OOP

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, has been denied entry into the United States.

Because he had difficulties obtaining a visa, he received support from the Somali embassy in Nairobi, which helped him get a diplomatic passport.

However, that was not enough for U.S. authorities, who immediately sent him back.

For context, Artan refereed last year’s CAF Champions League final second leg between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns, and was also named African Referee of the Year 2025 by Confederation of African Football.

— Romain_Molina

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is known to be a tough negotiator and is understood to want more than the £105m Arsenal paid to sign midfielder Declan Rice for Elliot Anderson.

~ BBCSport

Manchester City and Chelsea remain locked in negotiations about Enzo Maresca replacing Pep Guardiola.

Talks are at an advanced stage, with senior figures at both clubs discussing a compensation package for Maresca.

~ BBCSport

Nicolas Jackson is able to play off the left as well as down the middle; he is in contention for a role at Chelsea. Sources say the fact that Maresca is no longer head coach, with Alonso at the helm, is partly behind the possible shift in his situation.

(SJohnsonSport)

Emmanuel Emegha's role at Chelsea is uncertain after a rather underwhelming campaign in France, partly due to injury.

A big factor in Emegha’s recruitment was the situation surrounding Nicolas Jackson, who was not expected to play for the club again after joining Bayern on a season-long loan. Yet that situation may change, as discussed below.

(SJohnsonSport)

Nicolas Jackson's Chelsea record:

🏟 81 appearances
⚽️ 30 goals
🅰️ 12 assists

(SJohnsonSport)

Tyrique George is prepared to leave Chelsea for good because he wants regular first-team football. A sale would count as ‘pure profit’ on Chelsea’s books.

(SJohnsonSport)

Aaron Anselmino Anselmino is unlikely to be involved. He played just 13 times on loan at Dortmund and Strasbourg last season. He needs to prove his fitness before securing a chance at Chelsea.

(SJohnsonSport)

Chelsea are happy with how Omari Kellyman performed on loan at Cardiff City.

He is highly rated and they want him to continue his development with another loan, so much so that they have already decided against him joining the pre-season tour.

(SJohnsonSport)