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Osimhen continues to be linked with a move away from Napoli this summer following a historic campaign with the club last season.

Aside from Jude Bellingham's deal with Real Madrid, we have not had a big-money move in the transfer market this summer.

However, with the transfer window still about two months before shutting down, there is a feeling that something big could still happen.

One of the potential big-money transfers that could still happen involves Nigeria’s very own Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen has been linked with a move away from Napoli, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Real Madrid monitoring his situation.

The Nigerian striker had the best season of his professional campaign last year after scoring 26 league goals to lead Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.

His performances have caught the attention of Europe’s top clubs, who are now ready to pounce on his services.

However, while a move to a bigger club is tempting, we take a look at why Osimhen may fail if he leaves Napoli this summer.

His new home may not be like Naples
Indeed, the lure of clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United or Bayern Munich may be bigger than Napoli’s, but it is unlikely that Osimhen get the same amount of love he has received in Naples at any of these clubs.

Osimhen has been treated like Naples’ very own ever since he joined Napoli for a club-record fee of €75m.

He has always received the love of the city, which elevated him to god-like status after leading them to their first league title since the days of Maradona in 1990.

It is important to note that it has always been like this even before the league title. The stadium goes crazy every time he scores.

Osimhen joined Napoli n 2020 for a club-record fee but never truly justified his price tag until last season.

Yet, the club fans never held that against him, loving him even in difficult times. Osimhen may/will not get this kind of love should he move to a bigger club, especially where the stakes are higher, and there’s more pressure.

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri shared the same view in a recent interview, urging the Nigerian to stay at Napoli because of the bond they both share.

Having the whole city behind you plays a role in a player’s success at any club.

Adapting to a new style
One of the reasons why Osimhen succeeded in the just-concluded season is because Napoli played to his strength.

With the likes of Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens gone, Osimhen became Napoli’s main man up front.

The arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also helped, with the Georgian playing the perfect supporting role for Osimhen.

However, Osimhen may not have this perfect supporting cast should he switch clubs this summer.

Considering he is expected to cost huge money, the Nigerian striker will be expected to adapt to the new style quickly, which may not work out.

Playing the supporting role
Before last season Osimhen was not the main player at Napoli. But after Insigne, Mertens and Koulibaly left, he became a key figure before solidifying his status with an unforgettable season.

Right now, there is no one more valuable than Osimhen in Napoli’s squad. However, should he leave the club this summer, he is unlikely to take on the same role irrespective of the money spent on him.

There are already established players on the roster of the potential clubs interested in his services, meaning he will need to play well and win trophies to earn their respect.

Also, with so many world-class players competing for positions, it is unlikely that they will put the ball on a plate for Osimhen to score.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/3-reasons-why-osimhen-may-fail-if-he-leaves-napoli-2023070714464783478

Mason Mount has revealed the reason he chose to quit Stamford Bridge in favour of a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Mount, 24, moved to Manchester United from Chelsea for an initial £55m, signing a five-year deal.

The move drew widespread criticism from Chelsea fans and the England international cleared the air in his first interview since signing for the Red Devils.

Mount pins blame on Chelsea for exit

"Several months ago, it became clear I wasn't in Chelsea's plans going forward and once I knew United were involved my decision was made up," he told MUTV.

"Massive club, huge iconic players that have played here and I wanted to be part of that from the beginning. Getting here early ready for pre-season to start was a main objective of mine as well."

Mount will wear the iconic No 7 at United, following in the footsteps of some of the club's greatest legends.

"I had a lot of idols. Ronaldo, you see the little video of me when I was younger. I loved watching him play. Becks [David Beckham] was also a massive inspiration of mine, I was in awe of his free-kick technique. You take bits of inspiration from different players."

Man United will play their first game of pre-season against Leeds on July 12, in Oslo, Norway.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/chelsea-to-blame-for-my-decision-to-join-man-united-mason-mount-2023070707081227065

Former Bayern Munich striker and honorary president Uli Hoeness has confirmed the club's stance on Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen

Bayern Munich’s honorary president and former player, Uli Hoeness has spoken about recent rumours linking Napoli’s Nigerian star Victor Osimhen with a possible move to the Bavarian club.

German chief confirms interest in strikers this summer
Hoeness, who played most of his career for Bayern Munich, winning three Bundesliga titles and three European Cups in nine years at the club, also served as the club’s general manager and then president before retiring in 2019.

The former German forward still retains a place in Bayern Munich’s affairs as an honorary president of the club and has recently spoken about the club’s quest to fill the vacant centre-forward role left by Polish striker Robert Lewandowski’s move to Barcelona.

Hoeness confirmed that the German champions were in the market for a new striker, but also noted that a deal would be difficult to come by.

Hoeness rules out Osimhen signing
Speaking to t-online.de., Hoeness noted the difficulty in signing a world-class centre forward for Bayern Munich saying, “I don’t know the exact budget, but there’s a lot of speculation about that. One thing is for sure: no matter what it ends up being, signing a top striker will be expensive.”

He, however, appeared to have a favourite amongst Bayern Munich’s transfer targets in Tottenham’s Harry Kane, saying, “Kane would fit in very well if you want a guarantee of an immediate impact.

“Kane has shown for almost a decade that he is a top striker. From that point of view, there will be few risks and many opportunities. He brings an incredible amount of experience and quality to the table. He can score goals with his right or left foot and headers. He’s a complete striker. Kane is 29 and would be an expensive signing. But quite clearly, he would be able to help Bayern immediately.”

The 71-year-old former Germany international also spoke about other targets including Osimhen and Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, saying, “These [Kolo Muani and Osimhen] are both excellent strikers, even if both are 24 years old. Osimhen is a bit further because he has been playing in a top league for a long time. Bayern can plan ahead for a decade with any of them. Osimhen has a bit more experience.”

Despite his admiration for the Nigerian forward, he appeared to rule out signing Osimhen based on his price tag, noting that “Bayern Munich don’t go along with that [Osimhen’s price tag] if the numbers of up to €180m are correct.”

Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move away from Napoli this summer, but a move to another club could be hampered by the enormous price tag Napoli have slapped on him, with only a few clubs in world football currently capable of paying the reported €180m fee.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/bayern-munich-chief-confirms-osimhen-decision-amidst-summer-transfer-rumours-2023070706001923179

39-year-old Dingley is hoping her achievement can serve as an inspiration for young ladies to rise above the barriers and attain great heights.

Wales football coach Hannah Dingley made history a few days ago after she was named the manager of league two side Forest Green Rovers, replacing Ducan Ferguson.

Although her appointment is on a caretaker basis, she led her team to a 1-1 draw during a pre-season game against Melksham Town.

The BBC reported that Hannah Dingley desires to see more women heading top positions in men's football. She said,

"It's the first and it's great, but I don't want to be the first and only. It's slightly disappointing as the first female academy manager I'm still the only female academy manager. If we want change to happen we need more females in these positions throughout clubs."

In this article, Pulse Sports highlights 5 things about the first woman to manage a men’s football team.

1. Background

Hannah Dingley was born and raised in Carmarthenshire, South-West Wales. At only 39, she has risen to become the first woman to manage a professional men’s football team.

The Welsh woman is an alumna of Loughborough College where she studied Course Leader HND Sport and Exercise Science.

Upon her graduation, she worked as a senior lecturer in sports coaching practice. She was then appointed academy coach for a men’s Under-9 team Notts County and a local non-league club Lincoln Ladies in 2011.

She told the Athletic (via the Mirror) that she had to make a choice because she couldn’t do both roles together.

“I got into a position where I was working with Notts County’s under-nine boys and then doing the women’s team at Lincoln Ladies. The County academy gave me a choice and said I couldn’t do both — I had to choose. I thought, ‘I’m working with England internationals like Casey Stoney and Rachel Daly or the under-nines at Notts County’. I went with Lincoln Ladies."

Her love for the touchline eventually made her leave the classroom to become the academy manager at Burton Albion FC between 2016-2019.

In 2019, she joined Forest Green Rovers as academy manager where she had worked in the last four years before being elevated when the club parted ways with ex-Everton man Duncan Ferguson.

2. She is licensed by UEFA

The 39-year-old coach is fit and capable of leading a team after she got her coaching badges.

Hannah Dingley who holds a UEFA Pro Licence believes that she got the Forest Green Rovers job because she was the best candidate for it.

“There were times when I was thinking ‘I have a UEFA A licence and I’m getting knocked back and knocked back – how is that happening?,”

“At Forest Green, you hear a lot about the sustainability and veganism elements, but actually it’s just a values-led organisation and here it’s not about the gender, the race or the disability. I was the best person for the job and I got it.”

Interestingly, Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince shares Hannah Dingley’s thoughts. He said she was the natural choice and her appointment was solely based on merits.

"Hannah was the natural choice for us, to be first team interim coach - she's done a fantastic job leading our academy and is well aligned with the values of the club. It's perhaps telling for the men's game that in making this appointment on merit, we'll break new ground - and Hannah will be the first female head coach in English (men's) football."

Chairman Dale Vince and Hannah Dingley |Pulsesports.ng
Chairman Dale Vince and Hannah Dingley
3. She doesn’t like the limelight
Despite coaching for over two decades, Hannah Dingley is not one who loves to in the spotlight.

She would rather that the attention be focused on the players and not her. According to her, it is almost her biggest concern.

"This is about those players in the changing room and them getting the preparation they need for the campaign.

"I would like nothing to take away from that because, if it does, then it's probably the wrong thing to do to put me in this position in the first place.

"The team is the priority and this isn't a gimmick. This is because we need to do the best thing for those footballers and our football club."

4. A big inspiration to the girl project

Hannah Dingley’s passion for the girl child led her to establish the girls' academy at Green Forest Rovers in 2021.

It is an initiative that mirrors the men’s system and structure and applies such lessons in developing female football players.

After the game at Melksham, many fans waited and asked Hannah for autographs and pictures, and she was pretty impressed with the number of ladies wanting a signature.

She said she hopes her achievement can spur them on to attain greater heights in their chosen career.

"We want to diversify the crowd at Forest Green, encourage more women and girls to come and watch the men's and women's team so actually seeing so many young girls there - Melksham fans or playing for Melksham in their tracksuit tops by the looks of it, fantastic.

"Hopefully then we are inspiring young girls whether it's in football or any industry that there aren't these glass ceilings and, if there are, then you have just got to break through them."

5. Challenges as a female coach
The Forest Green Rovers interim coach also shared some of the challenges she faced as a female coach in a male-dominated industry.

She said she had been called a Physio on some occasions because some people don’t believe that a woman would occupy such a senior role in men's football.

On another occasion, she was denied entry into the stadium, when she was mistaken as a spectator over an actual staff member.

“The progress of women’s football has been spectacular and it’s fantastic, but it’s a slightly different development to what we might term “women in football”, i.e. the progress of women in the men’s game.

“That has had slower progress. We have seen a big change in the media in terms of visibility, but if you look in the clubs – the makeup of boards, senior staffing roles, coaching positions – that’s the bit where progress hasn’t been as quick as we would like.

“You can’t be it if you can’t see it and someone had to be the first. I hope that me being in this position inspires more women to try and make their own journey in men’s football, whichever route that is. We are seen as different, but we shouldn’t be different! And that creates a responsibility to work and work to make it easier for those who follow us.

"It frustrates me that female coaches might think that the female game might be their only opportunities in the game. There are lots of opportunities in the men’s game, academy football is massive,” The Mirror reported.

Despite all these challenges. Hannah Dingley hopes to continue to give her best and remain an inspiration to millions of women across the globe.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/hannah-dingley-5-things-to-know-about-first-woman-to-coach-a-professional-mens-football-team-2023070612200141848

Anthony Joshua set for rematch against Dillian Whyte scheduled for August 12.

On August 12, an exciting rematch between British professional boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Joshua a heavyweight rival Dillian Whyte will take place at The O2 in London.

Nearly eight years after their exciting British title fight in Greenwich, two-time unified heavyweight world champion Joshua and former world title challenger Whyte square off once more.

Joshua's victory in 2015 came after a thrilling battle was ended by a decisive seventh-round stoppage.

Whyte and Joshua have a long-standing rivalry because Whyte defeated the Watford player in a points match in 2009 while Joshua was still an amateur.

With a streak of victories over opponents including Charles Martin, Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Alexander Povetkin, Andy Ruiz, and Kubrat Pulev, Joshua went on to unify the heavyweight division, taking home the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles.

Anthony Joshua to fight Dillian Whyte
The 33-year-old, who had suffered consecutive losses to Ukrainian pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, outperformed Jermaine Franklin at The O2 earlier this year to go back on the winning track with new trainer Derrick James.

Whyte lost his attempt to take the world title against the unbeaten WBC champion Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium in April 2022, suffering a sixth-round TKO loss.

In a statement on the DAZN website about the fight, Joshua said, “I’ve been clear that my plan is to be active this year.

"August 12 is the date, I’ll be ready to fight. I look forward to dealing with business."

Whyte added, “I’m looking forward to returning to the London O2 on August 12 and going to war.

“It's 1-1 so this is the decider!.

If he defeats Whyte, Joshua will have a chance to fight Deontay Wilder next in Saudi Arabia.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/boxing/story/anthony-joshua-vs-dillian-whyte-nigerian-born-star-agrees-to-rematch-for-august-12-2023070617245849950

Brighton are set to ask Chelsea for a fee in excess of £100m for midfielder Moises Caicedo, using the Declan Rice transfer as a benchmark.

Caicedo is Chhelsea's top target as the Blues seek to rebuild after a disappointing season.

The Ecuador international has solidified himself as one of the Premier League's best performers over the last 12-18 months and saw a potential move away from Brighton in January scuppered by the club's hierarchy.

Chelsea informed of Caicedo's price
Chelsea are back in for the 21-year-old but Brighton value him highly and according to the Telegraph, will only let him leave for around £100m, a fee similar to what Arsenal have agreed to pay West Ham for Declan Rice.

Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernández in the January window for £106million. N’Golo Kanté, Mateo Kovacic, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all departed which means there is an urgent need for a new addition in central midfield.

Caicedo has a contract at the Amex Stadium until 2027, with the option of a further year, and any bid that falls significantly short of the Seagulls' asking price is expected to be rejected.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/pound100m-or-no-deal-brighton-inform-chelsea-of-moises-caicedo-price-2023070611213895691

Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea on a 5-year contract for a total package of £60million.

After weeks of negotiations, Mason Mount has finally completed his move to Manchester United from Chelsea, signing a five-year contract with the option of a further year.

Mount abandons Chelsea for Manchester United

The England international turned down a number of contract offers from Chelsea due to financial differences and made it clear his preferred destination was Manchester United.

Mount, who had been at Chelsea since he was 6 years old, came into prominence under Frank Lampard while on loan at Derby County. When Lampard was appointed Chelsea boss in 2019, he made Mount a prominent part of his attack.

The 24-year-old fully blossomed into a top-level attacking midfielder under Thomas Tuchel, and he was the club's best player during their Champions League winning run in 2021.

The 24-year-old midfielder has made 279 club appearances, scoring 58 goals and contributing 53 assists.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/official-manchester-united-sign-mason-mount-from-chelsea-2023070509401391612

Ukraine has joined England in the last four at the Under-21 European Championship, U21EURO, after a brilliant outing against France.

It was a memorable outing for Ukraine in the European under-21 Championship after sending France packing on Sunday night.

Ukraine thrashed one of the pre-tournament favourites 3-1 with Chelsea’s Mykhaylo Mudryk involved during their quarterfinal clash at the Cluj Napoca, Romania.

Three of the goals were scored in a blistering opening half, with Ukraine forced to come from behind to seal the win.

Ukraine thrash France
Chelsea forward Mudryk had a first season to forget in the Premier League following a celebrated arrival at Stamford Bridge.

But the Blues would be encouraged by his performance against the young Les Bleus after watching his good display on Sunday night.

He was on the pitch for 78 and made his presence felt for his country before he was substituted.

After star of the show, Heorhii Sudakov canceled out Rayan Cherki’s 19th minute opener for France, Mudryk was on hand to create a second goal for Sudakov to complete his brace and give Ukraine a 2-1 lead at the break.

The 22-year-old Chelsea winger was substituted in the 78th minute and Ukraine went on to wrap up the win with a beautiful third goal courtesy of Artem Bondarenko eight minutes later.

What the win means
Ukraine’s shock win was their second-ever against France and sees them through to the semifinals of European Championship.

They join England who defeated Portugal in the other match of the day.

Ukraine will now face five-time champions Spain in the last four for a place in the final.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/u21euro-chelsea-flop-delivers-for-country-ukraine-shock-france-2023070305561492949

Nigeria’s Deontay Wilder brands Andy Ruiz the 1st man to beat Anthony Joshua as a boxing sex slave

The highly anticipated prospective fight between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua, which is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia this December, has received a major update from Wilder.

Deontay Wilder thinks the 'Destroyer' is finished if Andy Ruiz Jr. doesn't challenge him.

Since his knockout victory over Robert Helenius in the fall of last year, "The Bronze Bomber" has not competed.

Significantly ending a two-fight losing streak to Tyson Fury, that victory for the former champion ended that losing streak.

Following the win, Andy Ruiz Jr. was assigned to challenge the former WBC heavyweight champion.

Wilder and Andy Ruiz negotiations
The Mexican boxer's victory streak is now two after defeating Luis Ortiz by decision last year.

Ruiz Jr. is seeking to regain title contention, much like Wilder has done.

A shot at "The Gypsy King" was promised to the victor of the WBC-ordered contest between the two.

Unfortunately, as Deontay Wilder mentioned in a recent interview with 78SportsTV, negotiations between the two parties haven't gone well.

Wilder describes Andy Ruiz as boxing sex slave

In the interview, he said, “This is definitely not a 50/50 fight. He's talking about a rematch clause. "

"Either he's drunk or he's on drugs, maybe both. If this deal falls through, you'll never see him again in the boxing scene, especially not on PBC.

“Andy Ruiz only has a fourth-grade education. This is a thing that came across my ears - they pulled him out and just wanted him to box.

"If it's true, shame on the parents. Using him as a boxing sex slave… 33-year-old body with a fourth-grade mind.”

Ruiz rose to stardom as the first player to defeat British boxer of Nigerian descent Anthony Joshua.

The fight between "The Bronze Bomber" and "Destroyer," who are both PBC fighters, seems like a no-brainer given that a title opportunity may be at stake.

Unfortunately, Ruiz Jr. and his squad do not merit a 50/50 share, according to Wilder, who maintains that he is the A-side.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/boxing/story/edo-man-deontay-wilder-brands-anthony-joshuas-conqueror-a-boxing-sex-slave-2023070216113061140

Rest! last price is 35k

eddiense:
25K

The daughter of Samuel Eto'o is currently pushing for the imprisonment of the former footballer having allegedly neglected his duties as a father.

Samuel Eto’o is embroiled in a legal battle against his daughter, Erika do Rosario Nieves.

The 22-year-old Erika was judicially recognized in February 2022 as the daughter of the former Barcelona and Inter striker.

According to reports, Erika do Rosario is now requesting a one-year prison sentence for the Cameroon football chief for non-payment of his daughter’s welfare.

Samuel Eto’o’s daughter Erika do Rosario, alleges he owes €90,000 in debts

As per a report from 'El Diario de Sevilla', Samuel Eto’o has allegedly neglected some payments that would amount to €90,000.

"He owes more than five years of pension to his daughter and continues to defy justice. Erika's economy is fragile while Eto'o lives in luxury,” says Fernando Osuna, the lawyer of Eto’o’s daughter, in statements collected by the media as mentioned above.

The defense of Eto’o’s daughter, Erika do Rosario requests the application of "the aggravating factors of recidivism and abuse of authority given the superiority it has over the young woman."

Osuna also considers it "strange" that Samuel Eto'o, who is one of the richest African footballers in the world, can get any of the public positions to which he aspires in his country given his background.

In the brief prepared by the jurist, the different criminal records of the African footballing great are also exposed.

Recall that Eto'o was already sentenced to one year and 10 months for a tax offence in the national territory, and to a financial fine for the non-payment of maintenance to another of his daughters born out of wedlock.

The case of Érika do Rosario - Samuel Eto’o’s daughter

After four years of struggle, Érika do Rosario who was registered in the registry as Erika Eto'o Do Rosario was finally pronounced as the biological daughter of Samuel Eto’o.

The pronouncement happened in 2022 after multiple refusals by the former Cameroonian striker to undergo DNA tests.

The judge later established a pension of €1,400 per month to the young woman that was never fulfilled.

As per Dario AS, Eto'o's daughter, Erika do Rosario Nievers, was born in 1999 in the Alarcón Foundation hospital in Madrid due to an affair between the Cameroonian and a woman known as Adileusa do Rosario.

The mother of the young woman affirms that, when the ex-footballer knew the news, he accused her of "trying to amass his fortune" and allegedly threatened to "interrupt the pregnancy".

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/samuel-etoo-daughter-allegations-2023070107385406087

World champion Tobi Amusan recorded another impressive time to finish behind Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn at Lausanne Diamond League.

With each race, Tobi Amusan gets faster as she tied her fastest time this season, clocking an impressive 12.47s to finish second at the Lausanne Diamond League.

Amusan was outrun by Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, who ran 12.40s for victory, while Tia Jones finished third in 12.51s.

It's Camacho-Quinn's second consecutive victory over the world champion after a convincing win of 12.42s over Jones and Amusan at the Golden Spikes in Ostrava, confirming her form and supremacy in the event this year.]

Though the Nigerian may not be getting the wins now, however her progress in lowering her times is an indication of getting better and working toward a successful world title defense in Budapest and her Diamond League title.

Amusan's race is at the Stockholm Diamond League on July 2nd, and with Camacho-Quinn not in the start list, the World Record holder will be gunning for a vital win as a confidence boost to bounce back to winning ways.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/tobi-amusan-ties-fastest-time-this-season-to-finish-second-in-lausanne-2023063020111331410

Brazilian Businessman who goes by the name Altemir Francisco Da Silva has reportedly willed all his fortune to Paris Saint Germain superstar Neymar.

The businessman is currently facing major health issues and has no close relatives to whom he can leave his will.

Francisco Da Silva could only think of one person who he can pass his will and decided to pick Neymar Jr.

The well-known Brazilian footballer has now reportedly become Altemir Francisco Da Silva's sole heir

Neymar gets Businessman’s will
Neymar Jr. has officially become the sole heir to a Brazilian Businessman after he was handed his will according to reports.

According to Wealth on Instagram, “Brazilian businessman Altemir Francisco Da Silva, who is suffering from serious health problems and has no immediate family, has put Neymar Jr., the famous Brazilian footballer, as the sole heir in his will.

Francisco Da Silva's health issues have made him decide to hand everything he has to the popular Brazilian football star who has been spectacular for PSG in recent years.

Da Silva’s fortune offered to Neymar
Altemir Francisco Da Silva has a huge fortune for himself and has a multi-million dollar worth which he has given out.

Wealth on Instagram said, “Da Silva has a fortune valued at $200 million dollars that he wishes to pass on to the football star instead of seeing it taken by the government or estranged family members.

The Brazilian Businessman does not want to see his fortune taken by the government of an unknown family member.

However, Neymar has not yet responded to this unexpected offer but as it stands, he is the sole heir to Francisco Da Silva’s fortune.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/brazilian-businessman-wills-all-his-fortune-to-psg-star-neymar-2023063020374639147

Chelsea have announced the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal making him their second signing of the summer.

The release clause of the Villarreal attacker was activated by Chelsea for slightly over €35 million.

Since the beginning of the transfer window, Jackson, who scored 13 goals in 38 games for Villarreal last season, has been a target for Chelsea.

After several negotiations, the transfer fee was finally accepted, Chelsea have now officially announced Nicolas Jackson as their new player.

Chelsea announce Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea have officially announced their second signing of the summer after Christopher Nkunku joined from RB Leipzig.

According to Fabrizio’s report on Twitter, “It's official, confirmed. Nico Jackson is a new Chelsea player on an 8-year deal and on a €37m fee from Villarreal. Confirmed, completed.”

The arrival of the Senegalese forward makes him Chelsea's second summer addition after Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig

Chelsea were able to fend off interest from Southampton and Bournemouth and signed the powerful forward who shone last season for Villarreal.

Chelsea’s Co-sporting directors excited with Jackson’s signing
Co-sporting directors have expressed their pleasure at the new signing Nicolas Jackson and have welcomed him to the club.

During Jackson’s announcement, Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said, “We are excited to welcome Nicolas to Chelsea. He is a young player with big potential, as he showcased for Villarreal last season.

“We believe he is ready for this next step in his career and look forward to him working with our new head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, and his Chelsea teammates.”

Jackson's most notable quality is his ability to transition well in games and use his strength and pace.

Chelsea will be looking forward to seeing the quality of Jackson next season as he links up with the team and new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Source: Pulse Sports

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/official-chelsea-sign-villarreal-forward-nicolas-jackson-2023063019111053197

According to Froch, Nigeria's Anthony Joshua should not have won Olympic Gold in 2012.

British professional boxer of Nigerian descent, Anthony Olufemi Joshua, is under fire again for his achievements.

The latest criticism of Joshua is about his winning a Gold medal in the men's Superheavyweight boxing event at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Joshua has been the subject of a lot of recent criticism from Carl Froch, who now believes that Joshua never should have won the Olympic gold medal in London.

Joshua's career was launched by that historic victory over ten years ago, and despite having little amateur experience, it continues to be a pivotal point in his life.


Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine defeated Joshua twice, despite the fact that Joshua had quickly fought his way to the top of the division and three world titles.

Joshua's failure to pay attention to his trainer, Rob McCracken, according to Froch, is the reason he lost those fights.

Carl Froch on Anthony Joshua's Olympic Gold medal

The Nottingham boxer recently claimed on Up Front With Simon Jordan that Joshua has "over-achieved" in his career and that he thinks Joshua dropped the first match of his gold medal run back in 2012.

He said, “Fair play to [Joshua,] that’s not a criticism, he’s over-achieved.

"He’s won an Olympic Gold medal when many people, not just me, thought he lost his first fight against a Cuban.

Then he won a very close fight against an Italian – he won on a countback, on a split decision. Fair play to him, he’s then turned professional with limited amateur experience and he’s had a fantastic career.”

At the time, many people were perplexed by Joshua's victory over Cuban Erislandy Savón (17:16), and some even referred to it as a "home decision robbery/"

In the final, Joshua defeated Roberto Cammarelle to win the gold.

Joshua's focus is currently on his potential next opponent, with Dillian Whyte on August 12 being the favorite.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/boxing/story/anthony-joshua-did-not-deserve-olympic-gold-froch-2023063007174501589

📰 SOURCE: Pulse Sports Nigeria —

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/arsenal-must-sign-victor-osimhen-to-win-big-trophies-piers-morgan-2023063006462295204

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Hugely controversial TV personality and lifelong Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan has had his say on what the Gunners need to do to win trophies next season.

Arsenal have made a blistering start to this summer's transfer window, signing Kai Havertz from Chelsea and getting set to close deals for West Ham captain Declan Rice and Ajax man Jurrien Timber.

After leading the way in the Premier League for much of last season before falling away in catastrophic fashion, Mikel Arteta has prioritised improvements on all fronts to avoid a repeat.

Osimhen to Arsenal?

UK Television personality, Arsenal fan, and highly controversial figure, Piers Morgan has said the Gunners must sign Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to stand any chance of winning the big trophies next season.

Osimhen was instrumental as Napoli won the Scudetto last season, winning the Golden Boot and ending the season with 31 goals in all competitions.

The 24-year-old is one of the most lethal strikers in world football and will certainly elevate Arsenal's attacking play to the next level.

Whether or not Arsenal make the move remains to be seen but it would certainly be exciting to see the masked goal-machine delight the Emirates crowd next season.

📰 SOURCE: Pulse Sports Nigeria —

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/arsenal-must-sign-victor-osimhen-to-win-big-trophies-piers-morgan-2023063006462295204

Manchester United and Chelsea have agreed on a transfer fee for midfielder Mason Mount after several weeks of negotiation.

The Chelsea midfielder rejected a new contract with the Blues and have been subjected to transfer speculations since the opening of the transfer window.

Mason Mount struggled to hit his best form for Chelsea last season, which he had under Frank Lampard during his first season.

The England international has been on the Red Devil’s radar for weeks and has had three bids rejected by Chelsea.

However, according to recent reports, Man United have agreed a deal with Chelsea for the talented midfielder.

Chelsea accept Man United transfer fee
A deal to bring Mason Mount to Old Trafford has been agreed by both parties after United’s first three bids were rejected by Chelsea.

Manchester United had three bids rejected by Chelsea, with the recent bid worth £50 million plus £5 million.

Chelsea were demanding a proposal of £58m plus £7m in add-ons, with United making it clear that they won’t go above their third offer.

However, according to Romano Fabrizio on Twitter, “Manchester United agreed a £60 million package deal for Mason Mount with Chelsea. It’s done, here we go!

“Personal terms agreed weeks ago and face-to-face talks between clubs made it clear: the agreement is done. Mount became a Utd player, they never left the race.”

The 24-year-old is on the verge of moving to Old Trafford and he is expected to do his medicals soon.

Man United transfer deal for Mount
Few details of the deal between Man United and Chelsea were revealed as Mount closed in on becoming the Red Devils' first signing of the summer.

According to Romano Fabrizio on Twitter, “Both parties had a face-to-face meeting which was crucial to making them agree on £55 million plus £5 million add ons fee.

“Mason Mount is expected to sign a contract that will be valid until June 2028 which is a five-year deal.

“It is also understood that Mason Mount will undergo medicals with Man United after the weekend.”

Despite several negotiation breakdowns between both parties, a fee has been agreed upon and Mount will soon be Man United’s first signing of the summer.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/manchester-united-have-agreed-a-fee-with-chelsea-to-sign-mason-mount-2023062916540834507

Former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante has completed the takeover of Belgian third-division side Royal Excelsior Virton.

N'Golo Kante has decided to purchase Royal Excelsior Virton, a small club in Belgium as the World Cup winner chooses to invest in a sport that has given him so much over the years.

Kante, who only recently left Chelsea to complete a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, will replace Flavio Becca at the helm of the Belgian club.

Kante now a football club owner!

Driven by his passion for soccer, N’Golo Kanté’s aim is to continue structuring the club with a view to consolidating its foundations, stabilizing the staff and ultimately reviving RE Virton’s tradition of training through its youth academy,” the club said in a statement.

The 31-year-old World Cup winner will reportedly earn as much as €100m over the course of his three-year deal with Al Ittihad.

Source: Pulse Sports

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/saudi-millions-ngolo-kante-buys-belgian-football-club-just-days-after-joining-al-ittihad-2023062912454719936

Okorodudu died at 64-years-old after his health condition relapsed after he was diagnosed with foot ulcer and suffered a stroke.

A Lagos-based hospital has seized the corpse of former Nigerian boxer, Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Okorodudu over an unpaid N600,000 medical bill.

It was reported that Okorodudu died at a private hospital in Lawandon, Lagos, on Wednesday night after battling a foot ulcer that left him bedridden for weeks.

Okorodudu died at 64 years old after his health condition relapsed after he was diagnosed with a foot ulcer and suffered a stroke.

Confirming the news, Okorodudu’s wife, Adenike, told the Punch

that the hospital refused to release her husband's body until the unpaid medical cost of N600,000 was paid.

According to her, “He is dead now, but we still need to pay N600,000 to get his body out of the hospital.

The Secretary-General of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, and the President of West Africa Boxing Union, Remi Aboderin, also confirmed that the Olympian had passed away.

“It is true about his death. I just confirmed it after you called me and I reached out to some colleagues. It is unfortunate that he died this way, and I am actually lost for words. May his soul rest in peace,” told the Punch.

Okorodudu was born on the 24th May 1959, he was a Nigerian boxer and competed in the men's middleweight event at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/boxing/story/hospital-seizes-nigerian-olympian-corpse-over-unpaid-n600000-medical-bill-2023062908061868565

Okocha never won the coveted CAF Player of the Year Award despite finishing in the top three on three occasions.

One of the greatest mysteries that baffle Nigerian football fans is how Austin Jay-Jay Okocha missed out on big individual awards during his playing career.

Okocha is one of, if not the best football talent to come out of Nigeria. While he may not have the trophy collections to back his talent up like Nwankwo Kanu or John Obi Mikel, his skillset is arguably the best Nigeria has ever produced.

He was known for his trickery, dribbling skill, set-piece quality and wizardry on the ball. Okocha was a fan delight during his playing days.

Opposition players were scared to get close to him so as not to get embarrassed by his skills or genius

The former Super Eagles star was a cult hero at every club he played for, including Bolton Wanderers where he remains arguably their greatest player.


Ronaldinho admired him, same with Pele and former England international John Barnes. In fact, Barnes claims that Okocha is more skilful than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the greatest players to play the beautiful game in the modern era.

Superlatives are not enough to describe what Okocha could do with the ball during his playing career.

However, for all of his gifted talents, Okocha never won a lot of trophies but more importantly individual awards.

Aside from the BBC African Footballer year, the ex-Super Eagles captain did not win any other major individual award.

While it was always going to be difficult for him to win the Ballon d’Or or the FIFA World Best, it is baffling that Okocha never won the African Player of the Year despite being one of the best players to come out of the continent.

But does Okocha really deserve a CAF award, as it has been argued by many of his fans? We look at his case.

Before we get into the debate, it is important to know the number of times Okocha had the chance to win the award.

Okocha's CAF award nominations
Okocha was nominated for the CAF Player of the Year Award three times. The first of his award came in 1998 when he finished a close second behind Mustapha Hadji.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star then got consecutive nominations in 2003 and 2004, finishing third behind Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o, respectively, on both occasions.

Now that we have established the years Okocha was nominated, let us take a look at his performance those years and that of his rivals.

1998- Hadji edges out Okocha

Given the nature of the way football season operates, we are looking at the 1997/1998 season, the first half of the 1998/1999 season and the World Cup.

The 1997/1998 season was arguably Okocha’s best year in his club career. It was his last season with Fenerbahce before sealing an African record move to PSG in the summer of 1998.

Okocha played 29 times in the league with the Turkish giants, scoring 14 goals and setting up another four.

Six of his goals came in the second half of the season (1998), including three at the business end of the season, although Fenerbahce finished third that season.

Okocha continued in the same vein when he left to join PSG, scoring four goals in the first half of the 1998/1999 Ligue 1 season, including one on his debut.

Overall, Okocha scored ten goals and set up two assists in league matches in 1998. In contrast, Hadji had a campaign to forget in both seasons.

He started the 1997/1998 campaign with Sporting Lisbon but only made one league appearance and five Champions League appearances (two goals) before moving to Deportivo La Corouna

Hadji did not fare better in Spain, either, failing to score in ten league matches. The first half of the 1998/1999 season followed a similar pattern, with Hadji scoring just once, although he did score twice in the Copa del Rey.

Looking at the stats, it is clear that Okocha had a better year than Hadji at club level in 1998. But 1998 was also a World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations year, with France hosting the World Cup.

Both Nigeria and Morocco qualified for the World Cup, but the Super Eagles were not at the AFCON due to a CAF ban. However, Hadji never stood out at the AFCON, scoring just one goal as Morocco crashed out in the quarter-final.

Meanwhile, at the World Cup, both did not do much, but Hadji had a better tournament after scoring once and setting up another.

However, arguments could also be made for Okocha, as Nigeria qualified for the round of 16, something Morocco failed to achieve.

2003- Eto'o triumphs over Okocha and Drogba

It took Okocha another five years before he was nominated for the award, coming up against Eto’o and Drogba.

The ex-Super Eagles captain was now at Bolton after leaving PSG, with Eto’o and Drogba plying their trades at Real Mallorca and Olympique Marseille.

Okocha actually had a good year in his first season in the Premier League, single-handedly saving Bolton from relegation.

The now 49-year-old scored seven goals in that season, with four coming at the business end of the season, including one against Middlesbrough on the final day of the season.

But while Okocha had a good debut season in the Premier League, Eto’o was also great for Mallorca in the same season.

The Cameroonian striker scored 14 goals in 30 league games in the 2002/2003 season, setting up another two.

Eto’o came alive in the second half of that season (2003), scoring nine league goals to help Mallorca qualify for the UEFA Cup- a competition in which he scored a hat-trick the same year.

There was no major international competition in 2003, although Eto’o did represent Cameroon in the Confederations Cup.

2004- Eto'o beats Okocha again
A year later, Okocha was back again on the podium with Eto’o and Drogba. This year was also an Africa Cup of Nations year, meaning there were many things at play.

At club level, Okocha did not really reach the heights of his first year in England, but he did lead Bolton to the League Cup, scoring three goals in the process.

Okocha did turn up in the first half of the 2004/2005 season, scoring four goals and setting up three more in the first half of the season.

However, Eto’o had another great season with Mallorca, scoring 17 league goals in the 2003/2004 season. Again, nine of his 17 goals came in the second half of the campaign (first half of 2004).

His performance that season earned him a move to Barcelona ahead of the 2004/2005 campaign, scoring 13 league goals in the first half of the season to finish with 22 league goals in 2004.

As stated above, 2004 was a special year because of the AFCON. While Eto’o won the battle at club level, Okocha was the better player at AFCON.

The Cameroonian scored just one goal in that competition, which ironically came against Nigeria in the quarter-final.

Meanwhile, Okocha was the best player of the tournament with four goals, including that stunning freekick against Cameroon in the 2-1 win.

Was Okocha robbed of a CAF award?
Objectively, Okocha deserves at least the 1998 African Player of the Year award ahead of Hadji. Looking at the stats, Okocha had a better year than the Moroccan and should have won. Although during that time, international football tournaments played a big role in deciding the winner, it still feels like Okocha was robbed because Hadji did not have a great World Cup.

It was indeed a close race, but there is this feeling that Okocha could/would have won if he was from a Francophone country.

However, while Okocha may feel hard done in 1998, it is hard to make a case for him in 2003 because Eto’o was clearly better in a year with no major international tournament.

Okocha’s case was stronger in 2004, considering his performance at the AFCON. But Eto’o did great things at his two clubs, with Barcelona being one of them.

His move to Barcelona might have shifted the momentum in his favour, and he backed up that move with goals.

But with that said, Okocha should have won the award in 1998 ahead of Hadji.

Source: Pulse Sports

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/why-did-jay-jay-okocha-not-win-the-african-footballer-of-the-year-award-2023062813401756604

Akinkunmi Amoo tweeted and deleted updates on his fitness amid sexual assault allegations which earned him a one-year jail sentence.

Despite being found guilty and sentenced to one year in a Danish prison for allegedly sexually assaulting three women, Akinkunmi Amoo has resumed social media activity.

The 21-year-old was found guilty of all allegations that were recently presented against him, the same ones for which he was detained in September 2022 and is said to be appealing the verdict.

The Copenhagen winger has since posted on his social media account but not in relation to the big news surrounding him, instead giving updates on his fitness situation.

Akinkunmi Amoo gives fitness updates amid sexual assault scandal
Amoo tweeted out via his official Twitter handle @OfficialAmoo updating his 6000+ followers on his fitness journey with his first tweet since August 2022.

The tweet was put out by exactly 11:18 am on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 and featured a picture of Amoo with the Copenhagen medical staff as well as a video of the player himself.

The tweet was captioned "I met with the medical team of Copenhagen this morning to access my leg with a possible return date from the injury I suffered last year. The medical team gave positive feedback. I want to appreciate my friends and family for their wishes and support during my recovery period."

Amoo has since deleted the tweet but has not stayed off social media yet as his page is full of retweets of stories debunking his jail allegations.

Pulse Sports understands that Akinkunmi's brother has come out to debunk reports that the Copenhagen star is in jail, instead reiterating that the ruling will be appealed.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

The Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha has responded to claims saying he taught the former Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho how to play football.

Ronaldinho joined Paris Saint Germain in 2001 where he met the Nigerian star Okocha who was one of their best players in the team. The Brazilian later became a superstar with many thinking he was taught by Jay-Jay Okocha.

Okocha was one of the best players to play for Nigeria. He won the African Cup of Nations in 1994 and was also nominated for the African Footballer of the Year award where he came second in 1998.

The Former Nigerian midfielder was asked in an interview if he taught the Brazilian the skills he has today but gave a swift response about the quality of the skilful midfielder.

Ronaldinho knows football
Ronaldinho became one of the best midfielders in the world during his era and former Nigerian player Jay-Jay Okocha has acknowledged his footballing skills.

During an exclusive with Pulse Sports, Okocha was asked if he taught Ronaldinho what later made him a global superstar, he said, “I won’t say that I taught him everything, he knows about football.

“I would say that he picked one or two things from me but I wasn't the one that taught him, not even ten per cent of the skills that he can do.”

The 49-year-old dismissed the idea of teaching the Brazilian legend the skills he has, saying he already knew those skills but could have picked one or two things from him.

Okocha’s career

Okocha started playing in Europe in 1991 when he joined Eintracht Frankfurt. He then moved to the Turkish side Fenerbahçe. In 1998 he moved from Fenerbahçe to Paris Saint Germain for a fee of £14 million and became the most expensive African player at that time.

He was later joined by young Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho in 2001 and was said to have mentored him during his playing days at PSG.

After the 2002 World Cup, Jay-Jay Okocha moved from the French Ligue 1 on a free transfer to the Premier League where he signed for Bolton Wanderers. Okocha captained Bolton to their first cup final in nine years where they finished runners-up in 2004.

After rejecting a new contract in Bolton, he left the club and went to Qatar where he spent just a year before moving back to England to play for Championship side Hull City. He helped Hull City gain promotion to the Premier League but was unable to offer more to the team due to injury which led to his retirement.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://pulsesports.ng/football/story/ronaldinho-learnt-a-few-things-from-me-okocha-2023050316280367198

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21-year-old Amoo, set for 1 year in prison for sexual allegations as a player of Copenhagen.

Akinwunmi Amoo was found guilty of all allegations that were recently presented against him, the same ones for which he was detained in September 2022.

According to the court's final judgment, which was just delivered and has practically shocked the football world.

A veteran journalist as well as Instablog confirmed the conviction of Amoo on social media.

Given that he will no longer play football on fields, but rather in chilly prison cells, Amoo has no other option.

Despite this, the player's attorneys will do everything possible to have the judgment overturned and preserve Amoo's right to a private and successful athletic life.

Amoo was formerly widely regarded as one of the top prospects in international football.

Akinwunmi Amoo gets 1 year in jail for sexual allegations
Given that the young Nigerian star was found guilty of many offenses of this nature committed between April and July 2022, the law chose to sentence him to a few years in prison.

Amoo received a one-year, unconditional jail sentence and somehow had to prepare for the possibility that he would face a harsh sentence sooner or later.

In reality, the Copenhagen striker was detained again for sexual assault in September 2022 but was later released on bail after less than a month.

However, given that he was found guilty of all three accusations brought against him, it appears this time that the Nigerian cannot get away.

Now that the scenario is known, it will be important to comprehend how the player will proceed with his legal counsel.

It goes without saying that they will do everything in their power to try to correct the situation. starting with an appeal.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/akinwunmi-amoo-super-eagles-star-bags-1-year-in-prison-for-sexual-allegations-2023062623192082897

Arsenal are reportedly set to complete a deal for Chelsea's Kai Havertz, but why?

Are you unconvinced by Kai Havertz to Arsenal? Have you spent a year mocking Chelsea only to find out Arsenal are signing one of their players? Are you looking for any kind of logic that will make this deal make sense? Well, here, you get to read how the deal makes sense.

Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea for a reported fee of 65 million pounds. This will make it the second time in six months that the club have signed a player from Chelsea.

The move has gotten a lot of people speaking, with opinions clearly polarized as to why Arsenal are buying a player who has struggled to make an impact for Chelsea since signing for the club from Bayer Leverkusen with his stock held very high.

Does it make sense? Is Mikel Arteta going to be the manager who revives his career the way he is credited with reviving Martin Odegaard’s? Why are Arsenal not signing a direct Granit Xhaka replacement like Moises Caicedo?

These are the questions on many fans' lips. Let me be honest. Even I did not understand why Arsenal are signing him, when there were more sensible options from within that Chelseas quad, including Mason Mount. But after reading and watching alot, I finally made sense of the deal.

You can say that Havertz is washed, or that I do not know ball, all that stuff, but I think that Mikel Arteta knows football more than you who is reading this, or I who has just written this. Just maybe.

However, since 2021, Arsenal have barely got it wrong in the transfer market. The whole fanbase was divided over the signings of the likes of Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, Nuno Tavarez and Sambi Lokonga (the latter two however, have flattered to deceive in an Arsenal shirt) .

The first three signings however, have proven value for money, so why not give the club the benefit of doubt with the signing of Havertz?

First of all, fans assume that the dynamics of teams from last season will be the same as the dynamics from the next season. Case in point. When Arsenal signed Olexsandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, people assumed that he would be “back up to Kieran Tierney” who was doing well in an orthodox role where he overlapped Emile Smith Rowe on the left flank.

Who foresaw Arteta using him as an inverted wing back? Who foresaw Tierney becoming surplus to requirements? After all, is Tierney not the same name fans chant in the famous “We’ve got super Mik Arteta” song?

The song goes on to praise Kieran Tierney, saying the Scotsman, alongside Gabi (Martinelli) in attack will help Arsenal win the league. Well,Tierney only started six times in the league last season.

That Tierney situation is proof Mikel Arteta may change things next season. Just because the team was set up a certain way last season does not mean it will be set up the same way next season.

Back to Havertz. Fans may be assuming that Kai Havertz is coming directly to fill the Granit Xhaka or Gabriel Jesus role given he has played as a false nine for much of his Chelsea career which may not be the case.

Thomas Tuchel said he was still not sure what he really was, preferring to describe him as a mixture of Dennis Bergkamp, Robin Van Persie and Dimitar Berbatov. These are three very contrasting profiles of players.

However, Havertz is known to have an exquisite first touch which makes him very technical, so you can understand the comparisons to Bergkamp and Berbatov. He can operate in those half spaces, especially the right wing where he can use his left foot to look for passes or create goal scoring opportunities.

During his last season at Bayer Leverkusen, he was particularly adept at creating overloads on the left flank as the heatmap below suggests. He had a knack for preferring operating in that right half space by creating overloads either as a false nine, as shadow striker (alongside a striker) or a right sided attacking midfielder.

Maybe Mikel Arteta is planning to use him the way he was used at Leverkusen, where he played as the shadow striker who moved into channels due to his excellent ability to “investigate space) alongside Kevin Volland.

We might see a situation where he is played on the tip of a diamond midfield four in a 3-4-3 formation, with the German operating behind Gabriel Jesus and trying to create overloads with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka on the right side of Arsenal’s attack, while Jesus and Martinelli continuing to operate by interchanging positions on the left hand side like they did last season.

We may then witness Zinchenko continuing to invert from left back (maybe even Emile Smith Rowe could be used there in certain game states with Declan Rice being the deepest member of that midfield four.

The signing of Rice would also be interesting considering he has played centre back before, so he could be Arsenal’s version of John Stones, who is essentially a midfielder in possession and a centre back without possession. That would imply that Arteta may use a back three of Jakub Kiwior or Gabriel as a left sided defender, William Saliba in the middle and one of Jurrien Timber(assuming he is signed) and Benjamin White on the right.

Another reason for signing Havertz may purely be for depth. Modern football is more about “minutes” rather than “starting”. Arsenal’s biggest achilles heel was a lack of depth last season. What if Havertz will help solve that situation once and for all?

A third reason is that Havertz may be the plan B option for our attack. He is a tall guy, 6’ 3” who can receive areal balls when Arsenal are trying to beat low blocks. For a team that wants to be more dominant physically and areally, Havertz could be the solution. Although Arsenal may still need a striker like Ivan Toney, Havertz could be a short term solution.

Havertz also does not have a biasness to turn to the left despite being left footed, like Odegaard does, He can receive from any position on the pitch and then turn with it.

Finally, people may assume he does not apply himself enough off the ball. I promise you, this guy has more impressive workrate than you think. He works hard off the ball. He may have some deficiencies especially with his tackling, but in a proper structure and with the right coaching, he may be more effective.

I am not saying that he is my ideal signing. I am just saying he has qualities that could be useful. This idea of people saying h “he is washed” is something I am not taking one bit. Mikel has proven he can get the best out of young players, like Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli and even his work with Jesus and Sane at City. I am sure he can do the same with Havertz.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/why-are-arsenal-signing-kai-havertz-2023062510152777817