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      Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day blunder he made in last-ever appearance for first time in 26 years

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      GARY LINEKER revealed the blunder he made for the very first time – in his last-ever Match of the Day show. Lineker, 64, bowed out from the programme on Sunday night at the end of the Premier League season.Gary Lineker made a blunder at the end of his final Match of the Day showCredit: PALineker explained the mistake on The Rest Is Football podcastCredit: YouTube – The Rest Is FootballHe had planned to stay on presenting FA Cup matches and front the World Cup coverage next summer.But the legendary broadcaster walked away from the BBC for good following an anti-semitism row and fall-out with Beeb bosses. And Lineker admitted he made a glaring error as he closed his final show – and one he had never done before. Towards the end of the show, there was an emotional montage of friends, colleagues and team-mates paying tribute to the departing host.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe likes of Alan Hansen, Paul Gascoigne, Ian Wright and Lineker’s three sons all contributed then after a special message from Andrea Bocelli, Lineker had welled up and was understandably finding it difficult to keep it all together. So much so that when he went to talk through the final Premier League table, he fluffed his lines.Lineker could be heard scrambling around trying to find the piece of paper with the script to talk through the table – but with no joy.And that meant he had to make it up as he went along – and did so with his brilliant charm and ease.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSChoking back tears on the live TV show, Lineker said: “I don’t know if I can speak. I’ll try.”For one last time, here’s the Premier League table.”Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axeThen came a pause as he rustled through the papers, before continuing: “And I can’t find the copy.”So I tell you what, you can just read it for yourselves because it doesn’t matter. “Liverpool won the league as you can see, the teams that qualified for the Champions League are Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle.”Villa and Forest will also play European football next season.”Let’s have a look at the bottom of the table – it’s the first time I’ve ever ad-libbed this.”Ermm, the bottom three are going down as they do tend to do at the end of the season.”One of those teams is, of course, Leicester which is not really how I wanted to finish.”Lineker’s mishap prompted sniggering laughter from pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.’I WAS STRUGGLING’And when the trio reconvened for their TheRest Is Football podcast, the ex-Leicester striker addressed the gaffe. Lineker explained: “When they played the montage, I was struggling, especially when I saw my boys.”Thankfully, that wasn’t the last clip because I’d gone at that point and needed time to get myself together to try and get through the end of the show.”It’s weird, isn’t it? I presented it for 26 years and I always finish with the Premier League table and then a closing line.”But for the first time ever, because of everything that was going on, I completely lost what we call the copy, the written form of what I read out over the tables.”That’s written by the subs and it needs to be accurate – you can’t make any mistakes.”For the first time in 26 years, I couldn’t find it and it wasn’t there, so I just bust which was a bit different.”Read More on The SunLineker was gifted with a couple of presents by Shearer and Richards before making a thank-you speech to end his final appearance on the show, which was closed by Bocelli performing and a series of the season’s highlights.Somewhat ironically, the final game of Lineker’s long stint was his beloved Leicester losing with their relegation already confirmed – nine years after he opened Match of the Day in his underpants following their 5,000-1 title win. Lineker was given a wonderful send-off by Alan Shearer and Micah RichardsCredit: PALineker departed after 26 years in the BBC studio hot seatCredit: BBC More

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      Callum Wilson wanted by two Premier League clubs if he snubs Newcastle’s reduced contract offer

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      CALLUM WILSON is a target for Everton – although he could still end up staying at Newcastle.Sunsport revealed how newly-promoted Leeds were the first club to make a move for the Toon forward who is out of contract next month.Callum Wilson is wanted by EvertonCredit: GettyNewcastle decided against taking up their one-year option on Wilson, 33,.But they have given him a fresh offer on reduced terms which is based on appearances.A £20million arrival from Bournemouth five years ago, he has a record of 47 goals in 113 Premier League appearances in the north-east.Yet he made just three starts this season and failed to score a Premier League goal but Everton boss David Moyes still wants to take him to Merseyside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMoyes is desperate to bring in another striker but is unable to pay a large fee, which is why Wilson, a free transfer, would fit the bill.Leeds are hopeful though that Wilson could be tempted to Elland Road as he would be guaranteed to play every week under Daniel Farke.Although his injury record – with hamstring and back issues – is a slight concern.Wilson has nine England caps but his last appearance for the Three Lions was against Scotland in 2023.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEverton are also interested in signing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who has a £30million release fee.However the the youngster is in high demand, with Chelsea and Manchester United keen to strike a deal.Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a childIt has been claimed the Red Devils are leading the race for Delap after agreeing personal terms with the 22-year-old.Man Utd chiefs have reportedly agreed the “framework” of a deal that would see them trigger Delap’s buyout clause. More

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      Marc Cucurella was so unpopular at Barcelona his team-mates couldn’t even look at him – now he’s undroppable at Chelsea

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      MARC CUCURELLA has faced rejection many times in his career but he just doesn’t give up.When he signed from Espanyol nobody at Barcelona would talk to him for weeks because he celebrated wildly after beating them in a youth cup game. Cucurella has had to overcome adversity but he’s living his best life at ChelseaCredit: GettyHis start to life at Chelsea was tough but he’s overcome his problemsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportCucurella was such a massive hit at Brighton when he first arrived in EnglandCredit: AFPHe’d come to training but would never talk to anyone and mostly sat in the changing room by himself.In an exclusive interview, his old team-mate at Barcelona, Carles Alena, told SunSport: “He took his shirt off, went wild and the crazy thing is, a month later, he had signed for Barcelona so you can imagine how we felt.“When he came to Barca for preseason, I remember I couldn’t even look at him. Neither could many of my team-mates and he didn’t want to look at us either.“He was kind of embarrassed and I remember those first few days, he’d sit in the locker room without even making eye contact, like ‘Damn, what have I done?’”READ MORE IN CHELSEABut football has a unique way of joining people and it wasn’t long before his new team-mates started to understand it was all done in the spirit of competitiveness. His second immediate challenge was to break into the first team, every player who comes through their La Masia academy dreaming of playing for Barcelona. If they don’t, it can crush them – but Cucurella’s story is proof that sometimes to win, you have to lose first.The first-team league debut never came. So in the summer of 2018 with the transfer window about to close, he got a phone call from Eibar sporting director Fran Garagarza.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeHe said: “Hey, I know you want to play at Barcelona but maybe you can play at Eibar first, then you can show them what you’re made of.”Most young players at La Masia would hesitate but Cucurella was hungry to play so he didn’t dwell on it for long. Marc Cucurella wipes away tears as Chelsea star and Wag Claudia Rodriguez reveal emotional strain of son Mateo’s autismHe had come from Espanyol and after a difficult start won over everyone but he had a feeling it was time to go big time.Alena, who had become his best friend in the squad, revealed: “He didn’t want to play in Segunda B again.”Then the opportunity with Eibar came up, and I think he made the right choice because he had a coach there, Mendilibar, who really trusted him. “He became even more of a footballer there than he already was.”The meeting to leave Barcelona lasted just two hours, that was it. From that moment, his life and mindset changed.He went from waiting for opportunities to creating them himself. Sometimes that’s all you need.He was one of the popular faces at La Masia, but there were others seen as more talented or higher in the pecking order – but still he was more aggressive, more driven.Cucurella and his family are settled in London nowCredit: instagram/@_claurodriBarcelona agreed to a loan with Eibar, with a £2million option to buy, and a £4m buy-back clause. Everyone was satisfied.Eibar coach Jose Luis Mendilibar, who gave him his debut, told Marca: “He’s a kid who’s neither fast nor strong.“In all the measurements we do with the many machines we have, he doesn’t fit into any of them.“You’d never sign him based on that but he’s a footballer, very smart. He chooses well. That’s Marc Cucurella.”In the entire Spanish football pyramid, Eibar is one of the hardest places to play. They’re a small team from a tiny village in the Basque region, known for playing physical, direct football, more like English teams than the typical Spanish style.Cucurella had to leave Barcelona to become his own manCredit: Getty ImagesFor someone from La Masia, that should’ve been a challenge but Cucurella excelled there.They say you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option – so the new challenge tested him and he passed with flying colours.Eibar exercised the buy option and Barcelona bought him back for £4m, making Eibar a £2m profit in just one season.Getafe daysCucurella returned to Barcelona twice as tall, more confident and having proved himself by helping a small club punch above their weight.One team stood out among the clubs interested, Getafe.Ramon Planes, now sporting director at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, knew the Spanish system well and had kept a close eye on Cucurella.He convinced Barcelona to do a similar deal as they had with Eibar but this time for £10m potentially rising to £18.5m.Cucurella spent two seasons at Getafe, playing their memorable Europa League campaign and helping the team cement their LaLiga status.Left-back Marc Cucurella has come through the ranks in Barcelona’s academyCredit: Getty ImagesAmankwaa Akurugu, the backup left-back to Cucurella at Getafe, exclusively tells SunSport: “I was young and he came in with so much experience and energy.“He was exemplary in the dressing room but it was on the pitch where his energy really showed, his pressing was relentless and his defensive work was solid.“He never acted like he was from Barcelona and deserved respect. He was humble, cracked jokes with us and made everything easy.“He easily could’ve acted like the boss after all he’d done well the previous season and was still on Barcelona’s books but none of that shows how grounded he is.”BrightonCucurella’s stock kept rising, West Ham showed strong interest but David Moyes didn’t think he would be a good fit for their style.That turned out to be the Irons’ loss and Brighton’s gain.From day one in East Sussex he was a hit. You can spend years sharpening your skills and then when success comes it often happens fast and feels inevitable.Cucurella was excited to be in the Premier League. Brighton was different from Espanyol, Barcelona, Eibar, or Getafe, but it was a good fit. He loved how Graham Potter saw the game.By the end of his first season, he’d been named both Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season.Brighton are renowned for elite recruitment but few players have delivered value on and off the pitch as quickly and effectively as the curly-haired Spaniard.Chelsea beat Manchester City to his signatureCucurella’s breakout Premier League season caught the attention of Pep Guardiola, who reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the player.But once Brighton learned Chelsea were also in the race they raised the price and Manchester City couldn’t match it.Cucurella’s hardwork on the pitch has won over fansCredit: GettyChelsea paid a whopping £60m for him, but like at Barcelona, his start to life in West London was tough.Yet the lessons and experience of a tough beginning meant he stuck with it instead of jumping at the first opportunity to move.Manchester United lost two of their left backs and were looking for stop gap options.And Cucurella, struggling at Chelsea, could have jumped at the opportunity but he stuck and fought his way back from being surplus to requirement to being unstoppable this season. Everything about him has been exemplary at Chelsea, he’s added to his game, scores goals and defends aggressively. Read More on The SunNow when he doesn’t play there is a feeling that something is missing.And he might just be adding a Conference League title to his resume this week. More

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      Mary Earps sparks row with bombshell England retirement just five weeks before Euros leaving Sarina Wiegman furious

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      MARY EARPS announced her shock retirement from international football with immediate effect.And it means the goalkeeper will not line up between the sticks as England aim to retain the Euros this summer – leaving boss Sarina Wiegman seething.Mary Earps announced her shock international retirementCredit: GettySarina Wiegman was furious with the timing of the decisionCredit: ReutersEarps, 32, played a key role in the Lionesses’ runs to the Euro 2022 title and 2023 World Cup final.The ex-Manchester United star was crowned a two-time Fifa Women’s Best Goalkeeper and even BBC Sport Personality of the Year after her penalty save in the 2023 World Cup final defeat to Spain. PSG stopper Earps was in a battle with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in Wiegman’s starting XI for the upcoming Euros in Switzerland. Hampton was picked in England’s last three Nations League matches – against Spain and the double header against Belgium. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, just five weeks out from the tournament and the day after the team met for their training camp at St George’s Park, 53-cap ace Earps dropped the major bombshell news.According to The Telegraph, Earps quit in an awkward meeting after being told she was now back-up to Hampton. She said: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”Mary Earps wins SPOTY as Lioness makes history after England World Cup final run, In a cryptic Instagram post, Earps added: “My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament.“Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision. “There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren’t important right now, but what it boils down to is: it’s now the right moment for me to step aside.“This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer. In the end, all you have is all you are – your character. “And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.”But the shock announcement so close to the Euros left Wiegman furious, with the Dutchwoman ready to call on her experience and leadership in Switzerland.The Lionesses face France, the Netherlands and Wales in Group D.Now, though, Hampton looks set to be the unchallenged No1.’I AM DISAPPOINTED’Wiegman said bluntly: “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed.”Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football.“We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer.”But for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Uefa Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.”Read More on The SunEngland face Portugal at Wembley on Friday and then Spain next Tuesday in the Nations League.A friendly with Jamaica takes place at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on June 29 before their opening group game of the Euros against France on July 5. Earps played a key role as England won Euro 2022 at WembleyCredit: PAShe famously led the celebrations by crashing the press conferenceCredit: GettyEarps saved a penalty in the 2023 World Cup final defeat to SpainCredit: PAThe goalkeeper was named 2023 BBC Sport Personality of the YearCredit: PAHannah Hampton trained with England at St George’s Park on MondayCredit: Reuters More

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      Mikel Arteta’s actress and spiritual life coach wife Lorena Bernal opens up on the secrets to marriage with Arsenal boss

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      MIKEL ARTETA’S wife Lorena Bernal has opened up on the secrets of a happy marriage.The couple have been together for 23 years since meeting in a nightclub in their hometown of San Sebastian, Spain.Lorena Bernal has opened up on the secrets of a happy marriageCredit: GettyLorena and Mikel Arteta have been married since 2010Credit: GettyThey wed in 2010 and have three children together – Gabriel, 15, Daniel, 12, and Oliver, 10.But their hectic working lives mean Lorena and Arteta often find joy doing the simplest things together, like going for a coffee.Lorena shared the secrets behind her happy marriage to the Arsenal boss, revealing it is important to grow as people while maintaining separate lives.She told Hello!: “There isn’t just one secret to our marriage, but I’d say it’s important to understand and to accept that you’re two individuals sharing a life, not completing each other.READ MORE ON ARSENAL“You’re not there to teach them how to live; you’re there to grow next to them and support their growth. But you need to accept that each person has their own rhythms, pace and journey, and that acceptance makes it amazing.“And of course, there’s the love underneath it, the foundation of admiration, respect for the other person… and having fun together.“When we have time together, we do pretty normal things, because our life is the opposite of normal. So we go for a walk or we sit and have coffee. Doing nothing together is beautiful.”Lorena has a busy working life, combining her role as an actress with her job as a spiritual life coach. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesLorena has helped fellow models and actors, and other footballers’ wives, leading to her publishing a book – It Starts With You.She finds peace in the every day, finding appreciation in the small things. Mikel Arteta will be sacked by Christmas if Arsenal are not in top two, warns former Gunners starLorena said: “It’s a state of being that I have and apply in my daily life.“No matter where I am in my life, if I’m mothering or acting or being the wife of my husband, I enjoy it, embracing every day. Because every day is one day less that I have to enjoy all this.”Lorena has her own busy life away from the home she shares with ArtetaCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal ‘launch formal Viktor Gyokeres transfer offer’ with huge signing-on bonus and wages just eclipsing Tierney’s

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      ARSENAL have reportedly tabled a “formal offer” for Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker is high up on Mikel Arteta’s list of attacking targets this summer, which could be his most crucial yet. Arsenal are keen on signing Sweden hitman Viktor GyokeresCredit: GETTYThe Gunners have reportedly submitted a formal offer for Sporting Lisbon’s talismanic strikerCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKAnd the Spaniard has reportedly moved quickly to try to acquire the Sporting Lisbon striker’s services. Correio da Manha claim the north Londoners have tabled an offer in the region of “£62million” for the Sweden international. The Gunners are also said to have sent a contract offer to Gyokeres’ agent after meeting him at the women’s Champions League final last weekend. A five-year deal with an annual salary of £5.8m – which narrowly eclipses that received by outgoing Gunners defender Kieran Tierney – has reportedly been put on the table for Gyokeres. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA massive £10m signing-on bonus is also said to be on the cards for the Swede should he move to the Emirates. Gyokeres, 26, was Sporting’s star man last season, scoring a whopping 54 goals and providing 13 assists in 52 appearances.His signing would provide Arsenal with some much-needed firepower, a lack of which saw their Premier League and Champions League challenges peter out last season.Arteta plans to splash the cash this summer in what he’s promised will be a “big” transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSViktor Gyokeres scored a whopping 54 goals in 54 appearances last seasonCredit: GETTYHe said: “It’s going to be a big one and we are very excited about it. “The way we planned the first five summers, they were going to be very big and they were going to have different objectives. Who is Sporting’s masked man Viktor Gyokeres “Because the turnaround of players and the objective of those windows was going to be different. “But now, when you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad. “But as well, we want to increase the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.” More

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      Gyokeres, Delap, Osimhen and Sesko: Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in transfer battle for world’s best strikers

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      AS the Premier League season comes to a close – the summer transfer sales open with strikers top of the shopping list.Champions Liverpool look to be in the market for a forward while Arsenal will feel that is the missing piece holding them back from a title charge.Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta will be in the market for a strikerCredit: GettyChelsea’s pursuit for a No9 never seems to end and once again they head into the summer looking for a reliable finisher. And Manchester United – who finished in an all-time low 15th in the Prem – are preparing for a complete squad overhaul. It will put every striker worth their salt in Europe on red alert with a big-money move awaiting any capable scorer. Viktor GyokeresThe 26-year-old Swede is one of the most in-demand forwards this summer – with the stats proving why. READ MORE IN football Gyokeres has notched 54 goals in 52 games, scoring 39 in just 33 league matches. Arsenal are leading the race for the 6ft 2in striker, who Sporting Lisbon rate at £60million, with talks progressing. United are also interested and Gyokeres was coached by Old Trafford boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting.But Arsenal as well as Chelsea are in stronger positions having qualified for Champions League football. Most read in FootballViktor Gyokeres is a top target for ArsenalCredit: RexLiam Delap The son of Stoke legend Rory looks almost certain to leave Ipswich following the Tractor Boys’ relegation. And per his release clause, Delap is available for a cut-price deal of £30m with Chelsea and United rivalling for his signature. The 22-year-old ended the season with 12 goals – all in the league – and impressed with his physicality and tenacity. Both Chelsea and United have held talks with the player, but as revealed by SunSport the Blues are confident in landing the deal. Enzo Maresca worked with Delap at City’s academy and the striker knows Chelsea’s recruitment director Joe Shields.Liam Delap is wanted by Chelsea and UnitedCredit: AFPVictor OsimhenThe Nigerian was once the most sought-after striker in the world after making his name with Napoli and helping them win the Serie A. But by the summer of 2024, new manager Antonio Conte dropped Osimhen in favour of Romelu Lukaku. Chelsea were close to signing the forward but Osimhen’s wages proved a stumbling block – one which could not be resolved. So the 26-year-old joined Galatasaray on loan and helped them to the title with 25 league goals in 29 games, ending the season scoring 36 in 40. That kind of form would attract attention from Europe’s elite but Osimhen looks set for a move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal. Victor Osimhen looks set to move to SaudiCredit: GettyBenjamin SeskoThe 6ft 5in Slovenian is a top target for Arsenal, who have Sesko and Gyokeres on their wishlist. Sesko has 21 goals in 45 games this season – scoring 13 in 33 league matches. Noted for his height, heading ability and strength, the 21-year-old is seen as a good suit for English football. As revealed by SunSport, Sesko is rated as high as £86m by RB Leipzig but an offer of £60m could be enough. Chelsea are also interested – but have seen Timo Werner and Christian Nkunku arrive from Leipzig and fail to live up to expectations. Meanwhile United have also been tracking Sesko but are believed to have other targets – including Delap – prioritised. Benjamin Sesko is linked with Chelsea, United and ArsenalCredit: GettyHugo EkitikeThe Frenchman, 22, joined Frankfurt permanently from PSG last summer after spending the season beforehand on loan with the German club. Ekitike scored 22 in 48 games this term, managing 15 in 33 league matches. He stands 6ft 3in and has attracted attention from Chelsea of late, having also been linked with United and Arsenal in the past. But Frankfurt are holding out for £83.9m – meaning the Blues would likely try to strike a compromise with the Bundesliga outfit. Although the likes of Gyokeres, Delap and Sesko are all believed to be higher on Chelsea’s wishlist. Hugo Ekitike is a target for ChelseaCredit: GettyJulian AlvarezThe Argentine won two Premier League titles and the Champions League with City before joining Atletico Madrid last summer. Alvarez has 29 goals in 54 games this season with 17 coming in his 37 league appearances. The 25-year-old appears settled in the Spanish capital but has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal and Liverpool. But reports in Spain say Alvarez is not so keen on a move back to England having found his feet with Atletico. Julian Alvarez has shone for Atletico Madrid after joining from CityCredit: ReutersMoise KeanThe Italian has Prem experience with Everton which was lodged between loan moves to PSG and Juventus. He joined Juve in 2023 and moved to Fiorentina a year later – scoring 25 goals in 44 games – 19 in 32 league matches this season. United are believed to have added the 25-year-old to their transfer shortlist. Read More on The SunAnd the forward could emerge as an alternate signing for United if they struggle to land their top targets amid a lack of European football. Arsenal and Newcastle have also been linked in the past. Moise Kean has found form with FiorentinaCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal ‘pushing hardest’ for Julian Alvarez transfer but face battle with Premier League rivals for ex-Man City star

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      ARSENAL are reportedly exploring a deal to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid this summer.The Gunners are keen to sign a striker as the final piece of their puzzle as they look to finally go one further than their three consecutive second placed finishes next season.Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Julian AlvarezCredit: GettyAccording to Spanish outlet Marca, one of their preferred options at centre-forward is former Manchester City man Julian Alvarez.Alvarez, 25, joined Atletico Madrid last summer in a deal worth up to £80m.And the Argentine has had an impressive first campaign in Spain, scoring 29 goals and registering seven assists in all competitions this season.That effort has seen many top clubs begin to circle the World Cup winner, including Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.READ MORE ON ARSENALBut Marca claim that Arsenal are “pushing hardest” of the interested clubs to convince Alvarez to jump ship.However, it won’t be easy to get a deal over the line with Atletico thought to be keen to keep hold of their star man and Alvarez seemingly happy to stay put too.Atletico boss Diego Simeone has said that Atletico “need” to keep hold of Alvarez, hinting that the club want to build around their star man to get the best out of him.He said: “We need Julian. He’s the one we wanted to find. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”He’s here, and I hope he’s happy to be on this team. We’re going to help him with everyone’s hard work to unleash his talent.”Arsenal may have to look elsewhere for a new front man if Atletico stand firm in their hopes to keep Alvarez at the Metropolitano Stadium.The Gunners have been linked with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig talent Benjamin Sesko.Both forwards are seemingly available for transfer this summer and could be easier deals to get over the line for Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy. More