Lyon prodigy Malick Fofana has caught the eye of Liverpool, who want to sign the youngster as Luis Diaz continues to push for a move to Barcelona.

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• Diaz keen on Barcelona move this summer
• Liverpool identify Lyon's Fofana as replacement
• Winger enjoyed breakthrough season in France

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool could potentially lose star winger Diaz this summer with Barcelona keen on signing the Colombian. In the event Diaz departs, the Reds have set their sights on Lyon sensation Fofana, according to a report from .

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Catalans want to add depth to their offensive ranks and are believed to be focused on acquiring a world-class left winger. Many names such as Nico Williams, Rafael Leao and Marcus Rashford have been suggested, but sporting director Deco is said to admire Diaz the most, pushing the club for his transfer. It must be noted, though, that there are no guarantees about Barcelona succeeding in their ambition to land the Liverpool winger's signature, given their financial troubles.

  Meanwhile, Diaz is yet to sign a renewal with the Reds, who have reportedly tabled an extension offer to the forward. His contract with the Premier League champions expires in 2027. As a result, they have turned their attention towards Fofana, who has impressed in Ligue 1 as well as during Lyon's quarter-final run in the Europa League this season.

• WHAT MALICK FOFANA'S AGENT SAID

  Speaking in an interview with earlier this month, Fofana's agent Bobo Fofana named Liverpool as the young Belgian's preferred destination after leaving Lyon. He said: "The choice of heart would be Liverpool. He has the potential to enter the rotation, and above all, we would like to see him succeed African legends such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and El Hadji Diouf. Now, the choice of reason would be Newcastle, a well-structured club that could be a first step to gain experience before, perhaps, joining a club in the European top five."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Liverpool are set to demand over €80 million (£68m/$89m) for Diaz's services, which could prove to be an obstacle for the Blaugrana. However, should they be able to offload some players and generate funds, they will likely succeed in their pursuit of their No.1 summer target.

Enzo Maresca has quickly implemented his system at Chelsea, already showing clear patterns of how the Italian wants his side to play, building through the thirds at a slower pace, keeping players in closer proximity by doing so and looking to suffocate teams in their own half.

The importance of wingers in this system is huge. They are often given the most freedom to be direct with their actions, looking to make something happen.

In an ideal world, these wide players are able to go both ways (inside and outside) in order to cause the opposition fullbacks a variety of different problems throughout a game.

Maresca’s ideal winger is one who can beat his man consistently in 1v1 isolations, deliver balls into the box with a variety of techniques such as cutbacks and clipped crosses to the back post, but also has the ability to be a goal threat, cutting inside and getting shots off.

The Blues perhaps had the perfect player for this system all the way back in 2004. A certain Arjen Robben was a winger who could beat his man to go towards the byline, but more importantly, possessed one of the most deadly weapons when cutting inside and shooting on his left foot.

Arjen Robben's Chelsea career in numbers

Chelsea made the signing of Robben back in 2004, with the Dutch winger joining the Blues from PSV Eindhoven for a fee of around £12m.

The Dutchman made 106 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 19 goals, providing 21 assists and totalling 6,632 minutes played.

He developed something of a signature move, cutting inside from the right-wing, having the ability to bend the ball into the far left corner, cutting in on his stronger left foot.

This was seen in his early days at Chelsea, but even further developed in his years at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich after leaving London, going on to become one of the very best in the world.

Robben would have thrived in Maresca’s system, constantly being put in 1v1 isolations to attack the full-back with the license to be creative and vary his actions between attacking the byline and moving inside.

As it happens, it looks like Chelsea may have already sold someone who could have provided that same two-way threat from the wing back in 2023.

Chelsea may have already sold the new Robben

Chelsea sold a certain Callum Hudson-Odoi to Nottingham Forest in the 2023/24 summer transfer window.

The Tricky Trees only paid a measly £3m to secure the services of the young winger, with a potential £2m of add-ons to bring the total to £5m. It’s safe to say that deal has bitten Chelsea in the backside with his form after leaving soaring to new heights. Now, in 2025, the Cobham graduate is in the form of his career.

Goals

0.15

0.23

Assists

0.20

0.09

xG

0.26

0.11

xAG

0.22

0.12

Progressive Carries

5.68

5.10

Progressive Passes

4.75

2.67

Shots Total

1.71

1.69

Goals/Shot

0.09

0.14

Key Passes

2.30

1.83

Shot-Creating Actions

5.47

3.91

Successful Take-Ons

1.65

1.49

Indeed, since moving to the City Ground, Hudson-Odoi has made 61 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals, and providing four assists, seven of which have come in 2024/25.

Whilst his per 90 metrics are mostly down, playing in a lower possession side, his effectiveness has clearly risen, with the 24-year-old now having a 0.14 goals/shot ratio, showcasing his increase in efficiency.

So, where does the comparison to Robben stem from?

Well, much like the great Dutchman, Hudson-Odoi is now making it something of a trademark of cutting inside. Right-footed – as opposed to Robben’s left – he’s had great joy by chopping inside from the left and curling the ball into the far right corner.

As a result, it’s likely that, considering his form and the small £3m fee, Chelsea will regret the sale of their academy “star boy” as he was described by Forest teammate and ex-Chelsea defender, Ola Aina.

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In a move that would replace Jhon Duran and sharpen their frontline even further, Aston Villa are now reportedly set to hold their first meeting with a summer target who’s enjoying an excellent season.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have endured a mixed campaign so far. Whilst they’ve undoubtedly enjoyed moments to savour in the Champions League, such as their victory over Bayern Munich, they’ve struggled to replicate such performances in the Premier League at times and sit 10th as a result. Now five points adrift of the top four, their European hopes are beginning to fade.

With that in mind, they’ll want to make the most of every game that they do have among Europe’s elite, including their last 16 clash against Club Brugge which many will have them as favourites to win and take one step into the final eight this evening.

Of course, it’s not just on the pitch that Champions League qualification is important. Away from the action, a place on Europe’s biggest stage acts as a vital attraction point for key signings more often than not, but those in the Midlands will be hoping that’s not the case with one particular target.

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Aston Villa are now set to hold their first meeting with Samu Aghehowa as they look to introduce Unai Emery to a player that sporting director Monchi loves.

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Already in contact with his agent, the Villans are now set to schedule a one-to-one appointment with the striker, who has enjoyed an incredibly impressive campaign.

Valued at a reported £42m by Porto, the striker could become one of the bargains of the summer if he went on to replicate his Portugal form in the Premier League.

"Powerhouse" Aghehowa could take Aston Villa back to UCL place

Since Duran’s January exit, Aston Villa have been left with just one natural striker in Ollie Watkins – forcing Donyell Malen to lead the line in the Englishman’s recent brief absence through injury. And although Duran’s presence handed Emery quite the selection headache, the Spaniard could certainly do with some competition at the centre of his attack – something Aghehowa would instantly offer.

With 20 goals to his name in 32 appearances in all competitions so far this season, it’s fair to say that the former Atletico Madrid man has taken Portugal by storm at just 20 years old. Earning plenty of attention as a result, analyst Ben Mattinson described Aghehowa as a “powerhouse” and praised his “imposing” physicality back in December.

As Aston Villa begin to step up their move to sign the talented forward, there’s no doubt that Aghehowa will be one to watch this summer.

Already planning ahead, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly submitted a serious offer to sign a key defensive reinforcement at a bargain price before the summer transfer window.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

Whilst it hasn’t been as emphatic since their return from warm-weather training at the beginning of February, Nottingham Forest still find themselves inside the Premier League’s top four and in the FA Cup last eight after defeating Ipswich Town on penalties.

Those at the City Ground will be the first to say that there’s still a long way to go, but ending their 35-year wait for silverware in the same season as returning to Europe’s biggest stage is certainly a mouth-watering prospect.

Such success would also go a long way towards Forest’s pursuit of summer targets. By qualifying for the Champions League, in particular, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will be in their strongest position than for a long time to welcome some of Europe’s rising stars.

Before they potentially splash the cash, however, those in the Midlands have reportedly turned towards a bargain deal ahead of the summer transfer window. According to Takvim in Turkey, as relayed by Sports Witness, Nottingham Forest have now submitted a serious offer to Bright Osayi-Samuel, who’s set to leave Fenerbahce as a free agent at the end of the season.

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The former Queens Park Rangers right-back has previously attracted the interest of Crystal Palace, but it’s now Forest who reportedly lead the race to welcome him back to English football for the first time in four years.

Now 27 years old and at the peak of his powers, Osayi-Samuel would instantly ease Forest’s potential Ola Aina blow, with their own right-back currently on course to depart as a free agent this summer.

"Blistering" Osayi-Samuel could ease Ola Aina blow

Following the excellent season that he’s enjoyed, it would be a nightmare for Forest to lose Aina at this stage. The defender, himself, meanwhile, would be leaving yet another club having endured a trend of transfers over the years. As things stand, however, the Nigerian is heading for the exit door to deal his side a frustrating blow.

It is at least an exit that Forest are seemingly preparing for by turning their attention towards Osayi-Samuel, who earned plenty of praise during his last spell in English football at QPR.

Former manager Mark Warburton told reporters when the Nigerian was first breaking into his QPR side: “I thought he was very, very good. If you remember Bristol City away earlier in the season he gave the full-back a torrid time.

“He’s been very good in spells in games but today he was consistent from the first whistle to the 75th minute. I’m not sure many teams have that blistering pace. As long as he knows how to use it and that’s the key for him learning the game.”

Now, years and plenty of experience later, the Fenerbahce man could finally get the Premier League chance that he once looked destined for in West London.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após o empate em 3 a 3 do São Paulo com o Goiás, na noite deste sábado (23), em pleno Morumbi, com a equipe sofrendo o gol já nos acréscimos, o técnico Rogério Ceni identificou erros da defesa como o principal fator para o resultado.Foi a quarta vez seguida que o Tricolor deixou o campo com igualdade no placar nesta reta final de primeiro turno do Brasileiro

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GALERIA
+ Veja as notas da equipe L! para os jogadores do São Paulo no duelo com o Goiás

– Jogamos pelo quarto gol todo o tempo. Mas, infelizmente, estamos deixando a desejar na marcação. O tempo é curto para treinamento. Pela primeira vez, depois de descanso, começaremos a trabalhar a parte defensiva na segunda. É responsabilidade nossa fazer o time melhorar nesse quesito. E precisamos melhorar, temos uma decisão na quinta, domingo e aí tem outro campeonato. Novamente teremos quatro jogos em dez dias, para qualquer time, mas para nós que temos tantos desfalques defensivos… A parte defensiva a gente tem sofrido bastante – destacou Ceni.

Segundo o treinador, é a primeira vez na sua curta carreira que ele engata uma série de empates (o São Paulo encerra o turno como a equipe que mais empatou na competição: 11 vezes) e sofre tantos gols (com 24 sofridos, é quem mais foi vazado entre os dez primeiros).

– Os erros têm sido corriqueiros. Para o treinador, sofrer seis gols em dois jogos mostra erros coletivos, uma ou outra falha individual. Nossa responsabilidade é fazer o time melhorar nesta parte defensiva. A verdade é que precisamos melhorar. Tantos empates e gols sofridos não são características do meu trabalho. Difícil aceitar um empate como esse, ali foi falta de concentração e de treinamentos nossos – apontou Ceni.

Ainda de acordo com o treinador, o fato da zaga estar completamente desmontada (Arboleda passou por cirurgia e só deve retornar no ano que vem, Miranda e Leo estão contundidos), tendo que se escalar jogadores, complica o entendimento de como atuar.

– A gente está acostumado a jogar com mais jovens. Mas há uma diferença muito grande entre o Diego (Costa) e o Luizão, de idade, experiência… Até as próprias improvisações que têm de fazer, isso faz com que não tenhamos uma sintonia tão boa. São várias alterações ao mesmo tempo.

O São Paulo terá três dias de preparação antes do embate contra o América-MG. A equipe folga neste domingo e retorna às atividades na segunda-feira (25), no CT da Barra Funda. O foco, a partir de então, estará na defesa.

– Nós tentamos corrigir no vídeo os últimos jogos, as chances que perdemos e conseguimos. É repassado esse vídeo para dar um retorno do jogo. Nesses últimos dias não dá, porque se eu treinar eles não aguentam jogar. São muitos jogos. Precisamos melhorar, temos uma decisão na quinta, domingo e aí tem outro campeonato. Novamente teremos quatro jogos em dez dias, para qualquer time, mas para nós que temos tantos desfalques defensivos… A parte defensiva a gente tem sofrido bastante.

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أعلن النادي الأهلي، بشكل رسمي، حجم إصابة لاعب الفريق إمام عاشور، التي تعرض لها خلال مباراة فريقه أمام إنتر ميامي الأمريكي في المباراة الافتتاحية لبطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025.

وكان الأهلي التقي مع إنتر ميامي، صباح اليوم الأحد، في إطار منافسات الجولة الأولى من عمر مواجهات المجموعة الأولي لبطولة كأس العالم للأندية المقامة في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، انتهي اللقاء بالتعادل السلبي بين الفريقين.

وتعرض إمام عاشور لإصابة في الكتف الأيسر، في المباراة عند الدقيقة العاشرة من عمر الشوط الأول للمباراة، لم يستطع استكمال اللقاء.

طالع | فيديو.. رفض التبديل | إمام عاشور يغادر مباراة الأهلي وإنتر ميامي مبكرًا.. ومشاركة زيزو

ووفقًا للصحفة الرسمية للنادي الأهلي، قال أحمد جاب الله طبيب الفريق: “الآشعة التي خضع لها لاعب الفريق إمام عاشور، أثبتت إصابته بكسر في عظمة الترقوة”.

وأشار إلي أن إمام عاشور سيغيب عن مباريات الأهلي القادمة في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية”.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي مع بالميراس البرازيلي، مساء الخميس المقبل 19 يونيو، في الجولة الثانية من مباريات دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس العالم للأندية.

ويتواجد الأهلي في المجموعة الأولي من بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، بجانب أندية إنتر ميامي الأمريكي وبالميراس البرازيلي وبورتو البرتغالي.

تستعد بعثة منتخب مصر لكرة اليد للشباب بقيادة مجدي أبو المجد، للسفر في الساعات الأولى من صباح الثلاثاء إلى بولندا لخوض بطولة العالم.

ومن المقرر أن تقام بطولة العالم تحت 21 سنة في بولندا خلال الفترة من 18 إلى 29 يونيو المقبل.

ويلعب منتخب مصر للشباب لكرة اليد، ضمن المجموعة الثامنة من كأس العالم والتي تضم: “إسبانيا – مصر – البحرين – السعودية”.

ويترأس نبيل خشبة أمين صندوق اتحاد اليد رئاسة بعثة منتخب الشباب في بطولة العالم ببولندا.

وأعلن مجدي أبو المجد قائمة المنتخب لخوض المونديال وضمت كلًا من: “يوسف ناجي إيميل ويوسف وليد أحمد وبلال إبراهيم مسعود ومحمد مؤمن صفا وعمر مصطفى بركة و محمد عبد الغني عبد الغني ومحمد صلاح محمود وعمر عدلان محمد وزياد مهند حشاد و محمد وائل عبد اللطيف وفراس مروان رجب ويوسف أحمد لولا و محمد عماد شعبان وزياد عبد الرحيم وياسين محمد عبد المنعم وعمر هايمن يوسف وأحمد تغيان عبد الستار ومعاذ عزب إبراهيم”.

طالع | منتخب مصر للشباب يسقط أمام البحرين في البطولة العربية لكرة اليد

ودعم اتحاد اليد بقيادة خالد فتحي منتخب الشباب بشكل قوي بإقامة معسكرات أوروبية وخوض عدد من المباريات الودية القوية لتحقيق أفضل إعداد ممكن قبل خوض المونديال.

Wrexham are, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney on board, the most ambitious of outfits, but a move for Thomas Muller is considered impossible.

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• Hollywood co-owners bankrolling Red Dragons
• World Cup winner leaving Allianz Arena
• Expected to continue career in the United States

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Dragons are in the process of piecing together recruitment plans after seeing a historic third successive promotion lift them into the Championship. Hollywood co-owners continue to make the funds available that allow marquee additions to be sought.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Welsh outfit have already been linked with the likes of Jamie Vardy and Tom Cairney, while being urged to consider an approach for England international striker Callum Wilson, with every corner of the transfer market being explored.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  World Cup winner Muller is among those about to hit free agency, as his contract at Bayern Munich runs down, but the legendary 35-year-old forward is expected to favour a move to MLS over any potential challenge in the EFL.

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  WHAT DIETMAR HAMANN SAID

  Ex-Bayern midfielder Dietmar Hamann has told : "Thomas Muller is 35 now and his game time was very limited in the last few weeks. But he came on against Inter in the quarters, scored a goal, so he still knows where the goal is.

  "He's got a few offers and clubs that he thinks are outside the box, he said he had offers where he thought that's a bit ambitious, but that he liked them. Moving to England though at this age won’t be an option, so I can’t see him at Wrexham.

  "The most likely destination is probably the MLS. They've got a partner club with LAFC, Bayern Munich, and the way he is talking I think he is going to carry on playing."

Authorities have imposed a travel ban against the AC Milan supporters ahead of their clash against Roma, after the ultras indulged in vandalism acts.

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Milan fans face travel ban ahead of Roma clashRoma Police HQ termed their acts as 'violent & vandalistic'Stadio Olimpico's travelling section to remain shut Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to a report from Italian outlet , Roma Police Headquarters have imposed a travel ban on AC Milan supporters ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes Serie A match against Roma, following a spate of violence and vandalism linked to Rossoneri ultras during the Coppa Italia final against Bologna on Wednesday, which they lost.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The May 14 clash between Milan and Bologna at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico ended in chaos, with police reporting widespread damage to stadium infrastructure, stolen jerseys, and smashed vehicles belonging to Milan fans. The most serious incidents occurred in and around the Curva Sud — a section traditionally occupied by Roma ultras — where seats and bathrooms were defaced.

Tensions had already flared days earlier due to inflammatory social media posts by some Milan ultra groups, who vowed to “desecrate” the Curva Sud. Roma supporters responded with threats of retaliation, which reportedly materialized in the form of slashed car tires and attempted assaults on visiting fans. Not just that, but two Roma fans were also later found in possession of stolen Milan jerseys, while security forces documented extensive vandalism inside the stadium.

DID YOU KNOW?

Minutes after Roma Police HQ announced their decision on imposing a travel ban on Milan supporters, Banditi Curva Sud Milano, one of the ultras groups, released a statement on Instagram that read: “After last night’s unworthy performance, the umpteenth in a season that is the result of the evident incapacity of the directors of Via Aldo Rossi and a team without a shred of pride, we will leave you alone in Rome on Sunday. Along with your shame. This decision is taken regardless of any crazy travel bans that have been talked about for days.”

This isn't the first time this season that Milan ultras have threatened to cease showing support for their club. In December 2024, the Curva Sud group chanted in protest against the American owner, Gerry Cardinale and the management group RedBird Capital Partners.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?

A bad season turned to worse on Wednesday as Sergio Conceicao's men lost 1-0 to Bologna in the Coppa Italia final. Although they can mathematically still qualify for next season's Champions League, they will need to win their final two fixtures, first against Roma on Sunday, May 18, and then Monza the following weekend.

It has already been confirmed that the Portuguese manager will not remain in the Milan dugout next season, with a number of candidates linked to take over the reins.

Chelsea have made contact with a marquee Barcelona player who’s very highly-regarded at the Camp Nou, as Enzo Maresca’s side seek to gauge his interest in making a move to the Premier League.

Chelsea targeting new midfielder this summer

Roméo Lavia’s recent injury problems have exposed a slight shortage of quality centre-midfielders in Maresca’s squad, leading them to consider their options in the transfer market.

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Chelsea did move to complete a £13 million deal for Mathis Amougou, who joined them from Saint-Étienne towards the back end of the January transfer window, but the teenager is believed to be a temporary solution for the first-team this season before he heads out on loan to Strasbourg for 2025/2026.

Bearing this in mind, Chelsea are looking at more permanent options for their midfield next season.

Reports in Spain have suggested that Chelsea are prepared to bid around £58 million for Atletico Madrid ace Pablo Barrios, and they were linked with a sensational move for Man United gem Kobbie Mainoo during the winter.

However, if Chelsea are to reignite their interest in the England international later this year, it is believed that United would demand around £80 million to sell Mainoo – so BlueCo would need to heavily invest in his signing.

Another rumoured midfield target for Maresca’s side is Barcelona starlet Marc Casado.

The 21-year-old has been an ever-present in Hansi Flick’s first-team, averaging their third-highest rate of tackles per 90 and a near-90 per cent passing accuracy (WhoScored) – with Chelsea thought to be very keen.

Chelsea approach Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado over potential transfer

According to Spanish news outlet Cadena SER, and their reporter Santi Ovalle, Chelsea have approached Casado recently to gauge his interest in joining them.

The Catalan gem’s contract includes an £83 million release clause, and while it is unclear whether Barca would be willing to negotiate at a lower fee, he is apparently very well thought of at the club.

Casado, who has another three years remaining on his contract, also favours making a go of his career at Barca – but that hasn’t stopped Chelsea from becoming another Premier League side to express interest.

The Spaniard has been praised by those within the beautiful game for his performances this campaign, with Bryan Zaragoza even calling him an “animal”.

“He’s an animal,” said Zaragoza after Casado made his first ever Spain start in a 3-2 win over Switzerland late last year. “I don’t even know what to say about how he played. He’s barbaric.”

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente joined in on the praise soon afterwards, stating: “Marc has been with us for a game and a half and plays like a veteran. I never cease to be amazed by his maturity when I see him play with that confidence, that security and that control of the situation.”