Man City planning to beat Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona to free signing

Manchester City will hope to ride the crest of a wave as they plot a route into the Premier League race, and the Citizens may also be preparing for a fight with Liverpool to sign a lucrative international at zero cost.

Manchester City look to kick on after derby victory

The Etihad Stadium paid witness to some raucous scenes last weekend as Manchester City swept aside Manchester United to move within six points of Liverpool at the top of the table.

Before the match, Erling Haaland urged his new teammates to take on added responsibility after a busy transfer window that saw his side lose a number of influential figures. When it mattered, they all stepped up to deliver a stirring display.

Speaking after his side recorded a convincing triumph, Pep Guardiola reserved special praise for his Norwegian talisman and homegrown hero Phil Foden, who both got themselves on the scoresheet.

Starting with Haaland, the former Barcelona manager said: “Erling has been incredible since the start but this season he is better than ever. I would say better than the Treble year. He’s dynamic and I don’t judge him for the clearance, we want him to score goals and to help us.”

Later, he added on Foden: “We missed him so much and the season before he was the best player in the Premier League so we need him, he has a work ethic. Phil is the core, the heart of the club, from the academy and he loves City. To have him back is good news.”

With 2026 not too far in the distance, Manchester City are set to block interest from Al Nassr in a £112 million move for Phil Foden, and they now have their eye on one of his international teammates.

Man City ready to up the ante to land Marc Guehi in 2026

According to The Mirror, Manchester City are huge admirers of Marc Guehi, planning a move and will throw everything at landing him on a free transfer in 2026, with Crystal Palace unwilling to sanction his exit in the January window.

Despite Liverpool’s well-documented interest in the former Chelsea man alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Juventus, the Citizens are hopeful they can secure his services without having to pay a transfer fee, teeing up the saga of next summer.

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Manchester City could be brewing their homegrown Marc Guehi with this talented centre-back.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 14, 2025

Labelled a “monster in defence” by Bobby Manzi, Guehi has handled himself exceptionally well despite being at the centre of a failed move to Anfield on Deadline Day, even scoring once in seven appearances across all competitions.

Guardiola’s backline has been altered following the departures of Manuel Akanji and Kyle Walker, and there may be more movement to come as they step up their efforts to land Guehi.

It remains to be seen who will win the battle for his signature, with Barca and Real described as ready to move. But regardless, Manchester City seem ready to go all-in given the lucrative possibility of signing a reliable Premier League performer.

INEOS have made £22m ex-Arsenal star Man Utd's top target for January

Manchester United enjoyed a productive summer window and could now have landed a shot in the arm as they bid to force an exciting deal over the line in January.

Man Utd preparing for Man City battle

Despite a mixed start to the Premier League campaign, Manchester United sit above rivals Manchester City in the table as they prepare for Sunday’s derby clash at the Etihad Stadium.

Ruben Amorim will have found some solace in the international break after leading his side to a last-gasp victory over Burnley before his players jetted off to different corners of the world, but the hard work begins now if the Red Devils are serious about climbing the top-flight standings.

Paul Scholes has admitted that it is difficult to gauge what level of league finish would be acceptable given the transitional nature of Manchester United’s season, claiming that anywhere from eighth upwards may be deemed as an adequate return.

“This season… It’s so hard to tell. You’re even looking at the first three games: okay, they won one, drawn one, lost one. So difficult. I think top eight. I think he would take that at this point.”

After a strong showing in the transfer window, Manchester United have Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson on their radar heading into January, and he may not be the only name on their radar as the Red Devils build under the guise of INEOS.

Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman is also on the Red Devils’ radar, indicating that they could be set to target youthful assets with years of development potential ahead of them at Old Trafford.

Regardless, the need for ready-made experience is always paramount at Manchester United, and INEOS have now received a boost in pursuit of their top target.

Man Utd have Emiliano Martinez at top of January shopping list

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United have Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez at the top of their shopping list in January as he continues to remain out of the picture in the West Midlands.

The Argentina international, a former Arsenal player, is said to be desperate for minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which could hasten the process of an exit should he manage to land a stunning move to Old Trafford. The report also adds that Martinez could cost €25m (£22m) halfway through the season.

Man Utd decision makers head over heels for big money English midfielder

Man Utd are keen on an English star to kickstart the Ruben Amorim era.

BySean Markus Clifford Feb 8, 2025

Maintaining a save percentage rate of 69% in the Premier League last term, per Fotmob, Martinez, a World Cup winner in 2022, kept 16 clean sheets in 53 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, though has started just once this campaign.

AC Milan’s Mike Maignan is also being looked at on a free transfer as an alternative, something that could potentially put the cat among the pigeons regarding Senne Lammens’ place in the pecking order.

Andre Onana’s recent loan move to Trabzonspor has created a space for someone to fill between the sticks at Old Trafford, and Martinez would definitely be a popular solution among supporters to their goalkeeping debacle.

Man City now eyeing major move to sign "unique" ace who silenced the Etihad

With just two days until the transfer window slams shut, Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on an alternative option to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

Latest on Man City's transfer targets

Man City’s transfer window began with a flourish but has slowly petered out. Now, with deadline day approaching, there’s still a number of dominoes that must fall in order for them to get their main targets. One of those targets is of course Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper has already said goodbye to fans in France, but those at the Etihad are yet to get their deal done.

As things stand, City are still waiting on Ederson’s exit before they push ahead and secure Donnarumma. There’s no denying that time is running out for that move to happen, however, and Pep Guardiola could yet miss out.

Donnarumma isn’t the only top star to be linked with a move to Man City, either. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has also been on their radar this summer as he looks for a route out of the Bernabeu.

Just like Donnarumma, however, the Brazilian’s move likely relies on whether the Citizens sell one of their own first. For some time, it looked as though that could be Savinho, who didn’t feature in City’s first two Premier League games, but Tottenham Hotspur have since turned towards other targets.

New Silva: Man City plot shock move to sign £65m England international

Man City would be pulling off a huge shock with this move

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 29, 2025

A better option than Rodrygo may yet also emerge. Reports are now suggesting that those at the Etihad have set their sights on an alternative superstar option for Guardiola.

Man City eyeing Olise

As reported by BILD’s Christian Falk, Man City are now eyeing a move to sign Michael Olise from Bayern Munich alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League rivals, Liverpool. The Frenchman has starred since swapping Crystal Palace for the Bundesliga champions, who are not currently willing to sell their star man.

Lukas Ullrich chases Bayern Munich's Michael Olise.

The interest of the Citizens is certainly interesting, despite Bayern’s reported stance. Guardiola has struggled to find a winger as effective as Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane were during City’s peak under the Spaniard, but it hasn’t been for the want of trying. Jeremie Doku, Savinho, Grealish and others have all tried and failed to truly grab the same headlines. Olise, however, could be the man that Guardiola has been searching for.

League stats 24/25

Olise

Rodrygo

Minutes

2,334

1,928

Goals

12

6

Assists

15

5

Completed take-ons

72

49

Compared to Rodrygo, there’s a clear standout. Olise is on another level to the Real Madrid man, but Guardiola will already be well aware of the quality that the winger has in abundance.

Described as “unique” by former Man City man Owen Hargreaves last season, it wasn’t so long ago that Olise was silencing the Etihad with a last-minute penalty to salvage a draw for Crystal Palace.

Mayke inicia transição, e Palmeiras se prepara para enfrentar o Vasco pelo Brasileirão; veja provável time

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a vitória na Libertadores diante do Cerro Porteño por 2 a 1 na noite da última quinta-feira (20), o Palmeiras treinou nesta manhã, na Academia de Futebol, iniciando a preparação para o duelo deste domingo (23) contra o Vasco, às 16h, no Maracanã, pela segunda rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. O treinamento marcou o retorno de Mayke, recuperado de lesão.

> ANÁLISE: Especialista, Palmeiras não precisa ser sempre o ‘time da virada’

O lateral-direito está recuperado de uma entorse no tornozelo direito e iniciou o processo de transição física. O jogador participou de parte dos trabalhos técnicos de troca de passes, enfrentamentos de ataque contra defesa e finalizações no gramado. Enquanto isso, os atletas que foram titulares contra o Cerro seguiram cronograma de atividades regenerativas na parte interna do centro de excelência.

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Mayke se juntou a Bruno Tabata como mais um jogador do Verdão em transição, aumentando as expectativas do técnico Abel Ferreira de diminuir a sua lista de desfalques. Lembrando que o uruguaio Piquerez já passou por esse processo e foi opção para o treinador português no banco de reservas na última quinta.

Com isso, a provável escalação do Palmeiras para enfrentar o Vasco é: Weverton, Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gúmez, Murilo, Vanderlan, Gabriel Menino, Zé Rafael, Dudu, Artur, Jhon Jhon (Endrick) e Flaco López.

> Palmeiras supera número de gols sofridos da fase de grupos da Libertadores 2022

O Verdão volta a treinar neste sábado (22), às 10h, na Academia de Futebol. Vale ressaltar que esta será a primeira vez Palmeiras e Vasco se enfrentam no Maracanã neste século. A última vez foi em 2000, pela partida de ida das finais do Torneio Rio-São Paulo. Na ocasião, o Alviverde venceu por 3 a 1, e confirmou o título no Morumbi com goleando o Cruzmaltino por 4 a 0.

"أداء مشبوه".. المصري يهدد بالانسحاب من الدوري في بيان رسمي بعد مباراة بتروجيت

نشر النادي المصري بيانًا رسميًا بعد الخسارة أمام بتروجيت، بنتيجة 2-3، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم السبت، في بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ونجح فريق بتروجيت في تحقيق فوز غال على نظيره المصري، بنتيجة 3-2، خلال المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

طالع فيديو | بتروجيت يخطف فوزًا قاتلًا بثلاثية أمام المصري في الدوري

وأبدى مجلس إدارة النادي المصري برئاسة كامل أبو علي، استياءه الشديد من الأداء التحكيمي، بقيادة الحكم محمد عباس قابيل وحكم تقنية الفار خالد الغندور، مهددًا بالانسحاب من بطولة الدوري المصري.

وتوقف رصيد المصري عند النقطة 15 محتلاً المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، فيما يأتي بتروجيت بالمركز الخامس، ولديه 14 نقطة. بيان النادي المصري بعد مباراة بتروجيت

يعرب مجلس إدارة النادي المصري برئاسة الأستاذ كامل أبو علي، عن استيائه الشديد من الأداء التحكيمي المشبوه والذي قدمه طاقم تحكيم مباراة المصري وبتروجيت بقيادة الحكم محمد عباس قابيل وحكم تقنية الفار خالد الغندور.

ويؤكد مجلس المصري أن ما قدمه طاقم التحكيم في مباراة اليوم لا يمت بصلة لكرة القدم من قريب أو بعيد، بسبب القرارات التحكيمية الخاطئة التي اتخذها الطاقم وتقنية الفيديو خاصة في ركلة الجزاء الكوميدية المحتسبة على المصري خلال الشوط الثاني للمباراة والتي تؤكد على التربص الشديد من قبل طاقم التحكيم بفريق المصري لسبب أو لآخر لا يعرفه سوى القائمين على إدارة الكرة المصرية بصفة عامة والتحكيم المصري بصفة خاصة والذي بات وبما لا يدع مجالًا للشك له دور كبير في توجيه نتائج المباريات وإهداء الفوز لفرق بعينها خاصة مع الازدواجية المقيتة في اتخاذ القرارات بما يخدم فرق محددة ويبعد فرق أخرى عن المنافسة.

ويبدي مجلس إدارة المصري اندهاشه الشديد من احتساب حكم المباراة –  الذي لا يرتقي لإدارة أية مباريات في أي درجة من درجات الدوري –  لعشر دقائق فقط كوقت محتسب بدلًا من الضائع في الشوط الثاني، في الوقت الذي توقفت فيه المباراة لمراجعة الهدف الثاني للمصري وركلة الجزاء المزعومة المحتسبة لبتروجيت لأكثر من عشر دقائق كاملة، وهو ما يؤكد على ضعف شخصية الحكم الذي ظل أمام شاشة الفار لدقائق طويلة يبحث خلالها عن أي مبرر لاحتساب ركلة الجزاء لغرض في نفسه لا يعلمه سواه.

ولذلك فإن مجلس إدارة النادي المصري في حالة انعقاد دائم اعتبارًا من الآن لدراسة اتخاذ العديد من القرارات التصعيدية والتي قد تصل إلى تجميد نشاطه الرياضي والانسحاب من بطولة الدوري، خاصة في ظل انعدام مبدأ تكافؤ الفرص والمنافسة الشريفة التي بات التحكيم المصري وللأسف أبرز من انتهك قواعدها خلال السنوات الأخيرة التي تعرض خلالها المصري لأخطاء تحكيمية متكررة وكان أقربها تغاضي طاقم تحكيم مباراة الزمالك بقيادة حكم الساحة محمود ناجي وحكم تقنية الفيديو أحمد الغندور عن احتساب ركلة جزاء صحيحة للمصري بشهادة الجميع وهو الأمر الذي كان سيؤدي بلا شك  لتغيير سير المباراة.

ورغم الوعود المتكررة بإصلاح حال التحكيم إلا أن الأمر ظل كما هو مجاملة لفرق بعينها وظلم بين لفرق أخرى وفي مقدمتها النادي المصري الذي يفكر مسئولوه وفي مقدمتهم الأستاذ كامل أبو علي رئيس مجلس إدارة النادي في اتخاذ قرار فعلي بعدم استكمال الفترة الحالية من عمر مجلس الإدارة، خاصة في ظل ما تشهده ساحة كرة القدم المصرية من مهازل تدفع بكل الراغبين في العمل العام إلى الابتعاد تمامًا عن هذا المعترك الذي بات ساحة للمجاملات وإهدار الحقوق.

وكالعادة فإن مجلس إدارة النادي المصري ومن خلال هذا البيان الصارخ يعاود دق ناقوس الخطر حتى ينتبه كافة القائمين على كرة القدم المصرية بسرعة إصلاح المنظومة التحكيمية والتي باتت إحدى أهم العوائق التي تقف أمام إصلاح مسيرة الكرة المصرية.

WCA 'concerned' by 'threatening and intimidatory behaviour' from countries yet to pay its players

The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA, formerly FICA) has expressed its “concern” after receiving reports of certain cricket boards not paying the “prize money in full” to their players, who participated at the last men’s T20 World Cup, earlier this year in the USA and the West Indies.”In some cases the failure to pay in full has been paired with threatening and intimidatory behaviour by National Governing Bodies to player groups,” the WCA said in a statement on Wednesday.ESPNcricinfo understands that players from five of the 20 participating teams – of which eight were Associate Members of the ICC – have not been paid their dues.Related

  • WCA hopes to find solution to 'broken and unsustainable' cricket schedule

“We are extremely concerned with a number of countries who are still yet to pay players their prize money from the men’s T20 World Cup held in the US and Caribbean earlier in the year, and especially with a number of threats made against players who stand up for themselves and their colleagues in some cricket environments,” Tom Moffat, WCA chief executive, said. “We appreciate the ICC’s efforts to date in ensuring the players involved are paid in full, and are certain the ICC will continue to take all appropriate steps against any Boards who do not do so, and to enforce their own Terms of Participation.”Every player in our sport should receive the benefits they are entitled to in full, and should be provided with a safe environment to play, work, and advocate for themselves and their colleagues off field, through a players’ association if they choose.”The statement was released after the WCA board met this week in Singapore for its annual general meeting, where it also approved the establishment of a Global Player Hardship Fund.The fund, the WCA said, has been designed to support international players in need “who are not covered by the game’s existing domestic frameworks for support”.JP Van Wyk, WCA’s head of welfare and education, said, “Professional athletes face unique challenges in their short careers and we know through the great work that many players’ associations do at domestic level that tailored player welfare support structures have supported players in their time of need. We also know that in an increasingly global player employment market there are notable gaps in the current system in assisting players in extreme cases of hardship.”Although this fund will operate within certain constraints, and will complement domestic offerings, we are certain it is going to assist those current and recently retired international cricketers who are presently unsupported and vulnerable.”The fund will be governed by “an oversight group” made up of experts and players’ association representatives.Meanwhile, Heath Mills and Sana Mir have been reappointed executive chair and independent director respectively.

Roy Keane rates him: Man Utd in talks to sign £42m star who's Cunha 2.0

Manchester United have been a club on the decline over the last couple of years, with last season one to forget for everyone involved with the football club.

The Red Devils finished in a measly 15th place in the Premier League, registering their lowest-ever points tally since the division’s formation back in 1992.

However, Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly be hoping to transform the squad during his first pre-season at the helm, looking to make his 3-4-2-1 system effective at Old Trafford.

After taking the reins back in November, he was unable to take the club to new heights, but there’s hope that with investment from the hierarchy he can return them to their former glory.

Countless players have been linked with a move to join the Red Devils this window, potentially offering an upgrade on the players currently at Amorim’s disposal.

The latest on United’s hunt for new talents this summer

Over the last couple of days, PSG star Fabian Ruiz has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils, even making a £43m bid for the Spanish international.

He’s not the only midfielder on their shortlist during this summer transfer window, with Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi also subject to an enquiry over a potential deal to join Amorim’s side.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix in recent days, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz a player firmly in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the Red Devils have been in talks with the Italian outfit over a move for the Brazilian, who only made 27 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that the 27-year-old is open to a move back to England this summer after failing to nail his place down in the Juve side after his £42m move from Aston Villa last summer.

Why United’s £42m star would be Cunha 2.0 for Amorim

Despite their lowly league finish last campaign, United have still demonstrated their pulling power in the transfer market, completing a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha.

Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunhacelebrates

The 26-year-old has been a leading star in the Premier League over the last couple of years, registering 15 goals and six assists for Wolverhampton Wanderers last time around.

It remains to be seen if he will feature in a number ten or number nine role in 2025/26, but his versatility could prove to be vital in Amorim’s free-flowing and interchanging system.

Undoubtedly, the price tag would bring added pressure on his shoulders at Old Trafford, but if he can replicate his success elsewhere, there’s no reason why he can’t become a fan-favourite in the near future.

He could be joined at the club by Luiz, following suit and becoming the next version of the attacker, given his experience in the division during his time as a professional.

Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.

Both players, who are from Brazil, have the capability to fire home from distance, as seen by their respective goal catalogues from recent seasons.

Former United captain Roy Keane has previously sung Luiz’s praises, labelling the midfielder as “quality”, something which is reflected in his underlying stats in 2024/25.

Games played

19

Progressive passes

5.9

Progressive carries

2.7

Tackles won

2.1

Tackle success rate

68%

Take-on success

79%

Aerials won

56%

The Brazilian has registered 5.9 progressive passes per 90, with 2.7 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his talents in driving forward and finding a teammate at any given opportunity.

He’s also won 2.1 tackles per 90 with the Old Lady, winning 68% of the dispossession attempts he’s entered, often liking to break up the play before handing chances to those around him.

Luiz has further impressed, as seen by his take-on success rate of 79%, and 56% of aerials won, having the all-round talent to thrive under Amorim’s guidance.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Brazilian could cost this summer, but it’s becoming clear that he could be sent in the opposite direction in any deal for Jadon Sancho.

Douglas Luiz for Juventus.

He’s proven that he’s capable of thriving in England’s top-flight, matching Cunha’s achievements and subsequently bringing the next version of his compatriot to Old Trafford.

Mbeumo will love him: Man Utd submit £43m bid to sign "phenomenal" star

Manchester United appear to be making key moves in the transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 2, 2025

Everton pushing to sign £12m ace who has told agent to get the deal done

Everton and their hierarchy are now pushing to complete the signing of a £12 million attacker who has told his entourage to get the deal done, according to a recent report.

Everton chasing multiple signings to kick off summer business

The Toffees are one of several sides in the Premier League who have nothing to play for in the remaining games of the season, but will want to carry plenty of momentum into the new campaign. Club chiefs at Goodison Park however appear to be turning their attention towards the summer and the business they would like to conclude.

Moyes' biggest star since Rooney: Everton leading race to sign £38m star

Everton appear to be making moves to land a talented youngster ahead of this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 24, 2025

Strengthening the options in defence seems to be a high priority for David Moyes, as they have already been linked with a shock move for Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah, who has now been backed to make the move to Everton by former scout Bryan King. The Toffees are also interested in signing David Hancko from Feyenoord, but it is not a cheap deal, as the Dutch side want to get around £34 million for his services.

It’s also been stated that Moyes is keen to strengthen his forward line, as goals have been somewhat of a problem, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin could leave for nothing come the end of the season. Brighton’s Evan Ferguson has been identified as their top target for a new centre-forward, as his future with the Seagulls is very much up in the air.

Everton are pushing to sign £12m winger Moses Simon

As well as looking at Ferguson, the Toffees are also looking at other attacking additions, and according to Africa Foot, relayed by Sport Witness, Everton have identified Moses Simon as a transfer target heading into the summer.

The report states that the Toffees are pushing to complete a deal for Simon after sending scouts to watch him live in action in Ligue 1 in the last few weeks. The Nantes winger is said to have left them impressed, and now the Premier League side are working on a deal, with Simon telling his agent to do whatever needs to be done to complete a move to Everton in the summer transfer window.

Interestingly, his agency CAA Base also represent one of Everton’s coaching staff, Dan Micciche, who is the Toffees’ Player Development Lead.

The French club do not want to sell Simon, despite his contract ending at the end of next season. However, their stance on selling the 29-year-old will change if they receive a bid worth €15 million, which is roughly £12.8 million. The Toffees meanwhile believe they could take advantage of Simon’s contract and bring him to England for less than the price Nantes want.

Moses Simon’s Ligue 1 stats

Apps

173

Goals

32

Assists

37

The Nigeria international has scored seven goals and recorded nine assists in 28 Ligue 1 games this season, which is his best return in his career. Everton may need to strengthen in the wide areas this summer, as there is uncertainty over the future of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom, who are both on loan until the end of the campaign.

The one stat that proves Arsenal have had the unluckiest season of all time

Arsenal have endured some bad luck this campaign that has derailed their title challenge, leaving supporters frustrated due to their unusually high volume of muscle injuries.

Arsenal's hard luck story this season under Mikel Arteta

At the start of the campaign, Mikel Arteta would’ve been optimistic that his side could finally claim the Premier League title under his reign after steadily building a squad capable of fighting on all fronts.

Stylistically, an aggressive focus on set-pieces alongside signings such as Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori appeared to have added extra steel to the flair present in the Gunners’ attack. However, their season hasn’t gone the way many envisaged.

Arsenal's Mikel Merino celebrates

Crashing out of the EFL Cup and FA Cup to Newcastle United and Manchester United put an end to dreams of domestic cup silverware, while their inconsistent run of form in the Premier League compared to Liverpool has become a bitter pill to swallow for an expectant support.

Nevertheless, Arsenal have been subject to an injury crisis that has left them with a major shortage of bodies in forward areas throughout the second half of 2024/25. Unfortunately, recognised strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are still ruled out, leaving square pegs in round holes through the middle.

Bukayo Saka has been the main absentee of a long list for the Gunners, taking their tally of players who have spent time on the sidelines to 18 across this term. Returning during the week, the England international fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.

Other incidents such as Declan Rice’s harsh red card at home to Brighton & Hove Albion set an unwanted tone early on, culminating in a series of unfortunate events that have left the North Londoners feeling short-changed despite still being on course for a respectable second-place finish.

£84m striker really wants to join Arteta with Arsenal "top" of his list

The Gunners are now favourites.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 3, 2025

In a seemingly never-ending cycle of setbacks, Arsenal have fallen victim to yet another body blow ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

Arsenal's Grade 3 hamstring tear statistical anomaly

Arsenal have now suffered three Grade 3 hamstring tears in one season, following confirmation that Gabriel Magalhães has been ruled out until next term with an injury of that description. Saka and Havertz comprise the other two who fit the criteria.

According to a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, in a 20 year-period of Premier League football (from 2001/02 to 2021/22) only 3 per cent of hamstring injuries were Grade 3, making suffering three such problems in the space of six months a truly rare phenomenon that has barely been witnessed in football history.

Arsenal’s hamstring injuries this season

Gabriel Magalhães

Out until next season

Bukayo Saka

Finally back after long setback

Kai Havertz

Return unknown

Ultimately, many contributing factors play their part in a club falling short of their objectives. In this case, Arsenal have a right to feel that injuries have definitely altered the course of a season that was destined to deliver so much promise.

Mets Owner Steve Cohen Makes First Comments After Pete Alonso Joined Orioles

The Mets saw first baseman Pete Alonso walk in free agency as the five-time All-Star agreed to sign with the Orioles on a five-year, $155 million deal on Wednesday. This is the second key player the Mets have lost this week, after closer Edwin Díaz joined the Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million deal. Earlier this offseason, the Mets also traded longtime outfielder Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien.

Both Nimmo and Alonso were homegrown players that had spent their entire careers with the Mets prior to this offseason. Not only did the Mets let Alonso walk, but they did not even issue a formal offer to him once they saw that the years and dollars from other teams’ bids went beyond their “comfort zone.” This notably comes a year after they signed Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal.

Read More: The Seven Ripple Effects of Pete Alonso’s Mega Deal With the Orioles

With three key players already leaving the team, the Mets are already seeing multiple significant shakeups take place, and a number of fans aren’t pleased with these moves.

Mets owner Steve Cohen, who apologized to his fanbase at the end of September after his team failed to make the postseason, acknowledged those concerns on Wednesday. He said in a text to Jon Heyman of the , “I totally understand the fans’ reaction. There is lots of offseason left to put a playoff team on the field.”

Read More: How Mets Can Replace Pete Alonso at First Base

Cohen’s message seems to indicate he is confident they have plenty of time to make the moves needed to compete. The pressure will certainly be on for Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns to make the moves necessary to replace those players and better the team for next season. The Mets began the season at 45–24, the best record in baseball, before falling off and failing to make the playoffs altogether. They’ll need better results next year to help appease the fanbase.

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