Pep Guardiola rejected the opportunity to manage the Italy national team this summer, despite holding advanced talks with Paolo Maldini, to take an extended break from the sport.
The former Manchester City boss was heavily pursued by the Azzurri following their failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Italian legend Paolo Maldini was tasked with leading the national rebuild and targeted the 55-year-old following his departure from the Etihad Stadium.
Tactical planning in Barcelona
Negotiations progressed significantly during a meeting in Catalonia, with the highly decorated tactician immersing himself in the project.
The Spanish manager analysed the national player pool extensively, looking at prospects down to the under-17 level.
“With Guardiola we studied the lists of players, starting from the under-17 team and above,” Maldini revealed.
“He even began writing out line-ups.”
Financial demands were not a stumbling block for the serial winner, who was reportedly willing to take a pay cut to lead the European nation.
“Guardiola told us: ‘Give me one euro less than what the last coach was earning and I am ready’,” Maldini claimed.
England links and managerial sabbatical
Ultimately, the Catalan coach opted for a sabbatical following a demanding 13-year continuous spell managing across Europe’s elite.
His decision mirrored his stance on the England vacancy, where he reportedly held a verbal agreement with the Football Association before stepping back.
The Three Lions subsequently turned to Thomas Tuchel, whose position remains secure despite a recent World Cup semi-final collapse against Argentina.
England chiefs had granted the German coach a new contract before that tournament commenced, making an imminent change highly unlikely.
Maldini departs after Pirlo veto
Following rejections from both Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, Maldini attempted to appoint 2006 World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo.
However, Italian football chiefs vetoed the move due to the former Juventus manager’s commercial ties with Russian betting firms.
That boardroom intervention prompted Maldini to resign from his directorial role after less than three weeks in the post.
The Italian federation has since navigated the immediate crisis by appointing Roberto Mancini for a second spell in charge of the national side.
World number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the upcoming Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing right knee injury as he shifts his focus towards the US Open.
The 24-year-old was scheduled to defend the title he claimed in 2024 but has been forced to pull out following clear medical advice.
“After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati,” Sinner said in a statement.
“My right knee has been bothering me and even though we have been working hard with my medical team, I have to accept that I’m not ready to compete yet.”
Race to be fit for Flushing Meadows
The reigning Wimbledon champion has not featured competitively since securing his fifth Grand Slam crown at the All England Club.
He recently missed last week’s Masters 1000 event in Toronto while attempting to manage the bothersome physical issue.
“I’m very disappointed not to be able to play in Cincinnati… I’m now focusing on getting ready for the US Open,” he added.
Key rivals also sidelined
The main draw for the final Grand Slam of the year begins in New York on 30 August.
The Italian star will be aiming to reclaim the major title he relinquished to Carlos Alcaraz during last year’s final.
However, the second-ranked Spaniard is also missing from the Cincinnati draw as he continues his own recovery from a lingering wrist injury.
Both elite players now face a tense race against time to prove their absolute fitness before the hard-court major commences.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that defender Jurrien Timber remains weeks away from returning to competitive action as the north London club manages a disrupted pre-season.
The 25-year-old Dutchman recently attended the Emirates Stadium to watch his team-mates suffer a narrow 3-2 pre-season defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Despite resuming training on the grass, the versatile full-back is not expected to feature imminently for the Gunners.
“Jurrien is progressing really well. He’s on the pitch, he’s doing quite a lot right now.”
“But he’s still weeks away. I cannot tell you much.”
William Saliba faces extended absence
Arsenal’s defensive concerns have been further compounded by the loss of centre-back William Saliba to a frustrating back issue.
Medical staff have ruled out surgery for the French international, but the club has confirmed he will miss an extended period of the upcoming campaign.
“Wily is in rest mode at the moment.”
“For two weeks he had to do almost nothing, don’t aggravate the injury. It’s going to take some time to heal, we know that.”
International stars make early return
Beyond the treatment room, Arteta is also managing a staggered squad following the summer’s World Cup exploits.
Mandatory three-week rest periods have forced key personnel to report back to training in fragmented groups.
However, dedicated figures like David Raya and Bukayo Saka have already cut their holidays short to rejoin the setup ahead of schedule.
The Spanish goalkeeper even participated in the warm-up routines against Dortmund despite not being named in the matchday squad.
“Bukayo and David were back yesterday, a bit earlier than expected which is great to see.”
The final cohort of international players, featuring a mix of English and Spanish talent, is expected to commence their training programmes immediately.
With the Premier League season commencing in under two weeks, the Arsenal boss remains optimistic about having a fully competitive squad ready for the opening fixtures.
Trackhouse Racing rider Raul Fernandez has secured a commanding British MotoGP victory at Silverstone after leading from the opening lap.
The 25-year-old bounced back spectacularly from a crash in Saturday’s sprint event to cruise across the finish line 2.5 seconds clear of the chasing pack.
Championship leader Jorge Martin started from pole position but suffered technical difficulties at Turn One that briefly relegated him to fourth.
Martin extends championship lead despite early setback
The Spaniard showcased remarkable resilience to recover and secure second place behind the dominant race winner.
Having already claimed victory in the weekend’s earlier sprint, the Aprilia rider successfully extended his overall advantage at the top of the standings to 31 points.
His factory team-mate Marco Bezzecchi crossed the line in third position to complete the podium and elevate himself to second in the overall title fight.
High attrition rate mars Silverstone spectacle
Previous championship contender Ai Ogura suffered a devastating blow to his campaign by failing to finish a race for the first time this season, subsequently dropping to third overall.
Defending champion Marc Marquez managed a quiet race to finish seventh, leaving the decorated rider sitting fourth in the current standings.
Sunday’s Grand Prix was characterised by a high attrition rate, with six additional riders crashing out of contention across the demanding British circuit.
Alex Rins and Joan Mir saw their afternoons end prematurely following a dramatic first-lap collision, while Enea Bastianini, Iker Lecuona, Cal Crutchlow, and Francesco Bagnaia also failed to see the chequered flag.
Long-term future secured for British Grand Prix
MotoGP officials confirmed earlier this week that a new contract has been agreed to keep the premier class racing at Silverstone until at least 2028.
The paddock will now enjoy a short break before the championship resumes with the Aragon Grand Prix in Spain on 30 August.
Everton and Crystal Palace are nearing a straight swap deal involving Dwight McNeil and Brennan Johnson, with medicals expected as early as Monday.
The proposed summer transfer would see no additional financial exchange between the two Premier League clubs.
Reliable reporter Paul Joyce has revealed that negotiations are progressing rapidly towards a swift conclusion.
If the final details are successfully ironed out, both attackers will undergo their respective physical examinations early next week.
January disappointment overcome
The former Burnley winger previously came incredibly close to joining the Eagles during last season’s winter transfer window.
However, that highly anticipated move to Selhurst Park dramatically collapsed at the final hurdle.
Now, both top-flight sides appear to have finally found a mutually beneficial solution to refresh their attacking options.
A rare straight exchange
Swapping players without a cash component remains an unusual rarity in the modern English game.
The inclusion of the Welsh international forward in the transaction has effectively bypassed the need for complex fee negotiations.
Supporters of the Merseyside outfit and the south London club will now be eagerly awaiting official confirmation of this unique piece of business.
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has been unveiled by London City Lionesses in Maidstone following a historic Women’s Super League transfer, stating her desire to test her limits in England.
The Spanish superstar addressed a packed press conference to speak with the domestic media for the very first time.
Referred to affectionately as ‘La Reina’ in her homeland, the 32-year-old arrives as the most high-profile signing in the history of the division.
She recently sat down with the BBC’s Women’s Football Weekly podcast to discuss the motivations behind her surprising departure from Catalonia.
Leaving a Barcelona legacy
The World Cup winner enjoyed an incredible 14-year professional career with her childhood club before making the move to London.
During that dominant spell, the legendary midfielder amassed an astonishing 38 trophies, including 10 domestic league titles and four European cups.
She also claimed back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards in 2021 and 2022, cementing her status as one of the greatest players of her generation.
Growing up in the Mollet del Valles municipality, the playmaker idolised Barcelona icons such as Andres Iniesta, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.
Searching for new limits
Despite her unparalleled success in Spain, Putellas remains fiercely driven to improve.
When asked if she could still elevate her game further, the former Barcelona captain offered a definitive response.
“Yeah, of course. Always. Day after day, I want to learn things.”
“That’s the way I see this job. Just keep going, never stop and be as good as I can.”
The acclaimed midfielder described this new chapter with the Lionesses as an opportunity to discover her ultimate boundaries on the pitch.
While she is currently enjoying her first English pre-season, the seasoned international insists her focus remains firmly fixed on the upcoming campaign.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is determined to ignite his Real Madrid career under newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho following a frustrating, injury-plagued debut season in the Spanish capital.
The 27-year-old arrived at the Bernabeu 14 months ago with huge expectations after ending his long association with Liverpool.
Real Madrid secured the versatile defender for a reported 10m euros (£8.4m) fee, releasing him from his Anfield contract a month early in June 2025.
However, the highly anticipated debut campaign for the English right-back was severely derailed by physical setbacks and managerial upheaval.
Injury struggles and squad rotation
A hamstring issue last September sidelined the former Premier League star for seven weeks before a separate thigh problem in December cost him an additional two months.
These constant interruptions denied him the sustained run of matches required to build momentum and adapt to a completely new league environment.
The set-piece specialist eventually featured in 35 of the club’s 62 matches across all competitions, though he was largely restricted to a rotational role.
He was named in the starting lineup 27 times, sharing the right-sided defensive duties with veteran club legend Dani Carvajal.
Familiar defensive criticisms from his time in England continued to surface in Madrid, even as his exceptional passing range and crossing ability remained highly evident.
A fresh start under Mourinho
After finishing a trophyless season strongly under outgoing managers Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, the defender is now firmly focused on the future.
Missing out on England’s World Cup squad provided him with the unexpected benefit of a complete pre-season under Mourinho, who returned for a second spell at the helm in June.
The renowned Portuguese tactician has reportedly been highly impressed by the international defender’s work rate, technical values, and recent training performances.
Taking to social media at the end of the previous campaign, the former Liverpool academy graduate promised supporters a significant improvement.
“Madridistas you have welcomed me with open arms. From the first day I arrived you have had my back.”
“It took me a few months to find rhythm and settle in the new environment but I feel completely at home now.”
“I promise we will bring trophies back to this amazing club next season.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Arsenal are considering an £85m move for Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz and remain interested in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as they continue their summer squad rebuild.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been highly active in the current transfer window.
The Gunners recently completed the £75m capture of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
They also secured the signature of winger Christos Tzolis to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
Renewed interest in Yildiz
The north London club are now searching for wide reinforcements after missing out on Vinicius Junior.
The Brazilian superstar has instead agreed a lucrative new six-year contract with Real Madrid.
As a result, attention has pivoted back to Yildiz following an initial enquiry made earlier this summer.
The 21-year-old Turkey international has been closely monitored by the Emirates Stadium scouting network since last season.
Financial hurdles remain
Securing the former Bayern Munich academy prospect will prove financially demanding for the English side.
Juventus are reluctant to sell the attacker, who is currently contracted to the Serie A giants until 2030.
The Turin club previously placed an £85m valuation on their prized asset when Premier League sides circled a year ago.
Yildiz enjoyed a highly productive campaign last season, netting 11 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.
Guimaraes targets silverware
Meanwhile, new arrival Guimaraes has outlined his ambitions following his high-profile switch from Tyneside.
The 28-year-old arrives in the capital eager to secure major honours with his new employers.
“I want to win trophies, I want to make history, and I think I’m in the right place to do it.”
“I’m so excited to start. We have tough games to play this season, so the squad is going to be very, very important and I’m hopeful we can achieve our dreams.”
Alvarez future remains uncertain
Alongside Yildiz, Arsenal are tracking the ongoing situation surrounding Argentina international Julian Alvarez.
The World Cup winner has publicly expressed a desire to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.
While Barcelona is reportedly his preferred destination, Arteta’s recruitment team are maintaining a close watch.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone has continually reiterated the Spanish club’s firm stance regarding the forward’s immediate future.