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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal files: Transfer target Viktor Gyokeres gives rare look into life at Sporting and Gunners face goalkeeper dilemma
Call of Duty 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 Gyokeres performing his famous 'Bane mask' celebration. 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 CASH DECISIONS Prem clubs at risk of PSR rule breaks as Man Utd's transfer spree explained '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 Coventry, he said: 'Physicality is a big part of my game. I always need to maintain it and keep getting better. Advertisement 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 Portugal for 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 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 Hungary and Algeria due to a 'minor issue', with many putting two and two together, suspecting it is to do with a future move. But Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson claimed: 'I spoke to Viktor last week. He hasn't trained much in recent weeks and has been struggling with a small injury. '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 Arsenal midfielder play alongside a future one. In Spain's dramatic 5-4 Nations League semi-final victory over France, Mikel Merino lined up 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 Arsenal shirt 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 Barcelona midfielder 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 Declan Rice will love in that role. 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 Kylian Mbappe on his backside. 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 France, he would turn and immediately go direct by pinging balls into the wide areas for the likes of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams – the latter another Arsenal target. Advertisement You could not help but imagine Zubimendi doing the same for Bukayo Saka down the right, something the England winger loves: early passes to catch opposition full-backs off guard. KEPA OR GARCIA? Among other areas in the squad, Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make regarding his No.2. With Neto heading back to Bournemouth following his season-long loan last term – making just one appearance – Arsenal are in need of a back-up for David Raya. 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 Ajax for £1m in July 2024. 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 Benjamin Sesko, 21. 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 Barcelona pushing hard to get him. And then there is a new possibility of Kepa, 30 – the unwanted Chelsea keeper who reportedly has a release clause of £5m having spent last season on loan at the Cherries. 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 signed a new long-term contract until 2029 after links with a mega-money switch to Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months. 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 William Saliba – whose contracts also expire in 2027 – will be next, as well as Hale End graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. 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.'
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Machine gun killer caused rammy behind bars after he was banned from playing goalie in prison team
He represented himself in court and admitted targeting a prison officer at HMP Shotts RED CARD Machine gun killer caused rammy behind bars after he was banned from playing goalie in prison team A MURDERER kicked off behind bars after he was banned from playing goalkeeper in a prison team. Samuel Petto, 45, claimed he attacked guard Tara Jackson after being red-carded from his role in the closed doors kick-about. He lunged towards Miss Jackson who had gone to his cell with nurses amid fears he had taken illicit substances. Petto appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted targeting her at maximum security HMP Shotts, Lanarkshire. Fellow killers Mohamud Mohamud, 41, and Paul Watson, 39, also appeared to admit assaulting staff at the prison between May and October last year. Depute fiscal Jack Muir told the court Petto had become volatile in his cell. He said: "Prison officers attended at the cell of the accused along with NHS staff to check on the accused who was believed to be under the influence. "The complainer Jackson and another officer entered the cell and he became aggressive towards them and lunged towards the complainer and grabbed her by the belt and shirt. "The accused thereafter began to punch the prison officer on her face and head area and then pulled her to the ground which caused other staff to enter which allowed the complainer to leave the cell. "She suffered bruising on her left eye and the back of her head, pain and limpness to the right knee, cuts to her head and neck area and swelling to her right hand and wrist." Petto, who represented himself in court, claimed he had become angry after being told he was not allowed to play football. He said: "I'd organised the football and they were getting people for football but said I wasn't going. So I started shouting trying to get my door open so I could go and play because I'm the goalie. Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK "They came back with nurses saying I was under the influence but I wasn't taking drugs. I just wanted to get to the football and then they all grabbed me and were trying to pull me by the head and that was when the other screws came in and this melee happened. "I don't know why I wasn't allowed to go to football." Watson lashed out at Miss Jackson in a separate incident while Mohamud assaulted guard Michael Corrigan during a trip to University Hospital Wishaw. Lorna Clark, defending Mohamud and Watson, said they had struggled with addiction behind bars and had no recollection of the incidents. Sheriff Louise Gallacher handed Petto a year while Mohamud and Watson were given six months. All were told the sentences would run alongside their current terms for murder. Petto murdered a woman in an explosion which he caused to cover up the killing of a flatmate in March 2003 and was jailed for a minimum of 18 years. Machine gun killer Mohamud, who previously boasted about having two X-Boxes in his cell, was jailed for 25 years after killing a drug gang rival in Edinburgh in 2013. Watson was jailed for 20 years after being convicted of murdering a man with a pitchfork and knife in 2014.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal considering shock transfer for Kepa with Chelsea's record keeper available for peanuts
Arsenal could sign the shot-stopper for 14 times less than Chelsea paid for his services in 2018 PLAYING FOR KEPS Arsenal considering shock transfer for Kepa with Chelsea's record keeper available for peanuts Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL are considering a shock move to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to reports. Kepa, 30, spent this season on loan with Bournemouth, where he kept eight clean sheets in 31 Premier League appearances. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Arsenal are interested in signing Kepa Arrizabalaga Credit: Getty 4 The Spanish shot-stopper is surplus to requirements at Chelsea, who signed him for £72million in 2018 - a record fee for a goalkeeper. But his time with The Blues didn't go to plan and Kepa has since been on loan with Bournemouth and Real Madrid, last playing for Chelsea in 2023. It now looks like a permanent exit is on the cards after Sky Sports revealed that Arsenal are interested in signing Kepa to provide backup for David Raya. Kepa is thought to be available for just £5MILLION thanks to a release clause in his contract that was agreed prior to his loan move to the Cherries last summer. READ MORE ON ARSENAL DRUG BUST Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK Should the Gunners convince Kepa to jump ship to North London, they would be securing his services for over 14 TIMES less than Chelsea payed for him at first. Kepa's current contract with Chelsea expires in 2026. Bournemouth keeper Neto spent last season on loan with Arsenal, making just one appearance across the entire campaign. Arsenal had been linked with a move to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, but the La Liga gloveman now looks set for a move to Barcelona. 4 Kepa spent last season on loan at Real Madrid Credit: Getty 4 David Raya has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since joining Arsenal Credit: Getty Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates Mikel Arteta and his team are hoping to add depth in between the sticks, but are thought to still see David Raya as the number one. Raya has won consecutive Golden Glove awards since his arrival from Brentford, forming the base of the Premier League's most formidable defence this season. David Raya reveals Arsenal career changed overnight following two-hour meeting For Arteta, the main focus will be on bringing in a centre-forward. Arsenal are crying out for a front man this summer after injuries forced midfielder Mikel Merino to play up front for the latter stages of the campaign. Reports have suggested that one of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko or Sporting bagsman Viktor Gyokeres will come through the door at the Emirates in the coming months. However, both deals are likely to be expensive and neither player is without suitors from other top clubs around Europe too.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘No chance now' – Arsenal fans terrified Arteta will scrap striker transfer chase after Nations League semi-final
Spain and France played out one of the games of the season WHAT A SPAIN 'No chance now' – Arsenal fans terrified Arteta will scrap striker transfer chase after Nations League semi-final Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL fans are worried that Mikel Arteta could call off their striker search this summer after Mikel Merino continued his fine form in front of goal. Merino, 28, scored once again as he helped Spain reach the Nations League final with an astonishing 5-3 victory over France. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Mikel Merino continued his goalscoring form Credit: Getty 10 Merino tucked away a delightful weak-footed finish as Spain ran riot over France in the Nations League Credit: Reuters The Gunners are crying out for a centre-forward this summer and reports suggest that they will be bringing in a new frontman over the coming months. Arteta's injury ravaged side forced him to put central midfielder Merino up top for the latter stages of the season. And the former Sociedad star, who had never played as a striker before, took the opportunity with both hands - scoring seven goals and registering four assists from February onwards. Now Merino has continued that form with Spain, scoring with a delightful finish on his week foot to help his nation to a dramatic win over France on Thursday night. READ MORE ON ARSENAL DRUG BUST Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK As well taken as the goal was, Arsenal fans have been left concerned by the performance - worrying Mikel Arteta will ditch his plans to sign one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres in favour of using Merino. On social media, one wrote: "Merino scoring again for Spain. Yeah there's no chance Arteta buys a striker this summer…" While another added: "I'm happy Merino is scoring… but then again, I don't want Arteta to start getting any ideas". A third joked: "What is Mikel Merino doing? Now Mikel Arteta won't buy a striker." 10 Mikel Arteta is looking for a new striker for the Gunners this summer Credit: AFP 10 Merino had a superb end to the campaign as a striker for Arsenal Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates And a fourth posted: "Who needs Gyokeres?" Reports have suggested that one of Sesko or Gyokeres will be Emirates bound come the end of the summer window. Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK As for Merino's contribution to Spain, he was one of four different scorers for the European champions in a crazy semi-final. A Lamine Yamal brace, and goals from Pedri and Nico Williams piled misery on France who put up a late comeback, but still fell short of Spain's class. Real Madrid newbie Dean Huijsen was almost on the scoresheet too, but saw his spectacular acrobatic effort ruled out for offside - robbing the 20-year-old of a memorable first goal for the national team. France managed to force a Dani Vivian own goal, a Kylian Mbappe penalty and a jaw-dropping long-range debut goal from Man City-bound Rayan Cherki. While Randal Kolo Muani made it 5-4 in injury time, but it wasn't enough to undo the damage caused by Spain earlier in the game. Spain will now face Portugal in the Nations League final on Sunday. That match, hosted at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena, will see a match up of the past vs the future when Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, and Lamine Yamal, 17, face off for the first ever time. 10 10 Nico Williams opened the scoring for Spain Credit: Getty 10 Pedri was also on the scoresheet Credit: Reuters 10 Lamine Yamal bagged a brace for Spain Credit: AFP 10 Kylian Mbappe converted from the spot for France Credit: AFP
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘No chance now' – Arsenal fans terrified Arteta will scrap striker transfer chase after Nations League semi-final
ARSENAL fans are worried that Mikel Arteta could call off their striker search this summer after Mikel Merino continued his fine form in front of goal. Merino, 28, scored once again as he helped 10 Mikel Merino continued his goalscoring form Credit: Getty 10 Merino tucked away a delightful weak-footed finish as Spain ran riot over France in the Nations League Credit: Reuters The Gunners are crying out for a centre-forward this summer and reports suggest that they will be bringing in a new frontman over the coming months. Arteta's injury ravaged side forced him to put central midfielder Merino up top for the latter stages of the season. And the former Sociedad star, who had never played as a striker before, took the opportunity with both hands - scoring seven goals and registering four assists from February onwards. Now Merino has continued that form with Spain, scoring with a delightful finish on his week foot to help his nation to a dramatic win over France on Thursday night. READ MORE ON ARSENAL As well taken as the goal was, On social media, one wrote: "Merino scoring again for Spain. Yeah there's no chance Arteta buys a striker this summer…" While another added: "I'm happy Merino is scoring… but then again, I don't want Arteta to start getting any ideas". A third joked: "What is Mikel Merino doing? Now Mikel Arteta won't buy a striker." Most read in Football 10 Mikel Arteta is looking for a new striker for the Gunners this summer Credit: AFP 10 Merino had a superb end to the campaign as a striker for Arsenal Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates And a fourth posted: "Who needs Gyokeres?" Reports have suggested that one of Sesko or Gyokeres will be Emirates bound come the end of the summer window. Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK As for Merino's contribution to Spain, he was one of four different scorers for the European champions in a crazy semi-final. A Real Madrid newbie France managed to force a Dani Vivian own goal, a While Randal Kolo Muani made it 5-4 in injury time, but it wasn't enough to undo the damage caused by Spain earlier in the game. Spain will now face That match, hosted at 10 10 Nico Williams opened the scoring for Spain Credit: Getty 10 Pedri was also on the scoresheet Credit: Reuters 10 Lamine Yamal bagged a brace for Spain Credit: AFP 10 Kylian Mbappe converted from the spot for France Credit: AFP 10 Rayan Cherki scored a stunning long-range effort on his debut for the French national team Credit: Reuters
