Max Fried has officially begun his time with the New York Yankees.
On Thursday, we got our first look at Fried in Yankees gear as pictures emerged from the team's training facility in Tampa, Florida. The 31-year-old looked right at home.
Fried was the franchise's big acquisition this offseason. After losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets in free agency, the Yankees pivoted and inked Fried to the largest contract ever for a left-handed pitcher. They gave the two-time All-Star an eight-year deal worth $218 million.
New York's newest hurler will join a loaded rotation that features Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt and Marcus Stroman.
Fried is one of MLB's steadiest pitchers and proved that over the past eight seasons with the Atlanta Braves. He hasn't posted an ERA higher than 3.25 since 2019. During the 2024 campaign, he went 11–10 with a 3.25 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts against 57 walks in 174 1/3 innings.
He should fit in perfectly with that Yankees starting rotation.
Lionel Messi has expressed his strong desire to compete in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina next summer, saying it would be "wonderful" to get the chance to defend his nation's title of World Champions and play in the tournament for the sixth time in his glittering career. But the Inter Miami superstar explained that he wants to feel good about himself physically if he is to take part, so that he can "contribute and be important" for Lionel Scaloni's side.
Messi wants to play in 2026 World Cup with Argentina
Speaking in an interview with Fabrizio Romano, Messi expressed his strong desire to go to the US, Canada and Mexico with Argentina next summer, should the circumstances be right for the 38-year-old to star for the 2022 World Cup winners.
Messi continues to shine for his national side, scoring twice in four matches in 2025. Though he announced that September’s 3-0 qualifying victory over Venezuela was to be his final competitive fixture on home soil, he had not publicly confirmed his desire to compete in the World Cup until now.
The Inter Miami star has been in scintillating form in the MLS this season, scoring 39 goals in 44 appearances in 2025 in all competitions. If he continues to play at such a high level for his club, Messi will hope to have a similar impact for Argentina next summer.
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Messi has 'so much desire' to play in World Cup
Messi said when asked by Romano about which factors will influence his decision to compete in the World Cup next summer: “Obviously, I have so much desire and excitement to be there, it is obvious, but I want to go there feeling good about myself, so that I can contribute and be important. I think it’s a bit about being physically fit and making sure I can perform at my highest level."
Asked about the possibility of playing World Cup matches in Miami, Messi added: “[The World Cup] is always special, the best, playing with the national team, in official competitions and more so in a World Cup. With everything it means and I think it’s going to be a special World Cup. Because being in the United States, I think that on an organisational level, beyond the fact that there is a very long trip and if I have to go play in Canada or Mexico, different games, the trips will be very long and I think that on an organisational level, it will be something extraordinary.
“But well, as I’m telling you, it would be wonderful to be able to be in another World Cup and defend the last world title that we were lucky enough to win… and to be able to participate in another one."
Messi speaks on new Inter Miami contract and MLS Cup
Elsewhere in the interview, Romano asked Messi about his future at Inter Miami after the Argentine recently committed to a new three-year deal with the MLS outfit.
“The truth is that I’m happy [to sign a new contract] and it was an easy decision. Because we’re doing very well, both in the family, in the day-to-day, in the life we lead and in the club as well, you know? Enjoying myself and feeling good physically and having positive results.
“And the truth is that being able to continue playing here, and continue to help the club grow, after everything that has happened since my arrival, and that of the other team-mates, which was a very big change, is something very nice, so I’m very happy.
“The truth is no, it wasn’t difficult because from what I’m telling you, I’m very happy here, so we hope to continue contributing to this growth, both on and off the field.
“Hopefully we can achieve the image of [Inter Miami with the trophy in the] MLS Cup. Because it would be great for the club to be able to achieve it, because it would help with the entire growth process that the club has undergone in recent years. Winning an important title for the club would be spectacular for the entire locker room. On a personal level, winning another title would be extraordinary. So hopefully we’ll put up a picture like that."
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What comes next for Messi?
If Messi's domestic form is to be a key deciding factor on if he does decide to compete in North America next summer, the Argentine will have an important period ahead of him as he attempts to continue his imperious form with Inter Miami.
Messi has made a massive 195 appearances for Argentina, scoring 114 goals, and will hope to see his total number of caps surpass 200 if Scaloni's side go far in the tournament next summer. The 38-year-old's influence remains undeniable, and from these latest words it appears as though the great man is not done on the international stage just yet.
Marcus Rashford gave Barcelona another reason to sign him permanently with a goal in his side's 3-1 win over Elche on Sunday. After early strikes from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, the England forward smashed in an impressive effort to put pay to the away team's comeback. Rafa Mir had given the underdogs hope in a very competitive La Liga fixture.
The hosts took the lead in the ninth minute when Alejandro Balde intercepted a wayward pass, before setting up Yamal, who curled in a super finish from 10 yards out. It was 2-0 three minutes later when Torres tapped in Fermin Lopez's inch-perfect pass as Barca scored from both of their shots on target.
Elche, who were indebted to on loan Barca keeper Inaki Pena for keeping them in the contest, reduced their arrears in the 42nd minute when Rafa Mir rifled in a delightful shot into the corner. Mir then fizzed an excellent effort off the crossbar early in the second half as the Blaugrana held a slender lead.
But Rashford, who wants to turn his loan into a permanent move, eased Barcelona's nerves when he walloped a shot in off the bar just after the hour mark for his second La Liga goal. The result saw the Catalan outfit cut table-toppers Real Madrid's lead to five points after 11 games.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Wojciech Szczesny (7/10):
Continues to impress in goal in place of the injured Joan Garcia. Made some good reflex saves at important moments of the match.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
The Frenchman had his hands full with Mir but pulled off some important interceptions at the back when required.
Ronald Araujo (5/10):
Question marks have to be asked over his role in Elche's goal. He played Mir onside on the halfway line and then didn't close him down quickly enough as Barca's lead was cut.
Eric Garcia (6/10):
Some of his covering work got his side out of trouble on a couple of occasions. But was also caught out of position on occasion.
Alejandro Balde (7/10):
Showed a tremendous burst of pace to pounce on a loose ball and then drive at the Elche defence, before perfectly setting up team-mate Yamal for Barcelona's opener. He does rely on his pace to get him out of trouble when out of position, though.
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Midfield
Frenkie de Jong (6/10):
The Dutchman didn't quite show the quality he displayed earlier on this season but helped keep Barca's midfield ticking along.
Marc Casado (6/10):
Worked hard but doesn't provide the zip and swagger that the injured Pedri does.
Fermin Lopez (8/10):
The in-form attacking midfielder was instrumental in Barca's second as he burned past Elche's defence before firing a slide-rule pass across the six-yard box for Torres. Pulled off another brilliant assist for Rashford in the second half.
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Attack
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
The teenager, who confirmed his split from girlfriend Nicki Nicole this week, took his goal brilliantly and while he showed flashes of quality, the winger had a fairly quiet outing for his team.
Ferran Torres (7/10):
Was in the right place at the right time for his fifth La Liga goal of the season. Could have had more but stopper Pena was equal to the former Manchester City man.
Marcus Rashford (7/10):
The Manchester United loanee is worthy of a place in the Barca starting XI at present, especially with Raphinha out injured. While sometimes he took a touch too many, he smashed in a classy goal to make it 3-1.
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Subs & Manager
Robert Lewandowski (5/10):
The veteran didn't do a great deal when he replaced Rashford.
Gerard Martin (6/10):
Solid if unspectacular when called upon.
Dani Olmo (6/10):
Will have to do a great deal to usurp Lopez at the moment.
Dro Fernandez (N/A):
Too little time to make an impact
Roony Bardghji (N/A):
Came on in the game's dying embers.
Hansi Flick (7/10):
His side deserved the win but they did not have it all their own way against the spirited away team. His starting players got the job done but his subs didn't do a great deal.
As Ibrahima Konate’s contract continues to tick down, Liverpool are reportedly ready to make formal contact with an impressive defender who could replace the Frenchman.
Update on Konate's Liverpool contract
As things stand, Konate will follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps by leaving Liverpool as a free agent in less than nine months. Whether the defender also joins the right-back at Real Madrid is another question. The Spaniards are reportedly on the hunt for a centre-back and Konate is on their list in what should spark major concern at Anfield.
Alas, there is still time for things to change. The Reds waited until the second-half of last season to tie Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah down to new deals and may need similar patience with Konate.
All hope isn’t lost just yet, either.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, talks are ongoing, and both parties have found themselves at a stalemate rather than any point of rejection at this stage.
Those at Anfield are understandably still preparing for a world in which Konate does leave the club.
The likes of Marc Guehi have been mentioned again as a potential replacement on that front. The Crystal Palace man came within hours of joining Liverpool in the summer, before the South London club pulled the plug on deadline day.
Liverpool determined to sign Salah upgrade who's 'one of the world's best'
Liverpool’s up-and-down start to the season has caused FSG to glance at the transfer window.
ByAngus Sinclair Oct 10, 2025
He’s still very much on their radar, but as competition begins to arrive for his signature, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes may have to turn towards an alternative contract rebel in 2026.
Liverpool readying formal contact with Upamecano
As reported by TeamTalk, Liverpool are now readying formal contact with Dayot Upamecano in January, when he will be able to seal a pre-contract agreement if he is yet to put pen to paper on a new Bayern Munich deal at that stage.
The £9m-a-year (£167,000-per-week) France international is in the same boat as Konate.
Both former RB Leipzig defenders are yet to sign new contracts at their respective clubs and both are attracting plenty of interest as a result. For Liverpool, swapping one imperious centre-back for another without spending a single penny would likely be an ideal scenario.
Minutes
427
562
Progressive Passes
4.04
6.28
Tackles Won
0.64
1.29
Ball Recoveries
6.38
2.58
Whilst Konate has so far edged Upamecano in possession, and when asked to win his tackles, the latter’s ball recovery rate has certainly been impressive.
As Van Dijk enters the later stages of his career, that aggression from someone like Upamencano would be a vital trait. It would allow the Dutchman to control play from afar whilst his partner steps out.
Described as a “fantastic” player by France teammate Lucas Hernandez, the Bayern contract rebel is someone to watch if Konate leaves Liverpool as a free agent next summer.
O zagueiro Bruno Méndez, do Corinthians, foi convocado por Marcelo Bielsa para defender a seleção do Uruguai na Data Fifa. A Celeste estreia nas Eliminatórias diante do Chile, em Montevidéu, na sexta-feira (8), e depois encara a Colômbia, na terça-feira (12).
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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF
A convocação de Méndez vai adiar a conversa entre o staff do atleta e o Timão pela renovação contratual do zagueiro de 23 anos. As partes devem se reunir para selar o acordo após a Data Fifa. Com o vínculo terminando em dezembro, o defensor pode assinar um pré-contrato com outro time desde junho.
O Corinthians conversa com os agentes do jogador há, pelo menos, três meses, na tentativa de fechar a renovação. Porém, a situação não tinha evoluído porque existia a expectativa por parte do atleta e dos seus representantes de que uma proposta do futebol europeu chegasse, o que não aconteceu. A janela de transferências das principais ligas europeias fechou na última sexta-feira (1º).
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Há um compromisso verbal por parte do grupo que cuida da carreira de Méndez de que na ausência de ofertas do Velho Continente, seria dada prioridade para a renovação com o Timão. As partes até divergem em relação ao aumento salarial que será dado para a formalização de um novo contrato, mas com uma diferença de valores que não é tão grande e é vista como facilmente negociável.
Atlético-MG, Flamengo e Internacional monitoram a situação do jogador e podem atrapalhar o negócio corintiano a qualquer momento. Por parte do clube alvinegro, o maior temor são os cariocas, que possuem um bom poderio financeiro e podem tentar convencer o atleta e o seu estafe através das cifras atreladas ao salário.
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+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Timão no Brasileirão
Na primeira convocação de Marcelo Bielsa pela seleção uruguaia, Bruno Méndez atuou nos minutos finais da vitória sobre Nicarágua e foi titular no amistoso contra Cuba, em junho. A lista do Uruguai ainda conta com três nomes conhecidos do torcedor brasileiro: Sergio Rochet (Internacional), Piquerez (Palmeiras) e Cannobio (Athletico-PR).
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Lista de jugadores citados por Marcelo Bielsa para las dos primeras fechas de las Eliminatorias rumbo a la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 26™#ElEquipoQueNosUne pic.twitter.com/vFDeaJTeQ4
انطلقت منافسات الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الدوري من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2025/26، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، في النسخة الثانية من المنافسات بعد استحداث نظامها الموسم الماضي.
ويشارك 36 فريقًا في دوري أبطال أوروبا، بدلًا من 32 فريقًا، وتتأهل الفرق التي تحتل المركز الأول إلى الثامن، بشكل مباشر إلى دور الـ16 من البطولة، على أن يخوض الذين يحتلون المراكز من التاسع إلى الرابع والعشرين، مرحلة الملحق، والتي تتمثل في مباراتي ذهاب وإياب، حسب قرعة.
وفي دور الـ16، تلتقي الفرق المتأهلة مباشرة مع أولئك الذين تخطوا مرحلة الملحق، حسب قرعة أيضًا.
اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب هدافي دوري أبطال أوروبا بعد هاتريك فيرمين لوبيز وثنائية راشفورد أمام أولمبياكوس
وواجه برشلونة خصمه أولمبياكوس على ملعب “مونتجويك” في بداية منافسات تلك الجولة، حيث حقق الفريق الكتالوني فوزًا عريضًا بستة أهداف لهدف.
وانتصر مانشستر سيتي على فياريال بهدفين دون رد في الجولة نفسها، وحقق آرسنال فوزًا على أتلتيكو مدريد برباعية نظيفة، وانتصر باريس سان جيرمان على باير ليفركوزن بنتيجة 7/2، أما إنتر ميلان فقد فاز على سانت جيلواز بنتيجة 4/0.
وواجه ليفربول نظيره آينتراخت فرانكفورت في الجولة نفسها، حيث فاز الفريق الإنجليزي بخمسة أهداف لهدف، بينما انتصر ريال مدريد على يوفنتوس بهدف نظيف، وحقق تشيلسي فوزًا على أياكس بنتيجة 5/1، وانتصر بايرن ميونخ على كلوب بروج برباعية. ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا
1- باريس سان جيرمان، 9 نقاط.
2- بايرن ميونخ، 9 نقاط.
3- إنتر ميلان، 9 نقاط.
4- آرسنال، 9 نقاط.
5- ريال مدريد، 9 نقاط.
6- بوروسيا دورتموند، 7 نقاط.
7- مانشستر سيتي، 7 نقاط.
8- نيوكاسل يونايتد، 6 نقاط.
9- برشلونة، 6 نقاط.
10- ليفربول، 6 نقاط.
11- تشيلسي، 6 نقاط.
12- سبورتينج لشبونة، 6 نقاط.
13- قره باج، 6 نقاط.
14- جالطة سراي، 6 نقاط.
15- توتنهام، 5 نقاط.
16- آيندهوفن، 4 نقاط.
17- أتالانتا، 4 نقاط.
18- مارسيليا، 3 نقاط.
19- أتلتيكو مدريد، 3 نقاط.
20- كلوب بروج، 3 نقاط.
21- أتلتيك بلباو، 3 نقاط.
22- آينتراخت فرانكفورت، 3 نقاط.
23- نابولي، 3 نقاط.
24- سانت جيلواز، 3 نقاط.
25- يوفنتوس، نقطتان.
26- بودو جليمت، نقطتان.
27- موناكو، نقطتان.
28- سلافيا براج، نقطتان.
29- بافوس، نقطتان.
30- باير ليفركوزن، نقطتان.
31- فياريال، نقطة.
32- كوبنهاجن، نقطة.
33- أولمبياكوس، نقطة.
34- كيرات، نقطة.
35- بنفيكا، بدون نقاط.
36- أياكس، بدون نقاط.
ويمكن متابعة ترتيب دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، موسم 2025/26، محدث بشكل مستمر من هنا.
Chelsea chiefs have navigated the club’s finances with serious expertise this summer, thanks largely to Enzo Maresca’s squad and their exploits on the field.
The west Londoners, by winning the Club World Cup, qualifying for the Champions League and selling a host of unwanted players, have brought in close to the £400 million mark.
Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy as he celebrates withChelseamanager Enzo Maresca and teammates after winning the FIFA Club World Cup
The CWC win yielded prize money of around £87.5 million, adding to their estimated £80m earnings from qualifying for the Champions League, whilst £220 million has been raised through outgoing transfers.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu left earlier this summer on permanent deals – and to the great benefit of Chelsea’s coffers.
Over the last few months, Chelsea have been a money-making machine, and it’s perhaps not spoken about enough.
This isn’t even factoring in the club’s TV revenue, sponsorship endorsements and merchandise sales, with Chelsea looking in excellent stead when it comes to navigating the Premier League’s PSR rules this year.
Rivals often ponder why Chelsea can spend millions in the transfer market year-on-year, but it is clear that the club’s financial windfalls from numerous sources allow them to do so.
Chelseav Brentford – Stamford Bridge
Considering Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Alfie Gilchrist and, potentially, Tyrique George, could all still be sold/loaned before the transfer deadline on September 1, Chelsea can expect even an even greater incoming cash flow over the coming days.
There is also the big matter surrounding Chelsea’s front of shirt sponsor, which is still up in the air and has the potential to bring in millions.
Maresca’s side’s jerseys were sponsor-less for Chelsea’s opening Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace last weekend, but according to football finance expert Stefan Borson, that could soon change.
Chelsea tipped for "very big" shirt sponsorship deal with deal about to be agreed
Borson, speaking to Football Insider, says Chelsea are “adamant” that they’re about to do a “very big” shirt sponsorship deal – which could land them tens of millions.
The Blues agreed a £40 million-a-year deal with Infinite Athlete in September 2023, but that arrangement expired last summer.
In April, Chelsea also announced that DAMAC would appear on the front of their shirts for the rest of the 24/25 season, so the question remains – who will be next?
There are very few rumours in terms of brand names, barring Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air, who’ve been seriously linked. However, the BBC report that talks are ongoing behind-the-scenes as Chelsea carefully try to align with the right partner.
Aston Villa fans didn’t quite get the entertainment they would have longed for on the opening day of the Premier League.
Neutrals and Villa fans alike would have been disappointed with the attacking intent on show versus Newcastle United on Saturday, with just three efforts registered on Nick Pope’s goal, compared to the Magpies notching up a mammoth 16 shots on Marco Bizot’s far busier net.
Of course, the Villans were hindered up top by Ezri Konsa being dismissed with 24 minutes remaining on the clock, as a 0-0 draw was ultimately met with some relief at the full-time whistle.
Still, some new signings could be in the pipeline to make Villa a more captivating watch, which might well include a £13m deal being in the works to bring back a former fan’s favourite.
Aston Villa on the brink of securing £13m star
Evan Guessand will believe he can be a bright goalscoring spark at Villa Park down the line, away from the need for more new signings to enhance Unai Emery and Co.’s firepower.
Costing £30m to obtain, the former OGC Nice striker remained rooted to the bench against Eddie Howe’s side, but will surely be in line for more opportunities soon, particularly if Villa remain wasteful in front of goal.
Evann Guessand in action for Nice in Ligue 1.
The new Villa centre-forward would surely be more confident about his chances of ripping up the Premier League if he had the creative magic of Marco Asensio on his side.
Caught Offside revealed this weekend that the goal-shy Villans are on the brink of bringing back their former midfielder on a £13m deal.
The report states that this amount should satisfy the Ligue 1 titans, with a three-year contract agreed with the Spaniard to return to the West Midlands permanently.
Marco Asensio
With Asensio no longer in Luis Enrique’s first team plans, it does feel as if it’s a no-brainer for the former four-time Champions League winner to return to Villa, with other suitors such as Besiktas coming up short compared to the might of Emery’s men.
Why Asensio's return could get Watkins firing
This really is a move that suits all parties, with Asensio just what Watkins needs to get back to his intimidating best, after a timid opening match against Newcastle.
After all, it’s not all too common that Watkins registers just one meagre effort on goal like he mustered up against the Toon.
To date, the former Brentford marksman has a devastating 87 strikes for Villa next to his name, with a phenomenal 17 goals and 14 assists coming his way last season in all competitions, despite experiencing some notable barren patches of form.
Ollie Watkins in the 2024/25 Premier League
Staggeringly, Watkins’ game has reached such lofty heights that 17 strikes last season was seen as a dip, with his 2023/24 offering culminating in him bagging a ridiculous, career-best 27 strikes.
To get back to that peak, Asensio will have to be at the top of his game in attack next to the England international, which is what he showed off in abundance during his breakneck Villa loan stint.
Overall, the 38-time Spain international would amass a crazy eight goals and one assist for Emery’s side from just 21 outings, with the hope he can add more assists to his Villa back catalogue on his return, to get the Villa number 11 firing on all cylinders once more.
Asensio’s career numbers away from Villa
Club
Games
Goals & assists
Real Madrid
286
61 + 32
RCD Mallorca
56
7 + 9
PSG
47
7 + 11
Espanyol
37
4 + 15
Sourced by Transfermarkt
When plying his trade in Spain and France, Asensio – away from his celebrated stay at the Santiago Bernabeu – stood out as an electric playmaker, with a sublime 15 assists coming his way from just 37 Espanyol outings.
Even when he became more clinical in front of goal in Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti would still label the attacking midfielder as a “playmaker who can make the difference”, as seen in him creating nine big chances during his swansong La Liga season with the club, despite only starting 15 contests.
If that same unselfish side to Asensio’s game came to the forefront at Villa Park, Watkins would surely be laughing at the prospect of how many goals he could tuck away, knowing he has such a “world-class” – as he has been lauded by football pundit Matthew Upson – ace next to him.
The new Rogers: Aston Villa join race for "unplayable" Bailey replacement
Aston Villa are planning to replace the outgoing Leon Bailey before the end of the transfer market.
Arsenal have boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League during each of the last two seasons, with Frenchman William Saliba playing a massive role in their success.
The centre-back joined the Gunners back in 2019, before multiple loan spells in his homeland, having to wait until the summer of 2022 to make his first appearance in English football.
He’s since gone on to make 134 appearances for the club, having bags of time to make himself a legend in North London, still being just 24 years of age.
His partnership at the heart of the backline with Gabriel has played a massive part in Mikel Arteta’s ability to come within touching distance of ending their two-decade drought without a league title.
However, with the summer window rapidly coming towards its end, numerous other players are being targeted to aid their defensive unit for the 2025/26 season.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetaduring a lap of appreciation after the match
Arsenal pursuing a move for a new defender
This summer window has been a big one for Arsenal, already adding another option to the defensive unit, in the form of Spaniard Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.
The 21-year-old joined in a £13m deal, penning a five-year contract, but he could also be joined at the Emirates Stadium by another young prospect in the coming days.
Palmeiras’ 19-year-old centre-back, Luis Benedetti, could be the latest to move to North London, after Brazilian journalist Diego Firmino confirmed the club’s interest in his signature.
He claims that Arteta’s side have been monitoring him over recent weeks, potentially preparing an offer in the region of £8.5m for the youngster’s services.
Palmeiras' Luis Benedetti before the Club World Cup.
Firmino also states that the player could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, with his current employers demanding add-ons and a sell-on fee in any transfer.
Why Arsenal’s latest target could be Arteta’s next Saliba
Arsenal’s recruitment has been excellent over the last couple of years, undoubtedly playing a huge role in their ability to challenge for England’s Premier League title.
Arsenal's WilliamSalibaapplauds fans after the match
Saliba has been one example, arriving in North London as an unknown quantity to many, but it’s safe to say his tally of appearances to date highlights his importance to the Gunners.
At just 24, he has all the tools to continue his development under Arteta, hopefully able to add titles to his CV and become one of Europe’s leading talents in defensive areas.
However, if the club is to continue building and maintaining their efforts at the top of the table, they will need to carry on their impressive recruitment with a move for Benedetti.
At just 19, he has bags of time to continue his development, with a move to England helping him reach the next level and build on his impressive start to his career.
The Brazilian has made nine senior appearances for Palmeiras, but it’s been enough to demonstrate the talent he holds, leading to analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him as “aggressive”.
The teenager has managed to complete 93% of the passes he’s attempted in Brazil’s top-flight, able to offer a superb ball-playing option – just as Saliba has in recent years.
Games played
9
Minutes played
810
Pass accuracy
93%
Chances created
0.8
Aerials won
71%
Duels won
3.5
Recoveries made
3.8
He’s also won 71% of the aerial battles he’s entered, subsequently allowing him to have an impact at both ends of the pitch – especially considering his 6”6 frame.
Whilst it’s still early days in his professional career, the signs are all positive for Benedetti, possessing two crucial components of being a centre-back in the modern-day.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta
£8.5m could prove to be an excellent piece of business by Arteta and the Gunners, potentially banking a small fortune should he continue on his current trajectory.
He could follow in Saliba’s footsteps in joining as an unknown quantity, the Brazilian would be able to learn from one of the best defenders in world football – arguably developing into another excellent piece of business by the hierarchy.
Arsenal could seal a better signing than Gyokeres & Eze in £100m sensation
Arsenal could land a better player than Eze & Gyokeres in sensational talent.
Wicketkeeper Polly Inglis has received a maiden call-up to New Zealand’s squad for the three-match ODI series against India starting later this week. Inglis, 28, plays for Otago Sparks in the Women’s Super Smash and earned her first New Zealand Cricket (NZC) central contract earlier this year.Batter Lauren Down has also made been included in the 15-member squad after she made her return from maternity break in July. The pair’s inclusion is the only change to the squad that helped New Zealand win their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title.From the victorious squad, fast bowler Rosemary Mair has been rested, keeping in mind her workload management following her return from a serious back injury, while offspinner Leigh Kasperek has been left out.Related
Lauren Down back on NZC's central-contracts list
The core of the T20 World Cup-winning team, including the senior trio of Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu are part of the touring party. Devine will continue to lead them in the ODIs following her decision to step down as the T20I captain after the World Cup.Inglis’ strong performances in domestic cricket first helped her earn a contract and then a spot in the national squad. She scored 324 runs – the second-most in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield 2023-24, the 50-over competition – at an average of 54 and a strike rate close to 80, largely batting the middle order. She also scored 103 in the three-match one-day series between New Zealand A and England A that they won 2-1.”We’re really excited to introduce Polly for her first tour,” Ben Sawyer said in a NZC statement. “She put her hand up in last season’s Hallyburton Johnstone Shield one-day competition and throughout the New Zealand A series against England, so it’s a great next step for her.”Touring India is one of the great experiences in world cricket. It’s such a special place to come and I know everyone is looking forward to the challenge ahead.”The three ODIs, to be played in Ahmedabad, are part of the Women’s Championship. New Zealand are currently placed sixth on the table with a three-match series against Australia to follow. The top five teams plus hosts India qualify directly for the Women’s ODI World Cup next year.
New Zealand squad for the women’s ODIs against India
Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis (wk), Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu