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It’s been a hugely busy summer for Arsenal so far this year.

On top of already playing some intense pre-season games against top opposition like Newcastle United, AC Milan and those lot from up the road, they’ve been making plenty of moves in the transfer market.

As things stand, Andrea Berta has made six permanent additions to the first team in a bid to finally help Mikel Arteta’s side get over the line in the Premier League and Champions League next season.

However, they are not done there, as they continue to be linked to several brilliant stars like Rodrygo and a new name, someone who has won comparisons to the Brazilian and the Gunners’ own starboy, Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal target Rodrygo & Saka hybrid

Of the six additions Arsenal have made thus far, it wouldn’t be much of a hot take to suggest that Viktor Gyokeres is the most exciting, as the team have needed a clinical number nine for some time now and the Swede racked up a tally of 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games for Sporting CP last season.

Transfer Focus

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

However, while it is starting to look less and less likely now, the Gunners do continue to be linked with Rodrygo, who, thanks to his incredible ability, experience and trophy cabinet, could end up taking that spot as the most exciting signing the North Londoners make this summer.

Yet, there are still other names in the mix, as it now appears that the club are looking at another star from La Liga, someone who could be fairly described as a hybrid between the Real Madrid star and the incredible Saka.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sebastien Vidal, who claims that Arsenal are one of several teams showing genuine interest in Fermin Lopez.

He actually goes further than that, revealing that alongside Chelsea, the Gunners have already made contact with Barcelona, although it looks like Manchester United are currently leading the race.

According to Vidal, the Red Devils are preparing an offer of around £61m for the 22-year-old, and while Barça do not want to sell, financial issues could force their hand if such an offer arrives, which in turn will let Berta and Co know how much they’d need to offer.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Lopez’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’s been compared to both Rodrygo and Saka.

How Lopez compares to Rodrygo & Saka

In this instance, the primary comparisons to Rodrygo and Saka stem from FBref, which analysed players in similar positions in the Champions League last season and concluded that the Real Madrid star was the most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Lopez, and the Arsenal ace was the fourth most similar.

Lopez & Rodrygo
Statistics per 90	Lopez	Rodrygo
Non-Penalty G+As	0.79	0.72
Passing Accuracy	83.5%	85.1%
Passes into the Final Third	2.60	2.47
Shot-Creating Actions	3.40	3.70
Tackles Won	1.00	1.13
Clearances	0.80	0.72
Attempted Take-Ons	3.20	3.20
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 UCL Campaign

You can gain a better understanding of how these comparisons were made by examining the underlying numbers in which the Frenchman ranked closely to the two internationals. In the Brazilian’s case, these metrics included non-penalty goals plus assists, passing accuracy, shot-creating actions, attempted take-ons, and more, all per 90.

In the case of the Englishman, the underlying numbers included metrics such as non-penalty expected and actual goals plus assists, key passes, shots on target, tackles in the defensive and middle thirds, and more, all per 90.

Lopez & Saka
Statistics per 90	Lopez	Saka
Non-Penalty G+As	0.79	0.83
Non-Penalty Expected G+As	0.79	0.73
Shots on Target	1.59	1.42
Key Passes	1.20	1.19
Tackles in the Defensive Third	0.60	0.60
Tackles in the Middle Third	0.60	0.60
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 UCL Campaign

These numbers are particularly encouraging as they show that not only could the “amazing” ace, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, match up to the two wingers when it comes to their attacking numbers, but that he’s also capable and willing to do some of the less glamorous defensive work.

With that said, while the comparisons to the Arsenal and Madrid stars are certainly a positive sign, they aren’t the only reason Arteta and Co should look to sign the young Spaniard.

For example, one of his significant strengths is his positional versatility, having played in central and attacking midfield, as well as out on both wings since breaking through at Barcelona.

If there is one thing we know about Arteta, it’s that he prefers players who can offer him tactical versatility.

Finally, despite being young, the El Campillo-born gem has already won a number of trophies with the Blaugrana, including La Liga last season, and so he’d bring some much-needed know-how to the North Londoners.

Ultimately, it might not be a cheap transfer to get over the line, but Arsenal should do what they can to sign Lopez this summer, as he’s got the ability and potential to be something special, and the comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo can only be a good thing.

Nottingham Forest are pushing ahead in their mission to land reinforcements and are now be sizing up a move for a star who could break their transfer record, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest announce new signing Dan Ndoye

After agreeing a fee of £34.5 million plus add-ons for his signature, Nottingham Forest have announced that Dan Ndoye has arrived from Bologna on a five-year deal.

Coming in as a potential replacement for Anthony Elanga, the Switzerland international registered nine goals and six assists in 41 appearances last season and could also be joined by Fulham’s Adama Traore at the City Ground.

Speaking after his arrival, Ndoye signalled his intention to have an immediate impact at Nottingham Forest, stating: “I am really happy to have signed for the Club. It is a really exciting time at Forest, and I knew straight away that I wanted to be a part of the project. It’s a really ambitious team with a fantastic history and I can’t wait to get started.”

Looking to build on the good news, the Tricky Trees are keen on Red Star Belgrade defender Veljko Milosavljevic, who is also said to be on the radar of Bournemouth, Everton and Celtic.

Despite a summer that started off with a sour departure in Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White renewing his contract at Nottingham Forest has set the scene for another exciting season where they will hope to compete across both the Premier League and in Europe.

Keeping their vision of fighting it out with the best in England has required a lot of intervention from Evangelos Marinakis, but it is clear he wants to take the Tricky Trees into a new direction under his tenure.

Now, Nottingham Forest could well need to smash their transfer record if their latest reported target is to arrive in the East Midlands.

Nottingham Forest pursuing Como star Assane Diao after failed bid

According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have seen a ‘major’ bid turned down for Como winger Assane Diao, with the Serie A side holding out for a fee of £65 million before considering letting the Senegal international depart.

The 19-year-old is also on the radar of Everton. However, Real Betis retain 20% of his rights and would be likely to profit a sum of just under £13 million from any future sale.

Alongside Ndoye: Nottingham Forest starting talks to sign £65k-p/w winger

The Tricky Trees are set to open discussions over a deal for a forward.

ByDominic Lund Jul 29, 2025

Dubbed “explosive” by Jacek Kulig, Diao only joined Como in January from the La Liga outfit and has gone on to make an instant splash, scoring eight goals and claiming an assist in his first 15 appearances.

Elliot Anderson’s £35 million move from Newcastle United to Nottingham Forest remains their record buy, but that could all be about to change as Marinakis continues his mission of placing his side among the football elite.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly on the lookout for an heir to club legend Son Heung-min amid their dire need for a new playmaker too, with Spurs expected to be busy during the final few weeks of this summer window.

The Lilywhites take on PSG in a highly-anticipated UEFA Super Cup clash next week, but as things stand, Thomas Frank will battle the French treble winners with a severely weakened squad.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Son’s £20 million move to LAFC brought an end to what was an historic 10 years at Spurs for the winger, culminating in the 33-year-old waving an emotional goodbye to an adoring Korean crowd in Seoul last weekend.

Unfortunately, the tribute was marred by James Maddison suffering a serious injury to the same knee which kept him out of the Europa League final last season.

Maddison was forced off on a stretcher, with Frank describing the issue as “bad” in what was a devastating blow for the Dane ahead of his imminent first competitive game in charge.

After just 90 minutes against Newcastle, Frank lost Son to the MLS and Maddison swiftly returned to the treatment table, with Daniel Levy now tasked with somehow filling the voids left by both men.

In an ideal world, Levy and technical director Johan Lange would bring in a versatile-enough attacking option to cover both positions, if they can’t sign two new attackers.

There are a few intriguing possibilities in this regard, with reports suggesting that Liverpool sensation Harvey Elliott could emerge as a target for Tottenham. However, the north Londoners face stiff competition from RB Leipzig, who are now moving for the England Under-21 international after his stellar Euros.

Similarly to Elliott, wantaway Manchester United starlet Alejandro Garnacho can operate both on the left-hand side and as a CAM.

Alejandro Garnacho refuses to rule out joining Tottenham

Chelsea are believed to be in talks for Garnacho as they eye a double-swoop for the Argentine and Xavi Simons, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Spurs are not entirely out of the race.

Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey reports that Frank’s side and Aston Villa are other suitors, and Garnacho hasn’t “discounted” joining either of them over Chelsea, even if Stamford Bridge is his preferred destination right now.

“Garnacho is determined to leave Old Trafford, we know that, and Chelsea appeal, but I am told he has not discounted other options,” said Bailey.

“A move to Stamford Bridge does (stand out to him). Spurs and Villa like him, but Chelsea have done a lot of work so far.”

The 21-year-old fits seamlessly into Tottenham’s transfer policy of buying young players with high potential and sell-on value, with reports also suggesting he’d cost around £40 million after Ruben Amorim’s side reduced his asking price.

Garnacho’s 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last season tells you all you need to know about how devastating he could be in the final third, but Spurs will need to hijack Chelsea’s discussions for the “real deal” forward – so a move won’t be easy by any means.

Celtic may now have to share the wages of a “great defender” in a potential summer loan deal, according to a new Hoops transfer update.

Rodgers eyeing new attackers at Celtic

The start of the new Scottish Premiership season is edging closer all the time, with the Hoops getting their campaign underway with a home clash against St. Mirren on August 3rd.

There is still time for Celtic to get some important transfer business over the line, though, and Brendan Rodgers is eyeing two new attacking signings this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

“It would be a gamble, bringing such a young player to a new league if Celtic were to pursue his signature. Ambrosino is a young player, who’s obviously got big potential as well. He’s a player that Celtic could develop and give minutes to, but I think Brendan Rodgers will also be looking to bring in a big-name striker signing as well. I fully expect, from what my sources are telling me for Celtic to sign two strikers, a big name and a younger one they can develop.”

Napoli youngster Guiseppe Ambrosino has been linked with a loan move to Celtic, standing out as one option, and it will be interesting to see who comes in between now and the end of the transfer window.

New update on Celtic signing £75k-p/w defender

According to Football Insider, Celtic may only be able to sign Man Utd’s Tyrell Malacia if United “subsidise” his wages, as they look to strike a deal for the left-back.

It is claimed that a loan move to Parkhead is the “most likely outcome”, which “would be the only way a deal could be struck between the two clubs” this summer, with Malacia picking up £75,000-a-week at Old Trafford.

It doesn’t feel as though it will be easy for Celtic to get a deal for Malacia over the line in the coming weeks, but he could be such a strong addition if they managed to.

Granted, Kieran Tierney has already returned to the club after his stint at Arsenal, but competition for places can never be a bad thing, and Malacia has been hailed by Rio Ferdinand in the past.

“Malacia today was tremendous, outstanding. He reminds me of Patrice Evra in many ways. He’s athletic, he looks like a pound-for-pound strong kid. There aren’t many left-backs in European or world football in the last four or five years who have gone out of a game and kept Mohamed Salah quiet.”

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Celtic are reportedly eyeing up a move for a star who is even better than Lennon Miller.

ByDan Emery Jul 14, 2025

It may be that the move to Celtic doesn’t happen, which would be no disaster after the signing of Tierney, but 47 appearances for United and nine caps for the Netherlands is no mean feat.

“Up to them to decide how they’re going to take their games forward,” says coach after India defeat

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-20243:15

Kirsten: ‘Pakistan made poor decisions at important phases’

Gary Kirsten has issued a stark warning to his players that they face being left behind by the modern game if they don’t improve, as the repercussions after two straight losses in the T20 World Cup 2024 begin.Pakistan lost to India in New York on Sunday in a tight game, failing to chase a target of 120. That, coupled with a shock Super Over loss to USA in their opening game in Dallas last week, means their chances of progressing to the Super Eight are already out of their own hands. For Kirsten, who began officially as Pakistan’s white-ball coach a week before the tournament began, the start could not have been any rockier.Related

Chance for Canada to shut the door on Pakistan's stumbling World Cup campaign

Bumrah spearheads India's defence of 119; Pakistan on brink of elimination

Kirsten bemoans Pakistan's 'poor decision-making'

Old debate, simple answer: Pakistan's batting just not very good

Asked after the loss to India whether the team had put themselves under too much pressure, Kirsten agreed.”You are pretty much spot-on,” he said. “These guys are all international players and they’re aware that when they’re not performing at their best that there’s going to be pressure put on them. That’s understandable, but a lot of these guys have played a lot of T20 cricket around the world over many, many years and it’s really up to them to decide how they’re going to take their games forward.”Kirsten didn’t take names, but Pakistan have retained a strong T20 core through the last three World Cup campaigns now. Seven of the XI that played in New York against India were part of the team that lost the semi-final to Australia in November 2021. Six from yesterday’s XI were in the side that lost to England in the final a year later at the MCG.The scrutiny will fall on the captain Babar Azam and his opening partner Mohammad Rizwan, each of whom have top-scored in the two games but with innings that divided opinion for their strike rate and notable lack of intent. Their approach has been consistent through the three campaigns and though Pakistan experimented with the opening partnership in the run-up to the event, Kirsten said there was “concern around how we can put our innings together and structure it”.Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have also been part of both previous campaigns and though the bowling has mostly held up its end of the bargain – and came in for praise from Kirsten yesterday – the decline in Shadab’s legspin has hurt Pakistan.

“A lot of these guys have played a lot of T20 cricket around the world over many, many years and it’s really up to them to decide how they’re going to take their games forward.”Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten

Kirsten acknowledged that he still needed time to take better stock of the situation but was clear that players needed to evolve as the format did.”As I said, I’ve only been here a handful of days. I’m having a look into the environment and looking at what the issues are. I look at these players, I’ve watched them play many, many years on TV and kind of getting to know them, they’re fantastic guys. They’re playing for their country, so they really are pumped. I mean, there’s a lot of very disappointed guys in the change room now.”I think for me the most important thing for every international player is that you continue growing and developing as a player, and understanding what the demands of international competition are. The game is changing pretty much every year. So, if you’re not up to it and you’re not improving, you’re going to get found out somewhere.”Former captain Wasim Akram, who was commentating on the game, went further and called for a clear-out from the current team. Though Akram did not take names, he said the nature of the defeat meant somebody had to “bell the cat now”.”Enough is enough. We need changes now. Bring in a new team, six to seven players and then back them through losses so they can develop as a team. It’s time for the PCB chairman to take a bold step. We keep hearing [of the team] that this guy isn’t talking to that guy, or that guy isn’t talking to him. This was the best New York pitch so far, it wasn’t that difficult. How difficult was it to chase 120?”After this performance I don’t think Pakistan deserve to go into the Super Eight.”1:47

Mumtaz: PCB needs to provide leadership skills to players

Shahid Afridi, another former captain, was also far from pleased with what he saw. “The Pakistan batting line-up simply isn’t clicking and what we saw was a weak display of power hitting,” Afridi wrote in his column for the ICC. “For several reasons, this game [against India] wasn’t about playing aggressively. But strategy and smart cricket were required to get the run chase over the line, and those qualities are exactly what Pakistan lacked.”I think now is the time for Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam to make some changes. I would like to see Salman Ali Agha [he is not part of the T20 World Cup squad] come into the side in place of Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed to come in for Shadab Khan.”Most of all, I believe Fakhar Zaman should be promoted to open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar dropping down to number three.”There are some tough conversations and choices to come but we need to remember that there is still hope: Pakistan are not out of the tournament yet.”

FSG aren’t resting on their laurels this summer, brushing away the cobwebs like a house servant possessed ahead of Arne Slot’s second season in charge at Liverpool.

Cobwebs, admittedly, are few and far between. Liverpool won the Premier League last season, in case you missed it, having achieved the feat with a squad almost identical to the one Jurgen Klopp left behind when he departed 12 months ago.

But Slot hasn’t replicated his predecessor in facsimile, instead taking the same pieces and crafting something new. However, for all of the Anfield side’s success on the league front, they did fall across the various cup competitions, and it’s clear that increased depth will be needed to take this brilliant team to the next level.

Just imagine what he might achieve when backed to the hilt in the transfer market. Luckily, such dreams will become the reality of Reds supporters all over. Liverpool are mercilessly attacking the transfer market.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans

Liverpool have already offset the disappointment of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid by signing the rapid Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.

Advanced discussions also seem to be coming to a head in regard to Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, who has been targeted as Andy Robertson’s long-term successor at left-back.

However, with Mohamed Salah extending his contract by two years, it’s the left side of Liverpool’s squad that requires more attention, especially with Luis Diaz mooted for a transfer to the Saudi Pro League.

Florian Wirtz is at the heart of lengthy and complicated negotiations between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen, with FSG prepared to offer what would be a British-record bid of £118m to secure the world-class playmaker.

He’d nestle into the number ten spot, though, which is why Liverpool have centred on Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, should Diaz leave. The former Everton star could fetch an £80m fee to bring back to Merseyside.

Though Diaz would need replacing, Gordon might not automatically walk into Slot’s starting XI, no matter the fee required to bring him over from Tyneside.

Indeed, Cody Gakpo has produced a stunning season for Liverpool.

Liverpool have hit gold on Cody Gakpo

When Liverpool signed Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven for £35m in January 2023, he arrived off the back of an eye-catching World Cup showing with the Netherlands, scoring in each of Oranje’s group stage fixtures.

However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The initial half-season Gakpo spent on Merseyside was one of great turbulence for Liverpool, but he still managed to impress in bursts.

And after a 2023/24 campaign that promised further improvements, albeit with Gakpo’s best position proving a nebulous thing, Klopp shuffling him across every inch of the park, he’s hit his stride in Slot’s system, recording his most productive haul yet.

Cody Gakpo – Liverpool Career by Season (all comps)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

49

18

7

23/24

53

16

7

22/23

26

7

3

Data via Transfermarkt

Hailed for his “monster” season by journalist Declan Carr, the 26-year-old’s quality has been such that suitors are beginning to take note of his skills.

Indeed, with Liverpool looking set to have beaten Bayern Munich to the signing of Wirtz, the Bundesliga champions have focused their sights on Gakpo, report Sky Germany.

However, given that FSG have set their asking price at €100m (£84m), it’s unlikely that Die Roten will continue to chase their quarry.

The player’s price tag does illustrate his calibre, indeed proving even more than one of English football’s finest wingers in Gordon.

Just for reference, take a look at how the Dutchman compares with Gordon for Premier League performance last season. Is it fair to say Gordon arriving for an £80m fee might not even be able to oust Gakpo for his leading role on the left flank?

PL 24/25 – Cody Gakpo vs Anthony Gordon

Stats (* per game)

Gakpo

Gordon

Matches (starts)

35 (23)

34 (28)

Goals

10

6

Assists

4

5

Shots (on target)*

1.6 (0.70

1.7 (0.6)

Big chances missed

6

10

Pass completion

84%

81%

Big chances created

11

6

Key passes*

1.1

1.5

Dribbles*

0.9

1.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

1.1

Duels won*

3.1

4.4

Data via Sofascore

Of course, Gordon showcased a deeper level of quality the previous term, when he was crowned Newcastle’s Player of the Year after posting 11 goals and 15 assists in the top flight, but Gakpo’s progress at Liverpool has been incremental, which bodes well for the upcoming campaign.

Gakpo’s prolific ability could also see him combine well with Kerkez, who is expected to sign as Liverpool’s new left-back. As per FBref, Gakpo ranked among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for goals scored per 90 (0.47).

Kerkez’s energy and enthusiasm may prove perfect for the continuation and progress of Liverpool’s £120k-per-week star. The Hungarian, who Bournemouth want £45m for, has been a “revelation” for the south coast side over the past two years, claims pundit Jamie Carragher, and will drive forward and supplement Gakpo’s attacking intentions just so.

Defensive players rarely cost as much as their forward-placed counterparts, but Gakpo’s vastly higher value makes a firm comment on the high regard Liverpool hold him in.

If Liverpool do sell Diaz to Al-Nassr or the like this summer, bringing in a player such as Gordon wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.

However, Gakpo has gone from strength to strength since Slot took to the dugout, and might just find himself reprising his first-choice role on Liverpool’s left wing next term.

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Already planning ahead to the summer transfer window, Everton have reportedly added a Player of the Year winner to their shortlist, which includes three other midfield targets.

Everton's midfield plans explained

With Abdoulaye Doucoure on course to depart as a free agent at the end of the current campaign, the Toffees have reportedly set their sights on a number of potential replacements. The Frenchman has enjoyed an impressive campaign and finding someone who will have the same influence on David Moyes’ side will no doubt prove to be a difficult, but crucial task.

As things stand, names such as Wilfred Ndidi, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Sunderland captain Dan Neil have all been mentioned as targets, with The Friedkin Group willing to shop in the Championship market this summer.

Dewsbury-Hall, out of those three options, is the most interesting name on that list of targets. The former Leicester City star has struggled to break into Enzo Maresca’s Premier League side at Chelsea and has often found himself relegated to Europa Conference League responsibilities. Now, a year on from arriving at Stamford Bridge, he looks destined to depart.

Meanwhile, Ndidi would likely be the cheapest option of the lot, given that he reportedly has a relegation release clause worth just £9m at Leicester City. For a player with such invaluable experience, a price tag below the £10m mark should be considered an undeniable steal.

A massive Beto upgrade: Everton enter talks to sign "phenomenal" star

Everton are making moves to land a new striker for David Moyes ahead of the summer.

By
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Whether Everton decide to push on and land Dewsbury-Hall, Neil or Ndidi this summer remains to be seen, however. Instead, Friedkin could turn towards a player who has just picked up a Player of the Year award.

Everton add Gustavo Hamer to shortlist

According to TeamTalk, Everton have now added Gustavo Hamer to their midfield shortlist, which now reportedly sits at four names ahead of the summer transfer window. The Sheffield United star enjoyed a standout season even as the Blades missed out on automatic promotion in the Championship and could yet find himself on the move as a result.

Earning plenty of praise after picking up the Player of the Season award, Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder told reporters when asked about Hamer’s quality: “When Gus speaks, everybody listens. And rightly so, there should have been interest in him in the summer, because of how outstanding he was in an incredibly disappointing campaign for us. He cleaned up in the Player of the Year awards, so there was always going to be interest in him.”

With nine goals and seven assists in all competitions, the midfield star will be looking to perform one or two more moments of magic to seal promotion through the play-offs for Sheffield United, before potentially earning the big move that he deserves this summer.

If you had told Arsenal fans that Jakub Kiwior would start in a 3-0 home win and 2-1 away win against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this season, they would likely have laughed in your face.

It’s not that the Polish international is a bad player; he has stepped up at points in the past, but it would be fair to say that for much of this season, he’s been something of an afterthought and has struggled in the few appearances he’s made, like away to Fulham.

Yet, since Gabriel Magalhães’ injury, the former Spezia star has seriously stepped up, and perhaps the biggest compliment is that he’s made the Brazilian’s absence something of an afterthought.

However, there is no room for sentimentality in football, and if recent reports are to be believed, Mikel Arteta and Co have identified a defender they want to sign in the summer, a defender who would be an upgrade on Kiwior.

Arsenal's transfer targets

Now, as they once again missed out on the title this season, Arsenal are obviously looking to strengthen all over the pitch, and one of the names most heavily linked with the club in recent weeks has been Benjamin Sesko.

Transfer Focus

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

The Slovenian striker, who’s still just 21, has enjoyed another stellar campaign with RB Leipzig this year, racking up 20 goals and six assists in just 41 appearances, making his supposed £58m release clause look fairly reasonable.

Another 20-year-old touted for a move to the Emirates this summer is Lyon’s incredible Rayan Cherki.

The Frenchman could be available for just £25m, which sounds like a total bargain considering he’s racked up a staggering haul of 12 goals and 18 assists in just 40 games this season and has been tipped as a “future Ballon d’Or winner,” by The Athletic’s Alex Barker.

However, neither of these exciting attackers will replace Kiwior, which is where Dean Huijsen comes in.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in the Bournemouth star and insist he is someone they want to sign.

The report does not mention a potential price, but stories from earlier this month reiterated the claim that the Spaniard has a £50m release clause in his current deal.

It might not be an easy deal to get over the line, but given Huijsen’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, even if it could be bad news for Kiwior.

How Huijsen compares to Kiwior

If Arsenal were to get their man in the summer and bring Huijsen to the Emirates, it seems unlikely that he’d break up the partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel – at least for a while – so his biggest competition for a place in the squad would likely be Kiwior.

So, with that said, how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, while it’s certainly less important for a centre-back, it’s the Bournemouth ace who just about comes out ahead when it comes to their respective output, producing three goal involvements in 31 games at an average of one every 10.33 games.

In contrast, the former Spezia ace has provided two assists in 23 games, coming out to an average of one every 11.5 games.

Unfortunately for the Polish international, he also comes out on the losing side when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

In fact, in practically every relevant metric for a modern centre-back, Huijsen comes out on top.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.08

0.16

Progressive Passes

2.93

4.69

Progressive Carries

0.29

1.54

Passing Accuracy

90.7%

84.0%

Key Passes

0.29

0.61

Passes into the Final 1/3

3.64

6.05

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.14

0.31

Shot-Creating Actions

0.57

1.67

Goal-Creating Actions

0.00

0.13

Tackles Won

0.67

0.90

Blocks

0.64

1.45

Interceptions

0.62

1.90

Clearances

3.21

7.19

Ball Recoveries

2.14

3.99

Aerial Duels Won

1.14

2.68

Assessing the data, it really is no surprise that data analyst Ben Mattinson called him “the most in-demand centre-back in the world” with the Cherries defender notably a clear upgrade in key metrics such as progressive passes, ball recoveries, key passes and aerial duels won per 90 minutes,

Ultimately, Kiwior has done an exemplary job in recent weeks, but there is no way around it: Huijsen is a far better player and prospect. Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign the Spaniard this summer.

Best signing since Rice: £58m goalscoring "monster" wants to join Arsenal

The incredible international could be just what Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 21, 2025

Head coach Simmons urges Bangladesh to “enjoy the moment” and play with “freedom”

Shashank Kishore23-Sep-20251:49

Chopra: You look at Saif Hassan and go ‘there’s some serious talent there’

Bangladesh were outmuscled in their last T20I series against India in October 2024, finding themselves chasing scores of 221 and 297 over the course of a 3-0 series defeat.A year on, they’ve picked up the pieces. Under a new coach in Phil Simmons, who took charge three days after that India tour, they’re trying to unlearn old habits, and build new ones.While there’s awareness that structural changes will take time, there’s also the matter of not losing sight of the present. On Wednesday, they’ll play India, the reigning T20 world champions once again, in a crucial Asia Cup fixture with the stakes a lot higher: the winner will take a giant step towards making Sunday’s final.Related

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“Every team has the ability to beat India,” Simmons said. “The game is played on the day, it’s what happens during that three-and-a-half hours. If we get the break in the game, then we have to hold on to it. We have an opportunity to win.”While the head-to-head reads 16-1 in India’s favour, the India-Bangladesh rivalry has transcended far beyond just the numbers. What began as a sibling rivalry in the early 2000s turned into something bigger, when Bangladesh upset India at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.It took until 2015, though, to take the world by storm, when the two sides met in a charged-up World Cup quarter-final in Melbourne. Since then, matches between the two sides have contained enough drama to satisfy any cricketing hype machine.The MS Dhoni and Mustafizur Rahman shoulder barge in 2015, the heart-stopping last-ball thriller at the 2016 T20 World Cup in Bengaluru, and perhaps the most memorable of them all, the Nidahas Trophy final in Colombo in 2018 have all lent some weight to this ‘rivalry’.

“Every game, especially games involving India, has a hype because they’re the number one T20 team in the world. There must be a hype. We’re just going to ride on the hype.”Phil Simmons, Bangladesh head coach

While things have simmered down since, at least on the field, there has been the odd bit of tension, like India deferring a routine bilateral tour, originally to take place in August this year to September next year. Simmons hasn’t paid much mind to that, or to suggestions that his team stands no chance against India on Wednesday.”Every game has a hype,” he said. “Every game, especially games involving India, has a hype because they’re the No. 1 T20 team in the world. There must be a hype. We’re just going to ride on the hype. We’re going to enjoy the moment and enjoy the game. That’s how we’re trying to go into the game, to enjoy the game and therefore give our best.”Asked if he had allowed himself a smile after beating Sri Lanka earlier in the Asia Cup, Simmons admitted he did, but quickly underlined the bigger picture. “We are not here to win a game against Sri Lanka. We are here to win the tournament. Until we get to the stage where we are out, I have to keep everybody grounded in the dressing room.”Simmons has been encouraged lately, even though Bangladesh have produced mixed results – which includes a T20I series loss to UAE. Yet, through it, there has seen a deviation from their safety-first approach of preserving wickets and setting a platform before trying to accelerate.Simmons: ‘We are here to win the tournament. Until we get to the stage where we are out, I’ve to keep everybody grounded in the dressing room’•ICC via Getty ImagesWhen Simmons took over, he wanted them to play differently. And the team has slowly bought into the philosophy, which mirrors the captain Litton Das outlook as well. “It’s been really good,” Simmons said, reflecting on his time in charge of the T20I side. “A big part of it must be the captain and how he has guided his guys and let them know how he wants them to play.”And also the coaches, because we’ve given them that freedom to express themselves when they go out there. I think that’s the biggest part in all formats of cricket, but mostly so in T20 cricket. The freedom to express and use their skills.”For his part, Simmons has given them the independence and liberty to discover their own methods, while also focusing on being flexible.Example: Two games into the Asia Cup, it seemed a given Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan would be locked-in as openers. Then Bangladesh lost to Sri Lanka in the group stage and Simmons saw Saif Hassan batting superbly at training and decided to shake things up.In August, Saif made a comeback to the T20I squad after two years. On Saturday, he struck a 45-ball 61, only his second T20I fifty, as Bangladesh bouced back to beat Sri Lanka in their first Super Fours fixture.1:55

Chopra impressed with Hridoy’s cricketing smarts

Similarly, one match after hitting an unbeaten, six-ball 12 against Afghanistan, Nurul Hasan was left out for Mahedi Hasan, whose offspin made him a necessity against a left-hander heavy Sri Lankan batting line-up. Similarly, legpinner Rishad Hossain made way for an extra seam-option in Shoriful Islam.These changes, Simmons explained, were largely tactical: “Everybody has their time. Maybe you play well in one game but lose the chance in the next because of the combination. It’s hard, but we’re trying to make sure the XI is always hard and difficult to get into. The balance of the team is most important.”If flexibility has been their batting mantra, their bowling has been shaped by pragmatism. Simmons has introduced structured workload management, first with Andre Adams and now with bowling consultant Shaun Tait.Fast bowlers like Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib have been carefully rotated and preserved. Hasan Mahmud is being groomed for Tests, while young quicks such as Nahid Rana have been given elaborate feedback that they hope he will incorporate before he returns.Simmons credits assistant Mohammad Salahuddin, a respected domestic coach, for helping build player confidence and connections, which has been an extension of his management style with Afghanistan and West Indies.In the previous regime, where a board chairman held strong influence over squad selections, at times even the playing XI, such calls may not have been so easy to take. Things are different now.”As long as I have a proper reason for my decisions – we all have different opinions, but as long as I’m confident, and my staff and the captain are confident in how we’re guiding the team, then criticism is like water off a dog’s back. It doesn’t bother me,” Simmons said.

While some might say Sri Lanka were let off the hook, the fact that the team management was not averse to a track with a green tinge in itself was a win for the quicks

Mohammad Isam22-Mar-2024Glass half-full or glass half-empty? It was a day when Bangladesh pinned Sri Lanka on the ropes, but then allowed them to wriggle free and, with the ball in hand, throw some heavy punches of their own. Whichever way you saw it however, Bangladesh’s fast bowlers were in the thick of the action.On a rare green-tinged pitch in Sylhet, Khaled Ahmed gave them a blazing start before Sri Lanka counter-attacked and took control of the middle session. Then the fast bowlers struck again.Sri Lanka had never before lost half their side so cheaply against Bangladesh. In fact, barring one or two spells in Tests between the two over the last two decades, it is hard to recall Sri Lanka facing Bangladesh’s fast bowling with such discomfort.As the ball got older though, the Bangladesh fast bowlers dragged their lengths back. Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis found that counterattacking the short ball was their best option. They added 202 runs for the sixth wicket on way to individual centuries. Nahid Rana brought Bangladesh back at that point, striking three times like Khaled before him. The visitors finished on 280, their third-lowest total against Bangladesh.Related

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Still, Sri Lanka had reached a decent score, given how poorly they were placed in the first session. There might be a feeling that the Bangladesh fast bowlers couldn’t quite finish the job. However, you cannot disregard Mahmudul Hasan Joy grassing Kamindu Mendis first ball; Sri Lanka would have been 57 for 6, with only their captain de Silva left with the tail.Bowling coach Andre Adams said that Khaled and Rana bowled very well together, but he would have been happier had the fast bowlers kept that going in the middle session.”They were good in parts,” Adams said. “There was partnership bowling throughout the day. Rana bowled very well in partnership with Khaled at the start. But then they relaxed in the pressure aspect. It wasn’t until the two spinners came on that we gained control of the scorecard again.”I thought Rana was outstanding, especially on debut. [Khaled] is an accurate bowler. This is a pretty young bowling attack. Shoriful was good in parts. I thought Rana and Khaled bowled well together. We created several chances in the first session, which was exceptional. Especially when you think that there was only ten overs of real pressure with the ball. Some great fielding and good catching. Disappointing that we didn’t grab two chances, which really could have spun the Test match. You have control if you take seven wickets at lunch.”Khaled’s first spell of 8-1-23-3 included the wickets of Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis and Dimuth Karunaratne. He got the ball to nibble away from Madushka and Kusal while bringing it back sharply through the left-handed Karunaratne’s bat and pad. Angelo Mathews’ run out, coming in a Khaled over, also underlined how well he was putting Sri Lanka’s experienced top-order under pressure.Adams, who joined the Bangladesh team only recently, was especially impressed by newcomer Rana, billed as Bangladesh’s fastest bowler. “He is talented. He is fast. He bowled almost every ball at 145kph. He has a beautiful action. He is just so raw. He has a lot to learn but he is very talented.”The young attack responded to Test match special in the best way they know. They tried their hardest. I was happy with the effort. We just have to learn how to do it better. I didn’t expect Sri Lanka to play any other way. They are going to attack. We have to manage ourselves better through that.”Najmul Hossain Shanto brought spin on in the 26th over, the latest that a Bangladesh spinner has been introduced in a Test-match innings, testament to how well the pacers were going. A culmination of Bangladesh’s fast-bowling evolution over the past three years; it has been the facet of their game that has seen the most development. From a time when fast bowling was virtually non-existent in home Tests, they have now got to a stage where the team management was comfortable with a green surface in Sylhet. Some may say that Shakib Al Hasan’s absence prompted the Bangladesh think-tank to explore a different bowling strategy, but they still have match-winning spinners like Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam in the team.This change in mindset is itself a win for the fast bowlers. They came into this Test with a combined experience of just 21 matches. Taskin Ahmed is taking a break from the longest format. Ebadot Hossain is still in the middle of a long injury layoff. But Khaled and Shoriful stood up like senior bowlers, before Rana showed glimpses of his ability. They have shown consistency with the white ball. Can they take the next step and show the sustained longevity needed with the red ball?