A 31ª rodada doBrasileirão 2023se inicia nesta terça-feira (31), e os jornalistas doLance!deixaram os seus palpites sobre o resultados de todos os jogos. Os principais destaques são os duelos entre Botafogo e Palmeiras, na disputa pelo título, e Cuiabá e Vasco, na parte debaixo da tabela.
RelacionadasBrasileirãoSeleção da 30ª rodada do Brasileirão 2023Brasileirão30/10/2023BrasileirãoChances de rebaixamento no Brasileirão 2023: veja situação dos clubes após a 30ª rodadaBrasileirão30/10/2023
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BAHIA x FLUMINENSE
CORINTHIANS x ATHLETICO
INTERNACIONAL x AMÉRICA
FLAMENGO x SANTOS
CORITIBA x GRÊMIO
BOTAFOGO x PALMEIRAS
ATLÉTICO-MG x FORTALEZA
CUIABÁ x VASCO
GOIÁS x RED BULL BRAGANTINO
SÃO PAULO x CRUZEIRO
Votaram nos palpites Ana Helena Gobbel (repórter), Felipe Rinaldi (repórter), João Brandão (repórter), João Marcos (repórter), Nathan Rosseto (repórter), Paula Mattos (repórter) e Rafael Oliva (repórter).
➡️ Seleção da 30ª rodada do Brasileirão 2023
Destaque para o amplo favoritistmo do Flamengo sobre o Santos, e o equilíbrio entre São Paulo e Cruzeiro… E aí, concorda, torcedor?Deixe seu palpite aqui embaixo nos comentários!
Lionel Messi continues to see a "last dance" at Barcelona speculated on, with it possible that a loan return to Catalunya could be agreed early in 2026. The Argentine icon is currently plying his trade in MLS with Inter Miami, but could head back to Europe during the American off-season – with Jordi Cruyff, the son of Blaugrana legend Johan, reacting to that transfer gossip.
New contract for Messi: Tied to Inter Miami until 2028
Messi has ruled out a retracing of steps to Camp Nou on a permanent basis, having recently taken in a secret visit to that venue as redevelopment work is completed. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has committed to a new contract in South Florida through 2028.
Short-term loans have, however, been agreed by MLS superstars in the past – with David Beckham taking in two spells with AC Milan while on the books at the LA Galaxy and Thierry Henry briefly reuniting with Arsenal when tied to the New York Red Bulls. It has been suggested that Messi could tread a similar path.
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Messi transfer: Could Argentine emulate Beckham & Henry?
Cruyff, who represented Barca as a player before becoming the club’s sporting director, is not convinced that Messi will head back to familiar surroundings. He told reporters, as covered by , when quizzed on that shock transfer talk: "One last dance? I don’t know what his plans are, so I can’t answer that, but he’s a very special player because of everything he’s meant since he was a child.
"My father has also left at times in better shape and at other times in worse shape, but the affection becomes mutual again over time. What is clear is that the one who decides his destiny and his future, when and how, is Leo, just as my father did."
Pressed further on whether Messi – who won the MLS Golden Boot in 2025 and has 42 goals to his name this season – could still compete in La Liga having severed ties with Barca in 2021 when leaving for Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, Cruyff added: "I don’t know, that’s something he has to decide. He is in a different league, he has a World Cup just around the corner, and that will be his great passion right now. [There is] also the issue of the League, and he is competitive; that must be decided by two parties, and I, from the outside, do not have much to say."
Exhibition game: Barcelona trying to arrange match for Messi
Messi is expected to form part of Argentina’s squad at next summer’s World Cup, as they look to successfully defend the global crown that was captured at Qatar 2022. Heading back to Catalunya would allow Messi to stay sharp ahead of that tournament.
Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has, however, said of the return rumours: "Out of the utmost respect for Messi, the professionals at the club, Barca, and the Barca club members, I believe that now, for me to make speculation that is unrealistic, nor do I think is fair, well, I believe that is not appropriate."
He went on to say of arranging a friendly or exhibition match for Messi to grace: "Things didn’t end the way we would have liked … if, in some way, this tribute can make up for what wasn’t done, I think it would be a good thing. It would be right that he has the best tribute [match] in the world, and it would be wonderful to have it here, in front of 105,000 fans."
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Messi immortalised: Barca plan statue for record breaker
Laporta has also revealed that Barcelona are planning to immortalise Messi with a statue outside of Camp Nou. Said structure would stand alongside those which recognise the achievements of Johan Cruyff and Laszlo Kubala.
Jordi said of a statue helping to rebuild bridges between Barca and Messi following their emotional split four years ago: "Well, my father also had his own character, he was rebellious, he was a rebel; and that kind of character and personality… like my father, Leo Messi is a star. They have the luxury of choosing when they want to, that’s the luck that immortals have, the truly special ones."
Messi took in 778 appearances for Barcelona, netting 672 goals – becoming their all-time leading scorer. He helped them to 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League triumphs and is now the most decorated player in history with 46 major honours to his name.
New Zealand, who are playing a Test for the first time this year, are without Latham, Williamson, Phillips and Jamieson
Hemant Brar29-Jul-2025
Mitchell Santner will lead New Zealand in Tests for the first time•AFP/Getty Images
Big picture: Zimbabwe eye first win against NZWelcome back to Test cricket, New Zealand. The last time they played a Test was in December 2024, against England in Hamilton. Given that this two-match series against Zimbabwe doesn’t count towards the World Test Championship, they can take their time to reacquaint themselves with the flow and rhythm of red-ball cricket.On the other hand, Zimbabwe have played seven Tests this year, the joint-most with Australia. But with six losses and just one win, they have the worst record for any team. Moreover, they are yet to beat New Zealand in Test cricket. Of the 17 Tests against New Zealand, they have lost 11 and drawn six.Having said that, this is a slightly weakened New Zealand side. They are without captain Tom Latham, former captain Kane Williamson and allrounders Glenn Phillips and Kyle Jamieson. Williamson is unavailable for the series, having signed a deal with Middlesex, which includes playing for London Spirit in the Hundred; Jamieson is at home, awaiting the birth of his first child; Latham is yet to recover from a shoulder injury he picked up during the Vitality Blast; and Phillips is sidelined with a groin injury he picked up during the MLC.Related
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Bracewell replaces Phillips for the first Test
Latham out of first Test, Santner to lead
In Latham’s absence, Mitchell Santner will lead the side. He has plenty of experience captaining New Zealand in ODIs and T20Is, but this will be a first for him in first-class cricket, let alone Test cricket.Recently, an understrength South Africa proved to be too good for Zimbabwe. But for this series, they are bolstered by the returns of allrounder Sikandar Raza and opener Ben Curran. Raza lends the much-needed balance and experience, and Curran should add the solidity at the top. Brendan Taylor’s ban has also ended but he has not been named in the squad yet.Form guideZimbabwe LLLLW (last five Tests, most recent first) New Zealand WLLWWIn the spotlight: Williams and HenrySean Williams has been easily the best Zimbabwe batter this year. In seven Tests, he has scored 577 at an average of 52.45 and a strike rate of 76.83. Only Shubman Gill (755) and Rishabh Pant (580) have scored more Test runs than him in 2025. One thing he would like to improve, though, is his conversion rate. Of his five 50-plus scores this year, he converted only one into a hundred.Sean Williams averages 52.45 in Tests this year•Zimbabwe Cricket
Matt Henry’s overall Test record – 120 wickets at an average of 29.84 – does not scream elite. But scratch beneath that and you realise why Henry is rated so highly. When he opens the bowling, his record becomes 105 wickets at 24.11. Last year, he picked up 48 wickets in nine Tests at an average of 18.58 and a strike rate of 33.97. Among the top ten wicket-takers of 2024, only Jasprit Bumrah had a better average (14.92) and a strike rate (30.1). Don’t be surprised if Henry continues from where he left off.Team news: Fisher might debutBlessing Muzarabani is the only fast bowler in the Zimbabwe squad to have played at least ten Tests. He will be supported by Tanaka Chivanga, with Newman Nyamhuri likely to be the third seamer.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Brian Bennett, 2 Ben Curran, 3 Nick Welch, 4 Sean Williams, 5 Craig Ervine (captain), 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), 8 Wellington Masakadza, 9 Newman Nyamhuri, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Tanaka ChivangaWith Latham and Phillips out injured, Henry Nicholls and Michael Bracewell are expected to play. Matt Fisher, who can hit 140kph, could make his debut.New Zealand (probable): 1 Will Young, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Rachin Ravindra, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Henry Nicholls, 6 Tom Blundell (wk), 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Matt Henry, 10 Will O’Rourke, 11 Matt FisherPitch and conditionsIn the five Tests Bulawayo has hosted since December 2024, there have been three totals in excess of 580, including South Africa’s 625 for 6 declared that featured Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten 367. Fast bowlers have done much better in those games, averaging 29.63 and striking every 50.5 balls, as compared to spinners, who average 38.62 with a strike rate of 62.9. The forecast is for cool and dry weather.Stats and trivia New Zealand have won each of their last six Tests against Zimbabwe, four of them by an innings and another by 254 runs. Santner will become New Zealand’s 32nd Test captain. Three of Williams’ six Test hundreds have come at the Queens Sports Club. Williams is 125 away from 2000 Test runs, and Craig Ervine 159. Nicholls needs 27 runs to reach the 3000 mark in Test cricket.
Aston Villa scouts are being put through their paces ahead of the January window and may now have found a player worth pursuing in PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ismael Saibari.
The Villans struggled for goals in the early part of the campaign, and it is fair to say that their efforts to hit the target need to improve, given they are one of the lowest-scoring sides in the Premier League table.
Yet to hit double figures on that front, at the time of writing, much has been made of Ollie Watkins’ poor form at Aston Villa this season. The England international has hit the target in just one of 13 this campaign, failing to repeat the stellar form he showed in 2024/25.
Undoubtedly, January will be a time where finding potency will be prioritised. Hoffenheim striker Fisnik Asllani is on the Villans’ radar and may be pursued, with Unai Emery set on achieving even loftier goals than the accomplishments he has met during his three years in the West Midlands.
He said before the clash with Liverpool: “Still work to do, still objectives to set and work hard to achieve those objectives – collectively and myself as well, individually.
“One of them is some titles, but of course the title only is winning one, Premier League, the cups in England, and Europe, is the target we can set through to achieve some titles, and we are in this way.”
PSR may force Aston Villa’s hand as Liverpool plot a move for Ezri Konsa. Even then, there will be room to recruit more additions to offer Emery a greater sense of potency in his side’s hunt for continental qualification, something he may now find in his latest target.
Aston Villa scouts blown away by Ismael Saibari
According to TBR in conversation with Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa scouts were blown away by PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari after watching him in action against Feyenoord last weekend, where he scored a hat-trick.
Bailey said: “Saibari is attracting a lot of attention and his treble last week was special. He is one to keep an eye on for January, getting goals in January is something Premier League clubs especially are looking for and he could offer that.”
With ten goals and an assist to his name this term, the engine room operator is also wanted by Leeds United, West Ham United, Everton, Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Aston Villa eyeing Joshua Zirkzee to fill attacking void
Versatility is a key part of his game, something that could potentially signal several arrivals are imminent, given Saibari can feature as a ten, in central midfield or in a role shielding the back four.
Nevertheless, PSV hold the cards in negotiations due to having the Morocco international under contract until 2029. Aston Villa may need to shell out a premium to land his services, though could now be tempted by the prospect of a January bid.
Sunderland have a habit of finding gems in the transfer market and could now look to sign another Moroccan star following their summer capture of Chemsdine Talbi.
The Black Cats have been the surprise package of the Premier League campaign, and the example they have set is up there with the best newly-promoted sides to enter the top-flight.
Regis Le Bris has been a breath of fresh air against the elite in English football, and his side maintained their unbeaten home record in some style on Saturday evening, claiming a dramatic last-gasp draw against Arsenal courtesy of Brian Brobbey.
Sparking scenes of jubilation at the Stadium of Light, the Frenchman’s post-match interview paid tribute to his players and supporters as they battled until the end against one of Europe’s in-form clubs.
He told Match of the Day: “The lads worked hard to the end. They believed it was possible to change the dynamic. It was a tough game, as we expected. They are probably one of the best teams in Europe. We struggled, but we still believed it was possible to score one more goal. Our fans helped a lot. We showed before that it was possible, so now we have this faith, this belief that until the final whistle, anything is possible.”
Admittedly, it would be difficult to imagine a better start for Sunderland in their long-awaited return to the Premier League. Granit Xhaka’s leadership in midfield has offered an excellent base to build from, while figures such as Dan Ballard, Wilson Isidor and Enzo Le Fee have led the charge.
Whether from the start or off the bench, the Black Cats have a healthy balance to their squad and will be keen to bolster the ranks in January, something that could see them enter an untapped market for a player who retains considerable potential.
Sunderland bid for Moroccan talent Hossam Essadak
According to AfricaFoot, Sunderland have submitted an official offer for Union Touarga Sport midfielder Hossam Essadak after his leading role in Morocco claiming glory at the recent Under-20 World Cup in Chile.
Leading his side all the way to the final and collecting the trophy from Gianni Infantino, the 20-year-old is also wanted by Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, and there could be scope for a transfer battle between two of British football’s notable clubs for his services.
Should he opt for Sunderland, Essadak may follow similar footsteps to those of compatriot Chemsdine Talbi, albeit he would likely be viewed as one for the future in the North East.
Amid growing speculation over the prodigious star, scouts from both the Black Cats and Celtic are set to watch him in action before the January window.
Either way, Essadak has two attractive options to pick from after a run of four goals and four assists in 35 appearances for Union Touarga Sport. Wydad Casablanca and RS Berkane have also expressed their interest, but he is likely to be sold to a European counterpart.
New Zealand 92 for 0 (Conway 51*, Young 41*) trail Zimbabwe 149 (Ervine 39, Henry 6-39, Smith 3-20) by 57 runsMatt Henry’s 6 for 39 scythed through Zimbabwe, who were bowled out for their lowest total in seven innings and second-lowest in 2025, and their lead has already been reduced to just 57 runs by the end of the first day. New Zealand wiped off 92 of the 149 runs in the 26 overs they faced and hold the advantage in all departments. Their batting was solid and bowling was incisive where Zimbabwe’s has not been throughout their last few home Tests.Henry took wickets with the new and old ball, with full and short deliveries, and followed up perfectly from finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the T20I tri-series. He was well supported by Nathan Smith, who picked up 3 for 20 in his third Test. Those figures do justice to bowlers that had the batters completely confounded with subtle changes in line and length.Related
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According to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, Zimbabwe edged 22 deliveries in total, and had a control percentage of just 68.8%. Only two Zimbabwe batters, Craig Ervine and Tafadzwa Tsiga, got past 30 and both were dropped before they had reached 20. They also shared in Zimbabwe’s best partnership: a sixth-wicket stand of 54. New Zealand have already surpassed that with their opening pair.New Zealand’s threat was apparent from the outset as they found the edge six times in the first three overs, which ended with the opening wicket. Brian Bennett – who inside-edged the first ball of the match, then edged one just out of the reach from short leg and then got four as another edge went between gully and the cordon – stayed back to a slightly fuller ball from Henry and this time, the edge flew to Will Young at third slip. Ben Curran, his opening partner, went the same way but only after Henry had changed angles to go around the wicket in his fourth over.Sean Williams was fortunate not to run out Nick Welch when he got off the mark with a single that chanced Mitchell Santner’s arm, but could not find any fortune against Smith. He tried to steer past third and inside-edged onto his stumps to leave Zimbabwe in a mess at 31 for 3 after the first hour.Nathan Smith took three wickets and offered good support to Matt Henry•Zimbabwe Cricket
Welch and captain Craig Ervine used up deliveries and time but did not get many runs for most of the second hour. It took Ervine 23 balls to get off the mark, and he did it with a push past mid-off off Will O’Rourke.Santner, captaining in place of the injured Tom Latham, brought himself on in the 20th over and the introduction of spin allowed Welch to get comfortable. He swept both Santner and Michael Bracewell, who he also reverse-swept for three boundaries in nine balls to get Zimbabwe over 50. But his fun only lasted until Henry was brought back. Welch edged the second ball of the fast bowler’s second spell to second slip to send Zimbabwe to lunch on 67 for 4.Henry completed his over after the break with the wicket of Sikandar Raza, who tried to take on the short ball but gloved it high for Tom Blundell to take a simple catch. Henry could have had Tsiga in his next over but the edge fell short. Tsiga got his own back when he flicked Henry off his pads for four and then drove Smith down the ground to show his range.Ervine was on 18 when he offered Smith a return catch but it hit him on the boot. Nine overs later, Tsiga could have been O’Rourke’s first of the match when he cut him to gully but Devon Conway put it down. Ervine brought up the 50-run stand with a well-timed punch down the ground for four.The pair looked like taking Zimbabwe to tea without further damage but it was not to be. Ervine was given out lbw when he missed a flick off Smith, though the ball seemed to be sliding down leg. With no DRS in place, he could not review. Tsiga was also out lbw, when he was beaten on the inside edge and hit on the back leg in what seemed a better decision. At tea, Zimbabwe were 138 for 7.Devon Conway and Will Young gave Zimbabwe a solid start•Zimbabwe Cricket
Henry took his fifth with a snorter, short and aimed at Newman Nyamhuri’s head. He ducked and the ball took the shoulder of his bat and was caught, again, by Young. Vincent Masekesa was run out after his partner Blessing Muzarabani did not respond to his call for a single and he had to make his way back to the striker’s end. Muzarabani only lasted into the next over, when he got a leading edge off Henry and was caught by Santner at cover to give Henry his sixth. Zimbabwe were bowled out inside 61 overs.If they gave the impression run-scoring was difficult, New Zealand swiftly dispelled the notion. They raced to 40 without loss in the first ten overs when Young hit a short, wide Muzarabani ball for four and Conway took three boundaries off Tanaka Chivanga’s fourth over: a cut, a drive and a pull.Zimbabwe had their best chance when Nyamhuri, in his second over, appealed for lbw against Young when he hit him on the boot with a yorker but it was given not out.New Zealand brought up their 50 off Nyamhuri when Conway cut him for four in the 14th over. Nyamhuri continued to cause problems for New Zealand and hit Conway on the knee – too high for lbw, but enough to cause some pain. Conway continued and reached his half-century off 83 balls with a single of Raza in the penultimate over of the day. Young is nine runs away from his and with the pitch showing few signs of bother and Zimbabwe already using the spinners, both will eye going bigger on the second day.
There was no place for Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shreyas Iyer in the 15-member squad
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Aug-20252:39
Chopra: ‘Gill selection has written Samson’s destiny’
Shubman Gill has made a comeback to India’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup, replacing Axar Patel as vice-captain.The 15-member squad, picked by the selection committee on Tuesday, will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, and includes Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson as the two other opening candidates. With Gill as vice-captain, however, he is the frontrunner for one of the slots at the top of the order.”We obviously see some leadership qualities in him, and his form in England was what we were hoping for. [He] exceeded all our expectations, which is a great sign when there’s so much pressure as captain,” chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar said in Mumbai.Related
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The middle and lower-order batting options are Suryakumar, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma, who could be the first-choice wicketkeeper if India decide to open with Gill and Abhishek. There are also three allrounders in Axar, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. The specialist bowling options are Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana, who provides some extra batting depth too.There was no place for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was instead among the five reserve players, along with Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel. Shreyas Iyer, who scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 in IPL 2025 and led Punjab Kings to the final, also did not find a place in the 15.”With regard to Yashasvi, it’s just unfortunate again,” Agarkar said. “There’s Abhishek Sharma: what he’s done over the last year or so – plus he can bowl a little bit – he gives us that option if required. One of these guys was going to miss out. Yashasvi just has to wait for his chance.”With regard to Shreyas, who can he replace? No fault of his, nor is it ours. At the moment, you can just pick 15. So he will have to wait for his chance.”ESPNcricinfo LtdGill was vice-captain in the previous T20I series he had played – in Sri Lanka in July 2024 – but he had not been picked in any of the subsequent series as India prioritised his appearances in the Test and ODI formats. Axar was then appointed vice-captain for the home T20Is against England in January. Gill’s return to the T20I format comes on the back of his contributions to India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year and his record-breaking run as batter in the five-Test series in England, where he led India to a 2-2 draw in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. He also scored 650 runs for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of 155.87.”Last time when he [Gill] played T20 for India, post T20 World Cup when we went to Sri Lanka – not Zimbabwe – when I was leading, he was the vice-captain,” Suryakumar said after the selection meeting in Mumbai. “So that’s where we started a new cycle. After that, he got busy with all the Test series, and he didn’t get an opportunity to play T20s because he was busy playing Test cricket and Champions Trophy. So he’s there in the squad, and we’re happy to have him.”The Asia Cup is India’s first T20I assignment since the bilateral series against England at home in January. India are in Group A, along with Pakistan, Oman and UAE. Their first game is against UAE in Dubai on September 10, after which they play Pakistan in Dubai on September 14, and Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19.”This is the first big tournament we are playing since the [2024] T20 World Cup,” Suryakumar said. “We have played three-four bilateral series. It’s a good tournament to test ourselves. After this, there are a lot of T20s – close to 20-22 T20s in total – before we play our first game in the [2026] World Cup, so I think the journey starts from the Asia Cup.”India’s squad for the Asia Cup1 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 2 Shubman Gill (vc), 3 Hardik Pandya, 4 Arshdeep Singh, 5 Abhishek Sharma, 6 Tilak Varma, 7 Shivam Dube , 8 Axar Patel, 9 Jitesh Sharma, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Varun Chakravarthy , 12 Kuldeep Yadav, 13 Harshit Rana, 14 Rinku Singh, 15 Sanju SamsonReserve players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal
Juan Soto, the biggest baseball free agent since Shohei Ohtani last year, agreed to a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets on Sunday. The Mets outbid the New York Yankees and a number of other teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the biggest prize of the offseason.
And while Soto did sign with the team offering him the biggest contract, some are saying that wasn't the only factor involved. In fact, ESPN's Jeff Passan told Scott Van Pelt something about Soto's choice that Yankees fans probably don't want to hear.
"The Mets weren't that much at a different place, Scott, than the New York Yankees were," said Passan. "The Yankees had a $760 million offer, only five million dollars left spread out over 16 years. So it wasn't a huge, demonstrable difference. In the end, I think Juan Soto looked at the New York Mets future and looked at the New York Yankees future and believed that the Mets have a better future than the Yankees, which is a wild thing to think, right? The Yankees have been the most successful franchise in North American professional sports history. They have 27 championships. The New York Mets have been the New York Mets.
"And so to see the transformation that Steve Cohen has helped make with this franchise over the last four years after he bought it," Passan continued. "To turn them from laughingstock into the team that Juan Soto wants to play with because he believes that they are going have the brighter future speaks volumes about what he has been able to do since he has bought the team. And this I think is just the beginning. They are going to spend more money. They are going to continue to have payrolls like this. And to spend $765 million. To be up potentially at $805 million? It seems unfathomable, but that is how ultimately the New York Mets got Juan Soto."
Weird how the team with the brightest future just happened to have the biggest pocketbook, but sometimes things just work out like that. The Mets had the biggest payroll in baseball coming into the 2024 season and still had a start so bad that fans had to rally around a fast food mascot and convince themselves that they were plucky underdogs and a feel good story instead of the George Steinbrenner-era Yankees when accounting for inflation.
Either way, the future is bright in Queens. Just ask the guy making $51 million a year.
Arsenal are now open to January offers for one Gunners star, with it being revealed Mikel Arteta will need to offload players and free up space in the squad.
The Gunners are well-stocked in the striker department, with Viktor Gyokeres adapting to life in the Premier League very well since making the move from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window, receiving high praise from Arteta after bagging a brace against Atletico Madrid.
The Spaniard said: “All of us [appreciate Gyokeres] because he makes us a much better team. I think we’ve become much more unpredictable,”
“He’s so physical, opens the spaces for everyone. The way he presses the ball, holds the ball, it’s just phenomenal.”
The 27-year-old, who bagged his fourth Premier League goal of the season against Burnley earlier this month, has certainly started well, while Kai Havertz is now closing in on a return from injury, having not been involved since the 1-0 win against Manchester United back in August.
Consequently, there may be little game time available for Arteta’s other striker, Garbiel Jesus, and there has now been a major update on his future at the Emirates Stadium…
Arsenal now open to January offers for Gabriel Jesus
According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now open to offers for Jesus in the January transfer window, as they need to offload players and free up space in the squad, and the Brazilian is no longer a part of Arteta’s plans.
Persistent injuries have meant the 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, and a return to Palmeiras could now be on the cards, with the Brazilian club willing to bring him back, potentially on a loan-to-buy deal.
The 64-time Brazil international has received high praise from Arteta in the past, with the manager saying back in September 2023: “He is a tremendous player, a really important player for us. He changed our world last season. You could all see that.”
That said, it is probably the correct decision to offload the centre-forward, given that he has been unable to put his injury problem in the rearview mirror, missing a number of games for club and country over the past few seasons.
Gabriel Jesus’ injury record by season
Games missed
2022-23
17
2023-24
17
2024-25 onwards
56
It has recently emerged that the £13.7m-a-year striker has returned to training after an extended period of time on the sidelines, which could be a boost for Arteta, given that the manager has been left light on options at times this season, with Gyokeres and Havertz suffering setbacks.
With Arsenal looking to compete on all fronts, faring well in the Champions League and through to the EFL Cup quarter-final, Jesus may still have a role to play in the short-term, but it would not be the end of the world if Arsenal sanction a January departure.
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Arsenal star makes transfer admission and says club "want" to sign him
He’s responded to the speculation around his future.
Arsenal want to trigger the special release clause in Karl Etta-Eyong’s Levante contract, and the timeline of when a deal could be done has now been revealed.
The Gunners are looking to sign a new striker, despite adding Viktor Gyokeres to their ranks during the summer transfer window, with the Sweden international making a solid start to life in north London, scoring six goals in all competitions and receiving high praise for his display against Burnley.
However, Mikel Arteta continues to struggle on the injury front, with Gyokeres missing the 2-2 draw at Sunderland prior to the international break due to a muscle problem, while Kai Havertz hasn’t appeared since the opening day victory against Manchester United due to a knee issue.
With Gabriel Jesus’ future also in doubt, given that Flamengo have already opened talks to sign the Brazilian striker, it could make sense to bring in a new centre-forward in the January transfer window, and there has now been a development in their pursuit of a La Liga star.
Arsenal planning to trigger Karl Etta Eyeong's release clause
According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now planning to trigger the special release clause in Etta-Eyong’s Levante contract, with the centre-forward allowed to sign for a Premier League club for a fee of €40m (£35m).
The striker is keen on a move to the Premier League, which suggests the door could be open for a deal to be done, and if everything progresses nicely, an announcement could be made within a matter of weeks.
The north Londoners are willing to pay the full release clause, such is their level of interest, and there are plenty of signs that £35m would be a savvy investment, with the 22-year-old making a flying start to the campaign.
Indeed, the Cameroon international has adapted very well since making the move to Levante in the summer, chipping in with six goals and three assists in his opening 12 La Liga appearances.
Scout Jacek Kulig has also singled the Douala-born striker out for high praise on X, courtesy of the start he has made at Levante.
With Jesus’ future up in the air and Havertz struggling on the injury front, Arteta could do with strengthening his attacking options this winter, and Etta Eyong could be a fantastic addition to the squad at just £35m.
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