Sports
Arsenal Not Ready For January Signings
Mikel Arteta is prepared for the possibility of Arsenal not bringing in reinforcements this month after revealing existing negotiations have not progressed in recent days.
Arsenal are 10th in the Premier League with 29 points, 10 fewer than fourth-placed Chelsea, leaving the Gunners in real danger of missing out on a Champions League return and perhaps European football altogether next season.
Since new Coach Arteta took over last month, Arsenal have been linked with numerous new players, particularly given their bad luck with injuries.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Layvin Kurzawa, Thomas Lemar of Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng have all been mentioned as potential targets, with the former the most strongly linked.
But Arteta seems pessimistic about the Gunners’ chances in the transfer market.
When asked if Arsenal might not sign anyone this month, Arteta said: “It’s a possibility, yeah. Things haven’t moved at all since the weekend.”
And when quizzed about PSG insisting no offer had been received from Arsenal for Kurzawa, Arteta added: “There is nothing new to say on any individual players and when we have more info, we’ll let you know.”
One player who has bolstered Arsenal’s squad is Eddie Nketiah, the young striker recently returning from an unsuccessful loan spell at Leeds United.
Despite the 20-year-old’s difficulties at Elland Road, Arteta previously suggested he can see Nketiah being of use before the end of the season, but the striker has been warned he will only get chances if he proves he deserves them.
“It would depend on the circumstances, the players we have available, his performance, the way he trains, the impact he makes every time he plays.
“He’s a young player but I have to try and treat him exactly the same as the other ones. I will put him on the pitch because I think he deserves it.
“The way he trains, the way he shows every day how much he wants it will depend on him”, Arteta said.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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