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      Man Utd ready to SLASH Jadon Sancho asking price with Bundesliga side keen after Chelsea snub permanent transfer

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      JADON SANCHO could get an escape route back to the Bundesliga – if he is willing to take a wage drop and cut-price pay-off.Sancho is facing a red-faced return to Manchester United, as Chelsea want to back out of the obligation to buy agreed when he joined them on a season-long loan last summer.Chelsea are not willing to buy Jadon Sancho from Manchester UnitedBayer Leverkusen are keeping tabs on Sancho ahead of the summer transfer windowJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBayer Leverkusen are keen to offer him the lifeline of a third spell in Germany and sources say United would do business for little more than £20million.But Sancho’s chances of a move also rest on him taking a hefty drop from his £250,000-a-week Old Trafford salary.While Leverkusen, who are losing boss Xabi Alonso at the end of the season, could afford the fee, his present wages are way beyond them.That leaves Sancho facing the prospect of twiddling his thumbs for the remaining 12 months of his contract…or accepting his wages must be slashed to get out of Manchester.Read More on Man UtdChelsea’s change of heart means they must pay £5m to return him to Old Trafford, which covers the chunk of his salary United have been paying this season.But they may try to use that to negotiate a pay-off with Sancho, who has no future under Ruben Amorim, even though he was already at Stamford Bridge when he arrived.The one-time England winger cost United £73m when they signed him from Borussia Dortmund four years ago.He made a six-month return to Dortmund last season, after a bitter feud with former manager Erik ten Hag, and played a key role in their reaching the Champions League final.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut although BVB would like to take him back on a permanent basis – and remain Sancho’s preferred club – Leverkusen’s stronger financial position makes them favourites.The winger introduced himself on the global stage during his first stint at Dortmund where he spent four years before his move to United in 2021.Casemiro STAYING at Man Utd? Amorim’s Shock U-Turn Explained!The forward amassed a total of 53 goals and 67 assists in 158 appearances with the German giants.Chelsea ratings vs Djurgarden as Dewsbury-Hall makes most of rare start but Sancho should have done betterCHELSEA coasted their way into the Conference League final thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half finish.Enzo Maresca’s men had done the difficult work last week with a thumping first-leg win.But Dewsbury-Hall gave the home fans something to cheer about with a smart finish.Tyrique George fed the midfielder, who cut inside Djurgarden defender Miro Tenho before slotting home.From there, Chelsea were going through the motions – and no wonder given how poor their Swedish visitors were.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea stars… More

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      ‘I’ll be watching and hoping’ – Harry Kane sends message to Spurs fans after finally ending his own trophy drought

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      HARRY KANE is desperate for Tottenham to win a European trophy to complete his dream season.The England skipper lifted his first piece of silverware after scoring the first goal in Bayern Munich’s 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach.Harry Kane made it a family day to remember as he posed with the Bundesliga trophy alongside wife Katie Goodland and their childrenCredit: GettyKane’s former team Spurs face Man Utd in the Europa League final on May 21 after a 2-0 win at Bodo/Glimt completed their 5-1 aggregate triumphCredit: ReutersKane says Katie later stayed away from him when he ‘stunk’ of beerCredit: EPAKane became the first ever player in Bundesliga history to score 25 goals in their first two seasons and he was soaked with beer in the jubilant post-match celebrations.But afterwards, Kane admitted that he is rooting for his former club to beat Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21.Kane, who joined Bayern for £104m from Spurs in 2023, said: “They’ve obviously had a tough season, there’s no hiding from that. “But to reach the Europa League final is a great achievement. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s not an easy feat to beat the teams that they’ve beaten so full credit to them.“I’ll be watching and hoping they can win. “It could be a good month for a lot of Spurs fans, because I know a lot of them have reached out to me and they’re happy to see me lift this title. “And of course, I think we’d all be happy to see Spurs win that.”Most read in FootballKane made it 81 goals in 90 Bayern games in Saturday’s 2-0 winCredit: ReutersBayern team-mate Leon Goretzka covered Kane in beerCredit: GettyKane had a go himself as he dowsed winger Jamal MusialaCredit: EPABEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKKane goes into the final game of the season at Hoffenheim having scored 81 goals in 90 games for Bayern.And the striker admitted that he has felt under a lot of pressure after failing to win a career title.Harry Kane puffs on cigar as Bayern champions drink champagne and dance to Michael Jackson in early hours of morningHe said: “It’s been a long time coming. My first championship is obviously a big feeling, a big thing for the club as well, so I’m just waiting to enjoy it as much as possible. “I wanted to win, I wanted to make sure we had a good result and then we could really enjoy it and that was the case.“Just having my hands on that trophy feels special and I’m going to enjoy the next couple of weeks, for sure.“It just feels amazing. It was a weight on the shoulders, so it’s nice to have that lifted and now we can enjoy it. “We feel like it’s the start of something that we can really build on and that goes straight into the Club World Cup.“This is better than an individual award. I think it’s no secret that this is one thing that’s kind of been missing from my CV. “I’ve had plenty of individual accolades and been close on many occasions to team trophies, but for one reason or another, it hasn’t quite worked. So this is a better feeling for sure.Kane’s parents were there to share his first ever taste of major silverwareCredit: EPA“I’ve had plenty of ups in my career as well without winning the biggest trophies.”But of course I’ve had some sad moments and some tough moments, but resilience is something that I’ve had to show throughout my whole career and even with this title, it doesn’t change me as a player. Of course, now I have a team trophy, but I’ve still got the same work ethic. “I’m still going to keep pushing the boundaries to see how good I can become and how I can be.”Kane also took part in Bayern’s tradition of the players pouring beer over each other’s heads after winning a title.He said: “It was cold. I was freezing out there once I got wet. And once my wife and I got on, she was staying away from me because I stunk of beer.Read More on The Sun“But all these occasions, that’s what I’ve been waiting for. I knew, coming here, that’s how they celebrate it, that’s how we celebrate. “Obviously, it wasn’t to be last year, but now to have that, have the videos, have the pictures, have those memories, it’s things that people can’t take away from you.”Kane is looking to win much more after breaking his trophy duckCredit: GettyThe joy is clear to see for the Three Lions captainCredit: Getty More

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      Female footballer, 18, who was banned by FA for trans comment wants body to apologise after case folded

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      A TEENAGE girl footballer banned for asking a bearded transgender opponent “Are you a man?” wants the FA to apologise after the case folded.Cerys Vaughan, 18, raised safety and fairness concerns during a friendly.Cerys Vaughan, 18, raised safety and fairness concerns during a friendlyCredit: BBC SportAnti-discrimination watchdog Kick It Out complained and Cerys, then 17, was charged with breaching FA rules. Vaughan, of Leigh Genesis FC in Gtr Manchester, was banned for six matches, with four suspended for a year.She appealed against the decision and an FA board ruled the hearing “unfair” and dismissed the case. It came after the FA said transgender players would be barred from June 1 following a Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.Read More on UK NewsCerys said: “I’d like the FA to apologise for the way they treated me. “It was stressful and in the end pointless.“If the new ruling was in place when I asked the original question I’d never have been punished.” The FA said it dropped the case after the complainant withdrew for personal reasons.Most read in SportTrans ruling victory hides a terrifying reality – for years, women have been demonised simply for pointing out biological fact More

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      Anthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood LIVE RESULTS: Wood’s corner throws in towel as Cacace seals statement win – updates

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      ANTONY CACACE has made a huge statement after stopping Leigh Wood in nine dominant rounds in Nottingham.In-form Northern Ireland ace Cacace added to his scalps of Joe Cordina and Josh Warrington with a stunning win over Wood on away soil.Cacace dominated Wood, and after dropping his man in the ninth round, Wood’s trainer Ben Davison threw in the towel with his fighter in serious danger.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from the Nottingham Arena with our live blog below…Ropes holding Wood hopes upAfter Carcace landed a series of telling blows, he landed a barrage of combos that really seemed to knock Wood for six.As he stumbled backwards, only the ropes were keeping him on his feet.Hoping to see him bounce-back, it did not happen and they had to throw the towel in to protect their man.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedNorthern Irish jewel in the crownAnthony Cacace put his belt on the line for this fight.With Leigh Wood making a long-awaited return to the ring, there was a mutual respect between the two fighters.While admitting he did not face the best version of his opponent, there was no doubting that this victory meant a lot to the Irishman.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr in NottinghamANTHONY CACACE snatched his latest world-champion scalp with a ninth-round stoppage of Leigh Wood.The pair of 36-year-olds clashed at super-featherweight at Woods’ local Nottingham arena.But the Belfast beast – beat Joe Cordina and Josh Warrington in his previous two outings – overpowered his fellow veteran just before the championship rounds.The Forest fan got his jab firing off quickly, tagging Cacace to head and body.But the Northern Ireland ace was clever and spiteful, slashing right hands in, when Wood dared get too close.Cacace settled into the second and started to land his left hooks.But, right on the bell, Wood rolled under an attack and seemed to crack his rival with a perfect left hook.Wood’s double jabs in the third were crisp and caused switch-hitter Cacace to turn southpaw for the first time.It was a nip-and-tuck affair until Cacace took over and in round nine he put one foot on Wood’s neck and the other on the accelerator.A left hook robbed Wood of his balance and his soul.Copy linkCopiedWarren targets Belfast homecomingAs next fights were talked about for the champion, Frank Warren announced that his next fight will be in North Ireland.He promised his boxer a Belfast homecoming in front of the cameras and will no doubt be held to his word.It seems only right, Anthony Cacace has defended his title and would love nothing more than fighting in front of his own fans back home.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedChamp happy with victoryAnthony Cacace spoke with DAZN about this big victory against Leigh Wood this evening:I put a lot of pressure on myself. I have beaten two world champions. I did not face the best Leigh Wood tonight but I won. I’ve got thank Frank Warren, he has come into my life and given me the chances. I have to thank my team as well, this group of people are why I am fighting so well at 36-years-old. I took this fight solely for money, this is why I’m in Nottingham tonight. Show me the money and I will travel anywhere.Anthony CacaceIBO super-featherweight championCopy linkCopiedWood return just falls shortAs Cacace offloaded a barrage of punches in the ninth round, it was in fact the corner of Wood who threw the towel in.They knew their man would not give up but they felt there was a danger of him getting hurt in that round.What a fight it was from the pair but Cacace just had that extra gear and seemed capable of taking it up a notch if the need was there.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace wins by stoppageCopy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 9)Wow, wat a round of boxing that was.Cacace lands some heavy blows on the chi of Wood and at one stage only the ropes are holding Wood up.The referee gives Wood a standing match but the fight continues.Cacace keeps landing some telling blows and often Wood does not seem to be fighting back.It has been stopped, Cacace defends his belt in enemy territory here.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 8)Wood lands a couple of goof hits and there is blood on the cheek and coming from the nose of Cacace.That should give the challenger some confidence in this fight.As the round goes on, Wood seems to be looking to offload more left hooks, with added power behind them now.The boxers get in close once again and Cacace catches Wood with a quickly thrown left-hook.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 7)Wood is trying to work his way back into this fight.Cacace looks to have the much faster handspeed when he comes forward.The Irishman’s feet movement and confidence to get on the front foot seems to be a level up to what Wood is offering here.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 6)Cacace seems to be taking it up a gear in this round.He is looking sharp and hunting down Wood in the ring.Wood is landing punches but he is really catching Cacace on the way out.The reigning champion is starting to get his combinations going.Cacace is starting to land some telling punches on Wood.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 5)Cacace is leading forward with uppercuts but only hitting air.Carl Frampton has the Irishman up three rounds to one so far.The speed of punching from Cacace is always a big danger.Another close round that is tough to call here.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 4)Cacace is looking to switch it up with his stance.He needs be wary, many boxers have been caught out trying to switch stances mid-fight.Wood is getting in close with the double jab but not forcing it home.Cacace ducks down into an uppercut from Wood just towards the end of the round.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 3)After landing some good punches, the crowd start to sing “Leigh Wood, he’s one of our own’.As Wood catches Cacace with a good punch, it seems to rock the Irishman.He comes straight back at Wood and catchs him with an uppercut which seems to bloody his nose.A very good round of boxing from both fighters there.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 2)There does not seem to be any rustiness from Wood from his time out of the ring, thhat is for sure.He catches Cacace with some jabs and he cannot get inside.Towards the end of the round, Cacace lands a left hook but Wood wears it well.Just before the bell, Wood lands a great left hook himself whichh catches Cacace square in the head.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood (Round 1)Wood seems to be trying to find his feet in the ring again.He looks to keep Cacace at bay with his jabs.However, Cacace comes over the top with two big punches that land.A first round where both fighters look to probe their opponent here.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh WoodCacace’s corner lift the belt aloft as we go through the ring announcements.Wood’s corner hold a Nottingham Forest scarf up.Big challenge this evening if Wood wants to beat a world champion.Copy linkCopiedAnthony Cacace vs Leigh WoodThis is the fight that everyone has been waiting for.19-months out of the ring for Leigh Wood, he has been waiting to get back in that right for some time.At this weight, these are two of the best boxers out there right now and it is time for them to show us who wants this more.Copy linkCopiedTaylor keeps unbeaten record Ezra Taylor looked like a fighter who wanted to keep his impressive record going this evening.Tactically, he boxed so well and Troy Jones struggled to find a way through.Now he has the vacant WBO Continental Gold Light Heavyweight Championship belt in his possession as a reward for his efforts tonight.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEzra Taylor wins by unanimous decisionCopy linkCopiedEzra Taylor vs Troy Jones (Round 10)Jones walks on to a big overhand right from Taylor.He certainly felt that one.As Jones looks to come inside, he is caught by another flush shot from Taylor.Taylor offloads a four punch combo that has Jones in trouble.This has been a great fight and Taylor has looked the pick of the pair.Copy linkCopiedEzra Taylor vs Troy Jones (Round 9)Jones is really looking to take it up a gear now.He knows that he may be slightly behind on the card.This has been a good co-main event this evening, both of these fighters have put it all on the line.It is what every boxing fan wants to see, two fighters who are willing to have a real slugfest.A big right hand from Taylor seems to rock Jones but the bell comes to his rescue.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEzra Taylor vs Troy Jones (Round 8)This is going to be a tough one to call if it goes to the card.Jones is trying to force his way in close and get some shots off.The bodyshots from Taylor are echoing around this arena, such is the force of them.Good uppercut and hook from Taylor seems to rock Jones.Towards the end of the round, Jones lands a great uppercut that lands on the jaw of his opponent.Copy linkCopiedEzra Taylor vs Troy Jones (Round 7)Both fighters are really giving it their all in this fight.It looks like two boxers who are looking to ensure they keep unbeaten records intact.Jones’ punches do not seem to be hurting Taylor.Some showboating from Taylor towards the end of the round, which the fans seem to enjoy.Copy linkCopiedEzra Taylor vs Troy Jones (Round 6)This fight is scheduled for ten rounds this evening.Taylor is still getting some big bodyshots in and trying to come over the top with some shots over the top.Jones has some wear and tear to the face from all he is having to take in this fight.Great end to the round from Taylor as he lands a series of combinations.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Two Premier League clubs ‘lining up shock Mason Greenwood transfer’ with ex-Man Utd star pining for a return to England

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      TWO Premier League clubs are lining up a shock transfer for Mason Greenwood, according to reports.SunSport revealed last week that the former Manchester United striker is pining for a return to England. Mason Greenwood is a target for two Premier League clubs as he looks to return to EnglandCredit: GettyGreenwood, 23, left his boyhood club United last summer to sign for Marseille for £26.6million. He put pen to paper on a five-year deal in southern France. But after just one season, Greenwood — who had charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour dropped in February 2023 — is yearning for a return to the UK with partner Harriet Robson and their two young daughters.And according to The Telegraph, at least a pair of unnamed Premier League clubs are exploring the possibility of making an approach to sign Greenwood. READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOODSerie A or LaLiga could also be the next destination should he leave Marseille, while the Saudi Pro League may be an option, too, if one of the leading clubs can create a space in the squad. Greenwood spent the 2023-24 season on loan in Spain with Getafe, scoring ten goals in 36 games.This term at Marseille, he has delivered 20 goals in 35 games across all competitions, including the crucial late winner at Le Havre on Saturday night.According to Opta stats, that ranks him as Europe’s fifth most effective player and only narrowly behind Cole Palmer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut fans, who protested his arrival last summer, as well as manager Roberto De Zerbi have made their feelings known about his perceived lack of work rate.He was dropped by the ex-Brighton boss in March because he “expects more from him”.Mason Greenwood to switch allegiance to JamaicaAnd a banner telling him to “get a move on” and leave the club was unfurled at some matches. Now he is keen to explore his options back in England, for whom he earned one senior cap before switching international allegiance to Jamaica. A source told SunSport: “When Mason first left United, he loved Spain.“He and Harriet moved to Madrid and rebuilt their lives.“He loved the fact he could just play football and his life off the pitch was not the subject of such intense focus.“He was really happy to sign for Marseille and loved living in France.”Roberto De Zerbi dropped Greenwood in March over his lack of effortCredit: GettyThe striker played 129 times for Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP More

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      Sean Dyche lined up for return to football with relegated Premier League club who IGNORED him this season

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      SEAN DYCHE is back in the frame for the Leicester job with the task of aiming for immediate promotion back to the Premier League.The former Everton chief is seen as the man to pull off the recovery act by some leading figures at the Foxes HQ.Sean Dyche is tipped to lead Leicester’s bid for an instant Prem returnCredit: PACurrent Foxes boss Ruud van Nistelrooy is unsure of his fateCredit: PALeicester have been looking around for a replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy after a disastrous campaign.There was a lobby for a ‘footballing’ coach like free agent Russell Martin or Liam Manning at Bristol City.However the financial pressure of getting promotion back to the Prem’s riches is now the main factor in the decision making.Dyche has a proven record of success at Burnley, where he went up twice which marks him out as the steadiest choice.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe experienced coach is based in the Midlands so the move would be ideal for him.Sources close to Dyche claim he was ready to answer the call from Leicester DURING the season but was ignored.Former Manchester United interim boss Van Nistelrooy is keen to discover his fate sooner rather than later.The 48-year-old said: “(I am) still hoping to find out. The quicker the better, in the best interest of the club. We’re all hoping to find out soon. Most read in ChampionshipBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”There’s 70 people working at the training ground who want to evaluate the season (and start) looking forward to the next.”The Foxes were long ago doomed to an instant return to the Championship.Former Everton manager Sean Dyche lands new job two months after Toffees sacking But a shock derby win at European hopefuls Nottingham Forest on Sunday would see them leapfrog Ipswich and go third bottom.However, Prem clubs are already understood to be monitoring the King Power Stadium situation ahead of the summer transfer window.SunSport exclusively revealed that Brentford are interested in £25million-rated keeper Mads Hermansen. More

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      Mikel Arteta admits he knew before the season started that his Arsenal squad wasn’t good enough

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      MIKEL ARTETA admits his Arsenal squad was too small to challenge Liverpool for the Prem title.But the Gunners boss promised fans a major summer spending spree after a fifth season without delivering silverwareMikel Arteta admits his squad needs improvingCredit: RexInjury to Kai Havertz didn’t help as the Gunners suffered injuriesCredit: GettyJurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka reflect on Arsenal’s Champions League exitCredit: RexArsenal are set to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, a new No 9 – with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko the prime candidates – and are targeting a massive push for Bilbao’s left-sided Spain star Nico Williams.Boss Arteta said: “There are a lot of factors. We knew from the beginning of the season that our squad was super short.“Being super short we had some players that had a high probability of getting injured, because that’s what they had in the last few seasons.“So we knew that and we cannot do anything about it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But we will do everything that we can to improve the team and especially improve the players that we already have.“That is not something we have just started to talk about now. If we were only having those meetings now we would be doing it very late.Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi is certainCredit: Shutterstock Editorial“Whatever the market offers to give us a better chance to win for sure we will try to do it.“Over the season there are many things you need to go your way.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“In the clinical moments, does the ball hit the post and come out, or go in? That’s the fine margins.“What we have to try to do is to amplify the margins. The bigger the margins are, even if those things happen, then it will be very difficult for the opposition.This week’s title: How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-final“We have to do it our way. We have to be authentic with ourselves and what we believe, what we can do and what we’ve been doing. That’s it.”The impact of absences has been evident for Arsenal throughout the campaign.Only William Saliba and Declan Rice have started more than 30 Prem games this season, with another quartet – Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard over the 30-mark in total league appearances.By contrast, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Mo Salah have started 104 out of 105 times between them, with another seven players having featured 30 or more times.Arteta agreed: “That’s a big thing to win trophies, you know, and they did that extremely well.Arsenal will go all out for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico WilliamsCredit: Rex“They managed to maintain that consistency, that level of players, a system, a coach, a stadium that has created again, and consistently, an incredible atmosphere for them.“So you need a lot of ingredients or you don’t win the Premier League.“That’s the difficulty of it, and it’s true that this season we never found that consistently because of the issues that we had.“I don’t want to use it as an excuse.“We have the best League in the world, yes? We all agree.We knew from the beginning of the season that our squad was super short.Mikel Arteta“But we were the only team from this League on the park in the semi-finals of the Champions League. That’s the level.”Arteta dismissed any interest in the suggestion that, if they win the Europa League, Spurs might argue they have had a more successful season despite flirting with the drop zone.He joked: “I am only looking at my own garden.”But it is the Liverpool garden that he will be looking at this afternoon and Arteta conceded: “What Arne did was very intelligent.“He had all the platform – a team that has been competing and winning trophies throughout the last 10 years. So he had to do nothing new.“He’s added his values, and he maintained a lot of the things. He’s obviously given his fingerprints to a lot of things that are very, very good as well.“The most important thing is he got the best out of the players.I really want it because that is what this club needs and has been so close to achieving. Now we need to make it happen.Mikel Arteta on winning trophies “And the players that have to make the difference, they were there constantly, making the difference for them. That’s capital to win any major trophy.“But we want to have the sort of celebrations they are having now, big-time. Watching that will show that we have not won a competition we wanted to win.Read More on The Sun“I really want it because that is what this club needs and has been so close to achieving.“Now we need to make it happen. We have talked about it many times and will continue for sure with the same drive – or more – until we achieve it.” More

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      Arsenal transfer target Zubimendi was seen as the new Busquets… Arteta will love him but he WON’T win Gunners games

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      ARSENAL are on the brink of starting their summer splurge with a £50million deal for Martin Zubimendi.But what will the Real Sociedad and Spain ­midfielder bring to Mikel Arteta’s side? Spanish-based journalist Andy West runs the rule over the 26-year-old. Martin Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal in a £50m dealCredit: GettyZubimendi protects the back four and can smoothly link defence and attackCredit: GettyHe has been compared to midfield great Sergio BusquetsCredit: GettyDynamic, composed, aggressive… it’s long been inevitable Zubimendi’s qualities would lead him to Europe’s elite.When a young Zubimendi progressed from Real Sociedad’s youth ranks to become a first-team regular five years ago, he was quickly touted as a target for Barcelona to replace the fading Sergio Busquets.That never materialised, mainly because of Barca’s well-documented financial problems, but the comparison is largely accurate.Zubimendi occupies the same terrain as Busquets at the base of midfield, protecting the back four and smoothly linking defence with attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe is also press-resistant, capable of receiving and calmly retaining possession in tight spaces.But Zubimendi is physically more explosive than Busquets, able to evade pressure by driving with the ball into space.Zubimendi is an effective and efficient performer rather than flashy — much of his best work unfussily executed off the ball.He reads the game superbly, always popping up in the right place to receive possession from a team-mate or disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. That includes game management.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSA central aspect of Real Sociedad’s approach is preventing counter-attacks by physically pressing the first phase of possession, using fouls if necessary.Zubimendi’s 47 career yellow cards — but no reds — show he is not averse to controlled aggression.These WILD Liverpool stats spell Arsenal disaster | Experts’ best betsMore tellingly — just 11 goals and eight assists in nearly 250 appearances makes it clear Zubimendi is not a major presence in the opposition final third. That is not his game.Rather than chasing personal glory, Zubimendi makes his team better through positional discipline, distributing simply but quickly, and denying the opposition space.If there is one concern about the long-awaited move to Arsenal, it is whether he can adapt to a new team in a new league.Growing up in San Sebastian and joining his local club aged 12, Real Sociedad is all he has ever known.The Basques boast one of football’s best youth systems, with a clearly- defined style throughout the age groups allowing local talents to enjoy a seamless transition to senior football.Dynamic, composed, aggressive… it’s long been inevitable Zubimendi’s qualities would lead him to Europe’s elite.Away from that comfort zone, Zubimendi has rarely been so ­effective for his country.Since his Spain debut in 2021 he has struggled to become a regular, mostly deputising for Manchester City’s Rodri with just one start at last summer’s triumphant Euros.Can Zubimendi thrive when he leaves the familiarity of his boyhood club?Surely no coach could be better placed to help the transition than Arteta, his fellow San Sebastian native.The Arsenal boss knows exactly what he is getting, with the presence of former team-mate Mikel Merino another help.Read More on The SunAt 26, Zubimendi is in his prime. The step-up to a major title candidate like Arsenal has been brewing for years.As long he is expected to knit the team together rather than win games single-handedly, everything points towards Zubimendi quickly becoming a key piece for Arteta’s Arsenal.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesMikel Arteta should be able to get the best out of himCredit: Getty More