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‘Not even shocked’, ‘There is an agenda’ – Some Chelsea fans react to their PL fixtures
The Premier League fixtures for the 2021/22 season has been revealed and Chelsea have been handed a tough start to the campaign. The Champions League winners will take on the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in the first six games of the season. The Blues will be hoping for a title challenge this year and Thomas Tuchel will have to ensure a quality start to the season. They cannot afford to drop too many points in the opening weeks. Meanwhile, December comprises of a few tricky fixtures against the likes of West Ham United, Leeds United, Everton and Aston Villa. Chelsea will also face the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs back to back in January. Coupled with the Champions League games, December – January could be a tough phase for the Blues wi...
Arsenal-linked midfielder MOTM, Chelse and Inter men also shine – Italy 3-0 Switzerland Player Ratings
Italy continued their near-perfect start to Euro 2020 with a wonderful performance and win against Switzerland. The hosts dominated the first half, and thought they’d made a breakthrough when Giorgio Chiellini bundled home from Lorenzo Insigne’s corner. However, VAR ruled the goal out after replays showed that the ball struck Chiellini’s hand. This was his last contribution of the game, as he was substituted with an injury shortly afterwards. But it was not long before Italy took the lead with a wonderful goal. Manuel Locatelli played an excellent pass out to Domenico Berardi, who drove into the box and squared back to Locatelli for a tap in. Roberto Mancini’s men continued to control the first half, and they almost got a second when Leonardo Spinazzola was played through by Insigne, but t...
Everton handed blow as European giants enter race to sign 25-year-old with 13 goals/assists
Inter Milan could compete with Everton to sign PSV Eindhoven defender Denzel Dumfries this summer, Dutch outlet Voetbal International claims. The right-back had an impressive 2020/21 season for PSV, registering four goals and nine assists from 41 appearances in all competitions. He recently played for Netherlands at right wing-back against Ukraine at Euro 2020, and produced a dominant attacking display over 90 minutes. Dumfries was culpable of missing two clear-cut chances, but made amends by playing in the lead-up to two goals, and finding the winner in the 3-2 triumph. The Toffees are weighing up an approach for the PSV captain, but it appears that they could face direct competition from the Nerazzurri. Sportslens view: Inter are open to selling Achraf Hakimi this month as they aim to ba...
Sky Sports confirm Arsenal have tabled £40m for reported Leeds target
Arsenal have tabled a £40 million bid for Brighton centre-back Ben White, but the Seagulls have knocked back the offer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth. Brighton reject £40m bid from Arsenal for Ben White. Talks ongoing. Arsenal expected to go back in. #AFC #BHAFC — Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) June 16, 2021 Both clubs are continuing talks and the Gunners are expected to return with an improved bid. This could deal a huge blow on Leeds United’s chances of signing the England international. According to Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castles, the Elland Road outfit are keen on bringing White back to Yorkshire this summer, but Brighton’s demands could frustrate them again. Arsenal, Leeds United, Leicester City all interested in Ben White. Brighton and Hove Albion value t...
Report: Club tell Arsenal how they can sign £35m Liverpool target
Arsenal are one of the many clubs that are showing keen interest in signing Sander Berge this summer. Berge is likely to leave the club following Sheffield United’s relegation to the Championship last season. According to reports from the Sheffield Star, Mikel Arteta’s side are leading the race to sign the Norway international. However, the deal is far from being done. The Blades are demanding a fee in the region of £35m for their star player, and they are refusing to lower their asking price. Sheffield have informed the Gunners that they may compromise on a deal. An excerpt from the report: “United have so far declined permission for those acting on their behalf to discuss the possibility of reducing their £35m asking price with representatives from north London. “But...
30-goal striker ‘very keen’ on Celtic transfer, talks planned this week – report
Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke is very keen on joining Celtic when his contract expires at the end of the month, Football Insider claims. Wyke had a superb 2020/21 campaign with the Black Cats, registering 30 goals and five assists from 53 appearances in all competitions. He netted 26 times in League One, but the Wearside outfit still missed out on promotion after being beaten by Lincoln City in the play-off semi-final. Wyke will be available on a free transfer when his current deal expires on June 30, and there is said to be plenty of interest in signing him. The striker is ‘very keen’ on joining the Hoops to test himself in the Scottish top-flight. However, a number of Championship big guns are also interested in him. The 28-year-old has been identified as potential replacement for Odso...
Spotify launches Clubhouse competitor Greenroom
Spotify’s live audio app, Greenroom, formally launches today on iOS and Android, marking the company’s first real attempt at creating a social media platform. The social audio app, which is similar to Clubhouse, allows users to host live conversations about sports, music, and culture. Today’s launch doesn’t come with a marquee creator announcement or specific event planned, but instead, the company is taking the opportunity to encourage people to sign up and figure out how they’ll want to use the app. Some of its core functionality, a person close to the situation says, will eventually make its way to the actual Spotify app, so the team will monitor what happens in Greenroom closely. The app is built on Locker Room, which Betty Labs created and Spotify acquired in March. That app focused s...
Aston Villa keen on signing 26-year-old with 15 goal contributions before pre-season – report
Aston Villa are eager to land the signature of Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse before the beginning of pre-season, Football Insider reports. The Midlands outfit had an impressive 2020/21 Premier League campaign, finishing 11th in the standings with 55 points on the board. The focus is now on pushing for the European places, and the club have already shown ambition in the transfer market this summer. They recently beat Arsenal to the signing of Emiliano Buendia after agreeing to a club-record deal with Norwich City, which could rise to £38 million. It is now reported that the club’s owners are prepared to back manager Dean Smith with additional funds to strengthen the squad. Villa have their sights on Ward-Prowse and are looking to sign him before pre-season so that he can familiarise...
‘Extremely tough December’ – Some Leeds fans react to their fixtures for the 2021/22 season
Leeds United’s Premier League fixtures for the 2021/22 season have been revealed and the Whites will begin their campaign with a baptism of fire. Marcelo Bielsa’s side will face Manchester United on the opening day away from home. That is followed up with a home game against Everton. Leeds have been fearless this past season and they are unlikely to be affected by the tough start to the season. They have what it takes to beat any side on their day and they will fancy their chances at Old Trafford as well. Meanwhile, December seems brutal for the Whites as well. They will be facing the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool back to back, with three of those games away from home. Leeds will face Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in three of their last six games of the se...
Arsenal legend set for fiery clash with Red Devils nemesis
Two of the continent’s big hitters were in action at the European Championships yesterday, with France taking on Germany in Munich. Tournament favourites France were undoubtedly the better team in the first half, but the Germans threatened more after the break. Mats Hummels’ own goal proved to be the difference between the two sides, putting France in pole position to reach the knockout stage. There were plenty of talking points elsewhere, with an on-screen meeting between two Premier League legends providing an interesting sideshow. Keane and Vieira rematch The BBC had been winning the Euro 2020 television battle, but ITV stepped things up in style for the clash between France and Germany. Clive Tyldesley and Ally McCoist returned to the commentary box after impressing during the Netherla...
Aston Villa have been in contact with 39-cap international regarding summer transfer
Aston Villa are interested in signing Ashley Young from Inter Milan this summer. According to The Athletic, the 35-year-old will be allowed to leave the Italian champions this summer when his contract expires. Watford and Burnley have shown interest in the player as well and Young would like a return to the Premier League. Apparently, Dean Smith wants experienced and versatile cover for his full-back positions and Young has been identified as a target. The report further states that the Premier League club has already been in touch with the player regarding a potential return to Villa Park. The likes of Ahmed Elmohamady and Neil Taylor have left the club the summer and Villa could certainly use someone like Young at their disposal. The 35-year-old can operate as a winger as well as a full ...
Celtic aiming to beat Arsenal to signing of Premier League star with 58 international caps
Celtic are aiming to beat Arsenal in the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan this summer, Football Insider reports. The Australia international fell out of favour with the Seagulls during the first half of last season, where Robert Sanchez jumped ahead of him in the pecking order. He was subsequently loaned out to the Gunners in January. Ryan made only three appearances for the north London club as the back-up shot-stopper. They are keen on re-signing him permanently, but the Hoops are aiming to beat them by offering Ryan a long-term contract and the number one role. Ryan has just one year remaining on his Brighton contract, and he could be available for a fee between £3-5 million during the summer transfer window. Sportslens view: Ryan barely played for the Gu...
