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Arsenal chiefs were recently handed the chance to sign a Chelsea star this summer, with sporting director Andrea Berta and the Gunners recruitment team delivering a clear response.

Mikel Arteta’s side have spent north of £200 million this window – an outlay signaling major ambition ahead of another Premier League title challenge.

There’s still interest in Eberechi Eze, with reports suggesting the player is keen on the move, but there’s still been no official bid to Crystal Palace. Arsenal are still in dialogue with the 27-year-old’s representatives (Fabrizio Romano), though, so a move for Eze remains on the cards as we enter the final three weeks of the summer.

Interestingly, BBC journalist Sami Mokbel doesn’t see it happening unless Arsenal can sell players first, namely Leandro Trossard.

They’ve also been linked with Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet recently, who’s believed to be debating his long-term future after Arsenal’s approach for the 20-year-old recently (Graeme Bailey).

In a major boost for Arteta, the north Londoners brought an end to their long search for a new number nine.

Viktor Gyokeres sealed a blockbuster move from Sporting CP to the Emirates Stadium late last month, in a deal worth up to £64 million with bonuses included following weeks of back-and-forth negotiations.

It’s a major statement from Berta, who was thought to be a big admirer of the 27-year-old and prioritised him over fellow top striker target at the time, Benjamin Sesko (Simon Phillips).

Gyökeres netted 54 goals in all competitions last season – numbers that made Europe’s elite take notice, but Arsenal ultimately won the race.

He arrives as the long-term solution through the middle, and has been handed the iconic No.14 shirt, once worn by Thierry Henry. Gyökeres has big shoes to fill, and the Sweden international will be desperate to get off the mark as soon as possible.

Arsenal needed firepower, and they’ve got it.

Interestingly, Berta was actually handed the chance to sign another rival centre-forward before agreeing a deal for Gyokeres.

Arsenal's response after being offered Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson

That man was Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who’s now set to leave Stamford Bridge and become one of the next moving number nines in this summer’s striker domino (Fabrizio Romano).

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal turned down the chance to sign Jackson this summer after being offered the chance to do a deal, which also comes as good news for Newcastle, who’ve held informal talks with the Senegalese and have less competition in pursuit of his signature, with Man United also signing Sesko.

The 24-year-old did command a valuation of £80-£100 million, according to Sky Sports, but it is now believed that Chelsea could sanction his sale closer to the £56 million mark.

Joe Cole has actually called Jackson one of Chelsea’s “most important” players, but their deals for Joao Pedro and Liam Delap means his place in the first team is no longer cut and dry, with an exit firmly on the cards.

The current norm is for the chair and independent director to serve three terms of two years each

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-2024

Jay Shah could end up being the ICC chair for two terms of three years each instead of three terms of two years each, which is the current norm, after he takes over on December 1. This after the ICC Board, which met in Dubai over the weekend, recommended that the term – for the chair and the independent director – be changed.In a statement on Monday, the ICC said that the recommendation will now be “circulated for approval” among its members, comprising Full and Associate Members.While no reason behind the recommendation was made public, it is understood that the move is part of the ICC’s drive for better governance. The ICC Board believes it will provide security and stability to both the chair and independent director, who sit on the ICC Board, without having to worry about elections every two years. Also, while the overall term of six years remains the same, there will be more continuity.Shah, who is 35, was elected unopposed to replace outgoing ICC chair Greg Barclay, who has served two of his three terms since being elected in 2020 for the first time. The independent director’s position, meanwhile, has been lying vacant since former Pepsico chair Indra Nooyi finished her three terms earlier this summer.There were changes to the ICC men’s cricket committee, too, with New Zealand businessman Scott Weenink appointed Full Member representative, and Scott Edwards, the 28-year-old Netherlands captain, named Associate Member representative.In a statement issued by the Royal Dutch Cricket Association*, Edwards said, “I am extremely excited and grateful to have the opportunity to join the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee. Having been in the ICC Associate Member system, and playing with and against many Full Member and Associate Member sides over the past six years, I believe I have a good understanding of the challenges Associate countries and players face. I look forward to representing these countries to the best of my ability.”The women’s FTP – the second, after the one announced in 2022 – will be out soon•Getty Images

Women’s FTP for 2025-2029 to be out soonThe ICC Board has approved the next women’s future tours programme (FTP) for the 2025-2029 cycle, which will be announced in a few days. It will be the second FTP for women following the one announced in 2022.The ICC chief executives’ committee (CEC) also approved shifting the calendar for the women’s rankings annual update from October 1 to May 1 each year. In order for the rankings to reflect, the teams will have to play a minimum of eight matches per format (ODIs and T20Is) as opposed to the six currently. This is because of the increase in the volume of women’s cricket.The mechanism for Associate teams to gain ODI status has also been formalised. Currently, there are 16 women’s teams with ODI status. Apart from the 11 Full Members, five Associate Members – Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and USA – were included in the 2022-2025 cycle. For the 2025-2029 cycle, the top-two Associate teams that qualify for the women’s ODI World Cup qualifier 2025 will gain ODI status, while the remaining three slots will be filled based on the T20I rankings at the time of annual update [May 1, 2025]. This will mean that their ODI status will hinge on their T20I performances.The creation of two annual T20I tournaments between 2025 and 2028 for Associate teams has also been approved. This is to boost competition ahead of the 16-team women’s T20 World Cup in 2030.

A first-team Glasgow Rangers player could now seal a return to his former club during the summer transfer window, according to their technical director.

Rangers players who could leave this summer

The Russell Martin era is now in full swing at Ibrox, with the Englishman looking to make his presence felt from the off, bringing in players who suit his style of play and selling some unwanted stars.

Ross McCausland is one player who falls into the latter category, with Aris Limassol and two teams in the MLS among the clubs who are believed to be interested in snapping up the Northern Irishman before the end of the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin could leave Rangers for pastures new if big offers arrive in the coming weeks, with Besiktas expected to submit a new bid for the former imminently, though Martin would presumably like to keep them both.

Gers centre-back Robin Propper has been a divisive figure since arriving from FC Twente, not always fully convincing the masses with his performances, and a new update has now emerged regarding his future.

Propper could swap Rangers for Twente

Speaking to De Volkskrant [via Sport Witness], Twente technical director Jan Streuer has claimed that Rangers defender Proppper could seal a return to the club this summer, should Martin not see a future for him at Ibrox.

“We had too many changes at the back last season; something had to be done. It isn’t [very simple], because of all sorts of factors beyond your control. Just before last season, our captain, Robin Propper, left at the last minute. We really missed him. Rangers bought him.

“A Scottish top club, you can’t compete with that. Now there’s a new manager at Rangers, he might play less. Then he could return. But he’ll want to wait and see first whether he’ll actually play less. Do we have to decide: do we wait for that, or do we look further?”

Opinion may be split over Propper leaving Rangers before the new Scottish Premiership season gets underway, with his one-year stint at Ibrox not exactly earth-shattering to date. Ultimately, though, the 31-year-old’s future lies with Martin, who has paid him praise in the recent past, saying he has been “really impressed” with him since coming in as manager.

Given Propper’s age, though, and the fact that he isn’t likely to be seen as a key starter moving forward – he was limited to 21 starts in the Scottish Premiership last season – now does feel like a sensible time to move him on, receiving money for him before his contract begins to tick down.

Streuer does seem to have some doubts about Twente re-signing Propper, however, and if he does end up staying at Rangers, it certainly wouldn’t be a disaster.

Sunderland supporters will be trying to hold back their excitement ahead of the new Premier League season finally kicking off.

There’s no guarantee in place that signings galore will improve your chances of staying afloat in the tricky division, with Ipswich Town picking up 14 total purchases last season and still managing to fall through the relegation trapdoor.

But, the star-studded quality of signing Sunderland is managing to attract makes being giddy quite hard to contain, with the standout £20m purchase of Enzo Le Fee getting the ball rolling this summer, whilst a £30m deal for Habib Diarra to join from Strasbourg edges ever nearer to completion.

Reinildo is also set to join the Stadium of Light ranks after allowing his Atletico Madrid contract to expire, with plenty more notable names being tipped to call Wearside their fresh home shortly.

Transfer latest at Sunderland

Most Sunderland supporters would have been initially apprehensive about all the business being conducted in this hectic transfer window, considering the window opened with both Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson deserting the Stadium of Light.

Now, however, the mood has flipped, with the likes of Georgian superstar Georges Mikautadze being tipped to join Le Bris’ enthused ranks alongside those already named, on top of an alleged £17m bid being lodged by the Black Cats to snap up Nantes attacker Matthis Abline.

The most intriguing purchase of them all could soon come in the form of Almeria goal-machine Luis Suarez moving to England, with reports from Spain now suggesting that Sunderland have enquired about landing the explosive attacker.

Such a deal would result in the Black Cats having to fork out £21m, with the La Liga 2 side upping their transfer valuation off the back of Suarez’s impressive 2024/25 offering.

It could even be argued that snapping up the clinical Colombian would see the newly promoted side land an even bigger talent than Diarra, despite the Senegal international costing Sunderland a club-record £30m to snap up.

Why Suarez could be a bigger talent than Diarra

After all, whilst Diarra was able to boast four goals and five assists from the midfield areas last season for Liam Rosenior’s men, Suarez’s numbers up top for Almeria in another demanding European setting are an even more majestic sight to take in.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, the “crazy” South American – as he was once labelled by talent scout Jacek Kulig – would take La Liga 2 by storm with his devastating goalscoring prowess.

That was seen in him collecting 27 of his bumper 31 strikes in the second division, away from also netting four of those efforts in the challenging Copa Del Rey when facing off against opponents from La Liga.

Games played

41

Goals scored

27

Scoring frequency

135 mins

Assists

8

Big chances missed

27

Staggeringly, Suarez would also chip in with eight assists across his 41 La Liga 2 outings, which is three more assists than Diarra managed in the heart of Strasbourg’s midfield, with the hope that the dangerous Almeria marksman can offer up similarly deadly displays when leaping up to the Premier League.

He could instantly displace Wilson Isidor on his arrival, therefore, considering the Frenchman blew hot and cold last campaign with just 13 Championship goals next to his name, away from Suarez wreaking havoc in the Spanish second division.

On the contrary, it doesn’t feel as set in stone that Diarra would instantly dive into Le Bris’ XI – irrespective of his lofty price tag – with Dan Neil already at the Frenchman’s disposal centrally who collected five goal contributions himself last season in league action, alongside Le Bris also possessing the star-quality of Le Fee who could kick on even more up a division.

Whilst Diarra will no doubt go on to be a success story under the ex-Lorient manager’s wing if Le Fee’s trajectory is anything to go off of, it does appear as if Suarez could really burst into life even more as a terrifying goalscorer on Wearside, with his blistering introduction into the English game perhaps helping the Black Cats to maintain their fraught Premier League status.

Better signing than Diarra: Sunderland now targeting "fantastic" £18m star

Sunderland’s rapid summer business is showing no signs of slowing down as a new target now appears on their shopping list.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 1, 2025

In an attempt to continue a growing trend at the City Ground, Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly monitoring a deal to sign yet another South American gem for Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest write to UEFA

In a ruthless mood as ever, Marinakis has wasted no time before attempting to take advantage of Crystal Palace’s UEFA troubles. The Eagles are at risk of being kicked out of European football despite qualifying for the Europa League last season, with John Textor’s involvement in both Palace and Lyon breaching UEFA’s multi-club ownership rule.

Whilst many have assumed that their European spot could go to Brighton & Hove Albion, who would move into the Europa Conference League, Nottingham Forest have seemingly spotted an opportunity of their own. The Midlands club have reportedly written UEFA in an attempt to take Crystal Palace’s Europa League place and move above the Europa Conference League as a result.

It’s not a move that will win many friends around the Premier League, but it is one that could have an impact on Forest financially and, therefore, in the summer transfer window.

With a place in the Europa League to offer, the Tricky Trees could turn their attention towards reported transfer targets such as Douglas Luiz. The Juventus midfielder has endured a nightmare first season in Turin and may now be on his way back to the Premier League after just one season away.

That said, the Brazilian may not be the only South American to complete a move to the City Ground this summer, with Marinakis now reportedly eyeing another talent.

Nottingham Forest monitoring Cepeda

As reported by Chilean outlet Prensa Futbol, Marinakis is now monitoring a deal to sign Lucas Cepeda from Colo-Colo for Nottingham Forest this summer. The Chile-born winger reportedly has a release clause worth just $5m (£4m), which could see those in the Midlands land a bargain deal for another South American talent.

It’s at the City Ground that Cepeda could follow in the footsteps of Murillo, Ramon Sosa, Carlos Miguel and others by swapping South America for the Premier League and Nottingham Forest. At just 22 years old, like those before him, the winger could realise his full potential at Nottingham Forest.

Offer accepted: Nottingham Forest reach agreement to sell £40k-p/w player

He looks set to depart.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 10, 2025

It’s an impressive trend at the City Ground and one that Marinakis should be able to continue more than ever now that Nottingham Forest are in a position to offer European football.

Whether Cepeda is ready for the Premier League will be the big question, however. The winger only managed four goals and one assist last season following eight goals and four assists in the season prior. Given how talented the Forest squad is these days, there will also be questions as to whether Cepeda would earn the game time he needs in the Midlands.

Liverpool are reportedly on red alert over potentially signing a “phenomenal” Premier League player in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool favourites to sign Wirtz in stunning deal

In a massive development late in the week, the Reds are believed to be closing in on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, in what would almost certainly be a club-record move to Anfield, potentially costing as much as £126m.

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed that the 22-year-old has given Liverpool his “verbal commitment”, preferring to join the Premier League champions over Bayern Munich.

The news has clearly caused a huge amount of excitement among the Reds’ fanbase, with Wirtz a signing who could feel one of the most exciting and significant in years, considering he is among the best attacking players in Europe, bagging 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 Leverkusen appearances.

If Liverpool could sign the Germany international, as well as Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, it would be a fantastic start to the summer, and now another promising talent has been linked with a move to Merseyside.

Liverpool eyeing move for "phenonemal" ace

According to The Boot Room, Liverpool are on alert when it comes to Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri this summer, with the teenage attacker no closer to signing a new deal at the Emirates.

It is claimed that the Reds are “well aware” of the £6,000-a-week Englishman’s situation, with Chelsea and Manchester City in the same boat, and there is also thought to be “very strong interest” from other European clubs.

The idea of Liverpool signing Nwaneri is enormously exciting, both because he is a special talent and the fact that the Reds would be stealing him away from one of their biggest Premier League rivals.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Arsenal, making 25 appearances in the league, and former Reds left-back Stephen Warnock has described him as “phenomenal”.

Just imagine him & Wirtz: Liverpool want to sign "incredible" £68m CF

Liverpool are planning to replace Darwin Nunez with a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 23, 2025

Granted, it does feel like a move is relatively unlikely, not least because the Gunners will do everything they can to tie him down to a new deal, but his current situation is certainly giving potential suitors hope.

Appearances

25

Starts

10

Minutes played

817

Goals

4

Assists

2

Dribbles per game

1.3

Key passes per game

0.9

Pass completion rate

88.9%

Liverpool were linked with a move for Nwaneri back in 2022, so they appear to be long-time admirers of him, and snapping him up this summer would be an incredible coup, considering he has the ability to reach the very top of the game.

With right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold looking increasingly likely to depart Liverpool this summer, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy land a replacement this summer.

The 26-year-old has reportedly agreed a pre-contract with Real Madrid over a move to join the Spanish giants at the end of the season upon the expiration of his current deal.

His goal against Leicester City at the weekend may have been his last for his boyhood club, edging Arne Slot’s side one step closer to Premier League glory.

Conor Bradley has been the man to step up and fill the void in Trent’s injury absence in recent weeks, staking his claim for a regular starting role should he leave in the summer.

Regardless of whether the Northern Ireland international becomes a regular starter, depth is needed in such a department, offering depth to Slot throughout 2025/26.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Jeremie Frimpong this summer

In recent weeks, Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as a leading target for Liverpool in the right-back department, offering a replacement for the departing Trent.

The Dutchman, who currently plies his trade with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, has been firmly on the club’s radar, but no offer has been submitted for his services as of yet.

The interest is understandable given his form in 2024/25, registering four goals and nine assists across all competitions – including the Champions League.

It remains unclear how much the club would have to fork out for the Dutch international, but given his form and his tender age of just 24, he could cost a pretty penny in the coming months.

However, despite the interest in his signature, the hierarchy are also huge admirers of Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina, opening the door to a potential summer move.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Reds have already started work over a move for the 28-year-old, who may well be out of contract come the end of June.

Why Liverpool should forget about Frimpong with a move for a PL RB

This summer is a crucial one for Liverpool if they are to maintain their success at the top of England’s top flight, with additions needed in various positions to boost Slot’s chances of further success.

New attackers are undoubtedly on the list, potentially partnering with Mohamed Salah within the final third after the Egyptian’s contract extension in recent weeks.

However, it remains to be seen how much funding the hierarchy will hand the manager to make his desired transfers, having to potentially work on a restricted budget.

Such a situation could see cheaper alternatives considered, with a move for Aina potentially being just that, but the club would still be getting themselves one hell of a player.

When comparing the Nigerian’s stats with those of Frimpong’s, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to the current first-team squad.

The Forest star, who’s been labelled as “one of the best fullbacks in Europe this season” by European football expert Zach Lowy, may have registered fewer goals and assists, but has notched a higher take-on success rate, and more progressive passes – highlighting the threat he possesses in possession.

He’s also completed more of his passes, whilst also winning more aerial duels, offering an all-round presence on the right-hand side of Slot’s backline.

Games played

30

30

Goals & assists

3

9

Progressive passes

3.2

2.1

Pass accuracy

77%

76%

Tackles won

1.4

0.9

Interceptions made

1.1

0.4

Take-on success

45%

28%

Aerials won

40%

34%

Defensively, Aina has been phenomenal, massively outperforming Frimpong in such an area, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst also making more interceptions – showcasing the qualities he could add to the already impressive defensive unit.

Whilst the Dutchman is likely to be their main target, a deal for Aina desperately needs to be explored, having all the tools to be a success at Anfield.

It certainly could be a cost-effective deal for the Forest star, allowing for added investment elsewhere, whilst also massively improving the situation should Trent depart.

Huge upgrade on Jota: Liverpool set to bid for the "best striker in Europe"

Liverpool appear to be readying a mammoth bid for a new attacking talent this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 23, 2025

Chelsea have not held back in signing wingers over the last few years since Todd Boehly took over as owner of the club.

Last summer, they signed two from within the Premier League, bringing in Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United and Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Of course, in the prior transfers window, they brought in Cole Palmer and Rahemm Sterling, both from Manchester City and England international Noni Madueke, who signed from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. It has really been a point of focus for the Blues.

In the next transfer window, more wingers will join, namely 17-year-old wonderkid Estevao and Kendry Paez, who can also play as a number 10. Incredibly, the West Londoners are seemingly looking to add a world-class winger to their ranks, according to a recent report.

Chelsea target new winger

It is no secret that Real Madrid are blessed with an embarrassment of riches in forward areas. The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are two of the best players in the world, as is Brazilian international Rodrygo.

Transfer Focus

Well, according to reports from Spain, Chelsea are planning a summer move for the Los Blanocs number 11 and are hoping they can ‘to lure him away from Real Madrid’ with an enticing offer in the next few months.

This will not be a cheap deal for the West Londoners. They are willing to put a reported £103m on the table to complete what would be their third most expensive signing ever.

Chelsea are thought to be ‘confident that a substantial financial offer’ will be enough to convince Rodrygo and Real Madrid to complete the move.

Why Rodrygo would be a good signing

Rodrygo’s quality is undeniable. The Brazilian is a key player for Los Blancos, alongside the likes of Mbappe, Vinivus and Jude Bellingham. Naturally a left winger, he can often be seen playing on the right-hand side, where he has excelled again this term.

Across all competitions for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in 2024/25, the 24-year-old has scored 13 times and grabbed ten assists in 45 appearances.

As good as the Brazilian has been, it is not his best year in the famous white shirt. Last term, he scored 18 times across competitions, registering nine assists along the way as Madrid won the Champions League once again.

If Chelsea do manage to get this deal over the line, then they could well sign a hybrid of Estevao and Vinicius. Firstly, the similarity between Rodrygo and Chelsea’s new winger Estevao are clear to see.

Both players are exciting young Brazilian talents who are full internationals for the five-time World Cup winners. Estevao has already played for Brazil four times, despite being just 17 years of age. Not only that, the par are both right wingers, although Rodrygo can, of course, play on the left, too.

However, there are also stylistic similarities between the 23-year-old and his Los Blanocs teammate Vinicius. The Real Madrid number seven has 19 goals and 14 assists in 43 appearances this term.

The pair are certainly similar players. Direct and tricky wingers with an eye for goal and plenty of flair. That is certainly reflected in the stats via FBref.

For example, Rodrygo averages 5.08 shot-creating actions and 5.23 progressive carries per 90 minutes compared to Vinicius’ 5.21 shot-creating actions and 6.78 progressive carries.

Goals and assists

0.56

0.78

Key passes

2.44

2.15

Progressive passes

5.28

3.37

shot-creating actions

5.08

5.21

Progressive carries

5.23

6.78

Rodrygo would be an astounding coup for Chelsea if they can bring him in over the summer. Not only is he versatile, able to play on the right wing or the opposite left flank, but he would add directness and flair in the final third.

There is no doubt that £103m is a lot of money. With that being said, for someone who is a “future icon” as football talent scout Jacek Kulig believes, it might well be worth it.

Chelsea can axe Nkunku for "the most inform youth striker in England"

Christopher Nkunku looks to be on his way out of Chelsea.

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 10, 2025

Reigning T20 World Cup champions England have named their squad to go to the Caribbean in June. Alan Gardner, Matt Roller and Vish Ehantharajah sat down to discuss who’s in and who’s out

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Apr-2024It’s almost that time of year when another ICC event rolls around, with England Men set for their latest white-ball world-title defence. After the announcement of their provisional squad for the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA, Alan Gardner was joined on the pod by Matt Roller and Vithushan Ehantharajah to discuss who made the cut and how England might approach the tournament. Also on the agenda: Dan Worrall for England, Surrey’s domestic dominance and more sixes than are good for you at the IPL.