Lens U19 Overview

Nicolas Pepe proved to be the hero as Ivory Coast finally ended their World Cup group stage hoodoo with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curacao. The former Arsenal winger rose to the occasion in Philadelphia to secure his nation's place in the last 32. It marks a historic milestone for the Elephants, who had never previously progressed beyond the opening round of the tournament.

Premier League champions Arsenal have reportedly initiated surprise exploratory talks with the camp of Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes as they plot a blockbuster summer midfield reinforcement. Mikel Arteta’s recruitment team is actively gauging the market for the 28-year-old Brazil international, forcing Newcastle to brace for a formal offer.

Arsenal have officially secured the long-term future of Piero Hincapie, confirming that the Ecuador international has joined the club on a permanent basis. During a superb loan spell from Bayer Leverkusen, the defender established himself as a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s backline during a historic season for the Gunners.

West Ham were once known as the “Academy of Football”, but former Hammers boss Harry Redknapp has told GOAL why “something has to be done” about the lack of exciting youngsters breaking through at top Premier League clubs. Chelsea and Liverpool are considered to form part of that problem, with Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman proving to be a break from the norm at present.