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A number of players have already left Nottingham Forest this summer, and it appears that the side could be set for further exits from the City Ground before the transfer window closes.

Forest set for further exits this summer

With much of last season clouded by the looming threat of financial sanctions, it had long been known that this summer would see Forest part ways with numerous star players. So far, the window has seen this prediction come true, with a number of players calling time on their careers at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest eye "fantastic" former player who wants to quit his club

They could finally get their man…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 18, 2024

Nottingham Forest departures summer 2024
Player	Club joined	Fee received
Moussa Niakhaté	Olympique Lyon	£27m
Orel Mangala	Olympique Lyon	£15m
Remo Freuler	Bologna	£3.8m
Odysseas Vlachodimos	Newcastle United	Undisclosed
Brandon Aguilera	Rio Ave	Undisclosed
Jonathan Panzo	Rio Ave	Loan
Marko Stamenic	Olympiacos	Loan

Despite the multitude of players who have already left the club, Forest could be set for further exits, with attacking talents Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga both attracting interest from other sides.

The duo have both been linked with moves to fellow Premier League side Newcastle United, with the Magpies attempting to bolster their attack ready for next season and cover for the potential loss of Anthony Gordon.

With the Forest departures set to continue, it looks as if a club official is travelling to England to negotiate a deal for another of Nuno Espírito Santo's players.

Club official set for talks over Forest midfielder

Sport Witness has relayed a story from the Turkish press claiming that Fenerbahce are showing interest in Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare, with a club official set to travel to England for talks.

The outlet states that Fenerbahce's sporting director, Mario Branco, will be travelling to speak to clubs about both Sangare and Crystal Palace's Jefferson Lerma. It is claimed that the Süper Lig side are still in the market for a new midfielder after seemingly losing the race to sign Tottenham Hotspur's Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and will choose to pursue one of the other midfielders.

Lerma has been previously linked with a move to Fenerbahce, though Sport Witness reports that the Colombian recently played down these rumours in the press. Sangare, on the other hand, is a new name for the Turkish side and could be a likely exit from the City Ground after failing to impress during his time at Forest.

The Ivorian midfielder arrived at The City Ground on deadline day of summer 2023, joining for a reported fee in the region of £30million. In his first season in England, the former PSV man struggled, starting just 13 Premier League games last term.

Speaking shortly after his appointment as Forest manager in December 2023, Espirito Santo spoke of Sangare's struggles, telling the press:

“He is not in his best moment yet. He was seriously ill, he lost weight and has had injury problems. But he is an option for us. I know him and I expect him to help the team. He can be very, very helpful to us.”

Having signed a five-year contract with Forest, the club may choose to persevere with Sangare into the future or just cut their losses and hope to recoup as much of the initial fee as possible this summer.

India batsman initially set to be available for three games but it could be extended

George Dobell08-Apr-2021Warwickshire have completed the signing of the India batsman Hanuma Vihari as their overseas player, after Pieter Malan, their original choice, ran into difficulties obtaining a visa.Vihari, who has played 12 Tests, including three on India’s victorious tour of Australia earlier this year, does not have an IPL deal and is expected to be available for at least three LV= Insurance County Championship games.He made his Test debut against England on their 2018 tour, while his highest score of 111 – his solitary Test century to date – came against West Indies in 2019. In his first-class career, Vihari has made 7,094 runs at 56.75 in 90 games, while he is also a part-time offspinner with 27 wickets to his name.The BCCI is understood to have agreed the deal in the hope that his experience in the county game will prove beneficial ahead of the World Test Championship final, which is scheduled to be played in Southampton in June, and India’s five-Test tour of England that follows.”Hanuma will arrive in the UK this afternoon,” Warwickshire’s Director of Cricket, Paul Farbrace, said. “We hope that this gives time for him to do his six days quarantine and to feature in next week’s game versus Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, subject to receiving negative COVID tests.”He’s a high-quality batsman, and an effective off spinner, who has been part of two India Test series victories in Australia. But he also comes to Warwickshire with an outstanding record in the first-class game and our young batsman are going to learn a huge amount from playing and training with someone of Hanuma’s calibre.Related

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“We’re also very grateful to Hanuma for stepping in at such short notice to cover Pieter Malan whilst we await confirmation of visa and his safe entry to the UK from South Africa.”Warwickshire had originally signed Malan, the South Africa top-order player, for the entire season. But with South Africa currently categorised as a “red list” country by the UK government, he has been unable to obtain a visa at this stage. Even if he does, he will be obliged to spend time in quarantine before becoming available, meaning it is unlikely he will play before May. With that in mind, there seems every chance Vihari’s stay could be extended.”I’m looking forward to this opportunity and to play for a big club like Warwickshire is really exciting,” Vihari said.Other India players such as Cheteshwar Pujara, R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, M Vijay and Axar Patel have all had spells in the county game in recent times, while Virat Kohli signed for Surrey in 2018 but was obliged to pull out due to injury. Shreyas Iyer has also signed to play for Lancashire in the 50-over competition, although his fitness is uncertain after requiring shoulder surgery.

Head coach calls Australia’s decision to call off tour of South Africa “very disappointing and disruptive”

Firdose Moonda03-Feb-2021

De Kock “has been given the extra burden of being captain and that can be tough and something he’s not used to” – Boucher•Getty Images

Quinton de Kock will not continue as South Africa’s Test captain after the Rawalpindi Test, with coach Mark Boucher saying that it’s important to “release him from that burden” of leading all three sides in the international arena. But it’s not a decision the team needs to make in a hurry, because the “disappointing and disruptive” development of Australia postponing their tour of South Africa means there isn’t any Test cricket on the horizon for South Africa.”When we get back after this tour we’ve got a bit of time before our next Test series so we can sit down and make a good, solid call on who can take over from him and release him from that burden and try and get the best out of him,” Boucher said on the eve of South Africa’s second and final Test in Pakistan. “It’s been tough on Quinny. If you’re not scoring runs it gets highlighted, especially if you’re a captain.”We’re not that harsh on Quinny in this environment. We know that he’s a quality player and there’s a good innings around the corner for him. He has been given the extra burden of being captain and that can be tough and something he’s not used to.”De Kock was given the role in temporary capacity for the 2020-21 summer until a permanent candidate was found. South Africa may not know who that is just yet, but they seem to have decided that it would not be the wicketkeeper-batsman.South Africa will not play Test cricket for up to nine months after the Pakistan series following the postponement of their three-match home series against Australia, scheduled for March. Australia withdrew from the tour yesterday, citing an “unacceptable” Covid-19 risk. Cricket Australia had offered to host the series in Perth, but Cricket South Africa refused after they took unprecedented steps to minimise risk for Australia, including government-approved VIP treatment. CSA called CA’s last-minute withdrawal “frustrating” and Boucher agreed with that sentiment.”CSA have expressed their disappointment and it’s no different for the players. I know there was a lot of planning going into the Australian tour back home. We haven’t really been a part of that, but it seems a lot of goalposts were being moved for that particular tour, for Australia,” Boucher said. “For example, the one positive that came out of the bubble against Sri Lanka was the hotel that we stayed at (Irene County Club). We thought it was a great hotel for us as South Africans. It suits our needs and the cultural way that we are, being outdoors.Related

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“And we even surrendered that to Australia. There’s probably a feeling that we were laying down the red carpet for Australia, which is frustrating at times. After all of that, it’s very disappointing and disruptive to our plans going forward.”Apart from missing out on the opportunity to compete against the Australian Test side, South Africa also made arrangements to send their Test squad home from Pakistan at the conclusion of the Rawalpindi match on February 8 to quarantine ahead of the Australia series, and therefore miss the three-match T20I series in Lahore starting February 11. Although the players no longer need to return home early, a second-string T20I squad has already arrived in Pakistan so South Africa will release their Test players and a significant number of their support staff, as originally planned.”Myself, (bowling coach) Charl Langveldt and (media manager) Sipokazi Sokanyile will be staying over and looking after the T20 squad. It’s not ideal,” Boucher said. “There’s been a lot of planning that’s gone into the two tours, and going back and quarantining for Australia. So the planning was all there.”We were told at a very late moment that this wasn’t going to happen. It’s difficult for us to suddenly turn around when there’s a T20 series around the corner.”Quinton de Kock is caught by Abid Ali at short leg during the first Test•PCB

De Kock is among those players who are scheduled to return home, albeit with no Australia Tests to prepare for now. He will also not need to ready himself for another captaincy stint, which might have affected his form with the bat. Since being named captain, de Kock has scored just 45 runs in four innings and, after four unsuccessful reviews in Karachi and questionable bowling and fielding calls, it appeared he may want to relinquish the role, or have it taken from him, sooner than expected. Boucher denied that.”It wasn’t a consideration to make extreme decisions during a tour, especially a two-match Test series. I don’t think it’s time for panic,” Boucher said. “I think it’s time for us to get closer as a unit and make some good, solid calls. And understand that if the guys put in performances then we’ll be in a better position to win Test matches. It’s difficult to put it all on one person, especially a talent like Quinny. It’s not his fault that we’re 1-0 down. It’s some very poor cricket we played on day one (in Karachi).”South Africa were bowled out for 220 on the first day of the first Test and lost seven wickets for 87 runs, which Boucher put down to a lack of application that he has seen his players try to improve on, both by watching Pakistan and in practice ahead of the second Test.”Hopefully the guys have learnt their lesson by watching how Pakistan played, and from our mistakes,” he said. “I think the mental preparation going into this game has been good because they’ve witnessed it and seen how Pakistan have played, and how to put a big score together.”There’s a lot more care about keeping their wickets and a lot more intensity when they defend; not so many shots in the nets. You can talk as much as you can. Sometimes they’ve got to see it to believe that’s the way to go about building innings in subcontinent conditions.”This will be the last Test South Africa play in the season, with no indication of when the Australia tour would be rescheduled to or when another Test series comes around. ESPNcricinfo understands that CSA is looking at holding a T20 tournament at home in February-March before Pakistan visit the country for white-ball matches towards the end of March.

West Ham United and technical director Tim Steidten have made their first move to sign a £100,000-a-week attacker for Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham want more forwards after Guilherme

Luis Guilherme was officially announced as West Ham’s first summer signing earlier this month, with the Brazilian teenager arriving from Palmeiras.

However, the Irons and Steidten aren’t planning on making Guilherme their only signing in the final third ahead of Lopetegui’s first season in charge at the London Stadium.

For example, bids have reportedly been submitted to sign former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, now at Galatasaray, and Colombian forward Jhon Arias from Fluminense. West Ham officials have also held talks over a move to sign Lille’s Jonathan David, with a host of Premier League clubs eyeing the Canada international.

West Ham agree deal for 33 y/o who Klopp called "incredible"

The Hammers have made another breakthrough.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 20, 2024

Alongside the three attackers named, the Hammers also now appear to have their eye on Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson and have made their first move over a potential transfer.

West Ham make contact for Reiss Nelson

According to Football Insider, West Ham have been in contact with Arsenal over a deal to sign Nelson, with Nottingham Forest doing the same. Brighton & Hove Albion also have an interest in the winger, who has told the Gunners he’s keen on a move away from the Emirates this summer.

Arsenal value Nelson between £25m-£30m but now appear willing to cash in on the 24-year-old, who started once in the Premier League last season, playing just 257 minutes in the top flight.

Nelson, who picks up £100,000-a-week, was described as a “special player” by Mikel Arteta last year, saying he “can eliminate players one on one”.

“We have pace in a few players up front. Reiss [Nelson] is a special player and can eliminate players one on one. He's been out for a while but he's back now and he showed what he's capable of doing. I'm really enjoying working with this group of players. It's a process. I know [people think] everything has to be today or yesterday but in football it doesn't happen like this.”

Primarily a right-winger who can also play on the left or as an attacking midfielder, Nelson would provide plenty of versatility for Lopetegui, while also boasting top-flight experience. He’s made 89 senior appearances for Arsenal after progressing through their academy and has also spent time on loan at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord.

In total, he’s won four games out of a possible seven when playing against the Hammers throughout his career so far, but by the looks of things, he could soon be an Irons player, should they pip Forest and Brighton to a deal over the coming months.

A new name has been linked with a move to Tyneside as Newcastle United continue their pursuit of a new central defender to aid their quest to break back into the Premier League's top six next season.

Defence is the Toon's top priority this summer

After falling short of European football last season, the inquest at St James' Park will likely point towards defensive injuries as the root cause of the Magpies' struggles.

Trabzonspor make contact to sign £45,000-p/w Newcastle star

He’s been an important part of Eddie Howe’s side.

By
Tom Coates

Jun 27, 2024

Eddie Howe's men struggled to settle on a desired back four with no single central defender featuring in all of the Toon's 38 league games last season.

Newcastle CBs Premier League 2023/24	Games played	Games started
Jamaal Lascelles	16	13
Emil Krafth	17	8
Dan Burn (played mostly at left-back)	33	32
Fabian Schar	36	35
Sven Botman	17	15

With this in mind, there is no wonder as to why PIF have been linked with a number players that they feel can fill this void. Wolves centre back Max Kilman is one name touted with a move to Tyneside, although a recent offer from Newcastle was rejected by the Englishman's current club.

The Magpies' top target in this area has long been said to be AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori. The former Chelsea man is reportedly available for around £42 million this summer, making him an attractive prospect for Toon. Newcastle have reportedly made contact with representatives of the 26-year-old.

Despite their longstanding interest in Tomori, the Magpies now appear to be launching a bid for one of his AC Milan teammates.

Newcastle initiate contact with Tomori teammate

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Italian press are claiming that Newcastle have made contact with AC Milan to talk about signing Germany international Malick Thiaw.

The report states that the central defender has three years left on his current deal at San Siro and that a fee in the region of £21 million would be enough to tempt the 22-year-old to Tyneside.

Most interestingly, the outlet claims that the talks did not see the two clubs discuss the aforementioned Tomori, perhaps suggesting that the deal has fallen through despite previous reports.

If this is to be case, Newcastle would be signing a more than suitable replacement if they are to get a deal for Thiaw over the line. The German featured 30 times for AC Milan in all competitions as the Rossoneri finished second in Serie A last season.

Thiaw's exploits in Milan have seen the defender catch the eye of Italy legend and former AC Milan sporting director Paolo Maldini. In an interview for the German Football Association, Thiaw responded to a question around Maldini's appreciation for his talents.

If Newcastle opt for Thiaw, they will be getting a player four years the junior of Tomori for half the price, who could still go on to become a top player in his position.

واصل نوتينجهام فورست عروضه الرائعة في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، بعدما حقق الفوز بثنائية نظيفة أمام إيفرتون على ملعب جوديسون بارك بالجولة 19.

استمر كريس وود نجم نوتينجهام فورست في التألق، بعدما سجل هدف التقدم بطريقة رائعة في الدقيقة 15 بعد تمريرة إيلانجا.

طالع أيضًا.. ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي بعد فوز مانشستر سيتي على ليستر سيتي

في الشوط الثاني وقبل خروجه، صنع كريس وود الهدف الثاني لـ مورجان جيبس وايت في الدقيقة 61، ليقضي على آمال التوفيز في العودة.

هذا الفوز رفع رصيد نوتينجهام فورست إلى 37 نقطة في المركز الثاني خلف ليفربول، وبشكل مؤقت عن آرسنال الذي سيلاقي برينتفورد يوم الأربعاء المقبل، بينما إيفرتون بـ17 نقطة في المركز السادس عشر. أهداف نوتينجهام فورست وإيفرتون في الدوري الإنجليزي

ولإطار نفس الجولة، واصل توتنهام التعثر بتعادل أمام ولفرهامبتون 2-2 على ملعبه بالعاصمة الإنجليزية لندن.

تقدم هوانج هي تشان بهدف في الدقيقة 7 مبكرًا، ولكن تعادل بينتانكور العائد من الإيقاف عند الدقيقة 12، ليقلب زميله برينان جونسون النتيجة في الدقيقة الأخيرة من الوقت الضائع للشوط الأول.

في الدقيقة 87، تمكن ستراند لارسن بديل الهداف البرازيلي ماتيوس كونيا، من تسجيل هدف التعادل ليعم الصمت على ملعب توتنهام.

هذه النتيجة رفعت رصيد ولفرهامبتون إلى النقطة 16 ليواصل الانتفاضة مع مدربه الجديد بيريرا، بينما توتنهام في المركز الحادي عشر برصيد 24 نقطة.

وانتهت مباراة فولهام وبورنموث بالتعادل الإيجابي 2-2 أيضًا، ليستمر حبات الكريز في المركز السادس برصيد 30 نقطة، بينما فولهام ثامنًا بـ 29 نقطة. أهداف مباراة توتنهام وولفرهامبتون في الدوري الإنجليزي 

In recent years, Arsenal have seemingly taken Liverpool's place as the Premier League's nearly team as they finished just behind Manchester City for the second season running this year.

However, while the end result was the same, Mikel Arteta's men did improve in 2023/24, and it now feels more like when, rather than if, the North Londoners finally get their hands on the title.

In fact, that could happen next season, as one of the latest players touted for a move to the Emirates could be the perfect Kai Havertz upgrade – he even scored more league goals than Erling Haaland.

Arsenal's striker search

According to a report from German publication BILD late last week, Arsenal are among several clubs interested in signing VfB Stuttgart's star striker, Serhou Guirassy, this summer.

Alongside the Gunners, the report named Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan as the other sides keen on securing the 28-year-old's services.

Interestingly, he would be available for a fee in the region of €18m to €20m, which is just £15m to £17m.

Dortmund, Chelsea, and Milan may make this transfer complicated to get over the line, but for the bargain price Guirassy is said to be available for, this looks like a deal too good to be missed for Edu Gaspar and Co.

How Guirassy compares to Havertz and Haaland

Before looking at how Guirassy compares to Havertz, let's compare his league record to Erling Haaland's this year – it might surprise you. In just 28 Bundesliga games last season, the Stuttgart ace scored 28 goals and provided two assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 0.93 games.

In comparison, the City superstar scored 27 goals and provided five assists in 31 games, meaning he not only scored fewer goals in more games than the Guinean but also had an ever-so-slightly worse average of a goal involvement every 0.96 games.

With that said, how does the 28-year-old stack up to the Gunners' current first-choice striker, Havertz? Well, considering he just enjoyed a more prolific league campaign than City's Norwegian goal machine, he also comfortably outscored the German, who managed a haul of 13 goals and seven assists in 37 league games – an average of a goal involvement every 1.85 games.

Appearances

28

31

37

Goals

28

27

13

Assists

2

5

7

Goals per Match

1.00

0.87

0.35

Goal Involvements per Match

1.07

1.03

0.54

Moreover, it's not just raw output where the "outrageous" Bundesliga star shines, as dubbed by journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor, as his striker-relevant underlying numbers are also more impressive than the German's.

For example, he produced a higher non-penalty expected goal and assists figure, scored more non-penalty goals, took more shots and shots on target and scored more goals from his shots and shots on target, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.99

0.54

Non-Penalty Goals

0.98

0.41

Shots

3.59

2.32

Goals per Shot

0.27

0.18

Shots on Target

1.63

0.92

Goals per Shot on Target

0.60

0.44

Ultimately, the "insane" Guirassy, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has shown himself to be a genuinely elite goalscorer this season, and his underlying numbers suggest it wasn't a fluke.

Therefore, Edu and Co must do what they can to bring the incredible forward to North London this summer – he could be the bargain of the decade.

He's at Euro 2024: Arsenal make contact to sign Ozil 2.0

The incredible talent could be transformational at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 17, 2024

علق وائل جمعة لاعب الأهلي السابق، على هزيمة المارد الأحمر، أمام باتشوكا المكسيكي بركلات الترجيح، خلال المباراة التي انتهت منذ قليل ببطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال.

والتقى الأهلي مع باتشوكا، على استاد 974 بالعاصمة القطرية الدوحة، في مباراة كأس التحدي والمؤهلة إلى نهائي كأس انتركونتيننتال.

وقال وائل جمعة في تصريحات عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس”: “موقف صعب جدًا، هارد لك للنادي الأهلي والجمهور، لم أجد أي كلام أقوله، (أنا نزلت الملعب عشان أحتفل مع اللاعبين)، موقف صعب أول مرة يمر علي”.

طالع أيضاً.. فيديو | بركلات الترجيح.. الأهلي يخسر أمام باتشوكا ويودع كأس إنتركونتيننتال

وتابع: “مثلما نُشيد بالمدرب وقت الفوز فهو من يتحمل الهزيمة، كهربا لا يشارك أساسيًا وركلات الجزاء تحتاج إلى نوع من التكتيك، يمكن بعد أن أضاع باتشوكا ركلتين، اللاعبون شعروا أن الفوز اقترب”.

وأضاف: “كنت أقول إن بيرسي تاو أول لاعب يُسدد، ألوم على كولر في ترتيب اللاعبين الذين يسددون الركلات، لأن لابد أن من يسدد تكون لديه جاهزية”.

وأوضح: “قدر الله وماشاء فعل، غير مكتوب لنا الوصول إلى النهائي، لكن المباراة أظهرت بأن البدلاء لابد أن يكونوا على مستوى الأساسيين أو قريبين منهم، رأينا عندما خرج وسام وحسين الشحات البدلاء بعيدين عنهما جدًا”.

وأكمل: “التأهل كان قريبًا جدًا، أمام منافس يمكن الفوز عليه، إن شاء الله التوفيق للأهلي في القادم، صراحة موقف صعب علي وعلى كل الأهلاوية، فرحة عشتها في لحظة وخسرتها في لحظة”.

واستكمل: “الأهلي لديه مشكلة البدلاء، البدلاء سيئين، الفريق القوي والكبير إذا استمر في اللعب في هذا المستوى لا بد أن يكون البديل على قدر الأساسي”.

وأردف: “أكرم توفيق نجم المباراة وكان حصن للمدافعين مع مروان عطية، عندما يخرج وسام وحسين وأكرم البدلاء لم يقدموا الإضافة، الوحيد الذي أثر هو افشة لاعب جيد ومؤثر”.

واستطرد: “اللوم على كولر في الدفع بـ كهربا، أهدر فرصة هدف مُحقق في اللقاء، وأهدر ركلة جزاء كان المفترض أن بيرسي تاو يسدد قبله”.

وواصل: “هذه التجارب تُظهر لك جودة اللاعبين، لأن الفريق سينافس في دوري الأبطال وكأس العالم 2025 وهذا هو الاختبار الحقيقي، كانت فرصة العمر إن الأهلي يصل للتاريخ في هذه البطولة، لأن كأس العالم للأندية ستواجه أندية أقوى منك فنيًا وماديًا وصعب تحصل على البطولة منهم”.

وأتم: “لا أريد أن أقول أنانية، لكن في لاعبين فكروا في أنفسهم أكثر من الجمهور اليوم”.

Former NZ batsman takes over from Neil McKenzie who had resigned on Thursday

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-2020Former New Zealand batsman Craig McMillan has been appointed as Bangladesh’s batting consultant for their upcoming tour to Sri Lanka. He takes over from Neil McKenzie who had resigned on Thursday.The BCB stated that McMillan will work with the Bangladesh side only for the Sri Lanka series although Akram Khan, the cricket operations chairman, had said recently that the board is looking for a permanent batting coach.McMillan had served as New Zealand batting coach from 2014 to the 2019 World Cup before taking up an IPL role with Kings XI Punjab. McMillan had also worked with Canterbury in Middlesex in the past.ALSO READ: Neil McKenzie resigns as Bangladesh batting coachThe BCB wanted McKenzie to fulfill the role for the Test series in Sri Lanka, even though he was predominantly Bangladesh’s white-ball coach, but he pulled out, citing family reasons.McKenzie was appointed as Bangladesh’s batting consultant in July 2018 under Steve Rhodes, and was one of the few survivors in the coaching staff after Bangladesh’s early exit from the 2019 World Cup. McKenzie became an effective instructor and has often been credited by many Bangladesh batsmen for their progress in ODIs and T20Is.Bangladesh will play three Tests in Sri Lanka, the first of which begins from October 24. The squad is set to leave for Colombo a month earlier to complete the mandatory quarantine before training.

Arsenal have been looking into signing a highly-rated potential replacement for midfielder Thomas Partey, and he could cost them just £34 million.

Arsenal open to selling Partey as Edu chases new Rice partner

The Ghanaian was a key player under Mikel Arteta last season, making 33 Premier League appearances, but he's been far more starved of chances this term.

Arsenal show club they're prepared to pay £52 million to sign their key man

It would be enough.

ByEmilio Galantini May 10, 2024

Partey's been handed the starting nod by Arteta on just seven occasions in the league across 2023/2024, which is a far cry from his previous mainstay status. This is largely down injury problems and the form of Declan Rice, with Jorginho also coming into his own in recent months.

Arsenal officially rewarded the latter with a contract extension this week, keeping Jorginho at Hale End until 2025, but it is likely that Partey may well be gone far before then.

Indeed, it is believed Arteta is open to selling Partey this summer, with clubs in Saudi Arabia taking a firm interest and apparently considering a "lucrative" contract offer for the ex-Atletico Madrid star (GiveMeSport).

Crystal Palace 0-1 Arsenal

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Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea

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Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth

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Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest

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Arsenal 2-2 Fulham

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The 30-year-old's contract also expires next year, giving sporting director Edu precious little time to make any money back off the £45 million they paid to sign him from Atletico in 2020.

Now could be the time to sell Partey and respectfully wave goodbye to the midfielder after years of service. It is believed that Arsenal are also keen to sign a new central midfielder this summer, who could step into the African's shoes.

Reports this week have suggested Arsenal are holding talks with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Indeed, claims from Spain have also surfaced recently that Edu is prepared to pay £52 million to sign Zubimendi – which would be enough given that fee is the full value of his release clause.

However, Arsenal have other positions they want to strengthen as well, namely in-between the sticks, defensively and further forward (Simon Collings). Money will have to be spent wisely when the window reopens, and a cheaper alternative to Zubimendi could be Borussia Monchengladbach ace Kouadio "Manu" Kone.

Arsenal looking into signing Manu Kone to replace Partey

Indeed, according to Stev Kay talking to KS1TV, relayed by TBR, Arsenal have been "looking into" signing Kone this summer, coming after reports from Sky Germany last year that he could cost as little as £34 million to prise away from Gladbach.

The 22-year-old has made 20 Bundesliga appearances this term, with WhoScored detailing his main strength as an excellent dribbler. Interestingly, former Premier League keeper Mark Schwarzer urged Liverpool to make a move for him last year.

"There is one player, for me, that stands out that plays for Borussia Monchengladbach and that’s Kone," said the Australian on Sky Sports' The Football Show (via HITC).

“He is only 21 years old. He came from Toulouse. He has only been at Gladbach for two years. But he has been a real big find for them and a phenomenal player in the Bundesliga. I think someone like him could do really well at Liverpool.”