Category: Football

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Iconic Welsh international Gareth Bale has, on Saturday, come to a decision on his next, and potentially final club destination.

Th outfit set to snap the 32-year-old up? Los Angeles FC.

As per a host of breaking reports this afternoon, Bale has agreed to the terms of a contract with the MLS side, primed to put pen to paper on a deal at the Banc of California Stadium upon the expiration of his current terms with Real Madrid at the end of the month.

The explosive wide-man will join forces with another great of European football in the United States, with Italian legend and Euro 2020 winner Giorgio Chiellini having too opted to take his talents to LA this summer on the back of his free agent departure from Juventus.

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BREAKING: LAFC are finalizing a deal to sign superstar Gareth Bale, per sources.

Bale is a free agent as his contract with Real Madrid expires this summer. The 32-year-old won 5 Champions Leagues, 3 La Ligas & more in Spain. Deal will NOT require DP spot. https://t.co/pegsSTYV6x pic.twitter.com/oUSXQE9ias

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) June 25, 2022

Bale’s decision, of course, comes with the veteran winger no doubt keen to rack up as much regular game-time as possible with a view to the end of the year.

The one-time Tottenham Hotspur standout is set to lead his country into their first World Cup finals for over half a century in November, after Wales emerged triumphant from a playoff showdown with Ukraine earlier this month.

His contract in Los Angeles is understood to be based around an initial 12 month commitment, followed by the option for a further 18 months.

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Arsenal, Tottenham & Chelsea: The latest on Raphinha’s future

Friday’s transfer rumours: Eriksen, Gnabry, Bellerin, Son, Ronaldo, De Ligt and more

 

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Welcome to 101 Great Goals’ daily round-up of the top transfer news and rumours for Saturday, June 25th.

Gossip

Sven Botman can now, finally, ‘be considered’ a Newcastle player with his move from Lille almost over the line [Fabrizio Romano]

Hakim Ziyech has handed in a transfer request at Chelsea, with AC Milan chasing the Moroccan forward [Daily Mail]

Liverpool would consider letting Mo Salah leave the club this summer, should a bid of £60m or more arrive [The Sun]

19-Year-Old winger Sam Edozie is set to join Bayer Leverkusen from Manchester City on a permanent deal in the coming days [Fabrizio Romano]

PSG are ready to let midfielder Giorginio Wijnaldum leave this summer, with Leicester City, West Ham and Everton all keen [90 min]

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of Taiyo Awoniyi from Union Berlin [Nottingham Forest]

Arsenal and Tottenham are both still working on a deal for Raphinha, but Chelsea are focusing their attention on Raheem Sterling instead [Fabrizio Romano]

Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Gabriel Jesus for £45m, with the player to sign in the coming days [Sky Sports]

Fulham have made an offer for soon-to-be free agent Alessio Romagnoli, but the defender is holding out for a Milan stay [Gianluca Di Marzio]

Newcastle, Everton and Aston Villa are all interested in West Ham midfielder Thomas Soucek, who is stalling on a new deal [The Sun]

Chelsea are planning to offer 45m euros plus Timo Werner for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer [Gianluca Di Marzio]

Antony missed the return to Ajax pre-season amid increased speculation he could be on the move this summer [The Mirror]

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Arsenal, Tottenham & Chelsea: The latest on Raphinha’s future

 

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Serie A champions AC Milan have taken the first steps towards luring an out-of-favour member of Premier League giants Chelsea’s frontline to the club ahead of next season, according to reports.

The Blues star in the sights of the Rossoneri? Hakim Ziyech.

As per a report from Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, since relaid by compatriot Fabrizio Romano, Ziyech has been made available for transfer this summer.

Milan, in dire need of reinforcements on the right flank ahead of the defence of their Scudetto title, are therefore understood to have set their sights firmly on the signature of the Moroccan international.

Talks have been kicked into gear between the transfer team at the San Siro and Ziyech’s representatives, with the player himself ‘open’ to the move.

Further negotiations are expected to follow over the days ahead, with a view to striking a deal well in advance of the new season getting underway.

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Hakim Ziyech can leave Chelsea this summer, confirmed. AC Milan are interested in signing him – talks are already ongoing with player’s camp. 🚨🔵 #CFC

Ziyech would be open to joining AC Milan, talks will continue in the coming days as per @DiMarzio. https://t.co/YupSKotl3S

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2022

Botman set for Newcastle

Whilst one key target appears to be inching towards the red half of Milan, though, at the other end of the pitch, Stefano Pioli’s men look set to miss out.

As per a whole host of reports late on Friday evening, LOSC Lille defender Sven Botman, a long-time target on the part of the Diavolo, is all set to take his talents to the Premier League, having agreed to link up with Eddie Howe’s money-laden Newcastle United.

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Newcastle are now closing on Sven Botman deal. Final proposal worth €40m with add-ons to be accepted by Lille, while contracts are being prepared. 🚨⚪️⚫️ #NUFC

Deal at final stages – NUFC always been in the race to sign Sven Botman since January despite denials, it’s now close. pic.twitter.com/K2LLWXQGpr

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2022

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Arsenal, Tottenham & Chelsea: The latest on Raphinha’s future

As Chelsea make first contact for Matthijs de Ligt, Juventus’ hefty demands revealed

 

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An update on the future of in-demand Hoffenheim defender David Raum has, on Friday, been provided.

For those not aware, left-back Raum has been hotly tipped for a departure from the Rhein-Neckar-Arena over the course of the last week.

This comes with the German international, fresh off a stellar debut campaign in the Bundesliga, having seen his production pique the attentions of a whole host of European football’s heavyweights.

The 2021/22 German top-flight season saw Raum rack up three goals and a hefty 13 assists, establishing himself as one of the division’s most productive wide players.

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Watching David Raum reel off assist after assist after assist is all you need to see today. 🅰️👑#Bundesliga pic.twitter.com/q3vj8XCQvK

— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) March 29, 2022

And one such club understood to have taken their place towards the top of the gifted full-back’s list of admirers comes in the form of Manchester United.

Word stemming from the German media last weekend pointed towards the Red Devils as keen suitors of Hoffenheim’s star man, whose departure from Baden-Württemberg this summer is viewed as ‘more than likely’.

Speaking to the media on Friday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of the future of the club’s defensive star was put to Hoffenheim head coach Andre Breitenreiter.

And the German tactician went on to explain:

“It’s not a problem for me.

“We have already had contact. He should rest now for the time being. But it’s no secret that I prefer to have him with me.

“I am the coach and want to have the best players in my team, but there are also always club interests. For me, that’s not a problem.”

Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen, though, later hinted that Raum’s future could yet lie away from the Rhein-Neckar-Arena, in confirming that the Bundesliga outfit are prepared to negotiate a potential sale with ‘top clubs’.

“I would prefer to keep him,” Rosen began. “At the end of the day, it depends on what the market looks like and what chance the player has.

“If a top club comes and he gets the opportunity, then, of course, we will sit down with him. In the end, it’s always about an exchange based on trust.”

 

Man United miss out once more as Crystal Palace strike Ebiowei deal

Ajax boss ‘assuming’ Jurrien Timber will stay at Ajax despite Manchester United interest

 

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Crystal Palace are on the verge of closing a deal for the club’s 2nd signing of the summer, according to reports.

The player in line to take his talents to Selhurst Park ahead of next season? Malcolm Ebiowei.

For those not aware, teenage talent Ebiowei piqued the attentions of a whole host of Premier League clubs this summer, owing to his performances in the Championship last time out.

After being afforded his senior bow by Derby County boss Wayne Rooney in February, the gifted attacker quickly took the Championship by storm, shining en route to an eventual 16 appearances in England’s 2nd tier.

Manchester United were one such club understood to have been keen on landing Ebiowei over the coming weeks, viewing the 18-year-old as a potential star in the making.

As alluded to above, though, on Friday, the Red Devils’ pursuit of Ebiowei has been brought to a definitive end.

This comes with the aforementioned Crystal Palace, as per widespread reports, having completed the necessary paperwork to bring the former England youth international to south London.

Derby, for their part, will receive a compensation fee as part of the deal, with Ebiowei set to put pen to paper on a contract through the summer of 2027.

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Crystal Palace have all paperworks ready to announce Malcolm Ebiowei as new signing soon – it’s confirmed. Derby County receive compensation fee. 🔵🔴 #CPFC

Medical already completed earlier this week, contract valid until June 2027.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2022

Doucoure incoming?

Patrick Vieira’s Palace, though, appear far from ready to rest on their laurels.

With deals for both Ebiowei and Sam Johnstone secured, the Eagles are top understood to be inching towards an agreement with RC Lens for highly-regarded midfielder Cheick Doucoure.

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Crystal Palace looking to wrap up signing of Cheick Doucouré (22) – Lens want €20m for the midfielder. (FM)https://t.co/yXTJ1IX02q

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) June 24, 2022

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Friday’s transfer rumours: Eriksen, Gnabry, Bellerin, Son, Ronaldo, De Ligt and more

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly set to ‘make personal intervention’ over Reece James’ future

 

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Welcome to 101 Great Goals’ daily round-up of the top transfer news and rumours for Friday, June 24th.

Gossip

Bayern Munich ‘really want’ to keep Serge Gnabry, but could sell him if he refuses to extend his contract in Bavaria this summer [Fabrizio Romano]

And the Bayern dressing room is ‘growing tired’ of the war with media war with Robert Lewandowski, and want the situation resolved as quickly as possible [Marca]

Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is set to join Manchester City as a free agent, signing a three year contract [Sky Sports Germany]

Juventus centre-back Matthijs De Ligt has requested a transfer this summer, with Chelsea and Manchester United leading the race for his signature [Corriere dello Sport]

AC Milan are considering a move for Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz, who is out of contract next summer [Tutto Mercato Web]

Ajax forward Antony wants the Dutch club to listen to offers for him this summer, with Chelsea and Manchester United both interested in the Brazilian. [Daily Mail]

Cristiano Ronaldo will not be joining Bayern Munich this summer, despite speculation he wants to leave Manchester United [Sky Sports Germany]

Sampdoria and Olympique Marseilles are two of the clubs that have asked for Tottenham forward Bryan Gil on loan for next season [Fabrizio Romano]

Brighton are considering a loan effort to take Manchester City youngster Liam Delap to the AMEX for the season [Daily Mail]

Atletico Madrid are interested in Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin, who is expected to leave the Emirates this summer [Goal Espana]

Meanwhile, Atlanta, Marseilles and Real Sociedad are all keen on a move for Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares [Luca Bendoni]

Tottenham are out of the race to sign Christian Eriksen, with the Dane now to choose between Manchester United and Brentford this summer [Sky Sports News]

Real Madrid have identified Heung-Min Son as a potential target after missing out on Kylian Mbappe [Daily Mail]

Read more:

Five midfielders that Manchester United could target in place of Frenkie de Jong

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Tottenham Hotspur director Fabio Paratici has travelled to Italy on Thursday, to open negotiations with a pair of Serie A clubs.

First on the agenda comes a meeting with the transfer team at Sampdoria.

The Blucherciati, it is understood, are expressing a keen interest in the loan addition of Bryan Gil ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

And Spurs, for their part, are open to the idea of as much, with Gil, after being farmed out on loan for the 2nd half of this past season, expected to find game-time altogether difficult to come by once more next time out.

A full season away from north London, to continue his development with a view to an eventual key role at Tottenham, could therefore be on the cards for Gil in Italy.

Paratici’s endeavours in his home country, though, will not end there.

This comes with a round of discussions having also been lined up with AS Roma, over the situations of two players.

Joe Rodon has allegedly been identified as a potential addition to his defensive ranks in the Italian capital by Giallorossi boss Jose Mourinho, who remains a keen fan of the talents possessed by the Welshman, on the back of the pair’s time spent together at Spurs.

And, on the flip side, a key member of Mourinho’s setup at the Stadio Olimpico is too piquing the interest of Tottenham.

The player in question? Nicolo Zaniolo.

Di Marzio suggests that Paratici remains eager to lure versatile attacker Zaniolo away from Rome, having previously attempted to do so whilst in charge of transfers at Juventus.

To this point, talks between the two clubs have not passed the preliminary stage, though.

See more

#Calciomercato | #Tottenham, #Paratici in Italia: incontri con #Roma e #Sampdoria. La situazionehttps://t.co/iYJxsoDwCO

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) June 23, 2022

 

Tottenham’s Richarlison plans confirmed

Nottingham Forest agree Dean Henderson deal and target Tottenham defender

 

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Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have found themselves positioned front and centre in the media once more on Thursday evening.

The efforts of those in a position of power at the Allianz Arena to reinforce Julian Nagelsmann’s squad ahead of next season is of course headline news at present.

This comes with the Bavarians having been left with little choice but to seek out a number of summer reinforcements in the attacking third..

Robert Lewandowski, for one, is widely understood to be angling for a move to Spain with Barcelona, whilst the future of Serge Gnabry too remains up in the air, ahead of the expiration of the German international’s contract in 12 months’ time.

Bayern, in turn, have already moved to secure one high-profile addition to the club’s attacking ranks, in the form of Liverpool standout Sadio Mane.

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Willkommen in München, Sadio! 🙌🎬 #ServusMané #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/sTuzTn3Sh9

— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) June 22, 2022

If the latest speculation doing the rounds in the media on Thursday evening is anything to go by, though, then the transfer team in Bavaria appear far from ready to rest on their laurels.

Instead, Bayern have been tipped to launch an assault for one of the biggest names in world football.

The player in question? Cristiano Ronaldo.

As per a report from Spanish outlet Diario AS. the German giants have set their sights firmly on 5-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo as a replacement for the outbound Lewandowski.

This comes amid the assurance that Ronaldo himself has long decided to seek pastures new this summer, having become disillusioned with ongoings at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese international’s representatives are said to be aware of the interest of Bayern, ‘seeing the operation with good eyes’.

It now remains to be seen whether the powers that be on the red half of Manchester would be willing to enter into talks over the departure of their star man just a year on from his return to the club.

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El crack portugués quiere abandonar el Manchester United y el Bayern piensa en él para suplir la marcha del polaco al Barcelona. https://t.co/NENwcpGQZb

— AS Fútbol (@AS_Futbol) June 23, 2022

 

Value of Man United’s improved de Jong bid revealed

Leeds United receive €70 million offer for Raphinha, not from Barcelona

 

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Word stemming from the European media on Thursday points towards Barcelona stepping up the club’s pursuit of Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski.

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.

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Lewandowski: “My era at Bayern is over. I don’t see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore” 🚨 #FCBayern

“Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me, I don’t want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don’t stop me”. pic.twitter.com/ieO3q0tEBO

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 30, 2022

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.

And yet, as the weeks continue to pass, little word had been forthcoming when it comes to positive steps forward in the Blaugrana’s pursuit.

As alluded to above, though, on Thursday, an altogether considerable update on the situation has been forthcoming.

The info comes courtesy of journalist Manuel Veth, who confirms that, at long last, the transfer team at the Camp Nou have tabled an opening offer for Lewandowski’s signature.

Little detail is provided when it comes to the value of said proposal, though it is noted that, amongst close Bayern circles, doubts are beginning to grow regarding whether the club’s star attacker could realistically be reintegrated into the first-teams setup in Bavaria in 2022/23.

Such concerns mean that, when push comes to shove, ‘a sale might be the only solution’.

See more

#Barca have made an official offer for #Bayern‘s Robert Lewandowski.

Source has told me that although the club externally is playing hardball, internally there are significant doubts on whether the player can be re-integrated in the squad. A sale might be the only solution. ‼️ pic.twitter.com/QGVUNFQif4

— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) June 23, 2022

 

How Barcelona plan to sign Jules Koundé, Robert Lewandowski and Bernardo Silva

Thursday’s transfer rumours: Saint-Maximin, Dybala, Bale, Damsgaard, Gakpo and more

 

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Arsenal look to be having an incredibly busy and promising transfer window.

The Gunners have already signed Fabio Vieira and are also working on deals for Gabriel Jesus, Raphinha and Youri Tielemans.

The north Londoners have also handed Eddie Nketiah a new contract following his strong finish to last season.

The 23-year-old was thrust into the team with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving for Barcelona in January.

Prior to his arrival in the team, Mikel Arteta and the club received much for leaving themselves light in attack after failing to make a signing in January.

But for the season ahead, Arsenal looked determined not to be in that same situation with Nketiah’s future secured and another striker being targeted.

“You relish the challenge”

Gabriel Jesus looks almost certain to be the striker that Arteta’s side bring in.

The Brazilian has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Gunners.

So, with a second striker set to join him, Nketiah has been asked about his club’s pursuit of another centre-forward.

Nketiah told the Telegraph: “Every team needs a squad to compete. The club is always looking for ways to strengthen.

“They have extended my deal and they have done so for a reason.

“Whoever comes in, you relish the challenge. You make them feel welcome, and then you fight and compete.”

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From bad to worse…

Eddie Nketiah has a second for Arsenal and Leeds
are in real trouble here!

Arsenal vs Leeds is on Sky Sports! pic.twitter.com/oYTfr4tt6i

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 8, 2022

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