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      Why Arsenal can easily outspend Man Utd and Chelsea in summer transfer window with old rivals now worlds apart

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      THEY were once the Premier League’s “Big Three” – on the pitch and off it.Yet while Arsenal’s season could still end with Champions League glory in Munich next month, and they are set to reap the financial rewards this summer and beyond, it could be a potentially very different scenario at both Chelsea and Manchester United.Mikel Arteta could be set for a summer spending spreeCredit: GettyRuben Amorim could have a small budget at Manchester UnitedCredit: PAEnzo Maresca’s budget could be shrunk without Champions League footballCredit: RexA summer of sales first, cut-price arrivals later – merely to help balance the financial scales.The contrast between the three clubs could not be wider on the pitch – or among the fans.If there were any Arsenal supporters still questioning Mikel Arteta over a third successive second-place Prem finish, so near to the summit but unable to get there, they were surely ended in Madrid last week.That CL quarter-final second leg win over Real in the Bernabeu, setting up next week’s semi-final first leg clash with Paris Saint-Germain and putting Arsenal 270 minutes away from conquering Europe’s highest peak, was a financial victory, too.Last season, Arsenal delivered record earnings of £616million, with “football revenues” up almost £150m on the previous year.Much of that was down to the club’s return to the Champions League in 2023-24, a run that was ended by Harry Kane’s Bayern, bringing total income from TV-related prize money to £262.3m.In addition, the extra European matches meant more home games, with Arsenal earning £131.7m through the gate, while commercial performance from the club’s growing list of sponsors and partners rose to a record £218.3m.Those income streams have a direct impact on the club’s books and their ability to comply with both the Prem’s PSR and Uefa’s sustainability rules.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd this season, already, it is clear that those revenue streams have gone in the right direction.Arsenal have already banked £98.7m from their Champions League run, a sum that could rise by a further £21.5m if they go on to lift the trophy in the Allianz Arena.Mikel Arteta accidentally photobombs Sky Sports report as he takes Arsenal dog Win for a walkBenjamin Sesko is one of Arsenal’s top striker targetsCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres has excelled in Portugal and the Champions League this seasonCredit: GettyThey will again earn in the region of £175m from the Prem’s various broadcasting deals both domestically and overseas but are already guaranteed almost £25m more from their European exploits than last term.But the run to the semi-finals means an extra two European home games than in 2023-24, while they have also had three home Carabao Cup games, compared to none last term.Even with reduced gate prices on two of those League Cup matches, it is likely to see turnstile income closing in on £150m.And the on-field success means all the existing commercial deals will be paid in full, while Arsenal also unveiled a “multi-year” arrangement with Japanese tech company NTT Data, understood to be worth £4m per season.It all adds up to likely revenues in excess of £650m for the season as well as a guarantee, without kicking a ball, of £50.3m from the Champions League next term.That means additional funds set to be available for Arteta to use for his recruitment drive, with a top-class centre-forward, expected to be either Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko of Leipzig, the priority – but a deal that Arsenal can easily afford.Yet things are looking very different for both Chelsea and United – with the pressure on both Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim to plot their very different routes into the Champions League being absolutely immense.Harry Maguire’s last-gasp goal against Lyon, completing one of the all-time Old Trafford comebacks, will become the stuff of legend if United go on to beat Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final and then triumph against Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt back in the Basque city next month.But United’s new owners Ineos, determined to try and make the numbers add up, are likely to be more concerned with the financial bottom line if a season to forget ends with a Europa League win to remember.That bottom line will run to nine figures, as well.United have banked around £21.6m from their run to the semis, with a further £11.2m on offer plus the chance to play in August’s Uefa Super Cup, worth a minimum of £3.1m.Qualifying for next season’s Champions League will be worth £49m up front – by virtue of the TNT and Prime Video Uefa deals and United’s high position in the five and ten-year coefficient tables – plus giving four home games – worth another £20m through the gate.Failing to qualify for Europe at all means none of that money will be available, while United will also see £10m deducted from their payments from kit suppliers Adidas as part of a penalty clause in the agreement.And with a bottom-half Prem finish seemingly nailed on, United’s earnings from the league are likely to drop to £135m from £156m last term.Putting those numbers together and the need for Champions League football for a club that has already launched a major cost-cutting drive is crystal clear.SPEND OF AN ERAARSENAL, Chelsea and Manchester United’s transfer spending over the past three years…ARSENAL2022-23 £168m2023-24 £204.5m2024-25 £97.3mTOTAL £469.8mCHELSEA2022-23 £544.9m2023-24 £409.7m2024-25 £220.75mTOTAL £1.175.35bnMAN UTD2022-23 £206.7m2023-24 £167.1m2024-25 £203mTOTAL £576.8mWithout that ticket back to the elite, Amorim’s summer options will be even more limited, heightening the need to sell players – including some he would prefer to keep.Likewise at Chelsea, where Maresca’s popularity with the fans seems to be in freefall – despite Sunday’s dramatic late 2-1 win at Fulham.Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 win at Tottenham on Monday means Chelsea go into the last five matches of the season in sixth place.Their fixtures are tough, too – although it does leave things in their own hands.After Saturday’s home game with Everton, the Blues host Liverpool, travel to Newcastle, welcome United to the Bridge and then go to Forest on the last day of the season.The Conference League semi-final against Swedes Djurgarden offers the prospect of silverware but the prize is not that great as there is a huge chasm between the rewards of the Europa League and the main competition – upwards of £70m.As with United, Chelsea’s Uefa coefficient means they would be in line for a massive pay-day – of £48.8m – just for qualifying, although gate receipts at Stamford Bridge are significantly less with the capacity of just 44,000.Missing out, though, would hurt, even though Chelsea will earn £30m up front – and a potential further £67m for going all the way – from this summer’s Club World Cup exertions, likely to have a detrimental impact on their performances at the start of next term.The club has managed to avoid PSR issues as far as the Prem is concerned by the internal sales of two hotels at Stamford Bridge and the all-conquering women’s team – although the account book value of £200m for Sonia Bompastor’s side is unlikely to be agreed in full.But Uefa have refused to accept either deal, meaning fines are looming for both last term and this season – which will again knock a hole in the financial slate.And the astonishing £1bn-plus spending since the Todd Boehly-led takeover in 2025 means Chelsea have huge annual “amortisation” costs – money owed on transfer fees – of more than £300m plus a massive wage bill to factor into the balance sheet.Without Champions League football, and with few remaining non-football assets available to sell, a reckoning is likely, pretty soon.And that would make the Arsenal smiles even wider.Todd Boehly has spent a fortune since arriving at ChelseaCredit: ReutersThe Blues are the favourites to win the Conference LeagueCredit: AlamyJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth 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      Leeds considering replacing manager Daniel Farke mere HOURS after promotion to Premier League confirmed

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      DANIEL FARKE is battling to save his job despite leading Leeds back to the Premier League.The German, who guided Norwich to top-flight promotions in 2019 and 2021, has now clinched a hat-trick of successes.Leeds could sack promotion-winning manager Daniel FarkeCredit: GettyBut Farke is now having to convince the club’s US-based owners 49s Enterprises he is the right man to lead the club next season.The Leeds hierarchy have yet to make a final decision – or draw up a shortlist – and they would face major criticism over firing a successful boss.Yet Farke has been unpopular with a section of fans at Elland Road this season over his playing style, his substitutes and until recently, an insistence on sticking with keeper Illan Meslier.Farke took over at Leeds after their 2023 relegation and led them to the play-offs last year, although they lost in the final to Southampton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLeeds’ owners are also concerned about Farke’s record in the Premier League, where he has a win rate of just 12%.Norwich finished bottom in 2020 and after bouncing back to the top-flight at the first attempt, he was sacked in November 2021 after the team managed just five points from 11 games.That has led to other candidates being looked at, although Leeds are yet to make a final decision.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThose at the club are aware it would be a bold decision to sack Farke given his success – particularly as they could receive backlash from fans.Most read in EFLSupporters sang Farke’s name as they celebrated promotion outside Elland Road on Monday, with the 48-year-old soaking up the applause and adoration.Leeds manager Daniel Farke reveals the Sir Alex Ferguson trick he cannot copy Leeds could hit 100 points this season if they win their final two matches – they currently have 94.If Farke is axed Leeds could try and lure Carlos Corberan back to the club – the Spaniard was assistant under Marcelo Bielsa and has had success in England with Huddersfield and West Brom.Steven Gerrard and Patrick Vieira have also been linked, as has Jose Mourinho.FARKE IN THE PREMIER LEAGUETHE German’s record in the top-flight with Norwich was not goodGames – 49Wins – 6Draws – 8Defeats – 35Goals for – 31Goals against – 101Win % – 12 More

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      in Boxing

      ‘There’s a bit of bad blood there’ – Anthony Yarde issues brutal warning to Lyndon Arthur ahead of trilogy fight

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      ANTHONY YARDE warned history will brutally repeat itself when he settles “bad blood” with Lyndon Arthur. The light-heavyweights settle their trilogy series on Saturday night at Tottenham’s stadium on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn. Anthony Yarde and Lyndon Arthur ahead of their trilogy fightCredit: GettyIt comes five years after Arthur stunned Yarde to defeat before losing the rematch a year later via dominant fourth-round stoppage.The score is now even and Yarde told BoxingScene: “I know that Lyndon Arthur is not a gatekeeper. He is a guy who will want his revenge. “Even after I beat him in our rematch, the first thing he said to me was, ‘I want my belts back. I want to fight again.’ He will be seeing this as a massive opportunity.“Knowing that, plus the fact there’s a bit of bad blood there, makes this a very exciting fight for me.”READ MORE IN BOXINGYarde boxed cautiously in the first encounter but got on the front foot and left no doubt in the rematch – and he expects the same in the trilogy. He said: “I don’t ever go into a boxing ring expecting anything in terms of the opponent fighting a certain way, or the fight playing out a certain way. “But he’s known as a fighter who fights on the back foot, jabs a lot, and clinches a lot. He might come with something different this time. Who knows? “I’m just seeing it as a fresh fight. We know each other well enough, as two people going into a ring and fighting, but you still can’t assume anything. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSChris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the info”I just genuinely feel that he can’t handle the things I bring to the table. “That’s my mentality for this fight. I know I’m better now than I was when we fought three years ago.”Yarde, 33, warns he is even more ferocious now – four years of from his savage stoppage at the Copper Box. He said: “I’m going to be more aggressive, better, sharper. Hopefully he’s better as well. I’m probably the best [version of himself] out of the three. “Third time’s a charm, they say, and of the three fights we have had, I feel like I am in the best place mentally for this one.”Yarde was beaten on points in his first fight with Arthur in 2020Credit: GettyHe won the 2021 rematch in the fourth roundCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Marcus Rashford not ruling out shock Man Utd return with Aston Villa star to assess all transfer options

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is yet to make a decision about his future – with a return to Manchester United still on the cards.The 27-year-old fell out of favour with United boss Ruben Amorim earlier this season.Marcus Rashford is not ruling out any options regarding his futureCredit: RexAfter being exiled from the Red Devils first-team squad in December, he was loaned out to Aston Villa the following month.Rashford has since made 17 appearances for Unai Emery’s side, scoring four goals and making six.Villa have the option to buy the Man Utd loanee for around £40million at the end of the campaign – but it is currently unclear whether or not they will trigger it.Meanwhile, according to Sky Sports, Rashford is not ruling out any options regarding his future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe possibility of returning to Old Trafford remains on the table.It has been reported that Rashford believes he could still have a future at United.The England forward will make a concrete decision about his future at the end of the season.He is also receiving interest from other clubs in England and across Europe.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe Independent has reported that Rashford wants to join a Champions League side.However, he is against a move to London, which rules out Arsenal and potentially Chelsea.Marcus Rashford sells Lamborghini supercar for £450,000 and buys incredibly rare £177,000 Audi Barcelona have held an interest in the forward since January and could swoop in with an offer.Paris Saint-Germain are also understood to be monitoring the situation.Should Rashford not return to Old Trafford, United have lined up potential replacements.SunSport revealed earlier this month that the Red Devils are willing to go all out for Eberechi Eze this summer.Crystal Palace could demand around £50m for the 26-year-old.Reports have also suggested that United are closing in on a deal for Matheus Cunha from Wolves.The 25-year-old has a £62.5m release clause but the Red Devils are yet to trigger it.Man Utd are willing to go all out for Eberechi EzeCredit: ReutersMatheus Cunha is also a target for the Red DevilsCredit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      ‘I was watching my son crying in my arms’ – Nigel Benn reveals moment Conor hit rock bottom and broke down in tears

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      NIGEL BENN has revealed how son Conor cried in his arms after he was hit with a doping ban.Conor Benn was hit with the suspension by UK anti-doping in 2022 – a ban that was only lifted last year.Nigel Benn said his son Conor cried in his armsCredit: PAConor Benn takes on Chris Eubank Jr on SaturdayCredit: GettyNigel revealed they have spent almost £1million in legal fees battling the case, with Benn adamant he is innocent of the charges.Benn returns to fighting in the UK on Saturday when he takes on Chris Eubank Jr in a grudge match.But it has been a long road back for the 28-year-old, who cried in his father’s arms amid the doping allegations.Nigel told BBC Sport: “I was watching my son really crying in my arms, heartbroken. I just knew [he was innocent].READ MORE IN BOXING”Because [if he was] I would let the public know, I’d say, ‘Mate, yeah, sorry mate, he’s done this’. But I know he hasn’t and I will stand with my son.”Benn and Eubank were scheduled to fight in 2022 before the bout was called off over the failed drug test.Benn was found to have traces of clomifene in his system, which is commonly used as medication to treat infertility in women who do not ovulate.But it can also increase testosterone levels in men, which is why it is on the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBenn has always maintained his innocence but admitted it has been a tough journey.He said: “I hit a bit of adversity, came through it, just about, and am ready to go into the biggest fight of my career.”‘My brother lost his life from boxing’ – Chris Eubank Sr’s emotional fight vs Conor Benn brawl fuelled by tragic deathChris Eubank Jr vs Conor BennTHE countdown is ON to one of the biggest boxing events of the 21st CenturyFamilial tension and a rivalry that has been brewing for years will finally be resolved when Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night.There has been huge drama in the build-up with the pair engaged in a war of words and multiple clashes in person.SunSport will have full coverage of the blockbuster clash all week and LIVE round-by-round coverage of every fight on a stacked undercard.Latest NewsAll the info More

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      in Soccer

      Burnley complete FOUR transfers just hours after winning promotion to the Premier League

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      BURNLEY have four players already through the door after confirming promotion back to the Premier League.The Clarets beat Sheffield United 2-1 on Monday to secure an instant return to the top flight.Marcus Edwards (right) is joining Burnley permanently after their promotionCredit: RexEx-Spurs star Edwards is one of four players joining after impressing on loanCredit: Getty Images – GettyScott Parker’s men are already hard at work preparing for the 2025-26 campaign. And all four players will be familiar faces to Burnley fans after turning out for them this season on loan. Marcus Edwards, Jaidon Anthony, Bashir Humphreys and Zian Flemming will all sign permanently after successful loan spells in the North West. Edwards has starred for the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe joined with an obligation to sign permanently for £8.5million – provided the Clarets won promotion.Tottenham will benefit thanks to a 35 per cent sell-on clause they have on Edwards, who came through their academy.Edwards, who was once compared to Lionel Messi by Mauricio Pochettino, left Tottenham on a free transfer for Vitoria Guimaraes in 2019 – but with a 50 per cent sell-on included.That clause was then passed on to Sporting when Edwards joined the Lisbon giants for Vitoria in 2022.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe figure was then reduced to 35 per cent as part of Pedro Porro’s £40m move from Sporting to Spurs the following year.Edwards has made 15 appearances for Burnley since being farmed out to the Lancashire side, scoring two goals.Burnley pitch invasion marred by unsavoury scenes as Sheffield United star Hamza Choudhury is held back by securityThe Clarets’ promotion also sees them commit to buying Anthony from Bournemouth. Anthony has spent the entire season on loan in the North West and will now join permanently for £8m.Parker’s side will also be bolstered by the permanent capture of both Humphreys and Flemming.In total, the Clarets are shelling out almost £40m for the quartet.Burnley’s success this season was built on the back of a stunning defensive effort.Parker’s side has conceded just 15 goals in 44 league games and will now battle it out with Leeds for the title. More

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      James McClean’s footballer brother under club investigation after online footage circulates of player at New IRA parade

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      JAMES McClean’s footballer brother is under investigation at his club after being spotted at a New IRA parade in Derry on Easter Monday. Glentoran Football Club confirmed that it is “aware of footage involving one of our players currently circulating online” and said the club is “reviewing internally” the widely-circulated clip.Glentoran FC defender Patrick McCleanCredit: David Maginnis/Pacemaker PressFootage of Patrick McClean at the parade in Derry over the weekend has been circulating onlineCredit: Social MediaThe video of defender Patrick ‘Paddy’ McClean seemingly shows him walking in the same direction as a masked colour party made its way from Creggan to Free Derry Corner in the Bogside.During the parade, the PSNI made two arrests and seized items including a van, after officers were attacked with petrol bombs. However, there is no suggestion Paddy McClean was involved in any of the disorder, or was spoken to by police.In a statement, a spokesperson for The Glens said: “Glentoran Football Club is aware of footage involving one of our players currently circulating online. “The club is fully committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive and welcoming environment for all players, staff, supporters and the wider community.”The matter is being reviewed internally in line with club policies and no further comment will be made at this time.”It is understood that around 150 people attended the gathering. Some of those taking part are understood to have been wearing masks and paramilitary-style clothing – despite a ban in place following a Parades Commission determination.Most read in FootballSenior officers have condemned the actions of those who caused trouble during the annual parade, which marks the 1916 Easter Rising. PSNI Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, said that despite parade organisers’ claims that they wanted to hold a dignified commemoration, “what we saw was the complete opposite”.She said: “From the commencement of the parade to when it dispersed, we saw masked individuals, which we believe at this time to be a breach of the Parades Commission determination. “As these masked individuals made their way towards the dispersal point on Lecky Road, disorder developed in the area of Nailors Row from around 2.50pm.’UTTERLY SHAMEFUL'”Petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry were thrown which resulted in nearby Bishop Street being closed for a time for public safety reasons. “Members of the public were diverted away from that area in the City Walls.”This disorder involving young people was orchestrated. “We have no doubt about this.” Read More on The SunThe senior police officer continued: “Young people were shamelessly and deliberately used in an attempt to distract from and shield the masked individuals as they took cover in a gazebo following the parade in the area of St Joseph’s Place to change out of their parade clothing.”This is child criminal exploitation. It is utterly shameful.” More

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      Tragedy as footballer, 22, collapses and dies on pitch as club pay tribute to ‘inspiration to all who knew him’

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      A 22-YEAR-OLD footballer tragically died after collapsing on the pitch before a second-tier match.Durban City defender Sinamandla Zondi collapsed during a warm-up prior to the club’s match against Milford FC on Tuesday.Durban City defender Sinamandla Zondi passed away after collapsing on the pitch during a warm-upCredit: Durban City FCHe was subsequently rushed to hospital, where he later passed away.The second-tier match between Durban City and Milford was abandoned at half-time when both teams received the news that Zondi had died.A statement from his club read: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Sinamandla Zondi, aka Sgora, a loved member of the Durban City family.”Sinamandla was more than a talented footballer, he was a teammate, a friend, a brother, a son and an inspiration to all who knew him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone affected by this tragic loss.”We will continue to support those close to him during this difficult time.”Zondi’s cause of death is currently unknown.The young footballer made his professional debut in 2021 and had been a regular for his club this season.Most read in FootballDurban City are currently on track to be promoted to the top division of South African football.They had been trailing 1-0 to Milford following a penalty when the match was suspended. More