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Arsenal will compete in the Champions League next season, and if their league performance in 2024 is any indication, they will almost surely be in the title race next season. Any player willing to strive for greatness would undoubtedly jump at the chance to be a Gunner.
Whether a superstar or an up-and-coming star, that player should look at the transformations that players like Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard have gone through at Arsenal and feel for sure that’s where I belong. Despite this, Benjamin Sesko declined a transfer to the Emirates Stadium, and also blanked the interest from Man United.
Everyone has a notion about why Benjamin Sesko turned down a move to Arsenal. Some Gooners speculate that Benjamin Sesko might have realized he would fall behind Kai Havertz in the Arsenal strikers’ perking order and concluded that it wasn’t the right move for him once he realized it. Most who thought so were right, as the Slovenian revealed in his first comments after committing to RB Leipzig.
The 21-year-old confesses he isn’t ready to make the major move yet; he believes he still has a lot to learn.
“I had a good first year at RB Leipzig and am incredibly happy to be here,” he told the club’s website. “Team, club, city, fans – the overall package is simply outstanding for me. The early contract extension was therefore the logical next step for me. Even though I didn’t play or score as much in the first half of the season, this phase was very important for me and my development. I feel a lot of trust and appreciation throughout the club and that is crucial for being able to perform to my full potential. In the second half of the season in particular, I was able to give something back with my goals. We have a team with great potential and a balanced mix of young and experienced players.
“I’m really looking forward to taking the next steps with this team. We’ve already achieved a lot in my first season and often shown the amount of quality and outstanding football we can bring to the pitch. But there’s still a lot more to be done and that’s now our common goal.”
Sesko is certainly not a finished product; he only broke into Leipzig’s starting lineup in the second half of the season. Although he showed flashes of brilliance, Arsenal spending £55 million on him would have been a big gamble, but at least they can now recruit someone they’re confident in and not sign for just the hype around him.
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Maple Leafs get unfortunate news about acquiring Flames veteran
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to explore ways to upgrade the roster following Mitch Marner's departure in free agency. The Leafs front office has been trying to fill in the gaps along the roster, and they have been searching on the trade front. One name that has been heavily connected to the Maple Leafs in recent weeks is Calgary Flames star Nazem Kadri. Kadri could replace Marner very well in the lineup, but it seems that a deal could be complicated to complete. According to NHL insider Nick Kypreos of SportsNet, Toronto has tried to land Kadri multiple times this summer, only to be rebuffed each time. Kypreos believes that a deal involving Kadri returning to the Maple Leafs could be unlikely at this point in the summer. Last season, Kadri posted 35 goals and 32 assists for the Flames. His presence has been steady on the ice for years, and Calgary could probably get a lot on the trade market for him. The Maple Leafs will likely continue to explore ways to pry Kadri from the Flames. But Calgary likely won't trade him unless it receives an offer that it deems too good to be true. But Kadri is the leader of this team, and he was the best player for them last season. Toronto doesn't have a lot of tradable assets to work with, which could be what is holding things up between the two sides. The veteran could give Toronto a nice boost, but unless the Maple Leafs up the offer, he isn't returning to town.
Kelsey Plum takes shot at Caitlin Clark after WNBA All-Star Game
On Saturday night, Kelsey Plum was part of Team Collier's 151-131 win over Team Clark in the WNBA All-Star Game, scoring 16 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out three assists. Following the game, the Los Angeles Sparks star was asked about WNBA All-Stars wearing shirts before the game that read, "Pay Us What You Owe Us." Specifically, Plum was asked about how that idea came together. "The T-shirt — just a united front," she said. "That was determined this morning, that we had a meeting for. Not to tattletale, but zero members of Team Clark were very present for that." Plum said it with a chuckle. However, she was sitting next to New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, who rolled her eyes and said, "Didn't really need to be mentioned" before laughing. It was awkward, especially because Caitlin Clark, as well as all of the members of Team Clark, wore the shirts. If Clark didn't wear the shirt, you could understand some backlash. But she did. It should also be noted that Team Collier featured the president of the WNBA Players Association, Nneka Ogwumike, as well as the first vice president, Plum, and two vice presidents, Napheesa Collier and Brenna Stewart. It makes sense if they took on greater leadership roles in a statement like this against the league. Whether Plum likes it or not, the reason the WNBA has any sort of leverage heading into these negotiations with the league is Clark. She would do well to remember that the next time she wants to take an unnecessary shot at Clark, who is responsible for the greatest surge in fan attention the WNBA has ever seen.
Terry McLaurin makes bold contract move as Commanders fans' worst fears unfold
The plot thickens between the Washington Commanders and Terry McLaurin. And the worst fears of fans seem to be coming true. Adam Peters provided a brief sense of calm during his media availability regarding his contract standoff with the wide receiver. McLaurin painted a completely different picture through actions. And if the alarm bells weren't ringing before, they definitely are now. According to Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network, which was later confirmed by beat writers with close association to the team, McLaurin wasn't present for the team's physicals as they reported for training camp today. This absence probably indicates the former third-round pick out of Ohio State won't be showing up when the team participates in its first practice session tomorrow. Terry McLaurin plays his final card in pursuit of Commanders extension It was always a realistic scenario. McLaurin isn't happy with the lack of progress being made, although Peters did reveal that talks had begun after a stalemate over the offseason. The wideout feels disrespected and undervalued, which brought the breaking point closer than it's ever been. McLaurin wants what he deserves. He's willing to take drastic measures to get it, but the Commanders seem pretty dug in regarding their stance. They want to pay McLaurin. But the $30 million per season or more for someone who'll be 30 years old in September is a little too rich right now. Peters can ill afford a firestorm here. The Commanders need McLaurin on the field as preparations for a crucial 2025 season gather pace. Jayden Daniels needs his best weapon. The locker room needs its inspirational leader. But the general manager is not going to be held to ransom for anybody. Not many thought this situation would reach this level. McLaurin loves the team, and he's long proven himself as a franchise cornerstone. While a new deal remains the most likely outcome, it's rapidly becoming a distraction that could derail their hopes of starting on the front foot this season. Reports suggested McLaurin was contemplating all options, ready to escalate the situation if he felt it could help. Peters is professional enough to stay the course, but this relationship cannot sour any further. That's going to have a cataclysmic impact on the Commanders' chances of going deep into the playoffs once again. McLaurin is the beating heart of everything good about this franchise's renaissance. Not reaching some middle ground quickly is organizational malpractice. This has already gone on for long enough. And it's only going to get worse from here unless some urgency is deployed from both sides. More Commanders news and analysis
Chicago Blackhawks reportedly set to trade 25-year-old goaltender to Stars rival, Edmonton Oilers
Cubs Get Good News on Availability of Ace With 2.94 ERA
Reports have indicated that the Chicago Cubs are interested in trading for a starting pitcher. When searching the market for potential names the Cubs could be interested in, Jeff Passan noted that the Cubs might be interested in trading for Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals. Some have questioned what the Royals plan to do, but he'll likely be available according to Passan. "Lugo has posted mid-3.00s or lower ERAs for five seasons despite having below-average fastball velocity and good-not-great strikeout rates. His ability to strand runners and limit hard contact comes in part due to his nine different pitches," wrote Passan. "With a Nathan Eovaldi-type contract awaiting Lugo in free agency, Kansas City could opt to move him, especially if Cole Ragans' injured shoulder doesn't improve. Best fits: Chicago Cubs, Houston, Toronto, San Diego, Los Angeles Dodgers." Over the past two seasons, there's a strong argument to be made that Lugo has been the most underrated pitcher in Major League Baseball. While he isn't as elite as the Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal’s of the world, his numbers haven't been too far off regarding the runs he's given up. Lugo has above-average stuff, and given his extensive experience in the league, he’d fit nicely on a contender like the Cubs. He owns a 2.94 ERA and has struck out 93 hitters in 107.0 innings. The Royals are in a weird spot where they could look to keep him around, but Lugo is also set to hit the free agency market at the end of the season if he opts out of his contract, so it's something Kansas City has to factor in. That alone could make him available for the Cubs.
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