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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has refused to rule out Manchester United making a late move to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. 

The Portugal international has told Juventus he wants to leave and Manchester City are current favourites to land the attacker after they missed out on signing Harry Kane from Tottenham. 

United have not made a bid to land their former attacker, however Solskjaer, who played with the forward during his time at Old Trafford, said he knows where they are if he wants to leave Italy. 

What was said? 

With so much focus on Ronaldo in the last few days there was no surprise Solskjaer was asked about the Portuguese star in his press conference. 

“I don’t want to speculate too much. Cristiano is a legend of this club, he is the greatest player of all time. I was fortunate enough to play with him, I coached him when I got my job,” Solskjaer replied when asked if United would be interested in signing him.

“He almost retired me when I got injured in that Wolverhampton game, he kept switching sides. He’s such a tremendous human being so lets see what happens with him; everyone who’s played with him will have a soft spot for him.” 

Pushed on whether it would be great for him to return he replied: “I have to say he’s probably the greatest player of all time, arguably him and Messi. It is what it is.” 

Solskjaer was asked why Man Utd wouldn’t try to land him in the final few days of the window, to which he replied: “I didn’t think Cristiano would leave Juventus and it’s been speculation the last few days.

"We’ve always had good communication. I know Bruno has been talking to him as well and he knows what we feel about him and If he was ever going to move away from Juventus he knows we’re here.”

What is the latest with Ronaldo? 

The Portugal international turned up for Juventus training on Friday morning but left without taking part. Massimiliano Allegri confirmed it was because Ronaldo had explained his desire to leave and will not be available for this weekend’s game. 

The Juventus boss said: "Cristiano Ronaldo told me yesterday that he wants to leave Juventus. This is why he wasn’t training today and he’s not available for tomorrow match versus Empoli”.

Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has been trying to engineer a move for his client all summer and after Manchester City missed out on signing Harry Kane the Premier League champions are looking into the possibility of signing the Portugal captain. 

What is Ronaldo’s Man Utd record? 

Ronaldo played for Manchester United for six years between 2003-2009. He was signed from Sporting CP and sold to Real Madrid in 2009 for £80m (€93m). 

During his time at the club he made 292 appearances across all competitions scoring a very impressive 118 goals. It puts him ninth in United’s list of all-time leading goal scorers. 

In six years he won three Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, one FA Cup and two league cups.  

Further reading 

Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Tusker FC have completed the signing of Tanzanian duo Ibrahim Joshua and Kalos Protus Kirenge from Tanzania outfits Ken Gold FC and Namungo FC respectively.

The Ruaraka based charges will be representing Kenya in the Caf Champions League next season, and it is the reason why coach Robert Matano is strengthening. The duo has signed a two-year contract with the champions.

'It would be amazing to win the league in first season'

Kirenge has set eyes on helping the Brewers to successfully defend the league while Joshua, who scored 21 goals in 19 matches in all competitions for his former team stating he has already settled.

"I am really pleased to have joined the team. This is another step in the right direction in my career because this is a bigger challenge in a new league," Kirenge told the club's official portal.

"I am looking forward to the next two years at the club and my target is to do the best for the team and help them move another step. It would be amazing to win the league in my first season."

For Joshua, it is all about scoring, "I have felt at home since the first day I arrived here and I can’t wait to get started. The people are warm and my new teammates have welcomed me in a great manner. I look forward to continuing my scoring form with the club."

More signings on the way

On Thursday, Tusker confirmed the signing of defender Charles Momanyi from Gor Mahia on a two-year deal. 

Club's chairman Dan Aduda has now confirmed more signings are on the way for the Matano-led side who won the league for the first time since 2016, which is their 12th top-tier title.

"We are glad to be making two other quality additions to the squad. Kirenge played in the CAF Confederation Cup last season and that experience will be vital for us. It is also a great thing for the team that we are adding in another great goal poacher."

His sentiments were echoed by CEO Charles Obiny, "These are players who we have had an eye on for a while and the coach has been very precise about getting them on board. We are optimistic that they will be a great addition to the team."

Cristiano Ronaldo "has no intention of staying at Juventus", manager Max Allegri has admitted.

Ronaldo has been heavily linked with a move away from the Serie A giants, with Manchester City in talks to bring the five-time Ballon d'Or winner back to the Premier League.

He was seen leaving Juventus' training ground on Friday morning while the rest of the team began their session, and Allegri has now confirmed the player told him he wants to go.

What has been said?

"Yesterday, talking to Cristiano, he told me that he has no intention of staying at Juventus," Allegri told a press conference. "For this reason, he will not be called up for tomorrow's game [against Empoli in Serie A].

"Things change, it's a law of life. Juventus remains, which is the most important thing. Cristiano gave his contribution, he made himself available, now he leaves and life goes on.

"Cristiano is to be thanked for what he has done, also as an example amongst the youngsters, but as I said, we must go on."

Where is Ronaldo going?

Goal confirmed on Thursday that Man City have entered talks to sign Ronaldo from Juventus. They are in the market for a striker after missing out on the signing of Harry Kane from Tottenham.

Pep Guardiola's side have opened negotiations with Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes, and although club sources have played down suggestions that an agreement is close and sources close to the player have said that nothing has been agreed thus far, talks are advancing.

Ronaldo, a former Manchester United player, is believed to be open to the move despite saying in the past that he would never line up for one of the Red Devils' main rivals.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, spoke with Turin club officials earlier this week, and it now seems a parting of the ways is inevitable.

How much would Ronaldo cost?

The Turin side are looking for around €29 million (£24m/$34m) from any potential buyers, otherwise they would suffer a capital loss. However, City would not want to pay a fee for the 36-year-old forward.  

Further Reading

Werder Bremen have confirmed the signing of Ivory Coast striker Roger Assale from French Ligue 2 club Dijon.

Bremen, who were relegated last season from the Bundesliga, confirmed the arrival of the 27-year-old striker and revealed he will join on loan but with an option to buy him on a permanent deal.

“Werder Bremen have signed another attacking player – Roger Assale has joined the club on loan with an option to buy from French Ligue 2 Dijon,” the club’s sporting director Frank Baumann told the official website on Friday.

“We’ve watched Roger’s career closely for the last few years. He’s a pacey, powerful attacker with a talent for dribbling, and he can cause trouble in games through his actions. He is a flexible player too – he can play his best on the wing but can also do a good job through the middle too.”

Speaking on making the new step, Assale said: “I’m excited to have this challenge with SV Werder Bremen. I had good discussions with Markus Anfang and Frank Baumann, who gave me their ideas on how they want to play football. These talks and the philosophy of the club are what persuaded me to come here.”

Another statement on the club’s website further said: “Roger Assale started his football career at SO Armée Yamoussoukro in the Ivory Coast. He came to Europe via Sewe FC and Tout Puissant Mazembe and played for Swiss club Young Boys Bern, winning two league titles there.

“After a loan move to former La Liga club CD Leganes, he moved to then-Ligue 1 club FCO Dijon, who were relegated at the end of the season. The Ivory Coast international, who has also played in the Europa and Champions Leagues, has won 20 caps for his country. He will wear the number 15 shirt at Werder.”

Djon have also confirmed the exit of the player by stating: “Dijon and Werder Bremen have reached an agreement for the paid loan with option to buy Ivorian striker Roger Assale.

“Recruited in September 2020 at the Swiss club BSC Young Boys for four years, Assale is the subject of a paying loan with the option to buy from the German club Bremen, relegated last season to the second division.

“Under the Dijon jersey, the Ivorian has struggled to stand out due to a succession of injuries that have stopped his progress and he only played 21 games and scored three goals.”

According to Dijon coach Olivier Delcourt the decision to allow the player leave was reached after he failed to commit himself to the club.

“In addition, Assale did not want 100% to continue the adventure at Dijon. We want to keep only players who are fully invested in the project,” said Delcourt.

Assale made his full international debut for the Elephants in a friendly against Cameroon on November 10, 2014, and scored his first international goal against Moldova in March 2018.

Victor Osimhen’s Napoli, Victor Moses’ Spartak Moscow and Wilfred Ndidi’s Leicester City have been placed together in Group C of the Uefa Europa League.

The upcoming games in the group would reunite several African stars including Kelechi Iheanacho, Ghana’s Daniel Amartey, Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly, Zambia’s Patson Daka and Algeria duo Faouzi Ghoulam and Adam Ounas.

They also have Polish giants Legia Warsaw to contend with in Group C.

In Group, Islam Slimani’s Lyon will face Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo’s Rangers alongside Sparta Prague and Brondby for a chance to advance in the tournament.

After his contribution in helping Olympiacos avoid defeat in Armenia on Thursday night, Henry Onyekuru's new team are paired Mbwana Samatta and Bright Osayi-Samuel's Fenerbahce in Group D with Royal Antwerp and Eintracht Frankfurt completing the pairing.

Mbaye Diagne and Sofiane Feghouli's Galatasaray are in Group E and they are expected to battle Lazio, Lokomotiv Moscow and French club Marseille.

Paul Onuachu’s and Cyriel Dessers' Genk were pooled alongside Said Benrahma's West Ham United, Rapid Wien and Dinamo Zagreb in Group H.

Moses played a role in Spartak Moscow's qualification for the secondary European competition with his contribution of four goals and two assists which helped them finish second in the Russian Premier League last season.

The 30-year-old's stay was made permanent earlier this summer as he penned a two-year deal which ended his nine-year stint at Chelsea.

Tottenham have been paired with French side Rennes in Group G of the Europa Conference League.

As well as the Ligue 1 team, Spurs will also have to contend with Eredivisie team Vitesse and Mura of Slovenia.

Spurs secured a place in the group stage of the competition after beating Pacos Ferreira 3-0 in the second leg of their qualifying tie on Thursday, reversing a 1-0 defeat to the Portuguese side in the first clash.

What are the other groups?

Serie A outfit Roma have been drawn in Group C with Zorya Luhansk, CSKA Sofia and Norwegian team Bodo/Glimt.

Elsewhere, LASK, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Alahskert and Helsinki are together in Group A, while Gent are matched with Serbian side Partizan, Flora of Estonia and Anorthosis Famagusta from Cyprus.

AZ, Cluj, Jablonec and Randers will face each other in Group D, while Feyenoord have been dealt a tough group with Slavia Prague, Union Berlin and Maccabi Haifa.

Group F consists of Copenhagem PAOK, Slovan Bratislava and Lincoln Red Imps, while Basel, Qarabag, Kairat and Omonoia will battle it out in Group H. 

More to follow...

Rafa Benitez has ruled out selling Richarlison before the end of the summer transfer window as the Everton forward continues to attract interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Richarlison initially joined Everton from Watford for £50 million ($69m) back in 2018, and has since established himself as one of the top forwards outside the Premier League's top six.

The Brazilian is contracted to remain at Goodison Park until 2024 but it has been suggested that he could move onto pastures new this summer, with PSG reportedly weighing up a swoop for his services.

What is the situation?

PSG are currently bracing themselves for the departure of Kylian Mbappe, with Goal having reported Real Madrid are waiting for a response to their second bid of €170 million (£146m/$199m) for the World Cup winner.

Richarlison is thought to be at the top of the French club's list of targets if Mbappe does head to Santiago Bernabeu, but time is against them with the transfer window set to shut on Tuesday.

Benitez's stance on Richarlison

Benitez is adamant Richarlison will be staying put regardless of whether Everton receive any formal offers before the deadline, and he has high hopes for the 24-year-old as the current season progresses.

"We are not considering selling him," the Toffees boss told a press conference ahead of his side's trip to Brighton on Saturday afternoon. "He's our player, we're really pleased with him, really happy, and hopefully he can score a lot of goals this year for us."

Richarlison's record at Everton

Richarlison has appeared in 121 games across all competitions for Everton to date, scoring 43 goals, including one in their 3-1 win over Southampton on the opening weekend of the new season.

The Brazil international has also provided 10 assists while striking up an effective partnership with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the final third of the pitch.

Further reading

Mikael Silvestre has claimed he told a young Cristiano Ronaldo he would win the Ballon d'Or one day while recalling the former Manchester United star's rapid rise to prominence.

United signed Ronaldo as an 18-year-old from Sporting CP for just £12 million in 2003, and he went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in the club's recent history.

The Portuguese broke all kinds of records while inspiring the Red Devils to success on both domestic and European fronts, with Silvestre among those to notice his immense potential right from the very start.

What has been said?

The former United defender has admitted it took time for Ronaldo to become the finished article, but says he told him he could reach the very top of the game because of his professionalism and dedication to improving on the training pitch.

"Ronaldo was just making the step from teenager to man. He was still built like a teenager and also played more like a teenager," Silvestre has told Goal.

"He sometimes overdid it and made the wrong decisions. Cristiano created many chances and took them all on, but it took some time and a lot of shouting from the coach and his teammates for him to keep it simpler and respect the game. He learned quickly and his response was amazing, as you can see now.

"After a few years I told him that one day he would win the Ballon d'Or. He developed the right attitude and got stronger and better."

Ronaldo's United record

Ronaldo, who currently plays for Italian giants Juventus, appeared in 209 games across all competitions for the Red Devils, recording 118 goals and 69 assists.

He won nine trophies in total at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson, including three Premier League titles and the Champions League, before joining Real Madrid in 2009.

Silvestre on Sir Alex and Wenger

Silvestre described the differences between Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, who he played for at Arsenal in the latter stages of his career.

"They are two different characters. What unites them is their passion and dedication for the game and their work ethic," said the Frenchman. "They are both football mad. Sir Alex still enjoys attending United games at Old Trafford, while Arsene works for FIFA and is involved in all competitions.

"If he had the opportunity to return to Arsenal, I'm sure he would. Football is their life and they both had a big influence on my career."

Further reading

Leicester have been drawn in a group with Napoli in the Europa League.

Brendan Rodgers' side secured their place in the competition by finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, while they also went on to win the FA Cup.

The Foxes have been placed in Group C alongside the Serie A outfit, Russian club Spartak Moscow and Legia Warsaw..

What are the groups?

West Ham, meanwhile, will take on Dinamo Zagreb, Genk and Rapid Vienna in Group H.

Scottish sides Rangers and Celtic will both compete in the Europa League, too.

Steven Gerrard's team are in Group A with Lyon, Sparta Prague and Brondby, while Celtic will have to face Bayer Leverkusen, Real Betis and Ferencvaros in Group G.

Elsewhere, French side Monaco will take on PSV, Real Sociedad and Sturm Graz in Group B.

Olympiacos, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce and Royal Antwerp make up Group D, while Lazio have been dealt a difficult pool by being matched with Lokomotiv Moscow, Marseille and Galatasaray.

In Group F, Sporting Braga will deal with Red Star Belgrade, Ludogorets and Midtjylland.

When does the tournament begin?

The group stage will commence on September 16, with the final matches of the round taking place on December 9.

The top three teams from each group will remain in European competition beyond the January break.

While the Group winners will go through to the round of 16, the runners-up will go into knockout round play-offs. 

They will have to face the teams that finished third in the Champions League groups to fight for a place in the last-16.

The third-placed teams in the Europa League groups will then go into the play-offs for the UEFA Conference League knockout rounds. 

Further reading

Goal can confirm Cristiano Ronaldo missed training with Juventus on Friday morning as rumours linking him with a transfer to Manchester City continue to intensify.

Ronaldo is set to say his final goodbyes to the Juve squad as his agent Jorge Mendes continues to work on a permanent move for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner before the August 31 deadline.

The Portuguese did not take part in the club's latest session, with Goal having reported earlier this week that City are in talks to sign the striker after missing out on a deal for Tottenham's Harry Kane.

What's the situation?

Goal understands Juve are now just waiting for City to submit a formal bid for Ronaldo, who is eager to embark on the next stage of his career away from Turin.

The Italian giants are ready to sell the 36-year-old for €29 million (£24m/$34m), having accepted that he will not be extending his stay at the club beyond the expiration of his current deal in 2022.

Mendes is in the process of negotiating the terms of Ronaldo's departure, with City now the only club in the running for his signature after Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi ruled out a swoop on Thursday.

Will Ronaldo join City?

Ronaldo took in a hugely successful spell at Manchester United earlier in his career before joining Real Madrid, and it is understood that he is open to joining City despite previously insisting that no amount of money could convince him to link up with his old club's local rivals.

Pep Guardiola is eager to add another centre-forward to his ranks after seeing Sergio Aguero leave Etihad Stadium in June, with first-choice target Kane no longer an option after announcing his decision to stay at Tottenham.

Ronaldo is now top of City's list, but Goal has reported that they are reluctant to pay a fee for the forward who reportedly commands a salary of over €1 million per week.

Juve have made it clear that they won't let a prized asset go for nothing, and it is expected that a compromise will be reached as talks between the two parties continue in the coming hours.

Further reading

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has shared his gratitude to teammates and the club at large after winning Europe's Goalkeeper of the Year Award.

The Senegal shot-stopper helped the Blues to win the Uefa Champions League owing to his world-class saves. The West Londoners defeated Manchester City by a solitary goal to win the annual competition. 

The custodian has now taken to his social media account to appreciate all those who made it possible, at the same time praising his teammates who also won awards in their respective categories.

"I have a very special feeling... I am proud and honoured to win this award," Mendy posted.

"I want to share it with all my teammates, all the staff, my coach, all the people who work behind the scenes to make the club grow, and with my family.

"Congratulations to Jorginho for winning the best player award, to N'Golo Kante for being the best midfielder of the season, and congratulations to the coach, Thomas Tuchel, for being elected the best in his category. 

"Now it's all about keeping working hard, being consistent, and winning more titles."

Meanwhile, the Blues have been paired with Serie A heavyweights Juventus, Russian outfit Zenit and Malmo FF in Group H of this season's Champions League campaign.

The defending champions will be aiming at matching last season's performance where they went all the way to the final and eventually won it. Group A has losing finalists Manchester City, who will be playing PSG, RB Leipzig, and Club Brugge.

La Liga champions Atletico Madrid are in Group B with Liverpool, Porto, and AC Milan. Another English representative Manchester United are in Group F with Europa League champions Villarreal, Atalanta, and Young Boys.

Group A: Manchester City, PSG, RB Leipzig, Club Brugge

Group B: Atletico Madrid, Liverpool, Porto, AC Milan

Group C: Sporting, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, Besiktas

Group D: Inter, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Sheriff

Group E: Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Benfica, Dynamo Kyiv

Group F: Villarreal, Manchester United, Atalanta, Young Boys

Group G: Lille, Sevilla, Red Bull Salzburg, Wolfsburg

Group H: Chelsea, Juventus, Zenit, Malmo

Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas says he is learning from Andy Robertson and says his fellow left-back has been helping him adjust to the team.

The Greece international joined the Reds from Olympiacos last year but was unable to break into the first-team in his maiden season.

The 25-year-old is looking to compete for a regular place in the starting XI this season and was trusted to play in Liverpool's first two Premier League matches while Robertson was absent because of an ankle ligament injury.

What has been said?

Tsimikas says the Scotland international has been a big help to him but is ready to challenge him for a place in the team.  

"Last year I was always asking about the gameplay of the team. He’s a very good person, he’s always open to helping me," he told Talksport. "He’s a very good guy, very good player and we will have a good challenge together and we will see. The things he’s doing are very, very good.

"I’m ready for every challenge, to get more chances, to show more things and to help my team more."

The full-back feels his first year at the club helped him adjust to Jurgen Klopp's playing style and has provided him with motivation for the 2021-22 campaign.

"It was learning what [Klopp] wants tactically," he added. "When the team had big injuries, of Virgil van Dijk and every central defender, it was very, very hard to play me.

"This made me more strong and more power to train until my chance came. I think this helped me because I feel ready and I know more what [Klopp] wants because I’m fully prepared and I’m ready for every challenge in the future."

Tsimikas loves 'Greek Scouser' nickname

The 25-year-old has been given the nickname the 'Greek scouser' since his arrival at Anfield, a moniker he is very fond of.

Asked where the name came from, he said: "There’s a guy who I train with here, we said it first as a joke because I always tried to speak in a scouse accent!

"One time he said to me after I posted on social media and everyone loved that. I’m very happy with that and also because people love me here and it’s given me the extra power to give everything I have in every single game."

Further reading

The Champions League might be Europe's premier club competition, but the Europa League is just as exciting.

Last year's winners Villarreal are defending champions after defeating Manchester United in the final, and will not be participating in the tournament as they automatically qualified to the Champions Legue as winners.

Big European names, however, such as Lyon, Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen are all set to participate.

Goal has everything you need to know about Europa League group stage draw for 2021-22, including when it is, how to watch it, which teams are involved and more.

Contents

When is the Europa League 21-22 group stage draw?

The Europa League 2020-21 group stage draw will take place on Friday August 27, 2021.

It will be held in Istanbul.

Draw proceedings will commence at 11am BST (6am ET).

As is tradition, UEFA will also use the occasion to present awards to the best players, teams and coaches of the 2021-22 competition.

Which teams are involved in the Europa League 21-22 group stage?

The Europa League group stage draw will involve a total of 32 teams - automatic qualifiers, winning teams from the Europa League play-off round, four teams eliminated from the Champions League play-off round Champions Path, two teams eliminated from the Champions League play-off round League Path and four teams eliminated from the Champions League third qualifying round League Path.

You can see the confirmed teams that will be part of the draw in the table above.

When does the Europa League 21-22 group stage start?

The Europa League 2020-21 group stage begins with matches on Thursday September 16.

There will be a total of six gameweeks in the group stage, with the last series of matches taking place on Thursday December 9.

How can I watch the Europa League group stage draw?

UEFA's official website will broadcast the draw ceremony live and that can be accessed here.

Former Chippa United and TS Galaxy coach Dan Maselela insists Percy Tau's move to Caf Champions League champions Al Ahly should not be regarded as a failure.

The striker completed his move to the Egyptian giants on Thursday, August 26. The Bafana Bafana star joined the Red Devils on a four-year deal and became the second South African to play for Al Ahly after Phakamani Mahlambi. 

He still had a year left on his contract with the Premier League club but after struggling to cement a place in the Brighton team, Tau opted to team up with his former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane.

'Tau was in the wrong place'

"I don’t think it is a failure. You cannot fail if you don’t play," Maselela said as quoted by Sowetan.

"He played only a few games. It is a question of game time and him being in a space that is correct for him. He was just in the wrong space [at Brighton].

"For him to go to Al Ahly, it could be a good thing because Pitso understands him and he knows him. But whether it is the right club for him is another question.

"The fact that Pitso is around and understands him will probably make the rest of the players understand how he will play."

Tau joins Miquissone

Al Ahly also announced the signing of Mozambique attacking midfielder Luis Miquissone from Simba SC and 21-year-old left-back Karim Fouad from Nogoom FC on Thursday. 

Miquissone was influential for Wekundu wa Msimbazi last season, playing a vital role in helping the team reach the quarter-final of the Caf Champions League as well as successfully retaining the Tanzania Mainland League crown as well as the FA Cup.

When Tau was getting closer to joining Al Ahly, the imminent move divided opinion in South Africa. 

For a player who had participated in the Uefa Champions League, some felt returning to Africa would be a step back in his career after having played at the highest level in Europe.  

Now having moved to Al Ahly, Tau is almost certain to be available for Bafana’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers next month after concerns that Brighton would not release him to travel to a red-listed country.

Former Arsenal defender David Luiz is in talks with Benfica over a return to the club, Goal can confirm.

Luiz became a free agent after his last contract at Arsenal expired on June 30, ending his two-year stint at Emirates Stadium.

The 34-year-old could now be set to head back to Benfica, where he previously played between 2007 and 2011, with the club's current head coach Jorge Jesus having already approved the move.

What's the situation?

Goal understands Benfica are ready to offer Luiz a one-year contract, and he is open to another spell at Estadio Da Luz.

The Brazilian has also been strongly linked with Flamengo, but he would prefer to remain in Europe and play Champions League football again.

Benfica have just qualified for continental competition via the playoffs, and feel Luiz has the experience to help them make a strong impact in the group stage and mount a strong challenge for the Primeira Liga title in Portugal.

Are there any potential hurdles to overcome?

Goal has learned the only issue that could end up threatening the deal is Luiz's desire to commit to a longer-term contract, with Benfica officials concerned that a combination of his age and recent injury problems could prevent him from playing week in, week out.

However, negotiations between the two parties over the free transfer are progressing at a steady rate, and Jesus could welcome the centre-back into his ranks before the summer deadline on August 31.

Luiz's career journey

Luiz began his career at Vitoria in 2006 before joining Benfica a year later, and went on to appear in 130 games in all competitions for the club, helping them win the 2009-10 Primeira Liga crown.

The Brazil international was then snapped up by Chelsea, where he added a Champions League winners' medal to his CV before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2014.

Luiz spent two years at Parc des Princes, playing a key role in their emergence as a major European force, but returned to Chelsea in 2016 under Antonio Conte, lifting the Premier League title in his first season back at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal then signed Luiz on a free transfer in 2019 and went on to appear in 73 matches for the Gunners, who he led to FA Cup glory in his debut campaign, but wasn't offered a new deal this summer after falling out of favour with Mikel Arteta.

Further reading