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Arsenal have been the best team in the Premier League this season, but defeat at Aston Villa has put a dampener on the feel-good factor, reducing their advantage at the summit to just two points following Manchester City’s win over Sunderland.

In truth, perhaps this was a step too far for Mikel Arteta’s men. The fixture schedule has been relentless, and Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera all missed out at Villa Park due to injury.

And Villa, to their credit, are among the most in-form teams in Europe right now, claiming their seventh win in a row across all competitions against the Premier League table-toppers.

But this feels like familiar territory for the Gunners, and there were several players in particular who flattered to deceive.

Arsenal's worst performers vs Aston Villa

On many outings this season, Arsenal have repelled opponents and struck clinically to pile up the points, so balanced and secure is Arteta’s system.

But they emerged from Stamford Bridge last weekend with just a point after something of a slugfest, and the midweek win over Brentford has clearly taken something out of the Londoners, who battled tooth and nail against a well-oiled and energetic Aston Villa side but to no avail.

Up top, Mikel Merino has been an incredible moonlit success since arriving at the Emirates, with the midfield-turned-forward having scored four goals and supplied three assists when stepping up into the danger area this season. However, Unai Emery’s team marshalled him well, anonymous in the first half save for one blundered attempt to find the surging Bukayo Saka.

Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke both changed Arsenal’s attacking dimensions in the second half, but neither enjoyed the most fruitful of appearances, with Gyokeres in particular struggling for service, albeit making his physicality and mobile presence known in Merino’s stead after the break.

For his part, Arteta showcased his shrewd and calculated in-game management by making a half-time change, which swiftly paid off, Leandro Trossard coming up trumps once again after Saka’s strike was deflected.

But the Spanish manager will be frustrated that one starting member failed to make the most of their opportunity, having drifted through the opening 45.

4/10 star produced his worst game for Arsenal

Arsenal have been a world-class unit this season, and they have been reinforced with some top talent this summer. Eberechi Eze is one of the arrivals, a superstar in the English game and a £67m signing from Crystal Palace. However, he wasn’t at his best against Aston Villa.

Let’s not forget, it was a matter of days ago that Arsenal informed Eze he was their Player of the Month for November, having bagged a hat-trick in the north London Derby and settled into his berth.

But, in spite of this, the England international still hasn’t struck a consistent vein of form in the final third, and his tough afternoon in the Midlands served as evidence that he needs to raise his game, having been such a fleet-footed and talismanic force for Oliver Glasner at Palace.

Against Villa, the 27-year-old flattered to deceive, with football.london even handing him a 4/10 match rating after an ineffectual and short-lived outing, hooked at the break for Trossard, who scored. In all likelihood, he failed to showcase any of his many qualities, and for that reason, probably endured his toughest game since joining.

Minutes played

45′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

13

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

7/9 (78%)

Chances created

0

Dribbles

1/1

Ball recoveries

0

Tackles won

0/0

Duels won

2/5

With Martin Odegaard fit once again, Eze has been forced into a wider berth. Could it be that he is at full throttle when creating and influencing from the middle? His pace lends itself to a wide role, but then so does his athleticism and physicality work well on the flank.

Eze is a passionate player. It is telling that his only goals in the Premier League this season have come against Crystal Palace, his former club, and Spurs in the derby, with Thomas Frank coming close to signing him before Arsenal swooped down.

Eze needs to channel his creativity and incisiveness in the box. He needs to iron out the wrinkles. But first, Arteta may want to relegate him to the bench, rekindling the fire to take that step up to the level he has shown he is capable of.

Sterling 2.0: Berta flop already looks like he'll never make it at Arsenal

It is not looking good for the Arsenal star so far this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 6, 2025

MLB really put on a show on Tuesday night as not one, not two, but three teams hit walk-offs to win their respective games within the span of just four minutes.

First, at 10:18 p.m. ET, the Detroit Tigers walked off the Boston Red Sox in the bottom of the 11th inning thanks to Javier Baez hitting a three-run home run to end the game. Baez celebrated accordingly by flipping his bat before he rounded the bases to the cheers of some very excited Tigers fans.

Then, at 10:20 p.m. ET, the Houston Astros walked off the Kansas City Royals at home after Isaac Paredes hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Fireworks shot off as the crowd went wild to celebrate Paredes's game-winning homer.

The next walk-off happened at 10:22 p.m. ET by the Chicago Cubs, as Justin Turner hit a double in the bottom of the ninth to send two runs home. Nico Hoerner got to score the winning run on his 28th birthday, and he was extremely pumped. Wrigley Field erupted into cheers as he rounded the bases to beat the Miami Marlins.

Hans-Joachim Watzke has been elected as the new president of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, succeeding Dr. Reinhold Lunow after serving as the club's chief executive for over 20 years. The 66-year-old was voted in with 59 percent of the votes during a marathon annual general meeting that lasted over 13 hours and vowed to create history for the football club.

• Watzke elected president with 59% of the vote

  Watzke is the 19th president of Borussia Dortmund following a vote at the club's annual general meeting. The long-serving CEO, who was the sole candidate for the presidency, received 59 percent of the votes cast in a hybrid voting process that included both in-person and online participation. Daniel Lorcher was elected vice-president with 71% of the votes, while the previous vice president, Silke Seidel, was voted in as treasurer with 61%. The new board has been elected for a three-year term.

  Watzke's election came at the end of the longest general meeting in the club's almost 115-year history, concluding just after midnight. The lengthy process was partly due to technical issues with the electronic voting system, which was being used for the first time. A total of 1,951 members were present in the Westfalenhalle, with another 4,128 participating online out of the club's total membership of 238,109.

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  Watzke's emotional farewell as CEO and address to members

  Before his election as president, Watzke stepped down from his role as CEO, a position he held for over two decades. In an emotional speech, he reflected on his tenure, which included steering the club through a near-bankruptcy in 2005, the bomb attack on the team bus in 2017, and the coronavirus pandemic. "We experienced wonderful days together, won five titles, and had seven more opportunities to win further titles. It was always extremely close; we were always incredibly near the top," Watzke stated, adding that the pandemic was "for me, the most difficult time."

  As CEO, Watzke presented the financial report for the 2024-25 financial year, highlighting consolidated revenue of €526 million, an operating profit of €115.8m, and equity of €326m. He emphasised the club's financial stability, noting: "We have not taken on any debt for sporting success in these 20 years. That is exceptional."

  Watzke also addressed the sensitive issue of abuse allegations against a former employee from the 1990s, expressing his "deepest sympathy" to the victims and promising a transparent investigation. "If there were any oversights – and there apparently were – then we will rectify them," he said.

• Conciliatory tone and future plans as president

  Both Watzke and outgoing president Lunow struck a conciliatory tone during the meeting. Lunow, who received a standing ovation from the members, thanked Watzke for his support during difficult times and embraced his successor. Watzke reciprocated, thanking Lunow for his unwavering support during the club's financial crisis.

  As president, Watzke aims to "maintain dialogue between everyone, listen to everyone" and "be a president for all Borussia fans." He announced plans for a "balanced committee on the statutes" to modernise the club's governance, further professionalization, and a commitment to promoting women in leadership roles. He also addressed fan concerns about potential tightening of stadium bans, promising to work with the fan department to prevent such measures from "getting out of hand."

  Several motions regarding changes to the club's statutes were also passed during the meeting, including a revision of specific sections and measures to strengthen democracy within the club.

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  What next for Borussia Dortmund?

  The election of Watzke as president marks a new chapter in Dortmund's history, ensuring continuity in leadership at the highest level. As president, Watzke will oversee the club's strategic direction and represent its interests in various football bodies, including the DFL, DFB, and UEFA. The club will also proceed with the announced transparent investigation into the historical abuse allegations. On the pitch, Dortmund will continue their campaign in the Bundesliga and Champions League, with upcoming fixtures and potential transfers likely to be key topics in the coming months under the new presidency.

Southern Brave started life after Charlotte Edwards with a convincing win over Manchester Originals at Emirates Old Trafford.The damage was all done with the ball, as Lauren Bell took 3 for 28 and Mady Villiers 2 for 19 to limit the hosts to just 95 for 8 from their 100 balls.Seren Smale fought a lone hand for Originals on a wicket that none of her team-mates ever looked at home on, making 40 from 34 balls to give her side the faintest hope at the halfway mark but no side has ever defended fewer than 109 in the Hundred women’s competition and their total never looked like enough.And while Brave were rarely fluent, they were always comfortable – easing to a six-wicket win with 11 balls to spare. Former Originals batter Laura Wolvaardt, a direct signing for Southern Brave this season, showed her old team what they were missing with an assured and unbeaten 42.She was supported by Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who made 32, as Brave’s batting line-up eased over the line in first gear. Having endured a surprising eighth-placed finish last summer, with just one win, Brave – and their new head coach Luke Williams in particular – will have been pleased to start the campaign with a victory.For Originals it was a disappointing start to the season and, Smale’s innings aside, a day of few positives – they’ll hope to demonstrate it was mere blip next time out at the Kia Oval on Saturday.Meerkat Match Hero Bell said: “It’s great to get our first win on the board. In tournament cricket it’s really important to get a good start, and it was a good team performance.”The girls stuck in. The wicket was a bit tricky but we’ve got a great line-up and the batters did the job. We’ve had a lot of really good chats about being really confident, backing our strengths, and having fun out there.”

فتح النجم الأرجنتيني ليونيل ميسي قلبه في مقابلة مطولة مع صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، تطرق خلالها للحديث عن فترته مع ناديه الأسبق برشلونة، وكشف عن مدى شوقه للعودة مجددًا للمدينة الكتالونية وملعب كامب نو معقل الفريق.

تحدث ميسي كذلك عن الفترة التي قضاها في باريس فور انتقاله من برشلونة لنادي باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي والتي وصفها بـ “الكابوس”.

ميسي علّق كذلك على منافسات كأس العالم 2026 وتواجده مع المنتخب الأرجنتيني، والوقت الذي سيقرر فيه التوقف عن لعب كرة القدم.

ما هو شعورك تجاه المودة التي تتلقاها من برشلونة؟

“إنه لأمرٌ مذهل، كل ما أتلقاه من برشلونة، من الناس، من تلك الفترة التي قضيناها معاً، يُشعرني دائماً بلمسة من الحنين، وبكثير من المشاعر”.

“أفتقد حقًا كل تلك اللحظات، ربما أستمتع بها الآن أكثر مما كنت أستمتع بها في الماضي، بسبب روتين الحياة اليومي ومعنى لعب مباراة تلو الأخرى، والتفكير الدائم في المباراة التالية دون الاستمتاع بما كنا نفعله، اليوم، بعد مرور عامين، أنا أراها بهدوء وراحة أكبر، ومن بعيد، بعد مرور بضع سنوات، فإنني أعيشها بإحساس أعمق بكثير”.

وهل تستمتع باستعادة أحداث تلك الفترة؟

“أحب مشاهدتها، بالطبع، لأنها كانت أحداثًا بالغة الأهمية والخطورة، الصور التي ظهرت في الفيديو كانت لحظات محددة حدثت فيها أحداث مهمة، إنها لحظات جميلة ولا تُنسى”.

لم ينس الناس، هذا واضحٌ جليّ

“أعتقد أنني كنتُ أتحدث عن هذا معك ذات مرة، شعرتُ بشعورٍ غريبٍ بعد الرحيل، بسبب ما حدث، لأنني انتهى بي الأمر بلعب سنواتي الأخيرة بدون جماهير، بسبب الجائحة، بعد أن قضيتُ حياتي كلها هناك، لم أرحل بالطريقة التي تخيلتها، بالطريقة التي حلمتُ بها، تخيلتُ، كما ذكرتُ، أن ألعب مسيرتي بأكملها في أوروبا، في برشلونة، ثم، نعم، أن آتي إلى هنا كما فعلتُ، لأن هذه كانت خطتي، ما أردتُه، حسنًا، كان الوداع غريبًا بعض الشيء أيضًا، بسبب الوضع، وبسبب كل شيء، لكن حسنًا، أعتقد أن عاطفة الجماهير ستبقى موجودة دائمًا، بسبب ما قلتُه، بسبب كل ما مررنا به”.

فترة طويلة

“مرّ 16 عامًا، على ما أعتقد، مع الفريق الأول، و20 أو 21 عامًا منذ انضمامي إلى برشلونة عندما كنت في الثانية عشرة أو الثالثة عشرة، إنها فترة طويلة، مليئة بتجارب الحياة، ومن الواضح أن الود سيبقى موجودًا دائمًا”. ميسي: سداسية جوارديولا ودوري أبطال إنريكي أسعد لحظاتي في برشلونة

في النهاية، تمر السنوات، ويبدو وكأن لاعبين جددًا وآمالًا جديدة تلوح في الأفق، لكن ذلك الحب، ذلك الشغف، يبقى، لكل ما صنعته في قلوب الكثيرين، لأنك تركت بصمتك في قلوب الكثيرين؛ حتى أن بعضهم يحمل صورتك واسمك وشمًا على أجسادهم.

“نعم، هذا ما يحدث دائمًا في كرة القدم، يظهر لاعبون جدد وأشخاص جدد، لكن التاريخ لا يُنسى أبدًا، ليس معي فقط، بل مع كل من كان جزءًا من النادي، هناك أشخاصٌ مهمون جدًا ساهموا وساعدوا النادي على أن يصبح أعظم”.

طالع | سبورت تكشف تفاصيل زيارة ميسي لملعب برشلونة.. ورد مفاجئ من النادي

ستُذكر دائمًا بشغف، ولن يزول هذا أبدًا، أتعس لحظة، كما تقولون، ولكن ما هي أسعد لحظة؟

“من الصعب اختيار لحظة واحدة فقط، الحمد لله أنني كنت محظوظًا بما يكفي لأعيش كل هذه اللحظات، لا أدري، فعادةً ما نفكر في الألقاب والإنجازات والأشياء المهمة التي حققناها عندما نتحدث عن السعادة، لكن أول سداسية مع جوارديولا كانت استثنائية، وآخر دوري أبطال أوروبا مع لويس إنريكي كانت كذلك أيضًا، لا أدري، من الصعب اختيار لحظة واحدة فقط”. ميسي: أعتز بفترتي مع برشلونة وأتابع الفريق حتى الآن

كانت هناك تجارب كثيرة…

“سأعتز بكل ما مررت به خلال تلك الفترة، بكل النمو الذي شهدته كشخص وكلاعب، هذا كل شيء، سأحتفظ بكل ذلك، عندما أرى الصور والذكريات، تتبادر إلى ذهني لمحات مما حدث، من ذلك الموسم، مما مررنا به، وسأحتفظ بكل ذلك”.

السعادة لا تقتصر على الألقاب، إن لم تُركز على الانتصارات، فماذا ستستفيد من هذا؟

“كوني جزءًا من هذا النادي، فقد جئتُ إليه طفلاً وكبرتُ وقضيتُ حياتي كلها في برشلونة، أنا ممتنٌ لله الذي أتى بي إلى هنا في صغري، وأيضًا لولادة أبنائي في هذه المدينة، وللنادي بأكمله وللمدينة عمومًا، لأنني كبرت وقضيتُ حياتي كلها هنا، هناك أشياء كثيرة، ليس فقط في النادي بل في المدينة، عليّ أن أعتزّ بها”.

هل ما زلت تتابع الفريق؟ كنت تتابعهم في باريس، أخبرتنا بذلك، وأعلم أنك تتابعهم هنا

“نعم، نعم، بالطبع، خاصةً وأننا هنا الآن، ونتحدث دائمًا عن كل ما يحدث في النادي، والنتائج، وأسلوب لعبهم”.

اقرأ أيضًا | تفاصيل مثيرة في زيارة ميسي “الخفية” إلى كامب نو.. وتصرفات جنونية من الأرجنتيني ميسي: مرحلة باريس كانت كابوسًا

في برشلونة، قلتَ إنك سعيد، لكن في باريس، آخر مرة التقينا فيها، لم تُخبرنا بذلك تحديدًا، الآن يبدو أنك تعافيت قليلًا، أو كثيرًا، لا أعرف كيف، لكنك وجدتَ السعادة في النتائج التي تُحققها

“يبدو أيضًا أن باريس كانت كابوسًا، لكن هذا لم يكن الحال أيضًا، عندما أقول إنني لم أستمتع بوقتي، فذلك لأنني لم أكن سعيدًا بما كنت أفعله وما أحبه: لعب كرة القدم، والروتين اليومي، والتدريب، والمباريات، لم أكن أشعر أنني على ما يرام.

لكن بعد ذلك، الحقيقة هي أننا عشنا تجربة رائعة كعائلة، المدينة خلابة، لقد استمتعنا بها، كانت تلك أول مرة نغادر فيها برشلونة، وكان كل شيء جديدًا علينا، ولهذا السبب كان الأمر صعبًا للغاية، لكن الحقيقة هي أنني لم أكن أشعر أنني على ما يرام يوميًا فيما أحب فعله.

وهنا، نعم، نحن بخير، نستمتع بالمدينة وحياتنا اليومية، كما ذكرتُ، الحياة هنا تشبه إلى حد كبير تلك التي عشتها في كاستيلديفيلس، فالنادي قريب، ومدرسة الأطفال قريبة جدًا، وكل شيء في متناول اليد، ومريح، نعيش بعيدًا عن المدينة، وهذا صحيح، ميامي جميلة، لكن حركة المرور كثيفة”.

كيف تأقلمت مع الدوري الأمريكي لكرة القدم؟

“حسنًا، نستمتع بحياتنا اليومية، وبطريقة مختلفة أيضًا، لأنكم تستمتعون بها هنا بشكل مختلف، أكثر استرخاءً، دون ضغط كبير، دون التزام، مع أنني كنتُ دائمًا أرغب في الفوز وتحقيق جميع أهدافنا.

من الواضح أننا ما زلنا نرغب في ذلك، لكن الضغط مختلف، وهذا ما يجعل الحياة أكثر استرخاءً، كما نستمتع أكثر بعائلتنا، الأطفال، بقدرتنا على الحضور إلى التدريبات والمباريات، وقضاء وقت أطول في المنزل، والعودة إلى المنزل دون التفكير كثيرًا بكرة القدم والتركيز أكثر على أشياء أخرى.

وهذا، شئت أم أبيت، يجعلك تعيش حياتك بشكل مختلف، لأنني كنتُ كثيرًا ما أعاني من النتائج وضغوط الحياة اليومية، وأحيانًا كنتُ أعود إلى المنزل بمزاج سيء، وكان الأمر مختلفًا، لذا نحن بخير هنا”. ميسي: لا أحب الخسارة وسأتوقف عن اللعب في هذه اللحظة

أحيانًا مع التقدم في السن، من السهل أن تتهاون قليلًا أو تفقد حماسك، لكنك في النهاية أصبحت هداف الدوري الأمريكي، مما قادك للفوز بالحذاء الذهبي، وصلت إلى قاع الترتيب، وأنت الآن في وضع يسمح لك بالفوز بالألقاب، في إسبانيا، يرون أهداف ميسي، ويبدو أننا نتحدث عن لاعب شاب… ما الذي يحفزك، ما الذي ينبع من داخلك، ما الذي يبقيك في القمة؟

“في النهاية، هذا ما فعلته طوال حياتي منذ صغري، وهو أكثر ما يثير شغفي: ما أحبه هو لعب كرة القدم والمنافسة، لا أحب الخسارة أمام أي شخص، وفي كل مرة أدخل فيها الملعب، أسعى للفوز، أو على الأقل أحاول ذلك.

أحب المنافسة، وكان ذلك تحديًا لي ولللاعبين الذين انضموا إلينا أيضًا، انضممنا إلى نادٍ شاب جدًا في أوج نموه، كان الهدف هو جعله نادٍ تنافسي، نادٍ ينافس على الألقاب، وأن نكون قادرين على دعم نموه، أعتقد أننا نجحنا.

“أنا سعيد بما مررت به هذه السنوات، وما دمت قادرًا على ذلك وأشعر بلياقتي البدنية، سأواصل اللعب بنفس الطريقة، ساحاول المنافسة والفوز، وسأبذل قصارى جهدي دائمًا.

عندما أرى أنني لستُ لائقًا بدنيًا، أو أعاني في الملعب، أو لا أستمتع به، ستكون تلك هي اللحظة المناسبة للتوقف عن اللعب، لكن الآن، أنا أستمتع به، وأشعر بالسعادة، وهذا ما أنا عليه الآن”. ميسي: اعتزال جوردي ألبا كان مفاجأة لم أتوقعها

غادر اثنان من زملائك الذين أتيت معهم إلى هنا؟

“غريبٌ جدًا”.

غريبٌ جدًا، أليس كذلك؟

“في الحقيقة، كان الأمر غريبًا جدًا، وخاصةً موقف جوردي ألبا، لأننا لم نتوقعه، مع بوسكيتس، كنا نتحدث عن الأمر أكثر، وكان هو يُحلله ويتحدث عنه بالفعل، لكن مع جوردي، كان الأمر مفاجئًا، لم نكن نتوقعه، أمسك بنا في غرفة الملابس ذات يوم وأخبرنا أنه سيُعلن اعتزاله دون أن يتحدث عنه أو يناقشه مسبقًا.

كان الأمر غير متوقع تمامًا بالنسبة لنا، بل وأكثر إثارةً للدهشة، لكن نعم، إنه لأمرٌ مؤسف، فإلى جانب ما استمتعنا به في الملعب، نحن أيضًا أصدقاء، بدأنا هذا التحدي المتمثل في القدوم إلى ميامي معًا منذ البداية.

حسنًا، يمكنك أيضًا أن ترى أن الوقت المتبقي أصبح أقل وأقل، وأن اللحظة أصبحت أقرب إلى كل شيء، أيضًا لأننا من نفس الجيل، لقد قضينا حياتنا المهنية بأكملها معًا، والقدرة على مشاركة السنوات القليلة الماضية معًا كانت رائعة حقًا”. ميسي: لا أريد أن أكون عبئًا على الأرجنتين في كأس العالم

بالنظر إلى المستقبل، كأس العالم على الأبواب، وهو أمرٌ مثيرٌ للغاية

“نعم، بالطبع، إنها كأس عالم مميزة، من الرائع اللعب مع المنتخب الأرجنتيني، ومع غيرها من البطولات الرسمية المهمة، خاصةً بالنظر إلى ما تعنيه كأس العالم، وفوزي بها سابقًا، ولكن، كما ذكرتُ، لا أريد أن أكون عبئًا، إن جاز التعبير.

أريد أن أشعر أنني في حالة بدنية جيدة، وأن أتأكد من قدرتي على مساعدة الفريق والمساهمة فيه، موسمنا مختلف عن الموسم الأوروبي، ستكون لدينا فترة تحضيرية بين الموسمين، مع مباريات قليلة قبل كأس العالم، وسنرى كيف تسير الأمور يومًا بعد يوم لنرى إن كنتُ أشعر بلياقة بدنية كافية لأكون في المكان الذي أرغب في أن أكون فيه وأكون قادرًا على المشاركة.

ولكن من الواضح أنني أُدرك أنها كأس عالم، وهي مميزة، وأن كأس العالم هي أكبر مسابقة على الإطلاق، لذا، أنا متحمس، لكنني أتعامل مع كل يوم بيومه”. ميسي: أحلم بالعودة إلى برشلونة وكامب نو

وأخيرًا، هل لديك رسالة لمجتمع كرة القدم، وجماهير برشلونة على وجه الخصوص؟

“أتطلع بشوق للذهاب إلى برشلونة، نفتقد برشلونة كثيرًا، زوجتي وأولادي يتحدثون دائمًا عن برشلونة، وعن فكرة العيش هناك مجددًا، لدينا منزلنا هناك، وكل شيء، وهذا ما نتمناه.

أتطلع بشوق للعودة إلى الملعب عند اكتماله، لأنني لم أعد إلى كامب نو منذ انتقالي إلى باريس، ثم إلى مونتجويك.

سيكون من الغريب العودة إلى الملعب الجديد ورؤيته، لأن آخر مرة رأيته فيها كانت منذ زمن بعيد، وسيكون من المثير استعادة ذكريات تلك الفترة، حتى لو كان الملعب مختلفًا، شكرًا جزيلًا لكم على دعمكم، كالعادة”.

Under Roman Abramovich and now Todd Boehly, Chelsea have spent big over the last 20 years on a number of new signings, but how have the Blues fared when it comes to departures?

Those at Stamford Bridge have cashed in on a number of stars, with a plethora of players moving to the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Here’s a look at Chelsea’s most expensive sales in their history, as per news reports and Transfermarkt, with a detailed look at the top 10.

1

Eden Hazard

£89m

Real Madrid

2019

2

Kai Havertz

£65m

Arsenal

2023

3

Oscar

£60m

Shanghai SIPG

2017

4

Alvaro Morata

£58.3m

Atletico Madrid

2020

5

Diego Costa

£57m

Atletico Madrid

2017

6

Mason Mount

£55m

Man Utd

2023

7

David Luiz

£50m

PSG

2014

8

Noni Madueke

£48.5m

Arsenal

2025

9

Nemanja Matic

£40m

Man Utd

2017

10

Juan Mata

£37.1m

Man Utd

2014

=11

Ian Maatsen

£35m

Aston Villa

2024

=11

Thibaut Courtois

£35m

Real Madrid

2018

13

Tammy Abraham

£34m

Roma

2021

14

Conor Gallagher

£33m

Atletico Madrid

2024

15

Romelu Lukaku

£30m

Napoli

2024

16

Kurt Zouma

£29.8m

West Ham

2021

=17

Lewis Hall

£28m

Newcastle

2024

=17

Romelu Lukaku

£28m

Napoli

2024

19

Joao Felix

£26.2m

Al Nassr

2025

20

Timo Werner

£25.3m

RB Leipzig

2022

Here’s a detailed look at Chelsea’s 10 most expensive sales… 10 Juan Mata £37.1m to Man Utd, 2014

Like Nemanja Matic, attacking midfielder Juan Mata also swapped Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford, but did so three years prior in 2014.

The Spaniard joined Chelsea from Valencia in 2011 and starred in the Premier League, but Jose Mourinho who had recently returned for a second stint at the club, was happy to cash in midway through the 2013/14 campaign, bringing in just over £37m.

9 Nemanja Matic £40m to Man Utd, 2017

Matic had two spells at Chelsea, returning to Stamford Bridge in 2014 from Benfica in a deal worth £21m.

The Serbian was a regular over the next three years and the Blues went on to make a tidy profit when selling him to Manchester United and Jose Mourinho in 2017, with their former boss shelling out £40m to prise him from the champions.

8 Noni Madueke £48.5m to Arsenal, 2025

Noni Madueke spent two-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge after arriving from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, with the Blues making a profit when selling him to rivals Arsenal in 2025.

It looked to be a reasonable decision from Chelsea chiefs, however, Madueke’s start to life at the Emirates shows it could actually prove to be a call the club live to regret.

7 David Luiz £50m to PSG, 2014

Brazilian centre-back David Luiz made an immediate impact after joining Chelsea from Benfica for £21.3m in 2011 and was a regular for the next two and a half years.

Luiz was then sold to Paris Saint-Germain for big money in 2014 as the French giants swooped for a mind-boggling £50m, but two years on, Chelsea would buy the defender back, with Luiz picking up Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League titles during his second stint.

6 Mason Mount £55m to Man Utd, 2023

Chelsea chiefs did brilliantly to bring in an initial £55m for Mason Mount back in 2023, as the midfielder was heading into the final 12 months of his Stamford Bridge contract.

Manchester United were happy to splash the cash on the Englishman, but his first year at Old Trafford was hampered by injury, making the cash brought in for his services a shrewd decision by the Blues.

5 Diego Costa £57m to Atletico Madrid, 2017

Arguably Chelsea’s best striker since Didier Drogba, Diego Costa was signed from and sold to Atletico Madrid in 2014 and 2017 respectively.

During his time in west London, Costa shone with his power and finishing ability, scoring 59 goals in 120 appearances and winning two Premier League titles.

Upon his departure following a reported falling-out with manager Antonio Conte, Chelsea managed to recoup some £57m as Atleti came calling for their former forward.

4 Alvaro Morata £58.3m to Atletico Madrid, 2020

Chelsea received the extremely handsome sum of £58.3m when selling Alvaro Morata to Atletico Madrid back in 2020. The Blues sold him on loan at the start of the 2019/20 season, with the La Liga giants obligated to buy the Spaniard in the following summer.

It meant that Chelsea almost broke even having bought the striker in the summer of 2017 for around £60m from Atleti’s city rivals, Real Madrid.

Considering things didn’t quite work out for Morata at Stamford Bridge, it was a pretty impressive deal from a financial point of view.

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2 ByStephan Georgiou Aug 23, 2024 3 Oscar £60m to Shanghai SIPG

Oscar was one of several Brazilians sold for big money by Chelsea, with the midfielder spending five years at Stamford Bridge from 2012 before a £60m switch at the height of the Chinese Super League boom.

He won four major honours with the Blues and made more than 200 appearances before moving to China with Shanghai SIPG. Oscar recently sealed a move back to his native Brazil with a January switch to former club Sao Paulo.

2 Kai Havertz £65m to Arsenal, 2023

Scorer of the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City, Kai Havertz was sold to London rivals Arsenal in 2023.

Three years prior, the German forward was signed from Bayer Leverkusen, but struggled to find a starring role at Chelsea, resulting in him joining Mikel Arteta’s side, where he has impressed since his £65m move.

1 Eden Hazard £89m to Real Madrid, 2019

Top of the charts is winger Eden Hazard, who starred for Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, resulting in Real Madrid swooping in a record deal.

The Belgian made more than 350 appearances for the Blues, scoring 110 times, providing 85 assists and winning six major honours. Those at the Bernabeu made Hazard a Galactico, but things didn’t go to plan for him in Madrid, with injuries limiting him to just seven goals in 76 appearances.

Reports stated that his transfer fee could have topped £150m, but Chelsea had to settle for a €100m (£89m) windfall following his departure.

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ByFreddie Taylor Oct 13, 2023

Minto, the 17-year-old nightwatcher, became the county’s youngest ever half-centurion

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay17-May-2025James Minto, Alex Lees and Emilio Gay starred with the bat as Durham fought back on day two of their Rothesay County Championship clash with Nottinghamshire.It was well and truly Durham’s morning as Minto, who came in as nightwatcher to see out one over at the end of day one, became the county’s youngest ever half-centurion at the age of 17 years and 172 days. He played beautifully along with his skipper Lees to take the hosts to lunch without loss.Nottinghamshire hit back in the afternoon, picking up three wickets including Minto for an excellent 67 and Lees for a gritty 82, but Gay remained calm and composed in the evening to pass fifty and get his side to 320 for four at close, still trailing by 87.Minto, who had only scored 40 runs in his four previous first class matches, looked the part with the bat as he dominated the Nottinghamshire bowling attack in the morning session with some lovely strokes and the left-arm bowler, who opens in club cricket, demonstrated skills that could see him develop into a genuine all-rounder.Resuming on two without loss, Minto and Lees kicked things off in the morning. The former got the first boundary of the day with a lovely cover drive for four off the bowling of Brett Hutton.The teenager frustrated the experienced bowling pair of Mohammad Abbas and Hutton as he played some nice shots including a delightful cut shot for four. He then played two more glorious strokes on the offside from the bowling of Abbas.Lees was happy to be a foil to Minto’s aggression, but he picked up his first boundary of the day as he guided one past third for four.Minto brought up his first career half-century from 61 deliveries with his eighth boundary of the day, but Nottinghamshire restricted Durham before lunch with Rob Lord and Freddie McCann keeping things tight.Nottinghamshire got the breakthrough soon after lunch with Hutton getting Minto for a fantastic 67 as he went for one shot too many, pulling one straight to Haseeb Hameed at square leg.Lees went to his fifty soon after, with the milestone coming from 96 deliveries and he was joined in the middle by England Lions man Ben McKinney, who looked good in the early stages of his innings.McKinney continued to underline his attacking intentions as he plundered a McCann ball straight down the ground to the boundary, but shortly after he edged an Abbas ball to Kyle Verreynne to depart for 28.Lees continued to tick along nicely with Gay joining him in the middle and the ex-Northamptonshire man helped Durham steer the ship in the face of some tight bowling from the visitors.Lees then picked up a rare boundary as he pulled a Lord delivery to the rope to relieve a bit of pressure and Gay followed that up with a nice shot through the covers.Gay got a second life just before tea, after he edged a Lyndon James ball towards Joe Clarke at first slip but he couldn’t take the chance with the Durham man on 30. However, they did get a big breakthrough in the next over as Lees was caught behind for 82 with Liam Patterson-White the one to get the Durham skipper.Nottinghamshire’s economic bowling continued into the evening session as Gay and new batsman Colin Ackermann struggled to find the boundary, but the latter broke the shackles as he drove a Patterson-White ball down the ground for four.Gay was making the league leaders pay for the drop as he became the third Durham player to pass fifty in the innings, with his coming from a more attritional 113 balls.The second new ball came for Nottinghamshire and runs started to flow for Ackermann who played a delightful shot off Abbas for four, but he then departed for 37 as he edged a beauty from Abbas to Verreynne behind the stumps to give the visitors a much-needed breakthrough.Ollie Robinson joined Gay at the crease and played a lovely shot through the covers to take Durham to the 300 mark and the pair took Durham to stumps without further loss.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had an eventful few years off the pitch, cashing in on a number of star players in the transfer window.

Despite several high-profile departures, Wolves’ total annual payroll for their players stands at £72,400,000, with the average first-team player collecting more than £2.25m per season. Here is a look at what those at Molineux are paying their players individually, as per Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

1

Joao Gomes

£105,000

£5,460,000

2

Jorgen Strand Larsen

£95,000

£4,940,000

3

Emmanuel Agbadou

£85,000

£4,420,000

4

Toti Gomes

£80,000

£4,160,000

=5

Tolu Arokodare

£75,000

£3,900,000

=5

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde

£75,000

£3,900,000

=7

Hee-chan Hwang

£70,000

£3,640,000

=7

Marshall Munetsi

£70,000

£3,640,000

=9

Jhon Arias

£65,000

£3,380,000

=9

Jackson Tchatchoua

£65,000

£3,380,000

=11

Jose Sa

£60,000

£3,120,000

=11

Andre Trindade

£60,000

£3,120,000

13

Boubacar Traore

£55,000

£2,860,000

=14

Matt Doherty

£50,000

£2,600,000

=14

Sam Johnstone

£50,000

£2,600,000

16

Ladislav Krejci

£45,000

£2,340,000

=17

Ki-Jana Hoever

£40,000

£2,080,000

=17

Santiago Bueno

£40,000

£2,080,000

=19

David Moller Wolfer

£30,000

£1,560,000

=19

Yerson Mosquera

£30,000

£1,560,000

21

Boubacar Traore

£27,500

£1,430,000

=22

Rodrigo Gomes

£25,000

£1,300,000

=22

Hugo Bueno

£25,000

£1,300,000

=22

Fer Lopez

£25,000

£1,300,000

=25

Sasa Kalajdzic

£20,000

£1,040,000

=25

Daniel Bentley

£20,000

£1,040,000

27

Enso Gonzalez

£15,000

£780,000

=28

Tawanda Chirewa

£10,000

£520,000

=28

Nathan Fraser

£10,000

£520,000

=30

Nigel Lonwijk

£8,000

£416,000

=30

Matheus Mane

£8,000

£416,000

=30

Dexter Limbikisa

£8,000

£416,000

Here's a detailed look at Wolverhampton Wanderers' top 10 earners… 10 Jackson Tchatchoua £65,000 per week

Defender Jackson Tchatchoua made the move to Wolves from Hellas Verona for just over £10m in 2025.

Known as the fastest player in Serie A prior to his move to the Midlands, Tchatchoua is on £65,000 per week.

9 Jhon Arias £65,000 per week

Also on £3.38m per season is another new signing from 2025 in forward Jhon Arias.

Those at Molineux paid £15m to sign the Colombia international from Fluminense, and he is under contract until 2029.

8 Marshall Munetsi £70,000 per week

Marshall Munetsi joined Wolves at the beginning of 2025 from French side Reims in a deal worth around £15m.

That figure was a record for a Zimbabwean, and the midfielder is set to pick up £3.64m per year until 2028.

7 Hee-chan Hwang £70,000 per week

After turning out in the Red Bull Group with RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig, Wolves signed forward Hee-chan Hwang in 2021, with a move becoming permanent a year later.

The South Korea international has proven to be a versatile and reliable final third option at Molineux and could stay until 2028.

6 Jean-Ricner Bellegarde £75,000 per week

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde arrived at Wolves from French side Strasbourg in 2023 and now picks up £75,000 per week at Molineux.

The versatile midfielder has been a regular since arriving at the club and is under contract until 2028.

5 Tolu Arokodare £75,000 per week

Tolu Arokodare was Wolves’ most expensive signing during the 2025 summer transfer window, costing £24m from Genk.

The Nigerian striker penned a four-year contract on just under £4m per season.

4 Toti Gomes £80,000 per week

Defender Toti Gomes joined Wolves back in 2020 and, in recent years, has become a regular in the first-team at Molineux.

His displays were rewarded with an improved contract in 2024, which saw his wage dramatically increase to £4.16m per season.

3 Emmanuel Agbadou £85,000 per week

On slightly more than Gomes is another defender in Emmanuel Agbadou.

Signed from Reims at the beginning of 2025, the Ivory Coast international is under contract in the Midlands until 2029.

2 Jorgen Strand Larsen £95,000 per week

Jorgen Strand Larsen’s loan move became permanent in 2025 from Celta Vigo, however, the striker’s stay at Molineux was nearly short-lived amid interest from Newcastle United.

Instead, Strand Larsen signed a new deal with the Old Gold on just under £5m per season until 2030.

1 Joao Gomes £105,000 per week

Wolves’ top earner is midfielder Joao Gomes, who has enjoyed a brilliant rise following his move from Flamengo in 2023.

Now a Brazil international, Gomes is the only Wolves player on more than £100,000 per week.

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Bruno Lage lidará com uma das situações mais desafiadoras desde seu início de trajetória à frente do Botafogo. Após a confirmação de que Tiquinho Soares ficará longe dos gramados por até cinco semanas, o Glorioso não contará com seu jogador mais decisivo na temporada. São 13 gols e quatro passes em 17 jogos no Campeonato Brasileiro.

No entanto, a saga da equipe neste ano vem evidenciando um traço para deixar o torcedor otimista. Mesmo em jogos nos quais os botafoguenses não contaram com o seu artilheiro, o grupo manteve um rendimento bem satisfatório.

+ Sem ele… Veja em quais partidas Tiquinho Soares deve ser baixa para o Botafogo

O jogador de 32 anos não atuou em dez partidas disputadas até o momento. Em boa parte delas, o Alvinegro soube se desvencilhar da marcação e sair de campo com a vitória (veja abaixo).

Das dez partidas, o Glorioso venceu cinco, enquanto obteve três empates e saiu de campo derrotado em dois jogos. O aproveitamento em 2023 em jogos sem o artilheiro é de 60%.

O rendimento alvinegro em jogos sem o camisa 9 refletiu a luta do Botafogo até o momento. Após o início oscilante que marcou o Campeonato Carioca, o elenco teve uma arrancada para fazer campanha em alto nível. O momento mais evidente do crescimento foi o mata-mata contra o Patronato, da Argentina, quando os botafoguenses levaram a melhor mesmo sem o atacante nos dois jogos.

No entanto, as disputas tendem a ser mais intensas nas próximas semanas. Além de ter o jogo decisivo das oitavas de final com o Guaraní, o Botafogo medirá forças com adversários mais fortes na luta pela liderança. Um dos jogos pelo caminho inclui o clássico diante do Flamengo.

Ainda em busca do melhor caminho para o Botafogo, o técnico Bruno Lage aponta como agirá até encontrar uma cartada ideal.

–  As coisas têm que ser feitas de uma forma equilibrada. Tenho aproveitado os últimos dias para treinar. Já teve um jogo que o Tiquinho não jogou e fomos muito bem. Vamos escolher o melhor onze e vencer jogos. Esse é o nosso objetivo – disse.

O Alvinegro encara o Guaraní, do Paraguai, no Defensores del Chaco, na quarta-feira (9).

WA, currently bottom of the Shield table, gave themselves a chance of a vital win

AAP18-Feb-2025Spinner Corey Rocchiccioli bagged his best first-class figures as Western Australia dominated Queensland on day one of their Sheffield Shield game.Rocchiccioli snared 7 for 52 as Queensland were bowled out for 147 at the Gabba in Brisbane. WA cruised to 112 for 1 in reply, with Sam Whiteman making 67.Related

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WA (24.91 points) are in last place, with Queensland (27.75) third on a table topped by South Australia (36.93). But with three games including this fixture remaining, Rocchiccioli’s feats have given WA a superb opportunity to jump up the ladder.The 27-year-old had never previously taken five wickets in a first-class innings but spun his way to a career-best day. He captured seven of the last nine wickets to fall as the Queensland batsmen struggled.Ben McDermott top-scored with 37 from 112 balls. Next best were No.10 Mitchell Swepson (20 not out) and No. 8 Xavier Bartlett (20).Matthew Renshaw, Jimmy Peirson and Michael Neser were among those to fall cheaply against Rocchiccioli and paceman Cameron Gannon.Neser fell to a superb one-handed catch from Rocchiccioli, diving to his right from his own bowling. He also took a smart, diving return catch to dismiss Renshaw.WA’s openers Whiteman and Sam Fanning then cashed in for the visitors with their unbroken partnership. Whiteman set an aggressive tone, smacking seven fours and three sixes in his 88-ball innings before being bowled by Tom Whitney about 25 minutes before stumps. Fanning was more circumspect, striking two fours from his 107 deliveries.