Sports

Chelsea Manager, Enzo Maresca has hailed the Blues duo Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana following his side’s pre-season friendly 2-2 draw against Wrexham at the Levi’s Stadium on Wednesday. Both Lavia and Fofona made their long-awaited return to the pitch during the game against Wrexham. The duo had an injury-derailed 2023-24 campaign with the former missing 43 games across all competitions because of an ankle and hamstring injury. Speaking during his post-match press conference, Maresca said (via Football London): “Both are very important. It is important for them to get minutes. I’m happy for them. For one year without Wesley…

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, is looking to conduct a fifth raid on Manchester City. According to The Athletic, the Gunners are trying to recruit City’s elite development squad analyst, Darren Rogerson. It is believed Rogerson will complete a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer. He is expected to start working with Arteta’s first team in the first few months of the new campaign. Rogerson had previously worked with Sheffield United, Rangers and Derby. He is not the only Manchester City member of staff to swap the Etihad for the Emirates recently. Ben Chadwick quit City to become Arsenal’s head…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his midfield ahead of this season with Paris Saint-Germain’s Fabian Ruiz. The Gunners have now opened talks with PSG over the Spain international, according to Duncan Castles. Arteta is yet to add to the squad that finished runners-up behind Manchester City last season. However, Arsenal are close to completing a €50 million deal to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. They have now made a move for Ruiz off the back of his excellent performances for Spain at Euro 2024. Ruiz joined PSG from Napoli for an initial €21.5 million (£18.5 million) fee in…

Real Madrid midfielder, Federico Valverde has picked his teammate Vinicius Junior to win Ballon d’Or 2024. Vinicius enjoyed a wonderful 2023/24 season with Real Madrid. The Brazil international won the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles. He netted 24 goals and bagged 11 assists in 39 appearances across competitions for the Los Blancos. Replying to an Instagram story from Vinicius and reposting the same on his account, Valverde wrote: “Balooooon de oro.” Vinicius is expected to battle his teammates, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons fell to a 1-0 defeat against Brazil in their opening Group C fixture at the 2024 Olympic Games. The Super Falcons were in ascendancy early in the game, carving out three good chances in the first 25 minutes. Chiwendu Ihezuo’s close-range effort was saved by Brazil goalkeeper Lorena. Lorena also produced a superb save to deny midfielder Christy Ucheibe from outside the box. Osinachi Ohale then nodded over the bar from Toni Payne’s superb cross. Brazil captain Martha netted in the 33rd minute but the goal was ruled out for offside. Brazil took the lead through Gabi…