More stories

  • in

    Mystery over Martin Zubimendi’s Arsenal transfer as £51m target appears to deny medical claims in Instagram post

    MARTIN ZUBIMENDI appears to have denied claims he is undergoing a medical at Arsenal.Arsenal triggered a £51million release clause in his contract in January.Martin Zubimendi is expected to complete an Arsenal medical in the coming daysCredit: GettyThe midfielder shared a snap of himself surfingCredit: instagram @martin_zubimendiThe Spaniard appears to still be in San SebastianCredit: instagram @martin_zubimendiThe transfer has been at an advanced stage ever since and the final details are expected to be completed shortly.That includes a medical, with reports this week claiming he was set to undergo a check-up in London in the coming days.Zubimendi, 26, appeared to react to those claims with his latest Instagram post.The midfielder shared a couple of snaps from the beach including one of himself in a wetsuit, surfboard in hand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpanish outlet Cope report that Zubimendi is still in San Sebastian.Despite that, senior Arsenal figures expect the deal to be completed swiftly.Personal terms and the relevant documents have already been signed and agreed, as well as the payment structure around the Spaniard’s release clause.So all that is left is a medical – once that is complete he will be announced as a Gunners player.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHe will provide depth to a midfield that has already lost veteran Jorginho, who is heading to Brazilian outfit Flamengo on a free transfer with his Emirates deal expiring next month.Zubimendi is highly rated by Arteta, who convinced the Euro 2024 winner of the North London project after he turned down a switch to Arne Slot’s Liverpool last summer.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’It is the start of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal as they prepare to splash around £200m on new talent to fire them to Premier League glory next term. More

  • in

    Chelsea ‘ready to hijack Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres transfer pursuit’ hours after winning Uefa Conference League

    CHELSEA are ready to hijack Arsenal’s transfer pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, reports suggest.Arsenal had reportedly submitted a formal offer in the region of £62million to land the Sporting Lisbon ace.Chelsea want to hijack Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor GyokeresCredit: GettyHowever, a fresh report from Portuguese outlet Record has claimed London rivals Chelsea have now entered the race to land the Swede.The Blues are said to have submitted a formal enquiry about buying the striker.This has come just hours after the club won the Conference League by beating Real Betis 4-1.Gyokeres, 26, has scored 97 goals and added 28 assists in 102 games for the Sporting since joining from Coventry in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIndeed, this season his record of 54 goals in all competitions places him as Europe’s highest goalscorer, with 12 more goals than Kylian Mbappe’s and Robert Lewandowski’s respective tally of 42 each.Chelsea were waiting until after the Conference League final in Wroclaw, Poland, to trigger their movement in the transfer market.Blues transfer chiefs want to get a deal done quickly for a new ace ahead of the Club World Cup.Ipswich Town star Liam Delap is also in talks, though he is also being pursued by Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKChelsea’s tally of 64 goals in the Premier League marked them as the joint seventh highest scorers.Four players made it into double figures for the season, though only Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson managed to break double figures in the league.Inside Chelsea’s Conference League final celebrations as Moises Caicedo sings karaoke into the nightEnzo Maresca’s side are being rivalled in their pursuit of Gyokeres by Italian giants Juventus.Chelsea’s shopping list for a new forward is extensive, however. As well as Gyokeres and Delap, they have been linked with moves for Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike.Chelsea, along with Arsenal and Europa League winners Tottenham, have also been offered the chance to sign Leroy Sane for free.In Arsenal’s case, they were the third-highest goalscorers in the top flight last season, but not one player broke double figures for them in the league.The Gunners are expected to finalise a transfer for midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the coming days while they continue pursuing more firepower.Chelsea 2025/26 Home Kit: Available Now!*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge More

  • in

    Liverpool in race against time to complete £126m Florian Wirtz transfer as Bayer Levekusen double-deal targeted

    LIVERPOOL are in a race against time to seal the £126million record signing of Florian Wirtz before he joins up with Germany.Bayer Leverkusen star Wirtz is due to report for international duty tomorrow ahead of the Nations League semi-final with Portugal next Wednesday.Liverpool are pushing to complete a deal for Florian WirtzCredit: GettyThe attacking midfielder wants a deal agreed before he heads off.But the Germans will not go below their £126m valuation, a British record deal from a foreign club.Leverkusen turned down Liverpool’s opening bid of £86m plus add-ons earlier this week.They want £20m more up front, plus clauses to take it up to £126m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWirtz, 22, is thought to have agreed personal terms on a five-year  deal.Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong flew to the UK on Tuesday for a medical ahead of his own £29.6m move to Anfield.Frimpong has emerged as the chosen man to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield.The boyhood Red played his last game for the club on Sunday ahead of his exit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid in a free transfer, with Los Blancos hoping to finalise the deal before the Club World Cup.The full-back will join former Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso at the Santiago Bernabeu.Frimpong jets into UK with Leverkusen star to complete £30m Liverpool moveAlonso was appointed as the new Real Madrid boss last week.He signed a three-year deal upon his arrival and will officially take control on June 1.Real Madrid face Al-Hilal in their first Club World Cup match next month. More

  • in

    Crystal Palace in talks to complete Atletico Madrid star transfer with Ben Chilwell set for Chelsea return

    CRYSTAL PALACE are in talks to sign defender Reinildo Mandava.The Atletico Madrid left-back will be a free agent this summer and is being eyed by Premier League clubs.Reinildo Mandava is in talks over a move to Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyBen Chilwell is unlikely to stay at Selhurst ParkCredit: PAPalace want the Mozambique star as competition for Tyrick Mitchell.Ben Chilwell joined on loan from Chelsea in January but is not expected to stay. Yet Everton and Fulham are also fans of Reinildo.The 31-year-old, previously linked to Barcelona and Manchester United, joined Atletico from Lille in 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since played 102 times for the club, scoring once and assisting two goals.Reinildo started ten LaLiga and three Champions League matches this season.Palace boss Oliver Glasner wants to wrap up transfer business quickly  having moaned about the time it took to do deals last year.And it is set to be a busy summer at Selhurst Park with them keen to bolster their squad ahead of their first ever Europa League campaign.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Palace risk losing key players like Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.Guehi’s contract expires in a year’s time and Newcastle could reignite their interest after seeing a £70million bid rejected last summer.How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup finalAs for Eze, he is believed to have a release clause of around £65m and reports have linked him with the likes of Aston Villa and Man Utd. More

  • in

    Jordan Henderson tipped for emotional return to former club with Ajax future uncertain after title collapse

    JORDAN HENDERSON could make a big return to the Premier League this summer.Henderson, 34, left English football in 2023 following 12 spectacular years at Liverpool that saw him win every major honour.Ajax star Jordan Henderson could be set for a big return to the Premier LeagueSunderland are keen to re-sign Henderson during the summer transfer windowHenderson spent 13 years at Sunderland before joining LiverpoolThe midfielder joined the group of elite names that made the leap to Saudi Arabia with the promise of a big payday.The England international reunited with fellow Anfield hero Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.However, Henderson’s stint in the Saudi Pro League barely lasted six months as he ripped up his £700,000-a-week deal with the Middle Eastern club.That led the versatile midfielder back to Europe as he signed with Ajax in January 2024.Read More on FootballThat in turn caused a career resurgence that saw him getting called back up to the England squad by new manager Thomas Tuchel.The Liverpool hero also helped Ajax return to the Champions League ahead of next season despite a spectacular title collapse that saw the Dutch giants losing the Eredivisie from their grasp to rivals PSV Eindhoven on the final day of the season.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Henderson will decide his future this month with his current contract running out next year.The defensive midfielder has the option to trigger an additional year at Ajax but has received interest from the Premier League and Serie A. Most read in FootballAnd that could lead him to an emotional return to former club Sunderland.According to The Guardian, the newly-promoted Black Cats are believed to be still considering whether to try to re-sign Henderson this summer.The No6 started his career at the club’s academy back in 1998 aged just eight years old.After 10 impressive years within the youth ranks he earned a senior call-up and went on to amass a total of five goals and 10 assists in 79 appearances.Henderson’s impressive performances at the Stadium of Light led to interest from Liverpool, who signed him in 2011. More

  • in

    Matheus Cunha given savage new nickname after Man Utd try to pay £62.5million transfer fee in five instalments

    MANCHESTER UNITED target Matheus Cunha has been given a savage new nickname – and it is not even his fault.The Wolves star is subject to a transfer bid from the Red Devils.Matheus Cunha has been given a new nicknameCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe has a buyout clause worth £62.5million which United are prepared to meet.However they have seen a bid knocked back after attempting to pay the fee in five instalments, with Wolves demanding it is paid in full by the end of the 2026-27 campaign.Wolves’ rejection of the deal structure has been made public knowledge and has been met with mockery by fans.One fan likened United’s approach to a consumer buying a product with online financial service company Klarna, which allows buyers to pay using instalments.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAs a result, one supporter came up with a clever nickname for Cunha: Matheus Klarna.Other fans found the joke highly amusing, with one responding: “Tweet of the day easily.”Another added: “Very clever 😀”And a third wrote: “Absolutely fantastic.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCunha signed a new Wolves contract – which included the new release clause – in February after receiving interest from both Arsenal and United.But he has reportedly agreed a five-year deal to move to Old Trafford and will take Marcus Rashford’s No10 shirt.Rasmus Hojlund leaves Man Utd fans unimpressed in training video with AngrygingeCunha struck 17 goals and six assists in 36 outings this term.While Rashford is expected to leave United and his representatives have met with Barcelona over a permanent transfer. More

  • in

    Marcus Rashford’s camp ‘meet with Barcelona’ over transfer from Man Utd – but another Prem star is their No1 target

    MARCUS RASHFORD’S camp has met with Barcelona over a permanent transfer this summer, according to reportsThe Manchester United star looks destined to leave his boyhood club in the coming weeks and months after it was revealed that he will be available for £40million.Marcus Rashford’s team has met with Barcelona over a potential transfer away from Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyRashford spent the second half of the season on loan with Aston VillaCredit: RexRashford first spoke to Barcelona about a move in January, but ultimately landed on his loan switch to Aston Villa.According to Fabrizio Romano, a new set of talks have now taken place today over a permanent move.It’s claimed that Rashford is one of four options on the Catalan club’s shortlist for a summer arrival in attack.Spanish outlet Sport report that Barcelona’s number one target is Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever a deal for the Columbian could be more expensive and more difficult to complete than one for Rashford.It’s said that Rashford is “eager” to play for Barca, and SunSport revealed earlier this week that the 27-year-old is holding out for a Champions League team – something Barcelona would be able to offer.It’s likely that Rashford would have to take a significant pay cut to join Barcelona, who are unable to match his mammoth £350,000-per-week salary at Old Trafford.While they could try and strike up a deal that sees them sign Rashford on loan with an obligation or option to purchase given the expense of signing the star.Most read in FootballBarcelona would like to sign Luis Diaz from LiverpoolCredit: EPAJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordRashford scored four goals and registered five assists in 17 games during his loan spell with Aston Villa, ultimately earning a return to to the England national team.But with Rashford having the final say on his future, and the impact of Villa missing out on Champions League football, Unai Emery’s side will not be activating the buy-option they included in his loan deal.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerIt looks like Rashford is already being replaced after reports claimed that Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, who is on the brink of sealing a move to Man Utd, will wear the academy graduate’s No.10 shirt next season when his £62.5m switch is announced.United could lose another star player too as captain Bruno Fernandes has been given 72 hours to decide on his future at the Theatre of Dreams.According to the Mail Online, Fernandes has been given a “take it or leave it” offer by Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal.The Riyadh club are said to be willing to QUADRUPLE Fernandes’ wages – offering him a tax-free pay packed of £700,000-PER-WEEK.The Portuguese playmaker opened the door for an exit after United’s Europa League heartbreak at the hands of Tottenham.He said: “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in, it is what it is.”United’s failure to qualify for Europe in any form for the first time since 2015 has left them in dire financial straits.Read More on The SunArgentine academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been told to find a new club in the summer.Garnacho, who was left out of the matchday squad alongside Andre Onana for the United’s final-day win over Villa, is one of many players that will be up for sale as United try and resolve their worrying financial situation.Bruno Fernandes could be on his way out of Man UtdCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Newcastle ‘ready to make statement £100m-plus double transfer swoop’ for Marc Guehi and Bryan Mbeumo

    NEWCASTLE are preparing a statement £100m double transfer swoop after qualifying for next season’s Champions League.The Toon are eyeing moves for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, reports claim.Newcastle are interested in Brentford winger Bryan MbeumoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialEddie Howe’s side previously pushed to sign Marc Guehi last summerCredit: ReutersThanks to Manchester United beating Aston Villa 2-0 on the final day, Newcastle have cash to spend after finishing in the top-five, despite defeat to Everton. And sporting director Paul Mitchell wants to get one final major deal done before he quits St James’ Park after 18 months in June.Newcastle tried and failed to sign Guehi last summer after a long pursuit, but have always remained interested in the England centre-back.And Palace could be tempted to cash-in now with Guehi, 24, entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNewcastle won’t pay the £65million asking price they were quoted 11 months ago, but hope a compromise can be reached, according to The Telegraph.Brentford’s Mbeumo, 25, is a top target for several clubs, including Premier League champions Liverpool, after an electrifying season.Howe has long been an admirer of the Cameroon international, who scored 20 GOALS and provided eight assists in the Prem this season.But Bees manager Thomas Frank won’t let Mbeumo go easily, with the West London club set to ask for between £50-£60million.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMbeumo finished just three goals behind Newcastle No 9 Alexander Isak, who came second to Mo Salah in the Golden Boot race this season.A right-sided forward and a defender have been the two more pressing positions to fill for the last couple of years.Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a childWhen asked about transfers last weekend, Howe stressed that Newcastle must move quickly.The 47-year-old, who led the club to their first trophy in 70 years, said: “Speed is key for us. I’ve reiterated that many times internally. “We have to be dynamic, we have to be ready to conclude things very, very quickly because good players don’t hang around for long.“That’s always been my thought and my message on recruitment because you can have a period where you think you’ve got time.“But then you can look around quickly and realise that that time has elapsed and you have missed opportunities that you won’t get again.“That’s what we’ll be trying, but obviously the reality of that is it’s not always in your hands. But we’ll be doing our best to do things early.”Newcastle gaffer Eddie Howe has urged the club to move quickly this summerCredit: Getty More