Sunday Football Rumour Mill: Richarlison Blasts Spurs, Arsenal's Lucky Escape
The weekend papers have delivered a familiar mix of anger, relief and outright surprise across the football world – with a slice of history on the racecourse for good measure.
Richarlison blasts Spurs after Vasco move collapses
Tottenham forward Richarlison has turned his fire on the club after the breakdown of his proposed move to Vasco da Gama, according to the Sunday Mirror.
The Brazil international had been pushing for a return home, only to see the deal collapse late on. The fallout has clearly stung. The report claims Richarlison has aimed criticism at Spurs over how the transfer was handled, leaving another layer of tension around a player whose future already felt uncertain.
Petit: Arsenal lucky they missed out on Vinicius Jr
Emmanuel Petit has delivered a striking verdict on Arsenal’s summer business. The former Gunners midfielder, a Premier League title winner under Arsène Wenger, believes Arsenal actually dodged a bullet by failing to land Vinicius Jr, writes the Sunday Mirror.
In a market where missing out on a superstar usually sparks panic, Petit’s view flips the narrative. He argues Arsenal’s near-miss with the Brazilian should be seen as a “lucky escape” rather than a setback.
Maresca on City spending: ‘No choice’ in a ‘crazy’ market
Manchester City’s summer outlay has drawn predictable scrutiny, but Enzo Maresca has pushed back at the criticism.
Speaking to the Sunday Express, Maresca insisted City were effectively forced to “splash the cash” because of what he called a “crazy” transfer market. For him, the club’s aggressive spending was not indulgence, but necessity in an arms race that shows no sign of slowing.
Sesko thriving at Manchester United under Carrick
At Old Trafford, Benjamin Sesko is revelling in his new surroundings.
The Sunday Mirror reports that the striker says he is “loving life” at Manchester United, highlighting the positive “vibes” around the club under head coach Michael Carrick. After a turbulent few years at United, Sesko’s comments point to a dressing room that finally feels lighter, more connected and more optimistic.
Alonso calls Chelsea ‘soft’ after defensive woes continue
Chelsea’s inability to shut teams out is starting to grate on Xabi Alonso.
The Sunday Telegraph reports that Alonso accused his players of being “soft” after they failed to keep a clean sheet for the 20th Premier League game in a row. That is a damning run for a squad built at huge expense. The message from the manager is clear: the technical quality is there, but the edge, the bite, is not.
Russell Martin: Leicester criticism has ‘become really personal’
Down in the EFL, Russell Martin has lifted the lid on the strain of Leicester City’s rocky start to the season.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, the Leicester boss said the criticism aimed at him has “become really personal” as he tries to navigate a turbulent opening spell with the League One side. The results have hurt. The reaction, he suggests, has cut even deeper.
Torres smashes punch machine record in Madrid
Far from the dugout, Fernando Torres has reminded everyone of his power – this time with his fists.
The Sun on Sunday reports that the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker smashed a punch machine’s record at the new Madring circuit in Madrid, where he appeared as a VIP guest. The clip has fuelled jokes that Torres might have chosen the wrong sport, such was the force of his effort.
Memphis Depay faces possible ban in Brazil
Memphis Depay’s stint in Brazil has taken a sour turn.
According to the Daily Express, the former Manchester United forward could face a significant ban after allegations he made an “offensive” gesture towards opposition supporters while playing for Corinthians. The incident has sparked an investigation and could leave Depay sidelined at a crucial stage of the season.
Rangers shake-up: McCulloch in frame, Souttar move stalls
In Scotland, Rangers are braced for change behind the scenes and fresh uncertainty on the pitch.
The Scottish Sun on Sunday reports that former title winner Lee McCulloch is in contention to become the club’s new technical director, filling the vacancy left by Dan Purdy. McCulloch, a familiar face at Ibrox, would step into a key strategic role at a time when Rangers’ direction is under intense scrutiny.
On the playing side, John Souttar’s transfer to Aris Thessaloniki has hit a late stumbling block, according to the same outlet. The move had looked close, but complications have dragged it back into doubt.
Emmanuel Petit has added fuel to the fire. The World Cup winner, speaking to the Scottish Sun on Sunday, claimed Rangers have “already lost the league” and now face a fight just to hold off Hearts for second place. It is a brutal assessment – and one that underlines the scale of the task at Ibrox.
Historic day in the saddle: Saffie Osborne breaks Classic barrier
Away from football, Saffie Osborne has ridden straight into the history books.
The Independent reports that Osborne became the first woman ever to win a British Classic, guiding Highwayman to victory in the Betfred St Leger and completing a one-two for trainer Joseph O’Brien. It is a landmark moment for British racing, and a result that will echo far beyond Doncaster’s winning post.
