Latest news with #Leao
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Portugal vs Spain – Nations League final LIVE RESULT: Ronaldo's volley sends cagey match to penalties
120. Dias whips in a good looking ball and it's Jota at the end of it but he heads over! That definitely would've been the winner. The Nations League final is going to a penalty shootout! Fulltime of extra time! 119. Nearly for Spain! Merino clips in a ball with Baena bearing down on the ball but Costa gets there just in time. Think Baena would have been offside anyway. 115. Spain definitely more in control of this second 15. Still not getting in behind as Portugal were though. A half chance on the right side of Portugal's box and Baena drills it in the box but Dias got it away. 111. Morata is on for Spain's second goal scorer Oyarzabal. 110. The only way to stop Leao at the moment is to bring him down and that's what Porro had to do prevent Leao accelerating away from him even further. 108. Porro goes for goal just inside Portugal's half! Very close and audacious attempt from the Spurs right back had Costa scrambling back but it floated just over. 105. Second half of extra time is underway! Who's going to lift this trophy?! Half time of extra time and that was dominant from Portugal. Leao and Mendes are the definite danger men! Yamal couldn't pass the Mendes test as he's stopped so many big names this season. Yamal off for Pino and Jota on for Neto. 105. Portugal really been dominant in this first half of extra time! Yamal desperate to make an impact as he fires in another shot from range but straight at the keeper again. 103. Spain try to counter from the corner but Yamal's pass is intercepted. Yamal then eager to win the ball back slides in on Leao which results in a Portugal freekick. A cleverly worked freekick as Fernandes chips it into Mendes who runs in late to the box. He plays it across the six yard box but there's no one in red to put it in! 102. This Portugal left hand side is too dangerous! If it's not Mendes, it's Leao terrorising that right hand side of Spain's defence. The Milan winger is hustling and bustling his way into the box but it eventually goes out for a corner. 99. Penalty appeal! Mendes and Leao again linking up well. Mendes charging on into the Spain box and feels he's brought down but nothing given. Some off the ball aftermath as well between the the two sides and players receiving yellows. Potential red card check! No red card given, game continues. It was Mendes and Baena who were shown the bookings. 98. Spain with their first chance of extra time. Ball is lofted into Portugal's box but headed away. Baena tries play it back in but is cleared away to Cucurella who shanks it over the bar. 93. Changes for Spain as Williams and Mingueza come off for Baena and Porro. 92. Huge chance early on! It's Mendes again being the danger man as he does great on that left side and drills it to Semedo who mishits and it bounces just wide. 90. Portugal get extra time underway, Fulltime - extra time to come soon! What a thrilling final this has been so far. The game has lived up to the hype as it's been chances galore for both sides. Spain by far the better team in the first half and Portugal the better team in the second, a very well balanced game. Yamal is definitely waiting for his moment now as Ronaldo has done his job. Can't wait for the next 30 minutes! 90. Only 2 minutes added on. 90. Leao looking threatening as goes passed Le Normand and wins a freekick in a very dangerous position. Yellow for the Spaniard. Fernandes goes for goal from the angle but it is saved by Simon. 87. Ronaldo down and it's not looking promising for him to finish this game but at least he's done his job. It seems to be an issue with his back - you can see the frustration on his face when he fell down to the ground. Ramos coming on for the incredible 40 year old.
The Advertiser
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'Payne Haas, Woodberry Warriors': the junior footy origin of the Hunter's NSW stars
Payne Haas might have left the Hunter in his early teens, but he will forever remain a Woodberry Warriors junior. The Brisbane Broncos prop is one of several NSW Blues from the Hunter and broader region who will take on Queensland in the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night. Former Wests Maitland Wallaroos and Thornton Beresfield Bears junior Max King will make his Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium, while Greta Branxton Colts product Hudson Young returns to the NSW line-up. But it is Haas whose junior background is sometimes overlooked. The 25-year-old relocated to Queensland at age 13, attending renowned rugby league nursery Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast. To the Woodberry Warriors, Haas is still very much one of their own. "He was a very humble and quiet person, but you could definitely feel his presence. We definitely knew he was destined for stardom," Warriors president John Leao said on Tuesday. "He was a very talented sportsman. It was a given. He was really good at what he put his time and energy into." Woodberry is a small outlying suburb between Newcastle and Maitland. It is a tough but proud area, and Leao, who has spent most of his life there, said Haas served as a shining light for the community. "We're always proud of people that come from our small town, but I know for sure that [Payne] is very proud of where he comes from, and that's not lost on him," Leao said. "The biggest thing it does is it elevates our community ... It is always wonderful to get a mention when they read the player profiles out at the beginning of each Origin match, and that is something that excites the community, and our club members and supporters." The Warriors will come together before Wednesday's match at a fundraiser at nearby Thornton McDonald's. Haas' uncle, Larry Taufua, is a former club president and remains an under-13s coach. Haas has other relatives involved at the club as well. Last year, when the Warriors were celebrating their 50th year, some under-10s players got to attend a Blues training session in Sydney and mingle with Haas. "Even though he has reached the higher echelons of the game ... he is very much a proud Woodberry local," Leao said. In nearby Thornton and Beresfield, and further up the road in Maitland's western suburbs, two junior clubs will be watching on with pride when Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King runs on for his first NSW appearance. King, who was born in England where his father was playing professionally, grew up in Thornton and started out at the Bears before switching to the Wallaroos in under-12s. King comes from a famous rugby league family. Four generations have played at the top level, and his grandfather, Johnny, was part of the legendary St George dynasty in the 1960s, where he won seven consecutive premierships. Former Wallaroos mentor Rod Leggett, who coached Max for several years, said he had earned every bit of his career. "He made the odd rep side, but he worked hard to get where he did," Leggett said. "He was one of those kids that would prefer to do extras before training than kicking goals. "He deserves every success. The man that you see on the TV these days, is the same as the boy I coached many years ago." West Maitland boast Greg Bird and Brock Lamb as former players who went on to reach the NRL, and seeing the likes of 28-year-old King on the big stage isn't just inspiring for the young kids of today either. "It's unreal. It makes you feel proud to do what you do with the club," West Maitland vice-president Kerrod Smith said. "It makes you sit back and look at the kids now that we've got there, and think what could be for them, and I'm sure their own aspirations go up a bit when they realise someone from West Maitland has gone to that level." The Greta Branxton Colts' home ground still proudly features a Hudson Young Oval banner someone put up after the Canberra Raiders forward was picked for NSW in recent years. Young, a Greta product whose family ties to the town date back to when his Ukrainian grandmother moved there after the Second World War, is the Colts' most famous player given he has now represented both NSW and Australia. He made his Blues debut in the 2023 series opener, but has been in and out of the side since. The 26-year-old played three Tests for the Kangaroos late last year, and plays his fourth Origin on Wednesday night. "It's awesome to see, especially for the juniors coming through, that they can see if you work hard, you can make it," club president Michael Irvine said. The Colts are a small club, compared to others across the Hunter, but have added five additional teams this season, growing as the area's population increases. "Everyone is always talking about Hudson, and the banner has never been taken down, whoever put it up," Irvine said. "It's unofficially named Hudson Young Oval ... it's just such a good story for the kids, for small communities and not just our club, that can see the likes of Hudson and Payne Haas come out of small clubs, not the big clubs, and to be able to play not just NRL, but for NSW and Australia." Further afield, fellow NSW players Mitch Barnett and Latrell Mitchell will be looking to do their junior clubs and broader community proud. Barnett played for the Wingham Tigers, whose clubhouse has been used to support flood victims this past week, while Mitchell hails from the Taree Red Rovers. On the Central Coast, the Terrigal Sharks and Kincumber Colts will be cheering on Connor Watson, a former Knights player and the Blues' bench utility. Meanwhile, Kalyn Ponga returns to Queensland's No.1 jersey, and is the Knights' sole representative in the series opener. Payne Haas might have left the Hunter in his early teens, but he will forever remain a Woodberry Warriors junior. The Brisbane Broncos prop is one of several NSW Blues from the Hunter and broader region who will take on Queensland in the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night. Former Wests Maitland Wallaroos and Thornton Beresfield Bears junior Max King will make his Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium, while Greta Branxton Colts product Hudson Young returns to the NSW line-up. But it is Haas whose junior background is sometimes overlooked. The 25-year-old relocated to Queensland at age 13, attending renowned rugby league nursery Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast. To the Woodberry Warriors, Haas is still very much one of their own. "He was a very humble and quiet person, but you could definitely feel his presence. We definitely knew he was destined for stardom," Warriors president John Leao said on Tuesday. "He was a very talented sportsman. It was a given. He was really good at what he put his time and energy into." Woodberry is a small outlying suburb between Newcastle and Maitland. It is a tough but proud area, and Leao, who has spent most of his life there, said Haas served as a shining light for the community. "We're always proud of people that come from our small town, but I know for sure that [Payne] is very proud of where he comes from, and that's not lost on him," Leao said. "The biggest thing it does is it elevates our community ... It is always wonderful to get a mention when they read the player profiles out at the beginning of each Origin match, and that is something that excites the community, and our club members and supporters." The Warriors will come together before Wednesday's match at a fundraiser at nearby Thornton McDonald's. Haas' uncle, Larry Taufua, is a former club president and remains an under-13s coach. Haas has other relatives involved at the club as well. Last year, when the Warriors were celebrating their 50th year, some under-10s players got to attend a Blues training session in Sydney and mingle with Haas. "Even though he has reached the higher echelons of the game ... he is very much a proud Woodberry local," Leao said. In nearby Thornton and Beresfield, and further up the road in Maitland's western suburbs, two junior clubs will be watching on with pride when Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King runs on for his first NSW appearance. King, who was born in England where his father was playing professionally, grew up in Thornton and started out at the Bears before switching to the Wallaroos in under-12s. King comes from a famous rugby league family. Four generations have played at the top level, and his grandfather, Johnny, was part of the legendary St George dynasty in the 1960s, where he won seven consecutive premierships. Former Wallaroos mentor Rod Leggett, who coached Max for several years, said he had earned every bit of his career. "He made the odd rep side, but he worked hard to get where he did," Leggett said. "He was one of those kids that would prefer to do extras before training than kicking goals. "He deserves every success. The man that you see on the TV these days, is the same as the boy I coached many years ago." West Maitland boast Greg Bird and Brock Lamb as former players who went on to reach the NRL, and seeing the likes of 28-year-old King on the big stage isn't just inspiring for the young kids of today either. "It's unreal. It makes you feel proud to do what you do with the club," West Maitland vice-president Kerrod Smith said. "It makes you sit back and look at the kids now that we've got there, and think what could be for them, and I'm sure their own aspirations go up a bit when they realise someone from West Maitland has gone to that level." The Greta Branxton Colts' home ground still proudly features a Hudson Young Oval banner someone put up after the Canberra Raiders forward was picked for NSW in recent years. Young, a Greta product whose family ties to the town date back to when his Ukrainian grandmother moved there after the Second World War, is the Colts' most famous player given he has now represented both NSW and Australia. He made his Blues debut in the 2023 series opener, but has been in and out of the side since. The 26-year-old played three Tests for the Kangaroos late last year, and plays his fourth Origin on Wednesday night. "It's awesome to see, especially for the juniors coming through, that they can see if you work hard, you can make it," club president Michael Irvine said. The Colts are a small club, compared to others across the Hunter, but have added five additional teams this season, growing as the area's population increases. "Everyone is always talking about Hudson, and the banner has never been taken down, whoever put it up," Irvine said. "It's unofficially named Hudson Young Oval ... it's just such a good story for the kids, for small communities and not just our club, that can see the likes of Hudson and Payne Haas come out of small clubs, not the big clubs, and to be able to play not just NRL, but for NSW and Australia." Further afield, fellow NSW players Mitch Barnett and Latrell Mitchell will be looking to do their junior clubs and broader community proud. Barnett played for the Wingham Tigers, whose clubhouse has been used to support flood victims this past week, while Mitchell hails from the Taree Red Rovers. On the Central Coast, the Terrigal Sharks and Kincumber Colts will be cheering on Connor Watson, a former Knights player and the Blues' bench utility. Meanwhile, Kalyn Ponga returns to Queensland's No.1 jersey, and is the Knights' sole representative in the series opener. Payne Haas might have left the Hunter in his early teens, but he will forever remain a Woodberry Warriors junior. The Brisbane Broncos prop is one of several NSW Blues from the Hunter and broader region who will take on Queensland in the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night. Former Wests Maitland Wallaroos and Thornton Beresfield Bears junior Max King will make his Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium, while Greta Branxton Colts product Hudson Young returns to the NSW line-up. But it is Haas whose junior background is sometimes overlooked. The 25-year-old relocated to Queensland at age 13, attending renowned rugby league nursery Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast. To the Woodberry Warriors, Haas is still very much one of their own. "He was a very humble and quiet person, but you could definitely feel his presence. We definitely knew he was destined for stardom," Warriors president John Leao said on Tuesday. "He was a very talented sportsman. It was a given. He was really good at what he put his time and energy into." Woodberry is a small outlying suburb between Newcastle and Maitland. It is a tough but proud area, and Leao, who has spent most of his life there, said Haas served as a shining light for the community. "We're always proud of people that come from our small town, but I know for sure that [Payne] is very proud of where he comes from, and that's not lost on him," Leao said. "The biggest thing it does is it elevates our community ... It is always wonderful to get a mention when they read the player profiles out at the beginning of each Origin match, and that is something that excites the community, and our club members and supporters." The Warriors will come together before Wednesday's match at a fundraiser at nearby Thornton McDonald's. Haas' uncle, Larry Taufua, is a former club president and remains an under-13s coach. Haas has other relatives involved at the club as well. Last year, when the Warriors were celebrating their 50th year, some under-10s players got to attend a Blues training session in Sydney and mingle with Haas. "Even though he has reached the higher echelons of the game ... he is very much a proud Woodberry local," Leao said. In nearby Thornton and Beresfield, and further up the road in Maitland's western suburbs, two junior clubs will be watching on with pride when Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King runs on for his first NSW appearance. King, who was born in England where his father was playing professionally, grew up in Thornton and started out at the Bears before switching to the Wallaroos in under-12s. King comes from a famous rugby league family. Four generations have played at the top level, and his grandfather, Johnny, was part of the legendary St George dynasty in the 1960s, where he won seven consecutive premierships. Former Wallaroos mentor Rod Leggett, who coached Max for several years, said he had earned every bit of his career. "He made the odd rep side, but he worked hard to get where he did," Leggett said. "He was one of those kids that would prefer to do extras before training than kicking goals. "He deserves every success. The man that you see on the TV these days, is the same as the boy I coached many years ago." West Maitland boast Greg Bird and Brock Lamb as former players who went on to reach the NRL, and seeing the likes of 28-year-old King on the big stage isn't just inspiring for the young kids of today either. "It's unreal. It makes you feel proud to do what you do with the club," West Maitland vice-president Kerrod Smith said. "It makes you sit back and look at the kids now that we've got there, and think what could be for them, and I'm sure their own aspirations go up a bit when they realise someone from West Maitland has gone to that level." The Greta Branxton Colts' home ground still proudly features a Hudson Young Oval banner someone put up after the Canberra Raiders forward was picked for NSW in recent years. Young, a Greta product whose family ties to the town date back to when his Ukrainian grandmother moved there after the Second World War, is the Colts' most famous player given he has now represented both NSW and Australia. He made his Blues debut in the 2023 series opener, but has been in and out of the side since. The 26-year-old played three Tests for the Kangaroos late last year, and plays his fourth Origin on Wednesday night. "It's awesome to see, especially for the juniors coming through, that they can see if you work hard, you can make it," club president Michael Irvine said. The Colts are a small club, compared to others across the Hunter, but have added five additional teams this season, growing as the area's population increases. "Everyone is always talking about Hudson, and the banner has never been taken down, whoever put it up," Irvine said. "It's unofficially named Hudson Young Oval ... it's just such a good story for the kids, for small communities and not just our club, that can see the likes of Hudson and Payne Haas come out of small clubs, not the big clubs, and to be able to play not just NRL, but for NSW and Australia." Further afield, fellow NSW players Mitch Barnett and Latrell Mitchell will be looking to do their junior clubs and broader community proud. Barnett played for the Wingham Tigers, whose clubhouse has been used to support flood victims this past week, while Mitchell hails from the Taree Red Rovers. On the Central Coast, the Terrigal Sharks and Kincumber Colts will be cheering on Connor Watson, a former Knights player and the Blues' bench utility. Meanwhile, Kalyn Ponga returns to Queensland's No.1 jersey, and is the Knights' sole representative in the series opener. Payne Haas might have left the Hunter in his early teens, but he will forever remain a Woodberry Warriors junior. The Brisbane Broncos prop is one of several NSW Blues from the Hunter and broader region who will take on Queensland in the State of Origin series opener on Wednesday night. Former Wests Maitland Wallaroos and Thornton Beresfield Bears junior Max King will make his Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium, while Greta Branxton Colts product Hudson Young returns to the NSW line-up. But it is Haas whose junior background is sometimes overlooked. The 25-year-old relocated to Queensland at age 13, attending renowned rugby league nursery Keebra Park State High School on the Gold Coast. To the Woodberry Warriors, Haas is still very much one of their own. "He was a very humble and quiet person, but you could definitely feel his presence. We definitely knew he was destined for stardom," Warriors president John Leao said on Tuesday. "He was a very talented sportsman. It was a given. He was really good at what he put his time and energy into." Woodberry is a small outlying suburb between Newcastle and Maitland. It is a tough but proud area, and Leao, who has spent most of his life there, said Haas served as a shining light for the community. "We're always proud of people that come from our small town, but I know for sure that [Payne] is very proud of where he comes from, and that's not lost on him," Leao said. "The biggest thing it does is it elevates our community ... It is always wonderful to get a mention when they read the player profiles out at the beginning of each Origin match, and that is something that excites the community, and our club members and supporters." The Warriors will come together before Wednesday's match at a fundraiser at nearby Thornton McDonald's. Haas' uncle, Larry Taufua, is a former club president and remains an under-13s coach. Haas has other relatives involved at the club as well. Last year, when the Warriors were celebrating their 50th year, some under-10s players got to attend a Blues training session in Sydney and mingle with Haas. "Even though he has reached the higher echelons of the game ... he is very much a proud Woodberry local," Leao said. In nearby Thornton and Beresfield, and further up the road in Maitland's western suburbs, two junior clubs will be watching on with pride when Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King runs on for his first NSW appearance. King, who was born in England where his father was playing professionally, grew up in Thornton and started out at the Bears before switching to the Wallaroos in under-12s. King comes from a famous rugby league family. Four generations have played at the top level, and his grandfather, Johnny, was part of the legendary St George dynasty in the 1960s, where he won seven consecutive premierships. Former Wallaroos mentor Rod Leggett, who coached Max for several years, said he had earned every bit of his career. "He made the odd rep side, but he worked hard to get where he did," Leggett said. "He was one of those kids that would prefer to do extras before training than kicking goals. "He deserves every success. The man that you see on the TV these days, is the same as the boy I coached many years ago." West Maitland boast Greg Bird and Brock Lamb as former players who went on to reach the NRL, and seeing the likes of 28-year-old King on the big stage isn't just inspiring for the young kids of today either. "It's unreal. It makes you feel proud to do what you do with the club," West Maitland vice-president Kerrod Smith said. "It makes you sit back and look at the kids now that we've got there, and think what could be for them, and I'm sure their own aspirations go up a bit when they realise someone from West Maitland has gone to that level." The Greta Branxton Colts' home ground still proudly features a Hudson Young Oval banner someone put up after the Canberra Raiders forward was picked for NSW in recent years. Young, a Greta product whose family ties to the town date back to when his Ukrainian grandmother moved there after the Second World War, is the Colts' most famous player given he has now represented both NSW and Australia. He made his Blues debut in the 2023 series opener, but has been in and out of the side since. The 26-year-old played three Tests for the Kangaroos late last year, and plays his fourth Origin on Wednesday night. "It's awesome to see, especially for the juniors coming through, that they can see if you work hard, you can make it," club president Michael Irvine said. The Colts are a small club, compared to others across the Hunter, but have added five additional teams this season, growing as the area's population increases. "Everyone is always talking about Hudson, and the banner has never been taken down, whoever put it up," Irvine said. "It's unofficially named Hudson Young Oval ... it's just such a good story for the kids, for small communities and not just our club, that can see the likes of Hudson and Payne Haas come out of small clubs, not the big clubs, and to be able to play not just NRL, but for NSW and Australia." Further afield, fellow NSW players Mitch Barnett and Latrell Mitchell will be looking to do their junior clubs and broader community proud. Barnett played for the Wingham Tigers, whose clubhouse has been used to support flood victims this past week, while Mitchell hails from the Taree Red Rovers. On the Central Coast, the Terrigal Sharks and Kincumber Colts will be cheering on Connor Watson, a former Knights player and the Blues' bench utility. Meanwhile, Kalyn Ponga returns to Queensland's No.1 jersey, and is the Knights' sole representative in the series opener.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Four Players Arsenal Must Sign This Summer
It has been another disappointing season for Arsenal, missing out on major silverware for the fifth straight year and ending the season trophyless for the third year running. It is evident that Arsenal need to splurge the cash in order to challenge for trophies — but who should they sign? Let's take a look at some potential transfer options for the Gunners. Arsenal boast one of the strongest shot-stoppers in England in David Raya, but they are in need of a new backup goalkeeper, with Neto set to return to parent club Bournemouth. With Raya locking it down in goal, Arsenal should resist temptation to sign Espanyol's Joan Garcia for an exorbitant fee and instead sign Walter Benitez. At 32 years of age, Benitez has already staked his claim as one of the best goalkeepers in Ligue 1 for Nice before moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2022, where he helped win two Eredivisie titles. Available on a free transfer this summer, Benitez would be a shrewd signing to help reinforce Arsenal's goalkeeper department and put increased pressure on Raya. Between Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and more, Arsenal are spoilt for choice in defense. However, the same cannot be said for their midfield options: apart from Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, it's hard to find a ton of quality. However, it does appear that they have made strides to beat out the competition and sign Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi. Considered one of the best midfielders in Spain by LaLiga pundits like Sid Lowe and Derek Rae, Zubimendi has proven his mettle as a superb deep-lying playmaker for La Real, and he looks set to replace Jorginho as the club's midfield orchestrator. However, if Arsenal are unable to agree a new deal with Thomas Partey, whose contract is set to expire this summer, then they could be forced into adding yet another midfielder to their squad. AC Milan have missed out on European football after a pathetic eighth-place finish, and as such, they will be forced into parting ways with a number of key players this summer. One player who will undoubtedly be headed for the exit is Rafael Leao, having failed to play a single minute in their final match vs. Monza. Leao has shown plenty of signs of his quality throughout his time at Milan, leading them to the Scudetto and the Champions League semifinals and forming a stellar pairing with Theo Hernandez down the left flank. Capable of racing down the wing and chipping in an incisive cross, Leao takes no prisoners with his brilliant dribbling and ball control. Similarly to Herculez Gomez, Leao has a poacher's instinct that enables him to reach the edge of the box at just the right time and get a shot off with minimal backlift. With Raheem Sterling on his way back to parent club Chelsea and other players like Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli potentially departing North London this summer, Arsenal need a bonafide star at the left winger position: they should look no further than Leao. Last but not least, Arsenal need to ensure that they do not beat around the bush and instead splurge the cash on an elite center forward. After a season that saw them lose Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to long-term injuries, and that forced Mikel Merino to deputize as a center forward, you get the sensation that they have learnt their lesson. The likes of Hugo Ekitike, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen have been linked with a summer move to the Emirates, but perhaps their best bet at the 9 is none other than Viktor Gyokeres. Gyokeres has spent the past two years dominating Portuguese football, leading Sporting to back-to-back league titles as well as a Taça de Portugal. Similar to Lucas Bartlett, he never shies away from an aerial duel, utilizing his bulky frame and impressive jumping ability to leap above his opponent and win the challenge. As the top scorer in European football, Gyokeres has proven his worth not just in Portugal but in the UEFA Champions League as well, and he has what it takes to become a club legend for the Gunners. After watching helplessly as Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah powered their teams to league titles, there can be no more doubt that Arsenal need an elite scorer to lead them to the title. Could Gyokeres be the answer to their woes?
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Four Players Arsenal Must Sign This Summer
Who do Arsenal Need to Sign This Summer? It has been another disappointing season for Arsenal, missing out on major silverware for the fifth straight year and ending the season trophyless for the third year running. It is evident that Arsenal need to splurge the cash in order to challenge for trophies — but who should they sign? Let's take a look at some potential transfer options for the Gunners. Goalkeeper: Walter Benitez Arsenal boast one of the strongest shot-stoppers in England in David Raya, but they are in need of a new backup goalkeeper, with Neto set to return to parent club Bournemouth. With Raya locking it down in goal, Arsenal should resist temptation to sign Espanyol's Joan Garcia for an exorbitant fee and instead sign Walter Benitez. Photo: IMAGO At 32 years of age, Benitez has already staked his claim as one of the best goalkeepers in Ligue 1 for Nice before moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2022, where he helped win two Eredivisie titles. Available on a free transfer this summer, Benitez would be a shrewd signing to help reinforce Arsenal's goalkeeper department and put increased pressure on Raya. Defensive Midfielder: Martin Zubimendi Between Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and more, Arsenal are spoilt for choice in defense. However, the same cannot be said for their midfield options: apart from Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, it's hard to find a ton of quality. However, it does appear that they have made strides to beat out the competition and sign Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi. Photo IMAGO Considered one of the best midfielders in Spain by LaLiga pundits like Sid Lowe and Derek Rae, Zubimendi has proven his mettle as a superb deep-lying playmaker for La Real, and he looks set to replace Jorginho as the club's midfield orchestrator. However, if Arsenal are unable to agree a new deal with Thomas Partey, whose contract is set to expire this summer, then they could be forced into adding yet another midfielder to their squad. Winger: Rafael Leao AC Milan have missed out on European football after a pathetic eighth-place finish, and as such, they will be forced into parting ways with a number of key players this summer. One player who will undoubtedly be headed for the exit is Rafael Leao, having failed to play a single minute in their final match vs. Monza. Leao has shown plenty of signs of his quality throughout his time at Milan, leading them to the Scudetto and the Champions League semifinals and forming a stellar pairing with Theo Hernandez down the left flank. Photo IMAGO Capable of racing down the wing and chipping in an incisive cross, Leao takes no prisoners with his brilliant dribbling and ball control. Similarly to Herculez Gomez, Leao has a poacher's instinct that enables him to reach the edge of the box at just the right time and get a shot off with minimal backlift. With Raheem Sterling on his way back to parent club Chelsea and other players like Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli potentially departing North London this summer, Arsenal need a bonafide star at the left winger position: they should look no further than Leao. Center Forward: Viktor Gyokeres Last but not least, Arsenal need to ensure that they do not beat around the bush and instead splurge the cash on an elite center forward. After a season that saw them lose Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to long-term injuries, and that forced Mikel Merino to deputize as a center forward, you get the sensation that they have learnt their lesson. The likes of Hugo Ekitike, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen have been linked with a summer move to the Emirates, but perhaps their best bet at the 9 is none other than Viktor Gyokeres. Photo: IMAGO Gyokeres has spent the past two years dominating Portuguese football, leading Sporting to back-to-back league titles as well as a Taça de Portugal. Similar to Lucas Bartlett, he never shies away from an aerial duel, utilizing his bulky frame and impressive jumping ability to leap above his opponent and win the challenge. As the top scorer in European football, Gyokeres has proven his worth not just in Portugal but in the UEFA Champions League as well, and he has what it takes to become a club legend for the Gunners. After watching helplessly as Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah powered their teams to league titles, there can be no more doubt that Arsenal need an elite scorer to lead them to the title. Could Gyokeres be the answer to their woes?
Yahoo
26-05-2025
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Milan star on Arsenal radar after Champions League miss
Arsenal hold talks with AC Milan over Leao transfer as price drops amid competition Leao discussions accelerate as Arsenal explore attacking reinforcements There is a point in every club's evolution where pragmatism meets ambition. For Arsenal, that crossroads has arrived once again. With another promising season fizzling into silverless frustration, the Gunners are moving decisively in the market. And among the names under serious consideration, few possess the allure or explosiveness of Rafael Leao. Photo IMAGO As reported by TeamTalk, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has already held talks with the AC Milan winger, who is now available for significantly less than in previous windows. Leao, long courted by top European clubs, had once carried a €100 million valuation. That has now dropped to €80 million (£67 million), with Milan facing the financial consequences of a likely Champions League absence next season. Photo IMAGO Arsenal seek value and dynamism in wide areas Leao's potential addition is reflective of a wider shift in Arsenal's thinking. This is not simply a marquee name to appease fans, but an opportunity to solve a long-standing problem. The wide forward options — once a strength — now appear stretched, lacking both depth and genuine goal threat when key names are sidelined. Advertisement Mikel Arteta's attacking line faltered at key moments this season. Injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz exposed the absence of a reliable creative spark from wide positions. Leao, still only 25, fits a profile Arsenal have sought: fast, technically gifted, physically imposing, and able to operate across the frontline. His 1v1 ability alone offers a dimension few in the current squad can consistently replicate. Photo: IMAGO Price drop driven by Champions League failure Milan's reduced valuation stems less from a dip in form and more from their underwhelming league campaign. With Serie A revenue streams tied closely to European qualification, missing out on the Champions League has forced the club to reassess its summer stance. A major sale now looks inevitable, and Leao, despite being a fan favourite, could be sacrificed to balance the books. Advertisement Chelsea remain interested in the player, and competition from the Premier League is expected. But Arsenal appear to have moved quickest, initiating direct talks and positioning themselves as serious contenders should Milan commit to a sale. Rodrygo wage demands block Arsenal interest Elsewhere, Arsenal have also explored a move for Real Madrid's Rodrygo, though this pursuit now appears less likely. As Florian Plettenberg reported on X: 'A move involving Rodrygo and Arsenal is proving to be very complicated… the biggest issue is his wage demands, reportedly around €10 million net per year. Arsenal are not prepared to go that far.' This aligns with the club's broader financial framework. Under Edu and Arteta, Arsenal have targeted financially viable options, avoiding wage structures that could destabilise the dressing room. Sesko pursuit continues in parallel Parallel to their winger search, Arsenal's work to secure a striker continues. Negotiations with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko are ongoing, with Plettenberg adding: 'Arsenal are now in concrete talks with RB Leipzig regarding Benjamin Sesko… Arteta is a big admirer of the 21 y/o forward from RB Leipzig. His release clause for the summer stands at €80 million. Deal on.' Advertisement Sesko, Leao and other names such as Viktor Gyökeres form part of a summer overhaul designed to take Arsenal from contenders to champions. The challenge now lies in executing a coherent strategy that avoids the scattergun approach of windows past. Our View – EPL Index Analysis If you're an Arsenal fan, this is exactly the kind of news you want to wake up to. Rafael Leao is more than just a flashy name — he's the kind of forward who changes the way you play. He'd bring goals, flair, and the kind of direct threat you've lacked, especially when the front three have gone missing in the big moments. Yes, £67 million is still a lot, but considering his valuation was once north of £80m, and Milan's financial pressure, this feels like the perfect time to strike. His age is ideal, his Champions League pedigree is proven, and you sense he's ready for the Premier League stage. Advertisement It's also refreshing to see the club act quickly. The Berta talks suggest Arsenal are not just browsing — they're negotiating. We've seen too many windows lost to indecision. If Leao is the target, and Rodrygo proves too costly, then Arsenal need to move with purpose. Add Sesko into the mix, and suddenly this looks like a club ready to close the gap. Arsenal have a core in place. Now it's about fine-tuning. Leao would be a huge part of that next step.
