Football
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes claims Arsenal are making £51m transfer mistake
Paul Scholes has cast doubt on Arsenal’s decision to pursue Martin Zubimendi in a £51 million transfer deal from Real Sociedad. The former Manchester United midfielder questioned not only the Spaniard’s overall quality but also his potential fit within Mikel Arteta’s system at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have long been in discussions with Zubimendi, with the 26-year-old seen as a top priority for Arteta ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Talks have been ongoing for months, and there were concerns within the club that Real Madrid might swoop in for the midfielder.
However, recent reports indicate that Zubimendi has now agreed to personal terms with the Gunners and is expected to complete his move once the window officially opens.
With veteran midfielder Jorginho likely to leave north London and Thomas Partey also rumored to be on the move, Arsenal are looking to reshape their midfield. Zubimendi is believed to be earmarked for a deep-lying role, providing defensive cover while allowing Declan Rice more freedom to push forward.
Despite Arteta’s vision, Scholes isn’t convinced the move makes sense. Speaking on The Overlap, he questioned whether there’s even a real need for the Spanish international.
Scholes said he believes Rice is more than capable of playing as a defensive midfielder and doesn’t view him as a natural attacking option, as many suggest.
Recalling a past performance, Scholes pointed to a Europa League match where Zubimendi faced Manchester United and didn’t leave a strong impression.
On the other hand, Gary Neville offered a completely different perspective. The former United captain and pundit praised Zubimendi’s qualities and supported Arsenal’s pursuit of the Spanish international.
He argued that Arsenal still lack a midfielder who can dictate the tempo and maintain control in high-pressure games. In Neville’s view, even though Rice and Partey are strong players, neither excels in terms of receiving and distributing the ball under pressure in the same way Jorginho does.

Zubimendi brings with him experience from over 200 appearances for Real Sociedad, as well as a European Championship title with Spain from Euro 2024. Neville believes this pedigree could be exactly what Arsenal need to unlock their midfield’s potential and add composure in key moments.
In addition to Zubimendi, Arteta is targeting a new striker to elevate the team’s attacking options. The Gunners have shown interest in several forwards, including Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Liam Delap.
The need for a new presence up front has become pressing as Arsenal have now gone five consecutive seasons without silverware. Their second-place position in the Premier League is under threat with just two matches left, and stiff competition from Manchester City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa.
Arsenal face a tough test against a resurgent Newcastle side this weekend before ending their campaign with a match against bottom-of-the-table Southampton. With significant changes expected in the summer, Arteta’s squad could look quite different by the time the next season kicks off.
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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