Misc Rumor - Soccer Wiretap

Inter Milan are in negotiations to sign center-back John Stones on a free transfer, with talks ongoing and hopes of completing the deal by the end of the week. The move would reunite Stones with former Manchester City teammate Manuel Akanji, who joined Inter permanently this summer following a season-long loan in 2025-26.

Inter has been active in the transfer market, also signing Serbia international midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic from Club Brugge and goalkeeper Ivan Provedel from Lazio. The club reached the Champions League final last season under manager Cristian Chivu but were defeated 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester City announced in April that Stones would depart upon the expiration of his contract after a decade at the club. The Athletic previously reported anticipation that several top European clubs would show interest in the defender, including Arsenal and Chelsea. Arsenal has been exploring centre-back options following William Saliba's back injury, while Chelsea has sought a ready-made defensive addition.

Stones had a strong World Cup with England, helping the team reach the semifinals. He appeared in five of England's eight matches, contributing to key defensive performances against Mexico, where he entered as a second-half substitute with England down to 10 players, and Norway, where he played the full 120 minutes in the quarterfinal win. He also started England's semifinal loss to Argentina, playing nearly the entire match before being substituted in injury time after Lautaro Martinez put Argentina ahead 2-1.

The tournament followed an injury-disrupted 2025-26 season for Stones, who made just 18 appearances across all competitions for City. He also managed only 20 appearances the previous season due to foot and hamstring issues, and revealed in October 2025 that his fitness struggles had led him to consider retirement.

Stones joined City from Everton in 2016 at age 21 and quickly became a regular fixture during the club's dominant run under Pep Guardiola. Over 10 seasons, he made 295 appearances, winning six Premier League titles, the 2023 Champions League, five League Cups and three FA Cups.

Stones has also represented England for 12 years, making his senior debut in 2014. He has earned 94 caps, appearing at three World Cups and two European Championships, reaching the final on both occasions without winning the title.

Arsenal has announced a list of nine first-year scholars for the 2026-27 season, including Emerson Nwaneri, younger brother of first-team player Ethan Nwaneri. The 15-year-old midfielder signed scholarship terms along with a professional contract that takes effect on his 17th birthday in August 2027.

Nwaneri, an England Under-15 international, spent the second half of last season with Arsenal's Under-18s while also making appearances for the Under-21s and Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League. He scored the winning goal in last November's Premier League Under-16 National finals.

Ethan Nwaneri spoke about his younger brother during the 2024-25 season, describing their relationship and shared ambitions.

"He's a midfielder, but he can play right-back as well," said Ethan. "We're really close, but I wouldn't say we are that similar. He's probably more outgoing than me, he's the loud one! There are three years between us so it would be really cool if we could both play in the Arsenal first-team together one day. We've spoken about that a bit and what that would be like, it's something to aim for."

Arsenal's other first-year scholars include Hakeem Abubakar, Elyon Mbala, Daniel McCarron, Jayden Oba, Theo Odaji-Ukueko, Angelinou Pedro, Charlie Purdy and Joshua Sesay. Oba and Sesay were also part of the squad that won last season's Premier League Under-16 National finals, with Oba assisting Nwaneri twice during the semifinal win over Blackburn Rovers and Sesay scoring in that same match.

Ethan Nwaneri was recently among four players invited to train with England's World Cup squad in the United States ahead of this summer's tournament. He has also traveled with Arsenal's first team for Saturday's preseason match against Girona.

Leeds United are set to agree a deal worth $53.2 million plus bonuses to sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. The move would mark Leeds' third signing of the summer, following the earlier arrivals of Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo and free agent Harry Wilson from Fulham.

The Athletic previously reported Thursday that Leeds were in advanced talks with Trafford, who was said to be leaning toward the move. Leeds have been searching for a new goalkeeper since Karl Darlow, who finished last season as the club's No. 1, departed on a free transfer to Manchester United. Lucas Perri remains at the club after being displaced by Darlow last season, with Alex Cairns also part of the squad.

Newcastle United had previously been considered Trafford's most likely destination, according to a July 21 Athletic report, but the club is no longer pursuing the move. Newcastle had revived interest in Trafford in June after previous talks last summer, before he rejoined City from Burnley, and had also shown interest in signing him back in 2024.

Trafford made 17 appearances for City during the 2025-26 season, playing every match in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup as the club won both competitions. He returned to City last year expecting to be the club's first-choice goalkeeper, but the deadline-day signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma pushed him into a backup role. Trafford addressed that situation in February, saying being the No. 2 "wasn't what I expected" and that he had "tried to guard against the situation happening."

A product of City's academy, Trafford never made a senior appearance during his first spell with the club, instead gaining experience on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before signing with Burnley in 2023. He went on to make 73 appearances for Burnley, setting a Championship record with 30 clean sheets during the 2024-25 season, before returning to City.

Trafford earned his first senior England cap in March and was included in Thomas Tuchel's squad for this summer's World Cup, though he did not feature during the tournament, with Jordan Pickford serving as first choice and Dean Henderson preferred for the third-place match against France.

Andrea Pirlo is no longer in contention to become Italy's next head coach following political backlash over his sponsorship deal with Russian betting company Fonbet. Pirlo confirmed the news himself in an Instagram post Monday.

"I heard last night that I'm no longer the candidate for the Italy national team job," said Pirlo.

Several Italian politicians raised concerns about Pirlo's role as an ambassador for Fonbet, arguing the national team coach should not hold conflicting associations given Italy's support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. Pirlo pushed back on the criticism, saying the sponsorship was tied to his current coaching position in the United Arab Emirates and carried no political significance.

"Attributing a political significance to that collaboration means attributing beliefs to me that I have never expressed and don't belong to me," said Pirlo. "My love for Italy doesn't depend on a job. It's part of my history, my identity and it will remain forever."

Pirlo had been prepared to leave his job coaching Dubai United to take the Italy role, though he was considered an unpopular choice given underwhelming spells at Juventus and Sampdoria despite his standout playing career, including Italy's 2006 World Cup title. He had emerged as a fallback option after both Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti and former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola turned down the position, which was offered by technical director Paolo Maldini and special adviser Leonardo.

Maldini had preferred Pirlo, his former AC Milan teammate, over other candidates like former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, viewing him as more receptive to promoting younger players within an attacking system. Sources indicate the collapse of the Pirlo option has left Maldini frustrated, with some reports suggesting he could consider stepping down just 16 days into his new role.

Italy has been searching for a new coach since Gennaro Gattuso departed by mutual agreement in April following the team's playoff loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina, a result that extended Italy's streak of missed World Cups to three consecutive tournaments. Mancini and Conte have re-emerged as candidates, while former Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi, currently working in the Saudi Pro League, has also been mentioned as a possibility.

The final decision rests with Italian federation president Giovanni Malago, who took office in June after previously leading the Milan Cortina Olympics organizing committee. Mancini led Italy to the Euro 2020 title before failing to qualify for the following World Cup and later departing for Saudi Arabia's national team. Conte guided Italy to the Euro 2016 quarterfinals and was most recently at Napoli.

The next hire will become Italy's fourth coach in as many years, continuing a turbulent stretch that began when Luciano Spalletti was dismissed after an opening qualifying loss to Norway. Italy's next matches come in September and October, when the team faces Belgium, Turkey and France in the Nations League.

Real Madrid expect to complete a deal to sign RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande in the coming hours, sources told ESPN. The transfer is expected to total $153.8 million including add-ons, with a fixed fee between $131 million and $136.7 million.

Should the variable payments be triggered, the deal would surpass Madrid's signings of Jude Bellingham and Eden Hazard to become the club's most expensive transfer in history. Sources indicated the deal is expected to be finalized between Monday and Tuesday.

Diomande, 19, has emerged as one of soccer's top young prospects following a standout Bundesliga season in which he scored 12 goals and provided eight assists, helping Leipzig finish third. He also impressed for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, creating 11 chances across four appearances before the team's round-of-32 elimination against Norway.

Diomande's rise has been remarkably swift. He was playing at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida, just two years ago before joining Spanish club Leganes in January 2025, initially featuring for the reserve team. His performances there earned him a move to Leipzig six months later, where he quickly became one of the league's standout attackers. Paris Saint-Germain had been strongly linked with Diomande before Madrid entered the race for his signature.

Separately, Madrid have grown more optimistic about signing Manchester City midfielder Rodri. ESPN previously reported that Madrid was no longer ruling out a move for Spain's World Cup-winning captain after initially expressing reservations about his injury history. Rodri's performances at the World Cup shifted opinion among senior Madrid executives.

A source indicated that Manchester City would likely want to secure a replacement before allowing Rodri, who has one year remaining on his contract, to depart. Madrid has already added Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Denzel Dumfries this summer, and the club would likely need to see further departures to accommodate additional signings under new manager Jose Mourinho.

Arsenal are exploring a potential move to sign Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior should he fail to extend his contract in the Spanish capital. The Brazil international, 26, is among several candidates the Premier League champions are considering to strengthen their attack, though the interest remains at an early stage with no guarantee it develops into an actual deal.

No club-to-club talks have taken place yet, but sources indicate the idea has support at all levels within Arsenal's organization.

Vinicius enters the final 12 months of his contract following eight seasons at Real Madrid, with no breakthrough yet reached in extension talks. Madrid would be reluctant to lose the forward on a free transfer, particularly given he would be entitled to a significant loyalty bonus next season if he remains.

Vinicius impressed during this summer's World Cup, appearing in all five of Brazil's matches and scoring four goals before the team's round-of-16 elimination against Norway under manager Carlo Ancelotti. He registered 22 goals across all competitions for Real Madrid last season as the club finished second in La Liga for a second consecutive year, trailing Barcelona by eight points and ending the campaign without a trophy.

Vinicius joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 and has made 375 total appearances for the club, contributing 128 goals and 100 assists.

Real Madrid are working on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with the club operating under the belief that an agreement will be reached this summer despite formal club-to-club talks not yet taking place. Rodri, 30, is entering the final year of his City contract, which runs through 2027.

Madrid's stance on Rodri shifted following his standout performance at the World Cup, where he captained Spain to the title and won the Golden Ball. Sources had previously insisted throughout the summer that Rodri was not part of Madrid's plans, but his role in Spain's championship run altered that thinking significantly.

Rodri's potential exit would mark the latest change to City's roster following Pep Guardiola's departure after a decade in charge, with Enzo Maresca now taking over. John Stones and Bernardo Silva have also left the club after their contracts expired, with Silva moving directly to Madrid.

Rodri started and captained Spain in all eight matches at the World Cup as the team won its second consecutive major tournament following Euro 2024. He is now expected to undergo surgery for a back issue, with no confirmed return date. Rodri has previously spoken about his desire to eventually play in Spain.

"Would I like to play in Spain again, in La Liga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes, obviously," Rodri told reporters in March. "Having played for Atletico before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid… there are other players who have done that before. Maybe not direct transfers, but eventually. You can't turn down one of the world's best clubs."

Rodri returned to action for City in May 2025 after an ACL injury sidelined him for most of the 2024-25 season, then made 33 appearances last season around two additional injury absences. City has already reinforced its midfield this summer with the $155 million signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and is also pursuing Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, an 18-year-old Morocco international who impressed at the World Cup.

New City manager Enzo Maresca addressed the Rodri speculation during his first press conference with the club Friday.

"Around big players there is always speculation," said Maresca. "I'm not worried about that. I think it's normal. Also because they won the World Cup, he was the best player or one of the best players. Every manager wants to have Rodri because he's a top player. But now surgery on I think Monday. He needs holiday. He needs to rest. He needs to recover and then he will be back here with us."

Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups and the 2023 Champions League, scoring the winning goal in that final. He has made 298 appearances for the club, contributing 28 goals and 32 assists.

Real Madrid have entered the pursuit to sign Yan Diomande, opening talks with RB Leipzig over a potential deal for the 19-year-old winger. Paris Saint-Germain had previously been considered Diomande's preferred destination, but the French club has yet to offer a fee sufficient to convince Leipzig to consider a sale this summer.

Madrid's entry into the race has shifted the dynamics surrounding Diomande's future, creating fresh competition for his signature. The Athletic previously reported on June 24 that Madrid had been targeting an attacking right-sided player as a contingency in case Brahim Diaz departs, though the Morocco international has expressed a desire to remain in the Spanish capital.

Diomande, who joined Leipzig a year ago from Spanish club Leganes, had also drawn earlier interest from Liverpool, with that offer approaching $115 million in value. Leipzig has held out for a fee closer to $141 million while simultaneously working to extend Diomande's contract, which currently runs through 2030.

Leipzig managing director of sport Marcel Schafer addressed the club's stance on Diomande's future.

"Our clear intention is that Yan Diomande will play for RB Leipzig next year," said Schafer.

Madrid has been active throughout the transfer window following Jose Mourinho's return as head coach, adding Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella. The Athletic also reported earlier Friday that Madrid is working on a separate deal to sign Rodri from Manchester City.

Diomande featured in all four of Ivory Coast's matches at this year's World Cup, helping the team advance out of the group stage before elimination by Norway in the round of 32. He posted 12 goals and nine assists across 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, missing just one league match due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, as Leipzig finished third and secured Champions League qualification.

Should Diomande leave, he would likely become Leipzig's most lucrative sale in club history, surpassing the fees the club received for Benjamin Sesko from Manchester United in 2025 and Josko Gvardiol from Manchester City in 2023.

Diomande's rise has been remarkably swift. Just 18 months ago, he was playing for DME Sports Academy in Florida before signing with Leganes, where he spent three months with the reserve team before making his professional debut against Real Madrid. His breakout performances at Leganes, particularly his dribbling ability against Villarreal and Real Valladolid, drew Leipzig's attention after fewer than 500 minutes of senior football.

Since arriving in Germany, Diomande has led the Bundesliga in dribble attempts while posting the highest success rate among wingers across Europe with at least 50 take-on attempts last season. He has also scored three goals in 13 appearances for Ivory Coast, including standout performances at the Africa Cup of Nations and during Ivory Coast's run through a difficult World Cup group featuring Germany and Ecuador.

Jurgen Klopp warned journalists Friday that he would walk away from his new role as Germany head coach if the media "behave badly" toward him or his family. Klopp addressed reporters during his official unveiling, marking his return to management more than two years after leaving Liverpool.

Klopp laid out specific conditions for remaining in the position, referencing the scrutiny his predecessor Julian Nagelsmann faced from media and former national team figures during his tenure.

"The day you don't want me anymore, you say so," said Klopp. "And I'm gone. Without severance pay. If you say tomorrow that he's rubbish, I'm gone. Not just one person, it would have to be more than that. If the DFB says he's rubbish, I'm gone. If you behave badly and don't leave my family in peace, I'm gone."

Klopp also criticized inaccuracies in recent reporting surrounding his appointment and his prior arrangement with Red Bull, where he served as head of global soccer.

"We'll need you (the press) on this path we're taking," said Klopp. "It would be important if we prioritised accuracy over speed in our reporting going forward."

Klopp replaces Nagelsmann, whose tenure ended following a disappointing round-of-32 World Cup exit to Paraguay this summer. Klopp signed a contract running through 2030, covering both the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 World Cup.

Klopp suggested Friday that this could be the final coaching role of his career.

"Jurgen Klopp doesn't have a career after the national team," said Klopp. "Ideally, this is the highlight of my career."

Klopp had been working as a pundit for German broadcaster Magenta during this summer's World Cup, a role during which he grew visibly frustrated with the press on at least one occasion. He walked out of an interview with ARD after being asked about Bastian Schweinsteiger's controversial comments regarding the Ivory Coast national team.

"No, no. I have no chance; I have no chance to answer this question," said Klopp, before leaving the interview. "Everybody likes it, so you bring me into this situation. It's not my job that everyone likes it, but this is a serious subject and I don't even know what is appropriate to say."

Klopp left Liverpool in 2024 after eight seasons and one Premier League title in 2019-20. Longtime assistant Pep Lijnders will join him as part of the new Germany coaching staff.

Pep Guardiola has declined the opportunity to become Italy's next national team head coach, according to sources with knowledge of the discussions. The Italian Football Federation had been in talks with Guardiola about succeeding Gennaro Gattuso, who departed the role in April following Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Sources speaking anonymously to protect relationships said conversations with Guardiola had not progressed and he ultimately turned down the position. FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and federation president Giovanni Malago had previously confirmed the talks earlier this week, describing the pursuit as part of the organization's broader effort to target elite coaching candidates.

Maldini also revealed the federation had approached Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti about the role, though Ancelotti remains under contract with Brazil through 2030.

Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of the 2025-26 season after a decade with the club, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the 2023 Champions League. He has never managed at the international level, building his reputation instead through club spells with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City. The Athletic previously reported that Guardiola had a verbal agreement to become England's manager in 2024 before ultimately choosing to remain at City.

Italy's coaching search stems from a difficult stretch for the federation. The team missed the 2026 World Cup after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs, prompting the departures of both Gattuso and former FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, along with former captain Gianluigi Buffon from his role as head of delegation. It marked Italy's third consecutive missed World Cup, extending a run in which the four-time champions have not advanced past the group stage since winning the tournament in 2006, aside from their Euro 2020 title under Roberto Mancini.

Maldini addressed the ongoing search Thursday following an FIGC visit to Serie A headquarters.

"Guardiola? We can't confirm anything yet, you've identified one of our targets, but we've also spoken with Ancelotti," said Maldini. "It seemed right to start with the best in the world, but we need to verify their overall availability. I feel a great sense of responsibility and pressure; there's an ambitious project here. It's a call to arms, when Italy calls, it's hard to say no."