Team USA secures Olympics 2024 knockout round after defeating South Sudan.
The United States Olympic men’s basketball team showed no signs of an upset in their recent matchup, unlike their previous exhibition game. Team USA clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Olympics by defeating South Sudan in their second group game on Wednesday. In a commanding performance, Bam Adebayo led Team USA with 18 points, while five other players scored in knockout double digits, resulting in a 103-86 victory over South Sudan. Kevin Durant contributed 14 points and three steals, and LeBron James added 12 points in Team USA’s second win of the Paris Games. This victory effectively secures Team USA’s position in the knockout stage of the Olympic men’s basketball tournament. South Sudan must win their group stage finale against Serbia to advance to the knockout rounds.
2-0 & top of Group C!
🇺🇸 #USABMNT x #Paris2024 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/G3TWrRhm5r
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 31, 2024
Arsenal close to agreeing to a £25 million transfer for Mikel Merino.
After securing Riccardo Calafiori’s signing earlier this week, Arsenal is reportedly closing in on their next summer acquisition. According to Relevo, Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino is set to join Arsenal, with the clubs agreeing on a fee of €30 million (£25m/$32m) plus add-ons. An official announcement is expected soon. Since joining Sociedad after a disappointing stint at Newcastle in 2018, Merino has been one of La Liga’s most reliable midfielders. He was also part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad, scoring a decisive late header in their quarter-final victory over Germany. Despite interest from Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, Merino has reportedly rejected their offers, focusing solely on joining Arsenal. In response, Real Sociedad has swiftly moved to sign his replacement, Carlos Soler, from Paris Saint-Germain, where he struggled during his two seasons.
🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal are closing in on Mikel Merino deal as verbal agreement is now getting closer!
Agreement in place on personal terms as Merino wants the move.
Verbal discussions with Real Sociedad for package in excess of €30m, talks on to get the deal done.@MatteMoretto 🤝🏻 pic.twitter.com/3IHBykH9J4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2024
Manchester City fined for violating Premier League regulation.
Premier League champions, Manchester City has been fined over £2 million by the Premier League for violating rules concerning kick-offs and restarts after half-time. The Premier League champions reached a sanction agreement with the league regarding 22 separate charges, all pertaining to incidents from the past two seasons. Notably, City delayed the start of the second half of their final game last season against West Ham by two minutes and 46 seconds, the day they secured their fourth consecutive title. The club has issued an apology for these breaches and has agreed to pay the £2.09 million fine. Additionally, Manchester City has confirmed that they have reminded their players and football management teams of their responsibilities concerning match timings to prevent future incidents.
BREAKING: Manchester City have been fined just over £2m by Premier League for breaking kick-off rules in 22 separate incidents over the last two seasons 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Mgg7I3bINM
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 31, 2024
Double injury blows for United as Yoro and Højlund are confirmed injured.
Like last season, Manchester United’s pre-season injury problems are resurfacing. Players Leny Yoro and Rasmus Højlund are set to be sidelined after picking up injuries during the pre-season defeat against Arsenal. Neither Yoro nor Højlund was able to finish the first half of the friendly match, with Højlund playing just 16 minutes and Yoro slightly more than 30 minutes. Yoro was later seen on crutches and wearing a protective boot. The 18-year-old defender, who joined United from Lille this summer on a five-year contract worth up to £58.9 million, has decided to remain with the team on tour. Manchester United has confirmed that Yoro will be out for three months due to a foot injury, while Højlund faces six weeks out with a hamstring issue. This situation is a significant setback for Erik ten Hag and the club.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Manchester United confirm Leny Yoro is out for three months with a foot injury.
Rasmus Højlund, out for 6 weeks with a hamstring problem. pic.twitter.com/5zKSBeJtfd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 1, 2024
Roma reaches an agreement with Girona to sign Artem Dovbyk.
After nearly signing with Atlético Madrid last week, Artem Dovbyk is set to officially join Roma within the next few hours. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma and Girona have finalized the deal for the Ukrainian striker’s transfer to the Italian capital. The agreement is reportedly worth €33 million plus bonuses, and includes a 10% sell-on clause. Dovbyk’s agent, Oleksiy Lundovskyi, posted a picture of Dovbyk’s new Roma jersey on Instagram, suggesting the move was finalized even before the official announcement; however, he later deleted the post. Last season, Dovbyk was La Liga’s top scorer with 25 goals, leading Girona to its first-ever Champions League qualification. With Romelu Lukaku’s Loan period over, Dovbyk is expected to fit seamlessly into Roma’s squad and make an immediate impact.
🟡🔴🛫 Artem Dovbyk, his agent Alex Liundovski and AS Roma management on their way to Italy to complete the move!
Dovbyk only wanted AS Roma and he’s now set to land in one hour for medical at the club.
Exclusive pic ⤵️📸 pic.twitter.com/AUEKzUC73r
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 1, 2024