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Celtic are battling Rangers for the services of a “wonderful” free agent signing.

Rodgers delighted after vital Celtic win

The Hoops beat Motherwell 3-2 in stoppage time on Sunday afternoon, ensuring that they remain just two points behind leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership table.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted with the victory, realising that his side weren’t at their best, but praising the “heart” that his players showed.

“I think the players deserve a huge amount of credit because it’s not easy to play here, especially when you’re behind in the game. The guys coming into the game made a big impact for us and we won through in the end, and I think deservedly so with the opportunities that we had, but it was still a very tough game.

“When you’re still trying to find the level of performance that we would want, you still have to show a big heart and you have to dig out results, and that’s what we did today. It’s been a tough start for us in a number of ways, on and off the pitch, but the one thing is that it hopefully can galvanise us, and I think the supporters will be proud of the players in terms of the heart they showed, and the spirit to keep going.”

Away from the on-pitch action, Celtic continue to eye potential new signings, with a new update now emerging over one rumoured transfer target for the Scottish champions.

New update on Celtic signing "wonderful" ace

Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke shared an update on Celtic’s chances of signing Saint-Etienne midfielder Pierre Ekwah, who is in the process of departing the French club, with the dispute to terminate his contract still ongoing.

“I would be surprised. Obviously you’ve got those added complications of him trying to sort out his contract situation at Saint Etienne. There’s a bit of a standoff going on between Ekwah and obviously the club as well over that one. So I think it’s one that both clubs (Celtic and Rangers) will be monitoring, maybe moving for the former Sunderland man because of that.

“The player has not taken part in much of Saint Etienne’s pre-season or played any games as well. He’d be lacking fitness. He’d probably be waiting for a while before he could be match ready for either Celtic or Rangers as well. So that’s why I think it’d be a deal that maybe both clubs will be wary of stepping in for Ekwah.

“I don’t think Celtic or Rangers will be pushing to do that. I do think both clubs are probably well stocked in midfield as well. They don’t need to bring in a midfielder as a free agent in the current circumstances. I think both clubs have got enough cover.”

It would be a shame for Celtic not to sign Ekwah, considering the 23-year-old is a versatile player who can shine in midfield and defence, being hailed as “wonderful” by Tony Mowbray, having worked together at Sunderland.

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As O’Rourke alludes to, though, the Hoops do have good depth in the middle of the park currently, and there are more pressing areas to focus on moving forward, like the need for a long-term solution up front despite Kelechi Iheanacho’s positive start in Glasgow.

أبدى ييس توروب المدير الفني لفريق الأهلي، رضاه عن نتيجة مباراة الأمس أمام إيجل نوار البورندي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا. 

وكان الأهلي قد حقق الفوز على فريق إيجل نوار البوروندي بهدف دون رد، في ذهاب دور الـ32 من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا. 

طالع.. أسعار تذاكر مباراتي الأهلي أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا والزمالك ضد بيراميدز في السوبر المصري

وقال ييس توروب في تصريحات على قناة “الأهلي”: “كوني ألعب مباراة مهمة بعد مرو 3 أيام فقط من تولي المسؤولية، وكان مهم أن نبدأ بالفوز، لذا أنا سعيد أننا حققنا الفوز”.

وأضاف: “راض عن الأداء في الشوط الأول، ولكن في الشوط الثاني أشعر أن الأداء نوعًا ما كان به سلبية، لكن المهم إننا بدأنا بداية جيدة وفزنا بالمباراة”.

وتابع: “أعلم أنني في أكبر ناد في إفريقيا، واحترم تاريخه، وجئت لإضافة ألقاب للنادي وأسعد جماهيره”.

واختتم توروب تصريحاته قائلًا: “أتشوق لرؤية جماهير الأهلي، ودوري أبطال إفريقيا رحلة طويلة نأخذها خطوة بخطوة، وإن شاء الله نحقق كل ما نريد”.

Super sub Robert Lewandowski saved goalkeeper Joan Garcia's blushes as Barcelona came from behind to beat a spirited Real Oviedo 3-1 on Thursday in La Liga. The 37-year-old is not getting any younger but he showed once again that his class is undeniable with a clinical finish against the struggling side. Garcia made a mistake he will want to forget quickly but the Poland star saved the day.

After table-topping Real Madrid thumped Levante 4-1 on Tuesday, Barcelona had to respond to keep their bitter rivals honest in the title race. But things looked bleak when Alberto Reina took advantage of Garcia's sloppy pass when he was way out of his goal, and the midfielder managed to fire home from 40 yards in the 33rd minute.

The reigning champions needed a response after a flat first half, and they got in the 56th minute when unlikely goalscorer Eric Garcia tapped in from a yard out after Ferran Torres' snap-shot was saved. Off the bench, Lewandowski turned things around for Barca 20 minutes from time when his terrific header crashed in off the underside of the bar. 

And Ronald Araujo capitalised on a tiring Oviedo side in the closing stages, as his glancing header nestled in the corner in the 89th minute to secure all three points. The result saw the Blaugrana close to within two points of Madrid after six games of the campaign.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Carlos Tartiere Stadium…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Joan Garcia (4/10):

Had a horror show for Oviedo's opener as his wayward pass was punished by the hosts. Didn't look all that comfortable after that, bar a nice stop at the death.

Eric Garcia (8/10):

Has been ever-present for Barcelona this season and showed he can be in the right place at the right time in an attacking sense as he stabbed home his team's equaliser. Getting better and better.

Ronald Araujo (8/10):

Showed a great turn of pace and a deft cutback as he played a big part in Barca's equaliser and at the other end, made some vital clearances in his own box. Took his goal very well late on.

Pau Cubarsi (6/10):

The teenager went about his duties quietly and efficiently. Tended to stay back more when Araujo and others got forward.

Gerard Martin (5/10):

Was up against the fleet-of-foot Haissem Hassan and largely came off second best against the winger. A tough night for the defender.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Pedri (7/10):

Played a big role in keeping Barca's midfield ticking over and then gained superiority as the match wore on. He was always a threat.

Marc Casado (5/10):

While he did not do a great deal wrong, it felt like Barca were missing Frenkie de Jong's quality in the centre of the park. Sure enough, the Dutchman replaced him at the break.

Dani Olmo (5/10):

The former RB Leipzig man was not nearly as effective as he was against Getafe last time out. Was a bit sloppy at times, too.

AFPAttack

Raphinha (6/10):

Has the ability to create something out of nothing, as he showed with his long-range strike that struck the woodwork. The captain was taken off just after the hour mark after a busy period. 

Ferran Torres (7/10):

The Spain international is clearly full of confidence as he looks capable of scoring every time he gets the ball. His instinctive and acrobatic shot led to Barca equalising.

Marcus Rashford (7/10):

The 27-year-old had his shooting boots on tonight; he just came up against an impressive display from keeper Aaron Escandell. Sometimes his decision-making can be a bit off, but he looks very committed and is so eager to run at the defence. 

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Frenkie de Jong (8/10):

The Netherlands international added some much-needed control and quality in the centre of the pitch for the visitors. He also beautifully assisted Lewandowski to make it 2-1.

Robert Lewandowski (8/10):

With almost his first touch after coming on, he buried a superb header past Escandell to silence the home crowd. His class is permanent.

Jules Kounde (7/10):

Made a vital interception at the back late on and added some extra solidity.

Marc Bernal (N/A):

Came on in the game's dying embers.

Andreas Christensen (N/A):

Too little time to make an impact.

Hansi Flick (7/10):

The German made a couple of changes to the side that beat Getafe 3-0 in their last game but it didn't really have a positive impact. However, his subs were dynamite and got them out of a very sticky situation.

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois da vitória do Botafogo diante do Cuiabá por 1 a 0 na Arena Pantanal, Tchê Tchê concedeu uma entrevista coletiva para imprensa. O volante alvinegro reconheceu as qualidades do adversário e celebrou os três pontos no Brasileirão.

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– O Cuiabá é uma equipe muito forte dentro de casa, é difícil jogar aqui, respeitamos demais. Sabemos o que havia sido combinado internamente para colocarmos em prática. Sabíamos que seria um jogo difícil, com poucas oportunidades e quando as tivéssemos teríamos que matar, e fomos felizes. Somos um time que sabe bem como se camuflar diante de algumas adversidades, ficamos felizes por isso – declarou Tchê Tchê para “Rádio Capital FM”.

+ Barbieri perto de sair do Vasco! Veja técnicos brasileiros que estão sem clube

– Vitória importante. Jogar aqui é muito difícil. A equipe do Cuiabá tem muita qualidade, é um campo pesado, muito quente. Superamos isso tudo dentro de campo. O que vale é o comprometimento da equipe e a dedicação. É seguir com pés no chão, não ganhamos nada ainda, é comemorar e em seguida virar a chave, porque domingo já tem outra decisão – completou.

+ Botafogo faz provocação ao Flamengo após rodada do Brasileirão

O Glorioso entra em campo no próximo domingo (25), diante do Palmeiras, às 16h, no Allianz Parque, pelo Brasileirão. O time de Luís Castro busca uma vitória fora de casa para se distanciar na liderança do campeonato.

Tottenham are actively pursuing more new summer signings before deadline day on September 1, as new manager Thomas Frank gears up for his first-ever campaign in charge of a ‘big six’ Premier League side.

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So far, Spurs’ only major high-profile deal comes in the form of a £55 million move for Mohammed Kudus, and chairman Daniel Levy will be very keen to ensure the Ghanaian isn’t their sole highlight of the window.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites were intent on completing a blockbuster £115 million double deal for both Kudus and Morgan Gibbs-White at one point, but Nottingham Forest blocked the latter’s move to N17, threatened legal action and convinced him to pen a brand-new £150,000-per-week deal at the City Ground.

After this shock turn of events over the last fortnight, Spurs are back to square one in pursuit of another star attacker who can inject some proven creativity into Frank’s side.

However, as one door closes, another one opens in the form of Real Madrid star Rodrygo – who England star Jude Bellingham called their most “underrated” player.

The versatile Brazil international, who can play on both wings and as a centre-forward when needed, could leave the Bernabeu this summer with his future looking uncertain under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Rodrygo is yet to make a final decision as of now (Fabrizio Romano), but as the former Santos star ponders life away from Madrid, it is believed that Los Blancos have confirmed to his representatives that they’re open to letting him leave.

“They [Rodrygo’s agents] already had a meeting last week [with Madrid] to just present their own position,” said Romano on his YouTube channel recently.

“In that meeting, from what I’ve heard, Real Madrid confirmed that they are open to letting Rodrygo go. Now it’s Rodrygo, together with his agents, who has to decide what he wants to do – stay and fight for a spot or leave and explore all the options.”

Tottenham are reportedly keen to sign Rodrygo and make him the centrepiece of Frank’s new-look Spurs side (AS), whilst other reports suggest that the 24-year-old hasn’t ruled out a move to north London behind-the-scenes.

Fabio Paratici holds talks with Rodrygo about joining Tottenham

Now, journalist Ben Jacobs has shared another update on the situation.

The reporter, via We Are Tottenham TV, claims that unofficial Tottenham advisor, Fabio Paratici, has held talks with Rodrygo’s camp over a move to England. However, Jacobs also provides a note of caution.

“When Rodrygo makes up his mind he’ll understand who actually wants him and who doesn’t,” Jacobs said.

“The only conversation that has taken place between the Rodrygo camp and somebody connected to Tottenham is via Fabio Paratici. Not Daniel Levy, nobody who is at the moment a full-time staff member. I don’t see this one developing, the player may prove to be open to the Premier League, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Rodrygo netted 14 goals and 11 assists in 54 outings across all competitions last season, owing to his obvious quality, but the player may not be allowed to leave on the cheap.

Tottenham will likely have to break their transfer record to agree any deal for the South American, with Real currently demanding around £78 million – a valuation which Levy and co are keen to reduce (AS).

There is also the matter of Rodrygo’s significant salary of around £207,000-per-week, which would make him Spurs’ highest-paid player.

India are looking to be well-prepared for the Champions Trophy, Asia Cup and T20 World Cup

Hemant Brar11-Oct-20242:39

Ten Doeschate: ‘We don’t give opportunities; the guys earn opportunities’

The Indian team is trying to “push the limits” of what they can do. According to assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, they are doing this in order to be well-prepared for the challenges in the next 18 months: the Champions Trophy, Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.With Rohit Sharma as captain and Rahul Dravid as coach, India had shed their safety-first approach with bat in limited-overs cricket. It paid dividends when they finished as the runners-up of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the winners of the 2024 T20 World Cup.Now Suryakumar Yadav has replaced Rohit as T20I captain and Gautam Gambhir has taken over as coach, but the template has remained the same. In the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior, India chased down 128 in 11.5 overs. Then, batting first in Delhi, they found themselves on 41 for 3 inside the powerplay. But Nitish Kumar Reddy and Rinku Singh only momentarily took their foot off the pedal and powered India to 221 for 9.”Hundred per cent,” ten Doeschate said, when asked if playing fearless cricket was part of the team philosophy. “I think it has shown in the way we have played. The Test match in Kanpur is a great example.”Related

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In that second Test in Kanpur, rain and a wet outfield allowed only 35 overs across the first three days. But India’s attacking approach with the bat meant they won with more than one session to spare.”We are trying to push the limits of what we can do as a team,” ten Doeschate said. “We have obviously got the quality to do it. And then it’s about giving the players the belief to do it in a safe space, that if it’s not going to go right, it’s also okay. And even if you look back at the first two games, someone like Sanju [Samson] getting a quick start in the first game in Gwalior, it would have been easy for him to knock it around and just get a 50-60 not out. But you can see he was trying to push the boundary. He knows the state of the game, and the messaging has been pretty consistent with that.”We want the guys to expand their game. We want to move cricket forward, like it’s going with the times. And we want to be prepared for the big crunch moments that are coming up in the next 18 months.”Gautam Gambhir oversees India’s training session in Hyderabad•PTI Another change since Gambhir became the coach has been the push to make as many players in the side bowl. In the second T20I, despite Hardik Pandya not rolling his arm over, India used seven bowlers, with each picking up at least one wicket.”You see the way the game is going, it’s very rare that all five bowlers, or even six bowlers, are going to go well on a given day,” ten Doeschate said. “So it’s nice to have options. Ideally, you want them to bowl a little bit more, but someone like Hardik not bowling in the last game, it’s just a testament to the depth of the bowling in the team.”India fielded the same XI in the first two T20Is. But now with the series sealed, they are likely to try their bench strength.”That was always the plan,” ten Doeschate said. “Obviously, there’s a nice depth in the squad – a lot of guys have the IPL experience. We are trying to expose as many guys as we can to international experience with what we have coming up. So someone like Harshit Rana, we are keen to give a game to. Obviously, Tilak [Varma] came into the squad a bit later. Jitesh [Sharma] is there as well. We want to give Sanju another chance. So there are options.”The third and final T20I will be played in Hyderabad, where the average run rate in IPL 2024 was 10.54. But ten Doeschate said India would not blindly trust the data.”Certainly the data and the evidence is around that [a high-scoring game]. But a little bit like when we got to Delhi the other day, you don’t want to read too much into the data. We probably feel that those first three wickets we lost was maybe because of going a little too hard. The wicket was a little bit sticky.”So we will have a look at this wicket. We are aware of the high-scoring nature of this pitch during the IPL but also we are five months away from the IPL now. So conditions could change as well. Fingers crossed, it’s a high-scoring game and a quality game.”

This summer is shaping up to be one of Arsenal’s best in a very long time.

It might sound hyperbolic, but it’s really not, as, following a slow start to the transfer window, the club have already officially announced four signings, including Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke.

Add to that the renewed contracts of Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, plus the fact that Cristhian Mosquera is already reportedly out in Singapore, and it’s easy to see why some fans are getting very excited.

Moreover, while he’s not been announced yet, the club appear to have finally agreed a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres, and based on reports, they’re also keen on someone who’d be his dream winger.

Arsenal target dream winger for Gyokeres

The most significant transfer saga involving Arsenal this summer has undoubtedly been about Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

At first, it looked like Benjamin Sesko was the club’s first-choice option to lead the line next season, but once RB Leipzig priced him out of a move, the North Londoners turned their full attention to the Swedish international.

Finally, after what had felt like weeks of stalemate between Sporting CP and the Gunners over the add-ons in the deal, Fabrizio Romano gave the transfer the ‘here we go’ treatment yesterday afternoon.

It’s a potentially game-changing addition to a team that needed a clinical number nine last season, and better yet, the club are now being linked with someone who could be the striker’s dream winger.

According to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal are interested in Anthony Gordon.

The report claims that the Newcastle United star is a player the Premier League runners-up currently ‘admire’, but that the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard could determine whether that admiration develops.

In terms of how much the Englishman may cost, reports from earlier this summer claimed a fee of around £100m could be enough, and while that’s a lot of money, it might prove worth it to sign someone who could be Gyokeres’ dream winger.

Why Gordon would be a dream teammate for Gyokeres

So, to first determine which wingers would be dream teammates for Gyokeres, we need to take a moment to look at how the striker plays the game.

While Arteta and Co will surely be able to further develop the way in which the Swede plays, it’s crystal clear from both his heat map last season that he spends most of his time in and around the penalty area.

Moreover, when we take a look at his shot map in all competitions last season, it becomes even more apparent that he is a traditional number nine, a fox in the box, if you will.

So, to get the most out of him and maximise his strengths, the Gunners need a winger who is effective at getting the ball into dangerous areas, and based on some of his underlying numbers, Gordon fits the bill.

For example, FBref placed him in the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for crosses into the penalty area and the top 15% for passes into the penalty area.

Additionally, FBref ranked him in the top 1% for penalty kicks won and the top 3% for goal-creating actions the previous season, suggesting that the Englishman will create chances for his teammates, either through winning a foul or ingenious play.

Finally, you don’t just have to look at the underlying metrics to see the Liverpool-born “nightmare,” as he described himself, could be a real game-changer for the Gunners and Gyokeres, as his output also makes the case.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, he’s scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists in 90 appearances, totalling 6815 minutes.

In other words, that means the 24-year-old ace has averaged a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 154.88 minutes.

Appearances

48

42

Minutes

3869′

2946′

Goals

12

9

Assists

16

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.38

Minutes per Goal Involvement

138.17′

184.12′

Ultimately, Gyokeres looks like he’ll be an incredible addition to this Arsenal squad, but if Arteta and Co want to get even more out of him, they’d do well to bring in Gordon as well.

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Marcus Stoinis back with Durban’s Super Giants, Paarl Royals have traded in Dayyaan Galiem from Joburg Super Kings for Tabraiz Shamsi

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Aug-2024

Faf du Plessis will continue to lead Joburg Super Kings in 2025•SA20

Jonny Bairstow will feature for Joburg Super Kings in 2025. It will be his first time participating in the SA20. Faf du Plessis, Gerald Coetzee and Donovan Ferreira are among the other players retained by the franchise. They have traded in Tabraiz Shamsi from Paarl Royals with Dayyaan Galiem going the other way.JSK’s overseas retentions include Moeen Ali, Maheesh Theekshana and David Wiese. Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams and Imran Tahir will also return to the Super Kings after helping them reach the Qualifier in the previous edition.Reeza Hendricks and Sam Cook are the notable absentees from last season. There will be additions to the 13-member squad, which du Plessis will continue to captain, at the auction.Related

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Joburg Super Kings squad
Faf du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Maheesh Theekshana, Jonny Bairstow, Gerald Coetzee, David Wiese, Leus du Plooy, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Sibonelo Makhanya, Tabraiz Shamsi, Imran TahirStoinis back with Durban’s Super GiantsLast season’s runners-up, Durban’s Super Giants, had announced earlier that they have Kane Williamson and Chris Woakes on board this time. They will also have firepower in the form of Marcus Stoinis, who was the team’s wildcard pick last time around. They’ve also retained a strong local core in Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock and (their captain) Keshav Maharaj.Also back on their books are Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq and Noor Ahmad, local players Prenelan Subrayen, Dwaine Pretorius, Jon-Jon Smuts, Wiaan Mulder, Junior Dala, Matthew Breetzke, Jason Smith and Bryce Parsons.Durban’s Super Giants squad
Keshav Maharaj (captain), Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan), Matthew Breetzke, Junior Dala, Quinton De Kock, Wiaan Mulder, Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan), Bryce Parsons, Dwaine Pretorius, Jason Smith, Jon-Jon Smuts, Prenelan SubrayenPaarl Royals retain Miller, Ngidi, PhehlukwayoCaptain David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo are among a list of ten South African players retained by Paarl Royals for the new season of the SA20 in 2025. Kwena Maphaka and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, rookie signings from the 2024 edition, have also been retained by the Royals ahead of the auction.Dane Vilas, Evan Jones, Wihan Lubbe and Ferisco Adams have been let go to make space in the squad that currently has 11 players, including being seam-bowling allrounder Galiem.David Miller led Royals to the Eliminator in 2024•SA20

Royals made the Qualifiers in the last SA20 edition but suffered five straight losses including a nine-wicket thumping in the Eliminator against Super Kings. The new season begins on January 9.”We are delighted to go into the upcoming auction with a very formidable core of capped and uncapped South African players,” Kumar Sangakkara – Royals’ Director of Cricket – said in a press release. “After the disappointment of last season where we faltered towards the latter stages of the tournament, it was important to re-look at the squad and make certain changes.”Paarl Royals squad
David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, Andile Phehlukwayo, Mitchell van Buuren, Codi Yusuf, Keith Dudgeon, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dayyaan Galiem (Traded in)MI Cape Town hold on to Rabada, BrevisThere were not too many surprises in MI Cape Town’s announcements. They held on to Kagiso Rabada and Dewald Brevis via pre-signings, and also retained Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, Delano Potgieter, Thomas Kaber and Connor Esterhuizen.They let go of Beuran Hendricks, Duan Jansen, Grant Roelofsen and Neelan van Heerden, statement from the franchise saying: “MI Cape Town would like to thank [these] players for their support and contribution over the last 2 seasons and wish them the very best.”Sunrisers Eastern Cape bring in CrawleySunrisers Eastern Cape, the defending SA20 champions, have signed South Africa batter David Bedingham, England opener Zak Crawley, fast bowler Craig Overton, and Netherlands allrounder Roelof van der Merwe for the upcoming season. More on their squad here.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are working in tandem on the club’s summer recruitment drive ahead of a vital 2025/2026 campaign, where the Gunners are under real pressure to deliver silverware.

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In the background, Arsenal continue working on their top summer targets before they’re officially allowed to register any new signings once again, and it is believed they’re closing in on a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (David Ornstein).

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

It’s long been reported that Berta and co are keen to add a capable second-choice keeper to their ranks with Neto returning to Bournemouth, and Arsenal recently missed out on a deal for long-term target Joan Garcia, who is set to join Barcelona instead.

Given how long it is taking for Arsenal to officially sign Martin Zubimendi, with Fabrizio Romano recently assuring supporters that everything is indeed agreed for the Spaniard to join, Arrizabalaga could end up being the club’s first signing announcement of the summer.

Further forward, Arsenal want to sign a new winger as well, but are resigned to losing out on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane after his agreement to join Galatasaray.

The Gunners will now need to turn to alternative wide targets, perhaps Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, and there is also the matter of moving forward in negotiations for their top striker target – RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal hold London talks over signing Benjamin Sesko

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal held London talks to sign Sesko in the last few days, with discussions taking place in the English capital.

This follows an agreement on personal terms with the 6 foot 5 centre-forward, who bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season, but both Leipzig and Arsenal remain in dispute over Sesko’s final price.

The Bundesliga side are holding out for around £67 million, the value of his release clause, while Arteta’s side are trying to negotitate a lower fee.

Arteta has apparently made it clear behind-the-scenes that Sesko must be their priority striker signing, and there is confidence on all sides that an agreement will eventually be struck.

Saudi sides have recently expressed an interest in the 22-year-old as well, but his focus is on remaining in Europe and competing at the very top level.

Arsenal have internally discussed the possibility of striking a deal for one forward who’s been offered to Premier League rivals Manchester City, according to a report this week.

Arsenal expected to sign forward after Martin Zubimendi

Barring a very unexpected surprise, Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi will become Andrea Berta’s first signing as Gunners sporting director.

Arsenal tipped to sign class striker after Zubimendi as Arteta pressures board

The Spaniard has made his wishes clear to Emirates Stadium transfer chiefs.

ByEmilio Galantini May 29, 2025

The Spain international will put pen to paper on a move to north London with Arsenal set to trigger his £51 million release clause. Zubimendi is also awaiting a medical at N5, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources, including Fabrizio Romano.

The 26-year-old’s arrival is seen as very good news for Mikel Arteta, who’s moved quickly to secure a world-class replacement for the exit-bound Jorginho.

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

As per Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol earlier this week, Arteta has been pressuring the Arsenal board to be active in recruitment this summer, and there is every expectation that they will look to bring in attackers.

While Arsenal are widely tipped to sign an elite-level centre-forward, amid repeated links to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, they’ve also held negotiations for wide players.

Berta is very keen to bring in a new winger and is holding active talks over “numerous” targets, as per Sky Germany last week, with Arsenal negotiations for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo recently stalling due to wage demands.

Soon to be out-of-contract, £242,000-per-week Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane could be another viable option.

Arsenal internally discuss Leroy Sane deal this summer

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, Arsenal have internally debated a deal for Sane, who was once valued at £137 million by his ex-employers Man City.

Pep Guardiola has actually been offered the chance to re-sign his former player, as have “every major club in England”.

“We have been here before with Sane – talks with Bayern have been off and on, he has a good offer from them, but his people are assessing options elsewhere,” said Bailey.

“I am told there are two offers in Turkey, one from Galatasaray which are ‘very big’ and there is the Saudi Pro League. As we revealed previously he was offered to every major club in England, even former club Man City.

“There is a liking for the player in England and Arteta is a fan, and whilst there is interest – no offer has come from Arsenal yet – he is an option I am told and they have talked about a prospective deal.

“Sane is a top player and appeals on a free transfer – could he be seen as a ‘win now’ player? Quite possibly.”

Reports in Germany this week stated Tottenham are actually emerging as the main contenders for Sane, so he could potentially move to north London, but maybe not with Arsenal.