Sports
Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Thomas Partey’s future at Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed plans to discuss the future of midfielder Thomas Partey, acknowledging the Ghanaian international’s vital role in the team.
At 31, Partey has seen a resurgence this season, logging 799 Premier League minutes more than he did in the entire 2023/24 campaign.
Since joining Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million, Partey has made 13 appearances this season, scoring once and starting 12 matches.
Despite facing some criticism, Arteta praised Partey’s recent form and adaptability, especially as his contract nears expiration next summer.
“The one thing we needed was Thomas to be at the level we wanted,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.
“He’s working hard and playing really well in different positions, adapting to various demands, and he’s coping excellently. He’s a big player for us,” Arteta said, adding, “He’s in a really good place, and we’ll have these discussions [about his future with Arsenal].”
While Arsenal initially planned to let Partey finish his contract without an extension, his recent performances could lead to a reconsideration.
Partey has also been linked with clubs like Barcelona and Juventus, but his experience may be crucial for the squad’s depth in the 2025/26 season.
Source: ghanasoccernet.com
Sports
Mikel Obi arrives in Galatasaray to hold talks with Osimhen amid Nicolas Jackson’s goal drought
Former Chelsea defensive midfielder Mikel Obi arrived in Istanbul on Monday, January 20, for showdown talks with Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, but the striker has disclosed that he would love to end his season-long loan deal with Galatasaray.
An exit clause exists in his deal with the Turkish club, but the striker recently rejected a move to English Premier League club Manchester United.
Turkish journalist Kagan Dursun has disclosed that the Red Devils recently offered £59 million to bring the Nigerian striker to Old Trafford.
According to him, Napoli officials travelled to Istanbul recently to secure Osimhen’s commitment to the club, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Mikel wants Osimhen at Chelsea
Meanwhile, Mikel Obi has not hidden his love for Victor Osimhen to move to join Stamford Bridge outfit Chelsea.
The club legend has been a vocal critic of striker Nicolas Jackson, who has not been convincing in front of goal.
Last summer, Osimhen was on the verge of joining Chelsea, but negotiations collapsed in the final hours of the transfer window.
According to Football Italia, Mikel stated that he would try to convince the 26-year-old, adding that disclosing that Didier Drogba is also doing his best to ensure the deal is sorted.
He said: “I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club. I’ll make sure I send him those text messages and calls, making sure Chelsea is his top priority.
“Didier is also speaking to him, sharing his ideas and what the club means to us. We all want to see Victor come to the club. If it happens, it happens. It’s a huge transfer fee, but if we can match it and get him to the club that would be fantastic.”
Mikel arrives in Galatasaray training
Mikel was spotted at Galatasaray’s Florya Metin Oktay training facility, where he met with his compatriot, Victor Osimhen.
The Chelsea legend, who played for the Turkish club Trabzonspor, met the former vice president of Giresunspot Muzaffer Aygun and the owner of Titanic Hotels.
Reports suggest that he would use the opportunity to speak with Osimhen over a possible transfer to Chelsea.
Source: www.legit.ng
Sports
Victor Boniface ends relationship with Norwegian girlfriend, Rikke
Nigerian international Victor Boniface has reportedly ended relationship with Norwegian girlfriend, Rikke Hermine Jensen.
The Bayer Leverkusen striker ended his four-year relationship with the Norwegian influencer as reports indicate that the pair has unfollowed each other on social media.
Their last public appearance was in May last year during Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga title celebrations, where they were seen together.
A source told Tribuna that the relationship has not been working for some time now, and Jensen has stopped attending Bayer Leverkusen games this season.
Yes, they were apart for Christmas, and he seemed to have a lot of fun without her. She also stopped attending his games this season. Now, they are officially done,” the source confirmed.
Boniface came down to Nigeria for Christmas and his birthday celebration last month without his partner.
Boniface and Jensen reportedly met in Norway four years ago and started dating after that.
The Bayer Leverkusen star kept their relationship private, as he barely shared details of his love life with the public.
Source: www.mynigeria.com
Sports
CAF Confederation Cup: Enyimba bow out after defeat to Zamalek
Enyimba have been eliminated from this year’s CAF Confederation Cup following a 3-1 loss to holders Zamalek in Cairo.
Forward Seifeddine Jaziri bagged a brace for Zamalek, while Mustafa Shalaby scored the other goal.
Enyimba got their goal through Ifeanyi Ihemekwele.
Enyimba finished third in Group D with five points from six games.
Another Egyptian club, Al Masry, joined Zamalek in the quarter-finals of the competition after they beat Black Bulls of Mozambique 3-1 to record nine points.
No Nigerian club has won the CAF Confederation Cup in the past.
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