Arsenal outcast, Mesut Ozil, has received another opportunity to resurrect his career.

The veteran German has been out of favour ever since Mikel Arteta took over at the club, and for part of Unai Emery’s tenure as well.

According to tyC Sports journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia have made an offer to Ozil.

The club is offering the attacking midfielder a . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/arsenal-outcast-ozil-receives-al-nassr-offer/

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman is confident Ansu Fati can play a key first team role this season, but called for calm over the 17-year old’s development.

The Spanish international picked up where he left off from 2019-20 in La Blaugrana’s first game of the 2020-21 campaign, with two goals in the 4-0 win over Villarreal.

Koeman was asked about . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/koeman-hints-at-key-role-for-barca-youngster-in-2020-21-campaign/

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta is prepared to play ugly to win against Liverpool.

The Gunners go to Liverpool tonight in a big test of their progress under Arteta.

And he insists: “I’m here to win and my job is finding ways to do it.

“Sometimes it’s what you want to do as a coach and sometimes it’s what you’re allowed to do with the levels of players and performance that the top teams can do against you.

“In the games against Liverpool, City and against . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/arteta-prepared-for-arsenal-to-play-ugly-to-win-against-liverpool/

Sergi Roberto hopes Lionel Messi can be convinced about signing a new deal with Barcelona.

Messi has withdrawn a transfer request to stay this season, but his contract expires in June.

Roberto said, “I hope as the days pass he’ll begin to feel better and we can count on Leo to win trophies. In the end, it’s like when you split from your wife or your best friend. They are complicated processes. Now . . . continue reading @https://sportinglife.ng/roberto-progressive-barcelona-can-convince-messi-to-stay/

Lionel Messi is closing in on another four records ahead of his 17th season at Barcelona.

In anticipation of his somewhat surprising re-emergence, Barcelona-based newspaper Sport placed four huge records Messi is chasing on their front page on Wednesday.

The first is, on the face of it, the simplest – but . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/messi-closing-in-on-four-records-held-by-xavi-giggs-and-pele/

Jose Mourinho has expressed his belief that Dele Alli will stay at Tottenham amid rumours of a possible move to Paris Saint-Germain and confirmed the midfielder’s inclusion in his latest Europa League squad.

England international Alli has not featured since he was substituted at half-time of Spurs’ Premier League opener at home to Everton, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

Alli, who scored nine goals in . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/mourinho-expects-troubled-dele-alli-to-stay/

Dele Alli fell out with Tottenham boss, Jose Mourinho, before their weekend defeat, an ex-England star has claimed.

The midfielder was subbed at half-time in Sunday’s 1-0 home loss to Everton.

And former Aston Villa ace Gabby Agbonlahor, now a talkSPORT pundit, said: “I feel like they need a No 10 as well because I’m hearing from a good source that Dele Alli and Mourinho have fallen out.”

Mourinho said . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/dele-alli-fell-out-with-mourinho-before-half-time-sub-in-everton-loss-says-agbonlahor/

Jeremy Lin revealed Tuesday he is leaving the Beijing Ducks after one season in China and wants to return to the NBA, where he sparked the “Linsanity” craze of 2012.

The 32-year-old guard, who as a Toronto Raptors player in 2019 became the first Asian-American to win an NBA championship, signed for Beijing as an unrestricted free agent last year . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/nba-jeremy-lin-seeks-return-after-one-season-in-china/

The report claims that not only will the league refuse to negotiate with the Federation regarding the long-running dispute, but they will sue them for any loss of revenue from the time slots not being utilised.

There has been a long-running dispute between the two bodies, with the league a strong advocate of using the time slots of Friday and Monday evenings for matches with Spanish football’s governing body opposed.

La Liga began to utilise the . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/la-liga-spanish-fa-on-war-path-over-missed-games/

Alisson has revealed Liverpool teammate, Mohamed Salah has “started the season hungry”.

The Egyptian forward banged in a hat-trick to help Liverpool overcome a plucky Leeds outfit with a 4-3 victory.

And Alisson admits he sees the determination in Salah’s attitude ahead of Liverpool’s title defence.

“He’s hungry, he’s started the season hungry and . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/youre-too-aggressive-alisson-tells-liverpool-forward-salah/

Frank Lampard has defended Chelsea’s recent spending and hit back at criticism from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The German said last week that Liverpool were unable to compete with Chelsea’s spending – which has tipped over £200m – because they were ‘not owned by countries or oligarchs’, and suggested it would take more than transfers to become title contenders. . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/lampard-hits-back-at-klopp-over-chelsea-spending-jibe/

Arsenal have submitted a new offer for Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard.

The Gunners are hoping to secure the signing of the Frenchman before the transfer window closes.

And according to transfer expert Ian McGarry, Arsenal hope the deal follows a similar path to the negotiations that eventually led them to . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/wp-admin/post.php?post=925855&action=edit

Napoli’s pre-season friendly with Sporting CP was cancelled due to three COVID cases in the Portuguese side after they’d already flown to Lisbon.

The game was meant to be played on Sunday evening but was scrapped with . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/napoli-frustrated-by-sporting-friendly-duel-cancellation/

Lille centre-back, Gabriel Magalhaes, has reportedly landed in London to complete his £27million move to Arsenal.

The Brazilian was also a Manchester United and Napoli target but they look to have been beaten to the defender’s signature by the Gunners.


Flight Radar pictures on Twitter show private jet number E55P landing at Luton airport.

Earlier this week Romano tweeted: “G . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/just-in-gabriel-lands-in-london-to-complete-27m-arsenal-transfer/

Manchester United fan favourite, Patrice Evra, revealed Ed Woodward’s “betrayal” forced him out of the club he loved.

Evra, 39, left Old Trafford for Juventus in 2014 following aMan Utd icon Evra reveals he was betrayed by Ed Woodward lengthy contract stand-off.

The left-back had agreed in principle to join Antonio Conte’s side on a two-year deal before United U-turned and exercised a one-year extension on his contract.

It left Evra furious at . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/man-utd-icon-evra-reveals-he-was-betrayed-by-ed-woodward/

Paris police banned “parades and gatherings linked” to the Champions League on Monday, urging fans not to gather at the Parc des Princes to greet Paris Saint-Germain players upon their return later in the day.

The ban will be in force “from 14.30 (1230 GMT) on Monday until 06.00 on Tuesday” and “everywhere in the capital,” the police said in a statement.

Police commissioner Didier Lallement said . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/paris-police-bar-fan-gatherings-to-welcome-psg-players/

After nearly six months entangled in the Paraguayan legal system, Ronaldinho is set to be granted his liberty from house arrest on Monday by judges in Asunción.

The World Cup winner and his brother, Roberto de Assis, were first jailed in March when they entered the country for a promotional tour with falsified Paraguayan passports and ID. Neither of the brothers have Paraguayan citizenship. Their lawyer maintains that his clients did not know the documents were falsified, as they were given to them by a local sponsor upon landing. The two had faced up to five years in jail.

“There is no indication that he has any personal . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/ronaldinho-set-to-be-granted-freedom-from-house-arrest/

Napoli president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has urged fans to be ‘patient’ with Victor Osimhen, hit back at kit design complaints, former coaches, the Government, and UEFA.

The patron attended the first pre-season training session on Monday, in which striker Osimhen scored his opening goal.

“The fans ought to be patient with him because Osimhen hasn’t played in seven months and still needs to get to know Italian football,” De Laurentiis told Radio Kiss Kiss.

Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/napoli-president-urges-fans-to-be-patient-with-match-rusty-osimhen-uefa/

Kai Havertz request has been rejected by Bayer Leverkusen chiefs as he looks to secure a switch to Chelsea.

The Blues have made the Germany international a top target going into the transfer window.

Frank Lampard has moved quickly to secure all the signings he has demanded.

Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner have already joined while further plots are planned for the likes of Nick Pope, Declan Rice and Ben Chilwell.

But the next on the list is Havertz, and the midfielder is keen on making the switch.

After Leverkusen failed to qualify for >>> continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/leverkusen-reject-kai-havertz-transfer-request-to-join-chelsea/

CRYSTAL Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has called on social media platforms Instagram and Twitter to do more to prevent people suffering racist abuse after admitting he is scared to look at his direct messages.

The Ivory Coast international was sent racist messages and imagery on July 11 and a 12-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the incident.

West Midlands Police have since released the individual under investigation, but Zaha wants social media sites to do more.

‘Even after I reported the abuse from the 12-year-old, I reported 50 accounts,’ the 27-year-old told CNN.

‘And I got racially abused after the stuff that I got before and it’s like, what happens after that account gets blocked? Then they just make a new one straight after.

‘I feel like with everything that we do in life, with everything we >>> continue reading via https://sportinglife.ng/zaha-racist-abuse-has-left-me-scared-to-use-social-media/

Nigeria football stars, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen will observe the mandatory 14 days isolation after
arriving in Nigeria.

Both players who were pictured together in >>> continue reading https://sportinglife.ng/osimhen-chukwueze-to-self-isolate-after-hitting-nigeria/

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has revealed that he thinks about winning the Ballon d'Or 'all the time'.

Despite enjoying a successful career, Benzema has yet to win the prestigious prize, which has largely been dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent years, with Luka Modric the only other player to win it since 2008.

Benzema stressed that he is always seeking to be the best but won't drive himself crazy over the award.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Benzema said: 'Sure, all the time, from my childhood, but it's not something that drives me crazy. You always think of the Ballon d'Or when you are a professional footballer and when you are competitive.

'I never try to define myself by my playing position, as a number nine or not a number nine, as 10 or 11; I am a football player and I try to be the best player in the world.'

There won't be a winner this year, with the award having been called due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Benzema has enjoyed an excellent season - he has scored . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/real-madrids-benzema-reveals-ballon-dor-nightmares/

Former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana will be wearing the number 14 jersey of Nigeria international Leon Balogun after completing a three-year deal to Brighton & Hove.

Lallana's contract with Liverpool officially ended this past weekend as the Reds defeated Newcastle 3-1 in the final game of the Premier League season.

Balogun just moved to . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/former-liverpool-midfielder-to-wear-baloguns-shirt-at-brighton/

Nigeria's Joe Aribo continued to impress Rangers technical crew with his great performance after he found the back of the net against Coventry City.

Rangers manager, Steven Gerrard, is pleased with the club’s midfield and singled out Aribo for praise, after he scored in the club a 2-0 friendly win over Coventry on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Nigerian netted the opening goal at Ibrox in the 50th minute before Conor Goldman doubled the lead 17 minutes later. It was the second game in a row Aribo had scored in after netting in their 4-0 win over Motherwell last time out.

It marks a 100% end to Rangers’ pre-season games, keeping clean sheets in all of them. The Scottish Premiership is set to commence for the 2020-21 season on August 1 with the Gers travelling to Aberdeen.

“The midfield we are okay, we're looking strong. Joe Aribo's jumped out of the pack and >>> continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/gerrard-lauds-aribos-outstanding-outing-against-coventry/

Manchester United and Chelsea sealed Champions League places on Sunday as Bournemouth and Watford fell through the trapdoor on a dramatic final day of the longest Premier League season.

Liverpool were crowned champions last month but there were many issues at stake in the final 90 minutes of a campaign that started on August 9 last year and was interrupted by a three-month coronavirus shutdown.

United finished third after a nervy 2-0 win in a Champions League shootout against Leicester while Chelsea ended in fourth spot after beating Wolves 2-0 thanks to two goals on the stroke of half-time.

At the other end of the table, Bournemouth and managerless Watford dropped to >>> continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/just-in-man-utd-chelsea-seal-top-four-spots-on-epl-final-day/

In their usual tradition of keeping true to promises, the organisers of the annual Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will on Monday present two Kia Saloon cars to winners of the 10km races in the 2020 edition.

Oyebode Dada Sunday and Vera Yohanna Dovou emerged tops in the 10km men and women’s races respectively and they would effectively become car owners on Monday.

The 10km fun race is one of the innovative ways organisers have been encouraging more participation in the Lagos Marathon.

In a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas,  Head of Media and Communications for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, he explained that while cash prizes have since been paid to winners, there is a slight delay in the presentation of the cars due to the unexpected coronavirus pandemic that has disrupted many activities around the world.

He said: “We are grateful that we now have a window to finally, do what we projected to do long ago but had to put on hold due to the peculiar situation we found ourselves”

“The winners have all been contacted and they would be officially presented with their prizes on Monday.”

Now in its fifth edition, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is proudly ranked high among road races across the world with a Silver Label.

The General Manager for the race, Yusuf Alli while expressing satisfaction with the 2020 edition held in February has revealed . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/lagos-city-marathon-10km-winners-set-to-receive-car-prizes/

Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte on Saturday night dismissed talk of a reported move by the Chinese-owned Italian club for Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

“We’re talking fantasy football, a situation that cannot be approached at Inter for many reasons,” Conte said moments after Inter beat Genoa 3-0 to move second in Serie A.

Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, 33, has spent his entire professional career at Barcelona with his contract due to expire in . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/inter-boss-conte-brands-messi-talk-as-fantasy-football/

Lewis Hamilton intends to write to Formula One’s bosses in a bid to create a more co-ordinated anti-racism stance and improve the sport’s pre-race ‘taking a knee’ ceremony.

Speaking at the Hungaroring after his classic drive to a hat-trick of victories at Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the six-time champion said he will write an email to urge them to improve communications and do a better job.

“I think they can give us more time,” he said, referring to Sunday’s shambolic and rushed pre-race gesture by a group of drivers. “So, I’ll probably send an email over the next couple of days – and try and co-ordinate with them to create a better way.

“They do want to do it . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/hamilton-to-push-f1-bosses-for-better-anti-racism-effort/

Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard, has admitted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tactics played into his hands after their FA Cup semifinal victory over Manchester United.

The United manager sprung a surprise with his team selection and then changed his system during the game.

Lampard revealed: "I can't ask for anything more than that - may be a few more goals which is surprising when you play against a team of their quality.

"We played with a system that . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/lampard-solskjaers-tactical-change-played-into-our-hands/

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has said his team selection 'didn't work' for Sunday's FA Cup final loss to Chelsea.

The Red Devils were blown away at Wembley in the 3-1 defeat as Solskjaer decided to start Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood on the bench.

And Solskjar says he made the . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/solskjaer-takes-blame-for-team-selection-in-chelsea-defeat/

Sir Kenny Dalglish will be part of the presentation when Liverpool receive the Premier League trophy at Anfield next week.

The Scot, a club great as both a manager and a player, was in charge the last time Liverpool won the title in 1990 and the Premier League has granted approval for him to hand out the medals and the trophy.

He will be joined by Richard Masters from the Premier League.

The ceremony will come after the match against Chelsea at Anfield on July 22 in what will be the Reds’ last home league game of the season.

The playing squad and staff will collect the Premier League trophy and their winners’ medals on a special podium built at the centre of the Kop surrounded by fan banners.

Captain Jordan Henderson and the players have . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/liverpools-title-presentation-plans-unveiled/

Manchester United issued a swift rebuttal to Crystal Palace's attempts to sign Mason Greenwood on loan, according to Roy Hodgson.

The 18-year-old forward has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Old Trafford but could have been turning out for the Eagles had their cheeky enquiry borne fruit.

Greenwood has struck 18 goals in 45 appearances and established himself as a regular fixture alongside Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the attack.

Speaking ahead of United's trip to Selhurst Park this evening, Hodgson said: “Mason is a fantastic player.

"We’ve known about . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/man-utd-forced-to-fend-off-transfer-enquiry-from-rivals-for-greenwood/