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Arsenal have been handed a boost on the injury front as a trio of stars have been spotted in training ahead of their clash with Paris Saint Germain, it has emerged.

Arsenal in search of Champions League win

Currently unbeaten in the Premier League this season, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta remain on the hunt for their first Champions League win of the season, having drawn 0-0 with Atalanta 10 days ago. They now welcome French champions PSG to north London, with the Parisians also having enjoyed an unbeaten start to their domestic season and currently top of Ligue 1, while they edged past Girona in their opening Champions League clash.

Arsenal interested in £4k-p/w ace who Gabriel Martinelli terrorised

He is now in demand across the Premier League.

By
Ben Browning

Sep 30, 2024

Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta admitted his squad were looking forward to the test: “These are the kind of games that we want to have. Against a big opponent. We’re just ready for it.

“We missed it for a number of years. Last year it was the first one where we had the opportunity to do it. The group stage is a bit different this season. The opposition we’re facing is probably at the highest level in European football. Honestly it’s a great opportunity to see how we deal with that, how prepared we are and how we can deal with different contexts.”

Now, the Gunners have been handed an injury boost ahead of the clash.

Trio spotted in training but Ben White could miss out

That comes as a trio of their first team stars have been spotted back in training ahead of the clash with PSG. Riccardo Calafiori, who suffered an injury scare against Leicester City, was present as part of the final training session before the clash, with the Italian seemingly recovered from his issue.

Additionally, summer signing Mikel Merino was also among those who took to the grass, with the Spaniard having suffered a shoulder injury in his first training session with the club and yet to make his debut since joining from Real Sociedad. Though unlikely to do so against PSG, his return will be a welcome boost given the long term absence of captain Martin Odegaard.

There was also mixed news at fullback, with Takehiro Tomiyasu back in training alongside his new teammates, with the Japanese defender having been suffering with a knee injury.

However, there was no sighting of fellow defender Ben White, who was a substitute against Manchester City but has since missed games against Bolton and Leicester City through a reported groin injury.

Speaking ahead of the session, Arteta explained that White and Calafiori “are the two players that are in contention and we have to review today,” though White’s absence may suggest that the £150,000 a week defender has failed to prove himself fit for tomorrow night’s clash.

However, Tomiyasu’s return will come as a major boost for the Arsenal boss, with Arteta having previously dubbed him a unique option in the squad.

“I always said that I’m really confident that the moment Tomi has consistency, he’s going to be a tremendous asset for us. He already is”, he explained. “He can play in any position in the backline, any formation in the backline, we don’t have another player like him.”

Though his return will likely come too late to feature against PSG, his impending return to the squad will be another massive boost for the Gunners.

Arsenal ace Myles Lewis-Skelly has been told to "wind his neck in" after mocking Erling Haaland's famous celebration in their rout of Manchester City.

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• Arsenal thrash Man City 5-1
• Lewis-Skelly mocks Haaland
• Told to "wind his neck in"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal thrashed City 5-1 in the Premier League last weekend, in a game where Lewis-Skelly scored and then copied Haaland's meditation celebration in an apparent dig at the Norwegian telling Mikel Arteta to "stay humble" earlier this season. Now, Liverpool icon Graeme Souness has called on the teenager to not get carried away, despite admitting he likes that fact that "attitude is oozing out of him".

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  WHAT GRAEME SOUNESS SAID

  In his column, he said: "I like Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly. Attitude is oozing out of him and it’s why I think he’s going to be a real player. He put in a strong performance during Arsenal’s 5-1 defeat of Manchester City last weekend which included him mimicking Erling Haaland’s goal celebration after extending his team’s lead. I love attitude in all walks of life – and not just in the football world. People who go out there and say: ‘This is me. I’m going to do this.’ I like to see players who have b******s, too. But I have to say, having seen that celebration, I think he needs to wind his neck in. At 18, it’s a bit early to be going down the road of mimicking a player like Haaland, someone who’s achieved great things in our league. Wait till you’ve won a few things in our game, son. Just give it a few years. Listen and learn every day until then. Know that someone so young going down that road is not a good look."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lewis-Skelly, 18, is one of Arsenal's latest academy gems after breaking into the first-team this season. But keeping him grounded and managing his early years correctly will be key to his future success in the game.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Lewis-Skelly could next feature for Arsenal in their upcoming Premier League trip to Leicester City on February 15.

Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy by extension are plotting a January bid to sign one prolific forward for manager Ange Postecoglou, coming as his club now consider selling mid-season, regardless of his star player status.

Spurs planning January transfers amid mixed start to season

Postecoglou promised supporters that he “always” wins trophies in his second season in charge, but so far, the chinks in Tottenham’s armour have been exposed in a few Premier League matches this season.

Pundit: Tottenham have a "really exciting" teenager about to replace Davies

The Wales international is out of contract next summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 17, 2024

Indeed, this was most apparent in their most recent top-flight encounter – a 3-2 defeat away to Brighton. Goals from Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck cemented a dramatic 3-2 comeback for the Seagulls, who were originally two down at half-time thanks to strikes from the in-form Brennan Johnson and playmaker James Maddison.

This ended Spurs’ previous winning run of five games on the trot in all competitions, giving Postecoglou and club chiefs things to seriously think about after what the Australian called his “worst” defeat as Lilywhites boss so far.

“It was disappointing and I’m absolutely gutted with that,” said Postecoglou.

“It’s an unacceptable second half – we were nowhere near where we should be. Maybe we got carried away with how we were going. We kind of accepted our fate and it’s hard to understand as we’ve not done that while I’ve been here. We usually fight for everything, and when you don’t you pay a price.

“Maybe things were travelling on too smoothly. Football and life will trip you up if you get too far ahead of yourself and that’s what it looked like in the second half. It’s a terrible loss for us, as bad as it gets, and there’s only one way to fix it and that’s my responsibility.”

Tottenham take on West Ham United in a crunch London derby clash, their first game back after the international break, and Postecoglou will need to rally his side to a much more convincing performance than their trip to the Amex.

January represents a golden opportunity to strengthen Postecoglou’s ranks as well, and they’ve already been linked with a few forwards. Spurs have their eyes on Espanyol winger Javi Puado, and an update has just come out of Spain on the matter.

Tottenham could make January bid for Puado

As per La Razon, Tottenham could make a January bid for Puado, as his contract is ticking towards expiry, and he may even be available for a cheap fee as a result.

Espanyol are considering a sale of the Spaniard, despite his star player status and the fact he scored 17 goals in all competitions for them last season. Puado boasts a further three goals from their opening eight La Liga games this campaign, starting the season off in fine fashion and attracting interest from England.

Man Utd loanee Antony continued to capture hearts at Real Betis by giving a wholesome reaction to a disabled fan's attempt to kiss him.

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• Antony capturing hearts in Spain
• Enjoyed heartwarming moment with Real Betis fan
• Has scored three goals in five appearances

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Antony was filmed posing for a picture with the fan, who tried to kiss him before the winger planted a peck of his own on her forehead. It comes as the winger gains in popularity in Spain after a fast start to his loan spell.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Antony has scored three goals in five matches since leaving Man Utd for Real Betis on loan in January. That run includes a superb volley against Real Sociedad last weekend as his form picks up after a disastrous £86m move to Old Trafford.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY AND REAL BETIS?

  Real Betis remain in contention to win the UEFA Conference League after knocking out Gent 3-1 in the play-off round to reach the last 16. They also sit eighth in La Liga, travelling to Getafe this weekend before hosting Real Madrid next week.

West Ham were beaten 4-1 by Tottenham yesterday, having just come off the back of a 4-1 victory against Ipswich before the international break.

Mohamed Kudus opened the scoring in the 18th minute, putting the Hammers 1-0 up, before Dejan Kulusevski equalised in the 36th minute to head in 1-1 at half-time.

Spurs came out on the front foot in the second-half, scoring three goals, one from Yves Bissouma, one from Heung-min Son, and one being an own-goal given to Alphonse Areola. To make matters worse, Kudus was also sent off in the 86th minute, for violent conduct.

The goalscorer was one of the better performers before his sending-off, and now the Hammers will be without him for three Premier League matches, including their next game against Manchester United.

Kudus' performance against Spurs

The 24-year-old has now made ten appearances for the Hammers this campaign, scoring two goals, and providing one assist in 693 minutes played. However, both of his goals have come in back-to-back matches, having started the season slowly, going eight games without a goal.

Having scored the opener for West Ham, it looked like Kudus would at least be able to come away from the game with his head held high, having four shots on target, completing 5/12 dribble attempts, completing 3/3 long balls, and winning 9/20 ground duels.

However, what would have been perceived as a strong individual performance in a poor team performance, was overshadowed by his red card, losing his head in the final minutes of the game, and being given his marching orders.

But even after this, there is another West Ham player who performed even worse, playing a big part in a few of Spurs’ goals.

Todibo's Spurs shocker

Jean-Clair Todibo was given a 4/10 match rating by GIVEMESPORT, after having a big hand in two of Tottenham’s goals, one of which was awarded as an own-goal to Areola after rebounding off of the Frenchman, and one where Son was able to run at him in the box, find space and get a shot away.

Todibo has made seven appearances for the Hammers this season, since arriving in the summer from Nice. The 24-year-old has contributed to two clean sheets, and totaled 412 minutes so far, but the West Ham fans will be demanding more from him, especially after the Spurs shocker.

His metrics don’t look as bad, winning 4/5 ground duels, 1/1 aerial duels, making 5 clearances, three tackles, two interceptions, and one block. However, his part in two of the four goals was a big difference maker in the game, especially when these finer margins can decide games, as they did for Spurs.

Todibo, who was even worse than the Ghana international – who at least scored before his red card, must now be brutally ditched from the starting XI after his vital errors for two goals against Tottenham on Saturday.

Portuguesa chief Alex Bourgeois has claimed he will try and convince Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo to join the Brazilian club.

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• Portuguesa plot ambitious move for Ronaldo
• Ronaldo's current Al-Nassr contract expires in the summer
• Likely to sign new Al-Nassr deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Paulista A1 side Portuguesa are plotting ambitious moves to lure top European names to join the club. After trying to sign Radamel Falcao and Nani, the Brazilian side are now preparing an ambitious move to land Portugal icon and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo.

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• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Speaking to , Portuguesa president Alex Bourgeois said: "Reinforcement and rescue the pride of the Portuguese community here in Brazil, yes, that was exactly it (the attempt to sign Nani). We are behind and we will try for 2026, for the 2026 Paulistão, to bring in a great Portuguese.

  "He's the greatest Portuguese of all time, he's the greatest personality in the world today. It would be great, but I can imagine how many people don't offer anything related to Portugal to Cristiano Ronaldo, right? But it's obvious that he's a great Portuguese, and obviously, at some point, we're going to have to try to talk."

  He added: "What we need, which is part of our strategic plan, is to create a bridge between Brazil and Portugal through Portuguesa, for Portuguesa to be this channel. We are already making some progress in this direction. We believe that this will bring many people from this community of 25 million closer to us. There are many things in Portugal, besides Portuguese football, for which Brazilians go there, whether it be for wine, food, religion, beaches, etc. So, what we want is to bring all of this to the closest place here in Brazil to create this bridge."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 40-year-old attacker is in the final few months of his Al-Nassr contract and is free to negotiate a pre-contract. However, reports have emerged that Ronaldo might pen a new deal with the Saudi giants that will see him earn €183 million (£154m/$188m) annually, which will establish his position as the highest-paid footballer in the world.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO?

  The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star has been left out of Al-Nassr's travelling squad to Iran as the club take on Esteghlal in the AFC Champions League. Ronaldo, thus, will be back in action on March 7 when his club take on Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.

Arsenal are eyeing a move for a big-name player who once cost £145 million, without the help of sporting director Edu Gaspar, who announced that he is leaving his role after five memorable years.

Edu announces Arsenal exit in blow for Arteta

It’s been a very negative last week for the club, with Arsenal losing ground in the Premier League title race, being defeated by Serie A champions Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday evening and also having to face a future without Edu.

Sky Sports: Arsenal set sights on signing "exciting" player after Edu exit

He’s got a growing reputation.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 6, 2024

The Brazilian, who is rumoured to have agreed a deal in principle with Evangelos Marinakis (Sky) – where he will head up operations at clubs like Nottingham Forest, Rio Ave and Olympiacos – will be a sore miss for Arsenal considering his key role in recent years.

Edu helped to facilitate the signings of star players like Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and William Saliba to name a few, with the 46-year-old also playing a major part in the appointment of manager Mikel Arteta.

Edu can take serious credit for Arsenal’s rise from mid-table to genuine title contenders, but the former Gunners player is now set to bring the curtain down on a memorable off-field career at N5.

“This was an incredibly hard decision to make,” said Edu on leaving Arsenal.

“Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me. I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.

“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”

Arsenal’s remaining executives have experience conducting major transfer dealings in the meantime, while the club hunt for a replacement, and there are suggestions that Jason Ayto could be a favourite to succeed Edu.

Arsenal eyeing Leroy Sane move without Edu's help

Offering an update on their transfer plans, following life beyond Edu, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has shared news on their pursuit of Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.

Arsenal are eyeing a move for Sane after Edu’s exit, and he could join on a free transfer, once his contract with Bayern expires next summer.

A free deal for the Germany international would be quite a coup for Arsenal, considering his obvious quality, big-name status and that he once commanded a £145 million price tag.

A hearing into West Ham star Lucas Paqueta’s betting charges will take place in March and is set to last three weeks.

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• Paqueta set to face hearing into betting allegations
• Accused of intentionally getting booked
• FA is pressing for a lifetime ban

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Paqueta has been charged by the Football Association over allegedly breaching betting rules and is due to learn his fate in the coming weeks. According to , a hearing is set to take place this month and will last approximately three weeks. The FA is said to be "pressing" for a lifetime ban for Paqueta if he is found guilty.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Brazilian reacted angrily to the initial charge and revealed he was "extremely surprised and upset" at the news. Paqueta has made it clear he denies the charges against him and has since hit out at "misleading" articles being published in the press. The West Ham star stands accused of intentionally receiving yellow cards in games against Leicester City, Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Bournemouth for the "improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting".

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT PAQUETA

  Sky Sports News' chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol saidMy understanding of Paqueta's situation is, his feeling is, whatever happens, he will clear his name. He insists he has done nothing wrong and will not rest until his name is cleared. There is talk of a lifetime ban but that does not enter his thinking. He believes he has not put a bet on any football game."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PAQUETA

  Paqueta's future is very much in doubt as he awaits a verdict into the spot-fixing allegations. The Brazilian hasn't played for West Ham since the defeat to Brentford, due to an ankle injury, and it's not known yet if he will be available for selection when West Ham return to action on Monday against Newcastle in the Premier League.

Everton have improved of late in the Premier League, yet they still find themselves in 16th position in the table, just three points clear of the drop zone.

Sean Dyche has plenty to think about during the international break, such as where his goals will come from when the domestic calendar resumes.

The Toffees have scored just ten goals in their opening 11 matches, the third-lowest total in the top flight. Could this see the manager turn to the January transfer window in a bid to add some attacking proficiency to his squad?

Everton lining up bid for Brazilian talent

According to Caught Offside, Everton are reportedly ready to ‘test the water’ with a bid for winger Luiz Henrique this January, as scouts have been sent to watch him in action for Botafogo against Cuiaba-MT and Vasco da Gama recently.

Crystal Palace and Fulham are also keen on bringing the winger to England, with Henrique having a transfer value of €30m (£25m) placed on his head by his club.

It would be an interesting signing, to say the least, and signal a statement of intent by Dyche that he wants to keep his team in the top flight.

Furthermore, Henrique could have a similar sort of impact to that of a former Everton player who also hailed from Brazil – Richarlison.

Luiz Henrique could be Richarlison 2.0

During his time at Everton, Richarlison scored 53 goals and grabbed 13 assists in 152 games, which works out as a goal contribution every 2.3 matches, a solid return.

After just four seasons at Goodison Park, Tottenham Hotspur signed the forward for a fee of around £60m, which gave the Toffees a sizeable profit on the player.

Since then, they have yet to properly replace the 27-year-old. Could Henrique become their next Brazilian talisman?

Journalist Graham Hunter lavished praise on him during his spell with Real Betis, claiming the 23-year-old was a “thrilling right winger” ahead of a clash against Barcelona.

Four goals and ten assists for the Spanish club didn’t exactly set the world alight, but his form for Botafogo has been wonderful of late.

In 2024, the winger has scored 11 goals across all competitions, with three coming in the Copa Libertadores, a tournament in which the club have reached the final for the first time in their history.

The youngster has also created one big chance, averaged one key pass and succeeded with 1.5 dribbles in South America’s premier club competition this season.

Perhaps not the most clinical, but his attributes out wide could allow him to flourish in the Premier League. With safety the priority this term, Henrique could give the rest of the team a much-needed boost, that’s for sure.

Transfer Focus

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

Richarlison’s impact at the club was impressive, but the Botafogo winger could eclipse that if he settles fairly quickly in England.

It would be an impressive signing to make by Dyche, he now has to fight off other suitors to secure his signature.

10 duels lost: Everton's 20-touch star had a shocker for his country

Everton players have performed well during international duty, aside from one…

By
Ross Kilvington

Nov 16, 2024

Amid the striker’s struggles to adapt to life in the Premier League, Ruben Amorim is reportedly willing to ditch Joshua Zirkzee in a sensational swap deal to sign an instant upgrade for Manchester United.

Man Utd transfer news

It certainly seems as though Amorim is ready to make his mark. Becoming the latest in a long list of managers tasked with taking Manchester United back to the top of English football for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season, the former Sporting Club boss is the first that will benefit from a new structure at Old Trafford, which includes sporting director Dan Ashworth.

With that structure, the Red Devils should be far better positioned to get things right in the transfer market rather than signing any Antony repeats when 2025 arrives. The rumours have taken no time to get going since Amorim’s arrival, either, with Harry Kane and Leroy Sane already linked to Old Trafford.

Man Utd must regret selling "monster" who is outscoring Hojlund & Zirkzee

The impressive international is loving life away from Man Utd.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 15, 2024

It’s no surprise that Manchester United have been linked with high-quality attacking reinforcements, given how summer signing Zirkzee has struggled. Now, after scoring one goal in 17 appearances, the Dutchman could already be heading for the exit door.

According to reporter Gerardo Fasano, via Area Napoli, Amorim is now willing to ditch Zirkzee in a swap deal to sign Victor Osimhen. In a player-plus-cash deal, Zirkzee would head back to the Serie A and Manchester United would be getting the ultimate answer to their attacking problems.

Frozen out at Napoli after failing to seal a move to either Saudi Arabia or Chelsea, Osimhen was left with no choice but to head out on loan to Galatasaray in the summer but has thrived ever since. Seemingly destined to complete a permanent departure away from Napoli next summer, Manchester United could now complete the deal that Chelsea previously failed to get over the line.

"Fantastic" Osimhen would be ultimate upgrade on Zirkzee

Whilst Zirzee has struggled for goals at Manchester United, Osimhen has been back to his best at Galatasaray with eight goals and four assists in just nine games highlighting just how clinical the Nigerian has been in Turkey. He’s a player who belongs at the very top and Manchester United are a club attempting to reach exactly that. If Amorim wants to solve the Red Devils’ attacking issues then Osimhen is the answer.

The £160,000-a-week star has earned plenty of praise during his time in Turkey, including from Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, who put his loyalties to one side to say via the Evening Standard: “Of course, he comes in different circumstances but in the end the circumstances don’t matter.

“What matters is Galatasaray got an absolutely fantastic player. I don’t have problems with Victor. In fact, we have a very good relationship.”

What cannot be ignored amid such rumours, however, is how much of a failure Manchester United’s Zirkzee deal could become so quickly. It would not reflect well on Ashworth or INEOS if one of their first signings headed for the exit door just one year on from arriving.