Category: Football

Leno’s agent provides update on future and assures German ‘is Arsenal’s no.1’

Bernd Leno’s agent provides update on future and assures German is ‘Arsenal’s clear no.1’

 

The agent of Arsenal star Bernd Leno has on Monday spoken out over his client’s future, at the same time providing something of a bizarre personal insight into the goalkeeping situation in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The future of German international Leno has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines when it comes to ongoings at the Emirates over the course of the last 48 hours.

This comes with the shot-stopper subject to altogether intense interest on the part of Premier League newcomers Fulham.

The Cottagers are understood to have identified Leno as their first-choice option to reinforce the club’s ranks between the posts ahead of next season, desperate to prolong their stay back in the top-flight of English football beyond 12 months.

Speaking on Monday, it therefore came as no surprise when the subject of his client’s future was put to the 30-year-old’s agent.

And, during an interview with German outlet Bild, Joannis Koukoutrigas first took advantage of the opportunity to, somewhat bizarrely, suggest that Leno remains the ‘clear no.1’ on the red half of north London.

This of course comes despite the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star having long been usurped by Aaron Ramsdale in the Arsenal pecking order.

“He is a German national goalkeeper, has always performed well at Arsenal and is an absolute team player,” Koukoutrigas explained.

“For me personally, Bernd is also the clear No.1 at Arsenal. With all due respect to the competitors.

From here, Leno’s representative went on to confirm Fulham’s interest in the experienced shot-stopper, albeit with the capital outfit far from the only club in the race for the out-of-favour Gunners star:

“Fulham is trying hard to get Bernd. Very professionally. This is also true for some other clubs and shows his status. But, as I said, for me he is the No.1 at Arsenal and we are therefore also relaxed.”

 

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San Lorenzo vs Arsenal de Sarandi odds: result, both teams to score, correct score & goalscorers

San Lorenzo vs Arsenal de Sarandi Result/Both teams score Yes No
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Draw 15/4 13/2



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Barcelona fans will love what Luis Enrique has said about Gavi


Spain boss Luis Enrique has been praising Barcelona youngster Gavi after the midfielder’s latest outing for his country.

Gavi was only handed his senior Barca debut at the start of this past season, but has since notched 45 further appearances for his club.

Gavi is a central midfielder by trade, but that did not stop him chipping in with a goal or assist when required. He scored two and provided six assists in 34 La Liga outings last term.

The teenager has also become a regular feature for Spain’s national side in the last year.

Spain’s latest outing came on Sunday evening vs Czech Republic and was a UEFA Nations League tie.

La Furia Roja dominated the match and would win 2-0 thanks to goals from Carlos Soler and Pablo Sarabia. The result means Luis Enrique’s side are sitting top of their Nations League group by one point with two games left to play.

One of those ties is against second place Portugal, and if they win that, they will almost certainly secure passage into the knockout rounds.

Following their latest triumph, former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique was full of praise for Gavi, who came on for the final 30 minutes of the match:

“It’s an erupting volcano. It is very difficult not to fall in love with Gavi,” the head coach told TVE. “Any fan wants to see him play.”

When asked if he has had to advise Gavi on any parts of his game, Enrique added: “No, you know, he picks up everything very quickly.”

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In other Gavi news, it was confirmed over the weekend that Barcelona are close to agreeing a fresh contract with the youngster.

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Frenkie de Jong on his conversation with Barcelona target Lewandowski


 

Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has hinted that he would like to join forces with rumoured Blaugrana target Robert Lewandowski next season.

Links between Polish international Lewandowski and Barca have of course been rampant for several weeks now.

This comes with the 33-year-old having made public his desire to seek pastures new this summer, on the back of a prolific stint in Germany with Bayern Munich.

The Camp Nou, in turn, has long been tipped as Lewandowski’s landing spot of choice, with Barca’s mutual interest in securing a deal meaning a transfer is viewed as altogether likely to come to fruition at some point over the coming months.

And, as alluded to above, one current member of Xavi’s ranks who has this weekend hinted at his desire to see ‘Lewa’ seal a move to Catalunya comes in the form of Frenkie de Jong.

Despite the rampant speculation surrounding his own name at present, FdJ was drawn on the content of a recent discussion between he and the Bayern standout.

This comes after the pair were spotted conversing on the back of the Netherlands’ 2-2 Nations League stalemate with Poland on Saturday.

And de Jong was not shy in admitting his wish to line out alongside Lewandowski, labelling the veteran striker ‘one of the best in the world’:

 

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Gavi hailed for ‘changing the game’ in Spain’s win over Switzerland


By Conor Laird


Published: June 12, 2022 10:09 pm

Last Updated: June 12, 2022 10:36 pm


 

One member of Luis Enrique’s Spain squad has been singled out for widespread praise on Sunday evening.

La Roja were of course back in action a short time ago.

On the back of a solid if unspectacular opening to the country’s Nations League campaign, the Spanish welcomed the Czech Republic to Malaga, eyeing a 2nd win on the spin.

And, when all was said and done, make it two wins from two, en route to a spot atop the Group B table, is precisely what Enrique’s troops managed.

Carlos Soler was first on target, before Pablo Sarabia made sure that the evening’s hosts bagged all three points courtesy of a 2nd fifteen minutes from time:

‘Little genius’

Spain’s result-clinching 2nd, though, only came after what many have since labelled as a game-changing substitution on the part of boss Enrique.

The player introduced to the fray? Gavi.

With an hour on the clock, and La Roja toiling in their efforts to put a plucky Czech outfit to the sword once and for all, Carlos Soler was hooked, with Barcelona sensation Gavi introduced in his place.

And the 17-year-old, despite his tender years, enjoyed yet another wonderful showing in his country’s colours, playing a central role in both the buildup to Sarabia’s 2nd, and his side ultimately seeing out the result.

In turn, viewers of the clash have since taken to social media in their absolute droves, to heap praise on one of world football’s finest up-and-coming talents:

 

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Garnacho bags two awards, before drawing ire of Man United fans for Salah post


 

The name of Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho has taken its place front and centre in the headlines on Sunday evening, for altogether contrasting reasons.

First up, the 17-year-old bagged himself not one, but two individual prizes.

Garnacho spent the last couple of weeks plying his trade for Argentina’s U20s, at the historic Toulon Tournament in France.

And the midfield prodigy, despite his country’s lacklustre overakk showing, went on to thoroughly impress, racking up four goals and an assist across his four appearances.

In turn, it should come as little surprise to hear of Garnacho, on Sunday, being named the Revelation of the Tournament in the south of France:

Not only that, but the Red Devils sensation has too bagged the award for Goal of the Tournament, owing to the following set-piece special versus France last weekend:

‘Why post this?’

As alluded to above, though, Garnacho’s evening has since taken something of a turn for the worse.

Taking to his official Instagram account a short time ago, the teenage midfielder unveiled a photo of himself alongside none other than Mohamed Salah, accompanied by a loveheart emoji:

And to say that the ensuing reaction on the part of the Manchester United fanbase has since proven one of disapproval would be putting it lightly.

Taking to social media in their droves, the Red Devils faithful have made clear their frustration with Garnacho’s actions, evidently of the opinion that Salah’s status as a Liverpool icon means that one of the club’s finest up-and-coming talents should steer clear of posts featuring the Egyptian international:

 

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Insight provided into Brentford’s chances of keeping Christian Eriksen


 

A fresh insight into the future of soon-to-be free agent midfielder Christian Eriksen, and specifically the efforts of Brentford to prolong his stay at the club, has been provided on Sunday.

Danish international Eriksen, of course, secured a return to English football this past January.

After seeing his contract with Italian heavyweights Inter Milan terminated owing to Serie A’s rules surrounding the use of implanted cardioverter defibrillators, a device which the 30-year-old was fitted with on the back of his frightening cardiac arrest at last summer’s European Championships, Eriksen was afforded a fresh start by Premier League newcomers Brentford.

And to say that this is an opportunity which the Dane went on to take full advantage of would be putting it lightly.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 02: Christian Eriksen during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge on April 2, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

Eriksen featured from the off in ten of Brentford’s final 11 league outings, notching a goal and four assists along the way, proving beyond any measure of doubt that he remains more than capable of cutting his teeth at the top level of the game.

With such form, though, has come inevitable speculation surrounding Eriksen’s future beyond the summer.

The 30-year-old’s terms with Brentford are due to come to a close at the end of the month, with it currently unclear where he stands on the possibility of putting pen to paper on an extension in west London.

Such uncertainty, in turn, is understood to have seen a number of rival Premier League clubs enter the fray, chief amongst them Manchester United and Eriksen’s former employers, Tottenham Hotspur.

As alluded to above, though, on Sunday, a fresh insight into the efforts of the transfer team at the Brentford Community Stadium to tie their midfield star down for the long term has been provided.

The info comes courtesy of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who confirms that the Bees have tabled a ‘serious, important’ contract offer to Eriksen.

The Dane himself remains undecided on his plans, amid ongoing interest from ‘many clubs’.

A definitive conclusion to the saga, though, is expected imminently, with Eriksen set to choose his favoured landing spot ‘in the coming days’.

 

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Benzema responds to Tchouameni’s Real Madrid switch being made official


 

Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has taken to social media on Saturday, to provide his response to fellow countryman Aurelien Tchouameni joining him in the Spanish capital.

Midfield prodigy Tchouameni’s Bernabeu switch was of course made official earlier today.

On the back of weeks of rampant speculation, and links to a number of the continent’s biggest clubs, Real ultimately did what was required to strike a deal with Monaco, tying the club’s latest addition down to a long-term contract.

As per an announcement across Los Blancos’ website and social media platforms:

‘Real Madrid C. F. and AS Monaco have reached an agreement over the transfer of Aurélien Tchouaméni, who joins the club on a six-year deal.

‘Tchouaméni will be unveiled on Tuesday 14 June at Real Madrid City at 12:00 (CET) following his medical.’

Tchouameni’s addition, of course, is viewed as quite the coup for Real Madrid, with the 22-year-old widely regarded as one of world football’s next great midfielders.

Despite being fresh off a La Liga and Champions League double, Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded squad has now been reinforced to its very core by means of two elite summer signings, in the form of the French international, and free agent defender Antonio Rudiger.

And, as alluded to above, one individual who certainly appears to approve of the latest piece of high-profile business carried out by the transfer team at the Bernabeu comes in the form of Karim Benzema.

Hitman Benzema is of course fully accustomed to the talents possessed by Tchouameni, having lined out alongside the midfielder at international level on several occasions.

In turn, it should come as little surprise to hear of the 34-year-old’s delight with his compatriot’s arrival, with Benzema, on Saturday evening, having taken to the comments section of a post on Real’s Instagram account to unveil the simple message:

‘Vamonos’ – Meaning let’s go in English.

 

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Leeds United tracking Bayern midfielder Marc Roca for summer switch


By Andrew Thompson


Published: June 11, 2022 10:22 pm

Last Updated: June 11, 2022 11:28 pm


Leeds United look set to continue their reinforcement under American manager Jesse Marsch this summer, as the Elland Road outfit have set their sights on Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca.

Roca, a former Spanish youth international, was recently told by the Bavarian giants that he has no future at the Allianz Arena and will be jettisoned this summer, with rumors suggesting that he could be acquired for as little as £7.5million.

According to reports in Spanish outlet Marca, Leeds have all but sealed a deal for the Catalunya-native for a fee closer to the region of ~£12million, which would cover the amount Bayern paid La Liga outfit Espanyol for his services back in 2020.

Interest in Roca was first reported two days ago via The Athletic’s Leeds correspondent Phil Hay, but a move looks to now have been pushed through in rapid order due to the growing links that point to key central figure Kalvin Phillips preparing to leave Leeds and make the jump to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

But questions could be asked regarding the capacity in which Roca is expected to come into the Leeds fold, especially if he is potentially meant to fill the void left by Phillips’ departure.

The Spanish midfielder had a torrid spell at Bayern after he shone for Espanyol for four seasons between 2016-20 before earning a move to the Bundesliga champions, failing to make his mark while featuring just fifteen times in the German top-flight across two years at the club.

Though he has much to prove and is young enough (25) to get his career back on track, it is difficult to see how he could at the very least signal a credible replacement for Phillips, instead likely viewed as a depth option under Marsch.

However, with Leeds not currently linked to further business regarding the center of the park, the Elland Road faithful may have to put a bit of trust in Marsch and club director of football Victor Orta, who has rarely let them down when it comes to player recruitment.

This article was edited by
Conor Laird.

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England fans send message to Southgate over Ramsdale during Italy clash


 

Many a viewer of England’s meeting with Italy on Saturday night have taken to social media, to send a message to Gareth Southgate over the place of Aaron Ramsdale.

The Three Lions, of course, are currently locked in action.

After snatching a potentially crucial point from Germany courtesy of a late Harry Kane spot-kick in midweek, England welcomed Italy to Molineux, for the respective countries’ 3rd Nations League Group C outing.

As things stand in Wolverhampton, the scoreline remains goalless, albeit with both sides having come close on more than one occasion.

The busier of the two goalkeepers, though, without question, has been the hosts’ Aaron Ramsdale.

Introduced to the English starting XI in place of long-time no.1 Jordan Pickford, Ramsdale was responsible for a whole host of impressive saves late in the first-half on Saturday, with one in particular, to keep out what looked a certain Sandro Tonali goal, having drawn widespread praise:

‘Has to be number 1’

In fact, so impressive has Ramsdale looked against Italy, that many of an England persuasion have since taken to social media, to go as far as to call for the Arsenal standout to be afforded no.1 status for the Three Lions moving forward.

Check out just some of the reaction from across Twitter below:

England vs Italy live streaming: Watch UEFA Nations League online

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San Lorenzo vs Arsenal de Sarandi Result/Both teams score Yes No
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Arsenal de Sarandi 6/1
Draw 7/2 15/2



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De Ligt provides insight into coaching methods of Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag


Juventus and Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt has shed some light on the coaching style of Manchester United’s new manager, Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag took the United job back in May, leaving Dutch powerhouse Ajax whom he had enjoyed great success with both domestically and in Europe.

United, though, are a very different animal to Ajax. Ten Hag comes to Manchester United at a time of crisis. The club are in need of a serious rebuild after finishing 2021/22 with their lowest ever points total in a Premier League campaign.

United also appear to have a fractured dressing room, resulting in inside information being leaked to the press on a regular basis.

In addition, Ten Hag will have to deal with some unjustifiably big egos during his first season at the club.

Now, ahead of the 2022/23 season getting underway, De Ligt, who worked with Ten Hag during a very successful period for Ajax, has provided an insight into the type of coach the Dutchman is:

“He is someone who loves his job and he loves to work,” said centre-back De Ligt.

“He’s really into the details. This makes him a really good trainer. He has a lot of qualities (to succeed). We will have to see how he goes.”

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De Ligt also spoke briefly on Frenkie de Jong, who has been linked with Manchester United recently but is currently on international duty with the Netherlands alongside De Ligt:

“He’s an amazing player and everybody knows how important he is for the team,” De Ligt said of De Jong.

“But he’s not said anything (about a transfer).”

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