INEOS in contact for £7.8m-a-year star who wants Man Utd move over Barcelona

Manchester United have made ‘first formal contact’ over a move to sign a star who wants to move to Old Trafford rather than Barcelona.

Man Utd looking to upgrade on Hojlund and Onana

It is shaping up to be a frantic few months in the transfer window for the Red Devils, with a major squad overhaul potentially on the cards ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

A plethora of players such as Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho have returned from loan spells and could be moved on permanently, whereas Matheus Cunha became United’s first summer signing.

More attacking additions are on the cards, with a replacement for Rasmus Hojlund being mentioned. The Denmark international has struggled for goals at Old Trafford and has been linked with a return to Serie A.

Huge Hojlund upgrade: Wilcox opens talks to sign "new Mbappe" for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 15, 2025

In fact, Amorim has reportedly made it clear that Hojlund doesn’t feature in his long-term Man Utd plans, with the club looking to sell the forward on a permanent basis, although an initial loan offer which includes an obligation to buy may also be considered.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are just two strikers who United have spoken about to solve their number nine issues.

Meanwhile, someone who has been heavily linked to replace Andre Onana is World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez.

Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now, there have been recent claims that the Aston Villa star wants to make the move to Old Trafford over the coming months. Now, a promising development has emerged regarding Man Utd and Martinez.

Man Utd make first contact for Emiliano Martinez

According to reports abroad, relayed by Sport Witness, Man Utd have now made ‘first formal contact’ to sign Martinez from Aston Villa.

It is reported that the Red Devils have approached Martinez’s agent over a deal as they want to make him first choice at Old Trafford over Onana.

They back up reports that Martinez is keen to stay in England despite interest from Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Galatasaray, who have also been in touch. However, with Martinez willing to snub a move to Spain and Turkey, it is added that this ‘further paves the way’ for Martinez to join United.

On £150,000-a-week at Villa Park which works out at £7.8m per season, Martinez’s last trip to Old Trafford was extremely eventful.

The Argentine received a red card on the final day of the 24/25 season as Villa failed to to qualify for the Champions League, and despite no European football being on offer at Old Trafford for now, he seems to be keen on a move to Manchester.

شوبير عن موقف الزمالك القانوني من أرض أكتوبر: الموضوع أصبح "سيادي"

واصل الإعلامي أحمد شوبير توضيح الحقائق المتعلقة بأزمة أرض نادي الزمالك، وموقف القلعة البيضاء، كاشفًا عن تفاصيل الخطابات الرسمية والإجراءات القانونية المتخذة، ومسار القضية على المستويين الحكومي والقضائي.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الأحد: “الدكتور كمال شعيب، المستشار القانوني لنادي الزمالك، قال لم يصل للنادي أي قرار بسحب الأرض سواء من وزارة الإسكان أو هيئة المجتمعات العمرانية أو جهاز مدينة حدائق أكتوبر”.

وتابع: “أنا هنا أنقل لك على لسان المستشار القانوني لنادي الزمالك، قال كما سبق التأكيد على خلاف ما ذكره البيان الأول للوزارة: الزمالك لم يخطر أو يتسلم أي خطاب يفيد تأخره في تنفيذ المشروع أو انتهاء مدة تنفيذ المشروع أو شروع الجهاز في اتخاذ إجراءات سحب الأرض”.

وأضاف: “وقال: الزمالك هو من سعى بحثًا عن حقيقة ومصير الخطاب الوارد ذكره في بيان الوزارة، وحصلنا على شهادة رسمية من الهيئة القومية للبريد المصري تفيد أن الزمالك لم يخطر أو يتسلم هذا الخطاب حتى تاريخ 1/9/2025”.

وواصل: “وقال: الخطاب الذي تسلمه الزمالك رسميًا بتاريخ 29/2/2025، خطاب قديم ومحرر بتاريخ 4/6/25 صادر من جهاز حدائق أكتوبر وليس له أي أثر قانوني لعدم تسليمه ووصوله للنادي إلا بعد فوات أكثر من ثلاثة أشهر، هذا الخطاب القديم لم يتضمن قرارًا بسحب الأرض، وما تضمنه من معلومات غير دقيقة وتم الرد عليه قانونيًا بموجب خطاب رسمي صادر من النادي مرفق به المستندات الدالة على صحة موقف النادي”.

وأوضح شوبير: “أنا سأقول لك القصة والمعلومات التي لدي، هذا الأمر تم تصعيده ووصل إلى مجلس الوزراء، وهناك وزير الإسكان هو المسؤول عن هذا الملف، الدكتور أشرف صبحي وزير الرياضة حاول بكل الطرق، لكن الموضوع لا يتعلق به بل بوزارة الإسكان التي تعرض الأمر على مجلس الوزراء”.

طالع أيضًا | إنفراجة في أزمة أرض الزمالك بعد جلسة مع وزير الإسكان

واستكمل: “بالإضافة إلى أنه بالفعل هناك بلاغات للسيادة النائب العام، وسيتم التحقيق فيها، والأمور تسير في هذا الأمر والزمالك نفسه موافق على هذا الطرح، وليس عنده مشكلة”.

وتابع: “إذاً لا أحد يستطيع أن يتكلم أو يحكي أو يستنتج، لماذا؟ لأن الموضوع قيد العرض، يعني في النهاية أنا عندي جهتين: جهة وزارة الإسكان التي تعرض على مجلس الوزراء، وجهة النيابة العامة، هل أنت حضرتك تعلم قرار وزارة الإسكان؟ مستحيل، هل ممكن أستبق تحقيقات النيابة؟ (يا سلام، ده أنا أبقى عنتر زماني) فمن فضلكم، إذا كان الكلام من فضة فالسكوت من ذهب”.

وأشار: “ولكن كلام الدكتور كمال شعيب كان مهم جدًا، لأنه هنا يوضح، قال: هناك خطاب وصل، لكن هذا الخطاب بتاريخ قديم، لذلك فالصمت في هذا الوقت هو الأفضل للجميع”.

وشدد: “ودعونا ننتظر ونرى، الزمالك متمسك بهذه الأرض، لأن مجلس إدارة النادي تعامل معها بمنطق استثماري، وكل الناس في الوسط الرياضي ترى أن هذا المشروع سينقل النادي نقلة كبيرة، ويضبط الأمور هناك بشكل جيد”.

وأردف: “(سيبكم من التحفيز والناس اللي شغالة على السوشيال ميديا، وده مش عارف بيتكلم على ده وبيتكلم على ده، أصلاً مالوش لازمة)، يا جماعة، الموضوع أصبح سيادي، مجلس وزراء، وزارة إسكان، نيابة عامة، فننتظر”.

واسترسل: “لو الأرض عادت للزمالك، مليون مرحبًا، ما المشكلة؟ بالعكس، إلا إذا الناس تريد التهريج، لكن أحيانًا التهريج عندما يزيد عن حدّه ينقلب ضده، أنا أفهم إنك كزملكاوي عندما يخسر الأهلي من بيراميدز تقيم الأفراح، هذه بالتأكيد منافسة، وأفهم إنك كأهلاوي عندما يخسر الزمالك من وادي دجلة تقيم الأفراح، هذا مقبول”.

واختتم: “لكن في الأمور الأساسية، الأمور التي من الممكن أن تصنع فتنة وتُثير أزمة، أنا صراحة لا أرى لها أي داع، هذه وجهة نظري، يعني دون أن يغضب مني أحد”.

He used to be at Spurs: Arsenal join race to sign £51m Saka & Gakpo hybrid

Even though Arsenal are blessed with an abundance of talented players, it’s not hard to pinpoint their most important: Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon has become a talisman for the club and a constant source of goals and assists from the right-hand side, racking up a sensational haul of 26 goal involvements in 37 games this season.

Yet, as unbelievably talented as the Englishman is, he cannot drag the Gunners to glory on his own, as even Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has an incredible supporting cast, including the likes of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and most crucially, this season, Cody Gakpo.

So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal to an attacker who’s been compared to Saka and the Flying Dutchman.

With their attack letting them down on several occasions this season, it’s not been a surprise to see Arsenal linked with a host of talented wingers this summer, such as Karou Mitoma and Rodrygo.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former could be available for around £80m and was able to rack up a tally of 15 goal involvements in 41 games this season, while the latter might cost as much as £77m but was even more effective, racking up a haul of 14 goals and 11 assists in 52 games.

Yet, there is another name that has entered the frame, a player who has Premier League experience and has been compared to Saka and Gakpo: Noni Madueke.

According to a recent report from the Telegraph, Arsenal are now one of several teams in the picture to sign the former Spurs academy star and Chelsea forward this summer.

The report claims that while the Blues do not want to sell the Englishman, there is a distinct possibility that he would be let go for the right price.

While that price is not mentioned in the story, reports from earlier this month claimed that a fee in the region of €60m, which is about £51m, could do the trick.

It might not be a transfer that is immediately popular with Arsenal fans, but Madueke has shown glimpses of quality in the Premier League, and the fact he’s been compared to Saka and Gakpo is undoubtedly intriguing.

How Madueke compares to Saka & Gakpo

So then, before going over some of the other reasons why Arsenal might want to sign Madueke this summer, it’s important to examine these comparisons and where they stem from.

Well, they both stem from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in the Premier League this season before making a list of the ten most comparable for each.

According to this list, Gakpo was the seventh most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Chelsea this season, while Saka was the tenth most similar.

Madueke & Saka

Statistics per 90

Madueke

Saka

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.61

0.71

Shots

3.54

3.44

Passing Accuracy

77.4%

75.5%

Passes into the Final Third

0.71

0.78

Tackles Won

0.80

0.78

Clearances

0.49

0.42

Successful Take-On %

44.1%

45.6%

Aerial Duels Won

0.49

0.52

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season

Now, the best way to understand how these conclusions were reached is by looking at some of the underlying numbers in which the players rank closely, and in the case of the Gunners’ talisman, that includes things like non-penalty expected goals plus assist, passing accuracy, passes into the final third, clearances, tackles won and more, all per 90.

In the case of the Eindhoven-born maestro, similar metrics include expected assists, live passes, carries, ball recoveries, goal-creating actions, and more, all per 90.

Madueke & Gakpo

Statistics per 90

Madueke

Gakpo

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.61

0.53

Passing Accuracy

77.4%

75.7%

Expected Assists

0.14

0.18

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.35

0.37

Live Passes

29.2

28.7

Goal-Creating Actions

0.35

0.37

Carries

28.4

28.1

Ball Recoveries

3.72

3.58

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season

However, it’s not just the comparisons to two of the best wingers in the league that should excite fans, as the “unbelievable” dynamo, as dubbed by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, has also been a relatively reliable source of goals and assists for the West Londoners.

For example, in 42 appearances this season, totalling 2513 minutes, the 23-year-old “mentality monster,” as dubbed by personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, scored 11 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to a goal involvement on average every 2.62 games, or every 157.06 minutes.

In comparison, Gabriel Martinelli racked up as many goal involvements in 51 appearances, totalling 3564 minutes, which comes out to a significantly worse average of a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or every 222.75 minutes.

Ultimately, while the price might be a little high, Madueke has the raw ability to make a difference for Arsenal, and the fact he’s been compared to players like Saka and Gakpo this season suggests as much.

Therefore, if the fee can be reduced somewhat, then this looks like a transfer worth chasing.

Big Martinelli upgrade: Arsenal start talks to sign "magnificent" £85m star

The incredible winger would add so much dynamism to Arsenal’s attack.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 20, 2025

Could be better than Elanga: Newcastle exploring move for "insane" winger

Newcastle United are finally making headway in the summer transfer window, with their long-game efforts to sign Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga finally coming to fruition.

The Tricky Trees don’t want to sell the right-sided forward, whose pacy and creative style of play has proved so instrumental in qualifying for European football against the odds, but then Newcastle have tabled a series of offers and are getting close to sealing the deal.

Though Eddie Howe will have been delighted with his side’s Premier League campaign last term, winning the Carabao Cup besides, there’s no question that improvements are needed. Newcastle have been trying to add some depth, but have been foiled in recent weeks.

Newcastle pushing to complete deals

Newcastle have been buffeted by setbacks in recent weeks, failing to convince Chelsea-signed Joao Pedro to join them after missing out on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Mbeumo

The latter has signed for Manchester United, while Brentford’s talisman has expressed his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer.

However, that could all change with Elanga. Although saying that, PIF won’t want more misery, and according to Sky Sports, are exploring a move for PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko as a contingency.

Johan Bakayoko for PSV

Bakayoko, 22, was wanted by Liverpool in a £43m deal last summer, and bears the thrilling approach which could see Howe hit the jackpot with a right-sided signing.

Why Newcastle want Johan Bakayoko

Though Elanga has established himself as one of the most exciting young wingers in the Premier League, he’s only scored 11 times across 82 matches for Nottingham Forest, assisting 21 further goals.

In Bakayoko, Newcastle could sign themselves a player of greater sharpness in the final third, one who could yet reach a much higher level.

PSV Eindhoven's JohanBakayokoin action

The Belgium international has made 131 appearances for PSV since graduating from the club’s youth academy, scoring 33 goals and supplying 22 assists for his teammates.

His recent Eredivisie campaign left something to be desired, but he has still demonstrated over the past couple of years an aptitude that puts him up there with the world’s most exciting prospects.

Matches (starts)

33 (29)

30 (17)

Goals

12

9

Assists

9

1

Shots (on target)*

2.9 (1.0)

2.0 (0.9)

Big chances missed

7

6

Pass completion

87%

86%

Big chances created

12

4

Key passes*

2.1

1.2

Dribbles*

2.8

1.6

Ball recoveries*

3.4

2.0

Tackles + interceptions*

1.3

0.9

Duels won*

4.7

2.8

Bakayoko’s development might have been stunted somewhat over the past year, but there’s no doubt that he’s one of the most exciting young wingers around, with a prolific potential which could see him eclipse Elanga, who is a talented player in his own right.

One theme across both Bakayoko’s league terms has been his keen-edged striking skills, with journalist Antonio Mango singling out his “clinical” qualities.

Partner this with his athleticism and playmaking and you’ve got yourself a winger who could become one of the finest in the business, worldwide.

Praised for an “insane” amount of talent by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bakayoko might be an unpolished gem but he is still a diamond of a prospect, one who could prove to be an upgrade on Elanga in the long run.

After all, he ranked among the top 6% of positional peers in the Netherlands’ top flight last year for goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 7% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

With Jacob Murphy playing so industriously for Howe, this might be the perfect move to make, adding depth and competition with a player who could skyrocket over the coming years.

Howe's next Tonali: Newcastle preparing bid for £43m "monster"

Newcastle may need to sign a midfielder this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 4, 2025

A better signing than Kudus: Spurs make enquiry for "incredible" £55m star

Tottenham Hotspur are a side that have fallen below the expectations set for them in the Premier League in recent years, as seen by their standings last campaign.

The Lilywhites ended the year in a measly 17th position, only one place above the relegation zone and becoming the first side to survive in the division after losing 22 matches.

As a result, Ange Postecoglou lost his job, with Thomas Frank the man tasked with building on their European triumph and transforming their league form.

The Dane has already wasted no time in the role in North London, targeting countless players who could help improve the current situation at the club.

Whilst no first team additions have yet been agreed, work has been conducted behind the scenes, in an attempt to catapult the side to added success in 2025/26.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player firmly on their radar in recent days, even making a £50m offer for the West Ham United star, but the offer was swiftly rejected.

The Ghanaian was said to be wanting a move to join Frank’s men this window and The Athletic’s David Ornstein has since revealed that a £55m total agreement has now been struck for the 24-year-old.

However, despite the interest in the former Ajax star, moves have been made elsewhere, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling once again in their sights, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He claims that the Lilywhites have made an approach for the 19-year-old star, despite suffering relegation back to the Championship with the Saints last season.

He also claims that Nottingham Forest and West Ham are other teams keeping tabs on the teenage star, who could be available for around £55m this summer.

Why Spurs’ £55m target could be a bigger talent than Kudus

Over the last couple of months, Spurs have showcased the attacking threat they possess, registering 64 goals in their 38 league outings last season.

Brennan Johnson ended the year as the club’s top scorer, notching 18 goals across all competitions, including in the Europa League final, subsequently ending the club’s 17-year drought.

Other players such as Dominic Solanke and James Maddison also managed to achieve double figures, highlighting the strength in depth currently at Frank’s disposal.

However, such depth clearly isn’t enough, especially considering the rumours around moves for Kudus and Dibling over the last couple of weeks.

Both would represent impressive options for the Dane, but given the nature of the fees touted for each player’s signature, it is crucial they land the right one during the off-season.

When comparing their respective stats from the Premier League last time out, the Saints’ youngster managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, despite the relegation – highlighting why he’d be a better addition.

Dibling, who’s been labelled “incredible” by former boss Ivan Juric, managed to register a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst matching the Hammers star for goals per shot on target – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses.

How Dibling compares to Kudus in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Dibling

Kudus

Games played

33

32

Goals & assists

2

8

Shot on target accuracy

32%

28%

Goal per shot on target

0.2

0.2

Progressive passes

3.1

2.7

Passes into final third

1.9

1.6

Carries into final third

2.4

2

Fouls won

2.4

2.2

Stats via FBref

He also managed to register more progressive passes per 90, and more passes into the final third, subsequently having the tools to provide some of the aforementioned talents with added opportunities in front of goal.

The teenager’s dominance doesn’t end there, producing a higher tally of carries into the final third, whilst also drawing more fouls – showcasing the threat he poses to the opposition at any given time.

Whilst £55m may appear to be a huge risk for such a young talent, he’s already showcased he can thrive despite featuring for a side who fell well below the expectations set in 2024/25.

There’s no denying that Kudus would also represent an excellent pickup, but ultimately, Dibling has already outperformed him and has the tools to rapidly develop further, given his tender age.

Spurs eyeing "immense" £40m Kudus alternative who'd be their own Rodrygo

Spurs are looking at a £40m alternative to Kudus.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 9, 2025

The next Jota: Celtic are now attempting to sign "very exciting" £3.2m star

Celtic’s hectic pre-season schedule continues.

First, Brendan Rodgers’ side enjoyed victories over both Queen’s Park and Cork City, with Johnny Kenny the only scorer at Lesser Hampden, before young defender Colby Donovan was the late match-winner at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday.

After that, the Hoops travelled to Portugal, defeated 3-2 by Estrela da Amadora in Seixal, just outside Lisbon, on Saturday; Reo Hatate and Adam Idah the goalscorers.

So, before facing Portuguese champions Sporting CP at Estádio Algarve on Wednesday, could the Celts add another Portuguese player to their squad?

Celtic's latest transfer target

Somewhat surprisingly, just three Portuguese players have ever played for Celtic and, as the table below notes, two are in the current squad.

Jorge Cadete

Sporting CP

1996-97

49

Jota

Benfica

2021-23 & 25-present

99

Paulo Bernardo

Benfica

2023-present

77

Jorge Cadete made an enormous impact at Celtic in the late-90s, scoring 38 goals in 49 appearances for the club, before being sold to Celta de Vigo.

Meantime, Jota and Paulo Bernardo remain key figures in the current Celtic side, even if the former is sidelined long-term due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, so could another Portuguese youngster be about to arrive?

Former Celtic winger Jota.

Well, according to a report by Portuguese newspaper Record, Celtic are ‘fighting’ to sign Flávio Nazinho this summer, with Roma and Real Sociedad amongst those also interested.

Nazinho is a 21-year-old left-back who began his senior career at Sporting CP, his debut coming against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in November 2021.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, after only accumulating 11 appearances for the Green and Whites, totalling 383 minutes, he joined Cercle Brugge, initially on loan, before the deal was made permanent for €1m (£860k) last summer.

Well, since then, according to Football Transfers, his value has increased exponentially, now worth around £3.2m, so could he join yet another side whose home kit prominently features green?

Why Flávio Nazinho would be a success at Celtic

The young defender’s career has really taken off since moving to Cercle Brugge, making 62 appearances for the Green and Blacks, a key figure as they qualified for a UEFA group stage for the very first time.

One content creator labelled him a “very exciting” full-back who is “quick” and “doesn’t shy away from a tackle”.

Meantime, Ross Pilcher of the Daily Record believes he would be the perfect deputy to Kieran Tierney at left-back, given the returning hero’s injury record, with Rodgers searching for a reliable back-up, following Greg Taylor’s move to PAOK.

Could Nazinho be just that? Well, let’s assess his statistics in last season’s Jupiler Pro League to find out.

Minutes

1,172

185th

Progressive passes

25

37th

Shot-creating actions

53

66th

Goal-creating actions

7

34th

Tackles

36

87th

% of dribblers tackled

68.8%

17th

Take-on success %

57.7%

29th

The table outlines that Nazinho is a well-rounded player, ranking generally highly in terms of passing, chances created, tackling and take-ons.

This is despite his limited minutes due to a hamstring injury, as well as the fact that he was playing for the team that ultimately finished third-bottom, only retaining their top-flight status by beating Patro Eisden Maasmechelen in a play-off; Nazhino scoring during the second leg at Jan Breydelstadion.

​​​​​​

When Jota arrived at Celtic, he had failed to make the breakthrough at Benfica and then endured a miserable loan spell at Real Valladolid, before only flourishing once he was signed by Ange Postecoglou.

Well, Nazinho has a lot more senior experience right now than Jota did when he first joined four years ago, suggesting the full-back could be the next young player to burst onto the scene in Glasgow’s East End.

Celtic could land better winger than Balikwisha in "electric" £3.5m star

Celtic could land an even better signing than Michel-Ange Balikwisha by swooping for this star.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 11, 2025

Rahul, Pant, Suryakumar, Gill set to play Duleep Trophy

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah won’t be available for India’s season-opening Duleep Trophy from September 5, ESPNcricinfo understands. The teams for the tournament will be picked later this month by the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar. However, most other centrally-contracted players are set to feature in the four-team competition.Among those who will be keenly watched are KL Rahul, who missed four of the five England Tests earlier this year due to injury, and Rishabh Pant, who could be featuring in his first red-ball game since returning to full fitness following a car accident in December 2022. Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Suryakumar Yadav and Rajat Patidar are some of the others specialist batters likely to be picked across the four teams.There is also a possibility that Mohammed Shami, who is nearing full fitness, will be asked to play in one of the matches to prove match fitness. Shami is currently in his last stages of rehab at the NCA in Bengaluru and has slowly eased into greater bowling workloads over the past week.Related

  • Pant to make red-ball comeback with Duleep Trophy; Shami not picked

  • Saha looks to wipe slate clean with Bengal: 'I want to help in any capacity possible'

  • 'Want to play for India in all three formats' – Suryakumar hopes to make a Test comeback

  • India hope Shami will be ready for Tests against Bangladesh

With India set to play 10 Tests over the next five months – five at home and five in Australia – the senior players will be given an extended break leading into the first of those assignments, the two-Test series against Bangladesh, starting in Chennai on September 19.One of the two Duleep Trophy games that will be held simultaneously from September 5 is likely to be moved from Anantapur to Bengaluru owing to logistical considerations. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has been sounded out informally to be available to host the fixture.The move to have several contracted players feature in the competition is in line with the BCCI’s push towards ensuring domestic cricket is prioritised. In February, secretary Jay Shah had sent out a letter that prioritising IPL over domestic cricket would lead to “severe implications”, which had later led to Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan losing their central contracts after they missed some of the Ranji Trophy games just before the IPL.Originally a zonal competition picked by a convener from each of the six zones (North, South, East, West, Central and North-East), the format of the Duleep Trophy was tweaked prior to this season, upon the recommendation of a BCCI working group comprising former head coach Rahul Dravid, NCA chief VVS Laxman, Agarkar and BCCI general manager Abey Kuruvilla.One of the reasons for this move was to ensure the selectors are able to give a wider pool of players, including those in the targeted group, enough opportunities heading into India’s Test season. The four-team tournament is set to run until September 22 with each side set to play the other three in a round-robin format. The topper at the end of the standings will be the winner.

Bangladesh Test squad to arrive four days ahead of schedule in Pakistan

The team was invited to train in Lahore and Rawalpindi by the PCB because of the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh

Mohammad Isam10-Aug-2024The Bangladesh senior men’s team is set to arrive in Lahore on August 13, four days before their scheduled arrival, for a two-Test series. The team will train for three days each at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium before the first Test in Rawalpindi from August 21.The players’ preparations had been disrupted as a result of the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. The overseas coaching staff of the team also couldn’t join the players at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka last week because of security concerns. BCB is currently following up with the coaches’ respective embassies for security clearances.The departure ahead of schedule came after an invitation from the PCB to the BCB to ensure the visiting players have “adequate and fair training opportunities” ahead of the Tests.Related

Mushfiqur, Taskin back in Bangladesh Test squad for Pakistan series

BCB set to meet new sports head as calls for reform grow louder

Naseem back in Test squad, Shakeel named vice-captain for Bangladesh series

Bangladesh in turmoil: how will cricket be impacted?

“Sports is not only about winning and losing, it’s also about [camaraderie],” Salman Naseer, PCB chief operating officer, said in a statement. “I remain confident that the extra training sessions in Lahore will allow the players to showcase their best skills and talent on the global stage.”The Bangladesh players have been training individually at the Shere Bangla under coach Shohel Islam for the last three days.”We thank the PCB for giving the Bangladesh cricket team the opportunity to have additional training in Pakistan,” BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said in a statement. “This will certainly help the players to [acclimatise] to the conditions and prepare better for the ICC World Test Championship series.”Bangladesh’s Test cricketers had a training camp in Chattogram that was disrupted because of the anti-government protests across the country last month. There have been political rallies inside the Shere Bangla premises, too.The BCB ended up managing to send the high-performance team to Australia, and the Bangladesh A team to Pakistan. The latter’s departure was delayed by a few days, and the team reached Islamabad on Saturday. Bangladesh A will play two four-day matches and three one-day matches in Pakistan, which will run alongside the senior team’s Test matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi. The Bangladesh squad for the Tests is expected to be announced on Sunday.

Arsenal in advanced talks for player with 5-year deal "already agreed"

Arsenal are reportedly closing in on another potential signing for manager Mikel Arteta, and there is an apparent sense inside the Emirates Stadium that they could be within touching distance of securing the deal.

Arsenal have "submitted an offer" to sign "strong" £30m Premier League star

The north Londoners are opening talks.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 2, 2025

New sporting director Andrea Berta has already made a real splash since officially replacing his long-serving predecessor, Edu, in late March.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Arsenal confirmed the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga in a £5 million deal earlier this week, and he’s poised to be followed by Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who will likely be confirmed in the next few days (Sky Sports).

Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera remains in talks to join Arteta’s side after the Gunners saw their opening bid rejected (Fabrizio Romano), but it could be done soon alongside Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard, who’s set to replace Thomas Partey in midfield.

Berta is also keen to reinforce the attacking midfield area across multiple positions, with both Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and Chelsea winger Noni Madueke on the radar as two completely separate deals.

The ambition on show from Arsenal is nothing short of stupendous, and it is a clear signal of their determination to end the club’s long wait for a Premier League title.

However, the success of their window is likely to be determined by the result of their chase for a new striker.

Arsenal in "advanced talks" for Viktor Gyokeres with five-year contract "agreed"

Now, according to Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, making a bold statement on X, they’ve now made serious headway when it comes to a potential deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

Viktor Gyokeres celebrating.

The Swede has been central to a public fallout with his club, and the situation is getting toxic amid club president Frederico Varandas’ repeated swipes at Gyokeres’ agent.

Gyokeres has even threatened to speak to the media if this continues, according to newspaper Record, but Tavolieri insists that Arsenal are now really getting somewhere in pursuit of a deal for the 27-year-old after months of rumoured talks.

As per the reporter, Arsenal are now in “advanced talks” for Gyokeres, and they’ve “already agreed” terms on a five-year contract with the former Coventry City star.

Sporting are reportedly demanding around £69 million to sell Gyokeres, while Arsenal apparently aim to get it done for around £60 million (Ben Jacobs), so there could still be some way to go in club-to-club talks.

He would be a blockbuster signing after spending the last two years free-scoring in the Primeira Liga, and you can make a case that Gyokeres is precisely the lethal goal-getter who Arsenal have been crying out for.

فيديو | الدفاع لا يكفي.. محمد صلاح يقود ليفربول لفوز قاتل على بيرنلي في الدوري الإنجليزي

خاض فريق ليفربول، عصر يوم الأحد، مباراته في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26، ضد خصمه فريق بيرنلي على ملعب الأخير.

واستضاف ملعب “تورف مور” مباراة فريقي ليفربول وبيرنلي، في إطار منافسات الجولة الرابعة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث حقق الريدز فوزًا قاتلًا بهدف دون رد. هدف فوز ليفربول القاتل على بيرنلي في الدوري الإنجليزي

وحاول كودي جاكبو تهديد مرمى بيرنلي، في الدقيقة الخامسة من عمر الشوط الأول، حيث سدد كرة ولكنها بعيدة خارج الملعب، لتتحول إلى ضربة مرمى للخصم.

وكاد بيرنلي أن يباغت ليفربول بهدف أول، عن طريق هجمة مرتدة في الدقيقة السابعة، ووصلت الكرة إلى جيدون أنتوني الذي سددها أعلى العارضة.

وسدد إبراهيما كوناتي كرة رأسية في الدقيقة 12 من عمر الشوط الأول، بعد ركنية، ولكن فرصته اعتلت المرمى.

وتوقفت المباراة لبضع لحظات بعدما تعرض أليكسيس ماك أليستر لتدخل قوي من لاعب بيرنلي، شيموانيا أوجوشوكو، حيث تحصل الأخير على بطاقة صفراء إثر ذلك.

وطالب ميلوس كيركيز بالحصول على بطاقة صفراء في الدقيقة 22، بداعِ العرقلة، ولكن الحكم مايكل أوليفر منحه الإنذار للتمثيل.

وقرر المدرب آرني سلوت استبدال كيركيز في الدقيقة 38 والدفع بزميله آندي روبرتسون، خشية حصول الأول على بطاقة صفراء ثانية من ثم الطرد.

وسدد ريان جرافنبيرخ كرة قوية تجاه مرمى بيرنلي، في الدقيقة 47، ولكن الكرة اعتلت المرمى، في فرصة خطيرة مبكرة لـ ليفربول في الشوط الثاني.

وكاد دومينيك سوبوسلاي أن يسجل هدفًا مميزًا لصالح ليفربول، في الدقيقة 59، بعد تسديدة صاروخية للكرة ولكن حارس بيرنلي تألق وتصدى لها، لتتحول إلى ركلة ركنية.

وسنحت فرصة لـ كييزا، بعد دقيقة من نزوله كبديله، حيث سدد كرة رأسية في الدقيقة 72، ولكنها مرت بجوار المرمى، وسط غضب شديد من اللاعب الإيطالي.

واضطر بيرنلي إلى اللعب بـ10 لاعبين فقط منذ الدقيقة 85 بعد حصول لاعب الفريق شيموانيا أوجوشوكو على بطاقة صفراء ثانية ومن ثم الحمراء.

وقرر المدرب آرني سلوت الدفع بالثنائي جيريمي فريمبونج وريو نجوموها، في الدقيقة 84، بدلًا من كل من فلوريان فيرتز وإبراهيما كوناتي.

وكاد فريمبونج أن يسجل هدفًا بعد تمريرة من نجوموها، ولكن حارس مرمى بيرنلي تصدى ببراعة في الدقيقة 93.

وتحصل ليفربول على ضربة جزاء قاتلة في الدقيقة 95 بعد اصطدام الكرة باللاعب التونسي حنبعل المجبري، ونفذها النجم المصري محمد صلاح بنجاح، ليحولها إلى هدف فوز قاتل.

بتلك النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد ليفربول إلى 12 نقطة في صدارة الدوري الإنجليزي، بينما تجمد رصيد بيرنلي عند 3 نقاط في المركز السابع عشر.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus