Real Madrid told best position for Jude Bellingham to stop star 'picking fights' and 'complaining'

Jude Bellingham cut a frustrated figure last season for Real Madrid but boss Xabi Alonso has been told how to get the best out of the England star.

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Real Madrid told how to get best out of BellinghamLos Blancos failed to win silverware last seasonXabi Alonso has now taken charge of teamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bellingham enjoyed a stunning first season at Real Madrid, winning La Liga and the Champions League, but found his second campaign in the Spanish capital more challenging. The England star saw his role in the team tweaked, due to the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, and Los Blancos ultimately ended the season empty-handed.

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Xabi Alonso has now arrived as manager and has told Bellingham he sees him as a midfielder, suggesting he will move out of his No. 10 role. Former Real Madrid Victor Sanchez del Amo is in agreement and says Bellingham must revert to his previous role in midfield if Alonso's side are to thrive next year. Del Amo also thinks the change will help improve Bellingham's behaviour on the pitch.

WHAT SANCHEZ DEL AMO SAID

Sanchez del Amo told The Sun: “I really saw a change in Bellingham in his second season. In the first season he was outstanding, playing in his natural position as a midfielder with a free role to move through the central corridor. But last season, he played many times as a left midfielder. He had a different tactical role and he wasn’t happy there. Real had lost Toni Kroos and didn’t replace his role in the build-up play. They struggled for balance between defence and attack. Bellingham realised that and tried to help the team by dropping his position, but this was also uncomfortable for him.

“You could see that his body language on the pitch was very different. In the first season he always showed a great fighting spirit, helping his team-mates, supporting everyone and leading on the pitch. But in this second season he had different behaviour. He spent a lot of time complaining, got more cards and picked fights with opponents. I felt he was not happy in his new role — and that showed. Last season Real signed Kylian Mbappe but it was difficult to find balance because he and Vini Junior like to occupy the same spaces. They are not natural strikers, so many times Real had nobody in the box. They would get into crossing positions but the box was empty. Bellingham can improve that. He has a huge capacity to score goals."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

Bellingham will be hoping to lift the Club World Cup with Real Madrid this summer. The England international and Los Blancos kick off their tournament on Wednesday against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

James upgrade: Chelsea working to sign "the best RB in the Premier League"

Chelsea went into the last international break of the 2024/25 campaign off the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to London rivals Arsenal at The Emirates.

The Blues were beaten by a first-half header by Mikel Merino from a corner, which turned out to be the only goal of the game, but still went into the break in fourth place in the Premier League table.

Enzo Maresca’s side are fighting to secure Champions League qualification for next season, whilst they are also still in the Conference League after their win over Copenhagen.

The Chelsea head coach, who arrived from Leicester City to replace Mauricio Pochettino last summer, has not been afraid to make big decisions and try bold tactical moves during his short time at Stamford Bridge to date.

In the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, captain Reece James was selected as one of the two deep-lying central midfield players, rather than being deployed in his usual berth at right-back.

However, the England international won just one duel in 82 minutes, whilst failing to create any chances for his teammates, and it remains to be seen where his long-term future is.

Where Reece James' best position is

His struggles against Arsenal last weekend suggest that a long-term future in midfield may not be the best use of James’ talents, albeit on a small sample size.

One of the English star’s best attributes as a player is his athleticism on the pitch. Whilst you could argue that suits playing in midfield, his ability to get up and down the pitch with powerful runs is what makes him such an effective and dangerous full-back.

As you can see in the clip above, James has the quality to be a difference-maker in the final third when he makes runs from full-back to arrive in the box.

The 25-year-old defender has racked up 13 goals and 23 assists in 172 first-team appearances for the club to date, with the vast majority of those matches coming at right-back.

Therefore, playing as a right-sided defender could be the ideal position for James because of his ability to make lung-busting runs down the right to deliver goals and crosses from wide positions, which he cannot do in a central role.

However, there should also be concerns over his long-term fitness as a right-back because he has suffered from injury problems throughout his time in the first-team with the Blues.

24/25

3

22

23/24

2

38

22/23

6

25

21/22

4

20

20/21

2

9

19/20

4

18

As you can see in the table above, James has only missed fewer than 18 competitive games for club and country in one of his six seasons at Stamford Bridge to date.

Chelsea may, therefore, have to look at the future of their right-back position and find another player to fit their role, and that is reportedly what they are doing.

Chelsea want to sign Premier League right-back

According to The Boot Room, Chelsea are ‘working’ on a deal to sign Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina in the upcoming summer transfer window.

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

The report claims that there are several sides interested in signing the Nigeria international from the Tricky Trees in the summer, and that the Blues are one of those teams vying to secure his signature ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Aina started his career at Cobham, spending 12 years in the academy system, before they sold him to Torino for a fee of £8.7m in the summer of 2019.

Nottingham Forest's OlaAinacelebrates after the match

The Boot Room adds that Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City have all been keeping tabs on the defender’s performances in the Premier League this season, with a view to making a move for him in the summer.

Forest have an option to extend Aina’s contract by 12 months and that would leave him with just one year left on his deal in the summer unless they can strike an agreement with him, which could open the door for the Blues to swoop in for his services.

Why Chelsea need sign Ola Aina

Maresca must push the board to complete a deal to bring the Nigerian defender back to Stamford Bridge in the upcoming summer transfer window because he could be an upgrade on James.

Availability is the best ability because, quite simply, a player has no use to the manager on the pitch if they are unable to take part on the field most weeks.

Aina has only missed more than six games through injury in one season in his entire senior career, and has only missed six matches through injury since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

This suggests that he could, immediately, be an upgrade on James by simply being more available to Maresca throughout the campaign, due to his impressive fitness record in comparison to the England international’s.

The 28-year-old star, as illustrated by the incredible statistic above, could also be an upgrade on the Chelsea skipper through his performances on the pitch.

Former Nigerian international Julius Aghahowa recently described Aina as “the best right-back in the Premier League” due to his effectiveness in and out of possession, which is backed up by that stat from TNT as he has been the best defender in Europe’s top leagues at winning the ball back.

Appearances

29

11

Goals

2

1

Big chances created

2

0

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.8

1.3

Ball recoveries per game

5.4

3.0

Duels won per game

5.3

3.7

Ground duel success rate

56%

55%

As you can see in the table above, he has outperformed James in a host of statistical categories from a defensive perspective, which suggests that he could improve Chelsea’s defence by arriving this summer.

Notably, Aina has also played almost three times as many matches in the Premier League this season, and that is the big selling point for the Nigerian star.

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He is a consistent and brilliant performer who can also be relied upon to be available week-in-week-out without breaking down due to injuries, which is why Chelsea must swoop to sign him as an upgrade on the unreliable James.

Wolves struck gold on "sensational" ace who's now worth even more than Jota

Wolverhampton Wanderers must bolster their squad this summer if they are to challenge the top half of the table under Vitor Pereira.

It appears as though the manager has done enough during his short stint to maintain the Old Gold’s Premier League status, for another year at least, but an interesting summer window is on the horizon.

Could the Portuguese boss raid another top-flight club for a player who enjoyed an excellent spell at Molineux between 2017 and 2020? Diogo Jota has been linked with a return.

Wolves' interest in re-signing Jota

According to reports from earlier this week, Wolves are showing interest in bringing back Jota to the club after nearly five years away from the Midlands.

It appears as though Liverpool are looking to cash in on the winger, who has missed 93 matches since joining the Anfield side, and Wolves could be the frontrunners.

A return of 64 goals and 22 assists for the Reds across 174 matches is a more than respectable return by Jota, but Arne Slot is looking to go in a different direction next season.

Liverpool striker Diogo Jota

Pereira, however, has a player in his first-team squad who might be even better than Jota and is certainly worth more than him in the current market…

The Wolves star who's worth more than Jota

There won’t be many supporters who would want to know what position the club would be in if it weren’t for Matheus Cunha’s efforts in front of goal this term. Across 26 Premier League games, Cunha has scored 13 goals while providing four assists for the Old Gold.

The South American forward scores every 165 minutes in the top flight for Wolves, along with registering 3.3 shots, averaging 1.7 key passes and succeeding with 1.9 dribbles each game.

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Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Add in the fact he has created 12 big chances for Wolves, it becomes clear that Cunha is equally adept at scoring or providing teammates with plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net.

Comparing Cunha & Jota in the PL this season

Metric

Cunha

Jota

Goals

13

5

Assists

4

3

Big chances created

12

3

Shots per game

3.3

1.9

Key passes per game

1.7

0.5

Successful dribbles per game

1.9

0.6

Stats via Sofascore

Former Man City defender Micah Richards praised Cunha on Match of the Day 2 in November, saying: “His football IQ is absolutely sensational. He’s the one who can unlock the doors. He finds the little pockets of space and makes the right decisions at the right times.

“He’s always scanning where he needs to be and always plays the right pass. He is so key in what Wolves are trying to do. He is the best at everything.”

That importance is shown by his soaring market value. Indeed, Jota is currently worth €45m (£38m), as per Transfermarkt, and Liverpool will be looking for this sort of figure to let him leave Anfield in the summer.

Cunha, on the other hand, is currently valued at €55m (£46m) by Transfermarkt and this value will only keep increasing, especially considering how impressive the Brazilian has been this season for Wolves.

If, and it is a big if, Wolves can keep him for the 2025/26 season, then they have to build a team around the former Atlético Madrid star.

Wolves chiefs have made offer to sign £29m striker this summer for Pereira

Wolves are looking to get ahead of other Premier League teams by making an offer for an exciting striker.

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Paul Pogba to Wrexham?! Premier League winner discusses possibility of ex-Man Utd star joining Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney's Hollywood project in Wales amid bid to reignite career

Florent Malouda has discussed the possibility of Paul Pogba joining Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Hollywood project at Wrexham.

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  • Pogba left Juventus in November
  • Doping ban ended in March
  • 'Risky' Wrexham move discussed
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Pogba saw his four-year doping ban reduced to 18 months on appeal in October, but his contract at Juventus was terminated by mutual consent the following month. The France international has been searching for a new club since being officially cleared to return to football on March 11, with potential moves to Ligue 1, Saudi Arabia, and MLS all speculated on.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    A concrete route back into the game has not yet presented itself to Pogba, who endured a frustrating end to his second spell at Manchester United before injuries and off-field controversies completely derailed his career at Juventus. It has been suggested that the World Cup winner may first have to drop down a level before working his way back to the top, and he has the superstar profile that may appeal to ambitious Wrexham co-owners Reynolds and McElhenney as they bid to guide the Welsh club into the Premier League.

  • WHAT MALOUDA SAID

    Wrexham made history by sealing their third successive promotion last season and are now just one step away from the English top flight. However, Premier League winner Malouda feels a move to the Racecourse Ground would be "too risky" for Pogba as he aims to regain his place in the France squad in time for the 2026 World Cup.

    The former Chelsea and Les Bleus winger has told GOAL: "I cannot speak on Paul Pogba’s behalf, but if I was him after such a long time away from the pitch, it’s about building back his confidence. You look into the environment, where you will receive the confidence, the love. He needs to be surrounded by people who believe and trust him – that it is necessary.

    "Firstly, he has to adjust physically to the intensity of the games. He doesn't know how his body will react. So I think a move in clubs like Wrexham wouldn't help him achieve what he has in mind. I definitely believe that he wants to play the next World Cup with France. He wants to lead France in the World Cup. It would be too risky for his career because there would be too much pressure on his shoulders, too much expectation individually – he needs to join a team with a strong collective already."

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Pogba has not played football professionally since August 2023, and wherever he ends up next, it will take time for him to rebuild his match fitness and confidence. France head coach Didier Deschamps has backed the 32-year-old to get his career back on track, though, telling in April: "Obviously, we have a strong relationship after everything we have experienced together. He has the mental strength to return to the highest level, but it’s his career; it’s up to him to decide."

Kashif Ali, Ben Cox fifties set up Worcestershire win over Durham

Worcestershire Rapids made a winning start to their Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaign defeating Durham by 42 runs at Seat Unique Riverside.Kashif Ali was the star of the Rapids’ batting effort as posted 76 to anchor the innings. A brilliant hat-trick from Liam Trevaskis threatened to derail Worcestershire’s total as he become the first Durham player to achieve the feat in List A cricket. But Ben Cox added a brisk half-century to propel the Rapids beyond the 300-run mark.The home side made a bright start in their chase of 319 through a knock of 79 from Graham Clark. But, Josh Baker and Brett D’Oliveria combined with six wickets apiece to dismantle the Durham line-up. Jonathan Bushnell took the game into the dying stages, but the Rapids held their nerve to close out a comfortable win.The Rapids were put in by Durham skipper Alex Lees and D’Oliveira presented a chance from the first ball that Bushnell put down at point. The same fielder shelled another tough opportunity to send the opener on his way, and D’Oliveira settled in alongside Azhar Ali to reach fifty inside the eighth over.The home side responded as Paul Coughlin removed D’ Oliveira, but the bowlers found life tough in the early stages. Ollie Gibson overstepped twice, bowled a wide, and was smashed for a six by Azhar Ali in a tumultuous second over. But the Durham seamer regained his composure to skittle the former Pakistan international.The arrival of spin then put the clamps on the Rapids’ run rate as George Drissell and Trevaskis settled into a tight line and length, which brought the wicket of Rob Jones. But, Kashif and Jake Libby provided the foundation of the Worcestershire innings with a stand worth 82 for the fourth wicket.Kashif made his intentions known early on as he took the attack to Trevaskis and planted the ball over the rope with a dismissive strike. He accelerated the innings operating at a run-a-ball and reached his second List A fifty with his second maximum.After Libby fell for 45, Kashif consolidated before priming himself to push forward again in the final 10 overs, beginning with two sixes to take Drissell’s final over for 19.But Trevaskis created Durham history and turned the momentum of the Rapids’ chase with a sensational hat-trick. The left-arm spinner ended Kashif Ali’s brilliant knock of 76 before clean bowling Matthew Waite and Joe Leach to rip through the lower order. Worcestershire needed to scramble to push for 300 after being reduced to 248 for 7, and Cox delivered with a quick-fire 57 from 49 to steer his team to a competitive total.Durham made quick runs in their response as Clark found his rhythm with early boundaries. Lees appeared to be finding his range against Gibbon, but the Rapids man made the breakthrough to send the Durham skipper on his way for 12.Clark and David Bedingham formed a solid partnership for the second wicket to stabilise the innings. Clark worked his way to a deserved fifty to continue his impressive form from just 44 balls. The two players were set against the Rapids pace bowlers, but the introduction of Baker tempted Bedingham to take on the boundary where he was caught on the fence for 31.Clark fell into the same trap after surviving two dropped chances, presenting Baker with his second wicket through the quick work of Cox behind the stumps.The loss of the experienced duo allowed the Rapids to turn the screw as Ben McKinney, Michael Jones and Trevaskis fell cheaply to send the required rate above seven runs per over courtesy of impressive bowling from the leg-spin of D’Oliveira.Bushnell gave Durham a glimmer of hope with his first List A fifty to take the game into the final four overs, but the visitors closed out the victory with late wickets.

Stokes potential ODI return tops England selectors agenda

Provisional World Cup squad due to be named soon with allrounder reportedly set to be included

Matt Roller15-Aug-2023Ben Stokes’ mooted return to ODI cricket will be top of the agenda as England’s selectors meet on Tuesday to pick a provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup in India.Matthew Mott, England’s white-ball coach, said in an interview with the that Jos Buttler, their captain, would “lead the way” on communication with Stokes, adding: “We will see if he’s keen. There has not been a clear direction on what he’s going to do yet, but we are still hopeful.”The reported on Monday that Stokes has indicated to England that he is willing to reverse his ODI retirement – which he announced last July – in order to help them defend their 50-over title in October-November, and he is now expected to be named among their provisional squad.England’s selectors meet on Tuesday and will select squads for upcoming T20I and ODI series against New Zealand, and an ODI series against Ireland. They hope to be close to full strength during the New Zealand ODIs, but will use the other series as an opportunity to test their depth. The ECB plan to name squads for the New Zealand series on Wednesday morning.They are not expected to announce their World Cup squad alongside it. The ICC requires teams to select a provisional squad by September 5 and to finalise their squads by September 28, leaving teams scope to make late changes. While England’s final squad will consist of 15 players, along with three travelling reserves, they may follow Australia’s lead in naming an initial 18-man group which they then trim down to 15 names closer to the start of the tournament.If Stokes does return, the main question facing England is whether his inclusion should come at the cost of a spare batter or a spare seamer.All of their main white-ball seamers – including Jofra Archer, who is expected to be named in the provisional squad – have suffered injuries at some stage in the last two years, and picking Stokes alongside only five frontline seam options would be a risk.Stokes has struggled with a chronic left-knee injury and seems unlikely to be relied upon as a bowler in India, but even a part-time role with the ball would add further flexibility to a versatile squad that is likely to include several other allrounders in Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes.

Tim David handed 50-over chance with ODI call-up

The middle-order batter hammered 64 off 28 balls in the opening T20I against South Africa

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Aug-2023

Tim David could make his ODI debut for Australia•Associated Press

Tim David has been added to Australia’s ODI squad in South Africa to provide them with an extra middle-order option.David, who is uncapped in ODIs, smashed 64 off 28 balls in the first T20I in Durban on Wednesday. He had been due to link up with Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL after the T20 series.David has only played 16 List A matches in his career but averages 82.77 with a strike-rate of 123.14. Just one of those games has come in the Australian domestic scene with the others for Singapore and Surrey.Related

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While it would seem unlikely that David will force his way into Australia’s ODI World Cup plans at such a late stage, it is seen as an opportunity to expose him to the 50-over game. A 15-player squad will be named next week but can be changed up to September 28.”Tim is already here for the T20 series which offers an opportunity to see how his game can translate to the one-day format,” selector Tony Dodemaide said. “He will provide an extra option for us in that power role at the back end of an innings.”David gave a full display of his power in the first T20I, dominating a fifth-wicket stand of 97 with new captain Mitchell Marsh which lifted Australia from 77 for 4 towards a huge total of 226 for 6.”The great thing about Tim is he’s very level headed. He knows his role in T20 cricket can be inconsistent,” Marsh said. “But his ability to win us matches is why he’s in this team.”We’ve got full faith. I want him to play however he wants to play every game. I know that if he does that, he’ll win us games. He’s an outstanding asset for Australian cricket.”Australia will be without Glenn Maxwell for the ODIs in South Africa – he was always due to return home for the birth of his first child but left early after an ankle injury ruled him out of the T20Is.Steven Smith will also miss the series as he recovers from a wrist problem sustained in the Ashes. Marnus Labuschagne had previously been added as his replacement. Mitchell Starc is also missing the series with a groin injury.Captain Pat Cummins will join the ODI squad in South Africa as he continues his recovery from a wrist injury but is not expected to feature before the series in India at the end of the month. Marsh will continue as captain.Australia ODI squad vs South Africa Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Tanveer Sangha, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Como a torcida do Flamengo garante altos valores aos rivais no Brasileirão

MatériaMais Notícias

A torcida do Flamengo está fazendo história no Brasileirão 2022. Dona da maior média de público em casa, a Nação também faz bonito fora do Rio, já que esgotou os ingressos em praticamente todos os jogos do clube como visitante. Com isso, “ajudam” os rivais com altas rendas. É o “trem pagador”, brincam os rubro-negros.

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Os mais de 38 mil torcedores do Flamengo que lotaram os setores visitantes geraram uma renda de R$ 4,3 milhões para os mandantes. Esse número não leva em consideração o clássico com o Fluminense, no qual há setores mistos e não é especificado a divisão no borderô.

Ao todo, o Flamengo já disputou 14 partidas como visitante na Série A do Brasileirão. Em 13 delas, a Nação esgotou todos os ingressos disponíveis para a torcida visitante. A exceção foi o clássico diante do Botafogo, no Nilton Santos, cujas entradas custavam R$ 200 reais.

+Flamengo x Athletico: palco da decisão da Libertadores é preparado

A média da renda apenas da torcida do Flamengo, com relação aos números totais, gira em torno de 25%. Ou seja, em jogos contra a equipe de Gabi & Cia, pelo menos um quarto dos valores embolsados pelos clubes mandantes são dos ingressos para os rubro-negros.

Os valores dos tickets médios giraram entre R$ 40 e R$ 170, enquanto o percentual da renda total esteve entre 5% e 63%. Curiosamente, os maiores números foram no palco em que o Flamengo irá disputar o próximo compromisso pela Série A do Brasileirão: a Arena Castelão.

No jogo contra o Ceará, no primeiro turno, a torcida do Flamengo esgotou todos os 12.711 ingressos e arrecadou R$ 1.531.640,00. Os números do duelo diante do Fortaleza, prometem ser ainda maiores.

+Rodrigo Caio passará por cirurgia e não joga mais pelo Flamengo no ano: ‘Minha história não acabou aqui’

O Leão do Pici liberou uma carga superior para o Flamengo: 15 mil ingressos a R$ 150 (75 a meia-entrada). Na última parcial divulgada pelo Fortaleza, 13.497 entradas já haviam sido comercializadas.

A tendência é que os 1.503 ingressos restantes sejam vendidos. Com isso, o duelo entre Fortaleza e Flamengo também deve ser a maior bilheteria do Tricolor nesta temporada. Até o momento, o topo da lista tem o confronto diante do Corinthians, comR$ 968.853,00.

+Denir visita Ninho do Urubu após cirurgia e é ‘tietado’ por jogadores do Flamengo

Flamengo e Fortaleza entram em campo na próxima quarta, às 19h, na Arena Castelão. Com 45 pontos e ocupando a quinta posição, o time de Dorival Júnior ainda mantém a esperança de título, mesmo com 12 pontos de desvantagem em relação ao líder Palmeiras.

Arsenal schedule "formal" talks with £58m striker amid close link to Arteta

Arsenal have penciled in negotiations with a “top” striker, with manager Mikel Arteta believed to hold a significant link to the player which could well hand the Gunners an edge in the race for his signature.

Andrea Berta pursuing new centre-forward for Arsenal this summer

The arrival of new sporting director Andrea Berta recently has intensified transfer talk around the Emirates Stadium, with nothing left to play for in the Premier League and the next summer window set to be a crucial one.

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The signing of a prolific new centre-forward will also have real significance, as long-term injuries to both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz highlight the importance for Berta to acquire a proven and reliable option for Arteta.

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is continuously being linked with a move to Arsenal, but the Magpies are reluctant to sell their star forward and will demand a serious premium to even entertain talks.

Fulham (home)

April 1st

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 26th

Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs is among the many credible media members who state that Newcastle’s starting price for Isak is around £150 million, which would require Arsenal to smash their transfer record.

Even if some reports state that Isak has expressed a desire to join Arsenal, a lot of signs point towards the Sweden international being unattainable this summer, but there are tempting alternative options.

One of them is Sporting CP superstar Viktor Gyokeres, another prolific Sweden international who’s racked up an incredible 40 goals across 41 appearances in all competitions this season.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres

While his release clause stands at around £83 million, Sky Germany stated late last year that Sporting could green-light Gyokeres’ sale for a fee between £50-58 million this summer.

Arsenal schedule "formal" talks with Viktor Gyokeres' agent

According to Portuguese news outlet Correio da Manha, via 90min, the Gunners appear to be prepared to take full advantage of this potential price tag.

Indeed, as per their information, Arsenal have scheduled “formal” talks with Gyokeres’ agent to discuss terms, and the representative is actually said to be a “close friend” of Arteta.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates after the match

The north Londoners believe this could even hand Arsenal an edge in the race for his services, even if they’re likely to face very stiff competition for the 26-year-old following another very prolific campaign in the Primeira Liga.

Gyokeres already attracted praise from members of the Arsenal squad, like goalkeeper David Raya, who branded him a “top player” before their meeting in the Champions League.

“We know his strengths, how he runs a lot in behind and scores a lot in one v. one, and he is a top player in form,” said Raya.

“We are going to try and keep him very, very quiet. Don’t give him any chances. We have to step up defensively. Hopefully we can do a great job and keep a clean sheet.”

إصابة جديدة.. برشلونة يتلقى ضربة مفاجئة قبل السفر إلى اليابان

تلقى نادي برشلونة ضربة جديدة قبل انطلاق جولته التحضيرية في آسيا، بعدما تأكد تعرض أحد اللاعبين لإصابة في الساعات القليلة الماضية.

وأعلن نادي برشلونة، في بيان رسمي، أن اللاعب الشاب، إبراهيم ديارا، يُعاني من تمزق عضلي في العضلة المستقيمة الأمامية بالساق اليمنى، ما سيحرمه من السفر مع الفريق الأول إلى اليابان وكوريا الجنوبية.

اقرأ أيضًا | رسالة لـ شتيجن.. فليك يقرر استدعاء حارس مرمى جديد لجولة برشلونة الآسيوية

ولم يُحدد برشلونة مدة غياب اللاعب الشاب، مشيرًا إلى أن عودته إلى التدريبات ستعتمد على مدى تطور حالته خلال الفترة المقبلة.

ويُعد غياب ديارا خسارة إضافية في ظل تطلع المدرب، هانز فليك، لتقييم بعض العناصر الصاعدة خلال الجولة الآسيوية، وسط برنامج تحضيري مزدحم قبل انطلاق الموسم الجديد.

برشلونة يسافر خلال ساعات قليلة إلى آسيا من أجل جولة صيفية استعدادًا للموسم الجديد 2025/2026 وسيواجه فيسيل كوبي إلى جانب إف سي سيول وأخيرًا دايجو قبل العودة إلى المدينة الكتالونية في بداية أغسطس.

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