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Saturday News (includes West Ham)
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Saturday News (includes West Ham)
BBC
Arsenal have begun talks with RB Leipzig in an attempt to sign 21-year-old Slovenia forward Benjamin Sesko, who has a release clause worth over 80m euros (£67.4m). (Sky Germany - in German), external
Manchester United are still open to offers for England's Kobbie Mainoo, 20, even if his fellow midfielder, Portugal international Bruno Fernandes, 30, leaves Old Trafford. (I Paper), external
Saudi side Al-Hilal are expected to appoint Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach following Saturday's Champions League final. (Sky Sports), external
Al-Hilal have held talks about signing 40-year-old Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who could be a free agent next month if he does not sign a new deal with fellow Saudi club Al-Nassr. (Sky Sports), external
Ronaldo, however, is said to have reached a agreement to extend his stay with Al-Nassr. (Foot Mercato - in French), external
Chelsea will ask striker Liam Delap to put the Club World Cup ahead of playing for England at the European Under-21 Championship with the 22-year-old set to complete his move from Ipswich Town. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Al-Hilal are in talks with AC Milan over a deal for 27-year-old France left-back Theo Hernandez, who is a leading summer target for the Saudi Pro League side. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Officials from Real Betis will meet with their counterparts from Manchester United next week to discuss the future of 26-year-old Brazil winger Antony, with the Red Devils unlikely to let him leave on loan again. (Marca - in Spanish), external
French forward Christopher Nkunku will leave Chelsea this summer, while Tottenham have made an enquiry over the 27-year-old's availability. (Talksport), external
AC Milan will not make Kyle Walker's loan move from Manchester City permanent, but the England right-back, 35, has no future in Pep Guardiola's side. (Fabrizio Romano, external)
Paris St-Germain have joined Manchester United and Chelsea in the race to sign highly rated Argentine attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono, 17, from River Plate. (Sky Sports), external
Germany winger Leroy Sane, 29, has been offered improved terms to remain at Bayern Munich. (Sky Germany - in German), external
Manchester United and Aston Villa are interested in Lille's 23-year-old French goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. (Caughtoffside)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Sir Jim Ratcliffe risks a major falling out with Ruben Amorim should he sell Bruno Fernandes, according to reports.
Christian Horner has shut down rumours of a move to Ferrari.
DAILY MAIL
Al Hilal have given Bruno Fernandes one week to make a decision over leaving Manchester United for the Saudi Pro League before they walk away from the deal.
Harry Maguire has given a haunting forecast for Manchester United's summer, insisting "a lot of players" will be shown the door.
THE TIMES
The £8m raised from their Asian tour may be a welcome boost for Sir Jim Ratcliffe but sources say Manchester United players are "fuming" about a trip that began with an embarrassing defeat.
THE TELEGRAPH
Al Hilal are increasingly confident of landing a deal for Bruno Fernandes after positive talks over the Manchester United captain.
Chelsea will ask Liam Delap to put the Club World Cup ahead of England in another club-against-country row this summer.
EVENING STANDARD
Trent Alexander-Arnold will be forced into a number change upon his move to Real Madrid due to LaLiga's strict rules surrounding squad numbers.
SCOTTISH SUN
Head of referees Willie Collum leapt to the defence of VAR over Rangers' 'ghost goal' against Hibernian but admits "there's a good chance it did go in".
Rangers have released 13 players who had risen through their academy ranks.
DAILY RECORD
Scottish Cup hero Jack MacKenzie has urged Scottish football to learn its lessons and make sure the ugly injury he suffered at Tannadice never happens again.
Soccernet.ng
West Ham interested in ₦43.2 billion-rated Super Eagles star
English Premier League club West Ham are interested in signing Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
Onyedika has enjoyed a steady rise since joining Club Brugge from Danish club FC Midtjylland three years ago. The 24-year-old midfielder's mix of strength, technicality, and doggedness has ensured that he has become a critical member of the team at Brugge.
Although he does not score a lot of goals, his work on and off the ball covers for that.
Onyedika has made 141 appearances for Genk in his three years at the club, with six goals and four assists to his name.
His performances have attracted some big clubs in Europe, with Galatasaray and Liverpool previously linked to him. Now, according to Africa Foot, West Ham are seriously interested in signing the Super Eagles star.
The Hammers endured a tough campaign last season, as they finished 14th in the Premier League. West Ham lacked proper cover in defensive midfield and in defence, as they were the sixth-worst defence in the Premier League.
They believe that Onyedika will five them some solidity in midfield. Hence their decision to move for him.
How much will Raphael Onyedika cost West Ham?
According to Transfermarkt, Onyedika is valued at €20million. But Africa Foot reports that Ckub Bruges will demand €24 million (₦43.2 million) before they let their Nigerian star leave.
This is a good fee for a Premier League club like West Ham, especially as they will make some sales this summer.
Onyedika still has two years left on his contract at Club Brugge, but this might be the time to start looking at moving on. Moreover, he has already won the Belgian Jupiler Pro League and the Belgian Cup.
Club Brugge are a selling club. If West Ham meet their valuation of Onyedika, they will surely sell.
A source for the CAA Stellar agency who represent Onyedika has told AfricaFoot that West Ham have already agreed terms with the player.
The report states the midfield ace is very keen on the move as he wants to play in the Premier League.
And now West Ham have made direct contact with Club Brugge to thrash out a deal with the asking price at £20m.
That is more than Milan are willing to pay so the Italian giants have dropped out of the race.
C&H
West Ham track former “wonderkid” | This one might be the real deal
This label that you love to read so much – the ‘wonderkid‘ – is frequently applied but not very often appropriate. More often the label is used as a catch-all description of any player under about 22 who has hopes to make it big. However, the player in question here might just be worthy of the term.
Already turning Southampton fans a slight shade of puce, the possibility of West Ham stealing Southampton’s ‘youngster’ Shea Charles appears to be on the rise. Having spent a season on-loan in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, the 21 year old is seen as the player to control the middle of the pitch for the Saints’ foreseeable future: Having paid £15 million for him and sent him on a year long loan to develop him, Southampton fans are apprehensive that ahead of the summer window, their future jewel may be poached by West Ham
As fan site saintsmarching.com describes it:
“Shea Charles is speculated to be drawing midfield attention from West Ham which will not please Southampton fans given the prolonged waiting they have done for the 21-year-old’s return….The Daily Mail is suggesting West Ham as a possible next destination for Charles. Well, it must be said that the Hammers have shown their appreciation for the Saints squad more than anyone else across the Premier League.”
Earlier in the article they referenced to Southampton’s £15 million acquisition of ‘Manchester City’s midfield wonderkid’. Whilst at 21 he’s no ‘kid’ anymore, the hype around his play certainly suggests there is a top young player there ready to burst onto the scene.
Another of the young talent on an upward trajectory that the Hammers seem focussed on for June. Prising him from Southampton at an affordable figure could well prove beyond the West Ham recruitment team – having paid £15 million the Saints will certainly be looking for their PSR profit. Charles does have the look about him of one who will be strutting around in three or four years with a £50 million-plus price tag.
In Claret and Blue kit though? The heart says’ yes’ but the head says ‘no chance’.
The 4th Official
West Ham United Want To Sign This 21-Year-Old Englishman: Will He Be A Good Signing For The Hammers?
West Ham United are gearing up for another busy summer. The club’s management has already begun planning their moves ahead of time, aware that their rivals will not be waiting around. After a season that mixed acceptable performances with more lacklustre ones, the team needs hungry, promising reinforcements.
Rumours are growing about the Hammers’ interest in young players with limited playing time but plenty of potential. Enter Carney Chukwuemeka, a name that has been circulating around the club for months. The Chelsea youngster is back in the spotlight after an inconsequential spell in Germany.
West Ham United Want To Sign Carney Chukwuemeka
According to Football Insider, both West Ham and Everton are once again keeping a close eye on Chukwuemeka. The 21-year-old Englishman has failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge since he arrived in 2022. An injury early in his spell left him behind and opened the door to possible departures.
In January, he rejected offers from both the Hammers and the Toffees and ended up on loan at Borussia Dortmund. It didn’t work out. He scored on his debut as a starter but never started again. Now, Chelsea must decide his future, and English clubs are watching him closely.
From a sporting point of view, West Ham could benefit if they sign him. Chukwuemeka has interesting characteristics: good control in tight spaces, the courage to receive the ball between the lines and the vision to link up with his teammates. The problem has not been his talent, but his consistency. If the club manage to get the best out of him, their would gain depth in a sector where the same names are sometimes repeated without bringing any dynamism.
Will He Be A Good Signing For The Hammers?
Graham Potter needs a player who does not hide and who attacks spaces. However, not everything is so clear. There are reasonable doubts about his physical condition. His recent injury history may slow down a considerable investment. Furthermore, if the player rejects the offer again, as has already happened, it could leave the Hammers in an uncomfortable situation.
Another perspective worth considering: Chukwuemeka himself may need to step out of the media spotlight in England and try his luck in a league with less pressure. If he returns to the Premier League with the expectation of being an immediate saviour, he may repeat mistakes. Even so, if the deal makes financial sense, West Ham should go for it. It’s not every day that a talented under-23 player hungry for redemption comes along.
Arsenal have begun talks with RB Leipzig in an attempt to sign 21-year-old Slovenia forward Benjamin Sesko, who has a release clause worth over 80m euros (£67.4m). (Sky Germany - in German), external
Manchester United are still open to offers for England's Kobbie Mainoo, 20, even if his fellow midfielder, Portugal international Bruno Fernandes, 30, leaves Old Trafford. (I Paper), external
Saudi side Al-Hilal are expected to appoint Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach following Saturday's Champions League final. (Sky Sports), external
Al-Hilal have held talks about signing 40-year-old Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who could be a free agent next month if he does not sign a new deal with fellow Saudi club Al-Nassr. (Sky Sports), external
Ronaldo, however, is said to have reached a agreement to extend his stay with Al-Nassr. (Foot Mercato - in French), external
Chelsea will ask striker Liam Delap to put the Club World Cup ahead of playing for England at the European Under-21 Championship with the 22-year-old set to complete his move from Ipswich Town. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Al-Hilal are in talks with AC Milan over a deal for 27-year-old France left-back Theo Hernandez, who is a leading summer target for the Saudi Pro League side. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Officials from Real Betis will meet with their counterparts from Manchester United next week to discuss the future of 26-year-old Brazil winger Antony, with the Red Devils unlikely to let him leave on loan again. (Marca - in Spanish), external
French forward Christopher Nkunku will leave Chelsea this summer, while Tottenham have made an enquiry over the 27-year-old's availability. (Talksport), external
AC Milan will not make Kyle Walker's loan move from Manchester City permanent, but the England right-back, 35, has no future in Pep Guardiola's side. (Fabrizio Romano, external)
Paris St-Germain have joined Manchester United and Chelsea in the race to sign highly rated Argentine attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono, 17, from River Plate. (Sky Sports), external
Germany winger Leroy Sane, 29, has been offered improved terms to remain at Bayern Munich. (Sky Germany - in German), external
Manchester United and Aston Villa are interested in Lille's 23-year-old French goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier. (Caughtoffside)
Sky Paper Talk
THE SUN
Sir Jim Ratcliffe risks a major falling out with Ruben Amorim should he sell Bruno Fernandes, according to reports.
Christian Horner has shut down rumours of a move to Ferrari.
DAILY MAIL
Al Hilal have given Bruno Fernandes one week to make a decision over leaving Manchester United for the Saudi Pro League before they walk away from the deal.
Harry Maguire has given a haunting forecast for Manchester United's summer, insisting "a lot of players" will be shown the door.
THE TIMES
The £8m raised from their Asian tour may be a welcome boost for Sir Jim Ratcliffe but sources say Manchester United players are "fuming" about a trip that began with an embarrassing defeat.
THE TELEGRAPH
Al Hilal are increasingly confident of landing a deal for Bruno Fernandes after positive talks over the Manchester United captain.
Chelsea will ask Liam Delap to put the Club World Cup ahead of England in another club-against-country row this summer.
EVENING STANDARD
Trent Alexander-Arnold will be forced into a number change upon his move to Real Madrid due to LaLiga's strict rules surrounding squad numbers.
SCOTTISH SUN
Head of referees Willie Collum leapt to the defence of VAR over Rangers' 'ghost goal' against Hibernian but admits "there's a good chance it did go in".
Rangers have released 13 players who had risen through their academy ranks.
DAILY RECORD
Scottish Cup hero Jack MacKenzie has urged Scottish football to learn its lessons and make sure the ugly injury he suffered at Tannadice never happens again.
Soccernet.ng
West Ham interested in ₦43.2 billion-rated Super Eagles star
English Premier League club West Ham are interested in signing Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
Onyedika has enjoyed a steady rise since joining Club Brugge from Danish club FC Midtjylland three years ago. The 24-year-old midfielder's mix of strength, technicality, and doggedness has ensured that he has become a critical member of the team at Brugge.
Although he does not score a lot of goals, his work on and off the ball covers for that.
Onyedika has made 141 appearances for Genk in his three years at the club, with six goals and four assists to his name.
His performances have attracted some big clubs in Europe, with Galatasaray and Liverpool previously linked to him. Now, according to Africa Foot, West Ham are seriously interested in signing the Super Eagles star.
The Hammers endured a tough campaign last season, as they finished 14th in the Premier League. West Ham lacked proper cover in defensive midfield and in defence, as they were the sixth-worst defence in the Premier League.
They believe that Onyedika will five them some solidity in midfield. Hence their decision to move for him.
How much will Raphael Onyedika cost West Ham?
According to Transfermarkt, Onyedika is valued at €20million. But Africa Foot reports that Ckub Bruges will demand €24 million (₦43.2 million) before they let their Nigerian star leave.
This is a good fee for a Premier League club like West Ham, especially as they will make some sales this summer.
Onyedika still has two years left on his contract at Club Brugge, but this might be the time to start looking at moving on. Moreover, he has already won the Belgian Jupiler Pro League and the Belgian Cup.
Club Brugge are a selling club. If West Ham meet their valuation of Onyedika, they will surely sell.
A source for the CAA Stellar agency who represent Onyedika has told AfricaFoot that West Ham have already agreed terms with the player.
The report states the midfield ace is very keen on the move as he wants to play in the Premier League.
And now West Ham have made direct contact with Club Brugge to thrash out a deal with the asking price at £20m.
That is more than Milan are willing to pay so the Italian giants have dropped out of the race.
C&H
West Ham track former “wonderkid” | This one might be the real deal
This label that you love to read so much – the ‘wonderkid‘ – is frequently applied but not very often appropriate. More often the label is used as a catch-all description of any player under about 22 who has hopes to make it big. However, the player in question here might just be worthy of the term.
Already turning Southampton fans a slight shade of puce, the possibility of West Ham stealing Southampton’s ‘youngster’ Shea Charles appears to be on the rise. Having spent a season on-loan in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, the 21 year old is seen as the player to control the middle of the pitch for the Saints’ foreseeable future: Having paid £15 million for him and sent him on a year long loan to develop him, Southampton fans are apprehensive that ahead of the summer window, their future jewel may be poached by West Ham
As fan site saintsmarching.com describes it:
“Shea Charles is speculated to be drawing midfield attention from West Ham which will not please Southampton fans given the prolonged waiting they have done for the 21-year-old’s return….The Daily Mail is suggesting West Ham as a possible next destination for Charles. Well, it must be said that the Hammers have shown their appreciation for the Saints squad more than anyone else across the Premier League.”
Earlier in the article they referenced to Southampton’s £15 million acquisition of ‘Manchester City’s midfield wonderkid’. Whilst at 21 he’s no ‘kid’ anymore, the hype around his play certainly suggests there is a top young player there ready to burst onto the scene.
Another of the young talent on an upward trajectory that the Hammers seem focussed on for June. Prising him from Southampton at an affordable figure could well prove beyond the West Ham recruitment team – having paid £15 million the Saints will certainly be looking for their PSR profit. Charles does have the look about him of one who will be strutting around in three or four years with a £50 million-plus price tag.
In Claret and Blue kit though? The heart says’ yes’ but the head says ‘no chance’.
The 4th Official
West Ham United Want To Sign This 21-Year-Old Englishman: Will He Be A Good Signing For The Hammers?
West Ham United are gearing up for another busy summer. The club’s management has already begun planning their moves ahead of time, aware that their rivals will not be waiting around. After a season that mixed acceptable performances with more lacklustre ones, the team needs hungry, promising reinforcements.
Rumours are growing about the Hammers’ interest in young players with limited playing time but plenty of potential. Enter Carney Chukwuemeka, a name that has been circulating around the club for months. The Chelsea youngster is back in the spotlight after an inconsequential spell in Germany.
West Ham United Want To Sign Carney Chukwuemeka
According to Football Insider, both West Ham and Everton are once again keeping a close eye on Chukwuemeka. The 21-year-old Englishman has failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge since he arrived in 2022. An injury early in his spell left him behind and opened the door to possible departures.
In January, he rejected offers from both the Hammers and the Toffees and ended up on loan at Borussia Dortmund. It didn’t work out. He scored on his debut as a starter but never started again. Now, Chelsea must decide his future, and English clubs are watching him closely.
From a sporting point of view, West Ham could benefit if they sign him. Chukwuemeka has interesting characteristics: good control in tight spaces, the courage to receive the ball between the lines and the vision to link up with his teammates. The problem has not been his talent, but his consistency. If the club manage to get the best out of him, their would gain depth in a sector where the same names are sometimes repeated without bringing any dynamism.
Will He Be A Good Signing For The Hammers?
Graham Potter needs a player who does not hide and who attacks spaces. However, not everything is so clear. There are reasonable doubts about his physical condition. His recent injury history may slow down a considerable investment. Furthermore, if the player rejects the offer again, as has already happened, it could leave the Hammers in an uncomfortable situation.
Another perspective worth considering: Chukwuemeka himself may need to step out of the media spotlight in England and try his luck in a league with less pressure. If he returns to the Premier League with the expectation of being an immediate saviour, he may repeat mistakes. Even so, if the deal makes financial sense, West Ham should go for it. It’s not every day that a talented under-23 player hungry for redemption comes along.