Barcelona have come under fire after dozens of Camp Nou construction workers protested against alleged illegal dismissals and possible deportations of nearly 50 foreign employees. The union-led demonstration arrives just weeks before the stadium’s much-anticipated reopening, piling pressure on the club and its construction partners amid renewed scrutiny.
Protests erupt over alleged exploitation of foreign workers
Tensions are rising in Barcelona as the redevelopment of Camp Nou faces new controversy. On Tuesday, dozens of construction workers gathered outside the stadium to protest the alleged dismissal and potential deportation of around 50 foreign employees working under irregular conditions. The protest, organised by Spain’s CCOO trade union, accused contractors Limak and Ekstreme Works of attempting to send undocumented workers back to their home countries “without any guarantees.” Union representative Carlos del Barrio claimed many had endured extreme working conditions, telling : “Some of them have been working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for more than a year.”
According to the union, the workers, who “do not have papers” are being dismissed without fair treatment or compensation. “The moment they set foot on Turkish territory, their ability to defend themselves will be diminished,” Del Barrio added.
He urged the club and authorities to intervene, calling on Spain’s government to activate emergency immigration regularisation measures and ensure all affected workers are registered with Social Security.
Advertisement
Getty
Union slams Barca for ‘turning a deaf ear’
The CCOO union has accused Barcelona of ignoring repeated appeals to address the workers’ situation. Del Barrio told reporters that the issue had already been raised with the Labour Inspectorate, claiming the club “turned a deaf ear” to the union’s demands. “We are aware there is a lot of pressure to open the stadium, but what cannot happen is to do it at the expense of workers’ rights,” he stated.
The Catalan giants have yet to issue an official comment, but the controversy adds to previous criticism of the Espai Barca redevelopment project. In 2023, the club faced backlash for alleged irregular labour practices but insisted the issues were being “rectified.” The club’s construction partner, Limak, has also faced scrutiny in the past over workers’ rights and environmental controversies in Turkey, heightening concerns about the management of the Camp Nou rebuild.
Broader fallout and reputational impact
The timing of the protests couldn’t be worse for Barcelona, with the reopening of Camp Nou just weeks away. The redevelopment, which has been plagued by delays and cost overruns, is already running 317 days behind schedule as of mid-October 2025.
The CCOO’s allegations have raised questions not only about contractor oversight but also about the club’s ethical responsibility. Institutional vice-president Elena Fort had previously acknowledged “minor anomalies” in the project’s labour practices but denied the existence of systemic abuses.
Still, critics argue that Tuesday’s demonstration proves those issues have not been resolved and may yet damage Barcelona’s global image just as they prepare to welcome fans back to their historic home.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFP
Camp Nou reopening faces uncertainty amid mounting tension
Barcelona are reportedly set to return to Spotify Camp Nou on November 22, when they host Athletic Club in La Liga. Before that, the club have announced a first-team open training session at the stadium on Friday of this week, expected to draw 23,000 fans in what will serve as a major operational test. However, the workers’ dispute could complicate those plans. Should the contractors halt work or fail to meet legal requirements, further delays to the reopening cannot be ruled out.
The club’s ambition to stage a celebratory comeback to Camp Nou has already been undermined by persistent setbacks from missed deadlines to logistical challenges and this latest controversy may yet overshadow the long-awaited return.
For now, all eyes are on the union negotiations and government response, as Barcelona attempt to balance progress on the Espai Barca project with growing calls for justice behind the scenes.
Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer, 39, has cheekily avoided questions about his future, joking he has to "take care of my bones" after a major 4-0 win in the Champions League. Major reports state that the German giants are planning December talks for a new deal, which could force Alexander Nubel's exit and add fuel to speculation of a possible 2026 World Cup return with Germany.
Neuer’s cheeky response on contract timing
Neuer humorously deflected questions regarding his future following his side's dominant 4-0 Champions League victory against Club Brugge. The veteran goalkeeper, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been in imperious form, prompting increasing debate over a potential extension.
The victory at the Allianz Arena was Bayern's 12th win in their 12th competitive match of the season. Goals from Lennart Karl, Harry Kane, Luis Diaz and Nicolas Jackson secured their third consecutive Champions League win.
When asked directly about the timing of a possible contract extension on Thursday night, Neuer joked about his advancing age and the physical toll of his career.
"I have to take care of my bones. It's getting late, and I'm already feeling it again," the 39-year-old said with a mischievous smile. "Let's see how it is when I get up."
Pressed on his morning routine, Neuer continued the joke: "Yes, the doctor's just passing by. I have to wait a moment." He then added: "There are good days – and better days."
Advertisement
Bayern planning December talks for post-40 extension
While Neuer remains coy, Bayern Munich are preparing to open formal contract negotiations in December, according to reports in Germany. The discussions will focus on a new deal that could see the legendary shot-stopper remain the club's No. 1 beyond his 40th birthday and into the 2026-27 campaign.
Neuer, who joined Bayern in 2011 and kept a clean sheet against Bruges, has been in outstanding form this season, reinforcing his status as the undisputed first choice for manager Vincent Kompany.
New contract spells 'highly likely' exit for Nubel
A new contract for Neuer would have significant consequences for the future of his heir apparent, Nubel. The report states that should Neuer extend his stay, a "permanent sale" of Nubel next summer is considered "highly likely".
Nubel, 29, is currently on a long-term loan at Stuttgart but remains under contract with Bayern until 2029. Another loan move is reportedly "out of the question" for the club. Stuttgart, however, are believed to lack the financial means to secure Nubel on a permanent transfer, opening the door for other suitors.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Ter Stegen injury fuels World Cup 2026 return speculation
Neuer's exceptional club performances have also reignited a public debate over a sensational return to the German national team for the 2026 World Cup, despite his retirement from international duty.
This speculation has intensified following news that Germany's current No. 1, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, is still out injured and is expected to be stuck on the bench at Barcelona after his recover if he decides against leaving in January.
Former Bayern and German Football Association (DFB) director Matthias Sammer added fuel to the fire when asked about a possible Neuer return, telling : "If we can afford to do without our best players, then we shouldn't throw away the World Cup title."
The change is to avoid a clash with other T20 leagues in the cluttered January-February window
ESPNcricinfo staff14-May-2025
The ILT20 has traditionally been played in the January-February window•ILT20
The next edition of the ILT20 has been brought forward to a December-January window with an eye on avoiding the cluttered January-February window as well as finishing up well before the men’s T20 World Cup, which will run from February to March.The ILT20, UAE’s franchise-based league, is three seasons old and has always been played at the start of the year, clashing almost entirely with South Africa’s SA20 and parts of the Australian BBL and Bangladesh’s BPL and, before this year, the PSL in Pakistan. This time, though, it will begin on December 2, 2025 and run till January 4, 2026. December 2 is also the UAE’s national day – Eid Al Etihad. There will be a slight overlap with the SA20, though, which starts on December 26, and a similar – or somewhat bigger – overlap with the BBL.”Following extensive discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe the 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 tournament window is ideal for the DP World International League T20 Season 4,” ILT20 chief executive David White said in a statement. “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in early February, hence it was important for us to start and finish Season 4 well before the tournament, as it will allow the players playing both the DP World ILT20 and the T20 World Cup to prepare for national duty.”In addition, we feel that the December-January window will provide the teams with the best opportunity to access a bigger pool of players.”It’s not clear yet if this is a one-off or will be the regular window for the tournament going forward.ILT20 chairman and Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni said, “The UAE National Day is the day where we celebrate the United Arab Emirates, which is home to people from around the world, including millions of diehard cricket fans. It is a real honour for us to join the nation in the UAE National Day 2025 celebrations with the launch of the region’s biggest T20 league – the DP World ILT20 Season 4 – on the same day.”The ILT20 has been a six-team competition so far, with Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals winning the trophy in the first three seasons.
Bowling coach is disappointed that the team came up short during “key moments”
Shashank Kishore27-Apr-20253:13
Jaffer on RR’s woes: When you lose, you start doubting yourself
Rajasthan Royals aren’t out of the playoff race yet, but with 14 points unlikely to be enough in IPL 2025, bowling coach Shane Bond hopes the squad uses the remaining five games to lay a strong foundation for next year.”We’re probably out of the tournament, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot to play for,” he said ahead of Monday’s home fixture against Gujarat Titans. “We want to make sure we finish the season strong and continue playing well.”Also, for individuals there’s a lot to play for. For next season, wanting to stay with the franchise, there’s always that up. For me it’s been really disappointing. I think we’re all competitive, we want to win and when you’ve got a bunch of people who have worked really hard like our guys have, I don’t expect them to just turn up and go through the motions.”RR are looking to snap a five-match losing streak, with three of those losses coming in chases they appeared to control – twice falling short needing nine off the final over and once needing just 18 off 12 with two set batters. Citing these missed chases, Bond strongly rejected suggestions that RR’s bowling, barring Jofra Archer, looked “toothless”.Related
Bruised RR look to avoid knockout blow against fluent GT
Parag: We didn't show enough intent against the spinners
“Toothless might be a little bit harsh,” he said. “The last three games, perhaps we should have chased and won. We’ve played pretty well over the last three games; we just haven’t won a couple of key moments. And so that’s why we’re sitting at the rear end of the table where perhaps we could have sat somewhere more in the middle.”We’ve had some big overs, there’s no denying that. We’ve had some bowlers who have had some tough days, but that’s probably been the same for a number of bowlers and teams throughout the tournament. So when you say toothless, what do you mean? I think collectively the bowling unit, especially over the last three games, have done a pretty good job and kept the opposition to scores perhaps we should have chased down.Shane Bond is hurting from Rajasthan Royals getting into winning positions and then losing•SA20
“I suppose the stuff that’s hardest is that for 35 overs of games we’ve played really well and in fact have been in control in some games and probably got into positions where we should have won. So you have to give credit to the opposition. They were good enough in those tight moments to go over the top of us and win those games. I suppose that’s what hurts.”After their seventh defeat two nights ago, Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming traced his side’s struggles to their auction. Bond didn’t think RR’s was a case of a poor auction as much as it was a case of missed opportunities.”I suppose that’s something you work through at the end of the season,” Bond said. “I think you also look at that perhaps at the end of an auction cycle. You look at the last three years cycle for Rajasthan, it was a great cycle. We made a final, made the playoffs, and were in contention all the time.”It’s not an ideal start [to the new auction cycle], but then at the end of the year that’s what you do. You look at your squad, you look at who’s performed, how do you make improvements and changes. I think every team does that.”In terms of whether it’s been a poor auction or not, I don’t really think about that too much to be honest. I’m not really involved in that process, but what you would say is I think we’ve played pretty good cricket, we just haven’t been quite good enough. As I said, if we seized a couple of key moments, it could very well look different on the table and we may not be having this conversation.”With Sanju Samson still recovering from an abdominal injury, Riyan Parag will keep captaincy of the side.”No, I don’t see him taking up on a permanent basis,” Bond said. “Obviously, we’ve lost our captain, which has hurt us a little bit. We’re a pretty young team. We’re an inexperienced team. Riyan – I know he’s been around the IPL for a while, but he’s pretty young to come in and lead the team. He’s actually done a really good job. We’re really happy with what he’s doing.”He would admit himself that he’s still learning the role, and we’ve got some good support around him. But so far, he’s got a very sharp cricketing brain. I think the stuff that he’s done on the field with the bowlers and the changes that he’s made have been really good. For us, I suppose the upside is you’ve got someone else who’s gained a little bit more leadership experience for next year as well.”I think when Sanju’s on the field, he’s been excellent. We’ll go into next season with two people who have got that captaincy experience, and I think that’s going to be good for the team in the long term.”
تلقى فريق ليفربول خبرًا سارًا بشأن النجم المصري محمد صلاح قبل مباراتهم المرتقبة ضد مانشستر يونايتد، بعد فترة التوقف الدولي الجارية حاليًا، والخاصة بشهر أكتوبر.
ويخوض ليفربول مباراته ضد نظيره مانشستر يونايتد في الجولة الثامنة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب “الأنفيلد” يوم الأحد 19 أكتوبر الجاري.
وسلطت شبكة “thisisanfield” الإنجليزية الضوء على قرار منتخب مصر، بقيادة حسام حسن، بإراحة محمد صلاح وعدم مشاركته في مباراة الأحد المقبل ضد غينيا بيساو.
جاء قرار حسام حسن بعدما تأهل منتخب مصر إلى بطولة كأس العالم 2026 عقب فوزهم على جيبوتي بثلاثة أهداف دون رد، أمس الأول، بفضل ثنائية محمد صلاح وهدف إبراهيم عادل.
اقرأ أيضًا.. شيرر: سلوت لا يثق بلاعبي ليفربول.. ومحمد صلاح سيعود لمستواه بعد “التوازن”
وسيتواجد محمد صلاح في ملعب مباراة مصر وغينيا بيساو من أجل الاحتفال بالتأهل رفقة الجماهير، ولكنه لن يشارك.
وأوضحت الشبكة أن محمد صلاح بتلك الطريقة سيتجنب الإصابة وسيعود بمستوى جيد إلى ليفربول، مع العلم أنه لن يكون في عجلة من أمره للعودة إلى ميرسيسايد للاجتماع مع الفريق الأول، حيث من المرجح حدوث ذلك يوم الخميس القادم.
وأشارت إلى أن الضغوط تتزايد على محمد صلاح ذلك الموسم بسبب تراجع مستواه وعدم تسجيله إلا هدفين فقط في الدوري الإنجليزي، بخلاف تغيير مركزه، ولكن هناك آمال بانتهاء ذلك الوضع قريبًا.
Before Nair’s fireworks, Yash Rathod and Dhruv Shorey scored hundreds to set the platform for a comfortable win
Shashank Kishore16-Jan-2025
File photo – Karun Nair continued his excellent form•Maharaja T20
Karun Nair’s glorious run of form brought him an unbeaten 44-ball 88 as Vidarbha beat Maharashtra comfortably in the second semi-final of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. The result sets up a fascinating prospect where Nair will be up against Karnataka, his former team, in Saturday’s final.Nair narrowly missed out on a fifth straight List A century only because he ran out of time. That he even got close to one is because of a sensational end-overs acceleration. On 51 off 35 balls with two overs remaining, Nair hit four sixes and three fours in the last two overs. This included a sensational sequence of 4, 0, 6, 4, 4, 6 in the final over against Rajneesh Gurbani, who was up against his former team. Nair took his run tally to 752 runs while being dismissed just once.The only time Nair didn’t middle something was while attempting a couple of reverse sweeps early in his innings to build on the platform laid by the openers. But that didn’t stop him from being enterprising, as he played some delicate paddles, audacious scoops as well as some clean strikes down the ground – he hit nine fours and five sixes in all.After being put in, and setting a target for the first time in the tournament, Vidarbha posted 380 for 3, the last seven overs alone producing 108. Nair’s sensational late carnage came on the back of a 224-run opening stand between Dhruv Shorey and Yash Rathod in 34.2 overs. Jitesh Sharma, who came in at No. 4, also cashed in, hitting a 33-ball 51 in a 93-run stand with Nair off just 59 deliveries.Maharashtra’s chase didn’t take off till the 30th over, when they were 153 for 3. Except for a four-over window from here, where Ankit Bawne and Arshin Kulkarni upped the ante with an array of stunning shots, the intent to make a serious pitch to scale down their target seemed missing.File photo – Yash Rathod was the Player of the Match for his 116•PTI
It didn’t help that they lost Ruturaj Gaikwad in the third over when he top-edged a pull off Darshan Nalkande and was sensationally caught by Jitesh, who covered nearly 30 yards to his left before diving full-stretch to pluck a one-handed stunner.Rahul Tripathi, their other big-match player capable of taking the attack to the opposition from get-go, made an attractive 27 off 19 before a heave across the line had him nicking behind in the ninth over. This is when Kulkarni appeared to have gotten stuck, on the face of some impressive bowling from Vidarbha, particularly from Yash Thakur, who was zippy, and Harsh Dubey, who was able to keep it tight with his left-arm spin.Despite Kulkarni putting on a half-century stand with Siddhesh Veer, Maharashtra lacked the middle-overs firepower that allowed them to put any kind of pressure on Vidarbha as the game meandered until it briefly came alive in that short window after the 30th over. But those hopes ended when Kulkarni and Bawne fell in quick succession after scoring 90 and 50 respectively. Kulkarni’s runs came at a strike rate of 89.10 when the requirement was much higher.Earlier in the day, Shorey began with three fours in the very first over off Gurbani, while Rathod brought the typical left-hander’s flair to get going as he climbed into left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary. The pair accelerated steadily, bringing their half-centuries in the 19th over.Rathod was the more adventurous against spin and used his feet superbly to hit both with and against the turn. He brought up his second List A century of the season off just 90 balls in the 31st over and then tried to up the scoring. Shorey got there soon after, zipping through the 90s with two back-to-back boundaries and then bringing up his second straight hundred off 104 deliveries.Maharashtra had their chances but they didn’t take. In the 24th over, they should have had Shorey for 57 when he got a bottom edge to wicketkeeper Nikhil Naik off Siddesh Veer. Had Maharashtra opted to review, they would have been able to overturn the on-field decision of not out. In Veer’s next over, Naik missed a stumping chance to dismiss Rathod on 76.Then in the 45th over, Jitesh was put down on 19 when Naik failed to latch on to a skier to make it a forgettable day that even his 49 late in the second innings couldn’t quite compensate for. Nair, too, received a reprieve when, on 30, he was put down by Pradeep Dadhe at fine leg.Whatever Nair did on the field from there on worked magically as Vidarbha recorded their eighth successive win to secure a maiden entry into the Vijay Hazare final.
A Real Oviedo fan was arrested after directing racist gestures at Kylian Mbappe during Real Madrid’s clash at the Carlos Tartiere.
Racist gestures after Mbappe’s opening goalPolice charge supporter with hate crimeFaces fines, stadium ban and prison termFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
An Oviedo supporter was arrested after directing racist abuse at France captain Mbappe during Real Madrid’s clash with Real Oviedo on August 24 at the Carlos Tartiere stadium, according to . In the 37th minute, just after Mbappe scored the opening goal, the fan was seen making monkey gestures and noises from the home stand. The National Police confirmed that the individual was identified through images and videos broadcast on television and circulated across social media. He now faces charges for a crime against moral integrity and a hate crime. Following his arrest, the man was brought before Oviedo’s Court of Instruction No. 1.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE
This case adds to the growing scrutiny on Spanish football’s handling of racism inside stadiums. High-profile players such as Vinicius Junior have repeatedly been subjected to racist abuse in recent seasons, while Athletic Club striker Inaki Williams was targeted in a case that ended with a prison sentence for the offender. La Liga, meanwhile, continues to face criticism for reacting too slowly and inconsistently to such episodes.
Beyond the individual arrest, the recent incident highlights both the persistence of racism in Spanish football and the institutional push to make examples of offenders through legal and financial punishment.
TELL ME MORE
The Professional Football League reported this particular incident immediately after the match, noting that the footage gained wider attention because of its spread on television and social media. Police analysis of those images and recordings made the swift arrest possible.
The fan not only faces criminal charges but also an administrative sanction under Spain’s Law against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport. The penalties are severe, fines ranging from €60,000 to €650,000, along with stadium bans. Additionally, the case has been referred to the Delegate Prosecutor’s Office for Criminal Protection for Equality and Against Discrimination, which specialises in hate crimes. According to Spain’s Penal Code, the offence could carry a prison sentence of up to three years.
This incident has arrived at a sensitive moment for Spanish football. La Liga has promised a “zero tolerance” approach, but cases continue to surface, sparking questions over whether punishments are effective enough to deter future offenders. For Mbappe, who is one of world football’s most prominent stars, it also echoes a troubling pattern seen with other Black players in Spain.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
The case will now move through the Spanish courts, with the possibility of both criminal sentencing and heavy financial sanctions. If convicted, the fan could serve up to three years in prison and be barred from attending sporting events. For La Liga and Spanish authorities, the pressure is mounting to demonstrate that tackling racism is more than symbolic, concrete measures, consistent enforcement, and stronger deterrents will be required to restore credibility.
Curran’s 86 counters Vaughan’s six wickets with Somerset 190 in front – for nine – in the second innings
ECB Reporters Network11-Sep-2024Tom Curran launched an extraordinary assault on the Somerset bowlers as Surrey turned up the heat on the third day of the crucial Vitality County Championship match at Taunton.Making his first appearance in the competition for two years, the all-rounder smashed eight sixes and six fours in a game-changing innings of 86 from 75 balls, which rescued the Division One leaders from a perilous 228 for 8 in their first innings and allowed them to post 321 all out.Eighteen-year-old off-spinner Archie Vaughan finished with 6 for 102, while Jack Leach claimed 4 for 105. But Surrey had gained a slender advantage of four runs and soon built on it, reducing their opponents to 194 for 9 by stumps on a rain-interrupted afternoon, which saw Shakib Al Hasan take 4 for 83.Craig Overton was unbeaten on 40, having added 41 for the last wicket with a stricken Tom Banton (28 not out), batting heroically with a runner after suffering an ankle injury playing football in the warm-up for the day’s play.Only the most optimistic of Surrey fans could have expected a first innings lead when their team lost five wickets for 32 runs from a promising 196 for 3. Ryan Patel had added nine to his overnight score of 61 when top-edging a sweep off Leach to short third-man.Shakib made 12 before being caught and bowled by Leach off a leading edge. Then Vaughan added to his three second day victims by having Ben Foakes caught at short leg for 37 off 122 balls.It was 228 for 7 when Jordan Clark chipped a catch to the diving Tom Abell at mid-wicket off Vaughan, who struck again two balls later as Cameron Steel played down the wrong line and was bowled off stump.Surrey trailed by 89 runs. But Kemar Roach played a key role in contributing just five runs to a stand of 54 with Curran, who had begun his blitz with a six over long-on off Vaughan.Two more maximums off the same bowler followed by a four through the covers took Surrey to their first batting point and the all-rounder was far from finished. When Somerset skipper Lewis Gregory took the decision to remove Vaughan from the attack and introduce part-time spinner Lewis Goldsworthy, the left-armer’s only over went for 18 runs.The first ball was a full toss, dispatched over the mid-wicket boundary by Curran, who followed up with two straight sixes of the fourth and fifth deliveries. The story of the day was being transformed and by the time Roach was pinned lbw by Leach, Somerset’s lead was only 35.Still Curran ran riot, a six off Leach taking Surrey to a second batting point, celebrated by another six in the same over. A four off Vaughan gave the visitors the lead before the memorable exhibition ended with a skyed catch to long-on.Surrey team-mates gathered on their dressing room balcony to cheer Curran off the field, while Vaughan followed holding up the ball to acknowledge applause for his outstanding contribution to Somerset’s bowling. Lunch had been delayed and was taken between innings.Momentum was with Surrey and their bowlers soon increased it, reducing the hosts to 85 for five by the time rain forced an early tea. Vaughan was bowled playing around a delivery from Shakib and it was 12 for 2 when Goldsworthy suffered the same fate attempting to pull a short ball from Roach.Shakib claimed the key wicket of Tom Abell, lbw for 18 and, with Banton absent, Jordan Clark bowled Kasey Aldridge with his second ball of the innings before pinning Tom Lammonby LBW for 24.The final session, starting at 4.05pm, saw Gregory fall leg-before for 13, pushing forward to Shakib after a stand of 35 with Rew, whose composed innings of 29 ended when he edged the Bangladesh left-arm spinner to Dom Sibley at slip.Brett Randell fell cheaply and when Curran’s great day continued by having Leach caught behind for 13, Banton hobbled painfully and slowly to the crease with the total 153 for 9.Incredibly, with little or no foot movement, he struck four fours in helping Overton give Somerset genuine hope for the final day.
Since taking charge of Arsenal in December 2019, Mikel Arteta has got a lot of things right.
He’s turned a side that couldn’t buy a win against the Premier League’s top sides into one who rarely loses to them.
On top of that, he’s dragged them from mid-table mediocrity to perennial title challengers and a force in the Champions League.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetalooks dejected after the match
Finally, he’s also overseen an improvement in how the club operates in the transfer market, and welcomed in several brilliant signings, like Declan Rice, Gabriel Mahalese, David Raya and Martin Odegaard.
The latter is now the club’s captain, and if reports are to be believed, they might be about to sign someone who could be the next Odegaard.
Arsenal's transfer window so far
It would be fair to say that this summer started rather slowly for Arsenal, but things have most certainly sped up in the last few weeks or so.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5m move from Chelsea was the first to be officially announced by the club, which was then followed by Martin Zubimendi’s long-awaited £60m move from Real Sociedad.
Not long after that, Christian Norhgaard was unveiled following his £15m move from Brentford, and perhaps most controversial of all, Noni Madueke appears to be the next announcement in line.
The Blues ace appears to be joining the Gunners for a fee of around £52m, and it would be fair to say it’s not a move that has been met with universal enthusiasm.
Fortunately, Andrea Berta and Co seem to still be hard at work, and now reports indicate they could land someone who’d be welcomed by all with open arms: Rodrygo.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal remain very much interested in the Real Madrid star.
The report claims that Los Blancos are open to letting the Brazilian leave this summer and that the Gunners are currently in pole position to secure his services.
However, it’ll cost a pretty penny to do so, as the European giants are after a fee in the region of €100m, which is about £87m.
It will be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but Rodrygo would be more than worth it, especially as he could be Odegaard 2.0.
Why Rodrygo would be Odegaard 2.0
So, the first thing to say is, yes, for the most part, Rodrygo and Odegaard play in different positions and in different ways, but that isn’t necessarily what this comparison is about.
Instead, the move itself, the background and potential impact are what make the Brazilian a potential repeat of the Norwegian.
For example, they’ll both be making their way to Arsenal from Real Madrid, and at similar ages.
Moreover, just as the Gunners’ captain wasn’t getting a look in prior to his move, the former Santos gem has been essentially frozen out by the Spanish giants’ first team.
For example, across the five games Los Blancos played at the Club World Cup, the 24-year-old didn’t start a single one, and played just 92 minutes.
Finally, despite the lack of game time he’s been getting of late, the dynamic winger is still an incredible talent and someone who could have as much of an impact as Odegaard has had at the Emirates.
After all, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 31 goals and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.
Appearances
51
54
Minutes
3707′
3452′
Goals
17
14
Assists
9
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.50
0.46
Minutes per Goal Involvement
142.57′
138.08′
That works out to a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes, which is made all the more impressive when you take into account the fact that he was played out of his preferred left-wing position for most of that period.
Finally, on top of everything else, there are also some statistical similarities between the pair, with FBref ranking the Gunners’ number eight as the most similar midfielder to the Real ace in Europe’s top five leagues across the last 365 days.
Ultimately, Arsenal are in need of more attacking talent this summer, and they are going to be hard-pressed to find a more exciting option than Rodrygo.
Therefore, they should be doing all they can to sign him, as he could end up being as effective, or more effective, for them than Odegaard.
Eze's dream forward: Arsenal plot move for "world-class" £50m goal machine