Tag Futebol

Arsenal’s conversations with Ajax over the potential signing of defender Jurrien Timber have been “positive”, and there’s a good chance they will “continue in the next days”, claims transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal have made a busy start to the transfer window, with the deal for Chelsea’s Kai Havertz nearing completion and the ongoing saga around Declan Rice.

Arsenal transfer news – Jurrien Timber

The Ajax defender has been linked with a move away from the Dutch capital for a couple of years now, and previous to the links with Mikel Arteta’s side, the narrative seemed to be that he could join up with his former coach Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

However, with the rapid pace at which negotiations seem to be moving with the Gunners, he could soon be swapping the red and white of Ajax for the red and white of Arsenal.

The news of the north London side’s interest broke earlier this week when David Ornstein tweeted that the club were “working on a deal” and that they had already made an “opening offer worth £30m”.

The transfer expert added that the Dutch giants were looking for £50m, but there was “optimism a compromise will be reached.”

In more good news for Gooners everywhere, Ornstein added that personal terms with the player were “thought to be in place.”

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Jurrien Timber to Arsenal?

Romano stressed that the nature of the conversation between the two clubs had been “positive.”

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “Now, we have to see how much in the end that Ajax will accept for the player who is out of contract in the summer of 2025. The conversation has been positive.”

The transfer expert highlighted the player’s longstanding desire to play in the Premier League, adding: “The player has a big dream of being a Premier League player one day. So, as I mentioned, there is a very positive atmosphere around this negotiation and I think there is a good chance to continue in the next days.”

Would Jurrien Timber be a good signing for Arsenal?

It’s hard to think of a defensive player that would be as perfectly suited to Arteta’s new-look Arsenal side as the Ajax man.

The 22-year-old has been used in both the centre-back and right-back positions during his time with the Amsterdam club.

This flexibility mirrors the club’s current right-back, Ben White, who arrived as a centre-back before being moved to the right this season.

Under the Spaniard’s system, Arsenal’s right-back often tucks in as a third centre-back when the team is in possession, something Timber could certainly do if deployed on the right, ultimately giving the manager a whole host of options to choose from at the back.

Outside just his tactical versatility, the Utrecht-born defender has had a great season for his club – averaging an impressive rating of 6.89 across his 34 league games, per WhoScored.

His underlying numbers are also fantastic. According to FBref, he completes 91.6% of his passes, plays 9.78 of his passes into the final third, produces 1.72 shot-creating actions, and wins 1.01 tackles, all per 90.

If Arsenal completes the signing of the “exceptional” Timber, as described by football writer Anthony Onifade, their backline could be one of the league’s best next season.

Liverpool are reportedly readying a bid for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa as Jurgen Klopp looks to add some strength in depth to his attack.

What’s the latest on Federico Chiesa to Liverpool?

According to reports in Italy, Liverpool are prepared to bid €40m (£34m) for Chiesa this summer as Juventus are willing to sell the player.

The Serie A side have reportedly valued the winger at around €60m (£51.4m), and with his contract expiring in 2025, Juventus would rather get a fee that matches their valuation this summer as opposed to waiting 12 months and being in a weaker position to negotiate.

However, Klopp could face stiff competition, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich touted for a move, while Paris Saint-Germain, who watched him during a few games last year, as per the report, are also keen.

Could Liverpool sign Federico Chiesa this summer?

The main priority for the Anfield side is surely to bolster their midfield options, especially with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing, leaving big gaps to fill.

Alexis Mac Allister joined a few weeks ago, yet there will surely be more business over the coming weeks, and a move for Chiesa perhaps shouldn’t be out of the question, despite the Reds having plenty of left-wingers, including Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.

Chiesa, however, can operate across the front three with ease, being able to play on the right wing as well as through the middle – and this could be a big bonus for Klopp, especially if the Italian can find the form he displayed before suffering an agonising knee injury in January 2022.

Indeed, during 2020/21 – the last time Chiesa played a full season injury-free, the Italy international scored 14 goals and grabbed ten assists, showcasing how dangerous he was from a wide position with a consistent run of games under his belt.

The 25-year-old not only scored nine Serie A goals, but he also managed to average 1.5 key passes per game and create a staggering 18 big chances for his teammates – ranking fourth across the entire division during that term for the latter.

The 41-cap dynamo also played an integral role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph two years ago, scoring twice in seven games, including against Spain in the semi-finals – and with former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon suggesting that he is “impossible to stop”, then it is evident that Klopp must make sure he lures Chiesa to Anfield before he is poached by another side.

ScorecardFile photo – Veda Krishnamurthy and Mithali Raj helped India steer clear of a top order wobble•Veda Krishnamurthy

West Indies women will have to wait till the second ODI on Sunday to give themselves a shot at securing the one win they need to earn a direct entry to the 2017 Women’s World Cup, after a forgettable first outing against India in Vijayawada. They slumped to 131 all out before India’s captain Mithali Raj and middle-order batsman Veda Krishnamurthy steered the hosts to a six-wicket win.The pair put on an unbroken stand of 97 as India – who had slumped to 36 for 4 in the 17th over – chased down the target with 65 balls to spare. Raj faced 91 balls and hit six fours in her 46 not out, while Krishnamurthy brought up her fourth ODI fifty and was unbeaten on 52. The win was India’s seventh in 16 ICC Women’s World Championships matches and put them two points behind fifth-placed South Africa.Four of West Indies’ top seven, including Deandra Dottin – one of their most experienced batsmen – were out for single-digit scores after they had elected to bat. Hayley Matthews (24) and captain Stafanie Taylor (19) put on 37 for the second wicket – the highest partnership of the innings – before left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht removed both of them and Kycia Knight, to leave West Indies precariously placed at 63 for 4. Merissa Aguilleira, the wicketkeeper, top-scored with 42 not out as she carried the batting almost single-handedly, with no batsmen after her getting into double figures thanks to a four-wicket haul by Rajeshwari Gayakwad, India’s other left-arm spinner.West Indies lost their last four wickets for 16, three of those to Gayakwad, who finished with career-best figures of 4 for 21. Bisht, who bowled three maidens in her eight overs, finished with 3 for 14, while allrounder Shikha Pandey took the only other wicket that wasn’t a run-out, with her medium-pace.India, experimenting with the new opening combination of Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, were rattled early. The opening pair put on 15, and No. 3 Mona Meshram – playing her first ODI in over three years – made 2 off 14, before falling to medium-pacer Shakera Selman (2-11). Harmanpreet Kaur’s dismissal for 1 shortly after reduced India to 36 for 4, giving West Indies a glimmer of hope. However the experience of Raj prevailed in the end as she saw the side home in Krishnamurthy’s company.

Manchester United bidder Sheikh Jassim and The Nine Two Foundation may have set up a way to exit the ownership process on their own terms by submitting a new bid to try and seize control of the club, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest ownership news involving Manchester United?

According to Sky Sports, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and The Nine Two Foundation has submitted a fifth and final bid to take over at Manchester United and has stated that the offer must be accepted by this Friday or he will bow out of proceedings.

The report claims that Sheikh Jassim wants to acquire 100% control of the club and wants to upgrade infrastructure around Old Trafford and the Carrington training complex alongside clearing £1 billion worth of debt at Manchester United.

His rival bidder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS, are proposing taking majority control of the Red Devils in a deal that could keep Joel and Avram Glazer on as minority stakeholders.

BBC Sport claim that there has not been any indication yet from the Glazer family over who they would prefer to sell Manchester United to as of yet.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that The Nine Two Foundation may have set up a scenario to leave the bidding war on their own accord rather than by being rejected.

Jacobs told FFC: "If they're not successful, then they've put something out there that effectively says this has to resolve itself one way or the other, or quickly, which means that instead of being rejected, or instead of being made to wait, they are trying to either win or walk away on their own terms. I think that that is very typical of a bid from Qatar, whereby they don't like to lose, so they're doing everything that they think it takes to win. At the same time, they're paving the foundations to walk away if they need to, because they think that the Glazers might not want to sell as the six and do so on their own terms."

What next for Manchester United?

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag and his recruitment team can't control the destination of where the ownership of the club may lie and will instead focus on trying to bring in quality additions ahead of next season as they aim to build on a solid showing in 2022/23.

ESPN report that the Dutch manager isn't sure where he stands with regards to his plans for the upcoming window, stating: "I think it's clear what I want, but it's not up to me. It's about others in this club. The family are the owners, they make the decisions. It's not up to me, so I do everything I can and I influence the processes I'm in charge of."

In terms of potential additions to his squad, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has been a prominently mentioned name in the media and is said to have agreed personal terms over a transfer to Old Trafford, as per talkSPORT.

Tottenham Hotspur star man Harry Kane is also on the radar at Manchester United, as per Sky Sports, though it will remain to be seen how much financial muscle the Red Devils will be able to flex in the market while in the process of a potential transition of ownership.

Arsenal battled well with Manchester City for the Premier League title, but in the end, their quality in depth ultimately told.

Mikel Arteta was left wounded at the failure to secure silverware, but well aware of the progress made in just one year. Despite that, they remain so far away from their rivals.

Manchester United were shown this too at Wembley yesterday, with Pep Guardiola's side winning 2-1 without really getting out of third gear. It marked the second of three trophies they are set to claim this term, with next week's Champions League final the only thing that stands in the way of their infamous treble.

When the pressure has ramped up, whilst some of the Gunners' squad arguably went into hiding, there have been a few key players at the Etihad that have instead stepped up.

Arguably few have done so as dramatically as yesterday's FA Cup final hero; Ilkay Gundogan added another two goals to his phenomenal goalscoring campaign to win them the trophy.

The German has announced himself as one of the best all-around midfielders in the Premier League of late, leading every team to question how they could emulate his success.

Fortunately for Edu, an opportunity to purchase their own version of the 32-year-old has arisen, with reports linking them with a potential €30m (£26m) move for PSV Eindhoven's Xavi Simons.

Could Xavi Simons emulate Ilkay Gundogan?

As a classy yet combative goalscoring maestro, the Netherlands international has all the qualities to emulate City's ageing superstar but at just 20 years old.

Having notched 11 goals and assisted a further seven in all competitions, Gundogan has shown up in key moments with vital strikes of late.

His brace at Goodison Park saw them cruise through a tricky fixture against Everton, just a week after he had done the same to relegation-threatened Leeds United. He even assisted Kevin De Bruyne's strike in their first-leg draw against Real Madrid, to emphasise his creativity before reaching the apex yesterday.

Guardiola noted after that triumph: "The player is exceptional. This season what he has done is just exceptional. Not just being part of the important moments and I don't forget the two goals he scored against Aston Villa [in 2022] and this season many times he’s scored important goals. It’s for the fact how important he is in many, many reasons."

Whilst Simons has enjoyed a far greater year in front of goal, with 22 goals and 12 assists to his name, the youngster has been deployed in a far more advanced midfield role to allow him to shine creatively. However, having recorded 1.4 tackles per game too, he showcases a defensive grit that could allow him to occupy a similar role to Gundogan, just beside a figure like Thomas Partey.

After all, the former Borussia Dortmund gem only manages one tackle per game himself in the league, but his intelligence allows him to add to their unstoppable system at both ends of the pitch.

The youth of Simons would likely attract Arteta too, given how malleable he remains. His former boss Ruud van Nistelrooy could not speak highly enough on his potential, claiming: "He’s doing everything he can to get to the top, his top. And where that will be, that’s the beautiful challenge. His mentality, his mindset, it’s unprecedented."

In acquiring him now, it would allow them to immediately begin his transformation into a player as decisive as this Guardiola favourite, who has played such a key role in the success they have already achieved.

Aston Villa's pursuit of Barcelona director Mateu Alemany has now collapsed as the Spaniard has changed his mind to stay at the club, Fabrizio Romano has explained.

What's going on with Villa and Alemany?

The highly-rated director of football looked set to join Aston Villa at the end of the season, in what was an ambitious move from the Villains, who offered a financial package which was enough to tempt him away from Barcelona.

The former Valencia director has now changed his mind in a dramatic U-turn following the departure of sporting director Jordi Cruyff and is now set to stay at the Camp Nou.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed the "crazy development", in a move which could alter Villa's summer transfer window plans.

"Mateu Alemany has offered himself to Barcelona and to the president Laporta to stay at the club. So he changed his mind," he stated.

"Mateu Alemany had a very big proposal from Aston Villa. This was almost done, 90% done, but after the verbal agreement, Mateu Alemany never signed that contract at Aston Villa.

"He had the chance to go there, to go to the Premier League with a big budget and work together with Unai Emery, but then he changed his mind, he decided to stay at Barcelona. This would be his priority. He loves the city. He loves the club. And so he changed his mind after talks with Aston Villa."

"So let's see how it will continue, but crazy development around the situation."

How will Villa's plans be affected?

This sudden development means that Villa may need to quickly find an alternative director who can help them bring in top players during the transfer window, and Emery may feel frustrated given his ambitions with the club as he aims to bring them back to Europe.

Villa were reportedly targeting Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres, and given that Alemany knows the Spain international from his time at both Barcelona and Valencia, he could have heavily assisted in what would have been a statement signing.

Whilst Villa may still be capable of having a productive transfer window, they will need to move quickly to reassess the strategies they may have been planning with Alemany, and any delay to their plans now could see them lose out on their top targets.

It is certainly a development which will frustrate the club, but if managed correctly, they can operate with minimal disruption despite the late timing of Alemany's decision.

After all, Villa remain in a promising position ahead of the final two games of the season with the prospect of European football potentially offering them an advantage going into the summer window.

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic "could head" to north London this summer as Arsenal are in a "hypothetical pole position" for his signing.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Mikel Arteta's side are still firmly in contention for their first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, but with Man City firmly in the ascendency, Arsenal chiefs will also be focusing heavily on how they can strengthen for next campaign.

The Gunners are just one point behind City in the race for this year's domestic crown, though Pep Guardiola's side possess a crucial game in hand which could well be the big difference-maker.

Regardless of whether they end up pipping Guardiola to top spot, or if Arsenal finish the season without any silverware, there is a very considerable argument to be made that this year has been a success.

It was just 12 months ago that Arsenal were beaten to a top four place by Tottenham, but now they're guaranteed Champions League football for 2023/2024.

As such, strengthening in key areas is an absolute must, with midfield signings thought to be a major priority for Arteta and co. The north Londoners are thought to be targeting West Ham star Declan Rice and Brighton's Moises Caicedo as a result, as well as additions further forward.

Jonathan David (Lille) and Lois Openda (Lens) are two attackers Arsenal are looking at for the latter position, with a report from Spain sharing the latest on their links to Vlahovic.

The Juve striker, who could be on the move this summer, is attracting serious interest with the Spanish source claiming Arsenal in a "hypothetical pole position" for him.

Vlahovic "could head to the Emirates Stadium" past July 1, coming after Arsenal tried and failed to sign him in January.

It's added that Arsenal appear to be ahead of both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the race, with both those sides also holding an interest.

What could Vlahovic bring to Arsenal?

The 23-year-old has registered 10 goals and two assists in 25 Serie A appearances, a solid but not spectacular return for a star forward, but he has been absolutely heralded for his past form.

During his Fiorentina days, where he amassed quite the reputation, pundit Micah Richards praised Vlahovic as everything you need in a centre-forward – explaining to BBC Radio 5 Live (via The Independent):

“He is lightning. It’s ridiculous. He has got 16 in 18 this season. His left foot is like a wand. I am telling you now, he is everything, he is everything you need.”

Juve are also open to selling him, handing Arsenal an opportunity to finally sign Vlahovic for Arteta.

Everton's 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace yesterday was largely an impressive result, restricting Roy Hodgson's resurgent outfit to just two shots on target all game.

Selhurst Park was largely silenced, as Sean Dyche once again took all the sting out of a Premier League clash to earn a vital point.

However, with Leicester City's turnaround win over Wolverhampton Wanderers elsewhere, the Toffees have still sunk into the relegation zone with just six games left to play.

It marked a negative afternoon after a positive performance, however, there was one standout villain for the visitors who was terrorised all game.

With Seamus Coleman still injured and Nathan Patterson perhaps too raw for the former Burnley boss to risk at this stage of the season, the 51-year-old instead opted to start Mason Holgate at right-back ahead of Ben Godfrey.

Having featured in that role for a full campaign during his loan at West Bromwich Albion, there should have been no issues with the 26-year-old stepping in against a 31-year-old Jordan Ayew.

However, it was one of many days to forget that the former Barnsley man has endured in a Royal Blue shirt, as he was run ragged.

How did Mason Holgate play vs Crystal Palace?

Having joined under Roberto Martinez as a promising teenager, Holgate slowly grew into a regular member of the first time who has survived the vicious managerial upheaval over the years following.

However, as time has gone on, the £70k-per-week dud has become more and more of a liability for his side, culminating in a 6.65 average Sofascore rating last season.

Yesterday this misery was only exacerbated as the Eagles targeted him all game.

Earning a 6.1 rating, the lowest of anyone on the pitch, the defender was dribbled past three times whilst losing nine of the 15 duels he competed in, via Sofascore.

Having been booked on 37 minutes, many called for his substitution at half time given how unreliable he had been in the past. Holgate's history showcased hot-headed and thoughtlessness, often capable of giving a goal away or a needlessly heavy challenge to give the referee a decision to make.

Journalist Joe Thomas had even outlined it on Twitter, as he wrote: "Holgate is pushing a few yards further forward than the defenders alongside him and it's just creating a few extra yards of space for Palace to target. He and Ayew are engaged in battle down the right and it is where Everton look most vulnerable."

Unsurprisingly, this once again came to fruition, as Ayew breezed past the 6-foot dud only to be brought down. He was given his marching orders and his side were down to ten men, which fortunately did not cost them their point.

When immersed in a relegation battle, managers cannot afford liabilities when the margins are already so small. Whether Dyche manages to keep Everton up or not, he must expunge this Martinez error and get rid of Holgate once and for all.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has expressed sympathy for Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper amid mounting pressure on his job.

What's the latest on Cooper and Forest?

Despite doing so well to get his team promoted from the Championship up to the Premier League last season, it seems as though the 43-year-old could be out of a job soon.

Indeed, his was worryingly given the dreaded vote of confidence by the Forest board recently. In a statement made by club owner Evangelos Marinakis, it was said that Cooper won't be sacked yet but form "must improve immediately".

The full message was: “No one denies that our Club is in a difficult position in the Premier League, but we wish to end the speculation and the false and disruptive reporting in the media to confirm that Steve Cooper remains our manager at Nottingham Forest.

“We have all been disappointed with recent performances and it is very clear that a lot of hard work needs to be done to address this urgently. Results and performances must improve immediately."

Worryingly then, NFFC lost at home this weekend against Manchester United in a 2-0 defeat which leaves the club 18th.

While talking about the pressure on Cooper on BBC Radio Show 606, Sutton claimed that Marinakis' public comments have put the manager in a tricky position.

The pundit said (28:57): “I think he's been hung out to dry, Steve Cooper.

"This backing, or so-called backing – which it clearly wasn't and because, you know, then he's told that he needs immediate results – that's put him in a hell of a position. You know, it really, really has.”

Will Steve Cooper be sacked soon?

It certainly won't be much help for Cooper or his players to know that the manager is essentially in line for the sack unless results can turn around swiftly.

That statement came out on April 5. Since then, have lost back-to-back league games against Aston Villa and Man United, meaning they haven't won in the division since February 5, ten games ago.

As a result, the club are stuck inside the bottom three, on 27 points, with only seven games left to play this term.

No doubt, with all this pressure, Cooper would have been hoping for a bit of luck on the weekend against the Red Devils but he certainly did not get that.

Indeed, Harry Maguire looked to have surely given away a first-half penalty but his handball was missed by the referee and VAR.

When talking to BBC Sport after the game, the exasperated Forest manager said: "I definitely think it was a penalty, and then a second yellow.

"I do not know how VAR did not spot it, at this level they should be doing better."

It seems as though the PGMOL may have hung Cooper out to dry, just like Marinakis…

Manchester United continued their bid for FA Cup glory after edging past Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday evening, with Erik ten Hag's men capitalising on a bizarre, late implosion from the visitors to seal their place in the last four.

After a shaky first 70 minutes or so from the Red Devils – with the away side taking a deserved lead after the break through Aleksandar Mitrovic – the game was flipped on his head in what was a frankly chaotic few moments, with Willian, Marco Silva and that man Mitrovic all seeing red as the hosts were awarded the chance to equalise from the penalty spot.

Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes duly took that opportunity to drag his side level, before adding a second late on to clinch United's progression, with those clinical efforts coming either side of a clever flick from January arrival Marcel Sabitzer, marking a fine way for the Austrian to net his first goal for the club.

Amid the euphoria – and obvious relief – of sealing that late comeback, Ten Hag will undoubtedly be concerned at the manner of the display from the home side on the day, with club legend Roy Keane suggesting that United were "so poor" for the large majority of the match.

A key villain for the former Ajax boss against the Cottagers was seemingly that of club captain, Harry Maguire, with the peripheral Englishman having simply looked "lost" in his central defensive berth, as per writer Hesham Bilal-Hafiz.

How did Maguire perform against Fulham?

With usual starter Raphael Varane absent from proceedings, Maguire was named in the starting lineup for the second game running, having previously produced a solid, albeit unspectacular display against Real Betis in midweek – notably winning five of his seven duels in Seville.

While the 30-year-old – who was recently named in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad despite his lack of regular game time at club level – did win five of his seven duels again this time around, it was a far from serene performance from the towering dud.

As per The Athletic's Adam Crafton, some "sloppy defending" from both the centre-back and teammate Scott McTominay sparked a chance for Antonee Robinson in the second half, with Maguire also picking up an early booking for foolishly dragging Mitrovic to the ground.

That yellow card has ensured that the former Leicester City man will be suspensed for the semi-final meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion, although there will be few shedding any tears over that 'blow', with the Red Devils skipper having repeatedly irked the Old Trafford crowd yesterday for his clumsy and slow manner in possession.

While centre-back colleague Lisandro Martinez has regularly earned plaudits for his prowess on the ball – having been hailed by Crafton for his line-breaking, "sharp passes" – the Sheffield native undoubtedly sparks a sense of nervousness when trying to play out from the back, having been "slow to release the ball", according to Crafton.

The respected journalist also stated that such a performance – in which the £190k-per-week man lost possession on eight occasions from his 79 touches – felt like "another signpost of the end for Maguire at Man United", amid reports that the struggling asset could be on his way out of the club this summer.

On a day in which the 6 foot 4 dud simply 'regressed' – as per Manchester Evening News correspondent Samuel Luckhurst – the aforementioned Martinez truly shone, with the Argentine warrior having been "excellent" yet again, according to Luckhurst.

The stark difference in quality between the pair is not helping Maguire's cause of nailing down a regular role in the side, with the ambling, shaky defender seemingly failing to inspire confidence among his teammates or the home crowd.

While the one-time Hull City ace was not alone in having disappointed on Sunday – with McTominay also being withdrawn early in the second half after winning just a solitary duel – that limp showing served as another reminder as to why a fresh start away from Manchester could be what is needed for the heavily-scrutinised defender next season.

On the evidence of yesterday, he is only set to cost United rather than aid them moving forward.