Maresca set to sell two Chelsea strikers

Two Chelsea strikers are set to leave Enzo Maresca’s squad before the new season kicks off.

According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, they are Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana.

Both Broja and Fofana spent last season on loan deals at Fulham and Burnley respectively.

Romano wrote on X: “Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana are both expected to leave Chelsea on permanent transfer.

“Broja, not even in the squad tonight.”

Chelsea are close to securing a deal for Atletico Madrid striker, Samu Omorodion and are also monitoring Victor Osimhen’s situation at Napoli.

Arsenal to sign Gabriel Carvalho

Arsenal have made a bid of €25 million plus bonuses to sign Brazil youngster Gabriel Carvalho, according to Football Transfers.

Arsenal’s Brazilian transfer chief, Edu, who is an expert in the South American market, is in charge of the deal involving Carvalho.

Carvalho currently plays for SC Internacional and his contract with the club will expire in 2028.

He attracted attention after he made his professional debut for Internacional in June.

The midfielder became the youngest player for the Brazilian club in the 21st century, aged 16 years, nine months, and 30 days.

He broke the record of former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato.

Atlético Madrid on verge of signing Argentine striker Álvarez

Atlético Madrid is reportedly on the verge of completing a significant transfer, as negotiations for Manchester City’s Julián Álvarez reach their final stages.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish club has made substantial progress in their pursuit of the Argentine striker.

Romano reports, “Manchester City confirmed to Atlético Madrid that their final proposal for Julián Álvarez worth €75m plus €20m add-ons has been accepted.”

This deal, potentially totalling €95 million with add-ons, represents a major investment for the La Liga side.

The transfer is not yet finalised, as Romano stated that negotiations [are] ongoing on [the] player side.

In a sign that the deal is progressing well, Romano added, “Man City [are] to authorize Julián for medical in Spain as soon as personal terms are agreed.”

If completed, this transfer would mark another significant addition to Atlético Madrid’s squad.

Álvarez, known for his goal-scoring prowess and versatility in attack, could provide manager Diego Simeone with additional firepower as the team aims to compete in La Liga this season.

Despite playing over 2,600 minutes last season, Alvarez was reportedly seeking a club where he could be the regular starting striker.

“The other player facing an uncertain future at City is Alvarez, who is determined to find a club where he is the regular starting striker, despite having played over 2,600 minutes last season,” The Athletic reported.

The Athletic further reported that Alvarez and his family had grown tired of the weather in England and would welcome a move to a country with a warmer climate

Man City demands £50 million to sell De Bruyne

Manchester City has demanded 50 million to part ways with Kevin De Bruyne this summer, it has emerged.

Al-Ittihad were keen on the 33-year-old and even agreed terms with the playmaker.

But the Saudi Arabian side have reportedly abandoned plans to pursue a transfer deal for De Bruyne.

Transfer expert, Rudy Galetti, claims that Al-Ittihad are walking away after being put off by City’s demands.

A £25 million bid is said to have been rejected, with previous reports suggesting that the Blues are holding out for closer to £50m.

De Bruyne has now entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Diaz emerges favourite to win African Footballer of the Year

Real Madrid forward, Brahim Diaz is now leading the race for the 2024 African Player of the Year award.

The Morocco international, who switched allegiance from Spain this year, would battle the likes of Ademola Lookman for the award.

Diaz, who once played for Premier League champions Manchester City, came back to Real Madrid in 2023-24 after shining while on loan at AC Milan.

Diaz, 24, was born in Spain to a Moroccan father and a Spanish mother, and played for the European country until the U-21 level.

Diario AS reports that the former Spain U21 star is now a frontrunner to succeed Nigeria and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as the 2024 African Player of the Year.

He has played two friendly games and two qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup since switching allegiance.

Diaz scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in 44 appearances across competitions for Los Blancos last season.

He helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side win the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Supercopa de Espana at the end of the campaign.

Diaz will battle Nigeria’s Lookman, who became the first African player to score a hat-trick in a major European final, for the award.

After helping Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, Lookman scored thrice for Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

Nigerian-born striker leaves Arsenal for Manchester United

Chido Obi-Martin has decided to sign for Manchester United after leaving Arsenal.

The 16-year-old has left the Gunners after his contract elapsed, despite talks with manager Mikel Arteta, who tried to convince him to stay.

But Obi-Martin and Arsenal had disagreements over which squad he would play in next season and money.

The Nigerian-born striker who plays for Denmark’s U-17 side will now move to United.

This was confirmed by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, on Tuesday night.

Romano wrote on X: “EXCLUSIVE: Chido Obi Martin to Man United, here we go! Talented striker leaves Arsenal and he’s just accepted a Man Utd proposal.

“Pathway key for Chido who’s turned down higher bids from Germany to sign for Man United.

“Project convinced 2007 born top talent to accept #MUFC.”

Super Eagles forward suffers long-term injury

Nigeria forward, Terem Moffi will be sidelined for several months due a cruciate ligament injury.

Moffi, who copped the injury in training, is expected to undergo surgery later this week.

His Ligue 1 club, OGC Nice revealed the unfortunate incident on their website.

“Injured during training, Terem Moffi (25 years old) underwent additional tests today. These confirmed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee,” reads the statement.

The striker could return to action before the end of the 2024/25 season.

Moffi joined the Red and Black from another French club, Lorient in January 2023.

He has scored 20 goals in 52 appearances for Nice across all competitions.

Manchester United offered Inter Milan star in swap deal for Wan-Bissaka

Manchester United have been offered Inter right-back Denzel Dumfries in a swap deal with Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

According to The Telegraph, Manc6 United could have an alternative option as Inter Milan are interested in signing Wan-Bissaka and intermediaries have discussed the possibility of a swap deal with the Serie A club for Dumfries.

Wan-Bissaka is considering his future at Man United.

The 26-year-old has already turned down a move to West Ham United this summer.

The Red Devils are in the market for a new right-back and have also held talks with Bayern Munich for Noussair Mazraoui.

West Ham are also looking to sign Mazraoui and have agreed a £13.5 million fee, plus a further £3m in add-ons.

Paris Olympics: Canada football coach sent home over spy drone

Canada has sent home their women’s Olympic football coach, Bev Priestman, following allegations of drones being used to spy on their opponents.

Canada are the women’s Olympic champions from Tokyo 2020, and two staff members were sent home on Wednesday. That was after drones were used to spy on a New Zealand practice in France.

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said in a statement on Friday it had now removed Priestman from the team due to her suspension by Canada Soccer.

“Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Canada Soccer chief executive Kevin Blue said.

Blue added, “In (the) light of these new revelations, Canada Soccer has made the decision to suspend Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“This will also be in place until the completion of our recently-announced independent external review.”

Assistant coach Andy Spence will take the reins for the remainder of the Olympic Games.

Canada defeated New Zealand 2-1 in their tournament opener on Thursday.

Priestman had earlier removed herself from coaching the match on Wednesday.

Nothing like this ever happened – Otamendi reacts as Morocco beat Argentina

Argentina captain to the 2024 Paris Olympics Games football events, Nicolas Otamendi has criticized the video assistant referee following his country’s 2-1 defeat to Morocco.

It was VAR’s decision that led to La Albiceleste’s defeat against Morocco in their opening group game.

The game, which ended in a 2-1 loss for Javier Mascherano’s men at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in France, has left the South Americans devastated.

Morocco were 2-1 by the end of 90 minutes, which was followed by 15 minutes of injury time.

Argentine midfielder, Cristian Medina netted what was to be a late equalizer but the game was interrupted following invasion of the pitch by angry Moroccan fans.

This led to the game being temporarily suspended and after about two hours, a VAR check ruled that the scorer of Argentina’s equalizer was in an offside position.

The clash finally ended in a 2-1 win for Morocco.

Otamendi told reporters, “It’s a historic disgrace. Nothing like this has ever happened before. Morocco didn’t want to play, and neither did we.

“We waited for an hour and forty minutes, but no one told us anything. It’s frustrating because these are the Olympic Games.”

Arsenal star to leave Emirates after Riccardo Calafiori’s arrival

Arsenal star Jakub Kiwior is set to leave the club after Riccardo Calafiori’s impending arrival at the Emirates Stadium.

Kiwior is keen to push through a switch from Arsenal to Inter Milan this summer, as Calafiori’s impending arrival from Bologna could see his playing time diminish under manager Mikel Arteta.

The 24-year-old defender is desperate to secure regular minutes next season.

However, according to the Italian publication, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter Milan have put out feelers regarding Kiwior’s potential availability and the player has said ‘yes’ to the Serie A champions.

The report added that Kiwior is at the top of Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi’s shortlist of defensive targets and he is determined to land the Polish star.

Kiwior joined Arsenal from Italian outfit Spezia for a fee of around £20 million in January 2023.

He went on to make 30 appearances in his first full season for the Premier League North London club last term.

Three EPL clubs interested in signing Chelsea defender after Maresca snub

Three teams are interested in signing Trevor Chalobah from Chelsea this summer.

New Blues boss, Enzo Maresca, has excluded the 25-year-old from his travelling party for the US pre-season tour.

And according to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, the club has decided on his price tag.

Chelsea are willing to sell Chalobah for £35 million this summer and three Premier League clubs have already made contact.

Maresca opted to leave Chalobah back in the UK as he had plenty of other options in defence in the shape of Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi and new boy Tosin Adarabioyo.

Manchester United have been linked with Chalobah in the past, but it remains to be seen if they remain interested as they have just signed Leny Yoro from Lille.

Toni Payne joins Everton Ladies

Everton Ladies have completed the signing of Super Falcons star, Toni Payne.

Payne linked up with the Toffees on a free transfer after severing ties with Spanish Iberdrola side, Sevilla.

The versatile winger spent six years at Sevilla.

The 29-year-old is Brian Sorensen’s first summer signing.

“I’m super excited to be an Everton player,” Payne told Evertontv.

“It’s been my dream to play in the UK and in such a strong league like the WSL.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to play at a club like Everton with so much history in football.

“Now was the right moment for me to look for another challenge to push myself.

“It’s going to be different and new, and I’m really happy about my decision.”

Payne has been capped 21 times by Nigeria.

She is in Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Arsenal striker to leave Arteta’s squad this summer

Marseille are keen on signing Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal this summer.

The Ligue 1 side have explored the conditions of a potential deal.

They are now discussing internally whether to make a formal bid for Nketiah or not.

According to Sky Sports News, the 25-year-old is expected to leave the Gunners this summer.

But that will depend on Arsenal receiving a substantial offer.

Nketiah found game time limited last season, starting only 10 games in the Premier league.

He still has three years left on his contract.

Mikel Obi spotted with Ancelotti, Modric at Real Madrid training camp

Former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has been spotted at Real Madrid’s training camp.

Mikel Obi posted a couple of photos of himself on Instagram stories.

One of the photos saw him pose with Luka Modric, who will become the new Madrid captain.

“Congratulations on extending your contract,” Mikel Obi wrote.

Modric has extended his stay with the LaLiga champions until June 2025.

In another video, he posted himself in conversation with Lucas Vazquez with the caption: “We all used to hate pre-season training. I get it.”

There are also pictures of Mikel Obi, manager Carlo Ancelotti and Los Blancos legend Raul Gonzalez.

Arsenal announce exit of two players

Arsenal have announced the exits of Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares on loan deals.

Lokonga, who played for Burnley last season, joins Sevilla.

It is an initial loan with an option to buy for around €12m (£10m).

Arsenal have inserted a 25% sell-on clause, with Lokonga into the final two years of his contract.

Tavares, meanwhile, joins Lazio on a loan with an obligation to buy for €5m (£4.3m).

The Portuguese fullback played last season at Nottingham Forest and looks to leave the Emirates on a permanent basis.

Argentina beat Colombia to win 16th Copa America

Argentina beat Colombia to win a record 16th Copa America but the game was marred by the kick-off being delayed by 80 minutes because of trouble outside the ground in Miami.

Lautaro Martinez struck in the second half of extra time from Giovani lo Celso’s through ball to secure the win.

Captain Lionel Messi was left in tears when he had to be replaced midway through the second half after injuring himself while chasing for the ball – but was celebrating his country’s third successive major tournament at the final whistle.

Kick-off was delayed because of chaos outside the Hard Rock Stadium.

Organisers said ticketless fans tried to get into the ground, leaving some fans waiting for hours in the Miami heat for the gates to open.

Fans and police officers and security clashed with several arrests made. Several supporters needed treatment from paramedics.

On top of that the half-time break lasted for 25 minutes because of a concert by Colombian popstar Shakira on the pitch, a move that was criticised by Colombia boss Nestor Lorenzo beforehand.

It was a game of few clear chances in hot, humid conditions, with Colombia’s Jhon Cordoba hitting the woodwork in the first half.

Argentina thought they had taken the lead with 15 minutes to go but Nicolas Tagliafico’s effort was ruled out for offside.

Martinez would end up as the hero – and win the Golden Boot with five goals.

England didn’t deserve to win trophy – Gary Neville

Former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville, has said England did not deserve to win the Euro 2024 final.

The Three Lions lost 2-1 to Spain in Berlin on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate’s men have now lost back-to-back finals at the tournament.

Neville, speaking on ITV, admitted the Spaniards were better.

He said: “The most impressive thing about Spain tonight was you thought the momentum was with England, you thought the floodgates were going to open.

“But for them to respond the way they did, get control of the game back, get the winner, was absolutely fantastic.

“They were the best team in the tournament, they were the best team tonight, but it is incredibly painful for England fans as it feels like a never-ending story where we just cannot get over the line.

“We did not deserve to win tonight or in the tournament because we did not play as well as we could do, and Spain has been very good, but performance in the end has just caught us out.”

Why England lost 2-1 to Spain – England manager

England manager, Gareth Southgate, has said his team did not keep the ball enough, as they lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain.

The Three Lions were looking to go a step better than the last time, but lost 2-1 to La Roja on Sunday.

Nico Williams opened the scoring in the second half, before Cole Palmer equalized after coming off the bench.

But the Spaniards found the winner before full time through Mikel Oyarzabal.

“We’ve competed until the very end of the final, today we didn’t keep possession of the ball well enough,” Southgate told the BBC.

“Especially when we defended well, they pressed you really well and you’ve got to get out of that pressure, and we weren’t able to do that.

“That meant they had more control of the game, and that can wear you down a bit.

“That said, we were still right in there when we got the equaliser, the game was still wide open.

“As always in these games, it’s fine margins – but they were the best team in the tournament. Over the piece, they deserved it.”

Di Maria to leave Argentina national team

Ángel Di Maria will leave the Argentina national team next week.

This was disclosed by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, in a tweet on X.

Romano also disclosed that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United winger will sign a one year deal with Benfica.

“Ángel Di Maria will stay at Benfica for one more season, agreement sealed today.

“Decision confirmed on both sides as Benfica wanted him to stay and El Fidéo accepted the proposal.

“Di Maria will leave Argentina national team next week but staying at Benfica until 2025,” Romano tweeted.

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