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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta personally dreams of signing a “very creative” midfielder, with the Gunners set to be front of the queue for his services next year.

Players linked with moves to Arsenal in 2025

The north Londoners and sporting director Edu Gaspar are already making transfer plans for next year, despite being fresh out of the summer transfer window with £100 million spent on five new additions.

£136 million Brazil international could now be offered to Arsenal

The South American superstar would be quite a capture.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 25, 2024

While the likes of Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling arrived to contribute further forward, the bulk of Arsenal’s new signings were brought in to bolster Arteta’s defence, so the club could look to add more attacking flair in 2025.

After missing out on a deal for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal made an offer for alongside both Chelsea and Man United, Arteta chose to keep faith in makeshift option Kai Havertz to lead the line – as he attempts to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League title.

However, that isn’t to say they aren’t monitoring new centre-forward options for next year, with Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram, Sesko and Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres among the strikers linked with moves to Arsenal in 2025.

Arsenal also couldn’t agree a deal for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, despite agreeing terms with the Spaniard (Fabrizio Romano), but it is believed that Edu could go back in for Garcia – regardless of Neto’s arrival on summer deadline day.

There have even been rumours that Arsenal could be offered Real Madrid star Rodrygo in a swap deal for defender William Saliba, although the Gunners are highly unlikely to accept this as he is a crucial player for Arteta.

Mikel Arteta dreams of signing Florian Wirtz for Arsenal

According to The Boot Room, Arsenal’s manager has a real preference in mind when it comes to transfer targets – Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.

Germany’s sensation played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s run to the Bundesliga title last season, and is attracting interest from elite European sides as a result.

Arteta is obsessed with the idea of signing Wirtz for Arsenal, as per TBR, and it is believed they will be right at the very front of the queue for his signature next year with the 21-year-old expected to leave.

The £73,000-per-week attacking midfielder won’t come cheap, though, as he will command a price tag of around £125 million.

“Florian is just a huge asset for this team through his carefree nature,” said former Germany boss Hansi Flick. “He’s simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, is very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick. He’s got a good total package.”

After breaking their transfer record with the addition of Dominic Solanke during the offseason, real optimism surrounded Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

However, after just one win from their opening four league fixtures, doubt was cast over the club’s ambitions to secure Champions League football during Ange Postecoglou’s second season at the helm.

Their recent run of five successive wins has reignited the belief within the fanbase that the Aussie can bring success to North London during the ongoing campaign, as the club look to end their 16-year wait for a trophy.

Brennan Johnson has been a real beneficiary of the club’s recent form, scoring in five successive matches for the first time in his career, silencing some of the doubters who hurled abuse at him on social media.

Along with the Welshman, one other talent has also thrived with increased minutes in the first team, producing performances that look well beyond his tender age.

Mikey Moore’s recent form for Tottenham

It is very rare you see a 17-year-old seamlessly transition into senior football, but Spurs superstar Mikey Moore has done just that over recent weeks, making two appearances for Postecoglou’s side in the last seven days.

The forward, who is a product of the club’s academy, came off the bench during the 3-0 victory against Manchester United, before being rewarded with his first competitive start against Ferencvaros in the Europa League a couple of days ago.

Whilst it may seem a daunting prospect for a young player making their first senior start on the European stage, Moore excelled and featured for the entirety of the contest.

He wasn’t afraid to make his mark on the meeting, attempting seven dribbles as he aimed to mark his start with a first senior goal.

He may have failed to get on the scoresheet, but the youngster was a constant threat, managing to complete 80% of his attempted passes, whilst also winning four fouls with the opposition unable to get near the academy graduate.

Moore’s subsequent form could spell the end for one current first-team member who has failed to produce the goods for Postecoglou’s side in recent weeks.

The man who could lose his place to Moore

Spurs forward Timo Werner rejoined the club on another season-long loan from RB Leipzig during the summer after spending the second half of last season on loan in North London.

The 28-year-old, who previously played for London rivals Chelsea, has failed to get on the scoresheet in his seven outings since his return, with his wasteful nature in front of goal clear to see.

Werner missed two clear one-on-one opportunities at Old Trafford last weekend, potentially handing Spurs a more emphatic victory than what they walked away with.

The German, who earns a reported £165k-per-week, also missed yet another glorious chance after an excellent ball through by youngster Moore against Ferencvaros, having ultimately fired his effort into the side netting from the angle.

Whilst his latest blunder had no impact on the final result, the forward simply can’t afford to be missing this many clear-cut chances, especially in closer outings with Postecoglou’s side potentially dropping vital points should he replicate his recent failures in front of goal.

As a result, he could lose his place in the squad to youngster Moore, with the 17-year-old showing more quality and finesse in attacking areas than the Champions League winner.

The academy graduate has showcased he has the ability to be a success, with Werner potentially halting his development in North London – giving boss Postecoglou a decision to make in giving the youth prospect an increase in minutes to further demonstrate what he can produce on a regular basis.

Alongside Moore: Spurs' 7/10 star stole the show vs Ferencvaros

The Lilywhites continued their strong start to life in Europe…

By
Joe Nuttall

Oct 3, 2024

Manchester City will face Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout phase play-offs, meaning that Celtic must take on Harry Kane and Bayern Munich.

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• Guardiola’s side face toughest of tests
• PSG lining up against Brest
• Eight places in the last-16 up for grabs

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Premier League title holders City, who claimed a continental crown as part of their historic Treble triumph in 2022-23, face the toughest of tests against the reigning kings of Europe as a result of only being able to muster a 22nd-place finish in the league stage. Celtic ended one spot higher than the Blues, but face an epic challenge of their own against prolific England striker Kane and the current Bundesliga leaders.

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• CHAMPIONS LEAGUE KNOCKOUT PHASE PLAY-OFF DRAW IN FULL

  Man City vs Real Madrid

  Celtic vs Bayern Munich

  Juventus vs PSV

  Feyenoord vs AC Milan

  Brest vs PSG

  Monaco vs Benfica

  Club Brugge vs Atalanta

  Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Elsewhere, AC Milan – with Kyle Walker joining USMNT stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah at San Siro – will take on Feyenoord. Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, who are still pursuing an elusive first Champions League title, must overcome domestic rivals Brest in order to reach the last 16.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The other ties at this stage of the competition will see Monaco lock horns with Portuguese heavyweights Benfica. There is an intriguing tussle between Sporting CP and Borussia Dortmund, while Atalanta – who continue to win plenty of admirers – are preparing to take on Club Brugge.

The Gunners thrashed the Cityzens and embarrassed Haaland in doing so, running out 5-1 winners on Sunday

Arsenal exacted their revenge on Manchester City with a mightily impressive 5-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Gunners were left incensed after being denied a late victory in the reverse fixture, but came up with one hell of a performance to make up for such a grievance this time around.

Martin Odegaard put Mikel Arteta's men ahead early on after taking advantage of some sloppy passing from the City defence as Arsenal went into the break a goal up. However, they were pegged back by a nonchalant Erling Haaland, whose header stunned the home crowd into short-lived silence.

Alas, City were only on level terms for under two minutes, as Thomas Partey's deflected effort saw the hosts move back in front. Shortly after, Myles Lewis-Skelly steered home Arsenal's third of the day to give them some breathing space, but they weren't done there.

Kai Havertz, who drew the ire of home fans for a terrible miss in the first half, all but ensured the three points with a nice finish for four, while Ethan Nwaneri put the cherry on the cake with a similar strike in added time.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the Emirates Stadium…

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  LOSER: Erling Haaland

  The man at the centre of this newfound rivalry, the convoluted Oppenheimer of Arsenal's enjoyment today. From minute one, the Gunners sought to antagonise Haaland, and despite a bump in the road with his second-half header, they had their vengeance.

  Gabriel Magalhaes, bounced with the ball after City's last-gasp leveller back in September's 2-2 draw, screamed and shouted in the Norwegian's face in the opening exchanges, setting the tone in the battle of wits. Lewis-Skelly's 'zen' celebration mimicked that of Haaland's former self, sliding to the floor and lovingly surrounded by his senior team-mates.

  Home supporters revelled in Haaland's misfortune, sticking it to him with several derogatory chants. He tried to save face by pointing to the golden Premier League winners' badge on his sleeve at full-time, but given he stirred the pot with his 'stay humble' comments before, this was a lame get-out. You made this bed, Erling, and now you have to lie in it.

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  WINNER: Myles Lewis-Skelly

  Lewis-Skelly was already popular among Arsenal fans heading into this game, an impressive addition to Arteta's senior squad having worked his way through the youth ranks. By half-time, he was on top of Phil Foden and locking the reigning Player of the Year down. Another 45 minutes later and he was just about shedding his 'prince' title for that of 'king'.

  His goal, deftly cutting inside onto his right foot and firing into the far corner, was itself a thing of beauty, but to twist the knife with another Haaland jab will ensure he's remembered round these parts regardless of how the rest of his career pans out. If Haaland was the antagonist, Lewis-Skelly was his superior protagonist.

  Those at the Hale End academy will have been left smiling from ear to ear, with Lewis-Skelly's goal followed by an equally superb effort from close friend Nwaneri. That youth production line just keeps on rolling.

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  LOSER: Phil Foden

  Foden, the worthy winner of last season's Player of the Year awards, hasn't quite looked himself this season. He put a slow start down to fitness and injury issues, particularly off the back of a gruelling and testing Euro 2024 campaign in which he was criticised for his performances.

  The 24-year-old has found some form against some of the Premier League's lesser sides, but looked way out of his depth against top-quality opposition here. Lewis-Skelly locked him up with significant ease, and his only assist of the day came for Partey, handing the Ghanaian possession leading to Arsenal's second goal.

  Guardiola had clearly seen enough when he hooked Foden just after the hour mark. His title-winning exploits feel like a lifetime ago, and with so much talent coming through, his England spot is certainly up for grabs.

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  WINNER: Kai Havertz

  God loves a trier, and for better or worse, that's certainly what Havertz is. He may not be the most fierce of opponents, have the cleanest of technique or ooze charisma, but you can bet he will fight tooth and nail for this Arsenal side.

  For many, that isn't enough to lead the line for a side hoping to win the Premier League and Champions League. That's completely fair, particularly once you factor in how horrendous his miss in the first half was, the confidence clearly drained from his body as he shaped up to roll the ball wide from close range.

  But he kept at it. He kept going again and again. Maybe that's because he couldn't sink any lower, but he was rewarded in the end for his efforts. The goal Havertz did score was impressive, and he was suitably serenaded by the home crowd for it.

  At least until the summer, Havertz's place in the starting line up should be safe. What he does between now and then will tell us how secure that spot is in the long term.

A Newcastle United player who Eddie Howe has described as a “total one-off” is available for the weekend clash with Everton, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Newcastle prepare for Everton trip

The Magpies have steadied the ship after their disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Fulham earlier this month, not least after picking up a credible 1-1 draw at home to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City last Saturday. That was followed by a 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup third round on Tuesday night.

Next up for Newcastle is a trip to Everton on Saturday evening, with the Blues buoyed by their first win of the season last time around in the league, as they got the better of Crystal Palace 2-1 at Goodison Park.

For that reason, the home faithful are likely to be in good spirits when Howe’s side make the trip to Goodison, in what has the potential to be an awkward assignment. The Magpies should still have enough quality to prevail, but their performances this season haven’t always been wholly convincing.

Howe is under an element of pressure, not only because the displays have been hit-and-miss, but also due to his relationship with Paul Mitchell reportedly being strained, so he will know the importance of adding three points to his tally this weekend.

Newcastle receive injury boost before Everton

Taking to X, Downie claimed that Fabian Schar is available for Newcastle’s meeting with Everton, having overcome an ankle knock suffered against Wimbledon in midweek.

Having Schar available on Saturday is vitally important, with the Swiss’ experience crucial in what could be a cauldron of noise under the light at Goodison Park. The 32-year-old has stood tall in the absence of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles through injury and Howe is under no illusions as to how important he is to the cause.

“There won’t be many centre-halves like Fabi. He is a total one-off. He is a very good defender. When he is absolutely concentrated and really well trained, he’s as good a defender as I’ve seen. He reads the game really well and the amount of interceptions he makes is second to none.”

Schar has been a wonderful servant for Newcastle over the years, making 193 appearances and proving to be a mainstay of the defender, and while he isn’t getting any younger, his influence remains great and there is no reason why he can’t remain at a high level for another few years.

Newcastle wanted to sign £50m ace who's been better than Gordon & Isak since

This has got to be one of the biggest blunders under the PIF ownership…

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 4, 2024

To have had him absent at Everton this weekend would have significantly weakened the Magpies’ defence, so this update is a significant one, ahead of a vital 90 minutes at Goodison.

West Ham United chiefs sense a potential bargain transfer opportunity, with one club now ready to sell their attacking gem for under £10 million.

West Ham's rumoured transfer plans for January and next summer

Technical director Tim Steidten moved to back new manager Julen Lopetegui with nine major signings over the summer window, investing a near-£120 million in centre-back Maximilian Kilman, winger Crysencio Summerville, striker Niclas Fullkrug, Brazilian Luis Guilherme, defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, Guido Rodriguez, Jean-Clair Todibo and Carlos Soler.

West Ham teen who's like a "young George Best" could be their new Bowen

West Ham could have their next Bowen in the pipeline already.

1

By
Connor Holden

Oct 15, 2024

However, following a fairly mixed start to the new season for Lopetegui, not to mention Fullkrug’s injury and the fact a couple of senior forwards will be out of contract next summer, highlights the need for more attacking options.

Both Michail Antonio and Danny Ings could leave the club for free in 2025, potentially leading to West Ham’s interest in Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush.

The Egypt striker has been nothing short of a revelation so far this season – bagging nine goals and six assists in just nine appearances across all competitions – with reports suggesting West Ham have drawn fresh plans to sign Marmoush.

Meanwhile, it is also believed West Ham are prepared to bid for Lyon forward Rayan Cherki, as Lopetegui casts his eye on alternative attacking midfield options in the final third. Besiktas playmaker Ernest Muci and AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze are also thought to be targets for the Hammers board, so it will be intriguing to see which faces could arrive at the London Stadium in January or next summer.

West Ham’s recent 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town was their first in all competitions since late August, indicating that there is still plenty of work to do as they rebuild the squad post-David Moyes.

Vasco de Gama ready to sell Rayan Vitor as West Ham eye move

According to The Boot Room, Brazilian gem Rayan Vitor, currently plying his trade with Vaso de Gama in the Brasileiro, is now on the east Londoners’ radar.

The left-footed winger, who TBR compare to West Ham superstar Jarrod Bowen, is also being chased by Brentford, Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Nottingham Forest – so he’s a man in demand at Premier League sides.

West Ham are eyeing a move for Rayan Vitor, with Vasco also said to be ready to accept an £8.5 million bid for his services. The teenager is very highly rated by his peers too, having been praised for his physicality in particular.

“What we tell the youth players is that from the moment they step into the professional ranks, they have to be held accountable as professional players,” said Vasco interim coach Rafael Paiva.

“He is a player with experience, a lot of physical ability. He is powerful, has a very strong finish, and he is a player who has just been called up to the Brazilian under-20 team. And we saw that he evolved in this process.

“He was unfortunate once again with his mistake [against Palmeiras]. A mistake that, at this level of play, costs him dearly. It cost us our defeat. But he has to be held accountable just like any professional player. And he has the technical, tactical and physical ability to withstand professional play.”

USMNT star Brenden Aaronson has been told that he is “like a bee”, with boundless energy presenting Leeds with an unexpected challenge.

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• Playmaker leading push for promotion
• Has nailed down a regular starting berth
• Whites lack cover in the No.10 department

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 24-year-old playmaker was absorbed back into the Elland Road ranks ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, having spent last season on loan at Union Berlin in Germany. He has started 28 straight Championship fixtures for the Whites, taking his goal tally for the season to eight along the way.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aaronson has started to win over a sceptical fanbase in West Yorkshire, having initially jumped ship following relegation out of the Premier League in 2023, and is hoping to guide the ambitious club back into the big time.

• WHAT DANIEL FARKE SAID

  Aaronson is giving his all to that cause – so much so that Daniel Farke is having trouble reining him him. Leeds’ boss has said when asked if there is any threat of the United States international running out of gas: “Fatigue not, because Brenden can play each and every game. I have to stop him sometimes, he's like a bee. He’s so full of energy that you have to make sure energy does not come out of both of his ears and not be too hectic at times. Sometimes I have to make him relax a bit more. I’m never concerned about Brenden’s energy. It’s more like channelling his energy.

  “What you can’t predict is there is always the possibility of booking suspensions – perhaps an offensive player like Brenden not so much – but also the possibility of injury. You can never guarantee [this won’t happen].”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Leeds had intended to address that issue during the winter transfer window, but Farke added on recruitment decisions that could have impacted Aaronson and his game time: “I spoke so openly about if there is a player with the right quality and a player who can give us another specialist in the No.10 position, we will do this [transfer]. But it’s not that easy to find that player in January who has those qualities and is also affordable. In the end, not all the boxes were ticked and for that yes, we go with what we've got.

  “Of course we need a little bit of luck that [Aaronson] stays fit and in shape, with no injuries. If something happens we have players – perhaps not specialists – but who can shine in this role and even adapt in the way we play if we have to. My big wish is that Brenden stays in great shape and avoids injuries.”

The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool

The January transfer window is over, and we're only now starting to understand the ramifications. Several players are in new homes. Others remain where they once were but, even now, eyes are already on what might happen in the summer.

We're at the point in the cycle, from a USMNT perspective, in which everything needs to be viewed through a World Cup lens. Every transfer will directly impact hopes for 2026. Every big game, every injury, every decision. Several key Americans will have decisions to make this summer. Several others already made theirs in the winter.

It seems that two key U.S. men's national team stars aren't going anywhere, though. Both Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie are reportedly set to be offered new deals at their respective clubs, AC Milan and Juventus. Both have earned them. Pulisic and McKennie have been fantastic this season, proving themselves among the best at their positions (although, in McKennie's case, it's hard to be sure what that is).

Even so, there's plenty to examine on the transfer front, from lingering winter storylines, injury heartbreaks and early question marks. GOAL tracks all of the American player movements in the USMNT Transfer Notebook, a regular feature covering the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool.

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  New Christian Pulisic contract on the way?

  Social media went into panic mode Sunday over to a report out of Italy. It revealed that Christian Pulisic would be benched against Hellas Verona after a less-than-stellar Champions League performance against Feyenoord.

  No reason to panic, though. Pulisic is as important as ever to Milan, which is why reports continue to swirl that he's set to be rewarded with a new contract soon that will keep him with the club through 2029.

  At the moment, Pulisic's biggest need is rest. He's survived several injury scares this season and, with the business end of Milan's campaign coming up, the team needs him to be fit and in-form. need him more for that second leg against Feyenoord more than they needed him in the XI against Hellas Verona, which ended up a 1-0 win with the American coming off the bench.

  Pulisic is happy at Milan. Milan are clearly thrilled with Pulisic. It makes plenty of sense for him to stay. Milan's Serie A standing could impact that, of course, particularly if the club misses out on Europe altogether next season but, at the moment, there's no reason to really separate a superstar player from the club that has helped him reach these new heights.

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  Weston McKennie earns his new deal

  Speaking of new contracts for American stars, it seems Weston McKennie may be nearing one of his own. Who would have seen this coming just a few months ago?

  For each of the last two summers, Juventus seemingly did everything they could to move on from the American midfielder. He looked set to leave both times but stayed and fought. Now, he looks set to be rewarded for that fight with a new deal, with reports out of Italy saying he'll sign a new deal through 2028 with a big pay bump.

  It makes plenty of sense for Juve to tie him down. Thiago Motta loves him, and he made it known this week.

  "Weston is special. He is a great player, a great guy," Motta said "He has played fullback, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger. He's a top-level player. When I say that a top-level player can play everywhere, it’s because I know what I’m talking about. I’ve been in football for many years. When you ask where players should play, it’s not something that concerns me.

  "Weston plays everywhere, and he has to be on the field. It’s hard for me to leave him out. Maybe not as a goalkeeper, but in every other position, it’s difficult to put him on the bench. That’s what being a top-level player means.”

  McKennie finally has a coach who believes in him. Motta has a star that he can rely on no matter which position he plays. It's all going well at the moment, which felt so unlikely earlier in the season. McKennie can now focus on being a legitimate cornerstone of Motta' Juventus project.

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  James Sands sees loan progress derailed by injury

  You have to feel for James Sands. He was making the most of his chance in Germany, becoming a real standout for St. Pauli. Then, in an instant, it was gone. An ankle injury, and a serious one.

  Both St. Pauli and NYCFC confirmed the severity of the injury, one that will seemingly derail his initial six-month loan to the German side. The goal was for him to help St. Pauli stay in the league and then take it from there. Now, everything is uncertain.

  St. Pauli, in some ways, was Sands' ticket to another USMNT chance. Could the U.S. deny a midfielder playing at a top level in the Bundesliga? The bet was that the answer was "no" but that didn't account for an injury this serious. Now, the progress Sands made has been halted. He's out indefinitely. Who knows what his timeline looks like now?

  Will St. Pauli still be interested when his recovery is over? What does this mean for his World Cup hopes? It's unfortunate when you consider Sands had just started to take the Bundesliga by storm.

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  Early concerns for Folarin Balogun?

  In need of help up top due to Folarin Balogun's injury, Monaco signed Mika Biereth in January. The striker arrived from Sturm Graz and has since run rampant in Ligue 1, scoring seven goals in his first five appearances.

  Even before his injury, Balogun wasn't a guaranteed starter for Monaco. Now, with Biereth's emergence, where will the American find himself when he does return?

  There are few weeks before that happens, as Balogun remains out for the foreseeable future. Prior to his injury, though, Balogun wasn't exactly lighting it up for Monaco. After scoring 21 goals while on loan with Reims in 2022-23, he scored just 10 in his first 37 Monaco appearances over the last two seasons.

  The club now has multiple strikers competing to play so, when he does return, where will Balogun fit in all of that? It's worth keeping an eye on. Balogun should return with some time left in the season, and those games may be vital for him as he looks to show why he deserves his chance to reclaim a starting spot once fully healthy.

Despite continuing their excellent form, Birmingham City have been handed yet another frustrating injury blow, with one winger now expected to be sidelined for a few weeks.

Birmingham injury news

The Blues have been almost untouchable in League One this season, losing just once in 11 games to sit top of the league. Matching the high expectations placed on them when they splashed the cash in the summer transfer window to welcome the likes of Jay Stansfield, Birmingham picked up yet another victory over Bolton on Tuesday.

That’s not to say they’ve been completely without their troubles, however. Manager Chris Davies watched on as Emil Hansson limped off against Bolton before the game could even reach 20 minutes. In the end, the winger’s knock didn’t stop Birmingham from picking up all three points once again, but as the fixtures start to come thick and fast, their injuries are certainly beginning to pile up.

Clotet struck gold selling Birmingham star who's now worth millions less

Birmingham City raked in the cash with this substantial sale.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 24, 2024

Davies confirmed that, alongside Hansson, his side have another injury to contend with ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Mansfield Town. As relayed by the Birmingham Mail, Davies confirmed that Scott Wright is now set to miss multiple games after he missed victory against Lincoln City last weekend. Left with two wingers sidelined, the Blues must find a solution.

The Birmingham boss told reporters: “Scott Wright isn’t close. He’s picked something up and it looks like he might be a few weeks.”

Also mentioning Hansson’s injury, Davies said: “I think it was a slightly different one. He felt something in his leg so we’ll have to see how he is. He’s made a massive contribution this season and has played a lot of football, he’s a really reliable player, but he just had a niggle and I’m not sure what we’re looking at.”

Birmingham games "quick" Wright could now miss

Having already missed the last two games against Lincoln and Birmingham, the news that Wright will still be missing for a few more weeks will hardly be music to Birmingham ears. This means that the winger, who only arrived in the summer, could be forced to make his return to action against Stevenage on November 16, missing four more games as a result.

Wright, himself, will be desperate to get back and return to his best whilst doing so in the type of form that once earned the praise of former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, who said via The Scotsman: “I thought he was a right bright spark, full of energy, he sees a pass and is always looking forward to penetrate. He’s quick and got his reward from another strong performance, so he is really in my thinking for Tuesday night.”

Vinicius Junior has confirmed that he is ready to sign a new Real Madrid contract as he reiterated he is not interested in a Saudi Pro League move.

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• Vini Jr ready to sign new Madrid contract
• Will snub Saudi's lucrative offer
• Madrid take on Atletico on Tuesday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The winger has been the number one target for Saudi Pro League clubs who were reportedly ready to submit an outrageous bid to convince the player to move to the Middle East. reported last month that the Saudi officials were reportedly offering Vinicius Jr. €1 billion (£825m) in wages over five years, which would make him the highest paid footballer in the world.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Brazilian has maintained throughout that his goal is to stay at Santiago Bernabeu and win many more trophies with the Spanish giants. The player publicly revealed that he aims to sign a new Los Blancos deal as soon as possible and explained why he will not follow the money to Saudi Arabia.

• WHAT VINICIUS JR SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the 24-year-old said: "I am very calm because I have a contract until 2027 and I hope I can renew it as soon as possible because I am happy here. Everyone loves me and likes me very much. I couldn't be in a better place than here.

  "I am here to continue the story, everything that the president and the club have given me. I hope I can continue scoring more goals and playing more games with this shirt. I have won, but I can win much more and I can go down in the history of this club with so many great players who are legends."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Carlo Ancelotti's side will be back in action on Tuesday as they host rivals Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 fixture.