Arsenal have emerged as shock contenders to land Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior as his contract stand-off at the Santiago Bernabéu continues.

The Premier League champions are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as they look to add world-class quality to their attacking ranks.

Gunners Eye Sensational Swoop

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are exploring a stunning move to sign the Real Madrid winger if the 26-year-old Brazilian star fails to agree a new contract in the Spanish capital, having become one of the most feared attackers in world football during his eight seasons with Los Blancos, but with his future now plunged into uncertainty as he enters the final 12 months of his current deal while the Gunners, buoyed by their recent Premier League success, search for marquee signings to solidify their place at the top of the European game.

While the interest is still considered to be at an early stage, the idea has reportedly received approval at all levels within the North London club. There have been no formal club-to-club talks yet, but Arsenal are positioned to strike if Real Madrid decide to cash in on their prized asset rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer.

Contract Deadlock In Madrid

Entering the final 12 months of his contract after eight seasons in Madrid, Vinicius remains locked in contract negotiations with no resolution in sight. This impasse leaves Real Madrid in a tricky situation, reluctant to risk losing their prized forward on a free transfer — particularly with a hefty loyalty bonus coming due next season. According to OK Diario, the stalemate centres on the Brazilian’s demand for a €20 million net annual salary, a figure Los Blancos are hesitant to offer to protect their tight wage structure.

Even as Real Madrid endured a recent trophy drought, Vinicius has remained a standout performer since arriving from Flamengo in 2018. The forward netted 22 goals across all competitions during a 2025-26 campaign that saw Los Blancos finish second in La Liga – eight points behind Barcelona – for a second consecutive season without silverware. He carried that impressive form to the international stage this summer, scoring four goals in five appearances for Brazil before Carlo Ancelotti’s side was knocked out by Norway in the World Cup round of 16.

Building On Premier League Success

Arsenal’s interest in Vinicius Jr comes at a time when the club is looking to build on its recent success. Having finally secured the Premier League trophy, Arteta is keen to ensure his squad does not stagnate. The addition of a player with the pedigree of Vinicius, who has made 375 total appearances for Real Madrid while registering 128 goals and 100 assists, would provide the Gunners with an elite edge that few clubs in the world can match. His experience in high-pressure matches and the Champions League is exactly what the Arsenal hierarchy craves.

During his time at the Bernabeu, Vinicius has built an enviable trophy cabinet with Real Madrid. His impressive haul includes three La Liga titles, two Champions League trophies, and a Copa del Rey triumph, among numerous other domestic and international honors.

A Potential Game-Changer In London

If the move were to materialise, Vinicius Jr would join a growing Brazilian contingent at the Emirates, potentially linking up with the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli. A marquee signing of his stature would be a crucial statement for Arsenal, who have yet to bring in major names in the current transfer window — a stark contrast to their rivals, with Manchester United securing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, Manchester City signing Elliot Anderson, Tottenham bringing in Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, and Chelsea acquiring Morgan Rogers.

Training camps are getting underway, and the 2026 NFL season kicks off on Sept. 9, and the time has come for Fantasy football owners to begin draft preparations. Veterans like Josh Allen, Jahmyr Gibbs, Ja’Marr Chase and Bijan Robinson all headline the 2026 Fantasy football rankings, and will likely be among the top players on most Fantasy football draft boards. However, the key to fantasy success remains finding sleepers and rookies who outperform their Fantasy football ADP, and avoiding drafting players that end up being Fantasy football 2026 busts. 

Who should you target in your fantasy football draft strategy, and which players should fall on your list of potential 2026 Fantasy football busts? Before finalizing your 2026 Fantasy football draft strategy, be sure to check out the 2026 Fantasy football rankings and cheat sheets from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

Last year, the model accurately predicted that Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin would fall well short of his top-50 ADP. The result: A season after piling up nearly 1,100 receiving yards and a career-high 13 touchdown catches, McLaurin had career lows in receiving yards (582) and receiving touchdowns (3). Injuries were a factor, but his per-game averages were down across the board as well, so anybody who avoided him in Fantasy drafts dodged a major headache. 

The same model has a proven track record providing Fantasy football tips, identifying A.J. Brown as a sleeper in 2020, nailing Jonathan Taylor’s monstrous season in 2021 and correctly predicting C.J. Stroud would take a step back in 2024. Additionally, it’s called past Fantasy football sleepers like Derrick Henry in 2019, Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara in 2018, and Davante Adams in 2017. 

Now, SportsLine has simulated the entire NFL season 10,000 times and released its latest Fantasy football rankings 2026, along with plenty of sleepers, breakouts and busts. Head to SportsLine now to see them. 

Top 2026 Fantasy football busts

One of the 2026 Fantasy football busts the model is predicting: New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers. He’s going off the board around pick No. 35, but SportsLine’s model doesn’t even have him as a top-15 receiver. In fact, it has players such as DeVonta Smith, Nico Collins and Zay Flowers above him.

Nabers isn’t a lock to be ready to at the start of the season after tearing his ACL last season and then undergoing a follow-up procedure in the spring. The Giants are also expected to lean heavily on the run game under offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, making Nabers a risky pick in the second or early third round. See more busts at SportsLine.

Another bust that SportsLine’s Fantasy football rankings 2026 have identified: Bills running back James Cook. Cook is going off the board with an ADP around No. 13 overall and is the fifth running back being taken on average. SportsLine’s model, however, ranks him as RB No. 10, behind players such as Derrick Henry and Chase Brown, saying that he should be more of a late-second or even third round pick.

Cook has stacked two impressive seasons, so it’s understandable why he’s getting first-round consideration in many drafts. He did fumble at a higher rate last season, however, and he’s not an elite target out of the backfield. Also, Josh Allen always looms as a touchdown vulture for Buffalo, as these factors are why the model is leaning to other high-end backs early. See which other Fantasy football busts 2026 to pick here.

How to find proven 2026 Fantasy football rankings

SportsLine is also fading one of the first five receivers off the board in early 2026 Fantasy football drafts. The model ranks this player barely inside the top 10 and is calling for him to be one of the biggest busts in the league this year. You can only see who it is, and the 2026 Fantasy football rankings for every player, at SportsLine.

So which 2026 Fantasy Football busts should you be steering clear of, and which high-end WR should you completely fade? Visit SportsLine now to get 2026 Fantasy Football cheat sheets for every single position, all from the model that helped managers avoid a disastrous Terry McLaurin season in 2025.

2026 Fantasy football ADP

(PPR, via CBS)
Get Fantasy football cheat sheets at SportsLine.

1. Jahmyr Gibbs (1.53)
2. Bijan Robinson (1.93)
3. Ja’Marr Chase (3.53)
4. Puka Nacua (4.07)
5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (5.27)
6. Jonathan Taylor (6.60)
7. Amon-Ra St. Brown (7.33)
8. Christian McCaffrey (7.87)
9. De’Von Achane (11.93)
10. James Cook (12.53)
11. CeeDee Lamb (12.60)
12. Chase Brown (12.80)

If you’re going to go at The Freeze, you better be able to run – and run fast.

Unfortunately for an Atlanta Braves fan on Thursday, he taunted The Freeze, and it blew up in spectacular fashion.

During Braves games, The Freeze races a fan along the warning track in the outfield. The fan always gets a massive head start, but The Freeze almost always catches up and wins the race.

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A fan races The Freeze between innings of a game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Aug. 9, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga. (Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/Getty Images)

This fan, as he began to run the left field foul line while getting his head start, decided to turn and blow The Freeze a kiss. Big mistake.

As the fan then began running but didn’t hit top speed. He then turned around, saw The Freeze gaining ground quickly, and kicked into a higher gear.

Unfortunately for him, it was too little, too late.

TRUMP CAN’T HELP BUT TAKE JAB AT METS IN SPEECH WHILE PRAISING BRAVES CEO: ‘THEY LOSE ALL THE TIME’

A fan races the Freeze during the 95th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga., on July 15, 2025. (Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)

The Freeze blew by the fan and returned the favor, blowing him a kiss as he flew on by.

After leaving the fan in the dust, The Freeze turned on cruise control and slowed it down a little bit before racing through the finish line along the right field foul line.

The Braves themselves are trying to avoid being like the fan and blowing a big lead. They are 61-42 and lead the National League East by 5.5 games over the Philadelphia Phillies.

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A contestant races the Freeze during a game between the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on May 31, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga. (Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)

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While 5.5 games is a solid lead, on May 22 the Braves led the division by 10.5 games. The Braves have since stabilized after going through a slump in June.

They defeated the Baltimore Orioles (50-54) 7-6 on Friday, and will look to win the second game of the three-game set on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. ET.

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Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts after losing to Spain in the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)

Ángel Di María has urged Lionel Messi not to retire from international football following Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, insisting the captain should continue representing his country for “many more years” despite another painful ending on football’s biggest stage.Spain claimed their second men’s World Cup title with a 1-0 extra-time victory at the New York New Jersey Stadium after substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute. The defeat ended Argentina’s hopes of retaining the trophy they won in Qatar four years earlier and immediately shifted attention toward Messi’s international future.At 39, Messi has yet to confirm whether he intends to continue playing for Argentina.

While the 2026 tournament is widely expected to have been his final World Cup, his future beyond that remains uncertain.Di María, who retired from international football after helping Argentina win the 2024 Copa América, believes there should be no pressure on his longtime teammate to step away.

Di María wants Messi to keep playing

Speaking to TNT Sports, Di María said Messi alone should decide when his international career comes to an end.“Yes, Leo should continue for as long as he wants,” Di María said. “I think he can keep going for many more years.”The former Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica winger argued that Messi’s performances throughout the World Cup proved age has done little to diminish his influence.“At 39 years old, he’s proven he’s one of the best and still the best in history, with no ceiling.”Although Argentina ultimately fell short in the final, Messi once again carried much of the creative burden for Lionel Scaloni’s side during the tournament.He finished the World Cup with eight goals and four assists, leading Argentina back to a second consecutive final after inspiring several decisive performances throughout the knockout rounds.

Heartbreak in the final does not define Argentina’s campaign

Argentina’s title defence came to an end after Torres capitalised in the second period of extra time, shortly after Enzo Fernández had been sent off in stoppage time of normal time following a second yellow card.Reduced to 10 men, Argentina were unable to find an equaliser as Spain’s control of possession eventually translated into the goal that settled the final.Despite the disappointment, Di María believes the campaign should be remembered for much more than the defeat in New Jersey.He singled out Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England as one of the defining moments of the tournament.“The win over England was a great joy for all of Argentina, and this was clear and made me very happy,” he said.“I am grateful to everyone in the Argentina squad forever.”Reflecting on the team’s journey, Di María praised the resilience shown by Scaloni’s players throughout the competition.“I suffered in every match, but the players found the strength within themselves and it led them to victories.”“Sometimes you win finals and sometimes luck is not on your side, but they raised the name of the national team high.”The 38-year-old even suggested that, emotionally, Argentina had already delivered a lasting memory before reaching the final.“For me, the World Cup ended when Argentina beat England,” he said. “They gave the country an indescribable joy.”

Di María also backs Scaloni to continue

Messi is not the only senior figure whose future has come under discussion following the tournament.Speculation has also surrounded head coach Lionel Scaloni after Argentina narrowly missed out on back-to-back World Cup titles, but Di María hopes the manager remains in charge to guide the next generation.“I hope he continues for everyone’s benefit, as there is a good generation of young players seeking glory,” Di María said.“He will know what he wants, but I hope he stays.”

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni leaves the pitch after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

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Argentina’s squad still features a blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent capable of competing for future honours, making continuity an attractive option as preparations eventually begin for the next major international cycle.

Messi yet to reveal his next international decision

Messi has largely stayed out of the spotlight since the final defeat and has not publicly addressed whether he intends to continue playing for Argentina.His immediate focus is expected to shift back to club football with Inter Miami as the MLS season resumes, while another World Cup appears highly unlikely given his age.The 2028 Copa América, however, remains a realistic possibility should Messi decide to extend his international career.For Di María, the message is simple: as long as Messi continues producing performances like those seen throughout the 2026 World Cup, there is no reason to place an artificial deadline on one of the greatest international careers football has ever seen.

With Ciaron Maher preparing Gringotts for a potential third consecutive Big Dance victory, a stablemate that ran behind him in the $3 million feature last year is slated to conclude its season on a winning note at Randwick.

Gringotts, making his first public appearance since finishing fourth to the burgeoning talent Sheza Alibi in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) in April, ran second in a Gosford barrier trial on Wednesday.

“The trial couldn’t have been any better. He seems to have come back very well,” said Jo Gerard-Dubord, Maher’s assistant trainer.

“He will have a second trial and at this stage we’re likely to start him in the Winx Stakes and work towards the Big Dance.

“He’s won it for the last two years, and he will get the same weight.”

Lugh, who finished third behind Gringotts and fellow stablemate Vivy Air in the 2025 Big Dance (1600m), will compete at the mile distance for the first time since then in Saturday’s ATC Thank You Trainers Handicap (1600m).

Benefiting from two recent starts – a third place first-up over 1300m behind Cool Jakey and a fourth in his last outing over 1400m behind Mickey’s Medal – Lugh is anticipated to be a strong contender.

“The other day he just raced like a horse who wants further,” Gerard-Dubord commented.

“When they picked up and quickened, he looked like he was going to drop off, then late he was coming back again.

“With the extra run under his belt and stepping up to a mile, he’s ready to run a big race.”

Still relatively inexperienced, Lugh has a record of five wins from 11 starts. Gerard-Dubord noted that connections are keen to have him back at Randwick for a feature race on Melbourne Cup day later this year.

“I’d love to get him to a Big Dance or Little Dance. He’s a gelding and he’s got a rating where he can get into those big prizemoney races,” he expressed.

The stable will also present Rock Empire in the same race. This gelding is making its debut for the yard after a closing sixth over 1200m at Rosehill on July 4.

Despite a considerable increase of 400m in distance due to a lack of suitable options, Gerard-Dubord reported that Rock Empire is fit and pleasing the team at its home base.

Considering the racing odds for Lugh in the ATC Thank You Trainers Handicap? Discover the top Australian betting sites for your bets.

After tears in Paris, tears again in Glasgow.

It leaves even the great Adam Ramsay-Peaty wondering how much of this is worth it.

“I work a lot harder than what it says on the scoreboard,” the Englishman said after taking 100m breaststroke bronze at the Commonwealth Games, his eyes and cheeks red with emotion.

“It hurts too much. I have got to approach training differently now because it hurts too much.”

Ramsay-Peaty has done it all in this sport.

Three Olympic gold medals. Eight world titles. The 14 fastest times in history.

But after taking a break from swimming amid a wave of mental health issues in 2023, he is still searching for that winning feeling again on the big stage.

He was pipped to Olympic gold in Paris two years ago. In Glasgow, despite coming into the final as the fastest qualifier, he had to settle for bronze.

He was beaten by Australia’s Sam Williamson but also Jersey’s history-maker Filip Nowacki, the 18-year-old he has taken under his wing.

Ramsay-Peaty was third at halfway and could not close the gap.

“It took a lot of courage to get back into the sport, so we should be happy with everything we get, but then that contradicts the athlete inside me and what I work for,” he said.

“I just think I deserve more. I know sport isn’t about what you deserve or even what you work for – it’s who gets it on the day.

“I just know I’m a better athlete than that. It’s very disappointing.”

Ramsay-Peaty has spoken about the difficult decisions that come with being an elite athlete. The time away from his son, whom he held in his arms after the Paris silver. The events at home he has to miss.

“They are not even sacrifices; they are choices,” he said.

“It’s like getting knocked out in the group stages in the World Cup for a very good team. You know you’re better and it hurts because you know you have to wait for a very long time for the next championships.

“This is probably – realistically – my last Commonwealth Games and I thought I’d trained for better. I could do better. I’ve been faster this season. That’s where the frustration is.”

Ramsay-Peaty has made no secret of the fact he is still competing in the quest for Olympic gold.

He considered retirement again after Paris, but committed to another four years when the 50m race was added to programme for Los Angeles 2028.

This 100m breaststroke is his event – the one in which he went unbeaten in eight years – but there may be a time when he has to let it go.

The 50m race – a dash down one length of the pool – would be less taxing on the body, and Ramsay-Peaty is due back in the pool for that event on Sunday morning.

“Is the 100 even viable any more? I don’t know,” he said.

“When it hurts like this, the 50 is probably my super strength with my power.

“With the Olympics, that’s probably going to be more realistic, but it’s too early to tell.

“I just feel like I couldn’t have given more this cycle. If I had given less, would it have even equalled more?”

Given the emotion, there are times you wonder how close Ramsay-Peaty is to walking away entirely.

He appeared to walk to the edge but always turned back, insisting the drive for LA remains.

“Of course,” he said.

“I know I’m a sprinter. I know I can do very well because I’ve done it. It doesn’t disappear overnight.

“It requires me to look at the formula and see how I can get to that speed again.”

Jockey Luke Currie is actively seeking to leverage every opportunity available since his return from an overseas holiday and a recent change in his management.

Currie had a limited schedule at the Sandown meeting on Wednesday, securing a win with the impressive French Accord and a second-place finish. He is slated to ride in two races at Caulfield this Saturday.

One of his mounts is the Nick Ryan-trained Winnasedge in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m). Currie had previously guided Winnasedge to victory in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on July 11, his second day back in the saddle.

“I’ve just changed manager and it can take time,” Currie commented. “You get a relationship with your manager, and they have relationships with racing managers for stables, and coming back from holidays is always hard. You have a week off, and people forget about you.”

While current times may present some challenges, Currie is looking forward to once again partnering with Winnasedge on Saturday.

After winning over 1100m in June, Winnasedge followed up two weeks later with a victory in the Sir John Monash Stakes.

Currie rode Winnasedge early in its career and believed the galloper possessed considerable ability.

“I thought he was going to be a really nice horse,” Currie stated. “He was a bit hot and did a few things wrong, but he had a huge turn of foot, and I think each preparation he has just changed himself a bit and is a bit more adaptable now.”

“Nick told me last time that he was the fit horse as there were a few horses that were coming back,” he added. “His level seems to be rising, and I think he ticks a few boxes going into this and if he gets it right, he’s going to have a good chance on Saturday.”

With four of its six wins recorded over 1100 metres, this distance appears to be Winnasedge’s preferred trip. However, the sprinter has a 1200-metre win at Caulfield to its credit, and Currie is confident the increased distance will not be an issue on Saturday.

“The 1100 (metres) is probably his sweet spot, but from where he’s drawn (five), he’s got the speed to land in a nice spot,” Currie explained. “I wouldn’t think he has to get back as far as he did the other day, especially over 1200 (metres). I think he’s a beautiful ride.”

Consider betting sites with sign-up bonus in Australia for the Bletchingly Stakes.