Latest news with #ARSENAL
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal set to seal shock £5m transfer for Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga with keeper set to fight David Raya for No1 spot
ARSENAL are on the verge signing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, reports claim. And the Gunners will pay just a £5m release clause to their London rivals who once made Kepa the world's most expensive goalkeeper. Advertisement 1 Gunners are on the verge of finalising a deal to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga Credit: Getty Arsenal had made Kepa their top target as they look to recruit a deputy to first-choice goalkeeper David Raya. But the 30-year-old Spanish stopper, who just enjoyed a solid season at Bournemouth, won't settle for a No 2 spot. According to the Athletic, Kepa has a £5m release clause in his Chelsea contract, which he signed before joining the Cherries on a season-long loan. Advertisement READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS That extension added a year onto his terms, which now run until June 2026, but also significantly reduced his salary. The Spaniard joined Chelsea for a £71.6m fee from Athletic Club in 2018 and has featured 163 times for the West London side, winning four major honours. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive Exclusive
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal fans expecting '30 assists a year with Sesko' after Martin Odegaard's sublime pass to Haaland for Norway goal
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL fans are banking on Martin Odegaard to bag 30 assists next season, after seeing him partnered up with a "proper top-tier cf". Odegaard, 26, struggled to find his best form for the Gunners after returning from a major ankle injury. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Odegaard with an assist after well timed pass for Haaland. — AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) June 6, 2025 6 Martin Odegaard expertly combined with Erling Haaland as Norway beat Italy 3-0 Credit: Reuters 6 Odegaard played a lovely pass into Haaland Credit: X 6 The midfielder waited for Haaland to run before playing the ball Credit: X 6 Haaland then got on the end of it, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home Credit: X 6 And Arsenal fans are licking their lips to see what Odegaard could do with transfer target Benjamin Sesko Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Part of the reason for that lack of form was due to Arsenal being without a recognised frontman for much of the season. Kai Havertz was preferred in striker role by Mikel Arteta when available, but when he suffered a season-ending injury in February the Gunners opted to play Mikel Merino there. Merino, to his credit, performed well, but fans of the north London club still called for them to sign a top tier striker to get winning major honours again, rather than having near misses. Arsenal transfer chiefs are said to be working to find that player, with Benjamin Sesko heavily linked with a transfer to the Emirates from RB Leipzig. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL COUPLE GOALS Declan Rice and Wag make rare public appearance after abuse from cruel trolls Sesko, 22, has a similar profile to Manchester City ace Erling Haaland. Fans watching Norway's World Cup qualifier with Italy on Friday had the chance to see Odegaard in action with Haaland. And it's safe to say the link-up has raised expectations among the Arsenal faithful for next season. With the score already 2-0 after goals from Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa, Odegaard picked up the ball in midfield in the 42nd minute. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He then spotted an expertly-timed run from Haaland and played a perfectly weighted pass into the 24-year-old's path. Haaland then dribbled the ball around Champions League winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before squeezing the ball into an empty net. 'Captain on and off the pitch' - Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard's classy gesture on international duty Arsenal fans reacting to the goal on social media were thrilled to see Odegaard's contribution. One fan said: "He's feasting this season with Sesko. He finally gets a runner." A second said: "Teta needs to give the man willing runners." A third added: "He'd have 30 assists a season with a proper top-tier cf." Another said: "All he needs is a big striker." A fifth said: "Sesko is gonn eat nice." A sixth wrote: "See that vision. Sesko will cook." The most recent reports suggested Sesko would cost around £60million, despite his club wanting to bag £85m for him. Elsewhere, they have been linked with a blockbuster move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo and Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga as they eye a back-up for David Raya. Norway's win tonight also put them in a strong position at the top of Group I, with three wins in as many games. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal fans expecting '30 assists a year with Sesko' after Martin Odegaard's sublime pass to Haaland for Norway goal
ARSENAL fans are banking on Martin Odegaard to bag 30 assists next season, after seeing him partnered up with a "proper top-tier cf". 6 Martin Odegaard expertly combined with Erling Haaland as Norway beat Italy 3-0 Credit: Reuters 6 Odegaard played a lovely pass into Haaland Credit: X 6 The midfielder waited for Haaland to run before playing the ball Credit: X 6 Haaland then got on the end of it, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home Credit: X 6 And Arsenal fans are licking their lips to see what Odegaard could do with transfer target Benjamin Sesko Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 6 Part of the reason for that lack of form was due to Merino, to his credit, performed well, but fans of the north London club still called for them to sign a top tier striker to get winning major honours again, rather than having near misses. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Sesko, 22, has a similar profile to Manchester City ace Fans watching Norway's World Cup qualifier with And it's safe to say the link-up has raised expectations among the Arsenal faithful for next season. With the score already 2-0 after goals from Alexander Sorloth and Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He then spotted an expertly-timed run from Haaland and played a perfectly weighted pass into the 24-year-old's path. Haaland then dribbled the ball around Champions League winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before squeezing the ball into an empty net. 'Captain on and off the pitch' - Fans love Arsenal star Martin Odegaard's classy gesture on international duty Arsenal fans reacting to the goal on social media were thrilled to see Odegaard's contribution. One fan said: "He's feasting this season with Sesko. He finally gets a runner." A second said: "Teta needs to give the man willing runners." A third added: "He'd have 30 assists a season with a proper top-tier cf." Another said: "All he needs is a big striker." A fifth said: "Sesko is gonn eat nice." A sixth wrote: "See that vision. Sesko will cook." The most recent reports suggested Sesko would cost around £60million, despite his club wanting to bag £85m for him. Elsewhere, they have been linked with a Norway's win tonight also put them in a strong position at the top of Group I, with three wins in as many games. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal targeting shock move for Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga who's available for just £5MILLION this summer
ARSENAL are targeting Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to fill their No.2 void. The Gunners are on red alert with the Blues shot-stopper, 30 – who cost a record-breaking £72m back in 2018 – available with a release clause of just £5m this summer. 3 Kepa Arrizabalaga spent last season on loan at Bournemouth Credit: Shutterstock Editorial It is understood The READ MORE IN FOOTBALL But it is understood that Arteta has been a fan of Kepa for some time, valuing his ability to play out from the back, although there are doubts over whether Kepa would settle for a back-up option. SunSport understands that several clubs across Europe are also interested in the ex-Athletic Bilbao man, with some of them able to offer an appetising first-choice role. Bournemouth manager Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 3 Should the Kepa deal also fall through, it is understood Arteta will find an alternative, but wants to sort this position quickly with other areas of the pitch in need of bolstering. Arsenal do have two young keepers on their books: 16-year-old Jack Porter and 18-year-old Tommy Setford both made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup last season. David Raya reveals Arsenal career changed overnight following two-hour meeting However, Arteta does not feel either are ready to take on such a big responsibility, while Setford could potentially head out on loan to gain some experience should the right opportunity arise, after joining from It is understood that Setford is highly rated by Arteta, viewing him as a first-team player of the future. Arsenal will also welcome back Hein signed a new contract before going out on loan and it is currently unclear what Arsenal's plans are for him this summer. 3
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal files: Transfer target Viktor Gyokeres gives rare look into life at Sporting and Gunners face goalkeeper dilemma
ARSENAL fans are confident they know all about Viktor Gyokeres – the Sporting Lisbon superstar heavily linked to a £60m move to North London this summer. But in a rare, in-depth interview with Vogue Scandinavia this week, the Swedish goal-scoring machine let his mask down and revealed some interesting behind-the-scenes titbits. Advertisement 9 Arsenal are eyeing Viktor Gyokeres this summer Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 9 Gyokeres has won two titles with Sporting in the last two years Credit: Shutterstock Editorial His Lisbon home – in the quiet enclave of Charneca de Caparica – is described as a 'lair', one with 'Scandinavian minimalism', featuring glass walls and a backyard pool . The ground floor's main decoration includes numerous trophies below a large black and white photograph of He explained: 'Me and my friends were going on vacation, and we were talking about [what to do when I score]. One of them came up with the idea for the mask, and we all liked it. 'Since then, I've always done it when I score ... and it definitely stuck. As for the [Bane] character, of course, I've seen it. But it's a little like, take it how you want it. Advertisement READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS 'If you think it's Bane, you can think that. If you think it's something else, that's fine too.' His daily routine includes taking a shot of ginger and some water, and his breakfast is usually an array of fruit [strawberries, blueberries and pomegranates] and three eggs. Gyokeres also admits he sets his alarm '10-15 minutes before I leave' because he values sleep . In terms of how he has built himself into the monstrous No.9 he is today, compared to the skinny kid that struggled at Brighton before banging in goals at Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive 9 Swedish football's pride and glory was on the cover of Vogue this week 9 Gyokeres has pictures of his 'Bane mask' celebration in his house Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'I do my pull-ups, push-ups, and sometimes shoulder press. Sometimes after a game where I need to rest my legs. I can focus on the upper body. Advertisement 'I can do my exercises at home, which is why I have a gym here. That's what I enjoy on a daily basis.' Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK Home from training by 4pm, he then likes to nap for an hour before having a Portuguese speaking lesson or taking his mind off football by playing some Call of Duty. To let his hair down, he heads out for dinner in Lisbon. He explained: 'With Swedish culture, I think people work hard during the week, and then if they want to do something, they do it on weekends. 'Here, people enjoy the weekdays too. They see their friends on a Monday or whatever day, have dinner, a glass of wine . In Sweden, that's rare. That's the big difference.' Advertisement Despite his expectation to leave England in the coming weeks, with the Gunners in pole position, he does suggest: 'I think Lisbon has to be one of the best cities in Europe ... it feels like home.' And intent on not giving anything away about his future , he added about the speculation: 'That's just clickbait . Sports news is now constant, like 24/7, so they just find things to talk about.' 9 However, he goes on to suggest he has always 'dreamed' of 'being on the best teams in the world', even if he reveals that as a kid, it took him time to fall in love with football . Advertisement He said: 'I didn't like football at first [as a six-year-old] because I was on a team with people I didn't know. I was new, and I wasn't comfortable with that. 'It was more the social aspect that was hard rather than the football itself. 'Of course, when you're younger – 10, 11, 12 – you're always talking with your friends about playing for this club or that club, dreaming about being on the best teams in the world. 'But that was all talk. Of course, you want to do it, but at that age, you don't really think it through. It's more of a dream. Advertisement I didn't like football as a six-year-old because I was on a team with people I didn't know. Gyokeres Vogue He added: 'Playing football in front of people – it's just something I'm so focused on. Of course you think about it sometimes, but for me, it's easy.' Meanwhile, he has pulled out of Sweden's upcoming fixtures against future move. But Sweden boss 'I was happy just to see him and have him involved in our meetings. That says a lot about Viktor, how much he wants to be involved.' Advertisement ZUBIMENDI WATCH There was a rare glimpse into the future on Thursday night, watching a current future one. In Spain's dramatic 5-4 Nations League semi-final victory over next to Martin Zubimendi – who is expected to officially be announced as a Gunners following his £51m move from Real Sociedad at some point next week. Merino – who arrived in North London last summer from Sociedad for around £32m – played as a No.8 on the left of the midfield three, while Zubimendi sat deep as a No.6. It was an intriguing watch, giving several examples of exactly how the two can compliment each other in an next season. Advertisement For large parts, Zubimendi, 26, sat deep in front of the back four, happy to be under pressure with his back to the opposition, taking balls off the two centre backs on the turn and feeding the likes of Merino and Pedri . 9 Inside the opening few minutes, Zubimendi did just that for Merino, allowing him to drive forward into space and spark an attack, something And when the ball was lost, with Merino triggering the press, Zubimendi would not be far behind him, not afraid to put his body on the line to break up play. Advertisement He did just that in the first half to leave Les Bleus star The Spanish media wrote: 'When Merino advanced his position and Pedri approached him, that's when [Zubimendi] brought out his full potential. 'The midfielder is in an ungrateful position because he has to take out the dirty balls so that the one who passes close to him can take the clean balls. But he does that very well.' But it is not just the dirty work that Zubimendi thrives in. At times against Arsenal target . Advertisement You could not help but imagine Zubimendi doing the same for Bukayo Saka down the right, something the KEPA OR GARCIA? Among other areas in the squad, With Neto heading back to Bournemouth following his season-long loan last term – making just one appearance – There are candidates from within: 16-year-old Jack Porter and 18-year-old Tommy Setford both made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup last season. Advertisement However, Arteta does not feel either are ready to take on such a big responsibility next campaign, while Setford could potentially head out on loan to gain some experience should the right opportunity arise, after joining from 9 Unwanted Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been lined with Arsenal Credit: Shutterstock Editorial It is understood that Setford is highly rated by Arteta, viewing him as a first-team player of the future . So, where does that leave them now? It is quite similar to their striker conundrum, currently deliberating whether to go for a ready-made, older Gyokeres, or pay more money to acquire a younger star with potential who can grow in Advertisement There are two options as it stands: First there is Joan Garcia, the £25m Espanyol keeper, but it will be a battle to sign the 24-year-old with And then there is a new possibility of Kepa, 30 – the unwanted Arteta would welcome such an experienced goalie to compete with Raya, and is understood to have always admired the Spaniard from afar for his ability to play out with his feet. GABRIEL AND SALIBA'S FEAR FACTOR Brazilian centre back Gabriel, 27, has finally Advertisement SunSport understands that there is no option to extend that until 2030 as it stands, but he will now earn a weekly wage north of £100k. 9 Gabriel has put pen to paper on a new contract It is the first of many new deals that sporting director Andrea Berta has been working on. The likes of Saka and next , as well as Hale End graduates Interestingly, Gabriel has revealed just how feared he and his centre back partner Saliba are in the Prem, forming a bond that has made them a world class duo, perhaps the best in Europe . Advertisement He said: 'I play against some strikers now and afterwards they say: 'you are so strong now, you and Saliba are so good together' and things like that, so it's good to hear. 'That's what we are aiming for on the pitch, we want to keep improving and we want to win trophies.' 9
