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Leandro Paredes Denies Argentina Conspiracy Theories

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Even though the 2026 World Cup is over, with Spain beating Argentina 1-0 in the final, plenty of debate continues to rage on about the tournament. A petition asking FIFA to replay the game due to corruption has even been signed by nearly 100,000 people.

While that petition argued that Slovakian referee Slavko Vincic favoured Spain in the final, there has also been talk throughout the tournament that FIFA boss Gianni Infantino wanted Lionel Messi to win the World Cup, so Argentina were favoured throughout the competition.

After Egypt lost 3-2 to Lionel Scaloni’s team in controversial circumstances, manager Hossam Hassan boldly claimed: “They want Argentina and Messi to stay in the World Cup for marketing. If they wanted Argentina to win, why invite other teams to participate? This match was clearly rigged, and the whole world witnessed it.”

Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes has now addressed any conspiracy theories, while also speaking about his true thoughts on Spain.

Leandro Paredes Speaks on World Cup Backlash

Argentina's Leandro Paredes clashes with Spain's Gavi after the match as Spain wins the World Cup REUTERS/Mike Segar

Paredes did not show himself in the best light after the final, as he came to blows with Spanish players Gavi and Eric Garcia once the full-time whistle had been blown. Any conspiracy theories about FIFA siding with Argentina have been helped, however, as the player is confirmed to have avoided a red card for his actions – despite seeming to get sent off in the moment.

In a new interview with ESPN, via Goal, Paredes has now spoken to dismiss any notion that his team were treated favourably during the World Cup:

“If I listened to everything out there, I must be going crazy. Everything that was said before, during, and after the World Cup… We had a great World Cup.”

With a little time now passed since the final, the midfielder has admitted that Spain were deserving winners. He explained:

“Spain was superior to us in the final, they are fair winners, and all that’s left for us is to appreciate what we accomplished over these eight years. It was a spectacular cycle, a pleasure to be part of, and it will surely sink in later.”

Paredes Reveals Fractured Rib During World Cup

Argentina's Leandro Paredes remonstrates with referee Slavko Vincic Jeenah Moon/Reuters

It’s also since come out that Paredes had been dealing with a fractured rib during the tournament. He spoke about how he had to manage the pain, noting: “The first few days were tough because I had a small fracture, but now I’m feeling better. The severe pain was in the first few days after the match against Egypt, and we managed it well with orthopaedic specialists and staff to hold out for as long as I could.”

Finally, he concluded with a comment about how Argentina fans were able to relate to their team, explaining: “It’s going to be a long process to get over what we experienced. Even though we achieved important things, losing the World Cup final is going to hurt for a long time because we were so close once again.

“We have to take pride in it, because maintaining the level we kept for so long isn’t easy. Despite losing the final, the fans felt represented by us, which is deeply rewarding, and for that, I’m happy.”

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Fabrizio Romano Drops Bombshell over Arsenal’s Move For Guimaraes

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Fabrizio Romano has dropped important news regarding Arsenal‘s pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

The Gunners have been eyeing Guimaraes, and the Brazilian has been open to a move to the Emirates after the Magpies’ failure to qualify for Europe. He is at the top of Mikel Arteta’s wishlist, and the Spaniard wants him to become his latest big-name midfield arrival.

It feels as though Arteta wants a top midfield signing each summer after signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £60 million. Mikel Merino arrived from the Spanish club for £27.4 million a year before, and Declan Rice became their club record signing in a £105 million deal in July 2023.

‘Contract is Done’ – Guimaraes Agrees Arsenal Move

Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes celebrates vs Crystal Palace via Reuters

Arsenal have already made a concrete move for Guimaraes, but Newcastle have been blocking a potential transfer. The Tyneside giants want to keep their captain, who has been hugely important for Eddie Howe since arriving from Lyon for £40 million.

Romano has delved into the situation and confirmed that the 28-year-old has agreed on a move to the Emirates. He said on his YouTube channel:

“Arsenal are ready to send a new bid for Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal ready. Arsenal want to go for Bruno. Arsenal have full agreement in place with Bruno Guimaraes on personal terms. So the contract is ready. The contract is done. Bruno said yes to Arsenal. Bruno wants to be respectful with Newcastle, so he doesn’t want to break the relationship. But Bruno wants to go. Bruno made clear to Newcastle that his desire is to go.”

Guimaraes had been linked with Arsenal before moving to Newcastle back in January 2022. He has since been a revelation at St James’ Park, thriving with performances that have seen him labelled ‘world-class.’

While Romano doesn’t mention how much the Gunners are looking to bid, previous reports suggest a £70 million offer is expected to be made. Given Guimaraes’ clear desire to make the move, it feels as though this is a transfer that gets done despite the Magpies’ reluctance to sell.

Arsenal’s Midfield Will be Scary

Declan Rice with Premier League trophy REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Guimaraes gets into pretty much any Premier League team’s midfield, and the possibility of seeing him line up alongside Declan Rice will frighten Arsenal’s rivals. His all-round game is second to none, and he will only help Arteta try to successfully retain the title.

Whether the Brazilian’s potential exit could have repercussions for other midfielders at the Emirates is unclear. A report earlier this week claimed that Martin Odegaard’s future could be in doubt if the Newcastle skipper arrives.

Guimaraes is at his peak and his personality could be a perfect fit for this Gunners team. After just falling short at the final hurdle in last season’s Champions League, this addition could be the catalyst for a first European trophy.

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Carlos Baleba Could Push to Join Man Utd

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Manchester United’s pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba is not dead in the water, according to a report by Dylan McBennett.

The Red Devils have already completed the signings of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to bolster their midfield, as they move ahead with a major rebuild following the departure of Casemiro and the injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte.

But the club are yet to make a final decision on who the third midfield signing will be, with INEOS adamant they will not overpay in an expensive market. A number of names have been linked to Old Trafford, and Baleba remains a long-term target, which means no deal is dead at this stage.

Baleba Could Push for Man Utd Transfer

brighton carlos baleba

Baleba, who has been described as ‘world-class’, was a target for the Reds last summer, but Brighton’s £100m valuation put them off proceeding at the time.

The Cameroon international went on to have a difficult season, with many suggesting that the interest from Old Trafford had turned his head. It’s now understood that Brighton are open to a sale in this window if they get the right offer, with their asking price believed to have dropped to around £80m.

But United don’t value him at that price, and as a result have been looking at alternative options. However, it has now emerged that they have not made a final decision yet, and a move for Baleba is still considered to be a ‘very real possibility’.

In fact, the 22-year-old has even been tipped to potentially push for a move to go through, having already agreed personal terms with the club last year, and with fresh talks being opened earlier this week.

With no final decision made yet, United remain open to the possibility of signing Baleba in this window, and the situation remains one to keep a close eye on in the final weeks of the transfer window.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Baleba the Perfect Midfield Addition

Carlos Baleba during a Brighton & Hove Albion pre-match warm-up via Reuters

Man Utd are looking to have more control of games in the coming season, and that means better ball retention in midfield. It also means they need to win the ball back quicker when they’re out of possession, and Baleba helps with all of that.

His attributes are exactly what the club are understood to be targeting, and he is at the perfect age to make the step up and continue to develop and improve. He also fits in perfectly alongside all of the current midfield options.

Brighton are known to be stern negotiators, but sometimes as the buying club you have to just pay the money to sign the player that your team needs, and this feels like one of those situations for Man Utd.

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Leeds Want to Sign ‘Superb’ Striker in £18.9M Deal

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An update has landed on Leeds United pursuing a new striker, and it’s not good news for Daniel Farke.

The Peacocks are preparing for a second season in the Premier League and looking to strengthen their squad following a 14th-placed finish last season. Two new players have arrived thus far, with Harry Wilson joining as a free agent after leaving Fulham and Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic joining for £34 million.

A new forward is on the agenda, and several names have been linked with moves to Elland Road. They have been eyeing Muharemovic’s international teammate, Ermedin Demirovic, who has impressed in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart.

Leeds Chasing Stuttgart’s Demirovic

Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic

Demirovic is fresh off the back of representing his country at the World Cup, and he was a key man alongside Muharemovic. Leeds are seemingly keen to have the Bosnians link up under Farke.

Bosnian outlet Slobodna Bosna reports that the Peacocks are “very keen” on signing the 28-year-old and believe he fits the profile of a physically strong and experienced frontman. He has two years left on his contract with Stuttgart where he’s leading the line under Sebastian Hoeneß.

Demirovic, dubbed “superb” netted 12 goals in 25 Bundesliga games last season, helping his side qualify for next season’s Champions League. As such, he is said to be happy at the club and could be motivated to stay put ahead of playing in Europe’s elite club competition.

The Bosnian frontman is thought to be valued at around €22 million (£18.9m) which is a reasonable fee given his impressive form last season. It remains to be seen whether Farke can convince him to leave the German outfit and head to Elland Road.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Demirovic Could Thrive Under Farke

Daniel Farke

Moving for a striker from abroad often leads to either huge success or bitter disappointment. But Demirovic’s experience could help him adjust to life in the Premier League as he’s been on the move throughout his career.

It is noted that Stuttgart could find it difficult to turn down a “serious offer” for the player. Leeds won’t want to overpay though and the aforementioned fee is ideal, allowing Farke’s transfer chiefs to further strengthen the squad.

A new goalkeeper remains a priority following Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier’s exits, while a move for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles has taken twists and turns. The team are gearing up for the new season and the potential arrival of Demirovic could be a massive statement of intent.

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