‘We value Victor where we value him' – Stephen Bradley says Rovers ‘down the line' with record deal for in-demand teen Ozhianvuna
And the future of Hoops star Victor Ozhianvuna is close to being agreed as manager Stephen Bradley says the club are 'down the line' in terms of an agreement with a foreign club – believed to be Arsenal – in a deal which would shatter the League of Ireland record fee of €1.9m set by Mason Melia's sale to Tottenham.
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RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Mikel Arteta defends Arsenal's handling of Thomas Partey departure
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has backed the club's handling of former midfielder Thomas Partey's departure, following the arrest of the 32-year-old on suspicion of rape and sexual assault. Partey left the Emirates at the end of June after he was not offered a new contract by the club, days before he was charged by police for the alleged offences which took place between 2021 and 2022. He is due to appear before magistrates on 5 August. Partey denies all the charges against him. The club released a statement on 4 July, the day of Partey's arrest, saying: "The player's contract ended on 30 June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case." Asked on the club's pre-season tour of Singapore whether the allegations and impending police action formed part of the decision not to renew the Ghana international's contract, Arteta said: "The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that." Asked whether he felt confident the club had followed the proper processes, he said: "100%, yes." The Gunners continue to be linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres who scored 54 goals in all competitions last season. Arteta's side suffered last season from a lack of options in attack with injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz meaning midfielder Mikel Merino was pressed into service as emergency for part of the campaign. On the club's hopes of signing Sweden international Gyokeres, Arteta said: "I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player we will do that. "There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. "We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them and I'm very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days." Arsenal are in the Far East for three fixtures against AC Milan, Newcastle and Tottenham over the coming 10 days ahead of the new Premier League season which begins on August 15. They have made four summer signings so far as they look to end a run of three consecutive runners-up finishes and end a 22-year wait for the title with 26-year-old midfielder Martin Zubimendi the star buy so far at £55million.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Arteta drops huge Gyokeres HINT, Eze latest updates, Noni Madueke ANNOUNCED
ARSENAL have a huge summer of change on their hands - and many big deals are in the pipeline. Advertisement In other news, the Gunners have also agreed a £16.5m deal for Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will go head-to-head with Arsenal in the race to sign Follow ALL of the latest news, rumours and transfer updates from the Emirates below... By Arteta on bedding in new players Mikel Arteta has said he would have liked to have had all of his new singings through the door before Arsenal jetted out to Singapore for their pre-season tour. He said: "Ideally you want it from day one in pre-season. I think we have done very well so far, I'm very pleased with how the club has supported the necessities and improvements that we required in the team. "I think Andrea and the team has done an excellent job as well trying to push everything forward." Hinting that the Gunners' work in the market isn't over yet, he continued: "There's a long time to go in the window but we have still our hopes we can improve the team and we will continue to try and do that." Copy link Copied By Gunners launch new kit Arsenal have unveiled their new away kit for the 2025/26 season. The Gunners will sport a dark blue number with red trim and a lightning bolt design when they're on the road. Copy link Copied By Arteta pushed for bigger spend According to the Independent, Mikel Arteta has successfully argued to push the budget out for Arsenal this summer. It's claimed that the ownership, Stan and Josh Kroenke, would rather stay responsible and avoid any concern for potential PSR breaches. But Arteta has worked his magic to allow the club to splash out on some of the best talent on the market this summer. Copy link Copied By Real Madrid still keen on Saliba French outlet L'Equipe have claimed that Real Madrid are still keeping an eye on William Saliba in the hopes of signing the star in the future. Arsenal fans who had been worried that the Frenchman might jump ship were comforted by Madrid's capture of Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen earlier in the window - seemingly putting to bed their interest in Saliba. But it's claimed that Madrid are still keen on Saliba, whose current terms expire in 2027. Arsenal are thought to be trying to tie the 24-year-old down to a new long-term deal as they did with his defensive partner Gabriel Magalhaes earlier this summer. Copy link Copied By Gyokeres hint? Mikel Arteta seemingly hinted that a deal for Viktor Gyokeres could get over the line soon. When quizzed about the striker Arteta claimed he "cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet". However, probed about if any new faces could be flown out to join the squad in Singapore, he appeared to hint that negotiations with Gyokeres are close to done. Her added: "There are a lot of parties and things that we have to bear in mind to get a player over the line and here. I'm very hopeful that we are going to do it very soon." Copy link Copied By Gabriel back from injury Gabriel Magalhaes has returned from his injury that kept him out of the final part of the season last term. Gabriel was ruled out of huge clashes with PSG and Real Madrid because of hamstring issue, but Mikel Arteta has revealed that the Brazilian is back playing and took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford last week. Arteta said: "He played 45 minutes against Watford on Saturday, he looks in good shape, William Saliba as well. "We missed a lot of players at the end of the season but they all look to be in the right direction & to be fit.' Copy link Copied By Arteta on Chelsea business Mikel Arteta has explained why he and his transfer team so often dip into Chelsea's talent pool when shopping for new players. Arteta has bought six players from the Blues since taking over at the Emirates, including this summer's acquisitions Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Asked the club regularly signs Chelsea stars, he explained: "Probably because they have some great players and A LOT of players. "But, yeah, we try to focus on the players that we want to sign regardless of the club that they are in." Copy link Copied By Sporting to land Gyokeres replacement Viktor Gyokeres' prolonged negotiations to join Arsenal could soon be coming to an end. That's because Fabrizio Romano claims that talks between Sporting and Almeria for the signing of his replacement, Luis Suarez, have accelerated. It's claimed that an agreement is close and the final details of the deal are expected to be sorted this week. Should Suarez seal his switch to the Portuguese giants then Arsenal may finally be able to push their transfer for Gyokeres over the line. Copy link Copied By Gunners scrap first tour training session Jordan Davies writes from Singapore: Arsenal were forced to reschedule the first training session of their pre-season tour of Singapore due to THUNDERSTORMS . The Gunners landed in Singapore on Sunday afternoon ahead of clashes against AC Milan and Newcastle this week before flying out to Hong Kong to take on Tottenham. Boss Arteta had hoped to get straight to work on Monday morning before holding a press conference to preview the Milan game. But a huge downpour – which included thunder and lightning – scuppered those plans, with training instead moved to the afternoon ahead of the club's launch of their away kit later today. Arteta explained in his presser: 'With the weather we were unable to train today. 'We have to adapt to those situations. We are very excited to have a successful tour.' Copy link Copied By Arteta coy on Gyokeres Mikel Arteta was typically coy when asked about the potential signing of Viktor Gyokeres, opting now to divulge any information about the striker. I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player we will do that. Mikel Arteta Copy link Copied By Arteta wants more signings Mikel Arteta has said that his side are still "short" of numbers despite already making a host of new signings this summer. Speaking at his press conference in Singapore ahead of the Gunners' pre-season tour, he said: "There's still a long time in the window. and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers. 'We are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. 'Ideally you want it from day one in pre-season. We have done very well so far, I'm very pleased with how the club has supported the improvements that we required in the team." Adding: 'There's a long time to go in the window but we still have hopes we can improve the team and we will continue to try and do that." Copy link Copied By Xhaka's England comeback Granit Xhaka could be heading back to England. That's with new boys Sunderland interested. The midfielder is ready to leave Leverkusen following Erik ten Hag's arrival. Sunderland are making big moves to avoid relegation and Xhaka would be a key player if he joins. Copy link Copied By Nelson wanted by Fulham Reiss Nelson could head back to Fulham. The winger impressed on loan at Craven Cottage. Now, Marco Silva wants to sign him again on a temporary deal. But Arsenal would prefer a permanent sale and could hold out for more interest. Copy link Copied By Simons monitored again Arsenal could reignite interest in Xavi Simons. The midfielder wants to quit RB Leipzig. And Arsenal, who have tracked him for several years, could finally make a move. However, Chelsea are also keen and could move first. Copy link Copied By Mosquera's final words to Valencia Cristhian Mosquera has confirmed his Arsenal move. The ace said: "Valencia is my home and it always will be. "I arrived when I was 12, and now I'm leaving as a grown man, a little sad because you've been here your whole life, but decisions in football are like that. "Now a new era begins. It's exciting, but it's also sad." Copy link Copied By Look right here Arsenal are weighing up a move for Ademola Lookman. The Atalanta star has emerged as an alternative to Eberechi Eze. It's reckoned he's available for just over £43million. But Lookman has already agreed personal terms with Inter Milan, dealing a blow to the Gunners. Copy link Copied By Sesko transfer hope Benjamin Sesko is open to joining Man Utd. That's a blow to Arsenal, who have been monitoring the striker as an alternative to Viktor Gyokeres. Sesko is ready to play in England and reckons he could do a job at the Traff. But RB Leipzig are likely to demand a massive fee in the region of £80million. Copy link Copied By Rodrygo mulls Arsenal move Rodrygo is considering a move to Arsenal as he mulls his future. The Brazilian reportedly understands he has dropped down the pecking order at Real Madrid. But he is desperate for first-team minutes this season. And Rodrygo may be open to joining Arsenal should an offer arrive. Copy link Copied By Madueke reveals Ronaldo link Noni Madueke has left Arsenal fans excited by admitting his idol is Cristiano Ronaldo. The winger has joined the Gunners in a £52m deal from Chelsea. He said: "The person that made me want to play football was Cristiano Ronaldo when he was playing for Manchester United. "He was my idol. I grew up watching him." Copy link Copied By Hey big spenders It's been an unusual summer for Arsenal, as they have splashed out £120million on new signings. And there are more to follow! Check out all confirmed deals below... IN Noni Madueke – £52m Kepa Arrizabalaga – £5m Christian Norgaard – £15m Martin Zubimendi – £51m OUT Thomas Partey – Free transfer Jorginho – Free transfer Kieran Tierney – Free transfer Nuno Taveres – £5m Copy link Copied By Mosquera deal immiment Cristhian Mosquera will join Arsenal imminently after bidding farewell to Valencia. Reports in Spain claim the defender has said his goodbyes to teammates. And he will soon sign for Arsenal in a £13million deal. It will leave the Gunners free to focus on Viktor Gyokeres, although they are still in the hunt for Eberechi Eze too. Copy link Copied By Gabriel talks up Gyokeres Gabriel Magalhaes has talked up an impending Arsenal switch for Viktor Gyokeres. The striker has agreed to join the Gunners on a five-year deal. But Sporting Lisbon are yet to accept Arsenal's offer of around £60million. Gabriel said: 'We all know [Gyokeres] is a great player. Playing against him last year was a challenge, he is great and had a great season." Copy link Copied By Arsenal target Bundesliga striker as Gyokeres alternative Arsenal have considered Mainz forward Nelson Weiper as an alternative to Viktor Gyokeres, with talks continuing for the Swedish forward. The Gunners are still in line to sign the Sporting CP forward but as with all transfers, the Premier League side is preparing themselves for any unlikely outcome. Germany U-21 striker after he scored three goals and provided two assists at the U-21 European Championship . Copy link Copied By Arsenal still keen on Rodrygo Arsenal transfer target Rodrygo is reportedly deciding his future. The Real Madrid star believes that he can still contribute at the club despite being played out of position on the right-wing due to the presence of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. However, the Brazilian is said to believe he can be a star elsewhere. This could be good news for he Gunners have long been linked with the winger, but Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain have been tipped to enter the race too. Copy link Copied By Arsenal make fresh signing Arsenal have snapped up Derby County wonderkid Demiane Agustien after the teen ace turned down a pro deal with the Championship side. The 17-year-old Dutch youth international has penned professional terms in North London and is set to link up with the Gunners' under-21s this season. Midfield starlet Agustien already has experience at that level — he even caught Arsenal's eye back in April when he teed up an assist against them at Meadow Park. Now, he's set to wear red and white himself. Copy link Copied 1 …
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford comfortable as Sligo Rovers suffer another defeat
It's a tenth defeat of the season for Steve Feeney's side, who were missing 11 players through injury coming into this tie. The Bit O'Red are now two points off Cork City in 11th place in the table, with three wins and a draw in their last five pushing DLR Waves up to ninth in the table. Goals from Della Doherty, Ciara Rossiter and Leah McGrath saw Sean Byrne's side collect a third win in four games, moving into third spot in the table. The visitors were well on top of this tie from early on, with Orlaith Conlon pulling a shot wide with just seconds on the clock. Aoife Kelly's shot was parried away by Bonnie McKiernan on 10 minutes, with the home side just doing enough to block Rossiter's attempt from the follow-up. Rovers were struggling to create any real chances early on, with Maria O'Sullivan in the Wexford goals largely a spectator for the early stages. Bernie Ferreira, in her first start for Steve Feeney's side, did look a threat when on the ball, but Wexford were well armoured to deal with the Northern Ireland underage international. The home side had a lot of defending to do early on, and it stayed that way for most of the first-half as Ellen Molloy, Kylie Murphy and Becky Cassin continued to create chances for the visitors. Rovers' first chance of the game arrived on the half hour mark when teenager Mairead McIntyre worked her way into the Wexford box and with a tricky angle, forced a saved from O'Sullivan who just got her fingertips to it, enough to ensure it went out for a corner. A Wexford goal felt inevitable, and it did arrive on 37 minutes, although the hosts will feel as though they should have done better. A free from the half-way line caused some confusion at the back for Sligo Rovers, with goalkeeper Bonnie McKiernan first coming off her line to try to get to it ahead of Doherty, but the goalkeeper then retreated to her line. Doherty had all the space in the world to fire in to put Wexford ahead, and deservedly so. Wexford almost had a second on 53 minutes when Rovers captain Emma Hansberry was caught in possession by Kelly who then had all the time she needed to charge down on goal, but the shot was brilliantly saved by McKiernan. A minute later and from the resulting corner, Wexford doubled their lead. Ellen Molloy's ball into the box was at first held by McKiernan, who couldn't keep a hold of it, dropping the ball right at the feet of Rossiter who was well placed to ensure it went into the net. A stunning effort from Hansberry, who won an FAI Cup with Wexford in 2015, smacked the crossbar from around 30 yards with 25 left on the clock. Wexford's lead was comfortable and they added a third with five minutes to go when Leah McGrath's stunning effort from the right hit the top corner in what was the goal of the game. Steve Feeney's already lengthy injury list was added to when Keeva Flynn went down in serious discomfort, and there were real fears that the Enniscrone native had suffered an ACL rupture but the initial signs at full-time were more promising, although Flynn is likely to miss some time through injury. Sligo Rovers are not in action this weekend with the semi-finals of the All-Island Sports Cup taking place. Sligo Rovers: McKiernan, Melly, Flynn (McCarthy, 73), McKinley, Lillie, Hansberry (L Devaney, 68), M Devaney, McKenna, Ferreira (Masterson, 68), McIntyre, McDaniel (Caprani, 55). Wexford: O'Sullivan, Roche (Daly, 71), Doherty, de Mange, Dwyer, Rossiter (McGrath, 55), Molloy, A Kelly (Kirwan, 87), Cassin, Conlon (Maher, 71), Murphy (L Kelly, 71). Referee: David Dunne.
