Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso lost a key figure ahead of Juventus clash, with David Alaba ruled out for the remainder of the Club World Cup. The 33-year-old Austrian international had been sidelined since April after sustaining a meniscus injury in his left knee, which required surgery. Though he was making progress in his rehabilitation, his latest calf problem has forced Madrid to rule him out.
Arsenal have reached a full agreement on personal terms with Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, as they close in on their fourth summer signing. The Gunners are now preparing a fresh bid after seeing their opening €14 million offer rejected, with talks progressing over a deal worth more than €20 million for the highly-rated 21-year-old.
Nico Williams’ long-anticipated transfer to Barcelona is now in serious doubt, with frustrations mounting. Despite the player's desire to join the five-time Champions League winners, ongoing issues around registration guarantees and financial constraints for the Catalan side are threatening to derail the deal for the Athletic Club winger altogether.
Barcelona are keen on signing a left-winger this season as Hansi Flick has demanded another starter on the left-side with plans to shift Raphinha to the No. 10 spot. They are fully invested in striking a deal for Nico Williams, however, their deal has now hit a snag and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz is re-emerging as an option for the Blaugrana.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, a Dutch legend from his playing days at Arsenal and Barcelona and a successful manager in his own right, has been added to Liverpool’s coaching ranks. The former Netherlands international joins manager Arne Slot’s technical team, stepping into the position left vacant after John Heitinga’s recent appointment as Ajax’s head coach.
Gareth Bale has taken a significant step toward owning the club he supported as a child by leading a consortium that has formally submitted a £40 million ($54.5m) bid to purchase Cardiff City. Despite the emotional and symbolic value of such a move, the offer is facing stiff resistance from the club’s current owner, Malaysian businessman Vincent Tan.