^ ^ Arsenal transfer odds: Could Gunners turn to Hugo Ekitike to end exhaustive search for new striker?

Arsenal target Hugo Ekitike scored for Eintracht Frankfurt in their Europa League match at Tottenham (Picture: Danehouse/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s long search for a striker capable of scoring the goals to lead them to their first Premier League title in 22 years has switched to another target, Frenchman Hugo Ekitike.

The Gunners have been linked with a number of forwards already this summer with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Bradley Barcola from Paris-Saint Germain and many others reported to be on their radar.

The latest suggestion is Eintracht Frankfurt forward Ekitike is also on their shopping list although there’s fierce competition to sign the 23-year-old France international with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United weighing up potential swoops. 

Ekitike scored 22 goals for the Bundesliga club last season and his finishing is exactly what is required at Arsenal, who were runners-up once again last term with Liverpool easing to the title.

Mikel Arteta’s long journey to bring his process at Emiratesto fruition and end that unwanted streak without the championship have not been helped by the Reds and Manchester City already making major moves in the transfer market.

Mikel Arteta needs a top goalscorer to help Arsenal win the Premier League (Picture: AMA/Getty Images)

Hugo Ekitike next club odds

With Arne Slot having already spent more than £200million on new recruits this summer his chances of signing Ekitike may have to be placed on hold until the expected departure of Darwin Nunez to Serie A champions Napoli is completed.

Getting £60million for their Uruguay striker would offset the £40m needed to sign Ekitike and help balance the books with Jarell Quansah on his way to Leverkusen and Andrew Robertson and Harvey Elliott also set to leave Anfield.

The Reds are 4/1 with bet365 to win the Ekitike sweepstakes with Chelsea 13/2 with Unibet and BetMGM while all three firms have him heading to Old Trafford at 8/1. Arsenal are 18/1 with Bet Victor which appears a big price if their other attempted bids are falling short.

It’s interesting to note, however, that the shortest price in the Ekitike transfer market is the 6/4 with bet365 that he is still with Frankfurt when business in the current window is concluded.

Wimbledon odds: Back Bublik

Alexander Bublik is the dark horse everyone wanted to avoid when the draw was made for the men’s singles at Wimbledon. 

Alexander Bublik lifted the title on grass in Halle (Picture: Getty Images)

He has enjoyed a marvellous build-up to the grass-court grand slam by winning the title in Halle after beating Jannik Sinner in the last 16 and Daniil Medvedev in the final and he has also showed he has the mental and physical strengths to thrive under pressure when defeating Alex de Minaur and Jack Draper on his way to the French Open quarter-finals.

Back the mercurial Kazakh at 13/10 with Bet Victor to win in straight sets in his open ending match against Spain’s Jaume Munar.

Petra Kvitova’s farewell

Double Wimbledon women’s champion Petra Kvitova looks as though she will be waving goodbye to SW19 for the last time on day two when she faces Emma Navarro. 

The 2011 and 2014 queen of the All England Club has announced she’s retiring after the US Open in New York in September and the 35-year-old faces a tough task against her American opponent, a quarter-finalist last year. Kvitova may take it to the deciding set but tenth seed Navarro is 16/5 with Ladbrokes and Coral to win 2-1.

^ ^ Tottenham optimistic about signing Chelsea-linked forward with £85m release clause

Spurs are eyeing a transfer deal for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus (Picture: Getty)

Tottenham have stepped up their interest in Mohammed Kudus and club bosses are optimistic they can strike a cut-price deal for the West Ham forward this summer.

Kudus, 24, has racked up 19 goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances since joining the Hammers from Ajax in a £40million move from Ajax in 2023.

But there is mounting speculation that Kudus could be set for the exit door at the London Stadium, with several top teams alerted to a potential agreement for the Ghana international.

Chelsea have been credited with a strong interest as they scour the transfer market for attacking reinforcements having already signed Liam Delap from Ipswich.

But the Blues have instead decided to focus their attentions on Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, who are both expected to finalise transfers to Stamford Bridge over the coming days.

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According to The Telegraph, Spurs would be prepared to break their ‘unofficial transfer embargo’ with West Ham to land Kudus and are ready to make their move. Scott Parker was the last player to make the controversial switch way back in 2011.

The report states that Tottenham’s hierarchy are upbeat about their chances of reaching an agreement with the Irons for a fee ‘well below’ Kudus’ £85m release clause, which is said to be valid for the first ten days of July.

Kudus has an £85m release clause at the London Stadium (Picture: Getty)

Frank was named as Tottenham’s new head coach earlier this month (Picture: Getty)

It’s claimed West Ham will listen to offers for Kudus as they look to raise funds for a summer rebuild under Graham Potter – and the ex-Ajax man is ‘open’ to the idea of a move across the capital.

However, Spurs – who appointed Thomas Frank as their new head coach earlier this month – may first need to offload players before tempting West Ham with an opening bid for Kudus.

Kudus’ current deal with the Hammers runs through to June 2028.

The Irons are prepared to listen to bids for the Ghana forward (Picture: Getty)

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze have also been linked with moves to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent weeks and months.

Asked about his West Ham future in April, Kudus told SportsBoom: ‘I’m just here to play my football, enjoy myself, and help the team as much as I can.

‘The future will take care of itself.’

Tel remains Tottenham’s only new recruit this summer (Picture: Getty)

Spurs wrapped up their first piece of summer transfer business a fortnight ago as they confirmed that Mathys Tel had signed on a permanent basis following an initial loan deal.

The 20-year-old Frenchman put pen to paper on a six-year deal, tying him to the club until 2031.

‘I’m very, very excited about Mathys signing with a permanent deal,’ Frank said of Tel’s switch from Bayern Munich.

‘I think he’s a very talented player who can play across the front four positions.

‘He’s a goalscorer, that we can develop even further, and be even more consistent in his all-round game and also more consistent to land in the right positions in the box. I’m looking forward to it.’

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^ ^ Arsene Wenger admits ex-Arsenal star has surprised him with ‘such rapid success’ in management

Cesc Fabregas’ start in management has taken Arsene Wenger by surprise (Picture: Getty)

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he never expected Cesc Fabregas to enjoy ‘such rapid success’ at the start of his managerial career.

Fabregas announced his retirement in July 2023 having won practically every major trophy in the game, including Premier League, FA Cup and La Liga titles, as well as the 2010 World Cup.

In his announcement, Fabregas revealed that he would immediately begin work as manager of Como’s Under-19 team, with the Spaniard obtaining his coaching badges towards the end of his playing career.

Moreno Longo’s dismissal saw the ex-Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder promoted to the role of first-team head coach in November 2023, initially on an interim basis.

But Fabregas made an immediate impression and was named as Osian Roberts’ assistant before taking charge permanently last August, subsequently leading the club into Serie A for the first time in over two decades.

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Many tipped Como to be among those battling for survival in the Italian top flight, but the club far exceeded expectations across last season, finishing tenth in the table – just two places below seven-time European champions AC Milan.

‘The truth is, I didn’t expect such rapid success, but I do believe Fabregas will be a great coach in the future,’ Wenger told Marca when asked about Fabregas’ extraordinary start in management.

Fabregas led Como to a tenth-placed finish in Serie A last term (Picture: Getty)

Wenger named Fabregas as Arsenal’s captain in 2008 (Picture: Getty)

‘Sometimes, when you go so quickly from playing to coaching, it’s difficult to adapt, and he’s done it very quickly.

‘He’s invited me to come to Como to see him. At some point I’ll honour that invitation.’

According to Wenger, Fabregas was not the most vocal captain at Arsenal – but led from the front with his ‘character’ and attitude on the pitch.

Fabregas was appointed as Como’s permanent manager last August (Picture: Getty)

‘It’s true that he didn’t say much in the dressing room, but he did have his character on the field,’ the Frenchman added.

‘He was more quiet with his team-mates and on the pitch, he was surrounded by great players, both at Arsenal and with the national team.

‘He understood the game well, he was intelligent, although I didn’t expect him to become a coach so quickly.’

Wenger has been similarly impressed by Xabi Alonso, but believes the Real Madrid job is on a completely different plain to what the Spaniard will have experienced at Bayer Leverkusen.

‘Xabi already mastered things at Bayer Leverkusen, but Real Madrid is on another level,’ he went on.

‘Mikel Arteta, I think he’s doing very well at Arsenal.’

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^ ^ Sporting director responds to claims Chelsea have agreed transfer deal for £55m star

Chelsea have been working on a deal for Borussia Dortmund attacker Jamie Gittens (Picture: Getty)

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl says Jamie Gittens has been given permission to speak with Chelsea, but a deal has not yet been agreed for the winger.

Chelsea have set out their stall in the first few weeks of the summer transfer window, bringing in Mamadou Sarr, Dario Essugo and Liam Delap for a combined fee of around £72million.

But determined to make up ground on their Premier League rivals, the Blues are working behind the scenes to further strengthen other areas of Enzo Maresca’s squad.

Joao Pedro is expected sign on the dotted line at Stamford Bridge over the coming days after the Europa Conference League winners saw off competition from Newcastle to wrap up an agreement in the region of £50m for the Brighton forward.

Chelsea have also been in discussions to sign Dortmund attacker Gittens and widespread reports over the weekend suggested the west London giants had finally made a breakthrough in their pursuit of the 20-year-old following two unsuccessful bids.

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It was claimed Gittens was set to undergo a medical with Chelsea before putting pen to paper on a seven-year contract with the Premier League outfit.

Quizzed on rumours that Chelsea had struck a £55m deal for Gittens, BVB chief Kehl told Sky Deutschland: ‘We have given Jamie permission to hold talks with another club, which are still ongoing.

‘No decision has been made’ over Gittens’ future, says Kehl (Picture: Getty)

Gittens has been eager to push through a switch to Stamford Bridge (Picture: Getty)

‘There are still things to be clarified. Things are moving, but no decision has been made yet.

‘We were aware that the player has a higher market value than what was on the table two weeks ago.

‘We’ve exuded confidence. In the final analysis, we’ll see if we receive adequate compensation.’

Gittens is understood to have agreed personal terms with Chelsea before Dortmund’s Club World Cup campaign got underway and the youngster has been eager to finalise a switch to Stamford Bridge as quickly as possible.

The England Under-21 international is tied into a contract with Dortmund until June 2028.

Across his four seasons at the Westfalenstadion, Gittens has racked up 17 goals and 14 assists in 107 appearances for BVB’s first-team.

The closest Gittens has come to winning a major trophy at club level came at the end of the 2023/24 campaign when Dortmund suffered defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

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^ ^ Mikel Arteta accused of making Arsenal transfer mistake with £45m star

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been questioned (Picture: Getty)

William Gallas has accused Mikel Arteta and Arsenal of making a potentially costly transfer mistake.

The Premier League runners-up have been one of the more subdued clubs during the summer transfer window and are yet to make any signings.

Arsenal are, however, set to welcome three new players to the Emirates Stadium in Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard.

In terms of outgoings, Jorginho and Kieran Tierney have left on free transfers and Raheem Sterling has returned to Chelsea following his dismal loan spell.

Thomas Partey also looks set to leave the club and Gallas believes it would be a mistake for Arsenal not to keep him at the Emirates Stadium.

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The Ghana international held talks over a contract extension following arguably his best season with Arsenal but is yet to reach an agreement with the Gunners.

Reports claim Partey has now decided to leave, given his current contract expires next week and he has attracted interest from several European clubs.

Thomas Partey looks set to leave Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus have expressed interest in signing Partey, who has made 167 appearances for Arsenal since his £45m move from Atletico in 2020.

‘I think with his quality, he could stay at Arsenal,’ Gallas told Genting Casino. ‘With what he has offered to the club over the last few years, he can easily stay.

‘And with their depth right now, I think it is best to add, not replace. I’m not sure of the reasons why he might leave, but I’m not sure it would be the best thing if he left.’

The signings of Zubimendi and Norgaard will compensate for Jorginho and Partey’s departures from Arsenal.

Christian Norgaard is closing in on a move to Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

After signing those two midfielders and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa, Arteta will prioritise a deal for a new striker, with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko high on his wishlist.

‘Arsenal have been looking for a striker for, I don’t know exactly how long, but a top class striker should have arrived at Arsenal two or three years ago,’ Gallas added.

‘They didn’t sign one. They obviously didn’t think it was that important to add a top class striker.

Arsenal told to ‘break the bank’ for ‘perfect striker’ Alexander Isak

‘And I think that, when you look at their season, unfortunately, they didn’t want the Premier League badly enough on a couple of occasions where they came close – last season, and also two years ago.

‘They didn’t want it enough to go and add that last missing piece of the puzzle. So now they are being linked with strikers again, just like they were in January.

‘I hope they do get one of the strikers they want, because I hope they want the same thing every fan wants, which is to win the Premier League next season.

‘If they want to have a chance at winning the league next season, for me, it depends on if they go and sign a striker who knows the Premier League very well and has proven they can score the right amount of goals at the top level.

‘And I think the only player who fits that description right now is Alexander Isak.

‘I know it will cost a lot of money, but he constantly scores more than 20 goals and seems to keep improving each year in the Premier League.

‘So Arsenal should break the bank for him. He is the last piece of the puzzle, I feel, a perfect striker.’

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^ ^ Valencia captain sends message to Cristhian Mosquera as club respond to Arsenal transfer bid

Arsenal are pursuing a transfer deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera (Picture: Getty)

Valencia captain Jose Gaya has encouraged Cristhian Mosquera to ignore strong interest from Arsenal and ‘continue growing’ with the La Liga club.

Arsenal have been keeping close tabs on Mosquera’s progress for some time and tested Valencia’s resolve with an opening bid to lure the young defender to the Emirates in recent days.

But this offer was rejected out of hand by Valencia, with the Spanish outfit refusing to be bullied and holding out for a fee in the region of £17million for the highly rated 21-year-old centre-back.

The Gunners are intent on strengthening at centre-half to provide greater support and competition for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes next season and Mosquera has emerged as the club’s primary target.

Dean Huijsen had been heavily linked before leaving Bournemouth for Real Madrid earlier this summer, while Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Roma’s Evan N’Dicka are rumoured to be among Arsenal’s other potential options.

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The north Londoners are not alone in wanting to sign Mosquera, though, and Mikel Arteta’s side may have to beat off competition from RB Leipzig, AC Milan and Premier League rivals Aston Villa for the Spain Under-21 international.

‘I would like them to continue growing here because they can still bring a lot of joy to the fans,’ Valencia skipper Gaya told A Punt when pressed on rumours Cesar Tarrega, Yarek Gasiorowski and Mosquera could all leave the club this summer.

Mosquera has been away on international duty with Spain at the U21 Euros (Picture: Getty)

The youngster to continue his development at Valencia, says Gaya (Picture: Getty)

Gaya is ‘excited’ and looking forward to next season, confident Valencia can improve on their 12th-placed finish in the Spanish top flight last term.

‘It is important to start well,’ the Spain international added.

‘We have to try to give everything to have a good year and continue what we did in the final stretch of La Liga.

‘[Our young players] must fight for their dreams because with desire, enthusiasm and work, anything can be achieved.’

Mosquera’s current deal with Valencia expires in 12 months’ time (Picture: Getty)

Mosquera has just 12 months remaining on his current deal at the Mestalla, but Valencia have the option to extend this contract beyond 2026.

Valencia’s hierarchy wish to insert a release clause of around €35m (£30m) in any new deal, but Mosquera’s camp insist this figure should be no higher than €25m (£21m).

Mosquera joined Valencia’s academy ranks aged just 12 back in 2016 and the Spaniard has gone on to make 90 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood team in that time.

While Mosquera is yet to win any silverware at club level, the youngster was an integral part of Spain’s squad that won gold at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Arsenal are also determined to bolster their attacking options before this summer’s transfer deadline, with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko at the top of the Gunners’ wishlist at centre-forward.

Out wide, meanwhile, Arsenal are looking at Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.

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^ ^ Chelsea agree £55m deal and make decision over Emiliano Martinez transfer

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have agreed a deal in principle to sign England U21 star Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, according to reports.

Enzo Maresca instructed the Stamford Bridge hierarchy to sign a new winger after sending Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United.

Sancho was hoping to earn a permanent move to Chelsea after his season-long loan spell but flattered to deceive in west London.

Despite his inconsistent performances, Chelsea were still open to keeping the 25-year-old at the club but talks over a permanent deal broke down.

As a result, Chelsea decided to pay Manchester United a £5m penalty to send him back to Old Trafford.

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Dortmund star Gittens has emerged as Chelsea’s No. 1 target for the winger position but the Premier League club had been struggling to strike a deal with the Bundesliga side.

Chelsea saw their first two offers rejected by Dortmund, who insisted on Gittens’ £55m release clause being activated.

Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea were hoping to shave some pennies off that figure but have now decided to meet Borussia Dortmund’s demands, according to talkSPORT.

The Blues are not rushing the deal as Gittens has already featured for Dortmund in the Club World Cup, meaning he would not be able to play for Maresca in the United States.

But Gittens may still link up with his new Chelsea teammates in the US, with the Blues preparing the second part of his medical.

Chelsea remain interested in signing another attacker as several players – including Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix – look for moves away from the club.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (Picture: Getty)

They are considering a move for Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who would support new £30m signing Liam Delap.

Maresca has also expressed interest in bringing a new goalkeeper to Stamford Bridge and Chelsea have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.

Martinez has been heavily linked with Manchester United but Chelsea have also been offered the World Cup winner, who is valued at £45m.

talkSPORT say Chelsea ‘respect’ Martinez but do not currently plan to make an offer for the Argentina international.

The links with Martinez come after Chelsea failed in a deal to sign France No. 1 Mike Maignan from AC Milan.

Maresca wanted Maignan to come in and replace Robert Sanchez, who endured a poor 2024-25 campaign despite Chelsea qualifying for the Champions League.

Chelsea thumped Benfica 4-1 on Saturday to finish second in Club World Cup Group D and progress to the quarter-finals.

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^ ^ Is there a third place play-off at the Club World Cup 2025?

The Club World Cup is into the knockouts (Picture: Getty)

The Club World Cup has entered the knockout phase as the remaining 16 teams turn their attention towards the final and a huge cash prize.

The expanded 32-team tournament has not been short of surprises in the group stages, with several upsets and impressive results from some of the competitions lesser-known sides.

Atletico Madrid have been sent packing in the group stages after Diego Simeone’s side finished third behind the Brazilian Botafogo in Group B.

Elsewhere, both Bayern Munich and Chelsea failed to top their respective groups after surprise losses to Benfica and Flamengo respectively.

Enzo Maresca’s side will take on Benfica in the round of 16, while the other Premier League side, Manchester City, will play Al-Hilal on June 30.

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Both clubs are on the same side of the draw and could meet in the semi-finals of the tournament.

And while the victor of that potential semi-final would progress to the final, what happens with the losers? Let’s find out.

Is there a third place play-off at the Club World Cup?

No, there is not a third-place play-off at the Club World Cup 2025.

Given concerns over player welfare and the added demands of an expanded Club World Cup, it is perhaps no surprise that FIFA decided to do without a third place play-off for this tournament.

After the semi-final stage, the competition will therefore just finish with the final on Sunday 13th July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Club World Cup full schedule

The Club World Cup route to the final (FIFA)

On the other side of the knockout bracket, Lionel Messi will face his former club as Inter Miami will play Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.

Bayern Munich will meet Flamengo, who finished top of Group D ahead of Chelsea.

Borussia Dortmund will play Mexican side Monterrey, while Real Madrid will meet Juventus.

The quarter-finals are set to take place on July 4 and 5, with the two semi-finals taking place on July 8 and 9 ahead of Sunday’s final.

Club World Cup prize money per round

Group stage win: £1.4million
Group stage draw: £739,000

Round of 16: £5.5million

Quarter-final: £9.6million

Semi-final: £15.5million

Final: £22.1million

Winners: £29.5million

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^ ^ Enzo Maresca sends transfer message to Chelsea defender and confirms two clubs ‘like him’

Enzo Maresca speaks to the media ahead of Chelsea’s game against Benfica (Picture: Getty)

Enzo Maresca has confirmed at least two clubs have registered an interest in Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong.

The 19-year-old featured regularly in last season’s triumphant Conference League campaign but is keen for more regular first team football.

Acheampong started in Wednesday’s Club World Cup win over ES Tunis and his versatility is likely to be of use to Maresca in the remainder of the tournament if Chelsea go deep into the competition.

The player’s long-term future, however, is less assured particularly with several high-profile European clubs monitoring his situation.

When it was put to Maresca that both Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund ‘liked’ Acheampong the Chelsea boss did little to downplay their interest.

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He said: ‘The clubs that you mentioned like Josh but we also like Josh. All the good players any club like good players.

‘My plan with Josh is quite clear. I think potentially he can be a top defender for this club, it’s on him to also have the right timing to do the things.

Josh Acheampong is wanted by Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund (Picture: Getty)

‘We are full of young players full of talent, even defenders. The best plan for Josh is to be with us and I’ll be very happy if he is with us.’

Maresca was less emphatic when it came to discussing the future of Trevoh Chalobah who spent the first part of last season on loan at Crystal Palace.

An injury crisis saw Chelsea controversially recall the 25-year-old who went on to play a key part in the Blues’ successful end to a turbulent campaign.

He said: ‘In this moment all the players that are with us I don’t want to lose them, but we have said many times that when the transfer window is open many things can happen, to buy a player or to sell a player.

‘Trevoh came back to us in January, if we did a Champions League spot and top four spot it’s also because of Trev, he helped us a lot.

‘In this moment he also plays some games for us, we are happy with him. Anything can happen but not only for Trev but all 25 players in the squad.’

^ ^ Arsenal told £67m transfer target will be sold if he does not ‘wake up’

Rodrygo is on Arsenal’s summer shortlist (AMA/Getty)

Real Madrid have not ruled out the possibility of selling Rodrygo to Arsenal, according to reports in Spain.

The 24-year-old is on Arsenal’s shortlist alongside Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke with Mikel Arteta keen to recruit a versatile attacker alongside a new striker this summer.

Rodrygo, meanwhile, scored 14 goals and registered 10 assists for Madrid in all competitions last season but came under fire for his inconsistent performances under Carlo Ancelotti.

During Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign this month, Xabi Alonso has stressed the Brazilian’s importance to Madrid.

‘He’s still important,’ Alonso said this week.

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‘He’s a special player. I think he’ll play an important part at the Club World Cup.’

Xabi Alonso insists Rodrygo is still important to Real Madrid (AMA/Getty)

However, Cadena SER’s Antonio Romero claims that Madrid will look to sell Rodrygo before the end of the summer transfer window if his form does not improve under Alonso.

‘It’s an open secret that if Rodrygo doesn’t wake up and an offer comes in, he’s more out than in,’ Romero said.

‘The solution lies in his quality, which is a lot, and in his ability to turn games around.

‘Nobody wants to get rid of a Rodrygo like the one that appeared two or three seasons ago under Carlo Ancelotti.

‘If you have the Rodrygo of last season, melancholic and with little luck in performances and in front of goal, if an offer comes in, he’s gone.’

It’s understood that Madrid will demand a €80 million (£67.5m) transfer fee for Rodrygo.

Earlier this month, Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes endorsed his club’s push to sign Rodrygo this summer.

During his appearance on the Podpah Podcast, Gabriel was asked if he knows whether Arsenal will sign Rodrygo this summer.

‘I don’t. No, I don’t, not really,’ Gabriel replied.

‘But I’d like obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He’s not at Arsenal… If it depended on me, I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon.

‘His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course.’

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^ ^ The reason Arsenal left Eberechi Eze ‘crying for a week’ as Gunners plot £68m bid

Eberechi Eze is at the centre of a transfer tug of war (Picture: Getty)

Eberechi Eze’s career could be about to come full circle if Arsenal are successful in hijacking Tottenham’s move for the England midfielder.

After a standout season for Crystala Palace, which culminated in the 26-year-old scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final, he is once again hot property.

Eze’s current contract is understood to contain a £68million release clause which has sparked a scramble for his signature.

Tottenham were the bookies’ favourites with new manager Thomas Frank keen to land a major signing to kickstarthis reign.

Manchester United are also understood to be monitoring Eze’s situation as they look to further add to their attack having already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves and edging towards agreeing a deal with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo.

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Arsenal, however, are now ready to enter the fray and re-sign a player who was on their books as a youngster.

Eze was part of the Gunners’ prestigious Hale End Academy up until the age of 13.

Eberechi Eze rebuilt his career at QPR (Picture: Getty)

Eberechi Eze scored the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup final (Picture: Getty)

While the likes of Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson, his piers at the time, made the grade, the creative midfielder wasn’t so fortunate and was forced to look for a new club.

Speaking about the pain of being discarded, Eze told the Independent: ‘I remember crying in my room for a solid week, my mum telling me that it’s going to be OK but not being able to get over it.

‘Then I went to Fulham and I was finally starting to enjoy my football again.

‘We played Arsenal a few months later but, when I went over to shake the academy manager’s hand, I started welling up. All the feelings came back.’

Eberechi Eze is now a regular England international (Picture: Getty)

After he was let go by Fulham, Eze had spells at the likes of Reading, Millwall, Sunderland, Bristol City and Swansea.

Eze almost gave up on is dream and took a part-time job at Tesco before being given a chance by QPR.

After impressing on loan at Wycombe, he returned to Loftus Road where he became a crowd favourite before his move to Palace in five years ago.

Now, at the peak of his powers and an England regular, Eze looks destined for a move to one of the Premier League’s elite clubs with Palace unlikely to stand in his way.

^ ^ Club World Cup: Last 16 draw and route to the final for Chelsea and Man City

Manchester City could meet Chelsea in the Club World Cup semi-final (AP)

Chelsea and Manchester City are on the same side of the draw for the Club World Cup round of 16 as the route to the final has now been revealed.

City sealed an impressive 5-2 win over Juventus on Thursday to finish top of Group G and are the only team in the competition who won all three of their group matches.

Pep Guardiola’s side will play Al-Hilal in the round of 16 on June 30 after the Saudi Pro League side finished runners-up to Real Madrid in Group H.

Chelsea, meanwhile, finished behind Flamengo in Group D and they will play Benfica in their round-of-16 tie on June 28.

City will face either Inter or Fluminense in the quarter-final, while Chelsea will meet either Palmeiras or Botafogo. However, the two Premier League sides will play each over in the semi-final if they win their games in the knockout stage.

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The final Club World Cup group standings (FIFA)

On the other side of the tournament bracket, Lionel Messi will face his former club as Inter Miami will play Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.

Bayern Munich will meet Flamengo, who finished top of Group D ahead of Chelsea.

Club World Cup round of 16

The Club World Cup route to the final (FIFA)

Borussia Dortmund will play Mexican side Monterrey, while Real Madrid will meet Juventus.

Speaking after City smashed Juventus in their final group game, former Premier League goalkeeper, Shay Given, claimed Guardiola’s side put down a marker to the remaining teams in the Club World Cup with their impressive performance.

Club World Cup round of 16 fixtures

Palmeiras vs Botafogo (June 28, 5PM)
Benfica vs Chelsea (June 28, 9PM)
PSG vs Inter Miami (June 29, 5PM)
Flamengo vs Bayern Munich (June 29, 9PM)
Inter vs Fluminense (June 30, 8PM)
Man City vs Al-Hilal (July 1, 2AM)
Real Madrid vs Juventus (July 1, 8PM)
Borussia Dortmund vs Monterrey (July 2, 2AM)

*Kick-off times are British Summer Time

‘I think City have shook the tournament tonight,’ Given told DAZN.

‘People will step up and think ‘wow these [players] are the real deal again.

‘I think they are going to bounce back and bounce back strong.’

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^ ^ Pro footballer knocks out woman with a chair during poolside brawl at Ibiza hotel

League Two striker Kian Harratt was involved in a poolside brawl at the Marco Polo Hotel in San Antonio

Oldham Athletic striker Kian Harratt has been identified as the man who threw a chair at a woman during a poolside fight at a hotel in Ibiza.

The 23-year-old, who scored a dramatic extra-time winner for Oldham in the National League play-off final at Wembley earlier this month, was involved in a brawl between two groups on men at the Marco Polo Hotel in San Antonio.

In the footage, Harratt can be seen throwing a white chair in the direction of a group of men following an argument, however, it hit a woman who appeared to be attempting to break up the confrontation.

The woman immediately hit the ground before a member of hotel staff checked on her by the pool as the fight carried on.

Two more chairs were thrown during the melee, knocking one man into the pool, before more hotel staff rushed over to Harratt and ordered him to leave the area.

The footage went viral on social media while Harratt reposted a clip of the fight on his TikTok account before removing it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLMi0q3tcfr/?hl=en

Harratt has also liked several comments on a separate post on his TikTok account which read: ‘Keep chairs down my brother’ and ‘my striker plz stay out of trouble now’.

Brandon Watkins from Nuneaton, who was one of the men involved in the bust-up with Harratt, wrote in a post on Facebook: ‘Five lads came to our hotel being nobs around the pool splashing people throwing balls at women and one lad says ‘what are you looking at’ so he approaches me and I drop him… they then start throwing chairs because they couldn’t fight and everyone knows how slippy it is round a pool so stopping chairs hitting us I slip in the pool and that’s what went viral.

‘If they let me get back out the pool or got in with me then they would have been slapped again but they didn’t they got kicked out. Everyone sat around the pool after was coming up to us shaking our hands and buying us drinks because the lads were bellends!’

A woman was knocked to the ground after Kian Harratt threw a chair during the fight

Meanwhile, another British holidaymaker, Kyle Crawford, has alleged that Harratt and three of his friends were ‘being horrible’ to a group of women, which led to the fight.

‘There was four lads, we didn’t know who they were, being horrible to some women,’ he told The Sun.

Kian Harratt scored the winning goal for Oldham in the National League Play-Off final at Wembley earlier this month (Getty)

Kian Harratt has been on holiday in Ibiza after the season ended

‘They were just in the pool splashing them and throwing balls at them – being proper immature

‘Me and my mates stuck up for them and then in the end, they’d come to attack my mate.’

In December, Harratt was fined over £1,153 after he was caught poaching in North Yorkshire.

Last year, Harratt was also banned for four months and fined £3,200 after admitting breaking the Football Association’s betting rules by placing 484 bets on matches.

Harratt, who was born in Pontefract, made his professional debut with Huddersfield Town in December 2019.

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^ ^ Xabi Alonso reveals why Arsenal target Rodrygo was dropped from Real Madrid team

Rodrygo was left on the bench against Pachuca (Picture: Getty Images)

Xabi Alonso has explained Rodrygo was left out of his Real Madrid team for ‘technical’ reasons as speculation over a move to Arsenal continues to grow.

The Brazil international has emerged as a top transfer target for the Gunners if he decides to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

Real are currently competing in the Club World Cup in the United States with Rodrygo providing the assist in their 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal in their opening group match. It was his first appearances for the club since being replaced at half-time in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona in April.

Spanish reports claimed Rodrygo was desperate to leave the club at the end of their La Liga campaign but the arrival of Xabi Alonso as new head coach appeared to smooth over the issue.

But doubts over the winger’s future remerged after he was left out of the team Sunday night in the win over Mexican outfit Pachuca, remaining on the bench as an unused substitute.

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Explaining his decision, Alonso insisted Rodrygo will be in contention to return to the side for the final group game against RB Salzburg this week.

‘He looks good, enthusiastic,’ Alonso said. ‘The other day [against Pachuca] was a technical decision but he’s still important, he’s a special player. I think he’ll play an important part at the Club World Cup.’

Rodrygo could still leave Real Madrid this summer (Picture: Getty Images)

Alonso has stated on more than one occasion since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen that Rodrygo is part of his plans moving forward in the Spanish capital. But reports suggests he is still to be given firm guarantees over his role in the team.

Arsenal believe they can tempt the 24-year-old to north London with Mikel Arteta keen on another wide option who can offer a different threat down the left and offer cover to Bukayo Saka on the right.

Arteta wants to bring Rodrygo to Arsenal (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes meanwhile has urged the Gunners to sign his ‘phenomenal’ countryman. 

During his appearance on the Podpah Podcast, Gabriel was asked if he knows whether Arsenal will sign Rodrygo this summer.

‘I don’t. No, I don’t, not really,’ Gabriel replied.

‘But I’d like obviously. Rodrygo is a phenomenon, for me. He’s not at Arsenal… If it depended on me, I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon.

‘His name is mentioned a lot. If it was up to me, of course.’

^ ^ The reason Mikel Arteta wanted to sign Christian Norgaard instead of £20m target

Christian Norgaard is on the verge of joining Arsenal from Brentford (Getty)

Arsenal are on the verge of signing Christian Norgaard from Brentford with the midfielder set to undergo a medical.

With Thomas Partey set to depart upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the month, the Gunners have moved swiftly to replace their most experienced central midfielder.

Mikel Arteta had been hopeful of persuading the Ghana international to sign a new deal, especially in light of Jorginho’s move to Flamengo, but the 31-year-old is keen to seek a new challenge.

Arsenal have reacted quickly and are close to agreeing a fee for Norgaard worth in the region of an initial £10m, with a possible £5m in performance-related add-ons.

Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume had been firmly on Arsenal’s radar but, according to BBC Sport, Arteta pushed for the signing of Norgaard.

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The Arsenal manager wanted a player who was Premier League ready to fill the void created by the exits of Jorginho and Partey, rather than gamble on the potential of a 23-year-old.

In terms of what Arsenal can expect from Norgaard, the tribute paid by Thomas Frank, now manager of Tottenham, to his former player after he signed a new deal earlier this year gives a noteworthy indication of his talents.

Christian Norgaard will cost Arsenal a fee of up to £15m (Picture: Getty)

‘This new contract was a no-brainer for us and Christian,’ said Frank at the time.

‘Christian has been an integral part of the fantastic journey we have been on these past six years. He is our club captain and one of our most important players.

‘His ability to sense danger and make interceptions is at an extraordinarily high level, as is his ability to play forward on the first or second touch.

‘And he has picked up his goal threat this season! The first time I coached Christian, he was a No.10; now he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. I’m very happy.

Christian Norgaard has made 181 Premier League appearances for Brentford (Picture: Getty)

‘Hopefully we can continue to be successful together with Christian leading the team.’

Arsenal, meanwhile, are set to confirm the signings of Kepa Arizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi in the coming days.

The Chelsea goalkeeper will cost £5m and he will provide competition for the club’s current No.1 David Raya.

A deal for Zubimendi, meanwhile, has been in the pipeline since January and the Spain international will likely form part of Arsenal’s first choice midfield next season alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

^ ^ Ray Parlour claims Arsenal transfer target Benjamin Sesko has big weakness he must improve

Arsenal are in talks with RB Leipzig to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer (Picture: Getty)

Ray Parlour has been impressed by Arsenal transfer target Benjamin Sesko, but believes the youngster must improve in the air if he is to become the complete centre-forward.

Arsenal are on the hunt for an out-and-out No.9 this summer after going a fifth successive season without winning a major trophy under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners’ inactivity in January drew widespread criticism from supporters and pundits alike and injuries to both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz only intensified calls for the club to find a solution in the transfer market.

It’s understood RB Leipzig’s Sesko, 22, has long been on Arsenal’s radar, though the Slovenian’s wage demands are said to have left the north Londoners’ increasingly ‘frustrated’ in recent days.

Arsenal have also encountered difficulties in pursuit of their other top target, Viktor Gyokeres, with the 27-year-old Sporting attacker threatening to go on strike to force through a switch to the Emirates.

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‘It’s not rocket science is it? It’s glaring at you,’ ex-Arsenal midfielder Parlour told talkSPORT of the club’s need for a top striker this summer.

‘Sesko has got everything going for him. He’s a young lad, he can improve, he’s strong, he’s quick.

Sesko must improve in the air, says Arsenal legend Parlour (Picture: Getty)

Parlour expects one of Sesko or Gyokeres to join Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

‘He’s not great in the air, he can do better in the air probably, if I’m being honest. But he’s on their radar.’

Parlour is confident one of Sesko or Gyokeres will be starting up front for Arsenal at the start of next season.

‘Gyokeres has obviously been linked to Manchester United, but it sounds like he wants to go to Arsenal,’ the three-time Premier League winner added.

‘I think it is going to be out of one of those strikers I should imagine.’

The Gunners have agreed a deal for Spain midfielder Zubimendi (Picture: Getty)

Parlour is positive about Martin Zubimendi’s impending arrival from Real Sociedad and expects Arsenal to explore the market for a winger to strengthen their options out wide.

‘Zubimendi looks like he’s going to be signed as well which gives Declan Rice a little bit more license to get forward,’ he continued.

‘[Thomas] Partey is staying so he’s another member in that squad who can play central midfield.

Arteta is desperate for attacking reinforcements this summer (Picture: Getty)

‘But striker-wise, it’s got to be one of those two and then hopefully they settle in straight away and they learn to play around the likes of [Bukayo] Saka and [Gabriel] Martinelli on the left, whoever it’s going to be.

‘I think they will go for another winger as well.

‘I think that’s quite important because when Saka was out last season, they did struggle a little bit and [Martin] Odegaard’s game went a little bit.’

@metrosportuk

Who’s the best choice for Arsenal up front? 🤔 The Gunners are reportedly in talks with Viktor Gyökeres AND Benjamin Šeško, and both have different qualities that could be the missing piece to Arteta’s puzzle. Charlie reckons Šeško is the better pick, and Jack thinks Gyökeres, but who would you choose between the two? #arsenal #arsenalfc #afc #arsenalnews #arsenaltransfernews #transfernews #transfers #transferupdate #transferdebate #arsenaltransfers #arsenalstriker #striker #gyokeresarsenal #seskoarsenal #gyokeres #viktorgyökeres #benjaminsesko #sesko #rbleipzig #leipzig #sportingcp #sporting #sportinglisbon #mikelarteta #arteta #kaihavertz #havertz #transferwindow #summertransferwindow #football #footballtiktok #footballnews #footballdebate #metro #metrosport #metrosportuk #premierleague #epl

♬ original sound – Metro Sport

According to Parlour, the Gunners have a ‘great chance’ of ending their long wait for a Premier League title next season – as long as they are ‘a little luckier’ with keeping key players fit.

‘Liverpool deserved to win the league, there’s no doubt about that, but they didn’t get have a lot of injuries to key players,’ he went on.

‘I’m talking about Van Dijk, he’s massive for Liverpool. Salah is massive for Liverpool and he didn’t get injured too often, he played every week.

‘So other teams got more injuries than Liverpool, but that’s nothing against Liverpool because they deserved to win it. They were the best team in the league and the most consistent.

‘But I think Arsenal have got to learn from last season and if they can get a little luckier with injuries, they’ve got a great chance again.’

Who should Arsenal prioritise?

• Sesko
• Gyokeres

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