Arsenal are believed to be intensifying their plans to sign another target after sealing deals for both Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, according to a new report.
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Mosquera jetted out to Singapore earlier this week to link up with the Arsenal squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, and reports suggest that the centre-back will soon be joined on the journey by Gyokeres.
The prolific striker, who racked up an incredible 97 goals in 102 appearances during his time at Sporting, scored 54 of them last season and played a pivotal role as the Primeira Liga champions secured their first domestic double in around two decades.
Arsenal estimated 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
25/26 – summer
£140m
Gyokeres is arguably the proven goalscoring centre-forward who Mikel Arteta has been crying out for, and he could be a truly season-defining capture following Arsenal’s struggles against the low-block last term.
The Gunners drew more Premier League matches than any other side in the top 10 by the end of 2024/2025, scoring just 69 goals, which pales in comparison to their 91 and 88-goal hauls in the two previous seasons.
Arsenal are set to sign Gyokeres to help fix this problem, with the north Londoners fully agreeing a deal worth up to £64 million for the 27-year-old, including add-ons (Fabrizio Romano).
“[Signing Gyokeres] would be the icing on the cake for Arsenal,” said club legend Alan Smith.
“The missing piece of the jigsaw. This is the signing every Arsenal fan has been craving. An out-and-out number 9 and someone who can get Arsenal over the line for the title.
“You saw last season when Arsenal had a striker crisis, that they struggled to score goals and dropped well behind Liverpool. Gyokeres, if he signs, will mean Arsenal can play a different style at times and get the ball forward quickly, rather than the build-up they have been doing.”
According to recent reports, sporting director Andrea Berta isn’t finished after completing the Gyokeres deal. Indeed, Arsenal’s next order of business is the potential signing of a central attacking midfielder to complement Martin Odegaard (Ben Jacobs).
Right now, Chelsea are making serious progress in the race for Xavi Simons, who’s also a rumoured target for Berta, so perhaps Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is the more likely option.
Arsenal "accelerating plans" to sign Eberechi Eze after Viktor Gyokeres
The England international has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for weeks, and journalist Pete O’Rourke has now told Football Insider that Arsenal are “accelerating plans” to sign Eze after finally sealing Gyokeres.
Berta apparently has “more than enough funds available” to bring in another major attacking signing, and Eze could well be that man.
The 27-year-old, who scored 14 goals and bagged a further 11 assists in all competitions last term, could leave Selhurst Park if someone triggers his estimated £60 million release clause, which could rise to £68m if all bonuses are achieved (Sky Sports).
Arsenal will need the player buy-in first, and according to some reports, Eze has loosely agreed broad personal terms already. Among his many admirers is Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, who heaped praise on the attacker during his time as Palace boss.
“Ebs is a fantastic player,” said Vieira.
“He creates chances and scores goals – things happen with him on the field.”
Tony de Zorzi has also been rested for the second ODI vs Ireland after hurting his knee during the first ODI
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2024
Nandre Burger will return home to be assessed•ICC via Getty Images
Nandre Burger has been ruled out of remainder of the three-match ODI series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi as well as the upcoming Test series in Bangladesh following “a lumbar stress reaction”.Burger “experienced discomfort in his lower back, and subsequent scans revealed the injury,” CSA said in a statement on Friday, not long before the start of the second ODI, adding that Burger “will return home and undergo further assessments”.There was no update about a replacement for the third ODI of the series, which South Africa are leading 1-0 after a 139-run win in the first game, but CSA said a replacement for the Tests in Dhaka and Chattogram would be “announced in due course”. That squad has Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder as the fast-bowling options.Also missing the second ODI against Ireland is Tony de Zorzi. CSA said de Zorzi had picked up “a soft tissue injury of his right knee” and was being rested from the game as a precaution.He hurt his knee attempting to slide and field the ball in the deep on the sand-based outfield in Abu Dhabi in the first ODI on Wednesday, and immediately left the field and was seen walking gingerly on the sidelines. He didn’t return to field, and underwent MRI scans on Thursday, which revealed the injury.De Zorzi is also in the squad for the Tests in Bangladesh, and is the likely opening partner for Aiden Markram there. The squad doesn’t have another opening batter, with Tristan Stubbs, captain Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham and one of Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne, the wicketkeeper-batters, likely to form the middle-order, with the uncapped Matthew Breetzke around as back-up.
كشفت مجلة فرانس فوتبول الفرنسية قائمة أفضل 10 لاعبين لحصد الكرة الذهبية 2025 التي اختارها ممثل مصر من ضمن تصويت 100 صحفي حول العالم.
وكانت مجلة فرانس فوتبول قد أعلنت هوية الفائز بجائزة الكرة الذهبية “بالون دور” للعام 2025، مساء الإثنين الماضي في الحفل الذي أقيم بمدينة باريس عاصمة فرنسا.
وتنافس على الجائزة 30 لاعبًا، بينهم النجم المصري محمد صلاح، جناح فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي، بعد الموسم المميز الذي قدمه مع ليفربول.
وفاز الفرنسي عثمان ديمبلي بالمركز الأول في سباق الفوز بالبالون دور فيما جاء لامين يامال، نجم منتخب إسبانيا وبرشلونة في المركز الثاني، وفيتينا البرتغالي جاء بالمركز الثالث، بعدما توج مع باريس سان جيرمان ببطولات مميزة بجانب فوزه بدوري الأمم الأوروبية مع البرتغال، وجاء محمد صلاح في المركز الرابع.
وحسبما كشفت صحيفة “ليكيب” الفرنسية، فإن محمد صلاح تحصل على 657 نقطة، في حين أن عثمان ديمبلي حصد 1380 نقطة، مقابل 1059 نقطة لـ لامين يامال و703 لـ فيتينها، و620 نقطة لـ رافينها.
ووفقًا للمجلة الفرنسية فإن الصحفية إيناس مظهر، عضو الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم قد اختارت محمد صلاح في المركز الأول لحصد الكرة الذهبية 2025. قائمة صوت مصر لـ أفضل 10 لاعبين للكرة الذهبية 2025
“We’re picking the best team for here and now, and if that does encompass a younger player, then we’ll head down that direction,” McDonald said
ESPNcricinfo staff27-Oct-20241:16
Manjrekar: India will hope Rohit, Kohli fire in Australia
Andrew McDonald, the Australia head coach, has said 19-year-old Sam Konstas would not be held back from a Test debut against India due to his lack of first-class experience if the selectors believe he is the best option.Konstas, who will play for Australia A against India A in Mackay from Thursday, is in the mix to open in the Test series after making back-to-back hundreds in the first Sheffield Shield game of the season then a hard-fought 43 against Victoria on a tricky pitch at the MCG.He has played just six first-class matches so the most he will have under his belt, if he were to debut in Perth next month, would be eight, but the selectors will purely be considering whether he is the ideal person for the vacant role alongside Usman Khawaja in a series that will be vital in determining Australia’s World Test Championship hopes.Related
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“I think we’re picking the best team for here and now, and if that does encompass a younger player, then we’ll head down that direction,” McDonald told ABC’s . “And clearly Sam Konstas, on the back of his first Shield match, and the way he went about his work in the second innings at the MCG against Scott Boland, has definitely made some noise.”I’ve heard people commentating ‘do you protect the player?’ If they’re ready, they’re ready in our mind, and if Sam’s capable and we feel as though is capable to fill that spot I don’t think that the opponent should come into the equation.”Andrew McDonald on Nathan McSweeney: ‘He’s a legitimate chance to put his hand up for selection at some point in time’•Getty Images
Konstas’ mentor, Shane Watson, has termed the current selection debate a “perfect storm” for him to be propelled into the Test side.”I think it’s purely is this player good enough to play Test cricket?,” McDonald said. “You’ve got to start against someone, and you shouldn’t be holding back and protecting someone from a potential opponent, and India is a strong opponent but also the advantage of a player playing in Australia for their first Test summer is that the conditions are familiar. What better place to start than in your own back yard.”However, despite the decision to move Steven Smith back to No. 4, McDonald continued to believe that a middle-order batter could be converted to a Test opener if that was felt the best solution. McDonald has previously been strong on picking the best six batters available.McDonald cited the examples of Watson and Simon Katich who moved from middle-order roles to the top with success while also drew on India’s last visit when Matthew Wade took the role amid injury issues for first-choice options.Nathan McSweeney, the South Australia captain who will lead Australia A, has put his name in frame for a call-up with an impressive start to the season at No. 3 in state cricket”I think he’s a legitimate chance to put his hand up for selection at some point in time, whether that be in the middle order…or whether that his technique can push for an opening slot,” McDonald said. “I think he’s technically capable and definitely got the mindset to be able to achieve good things at the top of the order, but whether that’s the time and place for him right now, that’s to be decided.”McDonald also felt Mohammed Shami’s absence from the India squad was significant but cautioned against any suggestions they would not be able to cover the gap given what happened on their previous tour to Australia where an injury-depleted side famously won at the Gabba to take the series.”Mohammed Shami is a big loss,” he said. “The way our batters speak about his relentless nature, his line and lengths, the way he goes about his business, a real good complimenting skill set to Bumrah so think that one-two combo they’ll lack a little bit, and they’ll miss that. But needless to say we saw what happened last time, they had reserves that came in and did the job as well so they cannot be underestimated at all.”
Chelsea must watch on from afar as a highly-rated former starlet aims to make a name for himself at Premier League rivals Liverpool, and those within Stamford Bridge were left ‘shocked’ after his departure.
The Blues’ penchant for attracting world football’s most dazzling young talents has been a key theme of their business in recent years.
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
Ever since Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital’s takeover in 2022, Chelsea have broken records for the number of youngsters in their squad, with OptaJoe revealing Enzo Maresca fielded the youngest ever starting eleven in Premier League history last season.
Despite some calls for Chelsea to sign players with more experience, this theme is unlikely to change any time soon. This window alone, Maresca has seen Dario Essugo, Estevão Willian, Mamadou Sarr, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Kendry Páez and Jorrel Hato join the club, with the oldest of them being only 22.
Chelsea are also in talks to sign both Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho, according to Sky Sports, while Football Transfers reported earlier this week that Maresca could sign another ‘exciting youngster’ too if one becomes available before the deadline.
Alejandro Garnarcho for Manchester United.
BlueCo’s youth obsession is no accident – it’s their masterplan.
Chelsea have poured over £1 billion into signing the world’s brightest upcoming stars – stacking their future with talent before it hits peak value.
On the pitch, it means building a squad that can evolve together. The club’s average age will continue to be one of the lowest in Europe – with Maresca’s system set to potentially thrive on energy and development.
He’s now got a group hungry to prove themselves, not fading stars on bloated wages.
However, Chelsea’s desire to grow a roster rich with world football’s most promising starlets doesn’t mean everyone will be along for the ride.
Chelsea annoyed after losing Rio Ngumoha to Liverpool
Last summer, promising teenager Rio Ngumoha swapped west London for Anfield, and Chelsea were reminded of that fact when the 16-year-old scored a brilliant solo goal in the first of a double-header against Athletic Bilbao earlier this week.
The winger became Liverpool’s second-youngest ever senior debutant against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup last term, and many are wondering whether Arne Slot is planning a first-team role for him after an excellent pre-season.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, Chelsea have maintained a frustration after losing Nguhoma to Liverpool, and were left shocked by his move up north.
“Chelsea know how good Ngumoha is. They were annoyed to lose him. It was a real frustration for them to see him walk away,” said Bailey.
“They know losing players is part and parcel of the academy system now – you just have to make sure you have more wins than losses.
“However – within football – Ngumoha was a name that everyone knew about. He had offers from everywhere, but Chelsea were shocked that he left.
“Now he is impressing at Liverpool, it is fair to say that Chelsea’s annoyance is not going away – but to see him become a success is not a shock to anyone at Stamford Bridge.”
The London-born attacking gem is certainly one to watch, with John Terry once calling him a “top player” and tipping Nguhoma for stardom.
O Palmeiras bateu o Atlético-MG por 3 a 1 e conquistou uma importante vitória no Brasileirão Feminino. Com direito a “hat-trick” de Amanda Gutierres, o Verdão se saiu melhor na Arena Barueri, conquistou três pontos na oitava rodada da competição e agora volta a figurar no G4 da tabela.
> Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
Apesar de ter chances em lances anteriores, o Alviverde abriu o placar somente aos 27 minutos da primeira etapa, quando Bruna Calderan passou para Amanda Gutierres balançar a rede. 1 a 0.
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No fim do primeiro tempo, o Palmeiras ainda aumentou a vantagem novamente com Amanda Gutierres, que recebeu na área e completou para fazer o segundo do time na partida.
Com a vantagem, o Verdão passou a trabalhar nos erros do adversário e aproveitar os espaços. Foi quando Amanda Gutierres recebeu livre na intermediária, percebeu a goleira adversária adiantada e colocou por cobertura para fazer um golaço, o terceiro do Alviverde na Arena Barueri.
O Atlético-MG ainda tentou uma reação na reta final do segundo tempo, mas conseguiu apenas diminuir o placar com um gol de Rafa Barros, aproveitando momento de vacilo da defesa alviverde.
Com o resultado, o Palmeiras vai a 17 pontos na tabela após oito rodadas disputadas. Depois de ficar fora do G4 com a derrota para o Corinthians, na rodada anterior, o Verdão retorna para a quarta posição provisoriamente, já que Internacional e Timão se enfrenta nesta segunda-feira e a equipe gaúcha pode retomar seu lugar entre as quatro primeiras se conquistar uma vitória em casa.
Manchester United have now made an approach to sign a “world-class” player, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal, and he is thought to be keen on a move to Old Trafford.
Man Utd still looking to strengthen despite signing Sesko
The Red Devils set out to strengthen their attack as a priority this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and now striker Benjamin Sesko, in a deal that amounted to £74m, and Ruben Amorim is very happy with the addition of the Slovenian.
Amorim believes Sesko has the mentality to succeed at Old Trafford, saying: “He has the characteristics that we needed. Ben is a player that, with all the information that we have, we need to stop the guy from working – it is not the opposite! That is also important.
Having now signed a striker, however, the Red Devils have started work on strengthening other areas of the squad, with their summer of heavy spending perhaps reliant on getting the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho off the books.
Man Utd enter new talks to sign £100m+ star as imminent bid now expected
The Red Devils are trying to conclude more deals.
BySean Markus Clifford Aug 11, 2025
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba has emerged as a major target in central midfield, while United also remain interested in bringing in a replacement for Andre Onana, who received a lot of criticism for his performances last season.
According to a new update from Vidal on X, Man United have now made an approach to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who “could be sold” this summer, as his contract is set to expire next year.
The journalist adds that Donnarumma has lost his number one spot at PSG following Lucas Chevalier’s arrival, and a deal could be possible for a “reasonable” price, with Premier League rivals Chelsea also in the race.
Gianluigi Donnarumma at Club World Cup final.
A price tag of £26m for the goalkeeper has previously been touted, with the French champions now willing to cash-in.
"World-class" Donnarumma keen on Old Trafford move
TalkSPORT reporter Anil Kandola has recently dropped an exciting new update, suggesting the Italian shot-stopper would be keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer.
“Received a text late last night that Gianluigi Donnarumma WANTS a move to Man Utd. After PSG put a £26m price tag on the goalkeeper, the player is attracted to the Premier League and more specifically, Manchester United. Still no sign as of yet that United are looking to bring him in, but it seems a similar situation to the Benjamin Sesko deal… if United want him, they get him.”
As such, United cannot afford to pass up the opportunity to bring in the 26-year-old for such a low fee, given that he could be a massive upgrade on Onana, having been lauded as “world-class” by members of the media in the past.
Donnarumma is proven at the top level, making 15 appearances en-route to PSG winning the Champions League last season, and given his age, he could be a fantastic option for Man United between the sticks for many years to come.
أعلن هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة تشكيل البلوجرانا قبل ساعة على انطلاق مباراة القمة ضد باريس سان جيرمان في الجولة الثانية بمرحلة الدوري لمسابقة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
وكان برشلونة قد بدأ موسمه في دوري أبطال أوروبا بفوز مستحق ضد نيوكاسل يونايتد بهدفين لهدف واحد على ملعب سانت جيمس بارك، بينما تغلب باريس سان جيرمان على أتالانتا برباعية نظيفة.
وكانت قائمة برشلونة التي أعلنها الألماني هانز فليك قد شهدت عودة أليخاندرو بالدي بعد حصوله على التصريح الطبي، ويغيب عدة لاعبين مثل رافينها وحارس المرمى خوان جارسيا وجافي وفيرمين لوبيز للإصابة.
أقرأ أيضاً.. ديكو: لا توجد مشكلة مع منتخب إسبانيا.. ومانشستر سيتي حاول ضم لاعب برشلونة
بينما يغيب عن قائمة لويس إنريكي مدرب باريس سان جيرمان كل من ديزري دوي وعثمان ديمبلي وخفيشا وكفاراتسخيليا للإصابة.
ويطمح برشلونة للثأر من باريس سان جيرمان بعد إقصائه على يديه في دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2023-2024، ويرغب بمواصلة الانتصارات والبداية الرائعة هذا الموسم في الدوري الإسباني ودوري أبطال أوروبا.
وفضل هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة البدء بفيران توريس على حساب روبرت ليفاندوفسكي الذي يجلس على مقاعد البدلاء. تشكيل برشلونة اليوم أمام باريس سان جيرمان
في حراسة المرمى: تشيزني.
خط الدفاع: كوندي- إريك جارسيا – كوبارسي – جيرارد مارتن.
خط الوسط: دي يونج- بيدري- داني أولمو.
خط الهجوم: لامين- فيران توريس – ماركوس راشفورد.
ويجلس على دكة بدلاء برشلونة كل من:كوشين- ايدير- بالدي – أراوخو- كريستنسن-تورينتس- كاسادو- مارك بيرنال- درو فرنانديز- توني فرنانديز – روبرت ليفاندوفسكي- روني باردجي
ECB confirms England captain set to miss SA20 but should be fit for Zimbabwe Test in May
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-2024
Ben Stokes re-injured his left hamstring in Hamilton•Getty Images
Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, has vowed he has “blood, sweat and tears” left to give to the team, after being ruled out of all cricket for three months following a recurrence of his torn left hamstring during the third Test against New Zealand last month.Stokes, 33, was forced to leave the field during day three of England’s 423-run defeat at Seddon Park earlier this month. He pulled up after the second ball of the 56th over of New Zealand’s second innings – his 13th, and third of the day – immediately feeling the back of his left thigh after delivering a bouncer that Rachin Ravindra pulled for four.It was the same hamstring he tore in August while batting for Northern Superchargers against Manchester Originals in the men’s Hundred, which kept him out for two months. After undergoing a scan on his return to England, the recurrence of the tear was confirmed by the ECB on Monday afternoon, with Stokes set to undergo surgery in January.The extent of Stokes’ injury was flagged earlier this week when it was confirmed he had been omitted from England’s 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy in February. The ECB said he had not been considered on medical grounds, having not played for England’s ODI team since their elimination from the 50-over World Cup in India in November 2023.
Stokes’ 36.2 overs in Hamilton were the most he has bowled in a Test since 40 at Trent Bridge in 2022 (also against New Zealand). On day one, his 23 overs were the most he has managed in a single day, split between spells of eight, eight and seven. It is worth noting England’s first-innings capitulation for 143 meant their seamers only had 34.5 overs of rest after 97.1 between them for New Zealand’s opening effort. The hosts went further in their second innings, keeping England in the field for 101.4 overs, eventually finishing on 453.This New Zealand series brought Stokes seven dismissals at 36.85 from 66.1 overs – his most as captain – accompanied by a batting average of 52.66 across four innings. After struggling to effectively fulfill the allrounder role, it had been a welcome return to the Stokes of old.Having arrived into the home summer following successful knee surgery in October 2023, he bowled 49 overs across three Tests against West Indies, with five wickets that took him past 200 career dismissals. The tear subsequently set him back, ruling him out of the three-match series against Sri Lanka at the end of the season, and the first Test of the Pakistan tour.Stokes returned for the final two matches of that series but England lost both, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat having won the first Test. He admitted his drive to regain full fitness led him to “physically drain and ruin himself”. When the squad gathered at Queenstown at the start of the series, Stokes apologised for the negative effect he had on the team environment.Prior to the Hamilton Test, Stokes was optimistic he was in a good place, with a better understanding of his body.Related
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“I have to work so much harder on the physical side of the job to allow me to go out and do my job but I got a good amount of overs in during the last two games and I am more confident about getting through a lot of spells in a day.”That is where I got to before I pulled my hamstring. I bowled nice in the summer, had a setback but now feel out of that and not worrying about anything else happening again. As you get older you think about your body a bit more but I work harder because I have to.”Now, Stokes faces another period of rehabilitation. England’s next Test match is not until May 22, against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, but he will be forced to forego a lucrative £800,000 deal with MI Cape Town in the SA20, which begins on January 9.