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Chelsea have held extensive talks over signing a former Fulham star who José Mourinho personally wants at Fenerbahçe, according to reports, with Enzo Maresca and BlueCo looking to shore up a key area.

The positions Chelsea are looking to strengthen this summer

The west Londoners took a huge step towards Champions League qualification by beating Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1 over the weekend, a result which puts some wiggle room between them and Nottingham Forest in sixth.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 6, 2025

Arsenal’s journey to the Champions League semi-finals means the English top flight has been awarded an extra qualifying place for next term, so finishing fifth would guarantee a spot for Chelsea in the competition.

Chelsea’s final four Premier League fixtures

Date

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

This is excellent news for Maresca, as a place in next season’s Champions League draw is widely reported to have a big impact on the club’s summer transfer plans.

Chelsea will also be busy behind-the-scenes, as there will be a special edition transfer window open from June 1st to June 10th – which allows the Blues and Man City to sign players before the Club World Cup begins.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea want a centre-back, winger and forward as three top priorities. Depending on player sales and their European status, Maresca’s side could also go after another central defender, a left-back, goalkeeper and versatile attacking player.

There are also suggestions that Chelsea are still looking at signing another midfielder. While Roméo Lavia has performed excellently when available, the Belgian’s injury woes have left Maresca short in that area far too consistently.

Chelsea expressed a serious interest in Man United starlet Kobbie Mainoo back in January, holding talks with his agents, but the England international ultimately remained at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old’s importance to Ruben Amorim could place him too far out of Chelsea’s reach, with Maresca’s side believed to be keen on Napoli star Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa as a potential alternative.

The 60-cap Cameroon international is a key starter for Antonio Conte’s title-chasing Napoli side, bagging six goals and five assists in all competitions. Anguissa could also add some much-needed experience to the squad, with Chelsea already making moves for him.

Chelsea hold extensive talks over signing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

According to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, via Sport Witness, Chelsea have held more than one round of negotiations over signing Anguissa ahead of the summer.

The 29-year-old is also keen to make a Premier League return, in an act of personal redemption, as he believes that he’s got far more to offer in Europe’s most prestigious division.

The former Fulham midfielder also has a real admirer in Mourinho, according to reports in Turkey, which claim the tactician is personally keen to sign him for Fenerbahçe (Fanatik).

Anguissa’s contract includes a £38 million release clause as well, but it is unclear just how much Chelsea would be willing to pay for a player whose fast approaching 30.

In any case, there is little denying the African’s quality, and his form this season is turning heads at Cobham. Previously called a “machine” by ex-teammate Joachim Andersen, Anguissa would undoubtedly provide Maresca’s midfield with real steel.

West Ham United supporters will no doubt be feeling hugely disappointed with their 2024/25 campaign, falling way below the usual high standards they’ve set for themselves.

The Hammers currently sit in 15th place in the Premier League with just two games remaining of the 2024/25 campaign – a staggering 23 points off the Champions League places.

Graham Potter has so far been unable to turn around the early-season slump endured under former boss Julen Lopetegui, with this summer crucial if he’s to maintain his position at the helm.

The former Chelsea boss only had part of the January window to make his own mark on the current squad, with the summer huge if he’s to be successful at the London Stadium.

With the window just around the corner, the hierarchy have already started work behind the scenes to provide the 49-year-old with the ammunition needed to improve the situation.

The latest on West Ham’s hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, numerous players have been touted with a switch to West Ham, undoubtedly strengthening the options currently on the books.

Morten Frendrup and Liam Delap are just two names mentioned with a switch to the club, with both players improving the midfield and front line should they make the switch this summer.

However, a defender has been thrown into the mix in recent days in the form of Genoa’s Koni de Winter, with GIVEMESPORT naming the Hammers as one of the interested sides.

The report claims that Potter’s men have made an enquiry to the Serie A outfit over a deal for the 22-year-old, with Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace also in the race for his signature.

It also states that the Belgian international could be available for a fee in the region of £25m this summer, as the hierarchy looks to add youth to the first team squad.

Why West Ham’s £25m target could be Potter’s own Van Dijk

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been the leading defender in the Premier League over the last couple of years, leading the Reds to new heights after his £75m transfer.

The Dutch international has made over 300 appearances at Anfield, winning multiple major honours in the process, including the Premier League and the Champions League.

He’s also constantly posed a threat at the other end of the pitch, often popping up with a crucial goal or two – including in the recent 2-1 win over the Hammers in April.

However, Potter’s side could be about to land their own version of the superstar this summer in the form of De Winter, with the youngster having the tools to match his accomplishments.

The defender’s agent has previously claimed that he could be the next big star, matching Van Dijk’s high levels of performance, with a switch to England handing him that platform to succeed.

When comparing his stats to those of the Liverpool star, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – highlighting what a superb addition he would be for the club.

De Winter, who’s been labelled “unreal” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has won more tackles per 90, achieving a higher tackle success rate – handing Potter the defensive quality his side have lacked this campaign.

How De Winter compares to Van Dijk in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

De Winter

Van Dijk

Games played

23

36

Goals scored

3

3

Tackles won

0.9

0.4

% of tackles won

71%

55%

Successful take-ons

0.3

0.08

Recoveries made

4.8

3.1

Aerials won

3.2

3

Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons he’s attempted, having the quality on the ball to play out from the back should the boss want his side to.

The Belgian has also matched Van Dijk for goals, whilst winning more aerial duels, handing the club the added threat at both ends of the pitch – improving the situation the Hammers find themselves in.

£25m for a player of De Winter’s quality would be an absolute bargain in today’s market, massively improving the options currently at Potter’s disposal at the London Stadium.

Should he manage to replicate the levels produced by the Liverpool star in the Premier League, it would be a phenomenal addition and one that could catapult the club back towards European success.

Related West Ham could seal an even more "phenomenal" striker signing than Delap

West Ham United desperately need to land a new talisman this summer to bolster Graham Potter’s squad.

Posts ByEthan Lamb May 11, 2025

The fallout of Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat has largely been centred around the future of manager Ruben Amorim, as well as that of rising star, Alejandro Garnacho.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Amorim, however, is said to have told his squad that he will still be at the club next season, despite their 15th-place Premier League finish, following a meeting last week.

That same announcement came alongside the revelation that Garnacho is set to be shown the door, with recent reports indicating that the Portuguese coach told the 20-year-old – in front of his teammates – that he will have to “pray” that a new club wants to sign him.

It could be argued that the former Sporting CP boss will also need to ‘pray’ that the Old Trafford side are capable of signing an upgrade on the Argentine winger. Thankfully, that search looks firmly in motion, not least amid Matheus Cunha’s impending switch…

Latest on Cunha's move to Man Utd

It’s been no real secret that United have been chasing a move for the Brazilian in recent weeks, with The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell notably confirming that interest last month, alongside the club’s admiration for Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.

Despite signing a new contract at Molineux back in January, Cunha’s exit from the Midlands side has appeared an inevitability over the past few months, having notably outlined his desire to take “the next step” in his career.

Well, that next step appears to be leading him to Manchester, with it having been widely reported that the 25-year-old is set for a medical, after the two clubs agreed terms regarding the payment of his £62.5m release clause.

That move is expected to see the former Atletico Madrid man take on the number ten shirt, thus ousting the exiled Marcus Rashford from that jersey – providing a further hint to where the Englishman’s future lies.

As for Cunha, the 15-goal sensation is expected to line up in one of the two attacking roles behind the striker in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, having already starred in that set-up under Vitor Pereira.

With Garnacho potentially departing – and Amad Diallo able to slot in at right wing-back – the other number ten berth may well be filled by another Premier League talent this summer.

Man Utd's search to replace Garnacho

The deal for Cunha appears to be edging ever closer toward completion, with the INEOS regime seemingly looking to get their business done early, ahead of a summer free of World Cup or European Championship commitments.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to reports in Spain, the move for the Old Gold ace is likely to be followed by the pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, with it claimed that United are already ‘moving decisively’ to sign the 25-year-old.

Indeed, while the Cameroon international is set to be courting interest from ‘several clubs’ following a fine campaign at the Gtech, the report indicates that it is those at Old Trafford who have ‘made the first formal move’.

The suggestion is that with the former Troyes star having just a year left on his existing deal in west London, he would command a fee of around £50m, representing good value for the perfect Garnacho upgrade.

How Mbeumo compares to Alejandro Garnacho

Garnacho, it must be said, would hardly rank among the first crop of players that supporters would wish to see leave this summer. Indeed, the youngster managed to chalk up 21 goals and assists in 2024/25 – a record bettered only by Bruno Fernandes among his teammates.

Man Utd – 2024/25 squad stats

Player

Goals & Assists

Goals

Assists

Bruno Fernandes

39

19

20

Alejandro Garnacho

21

11

10

Amad Diallo

20

11

9

Rasmus Hojlund

14

10

5

Joshua Zirkzee

10

7

3

Marcus Rashford

10

7

3

Christian Eriksen

10

5

5

Casemiro

8

5

3

Diogo Dalot

8

3

5

Manuel Ugarte

8

2

6

Stats via Transfermarkt

It certainly doesn’t sit well that last season’s FA Cup final goalscorer may be shipped off due to his struggle to fit into Amorim’s system, with that certainly something of a gamble considering the manager could find himself under intense pressure if results don’t improve at the start of next term.

That said, perhaps now is the time for the manager to truly be backed, and if it is Mbeumo whom the 40-year-old has identified as a replacement, then so be it. That would certainly not be a deal to turn your nose up at.

Indeed, the France-born speedster is coming off the back of a simply sensational Premier League season, having scored 20 league goals for Thomas Frank’s side, while operating off the right flank or in a central role.

To put that into perspective, no player back at Old Trafford has hit 20 top-flight goals in a single campaign since Robin van Persie in 2012/13 – the last time that the club claimed the title.

Mbeumo vs Garnacho – 24/25 PL stats

Stat (*per game)

Mbeumo

Garnacho

Games (starts)

38 (38)

36 (23)

Goals

20

6

Goal frequency

171min

366min

Big chances missed

9

14

Assists

7

2

Big chances created

17

4

Key passes*

1.8

1.0

Pass accuracy*

74%

83%

Successful dribbles*

1.4

0.7

Stats via Sofascore

With seven assists also under his belt, Mbeumo enjoyed a far superior return to what Garnacho achieved in 2024/25, with the Argentina international registering just six goals and only two assists.

The Brentford man’s impressive output goes beyond just goals and assists, however, as indicated by his superior record with regard to key passes, successful dribbles and ‘big chances’ created. With regard to that latter stat, for instance, the aforementioned Fernandes managed to supply ‘just’ 16 big chances.

It must be said that this is no flash in the pan either, with Mbeumo also shining in 2023/24 with nine goals and six assists to his name in the league. Garnacho, meanwhile, recorded seven goals and four assists, in what was his first full season at senior level.

With the Bees star lauded by analyst Ben Mattinson as “one of the most deadly players on transition” in the division, he can also take on Garnacho’s mantle of being a real outlet on the counterattack – a trait that that United have already been the victim off, as he rounded off Brentford’s 4-0 win over Erik ten Hag’s side back in August 2022.

While a deal for Cunha is enough to get tongues wagging, managing to land Mbeumo to further bolster the attack would represent a potentially even bigger coup for those at Old Trafford.

Yes, the decision to sell Garnacho may well be viewed upon as a real mistake in years to come, although United could hardly have identified a better replacement.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 27, 2025

The scorer of the game’s ‘winning’ goal over Real Betis in midweek, Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson put in a display that perhaps epitomises his Stamford Bridge career, having got himself on the scoresheet despite enduring a largely frustrating performance.

Indeed, at one stage the Senegalese striker produced a dismal touch when racing clear in behind the Betis defence, with that moment alone outlining the limitations of a centre-forward who ended 2024/25 with just 13 goals to his name in all competitions – fewer than the much maligned Christopher Nkunku (14).

Unsurprisingly, the search has begun to find a suitable replacement or rival for the 23-year-old, with the Blues having closed in on a deal for Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, following his 12-goal haul in the Premier League this season.

It remains to be seen whether the 22-year-old – who is set to undergo a medical on Monday – will be Enzo Maresca’s leading number nine next summer, not least with attention also turning toward Eintracht Frankfurt sensation, Hugo Ekitike.

What is evident is that the £30m capture of the Englishman could mark the start of a hectic summer in west London – with an even bigger statement signing already being plotted.

Chelsea's continued transfer search after Delap

It was confirmed on Friday that Chelsea had won the race for the former Manchester City man’s signature, with the Conference League winners notably edging out rivals Manchester United in the battle for his services.

Competition with the Red Devils could continue if recent reports are anything to go by, with Maresca and co believed to have turned their attention toward a long-time target of the Old Trafford side – Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Blues are said to be weighing up an approach for the towering centre-back, albeit with David Moyes’ side seemingly reluctant to sell their prized asset.

Transfer Focus

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

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The 22-year-old was the subject of a £50m offer from United last summer, although the Toffees were looking for a fee closer to £70m at the time. It remains to be seen whether that price tag is the same this time around.

The report suggests that even if Ruben Amorim’s side renew their interest, the Blues could hold the advantage amid Branthwaite’s desire for Champions League football – something that appeared to be high on his agenda when contemplating an exit a year ago.

A colleague of Delap at U21 level for England, Branthwaite could represent an even bigger talent than his compatriot…

Why Branthwaite would be a bigger coup than Delap

For all the excitement of having won the race for Delap, with it having been reported at one stage that almost every Premier League club was keeping tabs on his situation, it’s worth remembering that this is still a deal that poses a risk.

Delap vs Jackson – 24/25 PL stats

Stats (*per game)

Delap

Jackson

Games (starts)

37 (32)

30 (28)

Goals

12

10

Goal frequency

218min

224min

Shots*

1.8

2.5

Big chances missed

10

19

Assists

2

5

Big chances created

3

6

Key passes*

0.6

0.9

Total duels won*

38%

38%

Stats via Sofascore

Indeed, the in-demand marksman is fresh off the back of what was just his first campaign at the top level, having previously scored just eight goals in the Championship with Hull City in 2023/24.

Whether the youngster will be able to kick on again under the tutelage of Maresca, whom he previously worked with at the Etihad, remains to be seen, with the pool of evidence in the Premier League undoubtedly small.

That, it must be said, is not true of Branthwaite, with the former Carlisle United man – who joined Everton for just £1m in January 2020 – have shone over the last two seasons at Goodison Park, after previously catching the eye on loan at PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/23 campaign.

That stint in the Netherlands saw the 6 foot 5 giant described as the “complete” defender by manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, while analyst Ben Mattinson also lauded him as a “two-footed ball-playing, physical beast”, such is the wide array of his talents.

Since then, the £70m man has enjoyed two standout seasons in England’s top-flight, racking up 65 league appearances in that time after emerging as a crucial figure alongside James Tarkowski.

Described as a “monster” by pundit Ian Wright, Branthwaite notably ended 2024/25 having won 63% of his total duels, while averaging 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside making 6.3 clearances, as per Sofascore.

For context, the fellow left-footer he could well replace or rival at Stamford Bridge – Levi Colwill – won just 57% of his total duels, while averaging 2.2 tackles and interceptions, alongside making 3.3 clearances per outing.

With three eye-catching seasons under his belt in a row – including his time in the Eredivisie – Branthwaite has now repeatedly proven himself at the elite level. Delap, meanwhile, still has a way to go to illustrate that he can be a consistent success on the big stage.

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington May 31, 2025

Arsenal could now make an opening bid for a Gabriel and William Saliba “hybrid” in the coming days, according to a report.

Gunners eyeing new centre-back amid Saliba uncertainty

Gabriel has recently reaffirmed his commitment to Mikel Arteta’s project by agreeing a new deal, but Saliba is yet to sign a new contract, amid widespread reports that Real Madrid are interested in signing the Frenchman.

Despite signing AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, Madrid retain an interest in Saliba, with the 24-year-old thought to be a dream signing, and they remain attentive to his contract situation.

As such, while Arteta will surely be determined to keep hold of the centre-back, it may be a wise move to start thinking about potential replacements, and the north Londoners could soon make an opening bid for a Liga Portugal star.

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The Gunners have received a boost in their pursuit of a forward, who Andrea Berta has already held talks to sign.

Posts 1 ByDominic Lund Jun 8, 2025

Indeed, according to a report from A Bola (via Arsenal News), the Gunners may submit a proposal for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande in the coming days, having recently learned that he will be available for a fee below his release clause.

Although Diomande has a £67m release clause in his contract, Sporting recently informed Crystal Palace they would be willing to sanction a departure for £51m, but there are a number of other top clubs in the race for his signature.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich also said to be ‘very attentive’ to the 21-year-old’s situation, highlighting just how highly he is regarded.

Diomande could be a Gabriel and Saliba "hybrid"

Gabriel and Saliba have struck up quite the partnership at the heart of the Arsenal defence, although Jamie Carragher has suggested the France international is not the same when playing alongside Jakub Kiwior.

Carragher said: “I think Saliba is the better player but Gabriel is the better leader, and he needs to bring that to his game if he wants to get to the levels of Virgil van Dijk. Saliba needs Gabriel. Since Gabriel has come out of the team, that’s not the same Saliba I’m watching.”

Given that the two defenders complement each other, it should be exciting news that the Gunners are in the race for Diomande, as he has been described as a “hybrid between Gabriel and Saliba” by data analyst Ben Mattinson.

Despite being just 21-years-old, the Ivorian already has 101 first-team appearances to his name for Sporting, indicating he could slot right into Arteta’s backline, while journalist Zach Lowy has been left very impressed by his performances in the past.

Of course, Arsenal fans will be hoping that Saliba commits his future to the club, but there is no doubt that Diomande could be an exciting long-term heir.

Manchester United have spent big on strikers over the years, as the club looks to bolster their ranks and consolidate their place as England’s most successful club.

However, their investment over recent seasons has massively hindered their progress in the Premier League, leading to their bottom-half finish in 2024/25.

Rasmus Hojlund has been the Red Devils’ main talisman since Ruben Amorim’s appointment, but he’s massively struggled to provide the goods – netting just four league goals throughout this season.

As a result, he’s been touted with a move to join Inter Milan this summer, less than two years after his £72m switch from Atalanta, ultimately failing to live up to expectations as seen by his measly goal tally.

With the summer window reopening later this week, it presents the manager with the perfect opportunity to strengthen his squad and help them mount a charge up the table next campaign.

United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Given the lack of goals scored by Hojlund throughout 2024/25, it’s no surprise to see the hierarchy targeting added reinforcements in the final third this summer.

The likes of Benjamin Sesko, Gonçalo Ramos and Liam Delap have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, but no deals have been completed – with the latter rejecting Amorim’s side in favour of a move to Chelsea.

However, progress has been made on a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres this summer, with United taking a huge step towards winning the race for his signature this summer, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that Jason Wilcox and Co are preparing an offer for the Swedish international, after Arsenal entered the race for the 27-year-old, who’s scored 54 times this season.

It also states that the Portuguese outfit are demanding a fee in the region of €80m (£67m) to part ways with their star man, but doesn’t say how much they’re set to offer for his services.

Why Gyokeres could be United’s answer to Haaland

Erling Haaland is a talisman who has taken the Premier League by storm in recent seasons, helping rivals Manchester City claim the treble back in the 2022/23 season.

The Norwegian forward has just completed his third year in the North West, scoring a total of 85 goals in his 97 league appearances – finishing as the Golden Boot winner in two of the last three campaigns.

Such form in England has made him one of, if not, the most deadly attacking options in Europe, with every side wishing they could rely upon a finisher as lethal as the 24-year-old.

However, the situation could’ve been completely different, with the Red Devils hierarchy rejecting an opportunity to sign the star during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure at the helm.

Gyokeres’ goalscoring record has undoubtedly caught the eye, but his underlying stats are just as impressive, outperforming Haaland in numerous key areas – becoming United’s own version of the Norwegian should he move to Old Trafford.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, may have outscored Haaland, but he’s also registered a higher shot-on-target rate – demonstrating his accuracy within attacking areas.

He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons that he’s attempted, whilst registering more carries into the final third, having the ability to create changes for himself rather than relying on his teammates.

How Gyokeres compares to Haaland in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Gyokeres

Haaland

Games played

33

31

Goals & assists

46

25

Shot on target accuracy

53%

52%

Shots on target per 90

2.2

1.8

Take-on success

46%

38%

Carries into final third

1.3

0.4

Aerials won

54%

53%

Stats via FBref

Gyokeres’ dominance doesn’t end there, winning more of the aerials he’s entered, subsequently handing Amorim the focal point he’s lacked since taking the reins back in November.

Whilst £67m may seem like a hefty fee for a player who’s never played in the Premier League before, it’s a risk worth taking given his recent goalscoring exploits.

Should he get close to the levels produced by the City star over recent years, it would be one hell of an addition, proving to be a bargain despite the huge fee they would have to fork out for his signature.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jun 11, 2025

Arsenal have many targets on their radar for the coming months, in keeping with Andrea Berta’s transfer philosophy, with the sporting director known to spin many plates at any given time in pursuit of signings.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 24, 2025

The Italian has already held “numerous” talks with certain players’ representatives, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg recently, and they’ve been “very active” behind-the-scenes.

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

Berta is still currently working on simultaneous deals for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko (Miguel Delaney), which comes as his most high-profile work right now by far, with Arsenal supporters extremely keen for their club to finally sign a proven goalscorer.

Unfortunately, the potential departure of veteran star midfielder Thomas Partey is now increasingly more likely with new contract talks at a stalemate, so Mikel Arteta might find himself requiring another man for the engine room after Martin Zubimendi, who’s put the finishing touches on a move to Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano).

Arsenal are actively discussing alternatives to Partey behind-the-scenes, but it is a tricky situation, as the north Londoners may not have a big enough transfer kitty to bring in another premium midfielder with Zubimendi (The Athletic).

Nevertheless, internal conversations are happening about a replacement for Partey, with Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume high on Arsenal’s list of targets in that regard.

Arsenal tipped to make "shock" move for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard

Now, as per “very well-connected” former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown, Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is an option for Arteta’s side as well.

The Dane has been a mainstay for Brentford, and pivotal for ex-Bees boss Thomas Frank. Norgaard started 34 top-flight games last season, chipping in with five goals and four assists in the league over that time, with the 31-year-old boasting proven top-level experience.

Brown, speaking to Football Insider, claims that Arsenal are considering a “shock” move for Norgaard amid reports that Partey could call time on his Emirates Stadium career.

“Norgaard is a better player than a lot of people give him credit for,” he said.

“So interest from clubs like Arsenal might come as a shock, but he would be a good option for them. He’s a very consistent performer who goes under the radar a lot of the time, and that’s what these clubs are looking for, a solid, consistent player.

“Arsenal have been keeping an eye on him because they want to strengthen their midfield options.

“They have to decide where he would fit in their team and what his role would be. But he’s certainly a player they feel would strengthen their squad because he’s a good player, he’s a leader and he’s got plenty of experience.

“It looks like a lot of players could be leaving Brentford because the manager is gone. That will be a blow to them, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see people like Norgaard tempted to move on.”

USA, playing in their first T20 World Cup, have qualified for the Super Eight stages

Sidharth Monga14-Jun-20243:17

O’Brien: USA deserve to be in the Super Eight

It didn’t come around with a final dot ball or a wicket or a final scoring shot. The fans didn’t get to celebrate in the stands. There was no drama. After about five hours of hard work from the ground staff, it was during a fresh shower that it was finally decided there wasn’t going to be a match in Lauderhill on Friday. And with that, amid almost no fanfare, USA qualified for the Super Eight.USA will take it whatever way they get it, but they came wanting to play cricket. “As a cricketer, me coming to the ground today, and the boys coming to the ground today, I think that you don’t want to leave home and not play cricket,” the USA vice-captain Aaron Jones said. “That’s for me personally, I want to play. But at the end of the day, the rain… it’s nothing that we can control. So we are grateful that we got to the Super Eights. But we left the hotel this morning thinking about playing cricket, we wanted to play cricket.”Jones is not one for doing cartwheels. “Yeah, definitely we are celebrating,” he said. “Everybody’s happy right now. Obviously qualifying for the Super Eights is a big thing, so everybody’s happy right now.”Related

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Of course, the qualification didn’t come around just because there was no play on Friday, leaving Pakistan no chance to draw level with USA let alone going past them. They qualified because they beat Pakistan and Canada, something Jones at least had warned the world about when he said USA were not there just to make up the numbers.”Yeah, I definitely believed that earlier this year when I spoke about it,” Jones said when reminded of his comments. “To be honest with you, a lot of people don’t really pay much attention to US cricket. So probably the whole world don’t already know how much talent we have here and how good the players that we have here are. I think that could be a little advantage to us, but definitely I think that on any given day, once we play proper cricket, we believe that we can beat any team in the world for sure.”USA will now get three big matches in the Super Eight, facing West Indies, South Africa and possibly England. Their prize money will jump by at least $150,000. The biggest boost will hopefully be more interest in cricket in the country after such an impressive showing in their first T20 World Cup. Especially given how this automatically qualifies them for the next T20 World Cup too.”It’s a big thing for us to be honest,” Jones said. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve been speaking about playing in the World Cup, playing more games against the Full Member nations and stuff like that. And here we are doing it right now. And obviously qualifying for the Super Eights is really good. Not only for us right now in the moment but I think we’ll qualify for the 2026 World Cup as well so I think it’s a big thing for us. Not only for us but the fans around America as well. We really appreciate them for sure and not only for the fans but for the younger generation in America as well.”Even their rivals Canada have been rooting for USA because this brings the spotlight on the whole of North America. “I saw them last month in April, those guys were working really hard and I’m happy for them, how they qualified,” Shreyas Movva, the Canada wicketkeeper said. “It’s a motivation for us going into the next tournaments that USA have done it so we can do too.”Jones himself will be going back to the land of his birth, Barbados, to play two of the three matches. “It’s really good for me to go back home,” Jones said. “I’m really happy right now. I think I’ll get a lot of support for sure, especially in Barbados. So definitely looking forward to it.”

The fast bowler’s career has been hit by injury but he remains in the plans of Australia’s selectors

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Aug-2024

When fit, Jhye Richardson is a threat with pace and swing•Getty Images

Jhye Richardson is in line to play his first game in Australia since January over the next few weeks after being included as part of Perth Scorchers’ squad for the Top End T20 tournament in Darwin.Richardson is the most notable inclusion in the Scorchers’ group which is largely made up of younger players on the fringes of the BBL and Western Australia sides plus some from the WA academy.Related

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Richardson, who was handed a Cricket Australia contract in March, has not played a game at home since injuring himself during the BBL. He made one appearance for Delhi Capitals in the IPL earlier this year.He has been part of an Australia training camp in Brisbane this week but was not considered for next month’s tour of Scotland and England with the selectors taking a longer-term view in the hope of him overcoming the injury issues which have hampered his international career. He had been in line for an ODI return against West Indies last season before picking up a side strain.”He’s fit and firing now, and again looking for match opportunities,” national selector George Bailey said last month. “I think he’ll get opportunities again across the summer.”Richardson will be joined in the squad by fellow quick Matt Kelly whose season was also ended early by injury. Batter Sam Fanning has been named captain while Baxter Holt, who moved to Western Australia from New South Wales, is also included.”We also see this tournament as an opportunity for Jhye and Kells [Matt Kelly] to find touch in a competitive environment,” stand-in coach Tim MacDonald said. “They didn’t play a lot of cricket last year but they’re a big part of what we do at the Scorchers and WA, so we’re looking forward to seeing both of them back in action.”The Top End competition also features Northern Territory Strike, Pakistan A, ACT, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars and a Bangladesh High Performance side.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is personally leading the charge to sign a “powerful” player, with an offer now ready to be submitted, according to a report.

Berta taking hands-on role at the Emirates

Having laid the foundations, the Arsenal hierarchy believes now is the time for the team to start winning silverware, and Berta has a big role to play, with the Italian regarded as a master negotiator, capable of being involved in multiple deals at once.

The 53-year-old is taking a hands-on role at the Emirates Stadium, attending training sessions and press conferences, while also putting in work behind-the-scenes to secure agreements for the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi.

There have been some disagreements with Mikel Arteta, however, especially when it comes to which striker they should bring in, with Berta keen to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, while the manager would prefer to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Berta is simultaneously working on moves for both strikers, indicating a decision is yet to be made as to which striker is the preferred option, and the north Londoners are also keen to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch.

That is according to a report from Super Deporte (via Sport Witness), which states Berta is now leading the charge for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, who has recently been identified as a key target by Arteta.

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Such is Arsenal’s level of interest, they are now ready to submit an offer in the region of €20m – €25m (£17m – £21m) for Mosquera, with around €3m – €5m (£2.6m – £4.3m) of the higher amount based on bonuses relating to performance.

Berta is said to be key to the deal, with the sporting director retaining a long-term interest in the 21-year-old, having also targeted him during his time with Atlético Madrid.

"Powerful" Mosquera could be ideal centre-back signing

With any new centre-back signing unlikely to immediately take Gabriel or William Saliba’s spot in the starting XI, it would make sense to bring in a younger centre-back, capable of replacing one of the first-choice options on a long-term basis.

The Valencia star is showing very promising signs in La Liga, having now established himself as a key player, missing just one La Liga game last season, while the defender has also received high praise from former youth coach Miguel-Ángel Angulo.

Angulo said: “He’s characterised by a physical condition and good technical qualities, powerful in the air, and mature for his age.”

Having also received plaudits from Statman Dave, Mosquera is clearly an exciting young player, who could provide Arsenal with the depth to compete on all fronts next season, before going on to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.