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Transfer: Arteta Seriously Chasing Two EPL Defenders After Saliba’s Injury Debacle

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Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, is keen on signing John Stones or Ezri Konsa, following news that William Saliba will be out for an extended period.

Saliba has opted not to have surgery after injuring his back while playing for France at the 2026 World Cup.

But the 25-year-old defender is facing a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

Stones is available as a free agent, after he left Manchester City at the end of his contract.

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The 32-year-old worked with Arteta during his time as assistant to Pep Guardiola at City.

Konsa, who represented England alongside Stones at the World Cup, has two years left on his contract at Aston Villa.

Both players can also operate at right-back.

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Joshua sets targets for Fury ahead of return

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British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has begun preparing for a fight with Tyson Fury by training with a specially made heavy bag replica of the Gypsy King, ahead of both men’s tune-up bouts this weekend.

Joshua and Fury have signed contracts to finally settle a decade’s worth of debate over a domestic showdown, but must first come through separate warm-up assignments, with Joshua facing Kristian Prenga on Saturday in Jeddah and Fury taking on 46-year-old veteran Mariusz Wach in Thailand.

Joshua’s first-ever boxing coach, Sean Murphy, unveiled the bespoke bag and told DAZN it had been designed specifically to resemble Fury, describing it as reproducing the Gypsy King’s chin for practice purposes.

Murphy said Joshua had provided all the bags currently hanging in the gym and had personally funded other refurbishments at the facility, including new ring covers and an overhaul of the female changing room.

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Joshua, aged 36, has vowed never to overlook an opponent again after being stunned by Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 while he had one eye on a prospective fight with Deontay Wilder, though with his Fury deal now signed, he is being careful not to look past Prenga.

The Saturday bout will be Joshua’s first contest since a car accident claimed the lives of two of his close friends, and comes ten days after he stopped Jake Paul in a heavily anticipated crossover fight.

Joshua is expected to dedicate victory over Prenga to his late friends as he continues plotting a route towards the long-awaited Battle of Britain with Fury, aged 37.

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2026 World Cup: FIFA Releases Team Of The Tournament [BEST XI]

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FIFA has released the Best XI of the just concluded 2026 World Cup co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

Spain became champions for the second time in history, thanks to a 1-0 win over holders Argentina.

But La Roja has only three players in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament: Rodri, Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella.

Finalists Argentina have Lionel Messi and Lisandro Martinez.

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Despite being eliminated in the semi-final, France were able to produce three entrants in Kylian Mbappe, Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise.

Norway’s Erling Haaland leads the attack, while Vozinha who impressed fans and pundits with Cape Verde gets the nod in goal.

Jude Bellingham is the only England player included in the squad.

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Transfer: Arsenal Prioritise Deal For Yan Diomande, Target Four Other Stars

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Arsenal have turned their attention to RB Leipzig forward, Yan Diomande and have made inquiries regarding the 19-year-old, as reported by football.london.

The club has been actively seeking an upgrade for the left wing, with Diomande being one of the players under consideration.

Mikel Arteta’s team is among several clubs keen to stay updated on the situation of the Ivorian international.

The Gunners have faced setbacks in their pursuit of new wide players, particularly after losing out on Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117 million.

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READ ALSO: Transfer: Arsenal’s Jesus Emerges Top Target For EPL Rivals

Rogers opted for the West London club despite Arsenal’s prolonged interest, as they were unable to meet the asking price, which was estimated at around £80 million for the England international.

In light of this, sporting director Andrea Berta has shifted focus to other options, scouting players such as Bradley Barcola, Mika Godts, and Kerim Alajbegovic.

Diomande has attracted interest from multiple clubs, with Liverpool’s attempt to pay a fee around £85 million being rejected.

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The player reportedly prefers a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain; however, the French club has yet to meet the asking price, which is believed to be approximately £94 million.

Arsenal’s inquiry is thought to have been merely exploratory, and the club has not progressed further in the transfer window.

Last season, the 19-year-old netted 12 goals and provided nine assists in the Bundesliga, contributing to Leipzig’s third-place finish and their qualification for the UEFA Champions League, thereby enhancing their financial standing.

Arsenal was unable to finalize a deal with the German club last summer for Benjamin Sesko and declined to meet the £73.7 million asking price that Manchester United eventually paid.

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Berta has since turned to Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 14 goals and became the club’s top scorer during their Premier League title win. There is a strong intent to enhance the left flank following Leandro Trossard’s departure.

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