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      Which striker should Man Utd buy? We reveal who would be best fit for Amorim and why it’s great news for Ratcliffe

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have struggled to find any real form in the Premier League despite stronger performances in the Europa League.One of the most notable issues Ruben Amorim’s side have experienced is a major lack of goals, with none of the strikers in the squad really impressing.Ruben Amorim will be looking for a new striker in the summerCredit: EPAAfter considering six main options we have found the perfect option for Man UtdCredit: GettyLast summer United signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, though it has since become clear his profile is not what the Red Devils need up front. That has left Rasmus Hojlund as the only true recognised striker in the squad. However, while Hojlund still has the potential to develop into a very strong striker, he has been woefully out of form.Next summer Man Utd transfer chiefs will doubtless be looking to recruit a top forward.The issue they will find is that there is a real scarcity of top talent in that department which fit the unique needs of Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.Other top clubs, including Arsenal who we analysed last week, are also in the market which will only drive up price, but we have looked at who could be the top fit for Man Utd for next season.Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray and NigeriaVictor Osimhen is itching for a transferCredit: GettyThe first player on our list is also probably the most expensive; 26-year-old Galatasaray and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen.The on-loan Napoli ace has an estimated transfer value of £59million, having been touted as a top target for Premier League sides for some time.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAfter being one of the main reasons Napoli won their first Serie A title since the era of Diego Maradona, he fell out of favour with the club’s owner before he was sent on loan to Turkey.Osimhen will be seeking employment away from Napoli when he returns at the end of his loan spell, with links both to England and Saudi Arabia being widely reported.I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessGalatasaray are by no means a small club, but they do not play in a top five European league and are in no position to challenge for top European honours.In terms of the profile of striker United will be looking for this summer, it is fair to say that Osimhen is a very strong fit. He prefers to play on the shoulder of the last defender and attack space behind the defensive line but has the technical profile to receive the ball and play with his back to goal when required.Amorim’s system needs the striker to generate a significant amount of goals and shots.Here we see Osimhen makes contact with the central defender and then pulls away to make a pocket of space to attack the crossOsimhen’s 166 goal contributions across 253 games at club level speak for themselves in this regard.There is no doubt Osimhen would be a strong option thanks to his superb movement in and around the penalty area and the ability to create opportunities for himself.Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting Lisbon and SwedenVictor Gyokeres is one of Europe’s top strikersCredit: GettyIt should come as no surprise that Sweden and Sporting Lisbon ace Viktor Gyokeres had been included on this list. After all, he was one of the stand out players at Sporting when Amorim was there as coach, with 50 goal contributions in 41 games for Sporting this season after his 58-goal contribution tally last term.The 26-year-old, who has a market value of £63m has had something of an unusual career path to get to this point, having flopped at Brighton before really igniting his career at Coventry.His performances in the Championship were very strong and this led to a move to Portugal for an initial £17.5m.Gyokeres now looks poised to take the next step in his career and it is easy to see why. He is a modern striker with the ability to stretch opposition defences and make long and aggressive runs beyond the defensive line, while he has the skill to score a variety of different goals.The issue for Gyokeres when it comes to a move to a club like Man Utd, however, is facing a low or medium block a lot of the time – a factor which has massively limited Hojlund’s effectiveness this term.This means space behind the defence, where Gyokeres does his best work, is hard to come by for any striker.Here we see Gyokeres on the shoulder with space to attack ahead of himWhile Gyokeres is by no means a poor technical player, with the ability to receive the ball in tighter areas and bring others into the game, this is not the biggest strength of his game. He is more of a powerful forward who will thrive with balls played into the channels he can run on to in order to stretch the opposition.Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt and FranceHugo Ekitike looks set to be the next big money striker to be sold by FrankfurtCredit: AFPFans of English football were given quite the introduction to the France Under-21 star Hugo Ekitike when he scored three goals in a 5-3 win over England.The 22-year-old developed at Stade Reims in Ligue 1 before transferring to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, although it did not work out before he moved again to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.Ekitike has scored 19 goals in 38 matches in all competitions so far this season and is valued at just over £33m, drawing intense interest from other top clubs in Europe.Ironically, had Ekitike stayed at PSG until Kylian Mbappe left to join Real Madrid it is likely he would now be the starting striker in Paris. He is perhaps the closest striker in top level football at the moment to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, with a similar all round playing style and the most well rounded on this list.Ekitike is equally comfortable playing with his back to goal when he is running into space or running through the channels to stretch the game.Here Ekitike shows very clever movement with curved runs to pull off the shoulders of defenders and gain the separation he needs to finishFor a team like Man Utd who are still building towards their identity under Amorim, the signing of a striker that is well balanced like Ekitike would make a lot of sense. It can be easy with strikers of this type to overlook how effective and efficient they are in front of goal but as we touched upon above, Ekitike has show he can perform very well in a top five league.Liam Delap – Ipswich Town and EnglandLiam Delap has had a solid season despite his team’s looming threat of relegationCredit: GettyWhile Ekitike was scoring for France this week, Liam Delap was returning the favour with a goal for England Under-21s.When Ipswich Town signed the now 22-year-old from Manchester City in the summer there were some who doubted his ability to lead the line for a newly promoted Premier League side.With 10 goals and two assists in 28 league matches, a strong return for a team facing relegation, he has very much proven those doubters wrong.The Ipswich ace is another potential target who fits represents a modern profile of player. He is tall and powerful and extremely adept when it comes to making runs to stretch the game and attack behind the opposition line. There is an argument United would be better placed signing a more-well rounded player who can link the game and play in deeper areas or make aggressive runs behind the defensive line. Here we see how Delap times his run well to get across the defender to finishWith that said, however there is some value in the idea of United signing a young English striker that can develop as the team does.An added complication is Delap is a product of the Man City youth academy, and his boyhood club are thought to have a clause to say they can buy him back at a set price. Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig and SlovakiaBenjamin Sesko was the talk of the town at the European Championships last summerCredit: GettyPlaying for one of the smaller sides during the European Championships for Slovakia last summer, Benjamin Sesko was the name on everyone’s lips as he impressed with his power and pace.He was heavily linked at the time, and in January, with a move to Arsenal but made the choice to at least see out the season in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, where he has scored 17 goals in 36 games.That does not mean he will not be open to a move this coming summer, with an estimated transfer value of £42m.Sesko, like previous names mentioned, is tall, powerful, quick and at his best when he is given space to run into and to attack as his team moves the attack forward.His biggest strength, however, comes in his incredible ball striking with the ability to strike the ball with power from distance.Sesko is another player who thrives when he is able to play and attack in moments of transition. Here we see how part of Sesko’s threat is his ball-striking abilityAs a top level striker he still needs to add some real consistency to his game in front of goal.There is a worry he is too one dimensional in needing space in the final third to really fit the way United will play.Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford and CameroonBryan Mbeumo has been Brentford’s main man after they lost Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyThe final attacker on our shortlist is 25-year-old Brentford and Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo, who is valued at £42m.He has had a very strong season with 20 goals and assists in all competitions after stepping up to fill the void of Ivan Toney’s sale. His performances have been so strong this season that he is now being linked to a move this coming summer to a top 6 level club that will be involved in European competition.Mbeumo is not a tall and powerful striker who will threaten space behind the defensive line like other names on the list, with a preference to pull into the channels and get on the ball in the final third.There is a real argument with Mbeumo that he would fit better in the United system under Amorim as one of the two attacking midfielders behind the main striker. His mobility and movement in these areas are excellent and he is extremely difficult for opposition defenders to pick up and mark. Mbeumo is exceptionally dangerous off the right flank, rather than in the middleMbeumo would not be at his best as the main striker for United. He is more movement based in the way he creates threat and space in the final third while United need to find a striker who has a better rounded and more versatile attacking profile.ConclusionIt is tempting to say Osimhen would be the best option of the six strikers we have discussed above since he is the most ready-made option. However, Man Utd are in the midst of a financial nightmare after years of overspending with a big rebuild to come this summer for a squad well below the standards needed to challenge for top honours.Therefore, given his relative price at almost half the value of Osimhen or Gyokreres, Ekitike should be the target of choice next summer. His profile is well rounded and he has more to come in his development as this United team develops, while a likely cheaper deal would be music to the ears of Sir Jim Ratcliffe after numerous cuts made to the club.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity More

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      ‘Of course, it’s difficult’ – Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifeline

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      BEN CHILWELL refused to let membership of Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ drag him down.The defender was frozen out completely by boss Enzo Maresca this season but kept his head up high in order to secure a move away.Ben Chilwell is enjoying a fresh start at Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyHe was frozen out of the squad at ChelseaCredit: GettyFull-back Chilwell is now on loan at Crystal Palace and one win away from Wembley in the FA Cup semi finals – a huge turnaround from the dark days in isolation at Stamford Bridge.Chilwell said to ITV: “Between the start of the season and January I was training by myself a lot of the days. “You’re not involved in the matchday squads and you kind of just wait for the opportunity when you’re going to go somewhere.“If you go somewhere in January and you’re miles off the pace or you’ve not put the work in, the only person that’s losing out is you.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“Of course, it’s difficult. Training by yourself a lot for a number of months isn’t easy. But the only person that was going to lose out if I wasn’t ready was myself. “So these past four or five months have given me an opportunity to mentally and physically just realign, refocus, reset. To go again.“There were a lot of circumstances and things going on at Chelsea that weren’t in my control, which I completely respect.“The things I could control was how I came into training every day and how I trained, whether by myself or with the group.Most read in FA CupJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge“That’s just a reflection of myself and I wasn’t going to let myself down in those moments you can control you just control as best as you can.”Maresca bluntly told Chilwell that he simply did not fit into his tactical plans. It was nothing personal but it will have hurt.Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell completes loan transfer to Crystal PalaceChilwell, 28, is big on the mental side of professional sports and kept his chin up, finally bagging a loan move to Palace in January.Whether or not a permanent deal is struck at the end of the season, there is no way back for him at Chelsea while Maresca is manager.He held a Zoom call with Eagles boss Oliver Glasner about a temporary switch and knew straightaway he fancied moving to South London for a fresh start.Chilwell has played five times at Wembley at club level. With only one win so far.The Champions League winning left-back made his Palace debut as a sub in the FA Cup fourth round win over Doncaster Rovers. He has featured in the two rounds since.The fifth round win over Millwall was overshadowed by serious injury to Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who needed 25 stitches to a cut ear after a collision with keeper Liam Roberts.The Frenchman is declared fit to play at Fulham on Saturday and Chilwell says it is a huge boost both physically and mentally.He said: “He’s the glue of the place. He’s the loudest one in the changing room. The loudest one around here. You need a few of those don’t you?“You need those characters around the place always cracking jokes making people laugh. They’re the loudest ones when their team loses or their team wins.“They’re the most important figures in the changing room, so it’s definitely noticeable when he’s not in the building. Having him back this weekend will be a massive boost.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Before coming here I knew a lot of the players previously through the national team, through playing against them in the league. It seemed a pretty easy choice. I spoke to the manager also.“We had a talk over Zoom and kind of agreed on lots of lots of different things. So I think with the manager and the people that I knew here previously It was a pretty easy decision to come.” More

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      Man Utd quoted stunning £100million price tag for Premier League star, 19, who has scored just two goals this season

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly been quoted £100million for Southampton star Tyler Dibling.The 19-year-old has been one of the few shining lights for Saints this season.Southampton want £100million for Man Utd target Tyler DiblingCredit: GettyThe south coast club sit rock-bottom of the Premier League table with just two wins from 29 games.And their relegation fate could be sealed early next month, less than a year after winning promotion from the Championship.Southampton are on their second manager of the campaign in Ivan Juric, with predecessor Russell Martin sacked before Christmas.And fans are now resigned to at least another term in English football’s second tier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, hopes remain high for the development of star man Dibling.The teen forward has only scored twice in the Premier League.But his all-action approach and lightning speed down the flanks has provided supporters with some rare excitement.Dibling, who had a brief spell at Chelsea in 2022, has attracted plenty of attention as a result.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMan United are thought to be strongly interested as they look to rebuild their squad for Ruben Amorim.Likewise, rivals Man City, Tottenham and Newcastle are also thought to have Dibling high on their shopping lists this summer.I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessBut Southampton have no intention of letting him leave for pennies.According to the Telegraph, Saints chiefs have slapped an eye-watering £100m price tag on him.The St Mary’s side are extremely reluctant to let Dibling leave and reckon he can orchestrate the club’s immediate return to the top flight.One Southampton star who looks likely to leave though is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.The stopper only joined from Arsenal last summer for £25m but knows he needs to be playing regularly in the Premier League to secure his England spot at the World Cup. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold will be forced to break from nine-year tradition at Real Madrid thanks to little-known rule

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will not be able to wear his No66 shirt at Real Madrid due to a little-known rule.The Liverpool star’s contract expires this summer and he is ready to leave Anfield for free.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyHe will be forced to ditch his No66 shirt due to a LaLiga ruleCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold will reportedly sign a five-year deal at Real Madrid and pocket £240,000-a-week.His move to Spain sees his spell at boyhood club Liverpool come to an end and his nine years wearing the No66 is also over.That is because a LaLiga rule prevents players having kit numbers above No25, corresponding to the size of a team’s squad.Only youngsters who are not registered in the senior squad, but can still play, are allowed to wear a higher digit on their back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis future Real Madrid team-mate Raul Asencio is an exception to the rule amid a breakthrough season in the No35 shirt.The No66 has become synonymous with Alexander-Arnold after he was given it when he first started training with the first-team in 2016.It was handed to him as it was a free number and not low enough to think he was an established part of the Liverpool side.But Alexander-Arnold quickly broke into the starting XI in the unique number and has decided to keep it ever since.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile playing for England, he has donned the No2, No7, No8 and No10 shirts.Despite him seemingly leaving Liverpool on a free, the club are still set to rake in cash from Real Madrid.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe Champions League holders want to complete the signing in time for the revamped Club World Cup, which starts on June 15.Alexander-Arnold’s deal does not expire until June 30 and Real Madrid are therefore willing to pay around £5million to break the contract early so he can join his new team in the US for the tournament. More

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      Bastian Schweinsteiger went from zero to hero while getting jeered by own fans after Trent Alexander-Arnold-style saga

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      BAYERN MUNICH legend Bastian Schweinsteiger faced a saga similar to that of Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2011.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid in June when his Anfield contract expires and is expected to sign a five-year deal worth in excess of £220,000 per week.Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly agreed to join Real MadridCredit: PABayern Munich legend Bastian Schweinsteiger faced a similar predicament as Alexander-ArnoldSchweinsteiger was linked with an exit but he ultimately signed a new contract with BayernThis comes after months of intense speculation regarding the full-back’s future that even led to a section of the Reds’ faithful booing him at times, claiming his mind was focused on Real.Schweinsteiger, 40, faced the same problem 14 years ago when his Bayern contract was coming to an end.Just like Alexander-Arnold, he also came out of his esteemed club’s academy and was adored by fans as one of their own.The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and – funnily enough – Real all tried to take advantage of the situation and lure the then Germany international.Read More on FootballAnd after a 3-0 victory over St Pauli on January 2, 2011, the German took the microphone from the stadium announcer to speak to the live crowd at the Allianz Arena.Schweinsteiger was met with a chorus of boos from the Bayern faithful, who thought he was about to announce his imminent departure.However, the crowd was swerved as the fan favourite instead confirmed he had signed a new contract.Schweinsteiger said: “I’ve been playing here at FC Bayern Munich for 12 years now.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”And I wanted to tell you, I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016. Long live Bayern!”Schweinsteiger spent another four years with Bayern where he amassed a total of 500 appearances and won every title available until his departure for Man Utd.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports It’s not too late for Alexander-Arnold – who could become the seventh Englishman to play at the Bernabeu – to deliver a similar swerve to Liverpool fans as nothing has been finalised yet.However, the latest reports indicate that the Enland international is closer to an exit than he is to a new contract with Arne Slot’s side.Liverpool are also at risk of losing Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk at the end of the season as their deals also run out in three months. More

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      Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi deal ‘faces being hijacked by Real Madrid with £50m transfer plotted’

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      ARSENAL’S bid for Martin Zubimendi is at risk of being hijacked by Real Madrid.The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Real Sociedad star Zubimendi, 26, ever since last year when they tried to lure him away from Spain.Arsenal’s bid for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi could be hijacked by Real MadridCredit: GettySociedad star Zubimendi has also been linked with LiverpoolCredit: RexThe North Londoners are going toe to toe with Premier League rivals Liverpool for the midfielder’s signature – with the midfielder having dramatically snubbed the champions-elect last summer.Now, according to El Partidazo de COPE, Arsenal – and the Reds for that matter – are now facing serious competition from Real who are pushing hard for the Spain international’s signature.As per the same source, Zubimendi’s agent is listening to offers ahead of the summer transfer window.And Real president Florentino Perez is making his move as he understands his team’s advantage.Read More on ArsenalThe reigning European champions can guarantee the talented Spaniard Champions League football next season as well as silverware in the near future.Sociedad, on the other hand, are 12th in Laliga with 17 points separating them from the top four.This comes after Imanol Alguacil’s side were eliminated from the Europa League in the Last 16 by Manchester United.Real are more than willing to meet Zubimendi’s €60million (£50m) release clause and the potential arrival of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso in the dugout will have no affect regarding their plans.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe same report claims the final decision now lies on the defensive midfielder.Zubimendi is highly rated and has been compared to Chelsea and Real legend Claude Makelele, Barcelona hero Sergio Busquets and Manchester City star Rodri.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordArsenal and Liverpool were very keen to sign him last summer but he was persuaded to remain at his beloved Sociedad by manager Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe.The pair prepared a presentation and pulled on the player’s San Sebastian heartstrings with pictures of his favourite local tapas restaurants and mountain hikes he enjoys in the Basque Country.The talented No6 has amassed a total of two goals and two assists in 38 appearances this season. More

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      Leah Williamson to use memorable Arsenal defeat of Bayern Munich as fuel for Real Madrid duel

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON hopes Arsenal’s Champions League knockout of Bayern Munich can fuel their battle for a semi-final spot. Her side are 2-0 down after losing their first-leg quarters game away at Real Madrid last Tuesday.Leah Williamson and her Arsenal team-mates aim to overcome Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: PAThe Gunners need to overcome a two-goal deficit in order to reach the contest’s semi-finals this yearCredit: PAThe last time Williamson’s side reached the contest’s last four was back in March 2023. Back then they overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Bayern 2-1 on aggregate. And the Arsenal centre-back, 27,  hopes they can repeat this feat against Real Madrid in one of their biggest games this season. Williamson said: “The experience of overturning the quarter-final against Bayern Munich – that comes in handy for anybody that played in that game. That was a great memory. Read More Football Stories “Anybody that was involved in that game will take confidence from that knowing that we know how to do it.”Good things happen in football, bad things happen in football. “And when the good things happen you keep them in your pocket and just as much as the bad but you call them when you need them.”Arsenal’s game this evening will take place on pristine turf at the Emirates – a stark contrast to the muddy pitch they played on in Spain last week. Most read in FootballHeavy rain in Madrid left the turf at Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in a shabby state with players on sides getting covered in mud. However Williamson refused to blame the conditions for the Gunners’ first-leg defeat. She adds: “We were frustrated but more so at ourselves than anything else.Rainy weather ruined the condition of the pitch Arsenal and Real played on in Spain in the first leg of their quarters clashCredit: Getty”Whether pitch, weather, whatever it is, the standards of Arsenal are higher than they were last week.”The last time Arsenal won the Champions League was back in 2007 when they became the first English club to do so. Lifelong Gunners supporter Williamson, who dreams of helping them win again, said: “I’m an Arsenal fan and grew up at this club so that’s the dream.” More

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      Man Utd and Arsenal in transfer battle for two Olympiacos wonderkids but face fight with host of European giants

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal are keeping tabs on two Olympiacos wonderkids ahead of the summer transfer window.Both teenage sensations are part of the Greek giants’ exciting new generation that won the Uefa Youth League with the Under-19s last season.Manchester United and Arsenal are keeping tabs on Olympiacos wonderkid Babis KostoulasCredit: GettyChristos Mouzakitis is also being eyed by Man Utd and Arsenal along with a host of European giantsCredit: GettyBabis Kostoulas and Christos Mouzakitis were among the main protagonists of that historic triumph that saw them become part of the first ever Greek team to win a European title, shortly before the seniors conquered the Europa Conference League.Both of them were quickly promoted into Olympiacos’ first team under manager Jose Luis Mendilibar last summer.Highly-rated forward Kostoulas, 17, has so far amassed a total of six goals and two assists in 33 appearances with the Piraeus outfit this season.And rising midfield star Mouzakitis, 18, has registered two goals as well as four assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.Read More on FootballSunSport understand that their ongoing rise to prominence has led to interest from Man Utd and Arsenal, but both Premier League giants are facing competition from a host of European rivals.The pair are also being monitored by Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Juventus.Tottenham, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are reportedly keen on Kostoulas, while SunSport can reveal that the Greece Under-21 international – soon to be a senior – has received interest from Spain.We can also report that Brighton, Wolves, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid are eyeing Mouzakitis.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordThe midfielder stood out during the international break as he made his first ever start with Greece in Scotland and helped his team climb up to League A in the Nations League with a stunning 3-0 win.Kostoulas missed out on a call-up by manager Ivan Jovanovic due to a hamstring injury he suffered three weeks ago.’He’s got a sense of humour’ – Sky Sports panel in stitches after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s stunt in live TV interviewBut he is in contention for Sunday’s crunch derby against rivals Panathinaikos. More