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Chelsea have now entered negotiations over a deal to sign a rapid new centre-back, and an opening offer is set to be made within weeks.

Blues looking to sign new centre-back despite Cahill comments

With Levi Colwill suffering an ACL injury back in August, the Blues’ offer centre-back options have had to step up to the plate this season, and Gary Cahill has been very impressed with their performances, so much so that he believes his former club don’t need to sign a new defender.

Cahill said: “There has been a lot of noise around this for a long time, but I think the lads that are there are doing a very good job of proving that they don’t need to add to this position,”

“I’ve been very impressed with Wesley Fofana since he’s come back. Touch wood that he stays fit.

“Trevoh Chalobah: look at the job he’s been doing – he’s a bit of an unsung hero. Trevoh is probably the most underappreciated player at Chelsea.

However, while a senior centre-back may not be required, BlueCo are always keen to bring in exciting up-and-coming prospects, and they have now entered negotiations over a deal for Gremio defender Luis Eduardo.

That is according to a report from AS (via Sport Witness), which states Chelsea have now entered talks to sign Eduardo, alongside Premier League rivals Manchester United, with opening offers set to be made in the coming weeks.

The Blues are now trying to ‘accelerate’ their pursuit of the centre-back, given that scouts have been left impressed with his performances, with the 17-year-old well-known for his pace, having reached 38 km/h for Gremio earlier this year.

The speedster has a €60m (£53m) release clause included in his contract with the Brazilian club, although it is unclear whether BlueCo would be willing to shell out such a big fee on a very young player.

Chelsea now ready to trigger £44m release clause for "unstoppable" striker

The Blues are looking to sign a new centre-forward, who has been in fantastic form so far this season.

ByDominic Lund Nov 30, 2025 Luis Eduardo impressing at youth level

The teenager is yet to establish himself as a regular starter for Gremio, having made just one appearance for the senior team, but he has put in some eye-catching performances for both club and country at youth level.

Despite being a centre-back, the Corrente-born ace managed to score two goals in seven appearances for Gremio U20s in 2025, while he has also netted three goals in 13 appearances for Brazil U17s.

Eduardo could be one for the future, but Cahill is correct in his assessment that Chelsea don’t need to worry about bringing in a new centre-back anytime soon, given Chalobah’s recent form, most recently netting the opening goal in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Enzo Maresca also has Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile at his disposal as back-up options, and with Colwill still to return, the manager is well-stocked at centre-back.

Tottenham are planning to back manager Thomas Frank with a bold January transfer swoop which would smash their winter spending record, according to a new report.

Tottenham target attacking signings amid creativity struggles

Spurs’ inconsistency and lack of creativity has been there for all to see since the Dane replaced Ange Postecoglou, with north London rivals Arsenal compounding their struggles by putting them to the sword on Sunday.

Frank’s side failed to get anywhere near troubling David Raya often enough, bar Richarlison’s stunning goal of the season contender from half way, which can be put down to a moment of individual brilliance out of nowhere.

Xavi Simons, who was brought in as the Lilywhites’ statement new playmaker signing last window, has struggled to make a consistent-enough impact in the final third with James Maddison out for most of 2025/2026 due to an ACL injury sustained in pre-season.

Dominic Solanke remains out injured as well as he continues his very slow recovery from an ankle problem, which required minor surgery, with Dejan Kulusevski also still unavailable.

Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani returned to the matchday squad against Arsenal following their recent injuries, but co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are apparently keen to bolster Frank’s forward line.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has dominated headlines ahead of the January window, following news of his £65 million release clause which can be triggered right after the turn of the year.

Tottenham preparing January bid for £75m star who Frank thinks is the "perfect fit"

The Dane absolutely loves him.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 9, 2025

Spurs are contenders for Semenyo in light of this contract revelation, while other reports suggest that FC Porto striking sensation Samu Aghehowa is a ‘dream’ target for Tottenham as well.

Now, according to TEAMtalk, Lange and Paratici are plotting a very bold double-swoop for both men.

Tottenham plan record-shattering January swoop for Semenyo and Aghehowa

As per their information, Tottenham want to sign Semenyo and Aghehowa in January, and they’re prepared to spend a whopping £145 million to make that happen.

This ambitious swoop would ‘shatter’ their previous January spending records, but given the club’s lack of real menace going forward, a source claims that Frank has made his wish for more firepower “crystal clear”.

xG

11.0

17th

Non-penalty xG

11.0

16th

Progressive passes

413

12th

Shots

110

19th

Shots on target

40

15th

Average shot distance

15.6 yards

17th

Spurs’ manager also views both Aghehowa and Semenyo as ‘perfect’ additions to his frontline, believing they can provide both quality and a real injection of pace to help exploit opposition defences.

Semenyo, who has contributed six goals and three assists for Bournemouth this term, stands out as one of the Premier League’s most in-form attacking stars right now.

The Ghanaian’s direct style and ability to terrorise defenders on the left flank has attracted strong interest, with Liverpool also monitoring his situation closely.

Porto’s Aghehowa, meanwhile, represents the clinical finisher that’s been missed from Frank’s squad this term.

The 21-year-old Spain international has been sensational this season, scoring nine goals in 15 appearances thus far and 27 goals in 45 appearances last term.

Aghehowa was once on the verge of joining Chelsea before he pulled out of a move to Stamford Bridge, but Enzo Maresca’s loss could be Frank’s gain.

Porto value their prized asset at £80 million — the value of his release clause — and are reluctant to sell mid-season, though a bid matching his clause will force their hand.

Leeds United have only scored 11 goals in their 11 Premier League matches so far this season since they won promotion from the Championship last term.

The newly-promoted side have struggled to find the back of the net on a regular basis. That has not been because of a lack of creativity, though, as the Whites have created 14.7 xG in the division, per WhoScored.

Leeds’ biggest xG underperformers
Player	xG	Goals	xG differential
Dominic Calvert-Lewin	2.89	1	-1.89
Jayden Bogle	0.88	0	-0.88
Brenden Aaronson	1.79	1	-0.79
Joel Piroe	0.73	0	-0.73
Pascal Struijk	0.65	0	-0.65
Dan James	0.47	0	-0.47
Jack Harrison	0.41	0	-0.41
Stats via WhoScored

As you can see in the table above, too many players have been wasteful with the chances that have been created for them in the Premier League so far this season.

Summer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, in particular, has not been clinical enough as the starting number nine for the West Yorkshire outfit, underperforming his xG by roughly two goals.

With the team’s struggles in front of goal in mind, supporters may be thinking about what the club could do to solve the issue, whether that is through promoting academy talent, making signings in January, or recalling players from their loans.

One star who is currently shining out on loan away from Elland Road is centre-forward Joe Gelhardt, but he looks set to remain at Hull City until at least the end of the season.

Why Joe Gelhardt will not be returning to Leeds United in January

HullLive recently reported that the English striker is expected to remain with the Championship club until next summer, despite the Whites having the option to recall him in January.

The report claimed that Leeds do not have any plans to recall Gelhardt from his loan because they feel that he is in the best place to develop as a player at Hull, who are interested in a deal to sign him permanently next summer.

This shows that Daniel Farke and his coaching staff do not believe that the 23-year-old marksman is the answer to their current problems in the Premier League, or else they would be planning to bring him back to Thorp Arch to bolster the squad for the second half of the season.

The Leeds loanee has plundered seven goals and two assists in 13 Championship starts for the Tigers so far this season, per FotMob, which is why there may have been some supporters wondering if the club would look to recall him.

Stat	Gelhardt	Percentile rank vs STs
xG	4.59	Top 4%
xG on target	5.98	Top 3%
Goals	7	Top 2%
xA	2.48	Top 7%
Assists	2	Top 20%
Chances created	13	Top 24%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Gelhardt has finished his chances at an incredibly efficient rate, outperforming his xG by just over two goals, but Leeds have reportedly decided that he is not the answer for them in the Premier League.

This means that Farke will have to look elsewhere to solve his team’s goalscoring woes, and he should forget about Gelhardt to unleash a young star from the academy.

Leeds' Gelhardt replacement

17-year-old centre-forward Harry Gray made his first-team debut for the Whites against Stoke City in the Championship last season, but he has yet to make an appearance in the Premier League in the current campaign.

Derby County, Swansea City, Charlton Athletic, and Hull City are four Championship sides reportedly chasing a deal to sign the teenage marksman on loan for the second half of the season when the January transfer window opens for business.

Leeds, though, should reject their advances and, instead, look to unleash Gray in the first-team with the hope that he can provide the goalscoring touch that has eluded their current options up front.

The England youth international, who was hailed as a “powerful” player by Como scout Ben Mattinson, has been in fantastic form for the club’s academy in the 2025/26 campaign, with his most notable moment being his hat-trick against Scunthorpe in the National League Cup in September.

On top of that hat-trick, Gray has also scored five goals in six Premier League 2 games and two goals in two EFL Trophy matches, per Transfermarkt, which means that the teenage forward has racked up ten goals in all competitions this season.

The 17-year-old talent had the chance to play against a League Two first-team, Accrington Stanley, in the EFL Trophy before the international break, and showed that he can make an impact against senior opposition.

Vs Accrington	Harry Gray
Sofascore rating	8.6
Shots	3
Shots on target	3
Goals	2
Pass accuracy	71%
Fouls won	3
Ground duels won	4/8
Aerial duels won	2/7
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Gray did struggle with the aerial duels in the game, understandably as a 17-year-old against first-team centre-backs, but he did hold his own in physical contests on the deck and scored two goals in the game.

This suggests that he is ready to compete against experienced defenders, even if battling for aerial balls is not his strength, which is why Farke should look to reward him with a chance to impress in the Premier League this season.

The impressive teenager has done all that he can do to impress the head coach with his performances this season. He has scored goals at an exceptional rate in every competition for the U21s, showing that he can be ruthless in front of goal and find the back of the net on a regular basis.

As aforementioned, Leeds have not taken enough of their chances in the Premier League so far this season, which is why they need a lethal marksman who can make the most of the opportunities that are being created.

Bamford 2.0: Leeds chase ST with 15 goals in 25/26, he'd save Farke's job

Leeds United are interested in signing a striker who could save Daniel Farke’s job at Elland Road.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 15, 2025

With this in mind, Farke must unleash Gray in the first-team to see if he can make the step up, whilst Gelhardt is left to see out the rest of the season with Hull.

Big picture

There may not have been handshakes in Pakistan’s most recent game at the Asia Cup, but in the one coming up, there will certainly be a goodbye.One of the two teams – either UAE or two-time champions Pakistan – will be eliminated on Wednesday. Both sides beat Oman comfortably and lost to India heavily, making their fixture in Dubai a knockout game: the winner joins India in the Super Four, while the loser exits.Pakistan are favoured to win, having beaten UAE twice over the past fortnight, during the recent tri-series in Sharjah. However, there were moments in both those games where UAE appeared to have the upper hand, and it was their inability to sustain these sparks that separated the Associate team from the Full Member one.Pakistan have also had consistency issues. Against India on Sunday, they had what their coach Mike Hesson called a bad day. But there is a suspicion that Pakistan might have become flat-track bullies. They have racked up wins against inferior opposition over the past few months, but were outmatched against India from the first ball. Questions have intensified since about whether their positive results against weaker oppositions reflect an uptick in quality, or are just a reflection of their kind schedule.Either way, Pakistan should have enough skill and power to defeat UAE. Their slower bowlers might be what separates the two sides: Pakistan have played two wristspinners, as well as Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz, in each of their previous two fixtures, as well as the final of the recent tri-series. The good news for them is they appear to have settled on an eleven that should see the job through with little fuss.Related

• Batters were overawed by India's big names – UAE coach Rajput

• 'Confidence, backing is needed for any player' – Haris

• Hesson: We were a bit frenzied against India

The UAE, meanwhile, have seen their stature grow in the past few games. A poor showing against India aside, they ran both Pakistan and Afghanistan close in the tri-series. They defeated Oman, racking up a significantly higher total than Pakistan managed against the same opposition. Their slightly wayward bowling attack will need some quick fine-tuning ahead of their final group fixture, but they would have taken a one-match shootout against a bruised Pakistan at the start of this tournament.UAE’s top-heavy batting order is the key to their success. Captain Muhammad Waseem has settled into a good run of form, scoring a 54-ball 69 against Oman. Since Muhammad Zohaib has been replaced by Alishan Sharafu at the top of the order, Waseem has not needed to play the quick-scoring role alone. Sharafu also scored a half-century in his 88-run opening stand with Waseem against Oman, while Asif Khan’s promotion up to number three of late rounds out their menacing top order.The UAE, too, will need their spinners to be pitch perfect. Haider Ali is the spin pack’s obvious leader and he demonstrated during his spell of 2 for 22 on Monday. Waseem has also talked up right-arm offspinner Dhruv Parashar’s ability.For the UAE, this upcoming encounter is their biggest game of the year so far, and they will feel they have the tools to spring this Asia Cup’s most dramatic surprise.Muhammad Waseem is crucial to UAE’s chances•Ryan Lim/AFP/Getty Images

Form guide

Pakistan: LWWWL   UAE: WLLLL

In the spotlight

There are days when Fakhar Zaman is impossible to rein in. Though they are less frequent than they used to be, he had one of those the last time these sides faced each other. Stuck at 80 for 5, Pakistan needed someone to take them through the second half of their innings, and Zaman delivered, smashing an unbeaten 77 off 44.Zaman has had an interesting couple of months with the T20I side. While deemed to have suffered a loss in form, he has found a way to contribute just about every time through high-impact cameos. He has scored 17 or more in eight of his last nine innings, even if seven of those ended between 17 and 28. Though his match-winning potential remains alive, UAE will sense his vulnerability at the top of the order.Asif Khan announced himself to the wider cricketing public when he blew Pakistan’s spinners away at the end of August, smashing six fours and six sixes en route to his 35-ball 77. Since then, however, he has not been able to use his unquestionable power with the bat. His 40 against Afghanistan in a dead rubber was the only other meaningful knock he has played since, with the other four innings producing a combined 12 runs. In a side that lacks power outside the top three, UAE cannot afford to have one out of form for a game of this magnitude.Fakhar Zaman has had starts but not many big scores recently•Associated Press

Team news

Hesson made clear the defeat to India was not a personnel issue. Pakistan have played the same XI in each of the past three games, and changes are unlikely.Pakistan (possible): 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Saim Ayub 3 Fakhar Zaman 4 Salman Ali Agha (capt) 5 Hasan Nawaz 6 Mohammad Haris (wk) 7 Mohammad Nawaz 8 Faheem Ashraf 9 Shaheen Afridi 10 Sufiyan Muqeem 11 Abrar AhmedUAE also have a settled XI that produced a clinical win over Oman on Monday. Expect them to give the same combination one more crack at glory.UAE (possible): 1 Alishan Sharafu, 2 Muhammad Waseem (capt), 3 Muhammad Zohaib, 4 Asif Khan, 5 Harshit Kaushik, 6 Rahul Chopra (wk), 7 Dhruv Parashar, 8 Haider Ali, 9 Muhammad Rohid Khan, 10 Muhammad Jawadullah, 11 Junaid Siddique

Pitch and conditions

There are no signs of the hot and humid weather abating in the UAE. The pitch is expected to continue offering plenty of assistance to the slower bowlers.

Stats and trivia

• Pakistan have lost six matches across the men’s T20 Asia Cups – the second most defeats for any team in the tournament, with only Hong Kong losing more. Across all formats of the Asia Cup, Pakistan’s 26 defeats are also the second most, surpassed only by Bangladesh’s 44.
• UAE captain Muhammad Waseem brought up 3000 T20I runs on Monday, more than any current Pakistan player. Fakhar Zaman, who has 2144, is the only Pakistani in the side with more than 1000.

Jamie Carragher took aim at one Liverpool star, who was “really poor” against Sunderland, as Arne Slot’s side endured another mixed evening at Anfield.

Liverpool struggle at Anfield yet again

After victory over West Ham United last weekend, Liverpool looked to their game against Sunderland as an ideal chance to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League and stop the rot. The Black Cats had different ideas, however, and soon reminded the Reds why they find themselves in the position they’re in.

In many ways, Chemsdine Talbi’s deflected effort summed up Liverpool’s recent fortunes. With the Premier League champions entering the game off the back of two Anfield losses, the last thing they needed was for Virgil van Dijk’s block to find the back of Alisson Becker’s net.

Fabinho 2.0: Liverpool in pole position to sign £35m midfield "machine"

Liverpool look set to be making a move for one star during the upcoming January transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

One positive for Liverpool in recent weeks has been the form of Florian Wirtz, though, and at long last the German made his mark in the Premier League. His effort went down as a Nordi Mukiele own goal, but there’s no doubt that one of the summer’s most expensive signings stepped up to get his side level.

It was far from a vintage display from the champions, but they’ll at least be relieved to avoid another defeat. Following victory at West Ham, Slot’s side should see the Leeds United game this weekend as the opportunity to turn the narrative to two wins from three games in the same week.

That said, whether Alexander Isak plays a part this weekend remains to be seen. The Swede didn’t follow up from last weekend’s first Premier League goal for the club and had just 15 touches, much to Carragher’s frustration.

Jamie Carragher slams "really poor" Alexander Isak

Watching on from commentary, Carragher slammed Isak as “really poor” and said that the forward has no “excuses” for his disappointing form at this stage of the campaign.

After smashing their transfer record to welcome the £280,000-a-week star, Liverpool were in dreamland in the summer. Alas, that dream has quickly turned into a nightmare for all involved.

Isak has gone from strike to strike-less at times. Liverpool sit eighth and their attack has never seemed so toothless under Slot. With Hugo Ekitke also struggling to find the back of the net in recent weeks, there’s no doubt that the Reds have an attacking problem on their hands.

It doesn’t get any easier, either. On paper, a trip to a newly promoted side should be a routine affair, but Liverpool will be squaring off against a Leeds side who just defeated Chelsea.

Before then, Slot simply has to find a way to get Isak more involved. With just 15 touches, the Swede was always likely to struggle.

Liverpool open talks this week to sign "monster" Real Madrid target

The Cubs signed veteran first baseman Carlos Santana on Sunday, 's Jon Heyman was the first to report. This comes days after the Guardians released Santana in a "joint decision" between the two sides, the Associated Press reported on Thursday.

Santana wanted the ability to compete for a playoff contender once he was released from Cleveland. And, well, Chicago is definitely that.

With a 78-58 record, the Cubs hold the top wild-card spot in the National League as of Sunday morning. They have the MLB's best Brewers (85-52) leading the NL Central to deal with. But, unless something catastrophically goes wrong in September for Chicago, the Cubs will be in the postseason for the first time since 2020.

The 39-year-old was in his third stint with the Guardians after signing a one-year deal back in December. Through 116 games this season, Santana is averaging .225/.316/.333 with 89 hits, 49 runs, 52 RBIs and 11 home runs. While it's not his best year by any means, he's put up impressive numbers for his age and for this point of his MLB career.

It's unknown what kind of role the Cubs will put Santana in when he arrives in Chicago. The Cubs have Michael Busch competing at first base right now, who's having his career-best season.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em parceria com a Umbro, o Fluminense lançou, na última sexta-feira (22), o novo uniforme número dois da equipe, que revive as faixas diagonais na camisa branca, estampadas nas cores verde e grená.

continua após a publicidade

Veja todos os lançamentos do Tricolor e compre a sua camisa AQUI

As vendas já foram iniciadas, e o Lance! separou os modelos e preços para você adquirir a sua. Confira detalhes a seguir!

🤔 QUAL A INSPIRAÇÃO PARA O DESIGN DA CAMISA?

A camisa, que conta com uma referências a cidade do Rio Janeiro, conta com faixas na diagonal em homenagem ao modelo utilizado pela primeira vez em 1908. o fardamento também contará com gola V e é bem diferente do utilizado na temporada passada.

🤑 QUAIS OS PRECOS?

As novas camisas já estão à venda e custam entre R$ 299,99 ( modelo feminino e kit infantil) e R$ 399,99 (modelo jogador). Além dessas opções, o Fluminense também disponibiliza uma versão torcedor, comercializada por R$ 349,99.

continua após a publicidadeCamisa Masculina Umbro Fluminense Of.2 2024 TorcedorCamisa Masculina Umbro Fluminense Of.2 2024 TorcedorA camisa está disponível nos modelos masculino, feminino e infantil. Garanta a sua!Comprar na Umbro

✅ MAIS MODELOS:

▪️ Camisa Masculina Umbro Fluminense (Jogador)

▪️ Camisa Masculina Umbro Fluminense (Torcedora)

▪️ Kit Clube Infantil Umbro Fluminense

QUANDO SERÁ A ESTREIA DO NOVO UNIFORME?

A data de estreia do novo uniforme ainda não foi divulgada. No entanto, é provável que a equipe comandada pro Fernando Diniz estreie o novo fardamento contra o Alianza Lima, fora de casa, pela primeira rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores.

Tudo sobre

CamisaFluminenseFutebol NacionalUniformes

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank hauled Randal Kolo Muani off midway through their 2-2 draw with Man United in the Premier League last weekend, and it has since been revealed that the summer signing injured his jaw against the Red Devils.

It then emerged that the problem was actually worse than first feared (Fabrice Hawkins), even forcing Kolo Muani to drop out of France’s World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan this month with Lens forward Florian Thauvin replacing him.

This, of course, sparked worry among the Lilywhites fanbase — but reports have since indicated that, while he could be set for a spell out, the striker doesn’t require surgery in what is a real boost for Frank.

Kolo Muani, who was signed from PSG on a straight loan as one of ex-chairman Daniel Levy’s final recruits for Spurs, missed five games with a dead leg soon after his arrival at N17 and had only just returned to full fitness.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

Cristian Romero

Other

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

The 26-year-old was starting to impress as well, with Frank calling Kolo Muani “such a handful” up front for Tottenham against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League — a match where he really should’ve scored a brace — but the forward did manage to set up Wilson Odobert after a brilliant piece of skill to bring the ball down from a lofty height.

Still waiting on his first goal for the north Londoners, Kolo Muani’s return to the treatment table is a sore one to take for the player especially, and it remains to be seen how long he’ll be out for.

The former Juventus and Eintracht Frankfurt star could be forced to wear a mask to protect his jaw upon his return to the field, but if that comes too soon for the North London derby on November 23, The Athletic reports that Frank could call upon a young star to fill Kolo Muani’s void.

Tottenham poised to hand Dane Scarlett chance after Randal Kolo Muani injury

As per the reliable news outlet, Tottenham could hand Scarlett minutes in light of Kolo Muani’s injury, with the 21-year-old having just returned from a groin problem himself.

Scarlett, despite proving himself useful during the club’s injury crisis under Ange Postecoglou last season, has played just 10 minutes in the first-team this campaign and yet to make a single Premier League appearance for Frank.

The Englishman was linked with a late summer exit from Spurs as the youngster, who was once likened to Marcus Rashford by José Mourinho, attempts to kickstart his senior career.

Now, The Athletic claim that Scarlett could be handed a chance to impress for Tottenham after Kolo Muani’s latest issue, and given the complaints surrounding Richarlison, it is an opportunity the forward will be eager to grasp with both hands.

It feels like Scarlett has been patiently waiting for a major breakthrough in the team for years, but time is running out to live up to the hype as his contract also expires in under two years.

Arsenal have held ‘new’ talks with the representatives of a Juventus star who Xabi Alonso has recommended to Real Madrid, according to a report this week.

Arsenal face Brentford after Man City steal dramatic win at Fulham

Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium tonight seeking to reclaim their winning touch when they host Brentford in a vital Premier League clash, made all the more important by Man City’s dramatic 5-4 win at Fulham last night.

The Gunners have seen their lead at the top cut to just two points following their frustrating 1-1 draw at Chelsea over the weekend, even if Arsenal’s impressive 17-game unbeaten run continues since that early-season defeat to Liverpool.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession at Stamford Bridge but could only manage a point, despite Chelsea playing with ten men for much of the contest.

Arsenal face a significant injury conundrum with Gabriel Magalhaes sidelined due to a thigh problem picked up on Brazil duty.

Fabrizio Romano: Berta eyeing "bargain" move for player likened to "top" Arsenal star

He could be a snip.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 2, 2025

Arteta recently hinted that he could be unavailable until 2026, while Kai Havertz continues his recovery from a knee injury which has kept him out since the opening weekend.

William Saliba is also a doubt after missing the Chelsea trip, though Arteta has provided a seemingly positive update suggesting the Frenchman is just days away from returning.

Away from the pitch, sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly continues plans to reinforce Arsenal’s squad, even if they spent nearly £270 million on eight major signings in the summer.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo is believed to be a target for Arsenal, with Berta sensing an opportunity amid the Brazilian’s increasingly uncertain future at the Bernabeu.

Ironically, Arsenal are also after someone who Real could replace Rodrygo, as per Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

Arsenal hold 'new' talks with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz

Corriere state that Alonso has personally recommended Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz to Real as a target, but they now face stiff competition from north London.

Juve are attempting to tie the 20-year-old down with fresh terms and ward off suitors, but these negotiations are still ongoing and there is currently significant ground to cover when it comes to Yildiz’s wages.

Yildiz is demanding nearly quadruple his current salary to bring him in line with top earners like Jonathan David, while the Old Lady have offered below his desired amount so far.

The forward also wants assurances about his role and Juve’s plan to win major trophies, so while the priority is to continue in Turin, talks over a new deal are believed to have stalled for now.

Corriere reports that Arsenal have made ‘new moves’ to discuss conditions with Yildiz’s representatives, and Arteta’s side are said to be ‘captivated’ by the Turkey international.

Unfortunately for Berta, other recent reports from Italy claim that Juve want around £88 million to part company with their young superstar, so it could require a major investment on Arsenal’s part after an already-massive summer outlay.

NEW YORK — Carlos Correa is not the first person in history to suggest shortening up with two strikes, but a week after he discussed his approach in a hitters’ meeting, his new—and old—teammates are still marveling at his turn of phrase. 

In those counts, he told them, “I’ve lost the right to slug.”

So they were utterly unsurprised that in his seventh game back with the first-place Houston Astros, his first against the rival New York Yankees, as fans booed and the game hung in the balance, Correa lined a 10th-inning, 1–2 single to center to drive in the go-ahead run. 

“He walks his talk,” says center fielder Taylor Trammell. “He’s a winner.”

The Astros did indeed win that game, as Correa knew they would, even as a 2–0 lead evaporated and he strode to the plate to lead off the 10th against Devin Williams, who was the best closer in the game before struggling mightily this year. Extra innings, two strikes, a man in scoring position as 46,027 people jeer their hearts out for you?

“I love it,” Correa says. “I live for it.” 

He doesn’t quite prefer hitting with two strikes—”I’d rather get a hit on the first pitch,” he says with a grin—but he knows he thrives in those moments, mostly because they don’t frighten him. “Once you have two strikes, I’m never thinking I’m gonna get out,” he says. “I’m always thinking of positive outcomes. So I think that’s half the battle. And then, you know, you gotta be mechanically clean, and you gotta feel good at the plate and have a good approach, but the mental is the most important thing.”

Nearly four years after they let Correa sign with the Minnesota Twins in free agency for what eventually became seven years and $235 million, it was that attitude the Astros wanted back. 

“One of the big things with Carlos is his leadership,” says general manager Dana Brown, who nabbed Correa, 30, at the July 31 trade deadline for a pitching prospect and the promise to pay $70 million of the $103 million Correa is due over the next two and a half seasons. “That’s probably the biggest thing with him for us. We knew in acquiring him that we were getting more than just a really good player. [He’s] a leader in the clubhouse, and a guy who's won before. He’s a winner.” 

Most of the core that made seven straight American League Championship Series, advanced to four World Series and won two of them had gone: third baseman Alex Bregman to Boston, Correa to Minnesota, center fielder George Springer to Toronto, right fielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago. Until a week ago, second baseman José Altuve was the only player from the 2017 title team still on the active roster. (Lance McCullers Jr., who has missed much of that stretch battling a litany of injuries, is currently dealing with a blister.) Brown acknowledges that those players took some of their fire with them.

“That’s one thing that this team could use, with losing Bregman,” he says. “That was big. And now filling a big leadership void with a familiar face in Carlos—that’s a beautiful thing.”

Correa understands what it takes to be an Astro—the relentlessness at the plate and precision on defense but also the mental fortitude required to play your entire career as a villain. Even this weekend, nearly six years after details of the banned sign-stealing enterprise Houston used in 2017 came to light, Yankees fans still hollered about cheaters. (Amusingly, Yankees fans boo Altuve more than any other player in the sport, even though everyone involved agrees Altuve did not approve of or take part in the scheme. Regardless, it might be time to try another approach: Altuve has an .870 OPS here since the crowd started jeering him regularly in 2021, compared to a .780 OPS before that. “If I’m a fan, I would try to make it feel like spring training here,” Correa suggests.) Correa sounds almost disappointed when he muses that some of the hatred seems to have died down. The energy fuels him. 

Brown was still the Atlanta scouting director the last time Correa wore orange, but when manager Joe Espada and bench coach Omar López heard Correa might be available, they lobbied Brown hard. Everyone knew Correa was a good player—in his first stint with Houston, he seemed to be on a Hall of Fame track before injuries derailed some of his time in Minneapolis—and a vocal leader, but it was his attitude Espada and López kept highlighting. For all his talent, Correa also possesses a grinder’s mentality that keeps his teammates engaged. 

“With two strikes, he’s not afraid to shorten it up,” says Brown. “He's not afraid to foul a few balls off, run up the pitch count. We needed that, because guys were swinging early in the count. And I think he’s kind of revived us in that way where he shows that type of leadership even in the batter’s box.”

His new teammates noticed that intensity immediately. In part because of his familiarity with the organization and in part because of his personality, Correa strode into the clubhouse on his first day back ready to be the guy. (Well, he made one call first. “I needed to get the green light from the boss first,” he says, referring to Altuve, one of his longtime best friends. “He said, ‘Whatever you want to do here, do it.’”) That same day, utilityman Cooper Hummel tried to introduce himself and shake his new teammate’s hand. Correa pulled him in for a hug instead. 

He speaks up in hitters’ meetings and to the coaching staff. On his first flight back with the team, from Boston to Miami, Correa sat next to Espada and offered a few ideas. “Just having everybody on the same page, like we did from 2015 to 2021,” Correa says vaguely. He grins sheepishly and apologizes. “I know that’s not much.”

Whatever he said, he put it into practice himself. “He knows how to get the most out of himself,” says first baseman Christian Walker, who signed in Houston this year. “He leaves no stone unturned. I mean, his warm-up routine is two hours long, it feels like.” Trammell and Hummel study the way Correa pores over scouting reports and fine-tunes his approach. 

He played shortstop for every one of his defensive innings until this month, but because the Astros already employ Jeremy Peña there, Correa happily volunteered to move to third, officials say. Brown smiles every time the pitching coach or catcher heads out for a mound visit and Correa trots out to join them and add a tip or just some encouragement. He pulls teammates aside to praise them for small moments—a walk in a tight game, a single after a defender repositioned himself—that he knows win ballgames even if they do not make the highlight reel. “He’s tuned into everybody and how they can help the team,” says Trammell. 

By all accounts, Correa loved his time in Minnesota. He has told friends he plans to keep his home there. He told Twins leadership he would not waive his no-trade clause to play anywhere but back home in Houston. Teammates raved about his leadership and dedication there, just as they do with the Astros. But his tenure there was disappointing, perhaps in part because he missed the bright lights. His Twins made the postseason only once in three full seasons. Correa hit .409 with three doubles in those six games, but Minnesota fell in four games in the ALDS—to the Astros. He had a .704 OPS and was worth 0.1 WAR in 93 games for the for the moribund Twins this year. In seven games with Houston so far, his OPS is 1.006 and he’s been worth 0.4 WAR.

“He got, like, a shot in the arm coming back,” says outfielder Chas McCormick, who overlapped with Correa in 2021. “He looks fresh. He looks excited. It’s really nice to watch him, you know, play like he can. He loves playing in the spotlight.”

Correa is back on a winning team, and so far, he is back to winning.