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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his good offices and leadership position to “urgently publish details of spending of about N400bn so far saved as a result of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol.”


SERAP urged him to “provide details of the plans on how subsequent savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, including specific projects on which the funds would be spent, and the mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that any such savings are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”


According to reports, the Federal Government has saved N400bn within the four weeks following the implementation of the policy on the removal of payment of subsidy on petrol.


In the letter dated 1 July 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Your government has a legal responsibility to ensure that the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol are spent solely for the benefit of the 137 million poor Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the removal.”

SERAP said, “Prevention of corruption in the spending of savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol and preventing and addressing the challenges caused by the removal are serious and legitimate public interests.”

According to SERAP, “Nigerians have the right to know how the savings are spent. Publishing the details of the spending of the savings would promote transparency, accountability, and reduce the risks of corruption in the spending of the funds.”

The letter, read in part: “SERAP is concerned that the savings from subsidy removal may be embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”

“Opacity in the spending of the savings from subsidy removal would have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.”

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“Unless the government is transparent and accountable to Nigerians in how it spends the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, the removal will continue to undermine the rights of Nigerians, and increase their vulnerability to poverty and social deprivation.”

“Transparency would ensure that the funds saved from the removal of subsidy are not diverted into private pockets, and increase public trust and confidence that these savings would be used to benefit Nigerians.”

“The implementation of the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) and spending on the programme have been mostly shrouded in secrecy.”

“Publishing the details of the spending of the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy would also ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties including the management of the funds.”

“Transparency and accountability in the spending details of the N400bn saved as a result of the removal of subsidy on petrol, and on the spending of subsequent savings from the removal would mean that the savings can help poor Nigerians to overcome the effects of such removal.”

“It would also help to avoid a morally repugnant result of double jeopardy on poor and socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians.”

The lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol and the resulting human costs would directly threaten fundamental human rights that your government has an obligation to protect.”

“Your government has the legal obligations to address the effects of subsidy removal on the human rights of 137 million poor Nigerians, and to prevent and address some of the direst consequences that the removal may reap on human rights, especially given the disproportionate impact on these Nigerians.”

“SERAP also urges you to promptly instruct Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the spending of all savings from subsidy removal.”

“SERAP notes that the removal of subsidy on petrol continues to negatively and disproportionately affect poor Nigerians, undermining their right to adequate standard of living.”

“Your government has a positive obligation to protect individuals against the threat posed to human rights by the removal of subsidy on petrol. Your government also has legal obligations to effectively address the aftermath of subsidy removal.”

“SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of public funds and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined public trust and confidence in governments at all levels.”

“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol would be spent.”

“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act 2011, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, there are transparency obligations imposed on your government to widely publish the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol are spent.”

“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”

“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power” in the country.”

“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’”

“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”


“Similarly, articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on your government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.”

An armed attack on a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ogun State resulted in the death of a pastor and the abduction of several worshippers.

The incident took place this weekend at the church’s location in Abule-Ori, part of the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.

The commander of the Ogun State So-Safe Corps, Soji Ganzallo, confirmed the incident.

Ganzallo reported that officers had managed to rescue the seven kidnapped church members and had killed one of the assailants during the operation.

He explained that the So-Safe Corps’ special operation team had responded swiftly to a distress call.

The call stated that members of the RCCG’s Desires of Nations Parish were attacked during a vigil, leading to the kidnapping of seven individuals and the murder of the pastor.

Ganzallo stated that the Corps’ quick action had yielded positive results: all seven of the abducted individuals were rescued, and a firefight had resulted in the death of one kidnapper and injuries to several others.

The police and the So-Safe Corps have initiated a manhunt for the kidnappers who escaped.

Ganzallo also noted that the deceased kidnapper’s body had been moved to a local morgue.

A former Zamfara Governor, Sani Yerima, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dialogue with bandits, just as the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua dialogued with Niger Delta militants.

Naija News reports that Yerima, who promoted Sharia law during his tenure as Governor, stated this while speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Saturday.

The former Zamfara governor admitted that some bandits terrorising Nigeria are foreigners.


Yerima said, “I’m advising the government to, first of all, find time to sit with these bandits, just like they sat with Niger Delta militants in the past. Because a majority of them are Nigerians, even though there are some foreigners among them.

“But Nigerians among them can be convinced, as the Niger Delta militants were convinced and empowered to stop.

“if that fails, then the government can use force on them wherever they are.”

Recall that Yerima introduced sharia law in Zamfara state 23 years ago.

Under Yerima’s administration in 2000, Bello Buba Jangebe was amputated for stealing a cow following a Zamfara Sharia Court ruling.

Similarly, in 2001, Lawali Isa, who stole a bicycle, had his wrist cut.

Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player of all time with former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli saying “we have to look at purely the facts”.

Fresh from winning a third Roland Garros title to move to 23 Grand Slams – one more than Rafael Nadal in terms of most majors won by a man – Djokovic is eyeing another record-breaking trophy at Wimbledon.

The defending champion is looking to win a fifth consecutive title at SW19 and victory in a fortnight will also see him draw level with Roger Federer’s record eight titles won at Wimbledon in the Open Era while a title run will help him move two ahead of Nadal in the race for most Slams.

Besides being the leader in terms of majors, Djokovic also holds numerous other records as he has spent 389 weeks at No 1 with Federer well adrift in second place with 310 weeks.

 

The Serbian is also the only player of the Big Three to have won three Career Grand Slams, while he leads the head-to-head against both Nadal and Federer. He is 30-29 against Nadal and was 27-23 against Federer before the Swiss retired.

2013 Wimbledon winner Bartoli feels Djokovic’s records speak for themselves.

“Success determines if you’re the greatest or not, and records determine if you’re the greatest or not,” she told Tennis Majors’ Match Points podcast. “When you look at the numbers, because obviously you mentioned the three players involved in that discussion are Roger, Rafa and Novak, I know that Novak has the greatest record against the two of them.”

 

She added: “The debate is really about the success obviously on different surfaces with what Novak has been able to achieve once again, he’s the only player winning every single Grand Slam three times or more, then it’s about the record against the opposition, which is Roger and Rafa, and once again is the leader.

“Weeks at No 1 in the world? He’s the leader. Finishing the years as the No 1 player? He’s leading – he’s just leading every single stat.”

Having retired last year, 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer can no longer improve his statistics but Nadal is still going and hopes to make a return in 2024.

For now, Bartoli feels the topic about the GOAT “is closed”.

“As analysts we have to look at purely the facts, and in that department, the discussion, as it is now – once again Rafa can come back and come back into the discussion as well because obviously he hasn’t announced his retirement – but as we stand before Wimbledon 2023 the debate is closed,” the Frenchwoman concluded.

 

[tennis365]

Reigning champion Novak Djokovic, world No 1 Iga Swiatek and the outspoken Dan Evans are all in action on Monday as this year's Wimbledon Championships gets under way.

Djokovic claimed a men's record 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open last month to leapfrog Rafa Nadal and go three ahead of another great rival in Roger Federer, with the 36-year-old targeting an eighth crown at Wimbledon which begins on Monday.

Victory at the All England Club will leave Djokovic level with Margaret Court on 24 major titles atop the all-time list.

The Serb gets his quest for glory at a Wimbledon without either Federer or Nadal taking part for the first time in 25 years up and running as he faces Argentina's Pedro Cachin on Centre Court, with his preparation for the encounter helped by a training session with British veteran Andy Murray.

"It was great to have a hit with him on a championship court," Djokovic told Sky Sports. "We haven't done that in a while, it was like the gold old days. He's someone that is really inspirational to so many players around the world.

 

"In terms of my objectives and goals, they're always very high and still at this stage of my career I am able to perform well. That's what actually matters the most right now. I'm going to try play well here and maybe get another shot at the same result as last year. And as long as there's the drive, I'll be here."

 

Women's world No 1 Swiatek is on a mission to improve her modest record on grass courts at Wimbledon this year.

Swiatek won the US Open in 2022 and last month secured her second consecutive French Open crown. But while the 22-year-old has had success on hardcourts and clay, she is yet to win a tournament on grass and has yet to get past the round of 16 at Wimbledon.

The Pole's overall win-loss record on the slick surface is 9-5, and she acknowledged she had to do better to be counted among the game's great players.

"I believe the best players, they can play on all surfaces. I want to become that kind of player who can play well on grass as well and feel comfortable there," Swiatek, who meets China's Zhu Lin on Court 1 on Monday, told reporters.

"I'm doing my best to just work on my skills. Last year I feel like we've done a pretty good job with my coach in terms of my touch and getting back slices and also playing the slice.

"This year I feel like we had more time to kind of focus on the basics, more time to also play matches. Yeah, I'm using that time as much as possible."

There are plenty of Britons in action on the opening day of the Championships.

All eyes will be on 27th seed Evans as he takes on France's Quentin Halys on Monday, after the 33-year-old had a controversial build-up to this year's tournament.

Over the past couple of months the outspoken Evans has criticised other British players for not playing enough tournaments, hit out at the elitist nature of the sport and claimed Emma Raducanu's US Open win papered over the domestic cracks.

Results on grass for home players have been broadly encouraging but Evans remains one of only three British singles players to earn entry to Wimbledon on their own rankings, with all the women needing wild cards.

"I was asked a few questions and I answered them honestly," said Evans. "I think that's what the players are supposed to do. I think we owe it back to you guys. I've had plenty of messages of support and plenty of messages of whatever the other word is.

"I've never made it personal towards anybody in particular. I've stated groups at certain rankings. I'm not singling people out. And I think we'd all agree it would be better if we had more players inside certain ranking brackets."

One of those wildcards, Katie Swan has been handed a tough start to her Wimbledon as she takes on 14th seed Belinda Bencic on Court 2 before Evans' match, while Jodie Burrage faces American Caty McNally and it is Diane Parry up first for Harriet Dart.

Who else is in action on Monday?

Two of the rising stars in men's tennis looking to take the challenge to Djokovic in Federer and Nadal's absence begin their 2023 Wimbledon campaigns on Monday.

French Open finalist and number four seed Casper Ruud takes on Frenchman Laurent Lokoli on Court Two before Swan and Evans' matches take place, while Italian number eight seed Jannik Sinner is the final match on Centre Court, up against Argentine Juan Maneul Cerundolo, after Djokovic and veteran Venus Williams' clash with Elina Svitolina.

Twenty-six years after her Wimbledon debut, Williams will be 43 this time around but is not feeling hindered by her advancing years.

"Tennis is something I had done my entire life," she said. "I have reached a level not many have, in anything. These tournaments mean a lot to me. It will be a privilege to play there [on Centre Court]."

Expect fireworks on Court 1 on Monday afternoon as the enigmatic Australian Nick Kyrgios, seeded number 30 in this year's competition, faces experienced campaigner David Goffin. Exciting teenager Coco Gauff follows Kyrgios in the final match on Court 1, taking on fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Could there surprise be in store at SW19 this year?

Wimbledon has become increasingly elusive for those chasing a first Grand Slam, particularly with Djokovic's presence looming large in the men's draw. That is the task that awaits Alcaraz and co, while in the women's singles the draw remains as open as it has done since Serena Williams won her last of seven Wimbledon titles in 2016.

Since then, there have been five different winners, with Rybakina the reigning champion and Swiatek so far unable to translate her dominance elsewhere onto the grass.

Nevertheless, Swiatek is still being backed to come good on the surface, but names throughout the draw threaten to challenge the world No 1 and ensure her wait at Wimbledon goes on.

We take a look at six players to look out for at Wimbledon, from the outside contenders to the rising stars, and a couple of 30-plus hopefuls too.

Andy Murray believes his wealth of experience at Wimbledon can help propel him into the latter stages of a major tournament for the first time since 2017.

The 36-year-old two-time champion, who first featured at the All England Club in 2005, took on defending champion Novak Djokovic in a training set on Court 14 on Saturday.

Murray, who defeated the Serb to win the first of his Wimbledon titles a decade ago, last practised with his rival at the 2019 Australian Open - a miserable occasion that prompted him to go public on the extent of his hip injury.

"Where I am today in comparison to where I was then is night and day," Murray admitted. "Just from a mental perspective, my enjoyment of the game, and how I'm still able to compete with those guys.

"I didn't feel like I could really back then. I'm happy to be in that position still - I really enjoyed it."

 
British tennis star Heather Watson has expressed her happiness at Wimbledon chiefs scrapping the undergarment rule for female players, allowing them to wear different colour underwear

Heather Watson revealed her delight when Wimbledon relaxed its strict dress code after female tennis players reported period anxiety and worry about playing in all-whites at the Grand Slam.

Traditionally, all players at Wimbledon have had to adhere to a strict dress code, but there has been a clamour for the All England Club to change their rules requiring players to wear all-white clothing.

Billie Jean King and Judy Murray are a few of the names who believe the rule created anxiety for players when they are on their period.

The dress code has now been reconsidered and altered to be more considerate for female players, who are able to play in coloured shorts under their tennis skirts to reduce worry around menstrual cycles.

"When Wimbledon announced that about the under-shorts I was so happy because it makes such a big difference," a delighted Watson told Sky's Jacquie Beltrao.

"I speak openly about my period and being on my period. I don't think it's a taboo subject. I would love for people to talk about it more, especially women in sport.

"So, when I heard this I was really happy because last year I went on the pill to stop myself bleeding because I knew we had to wear white under-shorts, and I didn't want to face any embarrassment.

[Skysports]

Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag eyed Harry Kane as his primary transfer target this summer but stands no chance of getting his man after being left with just £65million to sign the Spurs ace

Manchester United are reportedly out of the race to sign Harry Kane after being set a meagre £65million budget.

Tottenham talisman Kane has several of Europe’s biggest clubs pursuing him in what could finally be the summer where he leaves the north Londoners.

ChelseaReal MadridBayern Munich and United have all been closely linked with the 29-year-old. Spurs chairman Yet Daniel Levy does not want to sell to a direct London rival and Real Madrid are understood to have turned their attention to signing Kylian Mbappe.

But despite having the opportunity to land their long-time target and needing a world class striker, Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag has not been allocated enough funds to sign Kane by club bosses.

United are close to finalising the £55m transfer of Mason Mount for Chelsea. That means the Old Trafford side have just £65m left to buy a striker, which is “nowhere near enough” to appease Ten Hag according to Manchester Evening News.

Such a lowly sum will not be entertained by Spurs, who rejected a £60m offer from German giants Bayern last week. And it is unlikely to impress Ten Hag, who cited the importance of investment into his squad ahead of the transfer window.

Kane has just one year left on his contract but has been slapped with a £100m price-tag in an attempt by Levy to deter potential suitors, according to the Evening Standard.

With United’s financial restraints, Bayern are now leading the race having agreeing personal terms with the England captain. Sky Sports reports the Bundesliga champions will come in with a revised offer in the coming days, though they would need to drastically increase their initial figure.

Meanwhile, Chelsea may have been given fresh hope after The Telegraph reported Kane is building a new house just 15 miles away from the Chelsea training ground.

The possibility of being reunited with ex-Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge could tempt Kane to seek the Blues as a suitable next step.

Chelsea have the financial power to offer a more realistic bid for Kane as the legendary forward grows increasingly restless at being yet to win any silverware in his career.

[DailyStar]

Man is created as the "Centre Piece" of the Supernal Glory of God, but most times behaves very animalistic, killing, maiming, wailing, and creating a daily atmosphere of gnashing of teeth.

Scientists, mystics, and others of sane persuasions say man and dogs, goats, cats, monkeys, baboons, lions, etc belong to the Animal Kingdom on Mother Earth.

We are though members of the same phylum but are slightly or greatly differentiated in modes of living, attitudes, and behaviors.

Some animals are pure herbivores or are herbivorous purely living on plants while several others are carnivorous such as in deep forests away from human habitats. Others of animal stock engage or/ and live their lives on plants and animals, but don’t ask me who they are, for man is mainly in this business of consumption and now the destruction of God’s created creation and creatures.

“What is Man that Thou art mindful of him, and Son of Man that Thou supporteth him?” goes the question raised by the Psalmist. The Psalmist concluded that Man was created a little lower than the Angels but again, the mystics in reverence and adoration to the ever-living God praise the Almighty Allah for letting the angels cling to the biddings of man.

Hmmm since Missy a pet dog was once adopted as a family member by my wife and kids against my inclination for a black cat with eyes like a lion to help ward off some troublesome friends, I could see and perceive love, affection, and bit of humanness in mere a dog. Dangling its tail on the arrival of the Son of Man, peacefully barking, speaking in tongues in happiness, and jumping all over one’s body as the massaging of love convinces me that other animals could prove God’s love for man better than man-to-man seem to be.

Missy would like to kiss with passion, but this height of love cannot be same reciprocated to it.

I do laugh aloud realizing a pet dog could be humane if immersed in an aura that emits harmony, love, and peace.

On the other side of the divide is man, created as the “Centre Piece” of the Supernal Glory of God but most times behaving very animalistic, killing, maiming, wailing, and creating a daily atmosphere of gnashing of teeth.

Man of today now seems a regret why God ever thought of creating him, a regret to other creatures including the man himself and to fully represent the “woman folk”, I say ” herself” all-in-all, ” Ourselves.”

Because man will always come to steal day and night, barking and devouring dogs abound in houses always pouncing on even harmless visitors and guests, such, rather than trained to love are to harass and bark at the intruders.

When man resorts to drugs and their abuses, dogs of Security status are imported and on the payroll of the Police, Army, and Federal Service Civil Defence Corp to sniff, arrest or maybe disembowel recalcitrant culprits all in an attempt to make humane the Nigerian animalistic humans.

We are in today’s Nigeria engulfed in an era of a dark age where barbarism is observed in some religious orders and cannibalism in materialism is the order of politics and politicians.

As humans which God has made us, should we always have to make kilishi of ourselves, roasted useless creatures of God, or try to learn how Humane cats and dogs could be when they play together according to the observation of Brother Bob Marley and the Wailing Wailers?

Destructions in Nigeria are daily getting heinous and ungodly and man-to-man is so unjust to such an extent no one knows who to trust. Who then are the enemies, and who are the friends?

In Missy our pet dog, I learned a lesson that lesser animals could be more humane than those humans who display animalistic behaviour whereas by our Creator’s design as the Psalmist claims, ” Man is created a little lower than the Angels.” Are You in Thoughts and Conducts? Think about it.

God bless Nigeria.

 

Taiye Olaniyi, a retired Postman of the Nigeria Postal Service, is based in Lagos

Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks, with Manchester United keen on securing his services.

According to a report from Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia, Manchester United have reportedly failed with a €35 million offer for 20-year-old Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The 20-year-old joined Atalanta at the start of the season from Sturm Graz, and he has made an immediate impact in Italian football. Hojlund has established himself as one of the most lethal forwards in Serie A. So it is no surprise that the top clubs, including Manchester United, are hoping to sign him.

 

The Danish striker has the potential to develop into a world-class goalscorer, and Manchester United will be hoping to snap him up before his price explodes. The youngster could be available for a reasonable fee this summer. So it will be interesting to see if Manchester United decide to come forward with an improved offer after the rejection of the €35 million bid.

The Red Devils certainly have the financial resources to pay big money for the Dane, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops. The 20-year-old striker was a key player for Atalanta, and the Italian club will be looking to recoup as much as possible for him.

 
 

The striker scored 16 goals across all competitions last season while picking up seven assists along the way. His numbers are likely to improve when he plays alongside better players at a bigger club. Manchester United have top-class creators like Bruno Fernandes at their disposal, and Hojlund is likely to have better service at Old Trafford.

 

The talented youngster will look to make his mark in European football. And moving to a big club like Manchester United will provide him with the platform he needs. Furthermore, Manchester United have qualified for the Champions League and the 20-year-old will be attracted to the idea of competing against the European elite next season.

The Red Devils have been overly dependent on Marcus Rashford for goals, and the English international could use more support in the attack. The 20-year-old striker could form a quality partnership with Rashford next season.

 

His arrival would also allow the England international to operate in his natural role as the left-sided winger. Hojlund has been likened to Erling Haaland following his prolific displays, and he could be the ideal long-term addition to the Manchester United squad.

[HardTackle]

Kylian Mbappe is reportedly requesting €240million (£206m) if he is to join any club this summer.  

The PSG and France forward is currently on holiday after a gruelling but hugely successful season.

For his club, Mbappe netted 41 goals in 43 games, while he also added 13 more goals for Les Bleus across the past 12 months - which included winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup in Qatar.

However, there is currently uncertainty over his future with the Parisians after he confirmed a desire to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract in June 2024.

In a statement released earlier this month, the forward pointed to the French giant's 'shortcomings' and the departure of World Cup winner Lionel Messi as major factors in his decision not to renew his deal.

He has been linked to a whole host of clubs, including Real Madrid - who Mbappe snubbed last summer to pen a new contract - although his reported £893,000-per-week wages are seen as a potential challenge for any suitor.

And, according to Marca, the France star - who is represented by his mother Fayza Lamari - would request a package worth £206m from any club.

The report also states that long-term admirers Real never saw a move for Mbappe as being on the cards this year, and this hasn't changed since he outlined his desire to leave PSG.

There is a belief at the Bernabeu that the 24-year-old - who is one of the best-paid athletes in the world - is a 'prisoner of money' who must realise he will have to take a pay cut if he does eventually move to the Bernabeu.

Los Blancos' plan remains to approach him as a free agent next summer - a move they were very close to completing last year.

Given the lack of alternatives, and along with financial considerations, this means that despite the departure of club icon and legend Karim Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti's side are not expected to bring in another striker currently.

Last month they did complete a deal to bring in Espanyol's 33-year-old striker Joselu on a season-long loan deal. 

The former Stoke City and Newcastle flop endured a torrid time in the Premier League but has since reinvigorated his career back in his homeland.

He scored 16 times last season for Espanyol - who were relegated from LaLiga - while he has also netted three times in four caps for Spain since breaking into the national team earlier this year.  

Speculation surrounding Mbappe comes amid chaos engulfing PSG in recent days.

Boss Christophe Galtier - who is widely expected to be replaced by Luis Enrique in the role - was reportedly taken into police custody over allegations of racism while in charge of Nice and it remains to be seen what happens next.

[DailyMail]

 Kai Havertz: Arsenal’s New Crown Jewel and Top Earner
 

In the tumultuous sea of summer transfers, Arsenal has secured a catch of stellar magnitude. Kai Havertz, the German international, has been lured from Chelsea to the Emirates, a move that didn’t come cheaply for the Gunners. The alluring prospect of Havertz in an Arsenal shirt isn’t merely exciting for fans, it also sees the talented midfielder becoming the highest earner in the North London club’s squad as reported by The Mirror.

The £65m Switch: Havertz’s Journey from Chelsea to Arsenal

June witnessed the high-profile transition of Havertz from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates in a deal amounting to £65m. Adorning the number 29 shirt – the same he wore when etching his name in Chelsea’s history by scoring the decisive goal in the 2021 Champions League final – the German playmaker has charted a new course in his career.

Arsenal’s previous top earner, Thomas Partey, commanded impressive wages, though not quite as hefty as former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, Havertz’s five-year contract now stands unmatched in terms of remuneration among the current Arsenal ranks.

Havertz’s Arsenal Earnings: An Inside Look

It is reported that the former Bayer Leverkusen ace will be amassing approximately £17m per annum, which translates to around £331,000 each week. For context, Ghanaian midfielder Partey, who was previously the highest earner, had signed a deal worth about £198,000 weekly when he switched from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal in 2020.

 

Declan Rice: Another High-Profile Arrival at the Emirates?

As the buzz around Havertz’s signing continues, anticipation builds for the imminent arrival of Declan Rice from West Ham. The Hammers’ captain can expect a substantial pay rise when he steps onto the lush Emirates turf. A hint of the monetary aspect of his move was shared by West Ham’s owner, David Sullivan, who stated Rice had declined a £200,000 weekly offer to extend his tenure at the London Stadium.

Rice’s signing could set a new record for Arsenal in terms of transfer fee, potentially reaching a staggering £105m with add-ons. This eclipses the club’s current record of £72m, testament to Arsenal’s readiness to compete fiercely for top talent, having pipped Manchester City to secure the English midfielder.

Havertz’s Enthusiasm for Arsenal’s Winning Mentality

Upon the completion of his move, Havertz shared his excitement about his new chapter with Arsenal.

 

“IT’S SUPER EXCITING FOR ME TO BE JOINING THIS AMAZING CLUB AND TO BE PART OF THE ARSENAL FAMILY. THIS CLUB HAS SUCH A BIG HISTORY, AND I HOPE WE CAN ACHIEVE LOTS OF THINGS. THE MENTALITY IN THE ARSENAL SQUAD IS VERY HIGH AND YOU CAN FEEL THAT.”

Arteta’s Faith in Havertz’s Versatility and Intelligence

Despite a challenging final season at Chelsea, where Havertz scored only nine goals contributing to the Blues’ lacklustre 12th-place finish, Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta expressed unwavering faith in the German’s abilities.

“KAI IS A PLAYER OF TOP QUALITY. HE HAS GREAT VERSATILITY AND IS AN INTELLIGENT PLAYER. HE WILL BRING A HUGE AMOUNT OF EXTRA STRENGTH TO OUR MIDFIELD AND VARIETY TO OUR PLAY.”

 [eplindex]