Sports
How Arsenal missed out on signing Mbappe – Ex-Gunners scout
Former Arsenal scout, Gilles Grimandi, has revealed how close the Gunners came to signing Paris-Saint Germain forward Kylian Mbappe as a teenager.
Mbappe, who is arguably one of the best forwards in the world, moved to PSG from fellow Ligue 1 club Monaco in an €180 million move back in 2018.
The 24-year-old started his career in the youth team of AS Bondy before moving to Monaco’s academy in 2013 but he could have ended up at Arsenal before making that switch, according to Grimandi.
“The job of scouting is about finding but also missing players. For me, it’s Kylian Mbappe. We just could not convince him,” Grimandi told The Sun.
“He was out of contract in June 2013 and we met him in February. If we could’ve convinced him to join, he would’ve changed the club – but he then decided on Monaco.
“Arsenal weren’t always playing their best, so it was quite complicated. At first, it was easy, but as soon as we talked to a player, he wanted to sign it.
“However, if you’re not getting results, it’s difficult to bring top players to help the team.
“That is why it’s important to stay at the top for as long as possible. It’s so much easier.”
Sports
Transfer: Akpom tipped to leave Ajax this summer
Chuba Akpom is expected to leave Eredivisie giants Ajax Amsterdam at the end of the season.
Akpom joined the former European champions from Sky Bet Championship club, Middlesbrough last summer.
The 28-year-old has, however, struggled for regular time at the club and has been linked with a return to England.
According to Ajax insider, Lentin Goodijk, the Nigerian-born striker could leave the club before the start of next season.
“I don’t think he will accept sitting on the bench. Certainly not if serious clubs come for him, which I expect,” Goodijk was quoted as saying by Soccernews.
“It could easily take until August when the Premier League clubs start to panic a bit. Then they all have it on the list. If he can be picked up for €15m.
“That is absolutely nothing for Premier League clubs.”
Sports
Juventus sack Allegri after Italian Cup triumph
Massimiliano Allegri has been dismissed by Juventus just two days after steering the team to victory in the Italian Cup.
Recall that the Turin club triumphed over Atalanta 1-0 in Rome, with Dusan Vlahovic securing an early goal.
However, Allegri’s behaviour marred the celebrations as he was ejected for ranting at match officials and dismissing the sporting director.
The Italian Football Federation’s disciplinary tribunal has since opened an investigation into Allegri’s conduct.
On Friday, Juventus officially announced Allegri’s departure in a statement via their website.
“Juventus announces that it has relieved Massimiliano Allegri of his position as head coach of the men’s first team,” Juventus’ statement partly read.
“The club wishes Massimiliano Allegri good luck in his future endeavours.”
Sports
LaLiga Awards: Full list of nominees out as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Girona dominate
LaLiga has revealed the shortlist for their upcoming end-of-season awards ceremony, which includes four categories and the team of the season.
The winners will be announced on May 28 at the KAFD Globe Soccer European Awards in Sardinia.
Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are among the favourites for the Player of the Year award, but Girona also has two nominees, with Artem Dovbyk and Aleix Garcia in the running.
Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid are also shortlisted for the prestigious award, with Takefusa Kubo, Kirian Rodriguez, Isco, and Alexander Sorloth in the mix.
The Young Player of the Year award has nominees under the age of 23 and is dominated by Girona and Barcelona. Among the candidates are newcomers Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, along with Miguel Gutierrez, Savio, and Yan Couto from Barcelona. Kubo and Rodrygo from Real Madrid, Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, Javi Guerra from Valencia, and Nico Williams from Athletic Club are also named.
For Goal of the Season, there are eight nominees, including Vinicius, Joao Cancelo, Saul Coco, Aitor Ruibal, Jesus Areso, Lamine Yamal, Joao Felix, and Memphis Depay.
The Coach of the Year award is the final category, with Carlo Ancelotti, Michel Sanchez, Diego Simeone, Ernesto Valverde, and Marcelino Garcia Toral all nominated.
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