It’s day two of IPL 2021! Today we have MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings taking on Rishabh Pant’s Delhi Capitals in Mumbai. We’ll see the likes of Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur facing off against R Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan and Marcus Stoinis
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After missing out on the Premier League title for a second season running last time out, Arsenal are now willing to show Eddie Nketiah the door to secure the signature of a £70m summer target.
The Gunners have already stolen the headlines once this week by finally agreeing on a deal to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, as per Fabrizio Romano. The defender looks set to join after an excellent Serie A season followed by an impressive Euro 2024 campaign in an otherwise disappointing Italy side. With William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and likely soon Calafiori to call on, it could be argued that Mikel Arteta has the strongest backline to call on in the Premier League.
Yet, even with those three options to call on, those in North London are still reportedly looking to add another defensive reinforcement before the transfer window slams shut at the end of next month.
According to The Sunday Star, relayed by The Express, Arsenal chiefs are now prepared to use Nketiah in a swap deal to sign Marc Guehi, who has been valued at a hefty £70m by Crystal Palace this summer. The England international was arguably the Three Lions' most consistent player at the Euros as they stumbled made the final, where they suffered heartbreak against winners Spain.
Into the final two years of his current contract at Selhurst Park, Guehi may soon have quite the decision to make. The Euros did nothing but increase the interest in his signature and Arsenal may have the ideal bargaining chip in Nketiah.
If Arsenal fans cast their minds back to the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, it was Saliba's injury which derailed their side's title charge as Rob Holding failed to fill the void left behind by the Frenchman. Now, however, with Calafiori soon on his way and reported interest in Guehi, the Gunners could start next season with four solid options left competing for a place in Arteta's side. Suddenly, an injury to Saliba wouldn't cause nearly as much panic as two seasons ago.
Guehi rightly earned plenty of praise at the Euros, including from centre-back partner John Stones, who said via The Metro: "So good, so good. For him to come in, not having felt the feelings around tournament football before or these kind of games, all kinds of different emotions that come with it that you’ve never experienced before. He’s handled [it] so well, his performances have been great."
Meanwhile, the flip side of the deal would also suit all parties. Nketiah is far from Arteta's first-choice in Arsenal's current frontline, even amid their striker troubles, and a move to Selhurst Park could quickly hand him the Premier League starting spot he needs next season.
The two had breached Covid-19 protocols and were required to serve a three-day quarantine and return two negative tests
Umar Farooq21-Feb-2021The PCB has allowed Wahab Riaz and Daren Sammy to reintegrate with the Peshawar Zalmi team without completing the three-day quarantine period, as the board had announced earlier. The pair had been placed in quarantine following a Covid-19 protocol breach – the violation took place when the two met franchise owner Javed Afridi outside the team’s bio-security bubble on Friday. Riaz led the team in their season-opener against Lahore Qalandars on Sunday in Karachi.Sammy, the coach of the PSL team, and Riaz, the team’s captain, were required to undergo the quarantine as well as return two negative tests, taken 48 hours apart, within that timeframe before being allowed to be with their team-mates, in accordance with the board’s protocols.A PCB official told ESPNcricinfo that, following the breach on Friday, Covid-19 tests were conducted the same night and then on Saturday, and both sets were negative. The test on Saturday is believed to have been arranged by the franchise itself, rather than the PCB as should have been the case according to tournament protocols.On the basis of those two negatives, as well as another set of negative tests in the week preceding the start of the season, Peshawar lodged an appeal with the league’s Event Technical Committee to allow the two to be reintegrated. The committee accepted the appeal on Sunday morning.”A player and an official of the side have been allowed to enter the bio-secure bubble after their side’s appeal was accepted by the Event Technical Committee on Sunday morning. This means the two individuals can now integrate with their side and participate in team activities.”The ETC had reached the decision after reviewing test results of the three individuals involved in Friday’s bio-secure bubble breach. These results included tests conducted last week as well as fresh tests conducted on Saturday.”The team has offered its regrets to the PCB on Friday’s breach and has thanked the PSL ETC for accepting their appeal. They have further assured protocols will be followed and respected as everyone wants the PSL to succeed.”The issue of their reintegration had caused a delay in both Peshawar and Lahore leaving for the National Stadium for the game on Sunday morning. As part of security protocols, both teams travel together in the bus to the ground but their departure on Sunday was held up after the Lahore squad had boarded the bus with no sign of Peshawar. The delay is said to be down to the wait for the ETC’s final decision and it was only after the decision came that Peshawar were ready to travel.The breach came three days after the PCB had briefed players, support staff and match officials to “religiously follow” all Covid-19 protocols. Each PSL franchise has its own Covid-19 compliance officer, who is responsible for testing, implementation of protocols, sanitisation, and players’ temperature checks. The whole process is bring regulated by the event doctor.On Saturday, the PCB had said, “The PCB is disappointed that two members of one of the sides showed carelessness and violated the bio-secure bubble protocols by coming into contact with a person who was not part of the bubble. As reiterated previously, the health and safety of all individuals associated with Pakistan Super League 6 is of paramount importance to the PCB and the event.”All players, player support personnel, match officials and family members are once again reminded to diligently follow the PCB Covid-19 Protocols as the PCB will not allow anyone to affect the integrity and credibility of the tournament.”
Arsenal, led by sporting director Edu Gaspar, have agreed to pay £86 million to sign a very in-form forward for manager Mikel Arteta, according to a report this week.
Edu and Arteta targeting four key signings for Arsenal
According to some reports, Arsenal are targeting four key signings before the summer window deadline on August 30 – coming in the form of a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward.
"Special" Arsenal player agrees to leave as West Ham chase quick deal
They want it done this week.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2024
As talks remain ongoing over a deal for Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, as widely reported, a large section of supporters are especially keen to see a talismanic new striker come through the door at London Colney.
A goalscoring out-and-out centre-forward has long been seen by many critics as the final missing piece of Arteta's jigsaw. Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Brentford star Ivan Toney to fill the role last summer, but murmurs of a move for the England international have since cooled.
Bukayo Saka
20
Leandro Trossard
17
Kai Havertz
14
Martin Odegaard
11
Gabriel Jesus
8
While their fondness for Toney appears to have waned, the north Londoners are still believed to be in the market for a new striker if the right opportunity presents itself.
Arteta is rumoured to be a fan of Ajax striker Brian Brobbey as a possible alternative to Gabriel Jesus, while more marquee options like Napoli star Victor Osimhen have been mentioned in parts as well.
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz bagged a brilliant 51 goals between them in all competitions last season, but Arteta apparently wants a striking partner for Havertz going forward next season.
Arsenal made a good proposal to RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko to fill the role earlier this window, but Edu and co were met with a swift rejection as the Slovenia international chose to stay in the Bundesliga and further his development at his current club.
There are other opportunities for Arsenal in the market, but they may have to invest heavily, with an interesting report now claiming they're willing to do just that.
Arsenal agree to pay £86 million to sign Viktor Gyokeres
As per Leonino, via Standard Sport [17/07/2024, 07:00], Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres remains on Arsenal's wanted list after being heavily linked earlier this year.
It is now claimed that Arsenal have agreed to pay Sporting £86 million to sign Gyokeres, which is believed to be the value of his release clause. The Swede, called "unplayable" by former Coventry City teammate Maxime Biamou, scored a phenomenal 43 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions last season.
Gyokeres bagged a further 15 assists as well, totalling 58 goal contributions over what was a truly exceptional debut season in Portugal. There is a growing clamor for his services as a result, and it will be interesting to see if this report comes to fruition as Edu looks to end the club's long search for a new vocal point up front.
Newcastle United are keen to make one of the stars of EURO 2024 their second signing of the summer, according to reports, with the Magpies one of three English sides "very interested" in his services.
All change on Tyneside
So far, this summer has not gone to plan for Eddie Howe's side. After a disappointing Premier League campaign saw them miss out on European football altogether for next season, they have had to deal with financial fair play issues.
Those issues have limited their spending so far, with Lloyd Kelly and John Ruddy arriving on free transfers and Odysseas Vlachodimos arriving from Nottingham Forest the only pieces of business done to bolster their ranks to date.
Imagine him & Isak: Newcastle line up "one of the best STs in the world"
The pair would form a deadly partnership at Newcastle.
ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2024
Meanwhile, they have been forced into unwanted exits; both young talent Elliot Anderson and impressive winger Yankuba Minteh both having to be sacrificed to help the Magpies meet PSR regulations.
They also parted ways with Dan Ashworth, with the ex-Brighton sporting director joining Manchester United and seeing Newcastle making a move for Paul Mitchell, who previously worked with Southampton and Tottenham.
Paul Mitchell's best signings
Player
Club joined
Heung-Min Son
Tottenham
Dele Alli
Tottenham
Kieran Trippier
Tottenham
Sadio Mane
Southampton
Toby Alderweireld
Southampton
"I’ve seen the recent growth and ambition of the club. This, plus the amazing fanbase, made the decision to join an easy one", Mitchell explained. “I can't wait to get started and help continue the organisation's growth and long-term competitiveness in all areas of elite football performance."
Now, he could be planning to make his first signing of a new era.
Newcastle chasing defender
That comes with Newcastle United one of several clubs having been credited with an interest in Fenerbahçe defender Ferdi Kadioglu this summer.
The defender impressed in the Turkish top flight last season, attracting the attention of clubs around the Premier League, including Arsenal and Aston Villa, while largely operating from right back.
Journalist Zach Lowry took to X to herald the defender, dubbing him a "really formidable defender" and named him the best left back at EURO 2024 after starring for Turkey, and it appears he is a man in demand.
Now, a fresh report from Sport Witness claim that Juventus are keen on the full back, but that they cannot afford him and are wary of a threat from England and the extra money that the Premier League can put up.
Indeed, it is claimed that "biggest obstacle" to a move to Turin is from Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester United, with the Red Devils leading the charge.
Newcastle are said to be "very interested" in signing the £48k-per-week ace, who is valued in excess of 30m euros by the Turkish side this summer.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been charged with alleged fraud for the second time in a month.
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The transfer window is just around the corner, and after a dramatic season that saw them once again come close to ending their two-decade Premier League title drought, Arsenal have some work to do.
Most pundits and fans alike will pinpoint the striker position and left eight as particular areas of need, and while they would be right, there is another position that needs strengthening: right wing.
Bukayo Saka seems to be the only player Mikel Arteta plays there – as demonstrated by his 47 appearances this season – but based on recent reports, it looks as if the club could finally land a player to rival the Englishman going forward – and give him some much-needed rest.
According to a recent article from The Athletic, Arsenal have maintained their 'long-term interest' in Wolverhampton Wanderers' Portuguese winger Pedro Neto.
However, while the Gunners are big fans of the 24-year-old, his injury record is a concern, which could influence their final decision.
The report does not mention a potential price, but a story in the Telegraph earlier this year claimed that the fee needed to pry the attacker from the Old Gold would be north of £60m.
It would be costly to complete, and there are obvious concerns around his injuries, but the fact that Arsenal have maintained their interest in Neto suggests they view the upside of signing him as more significant than the downsides, and considering Saka currently has no competition, it looks like a deal worth pursuing.
Now, the first thing to say is that whoever the Gunners opt to bring in as reinforcements for the right wing is almost certainly going to have to start out as a backup option to Saka, as Arteta and the club have made it abundantly clear that the Hale End sensation is the face of the project and their crown jewel.
However, that doesn't mean said backup couldn't push for more game time through impressive performances, and based on what we have seen this season, there is nothing to suggest that Neto wouldn't be able to stake a claim for himself over the course of a campaign.
For example, while the Englishman's return of 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 games is boarding on world-class and averages out to a goal involvement every 1.38 games, the Wolves star's three goals and 11 assists in 24 games is still seriously impressive and averages out to a goal involvement every 1.71 games.
Moreover, while the Ealing-born dynamo comes out ahead in most underlying numbers, it's not as one-sided as you may think.
|
Neto vs Saka |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stats per 90 |
Neto |
Saka |
|
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists |
0.47 |
0.65 |
|
Non-Penalty Goals |
0.16 |
0.30 |
|
Assists |
0.52 |
0.27 |
|
Progressive Carries |
5.83 |
4.78 |
|
Progressive Passes |
3.21 |
3.89 |
|
Shots |
2.03 |
3.20 |
|
Passing Accuracy |
74.5% |
75.6% |
|
Goal-Creating Actions |
0.83 |
0.65 |
|
Successful Take-Ons |
2.20 |
1.51 |
|
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 Domestic Season |
||
In fact, the former Braga "pace monster," as data analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him, does more than just hold his own. He comes out on top in key metrics such as actual assists, progressive carries, goal-creating actions, and, crucially, successful take-ons, all per 90.
The five-capped international's ability to take on defenders would be his most significant attribute in this Arsenal team, and it's also why Mattinson described him as a "full-backs worst nightmare."
His injury record will always remain a serious concern, as he's missed a whopping 99 games over the last four campaigns, but if he was signed to provide competition for Saka and allow the talismanic youngster to come off in games more regularly or just rest altogether, he'd also have fewer opportunities to pick up injuries himself.
Ultimately, there are always some drawbacks to a signing, but given how good Neto can be and how badly Arsenal need another quality right winger, this transfer simply has to happen.
Arsenal make offer to sign "dangerous" £51m Saka & Foden hybrid
The incredible winger could finally see Saka spend some time on the bench.
By
Jack Salveson Holmes
Jun 4, 2024
SToK Cae Ras has has quickly become a fortress for Wrexham but the club have warned fans their behaviour at the stadium could result in consequences.
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Wrexham issue statement to fansWarned about 'persistent standing'Could face further action from authoritiesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Wrexham have advanced to League One over the past two seasons, gaining back-to-back promotions, and as such, attendance at the STok Cae Ras is at an all-time high. The Red Dragons are having a terrific time on the field but the team have expressed some concern in a statement released on Thursday. The Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds-owned club have warned fans that if 'persistent standing' continues at its home ground, the side may have to contend with reduced capacity.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The Sports Ground Safety Authority is in charge of overseeing Wrexham AFC, who have been given a safety certificate by Wrexham County Borough Council (SGSA). They need this certificate in order to be able to host matches at the SToK Cae Ras to full capacity. The Red Dragons have claimed that they have been contacted regarding standing during games, and released a blunt statement to fans.
WHAT WREXHAM'S STATEMENT SAID
Wrexham published a statement on Thursday that read: "If persistent standing is not stopped, we could face further action – including reduced capacity.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the STōK Cae Ras is a fully-seated stadium. There are no safe standing areas currently in place.
"Persistent standing inside the ground is not permitted anywhere in the stadium – this includes stairwells, exits, gangways and in the seating areas.
"The club faces further punishments if persistent standing continues, including the closure of blocks of seats or even entire stands.
"Persistent standing refers to where individuals stand in seated areas for prolonged periods of time, other than for short durations in play where it could be deemed unnatural to remain seated.
"As a football club, we must do all we can avoid the repercussions and wider impact persistent standing could have at the STōK Cae Ras and we know no supporters want to risk these enforcements.
"We ask all supporters to help us to ensure persistent standing does not continue, and as a Club we will act as necessary where supporters are continuing to stand persistently through the match.
"All at Wrexham AFC is grateful for the loyal, proud and noisy support you provide to us at the STōK Cae Ras and do not wish for anybody to miss out on following this incredible journey we are on.
"We are dedicated to ensuring the STōK Cae Ras is a safe and enjoyable environment for all supporters, and we thank you for your understanding and support on this matter."
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?
After Phil Parkinson's men suffered their first League One defeat of the season against Birmingham City, they will now be looking to bounce back to winning ways, to try and keep their first place in the league's standing. They take on Crawley Town on Saturday, September 21 at SToK Cae Ras and they will be hopeful of seeing their directions followed by fans.
Former Australia wicketkeeper Lorna Beal (née Larter), who played seven Test matches between 1948 and 1951, has died aged 96.She made her debut against New Zealand in Wellington in what was the first women’s Test between the two countries with the remaining six matches all coming against England.Her final Test was at The Oval in 1951 in a match England won to level the series 1-1 after Australia had won the second Test in Worcester by two wickets.It was on the boat journey to England for the 1951 tour where she met her husband, Roy, who she would marry following her retirement from international cricket after that trip. “Our thoughts are with Lorna’s family, as well as all the friends she made throughout her career,” Nick Hockley, the interim CA CEO, said. “There’s no doubt Lorna faced challenges that today’s players could never dream of, including spending six weeks at sea to get to England to play the game she loved.”It’s pioneers like Lorna who paved the way for future generations and have made the game what it is today. One of the best in the business behind the stumps, we pay our respects to Lorna and acknowledge the legacy she has left on the game of cricket.”
Emirates Old Trafford preparing for green light to host behind-closed-doors England matches
Matt Roller19-May-2020Lancashire have expressed hopes that some fans will be able to attend matches this summer as they prepare for the “green light” to stage England fixtures behind closed doors at Emirates Old Trafford.Extensive plans have been drawn up to play international cricket in ‘bio-secure’ conditions in recent months, with the ECB accepting that the game’s reliance on broadcast revenues means there is a financial imperative to stage as much of the summer schedule as possible, even if fixtures have to be played without crowds.But Les Platts, Lancashire’s acting chairman, said the club remains optimistic of allowing some spectators into grounds later in the summer, potentially with some degree of social distancing still in place.ALSO READ: Holder voices financial concerns as Windies contemplate England tourThere is less of a financial incentive to play the T20 Blast behind closed doors compared to international cricket, as the counties make most of their money from it through gate receipts rather than broadcast revenue. And despite government advice published last week suggesting there is little prospect of large crowds being admitted to games this season, Platts said he was hopeful that that fans could yet be allowed access.”You never know, later in the season we might be having some spectators back in again,” Platts said. “It must be possible for us to devise a scheme when we’ve got a capacity of 23,000 to have some spectators in with appropriate protocols. I’m not guaranteeing it by any means, but we’re hoping and planning that we might be able to get some of that in September.”As things stand, all professional cricket in England and Wales has been suspended until at least July 1, and all counties have made contingency plans for an entire season without cricket.Lancashire are also in dialogue with the ECB about hosting behind-closed-doors games this summer, and have been making plans on the basis that fixtures will take place as soon as July 8. Emirates Old Trafford had been scheduled for an Australia T20I in July and the second Pakistan Test in August, but could be in line for several more games.As one of two Test grounds with an on-site hotel with sufficient capacity to house enlarged squads and support staff – Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl is the other – Old Trafford is well-placed to create a secure bubble, and the club hopes to receive confirmation next week.The exact details of staging games behind closed doors are still to be negotiated, but Platts confirmed that Lancashire expect to receive compensation for staging costs and for hosting fixtures to aid the club’s financial recovery from the crisis.”I don’t think the club and the game would expect us to be profiteering at these difficult times, but there will have to be compensation that’s fair for the club,” Platts said. “There will have to be cost recovery. If the hotel is being used, there would be a rate… for those using it. There will be income coming into the club that will help the club.”One of the most important bits about that is that if we get that hotel working for behind-closed-doors cricket, it proves a model for a hotel working in a bio-secure environment that will enable the hotel to start trading in a normal commercial sense thereafter – maybe quicker than hotels elsewhere, because we’ve proven the model… and therefore people will have more confidence, perhaps, in booking.”Lancashire are one of two counties along with Surrey who have not furloughed any of their players, with the rationale that the club felt “uneasy about using a job retention scheme for elite sportsmen”. That said, Platts admitted the government’s scheme could be used if it becomes clear that it will not be possible to play any county cricket this summer, and that the decision is being reviewed on a month-by-month basis.If Lancashire’s players are able to return to training, they may have to do so away from Emirates Old Trafford due to clashes with England’s use of the ground, and provisions are being put in place to use outgrounds instead.David Hodgkiss, Lancashire chairman, at the unveiling of the James Anderson End at Old Trafford in August 2017•Getty ImagesLancashire reported record financial returns for a first-class county this week on the back of a 2019 season that included an Ashes Test and an India-Pakistan fixture at the World Cup, and are in a stronger position to recover than most from the impact of the pandemic despite revenue from the hotel and their conference and events business dropping off a cliff in recent months.”It has provided the platform to help us survive 2020, when otherwise we might have struggled a lot more,” said Platts, who has served as the club’s treasurer since 2014 and was appointed acting chairman after the passing of David Hodgkiss in March.”It has put us in a position where we are absorbing the stresses and costs at the moment way better than we would have been able to, but the way that it’s going, we still need income to start again. If we don’t get cricket and the hotel and The Point going again, we’re going to have to take more severe measures. The club will survive one way or another, but if things don’t get going again it will be tougher.”It’s a year to take great pride in its results. It’s a year that David Hodgkiss himself would be very proud of with those results. He would be very proud sitting here today. It’s very sad that he can’t be presenting those results to you.”