ARTETA COULD BE SACKED BY ARSENAL, WITH A REPLACEMENT ALREADY IN SIGHT

 A major victory has saved the Spanish manager's job.

 

AFP

Doubts are mounting over Mikel Arteta’s future at Arsenal, according to a Spanish report, amid growing pressure within the club despite the team continuing to compete for titles this season. 

The speculation follows a shock 32nd-round Premier League defeat to Bournemouth, which has reignited questions about the club’s trophy prospects despite substantial board investment in recent years.

Mundo Deportivo claims the Gunners can still rescue the campaign in both the Premier League and the Champions League, where they recently recorded a vital away win against Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of the quarter-finals.

Yet the report insists his future now hinges on silverware: another trophy-less campaign could see the club’s hierarchy lose patience.

The likely successor

Should Arsenal end the campaign empty-handed, the board has a “ready-made alternative” in Cesc Fàbregas, whose impressive work in his current coaching role makes him the favoured candidate to take over.

Fàbregas is currently guiding Como with an attractive, attack-minded approach that has the club challenging for European qualification—a profile that has already drawn the attention of Arsenal officials.

The former Spanish star also has an additional advantage, namely his intimate knowledge of the London club, having played for them for eight seasons as a player, which could facilitate his transition to the manager’s seat should a decision be taken to sack Arteta at the end of the season.

The loss to Bournemouth, which left Arsenal on 70 points after 32 games, has only intensified the debate.

In contrast, Bournemouth moved up to 45 points, climbing to ninth place in the table.

That result handed Manchester City, second on 61 points from 30 games, a valuable chance to narrow the gap and reignite the title race.

- Ahmed Abdelhamid

REAL MADRID FORWARD INDIRECTLY CAUGHT IN LEGAL PROBE OVER WORLD CUP BONUS DONATIONS

Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images

According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has found himself indirectly involved in a legal issue stemming from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The matter, however, does not appear to be his fault.

Almost three years after scoring a historic hat-trick in the World Cup final against Argentina, Mbappe is now at the centre of an investigation in France. 

The issue? A generous gesture he made to members of the French police force who were part of the team’s security during the tournament has sparked a probe by French tax authorities.

Police under investigation 

As reported by the outlet, five police officers are under investigation for receiving part of Mbappe’s World Cup bonus. 

The payments were meant as a personal thank-you from the star striker. In principle, this type of gesture is not unusual, especially considering the role the police played in ensuring the French squad’s safety in Qatar.

According to the report, four officers each received a cheque for €30,000, while a fifth, believed to be their superior, received a cheque for €60,300. In total, Mbappe handed over €180,300 of his World Cup earnings in this donation.

The problem arose when the police officers declared the money to the French Treasury. Authorities are now investigating whether the funds were properly reported and if the correct procedures were followed for such sizeable gifts.

Mbappe himself has a signed statement on record confirming that he voluntarily decided to donate this money, not only to these officers but also to various associations. 

This document could help clear his name of any legal responsibility. Nevertheless, French prosecutors are continuing their investigation to ensure all financial and legal aspects of the transactions were above board.

At this point, it appears that Mbappe is simply caught in the crossfire of a case focusing on the police officers involved, rather than being accused of any wrongdoing himself.

- Swapnil

THIAGO MESSI SHINES AS INTER MIAMI SECURES VICTORY OVER ATLANTA

As Lionel Messi awaits his return to the pitch on February 19, 2025, all eyes are on his eldest son, Thiago Messi, who is already making waves in the sporting world. The young striker from Inter Miami's U13 team delivered a stunning performance in their recent match, showcasing potential that suggests he may follow in his father's legendary footsteps.

Wearing the iconic number 10 jersey, Thiago was the standout player in his team's commanding 12-0 victory over Atlanta in the . The 11-year-old Argentine single-handedly netted eleven of the twelve goals scored by his team, a display that draws parallels to his father's early career triumphs and has sparked considerable discussion.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo highlighted the growing influence of this young talent: "We cannot predict whether Thiago Messi will reach the same heights as Leo Messi. However, one thing is certain: he is following in his father's footsteps and demonstrating the same ambition. Despite his young age, the son of the Argentine superstar exhibits remarkable skill on the field. While he still has much to learn at the youth level, his development at Inter Miami Academy is generating significant excitement among club fans and those who admire Lionel Messi himself. " This burgeoning talent nurtures hopes of witnessing another Messi shine brightly in the world of football.

- footboom.com

ARSENAL EYE TRANSFER FOR BARCELONA STAR WHO 'REJECTED LIVERPOOL AND CHELSEA' - BUT THERE'S A CATCH

Arsenal are reportedly lining up a move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, who has previously rejected interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, who has previously turned down offers from rivals Liverpool and Chelsea. The Uruguayan centre-back has become a fan favourite at the Catalan club due to his leadership skills and robust challenges.

A hamstring injury has kept him sidelined for much of the season, with the 25 year old only recently making his return in the 4-0 victory over Barbastro last weekend. Despite this, he is yet to fully win over head coach Hansi Flick, who prefers Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez as his central defensive duo.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are preparing a January bid for Araujo, something the player is said to be seriously considering. It's reported that Araujo has grown frustrated with certain situations at Barcelona, causing concern among the club's hierarchy.

While Barcelona would be hesitant to agree to a loan deal this winter, they would consider parting ways with Araujo if they receive a substantial and irresistible offer. With just 18 months left on his contract and extension talks stalled, Barcelona have already rejected an offer from Juventus this month due to his importance to the squad.

However, it's suggested they would entertain offers around €70million (£58million), reports the Mirror.

Unlike Juventus, Arsenal have the financial strength to make the move happen. Araujo has always been "curious" about testing himself in the Premier League, and Mikel Arteta's style of play is said to suit him.

However, it's worth noting that Arsenal already have a strong defensive line-up, with their focus this transfer window being on securing a world-class striker. Araujo's decision to turn down a move to the Premier League in 2022, despite lucrative offers from both Liverpool and Chelsea, will certainly endear him to the Gunners' fans if a transfer does go ahead.

According to Sport, he rejected the two English powerhouses when his previous contract was nearing its end, choosing instead to sign a new deal for less money than he would have earned in the Premier League. In an interview with Cadena SER earlier this week, Araujo avoided speculation about his future, but confirmed that talks were underway regarding a possible extension at Barcelona.

"We are talking with the club about my renewal," he said. "But I am fully focused on playing again and getting minutes under my belt."

- Kasra Moradi

WHY MESSI IS MOVING TO INTER MIAMI? | MESSI INTERVIEW WITH MUNDO DEPORTIVO