After agreeing a deal worth over £17m to sign Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo, with a medical now scheduled, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly submitted a bid to sign another impressive star.
Wolves on course to sign Fer Lopez
Having lost both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to both Manchester clubs, Wolves were always likely to spring into action in the transfer window sooner rather than later. It’s a crucial summer for Vitor Pereira, who has the task of pushing the Midlands club into mid-table and away from the relegation zone once again in his first full season in charge.
Lopez’s arrival is a good start on that front. The 21-year-old winger is someone who is only likely to get better, but also a player who is perfectly capable of making an immediate impact. After scoring eight goals and creating another three in all competitions at Celta Vigo last season, the Spaniard will have his sights set on improving those numbers in the Premier League.
At over €20m (£17m), Wolves’ deal to sign Lopez may seem steep but they’ve still got money to spend after selling Cunha and Ait-Nouri for large fees earlier this summer. Just what they do with that money now that they’ve added Lopez is the big question.
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To that end, a number of rumours have already arrived. The likes of Robert Renan, who Pereira has worked with in the past, has been among the headlines in recent weeks but those in the Midlands have seemingly set their sights on a Ligue 1 star before anything else.
Wolves submit offer to sign striker Guessand
According to Africa Foot, Wolves have now submitted an offer to sign Evann Guessand from OGC Nice this summer. The French club reportedly value their forward at around €30m (£26m) and, whilst it is currently unknown just how much Wolves offered, that is a price tag that they should be able to afford in the coming months.
Evann Guessand in action for Nice in Ligue 1.
Like Lopez, Guessand would help to replace Cunha’s hefty output at Molineux, having scored 13 goals in all competitions for Nice last season and create another 10. Suddenly, in two transfers, Wolves could be adding 21 goals and 13 assists to their side to more than replace Cunha’s 23 goal involvements last season.
Dubbed “electric” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Guessand would represent another impressive piece of business if Wolves manage to reach an agreement with Nice this summer.
Kusal Mendis is in outstanding form, Pathum Nissanka has had fantastic outings, Avishka Fernando has been spectacular, and Kusal Perera has made a strong comeback. On top of which, Kamindu Mendis seems in good touch too.This is all on based on Lanka Premier League (LPL) performances, that new Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka regards as the gold standard in T20 cricket on the island.The LPL concluded only on Sunday, with Asalanka’s Jaffna Kings side taking home the trophy. Top order batters flourished in that competition. Asalanka has suggested that Kamindu – who also bowled with both arms during the LPL – has sewn up the No. 4 spot, having hit 287 runs at a strike rate of 157 through the tournament.Related
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But then there are still four batters vying for the top three spots. As Asalanka said: “There are four openers in the squad, and the way I’m thinking three of them will make up the top three. One of them will have to miss out.”Those four:
Kusal Mendis, who hit 329 runs at a strike rate of 150, and can keep wicket.
Pathum Nissanka, who hit 333 at strike rate of 153.
Avishka Fernando, who smoked 374 at a strike rate of 163.
Kusal Perera, who had the best strike rate of the four – 169. He made 296 runs, but in fewer innings than the others.These are stats worth thinking on before the two back-to-back matches on Saturday and Sunday, because Sri Lanka’s new captain is keen on using the LPL as a marker of T20 ability.”If you look at the LPL, it’s the No. 1 tournament we have to make decisions like this,” Asalanka said. “More than domestic T20s, the LPL is at a much higher level. As a captain, I think if you perform at the LPL you should get a good chance at playing in the national team.”Asalanka has been a captain since age-group level, whether for his school Richmond College, or Sri Lanka Under 19, and most recently the winning LPL franchise. He suggested his style of leadership is based around man-management.”From under 15 level I’ve captained teams, and there’ s been a lot of change since then. That’s what I tell my team members too – we can’t be at the same place we’ve always been at. From day to day you have to improve and that’s how you become a good player or a good captain. I’ve played under many captains, and I’ve tried to absorb as many of their good traits into my captaincy and into my life as possible.”What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them. We have a lot of talented cricketers, but what’s important is to get the most out of them and have them win matches. I’ve told them to play freely and when we’ve given them plans, to go out there and execute them without fear. That’s what you can expect from me as a captain.”
Tottenham Hotspur have showcased in recent months that they are capable of achieving huge levels of success, but it’s pivotal that they build on their recent triumph to reach the next level.
The Lilywhites claimed the Europa League title with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao, subsequently securing a place in the Champions League despite their 17th-place league finish.
Thomas Frank has the task of leading the side back to the top end of the Premier League table, needing to get his demands across to the players to give them the best chance of added success.
Brentford managerThomasFrankapplauds fans after the match
After taking the reins this summer, it’s no surprise that the Dane will also want to make the additions he craves, potentially spending a pretty penny in the transfer market as a result.
Owner Daniel Levy will have to hand him the funds he needs to make the subsequent changes to his squad, with countless players already on their radar throughout the transfer window.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Ademola Lookman has emerged as a shock option for Spurs this summer, after holding talks with the Nigerian’s representatives over a move to North London this summer.
Mohammed Kudus has become one of the Lilywhites’ main targets for this summer window, but could cost a pretty penny, with the Ghanaian currently having an £85m release clause in his contract at West Ham United.
However, they could be about to turn their attention to Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, with a move for the French youngster touted, according to L’Equipe.
The report claims that Spurs have made their interest known to the 23-year-old’s representatives, with Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United also interested.
It claims that the French star could be available for a fee in the region of £60m this summer, after scoring seven and registering 12 assists in his 43 appearances across all competitions.
Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze
Eberechi Eze has been a player who’s been on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of years, but no deal has ever materialised for the attacking midfielder.
The 27-year-old has been subject to yet more heavy interest this window, after registering 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions for Crystal Palace in 2024/25.
The Englishman has even been a key part of the national team setup over the last couple of months, subsequently making him an attractive target given his £68m release clause.
However, he could be on his way to North London, but it could be a move to join Arsenal, after the Gunners opened talks with the midfielder over a move to the Emirates.
As a result, they could turn their attention to Akliouche as a result, with the Monaco star having the potential to become an elite-level talent given his tender age.
AS Monaco's MaghnesAkliouche
When comparing his stats to those of Eze from the 2024/25 campaign, the youngster, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed a higher shot on target rate, having the ability to be clinical in front of goal if needed.
He’s also completed more progressive carries per 90 and completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, possessing a lot of talent when having the ball at his feet.
Games played
32
34
Goals & assists
15
16
Shot on target accuracy
28%
27%
Progressive carries
4.8
2.4
Progressive passes
6.5
3.3
Pass accuracy
81%
74%
Passes into final third
3.4
1.7
Take-on success
49%
48%
Carries into final third
1.8
0.7
The Frenchman’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of pass accuracy, and passes into the final third, having the ability to provide others around him with the opportunity to bolster their own tallies.
Whilst £60m may appear to be a mammoth sum of money, it’s a fee that would be cheaper than a deal for Eze, whilst also having the chance to improve down the line given he’s four years younger.
Should he continue on his current trajectory, it would be a sensational piece of business, handing Frank the attacking talent he desires upon the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
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The issue is not money, but that youngsters want to play on the big stage, Russell argues
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Aug-2024It’s not the money. According to Andre Russell, premier West Indian cricketers are “just not interested in playing Tests.”The issue has been simmering forever, with cricketers popular with T20 leagues around the world – like Russell – often staying away from West Indies cricket, particularly the longest format. Sometimes, they have been called mercenaries. Most recently, in December 2023, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran and Kyle Mayers turned down West Indies central contracts, but made themselves available for T20Is. Holder, though, has since played Tests.Even though observers say that is due to the lack of money in West Indian cricket, Russell disagrees. “I don’t think it’s the money, I don’t think money is the issue,” he told recently. “Based on the amount of T20 and leagues around the world, I think a lot of players are just not interested in playing Tests.”Russell’s remarks came after West Indies – placed bottom of the nine-team World Test Championship table at the moment – were swept 3-0 in England. They have since drawn the first Test in Port of Spain against South Africa, a Test they were behind in for the most part but, following rain and an attacking South Africa declaration, got to a competitive position when time ran out.Related
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Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Pooran, Rovman Powell and Kieron Pollard were among the West Indians playing in The Hundred when the last Test against England was being played in late July. Among the highest-paid players in the league, they are still playing The Hundred while the Test series against South Africa is on. Pollard, Powell and Pooran have never played Test cricket. Russell played one, in 2010. Hetmyer has played 16, the last of them in 2019.
“Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don’t think my body will keep up with Test cricket”Andre Russell
“I’m always excited watching the other West Indian batters, especially when they’re hitting boundary after boundary,” Russell said. “As long as you can do well from contracts outside your nation I think they are going to grab that opportunity but everyone wants to play on the big stage.”So, if the big stage comes in Test cricket, I know youngsters will be happy to play. I just don’t think it’s about money or anything like that.”Russell, now 36, has managed to stay at the top of his game in short-format cricket despite a succession of injuries over the years, especially in the legs. A knee injury forced him out of the 2019 ODI World Cup after a few games. Test cricket, he said, was not on the table for him.”Red-ball cricket is not my cookie, I don’t think my body will keep up with Test cricket,” he said. “But those in the team at the moment are fit enough and taking on the challenge. They had a few moments in the Test series [against England] where they could have turned things around. Playing England at home is always going to be hard for the West Indies.”
Liverpool have a proud tradition of identifying premium talent and bringing them through to the first team, and they could now be about to repeat the trick if reports are to be believed.
Liverpool continue train of arrivals after big-money deals
It goes without saying, but Liverpool have enjoyed a fantastic start to the window after confirming the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Armin Pecsi.
Despite Giorgi Mamardashvili officially linking up with the Reds after signing last summer, the Premier League champions are also set to sign Freddie Woodman to occupy their third-choice goalkeeper role, and he will fill a homegrown player slot into the bargain.
Not to be deterred after an early flurry, Liverpool have eyes on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as an alternative to Jarell Quansah, once the AXA Training Centre graduate officially completes his move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Sending out a warning to their title rivals, new Reds full-back Kerkez believes his side are primed for more success, after his new side brought a second title of the modern era to Anfield last term.
He stated: “Yeah, definitely. This is a club that wants to win, needs to win. Of course, it’s a big thing last season, completely dominated everyone, I think, and of course, big congratulations.
Liverpool’s first five fixtures of the new season
Crystal Palace (N)
FA Community Shield
Bournemouth (H)
Premier League
Newcastle United (A)
Premier League
Arsenal (A)
Premier League
Burnley (H)
Premier League
“But always, you know, you need to want more, and definitely from last season, I think this season the club is going to build on it and only get a lot better.”
However, building for the future will also form an important part of Liverpool’s long-term sustainability, and they are now reportedly close to bringing in a rising star to strengthen their youth ranks.
Liverpool reportedly agree deal to sign Gabriel Schluter
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Gabriel Schluter from Blackpool for a six-figure sum, and he is set to undergo a medical next week ahead of finalising a switch.
His performances for the Seasiders at youth level have attracted the interest of several different clubs, including the likes of Fulham and Stockport County.
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At just 16 years of age, the left-winger made his first-team debut for Blackpool against Liverpool’s Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy, though he will almost certainly be viewed as one for the future if he completes a move to Anfield.
Harvey Elliot, Conor Bradley and Stefan Bajcetic are prime examples of youngsters who have been bought at a young age before being developed into senior stars, and it appears the Reds have spied an opportunity to carry out the same practice with Schluter.
Over recent weeks, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has been the most likely star to make the move to join Manchester United and further aid Ruben Amorim’s attempts in the final third.
The Cameroonian has starred in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, scoring 20 times in his 38 appearances, undoubtedly being the shining light in the Bees’ side.
Such a record has led to the Red Devils’ keen interest, even making a £60m bid for the attacker, but it was rejected, with the two clubs yet to agree on a fee this window.
They have faced huge competition from Tottenham Hotspur for his signature this summer, but the Bees star has given the Red Devils his word and confirmed that he wants to join Amorim’s side.
However, it appears as though other options are being considered in the forward department, potentially forming an excellent partnership with the Cameroonian at Old Trafford.
The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer
Dušan Vlahović is a player who has emerged on their radar over the last couple of weeks, potentially striking an agreement with Juventus that would see Jadon Sancho move in the opposite direction.
Felix Nmecha is another player on their radar, potentially making a bid for his services in the coming weeks in an attempt to land his signature ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Felix Nmecha for Borussia Dortmund.
However, the hierarchy are also active elsewhere, subsequently preparing a move for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, that’s according to the latest update from CaughtOffside.
The report claims that the Red Devils are preparing a £60m offer for the 26-year-old, who’s registered 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this campaign.
It also states that the offer is below the Italian side’s asking price for the Portuguese international, but they would be open to offloading him should they receive an acceptable bid during this window.
Why United’s £60m target could be Amorim’s own version of prime Rashford
Marcus Rashford is a player who has been a superb option for United over the years after making his debut way back in 2016 as a baby-faced teenager.
He’s racked up over 400 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 138 times for his boyhood club, with his best season coming in 2022/23 – notching 30 goals in his 56 outings.
However, he appears to be out of favour under current boss Amorim, subsequently being loaned out to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024/25 season.
The 27-year-old looks almost certain to depart Old Trafford on a permanent basis this summer, potentially handing the manager the funds to make the changes he requires.
A move could allow Leao to take his place within the first-team setup, being the manager’s next version of the England international, outperforming him in numerous key areas this season compared to his prime a couple of years ago.
AC Milan's RafaelLeaobefore the match
The Milan star has previously stated he’s modelled his game on Rashford’s, often liking to cut inside onto his stronger right foot off the left-hand side, developing into a bigger talent in the process.
Leao, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – demonstrating his clinical edge within the final third.
How Leao in 2024/25 compares to Rashford’s prime in 2022/23
Statistics (per 90)
Leao (24/25)
Rashford (22/23)
Games played
34
35
Goals & assists
16
22
Progressive carries
4.8
2.6
Progressive passes
3.6
2.7
Shot-on-target accuracy
46%
45%
Key passes made
2.3
0.9
Shot-creating actions
4.4
3
Take-on success
46%
39%
Carries into opposition box
2.6
1.7
Aerials won
57%
33%
Stats via FBref
He’s also produced countless chances, completing more progressive carries and passes per 90, subsequently able to provide the players around him with added opportunities.
The Portuguese star has further dominated, registering more take-ons and winning more aerial battles, handing Amorim an all-round threat within the final third.
£60m for a player of his quality would be a superb piece of business, giving the side the fear factor they’ve often lacked within the final third in recent seasons.
Should he match or better the levels produced by Rashford back in 2022/23, it would be a sensational signing and one that could transform the Amorim era for the better.
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On the Mohammad Ali selection, the Pakistan captain said they “wanted someone to bowl like Aamer Jamal”
Mohammad Isam20-Aug-2024
Saim Ayub made 0 and 33 on Test debut in Sydney•Getty Images
Pakistan have picked Saim Ayub as an opener for the first Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi for continuity, according to Shan Masood. The Pakistan captain also said that Pakistan were considering Muhammad Hurraira for selection but he will have to wait for his international debut.Hurraira, 22, has been a heavy scorer in domestic cricket and last month he scored 218 against a Bangladesh High Performance XI in a four-day game in Darwin. Earlier in his debut season in 2021-22, he racked up 986 runs at an average of 58, including a triple-hundred. As for Ayub, he scored 0 and 33 in his only Test so far, against Australia in January in Sydney.”We have plenty of riches in our opening batting,” Masood said. “Imam-ul-Haq isn’t in this series. We don’t limit ourselves to 17 players. We have 20-25 players who are part of our squad. We initially felt that it was our ideal chance to check Muhammad Hurraira – what he could offer the Pakistan team after doing so well in domestic cricket in the last three or four years. We rested Imam in this series. Saim, who is in good touch now, showed potential in the second innings against Australia. As a team, you have to send a message of continuity. So we will try to back the players. We want to give him a fair chance.”Related
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Pakistan will also go into the series opener against Bangladesh with an all-pace attack, a rarity in their selection policy. Masood explained that the conditions in Rawalpindi influenced the combination of their side. He said they wanted Mohammad Ali in the line-up to do a similar job to Aamer Jamal who had excelled in Australia earlier this year. Ali’s 19 wickets in PSL 2024 propelled him into the limelight but he has also been a consistent performer in domestic cricket. He has 150 wickets in 41 first-class games at an average of 25.72.”Firstly, you have to look at a few factors,” Masood said. “You have to take into account Pakistan’s position in the WTC. We at least have to win the home matches. Secondly, you have to look at the ground conditions. Thirdly, we have to look at our team combination.”We considered Aamer Jamal as a weapon in Australia. When the other three fast bowlers showed discipline, Aamer Jamal used to attack. He got crucial wickets in the middle overs. He used to eliminate Australia’s tail, which usually makes the difference by scoring 80-90 runs. As Shaheen [Shah Afridi] and Naseem [Shah] will take the new ball, we wanted someone to bowl like Aamer Jamal. I think Mohammad Ali gave us the surprise element in the PSL but we have been seeing it for a long time. He hits the deck hard. He has the quality to move the ball with the seam and in the air. He has extra pace too.”Having not made the finals of the last two WTC cycles, Pakistan are hoping to buck the trend and bring cheer to their fans.”I think you want your fans and media to write good things about the team,” Masood said. “We want to play cricket that everyone enjoys watching. Obviously, it is a result-oriented business so you need to have results in mind. We were sixth and seventh before [in the WTC], but we would like to play in the final this time. We want to play finals. We have to win our home Tests. Our challenge is to play consistently and play an exciting brand of cricket.”The first Test against Bangladesh will also be Pakistan’s first under coach Jason Gillespie. Masood wanted the new staff’s approach to align with Pakistan’s strengths. “We have a different coaching staff,” he said. “They bring a different mindset and culture but we also have to look at where we have to go as a side. I think fast bowling has been Pakistan’s strength. We have six quality fast bowlers. You need 20 wickets to win a Test. That’s a non-negotiable. Our goal is to get those 20 wickets and then batters can back up the bowlers. That’s how we went into the Australia series, and that’s how we will go into this series.”
Leeds United are going to be in the market to add another centre-forward to their squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.
The Whites have brought in German striker Lukas Nmecha, who has signed on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, but the 26-year-old may not be an immediate first-choice option.
In the 2024/25 campaign, the former Manchester City youth player produced three goals and zero assists in 19 games in the Bundesliga, which does not suggest that he is going to hit the ground running as a regular scorer in the Premier League.
Another current Leeds player who may not be leading the line in the top-flight is Joel Piroe, as Football Insider reported in May that the club have doubts about his ability to make the step up.
Despite a return of 19 goals and seven assists in the Championship last season, the Dutch striker may find himself having to fight his way back to being first-choice next term.
All of this does mean, though, that Leeds may have to dip into the market to bring in another number nine, as they look for Daniel Farke’s own Rodrigo.
What Rodrigo brought to Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds
After Marcelo Bielsa won promotion to the Premier League in 2020, sporting director Victor Orta heavily backed him during the summer transfer window.
The biggest move of the off-season was a £30m club-record deal to bring Spain international Rodrigo to Elland Road from Valencia to improve the manager’s options at the top end of the pitch.
It was a big move for Leeds because Rodrigo had racked up 59 goals and 41 assists in 220 appearances in all competitions for Valencia, which shows that the club were bringing in a star who had already proven his quality in front of goal for a big European side.
The Whites went on to benefit from his quality at the top end of the pitch as the Spanish forward scored 28 goals and provided five assists in 98 games for the club in all competitions during his time at Elland Road.
Rodrigo’s versatility for Leeds
Position
Starts
Goals
Assists
Centre-forward
37
13
2
Attacking midfield
22
5
2
Second striker
18
3
1
Right winger
3
1
0
Left winger
1
1
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Rodrigo also provided positional versatility for Leeds to go along with his goals and assists, as he had the capability to play in a multitude of attacking roles for Bielsa.
Leeds are now looking for a forward who could make a similar impact to the Spaniard in the Premier League next season, and they are reportedly eyeing up a striker who could fit the bill.
Leeds have Championship striker on their radar
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United are pursuing Norwich City centre-forward Josh Sargent, who worked with Farke during their short time together at Carrow Road.
The Whites head coach was the manager who signed the USA international from Werder Bremen for the Canaries in the summer of 2021, but he was sacked in November, which meant that they did not work with each other for very long.
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The reporter now claims that the 25-year-old marksman is on the club’s radar and that they will have to battle one of their Premier League rivals to secure his services.
Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey said: “Josh Sargent is still one that’s very much on their radar. Burnley are also very interested, they like him an awful lot. Leeds aren’t panicking, they’re letting the market come to them.”
Norwich City'sJoshSargentcelebrates scoring their first goal
Meanwhile, journalist Alan Nixon claims that Burnley are very keen to bring him to Turf Moor this summer, but they are not willing to pay the £20m asking price set by Norwich at this moment in time.
Why Leeds should sign Josh Sargent
Leeds should now push to sign the American striker before the end of the transfer window because he could be Farke’s own version of Rodrigo in the Premier League next season.
Sargent, who writer Gab Sutton recently claimed “is the best ST in the Championship”, is similar to the Spanish forward in the sense that he is a natural number nine who can also play in a myriad of positions.
The Norwich star has played on the right and left flanks, as a second striker, and as a number ten in his career, which means that Farke could use him in a host of different ways, just as Bielsa did with Rodrigo.
Sargent, who provided an assist against Northampton Town in his first pre-season outing on Saturday, is also a forward who has the potential to deliver goals and assist at the top level.
Since struggling, with two goals in 26 games, in the Premier League as a very young player in a poor side, the £20m-rated star has been a force to be reckoned with in the Championship.
Josh Sargent (Championship)
23/24
24/25
Appearances
26
32
xG
12.06
13.32
Goals
16
15
Minutes per goal
116
167
Big chances created
3
6
Assists
2
5
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Sargent has outperformed his xG to fire in 31 goals in the last two seasons combined, which shows that he is a prolific scorer and an incredibly efficient finisher.
The Norwich star also won 46% of his duels, including 45% of his aerial battles, and that is why he may be viewed as an upgrade on Piroe as a starter, because the Dutch attacker only won 27% of his duels, and 21% of his aerial contests, in the same division.
This suggests that Sargent can bring the versatility of Rodrigo, the finishing efficiency of Piroe, all whilst also being an upgrade from a physical perspective, with the power and strength that he can provide on the pitch.
Therefore, Leeds must beat Burnley to his signature because of the potential he has to be a talismanic number nine for the Whites, as well as Farke’s own version of Rodrigo next season.
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The first ever day of Test cricket at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground was abandoned due to a wet outfield. The weather was fair all day, with the sun out, but the drainage facilities could not dry the playing area entirely, leaving New Zealand and Afghanistan to wait at least another day to begin their first ever Test encounter.There has been significant rain over the past few days and the challenge, according to chief curator Amit Sharma, was to keep the outfield fit for play if the wet weather continued. However, on Monday, there was not a single cover on the ground all day and the super-soppers were at work, but wet patches on the outfield and the bowlers’ run-up remained a concern.Multiple inspections took place, with the last one scheduled at 4.30pm local time, but the day was abandoned at 4.05 pm. The toss has been scheduled for 9am tomorrow and the remaining four days will have 98 overs each starting at 9.30am, instead of 10am.Related
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The match is not part of the World Test Championship cycle but gives New Zealand an opportunity to acclimatise to subcontinent conditions, with two Test series against Sri Lanka and India lined up in the next couple of months.Afghanistan have played two one-off Tests in this year so far, both in different countries against different opponents, and are looking for their first win since 2021.
Chiefs have now flown into London for talks, following an important Arsenal player agreeing terms to leave the club this summer, according to a report.
Gunners could sanction departure to help fund Madueke move
The Gunners are now closing in on a deal for Noni Madueke, as well as Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca recently confirming the winger has decided to make a move across the capital.
However, with the north Londoners reportedly set to spend £52m on the Chelsea ace, fans appear to have been left less than impressed by the news, with ‘Arteta Out’ graffiti even appearing at the Emirates Stadium over the past few days.
While the reaction is excessive, given that Mikel Arteta has turned his side into consistent Premier League title challengers, the decision to sanction a significant outlay on the winger can be called into question, considering he is yet to establish himself at the highest level.
As such, Arsenal may have to sell one of their current forwards to soften the blow, and a report from The Boot Room has revealed that Fenerbahce chiefs were set to fly into London for talks over a deal for Leandro Trossard this weekend.
Trossard is said to have agreed terms in principle over a move to the Turkish club, with the Gunners willing to cash-in on their £27m signing this summer, despite him featuring in every single Premier League game in the 2024-25 campaign.
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Arteta’s side are willing to take a loss on Trossard, with a price tag of £17m being demanded, although Fenerbahce are currently unwilling to spend that much, meaning some aspects of the deal still need to be ironed out.
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It could be a mistake to sanction the Belgian’s departure this summer, given that he is a versatile option for Arteta, able to play on the left-wing and through the middle, while he also amassed 16 goal contributions in the Premier League last season.
Arsenal fans will know all too well the importance of having a big squad, given that Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz getting injured arguably derailed their Premier League title pursuit in the 2024-25 season, and the 30-year-old has proven himself as a reliable source of goals and assists.
That said, despite the recent outrage, Madueke’s arrival could soften the blow of losing Trossard, given that the Chelsea ace is much younger than the Fenerbahce target at 23-years-old, while he has also been dubbed “fearless” by scout Antonio Mango.
Not only that, but Arsenal also remain interested in a forward with more experience at the top level, with recent reports suggesting they are leading the race for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.