Barcelona may be set to strip Marc-André ter Stegen of the captain’s armband as tensions grow between the club and the German goalkeeper, according to reports. The friction reportedly stems from Ter Stegen’s recent decision to undergo back surgery and publicly announce a three-month recovery period, something that caught the club’s top figures off guard.

His move didn’t sit well with Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, both of whom are said to be considering disciplinary action. The possibility of removing him as team captain is now on the table.

Ter Stegen was appointed captain just last year following Sergi Roberto’s exit, but his future with the armband is now uncertain. Before making a final decision, Laporta and Deco plan to meet with manager Hansi Flick to discuss the situation in detail.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has spoken up about the ongoing comparisons between rising star Lamine Yamal and club legend Lionel Messi. In an interview with CNN, Laporta urged fans and pundits to ease up on the pressure being placed on the young forward.

He made it clear that while both players are incredibly talented, they are completely different individuals with their own unique styles. “Lamine Yamal is Lamine Yamal, and Leo Messi was Leo Messi,” Laporta said. “Messi was the greatest player in the world, and right now, in Yamal’s position, I believe he’s the best.”

Yamal recently signed a long-term contract that will keep him at Camp Nou until 2031. As part of this new chapter, he has been given the iconic number 10 shirt, the same number Messi wore during his legendary run at Barcelona. Though the number carries weight, Laporta believes Yamal should be allowed to grow into his own name rather than live in someone else’s shadow.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged the club to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who has reportedly handed in a transfer request after multiple bids from Inter Milan were turned down. Wright praised the Nigerian international as a “top player” and believes he has more to offer in English football. He feels Lookman’s return to the Premier League could be exactly what Arsenal need to push for the title.

Speaking on his podcast, Wright expressed hope that Arsenal will move quickly to bring him in. “I’d love to see him at Arsenal,” Wright said. “He’s got unfinished business in the Premier League, and I believe he can help us finally win the league.”

Wright also commended Lookman’s journey and growth, saying, “His progress has been amazing, and now he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves.”