Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a slow start to the new season, but may be about to ignite their campaign as they close in on another signing.
Wolves prepare to face West Ham United after poor start
Last weekend proved to be another exercise in frustration for Vitor Pereira as his side lost out 1-0 to Bournemouth on the South Coast, leaving his side above only West Ham United in the Premier League table.
Coincidentally, both clubs will face off in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening, and their man in the dugout will hope his outfit can learn after claiming they failed to follow his tactical instructions during a narrow defeat at the Vitality Stadium.
He told The Mirror: “Football is like this. You can prepare everything but after four minutes we make a pass in the middle, we build in the middle, we lost the ball and they scored. Before (the goal) we had a big chance to score and we missed it.
“I think this goal creates a negative impact in our team because when I watch the game I was feeling that the team was shy on the pitch and with some difficulties to go out of this pressure.”
With signings needed to spruce up his pool of options, Wolves are on the trail of Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado after he fell down the pecking order under Hansi Flick.
Wolves now "closing in" on £26m deal to sign "dominant" star for Pereira
The Midlands club look set to get their man.
2 ByTom Cunningham Aug 22, 2025
Furthermore, the Old Gold have opened talks to sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, which would suggest that adding physicality and solidity are both on the agenda at Molineux, with a deal for Ladislav Krejčí on the verge of being completed to aid that quest.
Rumours are swirling with the business end of the window here and Pereira could now be close to securing some versatility to aid his flailing squad, per recent developments.
Wolves now closing in on Christantus Uche
According to Express & Star reporter Liam Keen on X, Wolves are now closing in on a deal for Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche at around the £17 million mark.
Negotiations continue and there is still work to do before an agreement on personal terms can be reached, but optimism exists internally that he will sign on the dotted line ahead of the close of play.
Labelled “superb” by Jacek Kulig, the versatile star is capable of featuring as a centre-forward or in a variety of midfield roles and started off the season by registering a goal and an assist in Getafe’s recent 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo.
Capped twice by Nigeria, his arrival would be a timely one amid speculation over Jorgen Strand Larsen, though it remains to be seen whether Wolves can finalise a deal over the coming days.
Smith insisted he had not requested a move back down the order but rather just told Andrew McDonald his preference
Alex Malcolm21-Oct-20241:36
What’s the logic of moving Smith back down the order?
Steven Smith has said Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne “hated” him opening the batting in the Test team, and believes it was a key driver behind his return to No. 4, but has insisted he did not request the move and would have continued to open if asked to.Australia’s chair selectors George Bailey confirmed last week that Smith would not be opening against India saying Smith “had expressed a desire to move back down from that opening position” and that captain Pat Cummins and Andrew McDonald had made the decision.McDonald stated on ABC Radio at the weekend that he and Cummins were the key decision-makers in the move, playing down Smith’s influence.Related
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Smith wanted it on the record that he had not explicitly requested to move back to No. 4 but had rather been asked by McDonald what his preferred batting spot was. He also added that Khawaja and Labuschagne had both expressed their discontent at him opening.”I got asked where I’d prefer to bat, and I said four. I didn’t ask [to move] though,” Smith said. “I also said I’m happy batting wherever. I’m not really too fussed. I got asked where my preference would be, and I said four. I saw a few things last week saying that I’ve requested to bat at four. That wasn’t the case. I said I’m happy to bat wherever you’d like me to bat but, yeah, four would be my ideal position.”Asked what had changed since earlier this year, he said: “Obviously there’s a spot there now with Greeny [Cameron Green] out. And I think just conversations we had after New Zealand with particularly Marnus and Uzzie, they hated me up top, to be honest. They wanted me behind them.”They just like the…they call it security behind them, in a way. They were pretty strong on me not batting there. So that was a big part of it. And then obviously, I’ve got a decent record at four.”It was good fun having a crack at something new, batting up top. I still feel like I could do a job there for sure. It was a pretty small sample size. But I’ve done pretty well at four for a number of years now. I feel like it’s probably where I can have my best input for this team at the moment.”Smith was set to move regardless of Green’s injury as the conversations had taken place prior to the limited-overs tour of England.He was asked whether he felt like he could have continued in the role longer term given his average of 28.50 in the four Tests in the job was not that bad as no opener averaged more than 32 across those four Tests.In his own style: Steven Smith leaves the ball alone•Getty Images”Honestly, I’m not that fussed,” Smith said. “I said it when I took that job, I’m not really fussed where I bat. The conversations I had with the other guys, they didn’t like it at all. They wanted some security, I suppose, behind them, where I’ve done really well for a number of years, and I can understand that as well. So it is what it is and I’m not going to be opening this summer. That’s it.”Smith made 3 off 29 balls for New South Wales against Victoria in his first red-ball innings since the New Zealand Test series in March and his first Sheffield Shield match since 2021.On a day when 15 wickets fell at the MCG in difficult batting conditions, Smith was upbeat about the innings despite being caught down the leg side off Fergus O’Neill.”I actually felt pretty good out there, to be honest, for the three that I scored strangely enough,” Smith said. “I felt like I was moving well. I was leaving well, and got a little bit unlucky with the one that sort of took off a little bit down the leg side. And that can happen. But I actually felt like I was getting in nice positions. My bat path was good and felt pretty good. So happy with that.”Meanwhile, Smith has been impressed with his limited time watching 19-year-old Sam Konstas who was lbw after 10 balls on the second day at the MCG”He got a bit unlucky there I reckon,” Smith said. “It looked like it might have been just darting down leg a little bit. I haven’t seen a lot of him. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of him out here in the middle for sure. But from what I have seen in the nets, he’s got a lot of time.Steven Smith threw in Nic Maddinson’s name as a potential opening option•Getty Images”He’s very organised. He plays fast bowling and spin well from what I’ve seen in the brief couple of times I’ve seen him bat, it’s looked really good. He’s a bright prospect. We’ve got to remember he’s only 19 as well so you he’s got plenty of time. But what I’ve seen so far, it looks promising”He’s got all the makings to definitely be a really good Test player. That’s for sure. Whether it’s now or in the future, time will tell.”Smith also threw Nic Maddinson’s name in the mix as a possible candidate to open the batting for Australia against India given he is a similar type of player to David Warner.”There’s a few really good candidates, guys that have, done really well the last few years,” Smith said. “[Cameron] Bancroft and the usual suspects that have been talked about. Maddo I think is also another really good candidate. He’s had a good couple of years. If you’re looking for someone similar to a Davey replacement, he gets after the ball and can score really quickly.”So he’s someone who probably hasn’t been spoken about a great deal from all you guys in the last little bit, but I think he’s someone that could definitely play test cricket and have a similar impact to what Davey sort of had at the top, the way he plays. So plenty of options. We’ll wait and see.”
Chelsea’s summer spending spree is showing no sign of slowing down.
So far, the Blues have made eight new signings this summer, including bringing in Liam Delap, João Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Estêvão Willian and others.
However, they’ve still got plenty to do in the transfer market.
Right now, by our count, the Blues have 46 senior players on their books, but one could be on the way out, making way for another exciting young talent to arrive in West London.
Chelsea set to bolster their attacking options
As already alluded to, Chelsea are seeking to offload at least a dozen high-profile players in the next month or so, with Mike McGrath of the Telegraph reporting that Raheem Sterling could be on his way to Fulham.
One player who is closer to the exit door is João Félix who, according to David Ornstein and Simon Johnson of the Athletic, is set to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr for around £26.2m, amid interest from boyhood club Benfica.
The Portuguese only joined Chelsea permanently from Atlético Madrid for £45m a year ago, but has scored just 11 goals in 40 appearances for the Blues across his two spells, spending the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, thereby very much not in Enzo Maresca’s plans.
So, with Félix on his way out, Chelsea are on the cusp of bringing in a replacement, with journalist Ben Jacobs noting that they are “advancing talks” to sign Xavi Simons, with “terms now broadly in place” to bring him to England. Club-to-club talks are ongoing to find a full agreement over a fee.
James Olley of ESPN claims that the Blues are willing to spend around £50m, with Leipzig holding out for closer to £60m.
So, will he soon become the 15th Dutchman to call Stamford Bridge home, following in the footsteps of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Ruud Gullit, Arjen Robben and others?
How Xavi Simons will improve Chelsea
Simons is certainly a highly-rated player, with Sultan Babajide of Breaking the Lines asserting that he is ‘destined for the top’, noting how he is ‘brilliant between the lines’.
Meantime, Bart Vlietstra of the Guardian believes there has always been ‘something irresistible’ about a player he labels a ‘precocious’ talent, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout agrees, describing him as a ‘fascinating player’.
Simons’ career breakthrough came at PSV Eindhoven, scoring 22 goals and registering 11 assists in just 48 outings for the Dutch giants, while he has also racked up 21 goals and 23 assists in 76 appearances since making the move to RB Leipzig.
So how does he compare to the player he’s set to replace in the Chelsea squad Félix? Let’s find out.
Simons vs Félix season-by-season
Statistics
Simons
Félix
2024/25
Appearances
33
41
Goals
11
10
Assists
8
3
2023/24
Appearances
43
44
Goals
10
10
Assists
15
6
2022/23
Appearances
48
40
Goals
22
9
Assists
11
3
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table outlines, ever since Simons became a regular first-team player at PSV, his statistics have been more impressive than those of Félix.
The Portuguese international’s £113m move to Atlético Madrid back in 2019, making him the fourth-most expensive player of all-time, has turned out to be one of football’s great what if moves, with Jack Lang of the Athletic noting that he is widely-regarded as having ‘wasted his talent’, never able to fit into the playing style or system at any of the clubs he’s featured for since Benfica.
Simons, in contrast, is a player on the way up, likely to get even better, so he could have an enormous impact at Chelsea, potentially elevating them to a level where they’re fighting for the Premier League title and Champions League supremacy once again.
Better signing than Simons: Chelsea could see bid accepted for £34m star
Chelsea will need to improve their defence this summer
Leeds United appear to be turning their attention towards targets at the top end of the pitch after signing three defenders to bolster their options at the back.
Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw have arrived at Elland Road to improve Daniel Farke’s rearguard, whilst striker Lukas Nmecha has also joined on a free transfer.
The Whites are now ready to target players in the attacking areas of the pitch in order to build a team that is capable of avoiding an instant relegation from the Premier League.
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Symth recently revealed that the Championship champions have made contact with the agents of Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao.
The reporter then added that the Whites are willing to pursue a deal for the Brazilian forward in spite of the fact that he is currently rehabbing from an injury.
What Igor Paixao could bring to Leeds
If Leeds can follow up on this interest by getting a deal over the line for the Feyenoord sensation before the end of the summer transfer window, Farke could have an exciting left winger at his disposal.
Igor Paixao for Feyenoord.
The 25-year-old flanker ended the 2024/25 campaign with an eye-catching haul of 18 goals and 19 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions for the Dutch side, which included 16 goals and 14 assists in the Eredivisie.
Paixao is a right-footed left winger who likes to cut inside from the left to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis, which he did to great effect in the Netherlands last season.
Leeds need a player who brings those qualities to the team after Manor Solomon returned to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season, after he spent the term on loan at Elland Road.
24/25 season
Paixao (Eredivisie)
Solomon (Championship)
Appearances
34
39
xG
10.56
8.15
Goals
16
10
Big chances created
12
21
Assists
10
12
Key passes per game
1.7
1.8
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Paixao has the potential to offer similar levels of quality to the Israel international as a scorer and a creator of goals, albeit he is more geared towards scoring than creating in comparison to the Spurs winger.
However, the Brazilian has not played in a European league outside of the Netherlands and there is no guarantee that his form will translate over to England, as Luis Sinisterra has produced eight goals and three assists in 51 games in the Premier League since his move from Feyenoord.
This is why the Whites could land an even better player for their attack amid their interest in a star who has already proven themselves in England.
Leeds hopeful of signing Premier League striker
According to LeedsUnitedNews, the club have made ‘progress’ in their pursuit of a deal for Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz ahead of next season.
The Whites are interested in adding the Brazilian marksman to their squad to lead the line for them in the Premier League, and are continuing to pursue a move for the Cottagers ace.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
This latest report claims that Leeds are ‘hopeful’ of concluding a deal for the 26-year-old number nine, who has indicated that he would be interested in a move to Elland Road.
It states that Muniz wants to be the main man if he moves to a new club, having played second fiddle to Raul Jimenez at Craven Cottage last season, and that could work to Farke’s advantage.
LeedsUnitedNews adds that the club are stepping up their efforts to sign the Fulham attacker, who has been valued at £50m this summer, and are ‘edging closer’ to a deal.
Why Muniz would be a better signing than Paixao for Leeds
Whilst Paixao would be an exciting signing for Leeds, because of the numbers he put up in the Netherlands last season, Muniz would be an even better signing for the club because he is a proven Premier League talent.
As aforementioned, there is no telling how the Feyenoord attacker will adapt to life in England. There is no guarantee that he will deliver 18 goals and 19 assists for Leeds, given Sinisterra’s struggles after making the same switch from Feyenoord to West Yorkshire a few years ago.
Fulham's RodrigoMunizcelebrates scoring their third goal
This means that he would be a risky signing for the club to make, but with the potential to be an excellent addition, whilst Muniz would be a fairly ‘safe’ move for the Whites to complete this summer.
The Fulham striker has been there and done it in the Premier League, proving that he can score goals against the standard of defenders in the English top-flight, which is why he would be such a crucial signing for Leeds.
Rodrigo Muniz (Premier League)
23/24
24/25
Appearances
26
31
Starts
18
8
xG
8.72
5.81
Goals
9
8
Minutes per goal
179
121
Big chances created
2
1
Assists
1
1
Duel success rate
39%
52%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Muniz has scored 17 goals in just 26 starts in the division since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, rotating with Jimenez at Craven Cottage.
Leeds could offer him the chance to be the main man, starting almost every game if fit and available, and that could provide him with the opportunities to hit double figures for goals, given his impressive output in limited minutes at Fulham.
These statistics show why Muniz is an even better player for Leeds to target this summer because he has a track record that suggests that he can hit the ground running and deliver quality on a regular basis in the Premier League.
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Again, that is not to say that Paixao will be a bad signing, as they could both arrive and form a lethal partnership at the top end of the pitch, but there appears to be far less risk attached to a move for the Fulham striker.
India women’s head coach Amol Muzumdar has emphasised the importance of “fielding and fitness” as India gear up for a busy few months beginning with the first ODI against South Africa on Sunday in Bengaluru.”When I took over last December, we had said that fielding and fitness have been the cornerstone and we have been driving that message to the group. They [the players] have responded really nicely to that,” Muzumdar said. “Fielding is a work in progress and we are working very hard towards it and trust me, you will see some results out of it.”India play three ODIs, one Test match and three T20Is against South Africa over the next four weeks. Following that, they will head to Sri Lanka for the women’s Asia Cup starting July 19 and then travel to Bangladesh for the Women’s T20 World Cup which kicks off on October 3.Related
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Muzumdar highlighted the scheduling of the South Africa series as an advantage to be seized upon. “The continuity is very important in the few months leading up to the World Cup,” he said, “This series, the format that we are playing is ODI format, then the Test match, then the last one is T20. It is a very well-scheduled series and we go into the Asia Cup which again is T20s.”By then I think, we should be ready for the World Cup. Then we have a layoff of about seven and a half weeks before we head off to Bangladesh. It is a very well-thought-out series and [we are] really looking forward to it.”India are coming into the series against South Africa on the back of a series sweep over Bangladesh. They played all five matches in Sylhet, the venue for India’s group games at the Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.”We have had a fantastic preparation in the last eight weeks,” Muzumdar said. “We went to Bangladesh and had a desired result; 5-0 we won the T20 series. We also practiced over there, in the same ground where we would be playing the World Cup. We’ve had a couple of camps before this series. We had a split camp. The bowler’s camp was held at NCA here in Bengaluru and the batter’s camp was held in Navi Mumbai. It was a concentrated camp and we had the fruitful desired results for the camp.”Muzumdar was also effusive in praise of Smriti Mandhana, who led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the Women’s Premier League title earlier in the year.”She is a fantastic leader. We do have a leadership group within the team and Smriti is a big factor in that,” Muzumdar said. “Going forward, she definitely has got a role to play. She has a good camaraderie with the current captain Harmanpreet Kaur and we are all working together. She is definitely a fantastic leader as we’ve seen in the WPL. She has won the title for RCB.”
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.
Liam Delap at Ipswich Town.
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.
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.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
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.
The next Ashley Cole: Chelsea 'advancing talks' to sign "immense" £46m star
Chelsea are keen to sign a defender or two this summer
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.
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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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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.
Napoli's Frank Anguissa in action with Genoa's MortenFrendrup
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.
Arsenal could now be handed the chance to sign yet another Bayern Munich player, following their recent talks with Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman.
Arsenal make contact with Leroy Sané and Kingsley Coman
Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are reportedly keen to bring in a new winger this summer, prompting the Gunners to reach out to Bavaria in search of quality options.
Arsenal convinced they'll sign "world-class" player by June, talks ongoing
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ByEmilio Galantini Apr 16, 2025
At the beginning of April, it was reported that Arsenal held “fresh talks” with Sane over joining on a free transfer.
However, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Vincent Kompany’s side have tabled a formal contract proposal to Sane, who was recently named Bayern’s Player of the Month for March amid his sensational end to the campaign, and it is highly likely the German will extend his stay – dealing a blow to Arsenal in their pursuit.
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
April 23rd
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
After seemingly missing out on the 29-year-old, Arsenal then turned their attention towards Coman, who has expressed a desire to leave Bayern and is far more likely to seal a departure.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia, not to mention arch rivals Tottenham, are also believed to be expressing an interest – so it won’t be plain sailing for Berta.
Bayern Munich's KingsleyComancelebrates
“Kingsley Coman has already internally expressed his desire to leave this summer, as revealed,” wrote Plettenberg on X.
“Saudi clubs are now taking the matter seriously and are planning a visit to Munich for talks with Bayern. In England, Arsenal are currently the most concrete option – especially since Leroy Sané is about to extend his contract with Bayern. Spurs would like to sign Coman but are currently in a waiting position due to his high salary.”
Since then, Arsenal have moved to open talks with Coman’s representatives, and this communication is said to be “ongoing” as the north Londoners seek to tempt him with a move to N5.
Amid these discussions, it is now believed another Bayern ace could be on the table for Arteta – £165,000-per-week midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Arsenal likely to be offered Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha
According to CaughtOffside, Palhinha is likely to be offered to Arsenal, as his representative seeks a new landing spot just one year after he joined Kompany’s side – following a lengthy Fulham transfer saga.
The Portugal international has made just 21 appearances in all competitions, partly due to a muscle injury, with Liverpool and Man United also set to be handed an opportunity to strike a deal for the former Premier League star.
The Bundesliga frontrunners could be open to selling Palhinha, as they’re currently prioritising a contract extension for Leon Goretzka, so the 29-year-old’s availability is on the cards.
“He’s been absolutely sensational this season,” said pundit Rio Ferdinand on the midfielder in 2023.
“You need someone like that in front of you as a defender.”
The Bangladesh coach does not think the BPL is helping Bangladesh cricket – this and more from a freewheeling chat with ESPNcricinfo
Mohammad Isam25-Feb-2024
On the importance of legspin
You always liked having a legspinner in your team but you are in a country where legspin is hardly ever used in domestic cricket. Have you ever mentioned it to the board: how can have more legspin in domestic cricket?
I have spoken to the people who matter. Not only this time, the previous time [when Hathurusinghe was Bangladesh coach] as well. Sometimes when those things [still] haven’t happened, I have had to take an unconventional route as well. As you know, Jubair [Hossain] played Tests without playing much first-class cricket. Rishad has also been fast-tracked, but coaches and captains need to understand the value of legspinners. How to use legspinners.We need to have systems in place to identify the proper pathway for them. I have been involved in building two world-class legspinners: Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha. I know how much investment went towards their careers. When I saw Zampa in 2011, he was just another player. He turned out to be world-class. We don’t understand the value of a legspinner here. We are suffering because of that.
On the upcoming series against Sri Lanka
What were the thoughts behind including spinners Aliss Al Islam and Rishad Hossain in the T20 squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka?
[Legspinner] Rishad is one for the future. I am really trying to back him as much as we can. Unfortunately we are not getting enough support from local cricket. He is not even playing the BPL. I am very disappointed with that.
“We need to have a tournament where our players can do things – like Bangladesh players batting in the top three, Bangladesh bowlers bowling in the death. Where will we learn these things otherwise? “On the need for another domestic tournament other than the BPL
I think Aliss has mystery, but I don’t know much about him. I have seen him on TV. It is one thing to have that kind of a skill, but you need to field well and have fitness at the international level. [By being part of the set-up for the upcoming series], he will know what standard he has to reach, and we can understand the mystery about him.Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are now rivals. Not just off the field but their gap has been shortening since those days when Sri Lanka used to beat Bangladesh easily. How do you think Bangladesh will fare this time against them?
There is a real competition. Sri Lanka is a very good T20 side. Their bowling is among the top three teams in the world. We are developing as a T20 team. We are underdogs, to be honest. It is a good challenge for us. I am still confident we will give them a good fight. We will understand where we are at, ahead of the World Cup, after this series.Was Mahmudullah’s revival only about good batting form or is there anything else you spotted in him?
I think he was very well prepared for the [ODI] World Cup. He has had time off [having not played for Bangladesh since the end of the 2023 World Cup]. He was fresh physically and mentally. That’s what I saw. A determined and fresh Mahmudullah, and wanting to prove to himself and to everyone that he is still good enough.
On the state of T20 cricket in Bangladesh
How do you instill a T20 mindset in Bangladesh? Are they catching up with world standards?
No way. We don’t have a proper T20 tournament. This sounds very odd but when I am watching the BPL, I sometimes turn off the TV. Some players are not even of the class. I have a big issue with the current system. The ICC needs to step in. Our board needs to do something about us. There has to be some regulations. A player is playing one tournament and then playing another tournament. It is like a circus. Players will talk about opportunities, but that’s not right. People will lose interest. I have lost interest.We need to have a tournament where our players can do things – like Bangladesh players batting in the top three, Bangladesh bowlers bowling in the death. Where will we learn these things otherwise? We have only one tournament. My ideal suggestion is that we have another tournament before the BPL. A franchise does what it wants. Some of my best players are not playing [the BPL]. So then how do you expect the Bangladesh team be up with the other teams? I am fighting a steep battle.Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has a chat with head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe•BCB
On the changing of the guard in Bangladesh cricket
I was made aware of something called the Tiger Code…
That is to have something that when you come into the team as a debutant, you are told the meaning of representing Bangladesh. The players have come up with what they stand for, as a Tiger. They want to leave something behind for the next generation when they retire. They have a set of values that they stand for. There are some blank pages to write their stories and once they retire, they can fondly look back at those.You have backed Najmul Hossain Shanto as the captain. How will you help him in his first year as captain?
It is important to have a good relationship with him. We must have open communication. [We must] understand how he wants to lead and support his vision, support the culture he wants to set. I only saw his tactical side and leadership in the middle, now I want to help him with the leadership off the field. My job is to get as much resources from outside to support him as a leader and take the pressure off most of the time from other things.How does a young captain lead a team with ex-captains and senior players in the set-up?
I was always against that sort of thing: if you expect different treatment just because you are a senior, you are in the wrong place. That’s my belief all the time. I was a club captain and with Sri Lanka A at a very young age.You backed players like Tanzid Hasan and Tanzim Hasan in the ODI side. Have they improved since you saw them for the first time?
First of all, I backed some of them not by choice. It was due to what happened leading up to the [2023 ODI] World Cup with injuries and other reasons. Tanzid has real potential. I am glad that he is showing glimpses of it. He has a high ceiling. Tanzim has real character. I know he needs to develop some skills but due to sheer determination, he is a good asset to the team. He doesn’t step back. Both are still babies in international cricket though.
“If a big change [in the captaincy] happens like that, it definitely disrupts your preparation. Other teams are planning for three years. Something like that happens before the World Cup, it must have some [effect] on the team.”On the Tamim controversy in the lead up to the 2023 World Cup
On the Tamim Iqbal controversy
Would you like to clarify what happened with Tamim Iqbal in the weeks leading up to the Afghanistan ODI series?
What incident? I am asking you. I never heard anything before. I don’t know till today why he made that decision [to retire] to be honest.Have you spoken to him since then?
No.Did the board try to arrange a conversation between you two?
He retired and it escalated to the level which we can’t do anything about. After that my focus is team. As you know, I have always said this. No individual is bigger than the team.
On the 2023 World Cup performance
Did all that controversy leading up to the 2023 World Cup have an impact on the campaign?
If a big change [in the captaincy] happens like that, it definitely disrupts your preparation. Other teams are planning for three years. Something like that happens before the World Cup, it must have some [effect] on the team. Ebadot’s injury was also a big one. We missed him a lot on those wickets.Do you think the changes in the batting order contributed to a difficult World Cup?
Nobody said anything to me [at the time]. It was not my sole decision. It was the leadership’s decision. We were not performing. How can you hold your position without performance?We changed only one player. [Mehidy Hasan] Miraz scored runs. Everyone forgot his Asia Cup hundred. He scored runs in the [World Cup] practice games. He got a fifty in our first World Cup game. Anyone complaining about it [the shuffling] is giving an excuse. They [the batters] got to bat for 30 overs [in general] but what did they do with it? Our batters didn’t perform.Chandika Hathurusinghe says he has not chatted with Tamim Iqbal about his retirement episode•BCBWhy can’t Bangladesh break into a World Cup semi-final?
It is a good question. It is a broad question. It is not about the players. We have to develop a system or four- or eight-year cycle to become world champions. It doesn’t happen automatically. In this era, teams have to develop. When England lost to us in Adelaide, how much did they change in the next 12 months? That’s how they won the 2019 World Cup. New Zealand has built up for years. After the 2007 disaster, India built themselves up in four years. How much did they change in 2011? There are systems that you need to have. We need to plan and build on towards an event.
On Bangladesh’s Test challenges in 2024
Bangladesh doesn’t have a huge pool of red-ball players too. Are you looking at the A-team system to support the senior team?
A-team cricket is very important. We don’t have the world’s best domestic cricket. To bridge the gap between international and domestic cricket, we need A-team tours. We spoke about it since I have come this time. Your best players have to be in the A-team, even if he is good enough at 17 or 18.You said that the fast bowling attack surprised you with their development in the last few years. Are you planning to prepare them for overseas Tests?
It was the same guys but they are now doing well, like Taskin [Ahmed], Ebadot [Hossain] and Mustafiz [Mustafizur Rahman]. Only Shoriful [Islam] and Hasan Mahmud are the new ones. What excited me were the young fast bowlers that we didn’t have before. Guys like Nahid Rana, Tanzim Hasan, Mushfik Hasan and Rejaur Rahman Raja. They now bowl a lot in domestic cricket, like almost 20 overs in every game. Before they used to bowl four overs and wait for the second new ball. It is a good thing that the board has done.
On returning to the hot seat in Bangladesh
Have you met the new chief selector?
I met him yesterday [Friday] briefly. We didn’t speak about selection. He doesn’t start till March 1. We just had a general chat.What made you come back to the Bangladesh job?
One thing is, when I left [in 2017], everyone thought I wasn’t happy here. I communicated well with the board about why I was leaving. I had my personal reasons. There were instances when the board asked me if I wanted to come back. I always kept an eye on Bangladesh cricket. I really had gratitude because they gave me opportunity when I was a nobody. I wanted to come back again if they needed me.I wanted to wait till after the World Cup when there was a transition happening, to come and develop the team. After the T20 World Cup, the board asked me. I thought I would come, I always wanted to come.You had spent three years with Bangladesh in your first stint. Now it has been 12 months. Another World Cup is coming up. What do you want the Bangladesh team to do apart from achieving results?
I want them to enjoy their cricket. It is a relatively young team. There’s a change of guard. If they enjoy their cricket, I think they will have good memories. As a team, I want us to get into the second round. It is a different format in unknown venues like the US [the T20 World Cup will be played in the West Indies and the USA]. It is quite a challenge, the unknown. I just want them to have an enjoyable World Cup.
A comprehensive, numbers-based look at the greatest upsets in Tests, taking into account team strengths, recent form and result margin
Anantha Narayanan05-Jan-2022At the beginning of 2021 I had come out with an in-depth article in which I had determined the greatest upsets in Tests and ODIs. Now, after Bangladesh’s fantastic win in Mount Maunganui, it’s time to revisit that piece, because this win breaks into the all-time top five.Normally a selection like this is done using subjective ideas, often from memory. However, I determined these matches through totally objective methods, quantifying all relevant factors.Before looking at the updated list, here are the factors I have considered. To know more about the methodology used, please read the original article.1. Team Strength Index (TSI) differential between the two sides. This takes into account the teams’ strengths based on the location (home/away for each team) 2. Recent overall form of the winning (weaker) team. This is based on the results of the last 10 Tests, across venues, with a point for a win, half a point for a draw and none for a loss. That is the Result Index, and “10-RI” is the value taken for this parameter. Thus, a team which has lost a lot recently gets a higher score, which boosts the overall Upset Index total. 3. Recent location-specific form of the winning team. The same process as above, applied to the most recent five home/away matches 4. Recent overall form of the losing (stronger) team. In this case, the RI value is taken as is 5. Recent location-specific form of the losing team 6. Team Performance Points of each team in the Test. A total of 10 points is allocated between the two teams, depending on the margin of the result. 7. Location of the match (away, neutral, home): five points for an away win, three for a win at a neutral venue, and one for a home winSince that article was first published, we have had two great upsets, both good enough to breach the table featuring the top 12. Bangladesh’s eight-wicket in in Mount Mounganui, their first in New Zealand, comes in fifth place. The relevant parameter values for Bangladesh are given below.TSI Differential: 30.8 (42.8-73.6) Recent Overall form – Bangladesh: 7.5 (LLWLDLLWLL) Recent away form – Bangladesh: 3.5 (WLDLL) Recent Overall form – New Zealand: 8.0 (LDWWDWWWWW) Recent home form – New Zealand: 5.0 (WWWWW) Team Performance Points – Bangladesh: 6.85 (a rather easy eight-wicket win) Match location – away win: 5.0Total points: 66.65Anantha NarayananThe aggregate of 66.7 Upset Index points puts Bangladesh’s win in the fifth position, just behind Afghanistan’s amazing away win against Bangladesh in Chattogram. A very well-deserved position for what was, inarguably, Bangladesh’s greatest win and one of the greatest team achievements ever.Let us not forget that the win was achieved without Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. And the cherry on top was the margin of the win, with the match not going past lunch on the fifth day.The top 10 also has another recent match, which happened just after the piece was originally published in January last year. That game was India’s Brisbane win, which is now in eighth position, with 64.5 Upset Index points. India, with its depleted team, managed to upset the rampant and strong Australia, with a strong and unexpected fourth-innings chase.