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European Leagues

Bassey and Iwobi Shine As Fulham Knock Chelsea Out In Boxing Day Special

Bassey and Iwobi Shine As Fulham Knock Chelsea Out In Boxing Day Special

Super Eagles duo, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi were brilliant in today’s London derby as they helped Fulham to a 2-1 win against Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge, Soccernet.ng reports.

The pair have been ever-present for Marco Silva’s side this season. Iwobi has played every game for the Cottagers in the English Premier League this season while Bassey missed the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield due to the a yellow card suspension.

Fulham had one win from their last five games prior to today’s game and needed a lift today to increase their chances of playing in a European competition when the season ends.

Raul Jimenez had the games’ first shot on target in the first fifteen minutes but the effort was well stopped by Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez. A minute later, Cole Palmer broke the deadlock.

The former Manchester City midfielder took the ball in his stride after receiving it from Levi Colwill. He beat three Fulham players before placing the ball beyond Bernd Leno’s reach.

Bassey nearly equalized almost immediately. The Nigerian defender went on a mazy solo run, dribbling past Malo Gusto and Tosin Adarabioyo before unleashing a low-driven shot into Sanchez’s arms.

Alex Iwobi and Antonee Robinson continued to threaten Chelsea’s left hand side after the restart and their effort yielded fruit in the 82nd minute.

Iwobi darted almost 40 yards after the half-way line into Chelsea’s box before feeding the ball into Robinson’s path. The USMNT full-back crossed the ball to meet Timothy Castagne’s head. The Belgian headed the ball across the box to be tapped home by substitute Harry Wilson who scored his fourth goal off the bench for Fulham this campaign.

Chelsea responded with intent, and forced two stunning saves from Bernd Leno, but it was Marco Silva’s side that had their gifts unwrapped in front of the fifth stand on boxing day.

A counter-attack led by Wilson saw the Scotland midfielder produce an outside foot pass for Sasa Lukic. The Serbian squared the ball into the box for Brazilian youngster, Rodrigo Muniz. The 23-year-old striker controlled the ball with his right foot before beating Sanchez with a left-footed strike to seal all three points for Fulham.

Marco Silva’s side are now level on points with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and could go as high as 5th on the league table if they defeat Bournemouth on Sunday at Craven Cottage.

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Premier League

Ivan Toney Expected to Leave Brentford This Summer — Arsenal and Chelsea in the Race

Ivan Toney’s time at Brentford appears to be nearing its end, with multiple sources confirming the striker is expected to leave the West London club during the upcoming summer transfer window. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as they seek to bolster their attacking options for the 2025–26 season.

A Proven Premier League Goalscorer

Toney, 29, has been a consistent performer since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League. Known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and penalty precision, he has attracted interest from top-tier clubs thanks to his ability to lead the line and deliver goals under pressure.

Despite serving a suspension earlier in his career for betting violations, Toney has returned with form and focus. With one year left on his contract, this summer represents Brentford’s last opportunity to secure a significant transfer fee.

Arsenal and Chelsea in the Mix

Arsenal:

Mikel Arteta is reportedly a long-time admirer of Toney’s profile. With questions lingering over Gabriel Jesus’s injury record and Kai Havertz’s natural role, Toney could offer Arsenal a more traditional No. 9 — something they’ve lacked in recent title runs.

Chelsea:

Chelsea’s ongoing search for a clinical striker has been well-documented. Nicolas Jackson has shown flashes, but inconsistency in front of goal has cost the Blues points. Toney would offer Premier League experience, leadership, and reliability, potentially becoming a focal point in Mauricio Pochettino’s evolving system — if Pochettino remains in charge.

Brentford’s Perspective

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been transparent in recent interviews, stating the club won’t stand in Toney’s way should the right offer come in. The Bees are reportedly valuing Toney at around £50–60 million, though that fee could drop depending on the bidding dynamics and contract situation.

What It Means for the Market

Toney’s move could spark a domino effect in the striker market. Clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, and even West Ham may pivot their striker strategies depending on his destination.

A bidding war could push up the fee, and personal terms — including a likely wage increase and ambitions for European football — will play a key role in the decision.

Conclusion

Ivan Toney’s expected departure from Brentford signals one of the Premier League’s most intriguing transfer battles of the summer. With both Arsenal and Chelsea looking to sharpen their front lines, the race for Toney’s signature is heating up — and it may just come down to ambition, Champions League football, and timing.

Stay with Sports Market International for the latest on this developing story

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Premier League

Dream Move Off: Manchester United Not Pursuing Victor Osimhen, Says David Ornstein

Victor-Osimhen || Sports market international

The Long-Standing Speculation Linking Victor Osimhen With A High-Profile Move To Manchester United Has Come To An End—At Least For Now.
Trusted Journalist David Ornstein Has Firmly Dismissed The Rumours, Stating That The Super Eagles Striker Is Not Part Of The Red Devils’ Summer Transfer Plans.

Despite Earlier Reports Suggesting That United Had Reached An “Agreement In Principle” And Were Preparing To Activate Osimhen’s €75 Million (£64.2M) Release Clause, The Club Appears To Have Shifted Its Focus Elsewhere.
Instead, They Are Expected To Rely On Internal Options Like Young Danish Striker Rasmus Højlund Or Explore Alternative Targets.

No Old Trafford Dream For Osimhen

Osimhen, Currently On Loan At Galatasaray From Napoli, Has Had A Sensational Season, Netting 30 Goals In 34 Appearances.
His Prolific Form Ignited Excitement Among Fans And Pundits, With Many Touting Him As The Ideal Solution To Manchester United’s Attacking Struggles.

However, Ornstein’s Recent Comments—Shared In A Video On Social Media—Have Poured Cold Water On Those Hopes.

David Ornstein -Sports Market International

“He Is Not On Manchester United’s Agenda,” Ornstein Clarified.
“If They Are To Look At Other Options, It Certainly Won’t Be Osimhen.”

United Shifting Gears Amid Uncertainty

The Red Devils’ Cautious Stance May Be Influenced By Their Uncertain Prospects For European Competition Next Season.
With Financial Considerations In Mind, The Club Seems Reluctant To Commit To Major Deals Or High-Wage Signings.

Højlund, Who Has Managed Just Three Goals In The Premier League And Eight Across All Competitions This Season, Still Remains Central To United’s Long-Term Plans.
There’s Also Talk Of Internal Promotions Rather Than Marquee Signings.

A Summer Of Change For Nigerian Stars

While A Move To Old Trafford Is Off The Table, Osimhen’s Future Remains One Of The Most Watched Stories This Transfer Window.
He Leads The List Of Super Eagles Players Expected To Secure Major Transfers This Summer.

Fellow Nigerian Wilfred Ndidi Is Also Reportedly Set To Leave Leicester City And Join Osimhen In Turkey.

For Now, Manchester United Will Look Elsewhere As They Aim To Reshape Their Frontline Ahead Of The 2025/26 Season.
And While Osimhen May Not Be Old Trafford-Bound, His Stock Continues To Rise Across Europe

 

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LaLiga

Mbappé Set To Return For Real Madrid After Serving La Liga Suspension

Real-Madrid-to-unveil-Kylian-Mbapppe-just-after-UEFA-Champions-league- Sports Market International

Real Madrid Forward Kylian Mbappé Is Set To Make His Return To The Pitch After Serving A One-Match Suspension In La Liga. The French Star Was Sidelined During Los Blancos’ Last League Outing Due To An Automatic Ban Following The Accumulation Of Yellow Cards.


The Suspension Came As A Frustration For Both The Club And Its Supporters, Given Mbappé’s Electric Form In Recent Weeks. However, The 26-Year-Old Has Now Completed His Ban And Is Set To Re-Join Full Training With The Squad At Valdebebas Ahead Of Real Madrid’s Upcoming Fixture Against Jetafe.


Speaking Ahead Of The Match, Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti Expressed Confidence In Mbappé’s Readiness:

Kylian Has Trained Well And Is Mentally Sharp. He’s Eager To Be Back And Contribute. His Presence Gives Us An Extra Edge Going Into This Important Match.

Real Madrid Are Currently 2nd In The La Liga Standings And Remain Firmly In The Hunt For The Title. With Crucial Matches Ahead, Mbappé’s Return Is Expected To Be A Major Boost As The Season Heads Into Its Final Stretch.
Fans Will Be Watching Closely As Mbappé Aims To Continue His Standout Debut Season In Spain, Where He’s Already Netted 35 Goals This Season Across All Competition.

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