24/07/2025

SPORTS THURSDAY | JULY 24, 2025

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A RSENAL are reportedly on the verge of a total agreement with Sporting CP for the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres. After weeks of rumours and an ongoing saga, Arsenal have beaten Manchester United to the Swede’s signature. United had been bidding to reunite the striker with his former boss, Ruben Amorim, but he opted for Champions League football in north London instead. The move had turned ugly, with Gyokeres refusing to return to training in Lisbon and reportedly issuing a legal letter claiming that a gentleman’s agreement had been broken over his transfer fee. But the Gunners are close to putting such drama to bed while getting a deal over the line for a new striker.

Viktor-ious Gunners Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer imminent as United bid fails

He will soon be able to undergo a medical and put pen to paper, though Arsenal’s first friendly with AC Milan is thought to come too soon for a potential debut. Arteta and Arsenal have long been warned that their lack of a traditional No. 9 has stopped them from becoming Premier League champions in recent years. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have largely led the line in the Spanish coach’s tenure, but he will hope that Gyokeres’ addition can lead them to domestic glory in a summer where title holders Liverpool continue to strengthen. – Express Newspapers

The Athletic claim that after an initial agreement was reached between clubs of £55 million (RM319m) and £8.6 million (RM49m) in add-ons, they then set about discussing the terms of those payments and additional fees. Those negotiations are now close to completion after lengthy talks. United were always linked, even last week reports from Portugal emerged that they had agreed a deal under Arsenal’s nose, but the 27-year-old only wanted to work under Mikel Arteta and is ready to pen a five-year contract. He is now set to link up with his new team mates on Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore, becoming their fifth summer signing after Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga. “You know I cannot comment on any player that is not part of our group yet,” Arteta

said of Gyokeres in a press conference on Tuesday. “When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player, we will do that.” “There’s still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. “We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them and I’m very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days.” Sporting are also closing in on a replacement, with Almeria striker Luis Suarez earmarked to take over. Reports in Portugal claimed that Gyokeres had grown frustrated with the slow-moving nature of his pending Arsenal transfer, which ensured that he could not join his new club for the beginning of their tour.

23/07/2025 (WED)

5997/2025

7186 9462 5514

Draw Date: 23/07/25 (Wed)

Draw No: 5944/25 Venue: WISMA GENTING, KL

6235 3709 3463 1827 7017

5648 6946 9012 9080 6382

8513 7639 6087 6584 5890

5908 0431 9270 2124 2180

5276 1257 4240

6979+ 6676 3420+ 8413 2932+ 8011 2178+ 7977 4245+ 3911

7943+ 6650 2914 + 2170 1264+ 7114 8886+ 0485 1577+ 0207

3,690,849.77

7186 9462 7186

7186 7186 9462

5514 5514 9462

5514 5514 9462

304,596.28

RM3,013,696.30

5276 + 1257 5276 + 4240 1257+ 4240

1257+ 5276 4240+ 5276 4240+ 1257

7186 9462 5514 HORSE

RM278,059.40

VIKTOR GYOKERES

RM380,289.20

295 276 + HORSE

RM50,000.00

0 6 3 9 0 6 3 9 0 3 9 0 9 0

OX

691 257 +

All is fine with Maguire

RM290,000.00

7 4 7 4 7 9 1 4 3 9

044 240 + RAT

606 979 306 676 617 943 106 650 643 420 228 413 912 914 962 170 892 932 008 011 481 264 497 114 102 178 397 977 148 886 720 485 234 245 563 911 331 577 490 207

Ű BY SIMON PEACH

Old Trafford. Bryan Mbeumo is part of the group after completing his move from Brentford on Tuesday for a fee rising to a potential £71 million (RM412m). Fellow summer arrivals Matheus Cunha, whose partner recently gave birth, and Diego Leon are also on the plane. Lisandro Martinez is included as he continues his rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament injury sustained in February. PA understands the United defender is not yet ready for team training. Amorim’s side are flying from Manchester to their base in Chicago, where they will play Bournemouth at Soldier Field on July 30 as part of the Premier League Summer Series. They start the pre-season tournament at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – host of next year’s World Cup final – against West Ham on Saturday. United finish their three-game trip against Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta on Aug 3. Amorim’s side welcome Fiorentina, including United great David De Gea, to Old Trafford for their final warm-up friendly on Aug 9 – the weekend before their Premier League opener at home to Arsenal. – The Independent

0 9 5 1 9 5 9 5 1 9 5 5 1 9 5 1 9 5

MANCHESTER UNITED flew out for their pre-season tour of the United States without Harry Maguire but the defender has revealed he will join the squad today after staying to deal with a personal matter. The 32-year-old was a half-time introduction in Saturday’s 0-0 friendly draw with Leeds but was replaced in the 74th minute, then conspicuous by his absence from Tuesday’s 32-man tour squad. The PA news agency understands Maguire remained at home due to a personal matter and the player has now confirmed he will only be a day late joining up with Ruben Amorim’s men Stateside. “All is fine now,” Maguire posted on an Instagram story. “I will be travelling tomorrow to meet up with the squad. Thanks for your concern.” Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia have unsurprisingly joined Barcelona-bound Marcus Rashford in being omitted from the travelling party heading for Chicago. The five are searching for new clubs and have been training away from Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad since indicating that they wish to explore a future away from

0 9 5 1 9 0 9 5 1 0 9 5 0 9

9 5

276 257 240

9 22 28 29 30 45

62,372,490.90

RM889,899.50 276 + 257 + 240 257 + 240 + 276 276 + 240 + 257 240 + 276 + 257 257 + 276 + 240 240 + 257 + 276

2 18 26 32 35 53

3,557,187.35

2 9 30 34 37 43

13

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7,436,211.72 100,000.00