Tag Futebol

Nigar Sultana scored an 80-ball 101. Bangladesh put up their highest score in ODIs – 271. They then bowled Thailand out for 93 to record their biggest win in terms of runs in the format – 178. The most remarkable event in the win in the World Cup qualifying match in Lahore, though, was Fahima Khatun and Jannatul Ferdus, the spin twins, picking up five wickets each, the first time it has happened in women’s ODI cricket.In fact, it’s the second such occurrence in all ODI cricket – Greg Chappell and Gary Cosier had done it for Australia against England in Birmingham in 1977.”Such a record, where two bowlers pick up five-wicket hauls in an innings, is a remarkable achievement,” Sultana said in a video released by the BCB. “Their contribution today is inspiring for the team. I am hoping they continue to do similar things in the rest of the games.”Related

• Sana's all-round heroics take Pakistan to ODI World Cup

• Six teams, two World Cup spots on offer, many intrigues

• Sultana ton and Fahima, Ferdus five-fors give Bangladesh big win

In another BCB video, where legspinner Fahima, who took 5 for 21 in 8.5 overs, and Ferdus, the offspinner who returned 5 for 7 in five overs, chat with each other, Fahima said, “Of course it’s reason to be very happy. I have had the opportunity to do this before, pick up five wickets in an innings, but I haven’t been able to do it, so this is very pleasing.”I must say that the end I was bowling from, when I started bowling, I felt that I would pick up three wickets today. I felt I had more wicket-taking options. Fortunately, it worked out.”In an ODI career that’s worth 45 matches now, Fahima had two three-wicket hauls but never a five-for. In T20Is, she has one four-for. For Ferdus, playing just her third ODI and seventh game for Bangladesh overall, it was well beyond anything she had achieved – the five wickets took her tally to eight, across formats.”This is the first time I have picked up five wickets for Bangladesh,” Ferdus said. “Of course, it’s very special. The first time is something to remember for the rest of my life. It will be a wonderful memory. I started bowling late in this game, so I didn’t think there was any opportunity to pick up five wickets. But I was trying to maintain the process, and fortunately it worked out.”Fahima had three wickets to her name – and figures of 5-1-8-3 – when Ferdus came on to bowl in the 20th over of Thailand’s chase. Ferdus’ first over was a double-wicket maiden. Fahima came back soon enough, and they had four wickets each soon after. Ferdus got to her milestone first, and Fahima got there when she finished off the match.”At what point did you feel you could pick up five wickets?” Fahima, the senior pro, asked Ferdus.”The thought had never crossed my mind. I was trying to follow the plan of bowling wicket to wicket. And, fortunately, I was successful,” Ferdus replied.The achievement of the two spinners overshadowed, somewhat at least, a remarkable innings from Sultana, the Bangladesh captain, where she walked out in the 28th over, but still managed to get to the three-figure mark. Sharmin Akhter, the No. 3 batter who was part of two century partnerships, ended on 94 not out, while Fargana Hoque, the opener, scored 53.”It’s our first win of the tournament, and I am very happy to have contributed to it,” Sultana said. “It’s my first century in ODI cricket, but there was no such target in my mind. The target was to take the team score to 250-plus. So, when [Hoque and [Sharmin] were batting, I felt that when I go out, I should also score at a good strike rate and score quickly. So that the batters to follow are in a position to take Bangladesh past 250. There was the opportunity, we grabbed it, so we got a good total.”The margin of victory has put Bangladesh at the top of the points table after all teams have played a match each. They next play Ireland on Sunday.

Whilst recent weeks at Birmingham City have been focused on making a strong start to their Championship return, this week’s PFA Awards served as an evening of celebration for their promotion from League One.

Seven of last season’s squad were named in the PFA League One Team of the Year 2025 following their record-breaking 111-point season.

In addition to the team of the season, Tomoki Iwata and Jay Stansfield were shortlisted for the PFA League One Player of the Year, with QPR’s new striker Richard Kone taking home the award.

Birmingham had been building a squad in League One that was capable of competing in the Championship, and they’ve continued to add to it this summer. Their next target looks to be a young Premier League forward, but the Blues are facing competition from one of the sides that got promoted with them.

Birmingham and Wrexham front-runners in race for Koumas

Birmingham City are one of the teams in pole position to sign young Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas. The 19-year-old spent last season playing Championship football whilst on loan at Stoke City and is set to leave the club permanently before the transfer deadline.

This report comes from Liverpool Echo, who have indicated that Koumas has received significant Championship attention this summer, with Norwich City, Preston North End, Sheffield United and Hull City all monitoring the player’s situation. However, Birmingham’s biggest rivals for this transfer will be Wrexham, who are the other team said to be “leading the chase” for Koumas.

The young striker will cost a pretty penny, as the Reds see Koumas as more developed than Bobby Clark was when he joined RB Salzburg for £10 million last year. Koumas’ family has ties to the Birmingham metropolitan area, as his father, Jason Koumas, played for West Bromwich Albion for the first few years of Lewis’ life.

Why so many teams are interested in Koumas

At 19 years old, Koumas is already attracting a lot of attention. Not only are there the interested Championship parties, but he has also received recognition at the national level, having represented the Welsh National Team on six occasions.

During his season spent in the championship with Stoke, Koumas was one of the top players in a number of attacking metrics. Koumas registered in the top 25% of players for both shots and shots on target, meaning not only does he shoot often, but when he does shoot, it is accurate.

While he did underperform his xG by just over two goals, Koumas is still only a teenager and calmness on the ball and precision with his shots will further develop as he matures.

In addition to his impressive attacking attributes, what’s unique about Koumas is his ability to defend from the front. The teenager ranked in the top 15% of wingers for tackles made and the top 20% of wingers for possession won in the final third of the pitch. His ability to win the ball high up the pitch can often catch the opposition by surprise, leading to important attacking opportunities.

Based on his current skill set, it wouldn’t be surprising if Liverpool asked for a similar figure to what they did for Clark, but given his age and potential future development, he could be a worthwhile transfer in the long term.

on 72 off 69.Mandhana was dismissed when she failed to clear short fine leg against Prendergast. But there was no respite for Ireland as Richa Ghosh, promoted to No. 3, took over the baton and scored 59 off 42. She and Rawal added 104 in 12 overs.Rawal opened up after her hundred and raked in 54 off the next 29 balls she faced. Today’s innings took her ODI run tally to 444 – no batter has scored more in her first six innings.Pratika Rawal brought up her maiden international hundred•BCCI

By then, there was more interest in if India could reach 400. They got there with four overs to spare, and then got some more.With Renuka Singh rested, Titas Sadhu and Sayali Satghare opened the bowling for India. Both picked up a wicket each with the new ball but also conceded 15 extras in the first seven overs. India’s fielding was also as poor as their counterparts, with Mandhana dropping a skier from Sarah Forbes off Deepti at extra cover.Forbes and Prendergast made India pay for their mistakes and took the side to 85 for 2 after 14 overs. Tanuja Kanwar broke the 64-run stand by dismissing Prendergast. The batter tried to steer her towards deep third but failed to connect and was bowled. It was Kanwar’s first wicket in ODIs. Three overs later, Forbes was run out going for a quick single.Ireland capitulated after that. From 100 for 3, they were all out for 131. Deepti was the most successful bowler for India, with figures of 3 for 27. Kanwar chipped in with 2 for 31 and two batters were run out.

MatériaMais Notícias

Calleri se despediu de Rogério Ceni nas suas redes sociais. O agora ex-treinador do São Pauloteve sua saída anunciada pelo clube na tarde desta quarta-feira (19). O argentino agradeceu pelo ‘tempo que tiveram juntos’ e destacou o trabalho feito pela equipe. O centroavante ainda destacou que ‘Rogério sempre será São Paulo’.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSão PauloApós saída de Rogério Ceni, Dorival Júnior é opção para assumir o cargo de treinador do São PauloSão Paulo19/04/2023São PauloCaiu! São Paulo confirma a saída de Rogério CeniSão Paulo19/04/2023ListasRogério Ceni deixa o São Paulo: veja 25 técnicos brasileiros livres no mercado da bolaListas19/04/2023

Pressionado, o futuro de Ceni após a partida contra o Puerto Cabello, da última terça-feira (18), era uma grande incógnita. Após uma reunião envolvendo a diretoria, sua saída foi acertada. Embora ainda não tenha deixado o CT da Barra Funda, o clima de despedidas já começou.

ATUAÇÕES: Em noite ruim, Marcos Paulo salva, e Calleri mostra que faz diferença em vitória do São Paulo

Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

– Rogério, gostaria de agradecer por esse tempo que passamos juntos. A oportunidade de ter convivido foi bem especial. Seu profissionalismo e competitividade são coisas que sempre levarei comigo. Você sempre será São Paulo – escreveu Calleri na homenagem.

continua após a publicidade

Quanto ao sucessor, embora ainda não tenha sido anunciado de forma oficial pelo Tricolor, Dorival Júnior é o principal cotado.

Veja a postagem realizada por Calleri nas redes sociais:

Two black-soil surfaces are being prepared, but it isn’t clear yet which one will be used for the Kanpur Test

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-20242:23

Manjrekar: I will play Kuldeep Yadav for second Test

There is some uncertainty around the conditions that the second Test between India and Bangladesh will be played in with representatives from both teams admitting that they didn’t know which pitch will be used.”To be honest, I don’t know which surface we are going to play on yet,” India batting coach Abhishek Nayar said on Thursday afternoon, which followed similar thoughts expressed by Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe on Wednesday.”Yes I had a look at [the pitch],” Hathurusinghe had said, “But the groundsman has prepared two pitches. We don’t know on which we will play on. Tomorrow we will find out.”During Wednesday’s training session, India captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir had a look at the two pitches that have been prepared for this Test match. They seemed to spend a little more time looking at the drier of the two black-soil surfaces.Related

Green Park's C stand deemed 'unsafe' for India-Bangladesh Test

Pant re-enters Test batting rankings at No. 6 after Chennai century

Domestic grind prepares Akash well for the deep end

Weather and pitch in focus as India, Bangladesh ponder three spinners

Indications are it might start as a good batting surface before taking slow and low turn from the third day onwards. But the weather in the week of the Test match might complicate matters. It’s overcast and there are thunder storms expected on the first three days of the game, which may slow down the natural wear and tear that helps subcontinental pitches become spin-friendly. There was some rain after India’s training session ended on Thursday as well and the groundstaff were quick to get the square covered.India, as a result, are waiting until the morning of the Test to finalise their XI, specifically whether they need an extra spinner instead of the extra seamer they used on Chennai’s red-soil surface.”Both the pitches look pretty good,” Nayar said. “Kanpur is always known to have good pitches. I am not sure about the bounce yet. I think, with the conditions and the forecast, it is going to be interesting as to how when we turn up to go in the morning, the conditions are. I think a lot will depend on that because as you know in Test wicket, conditions can be a huge factor in how the pitch plays. So it is too early for us to judge and decide or have any sort of thought process on the pitch or the conditions. But we are hoping we come in tomorrow to a sunny day and not an overcast Kanpur.”India lead the series 1-0 and if they go in with a spinner over a seamer, their choice will be between local boy Kuldeep Yadav, who had an outstanding series against England at the start of the year, and Axar Patel, whose ability to relentlessly attack the stumps can come in quite handy if there is low bounce. Axar joined R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the last Test that India played in Kanpur, against New Zealand in 2021, which went into the fifth day with the visitors holding onto their last wicket and drawing the game.

Leeds United made their second signing of the summer transfer window on Monday evening when they officially confirmed the arrival of Jaka Bijol from Serie A side Udinese.

The central defender is now set to compete with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk, and Joe Rodon for a place in the starting XI in the Premier League next season.

Daniel Farke is also in the market to add another number nine to his squad, having already brought in Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg.

Football Insider claims that Leeds are interested in a deal to sign Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz, but the Cottagers are confident of keeping hold of the Brazilian frontman.

The report adds that the Whites have already had an offer of £32m rejected by the fellow Premier League team, and that the London-based side are prepared to price the Championship champions out of a move for the striker.

This latest update suggests that the Fulham marksman will not be making his way to Elland Road this summer, but what could he have brought to the team?

What Rodrigo Muniz could bring to Leeds

If Leeds can turn it around to sign him, the 24-year-old attacker would join the Whites to provide Farke with a Premier League-proven number nine who has shown that he can score goals at that level.

In the last two seasons, Muniz has racked up 17 top-flight goals for the Cottagers, which shows that he knows how to find the back of the net in the top division in England.

As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian forward also outperformed his xG in both of those seasons, showing that he is also a reliable and clinical finisher.

However, creativity is not his strong suit. A return of two assists in two seasons, and a peak of 0.7 key passes per game, does not suggest that he would create many high-quality opportunities for his teammates.

Muniz would, though, offer physicality in the number nine position. He won 52% of his duels and won 2.2 aerial battles per game in the Premier League this season, which shows that he can hold his own against top-flight defenders.

Whilst there are clearly a lot of strong qualities that the Fulham star could bring to West Yorkshire, Leeds are now reportedly pursuing a striker who could be an even better signing.

Leeds pursuing deal for Serie A star

According to Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, as relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds United are expected to make another bid to sign Nikola Krstovic from Lecce in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Championship champions have already had an offer of £19.7m rejected by the Italian side for the Montenegrin centre-forward, but they are now plotting another attempt to snap him up.

Transfer Focus

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

It also reveals that AS Roma are interested in signing the 25-year-old marksman, and that they would be prepared to offer a player in exchange for him, although they have yet to make an official bid.

Meanwhile, the print edition of Corriere dello Sport, via MOTLeedsNews, reports that Lecce value the forward at a fee of around £26m, and claims that Leeds are ready to pay big money to get a deal done for the striker.

It now remains to be seen whether or not their second offer for the Montenegro international will be enough to tempt the Italian team to part ways with the attacker.

Why Leeds should sign Nikola Krstovic

The Premier League new boys should push to sign the Lecce number nine before the end of the summer transfer window because he would be an even better signing than Muniz.

Krstovic would be considerably cheaper if the latest reports are to be believed, with Lecce valuing him at £26m compared to the significantly more than £32m that Fulham want for Muniz in order to price Leeds out of a deal.

This means that it could be more financially viable for the Whites to pursue the Montenegro international, which would also free up more funds to be spent on other areas of the squad as they look to build a team that can compete in the Premier League.

Krstovic, as shown in the clips above, is a versatile goalscorer who has shown that he can find the back of the net in a variety of ways, with either foot, from close or long range, and with his head.

The Lecce sensation, who was dubbed “integral” by former boss Roberto D’Aversa, has proven that he can score goals in a major European league, netting 18 Serie A goals in the last two seasons combined.

As you can see in the table above, Krstovic outperformed Muniz at league level in the 2024/25 campaign, with three more goals and four more assists, whilst also winning more duels per game.

The Montenegro international’s ability to generate high-quality opportunities for himself is one of his most impressive attributes, as he has accrued 24.80 xG in two seasons in the Serie A, compared to the Fulham man’s tally of 15.32 in two Premier League campaigns.

This could suggest that Krstovic is better at getting himself into goalscoring situations, which could be particularly useful in a season that Leeds are expected to be battling relegation in.

Overall, the Lecce star could be a better signing than Muniz for the Whites as the striker may be able to offer more goals and assists in the top-flight, whilst being a cheaper addition to the squad.

Best signing since Raphinha: Leeds close to landing "exceptional" £21m star

Leeds United are closing in on a deal for a star who would be their best signing since Raphinha.

1

By
Dan Emery

Jun 23, 2025

Maia Bouchier led the way with a career-best 93 as Southern Vipers warmed up for the defence of their title with a crushing 113-run victory over South East Stars in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.The 25-year-old opener needed just 55 balls to make the second-highest score in this season’s competition as Vipers posted 179 for five in a game between two sides who were already through to Finals Day in Derby on Saturday.Stars finished second after suffering only their second defeat in the group stage but they will need to regroup having been bowled out for just 66, the second-lowest completed total in this season’s competition. Charlie Dean led the way with 3 for 5, Linsey Smith took 3 for 12 and Charli Knott 2 for 11 as nine of the wickets fell to spin.A crowd of 3,000 including children from 70 local schools generated a lively atmosphere and Bouchier treated them to a special innings with shots all around the wicket.A curious powerplay saw Vipers reach 50 for one with Bouchier hitting 32 off those runs from just seven balls. She hit the first five deliveries of the fourth over from Emily Jones to the boundary before twice lofting Tash Farrant over the ropes in the sixth.In between there was a maiden from 16-year-old left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman, who again impressed with her control and picked up a deserve wicket when Knott was beaten in the flight.Bouchier reached her fifty off 27 balls during a productive stand of 76 in nine overs with skipper Georgia Adams.Adams made the most of being put down by Alexa Stonehouse on 13 – a difficult chance as she ran in from deep backward square – to contribute 39 before an attempted ramp was held at backward point.It gave Farrant a second wicket after she’d picked up Danni Wyatt in the second over with a slower ball that Wyatt chipped to mid-on.Bouchier seemed to be making serene progress to a hundred, but in the 16th over she made her only mistake, missing a reverse sweep to give Stars’ skipper Bryony Smith a wicket with her second ball. Bouchier hit 11 fours and three sixes.Freya Kemp swelled the total with 30 off 14 balls at the end and Stars’ miserable chase never recovered after they lost three wickets in the powerplay.Smith looked like she meant business, taking four boundaries off Freya Davies in the opening over of the reply. But after she was stumped for 22 trying to hit slow left-armer Linsey Smith over the top in the second over the innings nosedived. The next highest contribution was Stonehouse’s nine.Paige Schofield missed a sweep, Smith picked up Tarrant and Kalea Moore in the final over of the powerplay before Dean added to Stars’ pain by bowling Alice Davidson-Richards and Jones with successive balls in the ninth over.There was no way back for Stars from 44 for 6 and off-spinner Knott finished things off in the 14th over.

As Barcelona advance in their bid to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams this summer, the chances of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz moving to LaLiga dwindle considerably.

Earlier in June, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed La Blaugrana had seen a formal approach for the Colombian rebuffed, with FSG unequivocal in their response: Diaz is not for sale this summer.

While transfer stances are pliable things, it does seem silly to let Diaz leave for anything less than a mammoth fee. Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has been touted as a potential successor, but would the Three Lions star truly represent an upgrade, especially as he would cost up to £100m?

Coming off the back of his most productive campaign for Liverpool, and a title-winning term at that, the 28-year-old Diaz has also aroused the attention of Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, who would be more inclined to meet Anfield’s £70m valuation of the star.

If he does leave, Cody Gakpo at least provides Arne Slot with an existing presence on the left wing. Moreover, Florian Wirtz is Anfield-bound, and he’s more than capable of playing off the wide strip.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

Liverpool have pulled a blinder in securing Wirtz’s signature. The deal, which could rise to a British-record £116m fee, has been agreed, but not yet finalised, with a medical slated for Friday.

Despite concrete interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Liverpool have entered the final stages of a record transfer that should seal their position at the highest rung of a ladder which dangles over the scope of European football.

Typically placed as a central attacking midfielder, the German international ranked among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

He’d raise the level of any forward he plays with, and while Diaz would go from strength to strength alongside Wirtz next season, should he leave, there’s another who may benefit from the Leverkusen superstar’s prowess.

Liverpool make approach for new forward

As per esteemed French outlet L’Equipe, Liverpool have entered the race for winger Malick Fofana, though Chelsea are leading the race, having already established direct contacts with Lyon for the 20-year-old.

However, Liverpool have now held talks with the representatives of Malick Fofana too, though they have joined a battle consisting of Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.

Fofana’s fast ascent to prominence in Ligue 1 has caught the eye of several Premier League heavy hitters, and while he’s been priced at €50m (£43m), this stands far lower than what FSG would have to fork out for someone like Newcastle’s Gordon.

What Malick Fofana would bring to Liverpool

Belgian prospect Fofana may still be in the fledgling phase of a promising career, but he’s already proved he has the clean finishing and robust motions of a player capable of succeeding in the Premier League.

Joining Lyon from KAA Gent in January 2024, Fofana scored three times in the French top flight before the end of the 2023/24 term, only starting four matches.

Last season, though, he reached new levels while starting the year as a teenager, posting 11 goals and six assists across 41 matches.

In the French first division, he certainly demonstrated his aptitude, scoring five goals and assisting four more despite only starting 16 times. With only four big chances missed and six big chances created himself, there’s a lot to like, with the speedy star almost economical in his play, making smart choices.

As per FBref, he actually ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 for non-penalty goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 14% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

As is probably clear, he’s a naturally potent threat, looking to drive up the pitch and into the penalty area with fleet feet before striking on goal. Fofana has been described as a “game-changer” by journalist Antonio Mango, and it’s clear to see why.

The wideman’s performances, interestingly, have seen FBref draw up Gordon as one of his most comparable players, and so for a portion of the fee, surely this would be the track to head down for Liverpool?

He might be unrefined, but Gakpo resides in the Merseyside squad and, more to the point, Wirtz will soon be settled into the way of life at Liverpool, thus providing an electric talent such as Fofana with an elite supply line to direct toward the end of his darting runs.

For a Liverpool side whose creativity levels already rank as the best that the Premier League has seen in recent years, this is a tantalising thought that will become an exciting reality for the Reds faithful.

Premier League – Most Big Chances Created

Season

Team

BCC

24/25

Liverpool

112

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool & Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

Data via Premier League

Across the past four Bundesliga campaigns, Wirtz has averaged 2.4 key passes or higher per game three times, which is an incredible achievement and a clear depiction of the magic of Liverpool’s new addition.

His genius ball-playing and -carrying skills would be the perfect fit for any player worth their salt, but for Fofana, a raw talent with blistering pace and an already established prolific sense, Liverpool truly could be the perfect stomping ground for him to take the next step in his development, especially as the aforementioned Gakpo will ease any sense of being overburdened.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

If Liverpool sell Diaz and replace him with Fofana, they will be turning a profit while providing Wirtz with a forward to direct his playmaking skills toward for many years to come. What’s not to like?

Related He's better than Gordon: Liverpool among favourites to sign £77m winger

Liverpool may need to replace Luis Diaz in the transfer market this summer.

Posts 4 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 17, 2025

While the fans and team will have their full attention on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final next week, the Arsenal board will already be planning for what could be a blockbuster summer of transfer business.

Last year, Mikel Arteta and Co shifted a lot of the club’s unwanted players for good money, but they didn’t really strengthen the first team enough to sustain a successful title challenge this season.

It looks like it’s going to be a totally different story this year, with links to top-level attackers like Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins and Nico Williams coming in from every direction.

However, while the frontline certainly needs addressing, the midfield could be just as important, and it seems like the club agrees; a recent report has touted one of the most exciting midfielders in world football for a move to the Emirates, a player who might just be able to get the best back out of Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal's midfield targets

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at a couple of the other midfielders that Arsenal are said to be interested in, such as Hugo Larsson.

Transfer Focus

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

Reportedly available for around £51m, the Eintracht Frankfurt gem would undoubtedly be an investment for the future, but with respected analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “transitional monster” and comparing him to a young Jude Bellingham, he might just be one worth making.

However, the far more likely acquisition would undoubtedly be Martin Zubimendi.

The Spanish international has long been touted for a move to the Gunners, and based on more recent reports, it appears the club themselves are confident of getting their man.

However, perhaps the most exciting link of them all has been to Frenkie de Jong.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are now one of several Premier League sides interested in the Dutch international.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Liverpool and Manchester City are also keen on the player.

While no price is mentioned in the story, it is said that Barcelona are being forced to consider selling him as no progress has been made on his renewal.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given his immense ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could help revive Odegaard.

Why De Jong would be perfect for Odegaard

So, if Arsenal are able to get ahead of the chasing pack and get their man, why would he be an ideal partner for Odegaard?

There are two key reasons for this; the first is his defensive qualities.

While the Dutchman is now primarily an eight and would likely join as such, he’s got plenty of experience playing as a six – making 132 appearances there – and so, were he to chip in with the defensive work alongside Declan Rice, that might allow the captain to focus all of his energy and focus at the sharp end of the pitch.

The second reason is that, on top of his defensive abilities, the former Ajax star is an incredibly technical and gifted midfielder, with former manager Xavi going as far as describing him as “one of the best players in the world.”

It’s not hard to see where the Spanish legend is coming from either, as the 27-year-old’s underlying numbers are nothing short of spectacular.

For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for goals per shot, pass completion, goal-creating actions from take-ons, progressive carrying distance, carries into the final third, the top 2% for passes completed and goal-creating actions, the top 3% for passes into the final third and more, all per 90.

So, just imagine a vastly experienced international who currently captains Barça, who can influence the game in almost all areas of the pitch playing alongside the North Londoners’ number eight – he’d undoubtedly improve as well.

Ultimately, it would be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, but with how much of a difference De Jong could make to Odegaard’s career and Arsenal overall, Arteta and Co must do what they can to get it done.

Mega Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal initiate talks for "superb" £34m monster

The experienced international could be just what Arsenal need.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 2, 2025

Arsenal have now held positive talks over a deal for a £61m striker, with discussions set to continue over the next few weeks, according to a report.

Gunners' striker pursuit heating up

The Gunners proved they have what it takes to compete without an out-and-out striker against Real Madrid last week, chalking up an extraordinary 3-0 victory against the reigning European champions, but it is clear Mikel Arteta wants to bring in a new option this summer.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is one of the names on the shortlist, with a £87m offer for the Swedish forward in the works, while a stunning £129m bid for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez is also being prepared, as the Argentine is now considered a top target.

Other strikers who have received widespread links to the Emirates Stadium include Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, and the latter was said to be very keen on moving to north London during the January transfer window.

Related Huge upgrade on Merino: Berta wants Arsenal to sign £55m "goal machine"

Given that Mikel Merino is playing the makeshift centre-forward, Arsenal are in the market for a striker, so do they lead the race for a goal machine?

Posts 1 ByBen Gray Apr 13, 2025

There has now been a positive development in Arsenal’s pursuit of Sesko, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing they have now cleared an important obstacle in their pursuit of the striker by holding positive talks with his entourage.

The Gunners have been in direct talks with the Slovenian’s representatives, and the outcome was positive, which indicates he could be keen on a summer move to the Emirates Stadium, but he will not come cheap.

The 21-year-old is protected by a £61m release clause in his RB Leipzig contract, which could increase slightly based on how he performs for the German side.

Regardless, the north Londoners are seriously keen on the young striker, and discussions are set to continue over the next few weeks.

"Monster" Sesko impressing for Leipzig

The Slovenia international has established himself as a very important player for Leipzig this season, making 40 appearances in all competitions, during which he has amassed 19 goals, including four in the Champions League.

Such is the starlet’s ability, he has been lauded as a “monster” by freelance scout Ben Mattinson, while reporter Sam Dean believes he could be a good fit for the Gunners, given that he possesses qualities very few of Arteta’s players have.

Sesko’s eye for goal could make him a fantastic addition to Arteta’s squad, having vastly outperformed his non-penalty xG over the past year, so it is exciting news that the move is now advancing.