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The Real Madrid attack hummed on Tuesday evening, as Kylian Mbappe bagged a brace and Vinicius Jr also scored to lift Los Blancos to a comfortable 4-1 win over Levante. Xabi Alonso's men have now won six out of six in the Spanish top flight.

Madrid probed and prodded, forcing Levante goalkeeper Mathew Ryan into a handful of smart saves. But he could do nothing about the opener, a fine trivela poke into the far corner from Vinicius. Franco Mastantuono added a second shortly after, beating his man and lashing into the roof of the net. 

They might have had one or two more before the break, only for Ryan to intervene. Levante got themselves back into it, however. A fortunate deflection saw the ball float over Thibaut Courtois and into the path of Etta Eyong, who nodded home from close range. Mbappe eased things, though. He converted a penalty on the hour mark to make it three, and added a fourth soon after – putting whatever fears remained to bed. 

This was once again a little scruffy around the edges, but Madrid are piecing things together, and look a solid side ahead of the Madrid derby this weekend.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Ciutat de Valencia…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

Made a couple of nice saves. Unfortunate to concede thanks to some pretty evil spin. 

Raul Asencio (5/10):

A rare start as a converted right back. Didn't cover his man on the Levante goal.

Dean Huijsen (7/10):

Excellent in the first half, a little shakier in the second. Young and still learning. 

Alvaro Carreras (7/10):

Interesting to see him used as a center back. Mostly held his own, and looked far more comfortable when Los Blancos shifted to a back three. 

Fran Garcia (6/10):

Scampered up and down the left, but his final ball could have been a little cleaner. 

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Federico Valverde (6/10):

A bit quieter from the Uruguayan. Assisted but wasn't particularly involved in play. 

Dani Ceballos (7/10):

A first start of the season for a midfielder who most thought would leave. Paced things well in a holding role. 

Arda Guler (7/10):

Not his most involved game. Disappeared for long stretches, but then woke up by providing a ridiculous assist for Mbappe.

GettyAttack

Franco Mastantuono (7/10):

Missed a couple, then took his first goal for the club really nicely. Another solid showing. 

Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

Was relatively quiet for an hour before coming alive. Scored twice and made the game his. Excellent so far this season. 

Vinicius Jr (7/10):

Scored a wonderful goal to mark a welcome return to form. Loose here and there, though, as he works his way back to his best. 

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GettySubs & Manager

Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):

Broke up play effectively, moved it around. 

Jude Bellingham (6/10):

Could have scored soon after coming on, but fluffed his lines. A few nice moments on the ball. 

Eduardo Camavinga (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Rodrygo (N/A):

Also didn't have enough time to contribute much.

David Alaba (N/A):

Likewise was only on for a bit of cardio.

Xabi Alonso (8/10):

Rotated heavily once again as he tried to find the right configuration. It didn't always work, but Madrid leaned on their stars to ease to a win. 

The series will be played from April 27 to May 11 in Colombo

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Mar-2025Sri Lanka will host India and South Africa for a women’s ODI tri-series in April and May, the SLC announced on Thursday. This tri-series was not part of the Future Tours Programme originally.Each team will play the others twice – making it four matches per team – before the top two teams play the final. The series will start with hosts Sri Lanka taking on India. All of them will be day games, played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo from April 27 to May 11.Sri Lanka are currently on a white-ball tour of New Zealand, while most of India’s players are participating in the WPL at home. Some South African players are also at the WPL. Until this tri-series was announced, South Africa’s next international assignment was a tour of the West Indies in June.This tri-series will give the three teams extra prep time in the lead up to the ODI World Cup in October this year in India.Sri Lanka are currently the Asia Cup champions, while South Africa had reached the semi-finals of the last ODI World Cup, in 2022, after knocking India out in the league stages. India are, however, the highest-ranked of the three at third – South Africa are fourth and Sri Lanka seventh – in the ICC ODI rankings.Sri Lanka women’s tri-series scheduleApril 27, Sri Lanka vs India
April 29, India vs South Africa
May 1, Sri Lanka vs South Africa
May 4, Sri Lanka vs India
May 6, South Africa vs India
May 8, Sri Lanka vs South Africa
May 11, final

Barcelona have been dealt a brutal blow with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal set to miss at least three matches through injury, sparking a war of words between manager Hansi Flick and the Spanish FA. The 18-year-old winger, already one of Europe’s most dazzling prospects, is sidelined by a stubborn groin problem that has been aggravated during international duty.

• Flick's fury over Spain's handling

  The saga erupted after Spain fielded Yamal in back-to-back fixtures against Bulgaria and Turkey despite him reporting discomfort before linking up with the squad. Flick didn’t mince his words, accusing La Roja’s coaching staff of negligence for risking the teenager’s long-term health.

  "Lamine already went to the national team in pain. He took painkillers and played with the national team in pain," Flick stated. "He had problems, and played 79 and 73 minutes. That's not looking after the players. The Spanish national team has the best players in the world, but we should be looking after the professionals. Also the young players."

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• GOAL
  

  Yamal's recovery timeline

  According toYamal will definitely sit out Barca’s Champions League curtain-raiser against Newcastle on Thursday, while La Liga clashes with Getafe and Oviedo are also expected to come too soon. The most optimistic outlook is a cameo against Real Sociedad, but the club’s medical staff insist the true target is Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on October 1, a game where Barcelona need their young talisman fully fit.

• Barca not willing to take any shortcut

  Medical sources around Camp Nou confirm that Yamal’s issue is centred on his pubic bone, an injury picked up against Levante and worsened in the bruising contest at Rayo Vallecano. The condition requires careful management and patience – push too hard, and relapse is almost guaranteed.

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  Yamal has taken to physiotherapy

  Yamal is currently undergoing daily physiotherapy sessions, tailored strengthening exercises, and specific treatment designed to speed up recovery. But the club are adamant: there will be zero risks. Away from the treatment table, Barcelona officials are now taking steps to smooth relations with the Spanish federation. Sporting director Deco is set to sit down with RFEF technical chief Aitor Karanka to establish clearer lines of communication around player fitness. The idea is to implement joint monitoring protocols and more transparency so clubs aren’t blindsided when players return in worse condition than when they left. With Yamal seen as a generational jewel, the last thing Barca want is another tug-of-war with the national side.

نجح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي إنتر ميامي في تحقيق فوز مهم على نظيره نيويورك سيتي في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الأمريكي.

وواجه إنتر ميامي بقيادة خافيير ماسكيرانو نظيره نيويورك سيتي اليوم الخميس، في إطار منافسات الدوري الأمريكي وانتهت المباراة بفوز رفاق ميسي برباعية نظيفة.

وتألق النجم الأرجنتيني ليونيل ميسي في المباراة واستطاع أن يسجل هدفين لصالح فريقه ليقوده إلى فوز عريض ضمن منافسات الدوري الأمريكي.

جاء هدف المتوج بكأس العالم قطر 2022 في الدقيقتي 74 و86، وأحرز الهدف الأول اللاعب رودريجيز في الدقيقة 43، فيما أضاف الهدف الثالث من ركلة جزاء عن طريق النجم الأوروجواني لويس سواريز.

اقرأ أيضًا | “لا أكرهه”.. روني يكشف سبب تفضيله لـ ميسي على كريستيانو رونالدو

وسدد رفاق ميسي على المرمى 12 مرة منها 8 تسديدات بين القائمين والعارضة، فيما سدد فريق نيويورك 9 تسديدات منها تسديدتان على المرمى.

وتفوق إنتر ميامي في نسبة الاستحواذ بنسبة 52% فيما جاءت نسبة فريق نيويورك سيتي بـ 48%.

ومرر رجال خافيير ماسكيرانو الكرة 494 مرة بدقة وصلت إلى 86%، فيما مرر فريق نيويورك سيتي الكرة 458 بدقة وصلت إلى 86% أيضًا. 

Scotland make their Women’s Cricket World Cup debut – against Bangladesh – to get this show on the road, with Sri Lanka and Pakistan also facing off on opening day

S Sudarshanan02-Oct-202415:17

Runorder: Can Australia be stopped at the Women’s T20 WC 2024?

Bangladesh vs ScotlandSharjah, 2pm local timeBangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana (capt, wk), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha BiswasScotland squad: Kathryn Bryce (capt), Chloe Abel, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Olivia Bell, Sarah Bryce (wk), Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, Saskia Horley, Lorna Jack, Ailsa Lister, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Hannah Rainey, Rachel SlaterTournament form guide: In the pre-tournament warm-up games, Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka by 33 runs, and beat Pakistan by 23 runs. Scotland beat Pakistan by eight wickets, and lost to Sri Lanka by five wickets.News brief: Scotland are in a Women’s Cricket World Cup – be it 50 overs or 20 – for the first time. They got there by making the final of the Qualifier earlier this year. They have lost each of their four T20Is against Bangladesh, the last of which came in September 2022. Bangladesh, though, last won a Women’s T20 World Cup game in 2014, when they were hosts. A chance to tweak the record then, after going four editions winless.Player to watch: Nahida Akter, on 99 T20I wickets, could hold the key to Bangladesh’s progress in the competition. She is on the verge of becoming the first woman from Bangladesh – and only the third across genders, behind Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman – to 100 T20I wickets. With a plethora of right-hand batters in Scotland’s line-up, she could be licking her lips.Scotland defeated Pakistan during the warm-ups•ICC/Getty Images

Pakistan vs Sri LankaSharjah, 6pm local timePakistan squad: Fatima Sana (capt), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba HassanSri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilshari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana, Sugandika KumariTournament form guide: In the pre-tournament warm-ups, Pakistan lost to Scotland by eight wickets, and lost to Bangladesh by 23 runs. Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 33 runs and Scotland by five wickets.News brief: Sadia Iqbal was named in the Pakistan squad subject to fitness. She bowled seven overs across the two warm-up games and returned two wickets against Bangladesh. That would come as relief for Pakistan because Iqbal has not just played all of Pakistan’s completed 32 T20Is since the start of 2023 but also is their leading wicket-taker in that period. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have won their last three T20I outings against Pakistan, including the semi-final of the Asia Cup this year.Player to watch: Chamari Athapaththu is used to having the spotlight firmly on her when she takes the field for Sri Lanka. For the first time though, she comes to a World Cup with her team portrayed as the tournament’s dark horse. And that could pose a challenge of a different kind – that of living up to expectations with the bat and as a leader. But when has Athapaththu ever shied away from a tough gig?

After watching on as the last six promoted sides suffered instant relegation, Sunderland have entered this transfer window ready to put an end to that trend and are now reportedly set to welcome yet another impressive signing.

Sunderland continuing summer overhaul

To say the Black Cats are ensuring that they’re Premier League-ready would be an understatement. Those in Wearside have shown no hesitation when it comes to spending this summer, breaking their club record to sign Habib Diarra and following that up by welcoming Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Enzo Le Fee on a permanent deal and Chemsdine Talbi.

After becoming the latest to arrive, Talbi told Sunderland’s official website: “I’m really excited to be here and grateful for the opportunity to play for this Club. I made the decision because it’s a great project with a talented, exciting team full of young players – and that really motivated me.

“The Premier League is the biggest and best league in the world, so I’m looking forward to getting started. I know the fans will get behind me from the start, and I can’t wait to see them at the stadium.”

Those at the Stadium of Light have every reason to be excited by the winger’s arrival after he scored seven goals and created another five in all competitions at Club Brugge last season. At just 20 years old, the new arrival is a player full of potential and one who could realise that potential in full under Regis Le Bris.

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Even after Talbi, however, Sunderland are still not done in the transfer window. Reports have now emerged that the Black Cats have agreed a deal to sign yet another reinforcement and arguably one of their most impressive yet.

Sunderland agree £18m deal to sign Simon Adingra

According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Simon Adingra from Brighton & Hove Albion with a Thursday medical set to be completed for the winger to finalise a move worth an initial €21m (£18m).

Whilst Adingra struggled to keep hold of a starting place under Fabian Hurzeler last season – starting just 12 Premier League games – he remains a player full of potential at just 23 years old. For just £19m, Sunderland have arguably landed an absolute bargain.

After drawing with Liverpool in 2023, former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi sung the praises of Adingra alongside his Brighton teammate Carlos Baleba, saying: “We played with a lot of very young players. I have to congratulate my club because they found another two great players – Adingra and [Carlos] Baleba.”

So, although his momentum was halted by Hurzeler last season, Adingra now has the perfect opportunity to get back on track and hand Sunderland a quick, tricky new winger.

There is a lot for Arsenal to do this summer.

For the third time in a row, Mikel Arteta’s side ended this season as Premier League runners-up, and as things stand, their rivals for next year are making some impressive moves in the transfer market.

However, while the Gunners are yet to announce a signing, that doesn’t mean they aren’t working towards a few, with Martin Zubimendi’s move to the club now looking like a matter of when and not if.

The Spanish international could be a needle mover for the North Londoners, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now looking to advance towards another international who could be utterly game-changing.

Arsenal plot move for international superstar

It would be fair to say that the journey to sign Zubimendi has been a long and somewhat stressful one for Arsenal – one that is still not quite complete.

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The first serious reports that the club were making serious progress in securing his services came out in January, courtesy of Sami Mokbel, but in the months that followed, there have been more than a few stories from Spain suggesting that Real Madrid was going to hijack the move.

Fortunately, reports in the last few days, notably from Fabrizio Romano, have revealed that the paperwork is now done and that fans can expect an official announcement soon.

However, while the Real Sociedad will surely help improve the balance of the North Londoners’ midfield, the club now appear to be moving towards an even better signing: Viktor Gyokeres.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Portuguese outlet A Bola, which claims that Arsenal have reignited their intense interest in the Sporting CP star.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners are planning to make another offer for the free-scoring forward, which, according to other stories from earlier this week, could be up to 80m, which comes out to around £68m.

Furthermore, according to a recent update from Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, the North Londoners “will sign” the former Coventry man this summer, as he “was their first target from the start.”

It would undoubtedly represent a mammoth investment from Arsenal, but given Gyokeres’ out-of-this-world ability in front of goal, it would be worth it, and he would be a better signing than Zubimendi.

Why Gyokeres would be a better signing than Zubimendi

Firstly, as we’ve already mentioned, fans should be excited about the seemingly imminent arrival of Zubimendi this summer, as the Sociedad star has proven himself to be a defensively solid and inventive creative six at both club and international level over the last couple of years.

However, if we are talking about who could have the more significant and immediate impact on Arsenal’s title chances in the Premier League and Champions League next season and, therefore, be the better signing this summer, we think it’s impossible to look past Gyokeres.

We say this for one massive and simply impossible to ignore reason: his output.

Since moving to Sporting in the summer of 2023, the Stockholm-born phenomenon has been a seemingly unstoppable goalscoring “powerhouse,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson.

For example, in his first campaign with the Lisbon outfit, he racked up a ridiculous tally of 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 appearances, totalling 4169 minutes.

Gyokeres’ recent form

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

50

52

Minutes

4169′

4248′

Goals

43

54

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87′

63.40′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

This means the former Coventry City star maintained an average of 1.16 goal involvements every game or one every 71.87 minutes, and somehow, he did even better this season.

In 52 appearances, totalling 4248 minutes, the goalscoring “monster,” as dubbed by one analyst, found the back of the net on 54 occasions and provided 13 assists for good measure, which comes out to an average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes.

Just imagine a centre-forward as outrageously clinical as the 27-year-old leading the line for the Gunners, with Bukayo Saka to his right, Martin Odegaard behind him and potentially a new winger to the left.

Even if he was only able to replicate a third of his output in North London, the Swede could be the difference between a fourth runners-up finish on the spin or finally getting over the line.

Therefore, while Zubimenidi will be a great signing, Gyokeres has the potential to be far better for Arsenal.

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Glasgow Rangers have already confirmed that Barry Ferguson’s time as interim manager of the Ibrox club came to an end after the Scottish Premiership season concluded.

The Light Blues were held to a 2-2 draw at Easter Road on the final day of the league season, as Rangers cemented their second-placed finish behind their city rivals.

Ferguson’s interim spell ended with six wins, five draws, and four defeats in 15 matches in all competitions, which was far from impressive on paper for the inexperienced Scottish coach.

It has now been confirmed that he will not be in contention for the job on a full-time basis, as the Gers are now looking elsewhere for a permanent successor to Philippe Clement, who was relieved of his duties in February.

There have already been plenty of interesting names linked with the vacant managerial position at Ibrox, ranging from British coaches, foreign coaches with British experience, and left-field coaches with no experience in British football.

One of the names who has been mentioned alongside the Rangers job in recent weeks is Real Madrid assistant first-team coach Davide Ancelotti, the son of Carlo Ancelotti.

Why Rangers should avoid Davide Ancelotti

There have been some contradicting reports on the club’s interest in the Italian tactician of late, with talk of an offer from the Gers and then a report saying that was false and that he wants to join his father with the Brazil national team for a year.

Whether he is a serious candidate for the job or not, the 49ers and Kevin Thelwell should look elsewhere in their search for a new head coach because of the job facing the next manager ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Rangers have finished second in the Premiership in each of the last four seasons, watching their city rivals lift the trophy each year, and need a head coach who can bring success back to Ibrox.

Whilst Ancelotti is an exciting prospect, because he has yet to manage at first-team level and is full of untapped potential, the fact that he is an unknown quantity as a manager also counts against him for this particular job.

Real Madrid (Assistant manager)

Carlo Ancelotti

233

Everton (Assistant manager)

Carlo Ancelotti

67

Napoli (Assistant manager)

Carlo Ancelotti

73

Bayern Munich (Assistant manager)

Carlo Ancelotti

60

Real Madrid (Fitness coach)

Carlo Ancelotti

119

PSG (Fitness coach)

Carlo Ancelotti

77

The 35-year-old coach, as shown by his career path above, has not been a first-team manager to date, as he has only worked as part of his father’s coaching staff, as either a fitness coach or as an assistant manager.

Whilst there is a lot of brilliant experience in some of the best leagues in Europe at some of the biggest clubs in the world there, Ancelotti has not proven himself as the main man and that is why Rangers, in their current situation, should look elsewhere.

Rangers want to appoint new manager this week

As per a fresh report from the Daily Mail, Rangers are looking to appoint a more experienced manager as they are set to hold talks with English boss Steven Gerrard.

The report claims that the club are planning to hold talks with the Liverpool legend within the next 48 hours to discuss a potential return to Ibrox, having left the job to join Aston Villa back in 2021.

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It states that Gerrard, who is currently without a club, is currently the frontrunner to land the role, and that Rangers want to have a deal wrapped up by the end of this week if possible.

All going well, the English manager could be holding up a Gers scarf for the second time before next Monday, although there is no mention of how interested he is in making a return to Glasgow.

With this news in mind, the club must convince Gerrard to return to Ibrox before the end of the week during these talks that are due to take place within the next 48 hours because he would make supporters forget about wanting Ancelotti.

Why Gerrard would make Rangers forget Ancelotti

As aforementioned, the Real Madrid assistant manager would arrive at Ibrox as a huge gamble by the club, given his lack of senior managerial experience, but that would not be the case with Gerrard.

In fact, the English head coach may be the safest possible appointment for Rangers to make, given that he is the only Gers manager who has won the Premiership in the last decade.

The former England international lost more games than he won at Aston Villa (19 vs 13) and Al Ettifaq (20 vs 19) after moving on from Ibrox in 2021, but there is no mocking his record during his time in Scottish football.

After being given time to build a squad in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns, Gerrard won the Premiership title in the 2020/21 season with 32 wins and zero losses in the top-flight, an achievement that was described as “unbelievable” by journalist Leanne Prescott.

Matches

38

12

Wins

32

8

Draws

6

3

Defeats

0

1

Points

102

27

Points per game

2.68

2.25

League position

1st (Champions)

1st

As you can see in the table above, the 4-3-3 manager only lost one of his last 50 matches in charge of the club, and left the team at the top of the table before Giovanni van Bronckhorst failed to follow up with another title success.

Gerrard, once dubbed “amazing” by Glen Johnson, has proven that he can deliver a successful style of football at Ibrox, given his incredible record across his last 50 games and the title that he won in the 2020/21 campaign.

Rangers have failed to win the Premiership in the last four seasons, and they need a head coach who can bring the title back to Ibrox next term. So, who better than the only man to have done it in the last decade? That is why appointing Gerrard could make fans forget about the exciting potential of bringing Ancelotti in for his first managerial job.

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Aston Villa have now held “exploratory talks” over a move for an “unbelievable” striker with a £64m release clause, according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.

Villa set to bolster their attacking options

The summer transfer window is edging ever closer, and it is becoming apparent that Villa are keen to bolster their forward options, with a new attacking midfielder clearly of particular interest.

Rosenborg’s Sverre Nypan is the main subject of the Villans’ desires, with sporting director Monchi recently travelling to Norway for talks over a deal, while they have also joined the race for Athletic Bilbao star Oihan Sacet, as Unai Emery is a big fan.

Not only is signing a new attacking midfielder on the agenda, but there may also be a desire to bring in a new striker, given that Emery is yet to replace Jhon Duran, who moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr near the end of the January transfer window.

He could be Tielemans 2.0: Aston Villa ready move for £50m "wizard"

Aston Villa are already thinking ahead to next season

By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 21, 2025

Aston Villa are now stepping up their pursuit of a striker, having made contact over deals for multiple targets, including Fiorentina’s Moise Kean, submitting an enquiry over the possibility of signing the Italian forward earlier this month.

There has now been a new update on Villa’s striker pursuit from Solhekol, who took to X to say: “Four Premier League clubs, as well as Manchester United, want to sign Matheus Cunha this summer. Arsenal and Aston Villa are among the clubs who have held exploratory talks about signing him this year. Saudi Pro League clubs are now willing to trigger his £64m release clause.”

Emery’s side are making moves to sign Cunha, but there is a feeling that Manchester United could be best-placed to win the race for his signature, as the Brazilian is not put off by their current league position and “loves” the club.

"Unbelievable" Cunha could be top signing for Villa

Marcus Rashford has been given the nod at striker in recent weeks, bagging from the penalty spot in the 2-1 defeat at Manchester City last time out, but there is no guarantee the Manchester United loanee remains at Villa Park beyond the summer.

As such, Emery may be tasked with bringing in a new striker, and the Wolves star could be a top signing, having displayed his goalscoring abilities by netting 14 Premier League goals this season.

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Premier League	28	14	4
FA Cup	2	2	0

Given the level of the Brazil international’s performances, he was lauded as “unbelievable” by teammate Mario Lemina earlier this season, and at 25-years-old he is at the right age to be a long-term success at Villa Park.

There may be a temptation to keep hold of Rashford this summer, but with Barcelona now interested in the England international, it could be difficult for Aston Villa to orchestrate a deal, and Cunha could be a fantastic alternative option.

Chelsea have now submitted a £1.4m bid for an attacking midfielder following a recent scouting mission, according to a report.

Blues plotting youth recruitment drive

Under the helm of BlueCo, Chelsea have maintained a heavy focus on bringing in talented young players, with Sporting CP’s Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo becoming the latest additions to the squad last month.

As we approach the summer transfer window, it appears as though the Blues are set to continue stockpiling young players, with Real Madrid striker Endrick becoming the latest subject of interest, having submitted a £59m offer for the 18-year-old striker.

In terms of central midfield options, 21-year-old Barcelona ace Marc Casado is on the shortlist, with Todd Boehly plotting a £33m bid for the Spaniard, while breakout AFC Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen remains a target at centre-back.

The aforementioned targets all have experience in a major European league, but there have now been suggestions the west Londoners could also be willing to take a risk on more of an unproven quantity.

According to a report from Africa Foot (via Sport Witness), Chelsea have now submitted a €1.6m (£1.4m) bid for Malian wonderkid Seydou Dembele, who is currently playing in Qatar.

Scouts from a number of Europe’s top clubs have been watching the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, and Dembele has seemingly stood out above the rest, having impressed the Blues, Barcelona and Red Bull Salzburg.

Chelsea now interested in signing £43m Inter Milan star alongside Thuram

The Blues have identified a new target ahead of the summer transfer window…

ByDominic Lund Apr 6, 2025

As the starlet is just 16-years-old, he will not be able to move to Stamford Bridge until he turns 18, should Boehly’s bid prove to be successful.

However, there are signs that it could be worth the wait, given that the youngster has been performing very well for Mali U17s, and he has earned the nickname of “Messi” from his friends.

Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Ipswich Town (h)

April 13th

Fulham (a)

April 20th

Everton (h)

April 26th

Liverpool (h)

May 4th

Newcastle United (a)

May 10th

"Real talent" Dembele is one for the future

With the Malian unable to sign for Chelsea until he is 18, we won’t see him in a blue shirt anytime soon, but his displays for his country indicate he could go on to be a top player, with the report stating he has twice received Man of the Match awards at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Not only that, but scout Felix Johnston has also given the attacking midfielder very high praise, describing him as a “real talent”, while also detailing that he is a “really nifty” left-footed number 10.

Understandably, the news may once again call into question the fact that Chelsea are stockpiling a huge number of young players, with Enzo Maresca’s squad at risk of becoming very bloated again in the future.

However, the move for Dembele is relatively low risk at just £1.4m, and he is showing very promising signs for his country.