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Newcastle United suffered a late defeat to Liverpool on Monday as Rio Ngumoha scored on his debut to make it 3-2. However, the loss of that point is only the second biggest problem to come out of the game for Eddie Howe.

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It looks certain that four of Monday’s starting 11 will be unavailable for their next Premier League fixture against Leeds on Saturday, as Anthony Gordon was sent off for a late challenge on Virgil Van Dijk and is currently facing a three-game suspension.

The other three absences are all injuries, with Fabian Schar having to be taken off due to a concussion. He is the most likely of the four to be available for the Leeds match, but that will depend on his recovery over the coming days.

The bigger injuries were suffered by midfield duo Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. Tonali had to be removed due to an apparent shoulder injury, and Joelinton followed ten minutes later with a muslce problem.

Post-match, Howe was asked about both injuries and said it “doesn’t look good” and “they both look threatening for us in the sense they could be out for a while”. Due to this, Newcastle are considering drastic action in the transfer market and bringing in a replacement midfielder in the final few days of the window.

Newcastle one of six Premier League teams considering Gallagher

Newcastle are considering signing Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher as a replacement for the injured Tonali and Joelinton. Graeme Bailey of TBR Football spoke about a number of teams showing interest in Gallagher but told fans “don’t rule out Newcastle” and “keep an eye on Newcastle”.

Gallagher appears to have been on Newcastle’s radar prior to this week but their interest has intensified following the injuries. How much Atlético would want for the 25-year-old is currently unknown, but they paid £33 million for him last summer.

On the personal side of things, Gallagher is reportedly on just over £150,000 a week, and Newcastle have a working relationship with his agency, Elite Management Agency, as they also represent centre-back Dan Burn.

Gallagher is receiving interest from multiple clubs hoping to bring him back to the Premier League before the transfer window ends – Newcastle and Everton currently look the most likely to make a move, but West Ham, Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Manchester United are all also considering the England midfielder.

Gallagher can ease long term depth concerns

While several clubs are interested in signing Gallagher, they’re all looking to replace slightly different midfielders. It speaks to his versatility that the six different clubs see him as a potential solution to their problems.

Manchester United and Tottenham are considering Gallagher as a typical defensive midfielder, with Tottenham considering him if Yves Bissouma moves on. Last season, he was in the top 15% of players for defensive recoveries and tackle success rate, making him more than capable of breaking up play and supporting the defence.

Crystal Palace may be looking at Gallagher as a replacement for Eberechi Eze following his move to Arsenal, in which case, he would be a far more attacking signing. During his season on loan at Crystal Palace, Gallagher registered 13 goal involvements in 39 games, demonstrating his attacking acumen when properly utilised.

Newcastle’s typical midfield of Joelinton, Tonali and Bruno Guimarães are all players who can perform both defensively and offensively. With various suitors wanting Gallagher for both of these attributes, it makes him the perfect replacement if it turns out that both injuries are long-term, also providing depth behind all three when the trio are fit and firing.

It has been a hectic 24 hours or so for Nottingham Forest. The East Midlands side have a new manager, with Ange Postecoglou now at the helm after sacking former boss Nuno Espirito Santo following a successful stint that lasted almost 18 months.

The Australian manager is back in the game after a short time away, following his dismissal from Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last season. That was despite the Europa League victory, which saw him guide Spurs to their first trophy since 2007/08.

Forest, a defensively sound and counter-attacking side under Nuno, will see what one analyst described as a “drastic shift” in style. Postecoglou is famed for his high line and intense counter pressing, a huge difference in approach.

With that in mind, here is a look at the Australian manager’s dream Forest side ahead of his new role at the City Ground….

1 GK – Matz Sels

It seems highly likely that Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels will keep his place as Forest’s number one despite the change of manager. He was an integral part of Nuno’s side, keeping 13 clean sheets and conceding just 46 times in 38 Premier League games last season.

This term has not been quite the start he might have wanted. Sels has already let in five goals in just three appearances, but with a good campaign under his belt, there is little reason to think Postecoglou will drop him from the side.

2 RB – Ola Aina

Another one of Forest’s stars from last season was Nigerian international Ola Aina. The right-back featured 35 times for the club, chipping in with two goals and assisting another on top of that.

Again, it doesn’t seem likely that Forest’s new boss will change such an important player. Jamie Carragher said at the start of 2025 that Aina “could play for a team who expects to be in the Champions League every season”, and with Europa League football now at the City Ground, Postecoglou will surely rely on that quality.

3 CB – Murillo

One half of a formidable centre-back pairing last season, 23-year-old Murillo was part of the reason why Forest were so hard to breach. He’s a fantastic box defender and will put his body on the line to keep the ball out. Indeed, in 2024/25, he averaged 6.7 clearances per 90 minutes.

Yet, there are surely question marks over his suitability to play in Postecoglou’s system in the long term. As we saw at Spurs, the Australian manager loves to push his centre-backs up as high as possible, which can leave them with a lot of running back.

It certainly doesn’t play to Murillo’s biggest strength of defending the box, albeit with the former Corinthians man no slouch in possession, having regularly been seen tearing up the field with a positive dribble and carry.

4 CB – Nikola Milenkovic

Just as there are questions raised about Murillo under Forest’s new manager, much the same can be said about Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic. Like his defensive partner, he is a top box defender, and made 5.6 clearances each game, but it would be a huge ask to ask him to cover the large spaces he may need to.

Journalist Tom Allnutt said the pair would have to be “hugging the halfway line” under Postecoglou. That is a huge difference to sitting deep and defending the box.

Milenkovic should keep his place in the team, but whether he can keep up with the demands of the system is another question.

5 LB – Oleksandr Zinchenko

The first of Forest’s new signings to get into the team under Postecoglou could be Arsenal loanee Oleksandr Zinchenko. BBC Sport analyst Umir said he is “such a Postecoglu player”, and it is easy to see why.

Pedro Porro was tasked with playing as an inverted full-back under the former Spurs boss, and it is a role Zinchenko knows well. He has played as a midfielder for Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as playing that inverted role.

It seems that, if Postecoglou is to stick with it at Forest, the Ukraine international could be a dream option.

6 CM – Elliot Anderson

There is no doubt that new England star Elliot Anderson has to slot into the side somehow under Postecoglou. Well, that could be as the deepest midfielder, controlling play and looking to break up attacks.

The numbers behind Anderson’s excellent 202/25 season at the City Ground suggest this role could suit him well. He has the technical talent on the ball to keep things ticking over, and had an 82.3% pass accuracy last season.

Key passes

1.2

37

Dribbles completed

1.2

36

Pass accuracy

82.3%

82.3%

Accurate long balls

1.5

45

Tackles and interceptions

4

123

Out of possession, he averaged four tackles and interceptions. He is the perfect option if Postecoglou wants a controller as his number six.

7 CM – Morgan Gibbs-White

Anderson’s England teammate Morgan Gibbs-White will also be an essential part of this Postecoglou side. His influence on Nuno’s Forest side last season was incomparable, and he scored and assisted 17 Premier League goals.

Ange tends to ask two of his midfielders to push up into the half spaces and operate high up the pitch. Given the fact that Gibbs-White created ten big chances last season, his creative nous fits the bill perfectly.

8 CM – James McAtee

New summer signing James McAtee, who joined from Manchester City, could also fit the bill quite well for one of those advanced midfielders. Despite limited opportunities for his boyhood club in 2024/25, he still impressed with seven goals in 24 games across all competitions.

Last season for Pep Guardiola’s side, he averaged 0.8 key passes per game, and has already played an average of one per game in a Forest shirt. The extra goal threat and creativity between the lines should make McAtee a good option for Postecoglou.

9 RW – Dilane Bakwa

Although he is yet to make his debut for Forest, new £30m signing Dilane Bakwa could be an exciting option out wide for Postecoglou. Described as a “menace” of an attacker by football scout Antonio Mango, he managed 12 goals and 21 assists in 71 games for former club Strasbourg.

The fact he is a true playmaker out wide might pique Postecoglou’s interest when it comes to starting Bakwa, especially since he can play on either flank. However, it would mean fellow new addition Dan Ndoye is dropped, despite scoring and assisting already this season.

10 LW – Callum Hudson-Odoi

Next up in Postecoglou’s dream side for Forest this season is Callum Hudson-Odoi. The former Chelsea star was key for Nuno last term, and chipped in with eight goals and assists in the Premier League.

Under Postecoglou, his creativity in the final third from wide areas will be key, just as it is for Bakwa. Last term, the former Chelsea star averaged 1.5 key passes per 90 minutes, so he has that creative nous from out wide to provide a regular service.

Chelsea attempted to sign AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan earlier in the window as they tried to upgrade on Robert Sanchez, with a report sharing the Blues’ fresh stance over signing a new shot-stopper.

Enzo Maresca started with Sanchez during Chelsea’s eventual 5-1 hammering of West Ham at the London Stadium on Friday, and it wasn’t exactly a perfect game for the Spaniard, who conceded an early goal to Lucas Paqueta before the Blues floodgates opened.

Maresca’s side eventually ran riot in east London, putting an abject Hammers team to the sword, with Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah all getting on the scoresheet in a routine win.

Chelsea’s imperious attacking play and overall dominance perhaps spared Sanchez’s blushes, who perhaps could’ve been better positioned to claw away Paqueta’s superb long-range strike inside 10 minutes.

In June, Maignan was seen as their desired alternative to Sanchez, and the France number one was pushing to make the move to Stamford Bridge at one point.

However, both Milan and Chelsea couldn’t agree on his final asking price, which was rumoured to be around £25 million. BlueCo saw that figure as a bit steep considering Maignan has just one year left on his deal (Sky Sports), with £10m seen to be a more realistic valuation from their perspective.

Given the 29-year-old’s pedigree as one of world football’s most elite keepers, there is a case to be made that £25m for a player of his calibre/experience is 100 per cent worth the punt – regardless of his contractual situation.

Chelsea stance on Robert Sanchez as Mike Maignan deal odds revealed

According to journalist Simon Phillips, though, the odds of going back in for Maignan at this stage are unlikely – as Chelsea are currently adopting a ‘sell-to-buy’ policy due to their complex settlement with UEFA.

Any deal for a new goalkeeper or centre-back would require an outgoing, and one from one of their Conference League-winning squad last season.

It appears as if Sanchez will continue to be the go-to, and perhaps there is time for the keeper, who’s still very young for players in that position, to mature and come good on a consistent enough basis.

Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises have made an enquiry to sign another new midfielder ahead of Premier League rivals Burnley and Everton.

Leeds bolster midfield with Longstaff and Stach signings

The Whites have been busy in recent weeks ahead of their top flight return, with two of their recent signings coming in midfield.

After bolstering Daniel Farke’s defence with Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson, Leeds have since added Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach.

Signed for a combined £29.4m from Newcastle United and Hoffenheim respectively, the duo look set to provide competition for Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev this season.

Talking after signing, Longstaff said: “I think from the first time I spoke to Leeds, I got a feeling that they really wanted me. It just fills you full of confidence and it just makes you want to repay those people. It is a massive, massive football club – similar to Newcastle in a lot of ways.”

Meanwhile, Stach added: “I am excited to join such a good team, such a good Premier League team, and I am looking forward to the next season. My style of play, I would say I am an aggressive player. I am good in duels. I am good at anticipating passes from the opponents and it would be good for the Premier League. Now we will see, I will try my best.”

Even better than Muniz: Leeds lining up move to sign "dominant" £30m star

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a striker who is even better than Rodrigo Muniz.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 31, 2025

The Whites don’t seem to be stopping there when it comes to midfield reinforcements, though, going off a new transfer update.

Leeds make contact to sign Benfica’s Florentino Luis

According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds have made an enquiry to sign Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis.

It is claimed that the Portuguese side could be open to selling Luis after bringing in Richard Ríos, with Leeds, Everton and Burnley all making approaches in recent weeks.

The 25-year-old appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €22m Transfermarkt valuation. Luis has been with Benfica since 2019, winning two league titles, and is under contract until 2027.

He caught the eye of football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who dubbed the midfielder the “Portuguese Octopus”, and he also ranks high for a number of areas over the last 12 months.

Florentino Luis	Percentile (FBref)
Tackles	97th percentile
Interceptions	99th percentile
Tackles won	94th percentile
Passes blocked	82nd percentile
Pass completion (long)	94th percentile

A move to England could be one to keep an eye on following the recent transfer update and it’ll be interesting to see if Leeds firm up their interest after making contact.

Scotland could almost touch a history-making moment. Australia’s asking rate was approaching 13 going into the final seven overs of their chase in what, until then, had been an underwhelming performance. But Marcus Stoinis, with help from Travis Head and later Tim David, shattered their dreams and in turn left England breathing a sigh of relief in Antigua, the result securing their Super Eight berth in the T20 World Cup 2024.Stoinis, who mixed deftness and power in another impressive performance in what is becoming an outstanding tournament for him, put it back in Australia’s favour with a 25-ball half-century while Head turned on the afterburners after compiling a somewhat sedate 45-ball fifty with three sixes off consecutive legitimate deliveries.Although both departed, Australia entered the last over needing just five but there was one final twist. With three needed off four balls, David was dropped at deep midwicket by Chris Sole and with that went Scotland’s last hope. The next ball was sent into the stands.For three-quarters of the contest, Scotland had been outstanding. Their platform was laid by a blistering display from Brandon McMullen on one of the better batting surfaces of the tournament so far. Australia, who shelled six chances in a poor fielding display, clawed it back in the second 10 overs but in their powerplay were held to 36 for 2 by some excellent bowling. However, ultimately the depth and power of their batting order was too much leaving a host of emotions across two islands.

Deftness and power from Stoinis

Australia could not get up or ahead of the asking rate through the first half of the innings. When Glenn Maxwell, who had struck one six over long-on, was defeated by a wonderful delivery from Mark Watt, which pitched on off stump and straightened, Scotland were buoyant and there was a sense that Australia could pay for being off the pace.However, Stoinis got away from his first ball with the help of a misfield, square cutting one of Watt’s 24-yard deliveries. So often known for sheer brute force, he then deftly reverse-swept Michael Leask from the first delivery of the next over and looked on his game. Still, the requirement had become a demanding 87 off 39 balls when Stoinis took down Leask with a reverse-hit six over point then another down the ground.When Head slammed three sixes off Safyaan Sharif the tide had firmly turned; at one stage a series of 12 legitimate deliveries brought 46 runs. Sharif did strike back to have Head taken at long-off, but Australia had given themselves breathing room.Brandon McMullen struck six sixes in his knock•ICC/Getty Images

Scotland’s Bazball

Having been put in, it took Scotland a couple of overs to size up conditions and midway through the third they were still to reach double figures. That changed when McMullen lofted Nathan Ellis stylishly over long off. Even better was to follow as he used his feet against Mitchell Starc and flayed him into the stands over cover.When Adam Zampa was introduced he showed excellent footwork to send him for six, then drive through the off side against a shorter delivery, with another brace of sixes coming off Ashton Agar in the eighth over as he brought up a 26-ball fifty.At the other end, George Munsey had laboured somewhat to 4 off 10 balls but then followed the lead of McMullen by taking on Glenn Maxwell’s over inside the powerplay with 14 off the last three balls. He swept Maxwell for another six before dragging a wider delivery into the hands of deep midwicket next ball. From 92 for 1 after 8.5 overs, Scotland will look back with some regret that the remaining 11.1 overs only brought 88 runs. A large amount of the credit for that has to go to a pair of skillful death overs from Ellis who continued to impress.

Australia’s hat-trick of drops

Australia had an uncharacteristically poor day in the field. None of the chances were simple, but in all they missed six catches – the most in a Men’s T20 World Cup match according to ESPNcricinfo data. At one stage, they put down three in consecutive balls: Zampa palming Matthew Cross’ pull over the fine leg rope, Mitchell Marsh spilling a low one at cover and then Matthew Wade being unable to take a glove down the leg side when Cross swept at Maxwell. Earlier, there had been two put down in Starc’s second over when Marsh couldn’t hold a chance above his head at mid-on and Head grassed a tough one at cover from McMullen.Mitchell Marsh wrings his hand after dropping a tough catch•Getty Images

Agar ends long wait

By the time the game ended, a lot had happened since Agar struck in the opening over of the contest to remove Michael Jones. He was playing his first T20I since the previous World Cup in October 2022 as Australia had one eye on potential match-ups in the Super Eight.”Deep in a tournament, when the same grounds are being used a lot, we’re starting to see some wickets that are starting to show a bit of fatigue in the West Indies,” national selector George Bailey told reporters. “A lot of the guys we’ve got in the group have got a bunch of cricket behind them, either through the IPL most recently or have played quite a bit in this team.”But Ash [Agar], just coming off his injuries and the way we’ve structured up when he has been available, he just hasn’t been able to get much game time, as much as he’d probably like…just getting that opportunity in the middle to be able to put that into place, for Mitch to be able to navigate what it’s like with a number of spinners in the team.”Australia ended up using 12 overs of spin with Agar, Maxwell and Zampa all bowling their full complement. They will be back in St Lucia to face India in their final Super Eight fixture. For a while it appeared Scotland would be joining them but that proved agonisingly out of reach.

Arsenal trio Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have sealed new contracts in a major boost for Mikel Arteta, according to a report, but the Spaniard still faces the prospect of losing a “massive” player.

Andrea Berta tasked with keeping vital Arsenal stars

As Gabriel attracts reported interest from Saudi Arabia, and Saliba’s links to Real Madrid refuse to go away, it is vital that new sporting director Andrea Berta cements the long-term futures of Arsenal’s star centre-back duo with Saka.

Mikel Arteta "loves" £161k-per-week Barcelona star and wants him at Arsenal

The 43-year-old is a huge fan.

ByEmilio Galantini May 21, 2025

The Athletic recently reported that Arsenal have opened talks with Saliba over a new deal, and with Saka’s contract expiring in 2027, securing fresh terms for the latter is actually one of Berta’s top priorities.

“We will touch on several names, but I wanted to start with the top priority, which is absolutely Bukayo Saka,” said reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano on the Here We Go podcast last month.

“Bukayo Saka is out of contract in the summer of 2027, so it’s not something urgent, it’s not a worrying situation for Arsenal. But in general, Arsenal want to give a new contract to Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal 4-2 Leicester City

9.63

West Ham 2-5 Arsenal

9.47

Arsenal 3-1 Southampton

9.41

Arsenal 2-0 Wolves

8.72

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

8.40

via WhoScored

“So some contacts have already started. Now Bukayo and his agents will have the opportunity to meet with Andrea Berta to understand the strategy from the new director, and that’s always something important. You can start the conversation already months ago, of course, but then you need to speak to the new director to understand the view, to understand the project, and this is what’s going to happen with Bukayo Saka.”

All three Arsenal stars have played a pivotal role for Arteta since the beginning of 2022/2023 and beyond, with Gabriel and Saliba forming their stellar partnership around that time and Saka consistently standing out as England’s most exciting wide player.

Arsenal 'agree' Saka, Gabriel and Saliba deals but face Partey blow

According to Football Transfers, making a very bold claim this week, Arsenal have actually “already agreed” new deals for Saka, Gabriel and Saliba.

The outlet reports that they’re set to put pen to paper on extensions after progressive talks, which comes as some very good news for Berta and Arteta, but the same cannot be said for the reinvigorated Thomas Partey.

The £200,000-per-week midfielder has arguably enjoyed his best season to date at the Emirates, fighting his way back into Arteta’s starting eleven and bolstering a number of key positions, including right-back, in excellent fashion.

However, talks are yet to be resolved over the Ghanaian’s extension, and there is a realistic possibility that Arteta loses Partey when his current contract expires beyond June 30th.

While Arsenal have agreed to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, this scenario is one Arteta will still be keen to avoid.

“He’s a massive player for us, and he’s shown that week in, week out,” said Arteta on Partey’s resurgent 2024/2025 form.

“He’s started the season really well, really fit. The way he came back post-holiday was probably in the best condition that he’s been.”

Wolves have made contact over the signing of a “brilliant” Manchester United player on a free transfer this summer, according to a new report.

Man Utd circling for Cunha after Wolves win at Old Trafford

Wanderers are sweating over the future of star man Mathues Cunha, with United looking like they are leading the race to sign him at the end of this season. The Brazilian has been such an impressive performer for Wolves, in what has largely been an underwhelming season for too many players, scoring 14 goals in the Premier League and once again shining in the recent 1-0 win at United.

If Cunha does leave Wanderers this summer, a top-quality player needs to come in and replace him, and Chelsea’s Joao Felix has been mentioned as a loan target. The Portuguese hasn’t reached his potential, having won the European Golden Boy award back in 2019, but he could still be an exciting addition.

Aside from Cunha, there could be other exits at Wolves in the coming months, with Tommy Doyle expected to move on to pastures new, in order enjoy more regular playing time. Now, a well-known central defender has been backed to head to Molineux in the next transfer window.

Wolves make contact with Man Utd's Lindelof

According to the latest from Caught Offside, Wolves have “been in contact” with United centre-back Victor Lindelof over a summer move to Molineux. The 30-year-old is expected to leave the Reds Devils on a free transfer at the end of the season, and Wanderers are among a host of clubs who are keen on snapping him up. Fulham, Everton and West Ham are all mentioned in the report, too.

The £120,000-a-week Lindelof could be a shrewd signing by Wolves, even though his best days may arguably be behind him, hence United being willing to lose him on a free. The defender is a hugely experienced figure, making 277 appearances for the Red Devils and winning 71 caps for Sweden, while Fraizer Campbell lauded a performance against Everton last season.

“He was brilliant. He’s not let his man have time or space, [Jack] Harrison, who started on the right fot them, he’s a good player, he could have caused us a lot of problems, he snuffed that out. He did really well. That’s exactly what the manager wants. He wants people he can trust when he picks them, whatever position they play in, to do a job for him. He’s demonstrating that by playing left-back.”

There is a certain gamble Wolves would be taking in signing Lindelof, especially as he has had lots of injury problems at United, but the free aspect of the transfer would take out some of the risk element.

Wolves must rue selling sensational star who is worth £40m more than Cunha

Wolves sold a player in 2022 who is now worth around £100m

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 21, 2025

The Swede can come in and be a strong squad option for Vitor Pereira, putting his experience to good use and adding the much-needed depth that Wanderers crave ahead of what is hopefully a more positive 2025/26 campaign.

Arsenal are now believed to be among the frontrunners for the signing of a new forward target after missing out on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané, who is committing his future to the Bundesliga side with a new contract.

Leroy Sané on verge of Bayern Munich stay after talks with Arsenal

Earlier this week, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg shared news of fresh Arsenal talks with Sane over a potential move to the Emirates Stadium, but the former Man City star appears more likely to snub Mikel Arteta.

Related Arsenal hold "high-level talks" to sign "bargain" attacker "in recent days"

Negotiations have apparently taken place this week.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025

The 29-year-old, who’s impressed with a string of standout performances for Bayern in recent weeks, was due to leave on a Bosman deal past June 30th. However, he is now edging towards signing fresh terms at the Allianz Arena.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Plettenberg reports that Bayern have made an official new contract offer to Sane, with all parties now working to reach an agreement over an extension, which spells bad news for Arsenal’s attempts to bring in a new right-winger this summer.

The journalist also states that Sane is about to extend his Bayern contract in a separate message, so it’s more likely than not Arsenal are about to miss out on a free deal for the Germany international star.

Interestingly, the Sky reporter has now claimed that the Gunners are eyeing an alternative in wantaway Bayern teammate Kingsley Coman.

Arsenal now "most concrete" option for Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman

According to Plettenberg, Arsenal is now the “most concrete” landing spot for Coman, who has told Bayern chiefs that he’d like to leave this summer.

However, it won’t be a free run for Arteta’s side either, with Tottenham also eyeing a move for the Frenchman and Saudi planning transfer talks.

“Kingsley Coman has already internally expressed his desire to leave this summer, as revealed,” wrote Plettenberg on X.

“Saudi clubs are now taking the matter seriously and are planning a visit to Munich for talks with Bayern. In England, Arsenal are currently the most concrete option – especially since Leroy Sané is about to extend his contract with Bayern. Spurs would like to sign Coman but are currently in a waiting position due to his high salary.”

While the 28-year-old earns a reported £284,000 per week in Germany, which would make him one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players, Coman’s price tag stands at up to £39 million – making him an obtainable option in terms of club-to-club negotiations.

The former PSG and Juventus winger has racked up nearly 140 goals and assists combined over almost 330 appearances since joining Bayern, all whilst showcasing real ability on the highest stage.

“He was at PSG as an eight-year-old boy,” said pundit Rio Ferdinand.

“With the money that came in with the Qataris, he was one of the players who were offloaded, and he’s come back and done this. His trophy haul since leaving – it shouldn’t be allowed. It’s unbelievable. The kid knows how to win.”

One major drawback which Arsenal need to be aware of is Coman’s injury history, with Arteta keen to avoid being left so short of wide options akin to this season.

After losing their way against Australia and England, India finally produced the complete batting performance that was expected of them

Sruthi Ravindranath24-Oct-20254:10

Review – India’s stellar batting display

Too many dot balls. Low strike rates. Middle-order collapses. A batting line-up that doesn’t finish well.Those were some of the phrases that had trailed India into the crucial clash against New Zealand. By the end of the evening at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, each one had been crossed off the list. On Thursday, India didn’t just start well but stayed the course.When Smriti Mandhana missed a sweep and was given out lbw on 77, there was that familiar feeling. Would this be another wasted start and shift of momentum? Not this time. An almost reluctant review showed the ball had brushed the bat. Mandhana survived.It wasn’t long ago that India had watched commanding starts wilt under pressure. Against Australia, Mandhana and Pratika Rawal had added a 155-run opening stand, only for the innings to falter after Mandhana was dismissed for 80. A late collapse limited them to 330 with seven balls left in their innings.Against England, Mandhana had again stood tall amid early wickets, but her dismissal, trying to up the ante, triggered another slide. Three wickets fell quickly, and India ended up falling short by four runs.Related

Stats – Mandhana, Rawal tear up the record book

'It sucks' – Devine emotional about World Cup exit and impending ODI retirement

Thursday’s contest was also a high-stakes one: a win would confirm India’s place in the semi-final. The chatter before the game was more around India’s credibility with the bat. Could they live up to their promise? The DY Patil Stadium, a venue that India are familiar with, with its quick outfield and batting-friendly surface, felt like the perfect stage for a revival.However, it wasn’t a smooth start for India after they were put in. Mandhana and Rawal admitted after the match that the first few overs were tricky. New Zealand’s new-ball pair found movement, and India crawled to six runs after four overs.Rawal then pounced on a few loose deliveries from Rosemary Mair, and Mandhana found her first boundary in the seventh over, dropping to one knee to sweep spinner Eden Carson for four and then hitting her for a six in her next over. From thereon, India were in consummate control.”I like pace more than spin for sure. I like to dominate pace,” Mandhana said after the match, when asked if she had planned to take on spin. “But it was an important game. There were a few nerves in there for the first three-four overs. We were trying to give a good start. I saw the scoreboard and there were three-five odd runs. I was like, ‘okay, we can’t do that.’ Then I said [to myself], just back yourself and try and play the ball.”Rawal’s strike rate has often come under scrutiny, raising questions about whether it added to the pressure on Mandhana and the middle order. India head coach Amol Muzumdar had dismissed the concern on match eve, insisting that India didn’t see it as an issue and wanted her to “continue the way she bats”.After matching Mandhana’s tempo on her way to a fifty, Rawal briefly slowed down before finding her rhythm again, notably taking on the experienced Lea Tahuhu. Perhaps the most defining moment of Rawal’s innings came when she launched Tahuhu straight down the ground with a clean, straight-batted loft. She held the pose for a second as if to let everyone know she had found her rhythm.”Initially, yes, there was a bit of struggle with me personally,” Rawal said. “I was not able to middle the ball as well as I could do in the previous matches. But I’m very happy [with] the way I kept my nerves. I held my head down and just focused on everything that come my way. With Smriti obviously, on the other hand, it makes my job easier. Whatever the calculations that we do out in the middle, you don’t have to do much. You just get it by just talking that what areas to target – what all the bowlers that we can target.”Mandhana blended grace with aggression and showed her range: a pulled six off a waist-high no-ball over deep backward square leg, a signature six down the ground, and even a hint of innovation when she shaped to scoop Sophie Devine before pulling out at the last second.Muzumdar had also spoken about the need for a three-digit score, asking India’s batters to convert their starts. India hadn’t produced a century in five games. On Thursday, they produced two. After scores of 80 and 88 in her last two games, Mandhana reached her hundred off just 88 balls.”The first three games did not go my way,” Mandhana said. “Especially the second and the third one [against Pakistan and South Africa]. After getting to 20, I [used to tell myself that I] will back myself to play a longer innings after 20. But I was getting out. In the World Cup, you have to keep a lot of things in the past. You have to understand if you are feeling good, you have come off a good form, you just need to keep continuing and not complicating. That’s the only thing I kept telling [myself], it doesn’t matter when there will be the later stage. I am feeling good and that’s what matters.”She departed for 109 off 95 balls in the 34th over but there was no slowdown this time, with Jemimah Rodrigues, who was promoted to No.3, hitting an unbeaten 76 off 55 balls. Her promotion was a bold call, considering she had been dropped in the previous game and had endured a lean patch in recent months. Harleen Deol had been a fixture at No. 3 for 25 ODIs running. But the move worked.Rodrigues walked out brimming with intent, timing her drives sweetly, perhaps an evidence of the long training session a day before where she had mostly practiced that stroke. Alongside Rawal, she maintained the high tempo. Rawal soon brought up her own century, adding flourish with two sixes after reaching the landmark – it was the first time in her 23-match career she had hit two sixes in an innings. Rodrigues, meanwhile, hit 11 fours to give India the strong finish they needed.India had finally batted the way they’d been expected to – without panic, or a mid-innings lull, or a collapse. It was as complete a batting display as they’ve produced all tournament.The middle order wasn’t tested, but for once, it didn’t need to be, as India’s batters showed they could dictate a game from start to finish. It was also a sign that this batting group has both the depth and the freedom to experiment. The win secured their semi-final spot and provided the kind of commanding statement India had been waiting to make.

Four consistent domestic performers could be in consideration – who will India pick?

Shashank Kishore22-Jan-2024Rajat PatidarThe Ranji Trophy winner with Madhya Pradesh bats predominantly at No. 4. He’s coming off an impressive backs-to-the-wall 151 in the first unofficial Test for India A against England Lions in Ahmedabad late last week. Prior to that, he hit 111 in a two-day warm-up fixture against the same opponents.The 30-year-old has formidable numbers: 4000 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 45.97, with 12 hundreds. He first hit the high notes during MP’s victorious run in 2021-22, when he was the second-highest run-getter with 658 runs in nine innings at an average of 82.25. This included a match-winning hundred in the final against Mumbai.Patidar nearly spent nine months on the fringes with a heel injury that required surgery. In December, he made his ODI debut on the tour of South Africa, where he also played the red-ball games for India A.Cheteshwar PujaraPujara continues to grind his way through the domestic season. On Sunday, he became only the fourth Indian to notch up 20,000 first-class runs, during the third round of the Ranji Trophy.He opened the season with an unbeaten 243 against Jharkhand, his eighth double-ton in the competition, and has followed that up with scores of 49, 43, 43 and 66. Pujara’s experience of 103 Tests, the last of which was the WTC final against Australia last June, and current form could work to his advantage.Sarfaraz Khan could be a good fit in India’s middle order•PTI Sarfaraz KhanThe punchy Sarfaraz predominantly bats at No. 5 for Mumbai and has been a consistent performance over the last four seasons. However, his patchy form for India A has somewhat put him behind in the queue. All said, no batter in the world who has aggregated 2000 or more first-class runs since 2020 averages more than Sarfaraz’s 82.46While questions have been raised about his ability to handle short-pitched bowling time and again, Sarfaraz is an excellent player of spin and could be a key point of difference in the middle order on tracks that are expected to turn.His overall first-class average of 68.20 across 65 innings, with 13 hundreds and 11 fifties, still looks formidable. He hit 96 against England Lions in the two-day warm-up fixture two weeks ago. Last week, he managed a half-century in the second innings of the first unofficial Test to help India A secure a dry in a massive 490 chase.B Sai SudharsanNo player in recent times has seen his stocks rise as quickly as Sai Sudharsan has. The Tamil Nadu top-order batter is a stylish left-hander, who looks easy on the eye. His technique has come in for plaudits from several pundits and the team management. He started his ODI career with two back-to-back half-centuries in South Africa last month. He’s been part of the red-ball mix for India A over the past six months, on the back of a decent 2022-23 Ranji season where he struck 572 runs in 12 innings at 47.66. He made 97 in his most recent first-class outing for India A against England Lions last week.