Arteta: 'Chasing a dream has its ups and downs'
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Yahoo
a minute ago
- Yahoo
From ball girl to teenage super-sub: Who is England's Michelle Agyemang?
"Something special" was how England boss Sarina Wiegman described Michelle Agyemang after the Lionesses latest Women's Euros victory. It was the 19-year-old, yet again, who saved England from the brink of elimination. For the second time in two games the young forward scored a decisive goal, this time leaving it as late as to draw the Lionesses level with Italy and take the game to extra time, where England dug deep to avoid another nail-biting penalty shootout and go through 2-1 winners. The achievement is even more impressive when you consider it was only four years ago that Agyemang was a ball girl during England's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in 2021. Back then, it was her first time going to Wembley, and her first real encounter with England's senior national team. Fast-forward to 2025, and it is hard to imagine the without their youngest member. So who is Michelle Agyemang, and how has she risen so quickly through the football ranks? Regular Arsenal and Young Lioness goalscorer Born in South Ockendon, Essex, in 2006, Agyemang grew up as a fan of Arsenal and joined the north London team at the age of six. In 2022, aged 16, she made her debut for Arsenal in a 4-0 win over Leicester City in the Women's Super League. It was around this time that she also started as a Young Lioness, having first been called up to represent her country in the Women's Under-16s squad. She scored an impressive 10 goals in 12 appearances for the WU17s before making the step-up to the WU19s. The call-up from Wiegman In April this year Agyemang was called up to England women's senior squad for the first time. Earlier the same week, she had helped the WU19s qualify for the European Women's Under-19 Championship in Poland. She got her debut in the Lionesses' UEFA Women's Nations League clash against Belgium in Leuven, scoring a stunning goal after just 41 seconds on the pitch. Despite her best efforts, the team lost 3-2, but it was undoubtedly her stand-out performance that secured her a place in Weigman's 23-player squad for Euro 2025 in Switzerland. First senior tournament Agyemang's success on the pitch has continued into Euro 2025. Despite a loss to France in England's first match in the tournament, the team's campaign got into gear with wins over the Netherlands and Wales, which sent them through to the knock-out stages. It was during England's quarter-final showdown against Sweden that Agyemang truly proved her worth, coming off the bench and levelling the game in the 81st minute, England's second goal in three minutes to draw level with the Swedes. And she was at it again in the semi-final. In the 96th minute, with England's hopes fading in the face of fierce Italian resistance, the ball fell to super-sub Agyemang in the box and she sent it flying into the back of the net. And if that wasn't enough, Agyemang almost won the game herself in extra time, hitting the bar with an audacious lob in the 116th minute. Read more: It was Chloe Kelly who won the game in the end, slotting in her follow-up after the Italy keeper Laura Giuliani saved her initial penalty. But in the final, all eyes will be on the youngster Agyemang. "She has something special," Wiegman said of Agyemang. "She's only 19-years-old, she's very mature, she knows exactly what she has to do. "When you talk about little things that she picks up straight away, because she's not only in the 18-yard box very dangerous but when we have to go to her as a target player, she keeps the ball really well too. "Even when you saw her shot hit the crossbar, that was not just a shot, she was aiming for it. If she continues like this she has a very bright future."
New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
Zubimendi and Merino interview: ‘Quality' Arteta, Arsenal's Basque influence, and last season's lessons
After six years together at Real Sociedad, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino have been reunited in north London (via Singapore). 'It's a different change for me. It's the change I wanted,' says 26-year-old Zubimendi, speaking to reporters at the launch of Arsenal's 2025-26 away kit, at Singapore's rooftop Nova Bar, 63 levels and 282 metres above ground. 'Since the first day I've been here, I've noticed the greatness of this club, and I'm adapting.' Advertisement 'That's why he's here,' adds Merino, 29. 'This club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles. We have the right attitude, a really hungry group — it's amazing.' In the space of just over 10 months, Arsenal have signed two Spain midfielders from the same La Liga club. In the 2023-24 season, Zubimendi and Merino played 45 games apiece (Merino 39 starts; Zubimendi 41), helping Real Sociedad to a sixth-place finish and the last-16 of the Champions League. Arsenal have since relocated two-thirds of that midfield to north London. Pulling off these two transfers in consecutive summers was a considerable feat. The process was started by former sporting director Edu 12 months ago and was inherited by his interim successor, Jason Ayto, and director of football operations, James King. 'It was a really well-orchestrated plan,' Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Monday. 'And both players were very keen to come, which is very necessary. 'We had a club in Real Sociedad that understood the situation and they've been excellent. We did what we wanted, and the players did what we wanted, and I think Real Sociedad, at the end, were happy with the outcome.' Merino and Zubimendi were not especially conscious of the wider plan — typically for elite footballers, their focus was on the immediacy of the next training session, the next game, the next challenge. 'We were fighting for big things,' explains Merino of last season at Arsenal. 'It was a really tough season, and he was really focused on Sociedad, so we didn't speak much. Even with the national team, we didn't touch that subject. But obviously I'm really happy for him to be here and hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' Zubimendi was deeply committed to focusing on La Real, even as negotiations over his future carried on. Things may have turned out differently: Zubimendi had an opportunity to leave San Sebastian last summer when Liverpool were prepared to meet his €60million release clause. After some deliberation, he declined. 'It wasn't an easy time,' he says. 'I wanted to stay at La Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options. The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave — and it wasn't the right time. I felt La Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision.' Advertisement By that stage, Arsenal had made their interest explicit. They respected Zubimendi's desire to stay for an extra year and set about the process of persuading him to join in 2025. The connection between Arteta and Zubimendi was key to the deal. 'I don't know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe,' says Zubimendi. 'I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad. I think I've found him. In the few days I've been here, I've seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he's the one.' Arteta is just as enthusiastic about the new signing. 'When you have him every single day, how he captures the information, how he processes things on the pitch, it's very impressive,' the Arsenal manager said. Merino has taken on the 'big brother' role in helping Zubimendi adjust to life at Arsenal. For a player who has only ever played in his native Basque Country, it's a significant change. Although his answers in this interview are given in Spanish, his English is improving. He takes lessons twice a week to speed up the process. Having already adapted to life in England, what advice would Merino offer his team-mate? 'The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way because sometimes you need time to adapt,' says Merino. 'He's going to adapt perfectly because he's really smart. The group we have is always helping new guys. I felt the love and the help of everyone.' If Merino is totally confident in Zubimendi's capacity to adapt to playing in the Premier League, it may be life away from football where he can provide the most support. 'Outside the pitch is a big step,' says Merino. 'You change countries, you change cultures. The rhythm of life is very different in our old city than in London, in a massive city. Advertisement 'We're going to be living pretty close to one another — not in the same house, though! We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground, so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'Having known each other for seven or eight years, we're going to be doing some plans together.' With Merino alongside him, Zubimendi is settling in well. He has already performed his initiation song — La Bachata, in his native Spanish. Arteta was emphatic when asked where he sees Zubimendi playing — 'six' — and Zubimendi cites Rodri as 'an example' in his own game. But the move to Arsenal will mean evolving his game somewhat. 'Arteta is the kind of coach who expects a lot from his midfielders,' says Zubimendi. 'I'm going to try to do things I didn't do before. Playing in that position, I'll try to bring balance and provide that passing outlet that I'm known for. Beyond that, I'm sure he'll ask me to do new things. After spending the last few months of the season playing as a centre-forward, Merino has already demonstrated his adaptability. 'I'm excited to try to increase my level, to try to learn, to try to keep being important in the squad, whichever role it takes,' he explains. 'Last season, it was a striker role, and I think I adapted quite well. It's about being ready to be whatever the team needs you to be. If you have to play as a striker or goalkeeper, just have the right attitude.' Is Zubimendi ready to play as a striker if needed? 'Not yet!' he replies in English. 'He could do it, I think,' says Merino. 'You might have to!' Arteta believes Zubimendi can help transform Arsenal from contenders into winners, but the player believes there are other aspects which could prove the difference. Advertisement 'The most important thing about this club is that they learn from previous seasons,' says the midfielder. 'The lessons they've learned from how last season ended will be key to getting even closer to this year's targets. 'Football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. Arsenal were the only team who truly stood up to Paris Saint-Germain and they let it slip because of minor details.' Watching that Champions League has whetted Zubimendi's appetite for his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium. 'Of course, when you sign for a club, the first thing that comes to mind is playing at home and soaking up the atmosphere,' he says. 'I've heard that last year was a special one — especially for Merino.' Zubimendi adds to a growing contingent of Spanish-speakers at London Colney. Merino insists, however, that the dressing room is well-integrated. 'We have an unbelievable atmosphere,' says Merino. 'It's not groups like the Spanish guys from one side and the French guys from the other. We are all mixed together. We have a really good mixture of different cultures, different guys from different places that all go for the same goal. It's great to have these guys in the squad. It's always laughing, it's always joking around. 'It's true that we have many Spanish players now, but we understand that we are in an English club, so we try to respect that. We try to speak as much English as possible.' Although it's predominantly an English-speaking dressing room, Arteta will use Spanish to quickly convey tactical instructions to his compatriots. Or if he's angry? 'He uses good English as well when he's angry!' quips Merino. Arsenal have added another Basque footballer, Kepa Arrizabalaga, during this summer's transfer window. Throw in former Real Sociedad players such as Merino and Martin Odegaard, as well as manager Arteta, and there is a distinctly Basque flavour at Arsenal now. This follows a trend in the Premier League, with other managers such as Unai Emery and Andoni Iraola impressing. Advertisement 'Now it's not only coaches, it's players, too!' says Arteta. 'I think it's the environment — the passion about the game, the education. 'Kepa is from not very far from where I lived, and when you see him walk through the door, immediately at the start, what do you think? I say, 'Woah, Oh my god. Straight away, what a joy to work with'.' They make for good players, then? 'Hopefully good people,' says Arteta.
New York Times
5 hours ago
- New York Times
Which Premier League clubs do the most transfer deals between them?
As football supporters, we have probably all thought it, or even heard a fellow fan say it — 'We're signing another player from them?' Generally speaking, Premier League teams are comprised of a broad spectrum of players; some from the United Kingdom, some from abroad. Some join from lower leagues, looking to climb the career ladder, others move from bigger sides on the way down and looking to find their natural level in the game. Some arrive for big fees and on big wages, others from the bargain end of the market. Advertisement But sometimes patterns emerge, such as Arsenal and Chelsea doing quite a lot of business, players moving regularly between Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, Chelsea seemingly having a hotline to Brighton & Hove Albion or a succession of transfers between Everton and Aston Villa. So, if you are a supporter of a Premier League team wondering whether they do actually do a lot of business with that club you think they do a lot of business with, wonder no longer. The Athletic, with the help of data website Transfermarkt, which logs all player movement, has been adding up the numbers to compile a table. We tallied up every instance of a player moving between Premier League clubs since the summer of 2020, when football returned for 'Project Restart' after the three-month shutdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, to the end of the most recent completed transfer window in February this year. The current summer trading period has not been included, but The Athletic will revisit the data after deadline day on September 1. Arsenal and Chelsea will already be rising up the ranking, given the deal last week that took Noni Madueke from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates Stadium. We have included every club that has played in the Premier League in the subsequent five seasons, plus Sunderland, who have won promotion back to the top flight for the forthcoming campaign. That takes the total number of teams to 28. We counted all signings, including loans and free transfers, to paint a complete picture of how often players move between particular clubs. While the graphic below highlights the teams that have done business with each other the most, in some cases, deals involving the other 27 are evenly spread. That means they have not cleared the bar — four — with any club for transfers back and forth. Brentford, for example, have not seen more than two players move in either direction between them and any one other Premier League side. Three was the maximum number for Liverpool (with both Brighton and Fulham), and Wolves (with Manchester City), but for others, there is a well-trodden path between them and one or two of their rivals. Take Villa and Everton, for example. Since the summer of 2020, six players have moved between them, with Lucas Digne, Amadou Onana and Lewis Dobbin going from Merseyside to the West Midlands and Anwar El Ghazi, Ashley Young and Tim Iroegbunam heading in the opposite direction. There is no obvious link between the two clubs that would help explain such frequent movement. Young's switch was on a free transfer, so club-to-club contact would have been minimal. But Irogbunam and Dobbin — young players with a high 'book value' — swapping one for the other on successive days last June helped both teams with their profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) compliance. Only those who brokered the deals will know the motivations for certain, but it is clear that both achieving a high transfer fee for young players only on the fringes of their first team was excellent from an accounting point of view. Those six deals give Villa and Everton the joint-highest figure for moves between two clubs in the past five years. They are matched by Leeds United and Bournemouth, who have racked up the same number of player transfers between them in the same period. Leif Davis, Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra twice (once on loan, then permanently) have gone from Elland Road to the Vitality Stadium, with Jaidon Anthony and Joe Rothwell making the opposite switch. Advertisement The trend seems fairly random, although Bournemouth appear to have made the most of Leeds' lower league position and relatively weak bargaining position when the Yorkshire club spent time outside of the top flight. The five moves between Leeds and Tottenham Hotspur — the former's next highest number — might owe something to then Elland Road CEO Angus Kinnear's cordial relationship with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, which would have made negotiations potentially run more smoothly. There were also six moves between Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. Jack Colback, Jonjo Shelvey, Chris Wood (twice) and Elliot Anderson have headed south from Tyneside, with Odysseas Vlachodimos travelling north. The deals that took Anderson and Vlachodimos in opposite directions on the same day just over a year ago were widely seen as benefiting both clubs' PSR positions, although the former has turned out to be an effective signing for Forest. There were also five moves between Forest and Manchester United and between Chelsea and Brighton — a number that would rise to six if the ongoing window was included, with Joao Pedro going from the south coast to the capital. The Brazilian forward followed Moises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez and Marc Cucurella in making big-money moves from the Amex Stadium to Stamford Bridge in the past five years. Levi Colwill — on loan — and Billy Gilmour went from west London to the seaside resort. And there are those in the Brighton hierarchy who believe Chelsea's repeated return visits, chequebook in hand, are a compliment to their highly-successful recruitment model. This ends up acting as a solid extra layer of due diligence for Chelsea's big-money buys. There is also the fact Paul Winstanley, one of Chelsea's co-sporting directors, was previously head of scouting at Brighton. Few will have a better understanding of the players in the club's current squad — or at least those Brighton signed in his time — than one of the key decision makers at Chelsea. It is worth noting there are a lot of pairs of clubs among our 28 who have not done any business with each other. Arsenal, for example, have engaged in zero transfers with Burnley, Everton, Ipswich Town, Leeds, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Sunderland, Tottenham, Watford and Wolves. Advertisement This is repeated across the league. But it's clearly not the case between certain teams. Whether both parties have found mutual PSR benefits by selling and signing players back and forth, or they have used existing relationships, there is often a reason why a club goes back again and again to sign players from the same team. Expect that to continue — whether or not you wish your lot would go fishing for talent in a slightly different lake. (Top photos of Caicedo, left, and Digne: Getty Images)
