OLT SPORTS

Arsenal has beaten Manchester City to the signing of Declan Rice in a British record fee of a total package rising up to £105 million, with West Ham United getting a guaranteed £100 million and the other £5 million in add-ons. English midfielder, Rice has been heavily linked with Arsenal since Arsenal and West Ham United met in the Premier League last season at the Olympic Stadium. Arsenal sign Rice after long weeks of negotiations with reports also linking Manchester City to the deal, which further complicated things for the   Gooners and they became desperate. Mikel Arteta was believed to have had a chat with the West Ham captain over a move to the Emirates and the Spaniard has now been able to see off interest from Manchester City to sign their priority target of the summer. Rice comes into an Arsenal side growing and in fast speed having finished the last Premier League season in second place, occupying the top spot for most part of the campaign. The fell off in the latter stag...

The possibility of signing one of the best talents to emerge in Germany of late is being discussed amongst the Bayern hierarchy but the presence of one of their own seems enough at the moment. Florian Wirtz is still growing but as at now still one of the best at what he does, and Bayern, being their famous self wishes to acquire for themselves the services of the 20year old. However, a position he would play at the club, the central attacking midfield, is currently being occupied by Jamal Musiala, who also is one of the best in the trade and at a young age of 20. Wirtz, who earlier in the year recovered from a long-term injury, has been overcome that setback in a sensational fashion, proving crucial for Xabi Alonso's side in the second half of the season - he has-been linked with moves to Barcelona, Real Madrid and other Premier League clubs. It is a difficult situation for Bayern, who in the end might have to let go of their interest in the Bayer Leverkusen sensation, just as they...

Nicolas Pepe, in a recent interview with Colininterview has revealed the story behind his Arsenal nightmare under Mikel Arteta, defending the Spaniard, whom he claims helped him in every way. Pepe, who was Arsenal's record signing when he joined from Lille in the summer of 2019 has endured a below par stint before and after the appointment of Arteta and was at the start of last season sent out on loan to OGC Nice. Arsenal manager, Arteta has-been criticized for his treatment of the Ivorian in the media but Pepe has now come out to defend the former Arsenal midfielder. Pepe said; “People say that he identified me as a player that wasn’t up to the level in his team, in his philosophy. It’s completely false. When he arrived, he had (Manchester) City’s philosophy. He had a squad that was filled with quality and backups in every position." "When he spoke to me, he said he counted on me, he wanted me to do this or that, and you have to focus on that. He improved me in every...

Best club in the world at the moment and the first English side to win a treble since their city rival, United did 24 years ago in front of more than 90 thousand fans inside the Barcelona's Stadium, Camp Nou, Manchester City have reached the climax but the velour of sustaining that status has become questionable very early into the summer. It is not that English football had not seen a very good side capable of doing the treble since United, it is only due to the competitiveness of the teams, hence, clubs have learnt to sacrifice one competition for another. In years past, since the start of the 2000s to be precise, top teams have settled for playing fringe and Academy players in domestic Cup games so as to not worn out their main players for the major competitions. Fortunately for Pep Guardiola's minions last season, almost every member of their squad is good enough to start in other teams, hence, their was no vast drop in performance whenever the manager rotates the squad. Be...

Since news of Arsenal's interest in luring Kai Havertz from Chelsea to the Emirates broke last week, fans have begin to wonder where the German will fit into Mikel Arteta's set up. Obviously, the former Bayer Leverkusen teenager can be deployed in multiple position but if he is to take up a major role in the side, there are only limited spot available to slot into. Given Arsenal's priority in the window and the names set to leave the club this summer, incoming will also determine the plans Arteta has for the 24-year old. Of the roles Kai Havertz will most likely undertake in North London are any of the three attacking positions, either of the two No.8 positions. The German can also play as a No.10, pulling the strings behind the striker, ahead the two central midfield players and flanked by the winners. His years at Chelsea has been overshadowed by the managers's inability to play him to his strengths. Despite playing under multiple Coaches at the club, none of them rea...

Ajax have turned down a £30 million Arsenal bid for 22year old defender, Jurrien Timber who has a contract ending in 2025. The Dutch club were able to hold on to the player last summer despite heavy interest from Manchester United but are opened to negotiation this time around. Ajax reportedly values Timber at £50 million hence the reason for rejecting Arsenal's maiden proposal. The Gunners are expected to return with improved offer and are optimistic about getting a deal done. Personal terms are also reportedly agreed with Timber, who has not ruled out a move away from Ajax this summer. Kehinde Hassan Afolabi

Barcelona are interested in a move for Espanyol midfielder, Sergi Darder, who had only committed his future on a long-term just last summer. The 29year old has been with the club since first joining on loan from Lyon in 2017 before finally signing a permanent contract at the end of the loan deal. Darder has been one of the most eye-catching players for bottom table teams in Spain and across all competitions, he has featured for Espanyol 246 times, scoring 25 goals. Darder, who turns 30 later this year has a release clause of €10 million in his contract that runs until 2026, has been reportedly contacted by Barcelona boss, Xavi ahead of a potential move. With Joselu already departed for Real Madrid, losing Darder will be another huge blow for Espanyol as look to make a quick return to the Spanish top-flight but can they hold on to a played their rival is interested in ? Kehinde Hassan Afolabi