Football
William Saliba stance on Real Madrid revealed after approach for Arsenal star
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William Saliba’s future at Arsenal has come under the spotlight amid serious interest from Real Madrid, who have reportedly made the French defender their number-one defensive target for the summer transfer window.
The Spanish giants are said to be ramping up efforts to bring Saliba to the Bernabéu, reigniting speculation that has quietly lingered since his early days at Saint-Étienne.
Despite Mikel Arteta’s public insistence that Saliba is content in North London, reports from France suggest that his representatives have already opened discussions with Madrid.

According to L’Équipe, the 24-year-old is only considering a departure from Arsenal if it means joining the reigning Spanish and European champions.
His admiration for the club runs deep, with sources close to the player indicating that he has always viewed Real Madrid as the pinnacle of club football. That emotional connection could pose a serious threat to Arsenal’s long-term plans, especially given Saliba’s growing stature in world football.
Saliba has quickly become one of the elite centre-backs in Europe, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães and anchoring a defense that has helped Arsenal challenge consistently at the top of the Premier League.
His performances have earned him back-to-back selections in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, further underlining his value and consistency.
While Arsenal have made moves to secure his future with a contract extension, Saliba’s current deal runs until the summer of 2027. Yet, if he refuses to commit to fresh terms within the next 12 to 18 months, the club could be forced into a difficult position.
By the summer of 2026, the Frenchman will be entering the final year of his contract, potentially allowing Madrid to negotiate a significantly reduced transfer fee or even wait to sign him on a free the following season.
That looming deadline puts pressure on Arsenal to either convince Saliba that he can win major trophies at the Emirates or consider cashing in while his market value remains high.
Despite having lifted two Community Shields with the Gunners, Saliba has yet to win a major domestic or European title. The club finished as Premier League runners-up in both 2023 and 2024, suggesting they are close but still missing that final push.
This season, Arsenal’s hopes of silverware remain alive, with Saliba playing a key role in their Champions League campaign.
However, they face a difficult challenge in the semi-finals, trailing 1-0 after the first leg against Paris Saint-Germain. Should they fall short again, it may reinforce Saliba’s belief that a move to Madrid is necessary to achieve the career milestones he envisions.
Real Madrid’s pursuit is unlikely to end soon, especially considering they have been tracking the defender since his teenage years in Ligue 1.
With 131 appearances already under his belt for Arsenal and his reputation continuing to rise, the stakes have never been higher for the Premier League side to retain one of their most prized assets.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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