Football
Athletic Bilbao send Nico Williams transfer message to Arsenal ahead of Man Utd clash
Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde remains optimistic that Nico Williams will stay with the club for the foreseeable future, despite growing transfer interest from Arsenal ahead of the summer window.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly prioritizing attacking reinforcements following a challenging Premier League season marked by injuries in the final third.
Nico Williams, a dynamic 22-year-old winger, continues to attract attention after Arsenal’s previous unsuccessful attempt to sign him following Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024.

According to reports, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has already initiated talks with Williams’ representatives. Other top European clubs such as Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and possibly Barcelona are also said to be monitoring the situation closely.
Williams has impressed throughout the current campaign with 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions, and his current contract includes a €58 million release clause.
The talented forward recently returned from a minor groin injury and is expected to feature in Athletic Bilbao’s upcoming Europa League semi-final clash against Manchester United. Valverde, speaking ahead of the match, expressed his desire to keep Williams at the club long term.
He emphasized that the player has had a strong season and, while speculation is natural, the club hopes to retain him for many seasons to come to compete in future major European fixtures.
Williams, on the other hand, has remained reserved when addressing questions about his future. In a recent interview, he stated that his full focus is on helping Athletic reach the Europa League final, and that discussions about his future will take place at a later time. He added that he is currently very happy with his situation.

Athletic Bilbao currently sit fourth in La Liga and are on course to qualify for the Champions League, while Manchester United find themselves in 14th place in the Premier League and must win the Europa League to return to European competition next season. Despite United’s inconsistent form and recent managerial changes, Valverde expects a difficult match. He highlighted United’s strength at set-pieces, pointing to players like Rasmus Højlund, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt, as well as their threat from distance with the likes of Bruno Fernandes.
Valverde cautioned that knockout matches often come down to small margins, referencing United’s dramatic comeback against Lyon in the previous round.
He stressed the importance of staying sharp throughout the match, noting that just ten poor minutes can eliminate a team, while ten strong minutes can change the outcome entirely.
He urged his players to be prepared for every scenario, recognizing that European ties often hinge on brief but critical moments.
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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