England Soccer
Mikel Arteta revealed his kids were running round with their heads in their hands after Heung-Min Son missed a golden opportunity to score against Manchester City.
Arsenal head into the final day of the season knowing they need to beat Everton and hope City slip up against West Ham in order to win a first Premier League title in 20 years.
Whatever the outcome on Sunday Arsenal have had a brilliant season, and have done something very few teams are capable of in pushing City all the way.
Arteta details reaction to Son miss
The Gunners could have had their destiny in their hands had rivals Tottenham been able to take points off Pep Guardiola’s side on Tuesday evening.
Unfortunately for Arteta City ran out 2-0 winners thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland, but there was a potentially title defining moment with City only a goal ahead.
Spurs captain Son was through on goal but his shot was saved by Stefan Ortega when you would have bet your house on the 31-year-old finding the back of the net.
The Spaniard admitted he was glued to the Spurs game and went through a whole range of emotions following the South Korean’s miss.
“My kids running around the table and going like this [head in hands], you can imagine, he told reporters.
“That is magic as well, to have the opportunity to be living it, next to your family and next to your colleagues, being part of that.
“If I had to pick a player in the Premier League for that moment, it probably would be him.
“Michael Jordan explained it many times, how many times he had the winning shot, it was always him.
“Sometimes yes, sometimes he did not manage to do it, this is the beauty of sport, as well, what can you do?
“The hope was there and it didn’t happen, now we have to do our job which is going to be tough because Everton are in a good moment.”
History isn’t on Arsenal’s side as no team who has started the final day top of the table has not gone on to win the league, but records are there to be broken and anything can happen in football.
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Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, 22, has stirred speculation about his future with the club by putting his lavish £14,000-per-month mansion in Bowdon, Greater Manchester, up for rent, according to GOAL.
This move suggests that Greenwood may not be returning to Old Trafford for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
Greenwood’s impressive abode boasts six bedrooms, three reception rooms, and a spacious open kitchen-dining space, reflecting the luxurious lifestyle often associated with professional footballers. However, amidst this lies uncertainty regarding Greenwood’s tenure at United.
Could Mason Greenwood be sold by the Red Devils this summer?
Despite being contracted with Manchester United until 2025, with the club having the option to extend his stay for another year, Greenwood’s decision to rent out his mansion and the impending conclusion of his loan spell at Getafe hint at a potential departure from the Red Devils.
New minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has weighed in on the situation, emphasising the importance of making a decision based on facts rather than hype. Ratcliffe’s comments highlight the complexity of Greenwood’s situation, as the club evaluates not only his on-field performance but also his character and suitability for Manchester United.
As Greenwood prepares to wrap up the current La Liga season with Getafe, speculation abounds regarding his next career move. While a return to Getafe on loan remains a possibility, Manchester United is reportedly inclined towards a permanent sale. Several top clubs, including Napoli, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus, have been linked with the talented forward, per Corriere dello Sport, adding to the intrigue surrounding his future.
Greenwood’s Manchester United future is in doubt
Greenwood’s stint at Getafe has been moderately successful, with the striker netting ten goals in 32 appearances across all competitions.
His departure from the Red Devils on deadline day in September was prompted by an internal investigation into his conduct, which was sparked by the collapse of a legal case against him.
At the time, Manchester United hinted that it was in Greenwood’s best interest to seek playing opportunities elsewhere, casting doubt on his prospects of donning the iconic red shirt again.
As the curtain draws on the current season, Mason Greenwood finds himself at a crossroads, with his future at Manchester United seemingly hanging in the balance.
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Phil Foden believes his form this season has shown he can fulfil his ambition of becoming “one of the best players” in the Premier League.
Foden has massively stepped up following the departure of key players Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan, whilst Kevin De Bruyne has missed a large part of the season with injury.
The 23-year-old has taken his game to another level this campaign, and City stand on the brink of becoming the first team in Premier League history to win four titles in a row.
Foden fires warning to rivals
The England international has excelled after being deployed in a more central role this campaign rather than being put out on the wing.
Foden has scored 17 league goals and provided four assists, and is one of the favourites to win the Premier League Player of the Year award.
The City academy graduate has already picked up the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award, and will be looking to round the season out with a league and cup double before heading to the Euros with England.
After winning the award Foden revealed at the start of the season he wanted to be one of the best players in the league.
“I said at the start of the season that I wanted to be one of the best players in the league and I think this season my game has come on loads”, he told The Mirror.
“I’ve moved more centrally which is where I see myself in the long term, I’m playing with more freedom, playing with a smile on my face and I’m really enjoying myself.
“Being an attacking player at Man City, you have a responsibility to score goals, assist my team mates and playing higher up is the aim and I put that pressure on myself and I like that pressure.
“I’m delighted with the outcome because I’ve scored goals, I’ve assisted goals and I feel like I’ve come on.
“It was tough to lose players but I knew I had to step up with those players missing and I think I showed that I can do that.
“Hopefully this season is just the start for me, I think I’ve shown this season that my game has gone up a level and I can fulfil my ambition of becoming one of the best players in the league.”
The scary thing is Foden isn’t even 24 and there’s still so much room to develop as a player, which is hard to believe given how good he is.
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The much-anticipated transfer deal to secure Said Benrahma’s loan move from West Ham to Lyon on a permanent basis hangs in the balance, threatened by a dark cloud ensnaring the French club.
Lyon, equipped with a £15 million option to buy Benrahma, find themselves navigating through unexpected hurdles, putting the deal on the brink of collapse.
Contrary to widespread assumption, Lyon’s option to purchase Benrahma stands as a choice, not an obligation. However, Lyon’s current predicament, ensnared in a transfer embargo, poses a formidable obstacle.
The club awaits a potential lifeline this summer, hoping for the lifting of the embargo to proceed with securing Benrahma’s services permanently. Lyon’s financial affairs have drawn scrutiny from France’s football financial watchdog, DNCG, due to irregularities in the budget presented by Lyon’s leadership under John Textor, per West Ham Football.
Said Benrahma’s permanent transfer from West Ham to Lyon remains unclear
Without the DNCG’s green light, Lyon remain unable to recruit new players permanently, including exercising their option on Benrahma.
Despite the regulatory hurdles, Benrahma’s performance on the pitch has been nothing short of stellar, particularly after overcoming a rocky start in Ligue 1. His remarkable form has earned him a regular place in Lyon’s first team, prompting the club’s keenness to seal the deal.
However, should Lyon falter in securing the necessary permissions, Benrahma faces the prospect of returning to West Ham.
The potential return to West Ham poses its own set of uncertainties, especially under the incoming stewardship of Julen Lopetegui. Whether Benrahma’s departure would align with Lopetegui’s plans remains speculative, yet it could also impact West Ham’s financial strategy. The £15 million earmarked for Benrahma’s transfer could have been pivotal in bolstering the club’s transfer budget, thus complicating their offseason plans.
Benrahma himself has previously shed light on his departure from West Ham, citing Lyon’s genuine interest as a decisive factor. Speaking to Telefoot, Benrahma expressed his conviction in joining Lyon, emphasising the support he feels from the city itself.
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https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/05/17/west-ham-said-benrahma/
Tottenham are being linked with a number of players ahead of the summer transfer window.
Ange Postecoglou has recently suggested that the club needs to undergo some changes, indicating that there could be quite some movements in the upcoming window.
Among various positions, Spurs are said to be targeting another defender this summer, preferably someone capable of playing both as a centre-back and a left-back.
Recent rumours have linked Tottenham to Torino’s Alessandro Buongiorno, suggesting he could be a potential addition to strengthen their defensive options.
Buongiorno’s versatility fits the profile of the sort of defender Ange will be looking for, someone who can play centre-back as well as left-back.
Despite the Italian defender recently extending his contract with Torino until June 2028, the lengthy commitment may not deter Spurs from pursuing the 24-year-old.
Buongiorno expresses desire to play in the Premier League
Buongiorno has recently expressed his desire to play in the Premier League, highlighting the league’s competitiveness and the opportunity to play alongside strong teams and players as appealing factors for his career development.
As quoted by TEAMtalk, he said:
“The Premier League is a league that particularly appeals to me because there are very strong teams and players, with whom I can continue to work and grow.
“However, I also feel good in Italy, so we will see what choices to make in the future.”
Buongiorno has been a significant presence in Torino’s starting XI this season, starting in 75% of their league games. He has made 27 Serie A appearances and contributed 3 goals and an assist. (Transfermarkt)
While Tottenham are reportedly the frontrunners for Buongiorno’s signature, they face competition from city rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, who are also monitoring the Italy international. However, the report from TEAMtalk states that Spurs are considered the clear favourites to land the defender.
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Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has issued a three word response to reports linking him with a summer move to Newcastle.
Ramsdale has spent most of the season on the sidelines having been replaced by David Raya as the club’s number one following the 28-year-old’s arrival on loan from Brentford, which is set to be made permanent this summer.
The England international had impressed for the Gunners following his arrival from Sheffield United, and was a key part of the team that topped the league for much of last season before falling away when it really mattered.
Ramsdale shuts down rumours linking him with Newcastle
Having been met with a barrage of criticism following his decision to replace Ramsdale with Raya, Mikel Arteta probably feels his decision was justified as Raya won the Premier League Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets this season.
Ramsdale has only made six appearances in the league this campaign, and speculation is rife that the England international will leave the Emirates this summer.
Reports on Friday had suggested the 26-year-old was very close to joining Newcastle and joining up with former manager Eddie Howe who he worked with at Bournemouth.
However, Ramsdale took to social media to shut down the notion he was close to joining the Magpies.
He took to X and simply said: “News to me”, followed by a laughing emoji.
Ramsdale still has two years left on his contract at the Emirates, but it’s clear he’s not going to get the number one shirt back from Raya any time soon, and will need to leave to get his career back on track.
Newcastle currently have Martin Dubravka, 35 and Nick Pope, 32, as their goalkeeping options, and Mail Sport report the club are looking for a younger option between the sticks, with Ramsdale fitting that bill.
it remains to be seen where the former Sheffield United man ends up, but for his career the best move is to leave the Emirates this summer.
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Sofyan Amrabat’s tenure at Manchester United appears to be drawing to a close after a less-than-stellar loan spell. The Moroccan midfielder, who joined United from Fiorentina last summer, has struggled to make a significant impact at Old Trafford.
Despite high expectations, Amrabat has made just 28 appearances, with only nine starts in the Premier League, casting doubt on his long-term future with the club.
United initially secured Amrabat on a season-long loan for £8.5 million, with an option to buy for an additional £21.4 million, per BBC Sport. However, recent reports suggest that the Red Devils are unlikely to trigger this option, leading to speculation about Amrabat’s next move. His agent’s presence in Manchester for talks on Tuesday has further fueled rumors of an imminent departure.
Crystal Palace and Fulham interested in Sofyan Amrabat
Despite his underwhelming stint at Manchester United, Amrabat’s talent has not gone unnoticed by other Premier League clubs. According to The Sun, both Fulham and Crystal Palace are keenly monitoring his situation. These clubs see potential in the 27-year-old, whose performances have shown flashes of brilliance, albeit inconsistently.
Crystal Palace, in particular, were reportedly impressed by Amrabat during their emphatic 4-0 victory over the Red Devils just weeks ago.
With new manager Oliver Glasner at the helm, Palace are eager to bolster their midfield options and view Amrabat as a valuable addition. Meanwhile, Fulham are in the market for a defensive midfielder, anticipating the potential departure of Joao Palhinha. Amrabat’s defensive acumen and international experience make him an attractive candidate to fill that void.
Amrabat’s journey to the Premier League began with a solid tenure at Fiorentina, where he made 92 league appearances and scored once over three seasons. His impressive performances for Morocco, including their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he earned his 49th international cap, underscore his capabilities on the global stage.
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All the latest transfer news from the Premier League and beyond.
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Nottingham Forest right-back Gonzalo Montiel, currently on loan from Sevilla, has been ordered to go back to Argentina and undergo a psychiatric evaluation following accusations of rape.
The Argentine defender is accused of sexually assaulting a model during his birthday party on January 1, 2019.
Montiel and his friend, Alexis Acosta, are under formal investigation for allegedly drugging and raping the woman.
According to reports from Argentine news outlet TN, Montiel will return to his home country for the evaluation, while Acosta is scheduled for a similar assessment.
The 27-year-old Montiel, who scored the decisive penalty for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final shootout, joined Nottingham Forest on loan from Sevilla until the end of the last season.
At the time of the alleged incident, Montiel was playing for River Plate, before moving to Sevilla in the summer of 2021 for a transfer fee of €11 million.
Montiel’s partner, Karina Nacucchio, has publicly expressed her support for him amid the allegations.
As of now, no indictment has been filed, leaving the case’s future uncertain.
Nottingham Forest’s season marred with controversies
Nottingham Forest have faced multiple controversies this season, both on and off the pitch.
They were docked points for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules and also charged by the FA for an explosive social media post following a contentious defeat against Everton.
The situation with Montiel adds another controversy tied with the club. The player is on loan at Forest however, the club has the option to sign him on a permanent deal.
Whether they exercise that option or not, remains to be seen.
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Sunday will be the last time Jurgen Klopp steps out at Anfield as manager of Liverpool and there have been plenty of tributes made to the German coach all week.
The 56-year-old has been the manager of the Merseyside club for the last nine years, bringing every trophy possible back to Anfield, while also cementing himself as a significant figure in the community.
Klopp has exceeded legendary status in the city and Sunday will be a very emotional day for everyone associated with Liverpool at Anfield.
This week has been a hectic one for Klopp as he has had many media commitments while needing to be present for all the farewell content the Reds have been putting out on their own channels.
Sky Sports released a touching piece of content on Friday with several figures associated with Liverpool revealing their thoughts and anecdotes about Klopp; with current players such as Mohamed Salah, Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all featuring.
Alisson reveals his favourite Jurgen Klopp moment
Alisson has stated that his favourite Klopp moment was when the German coach ran onto the pitch to him after Divock Origi scored a 96th-minute winner against Everton in the Merseyside Derby in 2018.
“The celebrations together after the late, late winner in the Derby. Just running onto the pitch to celebrate,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sports. “I saw him running and I thought ‘This guy is crazy.’
That is a moment Liverpool fans will never forget and will go down as one of the best in Merseyside Derby history. The image of Klopp running onto the Anfield turf and hugging Alisson is one of that match’s main memories, making it a good choice from the Brazilian shot-stopper.
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