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Real Madrid are perhaps the biggest threat to any club in Europe with a valuable asset with less than two years left on their contract. Los Blancos have made it club policy to sign top players as free agents in recent years, something they have done successfully.
No wonder it was concerning news for Arsenal then, that Los Blancos had been impressed with breakout left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly. Real Madrid have carried out this policy with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, even if he ended moving for a minor fee eventually, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger, while making an effort to sign Alphonso Davies. Lewis-Skelly has just a year left on his deal though, and Arsenal will be desperate to wrap up a new contract.
Arsenal making progress on Lewis-Skelly deal
Hence it will be a relief for fans of the Gunners to learn that Arsenal are finally making some ground in talks with Lewis-Skelly, after months without movement. Caught Offside say that Sporting Director Andrea Berta has opened talks, and Arsenal are supposedly relaxed about the situation.
Ethan Nwaneri also on Real Madrid radar
Earlier in the season, Real Madrid scouts also watched on admiringly as Ethan Nwaneri scored a brilliant goal against Girona in the Champions League group stage. He is another player Arsenal are working on a deal for, but it appears Berta has started to make ground in that case too.
Real Madrid moving for players in their position
The good news for Arsenal is that Los Blancos are also making moves for players in the same positions as Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri this summer. Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras is their top choice at left-back, while 17-year-old Argentine starlet Franco Mastantuono appears to be the next wonderkid they will try to sign. If those players arrive, moves for both of the Arsenal duo become less obvious.
More must-reads:
- Dream (but realistic) trade targets for every MLB team this offseason
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- The 'NFL Passing YPG leaders' quiz
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Injured Tottenham duo in contention to face FC Copenhagen; Thomas Frank optimistic
Thomas Frank provides latest injury update ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s home encounter against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League Thomas Frank definitely has work to do at N17 after his Tottenham Hotspur side went down 1-0 to Chelsea in the London derby on Saturday. The Lilywhites have managed just one win in their last five fixtures, with the victory coming at the home of Everton last month. Spurs were very poor in their recent defeat to Chelsea. They did not deserve anything out of this game, instead, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s inspired showing, coupled with the Blues’ lack of ruthless finishing, saved Thomas Frank’s side a humiliation in front of the home crowd. Frank admitted after the game that his side were “second best” to Chelsea, and undoubtedly he was spot on as Tottenham failed to create a single clear-cut chance. The players were devoid of ideas and energy to break down a well-drilled Chelsea side. Fans were right in voicing their displeasure after the game, with Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven ignoring Frank’s instructions to applaud the home crowd creating headlines for all wrong reasons. Thomas Frank gives latest team news ahead of FC Copenhagen clash Tottenham must dust themselves down quickly and prepare for the exciting Champions League encounter against FC Copenhagen at home. They have battling an injury crisis for the second season in running, but there were few returnees against Chelsea. Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert all returned to the squad and came on as substitutes on Saturday after spells on the sidelines. On Monday, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus and Djed Spence were not spotted in team training ahead of the FC Copenhagen clash. As expected, Lucas Bergvall was not involved due to concussion protocols, but Spence and Kudus absent from training came as a worry for the Tottenham fans. Now, Frank has given an update on the trio in his pre-match presser, stating (h/t Football London): “Lucas is out through concussion which was obvious for everyone watching the game. Djed and Mo both have knocks and could still be available for tomorrow.” Kudus, Spence expected to be ready vs FC Copenhagen, Bergvall ruled out Bergvall was handed a start ahead of Xavi Simons in midfield against Chelsea, but had to be taken off the pitch early on due to a head injury after being hit by the ball from close range. Despite the youngster’s complaints, an enforced concussion substitution was made by Spurs as Xavi came on for Bergvall. Frank has today confirmed that the Sweden international will miss the games against FC Copenhagen and Manchester United. Kudus and Spence apparently picked up knocks in the defeat to Chelsea, but the Tottenham boss is optimistic over their availability to face the Danish side in midweek. Both have been key in both attack and defence this term, so hopefully the duo shrug off their knocks and play a part in the forthcoming European fixture. It will be a fascinating contest on Wednesday, as the Lilywhites look to bounce back from the upsetting defeat to Chelsea.
Three offseason trade targets for Blue Jays to add an impact bat
The Toronto Blue Jays and their fans are fresh off the most heartbreaking loss in franchise history. Putting the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers on the brink of elimination with two cracks to win the World Series at home, only to lose two nail-biters that each came down to the final out. It’s going to take a long time to get over it, if that’s even possible to do. However, they'll have to turn the page rather quickly because in just three days, the negotiating window for free agents expires, and all are free to sign wherever they so choose. Toronto will be busy in an attempt to retain the likes of star shortstop Bo Bichette and starting pitchers Shane Bieber, Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer. At the same time, the front office must be active in improving its roster from the outside, whether that’s via free agency or trade. While there are some intriguing names for the Blue Jays to target on the open market, given their needs, heading down the trade route could make the most sense. Here are three ideal trade targets for the Toronto Blue Jays to add an impactful left-handed bat to their lineup for 2025-26 and beyond: Oneil Cruz | Pittsburgh Pirates Cruz’s name popped up in trade rumors ahead of the deadline in August, and it’s fair to wonder if he still could be available if Pittsburgh gets the right offer. The 27-year-old has all of the tools to be one of the best hitters in baseball, standing at 6-foot-7, 240 pounds with extreme power and bat speed. His numbers last season (20 HRs, 61 RBI), while solid, didn't reflect his talent, but it's understandable given the lack of protection around him on the Pirates. In Toronto, Cruz could slot in behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bichette, immediately becoming the most dangerous left-handed hitter in a right-heavy lineup. Matt Wallner | Minnesota Twins The 39th overall pick back in 2019 may not publicly be on the trade block, but after its sell-off at the deadline, it doesn’t feel like anyone is untouchable in Minnesota. Like Cruz, Wallner, at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, has big-time power, and the Blue Jays saw that firsthand when he crushed three HRs and six RBI during their three-game series in Toronto in late August. He does have some swing and miss in his bat (.231 career average), but with how often the top of the Blue Jays lineup gets on base, all it takes is one swing for Wallner to put up a crooked number on the scoreboard. Jarren Duran | Boston Red Sox The 2024 All-Star Game MVP has been in constant trade discussions for over a year now, and it feels inevitable that he gets dealt out of Boston this winter. Duran had more of an up-and-down 2025 campaign, though he's displayed the ability to drive in runs (84 RBI) and has power with even more untapped potential. Combine that with his speed and athleticism, and you can see why so many teams would love to acquire him. Trading within the division is never easy, but the 29-year-old would be a perfect fit in the middle of Toronto's lineup, so it's something they should absolutely look into.
The 'NFL franchise TD-catch leaders' quiz
Happy 37th birthday to three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver and 2012 PFWA Most Improved Player award winner, Dez Bryant! The Oklahoma State product played in nine NFL seasons, eight of which were with the Dallas Cowboys. In his time with Big D he caught 531 passes for 7,506 yards and a franchise-record 73 touchdowns. He also served as an important bridge for Dallas in the Tony Romo-Dak Prescott transition, catching 50 passes for 796 yards and eight scores in Prescott’s 2016 rookie campaign. His time in Dallas ended with an achilles injury in 2017, but he did catch on for six games with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 before hanging up his cleats. Which brings us to today’s quiz. How many of the players with the most receiving touchdowns for each NFL franchise can you name in five minutes? Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!
Mike Vrabel responds to accusation that Patriots simulated Falcons' snap on key fourth-quarter play
Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the Miami Dolphins reportedly in question
After a disappointing start to the season, Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the Miami Dolphins has come into question. The Dolphins suffered another embarrassing defeat this part Thursday as it fell to the Baltimore Ravens 28-6. Shortly after the loss, the franchise announced that it had parted ways with long time general manager Chris Grier who is the first domino to fall in another expected rebuild of the team. Despite speculation in the weeks leading up to this week’s game, head coach Mike McDaniel will have some more to try and turn things around and end the season on the right foot according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. But Rapoport did note that the team could explore its options when it comes to Tagovailoa at quarterback. The duo of McDaniel and Tagovailoa previously formed one of the top offenses in the NFL alongside star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but it has since soured through nine games this year. The loss of Hill for the season was a massive blow to the unit, but the deterioration of the relationship between the head coach and quarterback has sunk surely sunk any hopes. Tagovailoa in particular has not performed up to his previous standard as he currently leads the NFL in turnovers with 11 interceptions on the season. His elite traits of accuracy and timing on his passes in McDaniel’s system has appeared to have eroded, and the Miami offense has been wildly inconsistent week in and week out. According to Rapoport, if Tagovailoa’s play doesn’t improve soon then a change at quarterback will become “reasonable” and a potential benching is not off the table. Behind Tagovailoa sits former No. 2 overall pick Zack Wilson who has started 33 games with the New York Jets along with seventh round rookie Quinn Ewers out of Texas. But Tagovailoa’s contract situation would force Miami to not only be sure that performance could improve with a change but also that a financial exit of Tagovailoa would be viable. Tagovailoa signed a four-year $212.4 million contract extension last offseason and is tied to Miami through 2026 with $54 million guaranteed next year. That leaves Miami with the option of trading the former Alabama quarterback which would likely involve the front office paying down a majority of contract to make his deal more attractive to other teams. Or similarly to what the Denver Broncos did with Russell Wilson, release Tagovailoa and set a new record of a $99.2 million cap hit which could be spread out over multiple seasons. Either way, the sunny skies have dimmed in Miami with major changes on the upcoming forecast.
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