تشابي ألونسو: آمل ألا يكون ريال مدريد بحاجة إليّ.. وثلاثي الفريق سيغيب أمام يوفنتوس

تحدث مدرب ريال مدريد تشابي ألونسو عن لاعبي فريقه، قبل المباراة أمام يوفنتوس في دوري أبطال أوروبا، وقيّم أداء البعض منهم، وتطرق كذلك للحديث عن إمكانية رحيل مهاجم الفريق في يناير.

ويخوض ريال مدريد مباراة أمام يوفنتوس غدًا الأربعاء، ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، خلال مرحلة الدوري، على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

وظهر تشابي ألونسو خلال مؤتمر صحفي، ونشرت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية تصريحاته قبل المواجهة. 

عن رأيه في موقف ريال مدريد من إقامة مباراة برشلونة وفياريال ببطولة الدوري الإسباني، في ميامي بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، قال: “لقد رددتُ عدة مرات، ورأيي واضح، النادي يدافع عن مصالحه، سنرى ما سيحدث”.

وانتقل المدرب للحديث عن لاعبه فينيسيوس جونيور، قائلاً: “فينيسيوس جيد جدًا وحاسم، أنا سعيد برؤيته يستمتع بوقته ويبتسم، تحدثنا عن التأثير الذي يمكن أن يُحدثه وكيف يُمكنه تغيير مجرى المباراة، نحتاجه أن يُركز على المباراة وما يُجيده، أداؤه اليومي جيد، ويتفاعل بشكل ممتاز في المباريات”.

وعن لاعبه أردا جولر وإذا كان يُذكره بالنجم السابق مسعود أوزيل، أردف: “ليس فقط بسبب أصولهما، بل هو مزيج من أوزيل وجوتي، كان جوتي يتمتع بهذه الكفاءة في بناء الهجمة وفي التمريرة الأخيرة، وكذلك مسعود، لقد استمتعتُ كثيرًا بأوزيل، كلما تمكّنا من الوصول إلى أردا، تحسّن أداؤنا، علينا أن نواصل الضغط، نحن سعداء جدًا به”.

اقرأ أيضًا | كورتوا: فينيسيوس يُجنّن الخصوم مثل كوستا.. وهناك قوانين أولى بالتغيير من التسلل

وبشأن مستقبل لاعبه البرازيلي إندريك وإمكانية إعارته في يناير، أكد: “لم نصل إلى هذه المرحلة بعد، المنافسة في خط الهجوم محتدمة، يجب أن نكون مستعدين لكل مباراة، يجب أن يكون إندريك وجونزالو وإبراهيم دياز على أهبة الاستعداد، سينضمون إلينا، ويجب أن نكون مستعدين، هذه هي النخبة، ونحتاج إلى العديد من اللاعبين المميزين”.

وإذا كان ريال مدريد يحتاج إلى تشابي ألونسو (كلاعب وسط)، أجاب المدرب: “آمل ألا يكون بحاجة إليّ، سنمضي حتى النهاية بهذه المجموعة من اللاعبين، نحن نتطور ويمكننا تقديم أداء جيد، والمنافسة باستمرار”.

وواصل: “لدينا قائمة مكتملة تضم لاعبين بصفات مختلفة، يتميزون بالحيوية ولديهم إمكانات كبيرة للنمو، مهمتي أن أستثمر فيهم ليصبحوا أفضل مع نهاية الموسم، خلال شهرين فقط رأينا تطورًا واضحًا لدى كثيرين منهم، نريد المنافسة الآن، ونحن نفعل ذلك بالفعل، بطموح أن نستمر في التحسن”.

وعن مدى جاهزية دين هويسن، أجاب: “بالنظر إلى الغد، لا أعتقد أن هويسن، أو ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، أو كارفاخال سيعودون، سأقدم لكم التقرير النهائي يوم السبت (قبل يوم من مواجهة برشلونة بالدوري)”.

وبشأن تقييمه لموسم كيليان مبابي حتى الآن، علّق: “الأمر لا يقتصر على الأهداف فحسب، تأثيره لا يقل أهميةً عن متابعة زملائه له بالكرة وبدونها، إنه يُساعدنا. لقد سجل أهدافًا في كل مكان”.

وواصل: “التأثير، ليس فقط على التسجيل، هو ما يحتاجه الفريق، كيليان يمرّ بفترة رائعة، على الصعيدين الحيوي والشخصي، إنه تحليلي للغاية، يفعل الأشياء لأسبابٍ مُحددة، وعليه فهمها جيدًا، كل شيء مُترابط في ذهنه الآن، ولهذا يُقدم أداءً رائعًا”.

وسُئل تشابي عن الأفضل بين تيبو كورتوا وحارس ريال مدريد السابق إيكر كاسياس، ورد: “تيبو هو الأفضل في العالم، كما أنه فضولي بشأن كرة القدم، قد يكون مدربًا في المستقبل، من المهم لأي مدرب أن يكون على تواصل مع هؤلاء اللاعبين الذين يحبون فهم كرة القدم، لقد عشت تجارب رائعة مع إيكر؛ لا يمكنني الاكتفاء بلاعب واحد فقط، الآن لديّ تيبو، لكن كاسياس قيمته كبيرة”.

وبشأن لاعبه كامافينجا، أفاد: “لم يكن متاحًا إلا لبضعة أسابيع، كان في حالة ديناميكية لمدة ثلاثة أسابيع، لم يلعب مع ريال مدريد منذ فترة، وقد قدم أداءً جيدًا في كثير من الأحيان، كلاعب وسط، يتمتع بأسلوب ديناميكي، وطريقة تمرير مختلفة تمامًا عن الآخرين، علينا أن ندمج مهاراته الفردية مع الفريق”.

وسُئل تشابي عما يحتاجه ماستانتونو للتحسن، وأتم: “لقد وصل مؤخرًا وهو في الثامنة عشرة من عمره فقط، علينا الاستثمار فيه ومساعدته، نحن سعداء بوجوده معنا”.

'A huge blow' – Eddie Howe admits Tino Livramento faces lengthy layoff after being stretchered out of Arsenal clash

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe admitted that Tino Livramento will face a lengthy lay-off after being stretchered off the pitch against Arsenal on Sunday. A misguided challenge from William Saliba saw the English full-back land awkwardly on the ground, after which he received medical attention, before being stretchered off in the 77th minute.

  • Livramento suffered a terrible injury

    Livramento was impressive on the pitch against the Gunners as Newcastle successfully held on to their lead for 50 minutes, however, his departure led to Arsenal equalising through Eberechi Eze's strike in the 84th minute before Gabriel Magalhaes scored a late winner. Livramento awkwardly went down on the ground after Saliba caught him around his waist with a poor challenge. 

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    Howe admitted Livramento faces length lay-off

    After the match, Magpies boss Eddie Howe provided an update on the defender's condition as he told reporters: "I am concerned because he's such an important player for us. He's been magnificent at the start of this season. He's a big player, so if we are going to lose him it's going to be a huge blow."

  • Arsenal reduce gap with Liverpool

    After former Gunners star Eddie Nketiah's late winner handed league leaders Liverpool their first loss of the 2025-26 campaign on Saturday, Mikel Arteta's side took advantage of the Reds faltering a day later as the win at St James' Park allowed them to reduce their gap to two points at the top of the table.

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    Newcastle's struggles continue

    Newcastle have made a terrible start to their journey in the new season and it got worse with their loss at home against the Gunners. After their first six matches, Howe's men have registered just one win and are currently struggling in the 15th position after first six Premier League matches. 

Nigeria revel in hard-earned victory over Ireland in the Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup

Australia, meanwhile, will now face Group 2 table-toppers South Africa in the semi-final on January 31, while India are set to face England.

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Jan-2025Nigeria sign off from the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup a mere one point behind a team that made it to the semi-finals from their group after a thrilling victory over Ireland in Bangi, Malaysia. They wrapped up their second win of the Super Six stage, level with that of England above them in second place who went through to the final four of the tournament.Lillian Udeh, the 18-year-old fast bowler, was the star of the show as her 3 for 11 from four overs helped Nigeria defend a total of 94 for 7 and secure victory with six runs and eight balls to spare.Having initially been behind in the game – Udeh was part of a poor top-order performance where four of five batters fell for single-digits – Nigeria turned things around with the ball and not a moment too soon either. Ireland were 40 for 2 in the eighth over, looking quite comfortable in the chase when Udeh triggered the collapse that defined the match. Four wickets for 14 runs later, they were barely holding on. Annointed Akhigbe, the 17-year-old seamer, also played an important part, striking twice in the 12th over where she got rid of Ireland’s top-scorer Rebecca Lowe for 21 off 32. Another 4 for 14 collapse resulted in the team being bowled out for 88, and exiting the competition with just one win.Nigeria built their eventually defendable total with opener Christabel Chukwuonye scoring 25 off 42 balls with three fours. The other end was leaking wickets though, and they required a lower-order intervention to last the 20 overs. Omosigho Eguakun (17 off 23), Peculiar Agboya (17 not out off 20) and captain Lucky Piety (12 off 11) added crucial runs from No. 6, 7 and 8 helping the team recover from 21 for 4 to finish on 94 for 7.The victorious Sri Lankan team indulges in a group selfie•Getty Images Sri Lanka hold on for consolation win Sri Lanka successfully defended a paltry total of 99 against Australia in Bangi, to register their second win of the Super Six phase. Sri Lanka, opting to bat, made a sedate start as their openers Sanjana Kavindi (19 off 35) and Sumudu Nisansala (18 off 15) took their time to get going. Australia, having finished second on the Group 1 table behind India, will now face Group 2 table-toppers South Africa in the semi-final on January 31, while India are set to face England.At 77 for 2 in the 14th over, Sri Lanka might have been looking for a late flourish, but Lily Bassingthwaighte, Hasrat Gill and Tegan Williamson all struck at regular intervals to initiate a collapse, as Sri Lanka lost their next six wickets for just 22 runs.Australia lost three early wickets in the chase, but a handy 27 from Caoimhe Bray had the team well-placed at 64 for 3, and within sight of victory. However, Bray was dismissed in the 15th over courtesy Player of the Match Limansa Thilakarathna, offering Sri Lanka a way back into the game. Chamodi Praboda, Pramudi Methsara and Aseni Thalagune picked up two wickets apiece, as Australia completely lost their momentum. They lost their next four wickets for only 23 runs, finishing their innings at 87 for 8.

Anderson Phillip to rejoin Lancashire for County Championship, Blast

West Indies fast bowler returns after wicket-taking stint at back end of season

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Nov-2024

Anderson Phillip took 15 wickets in three appearances for Lancashire last season•Getty Images

Lancashire have signed Anderson Phillip for the first four months of the 2025 summer. Phillip is expected to be available for 11 County Championship fixtures as well as the group stage of the T20 Blast.Fast bowler Phillip played three Championship matches at the end of last season, taking 15 wickets at 23.93, but was unable to help Lancashire avoid relegation from Division One.”I really enjoyed my spell with Lancashire at the end of last season and I am excited by the opportunity to return for the 2025 season to spend a longer period of time at Emirates Old Trafford,” Phillip said.”Helping Lancashire return to Division One at the first time of asking is my number one priority for next season and hopefully I can put in the performances with the ball which can help the team to achieve that.”The standard of first-class cricket in England is high and as close as you can get to playing Test cricket, so I am looking forward to being back next summer, continuing to test myself in those conditions, learning and improving my game.”Phillip, 28, has played two Tests and five ODIs for West Indies, the most-recent of which came in 2022.Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, said: “We were hugely impressed by Anderson’s performances during the final three matches of last season and jumped at the opportunity to bring him back for a longer spell next season.”Dale [Benkenstein] and I have continually spoken about our desire to add further pace to our bowling attack as we look to win more red-ball matches. We know that Anderson will offer that, and he has the added bonus of familiarity with our environment.”Anderson displayed a really good attitude during his time with us and we believe that he has all the right attributes for a fast bowler – with room to still grow and improve his game. We are looking forward to working with Anderson again next season and helping him to push on and achieve his international ambitions.”

Nottingham Forest discussing new bid for "special" £35m attacker with offer rejected

Nottingham Forest are now preparing to make a new bid for a “special” attacking midfielder, having already submitted one offer for his services.

Forest eyeing attacking midfielder despite Gibbs-White's new deal

Possibly Forest’s most important piece of business in the transfer window to date was securing Morgan Gibbs-White’s future at the City Ground, although talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan was left a little bemused by Evangelos Marinakis’ behaviour in the subsequent interview.

Jordan said: “The fact that he stood there and intimidated the hell out of the player, I think actually controlled the narrative.

“Marinakis is a strong character, like him or loathe him. Some of the things I think I’m quite impressed with him, other things I’m not so impressed with him about. He means what he says, and he’s a strong character.”

Marinakis was clearly determined to keep hold of Gibbs-White, but with the Tricky Trees set to embark on a Europa League campaign next season, Nuno may need a deeper squad, and another attacking midfielder is of interest.

In an update on X, BBC reporter James Lewer has now revealed that Nottingham Forest are discussing making an improved bid for Manchester City’s James McAtee, having submitted an offer of around £25m for the attacker, which was knocked back by their Premier League rivals.

However, Man City may still be open to a sale this summer, should Forest be willing to increase their offer, with a fee of £35m being touted amid links to Tottenham Hotspur, while West Ham United and Everton have also been named as potential suitors.

Alongside Ndoye: Nottingham Forest starting talks to sign £65k-p/w winger

The Tricky Trees are set to open discussions over a deal for a forward.

ByDominic Lund Jul 29, 2025 "Special" McAtee could excel at the City Ground

The 22-year-old has found it difficult to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s star-studded starting XI, but he has impressed at international level as of late, picking up one goal and two assists en-route to England U21s’ recent European Championships triumph.

The Salford-born midfielder was captain of the young Three Lions side, displaying his leadership abilities, while he has also received praise from Guardiola in the past, with the City boss describing the Englishman as a “special” player.

Despite not getting much of a look-in at City, the maestro already has a great deal of senior experience from his time with Sheffield United, picking up 14 goals and eight assists for the Blades across campaigns in both the Championship and the Premier League.

Given that game time at City has been so limited, however, making just 15 Premier League appearances last term, it is evident that McAtee needs to move on this summer, and there are clear signs he could excel at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest lead Everton in race to sign "terrific" £50m attacker

Nottingham Forest are now in pole position ahead of rival interest from Everton in the race for an exciting homegrown attacking player.

Forest reach verbal agreement with new forward

The Reds have already added one attacker in the form of Igor Jesus to their ranks this summer from Brazilian side Botafogo, but given the fact the club are competing in Europe as well as the Premier League next season, Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to add more attacking options to his side.

Nottingham Forest "preparing" bid to sign £26m Europa League goalscorer

Forest are lining up a move for a forward.

ByDominic Lund Jul 20, 2025

Furthermore, Anthony Elanga’s exit to Newcastle United means there is a void in the starting XI, and Forest are keen to fill that by signing Dan Ndoye from Bologna. The 24-year-old has been with the Italian side since 2023 and has impressed domestically and internationally in recent seasons, so much so that he is now a genuine target for the Reds.

Forest have submitted a bid to sign Ndoye from Bologna, but on the player’s side, Ndoye has already verbally agreed a deal with the Reds as they look to beat teams such as Napoli and Crystal Palace to his signature.

Should the Switzerland international move to the City Ground, he could be joined by another forward-thinking player as a possible replacement for Morgan Gibbs-White.

Nottingham Forest lead Everton in Ramsey race

According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest are now leading the race to sign Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa.

Football Insider previously reported that Aston Villa do want to keep hold of the 24-year-old, but an offer between £40-50 million would be enough to convince Villa to sell, and Forest would be able to get to this mark, with the possibility of Gibbs-White’s exit funding the move.

The Reds are not alone in their pursuit, as Everton are also in the race to sign the attacking midfielder, but the fact Forest can offer Ramsey European football places them ahead of the Toffees.

It was even reported back in May that Ramsey is unhappy at Villa Park due to lack of game time last season. Ramsey played 46 games in all competitions last season, but the attacking midfielder only started 25 of those games, as he struggled to get ahead of some of Unai Emery’s regular picks.

Apps

136

Goals

14

Assists

14

Ramsey, who has been dubbed “terrific” by former Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard in the past, is under contract at Villa Park until 2027, so should Forest make a considerable offer, the Villans could use him as a PSR sacrifice.

For Forest, Ramsey would likely be seen as a direct replacement for Gibbs-White, as the former England under-21 international can play as a number 10, while he can also feature on the left flank.

£60m Madueke upgrade: Arsenal eyeing "one of the fastest players in the PL"

It finally happened: After weeks of waiting, Arsenal announced their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Granted, it might not be the most exciting deal of all time, but acquiring a player of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s quality for just £5m is astute business and helps address the issue of a backup goalkeeper.

However, while the likes of Eberchi Eze and Rodrygo are also being touted for moves to the club, so too is another Chelsea player, Noni Madueke.

Noni Madueke for Chelsea

Fortunately, another Premier League winger has now been linked with Arsenal, a player who’d be a way better signing than the Blues star.

Arsenal target Madueke upgrade

It’s become something of a running joke that a transfer window is not fully complete until Arsenal sign a Chelsea player, and with Madueke now being linked with the North Londoners, there is a chance they could sign two.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to reports from as recently as yesterday, the Gunners might have already submitted an offer to the English international.

It’s not entirely clear how much he’d cost Mikel Arteta’s side, but based on stories from late last month, the fee could be around the £50m mark.

While he might be talented, it’s hard to imagine fans being particularly on board with signing another of the Blues’ seemingly unwanted attacking players, so it’s good news that they’ve now been linked with another winger target: Anthony Elanga.

At least that’s according to a recent report from TBR Football, which claims that the Gunners are one of several sides interested in the Nottingham Forest star.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are all keen on the dynamic wideman, with the Toon already making an offer.

On top of having to contend with the fierce competition, the North Londoners will also have to stump up a fee of around £60m to get their man.

It won’t be an easy transfer to get over the line, but Elanga has shown he could be a valuable addition to a team like Arsenal, and a far better signing than Madueke at that.

How Elanga compares to Madueke

So, if it comes down to signing one winger or the other, why would Arsenal be better off going for Elanga over Madueke?

Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga

Well, aside from the fact that a new left-winger feels like a more pressing need following the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri last season, the Nottingham Forest star is simply the more dangerous attacker.

For example, in 43 appearances for the Tricky Trees last season, the Hyllie-born phenom racked up a tally of six goals and 12 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal or assist every 2.38 games.

In contrast, despite playing for a team that finished higher up the Premier League table, the Barnet-born wideman has scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 44 appearances, three of which have come at the Club World Cup, which works out to an average of a goal or assist every 2.58 games.

Moreover, the one-sided nature of the comparison only extends when we take a look under the hood, at their respective underlying numbers from last season.

Elanga vs Madueke

Statistics

Elanga

Madueke

Non-Penalty G+As

0.61

0.44

Progressive Passes

2.27

3.05

Progressive Carries

3.67

6.81

Key Passes

1.80

1.42

Passes into the Final Third

1.15

0.71

Shot-Creating Actions

3.67

3.50

Goal-Creating Actions

0.65

0.35

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

For example, the former Manchester United gem comes out on top in most relevant metrics, including some truly key ones, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, key passes and shot and goal-creating actions per 90.

Finally, on top of having the output and statistics fall in his favour, the Swedish international has one more advantage over the Chelsea ace: his blistering pace.

Now, the Englishman is no slouch, but the Forest star is unusually quick, so much so that he dubbed himself “one of the fastest players in the league.”

That might sound a little arrogant, but it’s true, as his speed of 36.91km/h against Tottenham Hotspur in April 2024 was the fourth-fastest sprint in Premier League history.

Ultimately, Elanga is clearly the superior player to Madueke, and if Arsenal are going to be signing a new winger from the Premier League, they’d be far better off going for him over the Blues ace.

A better signing than Sesko: Arsenal exploring move to sign £70m "machine"

Arsenal are looking to strengthen their attack this summer and could spend more than £70m on doing so.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2025

Premier League club may now submit imminent bid for "special" Celtic star

Celtic are building for another successful campaign north of the border, but they may now have to field a proposal for one of their star players from the Premier League, according to a report.

Celtic finally announce Benjamin Nygren

Typically, Celtic are slow starters in the window as they prefer to take stock before acting on the market, but supporters will be heading into the weekend with a spring in their step following confirmation of Benjamin Nygren’s arrival.

Coming in from FC Nordsjælland on a five-year deal, the versatile attacker has vowed to impress the Bhoys’ support by creating plenty of chances as well as getting himself on the scoresheet, regardless of where he is deployed on the pitch.

He explained: “I feel amazing to have signed for Celtic, it’s so nice to be here. I’ve been looking forward to this so much.

“I’m a player who wants to create a lot of chances and go towards goal. I’m a link between the defence and the offence and I can run a lot. I’m an offensive-minded player but I also work hard and try to do my best in all parts of the game.”

With the recruitment wheels in motion at Parkhead, Celtic could make a move for Girona forward Bojan Miovski to settle their long-winded quest for a number nine following Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure in January.

Celtic in talks to sell international defender for 7-figure loss

Is it the right time for him to leave?

1 ByHenry Jackson Jun 27, 2025

Nevertheless, they could also be set for outward movement in relation to their front line after turfing out a £500,000 bid from Bolton Wanderers for Irish striker Johnny Kenny.

Como’s advances for Celtic star Nicolas Kuhn have turned heads, though the Hoops could be set for another shock to the system amid Premier League interest in one of their most productive stars.

Brentford could submit imminent offer for Daizen Maeda

According to a report from Sportiva, cited by the Daily Record, Brentford could submit an imminent offer for Celtic forward Daizen Maeda after Keith Andrews took over at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Tottenham, Fenerbahçe and West Ham have all been tentatively linked with a move for the Japan international, but the Bees are now said to be in pursuit, even if they will give careful consideration to the finances behind any deal before proceeding, though it is suggested they could move for him in “immediate” fashion.

Daizen Maeda’s mercurial 2024/25 campaign at Celtic – all competitions

Appearances

51

Goals

33

Assists

12

Trophies

1x Scottish Premiership, 1x Premier Sports Cup

Labelled a “special player” by Alistair Johnston, Hoops favourite Maeda managed to direct 28 of his 57 shots on target last term and emerged as arguably Celtic’s most important player on the march to a domestic double.

Brendan Rodgers won’t be in a rush to lose his services, but a question mark over his future will continue to remain as his contract at Parkheads ticks down.

Two years remain on his current terms, so nailing Maeda down to a new long-term deal will be a central priority for the Irishman.

Perez now planning £101m Real Madrid double-deal for two Arsenal stars

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is preparing for the Xabi Alonso era, and he wants to back his new manager with an ambitious double-deal for two Arsenal stars worth a potential £101 million.

Arsenal set for busy summer of incomings and outgoings

The north Londoners have already sealed an agreement for Martin Zubimendi, who looks set to become Andrea Berta’s first signing as the club’s new sporting director (Fabrizio Romano).

Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in race to sign £49m forward after Berta talks

The Italian is already getting busy ahead of this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini May 13, 2025

Zubimendi will come as a direct replacement for midfielder Jorginho, who is on his way to Brazilian side Flamengo once his contract expires on June 30, so Berta has acted quickly to fill the Italy international’s boots for next season.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

More replacements for squad members are highly anticipated as we fast approach the summer window as well, as Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a full-back to replace Kieran Tierney, who has agreed to join Celtic, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who Berta is expected to sell.

A new central defender is also on Berta’s ever-growing reported to-do list this summer, with Arsenal among the many contenders to sign Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, who is being courted by a host of top sides.

Their concrete interest in the 20-year-old is perhaps an indicator that the long-term futures of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes aren’t yet clear, despite Arsenal’s attempts to lock them down.

Arsenal have opened talks with Saliba over a contract extension, amid Real’s heavily reported interest in the France international, and it is quite simply imperative that Berta manages to keep hold of the former Saint-Étienne starlet.

Los Blancos are said to be eyeing up a few Arsenal players alongside Saliba, with goalkeeper David Raya also on their radar. However, as per a new report from Spain, left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly is now also turning heads at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid planning £101m double deal for Arsenal stars Saliba and Lewis-Skelly

Indeed, as per the Spanish media source, Real president Perez is personally hatching an ambitious plan to lure both Lewis-Skelly and Saliba to La Liga in a “double deal”.

It is reported that Real could splash £101 million on the signings of Lewis-Skelly and Saliba from Arsenal.

While the latter is seen as their priority target, Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy’s unconvincing performances have prompted Real to consider Lewis-Skelly as an option as well, with the 15-time European champions pondering ways to orchestrate a deal with Arsenal.

Both Lewis-Skelly and Saliba have been vital cornerstones of Arteta’s backline, and there would be uproar over any green-light to sell both men, especially after Arsenal lost out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by some distance.

It is highly unlikely to materialise, unless a truly unthinkable offer were to come Berta’s way. Even then, it would arguably need to be high above the mooted £101m mentioned by this report.

Leeds enquire over signing £40m Champions League winner in club-record deal

With their return to the Premier League on the horizon, Leeds United have now reportedly made their first enquiry about signing a Champions League winner for a club-record £40m fee.

Leeds set for crucial summer

As celebrations gradually begin to end around Yorkshire, all eyes will be on the summer transfer window. It’s one that the 49ers simply cannot afford to get wrong and one which must see them spend if they are to keep Leeds in the Premier League at the first time of asking.

For two consecutive seasons now, all three promoted sides have suffered instant relegation from the top flight. Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City failed to learn from Luton Town, Sheffield United and Burnley before suffering themselves as a result. Now, Burnley, Leeds and one other club must avoid following that same path. They must break a concerning trend.

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To do that, the 49ers will need to ensure that Daniel Farke’s side are robust enough for the Premier League. Compared to their style in the Championship, Leeds will have to suffer out of possession if they want to enjoy any success next season, whilst they may need to avoid falling into the trap of adopting the same modern style in possession that could yet earn Southampton an unwanted record.

The transfer window will, of course, play a large part in what happens next at Elland Road. If rumours are anything to go by, then the 49ers are ready to spend too. The likes of Beto have particularly threatened to steal the headlines this week as the Whites look to bolster their frontline.

Beto

The Everton forward endured a slow start to life at Goodison Park but has shown his quality under David Moyes. If Leeds want robust then he’d certainly offer that. Meanwhile, in the goalkeeper department, those at Elland Road have set their sights on the opposite end of Merseyside and signing an instant upgrade on Ilian Meslier.

Leeds make first enquiry to sign Kelleher

According to Graeme Bailey for Leeds United News, Leeds have now made their first enquiry about signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, who are reportedly set to demand as much as £40m to sell their goalkeeper this summer.

With Alisson Becker staying put and Giorgi Mamardashvili on his way from Valencia, the Irishman is heading for the exit door at Anfield, potentially allowing Leeds to take advantage for what would be a club-record transfer fee.

Tsimikas and Kelleher

He may be Liverpool’s second-choice, but Kelleher hasn’t exactly seen his opportunities limited in recent seasons with Alisson continuing to struggle on the injury front. Any concerns that he wouldn’t be good enough to step up have quickly been put to bed in that time too, including against Real Madrid when he saved Kylian Mbappe’s penalty in a 2-0 victory back in November.

On a night to remember, Kelleher earned the praise of Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who dubbed his shot-stopper “outstanding”. For £40m, Leeds would be getting themselves a goalkeeper who’s ready to become a No.1 and an impressive one at that, after winning the Champions League, Premier League and domestic trophies throughout an excellent Liverpool tenure.

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