Arsenal Signs Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Cristhian Mosquera is switching sides.

Arsenal has confirmed the signing of the 21-year-old Spanish professional footballer from Valencia for an initial fee of €15 million (£13m).

Sources have told ESPN that Mosquera has signed a five-year deal to June 2030 with the option for a further 12 months.

ESPN has also been told the fee could rise to something in the region of €20m if all performance-related add-ons are met.

Mosquera becomes Arsenal’s fifth summer signing after Martín Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Nørgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga with their total outlay in the region of £140m.

Mosquera flew out to Singapore to join up with the Arsenal squad on tour in Asia after negotiations led by sporting director Andrea Berta, with manager Mikel Arteta also involved in discussions.

He made 90 appearances for Valencia and sources have told ESPN that Mosquera is viewed internally as one of the brightest young defensive talents in Europe, primarily as a right-sided player but with an ability to play anywhere across the back line.

Santi Cazorla Returning to LaLiga for First Time in 24 Years with Real Oviedo Signing

Posted on July 13, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Santi Cazorla isn’t ready to retire yet.

The 40-year-old Spanish futbolista will return to LaLiga next season after signing a new contract with Real Oviedo.

Cazorla, whose previous deal expired this summer, has signed a one-year extension, the team has announced.

That means Cazorla will be part of the Real Oviedo squad as the club returns to Spain’s top division for the first time in 24 years.

The former Arsenal and Villarreal midfielder was a key part of the Real Oviedo team that secured promotion, scoring one of the goals to help his hometown club win their promotion playoff against Mirandes last month.

The former Spain international last played in LaLiga in 2020.

Cazorla spent seven years in Oviedo’s youth team but then left for Villarreal to start his professional career as Oviedo sunk deep into a financial crisis.

After three years in Qatar with Al Sadd, Cazorla returned to Real Oviedo in 2023.

In an illustrious career, Cazorla won 81 caps for Spain and was part of the squad that won back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

Arsenal Complete Signing of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad

Posted on July 6, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Martín Zubimendi is upgrading his arsenal…

Arsenal have completed the signing of the 26-year-old highly rated Spanish midfielder from Real Sociedad, the club have announced.

The north London club beat opposition from top European outfits after triggering Zubimendi’s €60 million ($67m) release clause.

His contract at Real Sociedad was due to expire in June 2027.

A source told ESPN that Real Madrid tried to sign Zubimendi when Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti in May, but a deal with Arsenal had already been struck in March.

Zubimendi had the chance to move to the Premier League a year ago having been Liverpool‘s top choice in defensive midfield.

However, he turned down the transfer, opting instead to remain atReal Sociedad for the 2024-25 season, a decision he later said was “the right one.

A Sociedad youth product, Zubimendi spent five years with the first team, making over 170 appearances across all competitions.

The San Sebastián-born player had reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid this summer after strong performances in LaLiga, and with Spain at Euro 2024.

In the final against England, he came on in place of injured Rodri at half-time and shone in the deep-lying midfield role as Spain went on to win 2-1.

Manchester City also tracked Zubimendi after Rodri sustained a serious knee injury in September.

It’s believed Mikel Arteta played a key role in talks with Zubimendi to convince the player to join Arsenal this summer.

Zubimendi will join his former Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino, who signed for the club last summer.

Mikel Merino Completes Move From Real Socieded to Arsenal

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Mikel Merino is officially switching sides…

The 28-year-old Spanish professional footballer has completed his move to Arsenal from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth €37.5 million ($41.9m), per ESPN.

Merino, who has agreed to a four-year deal, was part of the Spain team that lifted the Euro 2024 title, contributing most notably with an extra-time winner against Germany in the quarterfinals.

The deal is thought to be €32.5m plus €5m in add-ons.

Arsenal sporting director and former midfielder Edu said of the transfer: “We are so happy to have completed the transfer of Mikel Merino. This has been another great team effort from many people at the club to finalize the transfer of a player who attracted interest from a number of clubs over the summer.

“Mikel was a key target for us this summer, and we identified him as a player who can fit perfectly into our squad and profile to improve us, as we aim to build on our strong performances of last season.”

Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil left Merino out of the squad for their LaLiga opener against Rayo Vallecano due to talks advancing with Arsenal at the time of the match, and he also did not feature in the team’s win over Espanyol last weekend.

Merino played 242 times for Real Sociedad, scoring 27 goals and adding 30 assists after signing for the Basque club in 2018.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has been a fan of the player for some time, and believes his profile — and evolution in recent seasons — is what his team needs to pursue the Premier League title.

“Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality,” Arteta said in the news release announcing Merino’s arrival.

Lautaro Martinez Wins 2024 Copa America Golden Boot Award

Posted on July 16, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Lautaro Martinez is getting the boot!

The 26-year-old Argentine professional footballer, who scored the sole goal to lead Argentina to the title in the Copa America final against Colombia, has been awarded the tournament’s Golden Boot award.

Copa America 2024 Golden Boot winner: Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan):
Martinez, who plays as a striker for Serie A club Inter Milan, earned some redemption at this year’s Copa America. After tons of criticism in Qatar and fans around the world saying they won in spite of his performances, the Inter Milan striker lifted the Golden Boot after scoring five goals this summer, including the tournament winner in extra time against Los Cafeteros.

Martinez has been one of the best strikers in Europe for years winning Serie A, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana titles with Inter Milan. His performances at the 2022 World Cup, along with the rise of Manchester City‘s Julian Alvarez saw the striker lose his starting position. Though, after this summer, he’s quieted the doubters and haters whether starting or off the bench.

Copa America 2024 Golden Glove winner: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa):
Another international tournament, another Golden Glove for Emiliano Martinez. Three straight Golden Gloves at international competitions for the 31-year-old Argentine professional footballer and Aston Villa player has cemented himself as an Argentinian legend.

The meteoric rise he’s been on since his last season at Arsenal winning the FA Cup and Community Shield to helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League this past Premier League season has been one of the best stories in the sport.

Copa America 2024 Golden Ball winner: James Rodriguez (Sao Paulo):
If James Rodriguez announced himself to the world at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, this summer he reminded the world why he’s such a talented and special player.

The 33-year-old Colombian professional footballer and Sao Paulo player won the Golden Ball signifying himself as the best player of the tournament, a consolation prize after heartbreak in the final.

James assisted six times in the tournament, four more than Nicolas de la Cruz and Alexis Mac Allister.

He also overtook Radamel Falcao this tournament as the fourth-most capped player in Los Cafeteros history. A remarkable tournament for the player despite it ending in disappointment.

Arsenal F.C. Complete Permanent Signing of David Raya from Brentford

Posted on July 4, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

David Raya is making things permanent…

Arsenal F.C. has completed the permanent signing of the 28-year-old Spanish professional footballer from Brentford, the club has confirmed.

Arsenal paid an initial £3 million ($3.8m) to take Raya on loan last season and have now triggered an option worth £27m ($34.3m) to sign him on a long-term contract.

Raya kept 20 clean sheets in 41 appearances last season and won the Premier League Golden Glove award as Arsenal finished runners-up to Manchester City.

“After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming years,” Raya said.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds but always living in and enjoying the present. It’s a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you have already given me throughout the last year.”

The deal for Raya — although widely expected — casts further doubt over the future of Aaron Ramsdale, who has been linked with a move to Newcastle but has put any talks on hold while with England at Euro 2024.

“David showed us last season what an important player he is for us, so we are delighted he is now officially our player,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. “He is a big presence in our dressing room and we are really pleased to keep working with him.

“We know he will take the strong foundations he put in place last season and build on them in the years to come, and that he will enjoy more success with us.

“We have a very talented group of goalkeepers and I love to see connections like the one I see in our goalkeeping unit.”

Sporting director Edu added: “David’s signing is another strong example of our recruitment strategy in action, as we continue to build a team that will challenge for major trophies.

“We know there’s so much more to come from him and we are excited that he will continue to be a big part of the journey we are all on.”

Pep Guardiola Named Premier League Manager of the Year

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Pep Guardiola is in a premier class all his own…

The 53-year-old Spanish professional football manager and former player has been named Premier League Manager of the Year after guiding Manchester City to an unprecedented fourth successive title.

Guardiola has previously won the award four times since he joined the club in 2016.

With six league titles, he’s now the joint second-most successful coach in the history of English football.

Only former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, with 11, has won the award more times.

Guardiola saw off competition from Arsenal‘s Mikel Arteta, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, Bournemouth‘s Andoni Iraola and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp.

“I want to share it, yes, oh yes! Especially with Mikel for the incredible job he has done until the last game, bringing us to our limits,” Guardiola said.

“Of course, for Jurgen, for the unforgettable battles for many, many years. And Unai Emery, making something unbelievable again to bring Aston Villa to the Champions League.

“And Andoni Iraola, with Bournemouth, being his first season in the Premier League, doing what he has done, coming back from the tough start of the season.

“It is an honor to be alongside all of them and to win this trophy. We will defend this award as best as possible in the future.”

Added Guardiola: “Winning four titles in a row is one of the proudest achievements of my career. This is the toughest league in the world and our competitors have played some incredible football.”

Paris Saint-Germain Reportedly Reach Agreement to Sign Gabriel Moscardo from Corinthians

Posted on December 27, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Gabriel Moscardo is headed to The City of Light…

Paris Saint-Germain has reached an agreement to sign the 18-year-old Brazilian soccer phenom, a midfielder for Corinthians, per ESPN sources.

PSG sporting director Luís Campos traveled to Brazil earlier this month to watch Moscardo, and the club have now agreed to a €20 million deal for the midfielder.

ESPN reported last summer that Chelsea had a bid of $22m rejected.

Other teams in Europe, such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Atlético Madrid, also made inquiries about the Corinthians player but did not make offers.

Sources have told ESPN that Moscardo recently visited Paris and will sign a five-year contract at the club.

Before Moscardo turned professional, Barcelona also showed interest in the player but talks did not go ahead.

Promoted to the first team this season, Moscardo has made 25 senior appearances for Corinthians, registering one goal and one assist.

Douglas Luiz Remains Atop Arsenal F.C.’s Wish List

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Douglas Luiz remains a leading target for the Arsenal F.C.…

The English professional football club is eyeing a reshuffle of its midfield in January with the 25-year-old Brazilian professional footballer, who plays for Aston Villa, a leading target and the future of Thomas Partey uncertain, according to ESPN.

Arsenal had three bids for Luiz rejected in September 2022 — the final offer totaling around £25 million ($31.6m) — and the Brazil international subsequently signed a new contract which ties him to Villa Park until 2026.

Luiz has been a key figure for Unai Emery‘s side this season, starting all 13 Premier League games with Aston Villa fourth in the table following Sunday’s 2-1 win at Tottenham.

Arsenal’s interest remains but they would likely have to make a dramatically improved offer to convince Aston Villa to allow Luiz to leave in the middle of such a promising campaign.

Arsenal have limited funds available after spending more than £200m in the summer — significantly, their deal to sign goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford was structured initially as a £3m loan with an option for a permanent move worth around £27m specifically to aid Arsenal’s compliance with financial rules.

They could raise money for new signings with Partey’s departure. The midfielder has started just three league games this season amid ongoing injury problems.

The 30-year-old is now sidelined until the New Year with a hamstring issue and is due to join up with Ghana for the Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from January 13 to February 11

Reports in Italy said Juventus are tracking Partey, and sources have told ESPN that Arsenal considered allowing the midfielder to leave in the summer but a suitable offer failed to materialize amid reports clubs in Saudi Arabia were also interested at the time.

Arsenal are open to keeping Partey but it remains to be seen whether a club formalizes their interest as his departure would give Arsenal more financial clout to test Aston Villa’s resolve in keeping Luiz.

Mikel Arteta may choose to prioritize other areas, however, given they are also tracking Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Wolves winger Pedro Neto.

Cesc Fabregas Named Temporary Manager of Italy’s Serie B Side Como

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Cesc Fabregas is steppin’ in to lead…

The 36-year-old former Spain midfielder will take temporary charge of Italian Serie B side Como, the club confirmed on Monday.

Fabregas will replace Moreno Longo as manager, after the Italian won just 16 of his 45 games in charge.

The job will mark Fabregas’ senior managerial debut.

The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder retired from his playing career in July.

Fabregas played 17 games in Italy’s second-tier with Como last season before taking on the role of the club’s youth team coach.

Como are sixth in the standings and take on Feralpisalo at home on November 25.

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