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Fluminense e Flamengo ficaram no empate em 0 a 0, em partida válida pela 15ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, no Maracanã. O jogo ficou marcado por diversas polêmicas de arbitragem, incluindo possíveis penalidades para ambas as equipes, além de gols anulados pelo VAR para os dois lados e mais de dez cartões amarelos.

Com o resultado, Flamengo e Fluminense se mantém no grupo de classificação para a Libertadores. O Rubro-Negro se manteve na vice-liderança, com 27 pontos, mas viu o Botafogo disparar de vez e abrir 12 de vantagem. O Tricolor, por sua vez, perdeu uma posição e caiu para quinto, com 25.

+ Veja a tabela completa do Campeonato Brasileiro

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CINCO LANCES QUE MARCARAM A PARTIDA

> CLÁSSICO É RIVALIDADE! O jogo começou bastante pegado no Maracanã, com muitas faltas e alguns cartões. Primeiro, Felipe Melo e Ganso foram advertidos e, depois, foi a vez de Everton Ribeiro. Ao todo, foram seis advertências na primeira etapa, sendo cinco para o Fluminense.

> ERROS NA SAÍDA! Tanto Flamengo quanto Fluminense gostam de sair jogando desde a defesa, mas isso causou sustos para ambos. O chutão, quando em perigo, também precisa ser bem-vindo.

> POLÊMICA! O Fluminense marcou um belo gol em contra-ataque fulminante com Jhon Arias, tocando no cantinho de Matheus Cunha, mas a jogada foi anulada pelo VAR. Depois da análise, Sávio Pereira Sampaio marcou falta em Everton Cebolinha. Difícil entender a arbitragem brasileira.

> MAIS UM GOL ANULADO! Foi a vez do Flamengo reclamar, por ter balançado as redes e ter o tento impugnado pelo VAR. Sávio Pereira Sampaio enxergou falta de Pablo na origem da jogada do gol de Gabigol.

> TEVE ATÉ EXPULSÃO! Depois dos gols anulados, o jogo ganhou contornos ainda mais quente, e o árbitro precisou sacar o cartão vermelho. Foi para Luiz Araújo, do Flamengo, em falta duríssima que tirou Marcelo da partida.

Como foi o primeiro tempo?

Apesar de franca, a etapa inicial foi marcada muito mais pelo jogo pegado entre as equipes do que por boas oportunidades. O Flamengo até chegou, com Wesley, Gerson e Gabi, enquanto o Fluminense teve chance com Germán Cano, mas foi só. Ao todo, foram sete cartões amarelos, sendo seis para os tricolores.

E a etapa final?

O segundo tempo seguiu a toada do primeiro e foi muito pegado, mas as equipes se lançaram ao ataque e tiveram mais oportunidades de marcar. Tanto Fluminense, quanto Flamengo, tiveram tentos anulados pela arbitragem por faltas na origem do lance. No fim, reclamações para os dois lados e empate sem gols.

+ Confira mais detalhes sobre a partida

O que vem por aí?

Agora, as duas equipes ficarão com a semana livre para treinar e focar no próximo desafio pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. O Flamengo enfrenta o América-MG, no sábado (22), às 16h (de Brasília), no Maracanã, enquanto o Fluminense encara o Coritiba na segunda-feira (24), fora de casa.

FICHA TÉCNICA
Campeonato Brasileiro 2023 – 15ª rodada
Fluminense 0 x 0 Flamengo

Data e hora:16 de julho de 2023, às 16h (de Brasília)
Local:Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Árbitro:Savio Pereira Sampaio (Fifa/DF)
Assistentes: Rafael da Silva Alves (Fifa/RS) e Leone Carvalho Rocha (GO)
VAR:Wagner Reway (Fifa/PB)
Público e renda: 62.354 presentes R$ 3.593.120,50 de renda

Cartões amarelos: Felipe Melo, André, Germán Cano, Pedro Rangel, Lima, John Kennedy e Paulo Henrique Ganso (FLU); Everton Ribeiro, André, Gabigol, Filipe Luís e Thiago Maia (FLA)
Cartões vermelhos: Luiz Araújo (FLA)

GOLS: –

FLUMINENSE (Técnico: Fernando Diniz)
Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Nino, Felipe Melo (John Kennedy, aos 52′ do 2ºT) e Marcelo (Felipe Andrade, aos 50′ do 2ºT); André, Martinelli (Lelê, no intervalo), Lima e Paulo Henrique Ganso (Leo Fernández, aos 25′ do 2ºT); Arias e Cano.

FLAMENGO (Técnico: Jorge Sampaoli)
Matheus Cunha; Wesley, David Luiz (Pablo, aos 34′ do 2ºT), Léo Pereira e Filipe Luís; Thiago Maia (Luiz Araújo, aos 20′ do 2ºT), Gerson, Arrascaeta (André, aos 34′ do 2ºT) e Everton Ribeiro; Cebolinha (Allan, aos 20′ do 2ºT) e Gabi

Jose Mourinho claims that he feels that he is a 'much better coach than before' as the Benfica boss prepares for a reunion with his former club Chelsea in the Champions League. After losing his job at Fenerbahce last month, Mourinho returned to his homeland to take charge of Benfica. Under the veteran coach, the Liga Portugal side have registered two wins and a draw thus far.

• Mourinho off to a bright start in Portugal

  Mourinho returned to Portugal to take up a coaching role after 21 years, as he joined Benfica, a club where he first started his managerial career 25 years ago. Benfica's journey under the 62-year-old has been smooth sailing as they have registered two wins and a draw in the Liga Portugal under the Special One.

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  'I feel like a much better coach than before'

  Looking back at his 25-year-long managerial career, the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid manager told UEFA: "A coach is born and dies with the same DNA; he doesn't have a choice. But as a person, there are differences. Maybe in the beginning, I thought more about myself, and I've transformed in a way where, I don't know, I feel more altruistic. I feel like I'm in football more to help my players than to think about what will happen to me in a year, two, or three. It's a natural change that doesn't distort me as a coach, but as a person, it gives me a different side.

  "I feel stronger, I feel like a much better coach than before. A coach is better with accumulated experience. There are matches in my career where I felt like I was the one who won. Because sometimes you have the right ideas, decisions, strategies, sometimes before the game, but other times during. But I've never felt like a genius. A provocateur, maybe a bit, but I've never felt like a genius or a devil."

• Mourinho ready for Chelsea reunion

  After a win over Gil Vincente in a league clash on Saturday, Mourinho is now gearing up to face his former team Chelsea as he will head back to his old stomping ground Stamford Bridge to face the Blues in the Champions League. 

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  Palmer blow for Chelsea

  Chelsea will approach the Benfica clash in the midweek without the services of their star player Cole Palmer, who has been ruled out of action for three matches due to a groin problem. 

Still on the hunt for reinforcements after confirming the arrival of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Everton have now reportedly made their first approach to sign a Serie A winger.

Latest on Jack Grealish to Everton

After Dewsbury-Hall, Everton seemingly returned straight to the transfer market in an attempt to land further upgrades. And the name that they have since stumbled upon is Jack Grealish. The Manchester City winger desperately needs to leave the Etihad and those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium could now provide him with the perfect opportunity to depart this month.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton have offered Manchester City a straight loan for Grealish without an option to buy. It’s a deal that would see them opt out of any mandatory fee, but also one that could see them miss out on a permanent deal for the winger in a frustrating blow if he rediscovered his best form in Merseyside.

Having already signed Dewsbury-Hall, Carlos Alcaraz and Thierno Barry, Grealish’s arrival would likely complete Everton’s much-needed attacking overhaul. Given that both the Chelsea midfielder and the Man City man would be from the Premier League’s top six, too, the Toffees’ summer would suddenly begin to look more and more impressive.

Welcoming Dewsbury-Hall after he put pen to paper, David Moyes told the club’s official website: “We are pleased that Kiernan has chosen to join Everton. He had other clubs interested in signing him but he was excited by the opportunity and the challenge at Everton.”

Everton make first approach to sign Gonzalez

With that said, as their search to complete their attacking overhaul continues, Grealish is not the only name on The Friedkin Group’s list. According to TuttoSport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton have now made their first approach to sign Nico Gonzalez from Juventus this summer. The Serie A winger has been granted his exit and it’s now the Toffees and Fulham who have made initial enquiries for his signature.

Like Grealish, the 27-year-old is already thinking about his World Cup place one year in advance and knows that game time will be key to ensuring that he’s in the squad for Argentina’s first defence of the trophy.

Minutes

1,750

721

Goals

3

1

Assists

2

1

Key Passes per 90

0.98

3

When compared, it’s easy to see why Gonzalez has found himself on Everton’s shortlist alongside Grealish. It is, however, also clear that Grealish is the standout option due to his creativity in possession.

He’d be Gueye 2.0: Everton closing in on move for "exciting" £22m star

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Despite earning praise from manager Igor Tudor for his “strong” desire and “great availability”, Gonzalez’s output compared to the minutes that he played last season do not make for pretty reading. On paper, the Argentine outscored Grealish, but if the latter enjoyed similar game time then it may well have been a different story.

When Liverpool smashed not just their own transfer record but the Premier League’s transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m, many associated with the Anfield club would be forgiven for thinking that was it.

Marc Guehi has been touted with a move around the £40m mark but another colossal spend was surely out of the question, right? Think again.

Anyone fancy Alexander Isak? Of course, you do. Every club in European football would love to see the Newcastle striker leading the line for them.

The trouble is, he’s rather unattainable. Every player has their price, but it feels unlikely Liverpool will make a bid of £150m, the fee the Magpies could be looking for if they are to enter negotiations.

That being said, reports have indicated in the last 24 hours that the Reds are reportedly willing to put £130m on the table. Talk about making a statement to your rivals.

Yet, with that deal looking incredibly difficult to do, they have turned their attention to Hugo Ekitike.

The latest on the Hugo Ekitike situation

On Monday, Newcastle burst into life, making Ekitike their number one target and thus beginning work on a move. That was according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

It has since been reported by Fabrizio Romano that the Toon have lodged an official bid to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt forward. Sadly for Newcastle, that was rejected. Frankfurt want more for their French superstar.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Ekitike has attracted the interest of plenty this summer, namely Manchester United and Chelsea. Yet, Liverpool are now at the table.

Romano reports that if they cannot prise Isak away from St James’ Park, then they will make a play for the Bundesliga superstar instead.

It’s a remarkable ultimatum on the face of it. Give us Isak or we’ll poach your leading transfer target instead. It’s older brother behaviour from one of Europe’s elite clubs. Who can blame them, either?

It’s a situation that could become quite messy, hence why Liverpool are looking at further alternatives to bolster their forward line.

Liverpool's Isak and Ekitike alternatives

According to the Daily Mail, FSG and Co have a number of strikers on their radar this summer, including the likes of Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen.

One of the more standout names is Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. Also a target for Tottenham Hotspur this summer, the report notes that Liverpool have been in talks with several centre-forwards, one of which is the Bees sensation.

The Reds are weighing up their options, alright, and could have to pay around £50m or even more to prise him away from London.

How Yoane Wissa compares to Hugo Ekitike

This summer we are likely to see Darwin Nunez depart Anfield on a permanent basis.

Once a club-record signing, it simply hasn’t happened for the Uruguayan in Liverpool colours, chiefly in 2024/25 when he scored just seven goals in 47 outings.

He’s a bundle of chaotic energy. Sometimes it’s good, but for the most part, it’s a negative trait. Few forwards in Europe’s top leagues miss as many big chances as him.

During 2023/24, Nunez missed 27 big chances in the Premier League, only second to Erling Haaland. On that basis, you may not think it’s a particularly negative stat. The trouble is, while Haaland missed plenty of chances, he was also burying them at regular intervals, notching 27 league goals that year. Nunez could only manage 11.

So, if Liverpool are to go out and buy a striker to replace Nunez this summer, they need a safe and proven pair of hands. Isak, of course, is the dream buy, but in Wissa, they’d sign a similar player, someone who’s already been there and done it in the English top-flight.

Ekitike has his positives, of course he does. He’s got rangy strides and plays in a similar manner to Isak, cutting inside and burying opportunities. You don’t score 22 goals as a 22-year-old in the Bundesliga without being a good player.

Wissa vs Ekitike: 2024/25 League
Stat (* = per game)	Wissa	Ekitike
Goals	19	15
Expected goals (xG)	18.59	21.67
Big chances missed	17	16
Assists	4	8
Shots off target *	0.7	1.2
Shots on target *	1.2	1.5
Conversion rate	20%	13%
Scoring frequency	154 mins	172 mins
Stats via Sofascore.

That said, much like Nunez, he’s still raw. You sense he needs a year or two learning from another frontman should he join a big club.

Wissa, however, is 28. He’s in his prime, he knows his game perfectly, and as a Premier League-proven forward, would surely hit the ground running right away. In the words of former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, he’s “unbelievable.”

The DR Congo international scored 20 goals in 39 matches in all competitions last term, the best campaign of his career to date and he’s improving at a rapid rate. He’s ready for a big move, he’s ready to take centre stage at one of the grandest clubs in Europe, notably scoring more regularly than Ekitike last term and registering a higher conversion rate.

If you still aren’t convinced, then perhaps data-led website, FBRef, can help you out. According to the numbers, Isak was the sixth-most similar striker in the Premier League to Wissa last season. The most comparable was Kai Havertz.

What that tells us is that Wissa doesn’t just possess the carrying ability of someone like Isak, but he’s also strong in the duel. Let’s put it this way: his game feels more refined than Ekitike’s at this moment in time.

The French youngster would not be a bad signing but if Liverpool desire someone a little less chaotic, someone less raw than Nunez, Wissa is your man. He’d also be a great deal cheaper. What’s not to like?

Better than Wirtz: Liverpool preparing £113m bid to sign superstar winger

Liverpool could sign another marquee player this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 15, 2025

Heung-min Son’s decade at Tottenham Hotspur will be coming to an end in the coming days, after he confirmed he will be departing the club this summer.

The South Korean international has registered a staggering 454 appearances for the club, scoring on 173 occasions, after joining from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2015.

However, ultimately, the time has come for a new challenge for the 33-year-old, looking set to move to the MLS and link up with former teammate Hugo Lloris at LAFC.

It appears to be the perfect time to leave the Lilywhites for the forward, departing after helping the side end their 17-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League at the end of May.

There’s no denying that the winger will go down as one of the best players to ever wear the shirt, but his pending departure now leaves Thomas Frank with a huge task to replace him before the end of the window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Attackers have been the priority for Frank already this summer, as seen by Spurs’ move to sign Mohammed Kudus in a £55m deal from West Ham United.

However, other options are still being considered, with Arnaud Kalimuendo and Matias Soule also being considered before the September 1st transfer deadline.

The pair are just one of multiple options currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo another player they’ve considered, according to AS via Sport Witness.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites have already made contact with the Spanish giants over a move for the Brazilian, who’s been allowed to depart the club this summer.

It also states that it would take a pretty penny to agree a move for the 24-year-old, with Xabi Alonso’s side currently wanting a fee of over £80m to part ways with the attacker this window.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be the dream Son replacement

Replacing a player of Son’s quality will be extremely difficult for Spurs this summer, with the board needing to back Frank to land a suitable replacement.

The 33-year-old has undoubtedly made himself a fan favourite during his decade in North London, producing countless moments of magic during his spell at the club.

From his superb solo effort against Burnley to his outrageous long-range strike against Arsenal in 2020/21, he’s managed to get the supporters off their seats on a consistent basis.

However, there’s no denying that age has taken its toll in recent months, scoring just seven league goals, which has led to his pending departure from the club this window.

Whilst losing him this summer will be a big loss, a move for Rodrygo would massively soften the blow, with the Brazilian able to fill the void left by the South Korean international.

When delving into his stats last season, he showcased he is capable of thriving at the top level, which could see him be the perfect addition for the Lilywhites this summer.

Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed to register 24 combined goals or assists across all competitions last season – a tally higher than that of Son from 2024/25.

Rodrygo’s stats for Real Madrid in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

30

Goals & assists

11

Pass accuracy

91%

Progressive passes

5.1

Progressive carries

5.3

Successful take-ons

2.3

Shot on target accuracy

50%

Key passes made

1.6

Stats via FBref

He also managed to register 5.1 progressive passes and 5.3 progressive carries per 90, having the tools to constantly get the ball into forward areas and hand the side an added threat in the final third.

The Brazilian’s excellence within attacking areas is further highlighted by his tally of 2.3 successful take-ons per 90, with such numbers showcasing his ability to glide past the opposition – something which Son has demonstrated many times in North London.

Although Rodrygo would be an expensive signing this summer, it would be a deal that would allow Frank to fill the void vacated by the South Korean for many years to come.

It would be a phenomenal addition, especially considering his performance level at the pinnacle of European football, something which will be vital if the club are to be successful in the near future.

Related A bigger coup than Palhinha: Spurs make contact for "incredible" £50m star

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Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 3, 2025

Leeds United have now submitted a £11m offer for a midfielder, who would be a “real coup” for the 49ers this summer, it has been revealed.

Farke looking to bolster Leeds options in all areas

With last season’s three promoted sides suffering instant relegation from the Premier League, the 49ers will be well-aware of the need to improve Daniel Farke’s squad this summer, and they have been very active in the opening stages of the transfer window.

Sebastiaan Bornauw became the third summer signing on Tuesday, with the centre-back arriving from Wolfsburg on a four-year deal, while the arrivals of fellow defender Jaka Bijol and forward Lukas Nmecha have already been confirmed.

As such, the only outfield position which is yet to be strengthened is midfield, but Leeds aren’t short of potential options, having made approaches for a number of players from Ligue 1 and the Serie A.

Player	Current club	Position	Potential price tag
Mahdi Camara	Brest	CM	£13m
Douglas Luiz	Juventus	DM	£34m
Himad Abdelli	Angers	AM	£12m

Habib Diarra was seemingly one of the newly-promoted side’s main targets, with a £22m bid being rejected by Strasbourg prior to the maestro’s move to Sunderland, but they now appear to have moved on to a like-for-like alternative option.

Indeed, according to a report from Sudinfo, Leeds have now submitted a €13m (£11m) bid for Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder Noah Sadiki, with fellow Premier League side Brentford offering €15m (£13m), but neither proposal is viewed as good enough by the Belgian side.

Leeds in talks to sign £42m star who could push for Elland Road move in days

The Whites have lodged an enquiry over a “world-class” player, who could look to seal a move to west Yorkshire very soon.

4

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 1, 2025

Union Saint-Gilloise have set an asking price of €20m (£17m), which is justified by the youngster’s age, given that he is still only 20-years-old, as well as the fact he remains under contract with the Belgian champions until 2027.

However, since this update, it has been reported that fellow promoted side Sunderland are set to sign Sadiki for €17m plus €3m in add-ons.

"Artisan" Sadiki "would be a coup" for the 49ers

As things stand, the two clubs remain some way apart in their valuation of the midfielder, but there are some indications that Leeds should look to return with an improved offer, with Sebastian Stafford-Bloor singling him out for particularly high praise.

The Athletic reporter said: “He’s a sturdy, dependable ball-winner, but an artisan in possession with a cultured passing range.

“Leeds United have shown interest — signing Sadiki would be a coup for a newly-promoted team.”

The DR Congo international also played a major role in Union Saint-Gilloise winning their first league title in 90 years last season, making a total of 55 appearances in all competitions, which is an impressive feat at just 20-years-old.

As such, Sadiki could now be ready to test himself at a higher level, but it would be a risk for Leeds to sign the young midfielder when Douglas Luiz is also an option, with the Juventus man having already proven himself in the Premier League during his time with Aston Villa.

Wes Agar has been forced to cut short his 2024 season at Kent after sustaining a shoulder injury in their County Championship match against Worcestershire in the second week of May.Though Agar recovered sufficiently enough to play against Essex at the end of last month, the decision has been taken for the fast bowler to return to Australia to facilitate a full recovery. Agar, who has two ODI caps, was originally due to be at Canterbury until the end of July, available for both the County Championship and the Vitality Blast. He leaves having not appeared in the latter this summer.The loss of the South Australian was softened by confirmation that Agar will return for the 2025 season, again on an all-format deal running from April to July, subject to regulatory approval. Agar took 12 County Championship wickets at 34.25 this season, having taken 21 at 28.33 during his first stint at the club in 2023, which saw him finish the campaign as their joint-leading wicket-taker alongside Matt Quinn, despite playing just six matches.”I’m thrilled to be coming back to my ‘home away from home’ again next year,” said Agar in a statement on Tuesday. “I feel fully part of the Kent Cricket Family now – it’s a great Club full of great people on and off the field and the decision to sign on again for another English summer was an easy one to make. I can’t wait to pull on that Kent shirt again and perform in front of our Members and supporters in 2025.”I’m gutted to be leaving the lads early this time, and I’ve absolutely loved my time in Canterbury this year. See you all in April!”Kent’s Director of Cricket, Simon Cook, said: “Wes is a talented multi-format cricketer and a very popular member of our dressing room – we’re extremely pleased that he will be joining us again next Summer.”His ethos and work ethic is great to have around the place, and we’re looking forward to him being an important part of our attack at the front end of our 2025 season. It’s sad to see him leave early with his shoulder injury, but we know that he will come back with the same enthusiasm to perform at his best in a Kent shirt next year.”Agar’s recovery will be with a view to playing a full part in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield campaign. He will then turn out for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, having left Adelaide Strikers after eight seasons as the first player in the BBL to be traded as part of a pick exchange in the overseas draft.

Sunderland have now made an approach to sign an international defender who has 25 Champions League appearances to his name, reporter Ben Jacobs has revealed.

Black Cats set to have money to spend after Bellingham sale

Despite the Black Cats securing promotion to the Premier League in dramatic fashion at Wembley, Jobe Bellingham decided to forge a similar path to his brother by opting to move to Borussia Dortmund, in what was a club-record £32m deal.

The departure will no doubt be disappointing for Regis Le Bris, given that the 19-year-old was a crucial player last season, making 43 appearances in all competitions, but there should now be additional funds to bring in a suitable replacement this summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Tommy Doyle is one of the players who has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Bellingham, but central midfield is not the only area in which Le Bris is looking to strengthen, having also set his sights on a new left-back.

Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno was identified as a potential target earlier this week, following the Spaniard’s return from a loan spell with Nottingham Forest, and Sunderland have now made an approach to sign a different left-back, namely Atletico Madrid’s Reinildo.

That is according to Jacobs, who took to X to reveal that a number of clubs have come forward to sign the Atletico defender, with Leeds United and Forest making approaches of their own, while clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey also retain an interest.

Sky Sports: Sunderland now in direct contact to sign £17m Ligue 1 forward

The Black Cats are looking to continue their summer business.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 10, 2025

The 31-year-old’s contract is set to expire after the upcoming Club World Cup, potentially opening the door for a move to the Stadium of Light, and given that he currently earns around £13k-a-week, wages shouldn’t be too much of an issue either.

"Talented" Reinildo needs to leave Atletico this summer

The Beira-born defender is still at an age where he should be playing regular first-team football, but that has not been the case at Atletico Madrid for quite some time, having been benched for all of the Spanish side’s La Liga games since the end of March.

As such, the Mozambique international needs to move on this summer, and the Stadium of Light could be an attractive destination, given that the Black Cats have returned to the Premier League.

There are also some indications the left-back could be a savvy signing on a free transfer, considering Le Bris would be bringing in a player with a lot of experience at the top level, having made a total of 25 appearances in the Champions League.

Once described as a “talented” player by Zach Lowy, Reinildo could be a solid addition to the Sunderland squad this summer, but there may be some justified concerns that he is now past his best, given that Atletico were willing to let his contract run down.

There is no getting away from it: this season has been one big disappointment after another for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side crashed out of both domestic cups, couldn’t get past Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and are so far behind Liverpool in the Premier League that it would be hard to say they were even in a title race.

However, while this has not been a campaign to remember for the North Londoners, there have at least been a few positives, such as the form of Declan Rice.

The Englishman has been one of the team’s best players and currently has a tally of 18 goal involvements in 50 games, so fans should be excited about recent reports linking the club to someone who could be their next Rice.

Arsenal's hunt for a new midfielder

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth reviewing some of the other midfielders linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Martin Zubimendi and Hugo Larsson.

Transfer Focus

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The former’s proposed £51m move to the Emirates actually got the ‘here we go’ treatment from Fabrizio Romano on Saturday morning, and with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente previously describing him as one of the “best central midfielders in the world,” fans should be excited.

Interestingly, Larsson would also reportedly cost just as much this summer, but as he’s still just 20 years old, his move would likely be one for the future, and if Arteta and Co want to sign an up-and-coming central midfielder, they’d be better served acting on their supposed interest in Adam Wharton.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides keen on the Crystal Palace star.

Alongside the Gunners, the report revealed that Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are interested in the young Englishman.

A potential price tag is not mentioned in the story, but another report from earlier this month claimed that it would take a massive fee of around £80m to get the midfielder out of Selhurst Park this summer.

It would be an incredibly complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Wharton’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be their next Rice.

Why Wharton could be Arsenal's new Rice

The first thing to say is that we aren’t claiming Wharton is on the same level as Rice at the moment, but there are enough similarities to suggest he could develop into someone just as brilliant.

One of the key similarities is their position and style of play, as, just like the Arsenal star, the young Palace ace started his career and primarily still plays in defensive midfield but is now incredibly influencing things at the sharp end of the pitch while maintaining his defensive output.

For example, FBref has placed him in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for ball recoveries, the top 7% for progressive passes, shot-creating actions and dribblers challenged, the top 10% for crosses into the penalty area, the top 11% for expected assisted goals, the top 12% for goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Wharton’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Ball Recoveries

6.73

Top 6%

Progressive Passes

7.76

Top 7%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.91

Top 7%

Dribbles Challenged

2.95

Top 7%

Crosses into Penalty Area

0.32

Top 10%

Inswinging Corner Kicks

1.22

Top 10%

Expected Assisted Goals

0.19

Top 11%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

Top 12%

Key Passes

1.67

Top 14%

Passes into Penalty Area

1.28

Top 14%

All Stats via FBref

On top of that, just like the former West Ham United captain, the young “generational talent,” as dubbed by members of the media, would be moving to the club from a fellow London-based Premier League side in Palace.

Finally, just like the Gunners’ number 41, the up-and-coming Eagles star earned his first England cap at 20 years old and under the management of Gareth Southgate.

Ultimately, while Wharton still has a lot of developing to do, he already looks like a special player, and if Arsenal have a chance to sign him, they should take it, as they may just be getting another Rice in the making.

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With the summer transfer window approaching, Aston Villa now reportedly lead the race to sign a Champions League striker who would cost them just over £33m in the coming months.

Aston Villa set to finally replace Duran

If those in the Midland believed that Unai Emery’s attacking options were too good to be true at the start of the season then they were quickly proven right in the January transfer window. The Villans were spoilt for choice with both Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran – both of whom were in excellent form in the opening stages of the season – but it was not a luxury that the latter appreciated.

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Often forced to perform in cameo roles as Emery’s super sub, Duran headed for the exit door in January, swapping the Midlands for Saudi Arabia and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr side. And whilst since then Marco Asensio has joined Marcus Rashford to add more firepower to their frontline, Villa need a permanent solution away from their loan deals.

With money still to burn from Duran’s sale, a fresh attacking option could be on the cards given recent links to previous target Joao Felix and now another Serie A star.

According to TeamTalk, Aston Villa are now leading the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus this summer ahead of their Premier League rivals. The Serbian striker has gradually fallen down the pecking order in Turn and new manager Igor Tudor has now reportedly been told to hand him game time in an attempt to maximise his value.

As things stand, Vlahovic is worth just €40m (£33.5m) in what would hand Villa the chance to land an undeniable bargain. Emery has already helped both Asensio and Rashford rediscover their best form and could now take a gamble on Vlahovic before doing the same next season.

"Amazing" Vlahovic needs Aston Villa move

Villa Park is the place to be for struggling stars to rediscover their golden touch and that may not be any different for Vlahovic. It’s worth noting that, even amid criticism as Juventus, the Serbia international has still scored 14 goals in all competitions in a record that could only improve given that he’s just 25 years old.

It wasn’t so long ago that the forward found himself at the centre of praise either, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig describing the Juventus man as “simply an amazing centre-forward when fully fit” midway through last season.

Juventus already made one mistake by letting Dean Huijsen leave for the Premier League last summer, before watching the defender thrive at Bournemouth. Now, a year on, Villa could take full advantage of their exit door swinging open once again as Vlahovic desperately seeks the chance to get back to his best.