Arsenal have a clear priority heading into the summer transfer market after their Premier League triumph was nearly undone by one glaring issue for Mikel Arteta

Sunday’s champagne might still be bubbling – and a Champions League final still awaits – but Arsenal are already turning their attention toward the summer transfer window. After finally being crowned champions of England for the first time since 2004, the Gunners will be determined to ensure their spell at the top is not a short-lived one.

As a result, a number of high-profile arrivals are expected. With a defence widely viewed as their strongest area and a midfield already packed with quality, Arsenal are set to focus on strengthening their attacking options this summer.

Although marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed a respectable first season in North London, he has yet to provide the ruthless, relentless edge associated with Europe’s elite sides. Beyond him, the rest of the squad has largely failed to provide enough goals – with Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze the only other Arsenal players to reach double figures this season.

Arsenal ended the season with 71 league goals – the lowest total for a Premier League champion since Leicester’s 68 in 2015/16. Consequently, improving their attacking threat has become a clear priority. Here, Mirror Football explores what Arsenal’s ideal first signing of the summer could be.

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Reports suggest Arsenal are weighing up a £100million move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. It’s understood that Alvarez has informed Atletico of his desire to leave and while Barcelona is his preferred destination, Hansi Flick’s side are currently unable to meet their La Liga rivals’ £100m valuation due to financial constraints.

This situation has therefore opened the door for Arsenal, who are keen to bolster their attack with a versatile, high-energy forward. Alvarez, who spent two seasons at Manchester City, is capable of playing as a No. 9, as well as on either flank or in the No. 10 role.

Arsenal have been tracking the Argentina international, 26, for several years, with sporting director Andrea Berta previously overseeing his move to Atletico in 2024. Mikel Arteta is known to favour adaptable, high-intensity forwards and Alvarez fits that profile – combining clinical finishing with relentless pressing ability.

He has scored 20 goals in 49 appearances this season, following a 29-goal debut campaign at the Metropolitano Stadium. A signing of his quality would not only ease the scoring burden on Gyokeres but also add a more complete attacking dimension to Arsenal’s frontline.

However, the Gunners will need to act carefully. A £100m transfer for Alvarez would take up a significant portion of their summer budget and with Arteta also keen to strengthen at left wing, Arsenal may be forced to prioritise certain attacking areas over others.

Players such as Bradley Barcola and Nico Williams have also been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium but – like Alvarez – any deal for either player would likely carry a similar £100m valuation.

With Financial Fair Play still a consideration and multiple areas of the squad under review, Arsenal’s recruitment team will need to strike a careful balance between immediate impact and long-term squad depth.

At the same time, competition for elite attacking talent across Europe remains intense, meaning hesitation could prove costly if rival top clubs enter the race later in the window. And with Alvarez already proven in the Premier League, a move for him would be well worth the price.

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Go vegan, ditch the car, avoid air travel. Or forget all that – because it’s corporations and governments that are really to blame. This argument can feel quite paralysing but what if this is the wrong debate to be having?

Our research shows that the most effective approach to climate action is for people to make change within societal systems, not just as consumers. After all, what are systems made of if not people? Harnessing this agency to shape institutions, norms and networks will unlock broader social and structural changes.

We’ve developed a way to help you find your highest-impact actions, based on who you already are and what you can realistically do. It starts with three questions. Which roles do you already occupy? Within those roles, which actions carry the most climate weight? And what’s holding you, or others, back from taking them?

In our new research paper, we focus on five roles identified in previous research that link personal action with the potential for system change: citizen, professional, investor, consumer and role model. Previous work has prioritised a handful of high-impact actions within each role, such as using your vote as a citizen to elect leaders who will make strong climate policies, or by divesting from fossil fuels as an investor.

Climate action goes way beyond consumption. By identifying the most effective actions within your current roles, and overcoming barriers for you and others to take them, you can unlock the potential of your biggest leverage.

Consider a community member: someone who simply lives somewhere and knows their neighbours. They might not think of themselves as a climate changemaker at all. Yet they can organise others to campaign for low-carbon infrastructure, or speak up for those who face risks in being vocal. Or take a hospital procurement officer: by shifting institutional catering towards plant-based options or selecting renewable energy providers, they shape the choices available to dozens or hundreds of colleagues, influencing supply chains and shifting perceptions of what’s normal and doable along the way. And someone who discovers their pension is funding fossil fuels can push their employer to offer ethical options to all staff, not just those who are in a position to ask.

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The framework works at every level of influence, from a community member to a CEO. Those in high-leverage roles have multiplier effects. This happens when an action they take, such as implementing climate into school curricula, can extend well beyond their own choices, in this case by enabling children to have conversations about climate with their friends and at home. However, not everyone has the same responsibility or leverage to act.

In previous work, we showed how inequality constrains many people’s capacity to participate in climate action, whether that’s sustainable investing, protesting, or simply having the resources to make different choices. The same people with the most freedom to act often have the biggest footprints.

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In the UK, one-third of people take more than 80% of all flights, while half the population doesn’t fly at all. Positions of privilege and leverage are not evenly distributed, so different people will have varying levels of influence. But if you are a frequent flyer, taking responsibility might mean recognising your unequal impact on the planet, reducing your flights and advocating for flying to pay its climate costs.

Climate paralysis often comes from feeling powerless in the face of vast systems. But perhaps the most important insight from our work is this: systems are made of people, and people have roles, choices and influence that extend well beyond their shopping habits.

And most of the former Sedgefield MP’s devastating criticism is correct – although the one big success of Mr Starmer’s time in office has been his refusal to stand shoulder to shoulder with Donald Trump in his ill judged war against Iran.

Mr Blair talks of Mr Starmer’s government having “no coherent plan” which is much like this column’s view that it has no guiding vision – it put itself forward as being the antidote to the incompetence of the Conservative years but didn’t have a plan, or a vision, about what it wanted to achieve when in power.

Consequently, we’ve had two years of negativity, U-turns and climbdowns, and the big decisions about benefits, pensions, social care, taxes, defence spending have been dodged, as Mr Blair suggests.

He also says that elections are won from the “radical centre”, not from the left, as Jeremy Corbyn showed, and Reform will have to get much more than its current 27 per cent to win from the right.

The “radical centre”, though, must get things done, and despite a huge majority, Mr Starmer’s government has been characterised by dither.

So Mr Blair is largely right – but was this the right time to air these views? He has cut Mr Starmer off at the knees and Kemi Badenoch will surely used “no coherent plan” against him at Prime Minister’s Questions.

And Mr Blair himself is so toxic, largely because of his support for the American war against Iraq, that some Labour MPs may swing to the left just to differentiate themselves from him – exactly what he is arguing would damage the party and the country.

Jack Patrick Tuttle, 30, of Oak Green, Brandon, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on May 25.

Tuttle pleaded guilty to driving a Nissan Juke with more than 800 Benzoylecgonine in his blood on November 13, 2025, exceeding the legal limit.

Tuttle also admitted driving without a valid licence and using the vehicle without third-party insurance on the same date and location.

The court took his guilty pleas into account.

For the drug drive offence, Tuttle received a 17-month driving ban and a £200 fine.

He must also pay £85 in prosecution costs and an £80 surcharge, with deductions to be made from his benefits.

No separate penalties were imposed for the licence and insurance offences.

The proposal for the Greencroft Estate in Lanchester faces several objections from residents, who are concerned about its impact on the local landscape. 

Planning documents submitted to Durham County Council state how the new complex would be built around a central ‘hub’ facility next to the site of the former Greencroft Hall.  

A shop, spa facility, swimming pool, fitness studios, and picnic huts are all proposed.

(Image: True North)

The proposed 140 lodges would be located within separate ‘lodge zones’ around the site and are part of the wider plans for Greencroft Forest Park – a new development for Lanchester Valley and wider County Durham, extending to over 290 hectares. 

True North, the applicant, said more than 160 jobs would be created during the construction phase, leading to 44 permanent roles. If approved, the site would generate up to £2.1 million for the local tourist economy.

A planning statement read: “As a locally led initiative, the wider True North team is committed to delivering a lasting and positive legacy, creating a place that the community can value and take pride in, while enhancing wellbeing and opening up this historic estate to celebrate its heritage. 

“The proposals have been carefully shaped to respect the character and history of the former estate. They will retain and integrate remaining heritage features, enhance existing woodland, and open up access for local communities, while also delivering meaningful ecological improvements.”

But the application has been opposed by 27 objections, raising concerns over flooding, tourism development needs, and transport sustainability. 

Luke Akehurst, MP for North Durham, said: “The proposals would cause significant damage to the character, identity and heritage of the area.”

And recommending the proposal be refused, the local authority’s planning department said: “Whilst the principle of development has the potential to be acceptable, the development as presented would result in moderate to substantial landscape harm.”

Durham County Council’s planning committee will consider the application on Tuesday (June 2).

The entertainment and hospitality destinations in Newcastle, St James’, Seaburn, and Middlesbrough will show screenings of the big games of the World Cup.

With international street food, themed cocktails, and interactive events, Stack is aiming to offer the ultimate World Cup experience.

Mary O’Shea, operations manager at STACK, said: “The World Cup is one of this summer’s most eagerly anticipated events and we wanted to make sure that Stack is at the heart of it.

“Everyone knows our venues as the perfect place to watch sporting events, not only because of the giant HD screens but because of the incredible atmosphere.

“That will certainly be the case when the World Cup takes place and we have lots of other exciting plans up our sleeves which will make it the perfect spot to enjoy all of the sporting action.”

Festivities begin with the opening ceremony and first match on Thursdy, June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa.

Fans will be able to catch the action on big screens while sampling the venues’ diverse international food offerings.

A limited-edition cocktail menu inspired by competing nations will be available, with a twist – once a team is eliminated from the tournament, its namesake cocktail will also be removed from the menu.

The menu will narrow down to just the finalists as the games progress.

Stack is also running an interactive football quiz at all sites, challenging guests to identify the flags of all 48 competing nations.

Every participant will receive a free drinks voucher valid through July and August, and the overall winner will earn a £200 Stack gift card.

Additional plans include live DJs and entertainment during all England matches.

Group bookings for tables and benches are available for parties of eight or more at selected venues.

Stack is also offering corporate packages and private hire options for businesses wanting a more exclusive viewing experience.

Matches will be shown throughout the tournament, including England’s group games on June 17, 23, and 27, all the way through to the final on July 19.

Fans are encouraged to check the Stack website for venue-specific details and to secure a spot for what is expected to be a lively summer of football.

More information is available at stackleisure.com.

Christopher Higgins faced a range of allegations at a misconduct hearing earlier this month

A Northern Irish mental health nurse has been struck off after being found to have sent a naked picture of himself in a bubble bath to a colleague and performed a sex act at work with another.

Christopher Higgins, who was a band 6 mental health nurse at Craigavon Area Hospital, was struck off following a Nursing and Midwifery Council Fitness to Practice hearing – during which he faced a number of allegations arising from incidents that took place between mid-2016 and March 2023.

The hearing, which took place between Tuesday, May 5, and Thursday, May 21, was held in Mr Higgins’ absence, as he had not engaged with the NMC regarding it. He faced 11 charges at the hearing, with it finding that six of these were proven.

Mr Higgins was found to have sent an explicit photograph of himself to a colleague, which showed him in a bubble bath holding a glass of wine, with the bubbles being moved in order to show his penis. He later told investigators that he had “no memory” of this, and his actions were influenced by alcohol.

In another incident that was found to be proven, Mr Higgins and a colleague engaged in oral sex in his office and later went on to message the colleague saying that he was “falling in love” and/ or “in a hopeless marriage”. The colleague told the hearing that these messages were unwanted and inappropriate.

They also said the incident involving the sex act in his office left them feeling “disgusted and completely ashamed” and that they did not believe it to be consensual. They said they did not report the incident as the colleague “did not want her mother to know about it”. However, the hearing did not find an allegation of a non-consensual sex act to be proven.

When asked about this incident by investigators, Mr Higgins said there was “no truth in the rumour”, but later said the incident did actually happen.

Other charges, which were found to be proven against the mental health nurse, were incidents where he had made sexual innuendos towards members of staff at the Southern Trust.

Mr Higgins was struck off following the hearing, and pending an appeal, with the panel finding “that Mr Higgins’ actions were significant departures from the standards expected of a registered nurse and are fundamentally incompatible with him remaining on the register.

The panel was of the view that the findings in this particular case demonstrate that Mr Higgins’ actions were serious and to allow him to continue practising would not protect the public and would undermine public confidence in the profession and in the NMC as a regulatory body.”

A Trust spokesperson said: “The Trust participated fully in this Nursing and Midwifery Council Fitness to Practise Hearing regarding serious breaches of professional standards by a former employee. We will carefully review the NMC written findings. There is no evidence that patient safety was directly affected.

“We are committed to ensuring that any allegations relating to our staff are fully investigated and appropriate disciplinary action is always taken in line with robust governance processes.

There are clear standards of behaviour required of registered nurses and serious breaches of professional standards must be identified and stopped as a priority.

“We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for both patients and staff.’”

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“It has been a long time waiting for Scotland to reach another World Cup. I wish he was here to see it.”

An Army veteran has turned his heartbreak into a rolling tribute to the Scotland team ahead of the World Cup.

Colin Carroll, from Cranhill in Glasgow, has decked out his beloved Mini Cooper in Saltires and tartan as the country gears up for their first World Cup since 1998. The motor belonged to his late partner Robert Paterson who passed away while the couple were on holiday in Benidorm on December 30, 2019.

The tartan-clad motor is Colin’s way of keeping Robert’s memory alive while paying tribute to the national squad.

Colin said: “Robert was a massive fan of Scotland. It was one of the many things we bonded over.

“It has been a long time waiting for Scotland to reach another World Cup. I wish he was here to see it. The place is absolutely buzzing already for the tournament.”

The former Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders soldier revealed the Mini had been Robert’s favourite car and after his death he struggled to even look at it.

He said: “My partner loved the car, it was his favourite. After he died while on holiday in Benidorm, I was going to sell it. It reminded me too much of Robert and who I had lost.

“It had too much sentimental value for me though that’s the reason why I wanted to customise it – out of respect for Robert, Scotland and to put a smile on everyone’s face who we pass by.”

In a cruel blow, Colin was diagnosed with cancer just three months after losing Robert. But after a five-year battle, he received the all clear on April 13 last month.

He said: “Bereavement took so much out of me and will never go away but it, alongside my cancer diagnosis, has given me a new outlook on life.

“It’s made me realise how special and precious life is and we must grasp it. It has inspired me to live life to the fullest.

“You can only live in the moment. I live everyday by the motto – Yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery.”

Colin and his Scotland themed mini has become a social media sensation too. He has been documenting his journey customising it on TikTok and YouTube after years of unimaginable pain.

He added: “It’s been hard dealing with life since Robert’s death but starting my TikTok and YouTube channel has helped give me peace mentally.

“The reaction so far has been amazing. A Glasgow tour bus even drove by and all the tourists got off and took photos with it. It was unreal.”

“I now want to bring a smile to the faces of everyone who helped me get through all of this hardship and support my country at the World Cup.”

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“There’s one thing that’s nagging at me, though – he’s a widower and has two teenage kids living at home with him.”

Dear Coleen

I’m a woman aged 41 and have been divorced for a few years. I’ve had the odd date since my marriage ended but nothing to write home about and none of them developed into an actual relationship.

However, I’ve seen this guy a couple of times recently who I’ve really clicked with. He’s the brother of a friend and she introduced us, as she thought we’d get on. He’s the first man I’ve thought could be a potential partner – he’s so easy to talk to and has a wonderful sense of humour.

There’s one thing that’s nagging at me, though – he’s a widower and has two teenage kids living at home with him. I’m not a parent, so I don’t know what to think about this, as I know his children will always be part of the picture. It’s not that I’m anti-kids or anything but I realise it makes things a bit more complicated.

I haven’t met them yet but my friend says they’re great kids and they’ve obviously been through a lot. My ex and I made the decision not to have children and now I’ve met a guy I really like who has two of them. Am I overthinking this?

Coleen says

Well, you’re thinking too far ahead and pre-empting problems that don’t exist. You might get along extremely well with his kids and if that’s the case, then it’s happy days.

Look, you don’t have to parent these kids – they’re not toddlers and they’re not looking for a replacement mum. In my experience, teenagers are in and out of the house all the time, developing their independence. I think the way to go is to take it slowly and see how this relationship develops. You can always use your place as a base to get some privacy and get to know each other better.

Yes, blending families isn’t straightforward and it takes time but I don’t think you’re quite at that stage yet. I also think this scenario is less of a problem that if you’d met someone who wants kids when you don’t.

I’m a single woman with grown-up kids and they’d be happy for me to meet someone. But if I met a man who felt my kids were an issue, I wouldn’t be with him. You can’t ever make someone choose between you and their kids because they’ll choose their kids every time.

If you fall in love, you’ll find your way around it, so my advice is to stop overthinking it and enjoy it for what it is right now. You might get to your fourth date and realise you don’t fancy him. Good luck.

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