UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin was a notable absentee at MetLife Stadium as Spain were crowned World Cup champions for the second time, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time.

His absence raised eyebrows given his standing in the game, with a European nation in the final and Ceferin also serving as FIFA’s own vice-president.

Reports have since emerged suggesting a deeper rift lies behind the decision, one that stretches back through several flashpoints of the tournament and points to a fractured relationship at the very top of the game’s governing bodies.

Ceferin’s Relationship with Infantino Reportedly in Tatters

According to The Times, the relationship between Ceferin and FIFA president Gianni Infantino has broken down significantly, with the handling of Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension cited as the final straw.

Balogun was sent off during USA’s Round of 32 win over Bosnia, a decision that appeared harsh at the time, but given FIFA had no appeal system in place for the tournament, the Monaco forward looked destined for a one-match ban. However, it later emerged that Donald Trump had personally contacted Infantino over the matter, with White House official Emily Goodin confirming:

The suspension was ultimately paused for a year, a move UEFA blasted as having “crossed a red line” in a scathing statement.

Ceferin Also Frustrated by Referee Treatment and Expansion Plans

Ceferin is also said to be unhappy with how Somali referee Omar Artan was treated after being denied entry to the United States, as well as the handling of Iran throughout the competition.

Artan has since been handed the UEFA Super Cup between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain as something of a consolation. Beyond individual incidents, Ceferin remains firmly opposed to further World Cup expansion, with this year’s 48-team format already the largest in history and Infantino pushing for a future 64-team tournament that could take over six weeks from start to finish.

He’s also been critical of ticket pricing at this World Cup, with UEFA notably declining to adopt several rule changes trialled at the tournament, including red cards for players covering their mouths during confrontations.

Mikel Arteta has been keen to bolster his attacking options and that means several members of his Arsenal squad could be headed for the exit door.

That was the case for Leandro Trossard, who left for Turkish giants Besiktas earlier this month. The 31-year-old’s sale raised £15.3 million, and Arteta has already landed a replacement.

Christos Tzolis is on the verge of completing a £34m switch to the Gunners, and he had been expected to be followed by Morgan Rogers. The defending Premier League champions were eager to sign the Aston Villa man, but Chelsea swooped in and paid the £117m asking price.

Arsenal Ready to Sell Martinelli

While Arsenal explore alternatives to the Englishman, they are making decisions over some players’ futures. And despite missing out on Rogers, the Gunners seem intent on selling Gabriel Martinelli.

There has long been speculation over Martinelli’s future, and club insider HandofArsenal claims he is ‘for sale.’ That might suggest that the club are certain of landing a new left-winger as they prepare to defend their title.

Martinelli, described as ‘frightening’, has been a prominent member of Arteta’s first team over the years and has delivered important moments. But his consistency, or lack of it, has always been a concern, often blowing hot and cold throughout a 38-game league season.

Last time out, the Brazilian, who earns £180,000 per week, managed just one goal and four assists in 30 league games. That return is not what you expect from a starting left-winger in a title-defending team.

Barcola is the Obvious Replacement

Paul Childs via Reuters

Arsenal have been linked with several wingers since Rogers headed to Stamford Bridge. That includes Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, whose future is uncertain amid the Ligue 1 giants’ interest in Yan Diomande.

Barcola is fresh off the back of an impressive World Cup campaign with France, rotating with Desire Doue in Didier Deschamps’ frontline. At club level, he has yet to cement a permanent starting place in Luis Enrique’s attack amid the pool of attacking talent at the Parc des Princes.

The Gunners have been tipped to make a ‘proper move’ for Barcola after missing out on Rogers. It could be an expensive deal, with some suggesting around £112m, but one that is undoubtedly needed to ensure Arteta has a team that can battle on all fronts next season.

Newcastle have opened talks to sign a new defender in the summer transfer window as they look to improve Eddie Howe’s squad.

It’s been an interesting window for Newcastle so far, who are yet to complete a signing of a player over the age of 20.

The Magpies are in the market for reinforcements after Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon both left the club earlier in the window.

Newcastle have somewhat replaced the duo, bringing in Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur, but both players are vastly inexperienced compared to Tonali and Gordon.

Whether Newcastle look to sign more experienced and ready-made replacements for the duo remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt they need to add some more experience to the squad.

Howe’s side also lost Kieran Trippier following the expiration of his contract, so experienced signings could be crucial.

Newcastle open defender talks

According to reports in Italy, Newcastle have opened talks to sign AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori in the summer transfer window.

The Magpies will face competition from recently promoted side Coventry City, while Tomori is yet to make a decision on his future.

Tomori, described as ‘tremendous’, sees a move to England as a suitable option for him, and AC Milan could sell this summer due to his contract expiring next year.

Centre back certainly doesn’t feel like a major priority for Newcastle in the summer transfer window, but there’s no doubt they could do with strengthening in multiple areas of the pitch.

The Magpies finished in the bottom half of the Premier League and failed to qualify for European football, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them strengthen all over.

Newcastle need a midfielder as soon as possible

Reuters

The major priority for Newcastle in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window has to be to bring in a new midfielder.

The North East club have already lost Tonali to Tottenham, while Bruno Guimaraes is being heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

The signing of Steur could be beneficial for them in the long term, but he’s unlikely to make a significant impact immediately.

Newcastle risk going even further backwards if they don’t invest significantly this summer.

Their ownership certainly won’t be satisfied with not playing in Europe and finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, so they need to get a move on when it comes to reinforcements.