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.
Sports
Jack Draper Advances to Japan Open Last 16 with Win Over Bellucci
British tennis player Jack Draper has secured a spot in the Japan Open last 16 after defeating Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in straight sets. Draper, ranked world number 20, claimed a 6-4, 6-2 victory, marking his first win since his US Open semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner earlier this month.
The 22-year-old’s triumph in Tokyo comes as a welcome return to form following a challenging Davis Cup in Manchester, where he lost both of his singles matches to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, contributing to Great Britain’s failure to reach the knockout stages.
After a tightly contested first set against world number 103 Bellucci, Draper dominated the second set, building a 5-1 lead before closing out the match. He will face Polish second seed Hubert Hurkacz in the next round on Friday.
Sports
Wolves Defender Yerson Mosquera Likely Out for Season with Knee Injury
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Yerson Mosquera is expected to miss the remainder of the season following a serious knee injury sustained in Wolves’ 3-1 loss to Aston Villa. The 23-year-old Colombian twisted his knee after a collision with Villa’s Morgan Rogers in the 82nd minute and was stretchered off the pitch.
Scans confirmed that Mosquera suffered damage to both the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which will require surgery. Wolves’ head of high performance, Phil Hayward, said, “We will be visiting specialists to finalise the plan for surgery, and it’s highly unlikely he will feature again this season.”
Mosquera had been a key part of Wolves’ defense this season, starting all five Premier League games after returning from a loan spell at Villarreal. His absence further deepens Wolves’ defensive issues, as they did not secure a replacement for Max Kilman following his £40m move to West Ham.
Wolves, currently winless and sitting at the bottom of the Premier League, face Liverpool at home in their next match.
Sports
Ex-Real Madrid & Manchester United Defender Raphael Varane Retires at 31
Raphael Varane, former defender for Real Madrid, Manchester United, and the French national team, has retired from professional football at the age of 31. Varane, who joined Italian side Como in July, sustained a knee injury on his debut, prompting his decision to step away from playing. He will remain at Como in a non-playing capacity.
In an emotional Instagram post, Varane wrote, “It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct,” explaining his desire to leave the sport on his own terms.
Varane began his career at Lens before a decade-long stint at Real Madrid, where he won 18 major trophies, including three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. He later joined Manchester United in 2021, making 95 appearances and winning the Carabao Cup in 2022.
Internationally, Varane earned 93 caps for France, winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League. Reflecting on his career, Varane expressed pride in both his achievements and staying true to his values.
He hinted at future projects with Como, adding, “Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.” Varane has also been vocal about the dangers of head injuries in football, having played through concussions during his career, and he has called for better protection for players.
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