Arsenal are now preparing an £83m offer for a midfielder, who has been identified as a potential alternative to Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, according to reports from Spain.

Gunners linked with Zubimendi move

Zubimendi has been a well-known target for the Gunners for quite some time now, with journalist Steve Kay at one stage suggesting a summer deal is almost inevitable, given that personal terms were agreed a long time ago.

“It’s very close, Arsenal will sign him, they will trigger his release clause in the summer of €60m. Personal terms were agreed in March, but that is a normal thing with the player, that’s the first thing you do. That was done long ago.

Club chiefs are hoping to have the move fully wrapped up prior to the summer transfer window, but it is still yet to be made official, and there are now indications the north Londoners could move on to alternative targets.

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Last week, it was revealed Arsenal are looking at Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios, who may be brought in instead of Zubimendi, and there has now been a major update on their pursuit of the midfielder.

According to a report from Spain, the Gunners are now preparing a €100m (£83m) offer for Barrios, having identified him as their main target if a move for Zubimendi alludes them.

The Sociedad midfielder is still attracting attention from Real Madrid and other European clubs, so it is by no means a certainty the Spaniard moves to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

There is a belief Barrios could fit perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s team, indicating he is an ideal alternative target, but there may be competition from a number of other Premier League clubs, with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool expressing interest.

Barrios could be a suitable Zubimendi alternative

Zubimendi seemingly remains Arsenal’s top target in midfield, but there are signs the 21-year-old Atletico man could also be a solid signing, having established himself as a key player for the Spanish side at a young age.

The Madrid-born midfielder has made 27 appearances in all competitions this season, providing two assists, and he has received high praise for his dribbling ability by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also dubbed him a “future legend”.

The Spaniard is also extremely adept defensively, ranking in the 90th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Barrios is a well-rounded midfielder, who would be useful for Arteta at both ends of the pitch, but he is not yet showing “world-class” signs, unlike Zubimendi, who should remain the top target.

Chief executive hopes process is important part of journey towards true inclusivity

Vithushan Ehantharajah05-Apr-2023Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, says that the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) hearings into Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of racism at Yorkshire were an important moment for English cricket in its attempts to become the most inclusive sport in the country.Last Friday, five of the six former Yorkshire players who had been charged by the CDC – Matthew Hoggard, Tim Bresnan, John Blain, Andrew Gale and Rich Pyrah – were found to be in violation of cricket directives for making racist and discriminatory remarks. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, the only one of the six to attend the hearings which took place at the beginning of March, was cleared.Following the release of the CDC’s findings in an 82-page document, ECB chair Richard Thompson had described the investigation and subsequent disciplinary process as “the most complex and thorough” in the governing body’s history. Speaking on Wednesday, Gould reiterated that sentiment, adding it was a painful yet necessary undertaking for the game in England and Wales.”Clearly that was an important moment for the game,” Gould said. “That was the culmination of a lot of issues over a long period of time which had become poisonous for the game. We needed to ensure we could deal with those issues.”The process that culminated on Friday, it culminated in Azeem Rafiq publicly stating that he feels as if he’s been vindicated. I think that is a very important moment for somebody that has gone through such a difficult time. And probably it felt as if he was fighting against the system at some point, for him to publicly state that he felt vindicated. I think that’s a positive step forward.”Also, [it’s about] the game making sure that we demonstrate that, when we have difficult issues, we are prepared to deal with them. It took a long time and there will be things we need to reflect on, and learn from, to ensure that we can do these things better in future. But the fact the game engaged in that process, saw it through to a conclusion that allowed Azeem Rafiq to say what he said in the way that he did, makes it all worthwhile in that regard.”Gould ceded it was not a perfect process, not least because of the time taken to get to this point. Rafiq made his claims in August 2020, with charges eventually levelled against those accused in June 2022. The hope was for the hearings to occur at the end of the year, however complications arose regarding whether or not they would be held in public.That ended up being the case, however, the delays throughout only served to exacerbate the ill-feeling around the entire case. All parties involved have been subjected to widespread abuse, to themselves and their families.Related

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“We would clearly like to find ways of expediting processes because we can see from all sides how damaging these can be to the individuals concerned,” Gould said. “These are clouds that hang over individuals and their families for a long time, and I think it’s incumbent upon all of us to provide clarity as quickly as possible.”Speeding up processes would be an excellent thing to do. But we need to make sure that’s not done at the risk of preventing people from fully engaging in each of the processes.”More reckoning is on the horizon with the imminent publication of a report compiled by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC). Since being established in 2021 in the wake of the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements, the ICEC has received thousands of responses on the English game’s shortcomings on issues of race, gender and class. Cindy Butts, who chairs the commission, has already publicly stated the evidence accrued is “staggering”.At present, the findings are expected to be released in June, having been originally pencilled in for the start of 2023. Gould revealed the report is in the fact-checking stage, and regards the delay as nothing more than the commission ensuring it provides the ECB “with the biggest, fullest report possible”.”Clearly, that is going to be a really important report when it lands. We know that we’ve got huge challenges but we’ve also got great opportunities to change the sport. That reverberates with me and it’s the reason why I’m back here. There’s a job to be done, opportunities to be taken and we’ve got a lot of hard work to be done.”I’m sure when the ICEC report lands, it will be very helpful in laying that bare to us, so that we’re under no illusions in terms of the communities that we have not been engaging with, to the extent that we should have.”We need to make sure we do become the most inclusive sport in the country by being able to demonstrate that we are wholly representative of the communities we seek to represent.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O elenco do Botafogo passa por problemas que vão além das quatro linhas. O clube informou que o departamento de futebol, incluindo jogadores e membros da comissão técnica, foi diagnosticado com mais de dez casos devirose gastrointestinal nessa semana.

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+Botafogo encaminha contratação de Lucas Perri, ex-São Paulo, para 2023

A doença atrapalhou o andamento das atividades do Glorioso, que se reapresentou nesta terça-feira para começar a preparação visando o jogo contra o Ceará, no próximo sábado, pelo Brasileirão.

O clube não informou quais jogadores e funcionários foram afetados pela virose. Geralmente, os sintomas de uma virose gastrointestinal são diarreia e vômitos.

Em nota, o clube informou que está “enviando os máximos esforços e cuidados para plena recuperação de todos o mais rápido possível”.

NOTA DO BOTAFOGO:
​
“Cerca de dez profissionais do Departamento de Futebol, entre atletas e membros da comissão técnica, foram afetados por um surto de virose gastrointestinal e tiveram suas atividades impactadas neste início de semana. O Clube está enviando os máximos esforços e cuidados para plena recuperação de todos o mais rápido possível.”

Leroy Sane has received a new contract offer from Bayern Munich but it's still uncertain whether he will renew as Arsenal monitor the situation.

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• Sane out of contract this summer
• Bayern make improved offer
• Arsenal linked with free transfer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Bayern have submitted a new contract offer to Germany international Sane, whose current deal is due to expire this summer. His agent, Pini Zahavi, was spotted having dinner with sporting director Max Eberl this week and it looks like those discussions have been positive, with a final decision on the renewal now expected in the coming days.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sane's contract situation has seen Premier League sides like Arsenal and Tottenham be linked with free transfers during the summer window. The 29-year-old previously spent four seasons at Manchester City, though his final campaign was curtailed by an anterior cruciate ligament injury. He won two top-flight league titles in England as well as three Carabao Cups and an FA Cup.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Sane bagged 12 goals in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, making it the fifth season in a row where he has hit double figures since he joined Bayern.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SANE?

  Sane has a big decision to make in the coming days. Bayern are thought to want a resolution before they start their Club World Cup campaign next month, where they will take on Auckland City, Boca Juniors and Benfica during the group stages in the USA.

Manchester City are now considering an “incredible” manager to replace Pep Guardiola, but there may be competition from Real Madrid, according to a report.

City showing signs of improvement

A 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League back in November consigned Man City to five losses on the bounce, but there have since been signs of improvement, with a top-four finish still very much on the cards.

City avenged their loss against Spurs with a 1-0 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last night, with Erling Haaland striking early in the first half to secure all three points, moving Guardiola’s side above Chelsea and into fourth place.

Although the reigning Premier League champions are still some way off their best, the uptick in form should give them renewed hope of qualifying for the Champions League, before Guardiola continues to rebuild the squad in the summer.

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The 54-year-old signed a new two-year contract to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2027 earlier this season, but there have now been suggestions the Man City hierarchy are looking at potential replacements.

According to a report from SportBILD (via Sport Witness), City are considering Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso as a heir to Guardiola, should the former Barcelona boss decide to walk away.

There is doubt about whether the Spanish coach will see out his new contract, and if he chooses to move on, the board could make a move for Alonso, who is highly sought-after, with Real Madrid also keen.

However, the Leverkusen manager is not currently interested in leaving the German club, where he has done a stellar job, winning a domestic double last season, while also guiding his side to the final of the Europa League.

"Incredible" Alonso could be a fantastic Pep heir

The former Liverpool player, who earns around £5.12m a year (£98k-per-week), has done a stellar job in his first senior managerial role, receiving high praise from the media for the way in which he has transformed Leverkusen.

As such, Alonso could be a fantastic long-term heir to Guardiola, but City fans and the board alike will no doubt be hoping the manager sees out his contract, despite the drop-off this season, given everything he has achieved at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Bayern Munich boss led City to a famous treble and four Premier League titles on the bounce, and he has maintained an incredible record in the league at every club he’s managed.

As such, while this season has been far from ideal, there is no manager better suited to orchestrating the summer rebuild than Guardiola.

Chelsea are now preparing a stunning £151m offer to sign two Real Madrid stars, according to a report from Spain.

Blues keen on new attackers

The Blues have already sealed an agreement to sign Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda, but they are showing no signs of slowing down in their pursuit of new attackers ahead of the summer transfer window.

It has now been reported that Jadon Sancho is set to complete a permanent move to Stamford Bridge for a fee of £25m, with BlueCo starting work on a deal, while there is also strong interest in Lille striker Jonathan David.

Signing a new striker may be of key importance to Enzo Maresca this summer, given that there have been widespread links to some top forwards across Europe, with the likes of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko under consideration.

After Quenda & Essugo: Chelsea front-runners for "sensational" £20m+ star

The Blues are among the leading contenders to sign a midfielder, who could be available for a relatively low fee this summer.

ByDominic Lund Mar 16, 2025

However, there are also indications Chelsea could be interested in more of an unproven quantity, with a report from Spain revealing they are now lining up a move for two Real Madrid stars, namely Rodrygo and Endrick.

The latter is viewed as a future star of world football by Maresca’s side, while Rodrygo has stood out for Madrid this season, becoming an important player for Carlo Ancelotti.

The Blues are said to be preparing a €180m (£151m) package to sign the Real Madrid duo, and they are determined to get a deal done, but it will not be easy, as the Spanish side are unlikely to be willing to negotiate the sale of either player.

"Special" Rodrygo and Endrick unlikely to move to Stamford Bridge

In truth, it seems very unlikely that Chelsea will be able to sign the Madrid forwards, given that they are very highly rated by the La Liga side, who are unwilling to entertain negotiations.

Ancelotti clearly rates Rodrygo very highly, having lauded his versatility, pace and ability in one-on-one situations.

Endrick is yet to become as important a player as his teammate, given that he is still just 18 years old. However, the Brazilian has also been tipped to go on and achieve great things by compatriot Elano.

“The boy is special, no doubt about it.

“He belongs to that group of super-talented players that Brazil has produced in the past: Neymar, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and others.”

Both forwards have scored in the Champions League this season, with Rodrygo picking up five goals and two assists in 10 outings, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.

However, it seems unlikely that a move to Stamford Bridge will be possible this summer, particularly if Chelsea miss out on Champions League football once again, which is now becoming a real risk.

أثنى ميلوس كيركيز، لاعب فريق ليفربول الجديد، على النجم المصري محمد صلاح، بمجرد انضمامه بشكل رسمي إلى بطل الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، الخميس الماضي.

كان ليفربول قد أعلن، يوم الخميس، تعاقده الرسمي مع ميلوس كيركيز، قادمًا من صفوف بورنموث.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كيركيز: لاعب ليفربول سيرشدني.. ومكالمة سلوت سهلت انتقالي

وأصبحت تلك الصفقة هي الرابعة لكتيبة آرني سلوت في موسم الانتقالات الصيفية الحالي، بعد كل من جيريمي فيريمبونج، أرمين بيتشي وفلوريان فيرتز.

وقال كيركيز، في مقطع فيديو عبر الحساب الرسمي لنادي ليفربول: “محمد صلاح كان بكل تأكيد أصعب خصم واجهته في الدوري الإنجليزي”.

وأضاف: “محمد صلاح لاعب كبير وخطير للغاية، لذلك من الجيد امتلاكه في فريقي الآن، كان لدينا بعض المواجهات الجيدة خلال المباريات الماضية (بين ليفربول وبورنموث)”.

وواصل: “ولكن نعم، إنه لاعب صعب للغاية، قوي للغاية، يمتلك قدمًا سريعة، إنه لاعب عبقري”.

وأردف: “كما قلت، من الجيد أن يكون معي الآن في فريق واحد، أستطيع تمرير الكرات العرضية له لكي يسجل”.

Arsenal have a proud history of producing incredible talent through their youth system.

Hale End has been responsible for legends from years past, such as Liam Brady, David O’Leary, and David Roecastle.

That tradition has carried on through the eras, with Cesc Fàbregas, Ashley Cole and even the injury-riddled Jack Wilshere all spending time in the famous academy.

That same system also produced arguably the club’s best player in the current squad, Bukayo Saka, and it looks like there is another wave of promising prospects coming through, including one youngster who is already worth millions more than a former youth player now making a name for himself in France: Mika Biereth.

Biereth's impressive rise

Arsenal signed Biereth from Fulham’s academy in the summer of 2021, and following several loan moves to RKC Waalwijk, Motherwell and finally, Sturm Graz, he was sold to the latter for just £4m plus add-ons in the summer.

Now, it could be said that agreeing to that much money plus a sell-on clause for a youngster who’s never even played for the first team was smart business from the Gunners.

Yet, considering he had racked up a tally of nine goals and four assists in 22 games at the back end of last season, it did feel like they could have asked for more.

This season has proven that to be true, as the Danish youngster was able to chalk up a tally of 14 goals and five assists in just 25 games for the Austrian outfit before the winter transfer window opened, in which he secured a £10.8m move to AS Monaco.

On the French Riviera, the former Gunners’ prospect has simply gone from strength to strength.

In just ten appearances, totalling 688 minutes, the 22-year-old has been able to score ten goals and provide two assists, meaning he’s averaging 1.2 goal involvements per game, or one every 57.33 minutes.

That means that in 35 appearances across both clubs this season, Biereth has scored 24 goals and provided seven assists, which begs the question: was selling him a mistake?

Appearances

35

Minutes

2659′

Goals

24

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.88

Minutes per Goal Involvement

85.77′

Well, regardless of the answer, Arsenal can at least rest assured that one of their new academy stars is already worth considerably more than him.

The Hale End star worth millions more than Biereth

One of the few positives from this season is that when we are talking about a new Hale End star, at least a couple of players could come into consideration.

However, in this instance, it is most certainly Ethan Nwaneri who has gone from an exciting prospect for the future to an essential part of the first team at just 17 years old.

Granted, the injury crisis in attack has somewhat accelerated his integration, but from how well he’s played this year, you’d have no idea this is his first proper campaign of senior football.

The often “unplayable” teenager, as dubbed by Wilshere, has made 26 appearances for the first team this year, totalling 948 minutes, in which he’s scored seven goals and provided one assist, meaning he is averaging a goal involvement every 3.25 games, or every 118.5 minutes.

Unsurprisingly, this has seen his valuation soar, with Football Transfers pricing him at up to €37.5m, which comes out to around £31m, or just over £20m more than Monaco paid for Biereth in January.

Appearances

26

Minutes

948′

Goals

7

Assists

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.30

Minutes per Goal Involvement

118.5′

Ultimately, with how badly Arsenal need a striker at the moment, there is a strong argument to be made that selling the young Dane was a mistake.

However, any annoyance stemming from that decision should be quickly forgotten, as in Nwaneri, it looks like they could have a future superstar on their hands.

Arteta must drop Arsenal's "big-game player" to unleash "monstrous" ace

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Alejandro Garnacho revealed his true feelings about Manchester United's dismal post-season tour to Asia with a subtle post on his return home.

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Man Utd flew to Asia on a post-season tourPlayers were allegedly frustrated during the tripGarnacho let his feelings known after getting homeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils opened their tour with a dismal 1-0 defeat against the ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur, leaving Ruben Amorim's side to walk off to a chorus of boos from the Malaysian crowd. Looking to avoid further embarrassment, United made a short trip to Hong Kong for their final match of the tour and secured a 3-1 win, but even that came with its own worries. The Red Devils went into half-time trailing by a goal, and only a spirited second-half revival prevented another shock result.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

United jetted off to the Far East just a few hours after their final Premier League fixture against Aston Villa. After fulfilling their sporting and commercial commitments in Malaysia and Hong Kong, the players were reportedly "fuming" and wanted to fly back home as quickly as possible.

WHAT GARNACHO SAID

Following the squad’s return to England, Garnacho made a pointed Instagram post taking a subtle dig at the team’s chaotic and underwhelming overseas campaign, suggesting the young winger was relieved to put the tour behind him. Sharing a photo of himself on board a flight back home, the winger added the caption “Finally” followed by a crying emoji, praying hands, and a desert island symbol.

@garnacho7 Instagram

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DID YOU KNOW?

Having been left out of Argentina’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia, Garnacho will not be involved in international duty in the coming weeks. Instead, he is expected to use the break to unwind, spending time with loved ones.

Amad Diallo has responded to the criticism he received for showing fans the middle finger after Manchester United lost a post-season friendly.

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• United lost friendly to ASEAN All-Star team
• Players subjected to abuse from supporters
• Amad responds after showing middle finger

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United suffered more embarrassment after their poor Premier League campaign and defeat in the Europa League final as they were beaten 1-0 by the ASEAN All-Star team in a post-season friendly in Malaysia. Supporters in attendance at the Bukit Jalil Stadium were heard booing the Red Devils and Amad was later seen making a gesture to fans as he made his way to the team bus.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amad, one of few United players who will escape the 2024-25 season with some credit for his performances, has now revealed he took exception to fans allegedly insulting his mother and claimed he doesn't regret his actions.

• WHAT AMAD SAID

  Writing on X, Amad said: "I have respect for people but not for the one who insults my mom.

  "I shouldn't have reacted like that but I don't regret what I did.

  "We had a great time in Malaysia with good people."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AMAD AND MAN UTD?

  The 22-year-old scored 11 goals in all competitions for United during the 2024-25 season and is expected to be a key player for manager Ruben Amorim moving forward. The Red Devils have another fixture against Hong Kong to take part in on Friday before the squad enjoys a break from playing duties until July, when their pre-season begins.