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Arsenal legend and BBC pundit Ian Wright has had to deny allegations of being arrested after scammers used AI to create false images of him.

Was Ian Wright arrested?

The Match of the Day presenter has become a well-loved TV personality within the world of football since retiring – having been an adored player, too.

After all, he netted a whopping 185 goals in 288 appearances for the Gunners which was a club record until it was eventually beaten by Thierry Henry.

He also spent time in his career with other former clubs such as Crystal Palace, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Celtic and Burnley.

In recent times, he’s cemented his status as an all-round lovely guy by showing his class as a strong and vocal advocate for women’s football, and recently slammed the broadcasting issues ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand – with Fifa threatening a blackout because of low offers for the broadcast rights from the biggest European footballing countries.

With all that in mind, it must have come as a shock to some when images emerged online of him supposedly being arrested. Some friends of Wright’s were so stunned, he has since revealed people were calling him about it.

Well, in a new video shared on his Twitter account, he’s now clarified that it’s all a strange scam where people “superimposed” him into an odd situation.

Wright explained: “Listen, I’m getting so many calls. People think I’ve been arrested. They’ve superimposed me with handcuffs. Look at me [laughs] this is a scam! People are scamming you.

“I ain’t been arrested. I’ve not done anything to get arrested. Foolishness! Watch these people scamming you!”

He also shared some of the fake photos.

It’s certainly a bizarre story and perhaps a little worrying that some of his friends did seem to be convinced by AI that these images were actually real.

However, it’s good to see that Wright has responded in typical style, laughing it all off with a smile on his face.

The presenter recently made history with Shaun Wright-Phillips, becoming the first father and son punditry team to appear on Match of the Day.

So don’t worry, we’re far more likely to see him appear on TV in the future than in a prison cell.

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has stunned fans by scoring a brilliant goal after just 13 seconds before then scoring another volley in the second half.

What is the quickest-ever FA Cup final goal?

Meeting at Wembley in the FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola and co faced bitter rivals Manchester United with both aiming for a double.

Indeed, City have already won the Premier League and also have a Champions League final to come.

The Red Devils, on the other hand, have already lifted silverware at Wembley this season after beating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

With so much on the line, both teams would have been raring to go but all of Erik ten Hag’s pre-game plans would have had to have been reassessed after just a matter of seconds.

Indeed, after a long ball upfield was nodded to the edge of his own box by Victor Lindelof, Gundogan volleyed the ball into the back of the net.

Incredibly, this moment of magic was the fastest goal in an FA Cup final. What’s more, it’s the first scored in the opening minute of the competition final since Louis Saha netted for Everton against Chelsea in 2009.

Supporters were blown away by Gundogan’s quality – as he netted another fine volley after United had equalised – and here are the best reactions on Twitter…

Supporters just couldn’t believe it.

Here’s his second goal.

Liverpool look to finally be enacting serious changes around Anfield as Jurgen Klopp looks to reshape his squad ahead of next season, with several players set to leave the building in the summer.

James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino have all confirmed their departures come the off-season and they likely won't be the only experienced names to swap Merseyside for elsewhere.

One man who will be staying around is club captain Jordan Henderson, who has been at the Reds since 2011; however, Redmen TV pundit Paul Machin thinks that Klopp may start to phase out the £140k-a-week ace starting from next year.

What has Paul Machin said about Jordan Henderson?

Speaking to Football FanCast, pundit Machin believes that Henderson, alongside teammates Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho will play less minutes next campaign.

Machin told FFC: "I think Liverpool need to start to push Fabinho, Thiago and Henderson out of the first 11 more in the season coming. They're all brilliant footballers, but they all need to be playing around 2500 minutes, 2000 to 2500 minutes, which is about 1500 less for Fabinho, it's about 1000 less for Henderson and it's not far off what Thiago ended up on, but Thiago hasn't had an understudy, which has been his problem."

In 2022/23, Henderson, who has been hailed as "exceptional", has made 42 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions and registered three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Nevertheless, WhoScored report that he has averaged a match rating of just 6.58/10 for his exploits on the pitch for Liverpool this term, which ranks him 16th out of their 27-strong squad in terms of consistency in performances, demonstrating obvious room for improvement.

Former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness also criticised Henderson for his reaction to criticism of his performances in November 2022 writing in his column for The Daily Mail, where he stated: "You’ve got to have a thick skin to be an elite athlete. Doubters are just something you have to deal with. I don’t think Jordan will be getting much sympathy from any quarter, given the lifestyle that football affords him, after more than a decade as a Premier League player. The only opinions he has to be concerned about are those of his manager Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool coaching team."

FBRef shows that Henderson hasn't been able to bite into challenges to the same effect as normal over the past year and hasn't fared too well when compared to his positional peers in the art of successful tackles, ranking comfortably in the bottom 20% for this metric against midfielders from Europe's top five divisions, averaging just 1.50 per 90 minutes.

Henderson may well have his qualities in and around the dressing room, though it looks like he could well have further competition for his place at Anfield. Various sources have stated that Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, Sporting Lisbon ace Manuel Ugarte and Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch are all transfer targets for the Reds, which could mean regular starts become hard to come by for the 32-year-old.

It looks likely that he will remain on the books either way; nevertheless, Klopp will need to avoid clinging on to sentiment if he is to get Liverpool back to where they belong next term.

Everton have been linked with Billy Gilmour ahead of the summer transfer window with his former boss Frank Lampard as manager, the connection is something the club can exploit to secure a deal.

What’s the latest?

Daily Star journalist Paul Brown has claimed Everton “need” a player like Billy Gilmour this summer.

Brown was speaking to GIVEMESPORT and said: “He is exactly the sort of player, in many respects, he is exactly the sort of player Everton need, someone who can just sit in front of the back four, dictate play, pick a good pass and keep the ball moving.”

Frank can land his own Xavi

Lampard is well aware of the strengths and talent of Gilmour after working with the young player at Chelsea and even made his Premier League debut under the Toffees boss at Stamford Bridge, so could make an instant impact on the team next season if he can bring the player to Goodison Park.

Roy Keane claimed that the 20-year-old has “everything” you want from a midfielder whilst doing punditry for Sky Sports during Chelsea’s game against Everton in 2020, hailing his “quality on the ball” and his “football intelligence.”

Gilmour has had a disappointing campaign with newly-relegated side Norwich City on loan, but was a standout performer in terms of his work ethic and consistency in-game with a 91% pass accuracy in his own half.

He made 1.7 tackles, 1.2 clearances and won 3.8 of his duels combined on average per game, proving that he is a solid force in midfield.

There are comparisons that can be drawn to Xavi from the style of play that the £28k-per-week youngster displays in the centre of the pitch. His high accuracy in being able to pick out a pass successfully and his ability to force himself as a dominating presence in midfield gives glimpses of the Barcelona legend who has become Gilmour’s inspiration.

The perfect manager to bring out that excellence and precision would be Lampard who is renowned as a Premier League great thanks to his career as a midfielder at Chelsea, so not only will his work previously with Gilmour help him develop the young talent but also his own experience in the position should only unlock the potential further.

With that being said, if Farhad Moshiri could even secure a season-long loan deal for the £10.8m-rated player it would be a major coup in Everton’s pursuit to improve their squad and would benefit the player massively in his development along the way.

AND in other news: Moshiri plotting Everton bid for “powerful” £25m monster, he can be Calvert-Lewin 2.0

Wolves have been speculated about a move for Goncalo Inacio ahead of the summer transfer window, however, a new update has now emerged from a reliable source that could squash the rumours of the potential signing.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has now revealed a transfer update on Inacio and detailed Wolves’ current situation with the player.

Romano tweeted;

“Gonçalo Inácio has chances to leave Sporting this summer, after new contract with release clause for €45m.

“Wolves are not in talks to sign him as of today. No proposal on the table, despite rumours. Many other clubs in the race. #Wolves”

Supporters will be annoyed

This summer, Bruno Lage has promised big things at Wolves, so supporters will surely be annoyed that a speculated target has not even been approached by the club ahead of the transfer window.

Inacio has had an impressive season for Sporting CP offering both brilliant defending and attacking attributes to his Portuguese club in the Liga Portugal.

The 20-year-old has scored four goals, contributed two assists and created one big chance, making 1.4 tackles and 2.4 clearances, as well as winning 56% of his aerial and ground duels combined and successful in the majority of his dribbles (78%) in 28 league appearances, proving that despite his age he is a complete nuisance for opponents in his position.

To accompany Inacio’s high quality output, Sporting boss Ruben Amorim has sung the player’s praises for his all-round qualities that he has brought to the team since his arrival (via The Mirror);

“[Goncalo] Inacio can play on one side and then come back in, [making it unpredictable for our opposition] so we have been making some good use of his characteristics. Inacio is very fast as well, offers long passing, can play inside and can even get to the top of the pitch before other players, giving [Pedro] Porro more freedom.”

Thanks to the youngster’s fantastic performances he has reportedly attracted attention from some of the biggest clubs in English football with Manchester United and Newcastle United both named as potential suitors for the defender this summer, so if the rumours that Wolves are interested are true they will need to act fast.

AND in other news: Tim Spiers now reveals major Wolves transfer twist, supporters will be buzzing

An Italian report has now shared some promising West Ham United transfer news involving Club Brugge forward Noa Lang.

The Lowdown: Moyes steps up talks…

Hammers boss is reportedly stepping up transfer talks ahead of a crucial 2022/2023 Premier League campaign, coming after his side just fell short of a Europa League qualification place.

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It is believed that a striker, central midfielder and left-back are in the Scotsman’s sights above all as club owners GSB are also tasked to back Moyes with crucial West Ham signings.

The east Londoners could also strengthen in other areas, with Calciomercato.it making a promising claim involving Jupiler Pro League star Lang.

The Latest: West Ham offer ready…

According to their information (via Sport Witness), West Ham are now ‘ready to offer’ a €3 million-per-year (£2.5m) salary package to the 22-year-old.

It is also believed that the Irons have jumped ahead of European giants and Serie A winners AC Milan with the Rossoneri now ‘behind’ Moyes in the race for Lang.

If West Ham wish to seal a deal, though, it is believed Brugge won’t part ways with their bright attacker unless they receive a €25m (£21m) bid.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Still young and having seriously impressed in Belgium, we believe the club’s interest is entirely justified.

The starlet notched a brilliant seven goals and 12 assists in the league alone, earning call-ups to the Netherlands squad as a result, with the future certainly looking promising for Lang.

Able to play on either flank and as a centre-forward, his versatility is another reason for West Ham to move ahead with a formal bid as they aim to beat Milan to his signature.

In other news: West Ham in negotiations to sign league standout as Moyes steps up transfer talks! Find out more here.

West Ham United are reportedly amongst the Premier League clubs interested in signing Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix this summer.

According to Jeunes Footeux, via Birmingham Live, West Ham, as well as Aston Villa and Newcastle United, are keen to bring the Frenchman over to England this summer.

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The 22-year-old did sign a contract extension in September to keep him at the German outfit until 2025, although it does have a release clause believed to be in the region of £34m which is set to become active this summer, according to Sky Germany via Bulinews.

With numerous cases of injuries and suspensions within the defensive to deal with this summer, there is little doubt that Hammers boss David Moyes will be keen to add at least one quality centre-back to his ranks this transfer window.

West Ham must sign Lacroix

With Angelo Ogbonna still recovering from an ACL injury whilst both Issa Diop and Craig Dawson are subject to potential departures this summer, the Hammers will need to improve their defensive options.

In Lacroix, the Irons would be signing one of Europe’s top defensive prospects, with the 22-year-old making 35 appearances across the league and Champions League this term despite a poor season for Wolfsburg that saw them finish 12th in the Bundesliga.

Stood at 6 foot 3, the Frenchman, labelled as “exciting” by Statman Dave, has averaged 69.7 touches a Bundesliga match whilst completing 42.7 passes at an 81% accuracy.

Despite playing in a relatively poor side, the defender contributed to five clean sheets as well as making 2.1 interceptions, two tackles and 4.8 clearances a game whilst also winning 64% of his duels.

Compared to Dawson, who could depart this summer, Lacroix edges the Englishman.

The current West Ham centre-back has averaged 47.9 touches a game in the Premier League whilst making fewer passes at 30.2 at the same accuracy.

Also contributing to five clean sheets, the 32-year-old has a lower duel win rate at 56% whilst averaging 0.8 interceptions and tackles as well as 4.1 clearances.

Moreover, these statistics came in a side better than Wolfsburg with the Hammers set to finish no lower than seventh in the Premier League.

It would certainly be a shrewd deal with the defender already good enough to slot into Moyes’ team whilst also possessing a serious amount of potential that the Hammers can benefit from. It might just be a deal that sees the back of Dawson too.

AND in other news: “Definitely a target…”: Ex drops major West Ham transfer update, Moyes will love him

Leeds United have two massive games left to play this season as Jesse Marsch aims to keep his side in the Premier League and put an end to what has been a difficult campaign for the Yorkshire club.

Tomorrow sees the Whites take on Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road before they travel to Brentford for their final clash of the season.

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With Leeds in the relegation zone as things stand, but level on points with Burnley and only two behind Everton, the Whites will be looking to win both of their remaining matches and hope that will be enough to see them avoid the drop.

Despite this crucial period for the club, it seems as though a clue has emerged regarding the upcoming summer transfer window and what avoiding relegation could do for them when it comes to their potential business.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones was discussing the summer transfer window and what sort of business Leeds could do if they avoid relegation.

He said: “I know they have got other ambitions, like some of the players that are on their long-term list, thinking they were going to stay in the Premier League, were big names.

“So, I think there is a possibility that Leeds fans could yet get excited about the club really going for it if they do stay up.”

Taking this into account, not only would it undoubtedly delight the Leeds supporters to see their team stay up, but it could also excite a lot of them to think that the club would then look to sign some “big names” in the summer.

In terms of what area of the squad the Whites should look to strengthen in the summer if they do keep their place in the top flight, the first priority should be their defence.

With 36 Premier League games played, Marsch’s side have conceded 77 goals in total, leaving only bottom club Norwich City with a worse defensive record.

Before the summer transfer window opens, the focus should fully be on what the players do on the pitch for their final couple of games this season, before the club then spring into action behind the scenes and dive into the transfer market.

In other news – Could’ve signed for £4m, now valued at £135m: Leeds had shocker over 85-goal “cyborg”

Leeds United left-back Laurens De Bock has reportedly signed a permanent deal with Zulte Waregem.

The Lowdown: De Bock back in Belgium

De Bock has been out on loan to four different clubs after Victor Orta brought him to Yorkshire back in 2018 from Club Brugge in a deal worth £1.53m.

The 29-year-old has made just seven appearances in Yorkshire and has spent the current campaign back in his native country with Zulte Waregem.

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The Belgian has been a regular for the Jupiler Pro League side, making 30 appearances in all competitions, and with his Leeds deal set to expire in the summer, Phil Hay reported earlier that the player will definitely leave the club on a Bosman deal.

Now, it looks as though his destination is already agreed.

The Latest: One-year deal

Inside Futbol relayed a story from Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws regarding De Bock’s future late on Tuesday evening.

They claim that the defender has actually already signed a one-year deal with Zulte Waregem, which includes an option to extend by a further 12 months.

The Verdict: First player to leave under Marsch

It’s crazy to think De Bock is still a Whites player, but a permanent exit appeared inevitable and best for all involved as he looks set to become the first player to leave the club during Jesse Marsch’s tenure as manager.

He hasn’t been in the picture at Elland Road over the last four seasons, with his last Leeds appearance coming back in the 2017/18 Championship season prior to Marcelo Bielsa’s arrival.

He’s finally back to playing regular first-team football in Belgium and is clearly rated by Zulte Waregem, captaining the side for the majority of the current campaign, so it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn he has penned a permanent deal with the club.

In other news: Leeds working on cheap deal for ‘outstanding’ 24 y/o; may replace ‘horrible’ flop. 

Sunderland secured their place in the League One play-off final against Wycombe as they beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on aggregate.

The Black Cats won the first leg 1-0 as Ross Stewart pounced on a defensive mistake to convert one-on-one against the goalkeeper.

Wednesday came out firing at Hillsborough in the second leg and eventually found their equaliser in the tie as Lee Gregory put them ahead on the night. However, Alex Neil’s team dug in deep and sent the away fans into raptures as Patrick Roberts scored the goal to send them to Wembley in the 93rd minute.

Whilst the ex-Manchester City gem will take plaudits because of his tie-winning contribution at the end of the match, Sunderland’s real play-off hero was central defender Bailey Wright.

The Australian enforcer was sublime at the heart of the backline as he put in an almost faultless display full of character and quality.

Roker Report writer Philip West showered the former Bristol City tank with praise, tweeting: “Bailey Wright, what a warrior. Bloodstained shirt, blood trickling down his face, but he was an absolute rock tonight. That’s what playing for this club is about. Heart of a lion.”

These comments illustrate the commitment shown by Wright throughout the game as he put his body on the line for his team. He was throwing himself in the firing line to block shots and made sure that he was the first to react when balls were sent into the penalty box.

As you can see from these statistics, via SofaScore, the defender was superb out of possession. He dominated the opposition as he won the majority of his physical battles, which backs up West’s praise of his performance on Monday night.

On the ball, the Australian completed five of his 11 long pass attempts and had 45 touches throughout the match. Wright spent the bulk of his time defending his own goal rather than being in possession for the Black Cats and, as such, his statistics are not overly impressive on this front.

However, his defending was enough to get the job done for Sunderland, and the fans will surely have enjoyed his passion and commitment at the back. They will want to see their players leaving everything out on the pitch, and that is what the 29-year-old did against Sheffield Wednesday.

AND in other news, Neil can blow SAFC supporters away with £3.4k-p/w gem who was made “in a laboratory”…