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The Argentine now stands alone atop CONMEBOL's men's goalscoring list. Lionel Messi scored his 79th international goal on Thursday night to break the South American men's record held by Pele.

Messi scored all three goals in Argentina's World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia in Buenos Aires, giving him two more than the legendary Brazilian striker.

Only Brazilian stars Marta (109) and Cristiane (96) have scored more overall international goals than the Argentina icon now as he claimed his spot as the top men's goalscorer on the continent. What did Messi say?
“I really wanted to be able to enjoy it," Messi said after the match. "I waited a long time for this, I looked for it and I dreamed of it. It’s a unique moment for the way it happened after so much waiting.

“There was no better way to celebrate this than to be here. My mother, my brothers are in the stands… They suffered a lot and today, they are here celebrating. I’m very happy.”
With the three goals on Thursday, Messi also surpassed former team-mate and long time friend Luis Suarez to become the leading scorer in CONMEBOL's men's World Cup qualifying.

He now has 26 career goals in qualifying, while the hat-trick also gives him eight career goals against Bolivia in 11 games, making them the opponent the Argentine has been most prolific against.

Messi has been Argentina's most prolific scorer since 2016, when he surpassed Gabriel Batistuta (54 goals).

The Argentine helped lead his country to the Copa America title this summer, his first piece of major senior international silverware with his country.

The U.S. earned five points from their first three games, putting them in a decent place despite a chaotic week........
https://9jabet.bet/2021/09/09/mckennie-pepi-and-the-usmnts-biggest-winners-and-losers-from-the-first-set-of-world-cup-qualifiers/

The Portuguese says he is determined to enjoy the same kind of success at Old Trafford that he enjoyed in his first stint between 2003 and 2009......https://9jabet.bet/2021/09/09/ronaldo-hints-he-could-stay-at-man-utd-for-next-three-or-four-years-as-20m-summer-signing-declares-hes-back-to-win-again/

The 17-year-old winger is one of the most highly-rated youngsters coming through at the Gunners after earning a reputation for his amazing skills........ https://9jabet.bet/2021/09/09/omari-hutchinson-arsenals-teenage-internet-sensation-who-wowed-pele/

Both Harry Kane and manager Gareth Southgate commented on an unsavoury incident towards the end of the first half.....,.....
https://9jabet.bet/2021/09/09/england-make-report-to-fa-after-clash-during-poland-draw/

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the National Policy on Fifth Generation (5G) Networks for the digital economy.

The 5G Policy was approved at the Council meeting on Wednesday following the presentation by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami.

"The implementation of the National Policy is with immediate effect," Pantami's Technical Adviser, Dr Femi Adeluyi announced in a statement.

The statement reads:" The National Policy has been developed over a period of 2 years, due to the need for extensive stakeholder engagement and the need to ensure adequate public awareness and sensitization.

" The stakeholder engagement was thorough and multi-sectoral in nature. It also took into account the report of the 3-month 5G trials that commenced on the 25th of November 2019.

" The report critically reviewed and studied the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria.

"Leading international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), an organ of the United Nations, have confirmed that the deployment of 5G networks leave no adverse health effect and are safe.

"5G networks offer significant advantages over the current technologies. Some of its advantages include much lower latency, higher bandwidth, greater device density, longer battery life for nodes and greater network flexibility.

"Several countries have already commenced the deployment of 5G and are enjoying its benefits. These countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, South Africa and Lesotho, to mention but a few.

"The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), chaired by Minister Pantami, will soon release spectrum to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that meet all the required conditions.

"The NCC, as the regulator of the telecommunications sector, will continue engaging stakeholders with a view to developing the regulatory instruments required for the successful deployment of the technology in Nigeria."

The Red Devils boss has a myriad of attacking options to choose from this season, but can the 28-year-old force his way into the Norwegian's plans?....... https://9jabet.bet/2021/09/08/england-star-lingard-offers-man-utd-something-different-but-will-solskjaer-notice/

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Government has announced staggered resumption for schools and guidelines for the Y2021/2022 academic session for public and private schools across the State.

This was contained in a release issued on Monday by...........https://9jabet.bet/2021/09/07/lagos-announces-staggered-resumption-for-schools/

The Presidency has listed the achievements of the Buhari administration since 2015.

In a statement released by the Special Adviser on Media to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, on Sunday, September 5, the Presidency listed so many achievements of the President's achievements including the signing of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

According to the statement, Buhari had recently declared a N287 billion profit after tax by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which was the first in the over 40 years of the corporation.

Adesina said the Buhari administration launched the first National Social Investment Programme in the country’s history and is today the largest Social Investment Programme in Africa and one of the largest in the world. He also mentioned the restoration of the federal budget to a January-to-December cycle, after more than a decade.

“Finance Acts 2019 and 2020 – the first time ever that Federal Budgets are being accompanied by dedicated and specific reform legislation to support implementation. Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018: Another unprecedented piece of legislation in Nigeria. Treasury Single Account (TSA) started in 2012, expanded across the entire Government by President Buhari,” the statement said.

On projects, he said Buhari is the first President to start and complete a rail project in Nigeria’s history, citing the Lagos-Ibadan rail project.

He further said the President has completed 12 inherited Dam projects across the country, including Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam, Taraba; Ogwashi-Uku Multipurpose Dam, Delta; Adada Dam, Enugu; Sulma Earth Dam, Katsina; Gimi Earth Dam, Kaduna; Amla-Otukpo Dam, Benue; Amauzari Earth Dam, Imo; Ibiono-Ibom Earth Dam, Akwa Ibom; Gadau/Lafia Zigau Dam, Bauchi; Alajue Small Earth Dam, Osun; Kampe Omi Dam, Kogi (Rehabilitation) and Kargo Dam, Kaduna (rehabilitation).

Adesina added:

“Petroleum Industry Bill signed into law in 2021, after almost two decades in the works. It is aimed at reforming a Petroleum Act dating back to 1969, as well as other supplementary laws and regulations.

“Deep Offshore and Inland Basin (Production Sharing Contracts) Act, 2019, amended for the first time since 1993.

“More than 6 billion dollars of inherited Cash Call Arrears now being cleared by the Buhari Administration, since 2016. More than 3 billion dollars of the arrears (payments due to International Oil Companies) have since been paid.

“The Buhari Administration has overseen the first successful Marginal Fields Bid Round in almost 20 years.

“The Buhari Administration has launched the first National Social Investment Programme in the country’s history. Today it is the largest Social Investment Programme in Africa and one of the largest in the world.

“Restoration of the Federal Budget to a January-to-December cycle, after more than a decade.

“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was established in 2011, and for its first seven years did not have an enabling Act of the National Assembly — Until 2018 when President Buhari assented to the NCDC Act.

“Nigeria Police Act, 2020: The first overhaul of the Police Act since it was originally enacted in 1943

“Nigeria Correctional Service Act, 2019 – overhauled the existing Prisons Act, almost 50 years after it was first enacted.

“Finance Acts 2019 and 2020 – the first time ever that Federal Budgets are being accompanied by dedicated and specific reform legislation, to support implementation.

“Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Bill (SPOMO), 2019: The first of its kind in the entire Gulf of Guinea, dedicated to prosecuting maritime offences.

“Police Trust Fund Act, 2019: First-ever legislation dedicated to addressing the financing of the Police Force

“CAMA, 2020 – the first overhaul of the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) in 30 years.

“Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018: Another unprecedented piece of legislation in Nigeria

“Treasury Single Account (TSA) started in 2012, expanded across the entire government by President Buhari.”

According to him, the critical projects completed by Buhari’s administration include the Itakpe-Warri rail line, started in 1987, abandoned for decades, and finally completed in 2020

After one of the craziest transfer windows ever, Goal picks out the most impressive deals based on quality, price and the buyerls' needs.

with his pace, selflessness and awareness, looks to have added a whole new dimension to a Roma side that finished seventh last season.

It is common knowledge that the 23-year-old Londoner required a lot of convincing to move to the Stadio Olimpico, but there is clearly the potential for Abraham to take his game to a whole under level under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho.

Admittedly, €40 million (£34m/$47m) is an awful lot of money for an unproven striker, particularly in a league financially decimated by the pandemic, but Abraham has already racked up one goal and two assists in his first two appearances for the Giallorossi.

Talk of a Scudetto challenge feels premature, but the England centre-forward might just have it in him to sustain a top-four tilt, which would represent an excellent return on Roma's investment.


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TRANSFERS
Messi, Ronaldo and the 15 best signings of the summer transfer window
Mark Doyle
Deputy Features Editor
Last Updated20 hours ago
Sep 02, 202108:00 UTC +01:00



Getty/Goal
TRANSFERS
PREMIER LEAGUE
BAYERN MÜNCHEN
NUNO MENDES
CRISTIANO RONALDO
MANUEL LOCATELLI
DAVID ALABA
PSG
MANCHESTER UNITED
ANDRÉ SILVA
BUNDESLIGA
GEORGINIO WIJNALDUM
INTERNAZIONALE
JUVENTUS
ROMELU LUKAKU
LIGUE 1
REAL MADRID
BARCELONA
SAÚL
HAKAN ÇALHANOĞLU
ILAIX MORIBA
MATTÉO GUENDOUZI
PRIMERA DIVISIÓN
RODRIGO DE PAUL
LIONEL MESSI
ACHRAF HAKIMI
RB LEIPZIG
DAYOTCHANCULLE UPAMECANO
SERGIO RAMOS
GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA
OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE
SERIE A
TAMMY ABRAHAM
MEMPHIS DEPAY
CHELSEA
FEATURES & OPINIONS
RAPHAËL VARANE
ATLÉTICO MADRID

After one of the craziest transfer windows ever, Goal picks out the most impressive deals based on quality, price and the buyers' needs
Abraham Roma FiorentinaGetty Images
Tammy Abraham - Chelsea to Roma - €40m
The biggest deal done in Serie A this summer, and potentially one of the most influential.

It is very, very early days but Tammy Abraham, with his pace, selflessness and awareness, looks to have added a whole new dimension to a Roma side that finished seventh last season.

It is common knowledge that the 23-year-old Londoner required a lot of convincing to move to the Stadio Olimpico, but there is clearly the potential for Abraham to take his game to a whole under level under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho.

Admittedly, €40 million (£34m/$47m) is an awful lot of money for an unproven striker, particularly in a league financially decimated by the pandemic, but Abraham has already racked up one goal and two assists in his first two appearances for the Giallorossi.

Talk of a Scudetto challenge feels premature, but the England centre-forward might just have it in him to sustain a top-four tilt, which would represent an excellent return on Roma's investment.

David Alaba Real MadridGetty Images
David Alaba - Bayern Munich to Real Madrid - Free
Bayern Munich refused to bow David Alaba's exorbitant wage demands, but Real Madrid were only too happy to offer the Austria international a reported net salary of €12m (£10.3m/$14.2m) per year.

Los Blancos have, of course, been attempting to cut costs over the past two windows because of the economic effects of the Covid-19 crisis, but it is easy to understand why they were willing to push the boat out for Alaba.

Firstly, they had a massive hole to fill in defence following the departure of former captain Sergio Ramos and Alaba is an outrageously talented footballer capable of playing in a variety of positions.

Secondly, he was available on a free transfer and, given he is only just turned 29, Madrid understandably believe that this world-class performer still has a huge amount left to offer at the very highest level.

The France international has sealed a surprise homecoming to the Wanda Metropolitano two years on from an acrimonious exit.

Antoine Griezmann has made a shock return to Atletico Madrid after the Rojiblancos completed a season-long loan move for the Barcelona forward with a mandatory €40 million (£34m/$47m) option to buy.

The France international has sealed a surprise homecoming to the Wanda Metropolitano two years on from an acrimonious exit in one of the final twists to a dramatic summer transfer window.

The World Cup winner now heads back to the capital where he forged his reputation as one of the game's strongest talents...... https://9jabet.bet/2021/09/01/griezmann-returns-to-atletico-madrid-from-barcelona-in-season-long-loan-with-man/

The last-ditch attempt to add attacking reinforcements underlines the Catalan club's difficult market position Atletico Madrid have rejected a loan bid from Barcelona for forward Joao Felix, Goal understands, and have refused to enter negotiations on the eve of the transfer deadline.

The offer was made through agent Jorge Mendes, with the Blaugrana expressing enormous interest in a player they have targetted before.

But Atletico Madrid do not need to sell, and they consider Felix to be the crown jewel of the future of the club and are therefore not thinking of letting go of a player of his talent - even less so 24 hours before the market closes.

How Felix situation is expected to develop
Atletico Madrid will inform Barcelona and Mendes that selling Felix is not an option at this stage as they look to win La Liga for a second straight season.

So, there is no anticipation that the approach Ronald Koeman and Co. will lead to movement from the player.

Record at Atletico Madrid
The 21-year-old arrived to Spain as a teenager for €126m (£122m/$142m) and has since been a regular player under Diego Simeone.

In 58 La Liga appearances, he has scored 13 goals and assisted six times. He's also featured at international level with Portugal.

However, Felix has yet to make his full mark and Atletico Madrid are hopeful this can be his breakout season.

Bigger picture
Barcelona have been forced to think differently this window as the organisation's financial crisis has wiped away their ability to spend big and forced the shock exit of Lionel Messi.

This past weekend, Koeman admitted his side could not hope to compete with other top clubs for signings until the money returns.

"I understand what people who love this club can feel, but the economic situation is what it is," Koeman said via SPORT. "It's frustrating, but you have to be realistic. Economically we can't compete with Paris, City or United. That's right and we have to accept it.

The France striker is set to stay at Parc des Princes after a deal could not be reached
Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe will not join Real Madrid this summer after the latter pulled out of negotiations to sign the young striker, Goal has learned.

Having originally been confident that a deal could be reached, the Spanish side would not concede to PSG's demands for a fee of €200 million (£175m/$235m).

As things stand, Mbappe will now see out the remainder of his contract - which expires at the end of the season - in Paris, where he will line up alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The Portuguese superstar has been heavily linked with Manchester City, and his current boss in Turin admits the forward is on his way out

Cristiano Ronaldo "has no intention of staying at Juventus", manager Max Allegri has admitted.

Ronaldo has been heavily linked with a move away from the Serie A giants, with Manchester City in talks to bring the five-time Ballon d'Or winner back to the Premier League.

He was seen leaving Juventus' training ground on Friday morning while the rest of the team began their session, and Allegri has now confirmed the player told him he wants to go

What has been said?
"Yesterday, talking to Cristiano, he told me that he has no intention of staying at Juventus," Allegri told a press conference. "For this reason, he will not be called up for tomorrow's game [against Empoli in Serie A].

"Things change, it's a law of life. Juventus remains, which is the most important thing. Cristiano gave his contribution, he made himself available, now he leaves and life goes on.

"Cristiano is to be thanked for what he has done, also as an example amongst the youngsters, but as I said, we must go on."

Where is Ronaldo going?
Goal confirmed on Thursday that Man City have entered talks to sign Ronaldo from Juventus. They are in the market for a striker after missing out on the signing of Harry Kane from Tottenham.

Pep Guardiola's side have opened negotiations with Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes, and although club sources have played down suggestions that an agreement is close and sources close to the player have said that nothing has been agreed thus far, talks are advancing.

Ronaldo, a former Manchester United player, is believed to be open to the move despite saying in the past that he would never line up for one of the Red Devils' main rivals.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, spoke with Turin club officials earlier this week, and it now seems a parting of the ways is inevitable.

How much would Ronaldo cost?
The Turin side are looking for around €29 million (£24m/$34m) from any potential buyers, otherwise they would suffer a capital loss. However, City would not want to pay a fee for the 36-year-old forward.

The right-back is already earning rave reviews for his performances for the Saints, meaning many Blues fans are wondering why he was allowed to leave

Many at Chelsea felt a tinge of regret watching former academy star Tino Livramento pick up the man of the match award in Southampton's 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

The 18-year-old did everything he used to do at the Blues' academy at Cobham against one of the best teams in England.

Of course, he was so highly rated within Chelsea that he won the Academy Player of the Year award for 2021, following in the footsteps of the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James and Billy Gilmour.

Article continues below


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It feels remarkable that the Blues got just £5 million ($7m) for him but their hand was forced by him entering the last year of his contract.

Still, Chelsea have put both a sell-on clause and a buyback clause – which is understood to be closer to £40m ($55m) than the £25m ($34m) originally reported – into his Saints contract.

It maintains a modicum of a connection with a homegrown talent who supported Chelsea while growing up in south London.

Livramento's exit was partially down to Chelsea. Given the way in which they have so successfully stockpiled top talent, the argument in favour of keeping Livramento at the club was hardly compelling.

With a huge number of loanees returning for pre-season, Tuchel had to deal with a lot of senior players and that blocked the pathway to the first team for many academy hopefuls.

Los Blancos have made a last-ditch attempt to sign the PSG forward before the transfer window closes, despite claiming to be in dire financial straits

In April, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez told the world that football was dying and clubs like his could no longer survive without a European Super League, in the face of state-backed sides like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

The 74-year-old also insisted that due to the realities of the current transfer market, neither his club nor any other would be able to afford to sign Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland this summer.

"In general, there will not be big transfers this summer," he told El Chiringuito. "When money does not flow from the rich clubs to the poor clubs, everyone suffers.



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TRANSFERS
How can Real Madrid afford 'impossible' €160m Mbappe offer?
Rik Sharma
Spanish football writer
Last Updated1 hour ago
Aug 26, 202108:00 UTC +01:00



Getty/Goal
TRANSFERS
REAL MADRID
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ
PRIMERA DIVISIÓN
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PSG
LIGUE 1

Los Blancos have made a last-ditch attempt to sign the PSG forward before the transfer window closes, despite claiming to be in dire financial straits

In April, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez told the world that football was dying and clubs like his could no longer survive without a European Super League, in the face of state-backed sides like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.

The 74-year-old also insisted that due to the realities of the current transfer market, neither his club nor any other would be able to afford to sign Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland this summer.

"In general, there will not be big transfers this summer," he told El Chiringuito. "When money does not flow from the rich clubs to the poor clubs, everyone suffers.

Article continues below




0:00
1:52

Kylian Mbappe - The Future of Football
Editors' Picks
Fernando Gago: Ex-Real Madrid midfielder now in the frame for Boca Juniors coaching job
Will Chelsea regret losing Livramento to Southampton for just £5m?
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How Man City's move for Kane crumbled
"It's impossible to make signings like Mbappe and Haaland, in general, not just for Real Madrid, without the Super League."

Fast-forward just over four months, and despite the failure of the Super League project, Madrid have bid €160 million ((£137m/$188m) for PSG star Mbappe, the world’s most valuable player, and could go higher still after the French club rejected the offer.

Mbappe has one year left on his contract, becoming a free agent next summer, while Madrid have suffered financially during the coronavirus pandemic, giving players wage-cuts while barely spending a penny in the transfer market.

So how can Perez afford the forward?

Madrid have planned a move like this for some time, with the president a known admirer of Mbappe for several years. The France international himself idolised Cristiano Ronaldo, and has always seen himself making the move to the Santiago Bernabeu at some point in his career.

The World Cup winner's deal in Paris expires next summer, and the Spanish giants feel they can force a sale this month

Real Madrid have submitted their opening offer to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, Goal can confirm.

The Spanish giants are optimistic about getting a deal done before the transfer window closes next week, as they feel Mbappe will not sign a new contract in Paris with his current deal expiring at the end of this season.

While Madrid have been hit hard financially by the coronavirus pandemic, they feel they are in a position to force PSG into selling one of the best footballers in the world...........
https://9jabet.bet/2021/08/25/real-madrid-make-opening-bid-for-mbappe-as-psg-forward-turns-down-six-contract-renewal-offers/

The Blues could make one final transfer this summer - but could do with clearing some space in their squad before doing so Chelsea have kept in touch with Sevilla's Jules Kounde as they continue to weigh up a move amid a possible Kurt Zouma sale.

West Ham have a verbal agreement in place with Chelsea over a £26 million ($35m) move but have struggled to convince Zouma to move to London Stadium.

Even though Chelsea haven't recently contacted Sevilla directly about Kounde, they have remained in contact with his agents over a possible summer move.

Will Chelsea sign Kounde?
Chelsea have the wealth to complete the Kounde move, especially after raising nearly £100m ($136m) through player sales in the current transfer window.

They will, however, have to come close to the La Liga club's £68m ($93m) release clause to sign the France international.

This comes after the Blues tried to offer players like Zouma, Kenedy and Emerson Palmieri in part exchange for Kounde.

The Blues have weighed up the addition of a central midfielder with West Ham's Declan Rice, Monaco's Aurelien Tchouameni and Rennes's Eduardo Camavinga all being considered.

However, Thomas Tuchel is happy with his three main midfielders of Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante and Jorginho, making it unlikely that one will come in as a fourth option.

Chelsea could use either Ethan Ampadu or Ruben Loftus-Cheek as cover and have chosen not to loan them out with just eight days left in the transfer window.

Tuchel has also discussed using Trevoh Chalobah in the midfield after telling him that he is no longer allowed to leave the club on loan. The 22-year-old will also soon be offered a new five-year contract.

The likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos may have arrived this summer, but the France forward's failure to sign a new deal is cause for concern

Kylian Mbappe has “no excuse” for not signing a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain, according to club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.


And yet with little over a week of the transfer window remaining, the uncertainty over the superstar forward's future remains the stain on an otherwise dreamy summer for the Parc des Princes outfit.

Rarely has such a collection of star names been assembled over the course of such a short period. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and, of course, Lionel Messi have all arrived in the French capital in a period of under two months.

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Such armament was designed to persuade the 22-year-old of PSG’s strength, putting to bed any doubts Mbappe had over the club’s ambition and Champions League-winning capabilities.

“What I want to do is win, to feel like I'm somewhere where I can do that in the sense that there's a solid project around me,” he told Canal+ back in May when the first genuine stirrings of his discontent were made public.

“I eat football, I live football and so the sporting project is essential.”

Whatever Mbappe’s feeling towards the practicalities of playing in a top-heavy, defence-shy front three with Neymar and Messi might be, such a Galactico transfer window was designed to prove that PSG’s pulling power is, for now, unrivalled.

His demands had apparently been met by the club, who very publicly put the ball back in the player’s court.

“We have the most competitive team in the world right now. So there is no excuse for him now. He can't do anything else but stay,” Al-Khelaifi said at Messi’s introduction when asked about the superstar youngster.
And yet even that may not be enough to keep the World Cup winner beyond the end of his contract in June 2022.

Mbappe is yet to make his next move, but his silence on the matter has been profound. There has been no suggestion that a new contract is just around the corner, or even on the horizon.

The noise around his future, meanwhile, has understandably been constant. The media chatter, though, is something that has not made him waver on the field.

Indeed, his performances at the start of the Ligue 1 season have been excellent, as he has delivered one goal and two assists in three matches.

Showing form that has arguably surpassed any sequence of games he produced in a Covid-hit 2019-20 Ligue 1 season, he has not played like a young man with his mind elsewhere.

Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino’s carefully worded answer during his side’s pre-match press conference before meeting Brest on Friday only served to highlight just how precarious the situation is.

“He is our player and I see him staying during the season that we are starting,” the Argentine said, artfully dancing around the more pertinent issue of the player’s expiring contract.

The ego of PSG means that they are not about to buckle and sell a player they see as being essential to the future of their project – even if it means losing him for nothing.

If Mbappe goes, they aim to make it absolutely clear it was solely the player’s decision. This is a club, after all, that is not used to anyone telling them what they must do since QSI took charge in 2011, and appears to have taken particular delight in making Barcelona their plaything.

In any case, PSG are unlikely to receive an offer from cash-strapped Real Madrid that is worth considering. This gives them just a single option: to continue to chip away at Mbappe’s resolve not to sign a new deal in a bid to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.

The player’s bluff has, for now, been called in the transfer market. PSG have put together a team the individual strength of which has not been seen in years, begging the question whether Mbappe’s stubborn position is less about being in a star-packed team and more about grabbing a greater share of the spotlight, which he has had to split with Neymar since arriving in Paris.

With Mbappe’s situation likely to remain unresolved beyond the end of the transfer window, his future promises to make as many headlines as the brilliance of Messi and the all-star cast that PSG have assembled.

This is a stain that will not readily be shifted.

Jennifer Hermoso, Lieke Martens and Alexia Putellas are up for the women's version of the award, with Thomas Tuchel a nominee for Coach of the Year

UEFA has confirmed the nominees for the Men's Player of the Year award, with Chelsea duo Jorginho and N'Golo Kante having been joined by Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne on the list.

Barcelona trio Jennifer Hermoso, Lieke Martens and Alexia Putellas have all been nominated for the UEFA Women's Player of the Year, while Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel and Roberto Mancini are the three Coach of the Year nominees.

As for the Women's Coach of the Year, Lluis Cortes, Peter Gerhardsson and Emma Hayes are all in the running for the award. The winners will be revealed at the 2021-22 Champions League group-stage draw ceremony on August 26.

The Blades goalkeeper was left out of the clash with West Brom on Wednesday as the Gunners press forward with talks

Arsenal are close to signing Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United in a deal worth up to £30 million ($41m), Goal can confirm.


The news comes as something of a surprise, with talks initially thought to have broken down between the clubs due to a difference in valuation.

Now, however, it appears Mikel Arteta is set to get his man, with the Gunners originally having started their Premier League season without adequate cover and competition for Bernd Leno.

The Gunners are hopeful of finalising a permanent deal for the Norwegian, who impressed on loan at Emirates Stadium last term

Arsenal are close to sealing a move for Martin Odegaard move after stepping up talks with Real Madrid, Goal can confirm.


Odegaard spent six months on loan at Emirates Stadium in 2020-21, and endeared himself to Arsenal fans with his infectious energy in the middle of the pitch and eye for defence-splitting passes.

The 22-year-old returned to Real for their latest pre-season campaign in June, but Goal has reported the Spanish giants are now open to his departure on a permanent basis, with the Gunners eager to bring him back to north London.

Arsenal breakthrough
Arsenal are hopeful of reaching an agreement to buy Odegaard outright after accelerating negotiations with Real, who could let him leave Santiago Bernabeu for around £30 million ($41m).

Goal understands the Gunners would like to finalise the transfer before their next Premier League game against Chelsea this weekend, but he would have to be registered before midday on Friday to be eligible to take part at the Emirates.

It has been reported that Odegaard will commit to a five-year deal with Arsenal, having been left out of Real's 4-1 opening La Liga victory against Alaves on Saturday.

Odegaard's career so far
Odegaard began his career with Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset in 2015, where he spent one year before being snapped up by Madrid at the age of 16.

The Blancos integrated him into their Castilla squad, but eventually took the decision to send him out on loan to gain more first-team experience.

The talented playmaker had spells at Heerenveen and Vitesse before joining Real Sociedad, where he started to realise his potential by helping the club finish sixth in La Liga and reach the Copa del Rey final.

Odegaard reported back to Santiago Bernabeu last summer with a view to breaking into the Blancos' starting XI, but opportunities were still few and far between and Arsenal offered him a way out in January.

The Norway international scored two goals and set up another two in 20 games across all competitions for Mikel Arteta's side, and now looks set to continue his career at Emirates Stadium.

season, but the beaming, pearly-white smile remains.

And it was certainly on display last Saturday, as Liverpool opened their Premier League campaign in impressive fashion.

“Pretty much perfect,” was Klopp’s verdict after the Reds’ 3-0 win over Norwich at Carrow Road.

With Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane refreshed and reinvigorated, the 2019-20 champions have the firepower to compete for the Premier League again

Jurgen Klopp may have ditched his glasses this season, but the beaming, pearly-white smile remains.

And it was certainly on display last Saturday, as Liverpool opened their Premier League campaign in impressive fashion.

“Pretty much perfect,” was Klopp’s verdict after the Reds’ 3-0 win over Norwich at Carrow Road.

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“We can play better, that’s clear, but what you go in for at the start of the season is the result.”

He didn’t have to look far to find positives. Whether it was Virgil van Dijk’s first 90 minutes since last October, Kostas Tsimikas’ first Premier League start or the sight of 2,669 travelling Reds singing their hearts out for the first time in 18 months, there was much to enjoy.

Much to ponder, too. Particularly in attack, where it looks as though a dilemma - and a nice one at that - has emerged.

Talk about first world problems, eh? While their rivals hunt for that elusive, expensive talisman, that mythical ‘20-goal striker’, Klopp can content himself with the fact he could have as many as four of them at his disposal this season.

It hasn’t taken long for Liverpool’s forwards to find their groove. Three of them - Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah - were on the scoresheet against Norwich, and the one that wasn’t, Sadio Mane, turned in a performance which suggests reports of his demise were, at the very least, a tad premature.

It was Salah, rightly, who grabbed the headlines, the Egyptian becoming the first player in the Premier League era to score in five successive opening-day fixtures and netting in his 100th separate game for Liverpool. “It’s good to have him,” smiled Klopp afterwards, making an early play for understatement of the season.


Salah, of course, is guaranteed a start this season, but it will be interesting to see how Klopp mixes and rotates his other options, and in particular whether Jota can usurp either Mane or Firmino as first choice.

The Portugal international has certainly made an impressive start to his Anfield career. His maiden campaign on Merseyside brought 13 goals in all competitions, and that was despite a knee injury which kept him out for more than two months.

It was Jota who got Liverpool’s new campaign up-and-running at Norwich, reacting quickest in the penalty area to fire home after Salah’s touch, intentionally or not, had run into his path. He does a lot of things well, Jota, and hitting the target is one of them.

“A pressing monster,” is how Pep Lijnders, Liverpool’s assistant manager, has described him. Lijnders was instrumental in the decision to pursue Jota last summer, having received glowing references from contacts in Portugal, as well as from the Reds’ scouting department.

The deal to sign him from Wolves may end up costing Liverpool as much as £45 million ($62m), but it looks like money well spent. “He’s ideal,” Kevin Thelwell, Wolves’ former sporting director, told Goal last September, and his words have been born out.

"I used to say to him 'Diogo, you're British!'" Thelwell added. "He can run into a brick wall but he’ll bounce straight back up, no problem."

Jota's form, and the ease with which he settled, means that for the first time, Klopp has someone to seriously challenge his long-established front three. Jota’s versatility - he played as a No.9 at Norwich, but is as comfortable operating off either flank or as part of a front two - means that Firmino, in particular, will be looking over his shoulder.

The Liga giants are looking to get big earners off their books while also reaching agreements to lower the salaries of other first-team stars

Barcelona are piecing together a €200 million (£170m/$235m) cost-cutting exercise at Camp Nou, Goal has learned, with the Liga giants still hoping to part with big earners such as Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic.

Joan Laporta has been divulging more information on the state of the club's finances, with debts in excess of €1 billion (£849m/$1.18bn) posted at the start of the year.

Those struggles have already resulted in Lionel Messi walking away from Catalunya , with no new contract put in place with a six-time Ballon d'Or winner, and further efforts are being made to help stabilise the club......https://9jabet.bet/2021/08/17/barcelona-still-hoping-for-coutinho-umtiti-pjanic-sales-in-e200m-cost-cutting-exercise/

The defender was surprisingly presented at Old Trafford ahead of the Red Devils' 5-1 win over Leeds in their opening Premier League game of the season

"Please welcome the latest addition to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad and our latest Red... Raphael Varane!" Old Trafford stadium announcer Alan Keegan exclaimed on Saturday afternoon, with the vast majority of the 72,000 in attendance leaping to their feet.

As opening day surprises go, unveiling a new signing like Varane 10 minutes before kick-off has to be up there with the best.

Keegan was not given much notice in order to tweak his matchday script, such was the secrecy around the way Manchester United were planning on presenting their latest superstar signing.

For days '#announcevarane' had trended on Twitter, but United wanted to go old school with their unveiling.

Everything has been tried over the years to make a bigger and bigger impact, but this time there was to be no piano playing video, no collaboration with a well-known rapper and no big social media reveal.

A unique set of circumstances presented the opportunity to do it this way; the first game of the season, a capacity crowd for the first time in 17 months and the signing being completed the previous day provided a perfect cocktail to announce Varane on the pitch in front of the supporters lucky enough to be inside for the 5-1 destruction of Leeds.

In an ideal world, Varane would have been dressed in his new No.19 United shirt, which he held aloft to the Old Trafford faithful, rather than just posing with it.

Delays in getting this transfer over the line, however, meant that he was not registered with the Premier League by the deadline of midday on Friday and, instead, conversations were held to get permission to change the pre-match running order to announce the World Cup winner.

Such is the usual clockwork nature of the pre-match routine, with the programme expertly laid out for broadcasters, United had to apply to the Premier League to slightly alter the pre-planned running order to introduce Varane.

Di María spoke about the possible signing of Cristiano........https://9jabet.bet/2021/08/14/messi-will-be-better-here-than-in-barcelona/

Mikel Arteta's men were soundly beaten 2-0 by their newly promoted opponents, suggesting a long season ahead for the north Londoners

Brentford 2-0 Arsenal: Match Statistics


New season, same old Arsenal!

Shaky at the back, toothless going forward, this all felt very familiar

Arteta looks to reassure Arsenal fans after disappointing defeat at Brentford
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With games against Chelsea and Manchester City coming up, Arsenal needed to get off to a good start at Brentford, but instead they have lurched into crisis mode after just 90 minutes of the new season, falling to a 2-0 defeat at their newly promoted hosts.

“Sacked in the morning!” the Brentford fans chanted at Mikel Arteta. Clearly, that will not be the case.

But it won’t be too long before Arsenal’s manager does find himself under real pressure if his side don’t start picking up points.

The spotlight is firmly on Arteta now after back-to-back eighth-placed finishes in the Premier League.

For the past two years, fans have been told to ‘trust the process’. But trust can only last so long if you don’t get anything back in return.

And, as it stands, this Arsenal side looks no different from what we’ve seen time and time again on Arteta’s watch.

Yes, their preparation was far from ideal, with both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette having to drop out due to illness, but this is not a time for excuses.

"We had a team that we put out there that were good enough to play the way we want to play and [were] capable of achieving a different result," Arteta said after the game



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ARSENAL
New season, same old Arsenal! Gunners embarrassed by Brentford in Premier League opener
Charles Watts
Charles Watts
Arsenal correspondent
Last Updated9 hours ago
Aug 13, 202122:20 UTC +01:00



Getty/Goal
ARSENAL
PREMIER LEAGUE
BRENTFORD V ARSENAL
BRENTFORD
FEATURES & OPINIONS

Mikel Arteta's men were soundly beaten 2-0 by their newly promoted opponents, suggesting a long season ahead for the north Londoners

Brentford 2-0 Arsenal: Match Statistics


New season, same old Arsenal!

Shaky at the back, toothless going forward, this all felt very familiar.

Article continues below

Play
Frank 'proud' of unforgettable Brentford performance
0:08

Editors' Picks
Alejandro Balde: Barcelona's 'spectacular' teenage left-back with a €500m release clause
Van Dijk back and Konate in - How Liverpool will line up for 2021-22 season
With Messi moving to France, the Bundesliga needs Haaland to be their superstar
All Of US: The U.S. Women's Soccer Show - Goal launches new USWNT podcast ahead of the Olympic Games
With games against Chelsea and Manchester City coming up, Arsenal needed to get off to a good start at Brentford, but instead they have lurched into crisis mode after just 90 minutes of the new season, falling to a 2-0 defeat at their newly promoted hosts.

“Sacked in the morning!” the Brentford fans chanted at Mikel Arteta. Clearly, that will not be the case.

But it won’t be too long before Arsenal’s manager does find himself under real pressure if his side don’t start picking up points.

The spotlight is firmly on Arteta now after back-to-back eighth-placed finishes in the Premier League.

For the past two years, fans have been told to ‘trust the process’. But trust can only last so long if you don’t get anything back in return.

And, as it stands, this Arsenal side looks no different from what we’ve seen time and time again on Arteta’s watch.

Yes, their preparation was far from ideal, with both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette having to drop out due to illness, but this is not a time for excuses.

"We had a team that we put out there that were good enough to play the way we want to play and [were] capable of achieving a different result," Arteta said after the game.

Nicolas Pepe Brentford Arsenal Premier League 2021-22 GFX
The simple fact is that Arsenal have had all summer to prepare themselves for the start of what was always going to be a huge season, yet they have gone into it woefully underprepared.

The creativity problem that plagued them last season has yet to be addressed. Martin Odegaard may well arrive from Real Madrid before deadline day, but by then Arsenal will already be playing catch-up.

With games against Chelsea and Manchester City to come next, there’s every chance they could head into the international break at the end of the month with nothing to show from three games and propping up the Premier League table.

The optimism that a new season brings has been sucked away in an instant and the post-mortem is going to be brutal, such is the level of frustration amongst large swathes of the Arsenal fanbase.

"We are very clear of what we wanted to do, of what our strengths are and where we can improve" Arteta said, when asked if the defeat would prompt some urgency in the transfer market.

"I don’t think this performance shows anything different from what we’ve already seen."

"My focus [now] is with the players that we have, to try to make them play as best as possible and to try to find a way to win football matches."

The big issue for Arteta is, his side look a long way off being capable of winning football matches right now. We saw it in pre-season and we saw it once again on Friday night.

Arsenal may have dominated possession at Brentford and outshot their hosts 22-8, but they deserved exactly what they got: nothing!

From the moment Sergi Canos cut inside Calum Chambers after 22 minutes and whipped a powerful shot past Bernd Leno at his near post, Arsenal never looked like coming back.

Folarin Balogun was handed his Premier League debut in the absence of Aubameyang and Lacazette and was given a harsh lesson in what it takes to lead the front line at senior level.

Sergio Canos Brentford Arsenal Premier League 2021-22 GFX
Gabriel Martinelli and Nicolas Pepe were either side of the 20-year-old and rarely troubled the Brentford defence during a toothless first hour from the visitors, in which only Emile Smith Rowe looked a threat.

There was a slight improvement after the interval, with the introduction of Bukayo Saka causing problems, but just as it seemed like Arsenal could perhaps find a leveller, Brentford doubled their lead when a long throw-in was headed home by Cristian Norgaard.

It was a shocking goal to concede for Arsenal and one that summed up what was a disastrous first night of what could be a very long season in north London.

They now have just over a week before they welcome reigning European champions Chelsea to Emirates Stadium and they simply must have some new faces on board before that game.

Get the deal done for Odegaard, get a goalkeeper in who can challenge the increasingly hapless looking Leno for the No.1 spot, and try to find a new striker who can add something different to a toothless attack.

Right now, Arsenal are a mess and the summer has done nothing to address the issues that were so apparent last season. They have spent £75m in the transfer market, yet are in worse shape now than they ended last season un.

A second successive eight-placed finish should have been a massive wake-up call, but nothing has changed.


New season, same old Arsenal!

Kepa Arrizabalaga was the unlikely hero as Chelsea started the new season as they........
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The Argentine's Barcelona exit has stunned the football world and Paris Saint-Germain are now.....https://9jabet.bet/2021/08/11/bbc-msn-and-now-mnm-where-does-messi-neymar-mbappe-rank-in-the-history-of-footballs-finest-front-threes/

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has opted to continue his career at Parc des Princes after an illustrious 21-year spell at Camp Nou

Lionel Messi has officially joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer following his departure from Barcelona.

Messi has committed to a two-season deal at Parc des Princes with the option of an extra year, and will reportedly earn €35 million (£30m/$41m) per annum in wages with the French giants.

Barca sent shockwaves across the football world when announcing that they couldn't afford to re-register the 34-year-old winner last week, and PSG have moved quickly to secure the services of the six-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Neymar has just announced Leo Messi signing on his Instagram account: “Back together”. ���� #Messi

...and Ney has been key to sign his big friend Messi. Calling him, texting him and announcing to his team-mates last weekend that Leo was coming. Now it’s done and completed. ��

Barca legend heading to France

Lionel Messi has, according to L'Equipe, agreed a deal with Paris Saint-Germain and will fly into the French capital on Tuesday.

The Argentine icon is taking on a new challenge with Ligue 1 giants after Barcelona failed to put fresh terms in place, with a two-year contract - that includes a 12-month extension option beyond that point - set to be signed at Parc des Princes.