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      Arsenal confident of completing Martin Zubimendi transfer this summer despite Real Madrid’s late hijack attempts

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      ARSENAL are confident of making Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi their first signing of the summer – despite reports of a hijack attempt from Real Madrid.It was revealed in January that the Gunners had agreed to pay the Spanish midfielder’s £51million release clause, as well as sorting personal terms, with a view to joining ahead of next season.Arsenal expect Martin Zubimendi to join in the summer for £51mCredit: GettyMikel Arteta has convinced Zubimendi to snub Carlo Ancelotti’s Real MadridCredit: GettyIn recent weeks, Real have been linked with a late smash-and-grab raid – desperate to bolster their ageing midfield after a disappointing campaign under Carlo Ancelotti that included losing 5-1 on aggregate to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter finals.But SunSport understands the Gunners still expect Zubimendi, 25, to choose North London instead of Madrid – having been convinced of the Emirates project by boss Mikel Arteta.Arteta wanted Zubimendi to join immediately in the winter window, providing competition for the likes of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Thomas Partey, only for Sociedad to demand he remain in San Sebastian for the rest of the season.Liverpool were on the brink of signing the Euros winner last summer but for a last-minute U-turn, one that scuppered the plans of new boss Arne Slot.read more arsenalThe arrival of Zubimendi is considered a done deal by Arsenal internally but it is unlikely to be announced until at least early June.It is a key bit of business with the futures of midfielders Partey, 31, and Jorginho, 33, up in the air.The pair’s contracts expire this summer. Partey has been linked with a move back to Atletico Madrid, with Barcelona also keen, but the Ghanaian would prefer to stay in London, and Arsenal are open to negotiating a short-term deal.Jorginho is considering interest from Brazil and the MLS, but is also enjoying learning from Arteta at Arsenal and would be happy to sign a rolling one-year contract. The Italian has been taking his coaching badges at London Colney.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesZubimendi is anticipated to be the beginning of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal, with Arteta revealing it will be “big” following the appointment of new sporting director Andrea Berta.Berta had no influence on the Zubimendi deal, but will now be tasked with bringing in an elite striker, while also strengthening the general depth of the squad, selling fringe players to raise cash and extending the contracts of the likes of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.Mikel Arteta accidentally photobombs Sky Sports report as he takes Arsenal dog Win for a walkIt is for that reason Alexander Isak may be out of Arsenal’s reach, valued between £100m and £120m by Newcastle, with Berta instead looking at Sporting Lisbon’s £60m Viktor Gyokeres, Red Bull Leipzig’s £70m Benjamin Sesko and Athletic Bilbao’s £50m Nico Williams.A cheaper option up top would allow for more signings in other areas. Arsenal are tracking Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia with current No.2 Neto’s season-long loan spell from Bournemouth ending shortly, having played just ONCE this term.And as Kieran Tierney plots a move back to Scotland and Oleksandr Zinchenko linked with a move away, left-back could be an area to strengthen. SunSport revealed in March that Espanyol’s £12.5m Omar El Hilali was being monitored. More

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      Arsenal ‘in talks with Thomas Partey over two-year new contract with Mikel Arteta keen for star, 31, to stay’

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      ARSENAL are in talks with Thomas Partey over a new two-year contract, according to reports.Manager Mikel Arteta is keen for the 31-year-old star, whose current deal expires in the summer, to stay at the Emirates.Arsenal are in talks with Thomas Partey over two-year new contractCredit: GettyPartey was expected to leave Arsenal for free this summerCredit: GettyMikel Arteta is keen for Partey to sign a new dealCredit: ReutersPartey was expected to leave Arsenal for free in just over two months time. But top-class performances in recent months has left Arteta stewing about whether or not he should let the midfielder go. The Ghana international is happy at Arsenal and his family are enjoying living in London, according to The Athletic.He would be open to an improved two-year agreement or a one-year deal plus an option to extend by a further 12 months.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSPartey has played in multiple positions for Arteta’s injury-ridden side this term, despite a number of spells out on the sidelines himself.As well as his usual defensive midfield role, Partey has started in right-back amid injuries to Ben White earlier in the campaign and now centre-back Gabriel, with Jurrien Timber moving about too.He has become an integral member of Arteta’s strongest team, making 45 appearances this term.If it wasn’t for Declan Rice’s stunning free-kicks, Partey made a case for winning Man of the Match in Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first leg 3-0 win over Real Madrid earlier this month.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAnd he backed it up four days later with the opener in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brentford, which was his fourth Premier League goal of the season.Partey’s importance was demonstrated by the frustration shown at him picking up a booking that rules him out of the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris St-Germain. Mikel Arteta slide tackles his own player in training a day before Arsenal’s biggest game of the season vs Real Madrid Arteta gave a cryptic answer when asked about Partey’s contractual situation last week.Asked if there had been any progress, Arteta said: “Yes, there is progress with all the players.”I’ll leave that to [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to decide and to talk about.”Having joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020, Partey has played an important role in the club’s progress under Arteta.But the expected arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer, left Partey’s future uncertain.Meanwhile, it was former Atletico director Berta that sanctioned Partey’s move to North London for £45m five years ago. More

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      Man Utd ‘must SELL first-team star if they are to complete transfer for top Premier League target’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are keen on signing Matheus Cunha, it has been claimed.But the Red Devils will reportedly have to raise funds for the Wolves ace by SELLING one of their established players.Matheus Cunha is on the radar of Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTYBut the Red Devils will have to sell players to meet the Brazilian’s £62.5million release clauseCredit: GETTYBrazil international Cunha has caught the eye of several Prem sides since his move to Molineux in December 2022.Aware of their rivals’ eagerness to sign the former Atletico Madrid man, Wolves tied him down to a bumper new deal in February.They also increased their valuation of the 25-year-old, who the Daily Mail claim new United gaffer Ruben Amorim is keen to sign in the summer.But they also claim Amorim will have to offload “at least one senior player” in order to match Wolves’ asking price.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSCunha has a £62.5million release clause in his new contract, which expires in the summer of 2029.United have several players on the books they could cash in on to finance a summer swoop for Cunha, who has found the back of the net 15 times in 29 appearances this season.Loanees Antony, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho – who are currently with Real Betis, Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively – are contenders to be sold this summer.Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag at the Old Trafford helm last November, is eager to start building a team to reflect his ethos in the summer.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut he admits he won’t be able to do that unless he gets rid of some of the dead wood at the club.When asked about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent cost-cutting spree, the Portuguese replied: “It is simple.How Ruben Amorim can fix Man United’s Garnacho problem”To do something, we need to sell players.”Our focus now is to win these games. Then we have time to focus on that.”Manchester United will be back in action on Sunday evening, travelling to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United. More

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      ‘Final nail in the coffin… he’s cursed’ – Fans think West Ham destined to be relegated as top transfer target revealed

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      WEST HAM are weighing up a move for Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale as Graham Potter prepares a summer overhaul.Ramsdale, 26, is expected to leave Saints after just one year following their swift return to the Championship – and has a relegation release clause of around £18million.Aaron Ramsdale has just suffered his third drop from the PremCredit: GettyBoss Graham Potter wants a new spine for his West Ham squadCredit: RexBut many Hammers fans reacted with shock – because the “cursed” keeper has just suffered his THIRD demotion from the top flight.The former Arsenal man moved to the south coast late last summer in an £18m deal which could have risen to £25m.But with Saints relegated, the England ace will be looking to remain in the Premier League while the club will want to recoup every penny they can.Ramsdale is unlikely to be short of suitors, with Newcastle also linked.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe made 37 appearances under Toon boss Eddie Howe on loan with Bournemouth, but endured the drop, then saw the same fate befall him at parent club Sheffield United the following year.One fan claimed on X: “That’s the nail in West Ham’s coffin. Ramsdale is a curse.”Another labelled Ramsdale “The Relegator Mark II” and a third posted: “If we want to guarantee relegation then go ahead.”A fourth joked: “I’m actually excited to see West Ham do well in the Championship in 2 years.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut there were more balanced opinions too, such as: “I think he is a good keeper but we can do better.”Hammers boss Potter, 49, wants to bring in a new spine at the London Stadium this summer.Dani Dyer reveals whether she will take West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen’s surname after marriage The ex-Chelsea manager started with Lukasz Fabianski as his first-choice keeper but has since reinstalled Frenchman Alphonse Areola as No1.Fabianski is out of contract this summer but the club hold a one-year option to extend his deal while Areola is under contract until 2027.Ramsdale would only be interested in the move, and West Ham would only fork out £18m, if he were to be first choice.That means one of either Fabianski or Areola would have to depart for the deal to happen – with Areola being the more likely given his resale value.Potter is also keen to add a defender, central midfielder and striker this summer.But the Hammers may be forced to sell before they buy in order to satisfy financial rules.Read More on The SunRamsdale will be one of a number of players to leave Saints following their drop.Kyle Walker-Peters is out of contract and will depart, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who scored on his England debut this season, has moved agents and is keen to remain in the Prem. More

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      Man Utd on red alert over Jarrad Branthwaite transfer with Everton expected to lose defender this summer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have been put on alert with Everton expecting to lose Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.The Toffees are facing a huge summer overhaul at the end of the season, with just 11 senior players currently under contract for next season.Everton are expecting to lose Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite this summerCredit: AlamyMan Utd are on red alert as they keep tabs on Branthwaite’s situation at EvertonCredit: GettyWhile defender Branthwaite has a deal running until 2027, with an option to extend by another year, senior figures at Goodison Park have already accepted he will depart.United failed in a bid for the England Under-21 international last summer, while SunSport can reveal the Toffees rejected a significant bid from a Premier League rival on deadline day in January.The Red Devils are expected to return again this summer as they look to build a squad capable of playing Ruben Amorim’s style, with the Everton man valued at over £50million.But United will not be alone. Tottenham have previously expressed an interest in the 22-year-old and could return should Cristian Romero depart this summer.Read More on Man UtdWith Branthwaite’s likely departure and a host of senior figures out of contract at the end of the season, David Moyes knows he faces a frantic summer.Everton are expected to be one of the busiest clubs in the window and could need up to eight new signings to bolster their squad for a first campaign at their new Bramley Moore Dock home.Moyes recently offered a defiant response to suggestions Branthwaite needed to leave in order to make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.The Scot said: “I would say to him – Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Joleon Lescott.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”That’s three who we brought in who went on to become internationals for England, which was a great achievement.”Jarrad is in the position that he can easily go on and do that. I think it’s a challenge for Jarrad to pick it up and say, ‘Come on, let me show what I can do’.Jarrad Branthwaite talks about his history of playing for Everton “This club has developed a number of internationals over the years and we’ve got a very good goalkeeper [Jordan Pickford] playing for England as well.”Despite Moyes’ hope that Branthwaite will remain in the blue half of Merseyside, those above the ex-West Ham boss have accepted that his fate lies elsewhere. More

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      Man Utd facing biggest summer exodus in years with ELEVEN players’ futures in doubt including Mainoo and Garnacho

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      THE futures of ELEVEN Manchester United players are up in the air with the club facing the biggest summer exodus in years.The Red Devils have several stars out of favour under Ruben Amorim, while Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho could also be sold.Kobbie Mainoo could leave United this summerAston Villa have an option to buy Marcus Rashford in the summerCredit: ReutersThe Athletic have named eleven Red Devils that could realistically leave Old Trafford this summer for a variety of reasons.Firstly, the four all-but definite exits come in the form of Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof.Evans, 37, – who has not started in four months – and Heaton, 39, are likely to retire, according to Manchester Evening News.While, fellow soon-to-be free agents midfielder Eriksen and defender Lindelof are set to be released come June.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited were open to offers for Eriksen last summer and Lindelof is eyeing a return to Benfica after spending most of the last two seasons injured.The club will likely look to part ways with on-loan stars Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho to reinvest in a new goalscorer.Rashford has impressed since joining Aston Villa on loan in January and worked his way into Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, starting the German’s first two games in charge.Villa have a £40million option to buy Rashford in the summer and it seems the damage is done in terms of his relationship with Amorim.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordElsewhere, Chelsea have an obligation to buy Sancho for £20-25million, although a £5million get-out clause has since emerged.The Blues are set to sign Sancho permanently in the summer, despite reports that suggested Stamford Bridge chiefs were tempted to pay the compensation to avoid it.’Scars are so deep’ – Ruben Amorim gives concerning interview on why Man Utd isn’t a quick fix and will take YEARSAntony – signed for £85.5million- has also had something of a career revival since joining Real Betis but there looks to be no way back for him too.Meanwhile, transfer expert David Ornstein said the Red Devils could listen to offers for Mainoo and Garnacho.As academy products, both represent “pure profit” on the books and would help United stay in line with Profit and Sustainability Rules. Ornstein said: “They are players I don’t think United actively want out.”But if suitable offers arrive and the club decide to entertain them from a football and financial perspective, there could be movement there.”Mainoo – who could garner a £70million fee – has not been able to agree a new deal, which has two years left.David Ornstein said the Red Devils could listen to offers for Alejandro Garnacho.United are open to selling veteran midfielder Casemiro, 33, who has one year left on his deal. The Brazilian – who cost United a whopping £70million in 2022 – is determined to see out the remainder of his contract, which expires in 2026.Meanwhile, PSV have an option to sign left back Tyrell Malacia on a permanent basis.And SunSport exclusively reported that the club are open to selling goalkeeper Andre Onana to the Saudi Pro League.Speaking earlier this month, Amorim admitted some of his players are already aware that their time at the club is coming to an end.He said: “Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on. If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear.”I was a player and like to use that experience — when you are honest with someone, they can take it. In the beginning maybe it is hard but they will understand.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’m quite honest with my players and sometimes they know they have to move on at the end of the season.”We can talk about that in the end — now there are still a lot of games to play. But that is clear and not a difficult situation.” More

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      Man Utd ‘want to get rid of at least TEN first team players this summer’ with Rashford, Sancho and Antony set for exits

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping to move on at least TEN players this summer as part of a huge rebuild, reports claim.It is no secret that the club’s new ownership and manager Ruben Amorim are looking to overhaul the squad after another dismal campaign.Chelsea can still opt out of their obligation-to-buy loan deal for Manchester United flop Jadon SanchoCredit: GettyThe club want to permanently sell academy star Marcus RashfordCredit: RexVeteran midfielder Casemiro will also be put up for sale as United look to raise funds for new signings.Credit: RexReports have suggested that United will consider offers for “practically every player” when the transfer window opens.Firstly, the four all-but definite exits come in the form of Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof.Evans, 37, – who has not started in four months – and Heaton, 39, are likely to retire, according to Manchester Evening News.While, fellow free agents midfielder Eriksen and defender Lindelof are set to be released come June.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSUnited were open to offers for Eriksen last summer and Lindelof is eyeing a return to Benfica after spending most of the last two seasons injured.The club want to permanently sell on-loan stars Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho to reinvest in a new goalscorer.Rashford has impressed since joining Aston Villa on loan in January and worked his way into Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.Villa have an £40million option to buy Rashford in the summer and it seems the damage is done in terms of his relationship with Amorim.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordElsewhere, Chelsea have an obligation to buy Sancho for £20-25million, although a £5million get-out clause has since emerged.The Blues are set to sign Sancho permanently in the summer, despite reports that suggested Stamford Bridge chiefs were tempted to pay the compensation to avoid it.Paul Scholes feels like Man Utd are ‘begging’ for money to build new stadium Antony -signed for £85.5million- has also has somewhat of a career revival since joining Real Betis but there looks to be no way back for him too.Veteran midfielder Casemiro will also be put up for sale as United look to raise funds for new signings.The Brazilian- who cost United a whopping £70million in 2022 – is determined to see out the remainder of his contract, which expires at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.Meanwhile, SunSport exclusively reported that the club are looking to sell goalkeeper Andre Onana to the Saudi Pro League.And the future of No 2 Altay Bayindir is also up in the air as the Turkish stopper could seek more football in order to improve his chances of playing at next year’s World Cup.PSV also have an option to sign left back Tyrell Malacia on a permanent basis.While the club may look to move Luke Shaw if they can find a buyer given his continued injury problems.Amorim admitted some of his players are already aware that their time at the club is coming to an endCredit: GettySpeaking earlier this month, Amorim admitted some of his players are already aware that their time at the club is coming to an end.He said: “Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on. If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear.”I was a player and like to use that experience — when you are honest with someone, they can take it. In the beginning maybe it is hard but they will understand.”I’m quite honest with my players and sometimes they know they have to move on at the end of the season.”We can talk about that in the end — now there are still a lot of games to play. But that is clear and not a difficult situation.”United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed the club “won’t be selling players because of the state we are in financially” amid doubts over the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Mainoo has not signed a renewal but his current deal has a maximum expiry date of 2028 .While Garnacho was the subject of a rejected £40m offer from Napoli in January.READ MORE SUN STORIESRatcliffe named six big-money United signings that are either “not good enough or overpaid” in his bombshell interview with Gary Neville recently.Sancho, Casemiro, Antony, Hojlund, Onana and Lisandro Martinez were all outed by the Ineos owner. More

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      Major change to transfer window in works as Premier League clubs set for talks over move that was previously abandoned

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs are set to hold talks over changing when the summer transfer window shuts, according to reports.Last summer the transfer window closed on August 31, 2024, and this summer it will open officially on June 12.Signings such as Manuel Ugarte signed after the start of the season could become a thing of the past under a new proposalCredit: AlamySome Premier League sporting directors believe ending the window before the season starts will promote integrityCredit: GettyNegotiations in deals as Mohamed Salah, linked with a transfer away from the Prem, could leave Liverpool at a disadvantageCredit: RexHowever, new plans could see the 2025 summer window closed on August 14, two days BEFORE the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season.The measure, put forward in early February at a meeting between the sporting directors of Prem clubs, is not new to English football, having been introduced and later abandoned in 2018 and 2019.It means transfers such as Manuel Ugarte signing for Manchester United after already playing two league games could become a thing of the past.Club chiefs will discuss the proposal in a meeting on Thursday, as reported by The Telegraph.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPassing the change will require a super-majority of 14 clubs, although if preliminary discussions indicate a lack of support it may be struck down before a vote.The main argument in favour of the move is sporting directors believing the integrity of the league would be better served by stopping all trading before the season starts on August 16.Additional discussions have proposed cutting the January transfer window down to just two weeks to minimise disruption to squads during the season.One of the main problems with the idea comes in persuading other European leagues to echo the move.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThere is also the variable of the Saudi Pro League, who are globally the second biggest spender on transfer fees after the Premier League.Saudi clubs spent £119million in the January transfer window after another huge spending spree in the summer. Ten Premier League stars wanted by Saudi Arabian clubsSome club chiefs believe shutting the window early would handicap them by giving them a disadvantage in negotiations.Stars such as Mohamed Salah and Andre Onana, exclusively revealed by SunSport, have been linked with moves to the Middle East in the coming summer.Modern transfer windows came into effect in the Premier League during the 2002/03 season following the Bosman ruling, which changed the landscape of football.Before then clubs were permitted to trade all-season, with huge signings like Eric Cantona to Man Utd happening on November 25, by which time the Red Devils had played 16 league games.Eric Cantona signed for Man Utd 16 games in the season in 1992Credit: Getty More