Their best forward since Kane: Spurs in talks to sign "world-class" star

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Harry Kane may have departed Tottenham Hotspur two years ago, but his absence is still strongly felt within the current first-team squad to this day.

Losing any key player to a European giant is always likely to cause trouble, but when that player is arguably one of the best to ever wear the club’s shirt – the task of replacing him becomes a near impossible task.

The Englishman registered 280 goals for the Lilywhites, with such a tally making him their highest-ever goalscorer, surpassing the record previously held by the late Jimmy Greaves.

He managed to find the net over 30 times in 50% of the seasons he spent as a first-team regular in North London, further highlighting how important he was to their ambition for success.

However, Thomas Frank has the opportunity this summer to potentially make a move for a star who could emulate the 32-year-old’s massive success within the final third should he make the move.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

In recent days, Roma star Matias Soule has been touted as a potential option for Spurs, looking to inject needed depth and quality into the club’s forward line.

Recent reports have suggested that Frank’s side have already made a £28m offer to sign the 22-year-old, potentially facing a battle with Aston Villa for the winger’s signature this summer.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently in their sights, leading to key work being done to complete a deal for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Lilywhites have already entered negotiations with the Brazilian’s representatives over a move to North London after he was told he’s free to leave the Spanish giants this window.

Their report also states that the 24-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £86m, but Frank’s side aren’t alone in their pursuit, with fellow English sides Arsenal and Liverpool also closely monitoring the situation.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their best attacker since Kane

After selling Kane for £82m a couple of years ago, the hierarchy turned to Dominic Solanke last summer in an attempt to fill the void left by his compatriot.

However, despite costing a club-record £65m, his first season in North London was littered with injuries, only making 25 Premier League starts and netting just nine goals.

He still has time to showcase he was worth the money spent, but the same can’t be said for Richarlison, who could be on the way out of the club this summer.

The Brazilian only managed to score four times in England’s top-flight last campaign, further highlighting the need for added quality in such an area this window.

A move for Rodrygo may prove to be a pricey one, but it’s a deal that could hand Frank the talent he craves to be a success during his first season in the role.

Real Madrid's Rodrygo

His stats from his most recent season at the Santiago Bernabéu highlight the threat he carries within the final third, arguably being worth every penny of what would be another new record signing.

Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 14 times across all competitions last season, having the goalscoring nouse despite his wide position – something the side have desperately lacked in 2024/25.

Rodrygo’s stats for Real Madrid in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

30

Goals & assists

11

Pass accuracy

86%

Progressive passes

5.1

Progressive carries

5.3

Successful take-ons

2.3

Key passes made

2.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

38%

Passes into final third

3.1

Stats via FBref

However, alongside his superb ability to find the back of the net, he also possesses a creative side that could allow those around him to bolster their own tallies next season.

He registered 5.1 progressive passes per 90, 3.1 of which were into the final third, subsequently able to help Solanke in his quest to raise his figures throughout 2025/26.

The Brazilian’s talent on the ball is further reflected in his tally of 2.3 successful take-ons per 90, subsequently wanting to take on his opponent at any given opportunity.

Should he transfer his skillset over to England with him, it would be a sensational piece of business by the board, further highlighting their ambitions of building on the recent Europa League success.

He would offer an all-round ability in attacking areas, similar to that of Kane, having the chance to make himself a fan favourite just like the Englishman did during his stint in North London.

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Frank's very own Bale: Spurs preparing offer to sign "world-class" talent

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions to improve their frontline have been evident over the last couple of weeks, as they look to add key depth to the department to hand Thomas Frank the tools for success.

The Dane has already completed the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, with the Ghanaian likely to play an important role in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

However, the injury to James Maddison and the departure of winger Heung-min Son have further highlighted the need for added reinforcements before the end of the window.

The Englishman suffered an ACL injury that will rule him out for the majority of the campaign, whilst the South Korean completed his £20m move to LAFC – ending his decade-long stint in North London.

As a result, numerous players are being considered by the board as potential options, with moves desperately needing to be made in the next couple of weeks.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

After suffering relegation to the Championship with Leicester City, Moroccan star Bilal El Khannouss is almost certain to secure a move to a European giant before the September 1st deadline.

Spurs have been one of the sides mentioned as an option for the 21-year-old, who could be available for a bargain fee of just £22m, due to the relegation release clause in his current contract.

However, he’s not the only attacker currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo another player they’re pursuing, according to TBR Football’s latest report.

They claim that the Lilywhites are waiting for a green light from the LaLiga giants that they’re willing to allow the 24-year-old to depart before making their opening offer.

The report also states that North London rivals Arsenal are firmly in the race for the Brazilian’s signature this window, leading to a £70m price tag being mooted in recent days.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s own Bale

Gareth Bale will undoubtedly go down as one of the best ever players to play for Spurs – especially when taking all the factors around his spell at the club into account.

He originally joined the club from Southampton as a left-back, before shifting into a more attacking role, subsequently scoring a hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League back in 2010.

Such a game would catapult him to stardom with the Lilywhites, going on to score 55 times in his 194 appearances during his six-year spell in North London – 26 of which came in his final season.

The Welshman would subsequently join Real Madrid in an £85m transfer back in the summer of 2013 – a then world-record and a fee that remains the highest ever received for a player in the Lilywhites’ history.

His talents of cutting side were there for all to see, scoring banger after banger off the right-hand side, a move that became a real trademark during his career as a professional.

Gareth Bale for Tottenham.

Current boss Frank must wish he had an elite-level talent like Bale within his current ranks, potentially landing his own version of the superstar with a move for Rodrygo this summer.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has already showcased his ability to score similar goals, with his effort against Atlético Madrid evidence of the talent he possesses.

His underlying stats from last season are just as impressive, registering 5.1 progressive passes and 5.3 progressive carries per 90, having the tools to constantly get the ball into forward areas – just as Bale did a decade ago for the Lilywhites.

Games played

30

Goals & assists

11

Pass accuracy

91%

Progressive passes

5.1

Progressive carries

5.3

Successful take-ons

2.3

Shot on target accuracy

50%

Key passes made

1.6

The 24-year-old also completed 2.3 successful take-ons per 90, with such numbers showcasing his ability to glide past the opposition before cutting inside or setting up a teammate – adding the needed quality the hierarchy are hunting for.

Real Madrid's Rodrygo

Whilst it’s unclear if the player himself is keen on a move to join Spurs, the prospect of Rodrygo plying his trade under Frank is certainly one for the supporters to be excited about.

Should he join the club, it would be a huge coup and one that could help the side in their ambitions of Premier League success – especially if he gets anywhere near the levels Bale produced during his own time in England.

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Better signing than Simons: £40m star agrees to join Chelsea this week

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Chelsea’s opening Premier League match is under three weeks away, yet it doesn’t appear as though Enzo Maresca is finished with his transfer business.

Despite adding plenty of talent to his already bloated squad, including the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, the Italian is still on the hunt for more attacking players.

Over the previous few weeks, Tyler Dibling, Karim Adeyemi and even Real Madrid starlet Goncalo Garcia have all been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea manager EnzoMarescabefore the start of the second half

While initial links have been established, nothing concrete has been made regarding any of these three players as of yet.

All of Maresca’s attention is being taken up by the potential transfer of Dutchman Xavi Simons.

The RB Leipzig starlet is edging close to a move to the Blues, and given his performances in the Bundesliga since the summer of 2023, could he be the final piece of the attacking jigsaw for the club?

RB Leipzig's Lois Openda and Xavi Simons.

Any move could potentially go through at some point this week, but what exactly will the former PSG sensation bring to Chelsea?

Why Chelsea are trying to sign Xavi Simons

On Sunday, journalist Ben Jacobs gave an update on X regarding the club’s pursuit of the attacking midfielder.

“Chelsea advancing talks with Xavi Simons. Terms now broadly in place,” said Jacobs. “Club-to-club talks ongoing. Chelsea expected to place a first formal offer soon after verbal discussions over numbers. Talks described as positive.”

RB Leipzig'sXaviSimonsreacts after the match

If all goes to plan, Maresca could be welcoming Simons to Stamford Bridge sooner rather than later, and it will give him more firepower.

The playmaker could cost Chelsea a reported £70m, but on the surface, this could be money well spent by the London outfit.

The Blues return to the Champions League this season for the first time since 2022/23. As such, signing someone who can make a difference in this competition makes perfect sense.

Step forward, Simons. When compared to his positional peers in the Champions League last season, the Dutch starlet was sublime across a range of performance metrics.

Not only did he rank in the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.88), but the 22-year-old also ranked in the top 2% for shot-creating actions (5.91) and in the top 11% for progressive carries (3.22) in Europe’s premier club competition.

With ambitions heightened ahead of European competition next term due to the club’s success at the Club World Cup this summer, signing Simons would give Maresca a chance of taking his team deep in the tournament.

Given that João Félix seems to be moving on in the next few days, with Chelsea recouping the same fee that they paid for him a year ago, there is space for Simons to come in.

Despite his obvious strengths and his growth potential, do the Blues really need to make him a priority signing?

Indeed, it’s arguable that their defence needs more work ahead of the Premier League campaign.

Chelsea closing in on another signing

The links to attacking players seem to grow day by day, but there haven’t been as many defenders linked with a move to the club.

One player whom the club have shown plenty of interest in, however, is Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues “will be in direct contact” with Hato regarding a potential deal. Romano also went on to state that Hato “only wants Chelsea” which should pave the way for Maresca to wrap up this deal as soon as possible.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has further reported that personal terms have already been agreed with Chelsea closing in on a deal that may be worth around £40m.

The squad is heavily stacked from an attacking perspective, but there is no doubt that Chelsea needs another couple of defenders to freshen things up.

As such, could Hato turn out to be an even better signing than Simons ahead of the 2025/26 campaign?

Why Hato would be a better signing than Simons for Chelsea

One reason why Maresca is keen on adding the teenager to his squad is surely due to his positional flexibility.

Over the course of his embryonic career thus far, Hato has played 88 games at left-back and 70 matches as a centre-back.

Games played

11

33

31

Goals scored

0

1

2

Assists

0

2

6

Touches per game

57.4

94.8

67.2

Accurate passes per game

42.6 (91%)

72.8 (93%)

45.2 (90%)

Total duels won per game

3.1

5.5

4.1

Clean sheets

1

5

11

Last season, however, saw the 19-year-old operate on the left side of the defence and he showcased his talents, both going forward and defensively.

In the Eredivisie. The defender helped Ajax keep 11 clean sheets while he averaged 1.9 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and was dribbled past only 0.3 times per match.

Along with his eight goal contributions, Hato also managed to create six big chances in the top flight, while averaging 0.6 key passes per match, thus displaying plenty of attacking intent for his club.

Furthermore, when compared to his positional peers in leagues similar in reputation to the Dutch top-flight over the previous 365 days, Hato ranked in the top 5% for assists (0.21) per 90, along with ranking in the top 11% for touches in the opposition penalty area (2.33) per 90.

On this evidence, Hato would offer plenty at both ends of the pitch for Chelsea, thus giving Maresca a major boost.

There was no doubt that the 2024/25 season was his major breakout campaign for the Dutch giants, one that was largely praised by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Netherlands' JorrelHatois shown a red card by referee Glenn Nyberg

“Jorrel Hato is having an excellent season,” said Kulig. A fantastic mix of complete full-back, playmaking full-back, and ball-playing centre-back. Over 100 games for Ajax and 6 caps for Oranje at 19. Immense quality and experience for such a young defender.”

Simons will bring something extra to the Chelsea attacking department; there is no doubt about that. Still only 22, he will only go from strength to strength in the next few years.

Hato, on the other hand, may well turn out to be the better signing for the Stamford Bridge outfit given that the Blues are already stacked in offensive areas.

By signing both players, it would signal yet another statement of intent by Maresca. Chelsea will surely be a force to be reckoned with this season if the squad can gel swiftly.

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Scorchers and Sixers tie Super Over thriller in race for finals

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The result left Sixers on the brink despite the best efforts of captain Ellyse Perry

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff21-Nov-2024Perth Scorchers 126 (Mooney 44, Halliday 41, Gardner 4-21) tied with Sydney Sixers 126 for 7 (Perry 67, King 3-21)
Super over Sydney Sixers 15 for 0 tied with Perth Scorchers 15 for 1Perth Scorchers edged into the WBBL finals frame with a dramatic Super Over tie against Sydney Sixers with Mikayla Hinkley hitting Ashleigh Gardner’s last ball for four to again tie scoresGardner had taken four wickets as Scorchers stumbled to 126 all out from 19.2 overs. Sixers then fell one run short of a regulation win despite Ellyse Perry’s fine 67 from 53 balls.Related

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In the initial super over, Perry smacked a six and a four as Sixers made 15 for 0 from Amy Edgar’s spin bowling. Gardner removed Beth Mooney with a sharp return catch in the reply, although replays suggested the ball may have been ground, before Hinkley provided the final drama.Both sides received one point, which lifts Scorchers (nine points) from fifth to fourth, while Sixers (eight points) remain in sixth spot.Perry starred with the bat and Gardner did likewise with the ball – she took 4 for 21 as Scorchers dramatically lost their last 9 for 31After Gardner claimed her first wicket in the second over of the innings, Beth Mooney and Brooke Halliday produced a fruitful partnership.The duo took the score to a solid 72 for 1 after 10 overs, but 23 runs later Halliday became Gardner’s second victim, ending an 85-run stand with Mooney. Halliday’s dismissal triggered the slide. Mooney followed in the next over, and from then only Sophie Devine reached double figures.Perry paced the chase, posting her half-century from 42 balls. But the skipper was caught on the long-off boundary from the bowling of Alana King in the 18th over, and the legspinner struck again next ball, trapping Maitlan Brown leg before wicket.That left Sixers needing 20 from 15 balls, and the equation was 12 runs to win from the last over delivered by Edgar, who conceded 11.Edgar was summoned to bowl the super over and Perry smashed a six and four. Gardner then conceded the same amount, with Hinkley unbeaten on 14 from four balls – three of which she hit to the boundary.

Chelsea now in negotiations to swap Nkunku for £67m "beautiful footballer"

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Chelsea are now in negotiations to sign a “beautiful footballer”, and they have discussed the possibility of sending Christopher Nkunku in the opposite direction, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Blues looking to offload Jackson and Nkunku

Once again, it has been a summer of heavy spending for the Blues, which means Enzo Maresca has been left with a somewhat bloated squad, and the manager may need to get two of his current forwards off the books.

Nicolas Jackson and Nkunku have been the subjects of widespread interest this summer, with the former now keen on joining Premier League rivals Newcastle United, while Bayern Munich have been named as potential suitors for the French striker.

Of course, Nkunku flourished during his previous stint in the Bundesliga, which led to his move to Stamford Bridge, with the former RB Leipzig man amassing a remarkable 35 goal contributions in 34 league outings during the 2021-22 campaign.

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As such, a move back to Germany could appeal to the forward, and a return could now be on the cards, according to Fabrizio Romano, who recently took to X to reveal that Chelsea have discussed swapping Nkunku for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

The same applies to Tyrique George, with the Blues looking to orchestrate a swap deal for the RB Leipzig star, having perhaps been unwilling to match the German club’s reported £67m asking price outright.

In order to make room for the attacking midfielder and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, the west Londoners are trying to get Jackson and Nkunku off the books, but negotiations over a deal for Simons remain ongoing in the meantime.

Simons keen on move to Stamford Bridge

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed the RB Leipzig attacker is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, and there are plenty of indications that he would be an excellent addition to Maresca’s squad.

Josh Bunting was left very impressed with the maestro’s performance in his side’s 4-2 victory over Werder Bremen back in January, singling him out for high praise on X.

The 22-year-old chipped in with ten goals and seven assists in 25 Bundesliga outings last season, which is a solid return, with the Dutchman also catching the eye against Spain at international level.

There should be some caution about the potential signing of Simons, given that Nkunku also flourished in the Bundesliga, before failing to kick on in the Premier League, but the Netherlands international clearly has the ability to succeed at Stamford Bridge.

رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي تعلن الفائز بجائزة لاعب الشهر في سبتمبر

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

أعلنت رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز عن اسم اللاعب الفائز بجائزة أفضل لاعب خلال شهر سبتمبر الماضي.

وأعلن موقع الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، عن اختيار إيرلينج هالاند مهاجم مانشستر سيتي للفوز بالجائزة بعد تسجيله خمس أهداف وصناعة تمريرة حاسمة واحدة.

واستمتع هالاند بشهر استثنائي ليحقق الجائزة للمرة الرابعة في مسيرته وقال لموقع مانشستر سيتي الرسمي: “كان سبتمبر شهرا مهما لنا كفريق، قدمنا أداء رائعا”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. كاراجر: شيء واحد قد يحول لقب الدوري الإنجليزي من آرسنال إلى ليفربول

وأضاف: “حافظنا على سجلنا خالياً من الهزائم وحققنا انتصارات مهمة لجماهيرنا، أنا سعيد لأنني استطعت مساعدة الفريق بتسجيل الأهداف وتقديم أداء مميز”.

وواصل: “الآن علينا مواصلة العمل بجد كل يوم لأن جدول المباريات بعد فترة التوقف الدولي صعب، نأمل أن نحافظ على نفس المستوى ونفوز بمزيد من المباريات”.

وبدأ هالاند الشهر بتسجيله هدفين رائعين في مرمى مانشستر يونايتد وسجل الهدف الافتتاحي ضد آرسنال قبل أن يحرز هدفين آخرين في شباك بيرنلي ليرفع رصيده من الأهداف في الدوري لثمانية أهداف.

وتعد هذه هي المرة الأولى التي يفوز فيها هالاند بجائزة لاعب الشهر منذ أغسطس 2024 حيث فاز في وقت سابق ب الجائزة في أغسطس 2022 وأبريل 2023.

Man City now eyeing hijack of £35m rising star with Man Utd also set to bid

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Manchester City are now keen on hijacking Manchester United’s move for an “incredible” player, who is set to be available for £35m this summer, according to a report.

Man City's summer rebuild continues

Pep Guardiola has made major changes to his squad this summer, with the Man City boss looking to reclaim the Premier League crown from Liverpool, and Phil Foden believes the rebuild was necessary after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.

Foden said: “It is needed after last season, bringing in fresh legs and the new additions have done well. They have settled very quickly.

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“We can all see their quality from the Club World Cup and what they bring to the team. We have got a big squad at the moment but I think it is definitely needed. I’m looking forward to the season and linking up with players that I like to play with and enjoying it really.”

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It is certainly true that Guardiola is blessed with a large squad, and having added Nico Gonzalez in the winter, before bringing in Tijjani Reijnders this summer, there are plenty of options in the middle of the park.

However, according to a report from Takvim, Man City are now keen on signing Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara, who is also being targeted by Man United, with the Red Devils even set to make a formal offer for his services in the coming days.

The Turkish club are reluctant to sanction Sara’s departure this summer, but they could be tempted if they receive an offer of €40m (£35m), amid widespread interest from the Premier League.

AZ Alkmaar's Ernest Poku and Seiya Maikuma in action with Galatasaray'sBarisAlperYilmaz

Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest, Everton and Aston Villa are also credited with an interest in the Brazilian, although United’s interest appears to be the most advanced, with an offer in the works.

"Incredible" Sara could flourish in the Premier League

The 26-year-old has experience in England, performing remarkably well for Norwich City in the 2023-24 campaign, picking up 13 goals and 12 assists in 46 Championship outings.

That season alone proved the maestro is more than ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, but he has since gone on to prove himself in Turkey too, amassing 11 league goal contributions last season as Galatasaray went on to win the title.

As such, Sara could flourish at the Etihad Stadium, although there are some doubts over whether he would be a necessary signing for Man City, given that Guardiola is already well-stocked in central midfield.

Jemma Botha: If you don't have nerves in a semi … you're not human

by csb10.top Uncategorized

Jemma Botha admitted being nervous heading out to bat with South Africa chasing 106 against Australia for a place in the Women’s Under-19 World Cup final, but said talking to head coach Dinesha Devnarain and having Simone Lourens alongside calmed her.”I think before the game I spoke to the coach because I was really nervous. But nerves are good. It means that we care,” Botha said after South Africa’s five-wicket win. “And I think if you don’t have nerves going into a semi-final, then you’re not human. Going out to bat with Simis [Lourens] is always nice. I think we complement each other in many ways. She really helps with a lot of my anxiety and my nerves.”Botha came storming out, smashing five fours and two sixes in her 24-ball 37 to set up a solid foundation for the chase. Riding on her knock, South Africa raced to 50 for 2 in the powerplay which made the task easier for the rest of the batters. Captain Kayla Reyneke shepherded the team towards the finishing line.Related

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There were a few nervy moments at the end but South Africa won rather comfortably with 11 balls to spare.”Simis going early was… I had a stressful moment there, but then I knew that it wasn’t about my stress or Simis’ wicket because there are still other batters and it’s not about us, it’s for the country,” Botha said. “And I think the country really needed us to go to the final and they need us to win it. So I’m happy that we can do this for them.”There was a lot of nerves and anxiety throughout the batting innings, but I’m glad that we [are] in the final.”This will be South Africa’s maiden appearance at the Women’s Under-19 World Cup final. They failed to make it to the semi-final in 2023 on run-rate but this time they have had an undefeated run in the tournament.”I think the 2023 group feels it the most because missing out due to net run rate is not the best thing,” Botha said. “And a lot of the management really deserve it because they put in so much hard work and so many hard hours.”I think us coming off and doing what they say is our way of thanking them for all that they do for us. Yeah, I think [the] 2023 group is really happy. I know some of the girls back home are watching us.South Africa will play the winner of the second semi-final between India and England in the final in Kuala Lumpur on February 2.

He'd get Gyokeres firing: Arsenal in talks for "world-class" star after Eze

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Arsenal have endured somewhat of a successful summer window under Mikel Arteta during the off-season – but they’re about to reach the next level with the pending arrival of Eberechi Eze.

It looked as though the Crystal Palace star would be heading to North London, but to join rivals Tottenham Hotspur, after talks advanced to complete a deal.

However, the Gunners took advantage of the slow-moving situation, stumping up a better off, resulting in the player preferring a move to the Emirates.

Eze, who’s a boyhood Arsenal fan, has been spotted at the club’s training ground to complete his medical, with just a formal announcement left to go until a deal is completed.

Despite spending around £67.5m on the 27-year-old’s signature, the hierarchy could be set to hand the manager added funds to complete other days in the closing stages of the summer window.

Arsenal targeting more transfers after Eze deal

Antoine Semenyo has been a long-standing target for Arsenal, previously being on their radar this summer, but has once again appeared in conversations in North London.

Any deal would prove to be an expensive one, potentially being revisited in the near future, after the Ghanaian penned a new deal at Bournemouth until the summer of 2030.

However, he’s not the only attacking player currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo a serious target for the Gunners, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the 24-year-old’s agent is set for talks with Arteta’s side over a potential switch to the Premier League before the September 1st deadline.

Real Madrid's Rodrygo

It also states that either a permanent or temporary transfer could be explored, with the Brazilian not part of boss Xabi Alonso’s plans for the 2025/26 campaign.

Why Arsenal’s latest target would get Gyokeres firing

Earlier in the summer, huge excitement was generated at Arsenal, after the hierarchy finally landed a new number nine – in the form of Swedish international Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

Arteta’s side forked out a staggering £64m for the 27-year-old’s signature, a deal which appeared to be an excellent piece of business given his tally of 97 goals in his 102 appearances for the Portuguese side.

However, his debut against Manchester United was satisfactory at best to say the least, but to be expected given his lack of experience featuring in England’s top-flight.

He only featured for an hour before being replaced, notching a tally of 22 touches, completing just four passes – whilst also winning 21% of the duels he entered at Old Trafford.

Gyokeres will undoubtedly need time to settle into life at the Emirates, but any process can certainly be sped up by completing a deal for Rodrygo in the coming days.

Whilst the Brazilian is out of favour in Madrid, it could prove to be an excellent signing for the Gunners – that’s if he can replicate his numbers from the 2024/25 campaign.

Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, can operate off either flank, possessing a real top-level skillset that could see him provide endless opportunities for Gyokeres to thrive off.

In LaLiga last season, he ranked in the 94th percentile for passes completed (86%) whilst also achieving a total of 2.3 key passes per 90 – evidently able to thrive in possession when required.

Such figures would see him slot into Arteta’s current possession-based system, whilst also having the creative nouse to provide the Swede with a bucket load of chances in front of goal.

Games played

30

Goals & assists

11

Pass accuracy

86%

Progressive passes

5.1

Key passes made

2.3

Passes into the 18-yard box

3.1

Take-ons completed

2.3

Progressive carries

5.3

Carries into the final third

4.1

Along with his ability to pick out a teammate, Rodrygo also ranked in the 98th percentile for carries into the final third per 90 (4.1), able to manoeuvre past the opposition before picking out the killer pass.

Further talents are reflected in his 2.3 take-ons completed per 90 and 3.1 passes into the opposition box per 90 – further highlighting demonstrating the talent he holds in forward areas.

Regardless of whether a deal is a loan or permanent, it’s not often a player of his quality becomes available for transfer – with Arteta and Co needing to grab such an opportunity with both hands.

If he can transfer his skillset over to England with him, it would undoubtedly be one of the best moves made this window – especially if he can allow big-money signing Gyokeres to find the back of the net on a consistent basis.

Arsenal can help Eze reach Wirtz's level by signing £43m "world-class" star

The incredible international would be a game changer for Eze and Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 23, 2025

Christina Matthews inducted into Australian cricket hall of fame

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Former Australia wicketkeeper, vice-captain and long-time cricket administrator inducted ahead of women’s Ashes Test at the MCG

Alex Malcolm30-Jan-2025

Christina Matthews was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame•Getty Images

Former Australia wicketkeeper, vice-captain and long-time cricket administrator Christina Matthews has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, receiving her award prior to the opening day of the historic women’s Ashes Test at the MCG.Matthews has played the most Test matches for Australia, 20, and is equal sixth all-time globally and has effected the most dismissals in women’s Test history with 58 in a career that spanned from 1984 to 1995. She also played 47 ODIs and was part of Australia’s 1988 World Cup victory at the MCG.Having started her career in Victoria, she also played state cricket for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Despite playing most Test matches for Australia than any other woman, Matthews is best known for her contribution to Australian cricket as a leading administrator.She sat on Australia’s women’s selection panel from 2007 to 2011 while working at Cricket NSW before being appointed Chief Executive Officer of WA Cricket in 2012 where she oversaw an extraordinary period of success over a 12-year tenure.WA and Perth Scorchers won a litany of domestic trophies in both the men’s and women’s domestic competitions during that time after entering the role following a period of instability within WA cricket, forming strong alliances with men’s coaches Justin Langer and Adam Voges as well as cricket general manager Kade Harvey. She was also a hugely influential voice in the growth of women’s cricket in Australia.Christina Matthews was WA cricket chief executive for 12 years•Getty Images

After stepping down as WA Cricket chief executive she was elected as the first female president of the Australian Cricketers Association in December of 2024.Matthews was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024 for her “service to cricket as a player and administrator, and to women”. She is an Honorary Member of the Melbourne Cricket Club and a life member of the Marylebone Cricket Club.Matthews received her hall of fame induction from Australian Cricket Hall of Fame chair Peter King outside the MCG just 30 minutes before the toss on the opening day of the day-night Ashes Test.”Thank you to all my teammates who have been part of making this happen, those coaches who helped me enormously,” Matthews said. “And I also want to acknowledge my partner and family who are here today to celebrate this with me and also my mum and dad are no longer with us, but you can’t achieve any of these things without the start they give you.”I had a choice where it could be presented and I didn’t hesitate to choose this, such a historic occasion. And being from Melbourne myself, the MCG looms large as kind of the iconic ground in the world. So to be part of this and to be recognized in such a great environment is just incredible.”I did play World Cup final here, which we won in 1988 and I think I spent the whole day just looking around. There’ll be plenty more people here today than there was then. But to get to play on this ground was an unbelievable dream.”Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley paid tribute to Matthews’ contribution to Australian cricket.”I’m absolutely delighted Christina’s outstanding contribution to cricket over more than 50 years has been acknowledged with her induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame,” Hockley said.”Christina was an excellent Australian wicketkeeper and vice-captain and her records for most Test appearances for Australia as well as the most Test dismissals for any nation still stand today.”After her playing days, Christina became an absolute powerhouse of Australian Cricket with her passion for our game inspiring many transformative changes – particularly for the inclusion of women and girls.”In her role as WA Cricket CEO she oversaw a period of incredible success on and off the field, and she has in turn had a significant impact on Australian Cricket as a whole as a pioneer, leader and articulate voice for our game.”Christina’s induction seems particularly fitting as we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the first Women’s Test match with the day/night Ashes Test at the MCG.”