Ballon d’Or: Figo tips Lamine Yamal to win award

Published

1 month ago

June 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Former Portugal captain, Luis Figo, has talked up Lamine Yamal’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.

Last season, Yamal scored 18 goals and laid on 25 assists for Barcelona.

The 17-year-old was a key member of Hansi Flick’s squad as they won the LaLiga title and Copa del Rey trophy.

Yamal’s performances have seen his name come up in the conversations for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Along with Barca team-mate, Raphinha and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, they are the leading contenders to be named the world’s best player.

Speaking at the PlayStation House event in Munich on Saturday, Figo told GOAL: “If he continues working hard like he’s doing and playing like this – in the future, for sure.”

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Transfer: Gyokeres agrees deal with Arsenal

Published

6 hours ago

July 6, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Sporting striker, Viktor Gyokeres, has reached agreement on contract terms with Arsenal, as he seeks to complete a move to the Premier League this summer.

Gyokeres has already threatened to go on strike, after claiming the Portuguese champions reneged on a gentleman’s agreement from last year.

It now appears the 27-year-old will get this wish, as club-to-club negotiations are now on over a structure for the transfer fee.

This was revealed by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, via X on Sunday.

Romano tweeted: “Gyökeres has reached TOTAL agreement with Arsenal on contract terms and informed Sporting about his desire to join #AFC.

“No intention to discuss other options, only to proceed with Arsenal as soon as possible.

“Deal well underway.”

EPL: Zubimendi’s shirt number at Arsenal confirmed

Published

6 hours ago

July 6, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

New Arsenal midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, will wear the no. 36 shirt at the Emirates.

This was confirmed on Sunday, after he was officially unveiled by the Gunners.

Zubimendi becomes Mikel Arteta’s second summer signing after Kepa Arizzabalaga joined from Chelsea.

Arsenal will pay Real Sociedad €65m for the Spain international.

“Martin Zubimendi is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” manager Mikel Arteta speaking on Zubimendi, said.

He will fit in really well & he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.

“The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us.”

Zubimendi is widely seen as replacement for Jorginho, who signed for Flamengo as a free agent this summer.

Zubimendi explains decision to join Arsenal

Published

6 hours ago

July 6, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Newly signed Arsenal midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, has explained why he chose to join the north London side.

Zubimendi, 26, who joined the Gunners just hours ago, cited Mikel Arteta’s style of play as the key factor behind his decision.

The Spanish international made 236 appearances for Real Sociedad, scoring 10 goals and providing 9 assists.

Arsenal reportedly paid £60 million to secure his services in a deal that will keep him at the club until 2030.

Following the completion of his move to north London, Zubimendi told the club’s website: “Once I made the decision to leave, I set my sights on Arsenal because I think their style of play is a good fit for me.”

He described Arsenal as a youthful, highly motivated, and ambitious team.

Zubimendi added that the best of Mikel Arteta’s side is yet to come, and vowed to give his all to help restore the former Premier League champions to glory.