Mirror

• Arsenal are attempting to finalize a £34 million transfer deal, while simultaneously competing with Manchester United for the signing of West Ham star Mateus Fernandes. • The Gunners are also targeting Real Sociedad's Ander Barrenetxea, though the club is reluctant to meet the player's full £65 million release clause. • Barrenetxea's availability and valuation are key focal points after he missed the Spain World Cup squad due to a late-season injury.

• Ukrainian forces launched a massive wave of hundreds of drones targeting Russian oil and gas facilities overnight and into Friday morning. • The strikes specifically targeted energy sites, aiming to disrupt the infrastructure that fuels the Kremlin's economy and military operations. • These attacks represent a strategic effort to deplete President Vladimir Putin's "war chest" by cutting off critical energy exports and revenue streams.

• Several Premier League clubs are actively pursuing new talent, with Bayern Munich targeting Ngumoha and Liverpool opening talks for Yan Diomande. • AC Milan's Rafael Leao has signaled a potential departure from Serie A, stating to Sport TV that he is seeking a "new challenge" this summer. • Manchester United is closely monitoring Leao's situation as a primary transfer target following his public admission of wanting a move.

• Actor James Handy, known for his role in *Top Gun: Maverick*, was brutally stabbed to death outside his home on Wednesday. • Police arrested 44-year-old Michael Gledhill, the son of Handy's girlfriend, after he allegedly confessed to officers that he was responsible for the killing. • The incident marks a violent tragedy involving a professional actor and a close family connection.

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 78 matches played across 11 selected stadiums in the United States over a 39-day period. • Several high-profile venues, including Las Vegas's Allegiant Stadium and New Orleans' Caesars Superdome, were excluded from the official host list. • These omitted stadiums are noted for their prestige and history, with Allegiant Stadium having hosted Super Bowl LVIII and the Superdome holding the record for the most Super Bowls hosted.

• NASA engineers have successfully completed the final inspection of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's primary mirror, which passed all tests. • Following this final check, the telescope is now being prepared for shipment to its designated launch site in Florida. • This milestone ensures the telescope's optical systems are fully operational before it begins its mission to study dark energy and exoplanets.

• Arsenal and Manchester City are both reportedly interested in signing 23-year-old Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento. • Despite their interest, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have expressed reservations regarding Livramento's previous injury record. • The Gunners are also considering Sporting CP full-back Ivan Fresneda as a potential addition to their defensive line.