English Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch as James Maddison stops to take selfie with pitch invader mid-game during Leicester’s win over Man City

      by

      LEICESTER CITY’S James Maddison took a break from the action in Saturday’s Community Shield clash to take a selfie with a fan who managed to get on to the Wembley pitch. The 24-year-old played 71 minutes in the game as the FA Cup winners beat Premier League champions Manchester City 1-0 thanks to a late Kelechi Iheanacho goal.
      James Maddison takes a selfie with a fan during Leicester’s win over Manchester City
      Maddison returns the favour at full time and smiles for a picture in front of the Leicester fans at WembleyCredit: Getty
      But just before the hour mark a Foxes fan spotted his chance to snap a selfie with the Leicester star.
      As Maddison trotted towards the corner flag to take a set-piece, a fan managed to break past security and onto the pitch to grab a picture with the one-cap England man.
      And Maddison was more than happy for the picture to take place, stopping in his tracks to smile for the camera before the fan was wheeled away by Wembley security.
      The incident occurred just before the hour mark, with the score still 0-0 at Wembley.
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
      There have been concerns in recent weeks about the security at the stadium after fans forced their way inside before the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy, and this incident only adds to those fears.
      Maddison has been widely linked with a move to Arsenal this summer, as Mikel Arteta seeks a playmaker like Maddison as a long-term replacement for Mesut Ozil.
      But ITV pundit Roy Keane has warned Maddison against the move, warning the former Norwich man against a switch to a side who finished below Leicester in the Premier League last season.
      PREMIER WIN! Get crazy 20/1 odds on Salah scoring ONE goal in August

      JUST CHAMPION! Get huge odds boost for Fulham AND Boro in lunchtime clash
      Speaking on ITV ahead of the Community Shield between Leicester and Manchester City, he said: “Maybe he might just fancy a bit of change, maybe just fancy a bit of London? I don’t know.
      “It’s a difficult one, [Jamie] Vardy had an opportunity to go to Arsenal, he turned it down.
      “He got big money, turned it down, he got big money at Leicester, let’s not kid ourselves. But Leicester, the group of players they have, they’ve [also] got a new training ground.
      “If he’s leaving Leicester, I don’t think Arsenal is the right option. If I was him I’d sit tight.”
      It’s believed that the Foxes are holding out for around £60million for their star man, and with three years left on his contract they’re in a very strong bargaining position.
      Football London claim that homegrown talents Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah could all be on the table in a player-plus-cash swap deal, but the Foxes are not thought to be interested in a swap deal and would prefer a lump sum.
      But for now Maddison is a Leicester player and he will be hoping to add to the eight goals he scored and seven assists he provided in the 2020/21 Premier League season, as he looks to help Leicester into the top four spots after the Foxes agonisingly missed out on Champions League football in the last two seasons.
      James Maddison sits with the Community Shield after win over Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      Maddison in action at Wembley yesterdayCredit: Getty
      James Maddison adds the Community Shield medal to his collection after winning the FA Cup with the Foxes last yearCredit: PA More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Arsenal star Mesut Ozil sends touching message of support to Bukayo Saka after England star’s Euro 2020 racism hell

      by

      MESUT OZIL shared kind-hearted words about Bukayo Saka following sickening online racial abuse aimed at the England starlet after his Euros 2020 penalty miss. The ex-Gunners playmaker revealed he “felt very much” for his former Arsenal team-mate and praised the youngster for taking a pen in a major match. 
      Mesut Ozil said he felt for his former Arsenal team-mate Bukayo Saka following his Euros penalty missCredit: Getty
      The 2014 World Cup winner, 32, was speaking almost two weeks after Saka saw his vital spot-kick saved by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
      The dramatic penalty shoot-out led to Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri winning the tournament.
      Misses by Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho in addition to Saka would later lead to all three being targeted by trolls posting racist comments and monkey emojis on social media. 
      Saka, 19, who reflected on his experiences, has pledged to overcome negativity and called on social media companies to take action against online hate. 
      And his sentiments have been echoed by Ozil who plays for Turkish giants Fenerbahce.  
      I felt very much for Bukayo, I know from my own experience how it feels to miss a penaltyMesut Ozil
      The ex-Germany playmaker also saw one of his spot-kicks saved by Donnarumma in Arsenal’s loss to Bayern Munich in a  2014 Champions League clash. 
      Ozil told Sky Sports: “I felt very much for Bukayo, I know from my own experience how it feels to miss a penalty.
      “In a final, as the last one, to take on the responsibility of an entire nation as a young player – respect. Not many players would dare to do that.
      “There will always be people who racially abuse and scapegoat people of different backgrounds and skin colour when they lose.
      “Unfortunately, there will always be a small part of our community that racially insults and threatens players.
      “We should focus much more on the positive messages that keep players strong.”
      The abuse endured by Saka, Rashford and Sancho has led to leading football figures and politicians to demand action from Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  
      And the Arsenal ace’s club boss Mikel Arteta is among those who have called for tougher measures to stop players being targeted by accounts posting racist messages. 
      Arteta said: “He (Saka) has received a lot of love and support from the world of football, not only from Arsenal but with the national team and all the English fans because he doesn’t deserve anything like he has been through.
      “He’s had a phenomenal season and in football, if you want to be part of the greatest you have to know at 19 that you will lose more than you win unfortunately in this game and there’s no exception to that rule.
      Arsenal and England starlet Saka has vowed to overcome negativity following online abuse he receivedCredit: Getty

      “Hopefully we can use this to make a strong statement and we have to stop racist abuse on social media and people using social media to hide and put people in really bad places.
      “Hopefully, the laws will be stronger.
      “We are all going to make a strong case out of that and it can make a big impact because I think it’s the moment to put it right.”
      Arsenal set to beat Spurs and West Ham to Tammy Abraham loan with obligation to pay Chelsea £40m for permanent transfer More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal are planning FOUR more transfer signings this summer including £50m Ben White deal from Brighton

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA is set to continue his summer spending spree with Arsenal rumoured to be bringing in four new additions.Football London claims the Gunners are looking to recruit more players, including Ben White, following the signing of Albert Sambi Lokonga. 
      Mikel Arteta is reportedly set to bring four more players to Arsenal this summerCredit: Getty
      The ex-Anderlecht midfielder, 21, who is highly rated by his former boss Vincent Kompany, sealed a switch to North London.
      Lokonga’s move for an undisclosed fee believed to be near £17.2million follows Arsenal’s signing of Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares this month.
      And Football London says the Gunners are plotting to bring three more players to the club.
      It is thought Brighton centre-back White will be first of the new arrivals with the defender reportedly set to seal a £50m move to Arsenal after his holiday in Mykonos. 
      The player was part of the England squad that reached the finals of Euro 2020 before falling to a dramatic defeat on penalties to Italy. 
      It is rumoured the defender, 23, will battle Rob Holding and Callum Chambers for a starting spot. 
      White impressed for Brighton last term making the most Prem appearances for the side – playing 36 top-flight games – alongside Yves Bissouma
      Reports claim Mikel Arteta’s side are also on the hunt for a playmaker despite being adamant Emile Smith Rowe, 20, will stay at the Emirates following Aston Villa’s interest. 
      Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances. He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht.Mikel Arteta on Albert Sambi Lokonga

      It is suggested Arteta is keen on having more creative midfield options in case of injuries to the starlet, who battled with shoulder problems last term. 
      Officials are thought to be eyeing Leicester’s James Maddison and Lyon’s Houssem Aouar with the France international reportedly available for £17m. 
      And the Gunners are believed to be keeping an eye on Martin Odegaard’s situation at Real Madrid.
      This is despite reports in Spain claiming the player wishes to remain at the Bernabeu next season. 
      Arsenal are also thought to be shopping for a midfield partner for Thomas Partey with Granit Xhaka destined for Roma and Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles set for departures. 
      And while the club have invested in Lokonga, it is suggested the Belgian may not be a regular starter in the league next term. 
      It is thought Wolves ace Ruben Neves and Sassuolo and Italy star Manuel Locatelli are of interest to Arteta and Gunners technical director Edu. 
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH

      However, the club could face a battle with Juventus for Locatelli’s services. 
      And with Inter Milan rumoured to be keen on Hector Bellerin, it is reported Arsenal could be in the market for a right-back. 
      Football London reports Norwich’s Max Aarons and RB Leipzig full-back Tyler Adams are among the players being eyed by Edu and his staff.
      Ex-Arsenal defender William Saliba completes Marseille transfer More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal latest club to link up with cryptocurrency in $AFC Fan Token deal – with fans now able to make club decisions

      by

      ARSENAL are joining Europe’s football giants by getting involved in cryptocurrency with the creation of $AFC Fan Tokens.The club have become the second Premier League outfit to team up with blockchain provider Chiliz to offer crypto tokens to supporters 
      Arsenal have become the latest Premier League club to offer their fans cryptocurrency
      The Gunners say $AFC Fan Tokens will give supporters the chance to influence club decisions during the season
      And the Emirates side are set to launch their tokens via an app called Socios.com.
      It is a move that sees the Gunners follow in the footsteps of league champs Manchester City who in March revealed plans to launch fan tokens in collaboration with Chiliz. 
      Gunners officials suggest $AFC Fan Tokens, described as digital assets, will give their owners the chance to influence the club every season via interactive surveys and polls.
      It is thought they can also join competitions and discussion forums. 
      Peter Silverstone, Arsenal’s commercial director said: ‘We are excited to launch this partnership with Socios that will bring our huge global fan base even closer to the club. 
      “Socios are leading the way in blockchain in the sports industry, as we have seen from their relationships with other leading European clubs. 
      “When we launch the $AFC Fan Tokens together we will give our hundreds of millions of fans worldwide more opportunities to interact with the club and be a part of our global family.”
      Chilliz is thought to be one of the most influential blockchain suppliers for the sports and entertainment sector. 
      Barcelona and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs working with the firm. 
      Portugal and Copa America champions Argentina are among the national teams to have agreed to partnerships. 

      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH

      And LaLiga outfit Valencia are set to become the first football side in the world to plug their $VCF Fan Tokens on their football shirts.
      The Gunners’ move into cryptocurrency for fans comes a week after they announced plans for a documentary with Amazon.
      The All or Nothing series will see Arsenal allow TV cameras behind the scenes at the Emirates during the 2021-22 season. 
      Arsenal release new home kit for 2021-22 season with dramatic new white sleeve look More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea told to fork out staggering £100m transfer fee for Declan Rice as West Ham set huge price for England ace

      by

      DECLAN RICE could cost Chelsea a whopping £100million should the Champions League winners make a move for the England star. The Athletic claim West Ham are after the megabucks fee from suitors interested in their star with Manchester United and the Blues thought to be keen. 
      Declan Rice’s impressive England performances have attracted interest from West Ham’s Prem rivalsCredit: Focus Images
      Rice is currently enjoying a well-earned break in Mykonos with fellow England stars Mason Mount and Luke ShawCredit: Instagram / @declanrice
      Rice, 22, was among England’s most acclaimed Euro 2020 performers, appearing in all their games including their loss to Italy in the final. 
      The combative midfielder made 35 appearances for the Irons across all competitions last term netting twice to help them finish sixth in the top-flight. 
      And the Hammers’ standing in the table last term means the side will compete in the Europa League for the first time since the 2016-17 season. 
      Rice, who began his career in Chelsea’s Academy at 14, currently has three years left on his contract with David Moyes’ side who play Reading in a friendly next. 
      The extension on his contract was agreed back in December 2018.
      It is thought the club are reluctant to part company with their young captain.
      And they expect to be compensated with an eye-watering fee should a Rice exit come to fruition. 
      RICE IN MOYES’ PLANS
      And while Stamford Bridge boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly impressed with Rice’s talents, it is uncertain as to whether the Blues would permit a £100m bid for the player. 
      And the Metro reports the Irons gaffer Moyes has no interest in bidding farewell to the midfielder.
      Moyes, 58, said: “We’ve just qualified for Europe, it’s a brilliant achievement.
      “Declan (Rice) has been a big part of that and we want him to be a big part of what we do next year as well.
      “I don’t think (club owners) David Sullivan, David Gold or myself have got any intention of losing Declan.
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH

      This month SunSport exclusively revealed West Ham are attempting to tie Rice down to a bumper new deal following Felipe Anderson’s departure to Lazio. 
      It is thought the club are looking to use wages freed up from the Brazilian’s move to Serie A. 
      It is claimed the winger was on a £100,000-a-week salary with West Ham reportedly keen on using a share of this in a new deal for Rice.
      Rice helped West Ham finish sixth in the Prem with the team qualifying for the Europa LeagueCredit: AFP
      England heroes enjoy well-earned break as Declan Rice and Mason Mount play basketball on a luxury yacht More

    • 263 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Ben White slated over £50m Arsenal transfer as he’s ‘too good’ for them with Man Utd missing trick, says Danny Mills

      by

      BRIGHTON star Ben White should set his sights higher than Arsenal, Danny Mills reckons.The England centre-back expected to make a £50million move to North London this summer.
      Football pundit Danny Mills reckons Ben White is “too good” for a move to ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Danny Mills told talkSPORT he was surprised Man Utd have not come in for WhiteCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But ex-Man City defender Mills thinks White should be aiming higher than the Gunners and target a move to a Premier League title contender.
      And the former Leeds player admitted to being stunned that Manchester United have not bid for the 23-year-old centre-back.
      Mills reckons the sought-after Albion ace is too good for the Gunners, who are due to play Inter Milan in a friendly next. 
      He told talkSPORT: “The only thing I am surprised at is Ben White has gone to Arsenal. 
      “Let’s assume that he will be at Arsenal for two or three years at least before he goes somewhere else. I just think he is better than that.
      “What is he going to win at Arsenal? League Cup, if he is lucky. Maybe the FA Cup.
      “I think he is an exceptional player and I think he is a fantastic signing for Arsenal. 
      “I am just a little bit surprised that Manchester United, who are looking for a centre-half, haven’t come in for him.” 

      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH

      Mills’ comments come two days after the Gunners battled their way to a 2-2 friendly draw against Rangers following a surprise 2-1 loss at Hibernian.
      White has been pictured enjoying a well-earned break on the Greek island of Mykonos and has attracted much interest after his efforts for Brighton.
      And he also impressed during his spell on loan at Leeds during the 2019-20 season during which they won promotion.
      The Seagulls star appeared in all 46 Championship games for Marcelo Bielsa’s side helping them win promotion to the Prem for the first time in 16 years. 

      The addition of White may come as a defensive boost to Mikel Arteta’s side, who registered their lowest ever Premier League finish last term coming eighth in the table. 
      Midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga could be joining White in an £18m swoop from Anderlecht.
      Arsenal travel to Florida to continue their pre-season preparations with a game against Inter Milan next on there agenda this Sunday.
      Arsenal release new home kit for 2021-22 season with dramatic new white sleeve look More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool keeper Alisson set to sign bumper new contract until 2026 ‘with just finishing touches left to finalise’

      by

      BRAZIL star Alisson is reportedly in the late stages of sealing a contract extension that will see him remain with Liverpool until June 2026. Football expert Fabrizio Romano claims news of the goalkeeper’s new five-year deal is due to be confirmed in the coming weeks. 
      Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is reportedly set to finalise a contract extension with the clubCredit: Getty
      Alisson is thought to be highly regarded by Anfield boss Jurgen KloppCredit: AFP
      It is thought the Reds stopper, 28, will put pen to paper on his new contract once all the relevant details are finalised. 
      And the Athletic reports Alisson’s compatriot Fabinho is expected to sign a new deal with the side who are due to play Bundesliga outfit Mainz in a pre-season friendly on July 23. 
      The news comes amid speculation of contract talks for England midfield star Jordan Henderson slowing down in recent weeks. 
      The Anfield captain has entered the last two years of his £140,000-a-week contract at the club. 
      Alisson, 28, who made two appearances for Brazil at the Copa America this year, is thought to be highly regarded by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. 
      The Brazil ace played an instrumental role in Liverpool’s title win in the 2019-20 season helping Klopp’s side win their first-ever Prem crown. 
      And the keeper kept 15 clean sheets in 29 top-flight appearances with his club losing just three league games in the league. 
      And although the stopper made some high-profile errors during losses to Man City and Leicester, the player kept 15 clean sheets in 42 games for the Reds last term. 

      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH

      Alisson began his senior playing career at Brazilian club Internacional in 2013 before sealing a £6.4million move to Roma in 2016. 
      And the player made a sensational 2018 summer switch to Merseyside for £66.8m beating the world-record £32.6m Juventus paid to Parma for Gianluigi Buffon. 
      At the time Alisson was hailed by pundits in Italy as one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A having saved around 79 per cent of shots in the 2017-18 season. 
      Alisson kept 15 clean sheets in 42 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions last termCredit: Getty
      Ibrahim Konate marks Liverpool move with childhood pals and red flares in wild scenes More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Wayne Rooney backs Jesse Lingard to become Man Utd star again after reigniting career with West Ham loan transfer

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY reckons Jesse Lingard can battle his way into Manchester United’s starting line-up after his eye-catching West Ham loan spell. The Red Devils icon was sharing his thoughts with Sky Sports after seeing his Derby County team fall to a 2-1 loss to United in a pre-season friendly. 
      Wayne Rooney is backing Jesse Lingard to shine for Man United next seasonCredit: Conor Molloy/News Images
      Former Man United starlet Ravel Morrison was part of the Derby side beaten 2-1 by the Red Devils in a pre-season friendlyCredit: Prime Media
      Tahith Chong and rising starlet Facundo Pellistri netted for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team at a sunbaked Pride Park.
      The Rams reduced the deficit with a solitary goal scored by Colin Kazim-Richards.
      And the clash saw Lingard, 28, make his first return to action for the club since departing for a half-season stint with the Irons. 
      Lingard’s last encounter for the Old Trafford giants was on the bench as an unused substitute in January during a 2-1 home win in the Prem against Aston Villa. 
      And the England forward came on as a half-time sub against Rooney’s Rams with the Red Devils set to play Queens Park Rangers in a friendly next. 
      The United ace put in an energetic shift in attack striking the crossbar with a shot from distance. 
      Rooney, 35, told Sky Sports:  “Jesse is a fantastic player. He’s done excellent when he went to West Ham on loan and sometimes that’s what kick starts your career again.
      “He went through a difficult period and he got through it. 
      “And his way of getting through it was going on loan, getting back to playing football again and he’s given himself a great chance of getting back in the squad at Manchester United.”
      WEST HAM SPELL
      Lingard, who missed out on a spot in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 England squad, enjoyed an impressive spell boosting West Ham’s attack from January to June this year.
      The Cheshire-born forward netted nine goals and provided five assists in 16 Prem appearances for David Moyes’ Hammers. 
      And his efforts helped the team finish sixth in the top-flight last term and qualify for the Europa League this season. 
      Lingard, who made his senior United debut at 19 in 2011, has impressed Solskjaer with his upturn in form after falling down the Red Devils’ pecking order in 2020. 
      And the United gaffer, who watched the forward in action against Derby, suggested Lingard was currently part of his plans for next season. 
      Solskjaer said: “Jesse has come back, been bright, he wants to fight for his place and there’s nothing better than seeing players want to fight for their place.
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH

       “He came seven or eight days later than the rest but he’s a naturally fit boy
      “He’s a man, he played with a few boys but he’s one of the men.
      “What he did towards the end of last season, that’s the true Jesse, that’s what we know he’s capable of and, for us, I think we saw towards the end that we lacked some options at times and Jesse is in the plans at the moment.”
      Lingard netted nine goals for West Ham helping them to finish sixth in the Premier League last seasonCredit: Paul Marriott More