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QPR, Al-Ettifaq join Nwabali race

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Following his impressive performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, stock continues to rise with two clubs recently expressing interests in signing the shot stopper, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

According to reports, EFL Championship side Queens Park Rangers and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq are both eyeing a swoop for the 27-year-old goalkeeper.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Sunday wrote on his X handle that the Nigerian was a major target for clubs but added that both QPR and Al-Ettifaq are keen on securing Nwabali’s services, with Chippa United open to considering offers during the upcoming summer transfer window.

“Nigeria GK Stanley Nwabali, on the list of different clubs as Al Ettifaq in Saudi and Queens Park Rangers in UK have enquired about him,” he wrote.

“His South African club Chippa United will consider his future move in the next months.”

Though he started his career in the Nigeria Premier League playing for Go Round FC, Enyimba, Lobi Stars and Katsina United before signing for the South African side in 2022 but Nwabali gained much attention when Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro decided to invite him to the Eagles squad few weeks before the start of the AFCON.

Nwabali repaid Peseiro’s faith in him by producing a sterling performance at the tournament, keeping four clean sheets in seven matches during the AFCON tournament.

The Chippa United shot-stopper also became fans favourite after his heroic penalty saves helped Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals with Nwabali walking away with the man of the match award.

Upon his return to South Africa last Tuesday, Nwabali was greeted by hundreds of Chippa United fans who came out to welcome him on his arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport.

Having enjoyed overwhelming support from the club, Nwabali said he wished to repay the club by staying for at least another two years, albeit saying it’s unlikely.

It is however looking likely that the Nigerian may ply his trade elsewhere next season.

While QPR and Al-Ettifaq are the latest clubs to be linked with the goalkeeper, Nwabali has also attracted interest from various clubs, including Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, the former club of Victor Boniface, who are eager to strengthen their squad.

Despite the transfer rumors circulating online, Nwabali remains focused on his current club, Chippa United, as he awaits concrete offers.

“I only see offers online. I have never seen any offer on my table,” Nwabali added.

In the midst of his newfound fame, Nwabali insists now is the time for him to double his efforts.

“I am still Stanley. I want to work harder than before now. If I was putting in 100 per cent before, now I have to double that because a lot of people are looking up to me now,” he stated.

 

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Transfers

Arsenal consider to bring back Szczesny from Juventus

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Reports across the UK claim Arsenal are considering a move for Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny amid uncertainty over

Reports across the UK claim Arsenal are considering a move for Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny amid uncertainty over the futures of homegrown players.

English sources, including The Standard, report Arsenal are considering Szczesny’s return in the summer.

The Gunners are reportedly planning to sign a homegrown goalkeeper given that some players raised in the club’s academy, such as Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, James Hillson and Reiss Nelson, could leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.

Arsenal consider move to bring Szczesny back from Juventus – report
Szczesny’s contract at Juventus expires in June 2025, but according to The Standard, his €6.5m-a-year salary could be an obstacle for the Gunners, and it remains to be seen if the Poland international will accept to be a backup to David Raya in 2024-25.

Juventus have been struggling to reach an agreement over a new deal with Szczesny, so they are willing to listen to offers for the 34-year-old. The Bianconeri seem to have already found a long-time replacement for ‘Tek’ as they are reportedly in talks with Monza for Michele Di Gregorio.

Szczesny joined Juventus in a €17m deal from the Gunners in 2017 after a one-year spell at Roma.

The Poland international has made 250 appearances with Juventus, keeping 103 clean sheets.

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Thiago Silva returns to hometown club Fluminense

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Brazilian defender Thiago Silva announced Tuesday that he will rejoin hometown club Fluminense when his Chelsea contract

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva announced Tuesday that he will rejoin hometown club Fluminense when his Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season.

“I’m coming home,” the 39-year-old Rio de Janeiro native wrote on X, accompanied with a video of him wearing the shirt of his boyhood club Fluminense.

Silva will join the Copa Libertadores champions on a two-year deal, with Chelsea allowing the centre-back to begin training with Fluminense prior to his registration transferring on July 1.

“He always played for your badge, as a true Blue legend. Thanks for all the love you gave for our champion, @ChelseaFC. Pride of London. Now it’s time to come back home. Rio awaits you,” said Fluminense on X.

Silva first joined Fluminense’s academy as a youth but was forced to move away in order to find first-team opportunities.

He returned to the club in 2006 and won the Copa do Brasil, before joining Italian outfit AC Milan in 2009.

During his career in Europe, Silva won league titles with Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021.

“O Monstro” (The Monster), as Silva is nicknamed by Brazilian fans, represented his country 113 times and won the Copa America in 2019.

Chelsea paid homage to the former Brazil national team captain on its club website: “He has also forged a lasting bond with Blues supporters and was named the club’s Player of the Year at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.”

 

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Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Newcastle lead race for Onana

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Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Newcastle are the clubs most heavily involved in purchasing Everton’s Amadou Onana, FootballTransfers

Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Newcastle are the clubs most heavily involved in purchasing Everton’s Amadou Onana, FootballTransfers has been told.

The 22-year-old midfielder has caught the eye of some elite clubs during his time at Goodison Park, and while other clubs have been linked, we understand it’s those three who have done the most legwork in sealing his signature.

Both Arsenal and Bayern are looking to bolster their midfield while the Magpies are hopeful of concluding a deal with the same club that saw star man Antony Gordon make the move in January of last year.

Onana joined Everton in 2022 from Lille in what was a £32 million deal. He has since played 69 games for the Toffees since then, becoming a key member of Sean Dyche’s setup.

Manchester United remain in talks over a move for Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton’s centre-back. Sources have told us that it won’t be smooth sailing for the Red Devils as Real Madrid are keen on the Everton defender, while Man City and Newcastle have registered an interest too.

As previously reported, Everton will ask for around £75 million for the youngster in the upcoming window, though there is an idea that an initial £65m will be enough for Man Utd if add-ons make up the rest of Everton’s valuation.

Everton’s situation around the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations means that they are likely to sell the player, who is one of their biggest assets.

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