^ ^ Arsenal told to reject Man Utd target and ‘break the bank’ for ‘perfect’ signing

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign a new striker (Picture: Getty)

William Gallas believes Arsenal should pull out of the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres and says Victor Osimhen is also the wrong fit for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta will hope the addition of an elite striker this summer takes his Arsenal team to the next level after going another season without a trophy.

Kai Havertz has been Arteta’s first-choice striker for the past two seasons but does not appear to have what it takes to lead the line for a title-winning side.

Arsenal surprisingly decided not to sign a striker in January but are ready to make amends this summer, holding talks with Gyokeres, Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko.

Gyokeres has reportedly rejected an approach from Manchester United in favour of a move to the Emirates Stadium but Arsenal are struggling to agree terms with both him and Sporting Lisbon.

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That has left Sesko as the most likely arrival in north London this summer but RB Leipzig have also set a steep asking price for the Slovenia international.

A sudden move for Napoli outcast Osimhen cannot be ruled out but Gallas fears the Nigerian, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, would ‘clash’ with Arteta.

Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas (Picture: Getty)

Gallas says Gyokeres would therefore be a better fit for Arsenal but still not as good a signing as Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

Isak has established himself as one of the best strikers in Europe since arriving at St James’ Park and Gallas wants Arsenal to ‘break the bank’ for the Sweden international.

‘Victor Osimhen is a top class striker but I could see him clashing with Mikel Arteta,’ Gallas told Prime Casino.

‘Viktor Gyokeres would be a better fit, but Arsenal have to win the Premier League next season which means they need to sign Alexander Isak.

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak (Picture: Getty)

‘Isak is perfect for Arsenal and they should be going all out to sign him. He would adapt instantly and give them the best chance of winning the title out of any player in the world, they don’t have time to let a striker adapt.

‘Arsenal should go and break the bank for Isak. He is a 20 goal a season striker and he would be surrounding himself with quality players.

‘He wouldn’t be cheap so it’s up to the board, but he is guaranteed goals.’

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Isak over the past 12 months and the 25-year-old is believed to be Arteta’s ‘dream’ target for the striker position.

Mikel Arteta 'excited' for summer transfer window

‘It’s going to be a big one [summer] and we are very excited about it.

‘When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.

‘Every summer is big because it is an opportunity – and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary.

‘But it’s a big summer for many things because first of all we have to maintain the good foundations that we have and then obviously how can we improve and evolve the team.’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking back in April.

But the north London outfit have been put off from a move by Newcastle, who value Isak at around £150m.

Arsenal have endured a subdued start to the summer transfer window and are one of the few clubs yet to make a signing.

But they are set to welcome Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi to the club in a £55m deal from Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid considered hijacking Arsenal’s deal but Zubimendi is on his way to Arsenal and Gallas has praised the imminent signing.

‘Mikel Arteta might have found his own version of Rodri in Martin Zubimendi,’ added Gallas, who made over 100 Premier League appearances for the Gunners.

‘He likes to sit in front of the defence and protect while giving his team-mates freedom to get forward.

‘He can offer a lot to the team in terms of giving other players more chances to get forward, Arteta might’ve seen Rodri doing that for Manchester City and wanted to do it with Arsenal.’

Arsenal begin the 2025-26 Premier League campaign on August 17 with a potentially tricky trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

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^ ^ Man Utd make fresh transfer move for £44.5m star ‘in the last few hours’

Moise Kean is attracting strong interest from Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit Moise Kean and are plotting a possible bid for the Fiorentina forward this summer, according to reports in Italy.

Kean has managed to get his career back on track over the last 12 months at Fiorentina having endured difficult spells with both Everton and Juventus.

The 25-year-old racked up 19 goals and three assists across an exceptional debut season for Florence-based outfit in the Italian top flight – and was subsequently named in the Serie A Team of the Season.

However, speculation has been mounting that Kean could be set to move on from Fiorentina, with the allure of the Premier League representing a ‘real danger’ for the club, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The report suggests United have ‘reappeared’ for Kean ‘in the last few hours’ and Old Trafford bosses are monitoring the situation with increasing interest while ‘setting their sights’ on a potential deal.

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A release clause in Kean’s contract at Fiorentina means he will be available for a fee of €52million (£44.5m) between July 1-15, which has put the Red Devils on red alert.

Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Qadsiah have also been credited with a strong interest in Kean and could rival United for the ex-Everton attacker over the coming weeks and months.

Kean scored 19 league goals across a fine debut season for Fiorentina (Picture: Getty)

United are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements (Picture: Getty)

Kean has not ruled out the possibility that he could stay on in Florence, though, and Fiorentina have made it clear they do not want to lose their star forward in private discussions with the Italy international.

It’s claimed Kean is currently on vacation and is in no hurry to make any sudden decisions over his future.

Kean’s current deal, which he signed upon arrival at Fiorentina, runs through to June 2029.

Cunha became United’s first signing of the summer (Picture: Getty)

United have set out their stall this summer on the back of a wretched 2024/25 campaign, in which club missed out on Champions League qualification and finished with their worst-ever points total in the Premier League.

Determined to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s misfiring attack, the Red Devils wrapped up a £62.5million deal with Wolves to make Matheus Cunha their first signing of the transfer window.

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has also been heavily linked with a move to United, with the Cameroon international ready to turn down Tottenham in favour of a switch to the Theatre of Dreams.

‘It’s a bit new for me, I would say, but that can be the life of a footballer. You need to accept it,’ Mbeumo told Sky Sports when asked about interest from United and Spurs.

Meanwhile, former United defender Rio Ferdinand has encouraged the club to explore a possible deal for wantaway Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

Asked who he would like to see join United this summer, Ferdinand said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel: ‘No.9, they already know who I want. The comments know, the people know who I want, who I would go and get: Osimhen!

‘It looks like he’s turned down Al-Hilal… he must be waiting for Manchester United.

‘I don’t know if Manchester United are going to come. That’s the problem.’

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^ ^ Chelsea open talks to sign £76m star ahead of Man Utd and Tottenham

Chelsea have begun working on a deal (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have opened talks to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports in France.

PSG spent £76m to sign the French forward from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 but are ready to cash in less than two years later.

Kolo Muani scored 23 goals during his final season with Frankfurt but has flattered to deceive at PSG and struggled for game-time in an incredible talented and young squad.

The 26-year-old failed to hit double digits in his first season in the French capital and only scored two league goals last term before being sent on loan to Juventus.

Kolo Muani impressed in Turin – scoring ten goals in 20 appearances – and the Serie A giants are keen to sign him on a permanent transfer this summer.

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The player is also said to be keen to extend his stay at Juve but has been offered another transfer option in the form of Chelsea.

Randal Kolo Muani joined Juventus on loan in January (Picture: Getty)

L’Équipe say Chelsea have ‘entered into negotiations’ with PSG to sign Kolo Muani, who was heavily linked with Manchester United and Tottenham earlier in the year.

Enzo Maresca has already signed one new striker this summer in Liam Delap but Chelsea are keen for another attacker to arrive through the doors at Stamford Bridge.

Nicolas Jackson continues to frustrate Chelsea fans – being sent off in two of his last five games – and Christopher Nkunku is set to be sold following a dismal spell in west London.

Chelsea have expressed interest in Hugo Ekitike, who is also a target for Liverpool, but have been put off by Eintracht Frankfurt’s £84m valuation.

Chelsea summer transfers

IN:

Liam Delap
Dario Essugo
Estevao Willian
Mamadou Sarr

OUT:

Marcus Bettinelli
Bashir Humphreys

As a result the Blues, who won the Conference League last season and qualified for the Champions League, have turned to Kolo Muani.

The PSG outcast has 31 caps for France and played in the 2022 World Cup final defeat to Argentina.

Kolo Muani has enjoyed a superb finish to the 2024-25 campaign, scoring six goals in his last eight appearances, including two in Juventus’ opening Club World Cup win over Al Ain.

Randal Kolo Muani and Chelsea both at Club World Cup

Chelsea will get the chance to take another look at Kolo Muani when Juventus face Manchester City and Wydad AC in their two remaining Group G games.

Maresca’s side are of course also in the States for the Club World Cup and followed up their opening win over Los Angeles with a defeat to Flamengo.

The west London outfit face ES Tunis in their final group game in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella says the heat in the United States has made it more difficult for European teams at the Club World Cup.

Chelsea are working on deals while playing in the Club World Cup (Picture: Getty)

‘Flamengo also have a good team, they are first in the league with a lot of international players and are in the middle of their season and physically did better than us in this moment,’ he said.

‘Some of our players had a few weeks off and now we need to restart again so it’s a bit tough for the European teams.

‘They also played in the heat and maybe these things we can control better in this moment and we can learn, but it’s better it happens now in these stages rather than in the later rounds.

‘The conditions are not the same as well for European teams and it’s not an excuse. It’s a reality and it’s one of the reasons.

‘But this is the tournament we need to play, we cannot make excuses and if we win the next game then we will go through.

‘The two goals were pretty similar. They were crosses, they won the first contact, and just put the ball in the net. We need to improve.

‘We have a tactic to defend and we can do better but it’s true that it’s our second game in a short space of time and these things can happen.’

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^ ^ Bayern Munich hijack Chelsea’s transfer move for £51m forward

Bayern Munich and Chelsea could be set for a bidding war over Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have encountered another hurdle in their bid to sign Jamie Gittens, with Bayern Munich joining the race for the wantaway Borussia Dortmund attacker.

Gittens reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea before BVB’s Club World Cup campaign got underway earlier this month and the 20-year-old has been eager to push through a move to Stamford Bridge.

But the Blues have failed with two separate offers for Gittens and Dortmund are refusing to be bullied by the Europa Conference League winners as talks rumble on between the clubs.

Determined to get their man having already landed Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr, the west London giants are expected to return with a third offer for Gittens in due course.

But according to German publication Kicker, Bayern are preparing to ramp up their pursuit of Gittens as they grow increasingly resigned to their top target, Nico Williams, joining Barcelona.

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Athletic Bilbao and Spain sensation Williams is said to favour a switch to the Camp Nou which has forced the German champions to explore other possible avenues, leading them to Gittens.

It’s claimed the Dortmund and England Under-21 winger is now firmly onBayern’s ‘radar’ and initial negotiations have begun between the two Bundesliga rivals with a view to hashing out a possible deal.

BVB are demanding a fee of £51m for Gittens (Picture: Getty)

Bayern have been forced to consider alternatives to Williams (Picture: Getty)

The report adds that BVB would be willing to part with Gittens should they receive an offer in the region of €60million (£51m) this summer – and a bidding war could break out between Bayern and Chelsea.

AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma also find themselves on Bayern’s shortlist of attacking targets

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl had been expected to stay with Vincent Kompany’s squad for the duration of the Club World Cup in the United States – but the German ‘unexpectedly’ left the tournament to attend to the club’s transfer business two days ago.

Gittens’ current contract with Dortmund runs through to June 2028.

Gittens has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

‘We’ve had one or two conversations with Jamie in the last few days,’ BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl told reporters when asked for an update on Gittens’ situation after the club’s goalless draw with Fluminense.

‘He’s professional enough to know that he has to perform. That’s part of his nature.

‘Jamie will still be very important for us in this tournament. We’ll see what happens after that.

‘But I don’t have a negative opinion of him.’

Before Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign began, Enzo Maresca confirmed the club were in the market for a new winger to fill the void left by Jadon Sancho.

‘Jadon is not with us so for sure that is a position [winger] we need to do something,’ the Chelsea head coach told explained.

‘We have Noni [Madueke], Pedro [Neto] and Ty [George] only as the proper wingers so something for sure is going to happen.

‘When the transfer window is open, for sure, we can do something.’

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^ ^ Arsenal poised to ‘change direction’ after growing frustrated with transfer target’s wage demands

Benjamin Sesko’s excessive demands have left Arsenal ‘frustrated’ (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal are ready to focus their attentions on signing Sporting sensation Viktor Gyokeres after growing frustrated with Benjamin Sesko’s wage demands.

The Gunners are intent on strengthening up front after enduring another trophyless season under Mikel Arteta, with the club facing heavy criticism for their inactivity across the last two transfer windows.

The loss of both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to injury last term only intensified the sense of unrest amongst Arsenal’s fanbase and Andrea Berta – the side’s newly appointed sporting director – is determined to find a resolution this summer.

A host of big-name strikers have been linked with moves to the Emirates and RB Leipzig’s Sesko, 22, finds himself at the top of Arsenal’s wishlist on the back of an eye-catching campaign in the Bundesliga, in which he racked up 13 goals and five assists.

However, according to The Sun, the north Londoners are prepared to walk away from a proposed deal over what they perceive to be excessive demands from the Slovenian’s camp.

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The report claims Sesko remains Arsenal’s primary target for the time being – but there could be a dramatic ‘change of direction’ back to prolific Sporting attacker Gyokeres.

It’s understood RB Leipzig have slapped a €100million (£86m) price tag on Sesko this summer, while Gyokeres is believed to have a release clause of £85m in Lisbon.

RB Leipzig have told Arsenal to cough up £86m for Sesko (Picture: Getty)

Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season (Picture: Getty)

‘There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right,’ Gyokeres told his followers on Instagram last week.

Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 games last season to help steer Sporting to a domestic double, with Rui Borges’ men defending their Primeira Liga title before winning the Portuguese Cup.

The 27-year-old Sweden international is tied into a contract at the Jose Alvalade Stadium until June 2028.

The Gunners are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements (Picture: Getty)

‘Gyokeres? I’m not interested in any news,’ Sporting forward Conrad Harder told Sport TV when asked about the incessant speculation surrounding his team-mate.

‘I am focusing on myself. I want to play. We’ll see what happens.

‘It’s important for me to have minutes now. I was on the bench for a year, and I need to play. I think I’m ready, and we’ll see. It will be good to have minutes.

‘We will never forget what Viktor did at Sporting. Never! But I hope that the team and I can live up to the challenge. I’ll do my best. I think I’m ready.

‘I’m not ready to be the new Viktor; he’s 27 years old, I’m 20… but I’m prepared to do what I’m best at. And we’ll see what I can bring to the team. I want to stay at Sporting.’

In an interview with Matchday, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber told supporters to expect a ‘busy’ summer of comings and goings.

‘It will definitely be a busy one for Arsenal,’ the Dutchman said.

‘I think we will get a lot of players, because we had so many injuries last season.

‘At one point we almost had no players left. So for the depth of the players they definitely want to get players.’

Who would be the better signing for Arsenal?

• Benjamin Sesko
• Viktor Gyokeres

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^ ^ Jadon Sancho decides transfer ‘priority’ as Manchester United receive new approach

Jadon Sancho is wanted by both Napoli and Juventus (Getty)

Jadon Sancho is prioritising a move to Napoli after Manchester United received a direct approach from Juventus, according to reports in Italy.

Sancho spent last season on loan at Chelsea but Enzo Maresca’s side opted not to take up their £25 million permanent option to sign the winger and have paid a £5m penalty fee to send him back to United.

Earlier this week it was revealed that Napoli have made an approach to sign Sancho and have been given the green light by the 25-year-old, however, the Serie A champions consider United’s €25m (£21.3m) transfer fee high.

However, Napoli also face competition from Juventus who have also held talks with United this week over a deal for Sancho.

According to Sky Sport Italy, Sancho’s preference would be to join Napoli as Antonio Conte’s side made their interest known before other competing sides.

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Chelsea turned down the chance to sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent deal for £25m (Getty)

Juventus had held talks to sign Sancho last summer but were unable to reach an agreement with United.

Sancho still has a year remaining on his contract with United which is worth £300,000 a week, which is another obstacle for both Napoli and Juventus.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund have all but ruled out a return for Sancho after he was linked with a move back to the Bundesliga.

‘Of course, contact with Jadon is always there, in some way, because we have a very long history,’ Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, told Ruhr Nachrichten last week.

‘But that’s not an issue for us right now. We have other priorities at the moment, and that’s why the Sancho issue may have been more talked about in the media than internally.’

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^ ^ Frank Leboeuf slams ‘foolish’ Chelsea fans and sends warning after Flamengo defeat

Chelsea fans watched their team lose 3-1 against Flamengo at the Club World Cup (Picture: Getty)

Frank Leboeuf branded anyone expecting Chelsea fans to challenge for major honours next season ‘foolish’ unless the club dramatically changes its transfer policy.

After beginning their Club World Cup campaign with a win over Los Angeles FC, the Blues were handed a reality check by Flamengo last night.

The Brazilian club recovered from the blow of conceding an early Pedro Neto goal and staged an impressive second half come back, eventually running out 3-1 victors.

Chelsea finished last term in encouraging fashion, sealing Champions League qualification and winning the Conference League which sparked a defiant reaction from Enzo Maresca who had been regularly criticised over the course of a turbulent campaign.

The arrival of Liam Delap in a 30million deal suggest Chelsea will persist with a policy of signing young, up and coming players which Leboeuf claims will continue undermine hopes of competing with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City for the Premier League title.

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Speaking on ESPN FC, he said: ‘Your main concern should be that we all know, because we’ve been football players, that they are fragile, they are not consistent.

‘You know you don’t know where you’re going to go. One game is going to be perfect and three days after you’re going to get something horrendous.

Jackson will miss the next match (Picture: Getty Images)

‘You know this because they showed it during the season. They finished fourth because the league wasn’t good last season and if you want too much and you expect too much from Chelsea you’re a fool.

‘You really are a fool because this thing is settled on something very fragile.

‘They don’t have as I have always demanded one or two experienced players where you can put the basics on.

‘You are betting on young players who can do great things but can also suddenly lose it. As long as you are working that way it will go like this. It’s hard to say next season is going to be different.

‘No, it won’t be different unless they buy the players I want and pray for deeply. But it’s not going to happen, it’s not their way of football.’

Maresca could have a big problem with his ‘disappearing’ Chelsea star (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea’s naivety and impetuosity was summed up against Flamengo by Nicolas Jackson’s needless red card.

The Senegal striker was shown a straight red card – just four minutes after coming off the bench – for an aggressive studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas.

That moment of madness came amid a calamitous six-minute spell in the second period in which the Blues also conceded two goals to surrender their half-time lead.

It was also Jackson’s second dismissal in just four appearances having also been given his marching orders for a forearm crack on Newcastle’s Sven Botman in a Premier League match last month.

Flamengo STUNS Chelsea!! 😳Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #FLACHE pic.twitter.com/JfVDeHe6To

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 20, 2025

‘I want to say sorry,’ Jackson wrote on Instagram on what was a 24th birthday to forget. ‘To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down.

‘Another red card… And honestly, I’m so angry at myself. I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation.

‘I still don’t fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn’t intentional. Just a moment in football that went the wrong way.

‘No excuses. I take full responsibility. I’ll reflect, I’ll grow, and I’ll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry. Sorry, Sorry.’

^ ^ Filipe Luis makes huge Nicolas Jackson prediction after Chelsea red card vs Flamengo

Nicolas Jackson has apologised for his red card in Chelsea’s defeat at the Club World Cup (AP)

Filipe Luis insists Nicolas Jackson can become one of the best strikers in the world after his red card in Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Flamengo at the Club World Cup on Friday.

Enzo Maresca’s side took an early lead through Pedro Neto but collapsed in the second half as Jackson was sent off, while Flamengo scored three without reply.

Jackson came on as a substitute for Liam Delap in the second half but just four minutes later he was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Ayrton Lucas.

The Senegal international has faced criticised for his lack of consistency in front of goal during his time at Chelsea but Flamengo head coach Filipe Luis, who spent one season at Stamford Bridge as a player, is adamant that the striker will improve.

When asked about Jackson’s red card, Filipe Luis said: ‘First of all, I love Chelsea.

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‘I spent one really happy season there, we won the Premier League and the League Cup and I made special friends and played with the best players in the world for a season, and I was really happy there.

Filipe Luis claims Nicolas Jackson can be one of the best striker’s in the world (Getty)

‘So I know how the club is special and how the club needs to win titles because of the pressure inside the club, it happens.

‘But he [Jackson] is so good, he’s young, he has all the potential and quality the club needs.

Nicolas Jackson apologises for red card

Nicolas Jackson will miss Chelsea’s next match at the Club World Cup (AFP via Getty)

‘I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down.

‘Another red card and honestly, I’m so angry at myself. I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation.

‘I still don’t fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn’t intentional. Just a football moment that went the wrong way.

‘No excuses. I take full responsibility. I’ll reflect, I’ll grow, and I’ll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.’

‘For sure, he will surpass this little mistake. I think it was clear, I just saw it in front of me, I haven’t seen it on the TV yet, but for me it was a red.

‘But it is just a small detail for a player who is a big player, he can be one of the biggest strikers in the world.’

Filipe Luis believes Chelsea are the best tactical side in Europe under Enzo Maresca (AFP via Getty)

Filipe Luis also claimed that Chelsea have been the best tactical team in Europe since Maresca took over from Mauricio Pochettino last year.

‘I told Maresca, [I had] four days without sleeping, or sleeping really bad, because when I watch his team playing it’s, for me, the most perfect tactical playing in Europe,’ the former Chelsea defender said.

‘He has all his solutions covered for the players and the players understood really well his model of play.

‘It’s so difficult to play against him, so that makes our win huge, so I’m really happy.’

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^ ^ Best of The Commentators' View 2024/25 - Part Two

The best bits as John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 Emails to TCV@bbc.co.uk Live show tickets: crossedwires.live/fringe

BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries: Sat 2000 Spain v England in U21 Euros quarter-final.

Glossary so far: 2-0 is a dangerous score, After you Claude, All-Premier League affair, Aplomb, Brace, Brandished, Breaking the deadlock, Bundled over the line, Champions elect / champions apparent, Clinical finish, Commentator’s curse, Coupon buster, Cultured/Educated left foot, Denied by the woodwork, Draught excluder, Elimination line, Fellow countryman, Foot race, Formerly of this parish, Fox in the box, Free hit, Goalmouth scramble, Good touch for a big man, Honeymoon Period, In and around, In the shop window, Keeping ball under their spell, Languishing, Loitering with intent, Marching orders, Nestle in the bottom corner, Numbered derbies, Nutmeg, Opposite number, Park the bus, PK for penalty-kick, Postage stamp, Put their laces through it, Rasping shot, Red wine not white wine, Relegation six-pointer, Rooted at the bottom, Roy of the Rovers stuff, Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, Sleeping giants, Slide rule pass, Small matter of, Spiders web, Stayed hit, Steepling, Stinging the palms, Stonewall penalty, Straight off the training ground, Stramash, Throw their cap on it, Thruppenny bit head / 50p head, Put it in the mixer, Towering header, Turning into a basketball match, Turning into a cricket score, Walking a disciplinary tightrope, Wand of a left foot, We’ve got a cup tie on our hands, Where the owl sleeps, Winger in their pocket, Wrap foot around it, Your De Bruynes, your Gundogans etc.

^ ^ Arsenal urged to sign ‘unfairly treated’ £40m Man City star

Manchester City have set a £40m asking price for Jack Grealish (Getty)

Arsenal have been urged to make a move for Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish this summer.

City are open to selling Grealish after he fell out of favour with Pep Guardiola last season.

Grealish, who has been omitted from City’s Club World Cup squad this summer, started just seven games in the Premier League last season and was left on the bench for the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.

City have had no takers for Grealish after setting a £40 million asking price but Colin Hendry, who won the Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers in 1995, believes Arsenal should be in the running for the 29-year-old.

‘It looks like Jack’s City days are numbered,’ Hendry told Coin Poker.

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‘He’s been left out of the Club World Cup squad and he didn’t play nearly enough football last season. It’s going to be a big summer for him and he’s got some big decisions to make, possibly the biggest decision of his career in terms of making sure that whichever club he decides to join next season, it’s the right one for him.

Jack Grealish has fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola at Man City (Reuters)

‘Jack is a player that I’ve followed for a long time. When I was working as the Blackburn academy coach, we played Villa and he was the best player on the pitch by miles. I’ve kind of been following him since, and he’s gone and had an unbelievable career.

‘I think he’s unfairly treated sometimes. People have ideas about him that I don’t think are true.

@metrosportuk

It’s personal between Pep and Grealish 😬 With Jack Grealish expected to be left out of Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad, and after missing out on the FA Cup final, he’s getting more and more frustrated. So much so that he made a dig towards his manager Pep Guardiola on social media about his lack of minutes! #jackgrealish #grealish #grealishmancity #pep #pepguardiola #guardiola #manchestercity #mancity #mancityfc #mnc #mcfc #citeh #facupfinal #crystalpalace #clubworldcup #fifa #fifaclubworldcup #mancitysquad #contract #wage #weeklywage #salary #talksport #transfernews #transfergossip #transfers #footballtransfers #benchwarmer #football #footballtiktok #footballnews #metro #metrosport #metrosportuk

♬ Beat – bitchbaby

‘You can’t win what he has done and have the career he’s had – getting the £100m move to City – winning the treble, without having something about you. He’s been a scapegoat sometimes.

‘He’s an excellent footballer and now he has a decision to make. It’s a great position for him to be in because he leave’s City with a shed-load of medals and the opportunity to go and show everyone who he is as a player. He absolutely must pick the right club that will allow him to express himself.

‘I want to see him go and prove people wrong, even though he doesn’t really have anything to prove to anyone.

‘Whether that is in the Premier League, with say a return to Aston Villa, or somewhere on the continent.

‘Whoever gets him will be getting an unbelievable player. I actually think he could be a good addition for a team like Arsenal because they’re in need of a bit more creativity.’

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^ ^ West Ham approached by Juventus over £30m swap deal

Daniele Rugani is expected to leave Juventus this summer (Getty)

West Ham and Juventus are in talks over a swap deal involving Nayef Aguerd and Daniele Rugani, according to reports in Italy.

Aguerd joined West Ham in a £30 million deal from French side Rennes three years ago but the start of his time in the Premier League was disrupted after he required ankle surgery.

The Morocco international was part of West Ham’s Conference League win two years ago but was then allowed to join Real Sociedad on loan for the season last August.

Rugani, meanwhile, signed for Juventus in 2012 but has struggled to secure a regular role with Italian club and was sent out on loan last season to Ajax.

The 30-year-old is currently with the Juventus squad for their Club World Cup campaign, although he was left on the bench for their 5-0 win against Al-Ain last Wednesday.

Nayef Aguerd spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad (Getty)

According to Sky Italy, Juventus are keen on signing Aguerd, while West Ham have expressed an interest in Rugani and a swap deal between the two clubs is being discussed.

Bayer Leverkusen and Marseille have also been linked with a move for Aguerd this summer.

Real Sociedad would also be keen to re-signing Aguerd on loan but West Ham would prefer a permanent deal if the 29-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by Graham Potter.

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^ ^ Ruben Amorim decides to axe four Manchester United stars from pre-season tour

Manchester United begin their pre-season campaign against Leeds next month (Picture: Getty)

Ruben Amorim has already made the ruthless decision to axe four Manchester United players from the club’s upcoming pre-season tour.

The Red Devils will step up their preparations ahead of the new Premier League campaign next month with games against the likes of Leeds United, West Ham and Bournemouth.

United kicked off their summer recruitment drive with the addition of Brazil international forward Matheus Cunha and are hopeful of striking a deal with Brentford for their winger Bryan Mbeumo.

Signing a new striker is also seen as a priority with Hugo Ekitike emerging as a potential arrival given Viktor Gyokeres’ apparent reluctance to move to Old Trafford.

United hope to raise significant funds, meanwhile, by shedding their squad of players deemed surplus to requirements.

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And, according to The Sun, Amorim is set to take hardline stance with a quartet of misfits, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, who have all bee told to find new clubs.

A club source said: ‘Amorim is stamping his authority on the club. It was hard arriving mid-season but he now has the opportunity to shape the team in his image. And he’s wasting no time.

‘He only wants players who would die for the shirt and are on board with his ideas.

Rashford is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer (Picture: Getty Images)

‘He also wants a smaller squad to create an intimate team bond so that everyone gets enough game time to be at peak fitness when called upon. He doesn’t want any bad apples or distractions.’

Rashford spent an encouraging loan spell at Aston Villa during the second half of last season but the Midlands club are unlikely to be able to afford to make the move a permanent one.

The England international, himself, had been craving a move to Barcelona and was even willing to take a pay cut to join the Spanish giants but Nico Williams’ imminent arrival from Athletic Bilbao has put paid to that dream.

Sancho, meanwhile, is reported to have reached an agreement with Serie A champions Napoli having seen his hopes of a permanent move to Chelsea, where he spent last season on loan, dashed.

Antony enjoyed a superb loan spell at Real Betis last season (Picture: Getty)

Man Utd Pre-Season Fixtures

19 July v Leeds United (Stockholm)
27 July v West Ham (New Jerse)
31 July v Bournemouth (Chicago)
3 August v Everton (Atlanta))
9 August v Fiorentina (H)

Antonio Conte’s side were also touted a potential destination for Garnacho but the Argentina international is also understood to be of interest to several Premier League clubs including Chelsea, who tried to buy him in January, and Arsenal.

Like Rashford, Antony kickstarted his career with a loan move in January and enjoyed a superb spell at Real Betis.

United want at least €35m for the former Ajax winger and he has been linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen who are now managed by Erik ten Hag.

^ ^ Arsenal told £67.5m transfer target would bring ‘something great’ to Mikel Arteta’s attack

Arsenal have been credited with a strong interest in Real Madrid and Brazil attacker Rodrygo (Picture: Getty)

Emmanuel Petit has encouraged Arsenal to pursue a bid for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and is convinced the forward would bring ‘something great’ to Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Gunners – spearheaded by new sporting director Andrea Berta – are intent on bolstering their attack this summer after receiving widespread criticism for their inactivity over the last two transfer windows.

Signing an out-and-out No.9 is seen as an absolute must, with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko said to be at the top of the club’s wishlist in this area.

The north Londoners are also keen to strengthen out wide and have initial held discussions over a possible bid to sign Madrid winger Rodrygo, who fell out of favour last season at the Bernabeu.

Reports emanating out of Spain suggest Madrid would be open to selling Rodrygo should they receive an offer in the region of €80million (£67.5m) for the Brazil international over the coming weeks.

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However, it’s understood Rodrygo is feeling ‘positive’ again since Xabi Alonso took over the reins from Carlo Ancelotti and his father and agent, Eric Goes, is ‘unwilling to enter into negotiations’ at this stage, with the Club World Cup underway.

‘I love Rodrygo as a player,’ ex-Arsenal and France midfielder Petit told talkSPORTBET.

Rodrygo played 65 minutes of Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal on Wednesday (Picture: Getty)

Petit is confident Rodrygo would bring ‘something great’ to the Gunners (Picture: Getty)

‘I think it’s been difficult for him in the last two seasons with Vinicius Junior nearly winning the Ballon d’Or and being the main player, but he did so well with Vinicius and Jude Bellingham.

‘I love his commitment on the pitch and he can score and assist, he works hard and shows humility.

‘I think he would bring something great to Arsenal.’

Arsenal head coach Arteta is desperate to add more firepower to his attack (Picture: Getty)

According to Petit, Arsenal have little option but to ‘splash a lot of money’ on a statement signing up front after once again finishing the season trophyless.

‘Benjamin Sesko is an option, Mohammed Kudus is another one, there is Alexander Isak, Nico Williams, but all players that Arsenal would face competition for,’ the 1998 World Cup winner added.

‘Arsenal have to do something important, they have to splash a lot of money, there is no choice, but to put that money on the table and convince them that this is the season Arsenal will win a major trophy.

Madrid are reportedly open to selling Rodrygo this summer (Picture: Getty)

‘The biggest problem for Arsenal is the vision of the players, they might be confident in improving individually but end up not winning anything.

‘That could harm them in the transfer market when they are competing with other clubs.’

Rodrygo will have been pleased to have been named in Alonso’s starting XI for Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal on Wednesday.

But the two-time Champions League winner was largely ineffective and came off for Brahim Diaz in the 65th minute as the La Liga giants were held to a 1-1 draw in Miami.

Facing the media ahead of the contest, Alonso said he had been encouraged by the application that Rodrygo was showing on the training ground.

‘I know what had happened in the final stretch of last season. It was not easy for him,’ the Madrid head coach told reporters.

‘He took some time to reset his head and I see him wanting to enjoy and contribute.’

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^ ^ Real Madrid signing Trent Alexander-Arnold tells Liverpool fans how long he’s been learning Spanish

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his Real Madrid debut in a 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal (Picture: Getty)

Trent Alexander-Arnold insists he has only been learning Spanish for ‘a couple of months’, despite producing a near-fluent speech at his Real Madrid unveiling last week.

The 26-year-old ex-Liverpool right-back was named in Xabi Alonso’s starting XI for the side’s Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal on Wednesday to become the seventh Englishman to represent Madrid.

Madrid were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw and it was a mixed debut from Alexander-Arnold in Miami, which perhaps should be expected given the full-back had only signed on the dotted line at the Bernabeu just six days earlier.

Alonso’s men looked to be heading for victory after Gonzalo Garcia broke the deadlock with a scuffed finish towards the end of the first half, only for Al-Hilal to equalise from the spot through Ruben Neves just seven minutes later.

Los Blancos pushed for a winner after the break, but a combination of the woodwork and some goalkeeping heroics from Al-Hilal’s Yassine Bounou prevented Los Blancos from sealing all three points.

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The La Liga giants will hope to make amends when they take on Mexican outfit Pachuca at North Carolina’s Bank of America Stadium on Sunday evening.

‘Incredible day. To have made my debut for Real Madrid, it’s something that I think almost every player dreams of.To be able to achieve that is huge for me,’ Alexander-Arnold told DAZN shortly after the final whistle.

The former Liverpool man played 65 minutes of Wednesday’s Club World Cup clash (Picture: Getty)

The points were shared in Miami (Picture: Getty)

‘Of course, there’s some disappointment in there to have not won the game.

‘That’s the mentality you need to have as a Real Madrid player, to want and expect to win every game we play in.

‘We’re disappointed not to have done that, but there were a lot of positives, especially in the second half.’

Vazquez replaced Alexander-Arnold just past the hour-mark (Picture: Getty)

Alexander-Arnold, who was taken off for Lucas Vazquez in the second period, passed on his thanks to Madrid’s ‘truly amazing’ fans who ‘dominated the stands’ at Hard Rock Stadium.

‘Incredible. I felt the support from the moment I signed with the club, to be honest,’ the England international added.

‘Absolutely sensation. A fanbase that is global, truly global, all over the world. You feel it every single day.

‘The fans are at the training ground, the hotel, all over social media. The support is incredible. A huge thank you for that.

‘We dominated the stands today which is incredible. The support is truly amazing.’

The England international will hope to get a first win under his belt against Pachuca this weekend (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool supporters were left stunned by the speech Alexander-Arnold gave at his Madrid presentation, leading many to speculate that a move had been in the works for much longer than the defender had been letting on.

But asked how long he had been learning the language, Alexander-Arnold replied: ‘Not too long! A couple of months.

‘It was something that I found was very important for me to do.

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‘I want to adapt and give myself the best start possible, going to a new city, a new country and a new team.

‘It’s important to show the intent and show that I want to embrace the culture, immerse myself in it and adapt as best as possible.

‘That was very important for me to do that.’

Obi Mikel does not believe Alexander-Arnold has only been learning Spanish for a ‘couple of months’ (Picture: Getty)

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel joked that Alexander-Arnold must have been learning Spanish for at least a year while reacting to the defender’s post-match interview in the DAZN studio.

‘He’s been a fantastic player for Liverpool, he spent 20 years there and won everything for Liverpool,’ Obi Mikel said.

‘But one thing I disagree with him now is that he spent a couple of months learning Spanish. I don’t agree with that!

‘I think it’s a bit longer… about a year.’

On Alexander-Arnold’s debut display, Obi Mikel continued: ‘You know when you play for Real Madrid that the scrutiny is going to get bigger.

‘But, obviously, this is his first game. I don’t think we need to judge him.

‘Listen, what Trent gives you going forward is fantastic. Yes, sometimes we do criticise him about his defending, but I think now at Real Madrid, he’s going to have time with Alonso to work on his defending.

‘That’s something he needs to tighten up. But going forward, what he gives you is absolutely fantastic.’

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