標籤: European

armory Defender Piero Hincapie is approaching the biggest match of his career with both confidence and a bit of friendly rivalry.

Ecuador international speaks to South American outlet dsports Ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, where he will face fellow Ecuadorian Willian Pacho.

Both defenders went way back, and Hincapie made it clear that the occasion meant a lot on a personal level as well.

Still celebrating the league title.

Arsenal have spent several years trying to return to this level. Piero Hincapie admitted this during an interview while discussing the pressure surrounding the club after ending their long wait for a Premier League title.

“These have been very difficult years. They’ve gone 22 years without winning the Premier League and I think now everyone is very happy, very excited and wants more.”

Hincapie also admitted that he does not necessarily feel the full weight of that pressure because he is still relatively new to the club.

“To be honest, I don’t know if I feel that much pressure because I just arrived.”He said. “Obviously there are a lot of players who have been struggling for many years and I think it’s a relief for everyone as well.”

The Arsenal defender then underlined why this moment feels so important internally at the club.

“It is very important to reach the Champions League final after winning the Premier League.”

Rivalry adds extra edge

Piero Hincapie revealed that he has known Willian Pacho since childhood, with both players developing through Ecuadorian football and training together at Independiente del Valle.

“I have known Willian since we were very young. We trained a lot together at Independiente del Valle when we were kids and were dreaming about this moment.”

Pacho has already won the Champions League with PSG, and Hincapie admitted he hopes this year’s final will change things his way.

“He’s already become a champion and hopefully it’s my turn this time.”

Arsenal defender feeling settled ahead of final

Hincapie also revealed that the pair have remained in touch despite the impending clash.

“Yes, he talked to me. I think we talked about two weeks ago. We talked a little bit, but not about that, but more about how things are going here and how everything is going.”

Arsenal are chasing another major trophy after finally winning domestically, and Hincapie feels comfortable shouldering that responsibility.

SunderlandEliezer Mayenda is likely to leave the Premier League team in the summer.

The striker arrived at the Stadium of Light from FC Sochaux in July 2023, when the Black Cats were in the Championship.

Last season, he impressed for Sunderland, scoring 10 goals and five assists in 41 appearances.

This included the winner of the Championship playoff final against Sheffield United, which helped his team achieve promotion.

Since Sunderland’s return to the Premier League, the 21-year-old has not performed well. To put it into context, he scored two goals and one assist in 943 minutes in 23 matches this season.

Regis Le Bris gave him 70 minutes in four league matches since the end of February.

Future away from Sunderland

foot market There is a report on Eliezer Mayenda and his headline says he is ‘ready to take the next step’.

In the report, they say he is ‘expected’ to leave Sunderland in the upcoming window.

The outlet says the Spain U21 international has delivered ‘impressive performances’ over the past two seasons. This has attracted the attention of ‘several ambitious European clubs’, who have positioned themselves to secure his services.

There is no mention of details from these European clubs, but the report emphasizes that Mayenda is one of the most sought-after players on the market.

It’s worth noting that the player hasn’t performed consistently for Sunderland this season, but that hasn’t stopped the outlet from promoting him. It seems as if the attacker wants to escape from there and is trying to create atmosphere at Foot Mercato.

Black cats can open vents

Sunderland reportedly paid €1m to buy him from FC Sochaux and could make a profit from his sale in the summer.

In the winter market, Regis Le Bris were offered Eliezer Mayenda on loan from CA Osasuna as part of the deal for Victor Munoz. However, the Spanish club rejected their bid in terms of the latter’s €40m release clause.

The Black Cats were prepared to part ways with him in January and are unlikely to oppose his exit in the upcoming window.

Mayenda’s contract expires in 2030 and his value, according to transfer marketIs €18m.

chelsea’s It is becoming easier to understand the interest in Victor Frohold at FC Porto with each passing week.

The midfielder has become one of the faces of Porto’s title-winning campaigns. He is one of the most talked about young midfielders in Europe. Furthermore, he has increasingly become a player Premier League clubs are drawing serious plans around.

Chelsea is one of the most linked clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United. However, there is an extra layer added to the Blues’ situation with uncertainty surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge.

According to the Portuguese press, Chelsea are interested Directly linked to Enzo’s eventual departure. This background helps to explain why the London Club has intensified its monitoring of the freehold.

And Dane’s praise from all quarters is growing louder.

Porto is already thinking long term

Francesco Farioli has now publicly addressed the growing relocation noise around Freehold. Furthermore, his comments left no doubt as to Porto’s intentions.

talking to gameThe Porto manager pointed directly to the midfielder’s own recent comments regarding his desire to stay. He also wants to play Champions League football with the club next season.

“I think his words after the last game were very clear about where he wants to play next season and how he feels here at FC Porto.” Farioli said.

The Italian also made Porto’s wider strategy very clear.

“There is a clear desire and intention to move forward on the right path, trying to keep the best players and progress this group.”

Farioli also confirmed that talks are already taking place behind the scenes ahead of the summer market.

“There are discussions and negotiations with players, agents and clubs to understand the situation,” Emphasizing that Porto wants to be, he explained “Ready to make the right decision when the market comes.”

This is in line with what has been consistently coming out of Portugal in recent weeks. Porto want to keep Froholdt as a core part of the team. This is especially important ahead of their return to the Champions League after two years away.

“A unique player”

In fact the loudest praise is coming from Denmark. game This week we spoke to former Copenhagen academy coordinator Martin Wingard and former Denmark international Morten Bisgaard. Both personalities worked closely with Frohold before his rise to prominence in Porto.

Both paint a picture of a player whose mentality set him apart long before he reached senior football.

“He was always a hard-working player with a top-level mentality,” Vineyard explained.

The former academy coordinator revealed that Fröholdt consistently dominated every race and endurance test at the Copenhagen Academy, even when more attention was given to the bigger talents around him.

“When it comes to hard work, no one can beat Froholdt.”

Wingard also highlighted the midfielder’s consistency and mentality in big matches.

“He loves big games and is never afraid,” the former coach explained before adding another line that comes up when discussing Froholdt’s influence.

“It was always easy to notice whether he was on the pitch or not.”

He also believes that Porto have found the ideal role for the midfielder. While Denmark has used Froholdt in a number of positions, Wingard feels the Porto system allows him to show his best qualities as a number eight.

“He just loves playing football. He doesn’t care who he’s facing, he just wants to play well and win.”

Bisgaard was equally powerful.

“He is a unique player,” the former Udinese striker said while discussing Froholdt’s rise.

“You have Messi and Ronaldo, who are incredibly good because of the goals they score, but Frohold’s mentality and dedication could make him one of the best players in Europe.”

“What surprised me was how quickly he reached the second level in Portugal,” Bisgaard explained.

“He was very good at under-17 level, brilliant at under-19, but when he reached the Copenhagen first team he immediately became extraordinary. He has done exactly that at FC Porto.”

Bisgaard even suggested that Fröhold should stay in Portugal for the next one, two or three seasons as the club provided the stability needed for the next stage of his development.

“If he continues like this, he will become FC Porto’s next big sale”He concluded.

what happens next

Chelsea’s interest is unlikely to wane, especially as questions over Enzo Fernandez continue to loom in the background.

At the same time, Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle are firmly in the race, and Porto are aware that the summer market could move very quickly once formal discussions have begun.

However, the player wants to stay. The manager wants to keep him. Porto wants to build around him. So this combination could ultimately delay any immediate Premier League move, even though England’s biggest clubs are already preparing themselves for the future.

Besiktas has ‘intensified’ its contacts brighton and hove albion Regarding a deal for Kaoru Mitoma.

Fotospor report that the 28-year-old is on Brighton’s list and Besiktas have stepped up talks for him regarding a possible sale this summer.

According to the Turkish outlet, Mitoma has been on the Besiktas list for some time. They have previously considered a deal for the Japanese star and have now ‘intensified’ contacts about a move this summer.

Kaoru Mitoma’s current deal with Brighton expires in 2027. This means he is entering the final year of his contract this summer. This seems to have opened the door to a possible move.

€10-15 million asking price for Mitoma

If Brighton cannot secure a sale this summer, the winger will have the right to leave on a free transfer next year. This is something Seagull would naturally want to avoid.

Besiktas are using this as ‘leverage’. They intend to complete a €10-15m deal for Kaoru Mitoma this summer.

The 28-year-old is currently valued at €25m transfer market. Therefore, the Turkish side clearly wants bigger cuts than before.

Another factor is the mitoma itself. He reportedly wants to move to a team where he can get more playing time.

He has made 23 appearances in all competitions for Brighton this season, but injury problems have limited his playing time. He has not played 90 minutes since a 2–1 win over Nottingham Forest on 1 March^{scheduled tribe}.

This seems to have prompted him to look for an exit. Said El Mala continues to be pursued by BrightonIn his thinking, there could also be a possible direct rival of the Left.

see besiktas advantage

Besiktas is already taking steps and seeing benefits beyond just a talented player. According to Fotospor, the signing of Kaoru Mitoma will also increase their ‘effectiveness’ in the Far East market.

Whether or not Brighton sells remains to be seen. They find themselves in a difficult situation due to Mitoma’s contract, but the price Besiktas is willing to pay is clearly well below the market value.

Mitoma, too, is still only 28, and if it becomes clear he is leaving Brighton this summer other clubs could also be willing to make a move.

armory Travel to Lisbon with a clear idea of ​​what kind of game awaits them. Sporting CP is a side with structure, repetition and very defined strengths, which makes this tie feel tight.

That expectation becomes even stronger when we look at a specific area. As we covered earlierBoth teams are among the most effective teams in Europe when it comes to set pieces.

Arsenal have built a large portion of their offensive output this season around dead-ball situations. He has scored 19 set-piece goals in the Premier League, accounting for over 30% of his total league goals in those situations.

Sporting profile is also not behind. He has scored 15 set-piece goals in Liga Portugal, the most in the competition. Those goals represent about 22% of their total.

Sporting CP will be without key players for Arsenal

However, that balance is affected by team news. The Portuguese press confirmed that Sporting will be missing several players, and the most important absence is obvious: Morten Hjulmand will not play due to suspension.

The captain’s absence is significant on many levels. He is the organizer in midfield, the player who sets the pace and protects the defensive line. He is one of the first references when it comes to positioning in defensive set pieces.

It also has a broader context. Hjulmand has been linked with Arsenal In recent weeks, that adds an extra layer to supporters watching this tie. He is exactly the type of midfielder the Gunners have been linked with – and not just because his infamous tattoo.

Without him, Sporting loses structure, leadership and control. They also lose a vital defensive presence in the same area that Arsenal look to exploit.

🇵🇹Sporting vs Arsenal

➡️ Battle of set pieces
🪨 Rock meets immovable object
➡️ Sporting and Arsenal are both set piece specialistshttps://t.co/JOzU03kkFk #afc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 7 April 2026

Other deprivations and what they carry

Hjulmand is not the only one of concern. Left-back Nuno Santos is out, and this removes one of Sporting’s main sources of width and crossing. His delivery has consistently been an offensive weapon, especially from the left side.

Forward Fotis Ionidis is also not available. He provides physical presence, hold-up play and penalty-box movement. His absence limits Sporting’s ability to play more directly or attack crosses with the same force.

Furthermore, Luis Guilherme is another name missing. As a rotational option, the former West Ham player provides energy and flexibility to the attacking line, especially late in games.

Overall, these absences reduce sporting diversity. They are still dangerous, but the scope of solutions has narrowed.

The quality of the attack is still there

Despite those setbacks, Arsenal cannot expect an opponent to be weak in attack. portuguese outlet game Chelsea-owned Giovani Quenda is pushing for a re-joining after returning to training. He may start on the bench, but his presence provides pace and unpredictability when needed.

More importantly, the main offensive line remains intact. Jenny Catamo, Francisco Trincao and Pedro Gonçalves form a forward line that is technically strong and comfortable between the lines.

Up front, Colombian striker Luis Suarez is expected to start and is having a season worth noting. His output has been strong, to such an extent that comparisons with Victor Gyökeres’ final campaign before leaving Sporting naturally arise.

Suarez has scored 24 goals in 25 league games this season and has scored 5 goals in 10 Champions League appearances so far. Add to this seven assists spread across both competitions. This makes him much more than just a finisher. He gives Sporting a focal point who can occupy defenders and bring others into the game.

For Arsenal, this means dealing with in-form strikers rather than vulnerable attacks.

Potential Sporting CP XI for Arsenal

Keeping all that in mind, game Hopefully the local side will line up like this: Rui Silva in target, ivan fresneda And maxi araujo As a full back, osman diomande And goncalo inacio In central defence. a double axis of xeno debast And hidemasa morita between. at the forefront, Ginny Catamo, Francisco Trincao, pedro goncalves playing behind Luis Suarez.

DeBast’s inclusion in the midfield is particularly telling. Being a natural defender, he brings added physicality and awareness to defensive situations, especially set pieces. This seems to be a direct response to Arsenal’s main strength.

expectations are finely balanced

Arsenal will face a Sporting team that is without its captain and several useful attacking options. This should tilt certain aspects of the game in their favour, particularly midfield control.

At the same time, the Sporting retains enough quality to compete. Their attacking line remains dangerous, their strikers are in form and their understanding of set pieces matches Arsenal’s.

This leaves a game that looks to be tight, tactical and potentially decided by a good margin. And given the profile of both teams, there is a strong possibility that that moment comes from the dead ball.

Donyal Malen has impressed for AS Roma since arriving from Aston Villa. The Netherlands man is close to joining Gian Piero Gasperini’s team on a permanent basis.

In 2026, Malen has been one of the most prolific forwards in the top five European leagues. He has seven Serie A goals to his name, and has also scored once in the Europa League.

Even though Roma have fallen out of the top four and are now sixth, the striker’s influence can clearly be seen. He has proven to be quite an upgrade over Ivan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk, fitting Gasperini’s demanding system well.

sports witness In Italy, Gasperini has compared him to Gianluca Vialli.

Even though Roma’s obligation to purchase the player depends on European qualification, they are still looking to secure a permanent deal.

Friedkins was impressed by Malen.

today’s corriere dello sport There is a detailed report about the 27-year-old. He is convinced that his permanent arrival in Rome is now a done deal.

He feels that Donyal Malen has single-handedly transformed the club’s attack. There is no need for another presidential meeting to keep them beyond the season. Roma may miss out on European football but that won’t stop them signing the Aston Villa player permanently.

With the Freakdins having already given their approval for it, Ricky Massara could soon put papers on the move. The attacker is now seen as someone who will be the center of the project from next season.

Aston Villa will earn €25m from the departure, with Roma having already paid a €2m loan fee.

Our Opinion: The deal is turning out to be excellent for all parties

Roma usually do not spend big on players unless they are absolutely sure of them. This in itself tells us how impressed he is with Donyal Mallen.

The player really needed it, especially after his lack of regular playing time at Birmingham. This spell also came ahead of the World Cup and has perhaps reassured Ronald Koeman of the striker’s abilities.

This is proving to be a very good step for Aston Villa as well. They paid a total of €26m to sign him from Borussia Dortmund. Despite not actually looking its best, they can make capital gains from its sale.

As Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool prepare to face each other in a blockbuster Champions League quarter-final, Jérôme Rothen believes that the old hierarchy is gone, and that Paris should ultimately function as such.

Home form gives PSG edge

PSG to host Liverpool in Champions League quarter-final first leg on 8^th April, second leg at Anfield a week later.

But that doesn’t mean the Champions League holders can take things easy. Instead, he insists that they should take Arne Slott’s side seriously.

Both sides were title winners last season, but while PSG are making a strong title defense this season, Liverpool find themselves fifth in the Premier League, 21 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Based on that, PSG would be considered favourites, but Rothen is having none of that.

“In the Champions League quarter-finals, there are no small teams anymore,” He said, Relayed by Planet PSG. “We have to respect them and not lower ourselves compared to previous years.”

Liverpool’s European pedigree deserves respect

Despite PSG’s success last season, the gap between the two sides in Europe is still considerable.

Liverpool are one of the Champions League’s top contenders, with six titles to their name and four runner-up finishes. In comparison, PSG have won it once and also finished runner-up once.

In a broader view, Liverpool have 14 European trophies to their name, while PSG’s number is four and that includes the Intertoto Cup. However, they are the new dominant power and Rothen feels they should no longer feel inferior.

“Today, PSG should not feel inferior to these clubs. Because they are now in the same league,” He added.

Rothen predicts high-level Champions League clash

In fact, he is giving PSG the lead ahead of the double-header. But he doesn’t expect it to be an easy game. Instead, he predicts a high-level tie.

“For me, PSG is the favourite, but the gap with Liverpool is not huge. I hope they can get back to last year’s form, controlling every aspect of the game.” He concluded.

His message is clear. Respect Liverpool, fear no one and accept PSG’s position among Europe’s elite. If they do, a worthy quarter-final in the spotlight could be on the way.

🇧🇷 Exclusive: Liverpool eyeing Vinicius Lira

⭐️ The 18-year-old is one of Santos’ top prospects
➡️ #lfc Keeping a close eye on the fullback’s development
📈 Believe he could be a more complete talent than Souza, who recently joined Tottenham
👇 More fines 👇https://t.co/N7g9P4X4iy

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 16 March 2026

Newcastle United may eventually face renewed transfer interest in Bruno Guimaraes, but the midfielder has already made it clear that any serious discussions about his future will have to wait until after the 2026 World Cup.

The Brazilian remains one of the central figures in Eddie Howe’s team. Since arriving from Lyon for around £40m (€47m) in January 2022, Guimaraes has become a leader and one of the team’s most consistent performers.

It was only last season that he again performed strongly in midfield, combining ball progression with defensive work and creativity. According to FBref data, the 26-year-old ranked among Newcastle’s top players for progressive passes and passing into the final third, underscoring his importance in the team structure.

However, the next phase of his career is already starting to attract attention, as reported espn brazil.

Contract talks put on hold until after World Cup

Guimaraes’ current contract with Newcastle runs until June 2028. The agreement also includes the possibility of a one-year extension through 2029, but that option requires mutual approval.

As we covered at the timeNewcastle have recently invited representatives of the player to sit down and discuss a possible renewal. Still, the midfielder’s stance appears clear.

His priority is to recover, get back on the field and prepare for the World Cup with Brazil. Because of this, he does not plan to discuss a contract extension or a potential transfer until after the tournament.

This approach reflects his current focus. Guimaraes wants the next stage of his career to be decided in peace rather than in a season where international football dominates the calendar.

Newcastle’s stance on potential suitors

Behind the scenes, Newcastle already have an outline in mind for how they will handle future interests.

If major European clubs outside England come forward – sides like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Barcelona – then the club would be more open to negotiations. In those circumstances, Newcastle would not want to block the player’s ambitions.

The situation will change if another Premier League team tries to sign him.

Manchester United Has often been linked with Guimaraes, and Newcastle would likely take a very tough approach in that scenario. Allowing a key midfielder to join a domestic rival will be viewed very differently to a move abroad.

Barcelona have already tested Newcastle’s resolve

The interest in Guimaraes is not imaginary. This has happened once before also.

During the 2023–24 period, Barcelona came close to signing the midfielder. The Spanish side proposed a package of €65m plus €15m in bonuses, which could potentially reach €80m (£69m).

The move did not go ahead as the player himself chose to remain at Newcastle at the time. it is fair to say he loves the club.

That decision cemented his relationship with the club, which is still strong. Guimaraes is not pushing for any moves and is completely focused on returning to action.

So the situation remains stable for Newcastle at the moment. Yet once the World Cup is over, talks about his long-term future are expected to resume.