Manchester United outcast Antony faced the brunt of criticism again after performing terribly in Real Betis' Conference League final loss to Chelsea.
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After a few miserable weeks, the last few days have been a breath of fresh air for Arsenal fans.
On Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta’s side demolished PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Champions League, and now it looks as if the club will be bringing in Andrea Berta as their new Sporting Director.
The Italian previously worked for Atlético Madrid, where he helped bring in a plethora of incredible players like Antoine Griezmann, Rodri, Marcos Llorente and most recently, Julian Alvarez.
The latter has been a force of nature for the side this season, and according to reports, Berta could sign Arsenal’s own version of the Argentine in the summer.
Arsenal's striker search
According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are one of several sides keen on signing RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko in the summer.
In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners and Chelsea remain firmly at the head of the queue of interested parties, which includes Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
In yet more good news, the report has revealed that while the Slovenian international has a release clause worth £58m in his contract, Leipzig will allow him to leave for less should the final fee be deemed acceptable to them.
It could still be an expensive and complicated transfer to get over the line for Arsenal, but given Sesko’s ability and potential, it is well worth pursuing, and for Berta, an opportunity to repeat a move reminiscent of the one that saw Alvarez move to Spain last summer.
Why Sesko would be Arsenal's Alvarez
So, there are really two intertwined reasons as to why bringing Sesko to Arsenal in the summer would be, in a sense, a repeat of his deal to sign Alvarez last year.
The most significant is that, like the Argentine, the Slovenian star is one of the most exciting strikers in European football and has the raw ability to be a real game-changer for the Gunners.
For example, in just 34 appearances this term, totalling 2488 minutes, the 6 foot 5 “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 17 goals and provided five assists.
Appearances
34
41
Minutes
2488′
2683′
Goals
17
22
Assists
5
5
Goal Involvements per Match
0.64
0.65
Minutes per Goal Involvement
113.09′
99.37′
That means he is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.54 games, or every 113.09 minutes for a team not having a particularly good season in the Bundesliga.
In comparison, the former Manchester City marksman has done marginally better so far, scoring 22 goals and providing five assists in 41 appearances, totalling 2683 minutes, for Atléti.
In other words, the Calchín-born star is averaging a goal involvement every 1.51 games, or every 99.37 minutes.
The second reason the moves could mirror one another is that while the World Cup winner is just over three years older than the Leipzig star, both are young enough to become era-defining forwards for their respective sides and gold-standard acquisitions by Berta.
Ultimately, it could be an expensive transfer to get over the line, but it does look like Sesko could be one of the next great strikers in European football and deliver for Arsenal next season in the same way Alvarez is for Atlético this year.
Therefore, should he get the job, Berta must do all he can to bring him to the Emirates as soon as possible.
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Setting their sights on a new target, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a Bundesliga forward who could arrive instead of Hugo Ekitike this summer.
Newcastle scout Ekitike alternative
Whilst it seems as though a fresh striker is the last thing that Newcastle need, the fact that Callum Wilson is currently on course to leave as a free agent this summer means that they could do with depth behind Alexander Isak.
It is also worth noting that the interest in signing Isak only looks likely to increase as the summer approaches, igniting a transfer window saga which may last until the very end.
Currently, Newcastle’s reported £160m valuation looks as though it could fend off any potential suitors, but if that does not prove to be the case then having added firepower from the bench will prove to be no bad thing.
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That said, the main name mentioned on that front has been Ekitike. The Magpies very nearly signed the Frenchman before he ultimately chose to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and have now reportedly ignited their interest as he rediscovers his best form at Eintracht Frankfurt.
However, the forward isn’t the only Bundesliga star on their list of options. According to The Boot Room, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz this summer after sending their scouts to watch the impressive goalscorer.
Like Ekitike, Burkardt has enjoyed an excellent season in the Bundesliga to earn his way onto Newcastle’s radar alongside the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Potentially left with a major decision to make when the transfer window opens, the German could be on his way to St James’ Park.
"Marksman" Burkardt is more clinical than Ekitike
Although Burkardt steals fewer headlines than Ekitike, he has been in more clinical form than the Frenchman in the Bundesliga this season – even matching a long-standing Mainz record by scoring 15 Bundesliga goals in a single campaign.
Becoming the first Mainz player to do so since Shinji Okazaki in the 2013/14 campaign, the 24-year-old could now follow the same path as the former Premier League forward, courtesy of Newcastle.
Bundesliga stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Jonathan Burkardt
Hugo Ekitike
Starts
21
23
Goals
15
13
Assists
2
4
Expected Goals
10.9
17.5
Dubbed a “marksman” by OptaFranz after he scored his 15th goal of the season, Burkardt has been more ruthless than ever in front of goal this season – almost outperforming his xG by five goals.
In comparison, Ekitike has underperformed by over four goals, albeit whilst creating more than his Bundesliga counterpart. Two strikers who carry different traits, Newcastle must decide whether they want a clinical finisher or the more creative Ekitike.
When the summer arrives, the Magpies’ striker department will certainly be one to watch as Wilson departs, interest in Isak arrives and decisions are made over deals for Ekitike and Burkardt.
MatériaMais Notícias
O São Paulo e o Goiás se enfrentam neste sábado (23), às 19h, pela 19ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, no estádio do Morumbi. Ambas as equipes chegam para o confronto com um interesse em comum: se afastar mais ainda da zona perigosa e crescer na tabela.
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>ATUAÇÕES: Em noite péssima de Thiago Couto e do setor defensivo, Nikão desencanta em empate do São Paulo
Tabela
> Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro e simule os próximos jogos
Com 25 pontos, o Tricolor paulista ocupa atualmente a décima colocação na tabela do Brasileirão. Rogério Ceni tem como principal desafio neste jogo ir atrás dos três pontos e crescer a posição do time. Na competição, o São Paulo segura uma sequência de três empates, sendo o último contra o Internacional, no Beira Rio, por 3 a 3.
Quanto a possível escalação, o treinador enfrenta um problema. Embora não tenha ninguém suspenso para essa rodada – já que na última não pode contar com Calleri e Patrick – o departamento médico segue cheio. Inclusive, Jandrei e Miranda não devem retornar para a partida de sábado (23).
Já o Goiás vem de uma derrota recente por 3 a 2 para o Fluminense. Porém, diferente do Tricolor que está vivo em três competições, o foco doEsmeraldino Alviverde é somente o Campeonato Brasileiro.
Quanto aos relacionados, a equipe de Jair Ventura não poderá contar nem comRenato Júnior (suspenso) e nem comReynaldo (que se machucou contra o Fluminense). Por outro lado, terá a volta de Danilo Barcelos e Caio.
Veja as informações sobre o jogo:
SÃO PAULO X GOIÁS
Local: Morumbi, São Paulo (SP)
Data/Horário: 23/7/2022, às 19h (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Caio Max Augusto Vieira (RN)
Assistentes: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa (RJ) e Jean Marcio dos Santos (RN)
VAR: Daniel Nobre Bins (RS)
Onde acompanhar: Premiere e em tempo real no LANCE!/Voz do Esporte
SÃO PAULO
Thiago Couto;Rafinha, Diego e Luizão; Igor Vinícius, Talles, Igor Gomes, Nikão e Welington; Patrick e Calleri.Técnico: Rogério Ceni.
Desfalques: Léo (Edema na coxa direita), Arboleda (cirurgia no tornozelo esquerdo), Reinaldo (Estiramento na coxa direita), Luan (Cirurgia no músculo adutor da coxa esquerda), Caio (cirurgia no joelho direito), André Anderson (dores musculares), Alisson (entorse no joelho direito), Jandrei (recuperação física após pancada nas costas) e Miranda (dores musculares).
Pendurados:Luciano, Igor Vinicius, Pablo Maia, Reinaldo, Éder e André Anderson
Suspensos: –
GOIÁS
Tadeu; Maguinho, Yan Souto, Caetano e Sávio; Matheus Sales, Diego, Dadá Belmonte e Caio; Vinicius e Pedro Raul.Técnico: Jair Ventura.
Desfalques: Reynaldo (dores musculares), Apodi (equilibra condicionamento físico)
Pendurados:Maguinho, Fellipe Bastos, Jair Ventura [técnico] e Luan Dias
Suspensos:Renato Júnior (3º Amarelo)
He played 29 Tests, scoring 1202 runs and taking 75 wickets
ESPNcricinfo staff02-Apr-20233:12
‘He was an enigma’ – Deep Dasgupta recounts his memories of Salim Durani
Former India allrounder Salim Durani has died aged 88. He was living with his brother Jahangir Durani in Jamnagar, Gujarat, according to PTI.Durani had undergone a proximal femoral nail surgery after he broke his thigh bone in a fall in January this year.An aggressive left-handed batter and a left-arm spinner, Durani played 29 Tests, scoring 1202 runs and taking 75 wickets.He was best remembered for that magical spell that helped India to their first Test win in the West Indies in 1971, which is also remembered for Sunil Gavaskar’s Test debut. In the space of a few balls, Durani had dismissed Clive Lloyd and Garry Sobers – the latter for a duck – at a crucial time in the second innings in Port of Spain for India’s seven-wicket win. Durani conceded just 21 runs in the 17 overs he bowled.In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Durani gave details of how he set up Sobers and Lloyd for those wicket. “They’re one of the finest cricket-playing countries in the world… but not on the ground. On the ground they’ll break your head. But after the game they used to take us to [their] home[s], and this and that,” he spoke about sporting West Indies.
Easily one of the most colourful cricketers of India – Salim Durani.
Rest in Peace. ॐ शांति pic.twitter.com/d5RUST5G9n
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 2, 2023
Ten years before this Test, he bowled India to victory against England in 1961-62, successively taking eight and ten wickets in Kolkata and Chennai respectively. He was the highest wicket-taker in the series with 23 scalps from nine innings, in what was only his second Test series.Born in Kabul in 1934, Durani had created a special rapport with the spectators with his aggressive style of batting and acquired the reputation of hitting sixes on demand. He scored one Test century, against West Indies in Port of Spain in 1962. He played his last Test in February 1973 against England at the Brabourne Stadium, where he had also made his debut in 1960, and finished with a batting average of 25.04.
A Premier League club are targeting two Sunderland players in the summer transfer window, according to former scout Mick Brown.
The Black Cats picked up a hugely important victory away to Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening, aiding their Championship promotion chances in the process. Sunderland sit fourth in the table with 11 matches remaining, but there is an eight-point gap to make up on second-place Sheffield United if they want to seal automatic promotion, so a place in the playoffs is looking increasingly likely.
When it comes to the Black Cats’ immediate transfer business, Jewison Bennette has been linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light. FC LNZ Cherkasy are believed to be showing an interest in the 20-year-old, with the Ukrainian transfer window not closing until March 11th.
Looking ahead to the summer, Sunderland have been backed to sign Hansa Rostock centre-back Ahmet Gurleyen, with the 25-year-old capped by Germany at both Under-20 and Under-19 level in the past. Regis Le Bris could see him as a great option to bolster his defence, especially if his side seal promotion back to the Premier League.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown claimed that Crystal Palace are interested in signing Sunderland pair Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham this summer.
“There are a few players they’ve had scouts looking at. What Palace will do, and they’ve got a good record of doing it, is they will be keeping a close eye on the Championship and the young players in that division. They have to make sure they scout these players thoroughly and from what I hear, Crystal Palace do that.
“These players like the couple of Sunderland lads, Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and people like him are on their radar – and the lad from Southampton, Dibling. It’s a big part of their plan and they’ve had success with it before. You look at what they’ve done with players like Eze, Guehi, Olise.”
In truth, it is no great surprise that there is Premier League interest in Rigg and Bellingham, considering they are arguably two of the most exciting players in the Championship currently. That said, it doesn’t make the prospect of losing them both any easier to accept, and it should act as motivation for Sunderland in their promotion quest, in terms of enhancing their chances of keeping hold of them.
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Rigg and Bellingham have been integral figures for the Black Cats, starting a combined 59 matches in the Championship this season, scoring four times apiece in the process, providing a mixture of guile and work-rate at the heart of the midfield.
If this is to be the duo’s final season in a Sunderland shirt, the most important thing is that the club receive good money for both, ensuring that they can replace them with top-quality options instead.
Richarlison returning to Everton in the summer transfer window has been a popular discussion since January and a new update on the matter has emerged, courtesy of reporter Pete O’Rourke.
Moyes eyeing summer additions at Everton
The Blues may have thrived with David Moyes back at the helm in recent months, but The Friedkin Group will know that new signings are required this summer, as will the manager himself.
According to one recent report, Everton are interested in completing the signing of Udinese centre-back Thomas Kristensen, with the 20-year-old averaging 2.5 aerial duel wins per game across 16 Serie A appearances this season.
An exciting move for Dusan Vlahovic has also been mentioned in recent days, with the Juventus ace netting nine times in just 17 league starts in 2024/25 to date, as well as scoring four goals in six outings in the Champions League. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Blues future unclear, the Serb could be a great replacement but the Blues will face plenty of competition for his signature.
Everton have also reportedly been given the green light to snap up Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, with the Englishman struggling to oust the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton at the heart of the Magpies’ midfield this season.
Richarlison to Everton transfer assessed
According to a new update from Football Insider‘s O’Rourke, Everton are going to find it “very difficult” to bring Richarlison back to the club at the end of the season, amid talk of him returning to the club.
While it is noted that “Spurs will be keen to recoup as much of the £50million-plus fee they paid to land the striker in 2022”, it is believed that the Blues would “find it hard” to match the asking price, “even after the influx of cash” provided by The Friedkin Group.
A Richarlison reunion could go down well among Everton fans this summer, given his popularity during his first stint at Everton, so missing out on him would be disappointing. Still only 27, the Brazilian may have experienced an up-and-down time of things at Tottenham, but he scored 53 goals in 152 appearances for the Blues, always working hard and providing passion too.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has also spoken of his admiration for him during their time together; “We’ve got to maintain a balance in life and even for him, he needs to understand his football is still good, he’s a fantastic footballer. He’s got so much to give and that can help ease the burden he’s feeling in other parts of his life, like so many of us.”
For now, it looks like Everton won’t be able to afford Richarlison, with another club potentially swooping instead, but if the situation changes, they should look into the idea of re-signing him.
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Moyes would surely love the attacker’s fighting spirit, while the fans know exactly what he can bring to the team, so it is a transfer that would make plenty of sense, should it eventually go through in the next window.
Manchester City are all set to offer a new contract to Rodri after the midfielder miraculously recovered from his ACL injury.
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Man City set to offer new deal to RodriRodri returned to action against BournemouthLikely to sign a four-year dealFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Ballon d'Or winner remained sidelined for the majority of the 2024-25 campaign after he ruptured his ACL during a Premier League clash against Arsenal last September. Rodri then missed the rest of the season and only returned to action in the club's penultimate match against AFC Bournemouth.
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now reports that the Cityzens are considering offering the midfielder a new contract after he miraculously recovered right on time ahead of the Club World Cup in the US. The Spaniard's current contract runs for another two years, but the new deal will keep him at Etihad Stadium until 2029. The new deal will also see a significant rise in his current pay of £200,000-a-week, as Rodri is likely to pocket a salary of more than £300,000-a-week.
Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowDID YOU KNOW?
The Cityzens had a disappointing season as they went trophyless, only the second time since Pep Guardiola took charge of the club in 2016. They lost to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final and finished third in the league behind Liverpool and Arsenal.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?
The former English champions will be travelling to the US next month and face Wydad AC in their first match of the Club World Cup on June 18.
تفاجأ الجميع بزيارة لاعبي فريق يوفنتوس لمقر البيت الأبيض، في حضور رئيس الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، دونالد ترامب، قبل مباراتهم ضد العين في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية.
وانطلقت منافسات كأس العالم للأندية في أمريكا، فجر يوم الأحد الماضي، حيث تعادل الأهلي وإنتر ميامي سلبيًا في المباراة الافتتاحية.
وبدأ يوفنتوس مشواره في البطولة، المُقامة حتى 13 يوليو المقبل، بخماسية نظيفة ضد العين الإماراتي.
وقبل المباراة، ظهر لاعبو فريق يوفنتوس خلف دونالد ترامب، الرئيس الأمريكي، في البيت الأبيض في مشهد غريب على كرة القدم، خاصة وأن حديث ترامب كان عن الحرب الدائرة حاليًا بين الكيان الصهيوني وإيران.
اقرأ أيضًا.. رجل مباراة يوفنتوس والعين في كأس العالم للأندية
وأبدى تيموثي ويا، لاعب يوفنتوس، تعجبه الشديد من الأمر، وهو ما أفصح عنه خلال تصريحاته التي نشرتها شبكة “توتو ميركاتو” الإيطالية.
وقال ويا: “كانت مفاجأة، في الواقع لقد أخبرونا بضرورة الذهاب، لم يكن لدينا الكثير من الخيارات، لقد فوجئت بما حدث، كان الأمر غريبًا بعض الشيء”.
واختتم: “عندما بدأ (ترامب) الحديث عن السياسة وإيران وكل ذلك، فكرت (يا رجل، أريد فقط أن ألعب كرة القدم!)”.
Nottingham Forest and owner Evangelos Marinakis now want to sign a “super” new forward this summer who could cost them in the region of £50 million, according to a recent report.
Forest suffer Chris Wood injury blow
Like every other team in the Premier League, Forest have been holding their breath in the hope that their players on international duty will return injury free. While the majority have done, the Reds suffered a blow on Monday morning, as striker Chris Wood had to be replaced in the second half of New Zealand’s second game due to picking up a hip injury.
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Wood, who has scored 18 goals in the league this season, bagged a hat-trick for his national team earlier last week but didn’t have the same luck in the second game, as he could only last 54 minutes. Darren Bazeley, the New Zealand manager, spoke to the press on Monday and did confirm Wood had picked up an injury but held back on the details.
Nuno Espirito Santo will now be sweating on Wood’s fitness, as the Reds have an important FA Cup quarter-final game this Saturday before returning to league action.
Nottingham Forest want to sign "super" Ademola Lookman this summer
As the Reds wait for an update on Wood’s injury, the Premier League side are already working on their plans for the summer, and according to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Ademola Lookman from Atalanta.
The recruitment staff have started to turn their attention to next season, and Marinakis has plans to make some major signings for the club, as he looks to push Forest further and challenge on the European stage.
Lookman is now a player that Forest are looking at and has emerged as a potential summer transfer target. The report states that the Tricky Trees have been monitoring Lookman for a while now and have been impressed by his performances.
At the minute, Forest are just interested, but should they qualify for the Champions League, they could become serious about signing the 27-year-old, who has been described as “super” by manager Gian Piero Gasperini despite a recent fallout with the player.
No talks have been held with the player or his representatives as of yet, but it appears the Nigeria international will leave Atalanta this summer. He is be available for between €60-70 million, which is roughly £50-58 million, a fee Forest are willing and capable to meet.
Apps
23
Starts
21
Goals
13
xG
9.11
Shots per game
2.9
Chance conversion
19%
Assists
5
Touches per game
45.1
Big chances created
9
Key passes per game
2.2
Dribbles per game
1.2
However, the Reds are not alone in their pursuit of Lookman, as Manchester United and Newcastle are also keen on signing the attacker. Meanwhile, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are keeping an eye on his situation as they try to beat the Premier League teams in the race. Forest’s interest in Lookman comes after the Reds are showing an interest in striker Victor Osimhen as well.