Tag Futebol

Arsenal looking at £40m move for "one of the best young CMs in Europe"

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Arsenal scouts have watched a “world-class talent” in action a number of times already this season, and they could be set to battle Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.

Gunners looking to bolster options in midfield

Mikel Arteta made major improvements to his squad in the summer transfer window, and Martin Zubimendi is already looking like a very astute signing, having been singled out for praise after scoring twice in the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Former Watford striker Troy Deeney said: “The technique on the first of his two goals against Nottingham Forest was frightening. It would have been so easy to get over that and put it into Row Z, and his header was nice as well.

“We see so many players that can’t head a ball any more and it was really calm. He ran the show and that is why Arsenal brought him in. They want him to be that maestro when they have loads of the ball.”

"He's still got it" – Odegaard says "complete" icon is Arsenal's best ever

The Arsenal captain has revealed who he believes the best player in the Gunners’ history is.

ByDominic Lund Sep 14, 2025

Christian Norgaard also arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the summer, meaning Arteta should be very well-stocked in the engine room this season, but the north Londoners have now joined the race for another central midfielder.

That is according to a report from journalist Ahad Shaukhat for the Daily Briefing, who states Arsenal scouts have now watched Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi on a number of occasions already.

Bouaddi is being targeted by a number of top clubs from across Europe, with bitter rivals Tottenham also in the race for his signature, but there have been suggestions a deal could be on the expensive side.

The 17-year-old has been widely reported to have a price tag of £40m, which would be a huge amount to pay for a teenager.

"World-class talent" Bouaddi is one for the future

Despite his age, the young Frenchman has already established himself as a regular starter for Lille, making a total of 58 senior appearances for the French club, including four in Ligue 1 so far this season. Already he has emerged as “one of the best young midfielders in Europe”, in the words of football writer James Brooke.

Earlier this year, the Lille starlet also received very high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who lauded him as a “world-class talent”, while also describing the youngster as having “excellent technical capacity & ball carrying ability.”

That is underlined by the fact the Senlis-born ace ranks in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to other midfielders, and the 85th percentile for tackles over the same timeframe.

Having already started to make a name for himself in Ligue 1, Bouaddi clearly has a lot of potential, and may not be too far off first-team level for a top Premier League club, so Arsenal should undoubtedly look to win the race for his signature.

'We should be playing at home!' – Mike Maignan joins Adrien Rabiot and Cesc Fabregas by slamming plot to play AC Milan vs Como clash in Australia

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

AC Milan captain Mike Maignan has joined the player backlash against plans to move their Serie A home game against Como to Perth, Australia. The goalkeeper branded the move a mistake driven by finance, echoing Adrien Rabiot's "completely crazy" comments. The criticism comes despite a sharp rebuke from the Serie A chief, as the controversial fixture moves closer to confirmation.

  • AC Milan captain Maignan criticises Australia fixture plan

    Maignan has publicly condemned the proposal to play the Serie A home fixture in Australia. Speaking at a press conference while on international duty with France, the goalkeeper voiced his strong opposition to the plan, arguing that financial interests are being prioritised over competitive integrity. Maignan's comments align him with Rabiot, who had previously labelled the idea "completely crazy," adding to the growing player backlash against the decision. The controversial match is scheduled to take place in February.

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    What Maignan said about the controversial fixture

    The French international did not hold back when asked about the proposed fixture, expressing his full agreement with Rabiot's earlier criticism. "I totally agree with Adrien Rabiot. I don't understand why we're playing abroad," Maignan stated. "Many things are forgotten these days, we think too much about the financial aspect. It's an Italian league match, I don't understand why we're playing abroad. Furthermore, we should have been playing at home, so we 'lose' a home game. Our goals are ambitious, we mustn't leave anything to chance."

  • Rabiot's 'completely crazy' criticism

    Maignan's comments echo the strong sentiments previously shared by his teammate, Rabiot. The midfielder expressed his disbelief at moving a domestic league game over 13,700 km away. 

    "I was surprised when I heard that we'll be playing a Serie A match in Australia with AC Milan. It's completely crazy," Rabiot said. "But these are financial agreements to give visibility to the league, things that are beyond us. There's a lot of talk about schedules and player health, it all seems truly absurd. It's crazy to travel so many miles for a match between two Italian teams in Australia. We have to adapt, as always."

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  • Serie A chief hits back at player complaints

    The player complaints prompted a sharp response from Lega Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo, who directed his comments at Rabiot. "Rabiot forgets, like all footballers who earn millions of euros, that they're paid to do something, namely play football," De Siervo said. "He should be respectful of the money he earns and more accommodating of his employer, AC Milan, who accepted and pushed for this match to be played abroad. The organizational challenge is complicated, the flight hours are long, but you're traveling business class to the other side of the world, something teams regularly do. Top footballers, whose salaries are commensurate with the effort they put in, should understand better than others that this is a sacrifice that can be made."

Nair, Malewar and bowlers lead Vidarbha to third Ranji Trophy title

by csb10.top Uncategorized

Vidarbha put the ghosts of 2023-24 to bed in the most emphatic manner possible – snatching a thrilling battle for the first-innings lead in style – and then grinding Kerala down for nearly five sessions in the second innings to be crowned Ranji Trophy champions for the third time. It made it all the more special that they achieved this feat in front of nearly 3000 home fans who had trooped into the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on a Sunday afternoon, and saw Akshay Wadkar’s team lift the trophy.A heartbroken Kerala squad were left to rue what could’ve been. Would things have been different had Sachin Baby middled his slog sweep on 98 with a lead within touching distance? What if Akshay Chandran had taken second-innings centurion Karun Nair’s catch early on day four? What if DRS had not reprieved half-centurion Danish Malewar after Vidarbha had lost two early wickets?

There were several such moments Kerala could look back on. All told, they would be richer with the experience of playing in their first final. That their coach Amay Khurasiya walked all the way to the center and took a fistful of a crumbly top surface of the Jamtha deck for posterity told you how much it meant to him.The final day’s play began with some hope for Kerala. Even when Nair fell after having added just three runs to his overnight score of 132, it was a long shot for Kerala to try and gun down a score Vidarbha would set them. The dream, however far-fetched, was still alive when local boy Aditya Sarwate spun one past Nair. There was turn, variable bounce, and plenty of bite off the pitch, especially with a new cherry Kerala had.Then Harsh Dubey was out lbw playing across the line to a full delivery from Eden Apple Tom. Two wickets inside the first 45 minutes of play had Kerala excited. Maybe the Gods were conspiring to make this another thriller? How could a team that got here on the back of leads by one run and two runs fizzle away so easily? Maybe there was another twist.This feeling got even more stronger when Wadkar was bowled by one that scooted low. Sarwate, who had celebrated many special moments with Wadkar by his side in the Vidarbha dressing room, celebrated wildly now at having dismissed him. Sarwate had three wickets suddenly, and all of Kerala’s prayers behind him.This was when Akshay Karnewar, an ambidextrous spinner, who hadn’t had much of a role with his primary skills in the game, made an invaluable 30, which took plenty of time out from the game. As it veered towards lunch and beyond, Kerala’s hopes dimmed, and it was effectively shut out by Darshan Nalkande, who muscled a half-century at which point both teams decided they had had enough.At 2.20pm, with tea looming, the stumps were drawn on an exhilarating season as Vidarbha were officially crowned champions. Having got to the semi-final on the back of the joint-most wins – alongside Mumbai – by a team in a season, they finished it off in typically style. It was a stonewalling effort led by Nair, whose fourth hundred of the season – and ninth overall, across formats led the way. There was also a half-century from the industrious Malewar, their 21-year-old batting hope.They had more than made up for the first-innings lapse, when Nair was run-out after a mix-up with Malewar. That moment had the potential to be game-changing. For Vidarbha, it wasn’t. Because theirs was an effort beyond just Nair’s or Malewar’s.It was Yash Rathod’s too, as he finished the season with the most runs. Or Dubey’s, who took the Ranji record for most wickets in a season. Or Parth Rekhade, whose triple-wicket burst in the semi-final derailed Mumbai, or Dhruv Shorey, who, like Nair, gelled into a new setting with ease. Or Wadkar, a battle-hardened veteran who held the team together through last year’s defeat to finally stand atop the winner’s podium with the trophy in hand.

OPINIÃO: Tempo de espera por Ancelotti coloca em risco planejamento da Seleção para a Copa

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

MatériaMais Notícias

A CBF parece cada vez mais convicta de que o técnico ideal para a Seleção Brasileira é Carlo Ancelotti, não importa quando, nem como, desde que ele seja contratado. Com as notícias de que a entidade está otimista quanto a um acerto, resta tentar entender quais são os riscos de não saber quando poderá contar com um novo treinador para seu principal “produto”. Será que vale fechar o olho para tudo a troco de entrar em acordo com o italiano? Será que vale o risco de perder quase dois anos de planejamento para a Copa do Mundo? Não parece ser a melhor das ideias.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Está muito claro que Ancelotti não deixará o Real Madrid-ESP antes de terminar seu contrato por lá, no fim de junho de 2024. Portanto, está praticamente descartada a possibilidade de o comandante tomar as rédeas da Seleção neste ano de 2023. Outra ideia que parece absurda é acreditar numa suposta antecipação da saída da Espanha em janeiro de 2024. Qual seria a lógica de ficar somente meia temporada e depois sair com o “carro andando”? Nenhuma, não é? Pois então… Quando Ancelotti viria?

Segundo a apuração do Lance!, a projeção mais otimista da CBF contaria com o treinador a partir da metade de 2024, sem saber ao certo se isso inclui a disputa da Copa América ou não. Nesse período, a entidade manteria um interino na função e não descarta Ramon Menezes para o cargo. Sim, é isso mesmo, uma Seleção com necessidade de reformulação, com fracassos recentes, que está disposta a deixar um interino como técnico por cerca de um ano e meio a dois anos.

Isso se a gente não contar o tempo em que a entidade já sabia que Tite não permaneceria após a Copa do Qatar. A decisão do antigo treinador era conhecida, pelo menos, desde janeiro de 2022. Se a CBF contava ou não com uma mudança de ideia de Tite, não poderia ter deixado essa hipótese como único plano. Será que houve consulta a outro nome? Houve uma busca por entender a situação de outros profissionais no mercado? Pela insistência em Carlo Ancelotti, parece que não há uma lista de possibilidades à disposição.

+ CBF tem conversas avançadas com Carlo Ancelotti e marca pronunciamento para o fim deste mês

Em uma conta grosseira, serão dois anos em meio sem alguém tocando a reformulação da Seleção e a preparação do ciclo de Copa do Mundo. “Ah, mas quando ele assumir ainda teremos dois anos para o Mundial”. Sim, teremos, mas já abrimos mão de dois e meio. Convenhamos, não estamos em condições de abrir mão de tempo de planejamento para a Seleção. 2026 marcará o aniversário de 24 anos do penta e de 24 anos que paramos no tempo achando que somente a qualidade do jogador brasileiro faria a diferença.

Muitas dúvidas surgem com essa possibilidade de Ancelotti chegar em meados de 2024. A principal delas é se ele vai estar por dentro dos trabalhos feitos pelo profissional que assumirá interinamente. Dependendo de quem foi o escolhido para a missão, pode ser uma cabeça totalmente diferente, convocando jogadores com um determinado perfil e dando uma cara ao time nesse período. Como garantir que Ancelotti seguirá o mesmo modelo? Como uma possível mudança radical afetaria toda a preparação?

Sem contar a questão da Copa América, que será disputa entre junho e julho de 2024, nos EUA. Qual o time que chegará lá? Qual o impacto de um possível novo fracasso na competição, principalmente se a derrota fora para a grande rival Argentina? Se a temporada europeia, na melhor das hipóteses, terminar no fim de maio, haverá tempo hábil para Ancelotti participar da preparação e convocação? São dúvidas que pintam aos montes e somente colocam em risco esse “plano” único pelo técnico italiano.

+ Com gol de estreante e de Vini Jr., Brasil goleia Guiné em amistoso que marcou luta contra o racismo

Que fique claro que Carlo Ancelotti é um profissional praticamente incontestável, multicampeão, conhecedor do futebol brasileiro e que valeria muito a aposta para comandar a Seleção rumo a um título mundial. O problema é o risco que se está disposto a correr para garantir a contratação do atual técnico do Real Madrid. Não parece haver um plano, uma metodologia a ser praticada, a impressão é que se coloca tudo isso na conta de um “salvador”, o único que poderia solucionar obstáculos. E se der errado? Qual é o plano? Quem será o próximo?

Man Utd set TWO attendance records in historic WSL encounter with Women's Champions League holders Arsenal

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Manchester United vs Arsenal has become one of the biggest fixtures in the WSL calendar since it was first played in 2019. The most recent meeting between the sides on Sunday afternoon was watched by a crowd in excess of 8,000 for the third year in a row at Leigh Sports Village.

A new Man Utd Women record

Manchester United proudly announced in the days leading up to Arsenal's visit to Leigh that 9,000 had been sold for the fixture between the ambitious Red Devils and the reigning European champions. On the day, that translated into 8,665 fans going through the turnstiles, meaning a new club record for a women's game at the stadium, the primary home of the team. Neither set of fans went home fully satisified, watching a 0-0 draw that saw plenty of midfield action and creativity, but few really clear chances.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThere's something about the Gunners

Every time United have hosted Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village in the last three seasons, more than 8,000 people have attended. Each one, in 2023-24 (8,312), 2024-25 (8,348) and now 2025-26 (8,665), has represented a new record for the club. Intriguingly, games that United have hosted at the stadium against other rivals like Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool are yet to break through the 8,000 barrier. A competitive rivalry against Arsenal has been brewing for a number of seasons, usually competing for the same places in the league table, adding to the appeal, while Gunners fans also deserve credit for typically travelling in bigger numbers than any other visiting side – even those that are geographically closer.

Man Utd vs Arsenal: Why it also marks a wider WSL record

With an official capacity of 12,000, Leigh Sports Village is the largest stadium in the WSL that is not also the primary home for a Premeir League team or a club's male counterpart – i.e not Old Trafford, Emirates Stadium, Stamford Bridge, etc. By welcoming 8,665 fans on Sunday, United broke their own record for the league's biggest attendance for a game played outside one of those men's football stadiums.

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Getty Images SportWhen are Man Utd Women next playing at Old Trafford?

As it stands, United have two WSL games this season planned for Old Trafford – against Aston Villa on November 8 and Manchester City on March 29. Last term, apathy off the back of a disappointing 2023-24 campaign saw just 8,761 people watch an opening fixture against West Ham at the famous stadium, nicknamed the Theatre of Dreams. But the attendance for a Manchester derby towards the end of 2024/25 later exceeded 31,000. United's overall club attendance record for a women's game stands at 43,615, also from a Manchester derby, in November 2023.

Bayern Munich turmoil will lead to fallout as legends Didi Hamann and Lothar Matthaus slam club chief's 'embarrassing' Max Eberl criticism

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Bayern Munich legends Didi Hamann and Lothaur Mathhaus have slammed supremo Uli Hoeness for his harsh criticism of sporting director Max Eberl.

Hoeness makes controversial comments about EberlHamann slams Bayern chiefMatthaus clarifies he doesn't get along with chiefFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayern's honorary president caused a stir with his criticism of Eberl after a busy transfer window that saw the German giants miss out on several high-profile targets, including their failed public pursuit of Nick Woltemade. As well as claiming that Eberl is "quite sensitive", Hoeness said that he and fellow board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge will hand over Bayern's business when they have the right people in the right position, which Hamann believes was a dig at the under-fire sporting director. The former player has demanded that the duo sort things out by communicating privately instead of publicly criticising each other. Matthaus, on the other hand, has stated that he found Hoeness' comments embarrassing. 

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As well as missing out on the signing of Woltemade, despite reaching an agreement with the new Newcastle striker, the Bavarians also saw Florian Wirtz head to the Premier League despite Hoeness' best efforts to snap him up. Attempts to sign Nico Williams and Bradley Barcola also collapsed, but the German champions were able to splash out £66 million ($88m) to sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool. Bayern hoped to make another big attacking signing but settled for the arrival of Nicolas Jackson on an expensive loan that Hoeness says has no chance of becoming permanent due to the conditions of the £56m ($76m) obligation to buy.

Hoeness warned that granting Eberl's request to buy a player would have been disastrous for the club financially, but his dig about Eberl's sensitivity is what angered Hamann, who feels such public debates will only lead to a breakup.

WHAT HAMANN AND MATTHAUS SAID

Hamann said to : "The statements lead me to believe that the relationship will end in the foreseeable future. I don't know how things should continue after what was said. They shouldn't talk about each other publicly, but rather with each other. These are things they have to resolve at some point."

Matthaus also addressed the issue, saying: "I found most of what Uli said embarrassing. Not only regarding me or Max Eberl, but also his statements regarding Nicolas Jackson's contract details. Hoeness criticises transfer fees, but Bayern itself participates in and contributes to these. That's why I don't know what Uli wants from me. They also took the €30 or €35 million for [Kingsley] Coman from Saudi Arabia. There are many contradictions there. If Bayern didn't need a player, they wouldn't spend €75 million on Luis Diaz. After the departures of [Thomas] Muller, [Leroy] Sane and then Coman, they were suddenly under pressure and signed Diaz and Jackson. Max Eberl should actually be handling the transfers on his own, but ultimately, everything has to be approved from the top."

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Getty Images SportWHAT'S NEXT FOR BAYERN?

Bayern are off to a strong start in the Bundesliga despite the off-field drama around the Allianz Arena. They are in action on Saturday against newly-promoted Hamburg, who have taken one point from their first two games.

Ferguson, Fakhar, Hope, Shepherd among new signings for ILT20 2025

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The 2025 ILT20 will clash with the BBL, SA20 and New Zealand’s Super Smash

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Sep-2024Lockie Ferguson, Fakhar Zaman, Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd, Jason Roy and Ibrahim Zadran are among the T20 stars in line to make their debuts in the ILT20 after having been signed by various franchises for the third season of the six-team tournament in the UAE.England allrounders Gus Atkinson and Tom Curran will return to the competition, having played for Desert Vipers in the first season. While Atkinson, who made his Test debut this year, will turn out for Sharjah Warriors, Curran will play for season-one winners Gulf Giants.Ferguson, the New Zealand fast bowler who recently knocked back his national contract, has been signed up by Vipers. Ferguson was snapped up by Sydney Thunder on a US$360,000 platinum contract during the BBL draft, and it is understood he will be available for Thunder for the first half of the BBL until early January before he heads to the UAE to link up with Vipers for the ILT20, which will begin on January 11 and will clash with all of the BBL, SA20 and Super Smash (New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition).ESPNcricinfo LtdFerguson’s recent T20 form is encouraging. In June in Tarouba, he returned figures of 4-4-0-3, becoming only the second bowler to deliver four maidens in a T20I. Then, in the 2024 MLC, he was among the key bowlers for champions Washington Freedom, taking ten wickets in seven games at an economy rate of 7.26.Ferguson will work with left-arm quicks Mohammad Amir and Luke Wood, who both were retained by Vipers. Pakistan batter Fakhar will also join Vipers.Adam Milne, who also rejected a New Zealand central contract, will link up with Warriors. He will reunite with New Zealand team-mate Tim Seifert, who had recently turned down his domestic contract with Northern Districts to pursue franchise T20 opportunities at Warriors. Seifert is currently with Daren Sammy’s St Lucia Kings in CPL 2024. He is then set to turn out for Melbourne Renegades – he has confirmed full availability for the next two BBL seasons – before joining Warriors at the ILT20. Seifert will miss at least a part of the Super Smash, and won’t be in contention for the white-ball series against Pakistan over Christmas and New Year.New Zealand fast bowler Scott Kuggeleijn, who had also turned down a contract with Northern Districts at domestic level, will return to Dubai Capitals for the upcoming season. Hope, who made his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals earlier this year, will turn out for their affiliate Dubai in ILT20 2025. In the injury-enforced absence of Imran Tahir, Hope is captaining Guyana Amazon Warriors in the ongoing CPL.Related

ILT20 2025 to start and end in Dubai amid clash with SA20, BBL and BPL

Joe Burns, the former Australia batter who has now moved to Italy, is among Capitals’ new signings. The franchise has also invested in Garuka Sanketh, the 19-year-old Sri Lankan slinger who was with Delhi Capitals as a net bowler in IPL 2024. Sanketh’s release point is believed to be slightly higher than that of Matheesha Pathirana, who worked with Sanketh at Colombo Strikers in LPL 2024.Sanketh, however, is largely untested in T20 cricket, having played just nine games so far while picking up six wickets at an economy rate of just under ten.As for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, they will welcome familiar faces Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, who was part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning squad during IPL 2024, and Terrance Hinds, who is currently in action for Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL.Afghanistan mystery spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar will work with Sunil Narine at ADKR•ACBGhazanfar, 18, is an Afghanistan mystery spinner who can bowl with the new ball and across phases in T20 cricket. A day before he was unveiled as Knight Riders’ new ILT20 signing, he triggered a South Africa collapse in Sharjah with figures of 10-2-20-3 in an ODI. West Indians Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie will also join Hinds at ADKR.Meanwhile, Ibrahim, who was the highest run-getter at the T20 World Cup 2024, and Wahidullah Zadran, an uncapped mystery spinner from Paktia, were among Gulf Giants’ latest signings. Wahidullah, who is only 16, is a spinner in the mould of Mujeeb Ur Rahman. He was recognised as the best bowler in the Qosh Tepa National T20 Cup 2024 in Afghanistan.At MI Emirates, Shepherd will reunite with West Indian T20 stalwarts Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo. Shepherd has also played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and MI New York in the MLC. Itay’s Thomas Draca, who played for Brampton Wolves in the Global T20 Canada 2024, will also work with Shepherd at MI Emirates.The third season of the ILT20 is scheduled to be played in 2025 from January 11 to February 9 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.Abu Dhabi Knight RidersNew signings: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Gudakesh Motie, Hassan Khan, Roston Chase and Terrance HindsRetentions: Aditya Shetty, Ali Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Andries Ghous, Charith Asalanka, David Willey, Joe Clarke, Laurie Evans, Michael Pepper and Sunil NarineDesert VipersNew signings: Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Fakhar Zaman, Lockie Ferguson and Max HoldenRetentions: Adam Hose, Alex Hales, Ali Naseer, Azam Khan, Bas de Leede, Luke Wood, Michael Jones, Mohammad Amir, Nathan Sowter, Sherfane Rutherford, Tanish Suri and Wanindu HasarangaDubai CapitalsNew signings: Adam Rossington, Brandon McMullen, Garuka Sanketh, Gulbadin Naib, Jeffrey Vandersay, Joe Burns, Joe Weatherley, Najibullah Zadran, Obed McCoy, Scott Kuggeleijn, Sharafuddin Ashraf and Shai HopeRetentions: Dasun Shanaka, David Warner, Dushmantha Chameera, Haider Ali, Raja Akif, Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Zahir Khan, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Oliver StoneGulf GiantsNew signings: Adam Lyth, Dominic Drakes, Daniel Worrall, Ibrahim Zadran, Mark Adair, Tom Curran, Tymal Mills and Wahidullah ZadranRetentions: Aayan Afzal Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Jordan, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gerhard Erasmus, Jamie Overton, James Vince, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Mohammad Zuhaib Zubair, Rehan Ahmed, and Shimron HetmyerMI EmiratesNew signings: Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, Fareed Ahmad, Thomas Jack Draca, Ben CharlesworthRetentions: Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Daniel Mousley, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jordan Thompson, Kieron Pollard, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Pooran, Nosthush Kenjige, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Waqar SalamkheilSharjah WarriorzNew signings: Adam Milne, Adil Rashid, Ashton Agar, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Daniel Sams, Gus Atkinson, Harmeet Singh, Jason Roy, Karim Janat, Keemo Paul, Matthew Wade, Virandeep Singh and Tim SeifertRetentions: Dilshan Madushanka, Johnson Charles, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Kusal Mendis, Luke Wells, Peter Hatzoglou and Tom Kohler-Cadmore

Farke's own McGinn: Leeds are in talks to sign "complete" £22m star

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Recent history suggests that Leeds United are going to find it incredibly difficult to avoid an instant relegation from the Premier League next season.

The last six teams to have been promoted from the Championship have been relegated in their first season back in the top-flight in the last two campaigns, including Southampton, Leicester, Ipswich, Burnley, Sheffield United, and Luton.

This illustrates the huge gap in quality between the two divisions and shows that the Whites will not find the step up easy, despite their 100-point haul in the second tier.

Daniel Farke, of course, already has experience of how difficult it can be, as his Norwich City side were relegated in the 2019/20 campaign, after they had won the Championship title the previous season.

However, his Canaries team went up alongside Aston Villa and Sheffield United, and both of those teams avoided the drop in their first year back in the Premier League.

There were many reasons that those sides stayed up and Farke’s Norwich outfit did not, but a key player in Villa’s success since their promotion has been all-action midfielder John McGinn.

Why Leeds United need a player like John McGinn

Without meaning to state the obvious, the Premier League is an incredibly high-quality division that requires a high level of both technical quality and athleticism in order for players and teams to shine.

It is not enough to just be technically sound, if you do not have the athleticism to match it, and it is not enough to just have physical qualities, as you need to be technically good enough to compete.

McGinn has been a key player for Villa since earning promotion with the club in 2019 because he has the physical and technical qualities required to be a star in the middle of the park, racking up 203 appearances in the Premier League to date.

The Scotland international has provided a threat at the top end of the pitch for the Villans, with a return of 17 goals and 25 assists in those 203 outings, which shows that he can make a decent impact in the final third from a central midfield position.

McGinn can also compete out of possession with his peers in the top-flight. In the 2024/25 campaign, for example, he averaged 1.5 tackles and interceptions per game and won 4.1 duels per match in midfield.

Leeds need their own version of the Scottish star because they need players who can compete technically and physically in the Premier League, and they are reportedly eyeing a gem who could be Farke’s own version of the Villa ace.

Leeds in talks to sign Ligue 1 star

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Leeds United are in talks to sign Strasbourg central midfielder Habib Diarra to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Italian reporter stated: “They are in negotiations for the player. He’s really appreciated.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

“Diarra is one of the most appreciated options internally, but it’s not an easy deal because of the valuation, so it’s still complicated to make it happen. But Leeds are trying.”

It was previously reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post that the Championship champions have already had an offer of £22m rejected by the French side for the midfielder, and it remains to be seen exactly how much it will take to secure his signature this summer.

Senegal's Habib Diarra in action against England's Eberechi Eze.

Leeds are in talks, per Romano’s latest update, though, and they will now be hoping to strike an agreement with Strasbourg in the weeks to come.

Why Leeds should sign Habib Diarra

The Whites should be pushing to get a deal over the line for the 21-year-old central midfielder because he has the potential to be Farke’s own version of John McGinn.

Per FBref, the Aston Villa star is the most comparable player to Diarra in the Men’s Big 5 Leagues and European competitions out of all attacking midfielders, based on their respective statistics over the past 365 days.

As you can see in the chart above, McGinn and Diarra excel in similar areas of the game, particularly in possession, and this means that the Senegal international could come in and have a similar impact at Elland Road as the Scottish dynamo has had at Villa Park.

The Leeds target has been a regular for Strasbourg in Ligue 1 in recent seasons, which means that he has already proven himself in one of Europe’s major leagues. Whereas, the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Ao Tanaka have all yet to establish themselves as top-flight players.

Diarra, who scored against England for Senegal in June, caught the eye with his impressive performances in and out of possession in the French top-flight in the 2024/25 campaign.

Appearances

30

xG

3.34

Goals

4

xA

4.27

Assists

5

Recoveries per 90

3.44

Duels won per 90

3.78

Tackle success rate

59%

As you can see in the table above, the right-footed dynamo has similar attributes to McGinn in the middle of the park, as he can deliver goals and assists whilst also winning duels and being efficient as a tackler.

The 21-year-old star, who was described as a “complete” midfielder by analyst Ben Mattinson, can combine solid defensive work off the ball with the potential to be a difference-maker in the final third with his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Senegal's Ismaila Sarr celebrates withHabibDiarraand Cherif Ndiaye after scoring their first goal

Diarra could, therefore, be Farke’s own version of McGinn at Elland Road, and be a Premier League-ready talent for the Whites to put in their starting XI on day one in August.

As aforementioned, Leeds need players who can combine physical and technical qualities if they want to avoid an instant relegation, and signing the Strasbourg star would mean that they have one more of them in the door.

Leeds open talks with agent of "talented" Champions League level star

The 49ers mean business this summer…

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 27, 2025

Tottenham to pay "record" foreign league fee for player with deal agreed

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on their second signing of the summer after their permanent deal for Mathys Tel, and the fee Spurs are about to pay for their newest arrival has set a record.

Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter

Spurs could scupper Antonio Conte in the race for his signature.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Spurs missed out on FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji earlier this week, with Barcelona ultimately winning the race for his signature, but Thomas Frank is still expected to be backed with more forward additions.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

One of their key aims before deadline day on September 1 is signing another proven winger, and one who could replace Son Heung-min if he does in fact leave the club for Saudi Arabia after 10 years.

“Son will get a big-money contract if he moves to Saudi Arabia,” said ex-Lilywhites scout Bryan King to Tottenham News recently.

“Everyone else who has gone there has received a big-money offer, so why would a player of Son’s stature not receive that same kind of offer.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Tottenham receive a similar fee for Son as they did for Harry Kane. Son has been at Tottenham for 10 years, and he’s been a marvellous servant to the club. He has one year left on his contract, and Tottenham could cash in, as could the player.”

West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Man City outcast Jack Grealish, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo have all been linked recently, as has Lazio’s Gustan Isaksen, with Frank reportedly very keen to sign the Dane (Lalaziosiamonoi.it).

However, they could also bolster their ranks with fresh young defensive talent, and that is expected to be the case with Kawasaki Frontale gem Kota Takai.

The 20-year-old, standing at a towering 6 foot 4, is apparently on the verge of joining Spurs from the J-League.

Tottenham agree £5 million fee to sign Kota Takai

Tottenham will pay around £5 million to sign Takai, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, and this is apparently a J-League “record” for a Japanese player from that division.

Sharing further background on their surprise move for the talent, which practically came out of nowhere, reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed that Takai was personally identified by technical director Johan Lange as a promising young player for the first-team, and one who could make a similar impact to the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr after a brief settling in period.

Takai has already won four senior caps for Japan at international level, and captained Kawasaki against Yokohoma F. Marinos back in April – a game where he also got on the scoresheet in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

He also played a key role at the back for Kawasaki in their run to the Asian Champions League final, beating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the semi-finals before they eventually lost out to Al-Hilal.

He's a lot like Xhaka: Arsenal working hard to sign £43m "duel monster"

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Since Mikel Arteta took charge of Arsenal in December 2019, he’s got more things right than wrong.

After all, the club were languishing in tenth place when he was handed the reigns, and he has turned them into perpetual challengers in the Premier League and now the Champions League.

Moreover, while he has made his fair share of dud signings – see wingers from the blue half of West London – he’s been key to securing some of the team’s current stars, like Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya.

granit-xhaka-arsenal-transfer-manchester-city-yaya-toure-arteta

However, when it comes to one player who was arguably allowed to leave too easily, many fans will point to Granit Xhaka, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now looking to sign someone with plenty of similarities to the Swiss international.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other midfielders linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, like Martin Zubimendi and Morgan Rogers.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former received the Fabrizio Romano ‘here we go’ treatment on Saturday morning, so he looks like he will be on his way to the Emirates in the summer, and given his vast experience with Real Sociedad and Spain, £51m feels like a fair deal. treatment on Saturday morning

On the other hand, Rogers remains a rumour at this stage, but with 14 goals and 14 assists to his name in 52 games this season, his reported £100m valuation doesn’t feel too absurd.

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers

However, neither of these players could really be described as being similar to Xhaka, unlike Andrey Santos.

Yes, according to a recent report from France, Arsenal are now incredibly interested in signing the Chelsea ace, who’s currently on loan with Racing Club de Strasbourg.

The report claims that French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also keen to secure the Brazilian’s signature this summer but that the Gunners are ‘hard at work’ to bring him to the Emirates.

A price is not mentioned in the story, but according to a report from last month, the midfielder could be available for around £43m.

RC Strasbourg'sAndreySantosin action

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Santos’ ability and potential, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he shares some key similarities with Xhaka.

How Santos compares to Xhaka

So, before looking at some of the other reasons Arsenal might want to sign Santos this summer, what about his game makes him similar to how Xhaka was at his best in North London?

Arsenal'sGranitXhakacelebrates scoring their fourth goal

Well, the first thing is that, like the Swiss international, the Brazilian talent has the ability to play deeper as a six but is currently thriving as a more box-to-box midfielder who’s involved in everything from defence to attack.

For example, respected analyst Ben Mattinson claimed the Blues gem has “everything you want in a CM,” from “top tackling ability” to a real level of “composure in front of goal.”

We can see this in his underlying numbers, as according to FBref, the 21-year-old sits in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals and tackles, showing that he really can do both parts of the role incredibly well, as the former Gunners’ ace did in his final campaign in England.

Furthermore, if underlying numbers aren’t your cup of tea, then he’s got the raw output to back up the praise he’s received for his attacking prowess as well.

Santos’ 24/25

Appearances

33

Minutes

2934′

Goals

10

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.45

Minutes per Goal Involvement

195.6′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In just 33 appearances for Les Bleu et Blanc, totalling 2934 minutes, the 5 foot 11 “duel monster,” as dubbed by Mattinson, has scored ten goals and provided five assists, coming out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.2 games, or every 195.6 minutes.

Ultimately, Santos would play second fiddle to Rice for a while, but given how incredibly well he has played in France this season, he would be the perfect backup.

Andrey Santos Chelsea

Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him, as he might just be their next Xhaka.

He's a dream for Saka: Arsenal doing lots of work to sign £67m "monster"

The sensational striker would be a game-changer for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 13, 2025

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