Arsenal are primed to go again next season, sights set on the biggest prizes. Mikel Arteta’s transfer efforts this summer certainly speak of ambition.

And there’s more still to come, even after deals for free-scoring striker Viktor Gyokeres and up-and-coming defender Cristian Mosquera are wrapped up, as is expected.

There’s space for a few more forwards, and the depth of such plans will become clearer upon the resolutions to the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, both wide forwards rumoured to be expendable.

A playmaker would also go down well in north London. Arsenal had registered their interest in RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, but the Dutchman has instead been at the centre of Chelsea’s advancements, with that one now in the pipeline.

However, with Martin Odegaard settled in his senior role, Arteta will want to consider the ramifications a big-money signing might have on some of the exciting up-and-coming prospects.

Arsenal's teenage talents

Arsenal commenced their pre-season tour in Asia with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. A familiar scoreline, but also new parts which demonstrate Arteta’s vision advancing to the next stage.

Bukayo Saka being the goalscorer is nothing new, but the likes of Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri’s starring roles highlight the next batch of elite Hale End prospects arriving at Arteta’s door.

We, of course, know all about Nwaneri, he who emerged onto the scene as a youngster and settled into a role of seniority last year, scoring nine goals and supplying two assists across 37 matches in all competitions.

Against Milan this week, the 18-year-old operated from a central playmaking berth, and it made an interesting comment on his positional value away from the right wing.

However, Dowman made his senior debut against the Italians, emerging from the bench and replacing Saka beyond the hour mark. A symbolic switch if ever there was one.

Where Dowman, 15, is best suited positionally remains to be seen, but after Arteta hailed the attacking midfielder’s “incredible” first taste of action, the outfit will want to be wary of hampering his development.

Arsenal lining up another attacking midfielder

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal chiefs are locked in talks with the entourage of Eberechi Eze, who has immortalised himself at Crystal Palace after scoring the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup final.

The 27-year-old has a £60m release clause in his contract and the Gunners are the firm favourites to complete a deal, should he be on the move this summer.

Eze, an England international of growing importance, could find himself at the centre of a concrete bid from Arsenal in short time, now that a move for Gyokeres has been wrapped up.

Why Arsenal want Eberechi Eze

In 2020, Eze joined Crystal Palace from Queens Park Rangers in the Championship for a £20m fee. He has since become “one of the best players in the Premier League”, in the words of teammate Tyrick Mitchell, posting 40 goals and 28 assists across 148 matches for the Eagles.

Eberechi Eze’s Crystal Palace by Season (all comps)

Season

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25

43 (40)

14

11

23/24

31 (26)

11

6

22/23

40 (30)

10

4

21/22

19 (7)

1

1

20/21

36 (31)

3

6

Data via Transfermarkt

The Three Lions star is something special, all right, with his strong athletic build and winged feet making him a dangerous opponent for even the sternest defenders.

As per FBref, Eze ranked among the top 20% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90.

His average of 1.7 key passes, two dribbles and 4.8 successful duels per Premier League game last season, as per Sofascore, furthers the argument that he’s exactly what Arteta needs to add a dimension and ensure that the biggest prizes across multiple fronts can be chased next term.

The problem is that Eze’s arrival would spark congestion in the creative midfield position for Arsenal, and this could lead to the stunting of Dowman’s growth. Nwaneri’s midfield role against Milan suggests his future lies in the middle, while the acquisition of Noni Madueke will surely see him play on the right, Dowman’s other preferred role.

And given the prodigious potential that Arteta has in the teenage superstar, is this really the course of action that the club wants to head down?

Of course, some would argue that Dowman must be eased onto the major stage over the next few years, allowed to grow into his skin without the weight of responsibility that could foil so many youngsters.

But Odegaard is set to continue as the Emirates creator-in-chief over the coming years, and Nwaneri could be his deputy for an age.

Given that Dowman is so ilky and fleet-footed on the ball, bearing an age-belying confidence, you could make the comparison between him and Eze, so there is the fact that he would emerge onto the scene and be impeded by a more accomplished and complete positional rival who has a similar style of play.

And if Arsenal do push ahead with the signing of an out-and-out winger, which is a separate focus to that of Eze, then it would make sense for the Palace man to operate chiefly within a central berth. Thus, Dowman would indeed find himself further down the pecking order than he might hope for.

There’s no question that Eze is a “superstar”, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson, but is his signature really needed? It might feel like this is so, but Dowman is one of the most talented teenagers in world football, and he could break through to the Arsenal first team sooner rather than later.

Related More exciting than Gyokeres: Romano reveals Arsenal's new "top target"

The sensational game-changer would be an incredible signing for Arsenal.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 24, 2025

كشفت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز قائمة المرشحين للحصول على جائزة أفضل لاعب في الجولة الخامسة من منافسات البطولة، والتي بدأت يوم السبت وانتهت مساء أمس.

وحقق ليفربول فوزه الخامس على التوالي في الموسم الحالي من الدوري الإنجليزي على إيفرتون بهدفين لهدف، بينما اكتفى آرسنال بنقطة تعادل أمام مانشستر سيتي بهدف لمثله.

اقرأ أيضًا.. سكاي: محمد صلاح فرصة الدوري الإنجليزي للتتويج بجائزة الكرة الذهبية 2025

وتعرض تشيلسي للهزيمة أمام مانشستر يونايتد بهدفين لهدف في الجولة نفسها، في حين أن توتنهام تعادل مع برايتون بهدفين لمثليهما.

ولم يتواجد النجم المصري محمد صلاح في قائمة المرشحين لجائزة أفضل لاعب في الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي، مع العلم أنه شارك في مباراة ليفربول وإيفرتون وصنع هدفًا بطريقة رائعة. المرشحون لجائزة أفضل لاعب في الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي

1- جيريمي دوكو:

على الرغم من أن مانشستر سيتي استقبل هدف التعادل في الوقت بدل الضائع ضد آرسنال، إلا أن دوكو تألق مجددًا بأداء حيوي كجناح، وجعل مهمة دفاع آرسنال صعبة أمامه، حيث اندفع للأمام بسرعة ومهارة.

ورغم أنه لم يسجل أي هدف، إلا أن إبداع دوكو وأسلوب لعبه المباشر مثلا تحديًا مستمرًا لخط دفاع ميكيل أرتيتا، ومنح فريق بيب جوارديولا منفذًا هجوميًا حيويًا.

2- مارتن دوبرافكا:

قدم حارس مرمى بيرنلي أداءً رائعًا ولعب دورًا حاسمًا في مباراة تعادلهم مع نونتينجهام فورست، وكانت تصدياته السبع حاسمة في مساعدة فريق سكوت باركر على حصد نقطة مهمة والتقدم إلى المركز السادس عشر في جدول الترتيب.

3- برونو فرنانديز: 

احتفل بظهوره رقم 200 في الدوري الإنجليزي بهدف مميز ساهم في فوز مانشستر يونايتد الذي كان في أمس الحاجة إليه على ملعب أولد ترافورد ضد تشيلسي، وكان محوريًا في هجوم فريقه طوال المباراة، حيث قاد زملائه برؤيته الثاقبة وقوته المعهودة.

4- ريان جرافنبيرخ:

واصل ليفربول بدايته المثالية للموسم بأداء رائع في ديربي ميرسيسايد ضد إيفرتون، حيث برز فيه تأثير لاعب خط الوسط ريان جرافنبيرخ، الذي سجل هدف الفريق الأول بتسديدة على الطائر متقنة بعد عرضية رائعة من محمد صلاح، كما صنع الهدف الثاني لـ هوجو إيكتيكي بعد مجهود فردي رائع.

5- أليكس أيوبي:

لعب إيوبي دورًا حاسمًا في فوز فولهام الثاني هذا الموسم، حيث سجل هدف التعادل ضد برينتفورد، وأعاد الزخم إلى فريقه قبل أن يحقق الفوز في النهاية، ويساهم في قيادة الفريق إلى المركز الثامن في الجدول.

6- تيريك ميتشل:

سجل الظهير الأيسر هدف الفوز الحاسم لـ كريستال بالاس أمام وست هام، معززًا سلسلة فريقه الخالية من الهزائم إلى 17 مباراة في جميع المسابقات، وهي سلسلة بدأت منذ أبريل الماضي.

7- نوردي موكيلي:

حصد سندرلاند نقطة ثمينة أخرى على أرضه، بعد تعادله مع أستون فيلا بهدف لمثله، بفضل صمود المدافع الفرنسي موكيلي بعد أن لعب بعشرة لاعبين عقب طرد رينيلدو ماندافا، حيث أظهر قيادته وثباته في تنظيم خط الدفاع، وقام بعدة تدخلات حاسمة حرمت الخصم من فرص تسجيل سهلة.

8- أنطون ستاخ:

واصل لاعب الوسط الألماني تألقه منذ انضمامه إلى ليدز هذا الصيف، ولعب دورًا محوريًا في تحقيق فوزهم الثاني هذا الموسم خلال مباراة ولفرهامبتون في تلك الجولة، حيث سجل الهدف الثالث من تسديدة رائعة من ركلة حرة سكنت الزاوية العليا للشباك، كما كان نشاطه حيويًا في خط الوسط.

Sri Lanka have a problem of plenty. This is not something that has been true for Sri Lanka Test sides in recent years. Even stranger, the kind of players they have too many are seam bowlers.In their most recent Test at The Oval, Sri Lanka’s quartet of quicks decked England for 156 in the third innings and swung the whole match around. Now, at Galle, one of the most reliably dry tracks in the world, they can’t play four specialist quicks. In fact, they have to drop half their frontline attack.Sri Lanka’s interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya spoke about the sensitivity with which they had to approach the omission of Milan Rathnayake, who in his debut series not only took 11 wickets but also produced decent innings, making 72 at Old Trafford and 43 at Lord’s.Related

• Was Milan Rathnayake's 74 in Manchester the highest on Test debut from No. 9?

• Can New Zealand outspin Sri Lanka in Galle?

• Southee pleased with depth, variety in New Zealand's attack

“When you come to the matter of a third fast bowler, you are talking about someone who is one of our best,” Jayasuriya said. “In the last series he [Rathnayake] not only bowled well, he batted very well too. But in Galle you have to bring spinners for the balance of the side.”The seamers make way for the return of the spinners – Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis.’We have to mention Milan specifically, because the things he did on his first tour should be appreciated,” Jayasuriya said. “He played like a mature cricketer. Unfortunately we can’t bring Milan into this XI. We can only play two quicks. Everyone knows what the Galle pitch is like. We already have filled those spots with our two best quicks: Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara.”But Milan doesn’t go out of the side having done anything wrong. I’ve spoken to him personally and impressed on him that these are the reasons, so that he knows for sure. Other players also know that he’s gone out of the side having done well.”Left-armer Vishwa Fernando, the other seamer to be omitted from the XI, had also been excellent at The Oval, bowling one of the most memorable spells of the series. He’s taken 21 wickets at an average of 21.61 this year, but will not play in Galle, with the express pace of Kumara preferred.Sri Lanka’s other conundrum is the wicketkeeping spot. Dinesh Chandimal started as keeper in their last match at The Oval, but appeared to suffer a back injury while keeping in the second innings of that game. In the first match of that series, he’d also been hit on the thumb and as such been unable to keep wickets for several days after.Chandimal will now be moved up to No. 3, however, while Kusal Mendis takes the gloves and moves down the order, possibly to No. 7.”Chandimal won’t keep, and that’s the team’s decision,” Jayasuriya said. “We had to figure out who will come out at No. 3, and it’s very tough for a No. 3 batter to keep wickets. Chandimal has taken the responsibility to bat at No. 3, and he’s doing that for the team and for the country. We have to look after him and give him that confidence.”The batting order Sri Lanka have settled on is to bring Kamindu Mendis, whose batting proficiency was thought by some to be wasted somewhat at No. 7, will now come up to No. 5, where Chandimal used to bat. Meanwhile Kusal takes Kamindu’s old spot.”We talked a lot about how we go about this, because it’s a complicated decision. We talked to Chandimal. Moving him up meant we had to bring someone else into the middle order. If we can bring a wicketkeeper to the lower middler order, that’s the best for this team in terms of balance.”

He made an unbeaten 112 off 81 balls and Lizaad Williams picked up three wickets as South Africa won by 174 runs

Abhimanyu Bose04-Oct-2024

Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 112 off 81 balls, his maiden ODI century•Cricket Ireland

Tristan Stubbs’ maiden ODI century set South Africa up for a 174-run win that gave them an unassailable 2-0 series lead against Ireland. Stubbs followed up his maiden ODI fifty in the last game with an unbeaten 81-ball 112 that powered South Africa to 343 for 4 after they won the toss in Abu Dhabi. Lizaad Williams then picked up three wickets, all with the new ball, effectively shutting Ireland out of the contest within the first 10 overs of their chase.Ireland slid to 117 for 9 and it took the third-highest 10th-wicket stand in Ireland’s history, between Graham Hume and Craig Young, to take them to 169.Stubbs came in to bat in the 24th over with South Africa 136 for 2, although he was effectively batting at No. 5 with Temba Bavuma having retired hurt after injuring his left elbow.Stubbs started briskly and his partner Kyle Verreynne picked up the pace after he had been part of a 58-run stand with Rassie van der Dussen.Verreynne, drafted into the XI for the injured Tony de Zorzi, took on anything short, as he pulled Gavin Hoey for four before playing a short-arm jab through midwicket off Mark Adair.Two balls later, Stubbs also pulled Adair for his first boundary.Then, in the 32nd over, Verreynne again pulled Adair for four to bring up his half-century as well as the fifty-run stand.As Ireland looked at different options for a breakthrough, Stubbs punched Hume through cover before playing a back-foot punch over cover for six off a Hoey half-tracker.The duo put away a couple more short balls before Verreynne danced down the track to McBrine only to miss the ball and be stumped.There was a period of 28 balls without a boundary that followed, before Stubbs scooped Hume in the 43rd over to get to 70.Wiaan Mulder put a couple of short balls away in the next two overs Hume conceded 18 in the 46th, with Stubbs accounting for 17 of them. He hit him over midwicket for two sixes, with a flicked four sandwiched in between.Stubbs got an outside edge for four in the 48th to take him to 99 before a single brought up the century. He hit two more boundaries either side of Mulder clearing long-on and then picking out the fielder there to fall for 43.Adair gave away just five runs in the 50th over, but South Africa already seemed to have more than enough runs in the tank.This was only the third time in men’s ODIs that the top six of a team had each made 35 or more.Lizaad Williams was among the wickets again•Cricket Ireland

Williams, fresh off a four-for in the first ODI, gave South Africa their first breakthrough in the second over, as Andy Balbirnie got an inside edge that deflected onto the stumps off his pads.Paul Stirling started the next over by creaming Lungi Ngidi through cover before the fast bowler got a length ball to jag in sharply from outside off to crash into leg stump.Harry Tector and Curtis Campher rebuilt with a run-a-ball stand of 37, before Williams struck twice in two balls, getting Campher to edge behind before trapping Stephen Doheny in front. Doheny reviewed only for ball-tracking to show the ball clipping leg stump for umpire’s call.Ottneil Baartman then invited Tector to drive away from his body and induced an edge that Rickelton gobbled up. Ireland had lost half their side inside the 10th over, with only 50 runs on the board.George Dockrell then chipped Andile Phehlukwayo to mid-on in the 13th over as Ireland slipped towards another thrashing. Adair hit two fours and a six before he holed out trying to clear the ropes again to give Mulder his first wicket. Andy McBrine and Gavin Hoey stuck around, with the young legspinner hitting Mulder over cover for six to take Ireland past 100 in the 22nd over.They picked up a boundary each off Bjorn Fortuin before McBrine missed a reverse-sweep off the spinner to be trapped lbw.Hoey got a top edge for another four before holing out to deep midwicket off Ngidi next ball.Hume and Young then put on 52 to delay the inevitable, with Hume hitting two sixes and Young grabbing three fours and a six before Fortuin wrapped up the win for South Africa.Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma added 68 runs for the first wicket•Cricket Ireland

South Africa started steady after winning the toss, with Ryan Rickelton carrying on from where he left off in the first ODI and Bavuma looking sharp after getting out cheaply in that game.Bavuma shuffled down the crease to flick Hume through midwicket in the fourth over for South Africa’s first boundary, and Rickelton then flicked Adair over midwicket for two boundaries in the next over.Bavuma then slapped Craig Young in front of point before coming down the track to Adair to lift him over mid-off.The two cashed in on the final over of the powerplay, with Rickelton hitting Young over long-off for six before Bavuma flicked him over midwicket for another.Bavuma then got injured in the 12th over as he dived to complete a single. He received treatment on his left elbow and resumed at the non-striker’s end, but retired hurt two balls later, ending the opening stand at 68.Rickelton slapped Campher through the off side for another boundary before offering Campher a return catch to fall ten runs short of what would have been back-to-back half-centuries.Van der Dussen and Verreynne then took over, as they both picked up boundaries off Campher. Verreynne survived a stumping chance on 11, with Doheny slow to take the bails off as McBrine sent one down the leg side.The two brought up their half-century stand before Hoey got van der Dussen to inside-edge a wrong’un onto the stumps off his foot for his maiden ODI wicket.

In an attempt to finally get their summer transfer business underway, Fulham are now reportedly set to make a formal approach to sign a Premier League rival.

Fulham get pre-season underway

Their summer business may not be underway just yet, but Fulham have officially commenced their pre-season schedule. The Cottagers most recently defeated West Bromwich Albion courtesy of Emile Smith Rowe’s effort and are set to travel to Portugal, where they will square off against Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.

Meanwhile, the most important business at Craven Cottage so far this summer has come internally. Having managed to keep hold of Marco Silva at the end of last season, the West London club have since announced new deals for captain Tom Cairney and young star Josh King. Cairney was one who looked particularly likely to leave, before putting pen to paper to end any speculation.

The experienced midfielder told Fulham’s official website after the news of his deal was revealed: “I’m happy to sign for another year at this amazing football club, I’m delighted. It feels brilliant. It feels right. It’s always been home.

“I’ve fully enjoyed the last three years in the Premier League, contributing on and off the pitch, and I just want to help take this Club as far as I can. I’ll always try and do that.”

Muniz replacement: Fulham now make approach to sign £25m "top striker"

The Cottagers have now made contact over a deal for a centre-forward.

ByDominic Lund Jul 9, 2025

The focus for Fulham should now turn towards summer arrivals. As impressive as Silva’s side were last season – finishing as high as 11th – they’ll have their sights set on breaking into the top-half for the first time in two seasons when the next campaign gets underway.

It looks as though things are now finally beginning to emerge on that front too, with one Premier League rival now in Fulham’s sights.

Fulham set to make first Dewsbury-Hall approach

According to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, Fulham are expected to make a formal approach for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall if they believe that a deal is viable with London rivals Chelsea. The midfielder has struggled for minutes ever since arriving at Stamford Bridge, but could now cross the divide to get back to his best.

Despite a frustrating first season in the Premier League, Dewsbury-Hall still managed five goals and four assists in all competitions and even earned the praise of Enzo Maresca along the way.

The Chelsea boss told reporters: “I am very happy for Kiernan. He is now much better compared to the start of the season, probably because he is understanding his role. He is working very well every day in training, even if he doesn’t get many minutes in the Premier League.

“It’s not easy to work every day with the same intention, but he is working fantastic. He showed how important he can be for us, and hopefully he can be even more important from now on.”

Their unbroken 195-run stand lifted India from 144 for 6 on an unusual day of Test cricket in India

Sidharth Monga19-Sep-20241:39

Why did India’s top order struggle in the first session?

On a day that many rhythms of Test cricket in India were meddled with, one incontrovertible truth of India’s recent dominant era remained steadfast: teams can compete with the India batters but don’t have the depth to outdo their lower-middle order. Who knows if Chennai boy R Ashwin, who turned 38 two days before the Test, will play another Test in Chennai? Or indeed the Chennai Super King Ravindra Jadeja? If it is their last, they started the first day in style, rescuing India from 144 for 6 with an unbroken 195-run partnership.Among the two nearly inseparable spin twins, Ashwin was the better batter on the day as he scored his sixth Test hundred, leaving his fellow Chennai people in awe at the rasping shots whose sound reverberated in the stands. Jadeja wasn’t much behind, though, ending the day unbeaten on 86.The pain of watching an Indian seventh wicket breaking their hearts might not be something new for Bangladesh but the way they got to the seventh wicket was unlike any other Test day in recent memory. For the first time in seven years, a side chose to bowl in a Test in India involving India. Even India said they would have done the same. And not because the preparation of the pitch had been hampered by rain: this slightly green, damp pitch was created by design during a week in which temperature records have been broken in Chennai.The overcast sky only reassured the sides it was worth risking batting last in India. Then a Vernon Philander-like, wobble-seam line-and-length bowler, Hasan Mahmud, wrecked the top order with gentle seam movement. India recovered briefly from 34 for 3, thanks to some ordinary bowling around Mahmud, but Bangladesh came back in the second session to take three more quick wickets.Then Ashwin started driving, and punching and pulling and slogging. Jadeja joined. And a whole new game unfolded. Until then Mahmud controlled India. Even when Taskin Ahmed and tearaway Nahid Rana wasted the new ball by bowling too short or too full, Mahmud was unerring. Rohit Sharma was tested thoroughly with seam movement either way before he edged one to second slip. Shubman Gill feathered one down the leg side, but he never looked at ease in his eight-ball stay. Virat Kohli came out full of intent, but that carries a big risk, which ended in an edge away from the body.2:12

What’s special Mahmud’s opening spell in Chennai?

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant, playing his first Test in nearly 700 days, then added 62 for the fourth wicket against some indifferent bowling. Jaiswal made this his sixth straight home Test in which he has gone past 50. Pant began to look dangerous and by lunch India had wrested the initiative. After lunch, though, Pant fell to an afterthought of a cut shot, a stroke of luck for the persistent Mahmud.Taskin and Rana then chipped in with a much better session. The ball still seamed around, although not as much as the first session, and they presented a sterner test by bowling the good length. Rana eventually did Jaiswal in with extra pace, nicking him off, and the serene-looking KL Rahul fell to a stunning catch by Zakir Hasan at short leg.While Mehidy Hasan Miraz might have got that big wicket of Rahul, the spinners generally failed to provide any control to the Bangladesh captain Najmul Hasan. In effect, he never had a complete attack to operate with. Mahmud kept them in single-handedly in the first session, and when the other quicks got their act together, they didn’t have spinners keeping them fresh.Related

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It is easy to say all that, but at 144 for 6, it takes some doing to expose this lack of depth. Ashwin began that as soon as he walked to huge cheers; in fact the cheers started as soon as Rahul fell, a treatment reserved only for batters preceding Tendulkar and Kohli. He got a single first ball, and then punched the pace of Rana for a four second ball.There have been many rescue acts carried out by Ashwin and Jadeja, but none so emphatic. There was some flair to how Ashwin batted, staying on the back foot, meeting balls at the top of the bounce, and crashing them through covers and square leg. Jadeja played more of an old-fashioned knock, opening up only after getting himself in, but never missing out on a scoring opportunity. Ashwin, though, batted like he had never been out of Chepauk.As the ball got softer, as the runs began to flow, the field had to spread, and the spinners kept providing easy boundaries. At various points, the two had looking at each other in awe. When Ashwin ramped the pace of Rana over slips for four, Jadeja looked like he was fortunate to have the best seat in the house. Ashwin returned the compliment at one flat slog-sweep from Jadeja. If the edge did arrive, Bangladesh had lost any rights to have enough catchers in place.Six minutes before stumps, Ashwin got to his hundred in just 108 balls to send the home crowd into raptures. Jadeja celebrated it with a drilled boundary back over the bowler in the same over to enter the 80s. Just a gentle reminder that it wasn’t all over, and Bangladesh will have to face them again on day two.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is about to welcome another new player to his squad, with sporting director Andrea Berta also poised to build upon his impressive portfolio of Gunners signings this summer.

More exciting than Gyokeres: Romano reveals Arsenal's new "top target"

The sensational game-changer would be an incredible signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 24, 2025

Their deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera have done wonders to reinforce multiple areas of Arteta’s side in their bid to finally win a long-coveted Premier League title.

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

25/26 – summer

£140m

Kepa’s top-level experience is a real asset to Arteta, and the Spaniard’s impressive performances on loan at Bournemouth last term seriously suggest that he’ll keep number one David Raya firmly on his toes.

Zubimendi comes in as a world-class replacement for Jorginho after years of convincing La Liga displays at boyhood club Real Sociedad, while Norgaard’s Premier League know-how and reliability helps to shore up Arteta’s midfield further.

Arsenal supporters will have to wait before seeing Madueke don the red and white jersey, though, as he’ll play no part in their pre-season tour of Asia. The Englishman is resting after competing in the Club World Cup with Chelsea, but the same cannot be said for Mosquera, who’s flown out to Singapore and joined up with his new teammates (The Athletic).

However, the name on everybody’s lips in the past few weeks has been Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners reached an agreement in principle to sign him midway through July for a potential £64 million, including add-ons (The Athletic), and after a lengthy wait, the striker is now expected to complete his move to north London after a breakthrough earlier this week (Fabrizio Romano).

Gyokeres’ eagerness to join Arteta’s side has been well documented, and his agent even reduced any commission fees due to help facilitate the transfer.

Viktor Gyokeres set for Arsenal medical in next 24 hours

In terms of when fans can expect to see the Sweden international on the field, they won’t have to wait long at all.

According to Fabrizio Romano, sharing his latest update on the saga, Gyokeres is set to have a medical at Arsenal in the next 24 hours. The 27-year-old has been given the formal green-light to travel with all necessary paperwork exchanged, with Romano adding that the centre-forward is “coming soon”.

Gyokeres’ arrival has been cried out for, especially after Arsenal’s struggles breaking down teams in the low block across 2024/2025. Indeed, the signing of a prolific striker was a long time coming, and Arteta can now breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Arsenal drew more Premier League games than any other side in the top 10 last campaign, scoring just 69 goals, but Gyokeres’ potency in the final third will come as a serious antidote to their scoring woes.

“The news on Arsenal signing Gyokores is massive; Arsenal have signed well, but signing a No9 in Gyokores can be the missing piece of the jigsaw to get Arsenal over the line for the title,” said club legend Ray Parlour, via GB News.

“He still has to prove himself in the Premier League as the Portuguese League is different, but this will give the whole club and fanbase a huge lift, and excitement will build ahead of the new season.

“We’ve been missing and out-an-out No9 and now they signed one, it can be the missing link that Arsenal have been waiting for.”

Celtic’s generally positive results in pre-season continue.

On Wednesday night, Brendan Rodgers’ side beat Primeira Liga champions Sporting CP 2-0 at Estádio Algarve, with Reo Hatate breaking the deadlock from the penalty spot, before substitute Luke McCowan came off the bench to secure victory.

That makes it three wins out of four in pre-season, after the Hoops enjoyed victories over both Queen’s Park and then Cork City, the sole blot on their copybook so far a 3-2 defeat to Estrela da Amadora last weekend, albeit that was played behind-closed-doors.

Now, ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Newcastle United at Parkhead, the 10,000 Geordies who are making the 139-mile journey north to Glasgow will ensure there is a great atmosphere at that one, but will Celtic have made an exciting new signing by then?

Celtic seeking to add attacking talent

Following the aforementioned mid-week victory over Sporting, Rodgers confirmed that adding attacking reinforcements to his squad is the priority in this window, stating “we’ve lost a lot of goals, so we need to replace that”.

This comes after Nicolas Kühn joined Como for a reported fee of £16.5m earlier this month, while the Celts are also still searching for a Kyōgo Furuhashi replacement, after he was sold in January.

While the Hoops have already snapped up Swedish talent, Benjamin Nygren, they are now set to complete the signing of striker Shin Yamada for £1.2m, as noted by Graeme Young of the Daily Record,

The 25-year-old, who helped Japan win the EAFF E-1 Football Championship earlier this week, said goodbye to supporters of his current club Kawasaki Frontale, with the Sky Blue and Black confirming he will now finalise a move to a ‘foreign club’.

Transfer Focus

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

So, will he prove to be Celtic’s next Japanese sensation?

How Shin Yamada will improve Celtic

Upon his arrival, following the prior capture of Nygren, Yamada will become the ninth Japanese player in Celtic’s history.

Celtic’s Japanese players
Players	Celtic career	Celtic appearances
Shunsuke Nakamura	2005-09	159
Kōki Mizuno	2008-09	12
Tomoki Iwata	2022-24	42
Yūki Kobayashi	2023	7
Yosuke Ideguchi	2022	6
Kyōgo Furuhashi	2021-2025	165
Reo Hatate	2022-present	142
Daizen Maeda	2022-present	158
All information courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table outlines, he will be following in the footsteps of a few modern-day Celtic greats, linking up with new teammates Hatate and Daizen Maeda.

Yamada began his senior football career at college side Toin University of Yokohama, before moving to J League side Kawasaki Frontale three years ago, bagging 32 goals in 121 appearances for the club, most notably helping them reach a first-ever AFC Champions League Final back in April.

Data scientist Ryo Nakagawara labels Yamada a “fantastic” talent, as well as describing him as a ‘natural finisher’, praising his ‘excellent movement’ and ‘quick acceleration’, assertions that are supported by his statistics in the J League last season.

Shin Yamada 2024 J League statistics
Statistics	Yamada	J League rank
Goals	19	3rd
Goals per 90	0.85	1st
Goals + assists per 90	0.98	1st
Shots	80	12th
Shots on target	37	5th
Shots on target %	46.3%	10th
Big chances missed	14	8th
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore

As outlined, Yamada was prolific in the J League last season, made all the more impressive by the fact that his team finished eighth, closer to relegation than champions Vissel Kōbe.

Meantime, according to Global Football Rankings, the J League is the 23rd strongest division in the world, a whopping 20 places above the Scottish Premiership.

Now though, the question remains, will he be a better starting centre-forward option than the current occupant of this position, Adam Idah?

The Republic of Ireland international’s performance against Sporting on Wednesday night was widely criticised, with Rodgers himself stating that the striker “needs to come alive”, calling for him to “have authority in the box”, intimating he is open to an alternative solution.

Shin Yamada vs Adam Idah comparison
Statistics	Yamada 2024	Idah 24/25
Minutes	2,012	2,168
Goals	19	16
Assists	3	0
Shots	80	88
Shots on target %	46.3%	48.9%
Big chances missed	14	19
Big chances created	6	6
Average Sofascore rating	7.06	6.93
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table outlines, during the timeframes included, Yamada comes out on top for the majority of metrics.

The Japanese striker scored more goals, registered more assists and missed fewer big chances than the Irishman, while doing so for a side who are exponentially less dominant relative to their competition.

Thus, if Idah continues to flatter to deceive, all available evidence suggests the incoming Yamada deserves the opportunity to stake a claim for the starting nine number spot.

Celtic open talks to sign "outstanding" £15m striker, he's open to the move

The Hoops have approached the agents of a centre-forward.

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 16, 2025

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on their next signing of the summer for Enzo Maresca, and BlueCo are simply ironing out the final details, claims one reporter this week.

The west Londoners, following their recent confirmation of a deal for left-back Jorrel Hato, have taken their transfer spending this window to around £277 million (including their pre-agreed summer arrivals).

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Amid pressure from UEFA to balance out their squad through player sales, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are on track to secure just as many outgoings as incomings, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Armando Broja, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Lesley Ugochukwu all leaving Stamford Bridge permanently thus far.

Carney Chukwuemeka is expected to re-join Borussia Dortmund too, and many more could still follow the Englishman.

This will allow Chelsea to make room for a few more key additions before the transfer deadline on September 1, with two players believed to be high on the Blues’ agenda.

Maresca’s side are in pursuit wantaway Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and talks are being held over a move for the Argentine, according to Sky Sports, with Chelsea looking to add another left-winger after Jamie Gittens.

In a big boost, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Garnacho has given his “total priority” to joining Chelsea, so the 21-year-old is very keen on a move to west London and personal terms may not be an issue.

As well as the Premier League forward, Chelsea are actively targeting RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons.

The attacker only made his move to Leipzig permanent in the winter after one and a half years there on loan, but the Dutchman is seeking a fresh challenge and has informed the Bundesliga side of his desire to join Maresca.

Now, journalist Orazio Accomando claims to have a big update.

Chelsea reach "total agreement" for Xavi Simons

Taking to X, Accomando reports that Chelsea have reached a “total agreement” for Simons, with the deal now “concluded”.

The 22-year-old, who’s racked up 21 goals and 23 assists in all competitions for Leipzig since the start of 2023/2024, is their current highest-paid player ever on a contract of around £192,000-per-week.

Interestingly, Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard recently alluded to rumours he’s heard about Simons’ questionable attitude, but emphasised the ex-PSG starlet’s real quality.

“He scores goals, he makes goals, he’s always trying to affect the game,” said Hatchard on talkSPORT.

“He’s a real puzzle, Xavi, because I like watching him play. I like what he brings to a game. He’s got really silky skills,” said Hatchard.

“The debate in Germany has been: Is he a team player? Does he have attitude problems? All of that.

“Now, that might be paper talk. That might be just media noise, and it just isn’t true, because there are some coaches that speak up for him. But there are also coaches that have alluded to, he could be more of a team player, his attitude could be different, etc.”

After a poor season in 2024/25 for Manchester City, they have made huge strides in improving their squad ahead of the new campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side have been busy in the 2025 summer transfer window, already signing six new players in a bid to improve their fortunes next season.

Two of those are goalkeepers, with James Trafford and Marcus Bettinelli signing to provide competition for Ederson. Rayan Ait-Nouri has so far been the only defensive signing, joining from Wolves, and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders moved to the Etihad Stadium from Italian giants Milan, as did young talent Sverre Nypan. In forward areas, Rayan Cherki signed from Lyon.

Now, City seem to be lining up another reinforcement at the back.

Man City’s next transfer target

There has been no messing around this season from Guardiola and his side, who seem to be getting set for a much better season, despite the poor performances in the Club World Cup. They have signed players across the pitch, with another defensive addition up next.

Transfer Focus

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

At least, that could be the case if they can pull off a move for Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento. According to a report from Dean Jones on the Transfers from Paradise podcast, via Manchester City News, they are ‘persisting with their interest’ in the England under-21 international.

This could be a tough deal to do. Jones explained that ‘Newcastle don’t want to sell the player’, although that won’t stop City from trying, and they ‘still think it might’ be possible to pull a deal off.

As for the price for Livramento, City might need to pay as much as £50m this summer.

Why Livramento would be a good signing

It has been a rapid rise to the top for London-born full-back Livramento. The 22-year-old, once described as a “sensational” player by former Magpies superstar Alan Shearer, offers an attacking threat and the ability to play on both sides of defence.

In 80 games for the club across his time in the North East, Livramento has bagged one goal and registered two assists. His versatility has been clear to see, too. He has played 42 times as a right-back and 19 times on the opposite side, offering excellent tactical flexibility.

Throughout Livramento’s time with the Magpies in the Premier League, there are some standout stats courtesy of Squawka. For example, he has created an average of 0.9 chances each game in each of the last two seasons. On top of that, he averaged 5.9 ball recoveries in 2023/24 and 6 the following season, per 90 minutes.

Chances created

0.9

0.9

Crossing accuracy

19.23%

21.15%

Forward passes

15.8

16.8

Duels won

5.6

4.5

Clearances

2.6

3

Interceptions

1.8

0.8

Ball recoveries

5.9

6

Over the summer, Livramento was a key member of England’s successful under-21 European Championship-winning squad. He made five appearances and played every minute, even grabbing an assist in the Three Lions’ first game.

If City do bring the 22-year-old to the Etihad Stadium, he will be the second under-21 Euros winner they have signed. Trafford has also lifted the trophy, back in 2023, where he made a historic late double save to win England the trophy.

There is certainly a case to be made that Guardiola’s side would be signing an even bigger English talent than Trafford in Livramento, if they bring him to the club. Notably, the former Burnley goalkeeper cost £27m, almost half of what City would need to pay for the Newcastle star.

He is also far more experienced in the top flight. The Cobham academy graduate has almost 100 Premier League appearances under his belt, making 93 already. That is far more than the number of games Trafford has played, with just 28 to his name so far.

Described as ‘an England right-back’ in the future by Newcastle star Kieran Trippier, Livramento is a player with huge potential. He could certainly be viewed as a bigger talent than City’s new number one, given the experience he has and the far costlier fee.

This could be a fantastic addition for City to help strengthen their side for now and in the future.

Pep's answer to Isak: Man City offer £170m to sign the PL's "best player"

With Alexander Isak potentially on his way to Liverpool, have Manchester City just offered £170m to sign the “best player in the Premier League”?

ByBen Gray Jul 29, 2025