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Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has explained why USWNT star Catarina Macario isn't in the travelling squad for the Champions League clash with Twente.

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• Macario absent from travelling Chelsea squad
• Blues face Twente in Champions League on Thursday
• Bompastor explains why USWNT star is missing

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blues take on Twente in the Netherlands in their second group stage match this week, after beating Real Madrid 3-2 in their first outing in Europe last Tuesday. However, they will be without Macario as they bid to beat the Dutch side.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Macario has had rotten luck with injuries in recent times. After she suffered an ACL injury in June 2022 that ruled her out for almost two years, only returning back in March, the forward had to miss the Olympics this summer due to knee irritation. That meant she missed out on a gold medal too, as the USWNT beat Brazil in the final to triumph.

• WHAT BOMPASTOR SAID

  In light of those issues, Bompastor explained in her pre-match press conference that Macario's absence from Wednesday's game was about getting her back to full fitness in a steady manner. "We are building some minutes and building her fitness," the Chelsea boss said. "That's part of the plan and part of her own process. We work a lot individually with every player and we try to give them what they need to be fit and back to the best level, or their best version. We just felt it was the good decision to have her stay in London, working individually with some staff, and she will be ready for the game on Sunday."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The game on Sunday that Bompastor refers to is Chelsea hosting London rivals Tottenham. The Blues are currently second in the Women's Super League table, one point behind Manchester City but with a game in hand, after their match with Manchester United was controversially postponed.

One Arsenal high-earner is in talks over a lucrative move to the Middle East, and is believed to be closing in on a switch to the Saudi Pro League.

Players who could be sold by Arsenal this summer

Joining Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares, who are already confirmed to be leaving Hale End when their contracts expire at the end of this month, a host of Mikel Arteta's squad could follow them out the exit door.

Arsenal table offer for Real Madrid regular who Perez may now sell for £34m

He could bolster one key area for Arteta.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 13, 2024

Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares, who don't appear to feature in Arteta's long-term plans moving forward, spent last season on loan spells at Luton Town and Nottingham Forest respectively – with the former admitting this summer could be his last at the club (via Fabrizio Romano).

Left-back Kieran Tierney was also on a temporary spell at Real Sociedad last campaign, where he managed 27 games in all competitions, but his regular game time in Spain wasn't enough to convince Arsenal to keep him.

Reports this week have claimed both Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been told to find new clubs, as Arteta swings the axe and looks to keep evolving his Arsenal squad ahead of another potential title challenge with Man City.

As well as the two left-backs, Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale have been named as Arsenal players who could be sold by Arteta this summer – as per various media reports from the last two months.

One of the most high-profile departures expected at Arsenal, though, is midfielder Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian has entered the final 12 months of his contract, with reliable journalists like Fabrizio Romano claiming Partey is set to leave in the next few months.

The £200,000-per-week midfielder has been a faithful servant since signing from Atletico Madrid for £45 million in 2020, but as the Arsenal squad keeps growing, there is no room for Partey – who also suffered from real injury problems last season.

Partey in talks and closing in on move to Saudi Arabia

As per Football Insider this week, there has been an important update on the 30-year-old's future. Indeed, it is now believed Partey is in Arsenal exit talks and closing in on a move to Saudi Arabia, via his representatives who are discussing terms.

The former La Liga star would pen a "huge" contract to swap the Premier League for the Gulf state, and FI's headline states Partey is close to agreeing the lucrative deal.

The north Londoners, if all goes to plan, will use the cash generated through Partey's sale to buy a younger central midfield replacement. Arsenal have apparently set an asking price of between £20-£25 million, which would be good business considering both the player's age and contract situation.

European football has become a need not a want in recent seasons for Newcastle United after the huge investment from the Saudi PIF.

A couple of years ago, playing in the Champions League would’ve been a far-fetched dream for the Magpies after years of off-the-field uncertainty, with the club even dropping into the Championship under the guidance of Mike Ashley.

However, the last couple of campaigns have been a rollercoaster for the players and supporters, achieving a feat that has been unheard of by an entire generation.

Trips away to Milan and Paris in the Champions League will live long in the memory of all Magpies supporters, but it has highlighted some key issues within Eddie Howe’s squad which need addressing this summer.

The injuries suffered as a result of the congested fixture schedule have seen his side depleted in numerous key areas, including the midfield, which has seen the boss rely on youngsters Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley for large spells in 2023/24.

However, the board are looking to combat this issue with new additions this summer, with one player catching the eye in recent weeks after his brilliant season in the Premier League.

Newcastle interested in Brazilian midfielder

According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Newcastle are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira during the upcoming summer transfer window – with the Magpies one of the clubs to have made an approach after having 'sounded out' the player's agent, Kai Joorabchian.

The former Manchester United talent has reignited his Premier League career after joining the Cottagers for a fee in the region of £10m back in the summer of 2022.

During the 2023/24 campaign, he’s scored three and assisted seven in his 37 matches – missing just one game, demonstrating his ability to stay fit which could be a massive boost for Howe’s side.

The report from Globo goes on to state that fellow English top-flight sides Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in winning the race for the 28-year-old’s signature this window, but any deal will cost at least £30m.

Pereira isn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last midfielder to be linked with a move to Tyneside during the off-season, but he would prove to be a cheaper alternative to one of the club’s other targets.

How Pereira compares to Morgan Gibbs-White

In recent weeks, Newcastle have been credited with a strong interest in Nottingham Forest talent Morgan Gibbs-White after he achieved double figures in assists – leading the Reds to Premier League survival for the second consecutive season.

However, he would be an expensive deal for Howe’s side, costing them at least £50m, but he would be an excellent addition to the Magpies squad with his abilities potentially allowing the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon to bolster their goal-scoring tallies.

Despite his excellent form, Pereira could prove to be just as good of a signing, with his all-round game able to finally finish Howe’s hunt for a new talent to complete his midfield trio.

When comparing the duo – who have been noted as similar players by FBref – they have both started the same amount of games, with the Forest talent finishing with five more combined goals and assists in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

However, the “phenomenal” Brazilian, as dubbed by former boss José Mourinho, has completed more take-ons this season, whilst also having a greater impact at the end of his mazy runs.

Pereira has averaged more shots on target per 90 and more of his shots ending up on target than Gibbs-White, with his tally of 31% nearly more than double than that of the Englishman.

Although both players would cost the Magpies a pretty penny, they would both undoubtedly improve the Newcastle midfield, with the Fulham titan proving to be a slightly cheaper alternative.

Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have nailed down two of the three midfield roles, with Howe potentially able to make it an all-Brazilian midfield with the addition of Pereira.

He’s been a shining light for Marco Silva’s side in 2023/24, more than deserving of a big move, with Newcastle needing to push a move to win the race for his signature this summer.

Newcastle eyeing Gordon 2.0 in £43m star who earns more than Guimaraes

The promising forward would complete Howe’s attack.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 6, 2024

Aurelien Tchouameni has issued a defiant response to claims Real Madrid forced France to leave Kylian Mbappe out of the squad.

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• Kylian Mbappe left out of France squad
• Rumours Real Madrid forced omission
• Tchouameni responds to claims

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe was left out of Didier Deschamps' squad for France's Nations League clashes against Israel and Belgium. The France boss insisted this was due to fitness concerns, having just returned from an injury. However, suggestions have been made that Real Madrid may have had a hand in Mbappe's omission as the 25-year-old forward was able to take part in Los Blancos' game against Villarreal before the international break.

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  Mbappe has been targeted by some fans who believe he hasn't put France on the same level of importance as Real Madrid. However, Tchouameni, who has taken the France captain's armband in Mbappe's absence, has suggested that there is "no pressure from the club" for the striker to miss out.

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  WHAT TCHOUAMENI SAID

  Speaking to the media, Tchouameni said: "I have spoken about it with Kylian and with Ferland (Mendy) and it has never happened. There are physical problems, as is the case with Kylian. There is no pressure from the club."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?

  Les Bleus will take on Israel on Thursday, October 10 before facing Belgium in a crucial clash on Monday, October 14.

Ethan Mbappe led wild celebrations following Lille’s stunning win over Real Madrid, with fans joking that brother Kylian has “turned off mentions”.

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• European champions suffered shock defeat
• World Cup winner stepped off the bench
• Younger brother missed out through injury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Champions League title holders Real made their way to France for the latest round of fixtures in elite European competition. Carlo Ancelotti named a strong side, with Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham all starting for the Blancos.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe had to settle for a place on the bench after making a surprisingly quick recovery from injury, and he was only introduced just before the hour mark. Real found themselves trailing by that stage, with Jonathan David converting a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Lille were able to hold on from there, allowing them to savour a memorable victory. Ethan Mbappe played no part in a meeting with his brother, as he is nursing a knock of his own, but was on the field at the end and got the party started behind the scenes afterwards.

Manchester City are reportedly willing to sell one high-profile player for a "big fee" in the summer transfer window, with Pep Guardiola not convinced about him.

Man City transfer news

City's 2023/24 season ended up being a positive one because of yet another Premier League title triumph, but given the incredible standards they set last time around, only one trophy still felt like a slight disappointment, especially following Saturday's FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

It gives Guardiola reason to chase new signings this summer, with the Spaniard someone who chases perfection season in, season out, and plenty of players have been backed to move to the Etihad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Midfield could be an area to look at, particularly if Bernardo Silva brings an end to his time at City, and Inter Mila star Nicolo Barella has been linked with a move. The Italian is admired by both Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, which speaks volumes, with the latter describing him as a "top-class" footballer.

Pedro Neto has matured into one of the best-attacking players outside of the big Premier League clubs, and he is another rumoured target for City. Newcastle City are believed to be looking to swoop, however, so there could be a battle to snap him up.

Pep willing to sell Man City star

On the flip side, the reigning league champions could lose players, and a new report from Football Insider claims that Manchester City could sell Jack Grealish this summer, as they look to receive a "big fee" for him.

It is claimed that Guardiola "is not completely convinced by the winger and he is considered dispensable as the club look to bring in some extra funds to continue improving their squad this summer."

There is arguably plenty of sense in selling Grealish in the summer window, with the 28-year-old enduring an instantly forgettable season on a personal level. Injuries haven't helped him, but when he has been available, his performances haven't caught the eye in the slightest, with only three goals and one assist coming his way in 20 Premier League appearances.

The £300,000-a-week England international no longer feels like a key man, especially with Jeremy Doku coming in and looking more of a threat on the left wing, and considering Grealish turns 30 next year, this summer could be the best time to cash in on him.

In fairness to Grealish, he has spent much of his time playing a more disciplined role than at Aston Villa, where he was far more of a maverick, but it's hard to shake the idea that he has rarely looked like a £100m player during his time at City, never coming close to having the same impact as the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Rodri and Bernardo, to name just a few.

Fabrizio Romano: £100,000-a-week Man City star may leave with Saudi clubs keen

He could have played his last game for the club already.

By
Ben Browning

May 22, 2024

For that reason, losing him may not feel like a big blow, so Guardiola and those high up at the club should be listening to offers for him in the coming months.

Arsenal star Leah Williamson has been ruled out of the Gunners' huge Women's Super League opener with Manchester City due to concussion protocol.

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• Williamson ruled out of Arsenal's WSL opener
• Makes her a doubt for crucial Champions League qualifier
• Russo also on bench for clash with Man City

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Lionesses' captain was expected to be in contention to start Sunday's match after recovering from a problem that reduced her to the role of a substitute for Wednesday's Champions League qualifying defeat to Hacken. However, when Arsenal's team news was announced on the day of the fixture, she was absent from the squad entirely due to concussion protocol.

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  The Gunners are a little lighter when it comes to senior centre-backs this year, due to Amanda Ilestedt announcing her pregnancy in March and just this week giving birth to her first child. Lotte Wubben-Moy, Williamson's England team-mate, and Laia Codina, who won the World Cup with Spain last year, were head coach Jonas Eidevall's choice of pairing on Sunday, with Katie Reid, a very talented academy product, the only other player in the squad who is a natural in the position.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Eidevall also chose to start Sunday's game with Stina Blackstenius leading the line, rather than Lionesses striker Alessia Russo. Speaking to ahead of the clash, he explained that this was because he felt Man City had a weakness in defending the 'transitional moments' that Blackstenius could help to exploit.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAMSON AND ARSENAL?

  How long Williamson will be in concussion protocol for is unclear at the moment but it raises concerns for Arsenal ahead of a huge match on Thursday, when they play the second leg of that European qualifier with Hacken. The Gunners are 1-0 down so will need to win by two goals or more if they are to reach the Champions League group stages – and could be without their star defender as they aim to do so.

Aston Villa have suffered a setback in their pre-season preparations, with defender Kortney Hause set to be absent for an extended period of time.

What’s the word?

As per the Express and Star, the 26-year-old recently underwent surgery for a ‘minor operation on his right knee’ and is now expected to be absent for around four to six weeks, essentially ruling him out of the club’s summer schedule.

That absence could also make him a doubt for the start of the new Premier League campaign, which kicks off for the Midlands outfit on 6 August away to Bournemouth, leaving Steven Gerrard with a potential shortage of centre-back options for that trip to the Vitality Stadium.

The Liverpool legend will seemingly head into pre-season without the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man and fellow defender Ezri Konsa in tow, the latter set to be absent until early September after sustaining a knee injury of his own in May against Crystal Palace.

Gerrard will be gutted

Although the Villa manager will still have Calum Chambers and Tyrone Mings to call upon, along with summer signing Diego Carlos, it is far from an ideal circumstance to head into a new campaign without a full complement of players, with the 42-year-old seemingly praying for no further injury woes in the coming weeks.

In the case of Hause, the former England under-21 international – who has been linked with an exit from the club – may not have been a regular starter a Villa Park since his move (initially on loan) from Molineux in 2019, although the £25k-per-week colossus has proven himself a valuable squad asset in that time.

He has scored four goals in 55 appearances in all competitions in that time, notably netting a late winner in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford back in September, having featured on the left of a back three in that clash.

While he has largely had to play second fiddle over the past three seasons, he could well take on a more prominent role amid doubts over the futures of both Mings and Konsa, hence the further frustration for all concerned that the 26-year-old won’t be able to showcase his talent in pre-season.

The £3.6m-rated defender’s qualities and attributes have previously been highlighted by journalist Pat Rowe, who stated last September: “He’s another player that’s just developed tenfold under Smith.

“He always looks so assured now this season, and physically, he just dominates players, he’s got the pace.”

That glowing assessment illustrates the scale of the 6 foot 3 brute’s talent, and both he and his manager will no doubt frustrated that he won’t be able to demonstrate that quality in Gerrard’s first full pre-season at the helm of Aston Villa.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez

Tottenham have been busy in the summer transfer window and they may not be done yet as they are said to be keen on a deal for Leeds forward Jack Harrison.

Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas recently claimed that the club have an interest in the English attacker ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He tweeted:

“#Spurs have also inquired about #PSV’s Cody Gakpo, I can exclusively reveal, but he is one of many #Netherlands players told by Louis van Gaal he must be playing regularly to get in the #WorldCup2022 squad. #thfc also like Jack Harrison a lot but has huge valuation.”

The Telegraph previously reported that the Whites value the Englishman at £30m, which put Newcastle United off of a deal for him.

Phil Foden-esque

Tottenham can land a masterclass by signing their own version of the Manchester City star in a deal to land Harrison from Leeds this summer.

Just like Foden, the former MLS man played for the Cityzens at youth level and is a left-footed player who typically play on the left side. In the age of inverted wingers cutting inside onto their stronger foot, both of them tend to line up on their favoured foot down the left.

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Both of them are also proven in the Premier League, albeit to different degrees. The City gem has won four top-flight titles by the age of 22 and managed nine goals and five assists in the division last season, after producing the exact same tally the year before.

Harrison has scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in two Premier League campaigns for Leeds. This means that – in the last two years – Foden has been directly involved in just three more goals, showing that they have had a similar level of production – with the 22-year-old playing in a far more successful side.

Reporter James Marshment has dubbed him “ultra-talented” and Leeds boss Jesse Marsch once hailed the player’s ability on the ball, saying: “He can run all day, he is explosive, he’s effective in 1-v-1s, he’s dangerous, he’s smart. I’m asking him to play a different role, I want him to play a little bit more of an interior player. I just want to give him the confidence to apply our ideas of football and achieve.

“His application [of shooting] in the first game was really good.”

These quotes suggest that he will be perfect for games when Conte wants to hit teams on the counter.

He has the pace to burst down the left to supply the likes of Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son and Dejan Kulusevski – depending on who plays – and his statistics in the Premier League show that he has the end product to deliver quality in the final third.

Therefore, the Italian head coach can seal a masterclass by bringing Harrison to North London as the Foden-esque gem would be a terrific addition to the squad. He adds something different to Son cutting in on his right down the left and could even be used at wing-back if his defending is deemed good enough by Conte.

AND in other news, Contact made: Spurs eyeing “extraordinary” £80m “tank”, Conte can now forget Bastoni…

Aston Villa are now open to offers for midfielder John McGinn following links to Tottenham, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Conte target

Reliable reports from The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath revealed last month that McGinn was one of six players wanted by Antonio Conte in north London this summer.

Spurs have been extremely busy early on in the summer window, already securing deals for Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma, so it looks as though they are about half way through their business.

The 27-year-old Villa star meanwhile missed just two Premier League games under Seven Gerrard last season, who hailed the midfielder as ‘unique’.

Gerrard was adamant that the Scot was an irreplaceable part of his plans at Villa Park, but it looks as if he has made a surprise U-turn when it comes to McGinn’s future.

The Latest: Source shares update

FI provided an update regarding McGinn on Monday morning after being informed by a ‘Villa source’.

They claimed that Villa are now willing to listen to ‘top-tier’ offers for the midfielder, with Gerrard ‘not totally convinced’.

The source added that McGinn is always ‘whinging’ behind the scenes at Bodymoor Heath and isn’t the easiest to manage.

The Verdict: Interesting

This is an extremely big claim made by FI regarding McGinn, given his status as a near untouchable in the XI last season, so his future is one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

Villa have already bolstered their midfield ranks by signing Boubacar Kamara on a free transfer, but should McGinn leave, they would surely need another star addition.

Manchester United have also been linked with the Villa star this year, so it will be interesting to see if Villa receive any offers from north London or Manchester prior to the new season.

In other news: ‘Him and Coutinho…’ – Pundit excited by potential AVFC partnership amid interest in 103 G/A ace.