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West Ham United secured another victory in the Europa League but saw their celebrating received by empty seats as supporters endured a stadium ban for their disruption in the Europa Conference League final in June.

The record-breaking win saw the Hammers become the first English side to go 17 consecutive European games without defeat, and now with two wins from two in the group phase, David Moyes' side are first and comfortably in reach of a place in the knockout phase already.

Lucas Paqueta opened the scoring after meeting Jarrod Bowen's delightful cross, and while the Bundesliga side restored parity shortly after the break, Nayef Aguerd headed home a curling James Ward-Prowse corner to seal a third successive win across all competitions.

How did Lucas Paqueta perform vs Freiburg?

It will be most pleasing for Moyes that his side are juggling football across multiple fronts with confidence at present; West Ham suffered successive Premier League defeats last month but those came against Manchester City and Liverpool, since winning 2-0 against Sheffield United at the London Stadium.

And at the centre of all that flows is Paqueta, who was duly rewarded for another fine display with his role as the conduit in midfield, making a whopping five key passes to complement his opening strike.

The Brazilian maestro has been sensational since signing from French side Lyon for a club-record £51m last summer, and has now posted seven goals and eight assists from 50 appearances.

While he only completed 69% of his passes at the Stade Europa-Park, this is more to do with Paqueta's creativity and enterprising nature on the ball, searching for openings at every moment.

Indeed, another stellar showing, but it was his teammate and the orchestrator of his goal, Bowen, who was "brilliant again", according to The Athletic's Roshane Thomas.

How good was Jarrod Bowen vs Freiburg?

Bowen's cross for Paqueta's opener takes his seasonal tally up to five goals and two assists from eight outings, and he has rightfully been heralded for his "unbelievable" seasonal exploits by the likes of talkSPORT's Simon Jordan.

In Germany, as per Sofascore, he served as the centre-forward and complimented his goal with a key pass, 41 touches and success with four of his five dribble attempts, also winning six duels and taking four shots.

Having received an England call-up earlier in the day, the dynamic forward proved his worth once again as one of the most threatening and multi-faceted of his position.

With metrics also ranking the £60k-per-week star among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for interceptions, the top 9% for aerial wins and the top 19% for clearances per 90, as per FBref, he is certainly integral across the different phases of the Irons' play.

With further displays such as the one against Freiburg, this flourishing gem will only continue to grow, and he is very much the centrepiece of West Ham's attack and demonstrated his stunning skills once again last night.

When Todd Boehly completed his takeover of Chelsea in 2022, his arrival was filled with excitement and apprehension but fast-forward 17 months, and the Blues have gone through turmoil on the back of their disastrous spending in the transfer window.

From finishing 12th in the Premier League last season after Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard all had spells as head coach, they now lie in the bottom half under Mauricio Pochettino.

What's more alarming is the fact that the Blues have gone backwards as a club despite spending an eye-watering £1bn on 33 new signings since May 2022 and according to Jamie Carragher, still need at least four top players if they are to stand any chance of catching Manchester City.

Astronomical spending without significant returns on their outlay isn't a concept that is alien to Chelsea. In the near two decades that Roman Abramovich owned the club, the Russian shelled out large sums of money on several stars who flopped at Stamford Bridge, including Fernando Torres (£50m), Tiemoue Bakayoko (£40m) and Timo Werner (£45m) – to name a few – but by far the worst of the lost was the deal to bring Romelu Lukaku back to the club in 2021.

How much did Romelu Lukaku cost Chelsea?

Romelu Lukaku declared he had "unfinished business" when he returned to Chelsea from Inter Milan in 2021 for a club-record fee of £97.5m.

The Belgian "monster" – as dubbed by Jose Mourinho during his time at Manchester United – arrived in west London when his stock was at its highest having chalked up a sensational 40 goal contributions in one season for Inter prior to joining the Blues.

Expected to fire Thomas Tuchel's side to a Premier League title on the back of their Champions League triumph over Manchester City, Chelsea paid Lukaku a staggering £325k-per-week, making him the club's highest earner, as per Capology.

Amounting to an eye-watering salary of £16.9m across the 2021/22 campaign, the weight of expectation on the shoulders of the 6 foot 3 powerhouse was enormous and a return to Stamford Bridge would either make or break him.

Unfortunately, the latter transpired as Lukaku would go down as one of the worst signings, not just in the club's history, but of all-time.

What went wrong for Lukaku at Chelsea?

Although Lukaku's disastrous spell on the books of Chelsea is still ongoing, initially it looked as though Tuchel would be a match made in heaven for the striker as he opened his account for the club with three goals in as many matches, including a brace against Aston Villa.

Speaking after his excellent display against the Villans, Tuchel expressed his delight, saying: “He was the difference.

“He wants to score and he wants to help the team with his goals. He has composure and confidence. He was super important. He adds something to the group that we did not have in this capacity before now.”

While Lukaku was playing with a point to prove in those initial matches, his second spell at Stamford Bridge would soon unravel into a nightmare, beginning with an injury in late October and continuing when he publicly admitted – months after he signed – that he wasn't happy with his situation at Chelsea, suggesting Tuchel has opted to play a system that doesn't suit his style of play.

"Physically I am fine. But I'm not happy with the situation at Chelsea," Lukaku told Sky in Italy [Via talkSPORT] in an interview that took place in December 2021.

"Tuchel has chosen to play with another system – I won't give up, I'll be professional. I am not happy with the situation but I am professional – and I can't give up now."

If the knife wasn't already stabbed into Tuchel's back enough, he went deeper by saying he regrets the way he left former club Inter Milan and vowed to go back to the San Siro – and would be granted his wish in the following season as he returned on loan, with the Italian side paying £6.9m (€8m) for his services.

Now on loan at Roma, linking up with former manager Mourinho, Lukaku has scored four goals in his first six appearances for the club as Chelsea hope to finally offload their "biggest flop" – as dubbed by the journalist Jonny Bentley – once and for all. That won't be before he's cost them the best part of £114m, though, when considering salary and transfer fee.

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to cash in on Barcelona target Luis Diaz should a sizable bid be made for the Colombian this summer.

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• Laporta meets Diaz's entourage
• Liverpool set massive price tag on Colombian
• Price tag out of Barca's reach

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Colombian publication El Heraldo, the Reds are willing to part ways with Diaz for between €120-€145 million (£102m-£123m/$131m-164m). Although the winger has performed well this season, his future at Anfield therefore appears to be far from guaranteed. Barcelona president Joan Laporta met up with Diaz's entourage to discuss a potential move to Catalonia and was informed of the lofty price tag.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Laporta and Co. look to have little chance of landing Diaz at that price because of their weak financial position due to years of built-up debt. Diaz's father has previously talked up a possible move to Barcelona, saying such a transfer would be a dream for his son.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Since joining Jurgen Klopp's Reds from FC Porto in January 2022 for €47 million (£40m/$51.3m), Diaz has bagged 11 goals and five assists in 38 games across all competitions.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR DIAZ?

  The move to Barcelona at the moment seems very unlikely for the Colombian due to the club's financial situation, however, that does not rule out a transfer altogether. Indeed this summer promises to be an interesting one at Anfield with Jurgen Klopp set to depart and a new manager set to be installed in the Anfield hotseat.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has personally earmarked one Real Madrid star as a “key” potential signing for the Gunners, with their transfer plans taking shape ahead of this summer window.

Arsenal identify striker targets after injury blows

Their failure to bring in a new number nine in January is having serious repercussions, with Arteta desperately short of striking options after both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were ruled out for the remainder of this Premier League campaign through injury.

Arsenal in pole position to sign Real Madrid star as Ayto prepares £50m bid

The Gunners could look to raid Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 21, 2025

Their lack of options meant emergency makeshift centre-forward Mikel Merino had to come off the bench to rescue a 2-0 win away to Leicester City with two goals in the last 10 minutes last weekend, and Arteta will be keen to avoid such desperate scenarios like that next season.

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Juventus’ Dušan Vlahović, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké, a very left-field option in ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino and Real Madrid starlet Endrick are all strikers being considered by Arsenal, according to various reports.

A prolific frontman has long been tipped as the missing piece of Arteta’s jigsaw, but injuries to Havertz and Jesus have only highlighted just how imperative it is that they sign one this summer.

Arsenal’s links to Endrick come as intriguing when factoring in his promise, despite not being a key regular under Carlo Ancelotti, but it is now believed that Arteta’s side could look to raid the Bernabeu for another far more pivotal attacker.

Arteta earmarks Rodrygo as key potential Arsenal signing

According to a Spanish media source, Arsenal are keen on an audacious swoop for Real’s star forward Rodrygo.

The Brazil international, rumoured to command a price tag of around £83 million, has scored 12 goals in all competitions, including four in the Champions League, and it is believed Arteta has personally identified Rodrygo as a “key” potential Arsenal signing.

The 24-year-old’s ability stretches far beyond scoring goals and registering assists in the final third, as was on full display in Real’s 3-1 win at home to Man City on Wednesday, and it is clear why Arsenal’s manager is interested.

“Rodrygo has such quality that, when you see him, you get the impression that playing football is something easy,” said former Brazil boss Tite.

“Because he has a highly developed technique. He is very fine, 24and he is a talent that has been developed for many years in the Brazilian youth teams.

“And that he is conquering his space within Real Madrid. Rodrygo makes the field wider, opens the spaces, creates holes for his teammates. He is a modern and versatile player, who provides more alternatives for the coaching staff. In Santos he played on both wings, in Real Madrid he has joined on the right and has been developing very well, mainly in one-on-one, where he is very strong.”

The USWNT made history on Sunday as broadcaster CBS Sports announced record streaming figures for their Gold Cup final victory over Brazil.

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• First trophy for USWNT since World Cup in 2019
• Beat Brazil 1-0 after Hoarn's strike
• Broke viewership record in the process

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The U.S. Women's National Team's (USWNT) success in the inaugural Concacaf Women's Gold Cup registered record viewership figures claimed CBS Sports. Captain Lindsey Horan etched her name in the annals of history by scoring the decisive goal in the first minute of stoppage time in the first half to propel her side to silverware.

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• WHAT CBS SPORTS SAID

  CBS sports released a statement that read: "U.S. Women's National Team victory over Brazil in Concacaf W Gold Cup Final is the most-streamed women's soccer match ever on Paramount+ with 59% growth in households, 33% in streaming minutes and +66% in Average Minute Audience (AMA) from March 6 semifinal vs. Canada."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  This victory holds significant importance for the USWNT, marking their first trophy since their disappointing campaign at the Women's World Cup last year. Notably, the team's composition featured a blend of experienced players and rising stars as veterans like Alex Morgan rubbed shoulders with emerging talents such as Korbin Albert.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  In other sports, Iowa's comeback win over Nebraska in the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament final recorded an average of 3.02 million viewers on CBS which made it the most-watched women’s basketball game on CBS since UConn-Tennessee on Jan. 10, 1999.

Todd Boehly will be removed from his role as Chelsea chairman as the club's ownership plan a major shake up at Stamford Bridge.

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• Boehly to be replaced as chairman in 2027
• Board can change chairman every five years
• Potentially replacements already lined up

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  According tothe club's American co-owners, with an extraordinary agreement in place, have the authority to rotate the chairmanship every five years. It has now been disclosed that this rotational policy is set to come into effect at the culmination of the 2026-27 season.

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  Clearlake Capital, managed by co-owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, holds a majority share of 61.5%, while Boehly shares the remaining 38.5% with Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter.

  The decision to select the first chairman seems to be linked to the terms of the club's takeover agreement in 2022. Under this agreement, while there are no immediate financial implications for the club, Boehly's group would bear the brunt of any initial losses in case of a sale or realisation.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report also mentions that Boehly's group holds common stock while the majority stakeholders have ‘preferred stock’ which offers more protection against financial downturns. While the successor to Boehly remains undecided, Eghbali or Feliciano could assume the role themselves or nominate a third party.

  Rumours suggest divergent approaches between Boehly, who is said to favour a long-term strategy, and Eghbali and Feliciano, who allegedly face pressure for quicker returns from investors. However, Clearlake insiders refute these claims, affirming their commitment to the club's long-term success.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BOEHLY?

  Boehly would have the option to return in 2032 if he wishes to do so and retain his stake in the club. Meanwhile, Chelsea denied rumours of discord between Boehly and Clearlake, emphasising their professional partnership and regular communication. However, the decision to alter the chairman's role indicates a potential appetite for improvement within the ownership structure.

  Despite potential changes in leadership, Chelsea's operational strategy is expected to remain largely unchanged. The club's focus on recruiting young talent across Europe and substantial investments in scouting, data analysis, sports science, and performance enhancement are likely to persist.

  The Blues are currently 11th in the league standings and will return to action against Burnley on Saturday.

Everton boast one of the most prolific academies in the entire Premier League, having produced a steady stream of young stars for decades now.

However, few excited in recent memory like Ross Barkley, who seemingly was destined to go to the very top.

How good was Ross Barkley?

Having slowly worked his way into the first team under initially David Moyes and later Roberto Martinez, his true breakthrough year came during the 2013/14 campaign, where he featured 34 times in the number ten spot, scoring six goals.

It marked a fine return for the powerful youngster, who knew exactly how to utilise his tall, gangly frame to retain possession whilst dancing past defenders.

The 29-year-old would swiftly grow into one of the division's brightest prospects, with the 2015/16 term arguably marking his peak, notching 16 league goal contributions, and seemingly living up to the hype that Martinez had built for the former Preston North End loanee: "The power and pace he has combined with that technical ability and ball control makes him special.

"Sometimes you get a really talented footballer that is skilful on the ball, or the powerful and strong (player) that can show that physicality on the pitch. He’s got both."

A towering but tricky midfielder with an eye for a goal and an assist, fans have seemingly never forgiven him for the manner of his £15m Chelsea switch, especially given they could have arguably earned around £50m the summer earlier. However, when he played for the Toffees he was adored.

So, with another similar star emerging in Sean McAllister, perhaps fans could be set to enjoy their next creative star set to dominate the Premier League.

Who is Sean McAllister?

Although he is yet to claim his first senior appearance, the 21-year-old maestro has been posting consistently impressive numbers for the U21s, and could soon be in line for a debut should he maintain his form.

After all, the former U19 Northern Ireland international has just enjoyed a stellar season for the youth sides, where his versatility saw him feature in no less than seven different roles. And yet, despite that uncertainty, he would still post ten goal contributions across just 19 games in all competitions.

Whilst he does not boast the natural physique of Barkley, many have rushed to laud the mindset of the midfield wizard, which has helped him rise to any challenges in his path. In fact, upon signing a new contract last year, Director of Football Kevin Thelwell was keen to praise him: "We are very pleased Sean has signed a new contract.

"Sean has a lot of the key elements you require as a midfielder – technical ability, energy, composure and a strong work-ethic – and we are looking forward to helping him continue to progress.."

It is worth noting that, in the year before his loan spell with the Lilywhites, the current Luton Town man would only record six goal contributions 14 youth clashes. Already McAllister seems ready for that show of faith, to potentially become the answer to their goalscoring prayers and finally start adding some much-needed goals to Sean Dyche's engine room.

Arsenal are expected by one journalist to seal the signing of one "unique" marquee star for manager Mikel Arteta, and he looks set to leave his club.

Who will Arsenal sign in January?

There are some holes to fix in Arteta's squad next year, despite their rip-roaring start to the new Premier League campaign. While Arsenal are unbeaten over their first nine top-flight matches, winning six of them, arguments remain over the lack of depth in certain areas. Going by some reports in the media, they've made no secret of their desire to sign another midfield player, leading to links with Royal Antwerp sensation Arthur Vermeeren and Wolves left-winger Pedro Neto.

Amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Thomas Partey, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Arteta shore up that area of the squad, with Partey apparently growing frustrated over his playing time despite the player's mounting injuries (90min). Meanwhile, Arsenal are said to want an alternative to Bukayo Saka out wide, leading to their reported interest in Neto (Football Transfers).

However, the most heavily linked star comes in the form of Brentford ace Ivan Toney. Arteta is lacking world-class strength in depth in the centre-forward area with just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to choose from, while summer signing Kai Havertz hasn't exactly pulled up many trees as the makeshift number nine option. As reported by reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the "big name" Toney is "ready" to leave Brentford, which could hand Arsenal an opportunity.

"He’s another big name to watch for January," wrote Romano on his Daily Briefing last week.

"Arsenal and Chelsea are informed on Toney’s situation, they know his situation very well and that he’s ready to make a top club move in January. It will depend on how much these clubs want to spend.

"In any case, Toney is absolutely ready to leave Brentford."

Ivan Toney transfer update

The Englishman, who scored 20 league goals last season, is currently serving a ban for alleged gambling breaches but will return to the field in mid-January. Reporter Tom Roddy of The Times, speaking on The Game Football Podcast, fully expects Toney to join Arsenal – and adds to Romano's point that he looks set to leave his current club.

“Oh yeah, almost certainly, I think January," said Roddy when about Toney's possible exit.

"I think it will happen in January. I would be surprised if he played for Brentford again. My expectation is Arsenal. They have looked at him, there are multiple clubs that have looked at him, he’s on a list at Chelsea of interest, but you watch Arsenal and they create a lot of chances and they just don’t take them, that’s what they lack, a goalscoring striker."

The 27-year-old could cost as much as £80 million (ESPN), but alongside his excellent goal record in recent seasons, he's been praised as "unique" player by his manager Thomas Frank.

“Ivan is amazing in many, many aspects,” Frank said earlier this year.

“The way he copes with pressure and distractions is amazing. He’s been scoring goals, performing for the team and driving the team. He’s remarkable. I can only talk about the Ivan that I see every day around the place and he’s a fantastic person around the group. He’s got that unique emotional intelligence to be aware of all the players, and every staff member."

Wrexham are reportedly readying a transfer raid for 21-goal striker Benji Magee, with a potential new partner for Paul Mullin being lined up.

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• Red Dragons targeting another promotion
• Co-owners making funds available
• Forward in Northern Ireland catching the eye

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Dragons have plenty of firepower at their disposal – with the likes of Ollie Palmer, Steven Fletcher and Sam Dalby also on their books – but they are forever in the market for new recruits. Phil Parkinson’s side are looking to wrap up promotion into League One, meaning that more additions will be required this summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to , Wrexham are one of the clubs keeping a close eye on highly-rated Loughgall frontman Magee. The 21-year-old has been a revelation in the NIFL Premiership this season, earning him a first call-up into the Northern Ireland U21 squad.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  His exploits are said to have attracted attention from teams in England and Scotland. Alongside Wrexham, Bolton, Charlton, Oxford and Hibernian are also being credited with interest in Magee. They all believe that the youngster is ready for a step up into professional football.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  A scramble for Magee’s signature could lead to his price tag being pushed up, but Loughgall will not stand in his way if a suitable offer is tabled. That could work in Wrexham’s favour, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny prepared to make more funds available at SToK Racecourse.

West Ham United are attempting to tie down another "very important" player after their moves to secure both Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek's futures.

West Ham sign Bowen and Soucek to new contracts

David Moyes is just one of many at the club whose contracts expire next summer. The Scotsman, following a torrid run of recent form, is yet again under pressure – but he may well be joined by a host of other West Ham men out the London Stadium exit door.

Pablo Fornals, Ben Johnson, Vladimir Coufal, Michail Antonio, Conor Coventry, Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski and veteran defender Angelo Ogbonna's terms all run out in 2024, and it is believed decisions have already been made on a few of the aforementioned crop. Reports have claimed that Johnson and Coventry will leave West Ham upon the expiry of their contracts, while Fornals is set to depart West Ham when his terms run out as well.

Cresswell, who's become more of a bit-part figure this season, could even be sold in January. That being said, West Ham have managed to tie down a couple of key men, with reports suggesting that Soucek has signed a new contract in secret which is yet to be formally announced by West Ham (talkSPORT). Bowen, who's starred under Moyes this term, also officially committed his long-term future by putting pen to paper on a new deal till 2030.

“We’re delighted Jarrod has agreed a new deal. It’s a brilliant piece of business from the club to tie him down to a new long-term contract,” said Moyes on Bowen and his extension last month.

“His goal in Prague will live long in the memory for everyone connected to West Ham – it’s given him a platform to go from strength to strength and we’re really reaping the benefits, he’s getting better and better. He’s a fantastic boy and an outstanding professional – I’m sure his positive progress will continue over the course of his new contract.”

West Ham "in talks" with Antonio

Now, according to a report by journalist Pete O'Rourke for Football Insider, West Ham are "in talks" with Antonio over a new deal too as they seek to tie down their most crucial assets. The Jamaica international's current contract contains a club option to extend by another 12 months.

The Hammers are attempting renewal terms after Antonio "came close to leaving" in the summer, having received big money offers from the Middle East. The 33-year-old has started all 10 of West Ham's opening league games this season, scoring two, while backing defender Thilo Kehrer's point that he's a "very important" player for Moyes.

“Michail [Antonio] is working like crazy up front at the moment!” said Kehrer on Antonio earlier this year.

"He is putting the defenders under stress and every game he is doing a very important job right now. He is scoring goals as well, so we are really happy that we have him. Mich is a great teammate. A great personality and positive energy. We all have a lot of jokes and laughs with him. He makes everyone have a good time and he is also a hard worker too.”