Football
Chelsea ready to pay £50m and offer players in deal to sign Premier League star ahead of Arsenal
Chelsea are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Brighton striker Joao Pedro, indicating they are prepared to offer £50 million along with several players who are surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
The west London club has already bolstered their attack this summer by securing England U21 forward Liam Delap in a £30 million move from Ipswich Town, but Enzo Maresca wants to further strengthen his front line.
Nicolas Jackson struggled to make a consistent impact last season, and Chelsea are now actively reshaping their attacking options. Christopher Nkunku appears to be heading for the exit after an underwhelming stint, and the Blues have also been linked with Hugo Ekitike.
However, with Frankfurt valuing the French striker at around £85 million, Chelsea are exploring more cost-effective alternatives. Pedro, who has found the net 30 times over the past two seasons since joining Brighton from Watford for £30 million, fits that profile.
The 23-year-old Brazil international has grown into a key figure for Brighton and has caught the attention of multiple top clubs. Brighton are said to value Pedro at around £60 million, but Chelsea are hopeful that a cash-plus-player offer will be enough to get a deal over the line, according to reports from the Daily Mail.
Given the frequent transfer dealings between Chelsea and Brighton in recent years, talks between the two sides are thought to be progressing positively.
As part of the proposed deal, Chelsea may include a number of players who could be made available this summer. The likes of Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have all been mentioned in speculation around potential departures.
Bringing in Pedro would not only deepen Chelsea’s attacking unit but could also place added pressure on Arsenal, who are reportedly tracking the striker as well in their search for more firepower under Mikel Arteta.
Liverpool are understood to be admirers of Pedro too, though their main focus is currently on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, whose transfer fee could exceed £100 million.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s acquisition of Delap was finalized earlier this week, with the 22-year-old forward set to wear the No. 9 shirt at Stamford Bridge next season. The club beat Manchester United to his signature after he scored 12 goals in a challenging campaign for relegated Ipswich.
Following his arrival, Delap expressed his excitement about joining Chelsea, noting his childhood admiration for the club and his ambition to help bring trophies back to west London. He emphasized the hunger within the squad and the club’s desire to return to the summit of European football.
Chelsea’s promising finish to the 2024-25 campaign, which included a top-four finish and winning the Conference League, has raised expectations heading into the next season. The squad, including new signings like Delap, is now preparing for the Club World Cup set to kick off in the United States on June 15.
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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