Sunday Football Rumour Mill: Richarlison Fury and Arsenal's Luck
The Sunday papers are loaded again, with Tottenham unrest, Arsenal what‑ifs and Manchester City’s summer splurge all under the microscope.
Richarlison lashes out after failed move
Richarlison has publicly turned his fire on Tottenham after seeing a proposed return to Vasco da Gama collapse, according to the Sunday Mirror. The Brazilian forward had been keen on heading back to his boyhood club, only for the deal to fall apart late on. The fallout has left the striker openly frustrated with Spurs, sharpening the focus on his future in north London.
Petit: Arsenal lucky they missed Vinicius Jr
Emmanuel Petit has stirred the pot around one of the summer’s big “what ifs”. The former Arsenal midfielder, a Premier League and World Cup winner, told the Sunday Mirror he believes his old club actually dodged a bullet by missing out on Vinicius Jr in the recent window. Petit’s view cuts against the grain, with the Brazilian widely regarded as one of the game’s elite forwards, but he insists Arsenal are better off with the balance they have.
Maresca: City forced to spend in ‘crazy’ market
Enzo Maresca has defended Manchester City’s heavy summer outlay, insisting the champions had little choice. Speaking to the Sunday Express, Maresca pointed to what he called a “crazy” transfer market, arguing that City had to push hard to refresh a title‑winning squad in an environment where fees and wages keep rocketing.
Sesko thriving under Carrick at United
At Manchester United, Benjamin Sesko is in no mood to hide his satisfaction. The striker told the Sunday Mirror he is “loving life” at Old Trafford and highlighted the positive “vibes” under head coach Michael Carrick. With United attempting to rebuild their identity, Sesko’s upbeat assessment will be welcomed by a fanbase that has grown used to turbulence.
Alonso brands Chelsea ‘soft’ after defensive woes
Chelsea’s problems at the back are testing Xabi Alonso’s patience. The Sunday Telegraph reports that Alonso accused his players of being “soft” after they failed to keep a clean sheet for the 20th Premier League game in a row. Twenty. That run underlines why Chelsea’s defensive frailty has become a defining theme of their season so far.
EFL: Martin hits back at ‘personal’ criticism
In League One, Leicester City boss Russell Martin has opened up on the strain of a difficult start. He told the Mail on Sunday that some of the criticism he has faced has “become really personal”, admitting the early weeks of the campaign with the Foxes have been turbulent. Results will have to turn, but Martin has made it clear he feels the heat has gone beyond football.
World Football: Torres’ punch power and Depay in trouble
Fernando Torres has reminded everyone he still packs a punch – literally. The Sun on Sunday reports that the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker smashed a punch machine record at the new Madring circuit in Madrid, where he was a VIP guest. The clip has sparked jokes that he might have chosen the wrong sport.
Across the Atlantic, Memphis Depay faces a far more serious issue. The Daily Express says the former Manchester United forward could be hit with a significant ban after allegations he directed an “offensive” gesture towards opposition supporters while playing for Corinthians. The case now hangs over his immediate future in Brazil.
Scottish Football: Rangers under fire and Souttar stall
Rangers are under the microscope again. The Scottish Sun on Sunday reports that former Ibrox title‑winner Lee McCulloch is in the frame to replace Dan Purdy as technical director, with the club looking to reshape its off‑field structure.
On the pitch, the criticism has sharpened. Emmanuel Petit, never shy of a bold line, has claimed Rangers have “already lost the league” and now face a fight just to keep Hearts at bay for second place. It is a damning verdict on the title race from the Frenchman.
There is also late‑window frustration for one Rangers defender. John Souttar’s proposed move to Aris Thessaloniki has hit a late stumbling block, according to the Scottish Sun on Sunday, leaving his future unresolved as the clock ticks.
Racing: Saffie Osborne makes Classic history
Away from football, Saffie Osborne has ridden her way into the history books. She became the first woman ever to win a British Classic when Highwayman stormed home in the Betfred St Leger, leading a one‑two for trainer Joseph O’Brien, as reported by the Independent.
A landmark moment for Osborne. And a reminder that some barriers are still there to be broken – and beaten.
