Sunday Football Rumour Mill: Richarlison Fury and Arsenal’s Lucky Escape

The Sunday papers are loaded with needle, regret and a bit of history. Here’s how the day’s biggest football stories shape up.

Richarlison Fury After Vasco Move Collapses

Richarlison has turned his fire on Tottenham Hotspur after the collapse of his proposed move to Vasco da Gama, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The Brazilian forward had been edging towards a return home, only for the deal to fall apart late on. The fallout has clearly stung. Rather than quietly accepting his fate, Richarlison has aimed criticism at Spurs over how the transfer unravelled, adding another layer of tension to an already uneasy relationship between player and club.

For a striker still fighting for a permanent place in the starting XI, the timing and tone of his frustration will not go unnoticed in north London.

Petit Claims Arsenal Dodged a Bullet With Vinicius Jr

Emmanuel Petit has delivered a striking verdict on Arsenal’s summer business. The former Gunners midfielder told the Sunday Mirror he believes Arsenal actually benefited from missing out on Vinicius Jr in the recent window.

Arsenal’s interest in the Brazilian forward never materialised into a deal, but Petit insists that proved a “lucky escape” for his old club. It is a bold stance on one of Europe’s most high-profile attacking talents, and it feeds into the broader debate over whether Arsenal truly needed another marquee forward in a squad already packed with attacking options.

Maresca: City Forced to Spend in ‘Crazy’ Market

Enzo Maresca has defended Manchester City’s heavy outlay, insisting the club had little choice given the current state of the transfer market.

Speaking to the Sunday Express, the City boss described this summer’s window as “crazy” and argued that the champions had to “splash the cash” simply to keep pace. It is a blunt acknowledgment of the financial arms race at the top of the Premier League, and a reminder that even City feel compelled to justify their spending.

Sesko Enjoying the ‘Vibes’ Under Carrick

At Manchester United, Benjamin Sesko sounds like a man at ease with his new surroundings. The striker told the Sunday Mirror he is “loving life” at Old Trafford and highlighted the positive “vibes” spreading under head coach Michael Carrick.

United’s dressing room mood has often been a barometer for the club’s fortunes. Sesko’s upbeat tone suggests a camp buying into Carrick’s methods and enjoying the early stages of a new project.

Alonso Slams Chelsea as ‘Soft’ After Defensive Woes Continue

Xabi Alonso did not sugar-coat his assessment of Chelsea’s latest setback. As reported by the Sunday Telegraph, the Blues boss accused his players of being “soft” after they failed to keep a clean sheet for the 20th Premier League game in a row.

Twenty games. No shut-outs. That kind of run gnaws at a manager who built his reputation on control and structure. Alonso’s choice of word was pointed, aimed squarely at his team’s mentality as much as their organisation.

Russell Martin Feels Leicester Criticism Has Turned ‘Personal’

In the EFL, Russell Martin has spoken candidly about the strain of Leicester City’s difficult start to the season in League One.

The Foxes manager told the Mail on Sunday he feels some of the criticism aimed at him has “become really personal” after a turbulent opening to the campaign. It is a rare glimpse behind the curtain at how a relegated club’s rebuild can quickly become fraught, and how quickly the mood can sour when promotion form doesn’t arrive on cue.

Torres Smashes Punch Machine Record in Madrid

Far from the dugout, Fernando Torres has reminded everyone of his power in a different arena.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker was a VIP guest at the new Madring circuit in Madrid, where, according to The Sun on Sunday, he smashed a punch machine’s record. It was a light-hearted clip, but it only fuelled the long-running jokes about “El Niño” reinventing himself as a heavyweight.

Depay Facing Ban After Alleged Gesture in Brazil

Memphis Depay’s time in Brazil has taken a sour turn. The former Manchester United forward, now at Corinthians, could face a significant ban after allegations he directed an “offensive” gesture towards opposition supporters, reports the Daily Express.

If the punishment lands heavily, it would mark another frustrating chapter in a career that has veered between brilliance and controversy.

Rangers Reshuffle: McCulloch in Frame, Souttar Move Stalls

In Scotland, Rangers are braced for change off the pitch and uncertainty on it.

The Scottish Sun on Sunday reports that former title winner Lee McCulloch is in the frame to become the club’s new technical director, filling the role vacated by Dan Purdy. McCulloch’s return in a senior off-field position would be a significant move for a club trying to steady its structure.

On the player front, John Souttar’s proposed transfer to Aris Thessaloniki has hit a late stumbling block. The defender’s exit, which had appeared close, is now in doubt as the deal encounters fresh complications.

Petit’s Stark Verdict: Rangers Have ‘Already Lost the League’

Emmanuel Petit has not only ruffled feathers in north London. Speaking to the Scottish Sun on Sunday, the World Cup winner delivered a brutal assessment of Rangers’ title prospects.

He believes Rangers have “already lost the league” and now face a fight just to hold off Hearts again for second place. It is a stinging outside view of a club that expects to challenge Celtic every season, and it raises uncomfortable questions about where the Ibrox side truly stand.

Osborne Makes History in the St Leger

Away from football, Saffie Osborne has written her name into British racing history.

Riding Highwayman, she became the first woman ever to win a British Classic, steering home a Joseph O’Brien one-two in the Betfred St Leger, as reported by the Independent. It was a landmark ride, a breakthrough moment on one of the sport’s most storied stages.

On a weekend of tension, criticism and upheaval across football, Osborne’s win offered something far simpler: a clean, historic triumph.