Arsenal target Gyokeres | Amorim to pay for staff tickets to EL final after more cuts at Man Utd | Wirtz flies in for City talks
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Welcome to Back Pages, bringing you everything you need to know about the biggest sports stories making the headlines in the morning's newspapers. I'm Teddy Draper and joining me are The Sun's football editor, Charlie Wyatt, and John Cross, chief football writer from The Mirror. Welcome to you both. OK, John, let's get straight to it then. Your story, Back Pages of The Mirror, escape to victory, as in Victor Jocherich. Arsenal have been told he's all theirs for £60 million. What can you tell us?

Yeah, it's an interesting one, this, Teddy. I mean, blimey, if there's one team in the Premier League that really needs a striker, then it's Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, isn't it, really? It's been so obvious. When doing this story, I was amazed to look up today to see that Kai Havertz is still Arsenal's leading Premier League goalscorer.

And even he hasn't got 10 goals. He's only got nine. So to say Arsenal need a striker is the understatement of the summer, really. And Gorkarez, I do think, is on their hit list. I do think, as it stands, I think Gorkarez is a very, very attractive option. The point of this story is saying that Sporting would accept about £60 million if they get an offer from a club.

70 million euros, I guess, you know, is the sort of the figure roughly translated. And frankly, Gorkrez is definitely on Arsenal's list. Listen, I do know that sort of Mikel Arteta really likes Alexander Izak. Newcastle, obviously not willing to sell him and sort of very confident of keeping him, particularly if they get Champions League football, of course. Yeah.

And then obviously Arsenal long-term admirers of Benjamin Sesko as well. So this is not done by any means, but I do think that Gorkrez is a very viable option. He's scored so many goals, isn't he, this season? 98 in 100 overall for Sporting. So he's certainly got the golden touch that Arsenal are looking for. Perhaps also maybe better value for

Because if they've got to solve other issues, i.e. a left winger, they've got Zubamendi coming in, haven't they? Maybe they've got to get a reserve keeper as well. So there's lots of areas to solve. And I think Gorkarez is going to be a really sought-after striker. And Arsenal definitely in the market and definitely looking. John points out his age here, Charlie, as well, in his prime. 27 next month. I looked it up. He's got 56 goals for club and country and 48 appearances this season. What kind of statement...

Is it from Arsenal, Charlie? Coventry have been playing tonight. Obviously, we remember him, but he's not quite the Coventry Joachim Esch. No, and I think, yeah, you know, Arsenal need a player like him. Of course they do, as John said. But the whole situation with this player is an intriguing one, and it's one which I think every director of football at a Premier League club at the moment should all be hanging their heads in shame.

you know, he was here two years ago. You know, he only cost Sporting Lisbon, you know, £20 million from Coventry. He had a good season. He was the second top scorer in the championship. He scored 21 goals. And I think this was, you know, the ultimate example of real snobbery towards the EFL. I, you know, sometimes it just defies belief that

but these clubs could have had this play. I'm not saying Arsenal would necessarily, um, have gone for him two years ago. They should have gone for him last summer when it was evident, uh, how strong a player he has become. He's obviously improved since he's at Coventry. Uh, but yeah, you know, he, he, he's got everything as we know, you know, the traditional number nine, there's not too many of them around at the moment. So, uh, yeah, he, he, you know, Arsenal have to pay all clubs a premium for a player like that. But if he'd have been playing for Arsenal a week ago, um,

I think they'd be in the final of the Champions League. That'd be a different story. John, I want to come to you on that in the transfer line as we approach the summer window as well. Charlie's saying there he did display a good eye for goal in the Championship, but are we at the stage where players then need to go to Europe for a stepping stone that clubs are reluctant to trust Championship form?

Yeah, Teddy, it's a really interesting one with Gorkrez because I did get the impression that a lot of clubs looked and basically really viewed him. He'd scored a lot of goals, impressed with his performances. He'd been round the houses a bit. He'd been at Brighton previously, hadn't he? He'd been out on loan, gone to Coventry. And I get the impression from people I spoke to that basically he did want to go abroad and do something else, do something different to further his career. Yeah.

I do completely agree with Charlie and what he says. I do think there's a great deal of snobbery there, particularly amongst the big six. But I do sometimes think that basically the reason why Arsenal maybe couldn't do a Gorka as out of Coventry for 15 million quid as Sporting did, because would he have got the same opportunities? Would he have got the platform? You know, it's so much about circumstance and opportunity to improve. You've got to be shrewd with your signings.

and smart with your deals. But I do think sometimes it's all about the platform. You know, would Gorkrez, if he'd come in, you know, two years ago at Arsenal, got the same game time, got the same opportunities and being given, you know, the same platform to improve and succeed because there's no doubt about it. He's gone to sporting and got game time and improved.

Let's see if he does indeed end up at Arsenal, whether the Portuguese league is enough of a test, although he has performed extremely well in the Champions League, of course. So I do think sometimes it's easy to say, oh, they should have signed him two years ago when he was available at this or that. But I think sometimes you actually need that stepping stone and that platform. Charlie, quick thought on what it would mean for Mikel Arteta to get this striker. Is it now see what you can do and get that trophy, a big season ahead?

Yes, huge pressure on Arteta now. And I think some Arsenal fans are beginning to turn, particularly if Arsenal finish third, which could actually happen. But it's a big summer for Arsenal, big summer for Arteta. They're going to give him quite a lot of money. So that will bring his spending. He spent, what, 700 million so far, so it could be up to 850. And if by October, Arsenal are not firing...

and they're not playing well and they're still not doing well enough, despite presumably having signed a number nine, then, yeah, that would be a real test for Mikel Arteta. Fascinating to see how that plays out. Let's go to Jokeresh's old boss, boy, how he could have done with him at Manchester United. But Ruben Amarim is going to be out of pocket, according to your paper as well, Charlie. I'll stay with you for this. From bad, Ruben pays for staff tickets as more cuts feared. What can you tell us about this story?

Yeah, he's paying for, you know, a large number of...

the partners of his assistants and coaching staff, because United have said that, you know, the partners are not going to be flown out for the game. I think it's pretty obvious that morale is not particularly good at Manchester United at the moment. And quite clearly from this, it shows you that Amram, even with his own sort of, you know, coaching staff and the people around him, do need a lift. And he obviously wants to say thank you, because it could still be, you know, an unbelievable night for Manchester United.

as it could be for Tottenham if they do win a European trophy and get into the Champions League. So, yeah, he's clearly decided to put his hand into his pocket and get some of his colleagues, friends and family out for the match.

Because it's very expensive, by the way. Sorry, I mean, the cost of getting to that game. I mean, I think hotels are coming in at about £1,100, £1,200 a night. It's very difficult to even get a flight there. So, of course, I'm sure United will be charging some more flights. It's not the easiest game to get to as well. Yeah, let's talk of Bruno Fernandes playing for the staff to go to the FA Cup final last season. John, what do you make of this? Is this club on the brink of financial collapse?

Is the frugality required? And what cost is it coming at? Are they cutting off their nose to spite their face here with the mood that there must be around Old Trafford? Yeah, I do think it's about morale, isn't it? I mean, it's in contrast, isn't it? I read earlier today that Spurs are making tickets available and sort of kind of looking after staff, I should say, in contrast. And United, it has felt like a lot of cuts have

this season and things, you know, really being cut back sort of kind of in the canteen about what staff are entitled to, even legends having sort of kind of issues cut back. And I guess it all plays into the kind of the, you know, Jim Ratcliffe overview, doesn't it, about trying to save funds to prioritise money on the pitch.

But I must say, it kind of really puts it into context, doesn't it, when basically the manager's having to dig deep into his pocket. Listen, Amarim has found it difficult, hasn't he, to settle. And I think that basically because part of the reason is, you know, he's just trying to find that winning formula. But I do think he's a guy that...

We like and we want to succeed. I mean, I'm talking generally in the media. And I think he's sort of kind of good soundbite. He's an interesting fella. I don't agree with his kind of being wedded to the back three system by any means. But he generally gets his messages right. I think this is a positive thing.

you know, message from Amerim. You know, elsewhere I'm reading that United have cancelled their end of season awards, if you like, really, out of, you know, out of respect really for the fans because, blimey, it's not a season they'll want to live long in the memory really, will it? But I do think Amerim, it's a good touch here. I think they're sort of kind of, you know, a lot of United fans will go, okay, this guy's for us basically. The United fans are sticking with Amerim and I actually think this is a good positive PR message.

Yeah, maybe save all the awards, just give them to Bruno Fernandes. Don't go through the rigmarole of all of that because he's the only one scoring goals for them, Charlie. And to make matters worse, you're reporting there your story that they're not going to get Liam de Lappe. You think he might go to Chelsea. Tell us about Liam End's game, your headline there.

Well, there's certainly huge interest from Manchester United. We're not knocking that down at all. They clearly would really like him. But I think Chelsea still feel very confident they're going to get him. Relegation for Ipswich means they're only going to get £30 million for him. And he's worked with Enzo Murescu before at Manchester City in the academy. So he's a manager he knows well. So I think Chelsea still believe...

they're going to get their man, even though Manchester United are interested, even though I'm sure some other clubs as well, uh, interested in a, in a good talent that's had a decent season for Ipswich, which has become a bit more difficult for the last few months, but still 12 goals, not, you know, not bad, uh,

for a young striker's first season in the Premier League. So wherever he goes, I'm sure he'll do really well, given the bit of time. Fascinating to see where De Lappe goes. It's a good headline, John, isn't it? You can see that even with your rivals, the Sun there, from bad to Wurz, because they've got Ruben Amarim and is maybe paying out for staff tickets, contrasted with Florian Wurz in for £126 million City talks. Again, Charlie reporting. But just get your thoughts on that, John. How big are...

boost could that be for Pep Guardiola's side? Yeah, Charlie's been busy, isn't he? Busy day. So, yeah, Wurz, I think, is one of Europe's really most sought-after and special talents. You know, at the weekend, I think sort of the German media were, you know, reporting that Bayern have got such a strong interest and determination. I'm sure that hasn't changed.

But listen, the last thing that, you know, Leverkusen would want to do is sell to Bayern. So basically, I do think it would suit, you know, sort of them for him to make a Premier League move. This has been well-trailed, the kind of the Manchester City interest, of course, because he's such a creative force.

And if you're looking to replace Kevin De Bruyne, then what better way? But it's the detail that's eye-catching in this story, in this development. You know, I read here that basically he's flown from Maastricht into Blackpool, presumably private jet, and basically held talks with City today. So basically, you know, City are really clearly...

Keen, according to this report, to move matters on. And I do think if you are looking for a complete city overhaul and a refresh, a regeneration of this Prep Guardiola squad, it's almost like City Point 3-0, isn't it really? I don't think you'd get a more exciting...

and really refreshing addition than Florian Wurz. Fantastic talent, brilliantly creative, wonderful player. And if City could kind of pull that off ahead of Bayern Munich, ahead of other Premier League teams, then I think that would be a hell of a coup. I still think City will come back so strong. I think it's...

tantalising test for Pep Guardiola next season. I'm a huge Guardiola fan and what he's done for English football. And I do think if they can kind of pull that off and get back into the title race, what a title race we'll have next season. Certainly will. £126 million, a lot of money, Charlie. What are your thoughts? Can he fill those De Bruyne boots? I think he's a terrific player. And it just seems like the obvious player to get if they can get him. Bayern were...

confident they were going to get him for around £80 million, while Manchester City seem to be offering about €150 million, which is £126 million. And they've clearly held talks today,

Pretty obvious that Virts is interested. The fact that he's over in Manchester via Blackpool with his dad, who's also his agent. So, yeah, ultimately, as it often is, it's going to be about money as well. How much money Manchester City are actually going to be offering him in wages. But there's no doubt that he will...

he would be a tremendous player in the Premier League and I really hope City get him. John, let's come to you and the Mirror then. A wonderful piece in the inside pages from Andy Dunne. Football will be losing part of its soul when Everton says goodbye to its grand old lady, Goodison Park. John, just flesh out some details here. Do you agree with the overarching sentiment here? It does feel, for even neutrals, that there's something special about this 19th century stadium.

I absolutely love it. I think it's a brilliant piece by my colleague Andy Dunne who has got, you know, sort of Goodison Park really close

You know, it's really, you get to the heart of the issue here. Thanks for the memories is the sort of the banner on the piece there. And it's kind of tribute and farewell to the stadium. One of the great grounds of English football really draws you in. Every single word is an absolute sort of gem really. And it sort of kind of details the emotion, goes in on a little funny little anecdote about a rumour sweeping Merseyside really about the rumours about Sir Paul McCartney turning up to

to play at the final day, which even he sort of says, look, it's probably unfounded, won't happen. But, you know, there was a Beatles song, an ode to it, basically, She's Leaving Home. And, of course, this has got a nice little twist to it today, then that basically, because the original plan, I think, was to kind of,

tear Goodison down and basically replace it with flats. And what are they doing? They're keeping Goodison and actually allowing then the Everton women's team, making that their main stadium. And I tell you what, if there's a better story than that football story, you know, in recent weeks, then I've yet to see it. What a fantastic effort from Everton. What a fantastic thing to do.

I think there's quite a few clubs that are really kind of buying into their women's side and promoting the WSL. This is a fantastic, brilliant move by Everton. I think, you know, if you weren't a fan of the Everton women's team before, then you're more likely to go and watch them now. It's a team that they're trying to improve and promote. And I think what a fantastic thing to do with a wonderful piece of English football here.

history, you're moving on from the history of the game into a brave new world and I think that's a wonderful piece of symmetry and a great, great move by Everton. Fabulous. What do you think, Charlie? Good nostalgia move? I know that even some of my friends and I, not Everton fans, were talking about maybe going up and seeing a women's game just to savour the stadium one last time.

I'll tell you what, it's going to be a very interesting look at their average crowds for next season compared to the ones this season. But they're going to absolutely rock it, aren't they? First of all, Everton fans are going to take the opportunity of going regularly, I think. The current ground they're playing at has only got 500 seats, so it's not really fit for purpose.

And there'll be a lot of neutral fans who will take the chance to go and watch a game at one of the great stadiums. I mean, I still think it's the right decision for Everton to move to a new stadium. I think any away fan, and I've been there a few times in the away end, the back of the lower tier...

is not the best way to watch a football match, that's for sure. So I get why Everton are leaving. Totally right decision. But yeah, as John says, it's a really romantic story. I think it's going to be a bit odd, Goodison, because they're not going to open the top tiers.

And of course they're not, because they're not going to be getting 30,000 every week, are they? 39,000. So that will take quite a lot of money in terms of upkeep. They'll take a bit of money as well to continue to be hosting football, but it's a great move by Everton. Yeah.

And, yeah, a real feel-good story. Yep, look forward to seeing Goodison continue next season. Let's quickly talk about Evangelos Maranakis. Just, I guess, 30, 40 seconds on this, John, if we can, because there's other topics to talk about. Maranakis in swipe at Neville. It's a Telegraph's take on Nottingham Forest's statement about their position on Taiwo Awonyi and Evangelos Maranakis' guess, I suppose.

I suppose Sento being disturbed on the pitch a little bit, said he wasn't angry at his manager, Nuno Espirito Santo. What's your take on the way that they've handled it for us in the sense of coming out with a statement? Are you surprised by that?

Yeah, I am. I am, Teddy. It was a long, detailed statement. It really sought to redress, you know, some of the reporting around it and the commentary around it. Obviously, it was a massive story. You know, Gary was at the same game I was at at Anfield on Sunday, but obviously had strong views about the sort of the pictures that we all saw there.

And I guess, you know, the immediate thing is, is he having a go at the manager, you know, or is he more frustrated with the team and the result, if you like, of the outcome overall? And, you know, that sort of statement, you know, goes to try and address that and sort of kind of set the record straight. But I have to say, you know...

I think Gary's got every right. I bet you every other viewer has looked at that and gone, what on earth is the owner doing? Why is he on the pitch? Why is he having a go? Nuno should be up for manager of the year. And that's, I'm afraid to say, that's where you leave yourself. You're open to that suggestion and sort of questioning when you do that sort of thing by going on the pitch. If you'd rather not be questioned...

don't storm onto the pitch afterwards. That's a simple solution. Forrest have had a fabulous, fabulous season. They're into European football now. And I just think it's a bit sad that obviously probably going to miss out on Champions League football. But I actually think there's good detail in here from John Percy about sort of kind of the sort of annoyance with Neville dates back some time. I actually think for a lot of people, they'll be going, what on earth he done that for?

Indeed, and I suppose underlining it as well, Tyrell Wanyu, wish him all the best after that urgent intestine surgery, which Forrest say was at the heart of the frustration on Marinakis' part that the medical team didn't pick up on the severity of that injury. Let's talk Sunderland's Charlie. Sheffield United await in the play-off final after getting past Coventry in extra time. It's a feel-good story, isn't it, after the tough decade that they've had really since going down, what, eight years ago?

Yeah, been really tough. And their improvement has been pretty, the last 12 months, you know, they've put together a really good, young, exciting team. I must admit, I thought, even though the first half of the season, they were really impressive, I thought their squad may be a bit too thin to really cope with, obviously, a gruelling 46-match season. But they've done it. Obviously, they had a terrible end to the season.

where they're just basically losing every week, but they've really lifted themselves. It wasn't easy tonight. Coventry played well. Um, they obviously, uh, got the goal they needed. Uh, and I thought Coventry would probably go on to win it. But so yeah, Sunderland done it obviously devastating for Coventry in, in injury time of extra time. It's going to be a brilliant final. It really is. Uh, and, uh, yeah, whoever, uh, gets back into the Premier League is obviously a welcome addition. Uh,

Sheffield United were obviously in it last year, but it'd be great to see Sunderland back. Great, great supporters. And I always think, you know, the size of a club where they're still virtually selling out a big ground when they're not doing that well. It's all very well filling out in the Premier League, but Sunderland, you know, put, you know, often over 40,000 in the championship. So, yeah, lots of fans are going to be heading to Sunderland

to Wembley and hopeful of getting back into the Premier League. Weeks after they get Sheffield United, John, we've got about 20 seconds. Quick word on Lampard from that side of it, because he roused Coventry from relegation trouble, didn't he? Has he redeemed himself a little bit nonetheless?

Oh, yeah, heartbreak tonight, Telly. But I have to say, overall, what a fantastic season. From the brink of relegation, you know, struggle, really, into the playoffs, heartbreaking tonight. But I do think he's really, really shown what a good young potential manager he is. He's still got a massive future, I think, managerially, Frank Lampard, and with Coventry for the future.