Arsenal urged to pursue Victor Osimhen as doubts arise over Kai Havertz's quality.

Arsenal have been advised to sign Victor Osimhen, with criticism directed at their current first-choice No. 9, Kai Havertz, who is considered "nowhere near" the world-class standard the club needs to compete at the highest level.

Last season, Mikel Arteta's team showcased an impressive attacking display, scoring 91 Premier League goals and finishing just behind Manchester City. However, their goals were distributed across the team, with Bukayo Saka leading as top scorer with 16 goals—far behind Erling Haaland's 27. Havertz, who often played in midfield, contributed 13 goals in his debut season at Arsenal.

This season, Havertz has been deployed as a No. 9 but has managed only four goals in 11 Premier League appearances, alongside strikes in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup. While his tally isn’t insignificant, it falls short compared to Mohamed Salah's eight and Haaland's league-leading 12 goals.

Former Arsenal captain William Gallas criticized Havertz's performance, claiming he lacks the elite quality Arsenal require to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool. Gallas called on the club to act decisively, saying it is "obvious" they need to bring in Osimhen to strengthen their attack.

"Kai Havertz has never been the right player to help Arsenal win the Premier League title. He's a good player, but he's not top class. I'm sorry, but he's nowhere near world-class level. Arsenal need to replace him at striker," Gallas told Genting Casino.

AKWA UTD YOUNGSTER BAGS UNIVERSITY FIRST CLASS DEGREE

Akwa United attacking midfielder Paulinus Okon has made history becoming the first student to graduate with a First Class Honours in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in the faculty of Engineering from University of Uyo.

Paulinus graduated with a Cumulative Grade Points Average CGPA of 4.50 and was awarded the 2021/2022 Best Graduating Student in the department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering during the institution's 29th/30th convocation ceremonies in Uyo.

The left-footed attacking midfielder previously played for FC One Rocket in the Nigeria National League after shining for his local government area, Nsit Atai in the 2023 Akwa Ibom State Governor's Cup before joining the 2021 league champions Akwa United at the start of the current 2024-25 football season.

The youngster, a product of Eagle Eye Football Academy who has been described by coach Muhammed Babaganaru as an exceptionally gifted player is yet to feature for Akwa United in a competitive game but has been part of the team's training programmes since he signed a professional contract with the club.

In an exclusive interview with the club's website www.akwaunitedfc.com, Paulinus revealed that the journey to his academic achievement was rough and tough but his determination was the driving force behind his success.

"The desire to play professional football has always been there but I didn't know it would be that challenging combining higher education with football. The pressure wasn't that much when I was in secondary school but when I got admission into University I realized that it was a different thing entirely. Having to attend football training sometimes twice a day and also attending lectures in school was very stressful.

" I have been involved in an accident at least three times because of rushing to meet up with lectures. I have slept in class many times and my colleagues usually make jest of me, even some of my lecturers told me that I was embarking on a suicide mission by trying to play football while also going to school.

"I still remember in my first year in school when I asked about the possibility of graduating with a First Class Honours, I was told that the department has never produced a First Class graduate since it was established, and even if someone will make First Class that I shouldn't dream of being that student because of combining education and football, but I have always believe in myself and I was determined to succeed.

" I'm very happy and I thank God that all the hard work has paid off and today I have graduated with First Class Honours and my football career is also improving especially since I joined Akwa United and I know that my time will soon come and I'm confident that I will make significant impact as a professional player".

Robert Lewandowski recently shared how close he was to joining Manchester United in 2012, following an approach by Sir Alex Ferguson. At the time, Lewandowski was a rising star at Borussia Dortmund, having scored 30 goals during the 2011/12 season and helping the club win the Bundesliga title.

The Polish striker revealed that he had a phone conversation with Ferguson, who expressed a strong desire to bring him to Old Trafford. Lewandowski was eager to make the move, but the transfer fell through due to Borussia Dortmund's reluctance to sell one of their key players. Instead, he stayed at Dortmund for two more seasons before moving to Bayern Munich, where he cemented his status as one of the world's best strikers.

Now 36, Lewandowski has enjoyed a remarkable career, scoring over 400 club goals and winning numerous individual and team honors, including a Champions League title. Reflecting on the near move to Manchester United, he acknowledged how different his career might have been had the deal gone through.

Gifi Buffon on Messi: “In 2015 Champions League final I felt a hand on my back… it was Leo! He told me: Gigi, are we swapping shirts now?”.

Pep Guardiola has officially agreed to extend his stay at Manchester City, signing a new contract with the option to remain at the club until 2027. This follows months of speculation about his future.

As first reported by The Athletic, the Catalan manager, who has won six of the last seven Premier League titles and guided City to their first Champions League and Club World Cup triumphs, will surpass a decade at the Etihad if he fulfills his new deal. Already the Premier League's longest-serving manager, Guardiola's extension brings him closer to Les McDowall's post-war record as City's longest-serving manager.

City’s leadership was always determined to retain Guardiola, believing he remains the best coach in the world. However, the decision ultimately rested with Guardiola, who had to consider his recovery from back surgery last season and his long-term aspirations, including managing an international team before retirement. After careful reflection, Guardiola is confident he has the energy and commitment to stay until at least 2026, with the option of extending further.

This news is expected to provide a morale boost to the team, currently on an uncharacteristic run of four consecutive defeats, as they look to recover their form early in the season. It also brings long-term stability, allowing Guardiola to collaborate with incoming sporting director Hugo Viana to rebuild an ageing squad and prepare for the outcome of ongoing investigations into City’s financial conduct.

While Manchester City declined to comment, a formal announcement is anticipated later this week. Guardiola's press conference on Friday, ahead of the Spurs game, is expected to focus heavily on his decision to stay.

Nations League top goalscorer.
Champions League top goalscorer.
Portuguese League top goalscorer.
Nations League top assistman.

Ladies and gentlemen, Viktor Gyökeres

With the tournament set to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, 19 teams, including Nigeria, South Africa, and reigning champions Cote d’Ivoire, have already secured their places in Africa’s premier football event.

Lord! Thank you for this blessed day. As we journey through this Ember month, purify our heart, renew our mind, and empower us to shine your light in the world. May our life be a reflection of your love and grace. Guide us, protect us, and use us for your glory. Amen Good morning beautiful Champions