Ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign, Arsenal fans will possess a cautious sense of optimism ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side have finished as runners-up in each of the last three years, hopefully going one better this season after making numerous key additions during the summer window.

The hierarchy have backed him in the transfer window, solving a problem position by landing striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP after he scored 54 goals in the recent season.

Other areas of the pitch have also been subject to investment, with Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera arriving at the Emirates and bolstering the midfield and defence departments, respectively.

However, despite the heavy spending in recent weeks, another player has consistently been on their radar – in the form of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for Eze

Throughout the summer window, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder has been heavily mentioned over a move to join Arsenal, subsequently improving the options at Arteta’s disposal.

However, they face stiff competition from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have also been credited with an interest in his signature during the off-season.

Thomas Frank’s side have been in talks with the English international, with both sides looking to take advantage of the £60m valuation placed on his head by Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.

In recent days, it’s been reported that the Gunners could walk away from negotiations in the coming days, currently seeing his asking price as out of range, given the money already splashed this summer.

He’s not the only midfield star in their sights between now and the September 1st deadline, potentially seeing a move open up for a top-level European star.

Arsenal’s hunt for another midfielder this summer

Earlier on in the summer window, Arsenal were one of various Premier League sides linked with a move to land PSG youngster Warren Zaire-Emery ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, no deal could be reached for the Frenchman, unsurprisingly given the Ligue 1 side’s asking price, which saw a £100m price tag mooted.

He’s not the only European star who’s appeared on the Gunners’ radar as of late, with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong also in their sights, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report states that Arteta’s side are closely monitoring a move for the Dutch international, who only has one year remaining on his current contract with the LaLiga giants.

It also states that with no new deal yet on the horizon, the 28-year-old could be open to exploring a move this window, resulting in a £35m asking price being raised.

Why Arsenal’s latest target is a bigger talent than Eze

Missing out on Eze would be a bitter blow for the Arsenal fanbase, especially given the huge rumours linking him with a move to the club over recent months.

Their misery would undoubtedly be compounded if the player himself were to move to Spurs, which would see the Englishman certainly make Frank’s outfit a stronger one.

However, it’s important that the Gunners don’t overspend this summer and pay over-inflated transfer fees – with other serious quality available in the current market.

A deal for De Jong could provide just that, possessing years of experience of operating at the very top-level of European football – something which will be vital if the club are to reach the next level.

Whilst the pair operate in slightly different positions, the 28-year-old has proven in Spain over recent years that he is a leading talent in the box-to-box area – able to add further quality into the heart of Arteta’s side

.

His underlying stats from the 2024/25 campaign highlight the quality he would add to the first-team squad, able to have a major say on their success at either end of the pitch.

According to FBref, De Jong, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Simone Inzaghi, ranked in the 99th percentile for passes completed (94%) and 97th percentile for progressive passes (9.5).

Games played

26

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

94%

Progressive passes

9.5

Shot on target accuracy

60%

Passes into final third

11.1

Carries into final third

3.1

Tackles won

1.5

Interceptions made

2.4

Such numbers could allow him to pick out the likes of Gyokeres within the final third, allowing the Swede to have a huge impact during his maiden campaign in North London.

Despite featuring in a deeper position than Eze, he has still showcased the threat he possesses in front of goal, achieving a 60% shot on target rate – putting him in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe.

Out of possession, the former Ajax star has also impressed, winning 1.5 tackles per 90 and making 2.4 interceptions – able to break up the player before progressing the ball into dangerous areas.

Whilst another attacking-minded player is still high on the club’s shortlist, a deal for De Jong is one the hierarchy simply can’t pass up between now and the transfer deadline.

If he can replicate such talents in England, he would be a bargain transfer and one that can still help the club in their quest to end their two-decade wait for a top-flight title.

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Leeds United have had a busy summer transfer window, with a large focus on strengthening their attack.

Despite finishing as the Championship’s leading goalscorers last term, Daniel Farke’s side have concentrated on signing new forwards to help add to their forward line ahead of their relegation fight from the Premier League.

Two of their new additions have been free transfers, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin switching to Elland Road after his Everton contract expired, and Lukas Nmecha joining from Wolfsburg. Their other addition in attacking areas was that of AC Milan and Switzerland star Noah Okafor.

However, Farke is clearly still keen to add attacking depth to his side. Leeds are linked with a late move for yet another attacker.

Leeds push for new attacker

As the Whites’ search for a fourth attacker in the window goes on, they have been linked with a shock move for former Chelsea and Tottenham star Timo Werner. However, the RB Leipzig star rejected the newly-promoted side.

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Instead, Farke and his side could make a move for a Ligue 1 star.

That’s according to a report from Sky Sports who say that Leeds are said to be looking for a ‘versatile forward’ in the next few days, and Strasbourg star Dilane Bakwa is a player ‘of interest’ to the 49ers group.

Leeds have been smart with their money on forwards this summer, making those two free signings, so there could be room left in the budget.

That is money that would be needed in this deal, given that Bakwa has been reportedly valued at £30m by Strasbourg this summer.

Why Bakwa would be a good signing

France U21 international Bakwa has certainly garnered a huge reputation in Ligue 1. He ticks the versatile attacker box that Leeds are looking for, and can play on both the right flank and as a centre-forward.

Last season, the 23-year-old, who hails from Creteil, just outside of Paris, played a huge part in Strasbourg reaching the UEFA Conference League. In 30 top-flight appearances for Liam Rosenior’s side, he bagged six goals and assisted a further nine.

The Strasbourg number 26 has already started the new campaign on fire. In the first two Ligue 1 games of the season, he has two assists, including this pinpoint cross to Emmanuel Emegha, which the striker headed home.

If Leeds manage to agree a deal to bring Bakwa to Yorkshire, they’d love for him to replicate the impact of their last great signing from Ligue 1, Raphinha.

Of course, the Brazilian is a Ballon d’Or contender for Barcelona, and has been on fire under Hansi Flick for the past 12 months.

Looking back at his days at Elland Road will surely always remind Leeds supporters just how good he was in White.

The Brazilian superstar played 67 times for the club, scoring 17 goals and assisting 12. Strikes like this against Everton were what made him so deadly.

Well, there are certainly similarities between Raphinha and Leeds’ potential new signing Bakwa. The attacker is also lighting up Ligue 1 before his prospective move to Elland Road, and is predominantly a right-winger but can lead the line, just like his Brazilian counterpart.

When looking at the underlying statistics from their most recent seasons in Ligue 1, it is easy to see why Bakwa could be the second coming of Raphinha at Leeds.

For example, the Frenchman averaged 3.86 progressive carries and 0.51 goals and assists per game last season, compared to the former Rennes winger’s tally of 3.40 progressive carries and 0.43 assists per 90 minutes.

Goals and assists

0.51

0.43

Progressive passes

4.66

3.67

Goal-creating actions

0.58

0.27

Progressive carries

3.86

3.4

Ball recoveries

3.32

5.21

A fee of £30m is a big investment just days before the transfer window slams shut, but Bakwa could be worth it for Leeds.

He is a “menacing” attacker, according to football scout Antonio Mango, and can hurt Premier League defenders with his efficiency in the final third.

If Bakwa can replace Raphinha, then he will be well-loved by Leeds fans this season and beyond.

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The surface for the second Test in Galle appears substantially drier than the track used for the first match, which Australia won by a massive margin

Andrew Fidel Fernando05-Feb-2025

Between them, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann (in pic) and Todd Murphy shared 17 wickets in the first Test•AFP via Getty Images

“The wicket was very good last time. I’m hoping it will turn more in this match.”When a Sri Lanka captain says this in Galle on the eve of a Test, there might be a dustbowl in the offing. What is clear is that the surface Sri Lanka and Australia are set to play the second Test on appears substantially drier than the track they played the first match on.Partly, this is down to bright conditions in the lead-up. Where the days before the first Test had been beset by rain, this pitch has more or less baked in ferocious heat since the first match ended, on Saturday.Related

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There is also the theory that producing pitches that only break up after days three and four offers too substantial an advantage to the side batting first. Sri Lanka want to avoid conceding another score in the realm of 654 for 6 declared, which deflated them in the first Test. They are seeking an advantage and have fallen back to what they tend to rely on in Galle: big turn.”Our strength is spin,” Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said. “If you look through the history in Galle, a lot of spinners have been among the wickets, and hopefully ours can be effective.”The problem for Sri Lanka is that Australia have learned to thrive in spinning conditions as well. Their bowlers might have had the better bowling conditions in the first Test, but they made the unusual move of strapping three frontline spinners to the plow, and between them, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy shared 17 wickets, dismissing Sri Lanka for 165 and 247.Australia have been outspoken about their having prepared for “extreme” surfaces as well as flatter ones, partly through their week-long training camp in Dubai. Steven Smith revealed ahead of this Test that it was India’s spin-blueprint in Asia that Australia had chosen to emulate, to some extent. Devising bowling strategy around three frontline spinners is not a challenge that many Australia captains have had to contend with, but on the evidence of the first Test, Smith has been relishing it.”Looks a very dry surface and I dare say it will take a reasonable amount of spin,” Smith said. “In these conditions, it’s great to have more than two options of guys who can take wickets and build pressure. If you look at India, who have done it so well, they’ve had R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, and either Kuldeep Yadav or Jayant Yadav or Axar Patel – someone who bowls good spin – with them in their line-up.”In these conditions, it’s tiring for a spinner as well. It’s hot and humid out there, and you can get tired bowling spin as well as pace. If a batter looks comfortable against a bowler, you can take that bowler off and get someone else in. Even if a new bowler takes a wicket early in the spell, you can go back to the other guy, which is what India have done so well for a number of years. I just have a similar philosophy. “Australia’s batting against spin has also improved substantially, particularly since the 2016 tour of Sri Lanka, which they lost 3-0. Smith said many Australia batters’ exposure to big-spinning conditions – even through the T20 leagues in Asia – has helped raise their game.Ramesh Mendis has been recalled, and could slot into Sri Lanka’s XI straightaway•AFP/Getty Images

“Even in one-day tours you can get similar wickets in the nets to what you get out there,” Smith said. “Last time we played in Colombo in one-dayers, the ball was ragging all over the place. For guys that play IPL and things like that, and you can get nets there that can be extreme, you just learn on the go through those experiences. It’s almost been attack before defence and thinking proactively. I thought we did that magnificently in the first Test.”Because of how enormous the winning margin was in the first Test – an innings and 242 runs – Sri Lanka now find themselves having to prove that their own batting in spinning conditions is up to scratch. And that their own bowlers can be penetrative in helpful conditions. Early signs are that this game could be a classic low-scoring Galle shootout.”In the first Test, a lot of our batters got starts but didn’t carry on,” de Silva said. “During the match and afterwards, what we’d talked about was that someone has to make 150 or 200, because then others can bat around him, and we can get to a big score. That’s what Australia did. I’m expecting that will happen for us in this match.”

Who are the top-three run-scorers and wicket-takers in IPL 2025 after Monday night’s action?

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Apr-20252:26

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Orange Cap leaderboardNicholas Pooran, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) No. 3, is still on top of the run-scorers’ table, with 201 runs from four innings, but other batters are catching up with him.Like MI’s Suryakumar Yadav. Suryakumar has been one of the brightest spots in an otherwise bleak MI set-up, and his sequence of 29, 48, 27*, 67 and 28 has taken him to No. 2, knocking Mitchell Marsh out of the top three.GT opener B Sai Sudharsan has moved down to third spot after Monday’s game. He has scores of 5, 49, 63 and 74 – 191 runs from four innings.Hardik Pandya has been among the wickets for MI•Associated PressPurple Cap leaderboardNoor Ahmad, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) left-arm wristspinner, has been joined by MI captain Hardik Pandya at the top, both returning ten wickets so far, from four games each. Noor has a better economy rate, though – 7.86 – compared to Hardik’s 8.57.There’s a tie just below them, too.Mitchell Starc is at third place, since his nine wickets have come from one fewer bowling innings, three, as compared to Mohammed Siraj’s nine from four.Starc has been one of the standout strike bowlers in the tournament so far, returning 3 for 42, 5 for 35 and 1 for 27, while Siraj has got a move on after a poor start. After figures of none for 54 in his first appearance of the season, Siraj has picked up 2 for 34, 3 for 19 and 4 for 17 to move up the ladder quickly.

There is no hiding away from the fact that Glasgow Rangers have had a horrendous start to the 2025/26 campaign, domestically and in Europe, under Russell Martin.

The Light Blues swooped to appoint the former Scotland international, who had been out of work since being sacked by Southampton last season, but he has failed to win the supporters over yet.

It has been the worst start for the club in the Scottish Premiership in 47 years, with four draws and one loss in five games, after the 2-0 loss to Hearts on Saturday.

Lawrence Shankland, who was a reported target for Rangers last year, scored both of the goals for the Jam Tarts, as the Light Blues failed to offer a threat of their own at the other end of the pitch.

The Ibrox giants made 14 additions to their first-team squad during the summer transfer window, which means that there does need to be a degree of patience with some individuals as they get up to speed in a difficult environment, created by the team’s performances.

Rangers have seen it plenty of times in recent years when a player has a slow start to life at Ibrox before exploding into life. Malik Tillman is one notable example of that.

Rangers hit the jackpot with Malik Tillman

The Light Blues swooped to sign the USA international from German giants Bayern Munich on a season-long loan in the summer of 2022 to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

At the time of the announcement, Giovanni van Bronckhorst said: “He is an exciting young talent who will further add to our attacking options and myself and the coaching staff are looking forward to working with him.”

The Dutch head coach made it clear that he was a ‘young talent’ whom the coaching staff would work with, which is why it was not a surprise when he had a fairly slow start to life at Ibrox.

Tillman managed two goals and one assist in his first 12 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues, as he struggled for consistency early on in his Glasgow career, per Sofascore.

However, the German-born star went on to end the campaign with 12 goals and five assists in 43 outings for the Scottish giants, which shows that he improved his output at the top end of the pitch as the season went on.

xG

6.35

Top 9%

xG on target

6.59

Top 8%

Goals

10

Top 6%

xA

4.60

Top 15%

Assists

4

Top 33%

Chances created

46

Top 9%

Successful dribbles

43

Top 9%

As you can see in the table above, Tillman ended up being one of the most impressive attacking midfielders in the Premiership in the 2022/23 campaign, as he ranked highly as a scorer, a creator, and as a dribbler.

This shows that the Gers hit the jackpot with the USMNT talent because they were willing to be patient with him as a loan player, which is something to keep in mind when judging the current squad.

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Whilst you may jump to Thelo Aasgaard as a direct comparison to Tillman, given that he is also an attacking midfielder and has failed to deliver a goal or an assist in his first three outings in the Premiership.

However, Martin is brewing the club’s next version of Tillman at Ibrox in a different underperforming Light Blues attacking signing – Mikey Moore.

Why Mikey Moore is the next Malik Tillman for Rangers

Unlike Aasgaard, Moore is similar to the former Rangers star in the sense that he is also a loan player from a big European club, Tottenham Hotspur instead of Bayern Munich, and is a young and inexperienced player.

Whereas Aasgaard is 23 and played 163 first-team matches for Wigan, as well as 17 for Luton Town, before his permanent move to Ibrox during the summer transfer window.

Moore arrived in Glasgow this summer with just three league starts in first-team football under his belt during his time with Spurs, as this is his first loan move away from the Europa League champions.

This is why it should not be a surprise to anyone that the 18-year-old talent has had a slow start at Rangers, despite his claim that he would like to be one of the best players in the world.

Moore has delivered no goals and one assist in five appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues so far this season, per Transfermarkt, assisting Nedim Bajrami for the opener in the 4-2 win over Alloa Athletic in the League Cup.

All of the teenage talent’s appearances for the Light Blues so far this season have come on the left wing, per Transfermarkt, but his career statistics suggest that he should be used more centrally.

Left wing (18)

4

6

Attacking midfield (8)

6

4

Centre-forward (7)

11

4

Right wing (6)

1

0

Left midfield (3)

0

1

As you can see in the table above, Moore has scored 17 goals and delivered eight assists in 15 outings as an attacking midfielder or striker, compared to five goals and seven assists in 27 games as a winger, on the right and left combined.

These statistics suggest that the English whiz, who was described as “fearless” by teammate James Maddison, would be far more effective for the Gers if Martin utilised him as an attacking midfielder or perhaps as a second striker behind Bojan Miovski or Youssef Chermiti.

Moore has looked a little lost on the left wing in the Premiership, completing 17% of his attempted dribbles this season per Sofascore, and playing him centrally could help to simplify his game and allow him to concentrate on making an impact in the box, rather than trying to beat three or four players with the ball.

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Therefore, there needs to be a degree of patience with Moore whilst he finds his feet at Ibrox and Martin finds out how best to utilise his talent within the team, because his statistics in central positions suggest that he has the potential to explode in the same way that Tillman did.

Derby County are preparing for their third Championship game of the season as they face last year’s play-off contenders Bristol City on Friday.

Ahead of the game, John Eustace spoke to RamsTV about the Bristol game and about last weekend’s dramatic 5-3 defeat at home to Coventry: “Obviously, we’ve got to defend better. To score three goals at home is really pleasing, to concede five is not so pleasing.”

Callum Elder mirrored his manager’s concern with Derby’s start to the season defensively, saying: “That’s the first two games of the season now we’ve taken leads in the league and haven’t been able to see it through.”

As the team trains for Bristol City behind the scenes, the board are pushing to sign one of their most sought-after targets who should help with Eustace’s defensive concerns.

Derby place third bid for Scotland's Johnston

Derby County have placed a third bid for Sturm Graz right back Max Johnston. The Scottish right back has made 65 appearances for the Austrian side, and this year, he earned his first senior cap for Scotland.

Johnston has been a consistent target for Derby, and the Rams haven’t been put off by their two unsuccessful bids. Derby’s first bid was valued at £1.4 million, and their second bid around £1.6 million.

Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph has now reported that Derby have bid £2 million. Johnston is currently on £7,900-a-year, meaning to match his current wage, Derby would have to make him one of their six highest-paid players.

Sturm Graz spent just over £300,000 on Johnston in 2023 and will be making a massive return on their investment if they accept this bid.

Johnston may solve Eustace's right back situation

The Rams are currently short-handed at right back as Kane Wilson is recovering from knee surgery, leaving Ryan Nyambe as the squad’s only traditional right back.

Joe Ward has also been used on that right-hand side when playing a back three, but his strengths lie in attack, meaning Eustace is still limited in terms of defensive alternatives. While Wilson did return to training on Monday, the manager hasn’t provided an update as to when he’ll be back playing games, and they will likely have to use him carefully to avoid any aggravation to his knee.

This may explain the acceleration towards a deal for Johnston, after their defensive frailties were put on full display against Coventry. Signing a young talent, who is at a career high market value having scored in his last Austrian Bundesliga outing, may be the catalyst to kick-start Derby’s Championship season.

With Wilson back and hopefully with the addition of Johnston, Eustace will have a range of options to play on his right-hand side. Wilson and Nyambe can serve as the traditional defensive right backs, Ward and the other wingers can be the more offensive options, and Johnston can serve as a hybrid, pitching in both defensively and offensively.

Erik ten Hag’s spell as Manchester United manager was a topsy-turvy one to say the least, with the Dutchman ultimately falling below the standards many expected upon his arrival.

He won two trophies during his two full seasons in charge at Old Trafford, winning the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, with the latter coming against rivals Manchester City in 2023/24.

However, despite achieving a 56% win percentage, results were often too inconsistent, especially considering the 55-year-old spent over £600m on new additions during his tenure in the Premier League.

The likes of Antony, Casemiro and Andre Onana were all signed under his watchful eye, leading to questions being asked about the recruitment, given their lack of impact since their respective big-money moves.

Ten Hag also made numerous questionable decisions over the minutes handed out to players already at his disposal – often leading to discontent from the Red Devils fanbase.

Ten Hag’s reluctance to utilise Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo joined United back in January 2021, costing a small fortune after the hierarchy paid a fee in the region of £37m after making just five senior appearances before his move to England.

The Ivorian would only make nine appearances in his first two years at Old Trafford, before spending the second half of his second year out on loan at Rangers.

Another loan spell at Sunderland, where he scored 14 times, would catapult him into Ten Hag’s side for the 2023/24 campaign – but he would often struggle to get into the manager’s first-team plans.

Amad would only make 12 appearances across all competitions, with only four of his outings coming from a starting position – subsequently falling down the manager’s pecking order.

Such decision-making from the manager would lead to concerns from the fanbase, especially given his form away from Old Trafford on a temporary basis the year prior.

The attacker has since recaptured his best form with the Red Devils since the former manager’s dismissal, highlighting the mistake Ten Hag made by not playing him during his tenure at the club.

The former United star who was ahead of Amad

Over the last 12 months, Amad has developed into a key first-team member, with Ruben Amorim utilising the 23-year-old on a consistent basis since taking the reins in November last year.

Despite an ankle injury disrupting his progress, Diallo still managed to rack up 26 Premier League appearances – ending the campaign with 14 combined goals and assists.

His most impressive outing came against Southampton at Old Trafford, scoring a second-half hat-trick and securing a 3-1 victory after being 1-0 at the break.

The youngster also netted the winner in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad, further showcasing the impressive nature he demonstrated despite the measly Premier League finish.

However, whilst his career at the club has been saved by Amorim, he was once behind Omari Forson in the pecking order during Ten Hag’s stint in charge of the Red Devils.

The midfielder joined the club at the age of 15, spending various years in the youth system before making his first senior start against Fulham back in February 2024.

The youngster would end the season with seven appearances for the senior side, leading to Statman Dave labelling the teenager as an “exceptional” talent.

Forson was often preferred to Amad during such a campaign, leading to questions being asked of the manager by the fanbase – especially given the Englishman’s move away from the Red Devils.

The 21-year-old departed Old Trafford at the end of his contract in the summer of 2024, rejecting the chance to extend his stay in Manchester in favour of a new challenge.

Games played

11

Minutes played

233

Goals & assists

0

Pass accuracy

86%

Tackles made

1.2

Cross success

33%

Duels won

45%

Dribbled past

0.9

He subsequently joined Serie A side Monza on a free transfer last summer, making just 11 appearances last campaign – so far being unable to match the potential he emerged through the ranks with.

Given his failures away from Old Trafford, Ten Hag’s decision-making to utilise Forson ahead of Amad was a baffling one and one that was evidently a huge mistake.

As for the Ivorian, he will be hoping to kick on and build on his form from last year in the months ahead, hopefully playing a key role in any success endured during Amorim’s spell in charge.

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Celtic are reportedly closing in on making their first addition to their ranks on the flanks with the signing of Belgian star Michel-Ange Balikwisha this week.

Sky Sports reports that a fee of £5m has been agreed between the two clubs and that a medical will take place later this week before the move is rubber-stamped and made official.

Brendan Rodgers made it clear earlier this month that he wants the board to bolster his attack with more signings before the window slams shut at the start of next month.

The Hoops boss said: “The squad will hopefully look again different come the end of the window. I think it’s very clear. We need to improve in the front end of the pitch. The attacking department has always, and always will be, the strengths of my teams. We’ve lost important players in that area, and we need to replace players in that area.”

Nicolas Kuhn left to join Como earlier this summer and Jota is due to be out until the turn of the year with an ACL injury, though, which means that Celtic may need more signings than just Balikwisha.

One other option they have been linked with in the attacking midfield positions is Go Ahead Eagles forward Jakob Breum, who could bolster their options out wide.

What Jakob Breum could bring to Celtic

The Denmark U21 international would be an interesting signing for the Hoops, if they are still keen on him, because he is not a typical out-and-out wide player.

Per Transfermarkt, 23 of his 29 starts in the 2024/25 campaign came as an attacking midfielder, with the other six on the left wing. This suggests that his best role in a Rodgers system may be as one of the central midfielders ahead of Callum McGregor, rather than as an out-and-out winger.

Benjamin Nygren, for example, played wide and centrally during his time in Denmark, but has mainly operated as a central midfielder, tasked with scoring and creating goals in central areas, since his move to Parkhead.

Therefore, Breum could arrive at Parkhead as a player who is more likely to impact games as one of the three in midfield than as an out-and-out winger as a replacement for Daizen Maeda, James Forrest, or Hyun-jun Yang.

24/25 Eredivisie	Jakob Breum
Appearances	26
xG	6.27
Goals	10
Big chances created	6
Key passes per game	1.6
Assists	5
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Danish attacker performed well as a number ten for Go Ahead Eagles as an efficient finisher who also offered decent creativity at times.

However, Celtic seem to need more of an out-and-out right winger, with Balikwisha coming in on the left, than a number ten option to play over Reo Hatate or Nygren.

It should not be a surprise, therefore, to learn that the Scottish Premiership giants are reportedly looking to bring a natural right winger to the club.

Celtic set to bid for Dutch star

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are preparing to submit an offer to sign Feyenoord forward Calvin Stengs before the end of the summer transfer window.

Speaking on Football Insider’s podcast, the reporter said: “Stengs is a player that has emerged on Celtic’s radar – he had a difficult season for Feyenoord, a few injury problems, so that may be a concern for Celtic. He’s into the final two years of his contract with Feyenoord, so could be available for a cut-price fee this summer.

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“Celtic are looking at that, seeing there could be real potential to land a former Dutch international for a relatively small fee with a bid imminent.”

O’Rourke has not revealed how much it would take to snap the Feyenoord star up, but it was reported earlier this month that a fee of around £5m could be enough to get a deal done.

It now remains to be seen whether or not this “imminent” bid from the Hoops will be enough to convince the Dutch side to part ways with the left-footed star before the deadline.

Why Celtic should sign Calvin Stengs

The Premiership champions should do everything in their power to ensure that their bid is enough to secure a deal for Stengs because he could be a much-needed addition to the team.

As aforementioned, Celtic do not need a player of Breum’s profile as much as they need a right winger, due to the current make-up of the squad, which is why the Feyenoord ace could be an even better signing for the Hoops this summer.

The 26-year-old dynamo, who scored against Celtic in the Champions League in 2023, could come in as the best option on the right flank ahead of Forrest and Yang, whilst Breum would just be one of a number of decent options in the attacking midfield roles.

Stengs missed 35 games through injury in the 2024/25 campaign, per Transfermarkt, which meant that he was unable to showcase the best of his abilities at the top end of the park last season.

However, the right-sided attacker’s form in the Eredivisie during the 2023/24 campaign, when he was fit for the majority of the season, suggests that he has the quality to be a terrific signing for Celtic.

23/24 Eredivisie	Calvin Stengs
Appearances	29
xG	5.22
Goals	6
Big chances created	13
xA	8.59
Key passes per game	2.5
Assists	12
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Stengs was directly involved in 18 goals, more than Breum’s 15 in the Eredivisie last term, in 29 games for Feyenoord.

The Netherlands international, who was described as a “flamboyant” winger by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is a winger who can provide a huge threat as a creator whilst also finishing chances at an efficient rate.

Yang and Forrest have scored six goals between them in the Premiership since the start of last season, which speaks to their lack of output in the final third, and that is why it is important for the Hoops to bring in a right-sided attacker before the window closes.

Stengs appears to be a player who suits what Celtic need, positionally and quality-wise, and could be a much better signing than Breum, due to his superior numbers in the Eredivisie and his better fit within the current squad.

Nygren repeat: Celtic agree personal terms to sign "creative" forward

Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign a star who could be a Benjamin Nygren repeat.

2

By
Dan Emery

Aug 24, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Com a janela de transferências se aproximando, o São Paulo já começa a esquentar algumas possíveis negociações e saídas. Embora Dorival Júnior tenha cautela ao falar das possíveis chegadas de atletas, o treinador já falou publicamente que não queria perder ninguém. Entretanto, alguns nomes já despertaram interesses em outras equipes – inclusive, fora do país. E como prioridades de possíveis novidades, o Tricolor teria um principal foco: um atacante de velocidade. O Lance! explica qual a atual situação do clube do Morumbi.

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Quem pode chegar?

A janela abre no dia três de julho, e como informado anteriormente, a diretoria foca em jogadores ofensivos no período de compras e alguns nomes já começaram a surgir. Um dos mais comentados é de Erick, um dos destaques do Ceará. A reportagem do Lance! apurou que mesmo que o jogador, que tem vínculo com a equipe até o final do ano, tenha recebido uma forte proposta para renovar com o Vozão (com valorização salarial), o atacante teria entrado no radar do Tricolor pensando no ano que vem. Além de atender as características procuradas, já trabalhou com Dorival Júnior no passado. O L! ouviu fontes que disseram que o atacante quer cumprir o restante do seu acordo com o clube cearense, mas já fica livre para assinar um possível pré-contrato com o Tricolor.

Outro jogador que entrou no radar do São Paulo é o meia uruguaio Zalazar, de 23 anos. O São Paulo consultou a situação de Zalazar. No caso, seria para tentar um possível empréstimo, de um ano. O acordo também teria valor de compra fixado em caso de metas cumpridas. Atualmente no Schalke 04 (ALE), clube rebaixado à segunda divisão do país, ele vem despertando interesse de muitas equipes, como o Vasco, por exemplo.

O São Paulo também tentou duas outras negociações, mas nenhuma foi para frente. Entre elas, Savarino e Marinho. No caso do primeiro, o jogador já estava praticamente descartado antes mesmo de afirmar que continuaria no Salt Lake City (EUA). A motivação por trás seria a recusa a proposta inicial feita pelo Tricolor ao Salt Lake City, por motivações financeiras. Quanto a Marinho, o jogador já foi anunciado pelo Fortaleza.

Quem deve sair?

Embora Dorival Júnior tenha avisado que não queria saídas de atletas, o São Paulo esbarra em uma questão: as metas orçamentárias. O Conselho Deliberativo do São Pauloaprovou, em dezembro do ano passado, a previsão orçamentária do clube para 2023. E no principal item de receitas, a negociação de atletas,ficou estabelecido o valor de R$ 135 milhões como meta a ser cumprida. O problema é que, com o fechamento da primeira janela europeia ’em branco’ para o Tricolor, a ‘correria’ para atingir o número ficou para o meio de 2023.

Embora nenhuma saída esteja 100% certa, alguns atletas já entrarão no radar de certas equipes. Nathan, lateral direito, recebeu algumas sondagens do futebol inglês. Pablo Maia idem. Inclusive, Pablo Maia desperta interesse na Europa desde a última janela, mas o Tricolor queria segurá-lo, pelo menos, até a metade do ano.

Rodrigo Nestor foi procurado pelo Galatasaray, da Turquia. Representantes do clube procuraram o clube do Morumbi para saber, por quanto poderia acontecer o negócio. Ouviram que o mínimo exigido é de R$ 80 milhões (aproximadamente 15 milhões de euros), além da manutenção de parte dos direitos federativos – conforme informado ao Lance!, no dia 2 de junho.

Calleri e Luciano também foram sondados por equipes estrangeiras. Porém, os dois nem são discutidos como possibilidades de negociação, tendo em vista a importância para a equipe. Calleri teria recebido uma proposta do Monterrey. De acordo com apuração do Lance!, os mexicanos estavam dispostos até mesmo pagar a multa rescisória do jogador – que tem contrato com o Morumbi até 2025. Já o camisa 10, recebeu sondagens do Al-Nassr, da Arábia Saudita (o mesmo time de Cristiano Ronaldo) e também do Cruz Azul, do México.Sem propostas oficiais, o próprio afirmou que não deseja deixar o Tricolor – pelo menos, por enquanto.

Tottenham Hotspur are no longer led by long-serving former chairman Daniel Levy, who’s now departed Spurs after a mixed but very memorable 25-year tenure.

Levy, who helped to transform the Lilywhites from a mid-table Premier League side under Sir Alan Sugar into a financial powerhouse off the field, couldn’t do that much to turn around their on-pitch form.

Just two major trophies in his two-and-a-half-decade-long spell in charge highlight exactly why supporters staged recent protests over Levy and ENIC, demanding change in their thirst for success.

Tottenham are one of the most valuable football clubs in the world, and in that sense, Levy leaves N17 in a much more fit state than when he first arrived.

World Football’s highest revenue-generating clubs — 2025

Value

Real Madrid

£1.2 billion

Man City

£727 million

PSG

£700 million

Man United

£668 million

Bayern Munich

£664 million

FC Barcelona

£659.5 million

Arsenal

£621.5 million

Liverpool

£620 million

Tottenham Hotspur

£533 million

Chelsea

£474 million

via Deloitte Money League

However, criticism surrounding a lack of spending compared to elite rivals, not to mention some pretty comical moments as a result of questionable decision-making, perhaps explain why a change is needed in the boardroom.

Spurs’ infamous 2021 search for a new manager after sacking José Mourinho, which spanned a crazy 72 days, resulted in their hire of Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked just months later. Antonio Conte replaced the Portuguese, but he’s remembered just as badly for his insane post-match press conference against Southampton in 2023.

More recently, Tottenham’s repeated fumbles in the summer transfer market were pretty embarrassing. Despite agreeing deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, both moves fell through at the eleventh hour, forcing Levy to scramble for new signings in the final days, even if he had months to prepare beforehand.

While Levy wasn’t solely responsible for these mishaps, the 63-year-old had a “vice-like” grip on Tottenham’s day-to-day running, but that was eventually weakened by the involvement of Joe Lewis’ kids, who are growing in influence behind-the-scenes (Paul O’Keefe).

Eventually, Levy was informed by ENIC that he’d be stepping down from his role as chairman, and according to The Times, he wasn’t aware of this until just hours before the north Londoners made it official.

Now, a report by The Independent and journalist Miguel Delaney has shared how those within football have viewed this huge announcement.

How senior officials reacted to Daniel Levy exit from Tottenham

Delaney writes that many senior executives in football, presumably Levy’s Premier League counterparts, were “stunned” by the news of his resignation on Thursday evening.

Furthermore, it is reported that multiple sources heard of growing tension between Levy and ENIC owner Joe Lewis, that had been “bubbling away” for years beneath the surface.

The Lewis Family, in an official statement, are adamant that a “new era” has begun at Tottenham, but whether that is the promise of more silverware remains to be seen.