Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x

AC Milan are keeping tabs on a number of impressive youngsters, and a Manchester City starlet has emerged on the list of targets.

There is as much of a need to invest in young talent as there is a need to buy readily-made talent, but when the two combine, you normally face a rather large challenge. So, it is no surprise that there are a few clubs watching James McAtee with eagerness.

The Manchester City academy graduate has recently become a part of the first team, and according to the Telegraph, Milan are watching the youngster with great interest ahead of the summer mercato. Under normal circumstances, there would be little chance, however, the Citizens are looking to add another attacking midfielder to their squad, which could see McAtee’s minutes fade.

At present, the midfielder’s future at the club is reportedly ‘uncertain’, and outsiders are beginning to take a look at the attacking talent.

Bayer Leverkusen have already made an attempt to sign him (a loan to buy, with that clause valued at €25 million), though this was turned down in January. If Florian Wirtz departs this summer, the club are likely to return.

Similarly, Nottingham Forest are keeping tabs on the situation, with the Sky Blues interested in their own attacking midfielder, Morgan Gibbs-White.

It seems that the biggest threats could be Newcastle United and Manchester United, whilst the Rossoneri could also be a strong option for the 22-year-old, who have previously viewed him as an example for their own youth model.

This article first appeared on SempreMilan and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST

Arsenal newcomer wins Goal of the Month award
Soccer

Arsenal newcomer wins Goal of the Month award

Martin Zubimendi has quickly become one of Arsenal’s most influential players since his arrival, impressing both with and without the ball. Signed to protect the defence from midfield, he has consistently excelled in this role, providing stability and composure in the heart of the Arsenal team. However, Zubimendi demonstrated that his impact extends beyond defensive duties in the club’s recent 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. In that match, he scored a brace, taking his performance to another level and providing an unexpected goal threat from midfield. One of his goals stood out for its quality and technical execution, earning recognition from the club’s supporters. Goal of the Month Recognition As reported by Arsenal Media, Zubimendi’s first goal against Nottingham Forest has been voted Arsenal’s Goal of the Month for September. Fans selected the strike from a shortlist of impressive goals, and it received the highest number of votes, granting the midfielder his first award at the Emirates. The accolade highlights his ability to contribute offensively, adding another dimension to his game and offering Arsenal a more versatile midfield presence. A Midfield Asset Beyond Defence The ability to score goals as well as shield the defence makes Zubimendi a particularly valuable asset. Opposing teams may focus on marking Arsenal’s forwards, but his willingness and capability to contribute offensively ensure that the squad can find goals from multiple sources. This versatility not only strengthens the team tactically but also increases the unpredictability of their attacking play. Zubimendi has already proven to be one of the most successful signings of the last transfer window. His defensive prowess, combined with his capacity to score and influence matches, underscores his importance to Arsenal. Supporters and analysts alike will be eager to see how he continues to develop in North London as the season progresses. __________________________________________________________________________________________

Why Blue Jackets winger is a logical trade target for the Canadiens
NHL

Why Blue Jackets winger is a logical trade target for the Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens are ready to start the 2025-26 season, with high expectations around the team with a reinforced young core. On Wednesday, Heavy.com proposed a trade between Columbus and Montreal. The Canadiens would acquire Yegor Chinakhov, with a cap hit of $2.1 million, and the Blue Jackets would receive Patrik Laine, with a cap hit of $8.7 million. The outlet had previously proposed an alternative, where the Canadiens obtained Chinakhov for a package of Josh Anderson and Arber Xhekaj, freeing up $4.7 million in cap space. The Columbus coach confirmed that Chinakhov will be a healthy scratch in the Blue Jackets' season opener. Chinakhov requested a trade in July, so a change is not seen as improbable. Blue Jackets' Yegor Chinakhov would fit in well with the Canadiens This trade pitch makes sense because Chinakhov needs a change to get stable minutes on a top-nine team. In Montreal, he could benefit from an environment that maximizes its young offensive players. The Russian's profile would also fit Martin St. Louis' system, as he shoots well and plays well without the puck. In a system that prioritizes possession, the volume and quality of his shots should improve. As he is a restricted free agent (RFA) in 2026, Montreal could maintain contractual control if his production improves. It is a buy-low with upside, as he has recorded a season with 16 goals. This would reduce the risk in relation to larger contracts. The Canadiens could offer a development environment without demanding immediate results. He would not have pressure to be the "savior." Furthermore, not all benefits would be for the player. The Habs are looking for more talent for their wings and scoring depth without sacrificing their defensive structure. The Russian would add shooting threat and quick transitions, especially with centers who gain the zone of control, which could be Suzuki or Kirby Dach.

Rangers must address these details after season-opening loss to Penguins
NHL

Rangers must address these details after season-opening loss to Penguins

The New York Rangers started the 2025-26 season poorly, as the opening night at Madison Square Garden ended with a 3-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This result overshadowed the official debut of Mike Sullivan as coach of the Rangers and the first game of J.T. Miller as captain of the franchise. That said, two empty net goals at the end masked a game that was closer than the score reflects. Justin Brazeau scored near the end of the first period, and then there were two empty netters in the final minutes, from Brazeau and Blake Lizotte. Igor Shesterkin saved 27 of 28, keeping the Rangers alive for a long period. The match was stuck and there were few clear chances, remaining at 1-0 for almost the entire game. Sullivan's team fell into the defensive pace proposed by the Penguins. What went wrong for the Rangers in their loss to the Penguins It was not a total tactical disaster for the Rangers, but there were specific details that can be linked to the result. There was a lack of offensive interiority from the Blueshirts. New York lived on the perimeter, without traffic, without second chances, and without backdoor runs. It became evident that a goaltender in rhythm, like Arturs Silovs, sees everything and shuts you down. Although Zibanejad and Lafreniere generated volume, the team did not produce the type of danger that moves the scoreboard. There were also misalignments in the defensive pair made up of Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov. The idea of Gavrikov operating as a physical stabilizer to free up Fox did not materialize. Whenever the first breakout fails, the team plays uphill, and the offense becomes more predictable. On the power play, there was a lack of timing and triangulation in the slot. And although on the penalty kill, new rotations were shown that worked in stretches, the defensive zone at five-on-five offered second chances that Shesterkin saved until he could no more. Decision-making under pressure is also an area of opportunity for the Rangers. In the final minutes, the pinches without backup showed anxiety more than an organized aggressiveness. Brazeau's goal came as a result of a lost face-off that was managed poorly, without clear guidance and roles. An elite team cannot afford to have that lack of synchronization. The goal resulted from a disorderly collapse toward the puck carrier, which led to a lost coverage and an open man in the slot. Had there been communication, a high F3, a quick switch to the netfront, and active sticks, that same pattern would have died in an outside shot without danger. It was many small details together that led to this defeat.

Bengals QB Jake Browning angry about being benched for Joe Flacco, but team had no choice
NFL

Bengals QB Jake Browning angry about being benched for Joe Flacco, but team had no choice

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning has officially been benched, and he is not taking it lightly. Browning has started the last three games for the Bengals in the wake of a toe injury that Joe Burrow suffered in Week 2. After going 0-3 in those games, the Bengals decided to acquire Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor announced on Wednesday that Flacco will start in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers. That means the new guy is taking Browning's job right away, which is hardly a surprise. Jake Browning is not happy about losing his job Browning spoke with reporters shortly after Taylor revealed that Flacco will start in Green Bay. The 29-year-old quarterback said the situation "sucks" but that he understands how the business of the NFL works. "I think it sucks but, like I said, everyone's in the middle of a season. I think, 'Welcome to pro football,'" Browning said. "If you don't play well, you're gonna get replaced, and that's what I'm going through." Browning also admitted he is angry over being benched. Though, he said he is not willing to shoulder the blame for everything that has gone wrong for Cincinnati since Burrow went down. "For me, I'm trying to respond the right way. Obviously, I'm pi--ed. If I wasn't pi--ed, then I shouldn't be in this locker room," Browning added. "I'm aware of the role I played in the offensive struggles over the last few weeks, but I'm also not shouldering the entire situation. I went through yesterday, watched my throws, tried to come up with some stuff I want to work on, and just doing that." Zac Taylor had no choice but to make a switch Browning threw three interceptions in Cincinnati's 37-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. He completed 26 of 40 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns as well, but anything positive that the veteran did came when the game was essentially out of hand. In his two starts prior to the Lions loss, Browning threw for a total of 265 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. The Bengals scored 13 points in the two games combined. Ja'Marr Chase looked extremely frustrated at times and even had a heated exchange with Taylor on the sideline. Taylor had been facing tremendous pressure from fans to make a quarterback change. It would not be a surprise if Cincinnati's front office and some players expressed a desire for Browning to be benched, as well.

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!