Manchester United are considering a move for Tottenham's 32-year-old South Korea forward Son Heung-min. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external
Meanwhile, Ineos will announce another round of redundancies at Manchester United on Monday, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford are keen to forget about the club's past achievements. (Mirror), external
Manchester United are also exploring a potential swap deal involving Bayern Munich's 20-year-old German midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic and England forward Marcus Rashford, 27, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa. (Caught Offside), external
MLS newcomers San Diego FC are close to agreeing a deal to sign 33-year-old Belgium forward Kevin de Bruyne on a free transfer when his Manchester City contract expires at the end of the season. (TBR Football), external
Real Madrid are set to enter the race for RB Leipzig's 22-year-old France centre-back Castello Lukeba, who is also of interest to Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. (Mirror), external
Former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti also wants to reunite with 22-year-old English defender Jarrad Branthwaite by bringing him to Real Madrid. (Mirror), external
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has hinted that he will look for a new goalkeeper this summer after a mistake by 22-year-old Dane Filip Jorgensen allowed Aston Villa to score a late winner on Saturday.(Express), external
Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Everton are monitoring Marseille's 23-year-old Brazilian forward Luis Henrique. (TBR Football), external
Juventus are keen to sign Feyenoord's 27-year-old Slovakia defender David Hancko, who is keen on a move to Turin despite interest from Liverpool. (Tuttosport - in Italian), external
Barcelona have made Liverpool's 28-year-old Colombia forward Luis Diaz a transfer priority this summer. (Diario AS - in Spanish), external
Chelsea are targeting French defender Loic Bade from Sevilla in the summer. The Blues are said to be willing to bid 30m euros (£24.9m) for the 24-year-old. (Fichajes – in Spanish, external)
Sky Paper Talk
SUNDAY MIRROR
INEOS will announce another round of redundancies at Manchester United on Monday and Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford are keen to forget about the club's past achievements.
West Ham United have seen a staggering 29,000 season ticket holders walk away from the club since their move to the London Stadium.
Kevin De Bruyne will have to reassess his plans after Pep Guardiola suggested he wasn't durable enough to keep up with the demands of modern football.
The Premier League has launched a staunch defence of VAR after confirming the number of errors made this season has plummeted compared to last year.
Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho appeared to send a message about his exclusion after coming off the bench to help the team save a point at Everton.
Nuno Espirito Santo thinks Elliot Anderson's name should be in the conversation when Thomas Tuchel names his first England squad.
Pep Guardiola believes that he might have been sacked this season if he had been at any other club.
Martin Odegaard believes Arsenal's attack was responsible for the defeat against West Ham that leaves their title hopes hanging by a thread.
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
Bruno Fernandes was involved in a touchline bust-up with Everton legend Derek Mountfield before inspiring Manchester United's comeback at Goodison Park - with a late VAR penalty controversy then seeing players clash after the final whistle.
THE SUN ON SUNDAY
Newcastle chief Eddie Howe is plotting to bring Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier back to Tyneside.
MAIL ON SUNDAY
Shakhtar Donetsk's chief executive has accused FIFA of failing to support Ukrainian football during Russia's invasion of the country.
Arne Slot has revealed that he twice invited Jurgen Klopp to matches at Anfield and says the former Liverpool manager is welcome to visit the Reds training ground whenever he likes.
THE OBSERVER
Atalanta's manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, said he never intended to offend Ademola Lookman by saying the striker is "one of the worst penalty takers he has ever seen" after their home Champions League defeat by Club Brugge.
THE SCOTTISH SUN ON SUNDAY
John Bennett is set to follow Dave King's lead and sell his Ibrox stake as part of the multi-million-pound takeover deal by 49ers Enterprises.
Guardian
West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen delivers major blow to Arsenal’s title hopes
Ed Aarons at the Emirates Stadium
So it turns out Arsenal should have signed a striker. Fourteen months after they last put a major dent in Arsenal’s title aspirations, Jarrod Bowen secured West Ham’s second successive Premier League away win over their north London rivals as Mikel Arteta’s side saw their hopes of maintaining the pressure on Liverpool evaporate.
To compound Arteta’s misery, the substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card in the second half as Arsenal – who had toiled all afternoon with Mikel Merino again filling in as a makeshift attacker – struggled to find an equaliser against a defence that would have done Graham Potter’s predecessor David Moyes proud. Yet while this was a welcome triumph for Potter, it also laid bare the deficiencies in Arsenal’s squad caused by so many injuries to forward players that has made their task of overhauling Arne Slot’s side almost impossible. A first defeat in 15 league games – a run that had stretched back to the start of November – almost leaves them needing snookers, regardless of the fact Liverpool have to play Manchester City and Newcastle in their next two matches.
Arteta had hinted Merino would start after his heroics off the bench against Leicester and it still was a damning snub – if unsurprising given his struggles of late – for Raheem Sterling to be the player who made way. Spain’s Euro 2024 winner has enjoyed mixed success since joining in August for €32m from Real Sociedad and hadn’t been selected in a Premier League lineup since playing in his more conventional midfield role against Aston Villa here five weeks ago. A measure of his sudden importance was that Merino’s name received an extra loud cheer when it was read out before kick-off, although his performance didn’t live up to the hype.
Potter insisted this past week that there has been an increase in intensity on the training pitch since he succeeded Julen Lopetegui last month, even if results on the pitch have been disappointing. Four points from his first five league matches and an early exit from the FA Cup hardly constituted the start the former Chelsea and Brighton manager would have hoped for. But he got the response he wanted here in a committed display and they took a surprise lead during the first half.
The teenager Ollie Scarles was one of four changes from their defeat at home to Brentford last week and he managed to keep Ethan Nwaneri quiet on his first Premier League start at left wing-back at the ground where he helped West Ham win the FA Youth Cup two years ago. “He was amazing – it was some performance,” said Potter. “It’s a big thank you for our academy.”
Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly both also played in Arsenal’s 5-1 thumping that night and have already progressed to become key members of Arsenal’s title challenge, although Riccardo Calafiori was preferred to the latter at left-back from the start. The Italian was involved in an early move when Leandro Trossard whipped in a dangerous ball to the near post and all three of West Ham’s central defenders were fortunate there was no one attacking the six-yard box. While he will never be a natural No 9, at least Merino gave Arsenal’s attack a focal point as Calafiori’s drive stung the gloves of Alphonse Areola midway through the first half.
West Ham’s only sight of goal until then had been a Tomas Soucek header that just cleared the bar after he was picked out by James Ward-Prowse. A surging run down the right flank from Aaron Wan-Bissaka set up Bowen but he could not direct his shot on target with his right foot.
Arsenal did not heed their warning and disaster struck on the stroke of half-time when they lost the ball on the edge of West Ham’s area. Bowen fed Wan-Bissaka and the next time the West Ham captain touched the ball it was to guide his header into an empty net to leave an already jittery home crowd fearing the worst.
Arteta increasingly bore the expression of a manager who knew his opportunity was quickly slipping away and it took only 10 minutes of the second half for him to act. Bowen was inches away from doubling West Ham’s lead just as Lewis-Skelly and Oleksandr Zinchenko were about to come on and the decision to withdraw their former captain Declan Rice only increased the volume in the jubilant away end. “You should have signed for a big club,” they sang as Rice trudged off.
Zinchenko’s last league appearance came in the win over Tottenham here last month but suddenly the Ukrainian was thrust into an attacking midfield role and only a block from Soucek denied his goal-bound shot before Areola saved well from Trossard.
Lewis-Skelly initially seemed to have earned a reprieve when he brought down a flying Mohammed Kudus on the halfway line but the video assistant referee had other ideas and West Ham were able to see out their victory with relative ease as many of the home fans slipped away before the final whistle to drown their sorrows.
Telegraph
Arsenal’s title dreams all but ended by West Ham
Sam Dean at the Emirates
Days after the title race flickered back to life, West Ham United arrived at the Emirates Stadium and poured a bucket of cold water over the whole thing. Arsenal had ambitions of closing the gap at the top to five points but, with no striker and precious little attacking quality, they totally failed to grasp the opportunity in their hands.
Arsenal’s supporters probably already knew they could not win the Premier League without a recognised centre-forward. It would not have felt good, though, to have that suspicion effectively confirmed by defeat here. Reinventing Mikel Merino as a striker might have worked against Leicester City, but the truth for Arsenal is that it never looked likely to work for the second week in a row.
Is that it for the title race? Perhaps Manchester City will have something to say about it against Liverpool on Sunday. As they say, it is not over until it is over. But for Arsenal to keep pace with Arne Slot’s side would require them to find attacking solutions that were simply not there against a diligent and disciplined West Ham.
It is clear that, without four key attackers, Arsenal are not going to be able to blow teams away with their firepower up front. They therefore need to be immaculate in defence at all times. Such perfection proved beyond them on this gruelling day at home, with Jarrod Bowen striking for the visitors and teenaged defender Myles Lewis-Skelly shown a red card in the second half.
For the West Ham supporters, this was unquestionably one of the most enjoyable days of their campaign. Not only did they see a victory for Graham Potter’s side, but they also watched Declan Rice – their former hero – be removed from the action before even an hour had passed. “You should have signed for a big club,” they sneered.
Defeat ended a run of 15 unbeaten matches in the Premier League for Arsenal. More damaging than that, though, might be the way it impacts the mood among the players and supporters. By the final whistle, the Emirates was soundtracked by groans, anger and frustration. It did not feel like a stadium that believed success was possible this season.
Speaking afterwards, Arteta made it clear that this was a performance that fell way short of the required standards. He rejected, though, the suggestion that it all comes down to the absence of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. Indeed, it was not only in the final third where Arsenal lacked zip and purpose.
Potter, meanwhile, has an extraordinary record at this ground: he has won four of his five matches at the Emirates, and is only the second coach (after Carlo Ancelotti) to win here with three different clubs. Arsenal had 20 shots, but only two of those were on target as West Ham’s defensive wall proved sturdy throughout.
Especially impressive for West Ham was young Ollie Scarles, playing at left wing-back at the age of 19. Scarles went head-to-head with Ethan Nwaneri in the battle of promising teenagers and mostly came out on top. “Some performance,” said Potter of Scarles. “There is a lot to look forward to.”
It was obvious within a few minutes of the first half that the Arsenal machine was not whirring as it should. A lack of urgency allowed West Ham to set up in their defensive shape, while Arsenal’s main creative players simply could not find their rhythm.
Instead it was West Ham who looked more comfortable. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was exceptional on the right side of defence, Tomas Soucek battled in midfield and Mohammed Kudus released pressure with his ability to retain possession. In the second half, the tireless Kudus generated the red card for Lewis-Skelly by poaching the ball near the halfway line.
By that point, West Ham had their lead. Wan-Bissaka had galloped down the right wing after 44 minutes, those long legs striding out, before producing the perfect cross for Bowen.
With so few attacking options at their disposal, Arsenal eventually resorted to sending centre-back Gabriel Magalhães into attack for the final few minutes. It was not a strategy that worked, with West Ham proving as adept at stopping him as they were at stopping Merino.
Throughout the second half, the West Ham fans sang that Arsenal would be “second again”. It is becoming almost impossible to argue with that assessment. Arteta can only hope this was not the day on which the title dream died.
The Athletic
Michail Antonio recovery after car accident ‘moving in the right direction’ – Graham Potter
By Roshane Thomas
West Ham United head coach Graham Potter says Michail Antonio’s recovery from a broken leg is “moving in the right direction”.
In December, the 34-year-old striker had surgery on a lower limb fracture after being involved in a car accident.
Antonio visited his team-mates before the 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace on January 18 and then travelled to Dubai to continue his rehabilitation.
Antonio, who is West Ham’s all-time highest Premier League goalscorer, is hopeful of returning to action this season.
“Mich has been out in Dubai and it’s been good for him to get that work,” Potter said in Thursday’s press conference.
“He’s due back on Friday and I think it’s a good phase for him for the rehabilitation. As far as I know from the medical guys, Mich’s recovery is moving in the right direction. It’s not a case of rushing it but it’s certainly positive.
“I haven’t spoken to him since he’s been away but I look forward to seeing him when he comes back. I wouldn’t be thinking anything (of a potential return) this side of the international break. As I said, because of the severity of the injury and incident it’s important he takes the time he needs with the medical staff. I wouldn’t want to put a timeframe on a return because it’s not fair to him.”
Antonio registered one goal and one assist in 14 league appearances this season before sustaining the injury.
Despite his rehabilitation, he remains involved in the group. The squad visited Antonio in hospital and captain Jarrod Bowen revealed the forward is in charge of the team’s fines system. Antonio left a lasting impression on Potter during their brief exchange.
“What impressed was the fact that he recognised the situation, the ordeal and the severity of it and reflected on it in a human way, not a footballer way,” he added. “When you go through something like that it gives you perspective. You can imagine it’s not really fair to give Mich that responsibility (of handling fines) when he’s trying to get himself back on his feet! We’ve had to give him the space he needs because the most important thing is him. The team and the club understands that. We’re here to support him as best we can.”
Niclas Fullkrug sustained a hamstring injury in the FA Cup defeat against Aston Villa in January. He is not set to return until April and also visited Dubai as part of his rehabilitation programme. The Germany international has returned to the UK and Potter provided an update on his recovery.
“As we thought, the other side of the international break will be a starting point for him,” said Potter. “It was a significant hamstring injury so he has to go through all the high intensity work, which takes a bit of time to clear.”
West Ham are next in action against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday. Potter’s side are 16th and 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
Give Me Sport
West Ham Eyeing Move to Sign 'World-Class' Bundesliga Star for Potter
By Jake Staniland
West Ham United are keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface in the summer, with the Hammers keen on improving their forward line by adding the big powerful finisher to their ranks, according to Christian Falk.
Despite a hamstring injury this season, the 24-year-old Nigerian international has still displayed tremendous form for Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen, having netted ten goals in 18 appearances in all competitions. This adds to his already fantastic tally last term with the club where he scored a whopping 21 goals in 34 games.
After losing Michail Antonio to a serious injury and the future of both Danny Ings and Niclas Fullkrug looking bleak, plus Evan Ferguson only being on loan, a new striker looks to be a priority for the summer once again and Boniface is someone the club are keen on.
West Ham Look to Boniface to Improve Attack
The Bayer Leverkusen forward is one of the most in-form strikers in Europe
According to the reliable Falk, the Hammers are keen on adding more firepower to their squad and Boniface is someone who they are targeting.
The expectation this summer is that Boniface could leave after a move to Saudi Arabia collapsed in the January window, with Leverkusen expecting that either he or Patrick Schick will move on when the season ends.
The Hammers certainly wouldn't say no to those types of numbers as they have struggled in front of goal throughout this campaign, notching just 30 goals in the Premier League as of writing, the joint-fifth worst tally in the division. As things stand, West Ham have fielded four different strikers in the league, and together, they have conjured up just five goals between them.
The Hammers have scored more than one goal in a game just once under Potter. But this is not an issue with the manager; it has been a concerning trend right the way through the campaign, averaging 1.2 goals per game.
Boniface, who has been described as 'world-class' would be a fantastic remedy to that situation and if they could get a deal over the line it would be seen as a real coup for a player who has been targeted by several other clubs across Europe.
