They haven’t won every game, but this season is shaping up to be a truly special one for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta has got his side playing some sensational football at times while simultaneously ensuring they remain the best defensive team in the Premier League.

It seems like every player, new and old, is all pulling in the exact same direction and helping each other reach new levels.

One of the team’s best players in recent weeks has been summer signing Eberechi Eze, and so fans should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal with someone who could be another version of the Englishman.

Arsenal target another Eze

There was tremendous excitement from the Arsenal fan base when it was announced that the club had signed Eze, and understandably so.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

After all, here was a player who many considered to be one of the most exciting in the Premier League, and had just spearheaded Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory.

Fortunately, while it took him a few games to get up to speed, the 27-year-old has more than delivered so far this season, racking up a tally of nine goal involvements in 19 games for the club and scoring that North London Derby hat-trick.

So, with all that in mind, it’s not all that surprising to hear that the Gunners may be after another player who has the potential to be another Eze in Kenan Yıldız.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Turkish wonderkid.

In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners are going all out to sign him and have been in contact with his representatives.

However, Juventus are understandably keen to keep hold of the incredible youngster and, according to other reports from earlier this month, would need a fee of at least £88m to consider selling him.

Therefore, it could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız’s ability and potential, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be another Eze.

Why Yıldız would be another Eze

Now, there are obviously some key differences between Yıldız and Eze, such as their age, but there are also more than a few similarities between them.

For example, like the Englishman, the young Turkish superstar is an attacker who can and does play in a multitude of positions.

Since making his first team debut for Juventus, the 20-year-old monster has played as a second-striker, on the left and right wings, in attacking midfield and even up top a few times.

The second similarity is that, like the former Palace star, he is a dual threat, someone who is as happy scoring a goal as he is assisting one.

For example, in 52 appearances last season, totalling 3520 minutes, he scored 12 goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to a goal involvement on average every 2.47 games, or every 167.61 minutes.

Appearances

52

18

Minutes

3520′

1457′

Goals

12

5

Assists

9

5

Then this season, he has become even more dangerous, scoring five goals and providing five assists in 18 appearances, totalling 1457 minutes, which is a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 145.7 minutes.

Finally, and this is related to his output, the 26-capped international is, in the words of content creator Alex Moneypenny, “capable of the spectacular.”

He doesn’t just score tap-ins; he already has quite the impressive catalogue of goals, ranging from long-distance strikes to ones stemming from brilliant close control.

It is also this ability to create magic on the football pitch that likely led European football writer Danny Corcoran to describe the youngster as having “Mbappe-like ability.”

Ultimately, it won’t be an easy transfer to get done, but Arsenal should be going all out to sign Yıldız in 2026, as he could be another Eze.

A Saka & Olise hybrid: Arsenal in contact over signing £70m "superstar"

The incredible talent would be as game-changing for Arsenal as Bukayo Saka has been over the years.

ByJack Salveson Holmes 7 days ago

Marsh fell for 4 as WA slumped to 98 for 4 on a day when only 30 overs were bowled due to rain

AAP06-Dec-2025

Mitchell Marsh’s Test audition has failed, dismissed cheaply for the second time in Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the MCG.In his first red-ball game since being dropped by Australia following last year’s Boxing Day Test, Marsh made just 4 in WA’s second innings on Saturday after managing 9 on day one.Related

Gannon takes five but Macdonald, Short and Perry put Victoria on top

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He lasted just six balls as he fell to Victorian seamer Sam Elliott, who is enjoying one of the best games of his first-class career.Marsh, who last played a Shield match in October 2024, had been touted as a potential shock factor at the top of Australia’s order in this summer’s Ashes.But another Test call-up seems unlikely with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald making a promising start to their opening combination for Australia.Marsh had to wait more than half a day on Saturday to get an opportunity to bat, with no play possible until midway through the second session due to rain in Melbourne.With WA starting day three on 5 for 1, Marsh was quickly in the game after nightwatchman Corey Rocchiccioli was trapped lbw by Elliott.The visitors crumbled to 17 for 3 when Marsh exited, before captain Sam Whitemanand fellow veteran Hilton Cartwright rallied.The pair got WA to 75 for 4, a lead of 14, when bad light stopped play midway through the final session. But play was able to resume again, with WA getting to 98 for 4 at stumps and Whiteman unbeaten on 56.With the weather likely to be fine on Sunday, Victoria will still fancy their chances of running through WA and securing an outright win.

Manchester City closed the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League to just two points after they beat Sunderland 3-0 at The Etihad on Saturday.

A screamer from Ruben Dias set the Cityzens on their way before Rayan Cherki provided a genius rabona assist for Phil Foden to seal all three points with the third goal.

Despite a run of five wins in their last six matches in the Premier League, there is always room for improvement at Manchester City for Pep Guardiola, which means that they could be active in the upcoming January transfer window.

Man City scouting Bundesliga star

One thing that the Cityzens do not have in abundance is players with real speed who can run off the last line, but they are now looking at a star who could provide that.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a potential swoop to sign RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande in the January transfer window.

The report claims that the Premier League side have sent scouts to watch the Ivorian talent in action in the Bundesliga this season, ahead of a possible move for him next month or next summer.

It adds, though, that Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool have also been watching the 19-year-old starlet, which suggests that there could be plenty of competition for his signature.

CaughtOffside reveals that insiders believe that his value could rise as high as £87m amid interest from a host of top European clubs, whilst his contract does not expire until 2030.

Why Man City should sign Yan Diomande

The Cityzens should push to win the race for the teenage whiz’s signature because he could be Guardiola’s new Sterling, as a rapid right-footed right winger who can provide a real threat in behind.

In Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki, City have a collection of right-sided attackers who are at their best dropping into play to take the ball with their back to goal or on the half-turn, but they do not have a natural right winger who wants to run in behind.

U23 scout Antonio Mango described Diomande, meanwhile, as a “crazy speedster” who has become a “weapon” in the final third by adding goals and assists to go along with his electric pace.

The Ivorian star scored a hat-trick against Frankfurt in a 6-0 win for Leipzig at the weekend, taking his tally for the season to seven goals in 15 appearances for the German side.

Diomande has scored six goals from 3.03 xG and registered two assists from two ‘big chances’ created, per Sofascore, in the Bundesliga for his club, whilst he has also completed 2.8 dribbles per game, which speaks to how direct and purposeful his play is.

Man City’s all-time leading scorers and assisters

Goals

Assists

Sergio Aguero (260)

Kevin De Bruyne (177)

Joe Hayes (146)

David Silva (136)

Eric Brook (145)

Raheem Sterling (86)

Erling Haaland (144)

Bernardo Silva (75)

Colin Bell (149)

Phil Foden (65)

Francis Lee (138)

Sergio Aguero (65)

Raheem Sterling (131)

Riyad Mahrez (59)

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Sterling was also a player who provided quality in the final third to go along with the pace that he used to run in behind opposition defenders.

The fact that the England international and Sergio Aguero are the only two players who feature in the top seven for both goals and assists speaks to how effective he was for Guardiola on the right wing as both a scorer and a creator.

Diomande is a talented young player who has the potential to follow in Sterling’s footsteps, because he has already shown that he can provide quality on a regular basis in the Bundesliga with Leipzig this term, with eight goal contributions so far.

Like Sterling, the 19-year-old winger is a dynamic forward who can go down the line or run in behind on his right foot, but he can also drop deep and come inside onto his weaker foot, having scored four goals with his left foot and two with his right, per Sofascore.

Related Man City make approach for 'frustrated' Arsenal star as three more clubs line up

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini 7 days ago

This is why City should be pushing to get a deal done for the youngster when the January transfer window opens, because Diomande could provide Guardiola with a right-sided option that he has not had since Sterling left the club.

Manchester City have now moved into pole position in the race for a “superstar”, and they are now ready to make a bid of over £65m.

Pep eyeing long-term additions to his defence

Pep Guardiola has made it clear he is a huge admirer of Matheus Nunes this season, saying: “He can be an incredible right-back,”

“Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality and as much as he is focused, he can become one of the best [right-backs].

“He has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.”

Nunes has remained a key player for Man City in recent weeks, starting the last three games, with Abdukhodir Khusanov also capable of slotting in at right-back, doing so in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen back in November, while also impressing against Arsenal.

Despite Pep being blessed with a number of options in defence, the City boss remains keen on making long-term additions to his backline, according to a new report from TEAMtalk, which states he views Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento as the complete package.

The Blues have now moved into pole position in the race for Livramento’s signature, despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs, and they are ready to make a bid of more than £65m, which could include add-ons, while summer signing James Trafford may also be used as part of a swap deal.

"Superstar" Livramento may find it difficult to dislodge Nunes

Lauded as a “superstar” by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, there are signs the right-back could be a good fit in a Guardiola system, with his passing ability particularly impressive over the course of the past year.

Pep has been keen on signing the full-back for quite some time, and he is now vastly experienced in the Premier League, having made 103 appearances in the competition, while he has also tested himself in the Champions League for the second time this season.

The 23-year-old could be able to push for Nunes’ place in the starting XI before too long, but it will be difficult to dislodge the Portugal international, given that the City star is arguably a more well-rounded right-back at the moment.

Man City offer Real Madrid shock swap deal to sign "the next De Bruyne"

He’s impressed under Xabi Alonso.

By
Tom Cunningham

3 days ago

The 27-year-old has displayed a keen eye for creating chances this season, chipping in with one goal and three assists in the Premier League, while Livramento has just four goal contributions in 93 games for Newcastle.

As such, the Engand international may have to improve the attacking side of his game if he is going to take Nunes’ shirt.

Arsenal are believed to be preparing a January bid for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with sporting director Andrea Berta given some real encouragement that it can be done.

Rodrygo poised for January exit after Real Madrid snubs

Rodrygo is a very familiar name to Gunners supporters.

Berta and co held some talks about signing the Brazil international last summer, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, before opting for Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze instead.

While that door ultimately slammed shut in the last transfer window, Arsenal could yet be given another chance to land the versatile £282,000-per-week forward, who’s steadily falling out of favour under Xabi Alonso.

Rodrygo has started just three out of his last 12 La Liga matches, playing 330 minutes in total, and this is a far cry from how pivotal he was for Carlo Ancelotti.

Scoring 14 goals and registering a further 11 assists over 54 appearances in all competitions last term, Jude Bellingham is also on record calling Rodrygo their most ‘gifted’ and ‘underrated’ player.

Rodrygo’s career at Real Madrid since joining from Santos

Appearances

285

Goals

68

Assists

53

Bookings

12

Red cards

0

Minutes played

16,587

However, Alonso clearly doesn’t see it that way, and credible reports now suggest that a January exit is very much on the cards for Rodrygo as he vies for consistent playing time.

Chelsea and Tottenham have also been linked with the 24-year-old, and it is believed by some that he is ‘on the brink’ of leaving the Bernabeu with England a very viable potential destination.

Arsenal preparing January bid for Rodrygo with Real Madrid stance clear

CaughtOffside now have an update on his future, and it partly concerns Arsenal.

According to their information, Arsenal are preparing a January bid for Rodrygo, and sporting director Andrea Berta, alongside other interested parties like Liverpool, have been informed about Real’s stance.

Los Blancos will consider selling the ex-Santos sensation next month, provided they get a suitable offer, with Real demanding around £75-80 million.

Arsenal and Liverpool are also named as the lead contenders to strike a winter deal, and it could make sense considering the uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

As things stand, both men are out of contract in 2027. There’s also been little in the way of talks over extensions, despite both of their impressive contributions this season.

Rodrygo would be an absolutely stellar replacement for either or both, but given Arsenal are never usually active in January when it comes to big-name, marquee deals, it would also be a very surprise coup midway through the campaign.

FIFA are all set to push ahead with a major VAR rule change for the 2026 World Cup despite facing initial rejection from stakeholders and members. The new changes in the law will be applicable for VAR checks on corner kicks during the flagship competition. The International Football Association Board convened a meeting in October, where they reached an agreement that VAR could be expanded.

VAR to check corner-kicks

According to , FIFA will aggressively push for VAR to check corner kicks at the upcoming 2026 World Cup, despite facing rejection from domestic leagues to implement across all competitions. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) – the body which determines the laws of the game – met in October, were an agreement was reached that VAR would check incorrectly given yellow cards, which could lead to a read, although the idea to review corner kicks was rejected. 

The rejection means that IFAB will now have to conduct extensive trials across the globe before they can implement at the World Cup in North America next summer. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCollina open to new trials

Legendary former referee Pierluigi Collina, who is now serving as FIFA's head of referees, is a supporter of the change as part of a wider review of VAR protocol. to support his argument, Collina has cited an incident from the Euro 2016 final, when Portugal were wrongly awarded a free-kick in extra time for handball on the edge of the area that almost led to a goal. The IFAB will convene their next meeting in January, where further discussions will be held. 

League officials against expansion of usage of the VAR

One major concern for the leagues across the world is that using excessive VAR would lead to more time wasting. The Football Association's chief executive Mark Bullingham, who is also on IFAB's board, had earlier told : "We don't think there's any need to extend the use of VAR. There are regular discussions in IFAB about what VAR should be, and how it should move forward. I think our position is that we're in a good place now. Of course, if someone brings an item forward for Ifab to consider, then as a group we'll consider it. But as a group we don't necessarily think that VAR needs to be extended at the moment. We think there's enough interruptions to the game in the current model."

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Getty Images SportIs expanding of VAR possible?

An important aspect of the Laws of the Game that applies at all levels is that a referee cannot change a restart decision even if they realise it is incorrect after play is back underway. So, once the corner is taken and play is live, the game must continue. Thus if the new laws are implemented at the World Cup next year, every corner will have to be reviewed by the VAR – although in the majority of cases the decision will be obvious. 

Fans will be eager to see if and when FIFA gets the nod to bring in the rule changes in VAR. Before that, they must extensively trial the methods to make sure their plan is foolproof. 

MLB announced the winners of the first major annual award on Monday, revealing the winner of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year award for both the American and National League.

The Rookie of the Year awards are annually voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America, with 30 voters determining who was the top rookie in MLB during the season. The reigning Rookie of the Year winners are Yankees pitcher Luis Gil and Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.

Here’s a look at the 2025 Rookie of the Year winners.

American League Rookie of the Year Winner

Winner: Nick Kurtz, Athletics 1B

Finalists: Roman Anthony, Red Sox OF and Jacob Wilson, Athletics SS

Nick Kurtz made his debut for the Athletics on April 23, 2025 and finished his stellar rookie campaign slashing .290/.383/.619 with 122 hits, 90 runs, 36 home runs, 86 RBIs and a 1.002 OPS. Kurtz, nicknamed the “Big Amish” and known for his butter churning celebration, finished 10th in MLB in home runs and led all rookies in 2025 in home runs, RBIs, runs and walks.

Kurtz’s finest performance of the season came on July 25, when he went 6-6 with four home runs and eight RBIs against the Astros, becoming the first rookie ever to hit four home runs in a single game.

He is now the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year. Teammate Jacob Wilson finished second in the voting with 23 second-place votes while Roman Anthony comes up in third after receiving three second-place votes and 15 third-place votes.

“It’s a great ending to the first year,” Kurtz told MLB Network. “Like Jacob said earlier, use this and keep on grinding and come back better next year.”

National League Rookie of the Year Winner

Winner: Drake Baldwin, Braves C

Finalists: Caleb Durbin, Brewers 3B and Cade Horton, Cubs pitcher

Drake Baldwin made his MLB debut at the start of the season on March 27, 2025. Over the course of 124 games during his first season, he slashed .274/.341/.469 for 111 hits, 56 runs, 19 home runs, 80s RBIs and a .810 OPS. Baldwin finished the season leading all National League rookies in RBIs, second among NL rookies in home runs and second on the Braves in WAR.

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، أن برشلونة تلقى دفعة معنوية قوية بشأن داني أولمو، الذي يقترب من العودة والتعافي من الإصابة التي أبعدته عن صفوف الفريق.

وبحسب صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، فإنه من المرجح أن يعود داني أولمو للمشاركة مع برشلونة ضد إسبانيول، في 3 يناير، في مباراة تمثل نقطة تحول حاسمة في موسمه.

ويغيب داني أولمو عن الملاعب منذ تعرضه لخلع مؤلم في كتفه الأيسر، خلال فوز برشلونة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بثلاثية لهدف واحد.

وأشارت تقارير أخرى إلى أن برشلونة قد يستعيد أحد أبرز لاعبيه، حيث من المتوقع أن يحصل الألماني مارك تير شتيجن على التصريح الطبي الأسبوع المقبل، ليعود لقائمة الفريق ضد أوساسونا.

اقرأ أيضاً.. رافينها يحسم الجدل بشأن أنباء رحيله عن برشلونة إلى الدوري السعودي

ويمر شتيجن بالمرحلة الأخيرة من التعافي من إصابة في أسفل الظهر، أبعدته عن الملاعب لعدة أشهر، ويتقدم بشكل رائع وزاد من كثافة تدريباته اليوم بشكل ملحوظ، لاستعادة لياقته البدنية الكاملة.

وستمثل عودة تير شتيجن إلى برشلونة إنجازًا هامًا، بعد أكثر من أربعة أشهر من الغياب، وهي فترة غياب أطول بكثير مما كان متوقعًا وقت خضوعه لعملية جراحية.

ويستعد خوان جارسيا لحراسة مرمى برشلونة بشكل طبيعي، بعد أن أثار القلق بتعرضه لكدمة عقب الفوز ضد ريال بيتيس بخمسة أهداف لثلاثة على ملعب لا كارتوخا، حيث شوهد وهو يعرج قليلاً أثناء صعوده لحافلة الفريق في طريقها للعودة لمطار إشبيلية ومرة أخرى أثناء صعوده للطائرة مع بقية الفريق ليثير تكهنات حول حالته البدنية.

وكانت تدريبات برشلونة قد شهدت مشاركة رافينها بشكل طبيعي قبل لقاء آينتراخت فرانكفورت.

وكان فليك قد فضل إراحة البرازيلي ضد ريال بيتيس كإجراء احترازي في الدوري الإسباني بعد معاناته من إجهاد عضلي طفيف.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Fifa retirou o transfer ban que impedia o São Paulo de realizar contratações e registrar novos reforços. A confirmação foi feita nesta segunda-feira (8).

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSão PauloLucas Moura, desfalque do São Paulo, lamenta ano de lesões: ‘Recuperação lenta e dura’São Paulo09/12/2025São PauloSão Paulo presta esclarecimentos ao Ministério Público após denúnciaSão Paulo09/12/2025São PauloPlanejamento 2026: saiba quem pode deixar o elenco do São PauloSão Paulo09/12/2025

O clube realizou o pagamento de cerca de 1,2 milhão de dólares à Bama, empresa de agenciamento de atletas responsável pela contratação de Calleri em 2021. O valor corresponde a uma comissão de intermediação e foi pago na quarta-feira (3), mas só foi registrado oficialmente nesta segunda-feira (8).

➡️Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo

Com a liberação, o São Paulo ganha mais tranquilidade em meio a problemas políticos, pressão da torcida por resultados e até depoimentos ao Ministério Público.

continua após a publicidade

Vale destacar que a janela de transferências abre em 5 de janeiro e, até o momento, o clube ainda não anunciou nenhuma negociação.

Segunda punição no ano

Este é o segundo transfer ban do São Paulo na temporada. O Tricolor sofreu o primeiro em agosto, após o atraso de parcelas da contratação de Damián Bobadilla com o Cerro Porteño, ex-equipe do jogador. A dívida, em si, foi quitada no mesmo dia.

➡️ Calleri promete reação no São Paulo em 2026: ‘Daremos a volta por cima’

Jonathan Calleri em 202518 jogos (14 titular)3 gols4 assistências164 minutos para participar de gol1.7 finalizações por jogo (0.4 no gol)10.3 finalizações para marcar25% de conversão em grandes chances0.8 passes decisivos por jogo5 grandes chances criadas46% de eficiência nos duelos1.4 faltas sofridas por jogoNota Sofascore 6.86

Tudo sobre

Futebol NacionalSão Paulo

Wrexham's seven-match unbeaten run in the Championship came to an end on Wednesday as they went down 2-0 against a dominant Hull City on the road. The Red Dragons' star forward Kieffer Moore had a night to forget as his two costly misses cost Phil Parkinson's side crucial points. Wrexham have dropped to 14th place in the second tier after the defeat.

• Hull return to winning ways with dominant performance

  Hull headed into the game on the back of a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Middlesbrough and were naturally under a lot of pressure. However, the Tigers took control of the game right from the start. It took the hosts just 10 minutes to break the deadlock as Kyle Joseph came up with a clinical finish.

  The move started with a long ball from their own half, which went straight to Mohamed Belloumi, who outpaced Dominic Hyam on the right side and entered the box before feeding Matt Crooks. Crooks attempted a first-time shot, which was initially stopped by Arthur Okonkwo but Joseph found the back of the net from the rebound.

  Wrexham striker Moore had a golden opportunity to restore parity just six minutes later as he found himself in a very good shooting position inside the Hull box, but his effort went wide of the far post. Hull dominated possession in the first period and created more positive goal-scoring chances as Parkinson's side found it difficult to break down the home defence.

  Moore then had yet another opportunity to equalise at the start of the second half as the Red Dragons earned a penalty, but the striker's weak spot-kick failed to trouble Ivor Pandur, who comfortably parried the ball away by diving to his right.

  The Wales international was punished for his wastefulness as Hull's Oli McBurnie came off the bench and doubled his team's lead with a clinical finish in the 67th minute. The 29-year-old forward, who returned to action after two months, made an immediate impact as he pounced on Ryan Giles' low cross inside the Wrexham box and put the ball past Okonkwo.

  This was Wrexham's first defeat in their last seven Championship matches as they dropped to 14th position in the league after today's result, while Hull moved up to sixth and the playoff places. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The MVP

  Sergej Jakirovic's decision to bring in McBurnie in the second half proved to be a masterstroke as the experienced striker doubled Hull's lead and sealed three points for them just four minutes after coming onto the pitch. The Scot had been sidelined since October due to a calf injury, but he has now regained fitness and is ready to star for the Tigers again.

• The big loser

  Moore joined Wrexham from Sheffield United in the summer transfer window and has proved to be a successful signing right from the off. He is the club's top goal-scorer in the 2025-26 campaign, with 10 goals in 20 matches across all competitions. However, on Wednesday, the star striker had a rare off day as his two costly mistakes, including a penalty miss, cost the Red Dragons crucial points.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐