New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino underlined the challenges that engulfed Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling in the last season but said he will help the trio reach their full potential with the help of a customised training regime.
Chelsea hired the 51-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris St Germain boss in May after finishing 12th in the Premier League following a tumultuous campaign, which saw Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard take charge at Stamford Bridge.
"Different players arrived in different circumstances but of course now is an opportunity," Pochettino told Chelsea's website, outlining his plans for the team ahead of the pre-season.
Chelsea begin their preparations for the new campaign in the United States with a game against National League champions Wrexham on July 19th.
"I hope we can help them to achieve their best level, a higher level, and try to perform for Chelsea in the way that people expect," he said.
"Now is a new start, a fresh start, and I think they need to show their real quality. But we need to create this platform for them to feel comfortable and breathing space for them to perform and improve."
Pochettino said former Benfica midfielder Fernandez, who was named the best youngster at last year's World Cup after helping Argentina clinch the title, needed rest after a gruelling schedule.
"The Premier League is a really tough competition and he changes everything – culture, language, everything – and it is always difficult to adapt," Pochettino said.
Pochettino added that Mudryk's "mindset and everything is different" than Fernandez's, which is why he intends to spend more time with the 22-year-old Ukrainian winger.
The 28-year-old Sterling is one of the more experienced players in the squad but is yet to replicate the performances that made him a crucial part of Manchester City, with whom he won 10 major trophies, having scored just nine goals in 38 appearances for Chelsea.
"It's not always to blame the player... We need to see us and see what is going on and why they are not performing in the way that we expect and then, of course, when all is clear, we cannot give excuses to them to not perform." Pochettino added.
[reuters]
Football fans set aside their rivalries to come together to remember the victims of the recent attacks in Nottingham.
Ian Coates, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber died after being stabbed during the early hours of 13 June.
Nottingham Forest and Derby County fans played in their honour at Mickleover FC's Don Amott Arena on Saturday.
Money raised by the match will go the the victims' families or charities they nominate.
Mr Coates was a school caretaker and avid Nottingham Forest fan, while Ms O'Malley-Kumar and Mr Webber were both University of Nottingham students and keen sportspeople who played for a number of teams.
Organiser and Rams supporter Adam Richardson said "bringing two cities together will deliver a powerful message".
In a tight and thrilling end-to-end contest, the Forest fans ran out 8-7 winners.
Forest fan Dave Berry travelled from Taunton, in Somerset, the hometown of Mr Webber - to play in the game.
"It is just such a sad situation where two rivals have come together and I just hope we've raised a lot of money today," he said.
"There's Forest and Derby fans all mixed in together everybody's had a good time - 15 goals, it is just brilliant, it's been a great day and biggest team in the East Midlands won."
Commonwealth gold medallist Ross Davenport - more used to powering past opponents in the pool rather than the pitch - played on the Derby County side.
The Belper-born Rams fan said despite his sporting success, he did feel a "fish-out-of-water" with a ball at his feet.
"It's something most Derby fans want to be a part of. It is such a good cause to come along to and show my support," he told the BBC.
"I'm definitely not a footballer... but everyone has come together in such horrendous circumstances and hopefully we can raise lots of money."
"I hope we can give a little bit of joy to what has been such an awful situation."
[BBC]
Arsenal has been dominating the headlines at the start of the summer transfer window.
Not content with finishing second to Manchester City last season, Mikel Arteta has reinforced his side with some of the biggest transfers of the summer. Kai Havertz is already through the door and Declan Rice and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber are expected to be announced in the coming days.
These signings, once confirmed mean that Arsenal now have eight of the twenty most valuable players in the Premier League.
This is based on CIES Football Observatory’s list of transfer values, adjusted to assume three or more years of a player’s contract remaining. The list is made by the International Centre for Sports Studies in Switzerland, and takes into account factors such as age, ability, nationality and the team they play for.
Manchester City has five players in the top twenty, including the most expensive player in the league. Erling Haaland. Liverpool has three players, Manchester United two, and Chelsea and Tottenham one each.
Only two of Arsenal’s players, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, are in the top ten, but the Gunners have six players in the 11-20 most valuable Premier League players including new signings Kai Havertz (11th) and Declan Rice (17th).
Declan Rice’s $135 million move from West Ham United will make him one of the most expensive British players ever, but CIES only values him at just over $85 million. He’s valued at less than Kai Havertz, who cost Arsenal up to $83 million from Chelsea.
Another recent list by CIES at the start of June took contract length into account. Arsenal currently has six of the twenty most valuable Premier League players based on that list, one ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool with five each.
But with players like RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, Internazionale’s Nicolo Barella and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos linked to Arsenal’s Premier League rivals, other sides could soon have a larger representation of the Premier League’s most valuable players.
Arsenal’s new signings are part of a $750 million rebuild under Mikel Arteta. That spending includes five of those eight most valuable players, as well as Gabriel, who is the 23rd most valuable player in the league. This might fuel expectations that Arsenal can compete for the title with Manchester City this season, or even give ammunition to fans of rival sides.
But a large part of player value is based on age, and all the Arsenal players in the top 25 were born in 1997 or later so are likely to have not yet hit their peak.
Those three new signings will give Arsenal that depth in quality that is needed to compete with Manchester City though.
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus said last season’s title challenge fell apart when William Saliba got injured. Jurrien Timber, valued at more than $65 million by CIES, gives Arsenal another top level center-back, possibly at a cheaper price than expected due to Ajax failing to reach the Champions League.
Having a great first eleven isn’t enough to win the Premier League these days, as Manchester City can bring world class players off the bench, which is why City can go on unstoppable runs of wins toward the end of the season when other teams are feeling the impact of injuries and fatigue.
Mikel Arteta’s summer spending isn’t over yet, but Arsenal’s early signings suggest the north London club realizes what’s needed to build on last season’s title push.
[Forbes]
Romeo Lavia transfer latest: Major sticking point, Arsenal and Liverpool agreement, Chelsea move
AdminSouthampton star Romeo Lavia is being chased by a number of clubs during the summer transfer window, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all mooted as potential destinations.
Lavia enjoyed an impressive 2022/23 campaign, establishing himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League - a hugely impressive feat considering he is still just
Barcelona twist
German transfer guru Florian Plettenberg has delivered an update on the Lavia situation, claiming that Barcelona are also interested in the 19-year-old, although the Catalan giants are unlikely to be able to afford him given Southampton's steep asking price.
Writing on Twitter, Plettenberg said: "Roméo #Lavia, there are still concrete talks with Chelsea, Arsenal, especially with Liverpool as Klopp is a big fan! #LFC Been told that his price tag is around £50m this summer!
"Confirmed: Barcelona was targeting the 19 y/o but his price is not affordable for Barca this summer."
Liverpool and Arsenal decision
Arsenal and Liverpool are both unwilling to match Southampton's £50million valuation set on midfield youngster Romeo Lavia this summer. That's according to Sky Sports, which reports that the Belgian wonderkid is valued at a high price by the Saints, but teams are standing off reaching such a figure at this stage.
Southampton stance
According to Sky Sports, Southampton are confident they will be able to receive close to £50million for Lavia this summer.
The report also claims that Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all engaged the Belgian's representatives over a potential move. However, both the Gunners and the Reds are said to be unwilling to bid that high for the talented teenager.
Bid prepared
Arsenal are ready to make a move for Lavia once they have completed the signing of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, according to The Times.
It is claimed that Mikel Arteta's side want to bid for Lavia after a deal for Rice is finalised, although they will face stiff competition from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, with the Saints valuing the Belgian international at around £50million.
Liverpool and Chelsea lead race
It did seem that Liverpool led the race for the 19-year-old talent, along with Chelsea, with the Gunners falling behind in the race for Lavia's signature. A report from Football Transfers, via 90min, has stated that Arteta's side are behind their Premier League rivals as competition for the Belgian midfielder heats up.
Transfer boost
A whole host of clubs have been handed a potential boost for Romeo Lavia this summer as new Southampton boss Russell Martin has claimed that some players will leave the club this summer.
He told the press: "There will be people leaving, of course, it’s what happens when you have such a tough season last season and you move down from the Premier League. I’ve also been there and it’s not that easy, every player in the dressing room could think they’re going back to the Premier League but it’s not that easy.”
Liverpool open talks
Liverpool have made the decision to open talks with Southampton to sign Romeo Lavia this summer, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on YouTube, he said: "Romeo Lavia is in Arsenal's list and they have had some positive conversations on the club and player side, but no official bid as they are waiting to understand the future of Thomas Partey.
"But from what I understand, Liverpool have opened talks to sign Lavia. Man United have asked about the situation as have Chelsea, so both clubs are informed but they are not yet active on this deal, but for Liverpool, Lavia is one of the players they are considering."
£40m bid pending
Arsenal are ready to submit their first offer for Lavia in the coming days. That's according to the Daily Mirror, who claim the Gunners will put forward a £40million bid for the Belgian midfielder.
The report claims the bid will all-but-end the north Londoners' pursuit of Moises Caicedo.
Advancing talks
Arsenal are advancing in talks to sign Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia this summer, though there is yet to be an official bid made. That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the Gunners are making progress, though the Saints are likely to ask for a fee above their record for a player under the age of 21 - which sits at £32million when Luke Shaw joined Manchester United in 2014.
Talks take place
Arsenal are not giving up on signing Romeo Lavia just because of their continued bid to bring in Declan Rice, according to Fabrizio Romano. "Arsenal have concrete and strong interest in Romeo Lavia," he tweeted.
"Relationship is excellent with his camp — talks already took place." The Gunners are desperate to add a new midfielder to their squad this summer.
"Timing will be crucial as Chelsea remain interested. Man United appreciate Lavia but still not advancing. City buy back clause only valid 2024," finished Romano.
Arsenal talks 'progressing'
The priority may well be on Declan Rice but reports claim the Gunners are progressing in talks to sign Lavia.
According to Miguel Delaney, the midfielder is on Arteta's radar after cooling their interest in Brighton's Moises Caicedo. They do, however, share interest with London rivals Chelsea.
Southampton price tag
Arsenal will have to cough up between £40million-£50million to sign Lavia this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
The high valuation of the Belgian is said to be down to three clauses inserted into his contract. The first is in regard to Man City, his former side, being able to match any bid that arrives with a buyback clause - around £40million. The final clause entitles City to 20% of any future sale.
Two midfielders to join?
As per transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Arsenal could look to sign two of Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice this summer as Sporting Director Edu looks to get his business done early.
"Arsenal could still come back in for Moises Caicedo, even if the priority is Declan Rice. And they could go for Romeo Lavia as well", Jacobs told GiveMeSport. "They won’t get all three, but it could indicate that they might be looking for two in the centre of the park when these targets are concrete.
"They’re looking at such a high volume of players because not all these deals are easy, particularly the ones involving Brighton. Roberto De Zerbi will not want a mass exodus, and Brighton will only sell on their terms."
Summer shortlist
The Daily Mail named Lavia as one of the three midfielders that Arsenal have on their summer shortlist, alongside the aforementioned Rice and Brighton starlet Moises Caicedo.
The report claims that the Gunners are desperate to close the gap on league-leaders Manchester City, with not just one but potentially two central midfielders targeted as sporting director Edu looks to bolster Arteta's squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Manchester City advantage
Southampton's £12million deal to sign Lavia last summer has a clause that gives Manchester City a chance to buy him back for £40million, although this clause doesn't become active until 2024.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, this will likely mean the youngster should cost more than that if he is to leave St Mary's Stadium this summer. Writing for CaughtOffside, he said: “Nothing has changed for Romeo Lavia, at the moment. It’s normal to see big clubs linked because he’s a top talent but there’s nothing concrete at this stage.
“It’s fair to remember that Man City have £40m buy back clause for Lavia, so value has to be higher for sure.”
Kevin De Bruyne verdict
Lavia's rise to prominence in recent months is unlikely to surprise former Manchester City teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who has previously heaped praise on the 19-year-old when the pair were teammates. Speaking about his fellow Belgian international to Play Sports last year, De Bruyne said: "He is very good.
"He's been training with us since the end of last year. If he continues his development, I think he'll be a top player."
[Football.London]
Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of a new right-back lately. With Jules Kounde unhappy with his role in the first team, coach Xavi Hernandez wants to sign a new option that can serve as the first-choice option next season.
One of the players Barça are targeting heading into the new season is Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese international has been a target for Barcelona for a while now and was in contention to join the club in the January transfer window.
Barcelona were not able to complete the deal due to financial constraints. But they have been in contention to sign Cancelo on a loan deal this summer. Manchester City want to offload the player on a permanent deal, but Barça are not in a position to do so.
However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the signing of Cancelo has been ruled out for Barcelona. The financial requirements for the deal are completely unviable for the club.
This comes shortly after a report which pointed out how Barça were expecting Cancelo to lower his salary demands. But with Arsenal also in the mix, the right-back is unlikely to lower his demands and may end up moving to the Emirates this summer.
This will force Blaugrana to look out for other alternatives in the market. The club’s pursuit of Ivan Fresneda has been well-documented in recent weeks. The youngster is already waiting for Barcelona’s offer and looks keen on making the move.
Barcelona’s technical staff are also yet to reach a consensus about Fresneda. Although they rate the player highly, many doubt whether he will be a good investment for the club, especially in the current scenario.
Therefore, Barcelona may end up failing to sign any right-back this summer, although the situation may drastically change if the club manage to get rid of their unwanted stars this summer.
[barcauniversal]
Newcastle are preparing a £25m bid for Leicester winger Harvey Barnes as they gear up for the Champions League - with the England star unlikely to stay at the relegated Foxes
AdminNewcastle United are ready to launch their bid to sign Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes this week.
Eddie Howe’s side are expected to offer around £25million initially for the England international.
They were initially put off after the 25-year-old was given a £60m price tag, but the Magpies are now confident of securing a considerably lower fee.
Barnes was a key player for the Foxes last season and managed a career-best tally of 13 Premier League goals.
He was unable to keep Leicester in the Premier League, though, and is unlikely to stay at the Championship side as they look to cash in on their most valuable assets.
Talismanic midfielder James Maddison has already left in a £45 million move to Tottenham, while Kelechi Iheanacho could also be on the move after interest from Nottingham Forest.
For Newcastle, Barnes could add vital depth to their squad as they prepare for their first Champions League campaign in 20 years.
They have already brought defensive midfielder Sandro Tonali in from AC Milan for £55 million, and Southampton full back Tino Livramento remains a target.
Reliable squad players will be vital for Eddie Howe as he looks to juggle the demands of European and domestic football.
[Dailymail]
Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Spanish Liga F club FC Barcelona, Asisat Oshoala, has been enlisted for the 2023 Ballon d’Or Award.
Naija News reports that the organiser of the award, France Football confirmed this on its official Twitter handle on Friday.
Before now, the 28-year-old Super Falcons forward got nominated in the Socrates Award category, which recognises outstanding solidarity actions carried out by football champions.
Oshoala is one of five individuals shortlisted for the award, which was established last year and named after the legendary Brazilian footballer Socrates.
Joining Oshoala as nominees in the category are Vinicius Jnr (Brazil/Real Madrid), Antonio Rudiger (Germany/Real Madrid), Marcus Rashford (England/Manchester United), and Alex Morgan (USA/San Diego Wave).
The nomination acknowledges Oshoala’s remarkable contributions to her community through the creation of the Oshoala Academy. The academy aims to provide its beneficiaries with high-quality football training and life skills education. It also empowers young women through sports, transforming them into community role models and ambassadors for the skills they acquire.
The announcement further stated that the nominees in other categories, including men’s, women’s, Yachine Trophy, and Kopa Trophy, will be revealed on September 6.
Naija News reports that Oshoala is currently in Australia with the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team, as they train for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, which New Zealand and Australia will host.
The Super Falcons are placed in Group B and will face Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland during the group stages of the tournament.
Former Chelsea captain John Terry announced his return to the academy of the Premier League club just less than a month after his stint with Leicester City, where he was the assistant manager.
The 42-year-old former England skipper returned to Chelsea in a coaching consultancy role in 2022 before joining Dean Smith's coaching staff at Leicester in April this year.
Terry's contract at Leicester was not renewed following the side's relegation from the English top flight.
"I'm delighted to be back Home working in the academy and continuing my role at the club," Terry, who started his coaching career in 2018 as an assistant manager at Aston Villa, said in an Instagram post.
The former defender and five-time Premier League champion won every major trophy during his 19-year stint at Stamford Bridge, making him Chelsea's most successful captain.
[Reuters]
Following the recent capture of Mason Mount, Manchester United's focus appears to have shifted toward the signing of a new striker and a new goalkeeper, with Erik ten Hag seemingly intent on strengthening the spine of his time this summer.
With a £50m bid for Atalanta marksman, Rasmus Hojlund believed to be in the works, United are also currently in negotiations with Inter Milan to try and strike a deal for Cameroonian stopper, Andre Onana, having seemingly made an offer of around €50m (£43m) for the 27-year-old.
With doubts remaining over the future of long-serving number one, David De Gea, it would appear that Onana is being lined up to replace the experienced Spaniard in the sticks, having previously worked under Ten Hag at Ajax.
Having been part of the Inter side that reached the Champions League final last season, the 6 foot 3 ace has particularly impressed due to his quality on the ball, having been branded "exceptional" in that regard by Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola ahead of that European showpiece.
That ball-playing brilliance is evidenced by the fact that the towering gem ranks in the top 11% among his European peers for touches made as a sign of just how comfortable he is in possession, with De Gea, by contrast, ranking in just the bottom 30% in that regard.
The introduction of the Serie A star to Ten Hag's side would then allow the Red Devils to begin to properly play out from the back next term, with club legend Paul Scholes previously stating that De Gea "makes the whole team nervous" when attempting to use his feet.
Onana will, however, need players ahead of him who are also comfortable in possession, hence why the signing of Monaco's Axel Disasi - who is a reported target for the Premier League outfit this summer - could prove to be a perfect fit at the heart of the defence.
How good is Axel Disasi?
The 6 foot 3 centre-back could represent a big upgrade on club captain, Harry Maguire in Ten Hag's defensive ranks, with the latter man having been branded "a walking disaster" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst in recent times, having also been restricted to just eight league starts last term.
The 30-year-old Englishman - who has been linked with a move away from the Theatre of Dreams - has looked rather uncomfortable when attempting to play out of late, notably turning into trouble in the grim Europa League defeat to Sevilla earlier this year.
Disasi, however, should have no such trouble in that regard, with the impressive "hidden gem" - as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig - ranking in the top 4% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for both progressive passes and progressive carries, showcasing his willingness to initiate attacks from deep.
That is in stark contrast to Maguire's record across the last 365 days, as per FBref, with the former Leicester City man ranking in just the bottom 47% for progressive passes and only in the top 19% for progressive carries, having looked ill-suited at times to a more progressive style of play.
Disasi would also offer a benefit to both Onana and United as a whole due to his ability to sniff out danger, showcased by the fact that the Frenchman ranks in the top 14% for interceptions made, while Maguire ranks in just the top 38% for that same metric.
That would suggest that the signing of the 25-year-old - who has been valued at around €50m (£43m) - could be a perfect solution for Ten Hag ahead of next season, helping to hasten the transition towards a more free-flowing style of play.
[footballfancast]
Former Manchester United and Netherlands goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is in intensive care after suffering bleeding around his brain, Dutch club Ajax have announced.
Van der Sar, 52, won the Premier League four times during his time at United, as well as the Champions League in 2008, which he also lifted while at Ajax.
After retirement, Van der Sar, who also enjoyed a spell at Fulham before signing for United, returned to Ajax where he took up the role of chief executive in 2016, from which he decided to stand down at the end of last season.
“On Friday, Edwin van der Sar has had a bleeding around his brain. He’s currently in hospital in the intensive care unit and is in a stable condition,” Ajax said in a statement on Twitter.
“Once there is more concrete information, an update will follow. Everyone at Ajax wishes Edwin a speedy recovery. We’re thinking of you.”
Although no further details were given by Ajax, it has been reported Van der Sar was admitted to hospital while away in Croatia after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage.
Following a disappointing season for Ajax, the club finishing third in the Eredivisie and missing out on Champions League qualification, Van der Sar announced he would be stepping down from his role after almost 11 years on the club’s board.
“I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things,” he said on Twitter at the end of May.
“It doesn’t feel good to take decisions about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign.”
United offered Van der Sar the club’s best wishes.
“Sending all our love and strength to you, Edwin,” a post on the club’s Twitter feed read.
[telegraph]
More...
Chelsea and AC Milan are set for another direct meeting to find an agreement for Christian Pulisic, with the USMNT star keen to join the Serie A giants.
According to Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan and Chelsea will have a final direct meeting to find an agreement for Christian Pulisic. The 24-year-old American remains keen to join the Rossoneri in this window, but the Serie A giants are yet to convince the Blues with a suitable offer.
Lyon were among teams who tabled a bid for the €64 million forward but could not find an agreement. Chelsea are open to selling Pulisic for the offer the French giants proposed, but his mind remains elsewhere. The 24-year-old asked the Blues for a new challenge and preferred a move to Milan.
Yet, the Rossoneri’s initial offer fell well short of Chelsea’s asking price. They were preparing an improved bid for the American but would like to discuss it at length before making it official. The Premier League giants may remain adamant over their reported €25 million asking price but could accept a slightly lower fee too.
The two clubs are set to hold direct conversations to reach an agreement. Milan feel optimistic about signing the American but will have to raise their offer to find a breakthrough. Chelsea will want a deal wrapped up quickly as they want to focus on their incomings.
If he leaves, the American will join a host of other stars out of the door. Chelsea have conducted massive sales in the early part of this window. Many notable stars like Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount, among many others.
They hope to generate enough cash to fund their transfers for essential players like Moises Caicedo and a new striker. There is plenty of optimism to get the Pulisic deal over the line as the two teams can find an agreement in the coming days.
[HardTackele]
Kylian Mbappe has been linked with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with Real Madrid his likely destination.
Kylian Mbappe will be a free agent next summer, and Paris Saint-Germain could look to cash in on him this year to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year. A report from Sky Sports claims that the French club fear that the 24-year-old has already agreed to join Real Madrid in a Bosman move in the 2024 summer transfer window.
Mbappe has recently revealed that he does not wish to leave the French outfit this summer, and he will see out his contract at the club. But Paris Saint-Germain will be desperate for him to sign an extension with them so that they do not lose him on a free transfer.
Alternatively, they will look to cash in on the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, considering the precarious situation they find themselves in. So it will be interesting to see if they can convince the player to sign a new deal with them with a nominal release clause.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid certainly need someone like him to lead their attack, especially after the departure of Karim Benzema. Mbappe is one of the best players in the world, and he scored 41 goals across all competitions last season.
He is versatile enough to play anywhere across the front three and could transform the Real Madrid attack next year. The player has been linked with clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool as well. But it would be highly surprising if he decided to join them.
A move to Real Madrid will appeal to him more than any other club, and the player was heavily linked with the Spanish giants before he signed his last contract with PSG. Mbappe will be hoping to take the next step in his career and fight for major trophies with Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants have a phenomenal record in the Champions League, and the French international will want to win that competition soon. Despite spending massive sums of money in recent seasons the Champions League trophy has proven to be elusive for Paris Saint-Germain.
So Mbappe might feel that a move to Real Madrid could finally help him secure the european crown. Signing a player of his quality on a free transfer could prove to be an absolute masterstroke from the Spanish giants, and it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds.
[thehardtackle]
Can England bring it home?
No, we aren't talking about the Lionesses and their quest to win the World Cup in a few weeks time...
This weekend, it's about the men's side, who face Spain in the final of the Uefa Under-21 European Championships.
It's the first time the Young Lions have reached the final of an Under-21s Euros in 14 years.
The exciting squad includes some Premier League stars as well as some 'up-and-coming' players who are all hoping to make themselves household names on Saturday evening.
The Young Lions, who are yet to concede a goal in the tournament, hope to win the competition for the first time since 1984.
The final kicks off at 5:00pm on Saturday 8 July at the Adjarabet Arena in Batumi, in Georgia.
Who is in the England U-21 squad?
Morgan Gibbs-White has been a key player for the Young Lions for many years. Will he be rewarded with another trophy?
One of the star players so far has been Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.
The 23-year-old has had a taste of success with England's youth sides before, having been part of the team to win the Under-17s World Cup back in 2017, so can he bring that winning spirit to the rest of the squad?
Well, he has set up three goals and scored one on his way to the final, but is keen to praise his fellow players for their teamwork.
"We have a good together team and the right team that can go all the way."
Despite his brilliant work-rate, he isn't getting ahead of himself.
"It's not an achievement yet, we still have loads of work to do,"
Morgan Gibbs-White
The rest of the team is also brimming with star-quality, as Arsenal's Emile Smith-Rowe, Liverpool's Harvey Elliot and Manchester City's Cole Palmer all looking to impress the Three Lion's senior squad manager Gareth Southgate ahead of next year's European Championships.
Goal keeper James Trafford, who is rumoured to be joining newly promoted Burnley, has also proved to be a reliable force within the team.
The Cumbrian keeper who learned to drive on tractors at his parents farm and spent his summers lifting hay bales in fields, has kept out a wave of shots since the start of the tournament.
Who is the England U-21 coach?
England coach Lee Carsley made more than 150 appearances for Everton during his playing career.
Head coach Lee Carsley has been in charge of the Under-21 side since 2021.
He is a former player himself, and played a key role for Everton and Derby County in the late 1990s and 2000s.
Carsley says he has been really impressed with the attitude of the players in his junior squad.
"These young players' mentality is different to my generation" he said.
"Curtis (Jones) gives the ball away and just wants to get on it again, he doesn't even think about it. Morgan is the same.
"It's such a skill to have, that self-belief. The players know we believe in them, we want them to do well. It's important that he keeps getting on it, he keeps creating chances."
The players know we believe in them, we want them to do well."
Who are England playing in the final?
Spain beat Ukraine 5-1 in their semi-final, but can they overcome the consistent England side to win a third European title?
The Young Lions will face Spain in Saturday's final, and previous results suggest they will be fierce competition.
The Spanish side are also unbeaten in the tournament so far, but have drawn one match and conceded four goals.
Much like the England team, the Spanish side is full of top players.
Antonio Blanco, Sergio Gomez, Juan Miranda and Abel Ruiz, along with coach Santi Denia are all going for their version of the "treble".
They were all part of the teams who won both the Under-17s Euros in 2017 and the Under-19s Euros in 2019.
Spanish forward Abel Ruiz is aware of the challenge ahead.
"We know England are a very good team. They came to this tournament as favourites and have had a very good tournament".
[BBC]
Arsenal's summer transfer window is in full swing now with Granit Xhaka becoming the second senior player to depart permanently in the past week.
With Pablo Mari's £5.9million move to Serie A outfit Monza being completed last Saturday as the international transfer window officially opened, five days later brought about confirmation that the Switzerland international had completed a switch to Bayer Leverkusen thus earning the Gunners a £21.5million windfall.
As reported by football.london, more first-team players are expected to leave the Emirates Stadium between now and deadline day at the beginning of September with the club open to selling Thomas Partey, Nuno Tavares, Runar Alex Runarsson, Auston Trusty and Folarin Balogun.
Meanwhile, in terms of additions, Arsenal have agreements in place for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber to push their spending over the £200million mark - having already completed the signing of Kai Havertz for £65million from London rivals Chelsea - and there could be one or two more following suit.
Having said that, the north London outfit have to be wary of not exceeding the limit of 17 non-homegrown players. This has previously been a problem as in the 2020/21 season Mesut Ozil and Sokratis Papastathopoulos missed out on both Premier League and Europa League squads.
Of course, with the Gunners competing in the Champions League next season and their hopes of toppling Manchester City in the title race, they'll have to ensure they adhere to both UEFA and Premier League rules when it comes to submitting the two squads lists after the summer transfer window closes.
With regard to the Premier League, Arsenal cannot name more than 17 non-homegrown players. The departures of Mari and Xhaka means as things currently stand, Gabriel Magalhaes, Mohamed Elneny, Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Jorginho, Jakub Kiwior, Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Leandro Trossard, Matt Turner, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Havertz, Runarsson, Cedric Soares, Nuno Tavares, Trusty, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nicolas Pepe all fall into this particular category
Over the limit by three, that number (20) will have to drop over the next couple of months - especially in order for Timber to be registered - but it would appear that Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have the situation under control with the pair expected to oversee a number of non-homegrown player sales.
As for the Champions League, UEFA states: 'No club may have more than 25 players on List A during the season. As a minimum, eight places are reserved exclusively for "locally trained players" and no club may have more than four "association-trained players" listed in these eight places on List A. List A must specify the players who qualify as being "locally trained", as well as whether they are "club-trained" or "association-trained".
Arsenal no longer have to consider Mari and Xhaka following the double departure but because Marquinhos, despite being born after January 2002, is only eligible for List A as an overseas player due to not being at the club 'for any uninterrupted period of two years, or a total of three consecutive years' they are currently over the limit by four (21).
Once again, that number is expected to drop in the coming months when taking into consideration the players whom the Gunners are open to selling but it's important those deals are completed one way or another otherwise there will be a registration issue for Arteta to face.
[Football.London]