Tag Futebol

Jurgen Klopp, now serving as Red Bull’s global head of football, paid a visit to Paris FC this week, but it wasn’t his new role that caught fans’ attention. The former Liverpool boss shared a light-hearted post from the French capital, joking about his appearance in a viral Instagram caption that read: "Smart, successful, good looking… AND ME."

• Klopp posts pictures from trip on social media

  Klopp caused a social media stir during his recent trip to Paris FC as part of his duties with Red Bull’s football group. The 58-year-old, who oversees strategy across the brand’s global football network, met with the French club’s directors and later posted a photo alongside them on Instagram. His caption read: "Smart, successful, good looking… AND ME."

  The self-deprecating joke quickly went viral, racking up thousands of likes from fans who have missed his humour and warmth since he stepped away from the touchline. It was classic, witty Klopp and served as a reminder of the personality that made him so beloved during his nine-year spell at Liverpool. His Paris FC appearance also marked one of his more public outings in his new Red Bull role, sparking discussion about how involved he might be with the Ligue 1 outfit moving forward.

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  Ex-Liverpool manager has no plans to return to touchline

  Klopp’s trip to Paris is part of his broader remit within Red Bull’s global football structure, which includes clubs such as RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Bragantino and Paris FC. His responsibilities involve overseeing coaching methods, player pathways, and transfer strategies across the group, as he helps unify Red Bull’s footballing philosophy worldwide. The German’s hands-on visit to France underlined his growing influence within the organisation, even though he insists his time as a frontline coach is over.

  Speaking to earlier this year, Klopp was clear about where he stands on returning to the dugout: "Not. At. All," he said when asked if he missed management. "I knew I would work again. But I also knew that I no longer wanted to work as a coach." It was a definitive answer from a man who once lived and breathed matchdays but now enjoys shaping the sport from a different angle. His new job lets him use his decades of experience to influence multiple teams without enduring the pressure cooker of the Premier League or Champions League again.

  When questioned about whether his decision was full and final, the German said: "That’s what I think. But you don’t know. I’m 58. If I started again at 65, everybody will say, ‘You said you’ll never do it again!’ Er, sorry, I thought 100 per cent (when I said it)! That is what I think now. I don’t miss anything."

• Klopp loving freedom since leaving coaching

  Since leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2024, Klopp has embraced a new rhythm of life. Alongside his son Marc, he co-owns Padel FC, a Berlin-based company dedicated to promoting the fast-growing sport of padel. The pair are currently preparing to open a state-of-the-art facility in Liverpool’s Wavertree Sports Park, bringing Klopp back to the city in a different capacity. "In 25 years, I went to two weddings – including mine," he joked, reflecting on how much freer his schedule is now. "I have been more often to the cinema in the past eight weeks than during my entire coaching career."

  Even as he enjoys his new ventures, Klopp remains one of football’s most respected figures, and talk of a potential return to Liverpool refuses to die down. In a conversation on the Diary of a CEO podcast, he teased fans by admitting, "I said I would never coach a different team in England. So that means if I did return to England, then it’s Liverpool. Yeah, theoretically it’s possible." However, he also stressed that he doesn’t miss the intensity of the job, saying: "I didn’t know when games started. I was just out. I played sports. We enjoyed life, spent time with the grandkids – completely normal stuff."

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• IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire
  

  Key to Red Bull's football operations

  Klopp’s work with Red Bull is expected to continue shaping the future of their football portfolio, including Paris FC’s development as they look to establish themselves in the upper half of Ligue 1. His main focus is to "oversee, advise, and draw a strategic vision" for Red Bull’s family of clubs – a role he has described as "a perfect balance between involvement and freedom."

Surrey 149 for 8 (Roy 69, Douthwaite 3-23) beat Glamorgan 142 (Curran 3-18, Jordan 3-31) by seven runsSurrey picked up their first win of the Vitality Blast with a disciplined bowling display that sealed a seven-run win over Glamorgan in Cardiff.Sam Curran impressed with the ball, taking 3 for 18 to secure his first win as Surrey captain. Earlier, Jason Roy scored a second consecutive half-century to lift Surrey to a competitive 149 for 8 before the experienced, international-filled bowling contingent took charge.Glamorgan’s bowlers had done a decent job to restrict Surrey, with Dan Douthwaite’s 3 for 23 the highlight. A 58-partnership from Kiran Carlson and Will Smale set the hosts on their way in the chase, before key wickets through the middle overs left them 142 all out off the final delivery.Surrey’s win gives both sides four points (one win, one loss) after two matches at this early stage in the South Group.For the second time in this T20 campaign, Surrey were put into bat by their toss-winning hosts. Ollie Pope showed his creativity early, scooping Timm van der Gugten for a six in the first over, disregarding the deep-third fielder in the process.Dom Sibley took a while to get going, with just two from his first 11 balls before finding a boundary to kickstart his eventual 26 from 27 balls. Glamorgan’s regular bowling changes led to a 23-ball boundaryless spell after the Powerplay until Roy pushed up a gear, hitting Andy Gorvin for a destructive straight six. It was a feat that Sam Curran and Laurie Evans couldn’t replicate, both falling caught at long-off in the same, eventful over.After Roy brought up 50 in 37 balls, Tom Curran, Ollie Sykes and Jordan struggled to make headway on a seemingly slow pitch which rewarded bowlers who hit the pitch from back-of-a-length. However, after Roy’s dismissal, Smith found a key six in the penultimate over.In reply, Glamorgan’s wicketless powerplay set them up for a strong platform in a manageable chase. Although the openers rode their luck with a few outside edges racing to the boundary and landing fortunately, the 50 partnership came up in the seventh over with some strong running and a notable Smale ramp for six off after a failed earlier attempt.However, the introduction of Jordan and Sam Curran changed the tempo of their chase. Ben Kellaway struck two boundaries including a reverse-sweep in his seven-ball stay, and with Colin Ingram unable to get going, tied down by the impressive Curran, Glamorgan slumped through a spell of three wickets for 11 runs in three overs.With momentum against them, the hosts were left needing 55 from six overs, before a Douthwaite blow sailed over the biggest boundary on the ground off the final ball of the 15th over.The task, hoewever, was too much to ask with a series of Sam Curran slower balls contributing to three late wickets in his four-over allocation.

Arsenal secured a phenomenal last-gasp point against Manchester City at the Emirates this afternoon, highlighting the title credentials the Gunners possess.

Mikel Arteta’s side looked set to fall to defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side, but the 93rd-minute strike from Gabriel Martinelli secured a vital point in their hunt for Premier League title glory.

Such a result maintained the club’s unbeaten record in the 2025/26 campaign, but has seen them fall a couple of points behind Liverpool at the top of the table.

However, given the circumstances around the late equaliser, the result will certainly feel like it’s a point gained rather than two dropped – especially after it kept their unbeaten start intact.

Such a result will undoubtedly highlight to Arteta the changes he needs to make going forward, with one player deserving of a recall to the starting eleven in the near future.

Gabriel Martinelli’s heroics against Manchester City

Over the last couple of months, Martinelli has come into huge question for his lack of impact at Arsenal – subsequently leading to the huge investment over the summer.

However, the Brazilian has proved some of his doubters wrong over recent days, producing some impressive displays even before his cameo against Guardiola’s side.

He scored off the bench against Atlético Bilbao on Tuesday night, before doing the same again this afternoon – staking his claim for a regular first-team starting role again.

The 24-year-old only managed five touches of the ball after being brought on for the remaining 10 minutes, but it was his first time finish which was the decisive one.

Martinelli subsequently completed 100% of the passes he attempted and placed 100% of his shots on target, further highlighting the impressive cameo he produced off the bench.

Despite the showing of the Brazilian, one other player failed to deliver at the Emirates, with Arteta needing to take action and drop him from the side in their next outing.

The Arsenal player who needs to be dropped after City

The draw may give reasons to be positive for the weeks ahead, but it can’t gloss over the issues that arose in the early stages – most notably in the first half of the contest.

Arsenal were on the back foot, subsequently going a goal down after Erling Haaland’s strike, but were unable to break down the Citizens, given their low defensive line.

Arteta made a mistake in not starting an attacking midfielder, leaving Eberechi Eze on the substitutes bench and deciding to operate with Mikel Merino alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice.

He also started with Noni Madueke off the right-hand side once again, but it was an afternoon to forget for the Englishman, as he failed to have the desired impact.

The 23-year-old has been filling the void after Bukayo Saka’s injury, but he was replaced by the aforementioned star at the break upon his return to first-team action.

However, his withdrawal from the contest was certainly warranted, with his underlying figures highlighting how dismal his showing was in North London today.

Madueke only managed 32 touches of the ball, missing a big chance in the process, and often being wasteful with the chances that were presented his way in the final third.

Minutes played

45

Touches

32

Dribbles completed

0/2

Duels lost

100%

Crosses completed

0/5

Pass accuracy

62%

Big chances missed

1

Dribbled past

2

He also failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, whilst also losing 100% of the duels he entered – often being dominated by young full-back Nico O’Reilly.

The winger also registered five crosses, but not one of them found a player in red, subsequently achieving a 0% success rate – further showcasing his lack of positive impact.

As a result of his showing, Madueke was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by GOAL’s Sean Walsh – topping off what was a dismal afternoon for the £50m addition.

After such a showing, Arteta needs to drop the attacker from his starting eleven, with Saka needing to come back into the fold after his return from injury.

However, the biggest talking point will be Martinelli after his late goal, with the Brazilian undoubtedly saving the day in what was a pretty lacklustre showing at the Emirates.

Move over Zubimendi: Arsenal have their new Fabregas in £26m "monster"

The incredible superstar in the making looks like one of Arsenal’s best signings in a long time.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 20, 2025

The Russell Martin reign at Rangers has certainly not got off to the brightest start, although if there is to be a crumb of comfort at Ibrox, it’s that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Indeed, for all the calamity of the past month or so, it’s worth remembering that Ange Postecoglou also endured his own limp start elsewhere in Glasgow, failing to win any of his first three competitive games in charge at Celtic.

An attack-minded coach – in a similar mould to Martin – the Aussie went on to turn the tide and steer the Hoops to five domestic honours across his two seasons in charge, having successfully shaken off that iffy beginning.

For the Gers, the ex-Southampton boss does face an uphill task, although there is an exciting array of talents at his disposal, with summer signing Thelo Aasgaard notably netting four times off the bench for Norway earlier this week.

Djeidi Gassama, meanwhile, has already hit the ground running with four goals and one assist from just ten appearances for the Light Blues, with intrigue mounting over just how £8m man Youssef Chermiti will settle in to life in Scottish football.

While the transfer fee would suggest otherwise, the Portuguese youngster is a raw, inexperienced talent who is yet to realise his potential – perhaps he can look to Hamza Igamane’s Rangers spell as reason for encouragement.

Hamza Igamane's start to life after Rangers

There is no justifying the actions of Igamane as his relatively brief Rangers stint came to a close, with the 22-year-old said to have refused to come off the bench during the draw with St Mirren, in fear of a potential injury hampering his impending move to Lille.

That £10.4m sale was subsequently agreed, with those at Ibrox no doubt glad to see the back of a player who showcased such blatant self-interest and disregard for his manager.

That being said, of course, it’s hard to deny the forward’s obvious talent, having already settled into life in France with a delightful double on debut in the 7-1 thrashing of Lorient prior to the international break.

The first of those two efforts saw the Moroccan wizard fire home on the rebound following a trademark jinking run in the build-up, with those back in Glasgow having witnessed such quality first hand last season.

In all, the £1.7m addition – who was a relative unknown at the time – contributed 16 goals in 49 games in total prior to his toxic departure, as per Transfermarkt, having since followed up his debut heroics at Lille with a further two goals for his country over the past week.

With five goals and assists to his name across his last 155 minutes of action for club and country, the youngster is undoubtedly thriving after sealing his desired Ibrox exit.

For those at Rangers, however, he now belongs to the past, with Martin now able to wield a potentially even bigger talent this season.

Rangers could have an even bigger talent than Igamane

As already stated, the early success story from an extensive summer of recruitment so far has been Gassama, with the ex-Sheffield Wednesday winger netting all four of his goals thus far in just six Champions League qualification games.

The 22-year-old – signed for just £2.2m – could be a star of the present and future at Ibrox, although for 2025/26, keep an eye on young Mikey Moore to be the man to ultimately steal the limelight.

Still only 18, the Tottenham Hotspur loanee could eclipse Igamane and co as arguably the biggest prospect to have turned out for the Light Blues in recent times, having been hailed as “one of England’s best players of his age group” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Also described as a “superstar” by Mattinson, the promising Englishman has already made his presence felt back in north London, registering one goal and two assists from just 21 senior games for Spurs to date.

Igamane caught the eye in the Europa League last term, with four goals and one assist from just ten appearances, although at the age of just 17, Moore was making his own impression for the Premier League outfit in Europe.

Games

5

Goals

1

Assists

1

Big chances created

1

Key passes*

0.8

Successful dribbles*

0.8

Pass accuracy*

83%

Possession lost*

0.4

On just his second start of 2024/25 against AZ Alkmaar back in October, the teenage sensation was notably compared to Brazil great Neymar by teammate James Maddison, having been lauded for his “fearless” display down the left flank.

That performance led to notable plaudits from the aforementioned Postecoglou, with the Aussie stating that he had been “willing” his side to keep giving the ball to the academy graduate – high praise indeed:

For such a talent to now be on the books at Rangers, albeit temporarily, is undoubtedly an exciting prospect, with Moore already chalking up one assist from his first four games under Martin’s watch.

Igamane, for all his flaws, looks destined to be a star in the years to come. At four years his junior and already earning rave reviews, however, it is Moore who may well have the bigger ceiling.

Rangers must regret losing the "Mbappe of Scottish football" for nothing

Rangers had a star who was described as the Kylian Mbappe of Scottish football, then lost him for nothing.

ByDan Emery Sep 11, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur was once the home to numerous world-class forwards, but Thomas Frank won’t be able to call upon any of the former talents previously at the club.

Harry Kane will be remembered as one of the best attackers in the Lilywhites’ history, registering 280 goals during his spell in the first team, sitting at the top of their record goalscoring charts.

Gareth Bale was another talent who captured the hearts of the fanbase during his own spell in North London, producing numerous moments of magic that led to him scoring 72 times in over 200 outings.

Whilst both players brought in huge profits, leaving for a combined £168m, it has left the first-team with a lack of attacking quality over various stints in recent campaigns.

Frank will want to rectify such problems before the end of the summer window, with the Dane overseeing continuous work during the past few weeks.

Spurs’ hunt to land an Eze alternative this summer

Eberechi Eze has been one of the key targets for Spurs this summer, with their pursuit of the Englishman dragging out for the majority of the window.

However, despite agreeing a deal with Crystal Palace and the player himself, he won’t be moving to join the Lilywhites – subsequently accepting a proposal from Arsenal, with a medical planned for this weekend.

Missing out on such a talent will be a huge disappointment to the supporters, but the hierarchy have already moved on to other targets, in the form of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Lilywhites hierarchy made an approach to Unai Emery’s side over the last couple of days to understand further conditions around any move.

He also stated that a deal could be unlikely this window, especially considering his current outfit don’t want to sell him, but an £80m price tag has previously been mooted for his signature.

Why Spurs’ £80m target would be a better signing than Eze

James Maddison’s injury and Heung-min Son’s departure to join LAFC have left huge holes in the number ten and left-wing positions, something which Eze would’ve solved.

The 27-year-old often featured in both of the aforementioned roles at Selhurst Park last season, ending the 2024/25 Premier League campaign with 16 combined goals and assists.

He also scored the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, helping the Eagles claim their first ever major trophy – leading to major interest from Frank’s side.

However, given his pending move to join the Gunners, Eze will always remain a case of what could’ve been after being strongly linked with Frank’s side during the summer window.

Despite missing out on the attacker’s signature, the hierarchy can’t rest on their laurels, needing to act quickly to secure an alternative – something which they’ve evidently done by plotting a deal for Rogers.

He would be a more expensive addition for the hierarchy, but one that can still develop further in the years ahead, with the former Manchester City youngster just 23 years old.

When comparing his stats to those of Eze from last season, the Villa star managed more combined goals and assists, but also notched numerous higher tallies with his underlying figures.

Rogers, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Eduardo Hagn, completed more passes into the final third and the opposition area per 90 – having the creative ability to provide others around him with constant opportunities.

He also notched more progressive carries per 90 and more carries into the opposition third, able to drive forward into dangerous areas – having the tools to set up a teammate or even find the net himself.

Games played

37

34

Goals & assists

18

16

Progressive carries

3.6

2.4

Progressive passes

3.6

3.3

Passes into the final third

2.1

1.7

Passes into the opposition box

1.6

1.3

Carries into the final third

2.1

1.6

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.2

Aerials won

20%

15%

His ability to produce an end product is evident by his higher tally of goal contributions, but also achieving a higher shot on target accuracy rate in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

Seeing Eze pulling on the red of Arsenal will be a painful sight for Spurs supporters, especially considering the huge hunt for his signature in recent months.

A deal for Rogers will definitely soften the blow, potentially being a blessing in disguise, with the Lilywhites able to land a bigger talent should they complete a deal for the Villa sensation.

As talented as Eze: Spurs make 1st approach to sign "spectacular" £25m star

Tottenham Hotspur have made an attempt to land a star who could have thrived alongside Eberechi Eze.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 21, 2025

تقدم فريق مانشستر سيتي بهدف أول في مباراته أمام برينتفورد، ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز موسم 2025-2026.

ويحل مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا على برينتفورد مساء اليوم الأحد، بملعب “جيتك كوميونيتي ستاديوم” ضمن مباريات الجولة السابعة للدوري الإنجليزي “البريميرليج”.

وأحرز النرويجي إيرلينج هالاند، الهدف الأول لصالح مانشستر سيتي في الدقيقة التاسعة من عمر المباراة.

اقرأ أيضًا | بكلمة واحدة.. هالاند يتفاعل مع هدف تشيلسي القاتل أمام ليفربول

ومرر جفارديول تمريرة طويلة وانطلق إيرلينج هالاند نحو الكرة، وتغلب على سيب فان دن بيرج وناثان كولينز وسدد بقوة في مرمى الحارس كاويمين كيليهر.

وسجل هالاند هدفه التاسع في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز هذا الموسم، وقد سجل الآن في آخر خمس مباريات له في المسابقة. هدف هالاند في مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبرينتفورد

⚽️ هالاند يفتتح التسجيل لمانشستر سيتي#الدوري_الإنجليزي_الممتاز#PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/IEyaU51Q8x — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) October 5, 2025

Tottenham are now targeting a Premier League star who’s rejected several attempts from his club to agree a contract extension, according to a fresh report, with the player also very keen to play in the Champions League.

Tottenham moving for £78m "crown jewel" signing after arrival of new investor

Spurs have fresh financial backing.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 30, 2025

Spurs have a few key areas of Thomas Frank’s squad they still wish to strengthen before deadline day on September 1.

After missing out on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in bizarre fashion, the north Londoners remain in pursuit of fresh attacking options to instill some much-needed creativity.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.00
James Maddison	6.98
Pedro Porro	6.95
Dominic Solanke	6.84
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

According to some reports, Tottenham have held talks with intermediaries over an audacious move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, which would potentially require chairman Daniel Levy to shatter the club’s transfer record (AS).

A new number six is also possible, if Spurs make room in their squad by selling a midfielder (Alasdair Gold), with reliable media sources confirming that Bayern Munich and former Fulham star, Joao Palhinha, is on their list of targets.

Another area to look out for is at centre-half, despite Frank’s current abundance of defenders.

Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin and Luka Vuskovic are on Tottenham’s books right now, but the latter two may not be solid options to call upon ahead of the new season.

Vuskovic is still raw and could go out on loan again, as is the case with Ashley Phillips after he sealed a return to Stoke City, while Dragusin is still in recovery from a crushing ACL injury.

Tottenham were forced to utilise teenager Archie Gray as a makeshift centre-half amid their injury nightmare under Ange Postecoglou last season, and Frank will be very keen not to suffer the same fate as his predecessor.

Spurs are believed to remain contenders for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi as a result, coming after they had a mammoth £70m offer rejected for the Englishman in January, but he isn’t the only Premier League stalwart on Levy’s agenda.

Tottenham eye Brighton contract rebel Jan Paul van Hecke

According to Voetbal International and reporter Joost Blaauwhof, Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke is attracting interest from N17 too.

The Dutchman’s form last season prompted a call to the Netherlands international team, whilst also winning Brighton’s Player of the Season award following a stellar 2024/2025.

Brighton, for their part, are desperate to agree an extension and have made ‘several’ new deal offers. Fabian Hurzeler’s side were even prepared to table a record-breaking new contract by making van Hecke the highest-paid player in their history.

However, the 25-year-old has no interest in committing his future, and he’s firmly set his sights on a move away.

According to Voetbal, Tottenham are eyeing a move for van Hecke alongside Newcastle, with the former NAC Breda sensation dreaming of moving to a Champions League side.

Tony Bloom and co have priced van Hecke at around £43m, which could be seen as amazing value considering both his age and proven top-level experience. Just two years remain on the player’s current contract, though, so there is scope for Levy to even whittle down this price tag.

Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon for a £63.5m total fee at the weekend. Not a bad price, all things considered.

He’s one of the most prolific centre-forwards across Europe, after all.

Gyokeres, 27, is the positional solution to Mikel Arteta’s most pressing positional problem. Several windows have come and gone without the Gunners signing a centre-forward that they all saw they needed.

The Sweden star scored 97 goals across two seasons for Sporting, winning the Liga Portugal both years.

However, Arsenal may yet need another signing to complete their frontline. Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have all made improvements this summer, and Arteta has hit sights set on lifting the Premier League title next May.

Could that man be Real Madrid’s Rodrygo?

Arsenal's interest in Rodrygo

There’s no question Rodrygo is a terrific footballer, hailed by his former teammate Luka Modric for his “world-class” quality on the ball.

The 24-year-old’s desire to feature more regularly on the left wing aligns with Arteta’s Arsenal vision for the remainder of the transfer window.

As a senior professional, Real Madrid is all that he has known, having joined the Spanish giants from Santos in his homeland when he turned 18.

The Londoners have been keeping checks on the Brazilian this summer, with reports from earlier in July even claiming that Arsenal lead the race.

The problem, naturally, is that other suitors are lining up for the Brazilian forward, who Real Madrid would only consider selling for a fixed €90m (£78m) fee.

That’s an awful lot of money, and technical director Andrea Berta might be inclined to direct his club’s transfer cannon in a different direction.

Arsenal could sign Rodrygo alternative

Given that Rodrygo went 17 matches without a goal or an assist across the second half of last year’s La Liga campaign, Arsenal might be wary about forking out such a heavy sum to bring him over.

Instead, technical director Andrea Berta might be inclined to act on Arsenal’s interest in AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, who has been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer. In May, it was revealed that the club were engaged in talks with the Serie A giants for their Portuguese winger.

As with Rodrygo, Leao would cost a pretty penny, though perhaps he’d be the cheaper man, with Manchester United previously pushing to seal a £60m package this summer.

Regardless, there’s an elite player in there. Analyst Ben Mattinson has even gone as far as to say that he’s “one of the best left wingers in the world” while Milan coach Stefano Pioli once said that “Leao reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry.”

Over the past two terms, the 26-year-old Leao has scored 27 goals and has supplied 27 assists across all competitions for Milan, making an interesting comment on his prolific capacity.

Just imagine how high he could reach in Arteta’s Arsenal team, playing alongside a higher calibre of goalscoring teammate in Gyokeres, and with Bukayo Saka matching him out on the right too. Writer Theo Mwangi has actually claimed that the high-speed winger is a “superstar”.

Rodrygo might have been earmarked as an exciting option to complete the set, but there’s little question that Leao is on a similar level, and given that he would arrive for a cheaper fee, it feels right that Arsenal should push for the latter man.

Rafael Leao vs Rodrygo (past 365 days)

Stats (per 90)

Leao

Rodrygo

Goals

0.32

0.35

Assists

0.26

0.22

Shots taken

2.37

2.54

Shot-creating actions

4.13

4.56

Touches (att pen)

6.15

5.84

Progressive passes

3.58

4.69

Progressive carries

4.74

5.07

Successful take-ons

2.83

2.15

All data via FBref

They match up rather well. The Milan winger might not be the most prolific on the block, but he’s in the same ballpark as Rodrygo – and that’s hardly an indicator of poor form.

Leao is actually a bit more of an effective dribbler, successfully taking on more opponents per 90 than the Los Blancos star. He also ranks among the top 19% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for his success rate (49%) in such duels.

Such a balanced and well-rounded physical force, Leao could be the missing piece in an Arsenal puzzle which just needs that extra injection of quality to cross the boundary that has lingered between them and glory over the past three campaigns.

Moreover, Leao has come off the back of a difficult campaign, with AC Milan struggling for form and finishing eighth. Even so, he held his own, notching eight goals and eight assists apiece in the league and averaging 4.5 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.

Leao has also been regarded by Napoli sensation Scott McTominay to have been the most impressive opponent he has faced since swapping Old Trafford for Naples.

Capable of outrageous tricks, flicks and moments in key areas, Leao would both raise the fun factor at the Emirates next season while improving Arteta’s squad’s output concurrently.

With both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard mooted for an exit from north London this summer, this may well be a signing that becomes a necessity for the Gunners, especially if a move for Rodrygo comes to nothing, and he signs for a rival or indeed stays put in Madrid.

Arsenal have some tough choices to make over the coming weeks, but having enjoyed such an impressive transfer window so far, it would hardly be a bad thing to forge ahead and make a play for Leao.

Related Saka will love him: Arsenal reach agreement in principle to sign £68m star

Arsenal are ready to supply Viktor Gyokeres with an exciting new wideman.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 29, 2025

قام المغربي يوسف شيبو نجم كرة القدم السابق، بتحليل مواجهة نادي برشلونة أمام نظيره نيوكاسل يونايتد، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا بالدور المعروف بمرحلة الدوري.

وانطلقت للتو مواجهة نيوكاسل أمام برشلونة على ملعب سانت جيمس بارك في إنجلترا، ضمن الجولة الأولى من مرحلة الدوري في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويسعى برشلونة للفوز على نيوكاسل من أجل بداية دوري الأبطال بشكل مميز، بحثًا عن تحقيق اللقب السادس، حيث لم يفز البرسا باللقب منذ أكثر من عشر سنوات.

طالع .. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة برشلونة ونيوكاسل في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. الشوط الأول

وأكد شيبو في تصريحات عبر إستوديو بي إن سبورتس، أن خط دفاع برشلونة يمثل نقطة ضعف واضحة في لقاء اليوم قد يستغلها نيوكاسل.

ويعتقد شيبو أن غياب أليخاندرو بالدي بالإضافة إلى تواجد رونالد أراوخو بشكل أساسي يعتبر نقطة ضعف لبرشلونة اليوم.

وعول مدرب برشلونة هانز فليك، على خدمات جيرارد مارتن في مركز الظهير الأيسر بشكل أساسي، من أجل تعويض غياب بالدي للإصابة.

وقال شيبو: ”رونالد أراوخو نقطة ضعف كبيرة في دفاع برشلونة الليلة، غياب بالدي مؤثر على برشلونة، جيرارد مارتن لاعب بطيء وضعيف الأداء، هو لا يجيد الدفاع ولا الهجوم، ولا يقدم حلولًا واضحة”.

Foxes edged out of qualification spots in 72-run defeat

ECB Reporters Network19-Jul-2024

Moeen Ali gets hold of a short ball•Andy Kearns/Getty Images

Birmingham Bears sealed top spot in the Vitality Blast North Group final table with a 72-run victory over Leicestershire Foxes at sultry Edgbaston.The Bears booked a home quarter-final with Gloucestershire while the Foxes, who knew that a win would take them into the last eight, suffered the angst of being edged out of the qualification spots on the last day.Moeen Ali’s third T20 century – 103 (59 balls, nine sixes, seven fours) – lifted the Bears to 194 for 5, a tall total but less than appeared likely when they were at 99 without loss in the ninth over. The Foxes then reined in the scoring impressively led by the excellent Scott Currie (2 for 26) and Josh Hull (2 for 34).The Foxes batters could not carry on the comeback, though, folding feebly to 122 all out in 16.4 overs. Only Lewis Goldsworthy offered any resistance as Craig Miles (2 for 12) struck important early blows before Danny Briggs (3 for 30) took his haul in this season’s competition to 27 wickets at 12.81 apiece.After choosing to bat, the Bears raced to 69 without loss after six overs. Moeen pulled the last two balls of the powerplay, from James Neesham, for six, passed 50 in 28 balls and celebrated with successive sixes off Goldsworthy.The opening stand was worth 99 in 53 balls when Alex Davies was well held by Ben Mike at long on off Rehan Ahmed.The Foxes’ impressive fightback then took hold as three overs from Hull, Currie and Louis Kimber cost just 11 runs and brought the wickets of Dan Mousley, lbw trying to sweep a Hull yorker, and Chris Benjamin, caught at deep mid-wicket off Currie.The innings was reignited by two sixes for Moeen off Rehan. He survived a missed stumping off Kimber on 92 to reach a 54-ball century but the Foxes dug deep as Mike conceded just four runs from the 18th over. Moeen holed out to Hull in the last over and after the first ten overs brought 109 runs the last ten yielded just 85.The Foxes were still under some scoreboard pressure though and their chase was torpedoed by early wickets. Sol Budinger edged a slog at Zak Foulkes and Miles struck with his third and sixth balls when Rishi Patel and Rehan Ahmed chipped catches into the off-side infield. When Peter Handscomb sent a return catch to Briggs, the top four had all sunk in single figures.Briggs removed Neesham with the assistance of Mousley at long off. If that catch was impressive, even more so was Ed Barnard’s take, running back from extra cover, to oust Kimber off Jake Lintott. The insatiable Briggs collected his 281st T20 wicket when he knocked out Goldsworthy’s off-stump and the Bears’ romped through to the knockouts while the Foxes’ decent campaign ended with a whimper.