Sports
Hugo Ekitike Expected to Shake Off Injury for Arsenal vs Liverpool Clash
Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike was missing from their squad to face Fulham on Sunday, and Arne Slot has confirmed that he’s expected to return to face Arsenal next.
Ekitike has been a key figure in the Liverpool side since his arrival, and there has been added pressure on him to provide the goals since Alexander Isak suffered a nasty injury. Slot’s only fit senior striker was Ekitike heading into this game, but he was missing from the squad ahead of their clash with Fulham in the Premier League.
Florian Wirtz is likely to step up into a false nine role for the Reds, but it’s certainly not an ideal situation for Slot and his team. The Merseyside outfit will be desperately hoping that Ekitike makes a quick recovery, especially with such a crucial game against Arsenal coming up next week.
Arne Slot Drops Hugo Ekitike Injury Update
Speaking to the media before the game, Slot has confirmed that Ekitike is missing from the squad due to injury. The Dutch manager expects him to be fit enough to return to face Arsenal next week.
Thankfully for Liverpool, it doesn’t appear to be anything serious for the French international, with Slot expected him to return against Arsenal, who they face in just a few days. Slot would certainly rather Ekitike be fit for the game against Arsenal if he were to have a choicebetween the two games, and it will be interesting to see whether he shakes off his injury enough to start the game.
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Injury Shows Key Liverpool Issue
The injury to Ekitike shows the key issue that Liverpool need to solve during the January transfer window. Although Isak and Ekitike were signed in the summer, a new forward is needed for cover and competition. The issue Liverpool will have is keeping Isak, Ekitike, and a new striker happy if one arrives, so finding the right profile will be important.
Bringing in a winger, who is more capable of playing in a centre-forward role, could be ideal. Slot could do with adding another winger to his squad anyway, so finding one capable of also competing with Isak and Ekitike would be a smart move.
Sports
Fabrizio Romano Says Tottenham Will Now Announce ‘Magnificent’ Signing
Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham are now just one step away from announcing a record transfer as they continue their summer of spending. Spurs have put together a club record-setting window that has seen them spend more than £200million in a bid to transform a bottom-dwelling side into one that is capable of fighting for the European spots.
Roberto De Zerbi is being backed to the hilt after keeping Tottenham in the Premier League last season, and there is excitement aplenty around Hotspur Way this summer.
Spurs snapped up some smart free signings early on, and they added to those with the captures of Jan Paul van Hecke and Mateus Fernandes. They have now added another.
Tottenham prepare to announce record deal
Spurs are now said to have completed a deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United. The deal is worth £100million including add-ons, while around £92million is expected to be the bulk payment.
Writing on X, Fabrizio Romano wrote: “All documents are signed between Tottenham and Newcastle for Sandro Tonali. Club statement, next step as Tonali will become #THFC record signing.”
Newcastle paid £55million to sign Tonali from AC Milan in 2023, meaning they make a hefty profit on the midfielder. As for Tonali himself, he swaps clubs without having had the chance to play European football next season with either club, but he has a friendship with De Zerbi due to being from the same area in Italy.
Tonali told Sky Italy recently: “Let’s say De Zerbi played a huge role in this decision. He made a huge difference. He acted as a fellow native of Brescia and a friend, but he also demonstrated that he had a lot of work behind him, and that he is committed to it.”
What Tottenham are getting in Tonali
Speaking back in 2023, Howe described Tonali as ‘magnificent’ after a fine performance and goal. He said: “He was magnificent. The goal, sometimes these things are just meant to happen, and he’s arrived in the box and it’s a great finish.
“I’m delighted with his overall performance. He knitted into the midfield very well. He’s built a really good relationship with Bruno Guimaraes) and the players on the right-hand side. You can see how good he can be.”
Meanwhile, Jamie Carragher said recently: “Tonali is a midfielder I really rate. He’s got great pace and great power in midfield. He’s certainly a player I looked at thinking about Liverpool.”
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It would be another huge coup for Tottenham in what is shaping up to be a huge transfer window
Sports
Arsenal Hold Talks to Sign Brazil Star Rayan
Arsenal are looking to make some serious additions to their Premier League-winning squad this summer, and new forwards are being considered.
The Gunners have already agreed to sell Leandro Trossard to Besiktas this summer, while there is strong speculation that the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Ethan Nwaneri will also be allowed to leave, as Mikel Arteta looks to freshen the squad up.
But while midfield has emerged as the priority, with talks intensifying for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, another Brazil star has now emerged as a target at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal Eyeing Rayan Deal
According to a report by journalist Edu Burgos, Arsenal are among the clubs paying close attention to the situation of Rayan at Bournemouth.
The Brazil international, who has been described as ‘deadly’, enjoyed a stunning first half-season in England after joining the Cherries in January, registering five goals and two assists in just 12 starts in the Premier League.
His performances earned him a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad, and he has found himself in a starting role on the right-wing following Raphinha’s injury, including the Last 16 clash with Norway on Sunday night.
Bournemouth do not want to sell him under any circumstances this summer, but it is known that the 20-year-old has a €100m (£87m) release clause that is active from 2027, and they could be forced to consider any big offers this year.
Arsenal have held internal talks about a move for the winger, while Man Utd and PSG are also said to be showing an interest. A deal isn’t on the table at this stage, but it is looking inevitable that Rayan’s stay at the Cherries won’t be a long one.
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Arsenal to Add Another Brazilian?
Arsenal are ready to make a big splash in the transfer market once again this summer as they look to retain their crown as English champions for the first time in their history.
A new injection of pace and fresh blood in the attack looks like a necessity, and a player like Rayan who is ready to explode at the highest level could be the perfect remedy, while also providing quality depth and competition for Bukayo Saka on the right.
It would be an expensive deal, but Arsenal have a great Brazilian group in their squad already, and this would almost certainly be a welcome addition.
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Arsenal are now confident that they will be able to secure the signature of Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
Sports
Santiago Gimenez Rushed to Hospital After World Cup Exit
England defeated Mexico in a five-goal thriller at the Azteca Stadium to advance to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, but there were a couple of casualties along the way.
First, Jarell Quansah was sent off for a high challenge on an opposition player, meaning the ex-Liverpool man would be ruled out of the next game. Then, Jordan Henderson was involved in a freak accident following the full-time whistle. The midfielder had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher, with Thomas Tuchel quite downbeat about his condition.
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But it wasn’t only a tough night for the Three Lions. Mexico became the second of the three host nations to crash out of the competition on home soil. And had they advanced to the next round, one of their bigger names would’ve likely been watching from the sidelines.
Mexico Star Suffers Nasty Injury in Heartbreaking Loss
Mexico’s manager, Javier Aguirre, threw caution to the wind in search of an equaliser against 10-man England. As a result, he introduced as many attacking players as possible as the opposition soaked up the pressure.
One of those positive substitutions was bringing on AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez for 17-year-old Gilberto Mora in the 61st minute. However, the change didn’t have the desired impact and the striker failed to get involved.
To make matters worse, Gimenez was unable to take part in the final moments of stoppage time and could be seen lying at the side of the pitch in severe pain. The 25-year-old was quickly taken to hospital after the full-time whistle, according to The Sun.
He had been chasing down the ball but was challenged by England’s Djed Spence. While the defender got the ball perfectly, Gimenez’s ankle could be seen twisting awkwardly.
He left the stadium on a stretcher and was taken to get checked over in a southern Mexico facility, as his manager confirmed: “We need to check Santi because he is at the hospital right now.”
He Joins Jordan Henderson in Hospital
As the players and staff enjoyed the massive win with the travelling support inside the iconic Mexican stadium, Henderson had attempted to jump back over the advertising boards when he landed awkwardly.
Medical staff rushed over to see to the unused substitute. who was then placed on a stretcher and given oxygen. Thomas Tuchel confirmed Henderson had suffered a ‘serious’ wrist injury. The extent of the knock is currently unknown, but the England boss said:
“Not good. Jordan fell over and injured his wrist. It looks really bad.
“It’s quite a serious injury.”
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