Arsenal have emerged as the leading contenders to sign a “rising star” for Mikel Arteta this summer, amid their plethora of other potential deals, with sporting director Andrea Berta showing no sign of slowing down.

Arsenal complete signing with medical "done", announcement due "this week"

Mikel Arteta is set to welcome another player.

4 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 9, 2025

The north Londoners have already signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with the latter completing his medical earlier this week (David Ornstein).

Arsenal are now attempting to bolster a host of different areas in attack after this trio of transfers, and supporters are anticipating the end of their long search for a prolific number nine, as their club close in on a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Chelsea’s Noni Madueke could join the Sweden international, having agreed personal terms, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze also holding “positive” talks to join Arsenal in a separate deal (ESPN).

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£65m

Sky Sports back that Arsenal could sign both a left-winger and Eze this summer, in what is a very exciting prospect for fans, but it plunges the futures of both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli into serious doubt.

Eze would come in to complement Gunners captain Martin Odegaard, as per Sky this week, and his versatility means Arteta could also utilise the 27-year-old as an alternative to Bukayo Saka when required.

Saka spent months out injured midway through 2024/2025, which undoubtedly hampered Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge, so it would be useful for Arteta to have different quality options on that side.

With Berta working on multiple attacking signings already, and a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo also still on the cards, it does beg the question: where does FC Porto sensation Rodrigo Mora fit in?

Arsenal in pole position to sign FC Porto starlet Rodrigo Mora

The 18-year-old was a member of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League-winning squad and displayed real flashes of brilliance during FC Porto’s Club World Cup campaign – scoring a brilliant solo goal in their 4-4 draw with Al-Ahly.

Arsenal sent scouts to run the rule over Mora during his CWC outings, with the teenager emerging as “one of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football”.

That is according to Football Transfers, who state that Arsenal are now the current favourites to sign Mora, ahead of both Man City and Man United, having expressed the most significant interest so far.

The Portuguese’s contract includes a £60 million release clause, but given Berta’s pursuit of other illustrious forwards, it would be quite a move if he managed to get a transfer done this window.

Perhaps the versatile attacking midfielder could come as an alternative to Eze, following his impressive 2024/2025 haul of 12 goals and four assists in all competitions.

He’s also already a record-breaker, having become the youngest debutant in Portuguese football history two years ago.

“We now have Rodrigo Mora, who just turned 18. He’s a brilliant footballer, another rising star,” said Porto president André Villas-Boas.

“We love the game, and I believe that passion fuels the talent we see right now. Technically gifted, for sure.”

Play was abandoned as early as 9.15am local time, 15 minutes before the scheduled start

Ekanth11-Sep-2024Rain and the state of the outfield at Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground rendered the third day of the one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand a non-starter. Play was abandoned as early as 9.15 am.With no play possible on either of the first two days, and the toss yet to happen, the chances of a result in the first ever Test between these sides are slim.There was a downpour last evening for about two to three hours and another one from around 7am on Wednesday morning, which was enough for the umpires Sharfuddoula and Kumar Dharmasena call off the day before the scheduled start at 9.30 am.The word from the broadcasters was that “the outlook is quite grim for not just today, but potentially all five days of the Test match”.There has been scrutiny over the choice of venue and its capacity to recover from bad weather, but the Afghanistan Cricket Board cricket manager Menhajuddin Raz sent out a message on the third morning that “there is no blame game at all from anyone, it’s just extremely bad luck.”The previous time the first three days of a Test were abandoned was in 2008, when Bangladesh hosted New Zealand in Mirpur, and the last time three or more days were abandoned in a Test was in 2016, when New Zealand played South Africa in Durban. This Greater Noida Test could join seven others that were abandoned without a ball being bowled – the last of which was in 1998.This is only Afghanistan’s tenth match since they were given Test status in 2017. For New Zealand, the one-off Test marks the start of their subcontinent expedition which includes two Tests in Sri Lanka followed by three in India. Unlike those five fixtures, this one is not part of the World Test Championship.

This summer is shaping up to be a spectacular one for Chelsea.

Off the pitch, for example, the club have improved their squad with yet more promising youngsters, such as Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens.

Then, on the pitch, Enzo Maresca’s side have looked sensational, and thanks to two goals from newcomer Joao Pedro, are through to the final of the Club World Cup.

However, things could get even better, as reports are now linking Chelsea to a Premier League star who would be unreal alongside Pedro.

Chelsea target Premier League stars

Even though Chelsea have already been so busy in the market this summer, they continue to be linked with several Premier League stars, such as Morgan Rogers.

Transfer Focus

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

The Aston Villa star was brilliant for the Birmingham outfit last season, racking up a monster haul of 14 goals and 15 assists in 54 games, and would undoubtedly be a fine addition to Maresca’s side.

However, with a price tag that could end up being as high as £100m, and only one full top-flight season under his belt, there are still a few unknowns with the 22-year-old, which isn’t the case for Eberechi Eze.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a few clubs in the picture for the Crystal Palace star.

Alongside the Blues, the report credits Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City with interest in the Englishman, but makes it clear that, as things stand, Arsenal are leading the race for his signature.

However, there might still be a way for the West Londoners to get their man.

The report claims the Gunners are looking to secure a deal for less than the player’s release clause, which stands at £68m, so if BlueCo activates that, there is every chance they could get ahead in the queue.

In all, it’d be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line this summer, but given Eze’s immense talent, one well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be unreal with Pedro.

Why Pedro would love playing with Eze

There are really two main reasons Pedro would love playing with Eze, and the first is down to his output.

For example, despite playing in a team that were probably mid-table at best, the former QPR gem was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists in 43 games, totalling 3303 minutes last season.

In other words, the England international, who teammate Tyrick Mitchell dubbed “one of the best players in the Premier League,” averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes last season – an undeniably impressive level of output.

Eze’s 24/25
Appearances	43
Minutes	3303′
Goals	14
Assists	11
Goal Involvements per Match	0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement	132.12′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

Just imagine the numbers the Brazilian would be able to put up playing in front of the Palace ace, especially when he was able to produce 17 goal involvements in just 30 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion last season.

The second reason the former Watford poacher would love the Greenwich-born monster is that he’d be able to help him fulfil the reason he joined the Blues in the first place: to win titles and silverware.

​​​​​​

We say this because something else that was revealed last season was the Englishman’s ability to step up in the biggest of games, and in the crunch moments when other players might wilt.

For example, he not only scored in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the FA Cup but also scored the only goal in the final to secure the Eagles their first major honour in the club’s history.

Therefore, should the West Londoners find themselves in a final next season, the former Seagulls star could be confident in the knowledge that his number ten wouldn’t let him down.

Ultimately, while it won’t be cheap, and it is likely to be complicated, Chelsea should do all they can to secure the signature of Eze this summer; he’d be incredible and help get the most out of Pedro.

Forget Pedro: 8/10 Chelsea star showed why he's Maresca’s "best player"

Chelsea confidently progressed through to the final of the Club World Cup with this star standing out once more.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 9, 2025

Next season feels like it’s set to be a massive one for Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca’s side will be going into it as Conference League and World Champions, and while they won’t be the favourites to win the Premier League, there will undoubtedly be an expectation that they will challenge for the title.

Fortunately, the board are properly backing the team so far this summer, with exciting signings like Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro.

Moreover, the Blues have even been linked with Eberechi Eze, although, based on reports, it now appears they’re turning their attention to someone who’d be a far better signing.

Chelsea target big Eze upgrade

It’s been a busy summer of business for Chelsea so far, and one of the players who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge has been Eze.

Transfer Focus

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

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The Crystal Palace star has also been heavily touted for a move to London rivals Arsenal, but reports from earlier this month revealed that the Blues have been in contact with the player’s representatives.

The England international has a release clause worth £68m in his current deal and would undoubtedly bring some real quality and flair to Maresca’s squad, but it now looks like BlueCo are rapidly advancing towards a deal for another attacker, who’d be an even better signing.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who claims that Chelsea are incredibly keen on signing Xavi Simons.

In fact, Plettenberg has revealed that personal terms are not an issue as the player is “open to the Chelsea project” and that “very good talks also took place with RB Leipzig yesterday.”

The German journalist claims that the Bundesliga side are now just “waiting for an offer” for the player they value at around £52m, per other reports.

While that’s still a lot of money to spend on one player, Simons has proven he’d be worth it over the last couple of seasons, and a better signing than Eze to boot.

Why Simons would be a better signing than Eze

So, while both players are brilliant, there are several reasons why Simons would be the better signing for Chelsea this summer, and the first is their output in the league, which is ultimately their bread and butter.

Simons vs Eze in the league

Players

Simons

Eze

Appearances

25

34

Minutes

2157′

2603′

Goals

10

8

Assists

7

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.68

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvement

126.88′

162.68′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In his 25 Bundesliga appearances last season, totalling 2157 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem scored ten goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.47 league games, or every 126.88 minutes.

In contrast, the Eagles star scored eight goals and provided as many assists in 34 Premier League appearances last season, totalling 2603 minutes, which comes out to a lacklustre average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games, or every 162.68 minutes.

In addition to performing better in the league, the Flying Dutchman also shares some statistical similarities with the incredible Cole Palmer, which can only be a good thing.

For example, Squawka ranks them very closely for key metrics such as goals, assists, chances created, take-ons completed and more, all per 90.

These numbers help convey that the Amsterdam-born “game-changer,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is someone capable of impacting the game in more ways than just goals and assists, as evident in some of his highlight reels.

Finally, and this is especially important when it comes to the Blues, the former PSV Eindhoven monster is still just 22 years old, and therefore, he’d be able to develop and continue improving alongside the likes of Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Joao Pedro and then hit his peak around the same time as them.

Ultimately, while Eze would be a good signing for Chelsea, Simons would simply be the smarter one with more upside a few years from now, and therefore, they should do all they can to get him to West London this summer.

Related Chelsea star says yes to joining Madrid; his exit can fund Simons & Rodrygo

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 23, 2025

Neither team was a pre-tournament favourite but now they have a chance to make it to the final

Sruthi Ravindranath17-Oct-2024

West Indies celebrate their semi-final qualification•ICC/Getty Images

New Zealand vs West IndiesSharjah, 6pm local timeNew Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Isabella Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea TahuhuWest Indies squad: Hayley Matthews (capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa CraftonTournament guide: New Zealand started the tournament with a big win against India. Following a loss against Australia, they went on to win the next two matches, against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, to seal a semi-final spot in a Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time since 2016. West Indies started their campaign with a loss but won their next three games. They knocked out one of the tournament favourites England in their last group-stage match to qualify for the semi-final.News brief: Stafanie Taylor missed the England game with a knee injury. In her absence, Qiana Joseph opened the innings and smashed 52 off 38 balls to give West Indies a memorable win. New Zealand, meanwhile, brought in left-arm spinner Fran Jonas for offspinner Leigh Kasperek for their match against Pakistan. Jonas picked up 1 for 8 in her two overs in a winning cause.West Indies have won just five out of the 23 T20Is they have played against New Zealand. Two of those five wins came in the T20 World Cup, in 2012 and 2016. The 2016 game was also a semi-final, where West Indies defended 143 before going on to beat Australia to lift the trophy.Player to watch: Few can hit the ball as hard as Deandra Dottin, and she has shown that at this World Cup too. She has the highest strike rate (167.30) and most sixes (6) so far in this tournament. Against England, she smashed offspinner Charlie Dean for two sixes and a four in an over. Her quick knocks meant West Indies did not have to worry about their net run rate throughout the group stage.Georgia Plimmer has contributed crucial runs at the top of the order for New Zealand. The 20-year-old scored a 53 off 44 against Sri Lanka to set up the chase. In New Zealand’s opening match, it was her 34 off 23 balls that took India by surprise. With 108 runs from four innings, at a strike rate of 122.72, she is currently New Zealand’s top run-getter in the tournament. Given the average first-innings total in Sharjah in this tournament has been only 119, another quick start from her could be decisive.

Leeds United have now “fully approved” the signing of an “explosive” attacking player this summer, according to a key update from journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Leeds submit enquiry to ramp up attacking signings

The Whites are still working hard on potential incoming transfer business, with the opening weekend of the new Premier League season edging closer all the time.

Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao has emerged as a priority target in the past month or so, with Leeds said to have submitted an enquiry regarding the signing of the 25-year-old. Talks have now also taken place over a summer switch to Elland Road for the £34m-rated ace.

Elsewhere, Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been linked with a move to the Whites this summer, being seen as an alternative option to Lucas Perri, as they look to bring in an upgrade on the mistake-prone Illan Meslier.

Former Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff has already completed his move to Leeds, and Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach has been backed to join him in the middle of the park, too.

Leeds have "fully approved" Paixao signing

Now, according to Tavolieri on X, Leeds are closer to completing the signing of Paixao than ever, with his switch to Elland Road now “fully approved” by 49ers Enterprises.

At this point, it would be a big surprise if Paixao wasn’t a Whites player come the beginning of the 2025/26 season, with significant progress made with this latest update.

The Brazilian has the ability to be such an influential signing for Leeds, bringing quality and threat in the final third, having bagged 26 goal contributions (16 goals and 10 assists) in 34 Eredivisie appearances last season.

The next Ampadu: Leeds accelerating move to sign £100k-p/w "creative force"

Leeds are still on the hunt for signings this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 18, 2025

While at his best on the left wing, Paixao is also a strong option on the right flank and in a central attacking role, making him a versatile option, and scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him as an “explosive” talent, likening him to a younger Raheem Sterling.

Paixao is at the perfect point in his career to hit the ground running at Leeds, possessing plenty of experience but also being young enough to improve further.

If he can take his Eredivisie form with him to the Premier League, it would go a long way to helping the Whites avoid relegation back to the Championship.

India will begin their campaign against Pakistan A on October 19

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Oct-2024Tilak Varma will lead India A in the Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, which gets underway in Oman on October 18. Varma, who has represented India in four ODIs and 16 T20Is, will have a few other players with international experience for company, with Abhishek Sharma – who has been named vice-captain – and Rahul Chahar also a part of the squad.The rest of the squad can bank in their IPL experience with Ayush Badoni (LSG), Ramandeep Singh (KKR), Prabhsimran Singh (PBKS), Nehal Wadhera (MI) and Anuj Rawat (RCB) forming a strong batting contingent, while the bowling group comprises R Sai Kishore (GT), Hrithik Shokeen, Rasikh Salam (DC), Vaibhav Arora (KKR) and Aaqib Khan.The squad also includes allrounders Nishant Sindhu, who was part of India’s title-winning squad in the 2022 Under-19 World Cup, and Anshul Kamboj, who caught the eye during the recent Duleep Trophy four-day games.India will begin their campaign against Pakistan A on October 19. Oman and UAE are the other two teams in their group.This will be the first time the tournament will be played in the T20 format, with the five previous editions being held in the 50-over format. India had won the inaugural edition in 2013, while Pakistan won the title the last two times. In 2023, Pakistan beat India in the final to defend their title.India A squad for Emerging Teams Asia CupTilak Varma (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Anuj Rawat (wk), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Anshul Kamboj, Hrithik Shokeen, Aaqib Khan, Vaibhav Arora, Rasikh Salam, Sai Kishore, Rahul Chahar

Heung-min Son’s decade at Tottenham Hotspur will be coming to an end in the coming days, after he confirmed he will be departing the club this summer.

The South Korean international has registered a staggering 454 appearances for the club, scoring on 173 occasions, after joining from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2015.

However, ultimately, the time has come for a new challenge for the 33-year-old, looking set to move to the MLS and link up with former teammate Hugo Lloris at LAFC.

It appears to be the perfect time to leave the Lilywhites for the forward, departing after helping the side end their 17-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League at the end of May.

There’s no denying that the winger will go down as one of the best players to ever wear the shirt, but his pending departure now leaves Thomas Frank with a huge task to replace him before the end of the window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Attackers have been the priority for Frank already this summer, as seen by Spurs’ move to sign Mohammed Kudus in a £55m deal from West Ham United.

However, other options are still being considered, with Arnaud Kalimuendo and Matias Soule also being considered before the September 1st transfer deadline.

The pair are just one of multiple options currently in their sights, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo another player they’ve considered, according to AS via Sport Witness.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites have already made contact with the Spanish giants over a move for the Brazilian, who’s been allowed to depart the club this summer.

It also states that it would take a pretty penny to agree a move for the 24-year-old, with Xabi Alonso’s side currently wanting a fee of over £80m to part ways with the attacker this window.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be the dream Son replacement

Replacing a player of Son’s quality will be extremely difficult for Spurs this summer, with the board needing to back Frank to land a suitable replacement.

The 33-year-old has undoubtedly made himself a fan favourite during his decade in North London, producing countless moments of magic during his spell at the club.

From his superb solo effort against Burnley to his outrageous long-range strike against Arsenal in 2020/21, he’s managed to get the supporters off their seats on a consistent basis.

However, there’s no denying that age has taken its toll in recent months, scoring just seven league goals, which has led to his pending departure from the club this window.

Whilst losing him this summer will be a big loss, a move for Rodrygo would massively soften the blow, with the Brazilian able to fill the void left by the South Korean international.

When delving into his stats last season, he showcased he is capable of thriving at the top level, which could see him be the perfect addition for the Lilywhites this summer.

Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed to register 24 combined goals or assists across all competitions last season – a tally higher than that of Son from 2024/25.

Rodrygo’s stats for Real Madrid in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

30

Goals & assists

11

Pass accuracy

91%

Progressive passes

5.1

Progressive carries

5.3

Successful take-ons

2.3

Shot on target accuracy

50%

Key passes made

1.6

Stats via FBref

He also managed to register 5.1 progressive passes and 5.3 progressive carries per 90, having the tools to constantly get the ball into forward areas and hand the side an added threat in the final third.

The Brazilian’s excellence within attacking areas is further highlighted by his tally of 2.3 successful take-ons per 90, with such numbers showcasing his ability to glide past the opposition – something which Son has demonstrated many times in North London.

Although Rodrygo would be an expensive signing this summer, it would be a deal that would allow Frank to fill the void vacated by the South Korean for many years to come.

It would be a phenomenal addition, especially considering his performance level at the pinnacle of European football, something which will be vital if the club are to be successful in the near future.

Related A bigger coup than Palhinha: Spurs make contact for "incredible" £50m star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making a move for another new signing after progress was made on a deal for João Palhinha.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 3, 2025

Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign a “special” £25 million international winger, according to a new report.

Nottingham Forest in contact to sign new striker after Jesus

The Reds have made two signings so far this summer, both of whom arrived from Brazilian side Botafogo. But given the club are looking to go deep into the UEFA Conference League as well as achieve further success in the Premier League, then Nuno Espirito Santo will be wanting more arrivals before the Premier League season gets underway.

Nottingham Forest among frontrunners for £20m+ Elanga replacement after talks

The Reds are progressing in talks to sign a player who will replace the departed Anthony Elanga.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jul 13, 2025

Igor Jesus, who is a striker, is one of the two players to arrive at the City Ground this summer, and he will join Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Emmanuel Dennis as the contracted forwards at Forest, but the latter could be free to leave the club given he has fallen down the pecking order. Meanwhile, Awoniyi’s return to action is unknown, and therefore, Forest are in the market for another centre-forward.

According to recent reports abroad, Forest have made contact with Inter Milan over the signing of Mehdi Taremi. Fulham and Turkish outfit Besiktas were already in the race to sign Taremi, but the Reds have now added his name to the list, with all three teams making contact with Inter but are now waiting for the striker to decide his next move. He could cost any side as much as £6.8 million.

Nottingham Forest join Everton in race to sign "special" £25m winger

As well as looking at new forward options, the Reds are also looking at who could replace Anthony Elanga, and according to The Express, Forest have registered their interest in signing Ben Doak from Liverpool.

Unfortunately for Forest, they are not the only team from the Premier League interested in the winger, as Doak is a “leading target” for Everton, as they have made an enquiry, but the likes of Bournemouth and Crystal Palace have also submitted enquiries about signing Doak.

It goes on to add that Doak, who has earned six caps for Scotland to date, would be open to leaving Anfield this summer, after returning from his loan spell at Middlesbrough. The 19-year-old is out of contract next summer, and therefore, Liverpool could be open to letting Doak leave, should they receive an offer worth £25 million.

This is despite the fact he has played just 10 times for the Premier League champions, but Liverpool will see his loan spell at Boro as a productive campaign, as he scored three goals in 24 league games.

Apps

24

Starts

21

Goals

3

xG

4.40

Shots per game

1.1

Goal conversion

11%

Assists

7

xAG

4.52

Big chances created

7

Key passes

1.9

Successful dribbles

1.5 (40%)

Doak is a player who is admired by a lot of clubs, and it may not come as much of a surprise, given former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp labelled Doak “special”. Klopp said: “Special boy. Really confident, has something nobody else delivers, really, this kind of dribbling, this kind of straight-forward bravery, all these kinds of things.”

The range of viable investors in the Hundred teams is “way broader and bigger” than anticipated ahead of Friday’s first-round deadline for bids. That is according to the ECB’s senior leadership team, who defended the Hundred’s projected valuations of overseas broadcast rights on Wednesday by insisting: “We are confident in our product”.The ECB sent investment prospectuses to around 100 interested parties last month, who were set a deadline of October 18 to register their initial interest in buying a stake in one of the eight Hundred teams. The teams are currently owned by the ECB but will become franchises run as joint-ventures with host counties (or the MCC) once the sale process is complete.The Hundred’s overseas broadcast rights are currently valued at around £2 million per year. Financial projections in the prospectuses distributed by Deloitte and the Raine Group – who are running the sales process – involve a jump to £33 million by 2030, with a year-on-year growth rate of 42%.One prospective investor, who has since withdrawn from the sales process, told ESPNcricinfo that those figures “make no sense” and had not been fully explained. “It seems like they first thought of a valuation then made up the numbers to justify it – things like the sudden and exponential growth in broadcast revenue from India and North America,” they said.Richard Gould and Richard Thompson, the ECB’s chief executive and chair respectively, are in Multan this week during England’s second Test against Pakistan, ahead of the first-round deadline. They said the board has fielded interest from a “full gamut” of potential investors and defended the projected increase in revenue from Indian broadcast rights.Related

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• Equity sale in the Hundred could be delayed beyond 2025 – Vikram Banerjee

“We are not making an assumption that India’s men’s players will be released, because that has not been what has happened,” Gould said. “We are confident in our product, in terms of the window we occupy and the players we’ve got available. There are loads of T20 and short-format franchise competitions out there at the moment, and I don’t think they are all going to last, in truth.”Gould said that “about 100 or so” interested parties had requested access to the ECB’s “data room”, including “a lot of Indian interest” with the majority of owners of IPL and WPL franchises understood to be involved in the process. He said there has also been interest “from America, from other sports and investment houses”.He said: “We’re getting towards the end of stage one this week… at the moment, they can express an interest in all eight clubs. We’ll have a better indication over the next week or two. Thereafter, we’ll spend a month or so going through those. At the end of that process, they will be able to go and meet the county clubs and see where their relationships work best.”During that period they can have an interest in up to four teams. When we get to the crunch time, which is the next phase, they can only put their name in for two teams, and they can only win one. Clearly, we want to maximise the value, because the value the ECB holds is on behalf of the game.”Gould said there were “a few tyre-kickers” among the parties to initially register their interest, but Thompson insisted that the ECB had outstripped expectations overall. “Raine originally said they thought there’d be three to four bidders per team,” he said. “The investment base is way broader and bigger than they expected.”Vikram Banerjee, the ECB’s director of business operations, said last month that the sale process could be delayed beyond next year if the right bids do not come in. Thompson suggested that the 2025 season could be a “hybrid” model, with some teams still owned by ECB and others by private investors.”What we don’t want is to just feel bounced into selling all of them and thinking, ‘We could have got a lot more if we’d held back because that particular team wasn’t ready to go,'” he said. “The worst thing we could do would be to undersell the game and look back thinking, ‘We let some of these franchises go at prices that weren’t full market value.'”