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Talk of a Cristiano Ronaldo transfer that could see him reunited with Lionel Messi at the Club World Cup remains "science fiction", claims Al-Hilal.

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• CR7 into final year of Al-Nassr contract
• Linked with a switch across Riyadh
• Al-Hilal also said to be keen on Salah

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi will be gracing that competition next summer with MLS outfit Inter Miami – on the back of their Supporters’ Shield triumph in 2024. Al-Hilal, who have been drawn in the same group as Real Madrid, will be the Saudi Pro League representatives – as winners of the 2021 AFC Champions League.

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  It has been suggested that Portuguese superstar Ronaldo could be on their books by the time that a global tournament takes place in the United States, with the all-time great seeing his contract at Al-Nassr run down. A surprising move across Riyadh has been speculated on.

• WHAT AL-HILAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE SAID

  Such a switch could give Ronaldo an opportunity to face Messi again – following their epic battles while on the books of Real and Barcelona – but Al-Hilal chief executive Esteve Calzada has responded to those rumours by saying: "That sounds like science fiction. Cristiano Ronaldo is not our player so it's difficult to comment on that. He's not a free agent just now, so it's not nice to talk about that."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Ronaldo is not the only household name to have been linked with Al-Hilal – who already have the likes of Neymar, Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Joao Cancelo and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in their squad. Calzada added on reports of interest being shown in Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah, who is due to become a free agent in 2025: "We are not commenting on rumours. There are many players associated with us, and we have a policy of not commenting. This is not the time to talk about players."

Chelsea secured their first win of pre-season in the early hours of this morning, beating Mexican side CF America 3-0 in the USA.

Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Marc Guiu and Noni Madueke settled the game for Enzo Maresca’s side – who won his first game in charge at the third attempt after a draw and a defeat against Wrexham and Celtic, respectively.

The Blues claimed the win without midfielder Conor Gallagher, who appears to be edging ever closer to a move to join Spanish side Atlético Madrid after journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed he had rejected a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

The potential deal could see the Blues secure a £34m transfer fee for the 24-year-old who came through the academy after joining the club at the age of eight.

However, they already have a ready-made replacement for the English international, after his excellent display for the Blues in the pre-season during the early hours of the morning.

Roméo Lavia’s stats against CF America

After joining Chelsea from Southampton for £58m last summer, midfielder Roméo Lavia endured an awful run of injuries during his debut season in west London, making just one appearance – featuring for a total of 32 minutes.

However, he’s recently been on the comeback trail, working his way towards a first-team return, potentially having the impact of a new signing given his lack of minutes last season.

His display on Thursday morning demonstrated the quality he possesses, potentially having a huge impact at Stamford Bridge during the 2024/25 campaign.

The Belgian featured for 63 minutes during the victory, completing 32 passes at a completion rate of 91% – only losing possession six times during his time on the pitch.

He also made a key contribution in attacking areas, winning a penalty before Frenchman Nkunku stepped up to score his third goal of pre-season for the Blues.

Lavia excelled defensively, winning two tackles and five duels during his hour performance – staking his claim for a regular first-team spot under Maresca this season.

He was subsequently handed a 7.5/10 match rating by journalist Bobby Vincent – with Ben Jacobs stating that the former Southampton looked “sharp” during his first outing during the tour of the US.

His display will have Chelsea fans a reason to be positive, with the youngster finally able to hit the ground running after a torrid time on the sidelines, also allowing them to forget about Gallagher should he move to Spain this summer.

Why Lavia could allow Maresca to forget about Gallagher

After the news of Gallagher’s contract rejection, it’s clear he wants a new start away from his boyhood club, with a move to Atléti expected to be completed in the next few days.

He was a crucial player under former boss Mauricio Pochettino last season, featuring in 37 of the 38 Premier League matches, registering 12 goal contributions in the process.

The Englishman would leave a huge hole in the Chelsea midfield, but Lavia’s display against CF America could allow for an easy transition between the two players at the heart of Maresca’s squad.

He’s previously shown his ability to thrive in the Premier League, as demonstrated during his time on the South Coast with Southampton – featuring 29 times in the 2022/23 season, which prompted the Blues’ desire to spend big on the Belgian.

Although it’s only a pre-season clash, he’s shown he has the quality to slot straight into the Chelsea midfield, preventing the club from spending big once more on another talent to bolster the squad.

Lavia has the ability to give Chelsea the advantage in their hunt for a Champions League place – whilst allowing him to develop his game further and prove why the club paid £58m for his services.

Imagine him & Caicedo: Chelsea very keen on signing "monster" CM

Chelsea interested in midfield reinforcements

By
Connor Holden

Jul 24, 2024

David Coote has been sacked after an investigation into videos recently shared online of the former Premier League official.

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• Coote sacked as Premier League ref
• Called Klopp a "German c***"
• 42-year-old also appeared to snort white powder

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Coote was filmed calling former Liverpool boss Klopp a "German c***" in a video that emerged online last month. A few days later, a second scandal hit the former Premier League referee when a video of him appearing to snort a white powder at Euro 2024 surfaced.

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  The 42-year-old has now been sacked following an investigation into his actions.

  "Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote's conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect," a PGMOL statement read.

  "David Coote's actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable.

  "Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare.

  "David Coote has a right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment."

• TELL ME MORE

  Coote is also being investigated by the Football Association over allegations that he discussed giving a yellow card before a game in October 2019. Coote has denied the allegations, which centre on messages before and after he refereed a Championship game between Leeds and West Brom.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The FA are carrying out a separate investigation into Coote's remarks about Klopp. The Nottinghamshire native, who became a Premier League referee in 2018, could face an aggravated misconduct charge.

Southampton have reportedly expressed interest in signing a Champions League goalkeeper as they look to replace the injured Gavin Bazunu ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Southampton transfer news

The Saints have already been busy in the summer transfer window, welcoming the return of Adam Lallana and Flynn Downes as well as signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Charlie Taylor, among others. On top of that, Russell Martin has managed to keep hold of star man Adam Armstrong, who penned a new three-year deal at St Mary's.

It's not all good news for the Saints though, who are currently heading into next season with 34-year-old Alex McCarthy to call on following Bazunu's injury back in April. Whilst the veteran shot-stopper has plenty of experience, it remains to be seen whether he can still cut it as a number one every week in the Premier League.

It is, of course, a question that the Saints may not have to answer just yet, given that there's still a month left of the transfer window and one particular option could emerge.

According to Football London, Southampton have expressed interest in signing Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal this summer, alongside Newcastle United. The former Bournemouth goalkeeper lost his starting spot to David Raya at the start of last season and may now push for an Arsenal exit in pursuit of more game time. With Bazunu out until 2025 too, Southampton is an ideal option.

Southampton make shock enquiry to sign "remarkable" Premier League gem

Saints have made their first move…

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By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 18, 2024

With that said, it remains to be seen whether Southampton will be willing to splash the cash and match Ramsdale's current reported wage of £120k-a-week with Bazunu eventually on his way back. As the transfer window ticks by, the England international is one to keep an eye on.

"Exceptional" Ramsdale can solve Bazunu problem

Whilst Bazunu isn't expected back until 2025, Southampton can solve their goalkeeper problem and more by signing Ramsdale. A player who has more than enough experience in relegation battles and a player who has played at the other end of the spectrum in the Champions League, Martin could quickly find himself a new number one. Even when Bazunu returns, the competition for the number one shirt would certainly be fearce.

A look at the numbers suggests that Martin would have quite the decision on his hands if Southampton signed Ramsdale. Bazunu would undoubtedly hold his own, but could perhaps be defied by Ramsdale's Premier League experience.

Even as Mikel Arteta's number two, Ramsdale earned the Spaniard's praise last season. The Arsenal boss said via TNT Sports: “He’s been exceptional around the place with the situation. Like everybody. We love him more for sure. We have him every day. We know him, we know his character and we are really happy to have him.

“I don’t think I’m the one to answer the question about Aaron Ramsdale’s quality because I’m the one who signed him when everyone else was questioning that decision. So I don’t think I’m the one to answer that question."

Enzo Maresca has left out several Chelsea first-team stars including Enzo Fernandez & Pedro Neto for the Conference League trip to Heidenheim.

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• Maresca takes a second-string squad to Germany
• Several academy graduates have been selected
• Reece James has also stayed back in Cobham

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Italian manager continues to rest key players in the Conference League as he aims to manage minutes in a bid to tackle an unforgiving schedule. Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto, Nicolas Jackson, Reece James, Fernandez and Neto are among the players who have been registered but left out of the 21-strong squad that will fly to Germany.

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  Neto, one of the notable absentees, sustained an injury during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Poland. The 24-year-old forward was forced to sit out Chelsea's Premier League fixture against Leicester City last weekend and Maresca is not willing to risk the player midweek.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Maresca has included several academy prospects in the squad for the trip to Germany. Goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom is joined by midfielders Kiano Dyer and Samuel Rak-Sakyi, while winger Tyrique George and teenage striker Shumaira Mheuka add an attacking flair.

  Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Lucas Bergstrom

  Defenders: Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Renato Veiga

  Midfielders: Cesare Casadei, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Kiano Dyer, Samuel Rak-Sakyi

  Forwards: Tyrique George, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Jadon Sancho, Marc Guiu, Shumaira Mheuka, Christopher Nkunku

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea has enjoyed a strong start in the UEFA Conference League, winning all three of their previous group-stage matches against Gent, Panathinaikos, and Noah. The manager will hope that the blend of seasoned players and emerging talents can secure another victory to further solidify their lead in the competition.

Al-Nassr defender Aymeric Laporte has not ruled out joining Real Madrid one day amid links with the Spanish giants.

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• Laporte swapped Man City for Al-Nassr
• Contract there runs until 2026
• Addresses Real Madrid rumours

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The centre-back swapped Manchester City for Al-Nassr in August 2023 for £23.6 million ($30m) and has become a key player for the Saudi Pro League team. His performances earned him a spot in Spain's squad for their triumphant Euro 2024 campaign and that led to links with Los Blancos. Now, the 30-year-old has addressed such speculation amid Madrid's ongoing injury issues.

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  WHAT AYMERIC LAPORTE SAID

  He told El Larguero: "I'm not really up to date, I've read the same thing as you. There's no problem. It sounds good. Obviously, teams like Real Madrid aren't being looked down upon."

  When asked if he intends to return to Europe after his contract expires in 2026, Laporte replied: "My idea of returning is there. I have all my family here in Europe. Obviously, what better than in Spain."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Relevo adds that Madrid will not have an easy time getting him out of Al-Hilal as they have 'no intention' of letting him go while he is under contract. Plus, it seems he is in no rush to leave team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Hilal.

  "I went there (Saudi Arabia) to play football, not to do other things. So far things have not gone badly for me. While there I have won a European Championship, which is the most beautiful thing I have experienced in my career," he added.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  While Madrid look for answers to their defensive troubles, which include injuries to David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Dani Carvajal, Laporte could feature for Spain in their Nations League clash away to Denmark on Friday night.

Over the years, Manchester City have had some of the Premier League’s best South American footballers play for them. It has been a region of the world that has given the Cityzens, and the Premier League, some of the most iconic players in history.

Perhaps the most famous South American of them all to play on the blue side of Manchester is Sergio Aguero. The former Argentina striker scored 260 goals for City in 390 games, registering 65 assists along the way. He left the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, as a five-time Premier League winner.

Another of City’s most iconic South American players is defensive midfielder Fernandinho. The Brazil legend, who also won five Premier League titles in the blue of the Cityzens, played 383 times for the club, scoring 26 times and registering 31 assists from the base of midfield.

There are also two notable South American players currently at the club, with one being goalkeeper Ederson. However, the Brazilian could depart the Etihad Stadium this summer, with a move to Saudi Arabia thought to be on the cards.

There's one more and he could leave for mega money in the not-too-distant future. In fact, he's worth more than one of the game's global superstars, Lamine Yamal.

Lamine Yamal’s 2024 performances

It has been an astronomical rise to the top for 17-year-old Barcelona and Spain winger Yamal.

The exciting talent has lit up Euro 2024 and has started all but one of La Roja’s games. He has scored once, a stunner against France in the semi-final, and is the leading assister with three.

The teenager burst onto the scene during the 2023/24 season for Barcelona but made his debut for the Spanish giants at the end of the previous season, a seven-minute cameo off the bench against Real Betis.

Last season, Yamal played 50 games for Barca in all competitions, scoring an impressive ten goals and registering seven assists. He has very quickly become a household name around the footballing world.

Unsurprisingly, the talented youngster has seen his market value shoot up in a very short amount of time.

According to Transfermarkt, the youngster is worth £77m, an incredible rise from October 2023, when Yamal was worth just £21m. His performances for Barcelona and Spain have certainly shown why he is so highly valued.

That said, there are players in global football worth more than him. One of them is Argentine striker Julian Alvarez.

Julian Alvarez’s market value in 2024

The 24-year-old cost the Cityzens just £14m in 2022, but following some superb performances for club and country, he is now worth £77m, just like Barca’s 17-year-old starlet, as per Transfermarkt.

It is fair to say that since making the move to Manchester, Alvarez has had a superb time of things, despite playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland, or out of position to accommodate the Norweigan centre-forward.

In 103 appearances for the eight-time Premier League champions, he has scored 36 goals and registered 18 assists. That includes 11 goals and nine assists in just 36 games in the Premier League last season.

The 24-year-old is certainly the man for the big occasion. Within the past 18 months, Alvarez scored in the 2022/23 Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, grabbed two goals and an assist in the 2022 World Cup semi-final for Argentina and Croatia and most recently in the Copa America semi-final against Canada.

Those goals have clearly been of some importance, as he boasts a remarkable trophy cabinet despite being just 22 years of age. It would be a collection of trophies most legends of the game do not even boast. Alvarez has some collection.

At the time, Alvarez’s signing was deemed a wonderful piece of business for City, and that thought continues to be proven right. He was such a cheap signing, but to sign a player of that quality, whose market value has risen so much, is certainly commendable. The signing of the forward was certainly a superb piece of business from City.

What Man City's starting XI could look like after £128m spending spree

They could sign three new players this summer…

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 16, 2024

West Ham United will possibly benefit from stepping into the new post-David Moyes era without European football on the cards, having fizzled out last season.

It was quite the ride though, ay. Moyes lifted a relegation-threatened outfit toward sustained conquests on the continent, winning the Conference League in 2022/23.

But now, the squad needs sweeping change, and while Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Max Kilman is closing on a £40m move to east London to fortify Julen Lopetegui's defence, there is still, it would appear, room for another backliner.

West Ham lining up another defender

The Premier League side could lose both Nayef Aguerd and skipper Kurt Zouma this summer; both were under-par last season and both are attracting attention from the Saudi Pro League.

With veteran Angelo Ogbonna's contract having expired last month, it's safe to assume that Kilman is not the only defensive arrival on the cards.

Indeed, according to The Daily Mail, West Ham are mulling over lodging a second attempt to sign OGC Nice centre-half Jean-Clair Todibo, having already failed with a £25m offer.

The French defender had been set to sign for Manchester United in June but the deal was prohibited given Nice and the Red Devils' shared INEOS ownership.

What Jean-Clair Todibo would bring to West Ham

Given that Kilman is left-footed – and Todibo is not – West Ham would be wise to storm ahead and complete deals for both players in what truly could revolutionise the Irons' backline.

Both defenders are progressive and enterprising, with purposeful passing games that would suit Lopetegui's philosophy: maintaining a degree of aggression to feature invariably, whether the Hammers are involved in matches that require more control-based attacking play or counter-attacking football.

Hailed as a "Rolls-Royce" of a defender by journalist Antonio Mango, Todibo is athletically robust and defensively sound, but he also boasts one of Europe's most modern-tailored skill sets.

While the above-listed metrics lean heavily in Todibo's favour, it's important to note that Kilman has been performing in a more conservative system at Molineux. For example, under Lopetegui the term before, the 27-year-old averaged 0.52 successful take-ons per 90, taking him virtually level with the current rate of the Les Aiglons titan.

The key thing here is that both players would naturally fall into the respective sides of the central defence, and while Todibo has been described as "the complete package" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, his more expansive style could be a real asset to move the play forward, move that defensive line higher up the pitch.

This would allow for a more dynamic style of play than has been on offer at the London Stadium in recent years, with Zouma staying deep and failing to progress the play with his passing, averaging just 1.55 progressive passes and 0.20 progressive carries per 90 over the past year.

Ultimately, West Ham will need to work hard to navigate through this transitional period, but with a new style of play, it wouldn't be a bad idea to completely overhaul the rearguard with two talented players that befit a team fighting for a place at the top of the table.

Imagine him & Bowen: West Ham want bargain deal for “world-class” star

This talented forward’s club want to sell him this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 3, 2024

Martin Odegaard has returned to full training ahead of Arsenal's crucial matches against Inter and Chelsea this week.

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• Odegaard back with first-team squad
• Has been out of action for two months
• Wants to make comeback against Inter

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners skipper damaged his ankle ligaments while playing for Norway on August 31 and has spent the last two months on the sidelines. He missed several key games, including Arsenal's Premier League draws against Manchester City and Liverpool, however, according to , Odegaard has now returned to full training. The midfielder is said to be 'itching' to make his long-awaited comeback against Inter in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

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  It remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta hands Odegaard any minutes against Inter, with Arsenal likely to be cautious over rushing him back into the fold. Odegaard has been left out of the Norway squad for their matches against Slovenia and Kazakhstan during the November international break.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 25-year-old has established himself as a vital member of the current Arsenal squad, with the former Real Madrid man bagging 11 goals and as many assists in the 2023-24 campaign. Having him back could reignite their Premier League title hopes as the Gunners have slipped seven points behind league leaders Liverpool after ten games.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Even if the club captain does not feature against Inter on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta could consider bringing him back into the matchday squad in Arsenal's next Premier League encounter against Chelsea on Sunday.

Chelsea have now lodged a formal bid to sign a centre-back who Man United are targeting as an alternative to Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite.

Chelsea eyeing another centre-back after Tosin Adarabioyo

It didn't take long for the west Londoners to seal their first piece of business this summer, having put pen to paper on a deal for defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham.

Boehly now prepared to sell £175,000-per-week Chelsea star after Maatsen

The Blues could orchestrate an overhaul this summer.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 20, 2024

The former Man City starlet enjoyed a successful spell at Fulham, but opted to move just across west London to Stamford Bridge upon the expiry of his contract at Craven Cottage. Tosin's arrival will do wonders to fill the void left by fan favourite Thiago Silva, who has left Chelsea to re-join boyhood club Fluminese.

Despite the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a four-year deal, it is believed that Chelsea could sign another centre-back after Tosin, as new manager Enzo Maresca seeks to reinforce his new backline further.

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewat and Paul Winstanley are expected to undergo a busy summer of recruitment. In the past week, Chelsea have held talks over signing Jhon Duran from Aston Villa, as well as pushed to seal a deal for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise (Fabrizio Romano).

Amidst all of this activity, as Maresca's side pursue a new forward, there remains a distinct possibility that Chelsea could bring another defender on top of this – with Romano tipping them to potentially bring in multiple central defensive options.

"It will continue to be a busy summer at Chelsea," said the journalist on his Dailybriefing. "It won’t be completely crazy but they will try to make smart things happen, including a new goalkeeper and I expect them to try for at least one new centre-back, but it could be two. I also expect Chelsea to be busy with the striker position."

Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano has been linked with a move to Chelsea as one option, but rather than negotiate with the Bavarians, it is believed they could instead look to pinch a transfer target of Man United's.

Indeed, Ten Hag's side are said to be monitoring Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino as an alternative to Branthwaite – with the Red Devils looking priced out of a move for the Englishman after having a bid rejected, according to widespread reports.

Chelsea make formal bid to sign Aaron Anselmino

According to South American journalist Uriel Lugt, Chelsea have made a "formal" bid to sign Anselmino, and offered the 19-year-old a four-year contract.

The teenager appears very highly-rated in Argentina, despite not making many first team appearances for Boca, and clearly Chelsea's scouting network have been doing their homework on him.