Barcelona winger Raphinha has named the club he thinks could stop his side from winning the 2024/25 Champions League.
Raphinha, 28, has been a standout player during Hansi Flick’s first season in charge of the La Liga side.
The Brazilian has registered 19 goals and 11 assists in 27 appearances for Barca this season and has made clear that his side have ambitions of clinching their sixth European crown, having last won the Champions League against Juventus back in 2015.
Barca are currently second in the 36-team Champions League group phase, sporting an impressive record of five wins and just one defeat in six games which will likely see them progress to the round of 16.
The Barcelona skipper has already made clear that his side will “fight” for this year’s Champions League.
He backed his side to go all the way to the final, which will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany in May.
But he conceded that Manchester City could be their opponent. Raphinha gave his thoughts in an interview with Adri Conteras.
La Liga giants Barcelona have on Wednesday been afforded some fresh, and altogether positive news on the personnel front.
This comes amid confirmation that a verbal agreement has been reached, over the renewal of defender Ronald Araújo’s contract.
The name of Uruguayan international Araújo has of course dominated the headlines in Catalunya’s capital over the course of the day to date.
This comes after word was forthcoming that, out of the blue, the 25-year-old had gone back on his decision to depart, in favour of staying put with Hansi Flick’s squad.
And such news has since been swiftly followed by yet more of a positive nature for all of a Blaugrana persuasion.
As per a report from the reliable Fabrizio Romano, ahead of the expiration of his current terms in the summer of 2026:
‘Ronald Araújo has agreed in principle on new contract at Barcelona. Positive talks took place between the player and Barça director Deco, fully involved in the process.’
While thinking about the sheer efficiency of Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, it is important to address the proficiency of certain player profiles that decide the height of its potency.
A number of players do come to mind – a runner in Raphinha, a lethal target-man in Robert Lewandowski, a creator supreme in Lamine Yamal and an anchor in Marc Casado.
But after looking at Barcelona’s performances this season, it is evident how none of them would be able to contribute as much as they do without a controller general in Pedri Gonzalez.
As high-tempo as Flick’s football is, Pedri is the link across the pitch that keeps the side ticking and in control.
Such high is his impact, that games where Pedri doesn’t see much of the ball or is lost between the end-to-end chaos that characteristically creeps into Barcelona’s performance these days, the team looks deft of all composure.
In fact, the strings he continues to pull this season come from a rather unfamiliar territory, earning deserved plaudits for his performances in this Barcelona side.
Once again operating at a high level after a few injury-plagued seasons, Pedri once again finds himself in shouts for the crown of the best midfielder in the world.
It is a recognition that fans of the club have come to rejoice and one that is starting to dawn upon those of the opposition as they are left bedazzled by the magic he wields by the ball at his feet.
An insight into the XI of players expected to be made use of by Barcelona in the club’s upcoming meeting with Real Betis has on Wednesday been unveiled.
Barca, of course, are primed to return to action later this evening.
Fresh off clinching their first silverware of the campaign at the expense of Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup over the weekend, the Blaugrana have turned attentions towards matters in the Copa del Rey.
A meeting with the aforementioned Real Betis lies in store, with a place in the competition’s quarter-finals on the line.
And, despite Barcelona’s busy recent schedule, and his squad being fresh off a long flight back from Saudi Arabia, Hansi Flick, it would appear, is ready to go all out to ensure victory this evening.
As per a report from Diario Sport, the German tactician is planning to make use of a near full-strength XI against Betis.
Arsenal welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Emirates Stadium for the second North London Derby of the season and it’s fair to say Mikel Arteta is looking forward to the occasions.
“It’s probably the nicest game of the season to watch and play, because of the atmosphere, what it means to our people and everyone who is involved in the game,” the Spaniard said on Tuesday. “This is something that is in our hands, for example.
The Gunners go into the clash without a number of senior players, however, with Gabriel Jesus the latest player to pick up an injury. The Brazilian was stretchered off against Manchester United at the weekend and reports suggest he could be out for the season with an ACL injury.
Arteta said: “We know more now and it’s not looking good at all. We need to review one more specialist, so we will probably know more information this afternoon (Tuesday).” He added: “I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. It’s the doctor’s job to do that. But we were very worried after the game and we are very worried today.”
Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri will also miss the North London Derby, although the teenager is now back out on the grass. “He is good. He has started to do some work on the pitch already,” Arteta said on Nwaneri. “He is evolving well, he is young, he is healing very, very fast so hopefully we can have him soon.”
Arsenal will be aiming to return to winning ways in today’s Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners received a boost yesterday with Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest. They can reduce the deficit to the leaders to four points with a victory in the north London derby.
Ahead of the game, the club have confirmed that Gabriel Jesus won’t be involved. The Brazil international is out for the long-term after picking up a serious knee injury at the weekend.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has played every minute of the Premier League campaign. He made a vital save in extra-time in the FA Cup third round against Manchester United but could have fared better in the penalty shoot-out. He will be eyeing a clean sheet tonight.
The backline could stay the same. Jurrien Timber was only substituted as he was cramping and should reclaim his place at right-back. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are assured starters in the heart of the defence for the Gunners.
Riccardo Calafiori needs to be assessed after a minor injury. We don’t see manager Mikel Arteta taking a risk with him. Myles Lewis-Skelly has been brilliant as a deputy, and the teenager should continue from the left-back role in the derby.
We expect a double change in the centre of the park with Jorginho and Mikel Merino dropping to the bench. The duo lack sufficient recovery pace, which is essential against Spurs’ attacking playing style.
Thomas Partey should feature in the number six role. Declan Rice should be reinstated into the XI to partner Martin Odegaard in central midfield. Rice was unlucky against United as Altay Bayindir made two stellar saves.
Further forward, Raheem Sterling looks poised to start on the right wing with Jesus out. The England international was superb with his distribution and direct dribbling on Sunday. He lacked the final end product but showed plenty of promise.
Gabriel Martinelli is likely to continue on the left wing ahead of Leandro Trossard due to his pace on the counter-attack, which could unsettle Spurs’ makeshift defence. Kai Havertz had a bad outing against United. He squandered two clear-cut chances before missing his penalty in the shoot-out.
Despite this, he has received a vote of confidence from the manager. The German has 12 goals for the campaign and has the opportunity to redeem himself with a strong showing against Spurs.
As the January transfer window hits the midway point, Arsenal finally look to be making some major moves. Despite the injury issues facing Mikel Arteta, there was minimal activity regarding new signings coming into Emirates Stadium but that has seemingly changed.
On Tuesday, it was shockingly revealed that Arsenal had all-but-wrapped up a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad with the midfielder to join this summer. Such a decision being made ahead of the 2025/26 season suggests both Thomas Partey and Jorginho will depart at the end of their contracts.
As for imminent arrivals, the need for an attacker to come in continues to heighten following confirmation of Gabriel Jesus suffering a serious knee injury. Despite the complications over a potential deal, Nico Williams remains Arteta’s favoured target with a fresh update now coming to light.
Zubimendi release clause decision
Arsenal look set to pay Martin Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad release clause in instalments, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Speaking to NBC, he said: “Martin Zubimendi’s release clause is £50.6million (€60m), my understanding is that they [Arsenal] might look to pay a bit more so that they can stagger the payments and that would allow them to do other business next summer.”
Another injury in attack could finally tempt Arsenal into signing a new striker, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres being linked with a move to the Emirates.
A striker has been on Arsenal’s wishlist for some time now, and with Gabriel Jesus joining the Gunners’ injury list in the FA Cup defeat against Manchester United, the Gunners may look to add some depth in attack this January rather than waiting until the summer. With the Premier League and Champions League still up for grabs, now could be the perfect time for a new striker, with Sporting’s Gyokeres reportedly a target for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Since moving to Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, Gyokeres has scored 75 goals in 80 games for the Portuguese side, with 32 of them coming in 30 games this season. He’s also proven a threat on the international stage, grabbing 13 goals and five assists in 15 games for Sweden across 2024.
The 26-year-old has a release clause of €100 million (£83 million), but if Arsenal were to wait until the summer, Sporting could allow the Swede to depart for a lower fee. So, if Arsenal were to sign Gyokeres, how could he perform for Arteta’s side? Let’s take a look.
Rest of Arsenal’s 2024/25 season simulated with Viktor Gyokeres
To set up this simulation, we used Football Manager 2024 to move Gyokeres to Arsenal in the January transfer window before simulating the rest of the 2024/25 season. This is how the Gunners performed with the Swede in their squad.
Arteta made Gyokeres his starting striker as soon as he signed for the club, with Kai Havertz dropping into midfield or coming on off the bench. Once the 26-year-old was in the squad, he became undroppable, making 24 appearances in his first six months at the club, with all of them starts.
Arsenal could be set to benefit from two major Juventus decisions with one of those involving Dusan Vlahovic. The Gunners have been linked to the 24-year-old for some time and he is believed to be on Mikel Arteta’s striker transfer shortlist which also includes Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko.
The Serbia international has been in good form for Juventus this season with 12 goals to his name from 23 appearances in all competitions. With Thiago Motta now in charge, the Old Lady have somewhat struggled for consistent form this season as they currently sit fifth in the Serie A standings.
Alongside Vlahovic, Kenan Yildiz has impressed but Juventus have struggled to get over the line in most games. Though he has not overseen a loss in the league yet, Motta’s side have drawn 12 Serie A games with a further two stalemates coming in Champions League action.
With the January transfer window open, it looks as though Motta is attempting to do something about that with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claiming an agreement is now in place with Paris Saint-Germain for the loan, with no buy-option, of Randal Kolo Muani.
A number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham and Manchester United, have been linked with Kolo Muani but it now appears as though he will play the remainder of the 2024/25 season in Turin. As for Vlahovic, it does bring into question his role under Motta with Kolo Muani’s preference to play as the striker.
The former Fiorentina man has missed the last two league games with a minor muscular injury and though a return is expected later this month, he was missing from the squad to face Atalanta on Tuesday. Going forward, Kolo Muani could easily take minutes away from Vlahovic and that may well bring into question his long-term future.
Arsenal have been tipped to splash out for a top Premier League forward after confirming that striker Gabriel Jesus will undergo surgery after suffering a cruciate ligament injury to his knee.
The Brazil international was forced off on a stretcher in the first half of Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United on Sunday night before Mikel Arteta’s side went on to lose the game on penalties.
Speaking after the game, Arteta went on to describe Jesus’ injury as a “big worry” and revealed the 27-year-old was in “a lot of pain” – and now the north London club have confirmed that the attacker will have an operation this week.
A statement from Arsenal on Tuesday afternoon read: “Further to being substituted during our match with Manchester United on Sunday, Gabriel Jesus has received extensive assessments, scans and specialist reviews which have confirmed that he has sustained an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
