'I won't stay where I'm no longer wanted!' – Francesco Acerbi refuses Italy call-up as Inter star hints at 'lack of respect' from Luciano Spalletti

Inter defender Francesco Acerbi has rejected a call-up to the Italy national team while hinting at a "lack of respect" from coach Luciano Spalletti.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Acerbi refuses Italy call-up
  • Hints at "lack of respect"
  • Last played in November 2023
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Acerbi was initially named in Spalletti's squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova but has turned down the invite. The 37-year-old started as Inter were hammered 5-0 by PSG in the Champions League final on Saturday but now claims the "conditions aren't there" to accept a call-up to the national team.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT ACERBI SAID

    Acerbi said in a statement on social media: "It's not a decision I have taken lightly. However, I believe that in light of recent events the conditions aren't there today for me to go forward with serenity. I demand respect. If that respect is lacking from those who should lead the group, I prefer to step aside. I won't stay where I'm no longer truly wanted and it's clear I'm not part of the coach's project."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Acerbi last featured for Italy in November 2023, having sustained a groin injury that saw him miss out on Euro 2024. He has been a key figure in Inter's impressive run in the Champions League.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT FOR ITALY?

    Italy are yet to play in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group under Spalletti, with rivals Norway already on six points after registering two wins in March. The Azzurri have not been at either of the last two World Cups.

Mohammad Abbas six-for gives Notts Division One wake-up call

Fletcha Middleton’s unbeaten half-century leads solid Hampshire response

ECB Reporters Network06-Apr-2023Hampshire 119 for 3 (Middleston 56*) trail Nottinghamshire 185 (Moores 49*, Abbas 6-49) by 66 runsHampshire’s Mohammad Abbas produced his relentless best to help bowl Nottinghamshire out for 185 on their return to the LV= Insurance County Championship Division One. Pakistan fast bowler Abbas claimed 6 for 49 as he ripped out the Notts top order before coming back to deal with the tail.Only Joe Clarke and Tom Moores, with 47 and 49 not out respectively, stood up to Hampshire’s imperious attack, with James Fuller also picking up a pair of wickets.Championship debutant Fletcha Middleton then kept the response in order with an impressive 56 not out as Hampshire ended the day on 119 for 3 – 66 runs shy of Notts’ first innings score.Abbas has been a menace for Championship batters since arriving at Hampshire in 2021 – with wicket tallies of 41 and 50 coming at an average well under 20. But that hasn’t persuaded Pakistan to bring him back into their Test side for the first time since August 2021, with his exile coming after a run of indifferent form.But Pakistan’s loss has been Hampshire’s gain. All his attributes – nibbling the ball around with metronomic precision – are suited to the Ageas Bowl, especially in early April.It was therefore a surprise that Notts captain Steven Mullaney chose to bat first, although less so when Haseeb Hameed and Ben Duckett eased to 42 without loss before Abbas found his groove.Abbas ground through to his sixth over before Duckett pushed to first slip. Hameed – who has been dropped second ball of the match – prodded behind in the following over. Ben Slater and Steven Mullaney were both victims of Abbas, either side of Kyle Abbott finding Lyndon James’ outside edge to leave Notts 93 for 5.Abbas’ rest allowed Moores and Clarke to rebuild watchfully, although the latter played typically stylishly through the off side. It took 34 overs before James Vince moved away from his strike trio of Abbas, Abbott and Keith Barker, when he brought Fuller into the attack.Fuller had Clarke caught behind in his fourth over before Liam Patterson-White was dropped first ball but caught soon after for a quickfire doubleAbbas returned to complete his five-for as Olly Stone was caught at the wicket and Luke Fletcher chipped to midwicket – it was Abbas’ third six-wicket haul for Hampshire. Moores closed in on a deserved half-century but in trying to come back for a second, last man Dane Paterson was caught short of his ground by a pinpoint throw from Vince on the boundary.In reply, Stone marked his Notts debut with a wicket with his ninth delivery, as Felix Organ was caught at second slip. Nick Gubbins followed in a similar fashion off Fletcher before Vince was bowled by a James snorter to see the hosts slump to 57 for 3.Middleton – son of former Hampshire player and current batting coach Tony – was making his County Championship debut, having impressed in a first-class match, against Sri Lanka Development XI, and the One-Day Cup campaign last season.Middleton had been battling at the other end but unleashed with a trio of boundaries in a Stone over to get over any potential nerves.On a pitch prepared by groundstaff brother Finn he looked in little bother has he was joined in an unbroken 62-run stand with Liam Dawson. He reach his fifty in 88 balls just before bad light pulled the players off seven overs early.

Por Brasileirão, São Paulo decidiu manter negociações por dupla do City mesmo 'sem janela' em copas

MatériaMais Notícias

Por mais que o São Paulo tenha procurado o Grupo City no início de julho em busca da dupla de Nahuels – o atacante Bustos e o atacante Ferraresi -, o negócio só andou para valer na última semana. O problema é que nesse período fecharam-se os períodos de inscrições para a Copa do Brasil e, pelo menos para o duelo com o Ceará, nas quartas de final da Copa Sul-Americana. Mas qual o motivo para manter o negócio? A campanha mediana no Campeonato Brasileiro.

RelacionadasSão PauloSão Paulo x Ceará: prováveis times, desfalques e onde assistir ao duelo pela Sul-AmericanaSão Paulo02/08/2022São PauloReinaldo e Alisson voltam aos treinos no São Paulo, mas não devem começar jogando contra o CearáSão Paulo02/08/2022São PauloSão Paulo anuncia a venda de 47 mil ingressos para duelo contra o Ceará pela Sul-AmericanaSão Paulo02/08/2022

GALERIA
+ Veja como anda as negociações para as renovações de contrato do São Paulo nesta janela de transferências

O LANCE! apurou que uma reunião entre o técnico Rogério Ceni e o coordenador de futebol Muricy Ramalho com a diretoria foi fundamental para contrariar o primeiro passo dado, de rejeitar o negócio, até pelo desgaste que ele gerou no mês passado pela falta de resposta do conglomerado árabe ao Tricolor.

No entendimento da gestão do futebol tricolor, contudo, não será necessariamente um problema contar com Bustos e Ferraresi apenas para o Brasileirão. Isso por conta do cenário que se desenhou para o São Paulo na competição.

Depois que a prioridade do clube virou de vez para as Copas, o Tricolor ruiu no Brasileirão. Já são cinco partidas seguidas sem vitória, com o recorde de 11 empates em 20 jogos disputados. As cinco vitórias somadas na mesma quantidade de partidas é o mais baixo índice da história dos pontos corridos, ao lado das edições de 2005 (ano em que a prioridade no primeiro turno foi a Copa Libertadores, ganha) e 2013.

Com o tropeço no fim de semana para o Athletico, quando atuou com um time misto, o São Paulo acumula apenas quatro vitórias em seus últimos 18 jogos como visitante (três pela Copa Sul-Americana e uma pelo Brasileiro), tendo ficado sem sofrer gols apenas duas vezes: nos empates por 0 a 0 com o Everton, do Chile, e com o Atlético-MG.

Já nas últimas 21 partidas fora de casa pelo Brasileirão, o retrospecto é ainda pior, com somente duas vitórias (Palmeiras, em novembro, e
Atlético-GO, há pouco menos de um mês). A defesa só não foi vazada por três vezes: nos empates por 0 a 0 com Cuiabá e Atlético-MG e na vitória por 2 a 0 sobre o Palmeiras.

-Nós temos que melhorar nosso nível de jogo em todas as competições, não só no Campeonato Brasileiro. Mas eu sempre falo que o Brasileiro é um campeonato perigoso. É que os caminhos que nós tivemos (nos mata-matas), com os adversários e os sorteios de confrontos, não nos deixaram estar com toda a força no Campeonato Brasileiro. Na minha cabeça, a programação era uma, mas, quando saíram os confrontos… se você cai contra o Palmeiras em um sorteio, você não pode abrir mão – disse Ceni, que completou.

– Nós vemos a Sul-Americana como possibilidade, mesmo com muita dificuldade de enfrentar o Ceará. É sempre a busca por um título: você não quer abrir mão. Mas não se consegue. Nós tivemos uma sequência de quatro jogos em dez dias e vamos ter agora novamente uma sequência de quatro jogos em dez dias. Se você não rodar o elenco… [mas] repito: não foi pela rodagem do elenco que nós não vencemos o jogo. Foi pelos nossos próprios erros.

Trocando em miúdos, Bustos e Ferraresi entrariam para jogar no Brasileirão. E assim aliviar um pouco a carga sobre as crias de Cotia. Com o Tricolor a apenas seis pontos da zona de rebaixamento e uma sequência complicada, que já começa com o confronto ante o Flamengo no sábado (6), no Morumbi, rodar o elenco se torna essencial, sem que para isso os meninos sejam jogados à fogueira.

Um estudo feito pelo analista Euler Victor aponta que o São Paulo é o clube que mais utilizou as categorias de base em jogos do Campeonato Brasileiro no primeiro turno. Os critérios para definir tais atletas são a idade, o período na base do time, o momento em que chegou na agremiação e a continuidade na disputa nacional. Com um elenco de 42 jogadores, o Tricolor tem uma média de idade de 23,6 anos e já concedeu 6.682 minutos a jogadores da base. O segundo colocado é o Corinthians, com 4.252 minutos cedidos.

Ao todo, no ano, Ceni já escalou pela primeira vez 11 atletas vindos da base:Thiago Couto, Moreira, Luizão, Beraldo, Patryck, Léo Silva, Pablo Maia, Palmberg, Rodriguinho, Maioli e Caio.

A necessidade criou a oportunidade. Mas Ceni, Muricy e outros do futebol são-paulino sabem: a paciência da torcida com os jovens pode não durar se as coisas não melhorarem no Brasileirão.

TABELA
> Confira classificação, jogos e simule resultados do Brasileirão-22
> Confira todos os jogos da Copa do Brasil-22
> Confira todos os jogos da Copa Sul-Americana-22
> Conheça o novo aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Burnley are streets ahead! The 11 best defences in EFL Championship history

The Championship has seen some brilliant attacking teams throughout the years, but the second tier has also provided some rock-solid defensive sides.

Burnley ripped up the record books during the 2024/25 campaign under Scott Parker, with the Clarets keeping plenty of clean sheets at Turf Moor, conceding just 16 goals all season on their way to promotion.

But who are the best Championship defences over the last 20 years? We’ve looked at the sides who have conceded the fewest goals in a Championship season, with the Clarets featuring more than once.

The 10 best players in the Championship right now

The second tier is providing great entertainment and drama once again, but which stars are standing out?

1 ByCharlie Smith Feb 14, 2025

Rank

Team

Season

Goals conceded

Burnley

2024/25

Leeds

2024/25

Watford

2020/21

Preston

2005/06

Middlesbrough

2015/16

QPR

2010/11

Reading

2005/06

Burnley

2022/23

Leeds United

2019/20

Hull City

2015/16

Burnley

2015/16

Newcastle United

2009/10

Wigan Athletic

2004/05

13 Wigan Athletic (2004/05) 35 goals

The first of six teams to have conceded 35 goals in the Championship was Wigan Athletic back in 2004/05.

The Latics didn’t win the title, though, finishing seven points behind Sunderland. Under Paul Jewell, Wigan had the likes of Leighton Baines, Jimmy Bullard, Jason Roberts and Nathan Ellington, and spent eight years in the Premier League before being relegated in 2013.

12 Newcastle United (2009/10) 35 goals

Newcastle United bounced straight back to the Premier League in 2009/10, boasting a solid defensive record under Chris Hughton in the Championship.

The Magpies were automatically promoted by Easter and won the title on 102 points, keeping 22 clean sheets with Steve Harper in goal.

11 Burnley (2015/16) 35 goals

Sean Dyche and Burnley were a match made in heaven in the Championship, with the Clarets winning the title in 2015/16.

Michael Keane and Ben Mee formed a solid partnership at the back and Tom Heaton was in goal, resulting in Burnley keeping 20 clean sheets and going unbeaten in the second half of the season. However, they didn’t have the best defensive record that year.

10 Hull City (2015/16) 35 goals

Hull City matched Burnley’s tally of letting in just 35 goals in 2015/16, but had to settle for a place in the play-offs under Steve Bruce.

The Tigers had the likes of Harry Maguire and Andy Robertson at the back and Allan McGregor in goal, which helped them overcome Derby County over two legs to book their spot at Wembley.

Hull faced Sheffield Wednesday for a place in the Premier League, and their impressive defensive record was on show once again, keeping a clean sheet as Mohamed Diame’s strike made the difference.

The 15 most expensive signings in EFL Championship history

The second tier has had its fair share of mega-money deals.

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 3, 2025 9 Leeds United (2019/20) 35 goals

Under Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds United were extremely entertaining to watch, with plenty of goals scored and conceded in the Premier League. However, it was a different story in the Championship.

After falling short in his first attempt to take the Whites back to the top flight, Bielsa had Leeds solid at the back in 2019/20, with loanee Ben White starring in defence.

Leeds won the title by 10 points and kept 22 clean sheets, with 11 of their 35 goals conceded coming over the festive period, including a dramatic 5-4 win at Birmingham City.

8 Burnley (2022/23) 35 goals

The Clarets once again conceded just 35 goals in 2022/23 under Vincent Kompany, with the Belgian taking Burnley back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

It was Kompany’s first taste of management in England, and the former Manchester City centre-back passed all his experience to the likes of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jordan Beyer.

Burnley ended on 102 points but came straight back down to the Championship, with Kompany leaving for Bayern Munich.

7 Reading (2005/06) 32 goals

The best team in Championship history had to feature on this list, with Reading winning a record-breaking 106 points under Steve Coppell, losing on just two occasions, one of which came on the opening weekend.

The Royals scored 99 goals during the campaign but were just as impressive at the back. Marcus Hahnemann was the man in goal, keeping 22 clean sheets, whereas Ibrahima Sonko and Ivar Ingimarsson formed a solid centre-back partnership, with Nicky Shorey and Graeme Murty excelling at full-back.

The highest points tallies in Championship history

These sides romped to Premier League promotion.

ByCharlie Smith May 17, 2025 6 QPR (2010/11) 32 goals

Iconic Championship manager Neil Warnock took four teams to the Premier League during his career, one of which was QPR in 2010/11.

The R’s kept an incredible 10 clean sheets in their opening 12 games and didn’t lose until December, eventually winning the title ahead of Norwich City.

Warnock had a plethora of attacking stars including Adel Taarabt, who recorded a record 21 assists that season.

But the unsung defensive heroes that year were Clint Hill, Kaspars Gorkss, Matthew Connolly and goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. QPR even had Kyle Walker on loan from Tottenham that year, with the right-back making 20 Championship appearances.

5 Middlesbrough (2015/16) 31 goals

During the aforementioned 2015/16 season, Middlesbrough had the best defensive record ahead of Burnley and Hull City, conceding just 31 times as they finished in the second automatic promotion spot.

Aitor Karanka was the man in charge at the Riverside, with Boro finishing on 89 points and winning promotion on the final day against third-place Brighton & Hove Albion.

Goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos played every minute of Championship action and kept 22 clean sheets, including nine in a row between November and January.

4 Preston North End (2005/06) 30 goals

You’d think conceding 30 goals in a 46-game campaign would guarantee promotion, right? Not in Preston North End’s case during the 2005/06 season.

Under Billy Davies, the Lilywhites kept 22 clean sheets, but had to settle for a place in the play-offs, with Reading and Sheffield United going up automatically.

Unfortunately for those at Deepdale, they couldn’t replicate their impressive defensive record against Leeds United in the play-off semi-final, losing 3-1 over two legs.

He'd be incredible with Gyokeres: £51m star is "on his way to Arsenal"

Andrea Berta was officially announced as Arsenal’s new sporting director on Sunday afternoon, signalling a new era at the Emirates Stadium.

The exit of Edu towards the end of last year came as a shock to many at the club but for some, that has been a positive, chiefly Mikel Arteta who has now found himself with more power behind the scenes.

Upon Berta’s arrival, it was reported that the Italian was Arteta’s choice and that’s important considering they will have to mutually agree on how to strengthen the club.

While Edu was central to deals for players like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, he was also to blame for a poor summer window in 2024, ultimately his final venture with the Gunners.

The north Londoners have failed to sign a much-needed centre forward in the last two windows and that will be Berta’s first priority when he sits down to discuss this summer’s business.

Alexander Isak is a key target while Viktor Gyokeres’ popularity is growing among Arsenal’s recruitment team.

The latest on Viktor Gyokeres' move to Arsenal

Many a striker has been linked with the Gunners over the last year, notably Newcastle’s Isak.

Yet, with a £150m asking price, a deal seems highly unlikely to be negotiated.

Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is another highly touted with the club but there’s a new target in the club’s crosshairs.

That’s according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein who reported over the weekend that Arsenal are ‘developing a strong interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres’.

It’s noted that Gyokeres has long been admired by Arsenal’s new sporting director and as a result, he is expected to feature prominently among the names that the Gunners consider over the summer.

While signing a striker is a big priority for Arteta and Co, there’s a key target emerging in another area of the pitch.

£51m star is reportedly on his way to Arsenal

Signing Gyokeres would be hugely exciting but there is also the need to improve in midfield with the likes of Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Mikel Merino was acquired nearly a year ago but hasn’t set the world alight as a number 8, forcing Rice to play further forward.

As a consequence of all of that, Arsenal have been looking to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi

Reports over the winter suggested that Arsenal had been working on a deal to bring the Spaniard to the club and that a move was advanced.

Since then, several claims have indicated that he’s set to come to English football in a few months’ time, with Arsenal leading the race for his signature.

Now, according to a new report in Spain, a move looks all but official. Via Marca, Spanish journalist Oscar Badallo reported during Sociedad’s latest game with Real Valladolid that the 26-year-old is “on his way to Arsenal.”

Martin Zubimendi

Previous reports have suggested a deal could be done in the region of £51m, which is the player’s release clause.

How Gyokeres and Zubimendi would benefit Arsenal

Arsenal have not been too far off winning the league over the last three seasons but there’s always been a feeling that they’re just a couple of players short.

The attack has been one of the biggest problems, notably this season, where main man Bukayo Saka has missed the last three months with a hamstring problem.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are also out for the season, which after Arsenal didn’t sign a new striker in January has led to Merino filling the void.

So, adding a centre forward has always been the primary objective. To be quite honest, it doesn’t necessarily matter who they sign because anyone would be an upgrade on makeshift Merino.

However, with Isak looking off the table due to his price tag, Gyokeres would surely be the next best thing. Why? Well, he’s one of the most prolific forwards in the game.

In fact, across all first division football worldwide in 2024, no player scored more than Gyokeres’ 36 goals.

Added to that, the Swedish powerhouse is the sixth-highest goal scorer in first division football throughout 2025, finding the net on 12 occasions in ten games.

1. Alex (Dewa United)

17

2. Mohanad Ali (Al Shorta)

15

3. Marcos Leonardo (Al Hilal)

14

4. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)

13

5. Ivan Toney (Al Ahli)

13

6. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)

12

7. Mika Biereth (Monaco)

12

8. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

12

He’s certainly a freak of nature when it comes to scoring goals, beating the goalkeeper on 42 occasions in as many games this season.

So, on that basis, he could well be the missing piece of the puzzle as far as Arsenal are concerned.

However, in order for the former Coventry City star to get those goal-scoring opportunities, he needs his teammates to exert control and in Zubimendi, they’d get that in abundance.

Described as “one of the best central midfielders in the world” by Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, he could be the Rodri-esque signing Arsenal could make in order to take their team to the next level.

He’s a Jorginho-type sitting midfielder who has a beautiful passing range, knows how to evade the press and can playmake from deep. He’s like Rodri, just a little less physical.

Boasting a fine all-round game, the Spain international ranks within the best 15% of midfielders in LaLiga for progressive passes per 90 minutes this season, the top 18% for aerial duels won and the best 6% for take-on success.

What we can establish from that is that he’s a capable dribbler, he doesn’t back out from duels and he can play the ball forward. Very often sitting players like Zubimendi can be criticised for playing sideways but that certainly isn’t the case here. He ranks in the top 21% of positionally similar players in Spain’s top-flight for passes into the final third per 90.

On this evidence, Gyokeres need not worry about the speed of Arsenal’s transition from defence to attack. You take a look at Zubimendi, Rice and Martin Odegaard and see three players who want to pass forward.

These potential arrivals could be game-changers in Arsenal’s pursuit of winning the Premier League title next term.

Arteta can forget Gyokeres by unleashing Arsenal star who's "like Henry"

Arsenal are unlikely to spend £150m on Alexander Isak.

1 ByMatt Dawson Mar 30, 2025

Real Madrid step up transfer battle with PSG as Spanish giants ready €40m bid to ensure River Plate wonderkid joins Club World Cup squad

Real Madrid have reignited their pursuit of Franco Mastantuono as they attempt to hijack Paris Saint-Germain's efforts to sign the River Plate player.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Madrid re-enter race to sign MastantuonoLos Blancos' interest in midfielder had cooledPSG were closing in on transfer for ArgentineFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Madrid are working hard to complete the signing of the 17-year-old before the Club World Cup, with reporting they have sent representatives to Buenos Aires to conduct negotiations with River Plate.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Over the past year, Madrid were believed to be the clear frontrunners to land his signature, as he reportedly snubbed a move to the Premier League in favour of 'waiting' for a call from Los Blancos. However, Madrid's unwillingness to trigger Mastantuono's €45 million (£38m/$51m) release clause allowed PSG to pull ahead in the race, and it was reported on Monday that the French giants appeared set to snap him up.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mastantuono became River Plate's youngest ever scorer at 16 years, five months and 25 days old in February 2024. He has earned a call-up to the Argentina senior national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, which could see him make his debut at an even younger age than Lionel Messi did.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MASTANTUONO?

Madrid usually end up acquiring the players they really want to add to their squad. Given Mastantuono's first and only preference to join the Spanish giants, a deal could be fast-tracked in the coming days, with the expectation that he could be a part of the Club World Cup squad.

Better than Colwill & Fofana: Chelsea in talks to sign £50m PL star

Chelsea haven’t been in the same high-flying form they started this Premier League campaign with, losing four of their last eight games in all competitions, including a 1-0 loss against Arsenal, a 2-1 loss against Aston Villa and back-to-back losses against Brighton.

However, despite their poor run of form, Enzo Maresca’s side still find themselves fourth in the Premier League table with nine games left to play as they enter the final stretch for UEFA Champions League qualification.

Chelsea's Marc Cucurella celebrates scoring their first goal with Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea are the Premier League’s joint-fourth top scorers, netting 53 times in 29 games so far, but whilst their defensive numbers have improved this season, Maresca will still be keen to refine this area of the pitch next season, looking to add personnel that fits his tactical ideas both on and off the ball.

Chelsea want to sign Premier League defender

Having kept a clean sheet in three of their last six games in all competitions, signing a new defender may not top Maresca’s bucket list this summer but they are on the lookout for a new centre-back, nonetheless.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The Blues have been linked with a move to bring Marc Guehi back to Stamford Bridge from Crystal Palace but he’s not the only Premier League star on the club’s radar.

Indeed, according to reports from Spain, via SportWitness, Chelsea are in the race for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, and will challenge the likes of Real Madrid for the 19-year-old defender’s signature in the summer transfer window.

The report mentions that Maresca will be a key figure in this deal, with the Italian reportedly being in “direct contact” with the defender’s entourage for “years” after playing for Malaga in Spain, the same academy Huijsen was with from 2015-2021.

Bournemouth's DeanHuijsencelebrates scoring their first goal with AFC Bournemouth's Ryan Christie and AFC Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez

Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that the Spanish defender has a £50m release clause, which will become active in the summer, valid for all clubs with no limitations around the deal. Romano also stated, ‘movements around the defender have already started.’

How Dean Huijsen compares to Fofana & Colwill

Bournemouth made the signing of Huijsen for a fee of around just £12.6m, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to a total of £15.2m.

That has proven to be a bargain with the 19-year-old making 27 appearances for the Cherries this season, scoring twice and contributing to six clean sheets in his 2,093 minutes played.

The number of minutes he’s played is particularly important here. That’s because no other teenager in the top-flight this term has played more often than him.

So, what could he offer to Maresca’s set-up and how would he improve the make-up of this Chelsea backline?

Well, when comparing Huijsen to both Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, you can see the Bournemouth defender is a combination of the two.

Huijsen vs Wesley Fofana & Colwill in 24/25

Stats (per 90 mins)

Huijsen

Fofana

Colwill

Goals + Assists

0.12

0.00

0.07

Progressive Carries

1.38

1.46

0.37

Progressive Passes

4.20

2.46

4.04

Pass Completion %

83.5%

90.2%

89.6%

Passes into Final Third

5.80

4.15

4.70

Tackles

1.49

1.00

1.26

Blocks

1.70

1.08

1.07

Interceptions

1.92

1.08

1.04

Aerial Duels Won

2.55

2.08

2.52

Stats taken from FBref

Indeed, Huijsen provides the aggressive duel qualities to win aerial and ground battles, make tackles and blocks, but also has the on-ball silk to pick passes, making 5.80 passes into the final third per 90 minutes.

Notable scout Jacek Kulig has labeled the 19-year-old as a “phenomenal” young centre-back who has “maturity far beyond his years” and it is clear to see why he has such a long list of suitors with these qualities.

The Spain international has the ability to partner either one of Colwill or Fofana next season, possessing both the on-ball qualities needed in Maresca’s back line – usually acquired by Colwill’s inclusion – and also having the defensive capability to step up, defend high and win his duels.

AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsenduring the warm up before the match

Having these three as centre-back options next season could give Chelsea and Maresca a much better chance of taking that next step and eventually challenging for a title.

Maresca can forget Neto & Nkunku by starting Chelsea "genius" in new role

Enzo Maresca could have a solution to his current Chelsea centre-forward issue.

ByEthan Lamb Mar 27, 2025

لاعب الزمالك السابق يوافق على الانتقال إلى الصفافسي التونسي

اقترب فريق الصفاقسي التونسي من التعاقد مع لاعب الزمالك السابق، في صفقة جديدة لتدعيم صفوف الفريق قبل انطلاق الموسم الجديد.

الصفاقسي أنهى الموسم الماضي في الدوري التونسي، متواجدًا في المركز السابع برصيد 44 نقطة، من الفوز في 11 مباراة والتعادل في مثلهم والخسارة في 8.

ووفقًا لإذاعة “موزاييك” التونسية، فإن إدارة النادي الصفاقسي قد توصّلت إلى اتفاق مبدئي مع الجناح الأيمن الأوغندي ترافيس موتيابا يقضي بضمّه إلى صفوف الفريق.

ووفقًا لما حصلت عليه موزاييك فإن اللاعب البالغ من العمر 19 سنة قد أعطى موافقته على الانضمام إلى النادي الصفاقسي في انتظار استكمال المفاوضات والتوصل إلى اتفاق نهائي، ومن ثم إمضاء العقد.

طالع أيضًا:  شيكابالا: زيزو فعل معي موقفًا أحزنني كثيرًا.. وابني ضحك عندما أخبرته باعتزالي

وسبق للاعب ترافيس موتيابا أن لعب في صفوف نادي الزمالك المصري، من الفترة فبراير 2024 حتى أغسطس من نفس العالم، حيث فاز بكأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية، رفقة الفارس الأبيض.

Real Madrid beat PSG to Franco Mastantuono transfer as €40m deal agreed with River Plate for Argentine wonderkid

Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign River Plate wonderkid Franco Mastantuono, who will be joining the club on a six-year deal.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Mastantuono set to complete transfer to Madrid
  • Los Blancos beat stiff competition from PSG
  • Argentine to sign a six-year contract until 2031
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Argentine wonderkid Mastantuono from River Plate on a six-year deal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish giants beat stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain, who were once in the driver's seat to acquire the services of the talented teenager.

  • Advertisement

  • GOAL

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Mastantuono had been linked with Madrid since 2023, but the deal never progressed until PSG entered the race and became the favourites to snap him up this summer. However, the River Plate superstar will now join Los Blancos, who are set to fork out a €40 million ($45m/£34m) fee. The amount will be paid in installments, according to Romano. Although the deal has been agreed, the move is yet to be officially announced by either club. River Plate will first request that Madrid allow them to keep Mastantuono for the Club World Cup. If that happens, the 17-year-old will arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu in August.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Real Madrid's chief scout, Juni Calafat, personally travelled to Buenos Aires to meet with Mastantuono's family and his entourage. The player himself preferred to join the 15-time European champions, with reports from Spain claiming that he stalled negotiations with all interested clubs in order to wait for the call from Madrid to arrive. What's more, new Madrid manager Xabi Alonso personally had a phone call with the youngster to explain to him his role and where he would fit into his project. Mastantuono appreciated the call and it convinced him to reject PSG's advances.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • AFP

    WHAT NEXT?

    Mastantuono can next be seen in action on Wednesday, June 11, when Argentina take on 2024 Copa America runners-up Colombia in a World Cup qualifying game. He could also face his future employers, Real Madrid, at the Club World Cup, should River Plate meet the La Liga giants in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Peter Handscomb leads Leicestershire rearguard with unbeaten ton

Foxes secure draw with leaders Durham that takes them into second place in table

ECB Reporters Network28-Jun-2023

Peter Handscomb was 136 not out at the close•Getty Images

A magnificent unbeaten century by Peter Handscomb led a successful rearguard action by Leicestershire to secure a draw with leaders Durham that takes them into second place in the LV= Insurance County Championship table.The Australian wicketkeeper-batter finished on 136 not out, his second hundred for the county, before bad light ultimately had the final word with Leicestershire 259 for 8 with 10 overs left in the match.Durham will feel that they were denied by the elements, but Leicestershire had battled through 20 overs at eight down, largely against spinners Matt Parkinson and Liam Trevaskis with fielders crowded round the bat, Handscomb managing the strike so well that ninth-wicket partner Ed Barnes faced only 43 balls in 71 minutes at the crease.Earlier, Durham had declared at 343 for 4 after Alex Lees (145) and David Bedingham (145 not out) had shared a 243-run stand for the third wicket, giving themselves 89 overs to take 10 wickets and Leicestershire a theoretical 439 to win.Ben Raine finished with 4 for 55, including two wickets in his first four deliveries with Matthew Potts and Parkinson collecting two each. Their efforts were ultimately in vain but the 13-point haul they took from the match stretches their lead to 36.Durham’s requirements for the run chase were met after 47 were added in 28 balls to the overnight total before the declaration came.Lees could add only seven to his 138 not out before he was caught in the deep slog-sweeping Callum Parkinson, who also bowled his fellow slow left-armer Liam Trevaskis for seven. Bedingham was the biggest contributor in this entertaining burst of slogging, plundering 33 from 16 balls.Some Durham supporters grumbled that batting on had used up valuable bowling time but this pitch had yielded runs at more than 4.5 per over in the opening three days and skipper Scott Borthwick would have been mindful of Leicestershire chasing down 389 to win at 4.56 per over to beat Yorkshire at Headingley in April.In the event, the possibility of a Leicestershire win receded almost immediately as Raine had Sol Budinger caught behind swinging at one he perhaps should have left and Hill edging to first slip first ball, which he did need to play. Rishi Patel had been dropped at short midwicket off Raine’s first delivery.By the seventh over, Leicestershire were 23 for 3, Patel having picked up two boundaries in the over off Raine before he was caught at deep backward square off a top-edged hook as he went for another.Handscomb and Colin Ackermann added 61 without further loss before lunch, although the latter had enjoyed a slice of luck 31 when Bedingham put down an edge to second slip, again off Raine.Potts dismissed Ackermann soon after lunch, Leicestershire’s first-innings centurion driving loosely away from his body to nick one through to Ollie Robinson off an inside edge.Much now rested Handscomb, who reached his half-century from 73 balls, and the South African Wiaan Mulder to keep Durham’s bowlers away from a lengthy tail.Their cause was helped by a stoppage for bad light and light rain, taking eight overs out of the game, but set back again when they returned after an early tea to lose Mulder caught behind – a decision with which he plainly disagreed – and new man Tom Scriven caught at second slip in consecutive overs as Raine took his fourth wicket and Potts, despite needing treatment on the field for an apparent neck problem, his second.After Matt Parkinson entered the attack to dismiss Chris Wright, caught at slip, with his fourth ball, Leicestershire were 181 for 7. It should have been 187 for 8 in the leg-spinner’s next over, but Callum Parkinson survived a chance to short leg.It was only a brief reprieve, however, Callum judged leg before on the front foot in his brother’s next over. He had been dismissed by Matt in that way in the twins’ only previous first-class meeting, at Grace Road in 2019, in which by coincidence Callum also trapped Matt leg before.With 26 overs still left, Leicestershire were now desperate for the weather to intervene but as that threat receded it was down to Handscomb to protect his two remaining partners.The Australian picked off boundaries with relative ease as he completed his second hundred for the county with his 14th, although he had an escape on 110 when a leading edge off Liam Trevaskis looped just beyond the reach of Borthwick at short mid-on and survived a confident appeal for caught behind just before the light closed in for the last time.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus