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      Arsenal set sights on world-class striker with eight players on transfer shortlist… ‘but four stars could leave’

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      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.Boss Mikel Arteta needs firepower, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres all on the radar.Mikel Arteta is set to be given a war chest again this summerCredit: GettyThe Gunners are also being linked with an array of other stars as the club prepare to unleash their war chest.Arsenal have spent big in the last two summer windows, bringing in the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for a combined £204.5million last year.This summer, signing a striker is the priority with Gabriel Jesus being plagued by injuries since he arrived in North London.Kai Havertz has had to fill the role for much of the summer, with the German and Jesus combining for 18 goals between them.READ MORE ON ARSENALSunSport understands the Arsenal hierarchy recognise Arteta’s squad currently lacks an attacking focal point and clinical edge in the final third.Isak, Sesko and Gyokeres are of particular interest.The Gunners have sent scouts to watch RB Leipzig’s 6ft 4in Slovenian Sesko, 20, and Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish former Coventry star Gyokeres.Sesko has a £43m release clause, but he is also being tracked by both Manchester United and Chelsea, while Gyokeres would cost upwards of £80m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSesko has scored 13 goals in 37 appearances in Germany.Impressively, Gyokeres has bagged 36 goals and 16 assists in 44 games in all competitions after moving to Portugal from Championship Sky Blues in a £21m deal last July.’Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in MunichIsak, 24, has hit 21 goals this season despite an injury-hit campaign.The Swede was scouted by Arsenal before his £60m Toon deal in 2022.Joshua Zikzee and Xavi Simons are also on the radar.Bologna’s Dutch wonder Zikzee is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe with the 6ft 4in 22-year-old forward valued at around £50m.Simons is a talent in the Bukayo Saka mould currently on loan at RB Leipzig from PSG, but would cost close to £80m to sign.Martin Zubimendi could prove an effective partner for Declan RiceAccording to The Mirror, Arteta also wants to sign players to provide competition for Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who have been overused this season.Wolves winger Pedro Neto is a long-term target while Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams is another option, they claim.Arsenal appear to have cooled their interest in Ivan Toney but another name on their wishlist is Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who could be an effective partner for Declan Rice.To help fund incoming Arsenal could let a number of stars leave according to The Mirror, including Eddie Nketiah who is priced at £30m and a target for Crystal Palace.READ MORE SUN STORIESReiss Nelson is also available with Aaron Ramsdale’s future uncertain, having been demoted to David Raya’s understudy.There is also interest being shown in youth product Emile Smith Rowe who has recently returned to first-team action.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here. More

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      Ian Maatsen ‘tells Chelsea he wants permanent transfer’ as bargain release clause in left-back’s contract emerges

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      CHELSEA loaneee Ian Maatsen has told the club he wants to make a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.Maatsen, 22, was shipped out on loan to Dortmund in January and he has since become a regular under manager Edin Terzic with the club desperate to hold on to him.Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen has informed the club he wants to leaveCredit: GettyMaatsen wants to join Borussia Dortmund amid a successful loan stint from ChelseaCredit: GettyThe full-back helped BVB punch their ticket to the Champions League semi-finals with a goal during Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. According to reports in Germany, the Netherlands international now wants to sign a permanent deal with the Bundesliga giants and has informed the Blues about it.However, Chelsea will command a release clause in the range of €35-40million (£30-£34m).Maatsen said after the Atletico match that he was determined to become a regular at Stamford Bridge before his loan move to Dortmund.Read More on ChelseaBut now the defender is “very comfortable” at the Signal Iduna Park and could help push a deal with Terzic’s side.Chelsea fans, though, pleaded with the club not to sell the Dutchman after his Champions League heroics amid a woeful season for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.Maatsen also stood out during his most recent loan stint at Burnley last season.The left-back helped the Clarets win the Championship and return to the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Chelsea academy graduate’s impressive performances also landed him a place in the Championship’s Team of the Season.Maatsen said earlier this week: “I always believed [I could] play for Chelsea but unfortunately for some reason it didn’t work out how it should’ve.BREAKING: Ian Maatsen signs for Borussia Dortmund”Now I’m here I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I can say I’m very proud of myself.”I kept believing in myself and came here to experience playing my game at the highest level, playing my game. Today I think I showed a very good performance. I’m very happy.”Maatsen feels ‘very comfortable’ during his loan stint at Dortmund More

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      Retired Man Utd ace says he’d ‘love to see Marcus Rashford in a better team’ and tells club ‘you need to help him’

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      AN EX-MANCHESTER UNITED star has told the club to “help” Marcus Rashford – and says that he would “love to see him in a better team”.The England international forward, 26, enjoyed the best season of his career last term when scoring 32 goals.Bastian Schweinsteiger is a former team-mate of Marcus Rashford at Man UtdCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe says he’d like to see the forward ‘in a better team’Credit: ReutersThat earned him a bumper pay rise and a £325,000-a-week contract extension until 2028.However, since then he has struggled massively for form and has only found the net eight times this term.He was briefly axed from the squad in January after missing training following a night out in Belfast.And despite reconciling with Erik ten Hag, the winger continues to underwhelm on the pitch.READ MORE ON MAN UTDRashford faces a huge fight to secure a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024 while speculation continues to rumble on over his future.Ex-team mate Wayne Rooney believes he should leave Old Trafford for a “fresh start” in order to rejuvenate his career as he “doesn’t look happy”.But German World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was at the Red Devils when the attacker burst on the scene in 2016, has called on someone at United to help Rashford instead of flogging him.Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, brought to you by SkyBet, he explained: “He’s still the player who can decide the games, but he doesn’t show it too many times because maybe inside he’s a little bit frustrated.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“First, he has to understand he can also be the example – you can handle frustration differently – but someone needs to tell him and speak with him.“It has to come from him, that’s very important.Gary Neville ‘genuinely worried’ about Marcus Rashford as he and Roy Keane say ‘something’s not right’ with Man Utd star“Sometimes you have these coaches who tell you, stay left, stay right, but you need to understand, if you play for Pep Guardiola, you need to understand what he wants and then you have to do it.“You cannot just go to someone and say, ‘Hey, run faster’, you need to help him, and he needs to understand why.”Rashford has been linked with a Paris Saint-Germain move as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who is destined for a Real Madrid switch.But SunSport revealed that PSG made it clear they have NO interest in signing him.However, Schweinsteiger says he would be delighted to see Rashford with “better” players around him at another club.He added: “I would love to see him in a better team, where he gets the balls in the right moment.“I would love to see that because in the years past, you don’t really see that, so if he would play for a different team, maybe he would also increase his level a little bit more.” More

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      Rafa Benitez ‘in talks over new job thousands of miles away with club who denied ex-Liverpool boss, 64, major trophy’

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      RAFA BENITEZ is the top candidate to take over as manager at Sao Paulo.Former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton boss Benitez, 64, has been out of a job for a month after being sacked by Celta Vigo.Rafa Benitez is the top candidate to become manager at Sao PauloCredit: GettyBenitez has history with Sao Paulo as they cost him the Club World Cup while at LiverpoolCredit: APAccording to Arquibancada Tricolor, however, the Spanish tactician is the “strongest name” linked with the top job at Sao Paulo.Talks started on Sunday and appear advanced as both parties are confident there will be a “positive outcome”.Negotiations have been brokered by super agent Giuliano Bertolucci, who represents some of the best Brazilian players like Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos.If Benitez signs with the Brazilian giants then he will be linking up with the same team that denied him the Club World Cup in 2005.Read More on FootballLiverpool took on Sao Paulo in the final in Yokohama just seven months after the Miracle of Istanbul.The Reds became European champions after beating AC Milan in a dramatic penalty shootout following an unforgettable 3-3 draw in the Champions League final.The Merseysiders were then looking to become world champions when they took on the then Copa Libertadores winners.However, Paulo Autuori’s men prevailed in Japan with a 1-0 victory thanks to Mineiro’s winner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBenitez, though, did win the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool the same year.Steven Gerrard and co defeated then UEFA Cup winners CSKA Moscow 3-1 at Stade Louis II in Monaco.11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryDaniel Carvalho opened the scoring for Valery Gazzaev’s men but Djibril Cisse equalised for Liverpool to force extra-time.The Reds sealed the trophy as Cisse completed his brace before Luis Garcia scored the third. More

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      Michael Owen names three Premier League players Arsenal should sign that would take them to next level

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      MICHAEL OWEN has listed the three players Arsenal should bring in to improve them this summer.The former England star, 44, believes Mikel Arteta needs to add a striker to his ranks come the end of the season.Michael Owen believes Arsenal need to be looking at three strikersCredit: PAOwen has named England pair Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins as players Arsenal should go afterCredit: GettyThat is despite the Gunners having outscored everyone in the Premier League aside from Manchester City – with the champions netting just one more than them after 32 games.Owen believes Aston Villa man Ollie Watkins, Brentford’s Ivan Toney, and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak could all improve Arsenal.When discussing the Gunners’ reported interest in England man Watkins, Owen told Premier League Productions: “He is a player who is getting better and better year on year.”He’s the type of player who could go into the Arsenal team, whether or not they can buy him is another thing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There are a lot of players in the Premier League at the moment who would probably be an upgrade on what Arsenal have right now.”You’re looking at [Alexander] Isak up at Newcastle, maybe Ivan Toney at Brentford and Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa.”Arsenal have hit the back of the net on 75 occasions in the league.In all competitions, Bukayo Saka [18], Leandro Trossard [13], Martin Odegaard [10] and Kai Havertz [10] are the Arsenal players that have reached doubled figures.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOwen also believes Arsenal should look at Alexander IsakCredit: EPAOllie Watkins is enjoying a prolific season up front for Aston VillaIsak, 24, has been linked with a move to both Arsenal and Tottenham amid Newcastle’s concerns surrounding profit and sustainability rules.Toney has made it clear he would be open to leaving Brentford in the summer.And Watkins’ sensational campaign is bound to turn heads, although his Villa contract runs until 2028.Watkins has scored 26 goals in 45 games this season, while Isak has netted 21 times in 34 matches.Toney’s betting ban left him ineligible until January, but he has scored four goals in 13 games since returning to Thomas Frank’s side.Ivan Toney has scored four league goals since returning to the Brentford teamIsak has led the line superbly for Newcastle this season More

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      Real Madrid legend Raul’s agent reveals world record offer from Premier League giants – but he ‘didn’t consider’ it

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      REAL MADRID legend Raul once received a world record offer to join Chelsea – but “didn’t consider it” as he opted to stay in Spain.Raul, 46, is a Bernabeu legend after spending 16 years leading Real’s attack.Chelsea tried and failed to sign Raul from Real Madrid for a then-record £70m in 2003Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdRaul opted to remain at Real, going on to become their all-time appearance makerCredit: GettyHe won six LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues during a glittering career in the Spanish capital.Raul is Real’s third top scorer of all time with 323 goals.And he still holds the record for most appearances with 741 games.However, things could have panned out differently for Raul had he jumped ship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeven years before his 2010 departure for Schalke, Chelsea are claimed to have made an offer for Raul.In 2003, Roman Abramovich had just purchased club and was looking to make some statement signings.Chelsea spent huge fees on stars like Hernan Crespo, Damien Duff and Juan Sebastian Veron.And they even managed to lure superstar midfielder Claude Makelele from the Bernabeu too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHowever, Chelsea also tried to sign Real team-mate Raul at the same time.According to his agent, the Blues offered a then-world record £70m for the striker.7 times Arsenal vs Chelsea games EXPLODEDChelea did end up signing Raul’s team-mate Claude Makelele in the same windowCredit: GettyBut Raul, who joined Real’s academy in 1992 and is now boss of their reserves, had no interest in discussing a Stamford Bridge switch.Gines Carvajal said in 2010: “Many English clubs asked in the past for Raul, but the only formal proposal was the one of Chelsea.“(Then Chelsea manager Claudio) Ranieri wanted Makelele and Raul. So the same people of Chelsea who negotiated for Makelele made contact with me and Madrid.“They offered €100million (then a world record £70m), but Raul didn’t consider the offer because he just didn’t think of leaving Madrid.“I believe that generally clubs know that Raul is the captain of Madrid and, as it happens with players as (Ryan) Giggs, they know that there are not many options for them to change clubs.”Raul’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Real Madrid, 1994-2010: 741 games, 323 goals

      Schalke, 2010-2012: 98 games, 40 goals

      Al Sadd, 2012-2014: 61 games, 16 goals

      New York Cosmos, 2015: 32 games, 9 goals

      Spain, 1996-2006: 102 games, 44 goals

      Trophies: LaLiga x6, Spanish Super Cup x4, Champions League x3, Uefa Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup x2 (Real Madrid); German Cup, German Super Cup (Schalke); Qatar Stars League, Emir of Qatar Cup (Al Sadd); North American Soccer League, North American Supporters’ Trophy, Soccer Bowl (New York Cosmos) More

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      Mo Salah tipped to leave Liverpool after £200m transfer bid with three replacements identified

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      A FORMER Liverpool player has told Mo Salah that this summer is the “perfect time” to quit the club – and suggested three potential replacements.The Egyptian has achieved legendary status at Anfield thanks to his 209 goals since his arrival from Roma in 2017.Mo Salah has been told that this summer is the ‘perfect’ time to leave LiverpoolCredit: EPAThe 31-year-old has found the net 23 times this term despite suffering some injury issues but he has just over a year left on his contract.Salah has been linked with a move away several times over the past 12 months – while Liverpool are believed to have rejected a £200million bid from a Saudi Arabian club for him last summer.But with boss Jurgen Klopp exiting Merseyside at the end of the season, ex-Reds full-back Jose Enrique insists it could also be the best time for Salah to wave farewell as well.The Spaniard, who spent five years at Liverpool from 2011, told Grosvenor Sport: “If the right offer comes then I think Salah will leave because I think he was actually trying to leave last summer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“They were offered something like £200m for him last summer and that was a real offer.“When you get an offer like that, usually it means there is already an agreement between the player and the club.“I think Salah had already agreed to go and I believe that he will finally go to Saudi Arabia this summer.”Enrique continued: “Jurgen Klopp is leaving so it is the perfect time for Salah to go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“There is a new cycle happening at Liverpool and lots of changes, so it is perfect for him.“This will likely be the final big contract of his career, so I think he’ll leave for Saudi Arabia.”Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveAnd Enrique even suggested three names that Liverpool could move for as a replacement for Salah – including two Premier League stars.He added: “Mohammed Kudus is someone that I think could be a replacement for Salah.“Even last summer I would have said that and now of course he is playing really well for West Ham.“You could also throw in someone like Ebere Eze from Crystal Palace, but there aren’t really any obvious replacements out there.“Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich is a possibility because he is in a bit of situation with his contract there at the moment.“He is the kind of name that they need to bring in and he could be an option.” More

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      Arsenal and Liverpool ‘make contact with Eintracht Frankfurt’ over mega-money summer transfer

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      ARSENAL and Liverpool have “made contact” with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for defender Willian Pacho, according to reports.The centre-back, 22, has started all but one of the German club’s Bundesliga games this season.Willian Pacho only joined Eintracht Frankfurt last summer but has had a superb seasonCredit: GettyPacho has been ever-present for Frankfurt in the 2023/24 campaignAnd his impressive displays have seen his asking price skyrocket as some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs circle for his signature.Pacho joined Frankfurt from Royal Antwerp last summer for just £7.6million.Now Sky Sports are reporting the 2022 Europa League winners want between £43-51m in the summer.Pacho, who has already earned 10 caps for Ecuador, is under contract with Frankfurt until 2028.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal and Liverpool are both understood to have “held discussions”, with Frankfurt “aware” of their interest.But the strength of Frankfurt’s contractual situation with the player means they can demand a substantial fee.And manager Dino Toppmoller recently revealed he believes the centre-half can become one of the best in the world.Toppmoller said: “He’s doing a great job, and is getting better all the time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s really reliable and has world-class potential.”Frankfurt sit sixth in the Bundesliga table and are poised to qualify for the Europa Conference League.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shockerBut they are just three points ahead of Augsburg, so could still miss out on European football. More