European Leagues

$48.5M: Arsenal, Monaco finalizing Folarin Balogun transfer

Arsenal and USMNT striker Folarin Balogun is nearing a permanent transfer to AS Monaco for a fee in the region of $48.5M.

The fee will make Balogun the second most expensive American transfer ever, behind Christian Pulisic’s $69M move to Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund.

Balogun, 22, is coming off a breakout season on loan in Ligue 1 with Reims. The striker scored 22 goals in 39 appearances with the French club, fifth best in the league.

A product of the Arsenal academy, Balogun joined the Gunners in 2008 and made his first team debut during the 20/21 season. Mostly appearing in the Europa League that season, Balogun scored twice and made six appearances.

That would be the most involved he would get to be under Mikel Arteta. Balogun would only make four more appearances for Arsenal over the next two seasons, spending time on loan with Middlesbrough and Reims.

Born in New York but raised in England, Balogun’s breakout wasn’t reserved only for club level. A battle between the United States, Nigeria, and England ended with the USMNT victorious. Balogun has since made his international debut, making two appearances and scoring in the CONCACAF Nations League final as the U.S. lifted the cup.

Premier League

Gary Lineker, Micah Richards advise caution over potential João Félix move to Aston Villa

Football pundits Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have cautioned Aston Villa against pursuing João Félix from Chelsea, despite the club’s interest in the Portuguese playmaker.

Aston Villa are keen to bring in Félix during the January transfer window following the departure of forward Jhon Durán, who is set to join Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Félix, who has struggled for regular starts under manager Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, has started just three Premier League matches since returning to Stamford Bridge last summer.

However, Lineker and Richards are skeptical about the fit between the former Barcelona star and Villa’s playing style under Unai Emery.

On The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker remarked, “That is a funny one because he is a player who moved for a massive price tag when he was really young to Atlético Madrid.

“There is no question he has a lot of ability, but he has never managed to secure a regular starting place anywhere, so I don’t know what Aston Villa would see in him.”

Richards added, “That is the thing. Everyone wants a marquee signing, and getting a player of that stature by name to Villa Park would be amazing.

“They just have to be careful. What makes Villa so good is how they press, and when Watkins is out of the team, you’ve got Durán, and behind him, you’ve got Morgan Rogers. The one thing all those players have is a high work rate, intensity, and a strong press.

“If you bring in a flair player, you do need options, but you risk moving away from what got them to where they are now—competing in the Champions League and the Premier League.”

Premier League

David Luiz highlights Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández as standout Chelsea players

Former Chelsea defender David Luiz has praised Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández as standout players at Chelsea. Luiz singled out Caicedo for his powerful presence on the pitch, noting the midfielder’s resilience after a rocky start.

“I love a lot of players at Chelsea, but in particular, Caicedo. He has some amazing qualities, he is powerful,” Luiz said, adding that the Ecuadorian has shown great character by continuing to fight and showcase his skill.

Luiz also commended Enzo Fernández, calling him a world-class talent and a player who thrives in a team with a solid collective performance.

“Enzo is fantastic, and at Chelsea, he has many examples to follow to continue to improve,” Luiz added.

The 37-year-old spent most of his Premier League career at Chelsea, later having a stint at London rivals Arsenal.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Walcott: Arsenal can win the Champions League if they improve key areas

Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has expressed belief that the Gunners can clinch the UEFA Champions League title this season, but only if they address two key areas.

Arsenal, who are second in the Premier League with 47 points from 23 games, finished third in their Champions League group with 19 points. Walcott told the BBC that the team needs to develop a stronger winning mentality and a more free-flowing style of play.

He also highlighted the need for a star striker to increase their goal output, saying, “If they want to win the Champions League, they need to get those numbers a lot higher.”

With improvements in these areas, Walcott believes Arsenal could be contenders for Europe’s most prestigious trophy.