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MatériaMais Notícias

da bwin： O técnico Mano Menezes começa a esboçar o Internacional para a temporada 2023 e deu pistas da formação inicial da equipe para o Campeonato Gaúcho.

No CT Parque Gigante, o treinador mostrou algumas novidades, entre elas, a presença de Wanderson no time titular. Ou seja, Pedro Henrique inicia no banco.

Na zaga, Gabriel Mercado está lesionado e deu espaço a Rodrigo Moledo, que irá formar dupla com Vitão, um dos principais do Colorado na temporada passada.

No meio-campo, Johnny foi o escolhido por Mano e saiu em vantagem. Para completar o setor, Mauricio e Alan Patrick foram os selecionados.

Calendário

A estreia do Internacional na temporada acontece no dia 21 de janeiro, quando encara o Juventude, no Beira-Rio, em jogo que marca a estreia do gauchão.

Confira a provável escalação: Keiller; Bustos, Vitão, Rodrigo Moledo e Renê; Johnny, Carlos de Pena, Mauricio, Alan Patrick e Wanderson; Alemão.

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Rashid Khan, who had been rested for the one-off Test in Mirpur last month, will return to captain Afghanistan in the two-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Rashid is also part of the ODI squad that will be led by Hashmatullah Shahidi.Mohammad Shahzad, who last played international cricket for Afghanistan at the 2021 T20 World Cup, was recalled to the T20I side that also included Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran. Hazratullah Zazai, who had been left out for the T20Is against Pakistan earlier this year, also returned to the squad.Related

• 'Quality of our spinners shone through' – Afghanistan coach Trott pleased after opening win

• Rashid back in Afghanistan squad for Bangladesh ODIs

Wafadar Momand, who is uncapped in T20I and ODI cricket, too found a place in the squad alongside Sediqullah Atal, who made his T20I debut against Pakistan in Sharjah in March. Naveen-ul-Haq, who has taken a break from ODI cricket, but is active in T20 cricket, will form the seam attack along with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai , Fareed Ahmad and Karim Janat. Rashid will be assisted by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad in the spin attack.The two T20Is against Bangladesh will be played in Sylhet on July 14 and July 16.Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Sediq Atal, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Wafadar Momand, Farid Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

MatériaMais Notícias

da spicy bet： A cada dia que passa sem reforços, o torcedor do Palmeiras fica mais irritado com a falta de novos jogadores para o elenco. Mas quem estiver se sentindo assim, é melhor se preparar, pois essa angústia ainda deve durar alguns dias, talvez semanas. Isso porque o pensamento do clube é resolver os atletas que permanecerão com Abel Ferreira e somente depois partir para o mercado.

> Veja classificação e simulador do Paulistão-2023 clicando aqui

É bem verdade que Anderson Barros, diretor de futebol do Verdão, é considerado um profissional de atuação discreta no mercado, tanto é que várias negociações sob seu comando apenas foram descobertas quando anunciadas pelos canais oficiais do clube. Nesta janela não tem sido diferente. Foram poucas (ou nenhuma) as especulações de jogadores que poderiam reforçar o Alviverde.

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da 888casino： Mas além dessa discrição na atuação no mercado, o Palmeiras não tem pressa para definir seus reforços, que não serão muitos, como Leila Pereira e Abel Ferreira já declararam publicamente. Sem esbanjar dinheiro e sabendo que os preços estarão inflacionados por conta da venda de Endrick, os dirigentes optam pela cautela para não errar nos investimentos quer serão feitos para 2023.

A prioridade do clube, neste momento, é definir as situações do elenco atual. Ou seja, quem fica, quem está nos planos, quem tem negociação para deixar o Verdão… Tudo isso para que na reapresentação do grupo, no dia 2 de janeiro, Abel Ferreira possa trabalhar com todos aqueles que irão permanecer para a próxima temporada, ou que as dúvidas sejam mínimas nesse sentido.

Wesley, por exemplo, está em negociações avançadas para defender o Cruzeiro em 2023. O atacante é um dos atletas que foram liberados em caso de boa proposta para o clube. Assim, a ideia é que essa transferência seja finalizada antes da reapresentação. Outros casos são tratados em sigilo pela diretoria, mas se assemelham ao do atacante, que não deve seguir no Verdão.

Uma situação que se arrasta há alguns meses é a renovação de contrato de Dudu. Apesar de ter vínculo até o fim de 2023, as partes gostariam de definir essa prorrogação com antecedência. No entanto, entraves no tempo de duração do contrato e cláusulas por performance impediram que as conversas avançassem para a assinatura. O departamento de futebol alviverde tem interesse que isso também seja resolvido antes do retorno para a Academia e entra na lista das “pendências”.

>Valor de Endrick entra no pódio: veja as 21 maiores vendas já feitas por clubes brasileiros

Portanto, o foco da diretoria e dos responsáveis pelo futebol neste momento é dar a Abel Ferreira o mínimo de arestas a serem aparadas na montagem do elenco para a próxima temporada. Dessa forma, a busca por reforços não é o primeiro plano por ora, mas está na lista de prioridades. O torcedor vai precisar esperar mais um pouco, mas deve ser recompensado muito em breve.

continua após a publicidade

Given India had a longish tail in Tarouba, they could consider bringing in Jaiswal for one of the wristspinners

Himanshu Agrawal05-Aug-2023

Big picture: Fearless approach sets the tone

In the first T20I on Thursday, there was a hint of the fearlessness and the freedom with which both West Indies and India batted. Despite losing both opening batters inside three balls of the fifth over, Nicholas Pooran pumped Yuzvendra Chahal for a four and a six off the next three deliveries. Next over, he deposited Axar Patel for a six and four.Fast forward to the run chase where India too lost both openers early. They were scoring at less than a run a ball two deliveries into the final over of the powerplay when debutant Tilak Varma pulled back-to-back sixes to show us just a glimpse of the future.Both teams are filled with eye-catching hitters and the T20 format offers the perfect stage to entertain only it was the bowlers who shone the brightest. India’s spinners did not let the odd boundary throw them off their plans and West Indies’ seamers used their change of pace to pull off a fine defence.The last time West Indies beat India in successive T20Is was in 2016. That only four runs separated the teams in Tarouba perhaps points towards a closely contested five-match series.

Form guide

West Indies WWLWL (Last five completed T20Is; most recent first)
India LWWLW

In the spotlight: Shepherd and Hardik

Romario Shepherd has faced just 185 balls across 13 innings in T20Is and sent 34 of them for a six or a four. That’s a balls per boundary ratio of 5.44, which fits a player who usually bats at No. 6 or lower. He has a strike rate of 205.88 in the last five overs in T20Is this year, the second-best for any batter to have faced at least 30 deliveries in that phase. While he managed just four from six balls on a used pitch against India, his two previous T20I knocks were an unbeaten 44 off 22 and another unbeaten 41 off 18 – both against South Africa in March 2023. If Shepherd can keep this form going, then he all but becomes a shoo-in ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.Contrast that with Hardik Pandya’s recent form. When he first came into the side, he was a finisher. Now he seems to prefer batting up the order. But it’s not entirely working. Since the T20Is against New Zealand last November, India’s short-format captain strikes at only 106.31 in the middle overs, hitting just one out of the 95 balls he has faced for six. If that’s him biding his time for the death, then a strike rate of 119.23 doesn’t quite make the job well done territory. All but set to lead a refreshed and a much younger T20I side of India in the medium term, he will be keen to show the way before it gets too late.Romario Shepherd has been one of the fiercest strikers at the death•Associated Press

Team news: How do India shorten their tail?

West Indies wouldn’t want to tinker with a winning combination, especially since one more victory would take them close to a series win.West Indies (probable): 1 Brandon King, 2 Kyle Mayers, 3 Johnson Charles (wk), 4 Nicholas Pooran, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Rovman Powell (capt), 7 Jason Holder, 8 Romario Shepherd, 9 Akeal Hosein, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Obed McCoyPlaying three spinners in Tarouba left India with four No. 11s. So even as they needed only 37 from the final 27 balls, once the last recognised batter – Axar- fell it became a tall ask, though Arshdeep Singh did give West Indies a scare. That might force India to play Yashasvi Jaiswal, the only spare batter in the squad, leading to a toss up between Kuldeep and Chahal.India (probable): 1 Shubman Gill, 2 Ishan Kishan (wk), 3 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Sanju Samson, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav/Yuzvendra Chahal, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Mukesh Kumar

Pitch and conditions: Rain expected

Two of the last five T20Is at Providence Stadium in Guyana have been washed out. The scores batting first in the three completed games were 146, 157 and 163, with the chasing team winning twice. Going by that trend, prepare for more middling scores and more rain.

Stats and trivia

• With a minimum of 40 wickets while playing for Full Members in T20Is, only four have an average less than 15, and an economy rate under seven. Kuldeep is one of them.
• Kyle Mayers averages only 20.81 as opener in T20Is. That is the second-lowest for any West Indies batter to have opened at least 20 times in the format.
• West Indies and India had played a T20I at Providence in 2019 too. But no member from the visitors’ playing XI from that game is part of the squad for the ongoing T20I series.

Quotes

“This series will be decided on how the West Indian batters bat spin in those middle overs. If we bat spin good during the middle overs, then we have lot of batters and a lot of power in the back end… That makes left-handers – [Shimron] Hetmyer, [Nicholas] Pooran and Kyle Mayers – very important.”

“That’s his way of playing – he has a lot of attacking shots. He played really well despite being on debut, and despite the pressure of a run chase. There were some beautiful strokes, and he should back himself. I believe he will win a lot of matches for his side in the future.”

Allrounder stars with 2 for 46 and 56 off 35 balls in rain-ravaged fixture

ECB Reporters Network15-Jul-2023A Katie George-inspired Central Sparks chased down a 164 target in 19 overs at Headingley to maintain their excellent recent form and pile more misery on defending Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy champions Northern Diamonds, winning by five wickets.A rain-ravaged fixture was completed with two balls remaining following showers all day. Former England all-rounder George starred with 2 for 46 from seven overs of left-arm seam and then 56 off 35 balls.The Diamonds were in a healthy position on 223 for 4 from 34 of 37 scheduled overs, with rain taking the players from the field at 3.20pm after a delayed start.When play resumed at 4.45pm, the Sparks were set their target, which they reached amidst an entertaining finale thanks to George’s best 50-over score this summer – her first campaign with the Midlanders.The second-placed Sparks have now won the last four matches they’ve played – they were rained off at home to Western Storm last week, while the Diamonds have lost their last three to dent their title defence and drop out of the top three qualifying places.Diamonds captain Hollie Armitage accelerated into a fine 66 off 56 balls, while Bess Heath crashed an unbeaten 49 off 31. They shared 66 inside seven overs for the fourth wicket from 131 for 3 in the 26th over.Play finally started at 12.40pm, with the game reduced to 39 overs per side. Another brief shower following the start forced a 37 -overs contest.The Diamonds got off to a fluent but not blistering start as Lauren Winfield-Hill and Sterre Kalis shared 60 inside 12 overs.Winfield-Hill made 28, while Kalis made 36 less than 24 hours after representing the Netherlands in a T20 international against Thailand in Utrecht.Such was the tight turnaround that Kalis’s kit was stuck on a flight, and she was forced to use an old bat of hers and some borrowed kit from team-mates. But she played confidently as the Sparks erred in line and length.England fast bowler Issy Wong was the main culprit, regularly bowling full tosses which were despatched to the fence.The innings slowed up after the off-spin of Georgia Davis bowled Winfield-Hill and Kalis was caught behind off George’s left-arm seam to make it 83 for 2 after 15 overs.Emma Marlow later fell to a smart diving catch by Bethan Ellis at cover off George, leaving the score at 131 for 3 in the 26th over and paving the way for Armitage and Heath to really open up. Both hit sixes over long-on.Forty four runs came in three overs from 153 for 3 after 29, though Armitage, having reached her fifty in 51 balls, fell to a stunning diving catch by Erin Burns on the run from long-on off Davis. Only two more overs were possible in the Diamonds’ innings before rain.When play resumed, the Sparks started their chase well, reaching 40 without loss in the fifth over and helped by two lots of five wides.Australian Burns, promoted to open, was first to go when caught at mid-on off Jess Woolston’s seam.Katie Levick bowled a sweeping Abbey Freeborn shortly afterwards before George hit the leg-spinner for three fours in the 10th over – two wide of long-on – to take the score to 84 for 2.Eve Jones, for 26, then scooped Grace Hall’s slingy seam to short fine-leg in the next over, leaving the score at 89 for 3.But George, helped by former Diamond Ami Campbell, maintained the momentum to ensure the Sparks won for the fifth time in nine games.George reached 50 off 30 balls and took the target to nine off the last two overs. She shared 72 with fourth-wicket partner Campbell, who added 27.Both were bowled by Levick at the start of the last over to heighten nerves, but it was too little, too late. Charis Pavely hit the winning runs.

Quite simply, Liverpool have been a shambles in defence this season. Arne Slot’s side have a slew of problems, mounting by the matchweek, but the crux of it comes down to disorganised, error-strewn defending.

Five defeats from six Premier League games, nine losses from 12 in all competitions, successive Anfield defeats against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, seven goals shipped, this is a crisis for the Reds.

It beggars belief. And right at the struggling heart of it is Ibrahima Konate, whose future on Merseyside is very much up in the air.

Ibrahima Konate's Liverpool future

It really cannot be understated how dismal Konate has been throughout the 2025/26 campaign. He has been indescribably weak in key battles, his resolve far too brittle.

Errors have littered the France international’s campaign, and Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher even suggested that it has been a “sackable offence” on Slot’s part for continuing to field the 26-year-old after such consistent inconsistency.

It’s clear that the centre-back’s contractual conundrum, out of a deal next summer, has been weighing heavily on his mind, especially since Real Madrid have made their vested interest known over the past year.

However, the £70k-per-week defender has been so unconvincing that Los Blancos have ended their pursuit. Liverpool remain committed to renewing their struggling star’s deal, even with interest from further suitors sure to intensify come January.

There is surely a way back to the ascendancy for a player who served so confidently in a title-winning campaign, but with Virgil van Dijk getting old, it’s clear that FSG need to find new defenders regardless.

There’s no doubt that sporting director Richard Hughes will feel rueful after missing out on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, a deal effectively in place on deadline day and the Three Lions star ready to complete his medical before the Eagles failed to source a replacement.

However, there is another who could end up succeeding Konate, though this Liverpool prospect has endured a tough start to his career at the club.

Liverpool have a teenage Konate upgrade

Liverpool’s dearth of defensive options this season have meant that Slot has been unable to drop Konate and bring in another. However, Giovanni Leoni was slated to be that man.

Leoni, 18, joined Liverpool from Serie A side Parma this summer in a £27m deal, Hughes drawn to his potential to become one of the best in the business. The Italian is powerful, dynamic and prodigiously talented on the ball, with his long and limber frame making him the perfect fit in the Premier League.

However, disaster struck on his debut in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton, when Leoni ruptured his ACL, sidelining him until the end of the season.

It was only one fixture – and against second-tier opponents at that – but Leoni showed a lot of promise for his new club, very much at place on the ball and winning four of five contested duels, including each of his three aerial battles.

It was the kind of display that proved Leoni is “one of the best young centre-backs in the world”, something noted by Liverpool reporter James Wathland as the fanbase chews on their frustration over losing such a shrewd defensive solution for the campaign.

Minutes played

81′

Touches

102

Accurate passes

88/91 (97%)

Possession lost

3x

Recoveries

3

Tackles won

0/1

Interceptions

3

Clearances

6

Ground duels

1/2

Aerial duels

3/3

Liverpool’s defenders are often tasked with initiating forward moves from the back, and while Leoni is not refined in this regard, there is undeniable promise that Slot and Liverpool’s coaching team will be developing even in the teenager’s period of convalescence.

Liverpool have a sensational defensive talent in their mix, and while fans won’t be able to witness him in action again until the latter months of 2026, they can rest assured that Leoni has what it takes to reach superstar status down the line.

This may be considered when Hughes and co weigh up Konate’s value and whether they should extend his time on Merseyside for his prime years.

Best signing since Szoboszlai: Liverpool lead race for "world-class" talent

Liverpool’s crisis has amplified noise around the need for new recruits at Anfield.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 29, 2025

The Mexican midfielder is not part of West Ham United’s plans and is set to leave during this transfer window.

Already played four seasons with AjaxMonaco will compete in the Champions LeagueCurrent market value is $29 millionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

A few days ago, it was reported that Edson Álvarez is no longer in West Ham United’s plans, with the club now looking to move him on during this transfer window.

Multiple reports are now suggesting that Ajax – where the Mexican international played from 2019 to 2023 – are interested in bringing him back. Meanwhile, French side AS Monaco, set to compete in the upcoming Champions League, is also keen on signing the Mexico captain.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Álvarez lost prominence at the Hammers following the arrival of Graham Potter, making his potential departure an expected one. Borussia Dortmund had previously been linked with him as well, but it now appears as if he will be heading to either Ligue 1 or Eredivisie. 

In total, Álvarez played 73 matches for West Ham United, scoring twice. 

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Edson's move to Ajax in 2019 remains the most expensive outgoing transfer in Liga MX history, with the Dutch club paying $15.6 million to América. Now, the midfielder is seeking a new opportunity to regain valuable minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

Mexico will face Japan on Sept. 6 and South Korea on Sept. 9, with both friendlies taking place in the United States.

Arsenal are expected to be among the busiest Premier League sides this summer, as they look to match English champions Liverpool and end Mikel Arteta’s long wait for another piece of major silverware.

Arsenal hold talks with "big" summer window looming

The north Londoners have a few key items on their transfer agenda over the coming months.

Walcott 2.0: Arsenal now eyeing "one of the fastest players in the PL"

The rapid international would be an exciting addition to Arsenal’s squad.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 11, 2025

Arsenal are already set to end their search for a new back-up goalkeeper early doors, with Chelsea shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga agreeing to join them. If all goes to plan, he will come in to replace Neto as an understudy to David Raya, and Kepa is apparently set to fight for his place as the Gunners’ number one.

For just £5 million, Arsenal are on the verge of securing an experienced and adept alternative to Raya, but they also have many other plates spinning behind-the-scenes.

Arsenal remain in ongoing talks for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with no agreement yet found on price despite the Slovenia international reportedly shaking hands on personal terms (CaughtOffside).

If they cannot strike a deal for the 22-year-old, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres remains on Arsenal’s radar as an alternative to Sesko.

Arsenal are also reliably reported to be targeting a new winger, so Arteta’s prediction of a “big” summer window appears to be very much coming true.

“It’s going to be a big one [summer] and we are very excited about it,” said Arteta back in April.

“When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step. Every summer is big because it is an opportunity – and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now, that is necessary.”

As well as the aforementioned targets, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is closing in on a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal have agreed to pay £60 million for Martin Zubimendi

Despite Zubimendi appearing to pour cold water over reports that he’s set for a medical, and some rumoured late threat from Real Madrid, both The Athletic’s David Ornstein and trusted transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano have claimed in the last few days that the Spain international’s move to Arsenal is still very much on track.

The “fantastic” 26-year-old midfielder would be a world-class replacement for Jorginho, so much so, that Arsenal are actually agreeing to pay more than they need to for his signature.

That is according to journalist Aritz Gabilondo, who detailed in an article for Spanish news outlet AS this week that Arsenal will fork out around £60 million to sign Zubimendi from Sociedad, despite his release clause being £50 million.

This is apparently a gesture of good faith to Sociedad, and the fee will be paid in three installments. If Real or any other side had any hope of hijacking the deal, which Gabilondo describes as “complete and signed”, then they would’ve had to match or better the £60 million offer.

Arsenal expect Zubimendi in time for pre-season, so the Gunners remain utterly convinced that they’ve secured his signature, despite some recent noise to the contrary.

Echoing other sources, AS write that the delay in his announcement as an Arsenal player revolves around Sociedad wanting to register his sale as part of the next financial year, which begins on July 1.

The defending champions reignited their season with an impressive performance at the Gabba

AAP20-Feb-2025Reigning champions Western Australia have revived their quest for Sheffield Shield history, trouncing Queensland by an innings and 12 runs to rise from last to third on the ladder.WA paceman Lance Morris claimed three wickets as Queensland were bowled out for 153 in their second innings on day three at the Gabba on Thursday.Related

• Rocchiccioli's career-best seven gives Western Australia control

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WA, seeking to become the first state to win four consecutive shields since Tasmania entered the competition in 1977-78, started the fixture at the foot of the ladder. But they rose to third with NSW (32.87) taking second spot after defeating Victoria, while Queensland (28.45) slid from third to fifth.WA’s victory came only 11 days after being humiliated on home turf by SA when they posted scores of 120 and 66 in a six-wicket loss.”We had a good little reflection … but you can only talk so much,” captain Sam Whiteman said. “To put some actions into place and perform really well with both the ball and the bat is pleasing – it’s a tough spot to win at, the Gabba. It gives us the best chance heading back home for the two final games.”Morris tore through Queensland’s tail and was on a hat-trick after dismissing Xavier Bartlett and bowling Mark Steketee for a golden duck. He sprayed his hat-trick attempt, sending a delivery to Mitch Swepson wildly down the legside to miss the milestone.Queensland made 147 in their first innings when offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli took a career-best 7 for 52. WA, with Sam Fanning (95) falling just shy of his maiden first-class century, replied with 312 to take a stranglehold on the fixture.Queensland’s batters struggled again in their second innings with Ben McDermott and Lachlan Hearne top-scoring – both made 33. Angus Lovell, his opening partner Matt Renshaw and Michael Neser were the only other batsmen to reach double-figures.WA’s Morris collected 3 for 35 from 13 overs – he also removed McDermott with a brute of a short ball which reared at the batter, who edged to wicketkeeper Joel Curtis.Rocchiccioli finished with his best first-class match figures of 9 for 79 while paceman Joel Paris and Cameron Gannon also took multiple second-innings wickets.”Awesome reward for him to get his first 5-for,” Whiteman said. “He has taken over 100 Shield wickets without a five-for, so to finish with nine for the match is amazing. He’s such a weapon for us on day one when it’s spinning.”After this round, all states have two games remaining before the final. WA host NSW from March 6 and Victoria from March 15 at the WACA Ground in Perth.Queensland will be on the road for their remaining fixtures, against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval and South Australia at Karen Rolton Oval on the same dates.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta could now look to hijack Liverpool’s move for a “world-class” star, who is valued at £85m, according to a report.

Gary Neville urges Arteta to sign new striker

Teams have been successful without out-and-out strikers in the past, with Gary Neville highlighting Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City pre-Erling Haaland as examples, but the Sky Sports pundit has urged Mikel Arteta to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

Neville said: “To not have a recognised striker in the squad: Kai Havertz is half a striker, Gabriel Jesus is half a striker – they can play there. But they do need one or two other forwards who can really be people who can play and lead that line.”

It certainly appears as though Arteta plans to finally pull the trigger on a new striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres among the most talked-about potential targets, fresh off the back of impressive campaigns.

Player

Benjamin Sesko

Viktor Gyokeres

League appearances

33

33

Goals

13

39

However, according to a report from BILD (via Sport Witness), Berta is now considering alternative options, given that progress is slow, and a Liverpool target has now entered the frame.

The striker in question is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with the report stating Berta could now look to hijack their Premier League rivals’ deal for the 23-year-old, but a deal is likely to be on the expensive side.

Saka will love him: Arsenal agree initial fee to sign £60m "monster"

Arsenal could be growing closer to signing a new striker.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

The German club are thought to be holding out for a fee of £85m, which means a deal for the Frenchman would be more costly than Sesko or Gyokeres. Consequently, the former Paris Saint-Germain man is unlikely to be viewed as a priority target.

"World-class" Ekitike could be ideal Sesko alternative

It has previously been revealed that Sesko is Arteta’s preferred striker target, but there are signs that Ekitike could be an ideal alternative option, given the level of his performances in the Bundesliga last season.

The 23-year-old outperformed the Slovenian in front of goal, finding the back of the net 15 times, while also registering eight assists, leading to him being dubbed as “world-class” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The Frankfurt star is also just one year older than Sesko, meaning he could be a long-term solution for Arsenal in attack, while Gyokeres is considerably older than the Bundesliga duo, having recently turned 27.

The only thing that may deter Arsenal from making a move is Ekitike’s huge price tag, with a fee of £85m far too high for a striker yet to prove himself at the top level over a consistent period, but he could be a solid signing if Frankfurt lower their demands.