Football
Official: Andrea Berta Targets Bruno Guimarães & Zubimendi for Arsenal
Andrea Berta is wasting no time in shaping Arsenal’s future, with the newly appointed sporting director setting his sights on two high-profile midfield signings. The Italian, known for his exceptional talent-spotting at Atletico Madrid, has identified Bruno Guimarães and Martin Zubimendi as key targets as he begins his tenure in North London.
Berta’s interest in Guimarães comes as Newcastle United face an uncertain future regarding their Champions League aspirations. Reports indicate that the Magpies have an agreement in place to allow the Brazilian midfielder to leave for around £60 million if they fail to secure a top-four finish this season. With Newcastle currently in a tight battle for European qualification, Arsenal are closely monitoring the situation.
Guimarães has been a standout performer since his arrival at St. James’ Park from Lyon in 2022. The 26-year-old has become one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders, combining defensive resilience with creative playmaking. His vision, passing ability, and tenacity make him an ideal candidate for Arsenal’s midfield, which has been searching for stability and quality.
Alongside Guimarães, Berta is also keen on securing Martin Zubimendi, the highly-rated Real Sociedad midfielder. The Spaniard has been consistently linked with a move to the Premier League, with several top clubs, including Barcelona, previously showing interest in his services. However, Arsenal are now emerging as serious contenders for his signature.
Zubimendi, known for his exceptional composure on the ball and defensive awareness, could bring a new dimension to Arsenal’s midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of a game and provide defensive cover would complement the dynamic style Mikel Arteta has been trying to implement at the Emirates.
Berta’s arrival at Arsenal signals a new era for the club, with his track record of securing top talents playing a crucial role in Atletico Madrid’s successes. The Gunners are looking to strengthen their squad depth, particularly in midfield, to compete both domestically and in Europe.
Arsenal’s ambitions have grown significantly under Arteta, with the club now considered a genuine title contender. However, the lack of squad depth has often hindered their ability to maintain consistency over a full season. The potential acquisitions of Guimarães and Zubimendi would go a long way in addressing these concerns.
Newcastle’s financial situation may also play a role in determining Guimarães’ future. With Financial Fair Play regulations in mind, the Magpies might be forced to make sales in the summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League. Arsenal’s proactive approach could see them take advantage of this situation and secure a deal at a reasonable price.
Meanwhile, convincing Real Sociedad to part ways with Zubimendi may prove more challenging. The Spanish midfielder has a release clause in his contract, reportedly set at €60 million, and Sociedad have been reluctant to negotiate below that figure. Arsenal’s pursuit will likely depend on their willingness to trigger the clause or find a compromise with the La Liga side.
Both Guimarães and Zubimendi offer different but complementary skill sets, and landing both would be a significant statement of intent from Arsenal. Their arrivals would not only bolster the squad but also provide Arteta with more tactical flexibility.
Arsenal fans will be eager to see how Berta navigates his first transfer window, as the Gunners continue to push for dominance in English and European football. His ability to secure top targets quickly and efficiently will be crucial in ensuring Arsenal remain competitive at the highest level.
With the summer transfer window approaching, all eyes will be on Arsenal and how they proceed with their pursuit of Guimarães and Zubimendi. If successful, these signings could be the foundation of a midfield that helps the Gunners challenge for major honors in the years to come.
Berta’s first moves as sporting director will undoubtedly shape the club’s trajectory, and his decision to target two elite midfielders indicates a clear vision for Arsenal’s future. Now, the club must act decisively to bring these plans to fruition and take a step closer to achieving their long-term ambitions.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly determined to force a move to Barcelona this summer.
The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January and has impressed with four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery, although a recent hamstring issue has kept him sidelined.
Villa hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million this summer, but they have yet to decide whether to trigger it—and they do not possess first refusal, meaning Manchester United could sell him elsewhere.
Rashford was heavily linked with Barcelona in January, but financial constraints scuppered a deal and opened the door for Villa.
Rashford ’looking to force’ Barcelona switch
Despite enjoying his spell in the West Midlands, Barcelona remain Rashford’s preferred destination.
According to Sport, his representatives have approached the Catalan giants about a potential loan move, though United would need to subsidise part of his £325,000‑a‑week wages—or Barcelona would have to agree to a significant pay cut on his behalf.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia and across the Premier League are also monitoring the situation, but Rashford has made it clear that he only wants to join Hansi Flick’s side.
Would Man United accept another loan deal?
Selling Rashford this summer would count as pure profit for United under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, thanks to his home‑grown status.
While United are keen to reinvest any funds raised, it’s hard to see them agreeing to another loan—especially one that leaves them covering part of his salary.
That said, they might contemplate a move with a mandatory purchase clause in 2026, giving them both short‑term flexibility and long‑term certainty.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
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