Sports
Arsenal ready €100m Osimhen bid
Victor Osimhen looks set for a potential move to Arsenal, with reports from Italian journalist Ciro Venerato indicating that the Premier League club is preparing a €100 million bid for the Nigerian striker. This offer is €30 million short of the release clause recently set by Napoli in his contract.
Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has stated that bids below the release clause will not be entertained. Arsenal’s proposed bid of €100m (£85m) aims to negotiate a deal below the clause, which would still be close to Arsenal’s transfer record of £105 million for Declan Rice last summer. Venerato commented, “Arsenal will now try with the Nigerian [who dreams of the Premier League], but not by paying the onerous amount of the clause, but a lower sum. Napoli will have to evaluate the pros and cons.”
Arsenal initially targeted RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who has committed to staying at Leipzig for another year, prompting Arsenal to seek other options. Their focus also includes Girona’s Artem Dovbyk, the top scorer in La Liga last season with 24 goals. However, there are indications of a high-profile signing on the horizon, with Osimhen as the prime candidate.
Osimhen, who has expressed his desire for a Premier League challenge, scored 26 league goals in the 2022-23 season, leading Napoli to their first Serie A title since 1990. His ambition and proven track record make him a valuable prospect for Arsenal.
The Gunners are not alone in their pursuit; Chelsea and PSG have also shown interest, particularly PSG as they seek a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who has joined Real Madrid.
At 25, Osimhen is entering his prime and has demonstrated his ability to drive a team to success. His potential arrival could be the key for Arsenal to challenge Manchester City and end their two-decade wait for a Premier League title.
However, this move carries significant risks. The financial investment is substantial, and if Osimhen fails to adapt to the Premier League or if the deal falls through, Arsenal could face challenges. With competition from clubs like Chelsea and PSG, Arsenal must act swiftly and decisively.
Channel Nine and presenter Tony Jones have issued public apologies to Novak Djokovic following remarks made during live coverage of the Australian Open that the tennis champion found “insulting and offensive.”
During a live broadcast on Friday, Jones directed comments toward Djokovic fans, saying, “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out.” Djokovic refused to participate in the customary post-match interview after his fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday, citing Channel Nine’s role as tournament broadcasters.
Djokovic called the remarks disrespectful to him and his Serbian fans, stating, “It was a very awkward situation for me.”
Jones addressed the incident during Channel Nine’s Monday broadcast, expressing regret and labeling his comments as “banter and humor” that were misinterpreted.
“I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology 48 hours ago,” Jones said. “I feel I’ve let down Serbian fans and Novak. The ‘kick him out’ comment, which Novak connected to his 2022 deportation, was overstepping the mark.”
He added that he had offered to meet Djokovic in person to apologize and hoped the meeting could happen soon.
Channel Nine also issued a statement, emphasizing that “no harm was intended towards Novak or his fans.” However, the Serbian Council of Australia condemned the remarks as “offensive, racist, and inciting discrimination against Australian-Serbs” and called for Jones to be removed from his role.
Tennis Australia confirmed that Djokovic had acknowledged the public apology and was focusing on his next match. “Novak is moving on and concentrating on his performance,” the organization said.
Emma Raducanu endured a crushing defeat at the hands of second seed Iga Swiatek in the third round of the Australian Open. The match, held on Rod Laver Arena, saw Swiatek deliver a commanding performance, winning 6-1, 6-0 in just 70 minutes.
Raducanu, ranked 61 in the world, struggled throughout the match, losing her serve five times. The result marked one of the heaviest losses of her career, equaling her 6-0, 6-1 defeat to Elena Rybakina in Sydney three years ago.
“She played very well, but I also think I didn’t play very well. It’s just not a great combination,” Raducanu, 22, reflected after the match.
The 23-year-old Polish star, a five-time Grand Slam champion, continued her dominant form in Melbourne. Swiatek has yet to drop a set or a service game in the tournament, sending a strong message to her competitors as she aims for her first Australian Open title.
“If a top player is playing perfect, it’s already going to be a difficult match,” Raducanu admitted.
For Swiatek, the victory bolsters her confidence as she advances deeper into the tournament, her sights set on surpassing her previous best finish at Melbourne, the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Raducanu will seek to regroup and build on her experience in future competitions.
Novak Djokovic made history at the Australian Open, surpassing Roger Federer’s record for the most major singles matches played in tennis history. The 37-year-old Serbian star achieved the milestone with a hard-fought win against qualifier Jaime Faria, triumphing 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the tournament’s third round.
With his 430th Grand Slam singles match, Djokovic now holds the all-time record for the most Grand Slam matches played by any tennis player, male or female. He overtakes Federer, whose last Grand Slam match was at Wimbledon in 2021, solidifying his place in tennis history.
Reflecting on his achievement, Djokovic expressed gratitude and passion for the sport:
“I love this sport. I love competition. I try to give my best every single time. It’s been over 20 years that I’ve been competing in Grand Slams at the highest level. Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court. I’m just blessed to be making another record.”
The victory adds another chapter to Djokovic’s illustrious career, as he continues to push the boundaries of excellence in tennis. With his relentless drive and unmatched consistency, Djokovic remains a dominant force on the court and a source of inspiration to fans around the world.
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