Manchester United are playing AC Milan in a pre-season friendly in Wroclaw, Poland, marking their final preparatory match before the new Premier League season begins. The match is taking place at the 42,000-capacity Tarczyński Arena, with Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup final, in charge. The game sees AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim face his former club, Manchester United, for the first time since his departure.

Michael Carrick, the current Manchester United manager, replaced Amorim earlier in the year. Carrick has been working to build confidence and cohesion within the squad, and his selection for this friendly may offer insights into his plans for the upcoming season. Manchester United‘s opening Premier League game is against Hull in one week.

Squad and Tactical Insights

The Manchester United starting XI includes Lammens, Mazraoui, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw, Andrey Santos, Tielemans, Amad, Fernandes, Dorgu, and Cunha. Substitutes listed are Heath, Mee, Amass, Dalot, Martinez, Yoro, Collyer, J Fletcher, T Fletcher, Mainoo, Gabriel, Lacey, Mbeumo, Rashford, and Zirkzee. Marcus Rashford is wearing the number 9 shirt for this match, though official shirt numbers for the season are yet to be confirmed.

AC Milan‘s starting lineup features Torriani, Terracciano, De Winter, Pavlovic, Chukwueze, Jashari, Musah, Estupinan, Loftus-Cheek, Cisse, and Ramos. Notable players in the AC Milan squad include former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, former Brighton left-back Pervis Estupinan, and Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos. Luka Modric, at the age of 40, is also part of the AC Milan squad.

The midfield trio of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Bruno Fernandes appears to be a settled choice for Manchester United. There are considerations for the defence, with Lisandro Martinez potentially partnering Harry Maguire for the Hull match, and Diogo Dalot possibly replacing Noussair Mazraoui. In attack, Amad Diallo is on the right and Patrick Dorgu on the left, with questions remaining about whether Bryan Mbeumo or Matheus Cunha will lead the line, or if Cunha might start on the left ahead of Dorgu.

Transfer Market Activity and Managerial Contrast

Michael Carrick has indicated that Manchester United still need to strengthen their squad during the current transfer window. However, he stressed that the club would not spend at the same level as some of their Premier League rivals. So far, United have spent approximately £85m to acquire Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Karl Darlow. This contrasts with other ‘big six’ clubs, such as Chelsea, who bought Morgan Rogers for £117m, Manchester City, who signed Elliott Anderson for £116m, and Tottenham, who secured Sandro Tonali in a deal that could reach £100m. Manchester United remains the only ‘big six’ side not to have broken the £100m threshold on a single player.

Carrick acknowledged the financial disparities, stating that while money is a factor, the competition ultimately lies in the football. He emphasised the need to make the most of the current situation and continue pushing to win. When asked about not matching rivals’ spending, Carrick admitted he did not have the answers but confirmed the club is pushing to maximise its efforts.

The match also highlights the contrast between Ruben Amorim‘s previous tenure at Manchester United and Michael Carrick‘s current management. Amorim’s 14-month spell at Old Trafford ended with a 38 per cent win rate, the lowest for any permanent Manchester United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson‘s retirement. He was sacked in January following a turbulent period. Amorim has since reflected on his time at United, acknowledging that he made mistakes during his tenure, and expressed pride in having been the coach for a year.

Amorim is now attempting to implement his preferred three-at-the-back formation at AC Milan, a system that reportedly caused issues during his time at Old Trafford due to his unwillingness to adapt. In contrast, Michael Carrick has been credited with bringing a more flexible and attacking style to Manchester United, which was evident in their 2-0 victory over Manchester City in his first game in charge. Carrick’s approach has reportedly fostered a more optimistic atmosphere at Old Trafford, with players like Leny Yoro and Bryan Mbeumo expressing ambitions to win the league this season. The friendly match kicked off with the score at 0-0.

Source: independent.co.uk

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Bolton Wanderers marked their return to the Championship with a 2-1 victory over Preston North End at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Goals from Sam Dalby and Thierry Gale in the first half secured the win for Bolton, their first in the second tier since March 2019.

The match, played on Saturday, 15 August 2026, saw a sellout crowd of 26,262 witness Bolton’s dominant performance. The hosts, who were promoted after winning last season’s League One play-offs, displayed greater tempo and cohesion from the start of the game.

First-Half Dominance for Bolton

Bolton took the lead after 15 minutes when Sam Dalby scored from a rebound. The opportunity arose after Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen made a weak save from John McAtee’s left-footed shot, pushing the ball directly to Dalby, who then side-footed it home from 18 yards.

The Wanderers continued to press their advantage, and 11 minutes later, they doubled their lead. John McAtee provided another key pass, finding Thierry Gale. Gale cut in from the left wing before unleashing a curling right-footed shot that went beyond Iversen’s dive, making the score 2-0 at the interval.

Bolton’s control was evident throughout the first half. They nearly extended their lead further when Dalby headed in after 37 minutes, but the goal was disallowed due to a foul by McAtee during the challenge for the assist. Preston, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm, and a fourth consecutive away league win against Bolton never seemed likely.

Preston’s Late Rally Falls Short

Despite Bolton’s dominance, Preston managed to create some late tension. With just five minutes remaining in the match, substitute Jusef Erabi headed home from close range after receiving a cross from fellow substitute Andrija Vukcevic, reducing Bolton’s lead to 2-1.

The visitors had a golden opportunity to snatch a point in the dying moments of injury time. Liam Lindsay missed a last-gasp equaliser, heading over from close range in the fourth of four minutes of added time. This miss secured Bolton’s victory, which would have been a harsh outcome for the home side given their overall performance.

Preston had made several changes just after the hour mark, with manager Paul Heckingbottom introducing recent signings Leo Leroy, Odel Offiah, and Erabi for Pol Valentin, Jordan Thompson, and Callum Lang. Leroy was immediately fouled by Josh Sheehan, who had previously been cautioned for a challenge on Alfie Devine and received a final warning from referee Adam Herczeg.

Preston did threaten to equalise earlier in the second half. Milutin Osmajic had a shooting opportunity from Devine’s pass, but Jack Bonham saved his effort. Later, Osmajic beat the offside trap and squared the ball to Erabi, who was quickly crowded out, wasting another chance for Preston to get back into the game.

Bolton’s Strong Start to the Season

This victory marks Bolton’s first win in seven league games against Preston. It also means Preston have not won their opening game of a league season since a 1-0 success against QPR in the 2018-19 season. Bolton’s performance, particularly in the first half, demonstrated their intent on their return to the Championship after a seven-year absence.

The Wanderers, who were predicted by some to struggle in the second tier, showed they could compete with long-standing members of the division. Dalby, who scored 14 times last season across all competitions, quickly got off the mark in the new campaign. McAtee, despite not having the best time in League One last season, embraced the step up in class, contributing to both goals. With this win, Bolton Wanderers topped the fledgling Championship table.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Team withdraws after tragic accident

The NSN Development Team has withdrawn from the remaining stages of the Volta a Portugal following the death of British cyclist Finlay Tarling. The 19-year-old died after an accident during the eighth stage of the race on Friday. Organisers confirmed that the race would continue with its penultimate stage on Saturday, with tributes planned for Tarling before the start.

In a statement, the Volta a Portugal organisers described it as a “tragic day for cycling” and indicated that the race would proceed in an “atmosphere of profound mourning.” As a mark of respect, the event’s main sponsors agreed to cancel all associated activities for the final two stages. The organisers stated that “The race continues. There will be a sporting competition, but not a party… This Saturday, the Volta rides for Finlay.”

Tarling, a Welshman, was competing for the NSN Development Team when the incident occurred on the 166.8km route from Melgaço to Fafe. Major Tiago Machado of the National Republican Guard confirmed to local media that there was “a collision between the cyclist and a light goods vehicle,” and an investigation is currently underway.

Tributes and ongoing investigation

The NSN Development Team issued a statement on Saturday morning confirming their withdrawal, saying, “Following Fin Tarling’s tragic passing on Friday, the NSN Development Team has withdrawn from the remaining Volta a Portugal stages.” The team also noted that with the full support of Tarling’s parents, the WorldTour team would continue to race at the Czech Tour and the Arctic Race of Norway, honouring Tarling’s memory. They expressed gratitude for the support from the cycling community during this difficult time.

Tarling was the younger brother of Netcompany-Ineos rider Josh Tarling and had represented Great Britain in both road and track cycling. He had shown promise as a time trial specialist, finishing third in the under-23 men’s individual time trial at the British Championships in June and competing in the Tour of Britain.

The Volta a Portugal organisers emphasised that this is not the time for speculation regarding the accident’s circumstances, as the incident is being investigated by the GNR Command to establish the facts. They added, “We all remain deeply shaken. Cycling is a sport that involves risks, but we are never prepared for a tragedy of this magnitude. Finlay lost his life. A family lost a son. A team lost a team-mate. Cycling lost one of its own. It is a tragedy that transcends the competition itself.”

The eighth stage, covering 166.8 kilometres from Melgaço to Fafe, was neutralised with 23 kilometres remaining after Tarling’s death, and the podium ceremony was cancelled. His teammates rode together to the finish line in a display of solidarity.

Widespread condolences

Reports in Portuguese and French media suggest that the Welsh rider was hit by a non-race vehicle travelling in the opposite direction to the peloton, though details are yet to be confirmed. The Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta, Jogos Santa Casa, expressed deep regret and extended condolences to Tarling’s family, teammates, and friends.

Tarling was considered a highly-rated young talent and a promising time-trialling prospect. His team posted, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today.” They highlighted his role as a beloved team member, son, brother, and friend, extending condolences to his parents, Michael and Dawn, and his brother Josh.

Tarling’s progression included both track and road racing. He joined the team prior to its rebranding as the NSN Development Team and had developed a reputation in European racing as a time trial specialist, finishing 11th in the opening prologue stage of the Portuguese race in Lisbon. The UCI, cycling’s governing body, expressed deep sadness over the tragic death of the British rider.

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro also offered his condolences to Tarling’s family and team, stating on X that the news of his death “leaves us deeply shaken.” Stephen Park CBE, the performance director for the Great Britain cycling team, shared his heartbreak, describing Tarling as a talented rider with a promising future, a loyal teammate, and a brilliant young man. Park extended the team’s deepest sympathies to Tarling’s parents and brother, Josh, during this tragic time.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Infantino faces criticism over World Cup commercial rights plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has encountered significant criticism following his proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights to private investors. Although the idea was withdrawn in late July, the plan has reportedly impacted his support for a re-election bid scheduled for next year. The proposal involved selling approximately 20% of a new entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which was intended to manage the commercial and operational aspects of the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments.

Among the investors for FFE was Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, who is also part of a group that recently agreed to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers. The controversy surrounding this plan has led to a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football, according to some organisations.

Key football bodies withdraw support

Several prominent football organisations have voiced their displeasure with Infantino or announced their refusal to back his re-election. These include UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Additionally, the football federations of England, Wales, the Republic of Ireland, and New Zealand have confirmed they will not support Infantino’s re-election.

New Zealand Football (NZF) has specifically called for an independent review of the steps taken to develop the FFE scheme. NZF believes that decisions and actions within FIFA have contributed to a lack of trust and increased division. They see this moment as an opportunity for all FIFA member associations to advocate for stronger governance, accountability, and transparency to maintain confidence in the administration of the global game. The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) welcomed FIFA’s decision to withdraw the FFE proposal and its commitment to review the issues, but did not explicitly declare or withdraw support for Infantino.

Despite the widespread criticism, some bodies continue to back Infantino. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the South American governing body Conmebol have publicly supported him for a fourth presidential term at the FIFA Congress in March. Some individual member nations have also gone against their confederations; for instance, Mexico, Grenada, and St Kitts and Nevis, all members of CONCACAF, have backed Infantino. Argentina is aligned with Conmebol in its support.

Support for Infantino amid controversy

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the recently concluded World Cup, has publicly supported Infantino. Giuliani, son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, described Infantino’s critics as “jealous.” He suggested that the outcry is driven by “politics and pettiness,” drawing parallels to past criticisms faced by other public figures.

Giuliani stated that Infantino has elevated FIFA to a new level that many might not have thought possible. He urged observers to consider Infantino’s entire body of work, emphasising his continuous efforts to improve the organisation. Giuliani believes Infantino is the right leader for FIFA, despite the current controversies surrounding the commercialisation of sport.

The OFC Executive Committee acknowledged the progress in football development in Oceania under FIFA’s leadership over the past decade. They encouraged FIFA to use the review as an opportunity to identify and implement any necessary changes. New Caledonia, another OFC member, has reaffirmed its support for Infantino, contrasting with New Zealand’s stance.

The Women’s Under-20 World Cup, set to begin in Poland on 5 September, is being viewed by some as a significant test for UEFA’s stance. However, senior UEFA figures reportedly do not expect this development event to be included in any boycott, as it does not generate substantial revenue, and young women would bear the consequences of such a stand-off. This situation highlights the complex dynamics and differing perspectives within international football regarding Infantino’s leadership and the future direction of the sport.

Source: aljazeera.com

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Werro claims European title in Birmingham

Keely Hodgkinson, the British Olympic champion, secured a silver medal in the women’s 800m at the European Athletics Championship in Birmingham. The race saw Audrey Werro of Switzerland claim the gold, ending Hodgkinson’s bid for a third consecutive European 800m title.

Hodgkinson, who had previously won gold in Munich 2022, initially started strong but was overtaken by Werro on the back straight. Werro maintained her lead, crossing the finish line in a championship record time of 1:54.81. Hodgkinson finished with a time of 1:55.01, while the Netherlands’ Femke Broeders-Bol earned bronze with a national record of 1:55.54.

The final in Birmingham marked a significant moment, with Werro’s victory establishing a new championship record that had stood since 1982. This performance by Werro follows her impressive improvement, including a personal best of 1:53.80 in Paris, which is more than half a second faster than Hodgkinson’s best time.

Hodgkinson reflects on competitive race

Following the race, Hodgkinson expressed mixed emotions, acknowledging that any medal at this level of competition is an achievement. She stated that she believed she would win and felt she had done nothing wrong, attributing the outcome to the nature of competitive racing.

Hodgkinson welcomed the strong competition, noting that it brings out her best. She highlighted the unpredictability of championship races, where athletes can have good or bad days. Despite not achieving the gold she aimed for, she expressed pride in her battle and looked forward to future matchups.

The British athlete has consistently been a strong contender, securing silver at three consecutive global championships before her Olympic gold in Paris. Her career has seen captivating battles with rivals such as Athing Mu and Mary Moraa, and now Werro and Broeders-Bol are emerging as new challenges.

Hodgkinson’s indoor season earlier this year included breaking the 24-year indoor world 800m record and winning her first world title. However, her outdoor season has presented challenges, including a muscle “twinge” that led to her withdrawal from the 400m final at the British Championships. She also competed with bandaged knees after a fall in training, finishing behind Lilian Odira in Eugene.

A return to winning ways at the London Diamond League, where she held off world-champion hurdler Broeders-Bol, helped rebuild her confidence. Hodgkinson had forgone the Commonwealth Games to focus on her European title defence.

Emergence of new rivals

The emergence of Audrey Werro, a Swiss athlete, signals a new era of competition in the 800m event. Werro’s performance in Birmingham, where she held off Hodgkinson, demonstrated her readiness to challenge for top honours.

Werro’s journey to gold included overcoming a fall in her semi-final, from which she recovered to be reinstated in the competition. Her ability to maintain composure and execute a strong finish against Hodgkinson highlighted her maturity and potential in the sport.

Former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe commented on Werro’s performance, noting her ability to manage pressure and take control of the race. Werro herself expressed aspirations to become faster in the coming year.

The competitive landscape of the 800m event is also shaped by other athletes such as world 800m champion Lilian Odira and Hodgkinson’s training partner Georgia Hunter Bell. These athletes are expected to be key players in future global showdowns, including the upcoming World Championships in Beijing and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The world record in the 800m, set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983 with a time of 1:53.28, remains the longest-standing record in athletics. The recent performances by Werro and Hodgkinson suggest a strong competitive field that could challenge this long-standing mark in the future.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Arteta’s Contract Situation

Mikel Arteta has expressed his calm regarding his contract situation at Arsenal, despite entering the final year of his current deal. He indicated that both he and the club’s hierarchy are aligned on extending his tenure. Arteta stated that he is content at the club and that the timing of a new contract is not a pressing concern for either party.

The manager signed his current contract in September 2024. Following Arsenal’s achievement of securing their first league title in 22 years, a new, more lucrative agreement is anticipated. Arteta reassured supporters, stating there is no need for worry, as he wishes to remain with the club and feels grateful for his working relationships.

He further explained that there are always other priorities, and both he and the club are comfortable with the current situation, believing that the contract’s duration will not become an issue. Arteta’s commitment to Arsenal is strong, and he perceives the club’s sentiment towards him to be mutual, leading to a natural progression in their discussions.

Squad Development and Transfer Market

Currently, Arteta’s primary focus is on building a squad capable of defending the Premier League title. The team has seen the arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, which have strengthened the group. However, Arsenal continues to look for opportunities to add another attacking player and secure cover for the injured William Saliba and Jurriën Timber.

In terms of potential departures, movement is expected before the transfer window closes. Players such as Fabio Vieira, Gabriel Jesus, and Reiss Nelson are anticipated to move on. Speculation also suggests that some more prominent names, including Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Zubimendi, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, could become available if the right offers are made, although the progression of these rumours into concrete bids remains to be seen.

When questioned about the team’s attacking strength, Arteta provided a caveat. He noted that while the squad possesses sufficient attacking firepower when players are fit, the previous season highlighted the impact of missing key players due to injuries. He praised the team’s ability to maintain their performance despite these absences, calling it remarkable.

Arteta emphasized the club’s ambition and his satisfaction with the current squad. He believes Arsenal must pursue its objectives in its own way, acknowledging that the club may not possess the same structural elements as some other clubs. The manager is committed to preparing a team that can compete effectively in all contexts, whether facing strong opponents or managing differences within games.

Arteta’s Growing Tenure

The departure of Pep Guardiola from Manchester City this summer means Arteta is now the longest-serving manager in English professional football. He took charge of the Gunners in December 2019, initially as head coach before being promoted to manager less than a year later. This longevity reflects his impact in north London and the increasingly short tenures of managers elsewhere.

A new contract for Arteta would likely extend his time at the club to nearly a decade, potentially placing him among Arsenal’s five longest-serving managers. This group includes notable figures such as Arsene Wenger, George Allison, and Bertie Mee. His current tenure, which began in 2019, has seen him achieve a win rate of 60.34%.

Arsenal is set to face Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City in the Community Shield in Cardiff on Sunday. Arteta is preparing his team to elevate their level, anticipating that other teams in the league will also improve, a trend observed in recent years. The manager’s message remains consistent: Arsenal will continue to evolve and strive for improvement, even after winning the title.

The club’s strategy involves continuous preparation to ensure the team is capable of winning under various circumstances. This approach underscores Arteta’s belief that the squad can reach new heights under his leadership, focusing on sustained development rather than complacency after their recent success.

Source: arseblog.news

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Keely Hodgkinson secured a silver medal in the women’s 800m final in Birmingham, as Audrey Werro of Switzerland claimed the gold. The event, a highlight of the championships, saw a three-way contest involving Hodgkinson, Werro, and Femke Broeders-Bol from the Netherlands, playing out before a sold-out crowd of 23,000 at Alexander Stadium.

Hodgkinson, the Olympic champion, was aiming for her third consecutive European title in the event. Despite strong support from the home crowd, she was unable to overtake Werro in the final stages of the race. Werro, who has been noted for becoming the fastest athlete in the event since the world record was established 43 years ago, delivered a strong finish to earn her first senior international title. She completed the race in a championship record of one minute 54.81 seconds, while Hodgkinson finished in 1:55.01.

Reflecting on her performance, Hodgkinson expressed mixed emotions. She acknowledged that any medal at this level of competition is a significant achievement and a valuable addition to her collection. However, as the defending champion, she had aimed for victory. Hodgkinson stated that she believed she would win and that she did not make any errors, describing it as simply one of those outcomes.

The silver medal marks Hodgkinson’s 12th senior international medal since she first medalled as a teenager at the European Indoor Championships five years prior. During the race, Hodgkinson allowed Werro to lead on the initial lap before attempting to make her move on the final bend. This tactic mirrored a previous encounter in Stockholm in June, where Werro had also prevailed. However, Werro maintained her lead, preventing Hodgkinson from closing the gap.

Hodgkinson’s silver medal contributed to the British team’s total, which reached 10 medals over five days. This achievement came approximately 20 minutes after Zharnel Hughes secured a silver medal in the men’s 200m. Despite these successes, Italy has taken the lead in the medal table with five gold medals, surpassing the host nation’s four.

Werro’s Path to Gold

Werro’s victory is particularly notable given a fall she experienced in her semi-final on Thursday. Replays indicated that France’s Anais Bourgoin had clipped Werro’s right foot, causing her to fall. Despite clutching her chest in pain as she crossed the finish line, Werro was later reinstated into the final, facing a challenge to recover in time for the main event.

The incident led to a final with 10 athletes. While Briton Jemma Reekie made efforts, the gold medal appeared to be contested primarily by three athletes. Hodgkinson had previously defeated Werro twice during the indoor season, including securing her first world title. However, Werro surprised her at the Stockholm Diamond League earlier this summer, where she achieved the first sub-1:54 clocking since 1983.

Hodgkinson, who earned her first major outdoor title at the European Championships in 2022 and retained it in Rome two years ago, had expressed determination to prevent a repeat of the Stockholm result. However, Werro’s win thwarted Hodgkinson’s attempt to become the first British woman to achieve three consecutive European titles in the same event. Werro’s performance suggests she will be a significant competitor in athletics in the coming years.

Looking ahead, Hodgkinson can also anticipate continued strong competition from Broeders-Bol, who finished third in 1:55.54. Broeders-Bol’s rapid progress since transitioning events this season, having previously been a two-time world 400m hurdles champion, indicates she will be a contender for World Championship gold next year.

Other British Performances

Before the women’s 800m final, Zharnel Hughes competed in the men’s 200m final. He led coming off the bend but was ultimately overtaken by Germany’s Owen Ansah, who secured victory in 19.95 seconds. Hughes, a world 100m bronze medallist in 2023, entered the championships as the fastest European this year, having set a season’s best of 20.04 seconds at Alexander Stadium when winning the British title in June.

Ansah matched Hughes’s season’s best with a personal-best run in the semi-finals before improving further in the final. Hughes, the British record-holder, earned silver with a time of 20.16 seconds. In the men’s high jump final, British athletes Kimani Jack and Joel Clarke-Khan finished fourth and fifth respectively after failing to clear 2.27m. Additionally, Megan Keith placed eighth in the women’s 10,000m final.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson concluded the first day of the heptathlon in 16th position overall. She expressed contentment with her participation following a challenging season marked by injuries. Johnson-Thompson had cleared 1.83m in the high jump earlier in the day, moving her to tenth in the heptathlon rankings. Her season has been significantly affected by injuries, making this only her second appearance since winning bronze at the World Championships last September.

The Birmingham crowd provided a strong reception for Johnson-Thompson during her introduction for the 200m event. She highlighted her appreciation for the home crowd and the effort required to reach the starting line, noting that injuries had prevented her from undertaking sufficient preparation. The atmosphere in Birmingham for the evening’s events was nearly at full capacity.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Arsenal have reportedly expressed interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah. Discussions are currently in an exploratory phase, though sources suggest a potential agreement for the player could be reached.

This development follows earlier talks by the Gunners regarding a transfer for Aston Villa‘s Ezri Konsa. Villa is seeking approximately £60m for Konsa, while Arsenal values the player closer to £40m.

Quansah, who is capable of playing both as a centre-back and right-back, aligns with the type of player Arsenal is looking to recruit. However, it is unclear if the interest in the former Liverpool defender is a tactic to aid their pursuit of Konsa, who is also an England team-mate of Quansah.

Arsenal will be without William Saliba for the start of their Premier League title defence against promoted Coventry City next weekend. The France international centre-back is sidelined for an extended period due to a back injury sustained at the World Cup. Additionally, Netherlands right-back Jurrien Timber, who missed two months last season with an ankle injury, is also working towards full fitness.

Quansah’s Recent Performance and Club Situation

Quansah was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup this summer. He started three matches at right-back during the tournament but received a red card in the last-16 game against Mexico. This led to him missing the quarter-final victory over Norway and the semi-final defeat by Argentina.

Last season, Quansah made 44 appearances for Leverkusen, scoring five goals. Liverpool retains an option to match any offer for Quansah, a clause from his transfer to the Bundesliga club last year. However, it is understood that Liverpool does not intend to activate this clause.

In other transfer news, Manchester City has confirmed that Finley Burns, a centre-back who spent last season on loan at Reading, has joined Wigan Athletic permanently. Burns, 23, previously had loan spells at Hull and Stevenage.

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels is expected to complete a move to West Ham, as confirmed by manager Martin O’Neill. Celtic had previously rejected a £25m bid from Nottingham Forest for the Belgium international during the January transfer window. Engels had expressed a desire to move to English football.

O’Neill stated that Engels was likely undergoing a medical and expressed disappointment at his departure, acknowledging the player’s strong performance for the club. He noted that even though the offer from Nottingham Forest came late, Engels remained professional.

Other Transfer Market Activity

Tottenham defender Djed Spence has arrived in Italy to finalise a move to Inter. Spence, 26, had an impressive World Cup with England. However, with Pedro Porro signing a new deal as Spurs‘ first-choice right-back and Andy Robertson brought in for left-back cover, his opportunities for the 2026-27 season were expected to be limited.

Spence will continue his career in Milan, having told onlookers “Forza Inter” upon his arrival. He will depart Tottenham after four years in north London, during which he made 85 appearances and earned a Europa League winners’ medal. This will be his second stint in Italy, following a six-month loan at Genoa in 2024.

Teenage winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen from Chelsea has secured a loan move to Portsmouth for the season. The 17-year-old England youth international made his senior debut for Chelsea in a 7-0 FA Cup victory against Port Vale in April, coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute.

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho expressed satisfaction with the acquisition, describing Kavuma-McQueen as a very talented young player with significant potential. He highlighted the player’s speed, directness, and ability to play on both sides, noting that he is highly rated by both Portsmouth and Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho, the former England winger, has left Manchester United this summer and is currently without a club. Reports suggest that Sancho is favouring a move abroad, having reportedly turned down several offers earlier in the transfer window. He has been training with non-league club Flixton to maintain his fitness ahead of the new season.

An £85m offer for Manchester City winger Savinho has been mentioned, and Cody Gakpo continues to be linked with a departure from Liverpool, amidst Liverpool‘s interest in Bradley Barcola. This suggests a potential series of moves involving left-wing players.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta commented on the current transfer market, stating that the value of a player is determined by what someone is willing to pay. He noted that clubs are either happy to invest or to maintain their valuations, and that players are also happy to move between clubs.

Arteta also shared his positive outlook on his team, expressing a strong sense of energy and hunger among the players, all of whom have returned from international duty in good condition.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Championship season set for competitive start

The Championship season is set to begin, promising a highly competitive campaign. Of the 24 clubs in the second tier, four will benefit from parachute payments: newly relegated West Ham, Wolves, and Burnley. Southampton also receives these payments but starts the campaign with a four-point penalty due to a spygate scandal from the previous season.

Newcomers to the division include Lincoln City, making their first appearance since 1961, and Bolton Wanderers, returning for the first time since 2019. Cardiff also bounced back after a 12-month absence, finishing as runners-up in their league.

The opening weekend features a clash between Wolves and Blackburn on Friday, followed by a full schedule of matches. The season concludes with an all-Welsh fixture between Cardiff and Wrexham on Monday.

Team outlooks and key players

Birmingham City, under head coach Chris Davies, aims for a top-eight finish this season. The team showed continuity in the latter half of the previous season with younger players like winger Carlos Vicente, midfielder Jhon Solis, and striker August Priske gaining experience. Their home form at St Andrew’s was strong, but away performance remains an area for improvement. August Priske, a young Danish striker, could be a key player, having found the net regularly in warm-up games.

Blackburn Rovers, led by Tony Mowbray, are focused on avoiding a repeat of last season’s struggles, particularly their home record at Ewood Park. The squad’s experience in battling relegation could be beneficial, but there are concerns about a lack of Championship experience in key areas. Centre-back Tom Atcheson, who turns 20 in September, has been given the number six shirt and is seen as a potential difference-maker.

Bolton Wanderers, returning to the Championship after winning the League One play-offs, aim to consolidate their position. Head coach Steven Schumacher has experience at this level and has overseen several new arrivals. The team’s main focus for improvement is their goal-scoring efficiency. Striker Ryan Hardie, who previously had a strong goalscoring spell under Schumacher at Plymouth, could be a significant addition.

Bristol City has undergone significant changes off the pitch, with James Ellis as sporting director and Michael Skubala as head coach. The club has made eight new signings, including Lorent Tolaj and Dom Ballard, both highly-rated forwards from League One. While these signings have generated optimism, their adaptation to the Championship level remains a question. Tolaj, who scored 18 goals in League One last season, joins Bristol City after a £4m move.

Several players are anticipated to make a significant impact this season. Jarrod Bowen, captain of West Ham, is expected to lead his team’s charge back to the top flight. He has 65 goals and 49 assists in 231 top-flight games for West Ham. Zan Vipotnik of Swansea City, who scored 23 goals last season, will be watched closely to see if he can maintain his scoring form. Ethan Galbraith moved to Stoke City for £10m and will be a key midfielder, known for his composure on the ball.

Léo Scienza, a forward for Southampton, had a notable impact last season with 10 assists in 39 league matches. His ability to create chances and carry the ball makes him one of the division’s exciting players. Othmane Maamma of Watford, a 20-year-old who won the player of the tournament award at the Under-20 World Cup with Morocco, made his debut in November and scored four goals in the Championship. Mason Melia, an 18-year-old on loan at Lincoln City from Tottenham, is another young talent to watch, having scored three goals in six appearances in Premier League 2.

Opening weekend fixtures

The new Championship season kicks off with a series of intriguing matches. On Friday, Wolves will host Blackburn. Saturday’s fixtures include Bolton against Preston, Bristol City facing Millwall, Charlton playing Derby, and Middlesbrough hosting Lincoln. Other Saturday games feature Norwich versus West Brom, Portsmouth against QPR, and Stoke taking on Swansea. The day concludes with Sheffield United playing Birmingham.

Sunday’s action begins with Watford entertaining Southampton, followed by a clash between two relegated teams, Burnley and West Ham. The opening weekend concludes on Monday with a Welsh derby between Cardiff and Wrexham.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Arsenal are reportedly engaging in discussions with Galatasaray regarding the availability of Victor Osimhen. These talks are occurring alongside conversations concerning Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, for whom Arsenal are understood to be open to offers.

The London club has held discussions with the Turkish side about potentially selling various squad members during the current transfer window. Galatasaray has reportedly made an offer of £38m for Martinelli, though the Brazil forward is not thought to be keen on a move to Turkey.

Defensive Reinforcements Sought

Arsenal have initiated talks with Bayer Leverkusen for a potential move for Jarell Quansah as they aim to strengthen their defence. This comes as they seek cover for William Saliba and Jurriën Timber, both of whom are expected to miss the start of the new season due to injury. Saliba’s back injury is anticipated to take “some time to heal,” while Timber is recovering from a persistent groin injury that caused him to miss much of the previous season.

Quansah, an England defender, moved to Leverkusen last summer for an initial £30m. He was part of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad and is seen as a potential replacement for the injured defenders. While his primary position is central defence, he also played at right-back during the World Cup. Leverkusen are reportedly reluctant to sell the 23-year-old, who signed a five-year deal upon leaving Anfield last July, and are said to want at least €50m (£43m).

Arsenal, who had a £30m bid for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa rejected earlier in the window, are not thought to be willing to pay the asking price for Quansah. However, they might test Leverkusen’s resolve with a similar offer. A €70m buyback option for Liverpool on Quansah has now expired. Arsenal reportedly remain interested in Konsa, who is valued at £60m by Villa.

Quansah made three appearances at the 2026 World Cup and can play both centre-back and right-back. He is reportedly open to a move to the Emirates Stadium if the situation progresses. He is a product of Liverpool’s academy, making 58 appearances and scoring three goals for the club in all competitions. In his debut season in Germany, Quansah made 44 appearances and scored five goals as Leverkusen finished sixth in the Bundesliga. He has also earned six caps for England.

Attacking Options and Youth Prospects

Beyond defensive targets, Arsenal are also looking to sign a new attacker before the transfer window closes. This could involve allowing Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus to depart to free up funds. Napoli has shown interest in Jesus.

Youth prospects are also part of the transfer discussions. Ethan Nwaneri could be sold, with clubs such as Milan, Fulham, Red Bull Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund reportedly linked with the 19-year-old. The future of Myles Lewis-Skelly is also uncertain after he was offered to Chelsea and Manchester United this week. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta chose not to comment on speculation surrounding his players.

In other youth news, Liverpool and Arsenal are set to go to a tribunal after failing to agree on compensation for 16-year-old prospect Vincent Joseph, following his switch to the London side. Additionally, 16-year-old central midfielder Xavier Parker has agreed to a new long-term contract with Manchester City amidst interest from Liverpool and Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson is reportedly open to remaining at Chelsea and competing for his place under manager Xabi Alonso. Chelsea are also reportedly prepared to sell Liam Delap, seeking £50m for the striker just 12 months after signing him. PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech was observed at Ibrox watching Rangers on Thursday and is expected to finalise his move on Friday.

Off the pitch, football’s power brokers are discussing significant reforms for FIFA in the event of the removal of its current president, Gianni Infantino. In other news, West Ham bosses have banned half-and-half scarves from the London Stadium.

Source: skysports.com

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