Soccer: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

'One of the best' – Maresca’s praise for world class Chelsea star

With a year of fitness under his belt, we can finally start dropping the qualifiers and say it clearly: Reece James is one of, if not the best right back in the world.

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Jamie Redknapp impressed with the quality of the Arsenal-Crystal Palace penalties

Arsenal were forced to score eight consecutive penalties to overcome Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, making for a compelling and tense evening.

Juventus FC News / Juvefc.com / December 24

Opinion: Why Juventus should wait until the summer to make signings

Juventus are among the clubs being tipped to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window, yet such a move may not necessarily be the right decision at this stage of the season.

Villarreal News / Football Italia / December 24

Fulham winger Chukwueze admits ‘I Wasn’t given the time I needed in Serie A’ with Milan

Samuel Chukwueze has reflected on his brief spell in Serie A with Milan, admitting he struggled to find space and continuity before moving on loan to Fulham.

Soccer News / Absolute Chelsea on SI / December 24

Predicted Chelsea line-up vs Aston Villa: Minor tweaks with Morgan Rogers threat in mind

Enzo Maresca is expected to make a few minor tweaks in the team for Saturday's Premier League home match against Aston Villa. Despite dropping points at Newcastle United last weekend, it was still a remarkable second-half performance from Chelsea, who were down by two goals at half-time, to salvage a point from the match.

Manchester United News / Stretty News / December 24

After losing ‘everything’, Amorim teases Man Utd debut against Newcastle

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim suggests that Jack Fletcher could earn his full debut against Newcastle on Boxing Day. The 18-year-old is considered one of the most exciting players in the club’s academy.

Aston Villa News / centredevils / December 24

Key Manchester United defender lined-up for change of role

If Ruben Amorim’s press conference ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United has told us anything, it’s that there’s no clear plan to cover Bruno Fernandes’ injury.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 24

'He’s ready' – Maresca confirms Chelsea star ready to play full game but Blues need more than minutes

After missing him for so long with a groin injury, Cole Palmer’s reintegration into the Chelsea team has been pretty quiet. The team hasn’t been at its best, and nor has the attacker.

West Ham United News / Caught Offside / December 24

Report: West Ham move for 26-goal star heating up as talks accelerate

West Ham United are hoping to sign Kaio Jorge from Cruzeiro during the January transfer window. The 23-year-old striker is in spectacular form right now, and he has 26 goals this season.

Soccer News / Chelsea News / December 24

Maresca shuts down attacking midfielder swap talk ahead of friendly rivalry game

Chelsea’s current run of games didn’t look too scary back in the Autumn, but a lot of these games are turning our harder than we anticipated. There’s no better example than Aston Villa, who started the season unable to score a goal, let alone win a game.

Lens News / The Cult of Calcio / December 24

Genoa Set Their Sights on Juventus and Roma Players

Genoa are eager to bolster their squad under Daniele De Rossi and have knocked on Juventus and Roma’s doors to ask for Mattia Perin and Niccolò Pisilli.

Napoli News / Football Italia / December 24

Insigne nears Serie A return as Lazio prepare six-month deal with optional extension

Lorenzo Insigne is edging closer to a return to Serie A, with Lazio preparing a short-term contract to bring the former Napoli captain back to Italy. After

Crystal Palace News / Caught Offside / December 24

Crystal Palace ready to offer lifeline to 25-year-old wide player frozen out by Euro giants

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Joao Mario from Juventus during the January transfer window. The 25-year-old has struggled for opportunities at the Italian club, and he needs to leave them to play more often.

Atalanta News / SempreInter.com / December 24

Atalanta Vs Inter Milan – Nerazzurri Players Given Extra Rest After Disappointing Supercoppa Italiana Experience

Inter Milan will reportedly resume preparations for the upcoming Serie A clash against Atalanta on Friday. According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, Cristian Chivu has given his players a two-day rest during the Christmas holidays.

Revealed – Why Inter Milan Pinned €45M Price Tag On Fringe Midfielder Last Summer

Inter Milan fended off several clubs who attempted to lure Davide Frattesi away from San Siro in the summer. According to Alfredo Pedulla via FCInter1908, that was the reason for putting a substantial €45m price tag on his shoulders.

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Sassuolo News / SempreInter.com / December 24

Report – Inter Milan Name Price Tag For Italy Midfielder Amid Juventus Attempt To Secure January Transfer

Inter Milan are reportedly open to cashing in on out-of-favor midfielder Davide Frattesi amid growing interest from Juventus. According to La Repubblica via FCInter1908, the Nerazzurri have already named their asking price for the 26-year-old.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 24

Beating Palace gives Arsenal 'a chance to get silverware' declares pundit

Arsenal have taken a step closer to ending their trophy drought by beating Crystal Palace to reach the Carabao Cup semi-final, with the result viewed as a significant moment for their season.

Borussia Monchengladbach News / SempreInter.com / December 24

Inter Milan Looking To Make Italy Prodigy Attacking Cornerstone After Supercoppa Italiana Omission

Serie A giants Inter Milan are reportedly planning to make Francesco Pio Esposito central to their long-term project. According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, the 20-year-old striker occupies a special place in the club’s plans.

Soccer News / The Laziali / December 24

Not Only Tavares – Lazio Choose to Sacrifice Another Player to Raise Capital Gains

Lazio will have to make a few sales to keep their finances afloat, and Christos Mandas is considered the perfect candidate for a January departure. On Tuesday, the Biancocelesti announced that the transfer ban that blocked their market dealings last summer has now been lifted.

Soccer News / Football Espana / December 24

Real Madrid star in danger of missing out on Spain World Cup squad

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente will have plenty of decisions to agonise over in the coming months, as he selects their squad for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Soccer News / Empire of the Kop / December 24

Carragher explains why one Liverpool decision now feels inevitable after Isak injury

Liverpool’s next move may not be obvious on the pitch, but behind the scenes the picture is starting to become clearer as we approach January. With Alexander Isak ruled out for months and our forward options stretched, questions are being asked about whether we will re-enter the market for another striker.

Soccer News / Empire of the Kop / December 24

Jeremie Frimpong explains why the worst part of football nearly stopped him

Liverpool news often focuses on results and momentum, but sometimes the most revealing stories come from what happens when a player is taken away from the pitch.

Crystal Palace News / Caught Offside / December 24

Major boost for Arne Slot as Euro giants cool interest in ‘most wanted’ Liverpool target

Liverpool’s pursuit of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi has received a significant boost after Barcelona cooled their interest in the England international, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo.

Soccer News / Just Arsenal / December 24

'We want to win both games' Saliba makes Arsenal intentions clear ahead of Chelsea clash

Arsenal will face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final after overcoming Crystal Palace in the competition last night. The Gunners met the Eagles at the quarter-final stage, the same point at which both sides clashed last season, and the latest encounter proved just as tense and demanding.

Soccer News / Empire of the Kop / December 24

Ornstein update leaves Liverpool facing uncomfortable Semenyo truth

Liverpool’s January thinking may already be shifting after a fresh update from one of the game’s most reliable transfer voices. David Ornstein has outlined the current situation surrounding Antoine Semenyo, and the details will shape how we assess any short-term attacking solution.

Bayer Leverkusen News / Esteemed Kompany / December 24

The opportunity is now there for a Manchester City youngster to salvage his season

The struggles of Claudio Echeverri at Bayer Leverkusen are well-documented. Echeverri left Manchester City on loan last summer in the hope of playing a prominent role in the Bundesliga and the Champions League for Leverkusen.

VfL Wolfsburg News / Esteemed Kompany / December 24

Manchester City appear to have landed the first big blow of the January transfer window

The January transfer window is now a week away from opening. Given that Manchester City are well-placed in three competitions they will be looking to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s squad to allow City push on this season.