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Pep Guardiola reveals Man City’s stance on signing ‘extraordinary’ Arsenal target

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Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Manchester City are no longer pursuing Joan Garcia, the Espanyol goalkeeper who has attracted attention from several top European clubs.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper, valued at around £21 million, has been linked with Arsenal and City following a standout season that earned him a spot in the La Liga Team of the Season.

Arsenal and City are both expected to be active in the transfer market this summer as they look to bounce back from seasons without silverware and challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title.

Arsenal appear close to finalizing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and are also targeting a new striker, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres among the names being considered.

City, meanwhile, are focusing on offloading players, with Kevin De Bruyne reportedly on the verge of a move to Napoli, and doubts surrounding the futures of Jack Grealish and James McAtee.

Joan Garcia had emerged as a potential signing for City amid uncertainty surrounding Ederson and Stefan Ortega, both of whom are out of contract next summer.

Ederson has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, which led to speculation that City might move for Garcia. However, Guardiola has now poured cold water on those rumors. Speaking during a golf event in Catalonia, the City manager emphasized that the club is sticking with its current goalkeepers.

He acknowledged Garcia’s talent, calling him an excellent player, but dismissed the idea of a transfer, noting that City are frequently linked with a wide range of players each window.

Garcia himself has remained tight-lipped about his future. In an interview following Catalonia’s 2-0 win over Costa Rica in May, he said he was relaxed about the situation and that any move would need to make sense for both him and Espanyol.

While he didn’t rule out a transfer, he made it clear that nothing was imminent and that he was focused on recovery and personal reflection.

With City stepping back from the race, Arsenal now appear to be in a strong position to land Garcia, having shown interest in the goalkeeper during the previous transfer window.

Mikel Arteta has been looking to bring in competition for David Raya, and Garcia would be a fitting addition. However, Arsenal may face a fresh hurdle as reports indicate that Barcelona are now leading the chase, having reportedly agreed personal terms with Garcia and showing willingness to activate his €25 million release clause.

New Barça boss Hansi Flick reportedly sees Garcia as the long-term replacement for Marc-Andre ter Stegen and wants him to challenge for the No. 1 shirt immediately.

Though some sources suggest that the deal with Barcelona is all but done, others believe Arsenal still have a shot at convincing the player, as he has yet to make a final decision on his future. The coming weeks will likely determine whether Garcia heads to the Premier League or stays in Spain to join one of La Liga’s biggest clubs.

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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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.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

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.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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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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