Former Barcelona academy player Joan Gonzalez, who was playing for Serie A outfit Lecce, has been forced to retire at 23 due to deteriorating health.

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Gonzalez retires at age 23 due to heart conditionPlayed 66 games for LecceSpent two years in the Barcelona academyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Gonzalez has been forced to retire at a young age of 23 after he was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition last summer. The midfielder has been a part of Serie A side Lecce's first team since 2022, but has been forbidden to continue his playing career after the latest medicals conducted recently.

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Gonzalez, born in Barcelona, began his footballing journey by joining the Cornella academy in 2014. After staying at Cornella for five years, he was snapped up by the Catalans in 2019 and played in the youth academy for two years. In 2021, he joined Lecce's academy and was promoted to the first team the following year. He spent two seasons with Lecce in Serie A, making 66 appearances in all competitions. However, he was diagnosed with a heart condition ahead of pre-season last year and missed the entirety of the 2024-25 campaign before being recalled by the club to re-assess his condition.

WHAT LECCE PRESIDENT SAID

Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani confirmed the heartbreaking news regarding the Spaniard, stating: "We called him back after a year for a new check-up, which took place a few days ago, and the situation remains the same. So, with great regret, I must tell you that he will not receive a definitive medical clearance and will no longer be able to play football at a professional level.I want to make two observations. First, a round of applause for our medical team, Dr. Tondo, because they detected a congenital condition that is very difficult to diagnose. He is a case in point. Thanks to that, the boy's life was saved. I'm in constant contact with Joan Gonzalez. He's faced this challenge with great maturity and intelligence. If he had continued playing with that mindset, he would have been a great footballer. But he'll be a great manager."

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR JOAN GONZALEZ?

Although Gonzalez's playing career has been cut short due to a heart ailment, he could still contribute to the sport in a coaching capacity in the future.

In February, Liverpool were slain in an FA Cup giant-killing by Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle.

Less than two weeks earlier, PSV Eindhoven ended Arne Slot’s flawless record in the Champions League at the Anfield helm, though it mattered not as the Reds still took the group phase crown.

What did the two defeats have in common? Rotation, and plenty of it. It’s ostensibly these games that have consigned many of Liverpool’s bit-part players to even ittier-bittier roles. Slot has enjoyed an incredible start to life in the hot seat, but an obstinance in making minimal alterations could be identified as a weakness of his to be sure.

With Federico Chiesa, an injury-prone forward who was basically discarded by Juventus, the only first-team arrival since August 2024, the Merseysiders need surgery this summer, not least because the three most influential stars are all entering the final few months of their contracts.

It’s been reported that Liverpool are to target new defenders in central and left-sided berths. However, Liverpool need to clean the slate up front.

Liverpool's problems up front

And there are problems.

Though each of Liverpool’s forwards have their qualities, Mohamed Salah, 32, is the only member whose goals and assists have rained down invariably throughout the course of the campaign.

Claims from derisive sections of social media that Salah is the problem are quite simply nonsensical. Yes, the 32-year-old flattered to deceive against both PSG and Newcastle, but he’s shouldered a hefty burden.

He’s been let down by his forward peers. Aside from the reliable Cody Gakpo, Liverpool’s frontline have toiled since the turn of the calendar year, with Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz particularly letting their team down with collective profligacy in front of goal.

Mohamed Salah

17 (17)

12

5

Cody Gakpo

13 (9)

5

1

Luis Diaz

18 (15)

1

2

Diogo Jota

14 (9)

2

1

Darwin Nunez

16 (4)

3

4

Federico Chiesa

5 (2)

2

1

The wear-and-tear of so many injuries over so many years are finally taking their toll on Jota, with the 28-year-old’s fitness troubles and new depletion of potency even leading Sky Germany to suggest he is among the potential sales this summer.

Should Jota follow Nunez – expected to leave – out of the door, Liverpool will need to move with conviction for a new centre-forward.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

But they might not need to sign a second, not when one of the most exciting young number nines is pushing for more opportunities to impress at Anfield.

Prolific teen could end Jota's Liverpool career

Liverpool have eked every ounce of quality from Jota, 28, but is the current campaign a sign he’s reached the end of his powers? Maybe it is time for FSG to launch a statement bid on an elite striker such as Alexander Isak.

Isak could become a genuine superstar on Merseyside, and while a deal for the Sweden star would cost in excess of £150m, Liverpool could find the perfect understudy in young Jayden Danns, who is already on the books.

Danns was handed a first-team debut by Jurgen Klopp last season, scoring a brace in the FA Cup for the injury-hit Reds against Southampton and making his mark in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup final, playing through extra-time and making a menace of himself, forcing two saves and completing a snaking dribble, as per Sofascore.

The 2024/25 campaign has perhaps not had the acceleratory effect that Danns would have hoped for. Injuries have limited him to just three games, albeit starting in the Champions League against PSV.

But the future is bright. Premier League-pushing Sunderland signed the 19-year-old on loan in the winter but fitness problems have kept him shackled in the infirmary, with it revealed last month that it’s unlikely he will make an appearance before the summer spells the end of the prospective move.

When Klopp left last summer, the different levels of Liverpool’s structure entered uncharted territory. What would become of ‘Klopp’s kids,’ an academy reaching new levels of productivity in the later years of the German’s tenure?

Well, Slot is a firm believer in giving talented players opportunities to impress, regardless of their age. With a background in academy coaching, Liverpool’s talent factory will see new names emerge onto the major stage in the years to come.

In Danns’ case, he’s already been given a chance to impress his new coach this season, firing true when called from the bench in the FA Cup against Accrington Stanley, marking his third Liverpool goal from just nine appearances as a professional.

When Jota’s at his best, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more clinical ball-striker. Last season, Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher even proclaimed the Portuguese to be “the best finisher” to have performed for Anfield’s crowd across the Premier League era. Bold claim, but Jota’s rate of scoring has typically been a thing to behold – just not under Slot’s management, it seems.

Danns might not yet have the record to boast a scoring ability beyond that of his Iberian teammate, but all three of his goals for the men’s team thus far have been taken with a certain verve and composure that many forwards cannot boast a natural grasp.

Nunez, regrettably, falls into that bracket. In fact, analyst Ben Mattinson actually described Danns as “a better finisher than Nunez” after his well-taken strike against Accrington in January.

A natural-born goalscorer with slick and clever movements, Danns is an instinctive player, one who could play a significant part in Liverpool’s football over the coming years.

Slot has already sought to hand the prospect a smattering of chances throughout the campaign despite his being sidelined for much of it. Maybe more waiting will have to ensue, but if Danns can produce a promising pre-season performance for the Reds, he might just find himself enjoying a role of greater importance next year, especially if the likes of Jota or Nunez are sold.

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ByAngus Sinclair Mar 18, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

da stake casino： Bahia e Vitória terão o segundo encontro da temporada 2023, no próximo domingo (5), em duelo válido pela sexta rodada na fase de grupos da Copa do Nordeste. O jogo ocorrerá na Arena Fonte Nova às 16h (de Brasília).

No primeiro Ba-Vi do ano, pelo Campeonato Baiano, Kayky marcou o único tento do compromisso que colaborou para a campanha onde o Tricolor avançou para o mata-mata enquanto o Leão da Barra ficou pelo caminho na primeira fase.

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da aviator aposta： >Com gol no fim, Arsenal consegue virada espetacular contra o Bournemouth

Entretanto, quando o assunto é o Nordestão, os dois times precisam dos três pontos se quiserem seguir almejando a possibilidade de classificação. O Vitória é o sétimo colocado do Grupo A com dois pontos e o Bahia, na lanterna do Grupo B, tem quatro unidades.

Neste momento, a escalação dos dois times está bastante encaminhada onde, do lado rubro-negro, a única mudança que segue como provável é a entrada do goleiro Thiago Rodrigues, recém-contratada pelo time do Barradão. Por parte do Tricolor, Ryan está suspenso pela expulsão além de Raúl Gustavo e Acevedo, pelo terceiro amarelo, também estarem fora da lista de opções.

FICHA TÉCNICA
BAHIA x VITÓRIA – CAMPEONATO BAIANO

Local: Arena Fonte Nova, em Salvador (BA)
Data e hora: 05/03/2023 – 16h (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Marcelo de Lima Henrique (CE)
Assistentes: Nailton Junior de Sousa Oliveira e Wesley Rodrigues Miguel (CE)
Onde assistir:SBT, ESPN e Nosso Futebol (streaming)

BAHIA (Técnico: Renato Paiva)

Marcos Felipe; Cicinho, Gabriel Xavier, Marcos Victor e Matheus Bahia; Rezende, Yago Felipe e Cauly; Biel, Kayky e Ricardo Goulart.
​
​VITÓRIA (Técnico: Leo Condé)

Lucas Arcanjo; Zeca, Dankler, Camutanga e Lazaroni; Léo Gomes, Eduardo e Gegê; Thiago Lopes, Rafinha e Léo Gamalho.

Kyle Abbott talks about his star turn for Hampshire this season, and being a T20 gun for hire

Mohammad Isam11-Nov-2017What was it like to have taken 60 wickets in the 2017 county season for Hampshire?
It was great. I have had a bit of experience in county cricket over the last couple of years, but to be settled and contribute for Hampshire was great. It is nice to get started with a few wickets and maybe it is a sign of things to come in the next couple of years.How do you adjust to the varying nature of English conditions?
I think the great thing about English cricket is that conditions vary through the summer. April-May is very bowler-friendly; it is almost half-volley length. As the summer goes on, it gets a bit easier for batsmen. But then other things come into play, like reverse swing, and when the summer gets dry you have to adjust your length.Obviously staying injury free is important.
It is quite tough. It is a long season with 14 four-day games, and we ended up playing 16 T20s through that too. The club is good with keeping me fresh. I have also got to the age where I know my body. I know when to rest and when to train. It comes with a bit of experience.

I also got to the age where I know my body. I know when to rest and when to train. It comes with a bit of experience

How do you prepare for something as long as a county season?
The only way to get fit for a county season, especially for a bowler, is to bowl. For me, it is probably three weeks to a month. I will be slowly building up. It all depends on what I will do in January and February. If I am playing cricket somewhere else in the world, I will keep ticking over. The higher your workload is going into a season, I believe, the easier it gets.How different is the intensity between county cricket and the international game?
You are never going to replicate international cricket anywhere, unless you are playing it. At the end of the day I have realised over the last six-eight months that I just want to enjoy my cricket, no matter where I am playing and what stage it is. I have enjoyed my last six months as much as I have ever enjoyed my cricket in the last nine-ten years. It has been really good for me; nice and refreshing.Going back all the way to the start of your career: why did you take up fast bowling?
I have asked myself that a few times over the last couple of years. I think it is something that came naturally to me, to be honest. Actually growing up I was bit more of a batsman, which has slowly started to come out a bit again in the county set-up.What excites you about fast bowling?
I suppose it is getting wickets. The excitement of, really, beating a batsman with a good ball that’s moving around with a bit of pace. Working over a batsman, really figuring him out. The joy of taking a wicket is right up there.How do you manage yourself now that you are in demand in T20 leagues?
It is obviously a lot easier to maintain yourself and stay fresh because of the workload.”I just want to enjoy my cricket, no matter where I am playing and what stage it is”•Khulna TitansI enjoy these tournaments a lot because you interact with so many different people. The amount of different nationalities you get in a team, from English, West Indians, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, and the amount of things you learn from these T20 teams is the big thing for me. It is the part that I enjoy the most.Why did you choose to come to the BPL?
They chose me. It was an opportunity that came up a few months ago. All I want to do is play cricket and do my job. If I get an opportunity, I am going to take it. I am really grateful to get a gig with Titans. It is a great set-up from the management to the coaches Mahela [Jayawardene] and Alfonso [Thomas]. Everything runs smoothly here, which makes it even more enjoyable.You’d obviously be focusing a lot on bowling fuller lengths in these tournaments.
I do work quite a bit on yorkers and death bowling. I think it is being used a lot more in T20s now, even in the Powerplays – yorkers and slower balls. The batsmen are getting quite far ahead of the game now. But it also depends on what surface you get. We saw in Sylhet that the pitch played a lot different in the day compared to the night. Your skills are having to be adapted on the same day.You took a seven-wicket haul on your Test debut. Must have been a memorable day.
To be honest all I can remember is that both my older brothers and my dad and mum were there to witness [my debut Test]. It was something special.Is there something you miss about in international cricket?
You are never going to replicate the intensity of playing for your country anywhere. But I enjoyed my time there. It is a new chapter now and I have got new and exciting things to look forward to.

In January, Manchester City made a handful of signings who could become the cornerstones of a team entering a new era under Pep Guardiola next season.

With only the FA Cup winnable this season, it has been one of transition for the Spaniard. He did sign a new deal last November, however, indicating that he is looking ahead to a new challenge starting this summer.

The likes of Vitor Reis, Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov have all proven over the previous few months that they have the required tools to perform for a club like City.

One player who will be departing the Etihad this summer is Kevin De Bruyne, who will end his ten-year association with City when his contract expires.

Guardiola has taken the club to new levels since he arrived in Manchester in 2016 after spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

It could also be argued that the main reason he led the team to such heights was having someone like De Bruyne in his squad to begin with.

The numbers behind De Bruyne's staggering Etihad career

Given what the Belgian has achieved with the club since moving to England from Wolfsburg ahead of the 2015/16 season, the playmaker might be one of the most important players in their history.

Think back to Paul Merson’s verdict on the midfielder in 2015, who said: “I like the signing of Fabian Delph, but I think Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne are pathetically overpriced. They have spent £54.5m on De Bruyne – and he’s a player they don’t really need.”

How wrong was he? At the time of writing, De Bruyne has played 415 matches for City, registering 284 goal contributions – 107 goals and 177 assists – in the process. This is a staggering number for the attacking midfielder, meaning he recorded a goal involvement once every 1.46 matches.

During that time, he helped City win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League in 2023. With City getting closer and closer to glory in the latter competition, De Bruyne took matters into his own hands that season, registering eight goal involvements, creating eight big chances and averaging 2.2 key passes per game as they eventually defeated Inter Milan in the final.

He may not have reached this sort of level over the previous two seasons, as injuries have begun to hamper his involvement. Indeed, the midfielder has missed 48 games since August 2023.

2023/24

26

6

18

2022/23

49

10

31

2021/22

45

19

15

2020/21

40

10

18

2019/20

48

16

22

2018/19

32

6

11

2017/18

52

12

21

2016/17

49

7

20

2015/16

41

16

13

Regardless, the 33-year-old is up there among the pantheon of City greats for his contribution over the previous decade.

The question now for Guardiola is, who comes in to replace him next season? And will the club have to pay a fortune for the privilege? Considering the recent news, they might just have found a perfect heir to the Belgian maestro.

Manchester City's perfect De Bruyne replacement

According to the Mirror, officials from Bayer Leverkusen made a visit to the Etihad last week in order to enquire about the availability of duo James McAtee and Stefan Ortega.

Transfer Focus

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

The German side are keen on landing both players during the summer transfer window. As a result, this may give Guardiola an advantage in their pursuit of Florian Wirtz with it being made known during those meetings that City would like to bring him to England.

He has been valued at around £100m by the club, who would prefer him to leave Germany if a deal was reached to sell him, rather than joining Bayern Munich, who are also keen.

City could use McAtee and Ortega as makeweights regarding any prospective deal and, given his success already on the continent, Wirtz could have the same sort of impact that De Bruyne made.

Wirtz has the same sort of qualities as another City legend – David Silva – and if he manages to make a quick impact upon a move to the Premier League, he has the potential to replicate Silva’s success with the club.

Why Florian Wirtz could be City's next David Silva

If De Bruyne took City to new levels during his career with the club, Silva was arguably the catalyst for their golden era.

The diminutive Spaniard may have taken a few months to properly settle into life in Manchester, but he ended his first season with 19 goal contributions as the club won the FA Cup.

From there on, Silva went from strength to strength. Not only did he have an eye for goal, scoring 77 times for the club, but the midfielder was at his best creating chances for others, as evidenced by his 130 assists in 436 matches for City.

Aided by his small centre of gravity, Silva used this to his advantage, getting into dangerous positions with ease. Wirtz could offer something similar to City should he make the move to England this summer.

Hailed as a “mastermind” by talent scout Jacek Kulig during Leverkusen’s stunning 2023/24 campaign, Wirtz has plenty of qualities that are similar to Silva.

Best in an attacking midfield role, just like the Spaniard, Wirtz has the capability to both score and create in equal measure.

Indeed, since making his Leverkusen debut back during the 2019/20 season, the German international has scored 56 goals and grabbed 63 assists in that time.

His club might not win any silverware this season, but the 21-year-old has still managed to create 15 assists in the Bundesliga, along with averaging 1.9 key passes and succeeding with 2.8 dribbles per game.

The transition from an incredible prospect to a genuine world-class talent is now complete. Like Silva before him, Wirtz can take the next step in his career by moving from the continent to England this summer. Just who knows what he might have achieved at this stage next term.

Man City have a "quality" striker to replace Haaland & it's not Marmoush

With Erling Haaland sidelined for a while, Pep Guardiola must entrust Man City “quality” striker to deputise, and it is not Omar Marmoush.

ByBen Gray Apr 14, 2025

يدرس نادي برشلونة الإسباني قرارًا تجاه لاعبه ماركوس راشفورد، المنضم للفريق من مانشستر يونايتد الإنجليزي.

وانتقل راشفورد من مانشستر يونايتد إلى برشلونة على سبيل الإعارة لمدة موسم واحد، وأعلن النادي الكتالوني عن الصفقة في شهر يوليو الماضي.

وافتتح برشلونة موسمه بفوز على ريال مايوركا بثلاثية نظيفة، ثم تغلب على ليفانتي بثلاثية لهدفين، وتعادل أمام رايو فاليكانو بهدف لمثله في الدوري الإسباني.

وبحسب ما ذكرت صحيفة “ميرور” البريطانية، نقلاً عن “إل ناسيونال” الإسبانية، يدرس برشلونة إعادة راشفورد إلى مانشستر يونايتد بعد بداية صعبة لفترة إعارته.

اقرأ أيضًا | برشلونة يتخذ قرارًا صادمًا بشأن مصير ليفاندوفسكي بعد نهاية عقده

راشفورد شارك في مباريات برشلونة الثلاثة بالدوري الإسباني، ولعب 95 دقيقة، لكن وفقًا لما ورد في التقرير لم يُلبٍ توقعات النادي.

يوضح التقرير أيضًا أن هناك مخاوف بشأن راشفورد في مجلس الإدارة، حيث أن النادي كان يتوقع أداءً أفضل من اللاعب في هذه المرحلة، والمسؤولون وصفوا أداءه بأنه مخيب للآمال.

يفيد التقرير أيضًا أن الرئيس خوان لابورتا والمدير الرياضي ديكو لم يقتنعا أبدًا بضم راشفورد، وكانا يفضلا التعاقد مع نيكو ويليامز أو لويس دياز.

وأتم التقرير موضحًا أنه سيتعين على برشلونة دفع رسوم تبلغ حوالي 4.3 مليون جنيه إسترليني إذا قرر إعادة راشفورد مبكرًا لمانشستر يونايتد.

Australia recovered from 80 for 5 to hunt down a challenging run chase in Christchurch

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-20241:29

Cummins: We always found a way to win

Pat Cummins has praised the ability of different players in the Australia side to stand up when the team needed it after they conjured a remarkable run chase in New Zealand to take the series 2-0.Australia were in huge trouble on the third evening at 34 for 4 chasing 279 and then at 80 for 5 early on the fourth morning when Travis Head departed. However, Mitchell Marsh – who had been given a life the ball before Head’s wicket – and the under-pressure Alex Carey put together a match-changing stand of 140 in 29 overs.Related

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Carey, Marsh carry Australia home in tense finish at Hagley Oval

Carey, whose position in the side was coming under increased scrutiny after a run of poor strokes, remained unbeaten to the end with 98 after Ben Sears had again rattled the chase with two wickets in two balls.”Think the story of this series was in key moments one guy stood up, we didn’t necessarily play the complete game, but in those pivotal moments someone stood up and made themselves a matchwinner,” Cummins, who struck a vital 32 not out, said. “[We] keep finding ways to win, it’s a pretty awesome squad.”He added that the tempo Marsh and Carey were able to bat at was vital in putting the pressure back on New Zealand’s bowlers. It also meant the second new ball wouldn’t be a factor.”We’ve been on the other side of it plenty of times and if the scoreboard’s not moving you feel in the game, but if they are chipping away it seems like it’s all happening pretty quickly,” he said. “That was goal today, be busy, keep the run rate ticking over and bit by bit getting closer.””[It was] pretty tense,” he added. “Pretty nervous watching for the last couple of hours, everyone trying to keep themselves busy then looking up at the board. Amazing win.”The victory meant Australia finished with six Test wins and one defeat in the season having beaten Pakistan 3-0 and drawn 1-1 with West Indies. They now have a long break from Test cricket before facing India at home in November.New Zealand captain Tim Southee was proud of the way his team fought but was left regretting seeing a golden chance of a first win at home against Australia in 31 years slip away.”The partnership with Mitch Marsh and Alex Carey sort of broke the back of our attack, but then a great little exciting end to the day,” he said. “When you are playing the No. 1 side in the world you need to go that little bit further. But a great Test match…ebbed and flowed throughout the whole match.”

Andrea Berta was officially announced as Arsenal’s new sporting director on Sunday afternoon, signalling a new era at the Emirates Stadium.

The exit of Edu towards the end of last year came as a shock to many at the club but for some, that has been a positive, chiefly Mikel Arteta who has now found himself with more power behind the scenes.

Upon Berta’s arrival, it was reported that the Italian was Arteta’s choice and that’s important considering they will have to mutually agree on how to strengthen the club.

While Edu was central to deals for players like Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, he was also to blame for a poor summer window in 2024, ultimately his final venture with the Gunners.

The north Londoners have failed to sign a much-needed centre forward in the last two windows and that will be Berta’s first priority when he sits down to discuss this summer’s business.

Alexander Isak is a key target while Viktor Gyokeres’ popularity is growing among Arsenal’s recruitment team.

The latest on Viktor Gyokeres' move to Arsenal

Many a striker has been linked with the Gunners over the last year, notably Newcastle’s Isak.

Yet, with a £150m asking price, a deal seems highly unlikely to be negotiated.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is another highly touted with the club but there’s a new target in the club’s crosshairs.

That’s according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein who reported over the weekend that Arsenal are ‘developing a strong interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres’.

It’s noted that Gyokeres has long been admired by Arsenal’s new sporting director and as a result, he is expected to feature prominently among the names that the Gunners consider over the summer.

While signing a striker is a big priority for Arteta and Co, there’s a key target emerging in another area of the pitch.

£51m star is reportedly on his way to Arsenal

Signing Gyokeres would be hugely exciting but there is also the need to improve in midfield with the likes of Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Mikel Merino was acquired nearly a year ago but hasn’t set the world alight as a number 8, forcing Rice to play further forward.

As a consequence of all of that, Arsenal have been looking to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

Reports over the winter suggested that Arsenal had been working on a deal to bring the Spaniard to the club and that a move was advanced.

Since then, several claims have indicated that he’s set to come to English football in a few months’ time, with Arsenal leading the race for his signature.

Now, according to a new report in Spain, a move looks all but official. Via Marca, Spanish journalist Oscar Badallo reported during Sociedad’s latest game with Real Valladolid that the 26-year-old is “on his way to Arsenal.”

Previous reports have suggested a deal could be done in the region of £51m, which is the player’s release clause.

How Gyokeres and Zubimendi would benefit Arsenal

Arsenal have not been too far off winning the league over the last three seasons but there’s always been a feeling that they’re just a couple of players short.

The attack has been one of the biggest problems, notably this season, where main man Bukayo Saka has missed the last three months with a hamstring problem.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are also out for the season, which after Arsenal didn’t sign a new striker in January has led to Merino filling the void.

So, adding a centre forward has always been the primary objective. To be quite honest, it doesn’t necessarily matter who they sign because anyone would be an upgrade on makeshift Merino.

However, with Isak looking off the table due to his price tag, Gyokeres would surely be the next best thing. Why? Well, he’s one of the most prolific forwards in the game.

In fact, across all first division football worldwide in 2024, no player scored more than Gyokeres’ 36 goals.

Added to that, the Swedish powerhouse is the sixth-highest goal scorer in first division football throughout 2025, finding the net on 12 occasions in ten games.

1. Alex (Dewa United)

17

2. Mohanad Ali (Al Shorta)

15

3. Marcos Leonardo (Al Hilal)

14

4. Ousmane Dembele (PSG)

13

5. Ivan Toney (Al Ahli)

13

6. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)

12

7. Mika Biereth (Monaco)

12

8. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

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He’s certainly a freak of nature when it comes to scoring goals, beating the goalkeeper on 42 occasions in as many games this season.

So, on that basis, he could well be the missing piece of the puzzle as far as Arsenal are concerned.

However, in order for the former Coventry City star to get those goal-scoring opportunities, he needs his teammates to exert control and in Zubimendi, they’d get that in abundance.

Described as “one of the best central midfielders in the world” by Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, he could be the Rodri-esque signing Arsenal could make in order to take their team to the next level.

He’s a Jorginho-type sitting midfielder who has a beautiful passing range, knows how to evade the press and can playmake from deep. He’s like Rodri, just a little less physical.

Boasting a fine all-round game, the Spain international ranks within the best 15% of midfielders in LaLiga for progressive passes per 90 minutes this season, the top 18% for aerial duels won and the best 6% for take-on success.

What we can establish from that is that he’s a capable dribbler, he doesn’t back out from duels and he can play the ball forward. Very often sitting players like Zubimendi can be criticised for playing sideways but that certainly isn’t the case here. He ranks in the top 21% of positionally similar players in Spain’s top-flight for passes into the final third per 90.

On this evidence, Gyokeres need not worry about the speed of Arsenal’s transition from defence to attack. You take a look at Zubimendi, Rice and Martin Odegaard and see three players who want to pass forward.

These potential arrivals could be game-changers in Arsenal’s pursuit of winning the Premier League title next term.

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In a move that would ease any potential Marc Guehi blow this summer, Crystal Palace have now reportedly emerged as shock contenders to sign a young defender wanted by Real Madrid.

Crystal Palace transfer news

From languishing all too close to the relegation zone to fighting for a place in the top half and reaching the last eight of the FA Cup, Crystal Palace have enjoyed quite the turnaround this season. Following a shaky start to Oliver Glasner’s first full season in charge, in which they were still reeling from Michael Olise’s summer exit, the Eagles have rediscovered their best form under the Austrian.

That form has done them no favours when attempting to fend off any interest in Guehi, however. The England centre-back was the subject of interest from Newcastle United last summer, only for Palace to price the Magpies out of a move.

Now, almost a year on from those rumours, it’s the likes of Chelsea who are reportedly interested in securing Guehi’s signature and they, unlike Newcastle, will be difficult to price out of a summer deal.

It seems as though those in South London are already preparing for the worst by lining up a shock Maxence Lacroix repeat. According to Caught Offside, Crystal Palace have emerged as shock contenders to sign Konstantinos Koulierakis from Wolfsburg, who value their defender at as much as €50m (£42m) this summer.

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The Eagles are far from alone in the race to secure his signature, however, with European giants Real Madrid standing alongside Liverpool in a mammoth battle in the coming months.

"Amazing" Koulierakis could replace Guehi

Whilst Wolfsburg would feel fairly hard done by if Crystal Palace signed Lacroix one summer and then his replacement one year later, that’s exactly what the Eagles should look to do. Having worked out last summer, returning to the Bundesliga could be the key to replacing Guehi should he swap Selhurst Park for a top six move when the transfer window swings open.

Wolfsburg stats (via FBref)	Maxence Lacroix 23/24	Konstantinos Koulierakis 24/25
Starts	27	20
Progressive Passes	79	75
Tackles Won	29	17
Ball Recoveries	126	69

Performing to similar levels to Lacroix’s final Bundesliga season, particularly on the ball, Crystal Palace are certainly looking in the right direction for a potential new centre-back partnership. A move to the Premier League would be Koulierakis’ biggest yet and continue his rise from the central defender who football talent scout Jacek Kulig described as “amazing” at PAOK into one to watch in England’s top tier.

Whether Palace can cause a shock a beat the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid to sign their second Wolfsburg defender in as many years remains to be seen. With or without Selhurst Park, however, Koulierakis looks destined for great things.

The Bangladesh players look like they are enjoying the mildness of everything here, even the seeming lack of buzz surrounding their campaign

Mohammad Isam at The Oval01-Jun-2019Apart from seeing how the injured Tamim Iqbal did in the nets, Bangladesh’s training session on the day before their World Cup opener against South Africa was an unexciting affair. After going back to the hotel, some of them would have iftar in their rooms while others may go out for dinner. In a foreign land where cricket is not exactly a national obsession, the players enjoy a mildness of everything.That is usually not how Bangladesh does cricket. The hype, especially when they play at home, is suffocating. Everything becomes manic, a trigger for something bigger. from MS Dhoni-Mustafizur colliding mid-pitch or Shakib Al Hasan giving Ben Stokes the salute. Nothing can be swept under the carpet. Heck, there are no carpets. The Bangladesh team now operates on a crystal-clear floor where everything is seen clearly and heard loudly.The main stirrer of the pot is the BCB president himself. Nazmul Hassan is very hands-on. He often goes out and tells the media exactly how he feels about the team, from who should be in the XI and how they should be playing.That obviously gets picked up by the mainstream media. Then social media. And on and on it goes, spawning fake news. Recently, Imrul Kayes had to dispel rumors of his retirement after he was ignored from the World Cup squad.But the thing is, this time, even at home, there isn’t much of a buzz. Don’t get me wrong. People still plan to hold watching parties or go out to restaurants or outdoor screenings or just watch with family and friends. There is no drop in interest, but there is a pleasant drop in intensity.Mashrafe Mortaza makes sure everyone knows he is fit•BCBThe Bangladesh players spent 17 days in Ireland where they won a tri-series against the hosts and West Indies. But because it was in the shadow of the World Cup, the victory almost went unnoticed. It was their first trophy out of a multi-team tournament. It should have come with some fanfare – which was the case when they beat Pakistan and India and South Africa in the space of four months in 2015. But maybe the change in tone is not a bad thing.When asked about the lack of buzz around the Bangladesh team, the captain Mashrafe Mortaza said, “It depends whether the hype is necessary or unnecessary. Many people are boasting that we have already reached the semi-finals, or even won the World Cup. We are nowhere near favourites in the World Cup. South Africa are favourites tomorrow. Having said that, we will also try to give our best, up to our preparations and ability.”Some people create unnecessary hype. But those who analyse cricket, they keep us long way back but we are fighting against their opinion. These things go on ahead of the tournament. I think the players should focus on what has produced this expectation.”Mashrafe has been part of World Cup campaigns in 2003, 2007 and 2015. He watched the 2011 edition, co-hosted by Bangladesh, from the sidelines. And he believes the hype is more now.”I think there was less expectations last time. Your lot have also been talking it up. Maybe some of our players have started to believe in it. Sometimes it brings out the best in them, but I am wary that it might also create pressure. Players should be focused on their main job, and not what the talk is about.”We are treating this as another tournament, and our players have to understand that this game is another international match. We will feel more pressure if we take all the talks of expectations to the field.”Mashrafe is correct in saying that the No. 7-ranked team cannot be tipped to win the World Cup even before they play a single match. But that doesn’t really stop the team’s more radical fans from amping them up on Facebook and Twitter. And that is exactly why some in the know are happy the players don’t pay too much mind to all the noise that is around them.”I am not surprised but I am relieved that the players are not so active on social media,” Ahmed Sajjadul Alam Bobby, a BCB director and well-known cricket administrator since the late 1970s, said. “Sometimes unnecessary activities can be counterproductive. It has never helped the players in any way. Perhaps it is a way to connect with your fans, so sticking to that is okay. The tournament has started couple of days ago but it is about to start for our team. So I don’t want to pre-empt anything.”Bobby also said that his colleagues should not be in the news so often. “I think for us, it is best to stay away from the media. I don’t know what purpose it serves,” he said. “We should leave the playing to the players, coaching staff, management and selectors.”And, according to Bobby, this low-key setting ahead of a very big match against South Africa, has been several years in the making. “In 1999, it was about participation, which was a matter of great elation for all of us. In 2011, we hosted the tournament which raised the expectations level. We also realised that we should make some headway in the field too”In 2019, it is no longer about only participation. We are seeking real achievements, so maybe we are a bit cautious about expressing ourselves. Which is why the ecstasy may be missing.”