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Chelsea have made a decision on one of their more expensive players at Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino continues to shape his squad, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Jackson injury, Hazard retires, Chelsea target Osimhen…

Cited by Football London, a Chelsea injury update on striker Nicolas Jackson has indicated that the Senegalese striker has withdrawn from international duty with the Lions of Teranga in order to undergo a minor operation on his wrist after he wore a splint for the Blues' last two fixtures.

Rangers forward Abdallah Sima has replaced Jackson in the Senegal squad as he recovers from the procedure over the international break ahead of Chelsea's trip to Arsenal upon the resumption of the Premier League campaign.

Chelsea icon Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from football and has taken to social media platform Instagram to thank everyone involved in his career, stating via The Guardian: "You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time. After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer. I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world. Thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all."

Former Belgium international Hazard endeared himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful as a hero over the course of his seven years at Chelsea, registering 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 appearances across all competitions (Hazard statistics)

Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on his Substack "Si Phillips Talks Chelsea" that Pochettino sees Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a "dream" Chelsea transfer target, while Brentford's Ivan Toney is also said to be on the radar at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea summer signings

Axel Disasi (Monaco)

£38.5m

Nicolas Jackson (Villarreal)

£30.1m

Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

£52m

Kendry Paez (Independiente del Valle)

£17.27m (joins 2025/26)

Robert Sanchez (Brighton)

£25m

Moises Caicedo (Brighton)

£115m

Lesley Ugochukwu (Rennes)

£23.5m

Angelo Gabriel (Santos)

Undisclosed

Alex Matos (Norwich)

Undisclosed

Diego Moreira (Benfica)

Undisclosed

Ishe Samuels-Smith (Everton)

Undisclosed

Dujuan Richards (Phoenix All Stars Academy)

Undisclosed

Romeo Lavia (Southampton)

£58m

Deivid Washington (Santos)

£17.1m

Djordje Petrovic (New England Revolution)

£14m

Cole Palmer (Manchester City)

£42.5m

All fees courtesy of Sky Sports

Chelsea transfer news – Romelu Lukaku

Transfer expert Romano has delivered another Chelsea transfer update on social media platform X regarding forgotten Blues striker Romelu Lukaku, who has rediscovered his best form out on loan at Jose Mourinho's Roma.

Romano stated: "Understand Chelsea have already fixed an exit fee for Romelu Lukaku in summer 2024 — and it’s around £37m. There’s an agreement to make Romelu available for that fee next year. Lukaku, doing great on loan to Roma as he scored 7 goals."

Labelled a "beast" by former Inter Milan striker Christian Vieri, Lukaku has managed to average 2.5 shots on goal per fixture this term in the Italian top-flight, alongside gaining an average match rating of 7.31/10, as per WhoScored.

Nevertheless, he could now be set to depart Stamford Bridge for a relatively cheap fee of £37 million, which looks almost microscopic compared to the £97.5 million fee the Blues paid for Lukaku in 2021.

New Zealand women amassed 491 for 4 – the highest total in all ODI cricket – to smash records and Ireland women at YMCA Cricket Club in Dublin

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jun-2018
New Zealand women amassed 491 for 4 – the highest total in all ODI cricket – to smash records and Ireland women at the YMCA Cricket Club in Dublin. They threatened to break the 500-run barrier when they were 471 for 4 in 49 overs. Seventeen-year-old Amelia Kerr – the fourth New Zealand batsman to cross 50 – drove the first two balls of the last over through extra cover for fours. She followed it with another four to the long-on boundary, but could manage only seven off the last three balls.In response, Ireland folded for 144 in 35.3 overs as New Zealand secured the fourth-biggest win in women’s ODIs – by 346 runs. They achieved the biggest win – by 408 runs – when they ran up 455 for 5, the previous highest total in ODIs, in Christchurch in 1997.Ireland will also be concerned about Isobel Joyce, who did not bat in the chase after bumping her head on the ground while fielding. She had bowled just one over in the first innings.It was captain Suzie Bates and No. 3 Maddy Green who set the tone for New Zealand’s mammoth score with quickfire centuries – 151 off 94 balls and 121 off 77 balls respectively. Bates and debutant Jess Watkin started with a blistering 172-run opening partnership off 18.5 overs at a run rate of 9.13. The stand ended when Rachel Delaney, a substitute fielder, pulled off a stunning one-handed catch at deep square leg to dismiss Watkin for 62 off 59 balls.Bates, who was on 89 off 59 balls then, went on to score her 10th ODI hundred, off only 71 balls. Only Australia captain Meg Lanning (11) has more ODI centuries than Bates. She reached the landmark when she tucked legspinner Gaby Lewis to the leg side for a single and got a hug from team-mate Green in the middle.In the next over, Bates was reprieved on 113 when Louise Little dropped a return catch that went high. Bates further added 38 to her tally before 17-year-old legspinner Cara Murray, also making her ODI debut, drew Bates out of her crease and had her stumped in the 30th over, and New Zealand were 288 for 2. Murray also dismissed Amy Satterthwaite, but ended up conceding 119 runs – the worst figures in all ODIs.Three other bowlers – Lewis, Little, and Lara Maritz – gave away 92 runs each while new-ball bowler Amy Kenealy went for 81 in nine overs.The loss of Bates did not slow down New Zealand. Green, whose previous best ODI score was 46, smoked her maiden international century off 62 balls, while Kerr scored an unbeaten 81 off 45 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. Kerr added 76 for the fifth wicket in 38 balls to bring her side to within 10 runs of 500.Notably, this match was played on the same pitch where New Zealand had chased down 137 in 11 overs without losing a wicket on Wednesday.Seamer Hannah Rowe made light work of Ireland’s openers before offspinner Leigh Kasperek ran through the middle and lower order with career-best figures of 4 for 17. She had dismissed captain Laura Delany (37) and Jennifer Gray (35) – the only two Ireland batsmen to pass 20. The entire Ireland side managed only 18 boundaries while Bates alone hit 26.

The 31-year-old passes away after a "complex medical battle" that left him hospitalized over recent weeks

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Former SKC midfielder Kinda passes away at 31Club Maccabi Haifa announced news after "complex medical battle"Kinda spent four seasons in MLS with SportingWHAT HAPPENED?

Former Sporting Kansas City midfielder Gadi Kinda died after a "complex medical battle" had hospitalized him in recent weeks. His club, Maccabi Haifa, announced the news Tuesday.

His last game for the Israeli side was March 29.

"Maccabi Haifa Football Club mourns the death of the team's player, Gadi Raphael Kinda, who passed away at the age of 31," the club said in a statement. "The Maccabi Haifa family hugs the Kinda family and prays that they will not know any more sorrow."

Sporting shared support to Kinda on May 10, posing with his jersey prior to their MLS match against the Portland Timbers.

"For Gadi," the club posted on social media. "Please join us in showing support and love for Gadi Kinda during this difficult time."

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The midfielder played four seasons in MLS with Sporting from 2020 to 2023, scoring 14 goals and recording 16 assists across 64 regular season matches. He missed the 2022 season due to injury.

Kinda, born in Ethiopia, represented Israel internationally, earning 10 caps for the national team. Along with Maccabi Haifa, Kinda also represented Ashdod and Beitar Jerusalem at the pro levels.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Sporting Kansas City midfielder Gadi Kinda. Our hearts are with Gadi’s family, his friends, teammates and all who knew him," Sporting KC said in a statement Tuesday.

WHAT SPORTING MANAGER KERRY ZAVAGNIN SAID

"It's still a raw emotion.," said Sporting KC head coach Kerry Zavagnin. "Obviously in the club right now and the way that the group is taking it, in such a difficult way, it goes to show what he meant to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. He was such an electric figure in our club and he's going to be dearly missed."

"A pleasure to be with every day," added Zavagnin, speaking to the character of Kinda. "No matter what the day looked like, he always came in with it with an optimistic view. Everyone from the chefs, the cooks, the cleaning service, the coaches, the rest of the staff, the players, all had a good feeling when they were around him and it shows today in how everyone's taken this tragic news.

"He was quiet, he was humble, and even in training he was very unassuming. But when the lights went on and the game started, he just became a different person. Entertaining, electrifying, creative and was a great injection of spirit combined with humility."

Asked about how he processed the news, Zavagnin added:

"Another moment of compartmentalizing. It hurts down to my heart knowing him as a person, which was a much better version than what he was as a player. And he was a pretty darn good player. So that part hurts, as much as you want to admit that we can't escape change and we can't escape what the ultimate is for all of us, it's difficult on a day like today."

KANSAS CITY'S NEXT MATCH

Sporting return to the pitch on May 24 against the New England Revolution.

Tottenham Hotspur are now in the race for an “unbelievable” England international, but they may need to qualify for the Champions League to compete for his signature, according to former goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Spurs' season hinges on Europa League triumph

The 5-1 battering at Anfield on Sunday afternoon was the latest extremely disappointing performance from Tottenham, in a season where there has been no shortage of poor results, but ultimately the loss is of little importance.

Spurs’ season now hinges entirely on their Europa League campaign, and they should be in a very strong position to reach the final in Bilbao, given that they are set to come up against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final.

A Europa League triumph would end the Lilywhites’ long wait for a trophy, while also granting them access to next season’s Champions League, which should place them in a strong position to bring in some top players this summer.

Tottenham now in position to seal "bargain signing" of "interesting" striker

They’re “well-placed” to do a deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 27, 2025

In a recent interview with Football Insider, Robinson has now provided an update on a player Tottenham could target this summer, although he believes they will only be able to compete for his signature if they win the Europa League.

The former goalkeeper said: “Tottenham are in the race for Marcus Rashford; but without Champions League football, without the Europa League trophy, and Tottenham 17th in the Premier League? Sorry, you’re not in the conversation.”

As Rashford’s relationship with Ruben Amorim has “broken down”, the England international is expected to leave this summer, with a move to Barcelona potentially on the cards, while a permanent switch to Aston Villa remains a possibility.

The 27-year-old is not the only England international Spurs have their eye on, however, with a recent report revealing they are also serious contenders to sign Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.

"Unbelievable" Rashford impressing at Aston Villa

After falling out with Amorim, it was clear the left-winger needed to leave United in January, and he has started to look more like his former self since moving to Villa, picking up four goals and six assists in 17 matches.

Having once been lauded as “unbelievable” by Harry Maguire, it is clear the £300k-per-week forward has bags of talent, but United has been a graveyard for top players in recent years, and it is good to see him reignite his career elsewhere.

Should Tottenham manage to win the Europa League, a move to north London could be attractive to Rashford, but the signs are not good heading into their crucial semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.

Spurs have lost their last three Premier League games on the spin, and even if they manage to reach the final, it will be a very difficult task to beat Athletic Bilbao in their own stadium, or three-time Champions League winners Man United in a European final.

Everton's takeover saga continues to rumble on with no end in sight, and a new update from journalist Paul Brown could raise eyebrows amongst supporters at Goodison Park.

Everton takeover updates

Talk of a potential takeover has dominated the headlines on the blue half of Merseyside of late, with the situation somewhat overshadowing what the Blues are doing on the pitch, as they look to steer themselves away from the Premier League relegation zone this season.

As it stands, 777 Partners are the front-runners to come in and bring an end to the Farhad Moshiri era at Everton, which is something that many supporters want to see happen, following a turbulent reign in charge that has led to protests outside the stadium and during matches in 2023.

There are concerns over whether 777 are the right people to come in, however, with doubts over their finances, and it is making for a murky situation at the club that feels a long way from ending. Another update has now emerged – one that sheds further light on whether 777 will be the people to lead the Blues forward ahead of move to Bramley Moore Dock at the end of the season.

Less than 50% chance of Everton takeover

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Brown assessed Everton's chances of being taken over by 777 Partners, saying that former Arsenal chairman David Dein knows those involved in the talks well, but it looks lower than a 50% chance of happening at the moment:

"He (Dein) is at least someone who knows all of the people involved, and they think will be able to pave the way for the takeover to be approved.

"I think it is still fraught with difficulty for them and I think their finances and being able to provide the right documentation for the regulatory bodies to get this signed off is a problem for various reasons. So I think it's still up in the air and I've been told that the chances are less than 50/50 of it going through at the moment."

This is an update that will once again likely cause frustration among the Everton fanbase, with the saga feeling never ending at this point, when a smooth transition from Moshiri to a new owner would be far more ideal.

It is vital that a takeover is completed in time for the January transfer window, potentially generating more funds for Sean Dyche to spend on new signings at that point, and it is important for the general feel-good factor of the club, bringing a stability to proceedings in the process.

The longer this goes on, the harder it is going to be for Dyche and his players to simply focus on getting positive results, and similarly, supporters are going to games with a negative mindset at times because of the unresolved issues higher up.

Whatever happens, Moshiri's time as owner needs to come to an end, and whoever comes in to replace him must tick every box, rather than a gamble which could potentially put Everton in even more financial strife.

The win against India A gave them a bonus point, but their chance of making the final was wiped out by Australia A’s victory over India B

The Report by Sruthi Ravindranath in Bengaluru27-Aug-2018On a cloudy day and a greenish pitch, South Africa A’s pacers ran through India A, consigning them to a four-wicket defeat and knocking them out of contention for a place in the quadrangular series final. The win gave South Africa a bonus-point, but their own chance of making the final was wiped out by Australia A’s victory over India B.Dane Paterson was the destructor-in-chief as he scythed through the hosts’ line-up, picking up his best bowling figures in a limited-overs game. The South Africa batsmen, in their chase, survived an equally-disciplined India bowling effort on a pitch that never looked easy to bat on.”Funnily enough, that was a South African wicket put out today,” Paterson said after the match, following his figures of 5 for 19. The new-ball duo of Paterson and Robert Frylinck found movement off the pitch, quickly drew parallels with the ones back home, and made no mistake in applying them. While keeping the scoring quiet with probing lines outside off, they accounted for the top-four batsmen within the first ten overs to leave India A reeling at 31 for 4.Dane Paterson on being called a T20 specialist

“It’s a dream to play Test cricket, so I’m working on that, aspiring to be there. It’s funny because at the beginning of my career, I used to have a lot of success with the red ball and suddenly now once I’ve got older, my white-ball game has taken off.

“I feel relieved, it’s been a long time since I took a five-for, it was my first with the white ball, so quite happy about today’s performance.”

At that point, Krunal Pandya joined Nitish Rana at the crease, following which India saw a brief flash of recovery. The two motored on for about six overs, rotating strike and seeing off the new-ball pair, but then Pandya edged one to the keeper, contributing just five to the overall score. While Rana pushed India’s score past 50, his struggle against the short ball was exposed, and soon he lost his wicket to a Malusi Siboto bouncer after making a 45-ball 19.The onus was on Sanju Samson to resurrect India’s innings, but Deepak Chahar did his bit to hold up South A too. He batted freely even as South Africa captain Khaya Zondo set an aggressive field. While Samson at the other end played watchfully, Chahar hit three sixes and as many fours to make a 42-ball 38, ending as India’s top scorer of the day.From 76 for 6, the duo pulled India to 140 before the South Africa pacers struck again. The promising 64-run stand was ended by a sharp catch by Pieter Malan at backward point to send Chahar back, and the fielder duly received a loud appreciation from the 50-odd spectators at the stadium. Following that, Paterson and Sisanda Magala did not take much time to wrap up the innings.For South Africa, Malan opened with Gihahn Cloete and the pair was treated to tidy bowling by Chahar, Shivam Mavi and Khaleel Ahmed. Khaleel provided the breakthrough for India, sending an edgy Cloete back, but Malan stuck around at the other end, making an 86-ball 47 before Khaleel came back to dismiss him. Paterson was sent in at No. 5 with the intention of collecting quick runs, but his brief stay at the crease was terminated by a Khaleel full toss that found its way to deep point to leave South Africa 111 for 5.With spin pressing from both ends, South Africa’s scoring slowed down in the middle. Mayank Markande and Krunal Pandya stifled the flow of runs with tight lengths – and also picked up three wickets between them in all – but India needed more runs on the board. South Africa took the relatively small chase to the 38th over but got home they did, Farhaan Behardien and Frylinck finishing the job. The bonus point they got for doing it in under 40 overs took them over Australia A in the points table, but only till the latter registered a win themselves later in the day in Alur.

Warwickshire need 519 to beat Kent – a figure never achieved – but at 229 for 1, and Ian Bell again in sumptious form, anything is possible at Tunbridge Wells

ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2018
ScorecardEngland Test stalwart Ian Bell appears intent on inspiring a momentous Warwickshire run-chase at Tunbridge Wells after Kent set the visitors a mammoth victory target of 519 in a shade over five sessions.In a topsy-turvy Specsavers County Championship match between the second division’s top two sides, Bell posted his third unbeaten hundred in four red-ball innings to take Warwickshire into the final day on 229 for one, requiring a further 290 for victory. The previous two were unbeaten; if this one remains so, Warwickshire would doubtless make history with the biggest successful run chase in Championship history. It is quite a run in the month when he conceded that his England days were realistically over.Bell and his second-wicket partner Dominic Sibley came together after the departure of left-hander Will Rhodes soon after lunch. Rhodes, back on his stumps to a Harry Podmore off-cutter went leg before for 25 leaving Bell and Sibley to bat out the remaining 55.4 overs of the day.Despite numerous Kent bowling changes, the visiting partners reached stumps with aplomb, rarely looking in trouble as they batted throughout the third day’s final session.The home bowlers switched ends in trying to make best use of Keith Barker’s day-two follow-through marks, but in truth off-spinner Adam Riley and rookie seamer Ivan Tomas offered little threat, Indeed Riley, in his last two championship starts, has now sent down 55.2 wicketless overs.Bell, prodding somewhat at his 164th ball, was slightly fortuitous to move to his 55th first-class hundred with a 15th boundary that ran through to the unguarded ropes at fine leg via a thick inside edge against the bowling of Matt Henry.Two deliveries later, Henry dropped to his haunches in exasperation after umpire James Middlebrook turned aside the Kiwi’s strenuous leg before plea.At the other end Sibley, who was downed in the cordon shortly before lunch, looked sound in defence and restrained in his stroke play in reaching 82 from 197 balls faced.The pair will likely need to extend their stand well into the final day if they are to beat the highest ever fourth-innings run chase in championship history set by Middlesex in beating Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in 1925.Warwickshire’s own best last innings chase came far more recently however, when they pursued 427 to beat Somerset at Taunton in 2013.At the start of the day, promotion-chasing Kent batted on for a further 22 overs as seventh-wicket pairing Zak Crawley and Harry Podmore frustrated Jeetan Patel’s side for an hour in adding a further 53 runs.Crawley, the 19-year-old former Tonbridge School opener, posted his maiden championship half-century from 87 balls and with four fours, but, with his score on 24, Podmore aimed to force a short, loose delivery from Oliver Hannon-Dalby and succeeded in edging to the keeper Tim Ambrose.Crawley, dropped at slip when on 89 by Jonathan Trott, lasted only two more balls before Hannon-Dalby finally got his man lbw for 93. Having just nicked a streaky boundary to third man, Crawley was undone by an off-cutter that thudded into his front pad.After a lusty 20 from Matt Henry, Kent’s acting skipper Joe Denly declared at 12.25pm, leaving Warwickshire to face a mammoth, first-class record run chase of 519 for victory. By the close, Denly may have already been wishing he’d have batted on a tad longer.

SLC announced an extraordinary general meeting with a view to holding board elections on May 31, subject to approval from the country’s sports ministry

Madushka Balasuriya01-May-2018

Thilanga Sumathipala and Sanath Jayasuriya at a press conference•AFP

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced an extraordinary general meeting with a view to holding board elections on May 31 – the day the board’s term is set to end – subject to approval from the country’s sports ministry.The EGM will take place on May 19, the date elections were originally set to take place prior to being postponed on technical grounds, and the SLC membership will appoint an independent election committee.As per the SLC constitution, members need to be given at least 14 days notice ahead of an EGM, and then a further 40 days must lapse before an Annual General Meeting and an election can be held. While this would normally prevent holding elections until the end of June at the earliest, SLC have sought permission from the country’s sports minister to hold elections early, so as to be able to pass the year’s audited accounts at the AGM.If elections aren’t held before May 31 then sports law dictates that an interim committee be appointed, which would likely mean the present Executive Committee remains in charge until the election date but won’t have the power to pass annual accounts. With the deadline for nominations being April 27, SLC believes the 40-day waiting period can be bypassed as no new nominations are being accepted.It is expected that two camps headed by former SLC office bearers Nishantha Ranatunga and Jayantha Dharmadasa will be contesting against the incumbent board headed by SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala.Elections were postponed last week by Sri Lanka’s sports ministry after it adjudged that by appointing an election committee at an Executive Committee meeting as opposed to at an EGM, SLC had contravened the country’s sports law. SLC contested that it had received permission from the previous sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekera in this regard, however Faiszer Mustapha – the new sports minister – insisted on following constitutional protocol.”Our position earlier was to bring the elections committee into the SLC constitution at an ExCo meeting, and then appoint the committee members at the floor of the house,” Sumathipala said.”Therefore we gave notice to the general membership on April 6, informing them that on May 19 at an EGM [prior to holding the AGM later that same day] we will pass the resolution and bring the due changes to our constitution. And subsequent to that to appoint an elections committee.”For this we informed the former minister of sports and with his permission we agreed to go ahead, but we have since been informed that it is better that we follow proper procedure.”

The Premier League title may not be heading in the direction of the Emirates Stadium but there are plenty of positives for Arsenal to build upon.

The Gunners are in the semi-finals of the Champions League, Declan Rice has come on leaps and bounds, notably in attacking phases of play, Ethan Nwaneri’s emergence has been sublime and Myles Lewis-Skelly has arguably been even better than the darling of Hale End.

Yet, all of their hard work in overcoming injuries and some questionable refereeing decisions will be worthless if they don’t look to take matters into their own hands over the summer.

While Arsenal boast plenty of depth at the back, it has been in forward areas where they have struggled so much, largely because of those injuries.

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard have all been absent for lengthy spells and they cannot afford that again in 2025/26.

So, who could they sign?

The forwards Arsenal could sign this summer

A dream move for Alexander Isak looks firmly off the table now with Newcastle demanding upwards of £150m to sell their prized asset.

Several other attackers have been linked with a move to the Emirates, including Chelsea flop Christopher Nkunku this weekend, while there are perhaps more exciting links to the likes of Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres and French superstar Hugo Ekitike.

Yet, links to a certain Benjamin Sesko just won’t go away.

Arsenal wanted to sign the Slovenian last summer but were fruitless in their attempts when the hulking centre forward decided to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig.

Transfer Focus

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

Sesko has stayed in Germany for the duration of this term but a move in a few months’ time is likely forthcoming.

Well, according to Football.London, his destination could still be the Gunners. Arsenal are said to have continued monitoring his progress and are still keen on bringing him to England.

It was initially thought the Bundesliga club would be willing to let Sesko leave for around £60m but are now having second thoughts having reportedly bumped his asking price up to £86m.

How Benjamin Sesko compares to Viktor Gyokeres

Once famously dubbed “the new Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig, Sesko has been attracting attention for a number of years now and his stock has arguably never been higher.

This term, the Slovenia international has scored 20 times in 42 games, a very decent record for a striker, particularly one who is still only 21. For context, that’s some way behind the great Gyokeres who has found the net on a staggering 48 occasions this season.

So, on that evidence, how would Sesko be a better signing for the Gunners? Well, we’ll let data analyst Ben Mattinson help us here.

Taking to social media earlier this week, he highlighted that there “a lot of red flags” surrounding Gyokeres, primarily his “heavy first touch” and the fact that he does not shield the ball well. He’s also slow to turn and his touches in transition take him away from the goal.

In a nutshell, that sounds like everything Arteta hates. Let us focus on Havertz a moment. While he’s not the most prolific of scorers, he brings others into play incredibly well and possesses a deft first touch. Even Mikel Merino is better in that regard. His assist against Ipswich, flicking the ball into Gabriel Martinelli with a dose of flair, supports that claim.

Of course, for the less data-led among us, sticking the ball in the back of the net is always the most important thing in football. Yet, Arsenal also need someone who’s going to help them in other phases of play. This is where Sesko comes in.

Viktor Gyokeres

47

48

Victor Osimhen

35

30

Alexander Isak

39

26

Hugo Ekitike

45

22

Benjamin Sesko

42

20

Matheus Cunha

32

17

An incredibly strong striker, one who stands at 6 foot 5, the Slovenian has longer strides than Gyokeres but they both possess that bulldozer effect, crashing through the last line of the defence to score goals.

Crucially for an Arsenal side so used to someone like Havertz or Merino leading the line, Sesko is strong in the air too. Compared to Gyokeres, he wins 2.61 aerials per 90 minutes to the Swede’s 1.18.

To further our point, Mattinson also believes that while both players “are obsessed with goals”, there is “more to work with” when it comes to Sesko, largely because he’s young and his ceiling is greater.

A powerhouse boasting a genuinely exciting profile, Sesko, who has all the potential to become a truly elite no.9, should be the man Arsenal go for if they can’t get their hands on Isak this summer.

Arteta's next Havertz: Arsenal make enquiry to sign £52m "monster"

Arsenal could be about to land a new fprward to end their issues in the final third.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 27, 2025

The January transfer window officially opened for business at the start of last week and Tottenham Hotspur have wasted little time in bolstering their squad.

They have already confirmed the arrival of Germany international Timo Werner on loan from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig until the end of the season.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that the club have an option to make the deal permanent in the summer for a fee of €17m (£14.6m).

The same reporter has also confirmed that Spurs are on the verge of a move for Genoa central defender Radu Dragusin to improve Ange Postecoglou's options at the heart of his defence.

Tottenham have reached an agreement with the Serie A side for a fee in excess of €30m (£25.8m) and is now set to complete the formalities before the transfer can become official, whilst Djed Spence is due to go the other way on loan.

That may not be the end of their transfer dealings this month, though, as they have now been linked with a swoop for a winger to add to their attacking options.

Spurs transfer news – Roony Bardghji

It has been reported by HITC that Spurs are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Roony Bardghji from Danish side Copenhagen in January.

The outlet claim that the teenage winger is regarded as one of the top prospects in Scandanavia and a host of top European clubs have been keeping tabs on his situation.

They state that Postecoglou is eyeing a Tottenham swoop to sign the impressive youngster, who was recently in England for commercial reasons.

Aston Villa, Brentford, Newcastle United, and Manchester United have also been spoken to about Bardghji's potential availability and could be in the race to secure his signature.

However, all of the aforementioned English teams look set to be joined by clubs across Europe. Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen, and Juventus are all interested in the 18-year-old whiz.

HITC state that Copenhagen are prepared to do business this month and would like a fee of at least £20m for their star performer, although they would like to keep him until the end of the season if possible.

A January transfer is a real possibility for the impressive prospect and, as this report shows, there does not appear to be a shortage of suitors for him.

This means that it could be a difficult transfer for Spurs to complete amid interest from a host of top clubs. However, the ambition being shown in the market – with the signings of Dragusin and Werner – could show Bardghji that they mean business and are the right place for him to continue his development.

If Postecoglou can lure the Copenhagen star to the Lilywhites this month, or even in the summer, then he could unearth his own version of Bukayo Saka, who – of course – currently stars for the club's bitter rivals across North London.

Saka's Premier League form over the last 18 months

Since the start of last season, the Arsenal academy graduate has been a terrific Premier League performer who has proven himself to be a lethal operator in the final third.

The Gunners failed to secure the top-flight title ahead of Manchester City by the end of the 2022/23 campaign but Saka's sensational form on the right wing was a big factor in them being in the running to lift the trophy throughout the season.

He produced a staggering 14 goals and 11 assists in 38 Premier League appearances as the young gem showcased his ability as a scorer and a creator of goals.

His outstanding performances were recognised by his peers as the England international was named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the campaign.

This term, Saka has racked up six goals, six assists, and ten 'big chances' created in 19 league outings for Mikel Arteta's side as a left-footed forward on the right flank.

Assists (0.33)

Top 15%

Expected Assisted Goals (0.29)

Top 15%

Shot-creating actions (5.75)

Top 4%

Progressive carries (4.88)

Top 22%

Non-penalty goals (0.22)

Top 48%

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old has been a terrific creative threat for his team and one of the top performers in the Premier League.

The statistics that show Bardghji could be Spurs' Saka

Postecoglou could now land his own version of Saka in a swoop to sign Bardghji, although this is a move that the club could benefit from in the future rather than the here and now.

The Copenhagen star only turned 18 in November of last year and has plenty of time left on his side to develop and improve, which is why this could be a long-term addition to the squad.

He is yet to prove himself in a major European league but has showcased his potential in Denmark and in the Champions League so far this season.

Bardghji caught the eye in Europe with an impressive cameo against Manchester United earlier this term. He played 27 minutes off the bench and completed all three of his dribble attempts to go along with the winning goal in a 4-3 victory for his side.

The left-footed right winger, who was hailed as an "outrageous" talent by scout Jacek Kulig, has been lethal in front of goal in the Superliga during the 2023/24 campaign with seven goals and zero 'big chances' missed in 14 starts.

He has also created two 'big chances' for his teammates and has not been rewarded with an assist, which suggests that his fellow forwards have let him down in the final third.

The £20m-rated phenom has racked up 11 goals in 31 outings in all competitions and these statistics suggest that he has the potential to be an impressive goalscorer coming in on his left foot from the right flank, just like Saka, given what the exciting gem is already doing at such a young age.

Postecoglou could also work with him to improve his creative output. Bardghji assisted four goals in 21 U19 games for Copenhagen but has only registered one assist at first-team level.

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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

At the age of 18, the Spurs target has the time on his hands to develop those skills to go along with his already-impressive goalscoring quality to become Tottenham's own version of Saka on the right wing as a supremely talented young left-footed dynamo.