Archive August 2, 2025

Arsenal are in close negotiations to appoint Chelsea striker Armando Broja to a permanent deal.

The clubs have reached a broad agreement, but the 23-year-old has yet to sign a five-year deal with the club.

Broja wants to relocate to Turf Moor, but it won’t be until the first week of January.

Up to £20 million could be spent on the move, according to sources, but it hasn’t been determined for sure.

Broja signed his first professional contract with Chelsea in 2020 after graduating from the academy in 2009.

He has made 38 senior team appearances while on loan at Vitesse, Southampton, Fulham, and Everton.

This summer, Chelsea have been active in the outgoing world, moving a number of players as part of the reshaping of their squad.

Important departures attracted significant fees, which will aid in the Blues’ ongoing rebuilding project.

Before Josh Doig’s plane took him on a lung-pumping, leg-burning pre-season training camp with his new team-mates, the wheels on his plane had barely kissed the Italian tarmac.

The Scotsman reminisces about his arrival at Hellas Verona in July 2022, saying, “If you sign, you can go home, pack a bag, and come back.” I had anticipated being drained into it.

I signed up for a two-hour drive straight to the mountains, not speaking the language, and it was terrifying, but I fell in love with it after a few days.

The pre-season retreat known as the ritiro pre-campionato is a form of Italian custom.

Clubs spend weeks preparing for the new season at high-altitude camps, replacing hot, humid summers with fresh mountain air and picturesque surroundings in the north of the nation.

Doig, who is currently with Sassuolo in Serie A and speaking from his fourth retreat, this one in Ronzone, a quiet Alpine village, adds left-back Doig, who is now with Sassuolo in Serie A. “You have almost six weeks off with your family and then 17 days away.”

It’s just head down and work hard when you’re in the mountains, they say. Every day you feel exhausted, but knowing you’re getting something out of it makes it better.

“It shocks the system, but it gets you back in the swing of things with your fitness and football mindset.”

The “ritiro” has a relatively unscathed history in Serie A despite the fact that many clubs, especially those in the Premier League, now opt for lucrative international tours.

According to Marco Ottolini, director of Genoa sports, “every player has grown up with this kind of tradition.” “Maybe we have more mountains than other countries”!

Only AC Milan made the summer of this summer, playing in Hong Kong and Australia, with 12 other clubs setting up retreats at their own training facilities and still making the slopes. Napoli under Antonio Conte are even doing it twice.

Before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Italian disciplinarian Fabio Capello grilled the squad outside of their friends and family in the small Austrian village of Irdning, which is located in the Austrian Alps.

According to Italian football journalist Daniele Verri, some teams would use the remote camps to control their players’ behavior or prevent them from partying in the off-season.

Fans wouldn’t even know where their clubs would end, Verri adds. You now have full houses.

Over time, the environment has changed. Most clubs now allow players’ families to visit, the camps have been shorter, and there are more team-building activities. In addition, most clubs now offer open training sessions for fans. For instance, some of the players from Genoa have gone rafting and on mountain hikes.

Ottolini from Genoa’s base in Moena, in Val di Fassa, recalls how their 11-day stay was “a lot longer.”

For me, there were organizations that stayed in the mountains for three weeks, which was detrimental to the players’ mental health. You now have to plan the breaks and allow for some leisure time.

Of course, training techniques have also changed.

Former Switzerland international Inler, who spent eight seasons in Serie A with Udinese and Napoli, recalls that “it was more mountain runs, up and downs, more physical, 1, 000m runs back and forth” as a child.

“Then it started to change gradually. Some coaches, like Rafael Benitez, preferred to run while playing ball on the field.

A typical day for Patrick Vieira’s Genoa includes a morning and afternoon session in which the players can use the spa, pool, or work on their recovery with the physio.

According to Ottolini, “Patrick has brought a lot of self-consciousness and he transmits this kind of charisma, this calmness in the right way.”

Patrick “is very organized,” he says, “give the players the necessary breaks before training, and he wants them to concentrate completely and concentrate.”

Additionally, daily double sessions have been held under Italian World Cup-winning left-back Fabio Grosso at Sassuolo’s camp.

It “explains Doig,” says Doig, “is full on.” In the morning, we always exercise, and in the afternoon, we always do ball work. The gaffer is a good at doing that.

It is now becoming more tactical. After a challenging morning session, you can look forward to some afternoon games and tactics.

Of course, golf is still a game of choice.

Clubs held events for visiting fans in addition to friendlies and open training sessions, such as a table football game with Genoa players taking part in a meeting at nearby Alpine resort Canazei.

Ottolini goes on to say that “it is traditional for the supporters.” They prefer to travel with their families to watch games and training in order to remain a little bit closer to the team in comparison to what they can do all year long.

The Napoli fans’ retreats have been running for two this summer because they are so popular.

“Every Italian team traveled to the mountains in the 1980s to experience the spirit of a team.” Really just between team members, says Naples-based journalist Vincenzo Credendino.

“The retreat of Napoli is a occurrence right now. They practice during the day and perform at nightclubs.

However, clubs also benefit financially from this.

Conte’s side spent 11 days in Val di Sole, a Trentino valley, before spending two weeks in Castel di Sangro, atop the Apennine Mountains, in Abruzzo.

“Napoli is good for the regions because it draws a lot of fans who frequent hotels and restaurants, and they kayak and mountain bike,” Credendino says.

It costs a lot of money, according to Trentino and Abruzzo Regions, “like a real business.” They pay Napoli to travel, but they also make a lot more money.

Verri continues, “A high club’s pre-season training camp can mean a lot if it’s a mountain resort looking for visibility.” It piques attention, and most importantly, many, many fans.

“That’s why it’s worthwhile to sponsor teams and provide them with free lodging and other benefits.”

Would clubs consider switching from traditional retreats to more lucrative overseas options in the future?

Inler makes the claim that “for the player it is difficult.” You travel extensively after a long season, especially mentally, and it is exhausting. You are in Europe, gentle clubs, so you are not as tired.

In the third round of the Canadian Open, Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova defeated Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who had only three games to lose.

In a 6-2, 6-1 defeat to the world number seven, Raducanu had already defeated the world number seven twice.

The British number one also committed 22 unforced errors, compared to Raducanu’s five, while Anisimova had 29 winners.

American Anisimova is still a top-notch player on the WTA Tour despite suffering a troubling defeat in her first Grand Slam final a month ago.

She has won 50 matches at WTA 1000 events, surpassing any other player in that span, and has won 14 of her previous 17 matches.

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, defeated 22nd seed Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4 earlier.

She broke me a few times, but she’s a really good returner, Osaka said.

After defeating defending champion and third seed Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, Japan’s Osaka will face Anastasia Sevastova, who has already triumphed twice at the US and Australian Opens.

American Pegula defeated world number 386 Sevastova in a match that ended in 11 matches in Montreal, but she was forced to play due to an error-strewn deciding set.

Similar to Osaka, Sevastova of Latvia has taken amaternity leave and has now won her first top-five match since 2017.

Pegula responded, “It was a strange match for me.” I initially felt in complete control, but then I only managed to play three or three awful games.

I went from being up a set and 2-0 to being down very quickly because of that.

Andrey Rublev, the seventh seed, defeated Lorenzo Sonego from Italy 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in the men’s event.

The main thing that happened today was that I was mentally really good, Rublev said.

I didn’t go down after the first set, according to the statement. I said, “OK, let’s keep fighting, keep being positive.”

After beating Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik 6-2, 6-4, Russian No. Rublev will next face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

In the third round of the Canadian Open, Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova defeated Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who had only three games to lose.

In a 6-2, 6-1 defeat to the world number seven, Raducanu had already defeated the world number seven twice.

The British number one also committed 22 unforced errors, compared to Raducanu’s five, while Anisimova had 29 winners.

American Anisimova is still a top-notch player on the WTA Tour despite suffering a troubling defeat in her first Grand Slam final a month ago.

She has won 50 matches at WTA 1000 events, surpassing any other player in that span, and has won 14 of her previous 17 matches.

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, defeated 22nd seed Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4 earlier.

She broke me a few times, but she’s a really good returner, Osaka said.

After defeating defending champion and third seed Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, Japan’s Osaka will face Anastasia Sevastova, who has already triumphed twice at the US and Australian Opens.

American Pegula defeated world number 386 Sevastova in a match that ended in 11 matches in Montreal, but she was forced to play due to an error-strewn deciding set.

Similar to Osaka, Sevastova of Latvia has taken amaternity leave and has now won her first top-five match since 2017.

Pegula responded, “It was a strange match for me.” I initially felt in complete control, but then I only managed to play three or three awful games.

I went from being up a set and 2-0 to being down very quickly because of that.

Andrey Rublev, the seventh seed, defeated Lorenzo Sonego from Italy 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in the men’s event.

The main thing that happened today was that I was mentally really good, Rublev said.

I didn’t go down after the first set, according to the statement. I said, “OK, let’s keep fighting, keep being positive.”

After beating Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik 6-2, 6-4, Russian No. Rublev will next face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

In the third round of the Canadian Open, Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova defeated Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who had only three games to lose.

In a 6-2, 6-1 defeat to the world number seven, Raducanu had already defeated the world number seven twice.

The British number one also committed 22 unforced errors, compared to Raducanu’s five, while Anisimova had 29 winners.

American Anisimova is still a top-notch player on the WTA Tour despite suffering a troubling defeat in her first Grand Slam final a month ago.

She has won 50 matches at WTA 1000 events, surpassing any other player in that span, and has won 14 of her previous 17 matches.

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, defeated 22nd seed Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4 earlier.

She broke me a few times, but she’s a really good returner, Osaka said.

After defeating defending champion and third seed Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, Japan’s Osaka will face Anastasia Sevastova, who has already triumphed twice at the US and Australian Opens.

American Pegula defeated world number 386 Sevastova in a match that ended in 11 matches in Montreal, but she was forced to play due to an error-strewn deciding set.

Similar to Osaka, Sevastova of Latvia has taken amaternity leave and has now won her first top-five match since 2017.

Pegula responded, “It was a strange match for me.” I initially felt in complete control, but then I only managed to play three or three awful games.

I went from being up a set and 2-0 to being down very quickly because of that.

Andrey Rublev, the seventh seed, defeated Lorenzo Sonego from Italy 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in the men’s event.

The main thing that happened today was that I was mentally really good, Rublev said.

I didn’t go down after the first set, according to the statement. I said, “OK, let’s keep fighting, keep being positive.”

After beating Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik 6-2, 6-4, Russian No. Rublev will next face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

England vs. Spain warm-up for the Rugby World Cup

Location: Mattioli Woods Welford Road, Saturday, August 2nd Kick-off: 00 BST

A new three-part drill, a hop, a step, and a strike, has been practiced by the Red Roses since this week’s training.

However, Chloe Kelly’s distinctive penalty technique isn’t applicable to everyone.

Head coach John Mitchell chuckles at his players’ attempts to imitate the England international who won the Euros. “Some are better than others.

“Those kinds of things are adored by the girls.” We’ll probably have to stop because we don’t want to hurt anyone.

Similar to last weekend’s final between Kelly and her team-mates, England will face Spain on Saturday.

However, there will be no shootout stress due to the pressure.

Spain is ranked 13th worldwide. One Test matchup between South Africa and two against Japan has been lost by them in their previous three games. In the 2017 Rugby World Cup pool stages, England and them last faced off with a 10-try thrashing 56-5.

In the PWR, a group of Las Leonas compete: Ealing Trailfinders prop Cristina Blanco, Sale Sharks back row Alba Capell, and Harlequins back Claudia Pena.

Amalia Argudo, a Toulouse flyhalf, was a key player in the team that reached France’s Elite 1 final earlier this year.

However, they will lack the depth and quality to provide significant resistance to the female game’s queenpins.

Instead, internal battles will primarily be in the air.

To maximize Red Roses’ preparation for the upcoming Rugby World Cup, the English domestic season from 2024 to 2025 was condensed, with the final taking place three months earlier than usual.

This warm-up against Spain follows their first training camp by two months.

They have spent a lot of time in Treviso and fought back with all of their might to gain an edge.

Over one another as well as the rest of the world.

Players outside the 32-strong squad have a chance to advance toward the center of Mitchell’s planning with the meeting with Spain.

Holly Aitchison and Zoe Harrison are in line for the top spot in the 10th grade. In the World Cup final defeat by New Zealand three years ago, Lucy Packer, England’s starting nine, is attempting to unseat Natasha Hunt.

With hooker May Campbell, the PWR’s top try-scorer last season, Hannah Botterman and Maud Muir serving as backups to Kelsey Clifford, Lark Atkin-Davies, and Sarah Bern, there is Springbok-style strength in the front-row.

As Jess Breach tries to edge ahead of Claudia Moloney-McDonald and Helena Rowland, a sublimely talented footballer looking for a secure backline spot, and try her hand wide, there is intrigue on the wing.

As she earns her third cap, centre Jade Shekells will attempt to enter the midfield. Gloucester-Hartpury has a great team, but Emma Sing’s hardest job is keeping Ellie Kildunne’s full-back spot warm.

The clock is also present in the background for all of them.

A baton has been passed in response to the celebrations of football, whose canapes and tickertape have barely been removed. Next weekend’s final warm-up for England and France will be over.

On August 22 and 23, the United States will host a Rugby World Cup opener.

The team captain, Marlie Packer, is aiming high against Spain.

She has previously won the World Cup.

Women footballers in England sat down to cheer Packer and her team-mates, who were all amateurs, to a final victory over Canada back in 2014 as they prepared for a qualifier against Wales.

A Red Roses victory at home on the field, as professionals, at a sold-out Allianz Stadium would be far greater than that.

Packer remarked, “We have to go and do it now;”

We want to inspire both the nation and the football players, much like how the footballers have inspired us.

The way we play and who we want to be can influence how women’s rugby is perceived.