"Made it clear" – Arsenal star admits telling club's players he'll eventually join them

Questions surround some of the long-term futures of Arsenal’s stars, with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta poised for tough decisions.

The Gunners are preparing for a relatively quiet January transfer window, as is usually the case for them, following their hefty £267 million summer spending spree, but a few notable first-team players could still depart the Emirates Stadium as Arteta continues refining his squad.

Gabriel Martinelli, who’s currently racing to be fit for Arsenal’s looming North London derby on Sunday, has emerged as the most high-profile potential departure.

The Brazilian winger has slipped down Arteta’s pecking order following the summer arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, according to The Mail, with Arsenal apparently prepared to entertain significant offers for Martinelli.

Arsenal haven’t actively pushed for Martinelli’s departure, but there’s been little in the way of contract extension talks, suggesting the club are open to different options.

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

His current deal runs until 2027 with an option for a further year, meaning Arsenal hold a strong negotiating position. Interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and Bayern Munich has been mooted, though Martinelli himself has shown little desire to leave the Emirates, and even stated back in 2022 that he’d stay his “whole life”.

Meanwhile, it is believed that Arsenal would be open to offers for Ben White, despite Arteta’s admiration of the right-back. The competition for places at full-back, combined with his fitness woes, has limited White to just one Premier League game all season.

Leandro Trossard penned new and improved terms at Arsenal recently, but this didn’t include an actual extension, so with his deal expiring in 2027, the BBC suggest that Arsenal could decide to sell the 30-year-old, despite him being one of their best attackers this season with four goals and four assists in all competitions.

Another player who could leave Arsenal in January is Ethan Nwaneri, though the club has zero intention of letting him go permanently.

The 18-year-old wonderkid has managed just 163 Premier League minutes this season despite his obvious talent, with Eze’s arrival limiting opportunities further. A temporary loan move could be sanctioned to accelerate his development, though Arsenal remain extremely high on his long-term potential following the five-year contract he signed last summer.

Then, there is the matter of Gabriel Jesus, who is out of contract in under two years.

Gabriel Jesus makes Palmeiras admission amid doubts over Arsenal future

Jesus is back in training and working his way back from an ACL injury he picked up against Man United at the start of 2025, and Arteta has expressed how he cannot wait to welcome their ‘unpredictable’ weapon back on the field.

However, the 28-year-old has also confirmed his interest in joining Palmeiras after his spell at Arsenal, with Jesus making another admission to Globo Esporte.

The Brazil international told the South American media outlet, via Standard Sport, that he’s informed Palmeiras players of his intentions to eventually join them.

Interestingly, The Mail reported recently that Arsenal could be open to bids for Jesus in the new year, so his return to Palmeiras may even come sooner than he’d expected if they can foot the bill.

The former Man City star is currently on £265,000-per-week in N5, so the Brazilian Serie A side would need him to take a dramatic pay decrease for this move to be possible.

If not, it is certainly one to watch for the future.

Parabéns, Suárez! Relembre os melhores momentos do craque pelo Grêmio

MatériaMais Notícias

Luis Suárez foi um furacão no Grêmio. Contratado em 2023, o atacante, que completa 37 anos nesta quarta-feira (24), disputou 54 partidas, marcou 29 gols e deu 17 assistências, além de ter sido responsável pelo vice-campeonato do Imortal no Brasileirão e pelo título do Gaúchão.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasDicasGrêmio x São José: estatísticas e informações para apostar no jogo da 2ª rodada do GauchãoDicas24/01/2024GrêmioCom ajuda de Renato Gaúcho, Grêmio tenta contratar GabigolGrêmio23/01/2024Fora de CampoEntrevista de Soteldo após estreia com derrota pelo Grêmio viraliza: ‘A gente quis perder’Fora de Campo20/01/2024

Em comemoração ao aniversário do craque, separamos os cinco melhores momentos deles atuando no Grêmio. Confira!

➡️Com ajuda de Renato Gaúcho, Grêmio tenta contratar Gabigol

+ GRÊMIO

O brilho logo na estreia

Contra o São Luiz, pela Recopa Gaúcha, Suárez já mostrou tudo o que o credenciou como um dos melhores atacantes da década. Com um repertório vasto, guardou três gols e levou o título pra casa. Sensacional!

+ Dicas de apostas em nosso canal de WhatsApp para apostar com sabedoria!

No Grenal, o recital de Suárez

Gênio, Suarez precisou de poucos minutos para castigar o Inter e cair, de vez, nas graças dos torcedores do Grêmio. Com uma bomba de fora da área, abriu o caminho para a vitória por 3 a 1 no clássico, disputado pelo Brasileirão.

continua após a publicidade40 minutos mágicos em São Januário

Contra o então líder Botafogo, o Grêmio perdia por 3 a 1 e era dominado na partida. Em 40 minutos, o craque ativou o modo hard, marcou três vezes e manteve o Imortal vivo na briga pelo título.

Primeiro gol no Maracanã

Jogando no Maracanã, contra o Fluminense, Suárez dominou. Marcando duas vezes, garantiu a vitória do Grêmio sobre o Fluminense e assegurou a segunda posição na tabela do Brasileirão.

continua após a publicidadeO adeus de Suárez

Em um momento marcante em que o Grêmio se despedia de seu craque, Luis Suárez, o atacante uruguaio mais uma vez demonstrou seu faro de gol em um duelo crucial contra o Vasco, que também seria seu último na Arena do Grêmio.

+Grêmio x São José: estatísticas e informações para apostar no jogo da 2ª rodada do Gauchão

Com a vitória por 1 a 0, com gol do próprio Suárez, o tricolor gaúcho chegou à rodada final em uma posição que permitia alcançar a segunda colocação. O gol de Suárez não apenas contribuiu para a vitória da equipe, mas também deixou uma marca especial na despedida do craque no estádio gremista.

Tudo sobre

GauchãoGolsGrêmioSuárez

فليك يعلن قائمة برشلونة لمواجهة أتلتيك بلباو.. موقف رافينها وراشفورد

أعلن هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة قائمة الفريق التي تستعد لمواجهة أتلتيك بلباو، اليوم، ضمن منافسات الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم.

ويحتل برشلونة المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري الاسباني بـ28 نقطة، بينما يحتل أتلتيك بلباو المركز السابع برصيد 17 نقطة.

وقد تسلم خوان جارسيا ورافينها التصريح الطبي بعد تعافيهما من الإصابة التي اضطرتهما للغياب عن صفوف الفريق في الفترة الماضية قبل فترة التوقف الدولي.

أقرأ أيضاً.. زوجة لاعب برشلونة ترفض اتهامه بالتمرد على هانز فليك

بينما يغيب ماركوس راشفورد والذي لم يشارك في آخر تدريبين لبرشلونة وحصل على إذن من هانز فليك بسبب معاناته من الحمى. قائمة برشلونة أمام أتلتيك بلباو:

في حراسة المرمى: خوان جارسيا- تشيزني- كوشين

خط الدفاع: بالدي- كوبارسي- أراوخو- كريستنسن- جيرارد مارتن- كوندي- إريك جارسيا

خط الوسط: فيرمين لوبيز- مارك كاسادو -أولمو- بيرنال- درو

خط الهجوم: فيران توريس- روبرت ليفاندوفسكي- لامين يامال- رافينها- روني باردجي

Baker takes rough debut in his stride as he awaits Ireland call

Fast bowler desperate for another crack at international cricket after wash-out in Malahide

Matt Roller20-Sep-2025Nobody at Malahide was more disappointed than Sonny Baker when rain ruined the second of England’s three matches in Ireland on Friday. Two-and-a-half weeks on from a chastening ODI debut against South Africa, Baker was in line to win his first T20I cap and was “desperate” for a second crack at international cricket. Instead, he is crossing his fingers for sunshine on Sunday.At 22, Baker has emerged as a serious prospect this year, fast-tracked onto an England development contract after impressing for the Lions in Australia. He starred in the Hundred, with sharp new-ball spells to David Warner and Jonny Bairstow, and was widely considered a potential Ashes bolter had he made a positive first impression in an England shirt.Instead, what should have been the highlight of his young career quickly turned into a day to forget. With just 131 on the board after a dramatic batting collapse – Baker was last man out, bowled first-ball – he was asked to bowl the first over, running up the hill at Headingley. Aiden Markram duly hit three of the first five balls of his England career to the boundary.His second over went no better, with Markram crunching him for six on either side of the ground. Harry Brook kept him on, hoping a wicket would change things, but had to relent after his first four overs cost 56 runs. Baker’s second spell, after an end change, went slightly better, but 0 for 76 in seven overs were still the worst figures for an England ODI debutant.Baker receives his England cap from Jos Buttler•ECB via Getty Images”It was obviously not exactly how I’d planned my debut going,” Baker said on Saturday, with a healthy dose of perspective. “Not all good experiences are enjoyable experiences… At the time, I was thinking, ’15 an over for my first three or four overs is not what I had in mind!’ But in the long run, it’ll be a good thing… The next one will definitely be better than that – or hopefully!”Jof [Jofra Archer] came over from cover to mid-off and was like, ‘How’s your heart rate, bud?’ But from an emotional management point of view, I actually felt okay at the time, all things considered. There was so much going on that I didn’t really have time to register, ‘Oh no, this is really not going how I wanted it to.’ It was like, ‘Well, I’ve just got to get on with it and deal with it.'”Overall, I was obviously a little bit disappointed after the series, because it’s not how you want your first game to go. I had a bit of time to reflect, but bounced back fairly quickly after that because I knew I was obviously in for this [tour].”Baker has quickly developed a reputation as a meticulous note-taker, who takes analysis very seriously and plans for each game in great detail. He was not too disheartened reviewing his debut, recounting one delivery to Markram at 89mph – “a little bit over the top of leg stump” – which disappeared over square leg for six.”Brooky was chatting to me after, and said, ‘What did you write down in your notebook after that game?’ I just said, ‘Shit happens,'” he recounted. “It was not the best I’ve bowled, but there’s days where I’ve bowled a lot worse than that and got four [wickets] for not very many. It’s just one of those games: you can score quickly at that ground.”Related

Brook backs butchered Baker after chastising ODI debut

Abject England still searching for one-day identity

Summer arrives late for Ireland in slender window of opportunity

Dublin downpour leads to Ireland-England washout

His main takeaway was how little room for error there is at international level: “It’s just the execution. I knew what I was trying to bowl [to Markram], just cramping him for room at the top of leg stump. If you miss fractionally short or you miss fractionally full, it’s tough. Basically, your margins are just smaller… Batters are allowed to play good shots.”He hopes to be involved in next month’s white-ball tour to New Zealand and will then head to Australia in some capacity, most likely with the Lions. After only seven first-class appearances – all of them this year, including an unusual debut for the Lions – Baker is still an unknown commodity as a red-ball bowler: “That’s one of the exciting things about being young, isn’t it?”Brendon McCullum singled him out for his “infectious enthusiasm” after the series, and his debut does not appear to have affected him too negatively. He was back bowling for Hampshire on Blast Finals Day last weekend, where his personal highlight was an inswinging yorker to clean up Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and is now hoping to make his T20I debut in front of his parents and his girlfriend in Ireland.Baker was “very nervous” on the morning of his debut at Headingley, but hopes that he will be able to channel his emotions in Malahide – a more low-key setting, even with tickets sold out for Sunday’s match – and prove himself in an England shirt: “I’m desperate to get out there again… Hopefully, [Sunday] will be a good opportunity to get one under my belt.”

Martin Odegaard in line for 'superhero' comeback in north London derby after Arsenal captain makes 'miraculous recovery' from injury

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is reportedly in line to make a "superhero" return to action in the north London derby. The Norwegian midfielder has sat out the Gunners' last seven games through injury, having endured a disrupted start to the 2025-26 campaign. He is, however, poised to hand manager Mikel Arteta a timely boost ahead of a home date with Tottenham.

Odegaard update: Gunners captain missed seven games

Arsenal are preparing to welcome Spurs to Emirates Stadium on Sunday. It was feared that Odegaard would be forced to sit out that contest with a knee problem, having struggled to find peak form and fitness this season.

According to , the 26-year-old is now in line to complete a "miraculous recovery" in time to feature against the Gunners’ fiercest rivals. He could make just his eighth appearance of the campaign in that fixture – and his seventh in the Premier League.

Advertisement(C)GettyImagesArsenal injury news: Who else is missing for the Gunners?

Arteta will be hoping that is the case as Arsenal are not expected to have star striker Viktor Gyokeres back in contention, with the Sweden international picking up a hamstring complaint against Burnley on November 1 that has kept him out of action for club and country.

Arsenal are also without Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz at present, while Gabriel Jesus is training again as his recovery from knee ligament damage is stepped up. Commanding centre-half Gabriel Magalhaes is expected to be out for at least a month after suffering a knock while turning out for Brazil.

Odegaard celebrated Norway reaching 2026 World Cup

While Odegaard has been restricted to a watching brief of late, he did travel to Oslo during the latest break in domestic duties to watch Norway secure qualification for their first World Cup since 1998 – with Erling Haaland taking his tally of goals in that campaign to 16.

Odegaard was on the pitch following a 4-1 victory over Estonia to join in with wild celebrations. He posted on social media afterwards: "We’ve been dreaming of moments like this since we were little kids. We have been working so hard. We have failed and failed… But we never gave up. Never lose faith, hope or unity.

"This group has stood together through the toughest days and moments, and therefore it feels even better to be where we are today. Proud to be a part of this crew. Proud to play for Norway. Proud to be Norwegian. Proud to represent Norway in the World Cup!! Dreams can really come true if you work hard and believe enough.

"To all the children and young adults out there: We were all once like you.

"So dream big and work hard, and everything is possible! Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us yesterday and thank you for all the love we have received the past few days! It means more than you know. Let’s enjoy the moment, but we won’t stop here…"

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Getty ImagesTottenham injury news: Kolo Muani to play in a mask

On the other side of the north London derby divide, Tottenham are hoping that Randal Kolo Muani will be cleared to play. The French forward has been training while donning a protective mask.

He damaged his jaw during Spurs’ dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester United, with it initially suggested that he could be sidelined for up to two months. He did not, however, require surgery and is ready if needed.

Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer Harry Kane famously wore a mask against Arsenal in 2016 – after breaking his nose – and ripped that off when celebrating a stunning goal at White Hart Lane.

Thomas Frank will be without long-term absentee James Maddison, along with Swedish playmaker Dejan Kulusevski and England international striker Dominic Solanke. Mohammed Kudus did not feature for Ghana during the November break and remains a doubt. Pape Matar Sarr picked up a knock during Senegal’s friendly with Brazil and may be forced to sit out a crunch clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal – who hold a four-point lead at the top of the table through 11 games this season.

It's showtime as winless Hong Kong take on wounded Afghanistan to kick off Asia Cup

Afghanistan will be particularly concerned by the form of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who endured a rough week in the recently-concluded tri-series

Danyal Rasool08-Sep-20254:10

What was the biggest turning point in Rashid Khan’s career?

Big picture: First of three big tasks for Hong KongMeasured by eyeballs, this is the largest non-ICC international tournament cricket has to offer, even if an opener between Afghanistan and Hong Kong doesn’t help make the case for that argument. But in a tight format, there is little bloat, and Hong Kong have the misfortune of being grouped with three legitimate contenders for the trophy.They have played 16 T20Is this year, but nothing that comes close to the sharp uptick in quality they will need to reckon with in a group that also includes Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. They got to the UAE almost three weeks in advance, and booked themselves four warm-up games to get into tune ahead of the tournament: a pair against Oman, as well as two against local club sides. That they split the fixtures with each opposition is perhaps suggestive of their level, as well as the task that lies ahead of them against last year’s T20 World Cup semi-finalists.Related

Back-to-back games plus travel 'not ideal' – Asalanka, Rashid on gruelling schedules

Kaushal Silva on coaching Hong Kong: 'No one is going to hand us anything'

'Maybe I have something…' – the phenomenal rise of Noor Ahmad

Stats – Nawaz sets new benchmarks as Afghanistan sink to record low

Asia Cup 2025: Politics, passion and a stage for new rivalries

However, there may not be a better time for Hong Kong to play Rashid Khan’s men. The fixture comes just two days after Afghanistan suffered a bruising defeat in the tri-series final against Pakistan, their batters looking totally ill-equipped against Pakistan’s spinners on a turning track in Sharjah. The emotional toll of that defeat, as well as the quick turnaround, offers Hong Kong a potential opportunity to catch Afghanistan out in Abu Dhabi.Realistically, though, that possibility is remote. Afghanistan are among the best sides in these conditions, and have a win over Pakistan as well as two against UAE from the tri-series under their belt. They boast a well-rounded bowling attack, as well as a batting lineup that combines destructiveness with a more classical poise. They demonstrated their strength in depth by rotating half the side against UAE in a dead rubber before the tri-series final, and still ended up winning. The shorter format and the timing may give Hong Kong the feeling they have a chance, but victory would still make this the greatest upset in Asia Cup history.Form guideAfghanistan: LWWWL
Hong Kong: LWWLW15:43

Can Afghanistan make the final of the Asia Cup?

In the spotlight: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hong Kong’s openersAfghanistan’s highest profile players are invariably the bowlers, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz bucks that trend. However, Afghanistan’s biggest batting superstar endured a rough week in the recent tri-series, scoring just 98 runs at under 110, 40 of which came in a dead rubber against UAE. The impact of his early dismissals has been somewhat mitigated by the remarkable consistency of Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal, but none have the explosiveness Gurbaz does when in full flow. Simply put, Afghanistan won’t make a deep run without his impact, and a game against Hong Kong represents an ideal opportunity to blast his way back to form.If Afghanistan’s opener has hit a dry patch, that certainly can’t be said for his Hong Kong counterparts Zeeshan Ali and Anshuman Rath. Far and away Hong Kong’s two leading run-scorers, they have demonstrated themselves to be consistent as well as dynamic, with strike rates hovering in the mid 140s. Both boast T20I hundreds this year, while Rath’s consistency, in particular, has made Hong Kong especially dependent on his runs. He has scored a further five half-centuries, and averages just under 50 for the year, the standout innings an unbeaten 59-ball 100 in a mauling of Singapore. Hong Kong need a fast start, and in that department at least, their openers have a track record of taking care of business.Team newsSince reintroducing Noor Ahmad into their side, Afghanistan have favoured the extra spinner. Expect a similar team to the one that played Pakistan in the final.Afghanistan (possible): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Sediqullah Atal, 4 Darwish Rasooli, 5 Karim Janat, 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Rashid Khan (capt), 8 Mohammad Nabi, 9 AM Ghazanfar, 10 Noor Ahmad, 11 Fazalhaq FarooqiHong Kong (possible): 1 Anshuman Rath, 2 Zeeshan Ali (wk), 3 Babar Hayat, 4 Nizakat Khan, 5 Matthew Coetzee, 6 Yasim Murtaza (capt), 7 Ehsan Khan, 8 Aizaz Khan, 9 Ateeq Iqbal, 10 Nasrulla Rana, 11 Ayush ShuklaNoor Ahmad and Afghanistan will be expected to be a formidable force in familiar Abu Dhabi conditions•AFP/Getty Images

Pitch and conditionsAbu Dhabi is considered slightly less conducive to spin than Dubai, which may dull Afghanistan’s edge marginally. It is expected to be warm and humid in the evening, as is routine in the UAE this time of year.Stats and trivia In 21 years of their presence in the Asia Cup, Hong Kong have lost all 11 matches they have played. Afghanistan have a better T20I record in Abu Dhabi – the venue of the match – than at any other ground in the UAE, winning 11 and losing 5. However, they lost their only match against Hong Kong at this venue, in 2015.

Saudi Arabia’s Fund for Development partners with FIFA to provide up to $1 billion in global football infrastructure loans

Saudi Arabia’s Fund for Development (SFD) has taken a major step into global football development through a new agreement with FIFA to provide up to $1 billion in concessional loans for sporting infrastructure projects. The partnership is designed to help close facility gaps in developing nations while supporting broader social and economic development tied to football investment.

  • AFP

    FIFA and SFD sign Memorandum of Understanding

    Saudi Arabia’s Fund for Development (SFD) will provide up to $1 billion in concessional loans to build or upgrade football infrastructure in developing nations under a Memorandum of Understanding with FIFA announced on Monday. The initiative will support sports-facility projects identified by member associations and aligned with national development plans.

    FIFA said the agreement will prioritize associations in developing countries that outline clear strategies for using sport within broader development goals. Funding will focus on constructing or improving FIFA-certified stadiums and related infrastructure.

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  • FIFA stresses infrastructure support

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino framed the agreement as a response to widespread infrastructure needs among the organization’s member federations. He said the partnership will help associations secure the venues and training centres required to host competitions and broaden access to the game.

    "FIFA's role is to develop football worldwide, and many of our FIFA Member Associations need additional support for the infrastructure necessary to host competitions," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement as per Reuters. "This agreement is a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global."

  • Getty Images Sport

    How the concessional loan program will work

    Under the memorandum, the Saudi Fund for Development will make concessional loans available to finance the construction and upgrading of football infrastructure in eligible countries. The SFD combines below-market lending with technical assistance on project design and delivery, which FIFA says will help ensure facilities meet international and sustainability standards. Member associations will be able to apply for support for stadiums, training centers, and related infrastructure.

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  • AFP

    Program targets facility development in eligible countries

    Many FIFA member associations, particularly in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, have cited limited access to modern, FIFA-certified facilities as a barrier to expanding participation and hosting competitions. The initiative provides a mechanism for eligible associations to seek financing for new or upgraded infrastructure.

Spurs have signed a centre-back "goal machine" who could surpass Van de Ven

Tottenham Hotspur have been something of a mixed bag this season, but at least the Londoners are well set for a prolonged period of success, having recruited a range of exciting young talents over the past few years.

While there are many teenage talents waiting in the wings, Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou before him have succeeded in integrating youth, with the average age of Tottenham’s starting 11 in the Premier League this season 25.2, as opposed to a 27-year-old average during the 2022/23 campaign.

Who could be a better purveyor of this new focus than Micky van de Ven? The 24-year-old has increasingly become a talismanic force for the Lilywhites.

How Van de Ven is becoming the main man at Spurs

Van de Ven isn’t quite a spring chicken, having racked up 51 Premier League appearances, but he’s still well before his prime as a centre-back, and he’s still emerging as a superstar for Tottenham.

The Dutch defender has been described as “world-class” by journalist Sonny Snelling, with his remarkable blend of athletic power and position-bending pace making him a force to be reckoned with.

It is crucial that Tottenham keep him in their ranks over the coming years, with few players more influential than him in the Premier League. It would be difficult for Spurs to sign an even better star to strengthen their backline, after all. Certainly, it would be difficult to find someone capable of mimicking the former Wolfsburg player’s dynamic skills.

Of course, Tottenham’s prudence and promotion of their academy talent has seen them land such a player already.

Spurs have signed a bigger talent than Van de Ven

Van de Ven is a unique profile, but then Tottenham have also signed a singular talent in Luka Vuskovic, with the 18-year-old bearing the skillset to become one of the Premier League’s finest.

Hailed as a “freak talent” and a “freak athlete” for his physical profile by analyst Ben Mattinson, Vuskovic is currently plying his trade out on loan in Germany with Hamburger SV, with Spurs having wrapped up a deal for the youngster in 2023, yet to integrate him into the senior set-up.

While there is much work still to be done, the Croatian prospect has only increased the hype across his first few months in the Bundesliga, having established himself as a core part of Hamburg’s defence, who are 13th after ten matches.

Looking at how the teenager compares with Van de Ven this season, it’s easy to see why there is so much chatter around his name. You might even say Van de Ven is being outperformed by the younger man.

Translation from the Bundesliga to the Premier League can prove a hard task, but Vuskovic certainly has what it takes, and his physical attributes are only going to develop further over the coming years.

League Stats 25/26 – Van de Ven vs Vuskovic

Match Stats (* per game)

Van de Ven

Vuskovic

Matches (starts)

11 (11)

8 (8)

Goals

3

1

Assists

0

0

Clean sheets

3

2

Touches*

69.9

82.5

Accurate passes*

54.6 (92%)

53.0 (86%)

Chances created*

0.2

0.8

Dribbles*

0.3

0.3

Recoveries*

3.7

4.4

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

1.6

Clearances*

3.4

9.8

Duels (won)*

3.1 (53%)

8.9 (72%)

Data via Sofascore

With this in mind, we might consider the 6 foot 4 teenager to have what it takes to become Tottenham’s leader at the rear, ahead of Van de Ven, ahead of Cristian Romero.

In fact, WhoScored believe that Vuskovic’s performances have been so impressive that he gets into the European Team of the Season so far, higher-rated, in fact, than Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes beside him.

Not just a warrior at the back, in the words of U23 scout Antonio Mango, much like Van de Ven, he is “turning into a goal machine” having netted seven goals on loan at Belgian side KVC Westerlo in 2024/25.

Though Vuskovic still has some developing to do, there’s no question that he’s a potential superstar, and if he does come to partner the Dutchman down the line, he might even outstrip him.

Spurs have their new Parrott in academy star who's been "compared to Kane"

This Tottenham Hotspur youngster could be a future star in North London despite his struggles this season.

ByDan Emery Nov 20, 2025

Braves Sign Veteran Catcher James McCann to Minor League Contract

The Atlanta Braves are signing veteran catcher James McCann to a minor league contract, according to Robert Murray of

McCann, 34, is an 11-year veteran and played in 65 games for the Baltimore Orioles last season, where he batted .234 with eight home runs and 31 RBI in 214 plate appearances.

The Braves' catching situation heading into Opening Day later this month was becoming dire. Starting catcher Sean Murphy is set to start the season on the injured list. His backup, Chadwick Tromp, is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster, because Atlanta released catcher Curt Casali and assigned veteran Sandy Leon to minor league camp.

Unless the Braves added another catcher, top prospect Drake Baldwin would have joined the Major League roster for Opening Day before the club believed he was ready. McCann's entrance into the fold at least provides some competition for Baldwin for the second catching spot behind Murphy.

Elly De La Cruz Made the Sweetest Diving Catch vs. Orioles

Elly De La Cruz continues to wow people on a baseball diamond.

On Sunday, the Cincinnati Reds shortstop made a ridiculous catch to prevent the Baltimore Orioles from scoring an early run.

In the bottom of the second inning wthe Reds were nursing a 1-0 lead, with Jordan Westburg on second base and one out. Jackson Holliday stepped to the plate and sent a 1-2 pitch from Brent Suter up the middle. The ball was ticketed for center field and possibly an RBI single when De La Cruz flew across the infield and made a full-extension diving catch on the opposite side of second base.

Check this out:

The man is an absolutely ridiculous athlete.

To make things even better, De La Cruz homered to lead off the next inning, sparking a seven-run inning.

As of this article, De La Cruz is slashing .247/.319/.459 with those five home runs, 22 RBIs and seven stolen bases.

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