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

The weekend papers have thrown up a familiar mix of anger, relief and pressure across the football world, with one Spurs striker lashing out, an Arsenal legend claiming his old club dodged a bullet, and a former World Cup winner already writing off Rangers’ title hopes.

Richarlison blasts Spurs after Vasco move collapses

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

The Brazilian was keen on a return home and talks had progressed, only for the deal to fall apart late on. That has left Richarlison furious and pointing the finger at Spurs, with the striker making clear his frustration at how the transfer unravelled.

Petit says Arsenal were lucky to miss out on Vinicius Jr

Emmanuel Petit has stirred the pot in north London. The former Arsenal midfielder, a Premier League and World Cup winner, believes his old side actually benefited from missing out on Vinicius Jr this summer, as reported by the Sunday Mirror.

Petit has framed it as a “lucky escape” for Arsenal, a striking view given the Brazilian’s reputation, and one that will raise eyebrows among supporters who had dreamed of that level of attacking firepower.

Maresca defends City spending amid ‘crazy’ market

Enzo Maresca insists Manchester City had little option but to spend heavily in the summer window.

Speaking to the Sunday Express, the City boss pointed to what he called a “crazy” transfer market, arguing that the landscape effectively forced the Premier League champions to invest big again if they wanted to stay ahead of the pack.

Sesko thriving under Carrick at Manchester United

At Old Trafford, Benjamin Sesko is enjoying life in red.

The Manchester United striker has spoken of the positive “vibes” around the club under Michael Carrick, according to the Sunday Mirror. Sesko says he is loving his time at United, a welcome note of optimism as the new manager tries to reset the mood and direction of the team.

Alonso slams ‘soft’ Chelsea after defensive woes continue

Xabi Alonso did not hold back on his Chelsea players.

After yet another failure to keep a clean sheet, the Spaniard accused his squad of being “soft”, as reported by the Sunday Telegraph. Chelsea have now gone 20 Premier League games without a shutout, a staggering run that has left Alonso demanding far more resilience and edge from his back line.

Leicester’s Russell Martin feels criticism has turned ‘personal’

In the EFL, Russell Martin has opened up on the strain of Leicester City’s turbulent start.

The Foxes boss told the Mail on Sunday that he feels some of the criticism he has received has “become really personal”. Leicester’s struggles in League One have intensified scrutiny on Martin, who now finds himself fighting not only for results but also against what he sees as attacks on his character.

Torres smashes punch machine record in Madrid

Away from the pitch, Fernando Torres is still hitting hard.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker was a VIP guest at the new Madring circuit in Madrid, where a video captured him smashing a punch machine’s record, according to The Sun on Sunday. For a man once known for his finishing, it turns out his right hand might have been another lethal weapon.

Memphis Depay faces possible ban in Brazil

Memphis Depay’s Brazilian chapter has taken a dark turn.

The former Manchester United forward, now at Corinthians, could face a significant ban after allegations he directed an “offensive” gesture towards opposition supporters, the Daily Express reports. If the charge sticks, the fallout could derail his attempt to rebuild his career in South America.

Rangers upheaval: McCulloch in frame, Souttar deal stalls

In Scotland, Rangers are braced for more change upstairs.

Former title winner Lee McCulloch is under consideration to step into the technical director role vacated by Dan Purdy, according to the Scottish Sun on Sunday. His return would bring a familiar face back into the Ibrox structure at a delicate moment.

On the pitch, John Souttar’s move to Aris Thessaloniki has hit a late stumbling block. The same outlet reports that the transfer, which had seemed close, has now run into complications, leaving the defender’s future hanging in the balance.

Emmanuel Petit has also weighed in north of the border, and his verdict is brutal. The Frenchman believes Rangers have already lost the league and now face a fight just to fend off Hearts again for second place. For a club built on title expectations, that kind of external judgment will sting.

Historic moment for Saffie Osborne at Doncaster

Horse racing delivered a landmark moment at Doncaster.

Saffie Osborne made history by becoming the first woman to ride the winner of a British Classic, steering Highwayman to victory in the Betfred St Leger, as reported by the Independent. The result completed a one-two for trainer Joseph O’Brien and etched Osborne’s name into the sport’s record books.

From Richarlison’s anger to Osborne’s breakthrough, the weekend’s stories carry a clear message: reputations, careers and even club futures are being reshaped long before the season reaches full stride.