Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is informed of the exact costs required to seal Mikel Arteta’s seventh deal of the summer.

Related £265k-per-week Arsenal star approves exit as club prepare bid after talks

The north Londoners may need to trim their squad.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 26, 2025

After weeks of advanced talks and a very lengthy transfer saga, the Gunners finally reached a full agreement to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP recently – shaking hands on a deal worth up to £64 million including add-ons.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

Gyokeres refused to train with Sporting in an attempt to force through a Premier League move, with his agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, even waiving due commission fees to help move the forward’s transfer to Arsenal along.

Gyokeres put pen to paper on a five-year contract and was finally confirmed as Berta’s sixth major signing for Arsenal last weekend, following the Italian’s moves for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera.

The Sweden international, who bagged 54 goals in all competitions last season on Sporting’s run to a first domestic double in around 20 years, is viewed as perhaps Arsenal’s most crucial new addition of the summer.

Their inability to break down teams in the low block was a reoccurring theme of their struggles last term, with Arteta’s side scoring just 69 Premier League goals and drawing more matches than any other side in the top 10.

Gyokeres’ arrival could be imperative to fixing this issue, and it is perhaps a key reason why Berta and co are targeting Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze after the 27-year-old.

Eze was, by some distance, Palace’s most devastating attacking player in the Premier League season, averaging more shots at goal, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

The England international also scored 14 goals and registered a further 11 assists in all competitions, with Arsenal widely believed to be focusing on Eze as their next top transfer target.

Arsenal given £35 million demand after "initial" Crystal Palace talks

Arsenal are in active discussions with Eze’s representatives, according to reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano, and The Guardian’s Ed Aarons has now shared another update.

According to his sources, Arsenal have also held “initial talks” with Palace over a deal for Eze, with the south Londoners making crystal clear what it would take to sell their star player.

Palace want £35 million of Eze’s £60 million release clause to be paid in advance and in full. They will allow the rest to be met through instalments, not including bonuses, which could take the clause to around £68 million.

The Eagles have to pay 15 per cent of Eze’s fee to QPR thanks to a previously agreed sell-on clause, perhaps explaining their reluctance to negotiate below Eze’s asking price.

Given Arsenal already have both club captain Martin Odegaard and Ethan Nwaneri for the number 10 role, so it remains to be seen whether they’re willing to pay his full clause after spending north of £200 million already this summer.

Interestingly, there are some suggestions that Arsenal could offer players as makeweights in a deal for Eze to tempt Palace into agreeing a lesser fee.

For the first time in a decade, Manchester United will begin a new season without Marcus Rashford in tow, with the former boy wonder having finally secured his long-awaited switch to LaLiga giants, Barcelona.

That loan move – which could be made permanent for a fee of around £26m next summer – has long been in the pipeline amid the Englishman’s ongoing exile back at Old Trafford, having last been seen in a United shirt away to Viktoria Plzen back in December.

Cast aside by Ruben Amorim ahead of the Manchester Derby triumph at the Etihad, the £300k-per-week enigma appears in need of reinvigoration, with his 30-goal heroics in 2022/23 standing out as a notable high point amid a mixed few years on a personal note.

2024/25*

24

7

3

2023/24

43

8

6

2022/23

56

30

11

2021/22

32

5

2

2020/21

57

21

18

Such woes have notably seen a fair few figures raise their eyebrows at the 27-year-old’s ability to still covet interest from an elite European club like Barca, with treble winner Teddy Sheringham even going as far as to suggest that the move to Catalonia is “a step up that he hasn’t deserved.”

Regardless, Rashford is someone else’s problem – or prize – now, for the next 12 months at least, with Jason Wilcox and co now needing to assemble a squad to kickstart a new era in Manchester.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have more than strengthened Amorim’s hand so far, although further surgery is surely required…

Latest on Man Utd's search for a striker

The new Premier League season is mere weeks away and Man United appear no closer to ending their number nine search, having reportedly seen their interest in Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins knocked back, with the Midlands seemingly unwilling to cash in on the Englishman.

To the surprise of no one, wantaway Newcastle United man Alexander Isak also won’t be ending up at the Theatre of Dreams, with the cash-strapped Red Devils said to have stepped out of the race for the £130m-rated Swede.

Alternative options continue to be considered, however, with ESPN naming Paris Saint-Germain outcast Randal Kolo Muani as one of the players on Wilcox’s shortlist, following his return from a loan spell at Juventus.

Transfer Focus

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

The suggestion is that United have been exploring a potential deal for the Frenchman, with the versatile striker said to have been offered to a number of clubs, as Juve struggle to greenlight a return due to the financial demands.

The report outlines that PSG could agree to an initial temporary deal with an obligation to buy, while a permanent move could cost in the region of €50m (£42m) – two years on from having cost the Ligue 1 side a fee of around €75m (£63m).

It is claimed that the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal have already passed up the opportunity to sign the 26-year-old, although could he prove a risk worth taking for United?

How Kolo Muani compares to Marcus Rashford

It is telling of United’s current woes that despite being cast aside before Christmas, Rashford’s return of four Premier League goals – excluding his two for Villa – still saw him finish level with Rasmus Hojlund in that regard, as well as one ahead of fellow forward Joshua Zirkzee.

That is not to say that the Englishman deserved to be persisted with, however, having notably chipped in with just seven top-flight goals the year prior, after also only scoring four times in the league in 2021/22.

Of course, the academy graduate has had his high points – namely his 17 league goals in 2022/23 – but there is little evidence to suggest that he is irreplaceable. Turning to a talent like Kolo Muani, for instance, could represent the perfect replacement.

Indeed, while many onlookers are perhaps most familar with the 39-cap France international for his last-gasp miss in the 2022 World Cup final, the former Nantes man is typically an “ice-cold” finisher, as dubbed by German legend Lothar Matthaus.

That was evident during his six-month stay in Turin earlier this year, with the dynamic striker making an instant impact for the Old Lady, having scored ten times in just 22 outings, including a return of eight goals in just 16 Serie A games.

For comparison, Rashford’s own January loan switch to Villa Park yielded only four goals from 17 appearances in all competitions, with both men having typically operated in a central role during their respective temporary moves.

Having started just 13 games in Italy’s top flight, Kolo Muani enjoyed a rate of one goal every 146 minutes, alongside an impressive goal conversion rate of 31%, as per Sofascore.

Rashford, for contrast, scored a goal every 238 minutes back in England, while enjoying a goal conversion of just 17%, having started 16 games in all.

While the latter man came out on top for assists (three vs one) and big chances created (eight vs two), the pair both averaged 1.1 key passes per game, with Kolo Muani notably enjoying a superior record for successful dribbles completed (0.7 vs 1.1).

And so, with the chance available for United to pounce, Wilcox could be able to hand Amorim an immediate upgrade on Rashford to bolster his forward line, with the striker’s form in Italy certainly reason for encouragement.

He's perfect for Watkins: Man Utd hold internal talks for "dangerous" star

Manchester United appear to be making a move to land a star who could thrive alongside Ollie Watkins.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 25, 2025

Having been retained by RCB for IPL 2025, the MP captain hopes to carry his confidence into his batting and leadership

Himanshu Agrawal14-Dec-2024

Madhya Pradesh (MP) have made it to their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) final since 2010-11, and their captain Rajat Patidar has been key to their success this season. Ahead of the final against Mumbai on December 15, he has scored 347 runs, including four half-centuries, and batted at an impactful strike rate of 182.63.Patidar has continued from where he had left off in the IPL this year, where he was Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) third-highest run-getter with 395 runs at a strike rate of 177.13. It is his six-hitting ability which has helped him gallop at that pace. While at the IPL he smacked 33 sixes in 13 innings, Patidar has 21 sixes in the SMAT across eight innings.”I’m just trying to back my strength in the areas where I’m going to hit,” Patidar said after taking MP to victory against Delhi in the semi-final on Friday, when he cracked 66 not out off just 29 balls. “I was hitting long from last year, [and] last-to-last year. So I’m just trying to find the same pattern that I was playing [with] in IPL, and how I have to go about it.”Related

For RCB, Rajat Patidar might be just what the doctor ordered

Kohli, Patidar and Dayal to be retained by RCB

Patidar whirlwind blows Delhi away, MP in final

Patidar arrived to bat at a troublesome 46 for 3 in MP’s chase of 147 against Delhi, and he got going in no time despite the situation. Facing pace bowler Himanshu Chauhan, he slashed his fifth ball for four past point, before dispatching Chauhan for six over deep square leg to take 14 runs from the over.The sixes kept flowing off Patidar’s bat – he thumped six of them in total – with heaves over midwicket and long-on, and the pull over square leg earning him the big hits.”I try to put my impact on the opposition for my team,” he said on his consistency. “I’ve never paid attention to getting the big scores. My mantra is to play one ball at a time. So I try to do that. I’ve never thought that I’ll get a big score. I focus on what I can do.”Even against Saurashtra in the quarter-final, Patidar had walked out in a tricky situation in a bigger chase, but he had his say in the game. MP’s required run rate touched 10.14 an over with seven overs to go in their pursuit of 174, and he smashed 28 off 18 balls to help wrap up the chase with four deliveries remaining.RCB’s decision to retain Patidar for INR 11 crore for IPL 2025 has been vindicated by his performances in the SMAT. He feels RCB’s decision has given him “a lot of confidence”, and he “will be happy” if the opportunity to lead his IPL team arose in the future.”I’ve learned much. I’ve enjoyed learning more tactically because I love seeing the players, and anticipate what they can do,” he said of his captaincy stint with MP. “It’s a great time [which] I spend with my coach Chandrakant Pandit about captaincy. So, yeah, I am learning a lot.”MP face Mumbai in the final at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, a team they had beaten by six wickets in the Ranji Trophy 2021-22 final at the same ground. Patidar had scored 122 in that win, and he believes that the victory from two years ago will boost his side.

Liverpool were at the foot of an unscalable mountain when Jurgen Klopp up and left at the end of the 2023/24 season, but Arne Slot has since proved himself a more than worthy successor.

He won the Premier League in his first term at the helm, after all. And the Dutchman did it, having been rewarded with minimal spending in the transfer market, Federico Chiesa the only first-team addition, and starting just once in the top flight all year.

Now, though, Liverpool have built themselves up and are financially able to spend freely this summer, with the evidence lying with the acquisitions of recent months, including the British-record £116m signing of Florian Wirtz.

A move for Alexander Isak remains on the cards.

However, with Luis Diaz on the verge of finalising his move to Bayern Munich, a new left winger may be needed too.

Why Liverpool are selling Luis Diaz

Diaz has been one of the Premier League’s standout wingers over the past few years. His return of 25 goal contributions last year was a haul bettered only by that man, Mohamed Salah, as Liverpool steamrolled their way to the league title.

But the 28-year-old has also entered the penultimate year of his contract, and the relevant parties have been unable to find common ground when discussing the possibility of an extension.

The Colombian had also made it clear to the powers that be that he wanted to leave this summer. Such demands undoubtedly centred around financial desires, and justified ones at that, but the fact remains that Slot would not want an unhappy leading squad member to remain in the ranks.

Diaz is on the cusp of his big move, and though the thought of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is exciting, the Brazilian having been routinely linked with the Reds of late, the finances involved would be too much, especially with a deal for Isak in the works.

Instead, FSG might be convinced to head down a shrewder track.

Liverpool enter race for Rodrygo alternative

As per Spanish reports, Liverpool have entered the race for RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa, though the report claims that Rodrygo very much remains on FSG’s shortlist.

Nusa, 20, is early into his professional career but has earned acclaim for his performances, with previous reports this summer detailing Newcastle United’s interest, claiming he would be available for a €45m (£38m) fee.

Given how much cheaper this would be than signing Rodrygo, who is believed to have been priced at an initial £78m by Los Blancos, this might be a rumour FSG want to chase.

Why Liverpool should sign Antonio Nusa

Cody Gakpo will reprise his role as Liverpool’s chief left-sided forward next year, having matched Diaz’s 25 goal involvements last year. Pundit Peter Crouch remarked that he’d “gone up a level” since Slot arrived.

The Netherlands international’s abiding place in Slot’s plans means that Nusa will be able to jump right into the thick of things without being overburdened by responsibility.

Last season, Nusa scored five goals and provided seven assists across 36 matches for Leipzig, only starting 23 of those fixtures across all competitions.

The Norway international joined Leipzig from Club Brugge in Belgium after previously holding talks with both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, with Nusa’s 23/24 campaign underscoring his potential as a “future icon”, as he was described by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Though his fleet athleticism lends itself to success across a range of positions, it’s clear through the data so far that Nusa’s most productive role comes off the left flank.

Nusa isn’t just a balanced striker in the final third, but an athletic phenomenon with a vicious blend of speed and balance when dribbling. In this way, he has the blueprint to make Liverpool forget all about Rodrygo, with Slot instead fashioning a new elite winger.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has even waxed lyrical about his compatriot’s qualities, saying this: “He’s exceptional. We need to be careful not to put too much pressure on him, even though he’s incredibly talented. His continued development is what matters most.”

Moreover, he’s a hard-working defensive player, giving back to his manager’s faith by fighting for success across the different phases of play. In the Bundesliga last year, Nusa averaged 1.2 tackles and won 4.1 duels per game, as per Sofascore.

FBref underline these points. The data-driven site have revealed he ranked among the top 14% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe last season for successful take-ons and the top 19% for tackles per 90.

After becoming the second-youngest goalscorer in Champions League history two years ago, you might even say he has the potential to emulate someone like Rodrygo and become a superstar on Europe’s elite stage. He’s a ‘future icon’, is he not?

Sure, Rodrygo hit 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last year, highlighting the fact that Nusa is not at his level yet. But the Norwegian remains a special talent with the ingredients for something spectacular.

Rodrygo is one of the world’s standout wide forwards, of that there is no doubt. But he left plenty to be desired last season, only scoring six league goals.

He’s an immense figure on the major stage, and playing at Liverpool would give him a new lease of life.

But for double the price that Nusa would cost? It doesn’t make sense, for the 20-year-old is destined for the top.

Shades of Coutinho: Liverpool make contact to sign "complete" £30m star

Liverpool are ready to sign a new defender after Joe Gomez’s injury.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 29, 2025

تحدث أحمد حسن، قائد منتخب مصر الأسبق، عن مباراة الأهلي والزمالك، في قمة منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز والتي تنطلق بعد قليل.

وقال أحمد حسن، عبر قناة أون سبورت: “القمة لها استعدادات مختلفة حسب قوة الفريقين، والحضور الجماهيري أيضًا يُحدث فرقًا، وأعتقد أن شخصية اللاعب نفسها مهمة أيضًا، فهو يجب أن يعرف كيف يتأقلم وكيف يكون محترفًا في المكان الذي هو فيه”.

وتابع:” أنا دائمًا أقول إن اللاعب يجب أن يكون منتميًا يعني أن يكون موجودًا في الأهلي ويؤدي فيه بكل قوة وأمانة، أو أن يكون موجودًا في الزمالك ويؤدي بنفس القوة والمهنية بعيدًا عن أي انتماءات، فذلك عمله وشغله بغض النظر عن الأهلي أو الزمالك”.

وأكمل: “أي نادي تلعب له لديه استعداداته بالطبع، ولكن الأمر يختلف عندما يكون الفريقين من الأندية الكبيرة، حينها يكون للاستعداد طابعا خاصا، لأن المباراة أساسًا تصنع نجومًا”.

طالع.. شوبير: أزمة كبيرة تواجه الأهلي.. وثلاثي الزمالك “الأخطر” في القمة

واستطرد بخصوص غياب زيزو: “رب ضارة نافعة، فهذا في ترتيب الله سبحانه وتعالى وأعتقد أن غياب زيزو اليوم بسبب الإصابة يقلل الضغط عليه، لأننا جميعًا نعلم أن جمهور الزمالك متحفز لرؤيته حاضرًا، وكان سيواجه هجومًا شرسًا من الجمهور، ما كان يمكن أن يؤثر على فريق الأهلي”.

واستمر: “غياب زيزو اليوم قد يكون مفيدًا له، هو كان يرغب في المشاركة، وأكيد يجب على اللاعب أن ينسى أي شيء، لأنه أصبح لاعبًا في الأهلي، وسيسعى ليبذل كل ما لديه من قوة، وهذا يختلف حسب شخصية اللاعب”.

واسترسل: “المباراة قد تهدئ الجماهير قليلًا وتخفف الضغوط على زيزو، لأن الجميع كان ينتظرها طبعًا، جمهور الزمالك اليوم كان سيهاجم زيزو، وحتى في غيابه سيظل الهجوم موجودًا”.

وأردف: “مشاركة زيزو ربما كانت ستتسبب في هجوم أكبر عليه، خاصة مع وجود أشرف بن شرقي فشكل الانتقال مختلف، لأن الجميع كان يعلم أن زيزو كان في مفاوضات طويلة مع الزمالك، وفي النهاية فوجئنا بانتقاله للأهلي، وهذا ربما أزعج جمهور الزمالك قليلًا”.

وبسؤاله هل تواجد ناصر ماهر وعبد الله السعيد يعطيهما أفضلية في المباراة لأنهما لعبا مع الأهلي من قبل؟ رد قائلًا: “ليس بالضرورة، لأن كل مدرب له فكره وطريقته، وكل مباراة قد تبدأ بشكل مختلف لكن معرفة طريقة اللعب وحركة اللاعب أمامك قد تسهّل الأمور قليلًا حسب ذكاء ونضج اللاعب وشخصيته”.

وأضاف: “عبد الله السعيد، يمكن القول إنه هادئ جدًا في الملعب، فلا يهمه ما يحدث حوله، فهو يركز على أداء دوره مهما كانت الألوان التي يرتديها، عبد الله من النوع الذي يركز في الملعب دون الانشغال بتفسيرات الجمهور، وأنا أحب اللاعبين بهذه الطريقة، حيث يكون تركيزهم داخل الملعب فقط”.

وأتم: “أما ناصر ماهر، فهو لاعب جيد، وحالته الصحية مهمة، فإذا كانت جيدة فإنه يفيد الزمالك بشكل كبير أعتقد أن المرحلة السابقة قد مرت، وأنه يركز اليوم على فريقه، ويريد الفوز، وجماهير الزمالك بدأت تثق فيه، وهو بالفعل يصنع الفارق”.

Chelsea have been charged with 74 breaches of rules relating to agents, intermediaries and third party investment. The alleged misdemeanours date back to Roman Abramovich’s time as owner. Various punishments are being speculated on, but the Blues may avoid being stung with the harshest of points deductions by the Football Association.

• What does Chelsea's case to relate to?

  The Blues reported themselves to the FA, Premier League and UEFA after discovering “incomplete financial information” had been submitted to the relevant authorities during the period of 2012 to 2019.

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• Getty
  

  Why are Chelsea facing so many charges?

  The 74 charges being levelled against them by the FA relate to payments made to agents between 2009 and 2022, with most of the attention in that case being narrowed on the era of 2010-11 to 2015-16.

• How will Chelsea argue against punishments?

  Chelsea have changed hands since then, with the Todd Boehly-led Clearlake Capital regime taking charge at Stamford Bridge in 2022. That change of ownership could be considered mitigating circumstances on the Blues’ behalf, while full cooperation with the investigation and early admission of any wrongdoing would help to limit any sanctions that are eventually imposed.

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• AFP
  

  Expert analysis from financial adviser

  Manchester City’s former financial adviser, Stefan Borson, has told : “The nub of it will be whether anybody can establish that the breaches created a sporting advantage. If you have a sporting advantage established, then it’s likely that you end up with a sporting penalty. Now, that can be mitigated by considerations like new ownership, early guilty plea, lots of cooperation. These are all things that Chelsea are pushing out into the media as being what they’ve done. That is mitigation. There’s no question. The question is what’s the starting point?

  “Is the starting point, well, this is very serious, and we think you’ve had a major sporting advantage? The starting point is a number of points, in which case you’re mitigating down percentage wise from that points deduction.

  “If you look at something like Nottingham Forest, they had a lot of cooperation commended by the commission. Now, that was a Premier League commission, but the law is basically the same and they’ll cross compare the cases. In that case, there was basically an argument where Nottingham Forest said, we should have a 50 per cent reduction on the penalty. The Premier League said, that feels a bit too much 50 per cent, maybe 30 per cent. The commission went in the end for 30 per cent. It was going to be six for Nottingham Forest and they got two knocked off for early admission and cooperation.

  “You would think that Chelsea would be able to get 30 per cent, maybe even a 40 per cent reduction for their mitigation, adding all the bits and pieces together if everything they’re saying is true about how they cooperated, admitted it, informed. So, they get very good mitigation.”

Sutherland became the first batter to hit consecutive ODI centuries from No.5 and lifted Australia to an imposing 291 for 7

Tristan Lavalette21-Dec-2024Captain Alyssa Healy made a successful return before Annabel Sutherland smashed her second consecutive century as Australia defeated New Zealand in a rain-affected second ODI at the Basin Reserve.After Thursday’s opener in the three-match series was washed out on the same ground, Sutherland steadied Australia from a mid-innings wobble in seaming conditions to finish unbeaten on 105 from 81 balls. Healy played as a specialist batter and hit a crisp 34 off 32 at the top of the order, while Beth Mooney took the gloves during New Zealand’s innings.Fresh off a commanding 110 in the series-finale against India at the WACA, Sutherland became the first batter to hit consecutive ODI centuries from No.5 and she made the tough batting conditions look easy to lift Australia to an imposing 291 for 7.New Zealand faced an uphill task in their bid to achieve the second highest run chase in ODI cricket. Debutant Bella James made a brisk start and showcased her power hitting by pulling seamer Megan Schutt for six into the terraces.But opening partner Suzie Bates, who earlier presented James with her cap, fell to quick Kim Garth in the sixth over when she edged to Ashleigh Gardner in the gully. There had been doubts over whether Gardner had gotten her fingers under a ball dipping low to the ground, but replays upheld the original soft decision.James’ breezy 27 runs off 33 ended on the last ball of the powerplay when she tried to hit Garth over midwicket only for Alana King to take a well-judged catch running backwards.When captain Sophie Devine nicked off Ellyse Perry, New Zealand slumped to 60 for 3 in the 16th over and the only threat for an inevitable Australia victory was the darkening skies above.The inclement weather did not arrive until the 31st over, well after the 20-over minimum required for a result, with New Zealand at 122 for 5 and well short of the par score. Play was soon called off as Australia clinched a 14th straight ODI victory over their neighbours.It continues Australia’s winning run since their T20 World Cup disappointment and follows their 3-0 ODI series whitewash against India at home.After Devine elected to bowl under overcast skies, New Zealand did not make the most of the favourable conditions and were let down by ragged fielding. James, known as having a safe pair of hands, had a tough initiation in the field and dropped three catches.Molly Penfold made key inroads into Australia’s top order•Getty ImagesBut the most costly was when substitute fielder Jess Kerr was unable to take a tough catch low to her left at mid-off when Sutherland on 26. While quick Molly Penfold spilt a return catch when Sutherland was on 67, which denied her a maiden five-wicket haul. But she did produce a spirited performance to finish with an ODI career best of 4 for 46.Devine was tactically astute, but her bowlers other than Penfold could not build enough pressure and Sutherland made them pay in the backend.It’s a blow for New Zealand’s hopes of directly qualifying for the 2025 World Cup as they sit uneasily in sixth spot on the Women’s Championship table.All eyes at the start of the game were on Healy, who made her international comeback as a specialist batter after she ruptured her planter fascia against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup. She subsequently missed the India series having sustained a knee injury in the early stages of the WBBL season.Having memorably made a century in her international debut series, 21-year-old opener Georgia Voll unluckily had to make way as Healy returned to the top of the order alongside Phoebe Litchfield.Healy, who has been practicing hard in the nets in recent weeks, was determined to make up for lost time and smashed a second ball boundary off quick Rosemary Mair, who did not pitch the ball up consistently enough with the new ball.Penfold also struggled in her initial spell as Healy capitalised with good timing and she scored 34 of Australia’s first 41 runs. But she then mistimed a short delivery from Penfold to midwicket and punched her bat in frustration before trudging off the field.The game changed as Litchfield and Perry struggled after the powerplay as Penfold returned to the attack. She had Perry gloving a climbing delivery before luring Mooney into driving and a thick outside edge was caught by James at gully.Much like against India in Perth, it was left to Sutherland and Gardner to rebuild and they once again stood up under pressure with a 50-run partnership.Having returned to form with a half-century in her last innings, a confident Gardner used her feet to attack the spinners until she was deceived by a looping delivery from offspinner Eden Carson that turned sharply past the bat and crashed into the stumps.Penfold, who had taken just five wickets in her previous 12 ODIs, was left frustrated when James dropped Tahlia McGrath at extra cover before taking care of business herself by clean bowling Australia’s vice-captain for 34 in the 41st over.But Sutherland took over in the latter stages and made New Zealand pay for their sloppy fielding as she motored towards her third ODI century. She launched Carson for two towering sixes down the ground before sealing her ton off 78 balls in the final over.Sutherland fittingly finished the innings with a boundary as her stunning rise in international cricket continued.

Noni Madueke might have been smiling after Arsenal’s 3-0 cruise past Nottingham Forest, but the winger was dealt a stinging jab from Martin Keown straight after the final whistle. The ex-Gunners hardman told the 22-year-old, to his face, that he had once seen him as “selfish”. It was a bold claim, especially on live TV, but Keown insisted that while Madueke has shown flair since swapping Chelsea blue for Arsenal red, he has finally started to balance his individual brilliance with more team-focused play.

Getty ImagesArsenal’s £48.5m man silences early doubters

Madueke only arrived in north London this summer, with Arsenal shelling out a hefty £48.5 million to prise him away from Chelsea. Some questioned whether the England international was worth the outlay, but the early signs are promising.

Against Forest, it was Arsenal’s new boys Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres who found the net, with the Spaniard bagging a brace before Gyokeres rounded off the scoring. Yet despite not being on the scoresheet himself, Madueke’s performance was once again eye-catching. His pace stretched the Forest backline, his trickery unlocked space, and his link-up play showed maturity beyond his years.     

AdvertisementKeown doesn’t hold back in TNT grilling

But Keown wasn’t about to let him bask in the praise unchallenged. Looking Madueke dead in the eye during the TNT Sports post-match chat, the former Arsenal defender dropped his verdict: "Noni, have you taken your game to another level? Because you look more collective. I was worried about you when you came. Because I thought sometimes you can be a little bit selfish. But now, you seem to have got really good balance to your play. The decisions you're making have been outstanding…"

Presenter Lynsey Hipgrave attempted to lighten the mood, joking that Madueke could dismiss the comment as “rubbish,” but Keown pressed on, insisting his decision-making had noticeably improved. 

Keown continued: "No, no. I think it's getting that balance. I think your decision-making has changed. Is that the manager? Is it the new club? What has happened?" 

Getty Images SportMadueke responds with maturity and class

If Keown thought his words would rattle the youngster, he was wrong. Madueke took the criticism on the chin, delivering a calm and confident response. 

"I feel it's important to keep that self-belief that you can get the ball and do it yourself as well," he said. "As a winger, I feel like you need that. But of course, like you're saying, I'm playing with such top players and it's important for me to try and find them as much as I try and play my own type of game. It's easy to play with these guys. I'm having a great time. Maybe I have taken a step in that direction."  

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One of the clear parts of their squad that Leeds United are looking to improve this summer is at centre-forward. The Whites were comfortably the top scorers in the Championship last season, with 95 goals to their name, and already have Joel Piroe in their ranks.

This summer, they’ve already signed Lukas Nmecha and seem set to add former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to their squad, too. At least, that is according to David Ornstein on X, who said the two parties were recently able to come to an ‘agreement in principle’ for a move to Elland Road this summer.

However, it doesn’t seem like Leeds are stopping there, with links to another striker recently intensifying even after signing Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin.

Leeds’ next striker target

It does seem like a deal to sign Calvert-Lewin will happen in the next few days for Leeds. In the same report, Ornstein revealed that he is ‘scheduled at Thorp Arch imminently’ for his medical. He could be in line to make his debut against former club Everton on Monday.

Transfer Focus

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After that, the Whites might well move onto their next target, reported by Simon Jones of The Mail to be Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz. Daniel Farke’s side ‘remain in contact’ with the Cottagers over a potential move for the Brazilian this summer.

However, they will not be alone in the race for his signature. Competition is strong outside the Premier League, with Italian outfit Atalanta interested in a move. Top-flight rivals Newcastle United are also monitoring the situation.

As for the price, it was reported earlier in the window that Fulham could ask for as much as £43m for the striker.

Why Muniz would be a good signing

Over the last couple of seasons, Muniz has become a key member of the side at Craven Cottage, establishing himself as an important player under Marco Silva. His two full seasons of Premier League football have seen success in front of goal.

In total, the 24-year-old, who came through the academy at Flamengo, has played 57 games in the Premier League. He’s managed to find the back of the net on 17 occasions in that time, leaving him with a goal every 3.3 games.

It is his minutes-to-goal record that really stands out. The striker has played just 2549 minutes of English top-flight football, a goal every 144 minutes. Back in the 2023/24 season, he went on a run of eight goals in as many games, showing great consistency in the Premier League.

The pick of the bunch was surely this acrobatic effort against Sheffield United.

There is certainly a case to be made that the striker is an instant upgrade on the incoming Calvert-Lewin. Whilst the England international is far more experienced at this level, Muniz certainly has a more consistent record.

Former Toffees striker Calvert-Lewin has played his entire Premier League career on Merseyside, although that will change soon. In 239 games so far, he has bagged 57 goals, an average of one goal every 4.1 appearances. That is one game more than his counterpart in West London.

Looking at the underlying stats in more detail might further reinforce the fact that Muniz is an instant upgrade on the potential new Leeds striker. Over the last two seasons of top-flight football, the Fulham star has averaged 0.6 goals and 1.97 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.

In comparison, Calvert-Lewin chalked up 0.24 goals and 1.9 shot-creating actions each game.

Goals

0.6

0.24

Goals per shot

0.15

0.07

Goals per shot on target

0.38

0.17

Key passes

0.88

0.62

Shot-creating actions

1.97

1.9

There is no doubt that a fee of £43m is a big investment for Leeds, especially at this stage of the window. Yet, it does feel like this would be an instant upgrade on Calvert-Lewin, who has not scored the weight of goals you might expect over the last few seasons.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described Muniz as a “revelation” during his Flamengo days, and Leeds would be hoping he can have a similar impact at Elland Road if he signs.

Best move since Raphinha: Leeds are likely destination for £26m "monster"

Leeds United are reportedly a likely destination for a star who would be their best signing since Raphinha.

2 ByDan Emery Aug 13, 2025

On the eve of the first Test, as he went about various media duties, Australia captain Pat Cummins appeared extremely relaxed and seemingly sported a permanent smile.He seems to have good reason to feel at ease. While much of the focus ahead of the series has been on the uncertainty over India’s line-up, Australia’s XI has been settled ever since uncapped Nathan McSweeney won the race to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.It’s an experienced group of players and they are relatively refreshed with a lot of forward planning having been made in a bid to get them through a gruelling five-match series played within seven weeks.Related

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But if there has been a cause for concern, it’s the fitness of allrounder Mitchell Marsh who has only bowled four overs since tearing his hamstring during the IPL.All of those overs were in the fourth ODI against England at Lord’s in September. He then pulled up sore and missed the subsequent match before playing as a specialist batter for Western Australia in two Sheffield Shield matches in October.Marsh had publicly declared ahead of the second Shield match, against Tasmania, that he would return to bowling but his body was not quite ready. His role with the ball has grown in significance for Australia with Cameron Green missing the entire series due to a stress fracture of his back.Having become a father a day earlier, his wife Greta giving birth to their first child, Marsh on Monday pushed through weariness and built up his bowling loads in a lengthy centre wicket session as Australia started their first Test preparations. There were no signs of discomfort as Marsh powered through the crease and he also impressed during Australia’s training session on Wednesday.”He will definitely bowl this Test. He is an allrounder and with the way us four bowlers set out, we never really budget around an allrounder bowling heaps,” Cummins said.Marsh, however, is unlikely to be able to cover Green’s workload. He was used sparingly during the seven Tests last summer where he never bowled more than nine overs in an innings.Marsh, 33, is set to be utilised across a couple of short spells, possibly relatively early in the innings given his ability to produce outswing and also around the 60-70 over mark with the old ball.”We never put an upper limit [on overs] on anyone,” Cummins said. “But he’s ready to go and happy to bowl as much as we need. I would imagine a few spells each innings. He’s been bowling great this week, his body is the best it has been for a while.”Mitchell Marsh has barely bowled since an injury in the IPL earlier this year•Getty Images

Along with Marsh and Travis Head’s handy offspin, Cummins might also revert to Marnus Labuschagne, who has emerged as an unlikely seam bowling option after lengthy stints in the Shield caught many observers by surprise. He has almost exclusively bowled seam rather than legspin, which has yielded him some success previously at Test level.Having taken the captaincy reins of Queensland, Labuschagne has utilised himself with the ball and took 2 for 5 from 6.2 overs in the season opener against Western Australia at the WACA. He then bowled 27 overs across the match against South Australia at Allan Border Field.His bowling has been marked by short-ball aggression, which he has also unfurled during Australia’s training sessions ahead of the first Test, providing a potential tactic for Cummins to utilise.”He’s always trying to impress the ball, which is great,” Cummins said. “He loves bowling. He’s one of those guys, as we know, who always wants to be involved. He’s bowled some handy overs for Queensland. Obviously, he’s got legspin, a bit of offspin in the past and then this year, it’s been on to pace bowling.”I’m sure he’ll get the ball at some stage and bowl quite a few bouncers as well. So that’s maybe something we’ll turn to at some point as well.”While there is intrigue over Australia’s back-up bowlers, a refreshed Cummins and his frontline attack are hoping to mostly shoulder the workload. He will enter the series having not played red-ball cricket since March in New Zealand.Cummins was earmarked to play a Shield match for New South Wales, but has instead played one domestic 50-over game and two ODIs against Pakistan.”I feel great. Couldn’t have asked for a better lead in, so hopefully it translates into a good summer,” he said. “I’ve been really lucky to have four or five months off to build up, get strong. I feel as strong and as fresh and as fit as I have for a long time.”