Football
Barcelona considering shock move for key Arsenal star in summer transfer window
Barcelona are reportedly weighing up a surprise summer move for Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, according to sources in Spain.
The 23-year-old Brazilian has been a vital part of Arsenal’s attack over recent seasons, although his form during the 2024-25 campaign has drawn criticism for being inconsistent.
Despite that, Martinelli has put up respectable numbers, with 51 goals and 29 assists in 225 appearances for the Gunners, and he continues to have strong support from the fanbase.
Following another frustrating season without silverware—Arsenal ended the Premier League campaign as runners-up for the third year in a row—Martinelli has started attracting interest from several clubs, including La Liga champions Barcelona.
According to Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona are eyeing Martinelli as a potential target if their pursuits of Luis Diaz or Marcus Rashford fall through.
While Rashford has been strongly linked to the Catalan side, financial constraints appear to be a hurdle. Barcelona are reportedly unwilling to pay the €40 million price tag Manchester United have set, preferring a loan deal instead.
United, however, are only interested in a permanent transfer, which is forcing the Spanish club to consider alternatives.
Martinelli is not the only name on Barcelona’s radar. If deals for Rashford or Diaz fail to materialize, Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman is another option the club might pursue.
That said, any move for Martinelli could be complicated by his current contract, which keeps him at Arsenal until 2027, with an option for an additional year.
Meanwhile, Martinelli has also reportedly attracted interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League. Still, some believe such a move might be premature for a player of his age.
Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn commented that Martinelli’s performances this season have lacked consistency and hinted that the Gunners may look to eventually replace him.
He suggested that Arsenal could sign another player to challenge for the left-wing position and possibly take over in the near future.
As speculation builds around Martinelli’s future, his decision could ultimately come down to whether he sees his long-term growth at Arsenal or finds the prospect of joining a global giant like Barcelona—or a lucrative move elsewhere—more compelling.
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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