back in Colchester.“I did do some matchday shifts here, though, serving up the Pukka Pies.Read More on Boxing“I did the same job at Colchester when I was around 16 and when Ipswich were short staffed a few times, we got the call to come over – and now I am boxing here, it’s crazy.“I thought a London debut at York Hall or Wembley Arena was going to be a perfect start but Ipswich football stadium is unreal.“All the friends and family who have talked about attending my first pro fight would have had to book trains or hotels.“But we don’t even need to arrange minibuses for anyone, it’s a 29 minute drive from my front door, so everyone is happy sharing taxis for a great night.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRichardson turned 28 on Wednesday but had to bin his birthday plans to make the middleweight limit for this weekend.The spicy celebrations have been pushed back but the silky southpaw plans to put in a curry order worthy of a Gavin and Stacey special, to make up for the diet.Three-weight world champion Vasily Lomachenko retires after more than 400 FIGHTS in lengthy video“The birthday is postponed for four days,” he revealed to us. “The party is pushed back to Sunday.“I have a curry house booked in Colchester for 15 of us and my mouth is watering just talking to you about it now.“I can’t even think about my order now.”But I can say for sure that I will sound like Smithy with the number of bhunas and naans and rice types I am going to order.” More

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    ‘We’re talking’ – Liverpool star Luis Diaz opens door to £70m Barcelona transfer with bombshell statement

    LUIS DIAZ opened the door to a shock £70million Barcelona move by confessing he is in talks with other clubs.Liverpool yesterday rejected an approach from the Spanish giants to speak to their Colombian winger.Luis Diaz has revealed he is talking to other clubs about an exit from Liverpool this summerCredit: ReutersBut Diaz, who has two years left on his Anfield contract, declared: “The market is open and we’re trying to sort out what’s best for us.“We’re talking with other clubs. It’s the transfer window, it’s normal.“I’m very happy at Liverpool. From day one, they’ve made me feel really welcome.“Right now we’re in contact with them because we’re speaking with other clubs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I am just waiting to see what happens. If Liverpool don’t make a good offer, I still have two years left with them, I would be happy to stay there.“It’s up to them. I am just waiting to see what happens. Everything depends on them.“Obviously, it’s up to me to decide what’s best for the future.”Diaz’s bombshell comments came after Liverpool posted a picture of him kissing the Premier League trophy on their official X page, accompanied with the caption: “He’s from Barrancas and he plays for Liverpool.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd his statement is bound to infuriate Kop boss Arne Slot.Diaz, 28, was a key part of Liverpool’s Prem title triumph last season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists.Mass brawl breaks out in Colombia’s win over Bolivia after Luis Diaz is victim of horror tackleHe joined the Reds from Porto in January 2022 in a deal worth up to £49m.The Colombian has scored 41 goals in 148 appearances for the Reds, winning the Prem, FA Cup and two League Cups.Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, contacted Liverpool on Wednesday to discuss the deal but was told the Kop club do not want to sell.Dutchman Slot wants to keep Diaz for next season’s title defence as he plans a £200m reboot that will include the £126m arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.Barca want Diaz to slot in alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in their front three.But he is also Saudi club Al-Nassr’s top target.His partner, Gera Ponce, posted an emotional Instagram message which some fans believe is a farewell.Read More on The SunShe wrote: “Thank you for so much love, for so much dedication and for making us feel at home.“This is a real bond, deep and strong, that reaffirms we’ll never walk alone.”Liverpool are on the verge of signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer LeverkusenCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal ‘considering shock transfer for Kepa with Chelsea’s record keeper available for peanuts

    ARSENAL are considering a shock move to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to reports.Kepa, 30, spent this season on loan with Bournemouth, where he kept eight clean sheets in 31 Premier League appearances.Arsenal are interested in signing Kepa ArrizabalagaCredit: GettyThe Spanish shot-stopper is surplus to requirements at Chelsea, who signed him for £72million in 2018 – a record fee for a goalkeeper.But his time with The Blues didn’t go to plan and Kepa has since been on loan with Bournemouth and Real Madrid, last playing for Chelsea in 2023.It now looks like a permanent exit is on the cards after Sky Sports revealed that Arsenal are interested in signing Kepa to provide backup for David Raya.Kepa is thought to be available for just £5MILLION thanks to a release clause in his contract that was agreed prior to his loan move to the Cherries last summer.READ MORE ON ARSENALShould the Gunners convince Kepa to jump ship to North London, they would be securing his services for over 14 TIMES less than Chelsea paid for him.Kepa’s current contract with Chelsea expires in 2026.Bournemouth keeper Neto spent last season on loan with Arsenal, making just one appearance across the entire campaign.Arsenal had been linked with a move to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, but the La Liga gloveman now looks set for a move to Barcelona.Most read in FootballKepa spent last season on loan at Real MadridCredit: GettyDavid Raya has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since joining ArsenalCredit: GettyJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesMikel Arteta and his team are hoping to add depth in between the sticks, but are thought to still see David Raya as the number one.Raya has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since his arrival from Brentford, forming the base of the Premier League’s most formidable defence this season.David Raya reveals Arsenal career changed overnight following two-hour meeting For Arteta, the main focus will be on bringing in a centre-forward.Arsenal are crying out for a front man this summer after injuries forced midfielder Mikel Merino to play up front for the latter stages of the campaign.Reports have suggested that one of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko or Sporting bagsman Viktor Gyokeres will come through the door at the Emirates in the coming months.However, both deals are likely to be expensive and neither player is without suitors from other top clubs around Europe too. More

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    Jack Grealish told his Man City career is OVER with Pep Guardiola ready to sell England star for cut-price transfer fee

    MANCHESTER CITY face taking a £60million hit on Jack Grealish to sell him this summer.The fallen £100m star will not be on the plane to America next week as part of Pep Guardiola’s Club World Cup squad.Manchester City face losing £60m to sell Jack Grealish this summerCredit: GettyGrealish is set to be left out of Man City’s squad for the Club World CupCredit: ReutersAnd SunSport understands plans are now in place to speed up his exitCredit: GettyAnd Grealish, 29, has been told there is no way back for him – with City willing to sell the attacker for a cut-price £40m.SunSport understands plans are now in place to speed up his exit and his representatives are actively searching for a new club.Grealish is the second of Guardiola’s squad being forced to leave after Kevin De Bruyne, 33, was told he could head out as a free agent at the end of the month despite the player wanting to stay.Defenders Kyle Walker, 35, and John Stones, 31, are likely to follow as Guardiola and his Etihad bosses work on bringing in new blood to bolster an ageing squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAC Milan playmaker Tijjani Reijnders is on his way for £46.2m and City are understood to have agreed a £30m deal for Lyon ace Rayan Cherki.Rayan Ait-Nouri’s £34m move from Wolves should also be finalised in time for him to fly out with City next week.Grealish still has two years left on a contract worth £300,000 a week having arrived from Aston Villa for a then-British record fee in 2021.He is unlikely to be offered such a huge wage elsewhere at his age.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut Guardiola and City are anxious to make his exit as easy as possible and are working to help him find a new home.His former club Villa, Newcastle, Everton, West Ham and Italian club Napoli are all interested, with Etihad chiefs keen to free up squad space.Jack Grealish shows off his singing skills as he meets Rod Stewart in Dortmund with mum and dad on break from Man City More

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    Spain 5 France 4: Lamine Yamal stakes Ballon d’Or claim to set up Ronaldo clash as Spaniards see off epic late fightback

    LAMINE YAMAL won the Battle of the Ballon d’Or as Spain sneaked into the Nations League final after a nine-goal thriller against France.All eyes in Stuttgart were on the mouthwatering duel between La Roja sensation Yamal, 17, and Les Bleus star Ousmane Dembele, 28.Lamine Yamal won the battle of the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettySpain survived a late comeback against France to get into their third Uefa Nations League final in a rowCredit: EPAOusmane Dembele blanked on a potentially crucial night for Ballon d’Or judgementCredit: AFPThe win sets up a final clash with Cristiano Ronaldo and PortugalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBoth are in with a shout of winning the Ballon d’Or in three months time with 51 club goals in all competitions between them for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain this term.Yet it was the Barca teenage superstar who grabbed the headlines with a stunning second-half double – now with 48 goal contributions in 57 games for club and country this campaign – alongside impressive strikes from Nico Williams, Mikel Merino and Pedri.Kylian Mbappe netted a 59th-minute spot-kick and a late comeback looked on the cards thanks to debutant Rayan Cherki’s 79th-minute attempt, an 84th-minute Daniel Vivian own goal and Randal Kolo Muani’s injury-time header.But Spain held on, facing Portugal in Munich on Sunday – their third Nations League final on the spin – and sets up a clash between Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt also extends their unbeaten competitive run to 24 games, last losing in March 2023 – their longest streak for 15 years, back when they were world champions.France, meanwhile, were woeful, despite a fine attacking quartet of PSG Champions League-winning pair Dembele and Desire Doue alongside Real Madrid’s Mbappe and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.Both Yamal and Dembele were lively early on before Williams stung the roof of the net in the 22nd minute from a cute pass by Mikel Oyarzabal.Three minutes later, Oyarzabal was at the heart of things again as a one-two put Arsenal’s Merino through and he slotted past Chelsea target Mike Maignan.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt could have been 3-0 before the break but for Dean Huijsen’s volley being ruled out for offside. Yamal added the third in the 54th minute, hauled down by Adrien Rabiot in the box.I sold Lamine Yamal trading card for life changing amount – my wife doesn’t think it’s a silly hobby nowAnother Barca starlet Pedri, 22, made it four less than a minute later with a dink over Maignan as Didier Deschamps’ men crumbled.Mbappe converted from the spot in the 59th minute following a tangle with Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, but it was short-lived thanks to a world-class finish from a tight angle by Yamal in the 67th minute – his sixth goal in 20 Spain caps. More

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    David Beckham to finally be awarded knighthood after string of near misses & disappointments over more than a decade

    DAVID Beckham is to finally be awarded a knighthood, The Sun can reveal.The footie legend, 50, will become a ‘Sir’ in the King’s Birthday Honours list next week.David Beckham is to finally be awarded a knighthood – with wife Victoria set to be known as Lady BeckhamCredit: GettyThe ex-England and Man United star has longed for a knighthood for yearsCredit: PADavid has struck up a firm friendship with King CharlesCredit: PAHis Spice Girl wife Victoria will be known as Lady Beckham.Ex-England and Man United star Becks has longed for a knighthood for years.The news will also bring some joy to the Beckham household amid a rift with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz.Politicians and fellow sports stars have spent years calling for the man known as “Golden Balls” to receive a knighthood.READ MORE ON DAVID BECKHAMThe father of four — who played 115 times for England and has made major contributions to charity— has struck up a firm friendship with King Charles.And the monarch dropped a potential hint last month that his wait was coming to an end.Countryside-loving Becks, who is an ambassador of The King’s Foundation, was seen greeting Charles and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show.Coveted honourHe shares a passion for horticulture with Charles and sported the King’s rose in his lapel.Most read in FootballCharles asked him: “You got it, didn’t you?”Becks replied: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.”David Beckham meets with King Charles at Chelsea Flower ShowLetters inviting recipients to accept honours are sent out weeks in advance – and one may have already landed on David’s mat at the time of their chat.He was first put forward for a knighthood in 2011 after helping to secure the London 2012 Olympics.But he was blocked from getting the title by the Honours Committee after becoming caught up in a tax avoidance scheme, along with many other stars.Becks retired from playing in 2013, and his finances were cleared by the taxman at least four years ago – paving the way for him to finally get the coveted honour.Many thought it would finally come in 2022, after he spent 13 hours queuing with the public to pay his respects at Queen Elizabeth’s coffin, which lay in state in Westminster.But he was again left waiting for the honour.The Beckham household will be glad of the good news amid a rift with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola PeltzCredit: GettyThe Beckhams from left to right: Romeo, Rome’s former girlfriend Kim Turnbull, Harper, Victoria, David, Cruz and Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie ApostelCredit: Tim StewartThe Sun understands he narrowly missed out on a knighthood in the New Year Honours List published in December last year.Former England football manager Gareth Southgate got the award.David had been given an OBE in 2003 for services to football.He received it from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, watched by proud Victoria, sons Brooklyn and Romeo, and his grandparents.David and his wife — who shot to fame with the Spice Girls before becoming a successful fashion designer — have an estimated combined net worth of £500million.David also has a long history of charitable work, which will have been considered by officials on the Honours Committee.It was inspiring to hear from The King about the work of His Majesty’s FoundationDavid BeckhamLast year, he was formally made a charity ambassador by the King, and beekeeper Becks was buzzing with excitement at teaming up with him.Charles invited Beckham to Highgrove to learn more about the charity, which focuses on “creating better communities where people, places and the planet can coexist in harmony”.Tours of the grounds help to fund workshops and courses in traditional skills and crafts, and the former footie star met woodworking and embroidery students.Becks said at the time: “I’m excited to be working with The King’s Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work.Former footie ace David played 115 times for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdDavid and wife Victoria have an estimated combined net worth of £500millionCredit: Instagram”I’ve always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons and I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation’s education programmes and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature.“Having developed a love for the countryside I’m also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the Foundation’s work.“It was inspiring to hear from The King about the work of His Majesty’s Foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens — and compare beekeeping tips.”In 2020, he teamed up with the Chelsea Pensioners as he backed The Sun’s campaign to save the Poppy Appeal amid the devastating Covid lockdown.He said he was “in awe” of the veterans as he delivered poppies to their London HQ.David added: “With another lockdown coming it is more important than ever that we support our veterans.”David teamed up with the Chelsea Pensioners as he backed The Sun’s campaign to save the Poppy AppealCredit: The SunBecks, also dad to son Cruz and daughter Harper, has carried out lots of charity work focusing on children, and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador 20 years ago.To mark his 50th birthday last month he appealed for donations for the charity.He was also a founding member of the leadership council of charity Malaria No More in 2009, helping to eradicate the disease, even visiting No 10 to highlight the issue.In 2023, he delighted the Brentford Penguins – a football team for children with Down’s Syndrome — with a visit to celebrate them winning one of The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards.He took footballing son Romeo with him to lead a surprise training session.David celebrated his 50th last month with a string of parties, though Brooklyn stayed away.Read More on The SunThe honours will be formally announced later this month.The government does not comment on them beforehand.WINNER ON PITCH AND OFFBECKHAM enjoyed an 18-year career that included winning titles in four countries — England, Spain, the US and France — and made him one of the world’s best-known footballers. Some of his most striking moments are:APRIL 1995: Becks makes his Premier League debut for Manchester United in a 0-0 draw against Leeds.AUGUST 1996: Scores famous goal from halfway line against Wimbledon.MARCH 1997: Meets Spice Girl Victoria at an Old Trafford charity match.JANUARY 1998: Posh and Becks announce their engagement.JUNE 1998: Plays in his first World Cup with England but is sent off in defeat against Argentina.MARCH 1999: Has his first child, son Brooklyn, with fiancée Victoria.MAY 1999: Wins the treble with United as they beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.JULY 1999: Weds Posh in lavish ceremony in Dublin’s Luttrellstown Castle.NOVEMBER 2000: Named England captain for first time.OCTOBER 2001: Celebrates as his free-kick goal against Greece takes England to World Cup, left.JUNE 2003: Joins Real Madrid after falling out of favour with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.JANUARY 2005: Becomes a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, having previously supported its work for children.MARCH 2005: Opens his first football academy.JULY 2005: Helps London to win its bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.JULY 2007: Joins US side LA Galaxy, before two loan moves to Italian giants AC Milan while in LA.JANUARY 2013: Joins Paris Saint-Germain, donating wages to kids’ charity.MAY 2013: Retires from professional football.FEBRUARY 2015: The 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund is launched to mark his tenth year as goodwill ambassador.JUNE 2024: Becomes a King’s Foundation ambassador. 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    ‘No chance now’ – Arsenal fans terrified Arteta will scrap striker transfer chase after Nations League semi-final

    ARSENAL fans are worried that Mikel Arteta could call off their striker search this summer after Mikel Merino continued his fine form in front of goal.Merino, 28, scored once again as he helped Spain reach the Nations League final with an astonishing 5-4 victory over France.Mikel Merino continued his goalscoring formCredit: GettyMerino tucked away a delightful weak-footed finish as Spain ran riot over France in the Nations LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Gunners are crying out for a centre-forward this summer and reports suggest that they will be bringing in a new frontman over the coming months.Arteta’s injury ravaged side forced him to put central midfielder Merino up top for the latter stages of the season.And the former Real Sociedad star, who had never played as a striker before, took the opportunity with both hands – scoring seven goals and registering four assists from February onwards.Now Merino has continued that form with Spain, scoring with a delightful finish on his week foot to help his nation to a dramatic win over France on Thursday night.READ MORE ON ARSENALAs well taken as the goal was, Arsenal fans have been left concerned by the performance – worrying Mikel Arteta will ditch his plans to sign one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres in favour of using Merino.On social media, one wrote: “Merino scoring again for Spain. Yeah there’s no chance Arteta buys a striker this summer…”While another added: “I’m happy Merino is scoring… but then again, I don’t want Arteta to start getting any ideas”.A third joked: “What is Mikel Merino doing? Now Mikel Arteta won’t buy a striker.”Most read in FootballMikel Arteta is looking for a new striker for the Gunners this summerCredit: AFPMerino had a superb end to the campaign as a striker for ArsenalJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAnd a fourth posted: “Who needs Gyokeres?”Reports have suggested that one of Sesko or Gyokeres will be Emirates bound come the end of the summer window.Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UKAs for Merino’s contribution to Spain, he was one of four different scorers for the European champions in a crazy semi-final.A Lamine Yamal brace, and goals from Pedri and Nico Williams piled misery on France who put up a late comeback, but still fell short of Spain’s class.Real Madrid newbie Dean Huijsen was almost on the scoresheet too, but saw his spectacular acrobatic effort ruled out for offside – robbing the 20-year-old of a memorable first goal for the national team.France managed to force a Dani Vivian own goal, a Kylian Mbappe penalty and a jaw-dropping long-range debut goal from Man City-bound Rayan Cherki.While Randal Kolo Muani made it 5-4 in injury time, but it wasn’t enough to undo the damage caused by Spain earlier in the game.Spain will now face Portugal in the Nations League final on Sunday.That match, hosted at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, will see a match up of the past vs the future when Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, and Lamine Yamal, 17, face off for the first ever time.Nico Williams opened the scoring for SpainCredit: GettyPedri was also on the scoresheetCredit: ReutersLamine Yamal bagged a brace for SpainCredit: AFPKylian Mbappe converted from the spot for FranceCredit: AFPRayan Cherki scored a stunning long-range effort on his debut for the French national teamCredit: Reuters More