Chelsea star urged to leave after Xabi Alonso snub

Estevao is struggling for game-time at Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Estevao Willian has been urged to leave Chelsea after failing to break into Xabi Alonso’s first-team this season.

Estevao, 19, enjoyed a promising first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring eight goals in 36 appearances in all competitions.

Chelsea beat a host of rival clubs to the signing of Estevao in 2025, agreeing a deal worth over £50m with Brazilian side Palmeiras.

Estevao is regarded as one of the best young players in the world and has already earned 14 caps for Brazil, scoring six goals for his country.

Get personalised updates on your favourite club

Sign up to our daily football newsletter, pick your team and get the latest news sent directly to your inbox every morning.

The teenage sensation was expected to kick on this season but has found first-team minutes hard to come by and is yet to start a game in the Premier League.

Estevao was an unused substitute in Saturday’s win over Everton and is said to be growing frustrated with his situation in west London.

Reports suggest Estevao could look to force through a move away from Chelsea in January and former Blues winger Scott Sinclair believes that outcome could be in the best interest of all parties.

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso (Picture: PA)

‘As a young player, all you want to do is play football,’ Sinclair told Andy’s Bet Club. ‘In my experience, having been on loan six times during my spell at Chelsea, you just want to be playing for your parent club.

‘But when you aren’t, you have to go out on loan to gain experience and game time.

‘The longer you go without playing, the less match-fit you become, which makes it even harder to get into the side when an opportunity arises and that leads to doubt.

Chelsea beat Everton last time out (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘Only Estevao can decide what is best for him, but because he is so young, getting consistent game time is essential and having been in the same position, I’d say he should go and play.’

Chelsea hero Pat Nevin can also envisage a scenario in which Estevao agitates for a move away from Stamford Bridge.

‘I wouldn’t be surprised,’ he told GOAL. ‘Now it’s not exactly “you should leave, go now”.

Up Next

‘But your career only lasts a certain amount of time and you need a lot of games under your belt. And by the time you’re 20, 21, you kind of want a couple of hundred.

‘If you’re really top level, that’s who you are. You’re not getting bits of games here and there, you are an established player. And the real great players tend to have that.

‘Started very early, which he did, have great talent, which he has, and then play a lot of games and understand the importance of life within a game. And it’s a bit of a shame because it’s not happening.

‘So I wouldn’t be shocked if he looks elsewhere to get a game. On the other hand, if you’re Chelsea, you think, “what happens if Rogers or Palmer get injured? We need somebody.”

‘And it’s the classic difficult situation that players in the modern game find themselves in. But a player of that talent, don’t waste it on benches all your life. I get a feeling he won’t.’

Alonso has attempted to play down the growing speculation over Estevao’s future at Chelsea, insisting he will ‘have his moments and more minutes’.

Chelsea suffered a wobble before the international break but thrashed Bournemouth 5-1 last weekend before Saturday’s win at Everton.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Comments Add as preferred source

from Metro https://ift.tt/M7ylqmC
via IFTTT

Hollyoaks Imran and Cindy stars confirm how far deadly revenge on Ste goes

Imran and Cindy are the culprits behind Ste’s vanishing(Picture: Lime Pictures / Metro)

Hollyoaks stars Ijaz Rana and Stephanie Waring have confirmed that Imran Maalik will go all the way in the plot he formed with Cindy Cunningham to punish Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson).

Ste vanished without a trace back in August, sparking a two-month long investigation into his disappearance, with both the villagers and viewers at home scrambling for clues in a bid to find out what happened.

With suspects such as James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan), Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis) and Sienna Blake (Anna Passey) thrown in the mix, all with potential motives aplenty, it proved a very difficult mystery to solve.

But after weeks of speculation, Hollyoaks finally revealed what happened to Ste and who was to blame, with Imran and Cindy – who fell in love in secret in LA a year earlier – having plotted revenge on the chef.

Now that’s a twist!

Discussing the big story turn, Cindy star Stephanie Waring told Metro: ‘Initially it was a wish of Cindy’s to get justice for what happened to Ella, and she expresses this to Imran when they are in LA.

Cindy encountered Imran in LA – and together they talked about Ste (Picture: Lime Pictures)

‘What unfolds is obviously kidnapping, which really comes from Imran. This really shocks Cindy that he has gone this far, and he convinces her to go along with it. But Cindy has the moral compass in all of this and she is really trying to stop everything.’

Steph told us that Imran is certainly the ‘more dangerous’ of the two. ‘Imran is more dangerous than Cindy,’ she reiterated. ‘He’ll go to the lengths. He can’t back down. It feels like he has to see this through at any cost.’

Ijaz, meanwhile, reveals that Imran and Cindy’s connection was born out of their trauma. ‘It is one of the common grounds that they have,’ he explained. ‘They connect on their trauma mutually caused by Ste. It is one of the early things they connect on.

Imran is very much the one driving the revenge plot (Picture: Lime Pictures)

‘For Cindy, it is just something to talk about but Imran wants to turn it into action and actually get revenge on Ste.’

While Stephanie confirmed that Imran is the one pushing this vendetta, she can also understand why her on-screen love is pursuing this revenge mission, given all the damage Ste has caused over the years.

‘There’s not been a comeuppance for Ste, he hasn’t paid for any of the crimes he’s committed,’ said the star. ‘It feels like there has not been justice. There is a valid reason for them to do this. I am kind of behind Cindy and behind Imran.’

Ste vanished in a shopping centre in August (Picture: Lime Pictures)

Ijaz was on a similar wavelength. ‘Ste kind of deserves what coming to him because he is not always the nice person everyone thinks he is!’, he said.

Discussing what’s to come next, Stephanie revealed that Cindy’s cold feet over the plan will play a pivotal role in upcoming scenes.

‘Cindy is trying to talk Imran down and try to actually stop what’s happening – and she goes off on her own to try and find Ste and just end it.’

Ijaz added: ‘There’s a lot of tension. A lot of drama – naturally. A lot of figuring out what is the right thing to do between the two characters’.

Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

Comments Add as preferred source

from Metro https://ift.tt/Wvnp0Ys
via IFTTT

Mikel Arteta explains Eberechi Eze half-time substitution vs Nottingham Forest

Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta defended his decision to haul Eberechi Eze off at half-time in Arsenal’s tense 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

After registering his first goal of the season in the midweek Champions League victory over Lille, Eze retained his place in the starting XI for the trip to the City Ground.

The England international has struggled for regular game time so far this term, but any suggestion he was set to kickstart his campaign was quickly dispelled during a non-descript 45 minutes.

Indeed, it was no surprise when Eze was hooked at the interval and replaced by the eventual matchwinner Noni Madueke.

Get personalised updates on your favourite club

Sign up to our daily football newsletter, pick your team and get the latest news sent directly to your inbox every morning.

Asked to explain the early change, Arteta said: ‘The way they were defending, the two units outside, the two midfielders were creating without having a real threat in behind of just forcing Munoz to a different type of game. They were more comfortable.

‘That’s what we have, different players with different qualities and adapt to what the game is delivering.’

Eze was seen slumped in the dugout during the second period as his teammates ground out the three points that kept them within touching distance of leaders Manchester City.

Eberechi Eze of Arsenal is challenged by Jair Cunha of Nottingham Forest (Picture: Getty)

‘Three days a go he scored a goal, he should have scored three and we were all happy,’ said Arteta when asked for a reaction to Eze’s apparent dissatisfaction.

‘This is football, one day is brilliant and especially with attacking players to play a team which defends with 10 players around the box, the nine dropping almost at the edge with that chemistry it’s extremely difficult to get in there.

‘That’s why you need fresh legs, a different profile and try fresh things.’

As well as Madueke, it was the contribution of fellow ‘finishers’ Jurrien Timber, Viktor Gyokeres and Mikel Merino who helped get the defending champions over the line.

Noni Madueke scored for Arsenal (Credits: RYAN BROWNE/Shutterstock)

Arteta added: ‘Some of them played three days ago and some of them will start the next game and they know that everyone has to be at it. If you are needed after 60 minutes, 45 minutes and sometimes two minutes – we have a squad now that can deliver in moments and we have to use that.

‘Noni [Madueke], Jurrien [Timber], Mikel [Merino] was brilliant when he came on and Viktor [Gyokeres] really changed the game – all of them did and that’s what we need. Noni obviously the highlight because he scored the goal and that’s the difference.

‘Sometimes you can get frustrated with teams who are difficult to break down. First half we didn’t have a shot on target and that’s something we discussed. We had another two big ones in the second half but the only one on target we had was a little deflection and it’s in.

‘Great reaction [after scoring goal], to have the will to defend a really open and difficult and stressful situation.’

Comments Add as preferred source

from Metro https://ift.tt/dqCuKDe
via IFTTT

Emmerdale spoiler video shows terrified Belle getting the worst possible news

Up Next

Belle Dingle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) happy life with Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) is about to come to a halt in Emmerdale next week, as she receives news that Tom King (James Chase) is being released from prison.

In 2023, Tom arrived in the village and quickly connected with Belle which eventually led to them starting a relationship.

This was the start of an absolutely horrific ordeal for Belle. As part of a domestic abuse storyline, Tom exerted sinister, coercive control over the much-loved character.

From psychological abuse and cyber-stalking to harming the family pet, Piper, Tom’s actions left Belle terrified and isolated from her friends and family.

Tom’s behaviour led to him going to prison, but upcoming episodes of the ITV soap will see Belle learn that he’s being released early.

Tom King was sent to prison after abusing Belle (Picture: ITV)

In this new video, all is well in Belle’s world. She’s chatting with Sam (James Hooton), Lydia Dingle (Karen Blick) and Kammy about Cain Dingle’s (Jeff Hordley) recent fishing trip.

As Kammy leaves for work, sorry, t’work, he opens the door to a Victim Liaison Officer. Lydia and Sam assume she’s arrived ahead of Samson Dingle’s (Sam Hall) release from prison, but the woman confirms she’s actually at Wishing Well to see Belle.

She reveals that Tom is getting out of prison and, obviously, the news leaves Belle absolutely terrified.

Reeling in the aftermath of the news, things get even worse for Belle when Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) reveals that Tom has been speaking to him in his role as a prison chaplain.

The officer will tell Belle that Tom cannot legally come anywhere near her (Picture: ITV)

Belle decides to visit Tom in prison (Picture: ITV)

Not only that, Charles reveals that Tom has accepted culpability and wants to seek Belle’s forgiveness.

Growing anxious, Belle can’t believe Tom’s already back in her head and he hasn’t even been released yet. With her mind racing, she decides to confront the issue by visiting Tom herself.

But how will Kammy and Cain feel about this?

Discussing his return to the show, James Chase said: ‘Stepping back into Tom’s shoes is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. He is a character driven by obsession and a desperate need for control, and it is both fascinating and challenging to step back into that mindset.

‘The audience knows exactly who he is and what he is capable of, so the challenge now is to show the lengths he is willing to go to in order to get what he wants, even if it means dismantling Belle’s life all over again. It’s a dark path, and I’m ready to see how far Tom will push it.’

Comments Add as preferred source

from Metro https://ift.tt/qVUXyPj
via IFTTT

Delta Goodrem breaks down in tears responding to Johannes Radebe on Strictly Come Dancing

Delta Goodrem was in pieces watching Strictly Come Dancing (Picture: Instagram/Delta Goodrem)

Delta Goodrem broke down in tears watching tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing after being forced to miss Icons Week due to injury. 

The Australian pop star confirmed she wouldn’t be bale to compete on the show this week after sustaining a rib injury in training that’s already put her in hospital twice. 

Instead, she’s watching at home and weeped after hosts, Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe paid tribute to the Lost Without You singer as they opened the show.

After introducing all of the contestants by the names of the icons they’d be impersonating, Emma explained Delta’s absence to viewers. 

She began: ‘Before we get started you might notice there is one couple missing. Sadly, Delta has suffered an injury and on the advice of the medical team will not be dancing this week under the rules of Strictly she receives a bye through to next week.’ 

Get personalised updates on Strictly

Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.

Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.

Johannes continued: ‘Delta my darling I know you’ll be watching so I just want to say we are all sending you so much love.’ 

The singer said she was determined to recover in time for next week’s show (Picture: Instagram/Delta Goodrem)

The Strictly Come Dancing hosts paid tribute to Delta to open Icons Week (Picture: BBC)

And the former pro was spot on, as the former Neighbours actress was not only watching from home, she was in pieces as she watched the love in the studio for her. 

‘I love you too,’ she said, blowing a kiss to the trio of hosts in a video she captioned: ‘Thanks team. It’s been a rough week. Love you guys!’

Ahead of tonight’s performances, Delta shared another message with fans promising she is determined to recovery as swiftly as possible. 

She said: ‘Hello everybody! I just wanted to say hello before Strictly starts, I’ve got my little seat ready and I’ve been recovering. 

‘I promise I’ll share more over the next couple of days, it takes a while to get not a positive mindset when you have a setback and you just need to be able to process it and work out what the body is saying and how we continue to move through this but in the meantime I’m very excited to see the amazing talented class of 2026. I’m so exited to watch them do their iconic performances tonight.’ 

Delta has been top of the leaderboard on Strictly Come Dancing (Picture: PA Wire)

She added: ‘I’m sorry I’m not there for this one but I’m giving it everything I’ve got to be there next week.’

On Monday, Delta released a statement saying she was ‘absolutely gutted’ to be missing the next round of the contest.

I’ve been loving every second of this experience, so having to sit this one out is heartbreaking – especially after the high of Saturday night,’ she said.

‘I cannot tell you how much I love being a part of this magical show.’

Last Saturday, Delta and her partner Kai Widdrington topped the leaderboard with 33 points and scored the first nine of the series for their Disco themed Salsa. 

Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow night on BBC One. 

Comments Add as preferred source

from Metro https://ift.tt/g5hkd8T
via IFTTT

Man, 22, dies after falling from top of the Arc de Triomphe

A man has died after falling from the Arc de Triomphe (Picture: Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images)

A young man has died after falling from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.

The incident occurred at around 3pm in the 8th arrondissement at the top of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France.

A 22-year-old male fell approximately 50 metres from the monument in front of several witnesses.

Emergency services, including firefighters, arrived quickly, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, the prosecutor’s office announced.

Consequently, the landmark has been completely closed to the public.

Investigators are currently treating suicide as the leading hypothesis, believing that he ‘jumped’.

Sign up for all of the latest stories

Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.

The man’s suspected suicide is not thought to be linked to today’s protests (Picture: Reuters)

While police explore the circumstances that led to the man’s death, it is not thought to be linked to protests in the French capital ‘at this stage’.

Law enforcement clashed with demonstrators in Paris and other cities today, firing tear gas and water cannons and making hundreds of arrests.

Some, wearing hoods and face coverings, launched fireworks and other objects at riot police, who were deployed around Place de la République.

Protesters broke windows at CNews and Europe 1 offices, and reports from the scene said they threw projectiles at the buildings.

Town hall buildings in Lille and Marseille were broken into, with a fire breaking out on the roof of Limoges City Hall.

Authorities also closed metro stations and dispersed gatherings near government buildings.

Up Next

Insisting that people have the right to protest peacefully, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said there is no place for ‘arson, looting, and attacks’.

He described today as the most violent school protests in decades and criticised the ‘hard left’ who ‘openly called for revolt’.

Hundreds of thousands of people, mostly young people, took to the streets to demand better education and improved public school conditions.

This followed weeks of student-led protests against crumbling buildings, teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and budget constraints.

Teachers, parents, nurses, human rights lawyers, and emergency service workers joined the students in solidarity.

This weekend’s unrest also stemmed from anger towards rising living costs, fuel prices, and the deteriorating social welfare system.

Protests turned violent as thousands marched against high living costs across French cities (Picture: Ibrahim Ezzat/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Authorities have vowed to punish vandals (Picture: Reuters)

Student unions originally initiated the movement to protest underfunding, deteriorating infrastructure, and teacher shortages (Picture: Richard Bord/Getty Images)

Shortly after midday, the Interior Ministry recorded around 140 protest actions outside the Paris region. Protests were initially reported to involve more than 32,000 people, but by evening, that figure rose to over half a million.

Backing the rallies, the CGT, one of France’s major labour unions, echoed demands for ‘higher wages and pensions, lower prices and the protection of public services that meet people’s needs’.

The protests increased pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government ahead of next April’s presidential election.

Macron, who first took office in 2017, responded to the demonstrators by saying there is ‘no place for violence in our Republic’, stating that those who have ‘vandalised and attacked’ will be ‘prosecuted and punished’.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Comments Add as preferred source

from Metro https://ift.tt/t7lUDwO
via IFTTT