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Olivier Giroud has acknowledged that Timo Werner "hasn’t been recruited to sit on the bench", but he is embracing the extra competition for places at Chelsea instead of becoming downbeat.

Chelsea announced the £47.5 million ($59m) signing of Werner from RB Leipzig on June 18, as they won the race for his services ahead of a whole host of top European clubs.

The Germany international committed to a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and will be expected to slot straight into Frank Lampard's starting line up next season.

Chelsea are hoping that a man who scored an impressive 95 goals in 159 appearances for Leipzig can transfer that prolific form to the Premier League, but his arrival could see Giroud and Tammy Abraham forced into the background.

Abraham finished the season as Chelsea's top Premier League scorer with 15 goals, while Giroud has scored seven in all competitions since the resumption of the season in June.

The former was Lampard's first-choice frontman before the coronavirus outbreak stopped play in March, but the Frenchman has led the line over the past two months to help the Blues secure a top-four finish and a place in the FA Cup final.

Although Giroud is aware that regular minutes will be harder to come by after Werner's arrival, he is confident that he will remain a good option for Lampard due to his ability to hold the ball up in the final third.

The 33-year-old told L'Equipe: "When the teams play a defensive way against us, it’s not bad to have a tall striker like me that can make the link. But I am not naive.

"Werner hasn’t been recruited to sit on the bench. But I will do everything I can to give headaches to the coach when it comes to making his choice."

Giroud went on to insist that he expected Chelsea to bring in a player of Werner's calibre, and that he is ready to challenge the German for a coveted role in the team. 

"Werner’s transfer is an additional motivation and it was inevitable that the club recruits a striker," said the France international. "Chelsea is a great club, that spends money to strengthen the squad, and I was expecting someone to come."

Giroud added on the possibility of extending his stay in west London beyond 2021: "I still have a year of contract here. If I stay here afterwards, that’s fine. Otherwise, it will be another challenge.

"But I can still play in a good league for two years. I don’t set any limits."

Gor Mahia head coach Steven Polack has confirmed Boniface Omondi has left for Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Wazito FC.

The former Nzoia Sugar winger was a regular starter in Polack’s first season in charge and his departure means the duo will now serve opposing sides in the 2020/21 season.

The former Asante Kotoko tactician said he tried to convince Omondi to stay but he was not successful at all in his attempts.

“I talked to the boy [Boniface Omondi] and told him personally that I wanted him in the team. But it seems his mind was fixed and I understand him because he has a family to take care of and wants a team that pays salaries,” Polack told Goal.

“His contract had already run down anyway and his mind was fixed elsewhere, he wanted to play in a team where he can get paid.

“You know the situation at Gor Mahia is not good financially, I tried to convince him to stay but he told me he has to go.

“I wish him well for the future.”

Omondi is the second player to leave Gor Mahia after goalkeeper Fredrick Odhiambo parted ways with the record KPL champions by mutual consent in July.

Gor Mahia have already signed goalkeeper Levis Opiyo whose contract had ended with the declared National Super League (NSL) champions Nairobi City Stars.

The Green Army are expected to face an intense battle to keep most of their key players as the likes Kenneth Muguna is expected to attract a lot of interests too. The captain had also signalled his readiness to leave.

Charles Momanyi and his centre-back partner Joash Onyango have already been linked with KCB as their contracts are set to end soon.

Omondi has joined Wazito who have already confirmed the departure of 12 players.

Augustine Otu, Piscas Kirenge, Issifou Bourahana, Paul Acquah, Victor Ndinya, Teddy Osok, Derrick Otanga, Lloyd Wahome, Paul Kiongera and goalkeepers Steve Njung’e and Kevin Omondi were the players released.

Wazito president Ricardo Badoer recently said the club will sign young players who are eager to help the team and that they will not go for established names as they did in the 2019/20 transfer window.

They have not yet confirmed any new signings although reports indicate they have already agreed to sign three players from Western Stima.

Paulo Dybala says Juventus are “already thinking about a 10th” successive Serie A title, but the battle for a Champions League crown is about to provide a welcome distraction for Maurizio Sarri’s side.

The Bianconeri have maintained their dominance of the Italian top-flight in 2019-20.

Juve did suffer the odd wobble when getting back to within touching distance of a crown they have held since 2011-12, but got over the line with two games to spare.

The intention of all of those in Turin is to return even stronger next season, with plans in the process of being drawn up that will allow a squad which already includes the likes of Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo to become even stronger.

There is, however, the small matter of European glory to settle before the current campaign comes to a close.

Juve trail Lyon 1-0 in the last 16 of that competition, but will take in the second leg of that contest on August 7.

Dybala is not expected to play any part in a meeting with Ligue 1 opposition, having picked up a thigh injury, but he is determined to help the Bianconeri capture a first continental title in 24 years.

“It can be hard to maintain concentration and ambition, but every victory is special,” the Argentina international told The Guardian.

“I think that’s the most important thing. I like to win, my team-mates like to win, and the club likes to win, and it’s that desire that makes us winners – but of course, it helps that we have the strongest players in the world in every position.

“We’re proud of ourselves, to win nine titles in a row is incredible, and we’re already thinking about a 10th.

“First though we need to turn our attention to the Champions League.

“It’s been such a long season already. The first game against Lyon was five months ago and so many things have happened in between, but we know what we can still achieve.

“It’ll be strange to play in the Champions League without fans, and to play just one tie in each round, but first we have to win in Turin. For now, that’s all that matters.”

While events on the field remain Dybala’s main focus, the South American is also looking to make important contributions off it.

The 26-year-old forms part of Juan Mata’s ‘Common Goal’ initiative and is aware of the need to put his public profile to good use.

Dybala said: “Sometimes I look at society and I see things that I would like to change. It sounds ridiculous, but I would love to be able to change the world in just a small way.

“The truth is that football is a powerful weapon. For whatever reason, the things we say are heard around the world, and lots of people pay more attention to footballers than they do to presidents and prime ministers and important politicians.

“I think we have to use the power we are given to send positive messages, and to be strong role models.

“I believe that if everyone in football came together we could give so much and achieve so much, to help people in need and to fulfil the ambitions of so many children.”

Arsenal hope to conclude a deal with Norwegian winger George Lewis soon after Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea.

As revealed by Goal in May, the 20-year-old has been in talks over a move to north London having impressed during a two-week trial in March.

Lewis, who was born in Rwanda, is a free agent having spent the past few years playing in the lower leagues of Norwegian football.

He started his career in the youth ranks of Tromso IL before moving to third-tier side Tromsdalen in 2017 - where he signed his first professional contract.

A brief move to Fram Larvik, who also play in Norway’s third tier, followed in 2019, before he took a break in a bid to try and earn himself a move to Europe.

Lewis spent time with Ipswich and Bournemouth before being invited for an initial one-week trial at Arsenal. Having impressed with his versatility in attacking areas, he was kept on for a further seven days and the Gunners have since been pursuing a permanent deal for the winger.

There have been suggestions that the move has now been finalised, with Lewis - who has been described as "outstanding but raw" by a former coach - posting a picture on social media of himself in London within the past fortnight.

But Goal has been told that is not the case and that there are still some details to be ironed out, with the club waiting on the outcome of Saturday’s FA Cup final before making firm decisions on any potential transfers.

Lewis is still in London, however, and sources close to the deal are confident it will go ahead, with the young attacker due to link up with Steve Bould’s Under-23s squad once the paperwork has been finalised.

He is right-footed and his favoured position is on the right side of the attack, but he can play across the frontline and is comfortable coming inside off the left wing.

“He’s very quick and direct,” Jonathan Hill, Lewis’ former coach at Tromsdalen, told Goal.

“He likes a stepover and has a range of tricks. He can beat a player - whether he can beat a Premier League full-back is a different thing.

“I gave him his professional contract so I thought he had something because he’s got good pace, but he needs to improve his decision making and I’m sure that will improve working with players of Arsenal’s standard.

“I really wish him well. He’s a really nice guy and this could be the thing that gets him going.”

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential candidate Herbert Mwachiro is the latest to raise his voice over the "illegal" running of football in the country.

The current office's tenure expired and per the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT), incumbent Nick Mwendwa was to supervise footballing activities in the country until elections are held.

The National Executive Members' (NEC) were not spared and they were sent packing until elections are held.

The administrator has also hit out the current regime for lack of fairness.

"It is disappointing to note that over the last year football in Kenya has been run in a manner that goes completely against all principles of fair play," Mwachiro said in a signed statement obtained by Goal.

"Even worse, the FKF is being run currently without a legal mandate and this threatens the future of the beautiful game in Kenya.

"For football to flourish in Kenya fair play has to be learnt, experienced, promoted and protected both on and off the field."

The youthful administrator pointed out that the failure to ensure the process of getting the right people in office is affecting those who directly depend on the game.

NEC's absence in the office is not making it easier either and members have been challenged to act swiftly to save the game in the country.

"The key victims of all this underhand behaviour are those who make a living from football, such as our footballers, coaches and referees," Mwachiro added.

"This unsporting behaviour by those who are tasked with protecting the sport happens in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic when our society, health and economy is under stress means we no longer have the luxury of time. Hunger, health and housing issues threaten the football community in Kenya. 

"FKF Members must act swiftly to save Kenyan football. It is clear beyond a reasonable doubt that without NEC in office, football operations are limited."

Mwachiro also pointed out the most viable way to help solve the problem is to call for the Special General Meeting (SGM) with a set agenda to help in restructuring the administration of the game.

"FKF members must now call a Special General Assembly. Appoint an interim committee to oversight the election process of Kenyan football immediately," he urged.

"The Electoral Board meets with stakeholders to draw up the electoral road map and agree on the electoral code in place.

"FKF members have the power to clean their own house. FKF members have a responsibility to all who make a living from football, such as our players, coaches and referees, to put our affairs in order." 

Joe Gomez is a Premier League title winner, but the Liverpool defender admits to having had to overcome a “tough” time in 2019-20.

The 23-year-old defender proved to be a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans as the Reds landed a first English top-flight crown in 30 years.

After being handed a regular role by the Reds, Gomez helped to record 10 clean sheets through an 11-game run.

He started 21 of the club’s last 23 league games, with a formidable partnership struck up with Dutch centre-half Virgil van Dijk.

The England international had, however, made just one Premier League start before December and had to work hard before seeing his patience rewarded.

“It was tough,” Gomez told Liverpool’s official website.

“I mean, I never had a period probably that long whereby I was fit but not involved. But it’s part and parcel of being here and at a club of this stature.

“I had to just bide my time and keep working hard in training. It’s never easy as a player to sit out and watch from the sidelines for that sort of period of time but it’s part and parcel, like I say, of being here.

“Unfortunate things happen and players get injured, I knew it was important at that point that I had to play my part.

“Obviously we were in a good place already at that point come December, things were positive, where we were in the league. I was eager to not want to let anyone down, or just continue that level and play my part.

“It was a tough time but it helped shape me in a different way to [how] the injuries have. I had to look at myself and really dig deep, and understand I’ve got to be patient here and take it from there.”

Gomez appears to have nailed down a spot in the Reds' favoured starting XI, but accepts that he still has much to learn from the club’s coaching staff and those around him – with everyone at Anfield pulling in the same direction.

He added: “I think that’s what’s been the crucial factor in the success this year. There’s that level of accountability that everyone holds amongst each other.

“I suppose it has just naturally formed to a point where it is not taken to heart, people don’t take offence by it. You’ve got the leaders in the team – the Millies, the Hendos, the Virgils. Even one another; Robbo can have a go at me and say, ‘Come on, Joe, it’s not good enough.’

“It’s just a nice environment to be in where you can be honest and up front and say you should have done better. I have to take it on board, or lads listen. I think that’s what’s been so important this year, and that’s happened in games at times. That’s probably what’s helped us stay switched on.

“Or before games, it’s always never settling or never being satisfied or resting on our laurels. That’s what’s been so key to the consistency.”

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is unsure where his future lies after his loan spell with Swansea City came to an end following their play-off semi-final defeat to Brentford.

The 20-year-old is one of the Blues' most talented loan stars although he suffered play-off heartache on Wednesday night, as his side fell to a 3-2 aggregate defeat and failed to reach the Wembley final.

However, the England Under-21 international is now likely to have a host of other clubs vying to sign him on loan next season, with there being the potential for Premier League sides to be taking an interest.

Frank Lampard could opt to promote him to his first team for the 2020-21 campaign but Gallagher isn't sure what the future will hold as he reflected on the loss at Griffin Park.

"I am not thinking about that (his future) now, we just finished the game and I had a great second half of the season with Swansea and I have enjoyed it so much," Gallagher said.

"I am very thankful to the whole club and the fans, I am not thinking about next season at the moment. I don't know what's happening with me having just got off the pitch. I have loved it here and I knew [Swansea manager] Steve Cooper from England [Under-17s] so I knew what he was about.

"I really enjoy working with him and he was a big part of the reason I came to Swansea and I am glad I did come. It is a great club and why not [come back]? It is a great club that I really enjoyed but I don't know what's happening next season."

Despite the play-off defeat, it has been a year of personal achievement for Gallagher in his first season as a senior player having made 47 appearances, scoring six goals and claiming 11 assists in that time during spells with Charlton and Swansea.

The 20-year-old is, however, devastated to have not been able to help Swansea back into the Premier League. He added: "Everyone is gutted.

"We blew it, we worked so hard to get into this position and it just wasn't good enough on the night and it showed, we got punished so it is our own faults but the changing room is gutted.

"They are a top side so we knew we were going to be under the cosh at times but we didn't defend well enough as a team. Everyone is at fault and I don't think anyone was good enough today. We only have ourselves to blame.

"We are the type of team that keeps fighting until the end because there is always a chance. We had 15 minutes to get another goal, but unfortunately it didn't happen. We started too slow and then it was too hard to get back in the game.

"It really hurts, the whole team and the club. It matters so much to them and the fans and we worked so hard to get into this position. To go out like we did today has left me feeling gutted really."

Antonio Rudiger has labelled Chelsea transfer target Kai Havertz a "great talent" as the Blues step up their pursuit of the Bayer Leverkusen star.

As reported by Goal, Frank Lampard's side are pushing to complete the signing of the Germany international and will next look to agree a fee after establishing that the forward wants to move to Stamford Bridge.

Leverkusen have yet to receive any official offers for Havertz after setting an asking price of around €100m (£90m/$111m), although is felt that a lower fee will ultimately be negotiated at around €76m (£70m/$87m).

And Rudiger, who knows the 21-year-old from their time in the international set-up, has talked up his talents ahead of a possible switch to west London in the summer.

When asked about Havertz, a smiling Rudiger said: "Has he been linked with us? He is a great talent and he had a very good season. He is also very young and we will see what happens [with his future]."

Rudiger also played his part in helping convince Timo Werner, who he played alongside at Stuttgart, to make the move to the Blues, with the Germany international striker having joined the club in a £47.5m ($59m) deal.

Having been dubbed #AgentRudiger on social media, the centre-back commented: "My friends told me about it (about the nickname] but I just tried to help out because everyone knows and can read about how we played together.

"There’s a bond, so I just did what I had to do. We spoke a lot during the lockdown and I have known him for a long time through playing in the national team and at Stuttgart together. It's nice to see how his career has gone and how he developed every year, getting better and scoring more goals and getting more assists.

"I am very happy for him that he has now managed to take that step like me to leave Germany and come to the UK. I think it is a good sign if you can get people like him in the club because he is also still young but he showed that he can score goals and I hope that he can do the same here that he did in Germany.

"At the beginning, it was not easy for him because he was only 17 when he came into the squad and he was a little kid, very thin, but now, over time, I think he went to the gym because he is bigger!

"Each year you see how good his statistics are. Every year he scored more than the last and his qualities are in scoring goals. I hope he can do that for us but the most important thing is that he stays healthy and he adapts to many different things.

"I was one of the people who helped convince him to come here so it is also my job to help him [settle in]. Of course, we speak the same language but he does speak very good English too. The thing is, with this job, and as a team, we all have to help him. We will do that for him."

Ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final against Arsenal, Olivier Giroud is likely to lead the line once again for the Blues. And Rudiger was full of praise for the Frenchman and how he's conducted himself, particularly with all the speculation around his future back in January.

"He is definitely a leader," the German defender added. "He is always someone to speak; someone people look up to. He won the World Cup. Oli is a very confident guy, but with this World Cup win comes more confidence.

"But he is not arrogant. He is a very good guy on and off the pitch. He is someone everyone looks up to. I look up to him and massive respect to him [for his attitude in January]. He always kept his cool, always stayed professional, always worked hard and he fought his way back.

"I’m very happy for him. It was a difficult season for him. In the first six months, he wasn’t really there. Then there were all these rumours he is going. But in the end, he stayed and I’m very happy because he showed his qualities.

"We are all human and maybe there are some days where you don’t laugh as much as you normally do when you are playing. That’s normal. But he has always been fair. When he was on the pitch, he was giving his all.

"When he was on the bench, he always supported the team. There was nothing you can say that was negative about him."

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bukayo Saka have made Alphonso Davies’ list of the top five full-backs in world football, with the Bayern Munich star a big fan of Liverpool’s creative right-back and a “really good player” on the books at Arsenal.

Achraf Hakimi, who has linked up with Inter after starring on loan at Borussia Dortmund from Real Madrid in 2019-20, makes the grade, as does Bayern’s versatile World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard.

Davies is also happy to include himself among the global elite, with the 19-year-old having made rapid progress on the back of a move to Germany in 2019.

The Canada international now forms part of an exciting group of young talent that is redefining the art of full-back play in the modern era. Alexander-Arnold is also in that category, with the Premier League title winner having become a useful source of goals and assists for Liverpool.

Saka, at 18 years of age, is another of those seemingly destined for a bright future, with the Arsenal academy graduate having caught the eye in left-back and left wing roles in north London.

A couple of star turns in English football have been noted by Davies, with the hot prospect at Allianz Arena picking out those that he sees shining in the present and hitting even greater heights in the future.

Asked by 90min to name his top full-backs, the Canadian youngster said: "Hakimi is one of them. I really like how Benji [Pavard] plays, scoring goals and getting assists, so those two. Trent Alexander-Arnold definitely and I really like Saka from Arsenal. He's a really good player."

Pressed on who would complete his list, Davies said: "And me too!"

Bayern signed Davies after seeing him impress as a winger with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Like Alexander-Arnold and Saka, it may be that his future lies further up the field than his current role. He is, however, happy to be seeing regular minutes for now and will be doing all he can to nail down a place in Bayern’s back line.

Davies added on the position he sees himself filling: "Right now, definitely left-back. I like the position, I like how everything is going well with my centre-back partners."

Manchester City are close to completing a £40 million ($52m) deal for Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake.

The Netherlands international will discuss personal terms and the transfer could be confirmed in the coming days, with it understood there is the potential for an additional £1m in add-ons as part of the deal.

City are also set to confirm the signing of Valencia winger Ferran Torres in the next few days for an initial fee of £21m ($27m).

Goal reported earlier this week that the 20-year-old Spaniard had agreed personal terms on a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.

The two clubs reached an agreement which also includes add-ons that could be worth an extra £11m ($14m).

City were in the hunt for new central defenders after suffering nine defeats in the Premier League having failed to replace captain Vincent Kompany last summer.

Despite Bournemouth’s relegation to the Championship, Ake’s reputation has soared since he left Chelsea in 2017.

The 25-year-old is a homegrown player and can also provide cover at left-back. He may not be the only defensive signing during the transfer window, however, with City also looking at Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Sevilla’s Diego Carlos.

A deal for Torres is also expected to be announced soon after City beat a host of top European clubs for the Spain Under-21 international.

Due to the UK government implementing travel restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, he is expected to complete his medical in Spain ahead of joining up with the squad for the new Premier League season.

City boss Pep Guardiola is understood to have played a key part in convincing him to choose the Premier League side amid interest from clubs including Manchester United, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Torres was keen to work with Guardiola and spoke to the former Barcelona manager before choosing his new club.

And the deal moved a step closer when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lifted the two-year ban from the Champions League imposed on the club by UEFA.

The deal is seen as a bargain for a highly-rated and exciting Spain Under-21 international.

But Valencia needed to raise money after failing to qualify for Europe next season, and Torres was in the final year of his contract having turned down a number of offers to extend his current contract.

City were looking for a new winger after Germany international Leroy Sane left for Bayern Munich in a deal worth an initial €49m (£45m/$58m).

The club are moving quickly to improve their squad and director of football Txiki Begiristain had previously explained how it was going to be an unusual transfer window.

"We are working a lot, we have to be ready," he told the club's official website. "It will be a strange window because people have to move fast, we have to bring in players who can improve our squad but also it means that maybe someone can leave.

"It will be strange also because we have the Champions League so we have to wait to move forward until the Champions League is finished.

"We might have less time than ever but we’ll have time to make the changes we need to improve the squad."

Former Nigeria international Friday Elahor has praised Napoli-bound striker Victor Osimhen for his contribution to Lille in 2019-20 season, urging other players to emulate him.  

The forward is close to sealing a move to the Parthenopeans for a fee believed to be around €81 million, having completed his medical with the side.

The Super Eagles striker delivered eye-catching performances in his debut campaign with the Stade Pierre-Mauroy outfit which generated interest from a number of European clubs.

The 21-year-old scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 38 appearances across all competitions and deservedly won the club’s Player of the Season award among other accolades.

Despite being in advanced negotiations with Napoli, Lille president Gerard Lopez, recently revealed the club is still receiving offers for the highly-rated striker.

Elaho, who had 14 caps for the Super Eagles, is impressed with the performances from the striker and lauded him for making Nigeria proud.

“I have been following the news about Osimhen going to Napoli, but I don’t know why the deal hasn’t been confirmed yet,” Elaho told the Guardian.

“Again, I think Osimhen has done well for himself and the country. Currently, he is the most rated Nigerian player in Europe. Other players I think should emulate him.

“I read recently that he changed his manager for his move to Napoli scale through. If his club is still reporting that some clubs are still coming for his signature despite his almost completed negotiations with Lille, it shows how good and important he is rated.

Elaho is backing Osimhen to play a key role for the Super Eagles during the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

The 52-year-old also believes the forward can clinch the Africa Player of the Year award in future if he can continue with his fine performances.

“Very soon the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers will begin, definitely Osimhen has a pivotal role to play towards Nigeria’s qualification for the tournaments,” he continued.

“I see him winning the Africa Footballer of the Year in the nearest future if he can maintain his form. Others should brace up to the challenge.”

After announcing himself at the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile, where he won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards to help Nigeria win the title, he moved to German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

The forward then shone during his loan stay with Belgian club Sporting Charleroi, scoring 19 goals in 39 league games before the deal was made permanent.

His form earned him a move to Lille as a replacement for Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe, who teamed up with Premier League giants Arsenal.

Osimhen has nine caps for the Super Eagles and was part of Gernot Rohr’s team that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Despite optimistic plans that had been voiced in the past months, the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) on Thursday announced that the 2020 AFF Championship, or the AFF Suzuki Cup, will not be held this year after all.

In a press statement issued by the competition's exclusive commercial partner Sportfive, the federation chief explained its decision.

“Since the onset of Covid-19, the AFF has been closely monitoring guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), health ministries, government agencies, FIFA and AFC.

“As you are aware, this pandemic continues to pose enormous health, societal and economic challenges to us all. AFF's top priority continues to be the health and safety of our football family and mitigating the impact of this pandemic. With the risk of the spread of Covid-19 remaining high, the AFF finds itself in a situation where we cannot proceed safely with the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020.”

“While these are unprecedented times for the whole world including our football family and communities, we are confident that we will get through it together with the support of all our stakeholders, including our fans, member associations, players, coaches, official, media and partners. We would like to thank them for standing united with us in the fight against Covid-19,” wrote the AFF president, Khiev Sameth.

The statement did not specify time of the year the competition is planned to be held.

Around two months earlier, the Vietnamese FA voiced its willingness to host the 2020 edition from start to finish, due to the fact that the impact of the pandemic on the country had been less severe than what had been faced by the other countries in the region. When domestic football returned in Vietnam, matches did not have to be held behind closer doors.

However, earlier this week, new cases surfaced in several regions of the country, and the Vietnamese league had to undergo another suspension. 

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has hit on Football Kenya Federation (FKF) incumbent Nick Mwendwa insisting he is not a straight forward person.

The Federation head has been under immense pressure from several quarters owing to several reasons, including alleged misappropriation of funds as well as poor leadership. On Friday, leaked audio, obtained by Goal, exposed a seemingly desperate Mwendwa trying to reassure his supporters that all is well.

"I told Kenyans this individual [Mwendwa] is not honest and they denied it, and wait, more will be exposed," Shimanyula told Goal on Thursday. 

"Still, I insist, there is no sponsorship money that has come from BetKing as stated. The monies given to clubs are from Fifa, not from the so-called sponsors. That thing is meant to brainwash people.

"I saw this man in 2016, he is dishonest in his dealings, and I sympathise with my fellow chairmen, if they make a mistake of re-electing him, they will suffer and you will see."

The official has also pointed out that even in Mwendwa's camp, things are not smooth and it is the reason why information is leaking.

"Some of his supporters have lost trust in him and they do not have faith anymore," Shimanyula continued.

"It is the reason why we are getting all these leaked information. They do not trust him, they are just scared of talking.

"Many people are silently crying and suffering in silence, it is just that they cannot come out in the open and say it as I do. Mwendwa has spoiled football in the country."

Mwendwa hit out at the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) head John Ohaga for 'interfering' with the affairs of the Federation and challenged him to vie for the seat. However, Shimanyula insists it is the former who is on the wrong.

"Ohaga follows the rule of law to the latter as opposed to Mwendwa, it is the reason why Mwendwa is fighting him.

"Mwendwa is used to breaking the law while Ohaga does the opposite. That is why the former has lost all the cases filed."

This comes after FKF presidential candidate Herbert Mwachiro demanded a Special General Meeting (SGM) to be set and come up with an interim committee until elections are done.

Arsenal need Mesut Ozil, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi “moving out of the door”, says Charlie Nicholas, with Mikel Arteta told that plugging holes in a leaky defence is “key to the rebuild” at Emirates Stadium.

The former Gunners frontman has stated on a regular basis during the 2019-20 campaign that he feels issues at the back need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Arteta has had seven months in which to cast an eye over the options available to him, with an inconsistent squad inherited from Unai Emery in December 2019.

The highly rated coach is considered to have the Gunners heading in the right direction, with a sense of optimism returning after claiming some notable scalps in the Premier League and en route to the FA Cup final. Arsenal are, however, still a work in progress and hope to be in a position to freshen up their ranks during the summer transfer window.

Nicholas is hoping to see the north London outfit get their important transfer calls right after too many years of mismanagement on and off the field.

He told Sky Sports: “This has been a tough test for Mikel Arteta, but I think Arsenal have realised they have got to go all out and sort the defence out. If the defence is sorted, they can start moving up the table.

“Some players need moving out of the door, Ozil, Sokratis, Mustafi - these players have to move on, and Arsenal need to freshen things up.

“The defence is key to the rebuild, they have been rebuilding for seven, eight years, this period in particular has been awful for Arsenal fans, but I think Arteta knows the right path to take.”

Sokratis has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer, but the Greek defender’s agent has sought to quash speculation suggesting that a deal is imminent.

The representative of World Cup-winning playmaker Ozil has also been playing down exit talk, with the experienced 31-year-old on a lucrative contract expected to stay put and become a free agent in 2021.

Elsewhere, questions have been asked of Mustafi’s role on a regular basis during his time with the Gunners, and Arteta has admitted to being in the market for another centre-half after seeing the Germany international ruled out of his immediate plans through injury.

The two London-based sides are set to rekindle their rivalry at Wembley Stadium in a heavyweight clash to close out England’s domestic season.

Arsenal will be buoyed by the sharpness of Aubameyang, who scored twice against Watford on the final day of the Premier League on Sunday and finished the championship as the league second joint-top scorer with 22 goals, just one striker behind Leicester City hitman Jamie Vardy.

Luckassen is expecting big things from Auba as the Gunners look to win the first piece of silverware of Mikel Arteta's reign.

“I think Arsenal have got a good chance because it’s a cup final and in a cup final, anything can happen,” Luckaasen told Goal on Wednesday. “They won the cup two or three years ago, so in the cup final everything is possible.

"[I’m expecting] Aubameyang and [Alexandre] Lacazette to show up, these are the two most dangerous players for Arsenal," he added. “[Nicolas] Pepe is also a good player. 

"So the three of them upfront can do something.”

Chelsea finished the recent Premier League in fourth position, three spots above Arsenal, although the Gunners improved markedly after Arteta replaced Unai Emery midway through the campaign.

“I think Chelsea have a better team right now and they did better in the league as well," Luckassen remarked. 

[Olivier] Giroud is in form, but a cup final is only one game, so anything can happen. Arsenal beat Manchester City [in the semi-final] and City are one of the best teams in the Premier League.”

Arsenal’s defence came under heavy scrutiny during the league season, particularly considering the inconsistency of Brazil defender David Luiz, who conceded five penalties and received the marching orders on two occasions.

There are also other reasons why the centre-back will be in the spotlight on Saturday, particularly considering he joined Arsenal from Chelsea last year.

“Arsenal’s defence is error-prone but when they played against Manchester City, David Luiz was one of the best on the day,” the former AZ Alkmaar and Ross County man concluded “I hope everybody has his best game in this final, and maybe the score can go on the side of Arsenal.

"Personally, I believe Arsenal will win.”

With three titles, 2017 champions Arsenal are the most successful club in the history of the FA Cup, while Chelsea, who won the trophy in 2018, have clinched the top prize on eight occasions.

Gary Pallister admits that Harry Maguire is not a captain and leader in the Steve Bruce or Roy Keane mould, but the £80 million ($104m) defender is still considered to be “exactly the type of centre-back that Manchester United needed”.

The Red Devils shattered a transfer record during the summer of 2019 when prising an England international away from the clutches of Premier League rivals Leicester.

Eyebrows were raised at a sizeable fee, but the general consensus was that United needed to invest heavily in plugging alarming leaks at the back.

Maguire wasted little time in setting about that task and quickly inherited the captain's armband at Old Trafford – with Ashley Young moving on to Inter in the January window.

The odd question has been asked of the commanding 27-year-old during his debut campaign in Manchester, but Pallister believes he has been a shrewd addition and ticks an important box for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s ambitious outfit.

The former United defender told MUTV of Maguire: “I think he’s terrific. I think he’s rightly got the captaincy; he’s one of the talkers.

“He’s not the type of leader that Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce and Roy Keane were, but I think he’s got an assurance about him that the players respond to.

“I think, for his first season, he’s been terrific. He’s comfortable on the ball, you saw it on Sunday [at Leicester City], getting his head to things when the balls are chucked into the box. He’s dominant there and he’s exactly the type of centre-back that Manchester United needed.”

Many have suggested that Maguire could look even more assured if he were to be moved into a right-sided centre-half berth.

Victor Lindelof currently fills that spot, with questions being asked of his future and United’s need to spend again in defence, but Pallister believes there is a role for the Swede to play.

A man with four Premier League titles to his name added: “Lindelof has had a really good season as well. He’s not as dominant as Harry, but I think he’s complimented him.

“He’s got the hang of the Premier League: the physicality and the pace of it. I think he went from strength to strength.”

Maguire and Lindelof helped United to a third-place finish in 2019-20, with Champions League qualification safely secured, and attention is about to shift to the pursuit of major silverware in the Europa League – with the Red Devils back in action against LASK on August 5.

Wilfried Zaha would have become "one of the best players out there" had Sir Alex Ferguson stayed at Manchester United, according to his ex-Crystal Palace team-mate Glen Murray.

United reached an agreement to sign Zaha from Palace for an initial £10 million ($13m) fee in January 2013, before allowing him to see out the second half of the season at Selhurst Park on loan.

The Ivory Coast international turned out to be the last signing of Ferguson's 27-year reign in Manchester, as the Scot walked away from the Red Devils following a 13th Premier League title triumph.

Former Everton manager David Moyes was the man who inherited the managerial reins at Old Trafford, and it quickly became apparent that Zaha did not fit into his plans.

The mercurial winger was sent out on loan to Cardiff mid-way through his first season with United, having been restricted to just two Premier League appearances in total under Moyes.

The Scottish boss was sacked before the end of the 2013-14 campaign, but Zaha's situation did not improve under his successor Louis van Gaal, who sent him back to Palace on loan.

In February 2015, the 27-year-old rejoined the Eagles on a permanent deal, and has since rebuilt his reputation in familiar surroundings.

Murray, who played at Selhurst Park between 2011 and 2015, thinks Zaha's career would have turned out differently if Ferguson had extended his stay with the Red Devils.

The Brighton forward also believes a former colleague is now ready for another big move, with Arsenal still considered to be the ideal next destination for a proven Premier League performer.

“Palace fans won’t thank me for saying this, but I do think Zaha needs to go, I think he needs to flourish,” Murray told Talksport.

“Even as far back as when he joined Manchester United… I believe that if Sir Alex [Ferguson] still would have been in charge he would have been one of the best players out there now.

“I was really surprised Arsenal didn’t go for him last year and they decided to go for Pepe.

“It baffled me that they didn’t go for him. I feel Wilf would have been a slightly cheaper option and he’s someone that knows the league very well.

“Staying in London would be good for him as well; he’s a real London boy and I just think he would have been the perfect fit there.”

Clinton Morrison, another former Palace striker, also weighed in Zaha's future, insisting he would fit in perfectly at either Arsenal or Tottenham if he can finally secure a move away from Selhurst Park.

“Even though he’s only scored four goals, he attracts a lot of players towards him when he’s on the ball," said Morrison.

“He’ll probably be the first person to say it hasn’t been his best season but, for me, when Wilfried Zaha is on his game he‘s one of the best wingers in the Premier League.

“He’s got that natural skill no one else can do.

“I think the time has come now, and most Crystal Palace fans will probably say this too, it’s time for Wilf to move on.

“I would say a club like Arsenal or Tottenham, I think he would suit them down to the ground.

“Arsenal is his club and I think he was desperate to move to Arsenal last summer, so if Arsenal came along he’d bite their hand off.

“But Arsenal or Tottenham, I think he’d be brilliant for either of those two clubs.”

Baroka FC chairman Khurishi Mphahlele has set his sights on this season's Nedbank Cup.

The current season, which has been suspended since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will resume in a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng next month.

Baroka are set to play their remaining home matches at the Bidvest Wits Stadium in Johannesburg where they will also host Bloemfontein Celtic in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals.

Bakgaga's first game will be the cup clash against Celtic on August 8 and they also have six matches remaining in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Mphahlele explained that his players are eager to get back into the field with 13th-placed Baroka level on points with 15th-placed AmaZulu FC, who are in the relegation zone.

“We have been waiting for this moment, the boys have been training for the past three weeks and they also want to play,” Mphahlele told Far Post.

Bakgaga stunned the whole country when they defeated a much-fancied Orlando Pirates side to clinch the 2018 Telkom Knockout Cup which was the club's maiden major trophy.

The Limpopo-based side is now keen to lift the South African FA Cup having already eliminated Polokwane City, Black Leopards and ABC Motsepe League (Northern Cape) side Hungry Lions from the competition.

“We want to bring this Cup [Nedbank Cup] to the Province and we are ready," he added.

"You would remember that when the league was suspended in March, we were in top form so we want to start from where we left off."

Baroka had four positive coronavirus cases upon their return to training three weeks ago as they prepared for the resumption of the suspended season.

However, the club has since announced that the four people have recovered.

Their remaining six league matches are against AmaZulu, Pirates, Chippa United, Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United as well as Kaizer Chiefs.

The other Nedbank Cup semi-final match will feature reigning PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns and their Gauteng rivals Bidvest Wits.

Baroka will be without defender Kamogelo Mogaswa, attackers Ranga Chivaviro, Mogau Khwinana and Tebogo Sodi when the campaign resumes.

The quartet was released by the club in May 2020.