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Arsenal transfer chief Andrea Berta is closing in on his first official signing as new sporting director, as he looks to finalise a deal for one “world-class” player, and the Gunners are said to have already scheduled a medical for him.

Arsenal set to reinforce multiple squad areas this summer

Managr Mikel Arteta is set to be backed to the hilt this summer, with a lot of noise surrounding their pursuit of a new forward, both out wide and in terms of a striker.

Related Arsenal offer "game-changer" a five-year contract worth nearly £30m to join

The north Londoners are moving ahead with ambitious summer plans.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 28, 2025

Talks have been held over a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, while extremely strong links continue to surround RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with the reliable David Ornstein expecting Berta to sign one of the centre-forward pair.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

However, the midfield area is also set to be strengthened.

Jorginho is out of contract in the summer and has agreed to join Flamengo in time for the Club World Cup, while uncertainty continues to surround Thomas Partey’s long-term future with no deal struck on fresh terms as yet.

This makes the signing of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi all the more imperative, and following months of negotiations, they appear set to get their man through the door, despite reports this week that Real Madrid still pose a threat.

Fabrizio Romano gave his famous ‘here we go’ to Zubimendi’s Arsenal transfer, but reports in Spain carried on to suggest that Los Blancos could still hijack the £51 million deal.

However, BBC journalist Sami Mokbel’s latest update on the saga has now seemingly removed all doubt.

Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal medical with paperwork finalised

According to the reporter, Arsenal have scheduled an imminent medical for Zubimendi, and once it is completed, the Gunners will announce his signing in a major boost for Arteta.

“Martin Zubimendi set for medical before completing switch to Arsenal,” said Mokbel.

“All relevant paperwork with Real Sociedad has been completed. Announcement pending successful medical.”

The 26-year-old, one year after he snubbed a move to Liverpool, is now on the verge of signing for Arsenal and seriously reinforcing Arteta’s midfield options ahead of a potentially more successful Premier League title challenge next season.

Called “world-class” by Kieran Tierney, Zubimendi has also been labelled world football’s “second-best” midfielder.

“For me, Martín is the second-best player in the world. We are incredibly lucky to have these two, who I consider the best players in the world.” said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente on Zubimendi and Rodri.

“But we also have other fantastic players who’ve been here and are with us now—another fantastic player, Pepelu hasn’t come yet, but he’s been called up with us.”

Liverpool are making waves in the transfer window this summer and even television personality Piers Morgan has chimed in, with the well known Arsenal supporter unhappy at the news coming out of Anfield this week.

Liverpool closing in on three summer signings

Arne Slot has become a hero at Anfield following a season that has saw his side become Premier League champions, and celebrations will continue long into the next few weeks from anyone of a Liverpool persuasion.

However, there have been headline-grabbing stories elsewhere involving the Reds, not least Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave his boyhood club for Real Madrid.

What has been more impressive in light of a significant departure is Liverpool’s quickfire response in the market. Turning heads around Europe, Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong appear to be on their way to Anfield.

Laying down a statement of intent, the top-flight holders have reportedly seen off competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich for the former, who clearly views the Reds as an environment where regular silverware can be won for the foreseeable future.

Milos Kerkez has agreed personal terms with the Reds, lending credence to the thought that Slot could be set to build a dynasty while in charge.

Related Romano: Liverpool on verge of £45m star signing after personal terms agreed

The Reds are close to completing a deal.

Posts 3 BySean Markus Clifford May 26, 2025

Either way, this window feels like it could be a significant one for Liverpool. They have needed to wait their turn during Pep Guardiola’s four-in-a-row era, but you feel the tide may be changing between the Reds and their rivals.

Arsenal have also been firmly in that conversation, so much so that media personality Morgan has now shared his thoughts on the news coming out of Merseyside.

Piers Morgan reacts to Liverpool's Florian Wirtz bid

Taking to social media platform X, Morgan has questioned why Arsenal haven’t taken a similar course of action to Liverpool’s speedy pursuit of a key target like Wirtz. Questioning Mikel Arteta’s authority, he also praised the Reds for ‘not mucking around’ as they look to defend their title come the start of next season.

Admittedly, he does have point, but Liverpool fans will be quite happy that they are the ones leading the race for a player who has registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances this term.

Next campaign, Arsenal are expected to be at the forefront once again in the title race. The Reds managed to finish ten points ahead of their nearest challenger, albeit their run-in results were a consequence of winning the league with games to spare.

Liverpool are a winning machine when it matters at present and are showing no signs of slowing down, so there is every reason for the red half of Merseyside to be excited at what 2025/26 could have in store, while fans in North London must count on their club to find the right number nine to lead the line for Arteta next term.

Arsenal have been handed significant news about their pursuit of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, with Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta and the recruitment team now alerted to a potential deal-breaker in talks.

Arsenal in reported talks over signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer

In the last few days, reports from both Portugal and England have claimed that Mikel Arteta’s side are moving forward in their attempts to seal a move for the 26-year-old.

Related Arsenal risk Huijsen repeat after Zubimendi update involving Real Madrid

The Gunners have already been hijacked by La Liga’s heavyweights.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 16, 2025

A Bola report Arsenal have offered Gyokeres a £7 million-per-year contract already, with Sporting setting an asking price of around £63 million amid Berta’s pretty serious interest in striking a deal for the Primeira Liga superstar.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

CaughtOffside, meanwhile, state Arsenal are in advanced club-to-club talks for Gyokeres as they look to steal a march on Premier League rivals Man United and Liverpool in pursuit of his signature.

Going by these claims, it would appear that the Gunners’ links to Gyokeres stretch far beyond just interest, with Berta looking to sign a top striker for Arsenal as one of his key summer priorities.

“I’m not inside to know their thoughts, but definitely, I would say a striker, a top, top striker, that can bang in 40 to 50 goals like all the top teams.” said ex-Arsenal star and Como boss Cesc Fàbregas to Amazon Prime recently.

“He [Gyokeres] could be an option, 100 per cent. He is an extraordinary striker.

“He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn’t want to rest. He is as an athlete, a player and team-mate who instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team.”

Called a “phenomenon” by Rui Borges, the former Coventry City striker has been free-scoring since making the move to Portugal, and currently boasts 52 goals from 50 appearances in all competitions this season.

Arsenal receive "major" Gyokeres update amid Sporting deal-breaker

However, Gyokeres’ electric form also puts Sporting in a solid negotiating position, even if there is a release clause in his deal.

Football Transfers state that Arsenal are determined to finalise a deal for Gyokeres, and will have representatives in attendance to watch him play in the Taca de Portugal final against Benfica on May 25.

In what they describe as a “major update”, though, Berta and co are informed of a key requirement on Sporting’s end which could prove an obstacle in Arsenal’s talks to sign Gyokeres.

Sporting are adamant the vast majority of his final agreed transfer fee must be paid within two years, and this may prove problematic for the north Londoners. Arsenal are required to agree to Sporting’s terms or risk another club swooping in to hijack their move, as per FT, so the transfer is proving more complicated than initially reported.

Arsenal have alternatives to pursue if a move does collapse, but Berta is believed to be especially keen on Gyokeres.

In what would be a statement of intent, Newcastle United have now reportedly made contact to sign a teenage sensation ahead of interest from European giants Real Madrid this summer.

Newcastle could deal Real Madrid another blow

As the summer transfer window approaches, the Magpies have already reportedly commenced their spending by securing the arrival of Antonio Cordero from Malaga. The young winger reportedly had interest from both Real Madrid and Barcelona, but has chosen Newcastle ahead of the Spanish giants.

Cordero may just be the start for those at St James’ Park this summer too, with Eddie Howe potentially backed in the transfer market for the first time in over a year as Newcastle break free from their PSR constraints.

With that in mind, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast surrounding just who could arrive in the coming months. The most prominent targets have so far arguably been both Liam Delap and Jonathan David, whilst names such as James McAtee have begun to steal headlines as of late.

All three of those names would undoubtedly add something to Howe’s side, but whether that results in a trio of arrivals for the Magpies remains to be seen. Of course, something which would change the landscape of Newcastle’s summer is if Alexander Isak decided to depart for a club-record fee.

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He’s a wanted man…

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 1, 2025

Instantly, PIF’s spending power would become clear in the face of Isak’s departure. Ultimately, however, it’s a situation that all involved at the club would rather avoid before setting their sights on targets of their own.

Newcastle make contact to sign Kofane

According to reports relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have now made contact to sign Christian Kofane from Albacete this summer and are looking to beat Real Madrid to a second La Liga 2 striker in a matter of months. It’s not just the Magpies and Madrid who have registered their interest though, with ‘half of Europe’ reportedly plotting to sign the 18-year-old sensation.

That interest should come as no surprise, either. Like Cordero, Kofane has thrived in Spain’s second division – scoring six goals and creating one other in 15 La Liga 2 appearances so far this season.

With a reported release clause worth just €5m (£4m) too, Newcastle could land a bargain deal for a young player on the rise and one that RD Scouting described as a player with an “interesting” profile.

While Barry Ferguson remains in charge of Rangers for now, he’s highly unlikely to keep the job beyond the summer.

Last time out, the Gers were dumped out of the Europa League, battling to a goalless draw with Athletic Club Bilbao at Ibrox, before being beaten 2-0 at San Mamés last Thursday.

So, to conclude the campaign, the Light Blues have very little to play for, but have all five post-split Premiership fixtures to fulfill, starting with Saturday’s trip to St Mirren, all but mathematically guaranteed to finish second, 15 points adrift champions-elect Celtic and 13 points clear of Hibs.

Thus, attention has already started to turn towards plans for the summer, so could “one of the best managers” in football history be occupying the Ibrox dugout by the time their season commences with a Champions League qualifier in late-July?

The latest on Rangers' 49ers takeover

As reported by Sahil Jaidka of Sky Sports News on Wednesday, Rangers have confirmed they are in “productive conversations” with an American-based consortium who are planning to take over the club, thereby “injecting additional capital”.

Back in March, Lawrie Anne Brown and Sahil Jaidka also reported that Paraag Marathe, who is president of the investment arm of 49ers Enterprises, is the person spearheading this takeover, ‘aiming to acquire’ 51% of the shares at a minimum.

Ewan Paton of the National notes that, after posting losses of £17.2m last year, an unsustainably high figure, investment is badly needed.

Meantime, Michael Grant of The Times believes that the fact Kevin Thelwell has recently been appointed as head of football operations, arriving from Everton, suggests the 49ers have already started making behind-the-scenes decisions.

Speaking on the Scottish Football Show, Rangers supporter Findlay Marks expects the new owners will want to make a ‘statement appointment’ when it comes to the manager, so are they going to go after one of the most successful managers of all-time?

Rangers' first choice managerial target

According to a report from TEAMTalk late last week, José Mourinho is amongst the front-runners to become the new Rangers manager, with the piece claiming he ‘would be interested’ in taking over.

Well, last month, ahead of Fenerbahçe’s Europa League tie at Ibrox, Mourinho more than intimated that he’d be open to managing one of Glasgow’s big two in the future, adding the Premiership “is a league of passion. Passion in football is everything”.

His current club Fenerbahçe were dumped out of the Europa League by Rangers on penalties, and are staring down the barrel of a trophyless season, ousted in the Türkiye Kupası quarter-finals while currently second in the Süper Lig, five points adrift of Galatasaray with only six games remaining.

The Yellow Canaries appointed Mourinho in a desperate attempt to win their first title since 2014, but appear set to fall just short once again, having been runners-up six times in the last decade.

Nevertheless, fair to say, the 62-year-old has a pretty impressive CV, as the table below outlines.

José Mourinho’s managerial career

Clubs

Matches

Win %

Trophies

Benfica

11

54.55%

Zero

União de Leiria

23

52.17%

Zero

Porto

127

71.65%

6

Chelsea

185

67.03%

6

Internazionale

108

62.04%

5

Real Madrid

178

71.91%

3

Chelsea

136

58.82%

2

Manchester United

144

58.33%

3

Tottenham Hotspur

86

51.16%

Zero

Roma

138

49.28%

1

Fenerbahçe

50

62%

Zero

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

The trophies speak for themselves: two Champions Leagues, league titles in four different countries and, after getting his hands on the Conference League in charge of Roma, he got a tattoo to commemorate the fact he’d won all three major UEFA competitions.

While he was at Tottenham, Son Heung-min described him as “one of the best managers in the world”, while Oisín Doherty of Breaking the Lines believes he was the ‘most dominant manager in world football’ for over a decade.

Manager Focus

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Of course, as outlined by Barney Ronay of the Guardian, some of Mourinho’s tactics are outdated, meaning he is past his best, but he would certainly represent a major coup for Rangers and would be box office for all of us who love Scottish football.

​​​​​​​

He would represent the perfect upgrade on Ferguson, no doubt about that.

Related Dream XI Mourinho could build at Rangers: No Tavernier & £8.5m star signs

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Posts 1 ByRoss Kilvington Apr 22, 2025

Over the last few seasons, much has been made of Arsenal’s inability to strengthen their forward line.

Indeed, it’s rather well documented that the only out-and-out striker Mikel Arteta has bought to the Emirates Stadium since becoming manager is Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian now sits on the treatment table with a long-term ACL injury and is joined by Kai Havertz. With Eddie Nketiah sold last summer, it means that Arsenal don’t have a centre-forward available to them.

Mikel Merino has done a sterling job in that role, scoring six times in ten games as a striker, but signing a new attacker in the summer is of utmost importance for new sporting director, Andrea Berta.

However, he must not neglect other areas as he aims to help build a title-winning squad alongside Arteta.

Where Arsenal could strengthen this summer

While fans expect that a new striker will sign on the dotted line in a few months’ time, there is also optimism about improving their midfield ranks.

Indeed, with Jorginho and Thomas Partey both set to leave upon the expiry of their contracts at the Emirates Stadium, there is now reportedly an expectation that Martin Zubimendi will be arriving in a possible £51m deal from Real Sociedad.

Transfer Focus

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

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However, the Gunners may look at bolstering their defensive line again. That’s despite the additions of Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori in the last two windows and the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

One addition could be Barcelona’s Jules Kounde with reports from Spain on Monday noting that ‘two European giants have offered €75m (£64m)’ to prise him away from LaLiga.

Indeed, it’s stated that both teams are willing to put a big amount on the table and with Barca’s financial situation still unstable, they would likely be willing to cash in on the Frenchman.

What Jules Kounde would bring to Arsenal

More defenders, Mikel? More? Are you sure? Well, it may not be the worst idea this summer if Arsenal have a big transfer kitty to splurge.

Of course, the priority must be giving Arteta more in attack but they could find themselves short in the defensive department too.

That’s because Takehiro Tomiyasu continues to be plagued by injury, Kieran Tierney is departing at the end of his contract and Oleksandr Zinchenko has been linked with a move away.

Jakub Kiwior is reportedly also attracting interest from Crystal Palace and Lewis-Skelly’s future is seen in midfield.

So, believe it or not, there would be an opening for another defender if all of Tierney, Zinchenko and Kiwior departed Colney in the summer.

Kounde, described as “one of the best defenders in the world” by his former coach Xavi, would certainly tick a lot of boxes.

Arteta loves his defenders to be versatile and in the French star, he’d be getting just that. Kounde broke through as a centre-back but at Camp Nou has become more of a right-back, featuring in that position in all 49 of his club appearances this season.

In that regard, he’s a lot like Jurrien Timber, capable of inverting but also bombing forward. Most importantly, he’s also a very good defender.

While positionally, he’s similar to the Dutchman, comparisons can also be made to the aforementioned Lewis-Skelly. So, why exactly is that?

Kounde vs Lewis Skelly in 2024/25

Stat (per 90 mins)

Kounde

Lewis-Skelly

Progressive carries

1.47

2.34

Progressive passes

5.66

4.86

Progressive actions

7.13

7.20

Pass success %

87%

90%

Key passes

1.11

0.47

Passes into final 3rd

5.23

4.77

Shot-creating actions

1.97

1.69

Tackles won

1.51

1.31

Stats via FBref.

While Kounde is a more polished physical player, the key similarity between the two is how progressive they are from their full-back berths, albeit on opposite sides of the pitch.

They love to get involved in all phases of play, whether it be breaking up an opposition attack or getting forward themselves, notably registering a similar number of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in 2024/25.

As seen in the clip below, the piece of play is very Lewis-Skelly-like, tickling the ball past a player and creating a goal-scoring opportunity inside the box.

While the Barcelona defender would be unlikely to play in midfield, as far as full-backs go, they share similar traits.

It’s safe to say Timber would not be dislodged from his right-back spot in a hurry, but having another progressive option in a similar mould to both him and Lewis-Skelly is something Arteta is unlikely to turn down if the opportunity presents itself.

Related Amazing Kiwior replacement: Arsenal sold Hale End's next best gem for £1.5m

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Posts 1 ByBen Gray Apr 14, 2025

Liverpool are believed to be “working on” tying down an “outstanding” player to a new contract alongside Virgil van Dijk, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Salah signs new Liverpool deal

The news that Reds supporters have been dreaming of finally came true on Friday, with Mohamed Salah signing a new two-year deal at Anfield.

There have been concerns all season long that the 32-year-old Liverpool legend would leave the club, but he will now be on Merseyside until at least 2027, saying he intends to win more trophies there:

“If I don’t believe that, I would not have signed. I believe the team can win trophies and with the support of the fans and the city, and that the supporters always give us in the games, I believe we can win many trophies in the next years.”

Now, the hope is that other players will follow suit, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk also both out of contract at the end of this season.

While it looks increasingly likely that the latter will stay put and do the same as Salah, the former’s head appears to have been turned by a move to Real Madrid. That said, nothing has been confirmed over Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool at the peak of his powers.

Liverpool want new deal for "outstanding" ace

According to Romano in his newsletter for GiveMeSport, Liverpool are still looking to seal a new deal for Ibrahima Konate, as well as Van Dijk:

“They are in negotiations. Now the priority was obviously Salah and Van Dijk, but the next one could be Konate as Liverpool are working on it.”

Ensuring that Konate remains at Liverpool for the foreseeable future is of the utmost importance, considering he is still only 25 years of age and eight years Van Dijk’s junior.

The Frenchman is appreciated by so many at Anfield, from Arne Slot to the supporters, and captain Van Dijk also hailed him earlier this season, saying after their win away at Wolves in September:

“As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding, in my opinion.

“He is learning, growing, getting better and looking after himself much better in order to be ready every three days as that’s what asked. And also we have a young player behind him in Jarrell, who is also doing well. We have to keep pushing each other and he is doing a good job.”

Relatively speaking, the £70,000-a-week wage that Konate earns is low compared to many of his teammates, so he deserves an improved contract to show that he is truly appreciated.

Related Liverpool confident of winning race for "amazing" £60m+ star this summer

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Posts 2 BySean Markus Clifford Apr 12, 2025

Granted, injuries have hampered him at times in his career, so there is a slight risk involved in handing him an extension, but he should only get better in the coming years, and losing him at this point in his career could be a big blow to the Reds.

After their win over Fulham during the week, it was another disappointing Premier League affair on Saturday for Arsenal.

The title race may be all but over, but Mikel Arteta and Co would still have been hoping for a win over Everton ahead of the must-win clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow night.

Instead, the Gunners played out another dismal draw against the Toffees, and while they never really looked in danger of losing, they didn’t look like winning either.

It was another encounter that demonstrated the North Londoners’ need for a new striker, and the good news is that recent reports have touted one of the most exciting in Europe for a move to the club, a striker who’d be a better signing than Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal striker search

It’s no secret that the area of the squad Arsenal need to strengthen the most this summer is centre-forward, so recent reports linking them to players like Sesko are no surprise.

The RB Leipzig star is one of the most exciting up-and-coming number nines on the continent at the moment, has amassed a tally of 25 goal involvements in 39 appearances and, per reports from earlier this month, remains a key target for the Gunners.

However, while he would undoubtedly help improve Arteta’s attacking options, there is another target who’d be an even bigger game-changer: Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

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Yes, according to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal’s strong interest in the Swedish superstar has intensified over the last week.

Moreover, in even better news, the report has revealed that the player’s representatives will attend the game against Real tomorrow night, indicating that further talks may take place.

The report does not reveal a potential fee, but according to stories from late last month, the former Coventry City marksman could be available for around £58m in the summer.

It could still be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gyokeres’ immense ability, it is well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a far better signing than Sesko.

How Gyokeres compares to Sesko

So, while both strikers would certainly improve Arsenal’s attack next season, why would Gyorkeres be the better signing?

Well, while there are a few reasons, the most significant is their respective output, as, after all, they’re number nines.

For example, since the start of last season, the Sporting CP star has scored 86 goals and provided 26 assists in just 93 appearances, which comes out to a simply staggering average of 1.20 goal involvements every game.

Sesko vs Gyokeres since 23/24

Player

Sesko

Gyokeres

Appearances

81

93

Minutes

4918′

7599′

Goals

37

86

Assists

8

26

Goal Involvements per Match

0.55

1.20

Minutes per Goal Involvement

109.28′

67.84′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In contrast, the Slovenian international has scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 81 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.80 games.

Now, it is true that the Leipzig star is playing in a more challenging league, but when we look at their output from their time in the Champions League, it’s once again clear who the superior striker is.

For example, the “complete” Stockholm-born monster, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored six goals in eight UCL appearances, while the former RB Salzburg gem has six in 28 games.

Lastly, Sesko is still just 21, and while he could become a superstar in the future, he is not entirely developed, whereas, at 26, Gyokeres could come into Arteta’s team as the finished article and immediately lead the line.

Ultimately, while he may cost a significant amount of money, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the Sporting star this summer over the Leipzig ace.

Related Alongside Gyokeres: Arsenal make contact to sign ace who'd revive Odegaard

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 6, 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to be without one star for a month through injury, with their stance on a January transfer solution also revealed.

Chelsea lose Champions League ground amid suspension and injury woes

Chelsea’s automatic Champions League qualification prospects suffered a significant setback in Bergamo on Tuesday evening as Maresca’s side surrendered a half-time advantage to lose 2-1 against Atalanta.

The Blues controlled proceedings during the opening period, with Joao Pedro sliding home his inaugural Champions League goal after Reece James’s precise delivery in the 25th minute.

However, a second-half capitulation, triggered by Gianluca Scamacca’s 55th-minute header and Charles De Ketelaere’s deflected 83rd-minute winner, leaves Chelsea precariously positioned in 11th place with two league phase games remaining.

Maresca confronts mounting selection dilemmas as Chelsea’s injury list continues to pose a real problem, as it has done all season.

The Italian has made more squad rotations than any other manager in the Premier League this term, with Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernández, Roméo Lavia, Pedro Neto, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo and Josh Acheampong all sidelined at various points this term through injury or suspension.

Mykhailo Mudryk also remains banned for alleged doping violations, though some surprise reports suggest he could actually return to action next month.

Related Mudryk poised for surprise January return as club eye Chelsea loan deal

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini 3 days ago

Palmer, the Blues’ talisman, is still working his way back to full fitness as Maresca manages his workload meticulously.

The England international’s persistent fitness struggles have restricted him to just six appearances across all competitions this season, and Chelsea quite simply need him firing.

Maresca confirmed that Palmer cannot feature in consecutive matches within three-day periods right now, prioritising long-term availability over immediate selection.

Roméo Lavia’s latest in a long line of injury problems has depleted Chelsea’s midfield alongside Caicedo’s suspension, with it being unclear as to when the 21-year-old Belgian will return.

Colwill’s ruptured ACL sustained during pre-season means the promising defender is in line to miss the vast majority of 2025/2026, with Essugo sidelined after suffering a setback.

The most pressing of all these concerns, though, is Delap’s return to the treatment table.

Chelsea handed Liam Delap injury update

According to BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Delap’s shoulder injury, sustained during Chelsea’s goalless draw with Bournemouth, appears significantly less serious than first feared.

The striker is now expected to return within four weeks rather than the two months originally mooted, which comes as good news for Chelsea, even if Maresca is poised to be minus Delap for a month.

The 22-year-old departed the Vitality Stadium in considerable distress, landing awkwardly after a first-half aerial challenge with Marcos Senesi and immediately sparking concerns about a prolonged absence.

Initial reports suggested Delap faced between six and eight weeks sidelined, potentially ruling him out until February and forcing Chelsea to accelerate Emmanuel Emegha’s pre-arranged summer transfer from Strasbourg.

However, subsequent scans delivered encouraging news by confirming no fracture, drastically reducing the recovery timeline.

Maresca had expressed genuine concern post-match, admitting the shoulder issue “looked quite bad” and lamenting Chelsea’s serious bad luck.

The revised timeline means Delap could potentially return before the January transfer window closes, alleviating immediate pressure to bolster Chelsea’s attacking options.

The England Under-21 international has endured a frustrating debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, having already missed two months earlier this season with a hamstring injury sustained in August.

Delap has managed just six starts across all competitions since his £30 million summer arrival from Ipswich, scoring once against Barcelona in the Champions League.

As the former Man City striker continues his recovery, it appears Marc Guiu and Pedro will continue shouldering striker responsibilities.

Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to play his first professional game since his elbow injury during IPL 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Aug-2025

Prithvi Shaw is set to play his first match for Maharashtra•Cricket Association of Bengal

Prithvi Shaw has been picked in Maharashtra’s 17-member squad for the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in Chennai from August 18 to September 9. This will be Shaw’s first tournament for Maharashtra, after his move from Mumbai in July.Shaw joined Maharashtra after requesting a no-objection certificate from Mumbai, who had dropped him dropped from their Ranji Trophy squad in 2024-25 due to poor fitness and lack of discipline.The Maharashtra squad, captained by Ankit Bawne, also includes Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is set to play his first professional game since his elbow injury during IPL 2025. Gaikwad had played for India A during an intra-squad warm-up match ahead of India’s Test series in England.Related

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However, Gaikwad and wicketkeeper Saurabh Nawale will likely leave after Maharashtra’s first game to link up with the West Zone squad in Bengaluru for the Duleep Trophy. A direct entry into the semi-finals means West Zone’s first game will begin on September 4.Ayush Mhatre named Mumbai captainAyush Mhatre, who captained India Under-19 during their recent tour of England, will lead Mumbai in the Buchi Babu Tournament. Mhatre, 18, had a memorable IPL 2025 with Chennai Super Kings after being called up as Gaikwad’s injury replacement. He was also the leading run-scorer (340 in four innings) in the U-19 Tests in England.Mumbai’s squad includes Sarfaraz Khan and his brother Musheer, who had suffered “a fracture in the neck region” in a road accident in September last year and missed the domestic season. His lone appearance since his recovery was for Punjab Kings, in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.Maharashtra Squad: Ankit Bawane (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Siddhesh Veer, Sachin Dhas, Arshin Kulkarni, Harshal Kate, Siddharth Mhatre, Saurabh Nawale (wk), Mandar Bhandari (wk), Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Pradeep Dadhe, Vicky Ostwal, Hitesh Walunj, Prashant Solanki, Rajvardhan Hangargekar.Mumbai squad: Ayush Mhatre (capt), Musheer Khan, Divyansh Saxena, Sarfaraz Khan, Suved Parkar (vc), Pragnesh Kanpillewar, Harsh Aghav, Sairaj Patil, Aakash Parkar, Aakash Anand (wk), Hardik Tamore (wk), Shreyas Gurav, Yash Dicholkar, Himanshu Singh, Royston Dias, Sylvester DâEUR(tm)Souza, Irfan Umair