Each of SRH’s top six including debutant Aniket Verma struck at 200
ESPNcricinfo staff23-Mar-2025
Ishan Kishan slammed his first IPL hundred•BCCI
New IPL season. Same-old Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). They looked to launch every ball into orbit and threatened to hit 300 for the first time in the IPL. They eventually fell 14 short of 300, and just one short of their own record of the highest IPL total.Ishan Kishan, SRH’s new recruit, marked his franchise debut with a 45-ball century – his first in the IPL. Kishan is an upgrade over their previous No.3, Rahul Tripathi, and seamlessly slotted into SRH’s sixy batting line-up.Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma had laid the platform with a 45-run opening partnership off just 19 balls. The stand ended when Maheesh Theekshana hid the ball away from Abhishek’s reach and had him caught at point for 24 off 11 balls. The assault was so unfettered that SRH forced Rajasthan Royals (RR) into doing death bowling from the powerplay onwards. SRH plundered 94 in the first six overs, the fifth-highest powerplay total in the IPL.Head continued his boundary-hitting spree along with Kishan in an 85-run stand off 38 balls. During that period, it appeared like 300 was within SRH’s reach.Kishan announced himself with back-to-back fours off mystery spinner Theekshana and went onto bring up his fifty off 25 balls. He needed only 20 more balls for his hundred.Head had also looked good for a century of his own until Tushar Deshpande struck in his first over and had him holing out for 67 off 31 balls. Nitish Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen also joined the fun as SRH kept finding or clearing the boundaries.Each of SRH’s top six, including IPL debutant Aniket Verma struck at over 200. Jofra Archer had a rough return to the IPL, coming away with 4-0-76-0, the most expensive spell in the IPL.
Fabrizio Romano has tipped Tottenham to sign two forwards, with chairman Daniel Levy and co making a decision on Richarlison’s future at the club.
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Spurs boss Thomas Frank has now welcomed playmaker Xavi Simons to N17 from RB Leipzig, after Spurs struck an overnight agreement for the Dutchman worth around £52 million.
After missing out on both Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White in humiliating fashion, Simons’ arrival comes as a much-needed boost to inject positivity ahead of what will be an interesting last three days of the window.
The 22-year-old bagged 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig last season, despite missing a chunk of the early-campaign with ankle ligament damage.
Tottenham’s summer signings
Price tag
Mohammed Kudus
£55 million
Kota Takai
£5 million
Mathys Tel
£30 million
Joao Palhinha
Loan
Kevin Danso
£21 million
Xavi Simons
£52 million
Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard has alluded to sources in Germany claiming that Simons has attitude concerns, but this may just be paper talk, and supporters can expect a “silky” new playmaker capable of making a serious contribution in the final third.
In terms of other business that Levy, Johan Lange, CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and Fabio Paratici could conduct before the September 1 cut off time, it has been widely reported that Tottenham want a new defender and a new winger too.
Spurs were in lengthy talks to sign Savinho from Man City, but must now look at alternatives as Pep Guardiola’s side adopt a firm ‘not for sale’ stance.
The Lilywhites are still actively pursuing a centre-back too, with City’s Manuel Akanji on their list of targets heading into deadline day.
Tottenham tipped to sign two forwards with Richarlison decision made
Speaking on Men in Blazers earlier this week, trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has said that he expects Tottenham to sign two new options up front before the end of the season, with Levy and co making a call on Richarlison’s future.
It’s actually good news for Spurs supporters, because Romano expects Frank’s side to sign a forward duo on top of Richarlison – who won’t be going anywhere this summer.
The 28-year-old, after a difficult 2024/2025 marred by injury, is beginning to hit his stride just in time – with Richarlison having one eye on a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad.
The former Everton star bagged a brace against Burnley, including an early goal of the season contender, and assisted Brennan Johnson for Tottenham’s opening goal in their outstanding 2-0 win at the Etihad last weekend.
It has been a long time since the mood around Arsenal has been so jubilant.
Amazingly, it was the complete opposite just a couple of days ago, with fans having to deal with fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur closing in on Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz suffering another potentially significant injury.
Fortunately, everything changed on Wednesday evening when reports broke of the club going back in and hijacking the move for the Crystal Palace star.
With a ‘here we go’ from Fabrizio Romano and news of him completing his medical yesterday, the Gunners have finally got their hands on the potentially game-changing number ten they’ve needed for so long.
Yet, if Arsenal want to really get the most out of Eze and help him reach or surpass the numbers Liverpool’s new ten, Florian Wirtz, put up last season, they should be going in for another international they’ve been linked with this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Why Arsenal signed Eze
One of the primary reasons Arsenal decided to splash the cash on Eze this summer is undoubtedly his output of the last few years.
For example, across the 23/24 and 24/25 seasons, the 27-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, was able to score 25 goals and provide 17 assists in 79 appearances, totalling 5588 minutes.
In other words, the former QPR gem maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 133.04 minutes for a mid-table side.
Eze’s recent form
Season
23/24
24/25
Appearances
36
43
Minutes
2285′
3303′
Goals
11
14
Assists
6
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.47
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
134.41′
132.12′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
The second significant reason the North Londoners went all out for the Greenwich-born superstar is the fact that he can play as a ten and out on the left.
These were two of the most significant problem areas for the team last season, as Martin Odegaard was miles off his creative best and neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard were able to offer enough threat out wide.
Finally, while it will take some time for the 5 foot 10 dynamo to familiarise himself with Arsenal’s style of player and Arteta’s tactical ideas, he’s Premier League-proven.
Therefore, it shouldn’t take anywhere near as long as some of the Gunners’ other signings to get up to speed.
However, while Eze looks like he could be a game-changing addition to the North Londoners’ squad, they could potentially get even more out of him and help him hit the numbers of Wirtz last season by signing another international star they’ve been linked with: Ademola Lookman.
Why Lookman can help Eze hit Wirtz numbers
Given their attacking problems last season, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the sheer number of offensive players Arsenal have been linked with this summer.
One of the most exciting and intriguing of those has been Lookman, who could be available for around £43m after his move to Inter Milan fell through, and he could help Eze hit the incredible numbers Wirtz did last season: 31 goal involvements in 45 games.
The first reason we think this is that the Nigerian international is a lean, mean output machine.
Lookman’s recent form
Season
22/23
23/24
24/25
Appearances
33
45
40
Minutes
1858′
2809′
2871′
Goals
15
17
20
Assists
8
10
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.69
0.60
0.67
Minutes per Goal Involvement
80.78′
104.03′
106.33
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Since moving to the Serie A side in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored a brilliant 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.
That means the 5 foot 9 monster has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes on the continent.
Just imagine the sort of numbers the former Everton man would put up in this Arsenal side, and then the goals and assists the Palace ace could chalk up playing alongside him.
Moreover, there would be plenty of opportunities for the two to play together, as even though the Wandsworth-born game-changer spent much of last season up top, he is just as comfortable playing on either wing, as a second striker, or even in midfield.
This ability to cover practically every area of the attack also means that he could cover for the FA Cup winner when needed, ensuring he isn’t overplayed and is always near his best.
Ultimately, Eze is an excellent signing in his own right, but were Arsenal to also bring in Lookman this summer, he could help the Englishman hit the sort of numbers Wirtz did for Bayer Leverkusen last year.
Palace's "unusual" Eze demand sparked Tottenham fear before Arsenal hijack
The England international has agreed to re-join his boyhood club.
Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement over the £37m signing of an exciting attacking player alongside their deals Arnaud Kalimuendo and James McAtee, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Reds are having a busy period in the summer transfer window, with Rennes striker Kalimuendo reportedly on the verge of joining the club for around £25m to become their sixth capture after Igor Jesus, Dan Ndoye, Jair Cunha, Angus Gunn and Zach Abbott.
The 23-year-old will arrive as a hugely exciting signing – one who registered 17 goals and three assists in Ligue 1 last season – as Nuno Espirito Santo makes additions to his attack ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Forest’s business is far from done there, however, with McAtee expected to arrive from Manchester City for around £30m, coming in as a gifted young player who won the European Championship with England’s Under-21s earlier this summer.
Now, another player is thought to be on the verge of becoming a Reds player, too, with Evangelos Marinakis not messing around and granting his manager a whole host of new attacking options.
Nottingham Forest set to sign Hutchinson
Writing on X on Friday morning, Romano reports that Nottingham Forest are closing in on the £37m signing of Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town, with a medical happening imminently.
This is fantastic for Forest fans, who will no doubt be loving the amount of focus on new attackers currently, as Nuno reshapes his squad and adds depth to it. In Hutchinson, the Reds could be signing a player who is not only a key man from the off, but also a future star at the City Ground, considering he is still only 21 years of age.
The Englishman was a part of the Euros-winning team alongside McAtee, scoring once in the tournament, and he also bagged five goal contributions in the Premier League for a struggling Ipswich side last season, as well as being lauded by Kieran McKenna in the past.
Deal close: £15k-p/w Nottingham Forest "miracle worker" on verge of exit
The player only joined last summer…
ByCallum Kemp Aug 15, 2025
Hutchinson can come in and provide strong competition out wide for Callum Hudson-Odoi, also helping fill the void left by Anthony Elanga, and he could prove to be an eye-catching and influential signing for Forest.
Jos Buttler’s return as England white-ball captain has been delayed by at least three more matches, after he was ruled out of next week’s ODI leg of their tour of the Caribbean due to his long-standing calf injury.Buttler, 34, has been plagued by the injury for four months, and has not played a competitive match since England’s elimination from the T20 World Cup, with their semi-final defeat to India in Guyana in June.He missed the entirety of Manchester Originals’ Hundred campaign, and then withdrew from the T20I and ODI series against Australia in September as well. According to the ECB, he has now suffered a “slight setback” in his rehabilitation, and will consequently fly direct to Barbados ahead of the five-match T20I series, which begins on November 9.Related
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In Buttler’s absence, Liam Livingstone has been named as England’s ODI captain. It will be his first opportunity in the role, with Harry Brook – Buttler’s stand-in in the ODIs against Australia – currently in Rawalpindi preparing for the third Test against Pakistan.Michael Pepper, the Essex wicketkeeper-batter, has been added to the squad as cover, although the selectors had always intended to add two extra players to the tour, depending on the team selection for the third Test in Rawalpindi. Jordan Cox, England’s spare Test batter who made his white-ball debut against Australia, is one likely inclusion, while Olly Stone – back with the squad after his honeymoon but omitted from the match – could also feature.Pepper has only played seven List A games but was third third-highest run-scorer in 2024 Vitality Blast and finished the season with Essex in good form, scoring his maiden first-class hundreds.Buttler’s continued absence will raise speculation around his international future, despite the assurances from Brendon McCullum, England’s incoming white-ball coach, that he would remain front and centre of his plans, with McCullum pointedly saying that “he’s been a little bit miserable at times.””He’s an incredibly gifted player,” McCullum added at his unveiling. “He’s a fine leader. My job is to get the best out of him so that all those that sit in the dressing-room feel like they can be ten-feet tall and bulletproof when they walk out to play, and they know that the skipper is going to give them that extra pat on the back and and enjoy the ride with them.”Buttler was a non-playing presence during the Australia series, with Marcus Trescothick, England’s interim white-ball coach who will be leading the Caribbean tour, insisting: “There’s no reason why Jos won’t fit back into that mould, score millions of runs, captain well and fit back into the team perfectly.””Let’s make it clear,” Trescothick said. “He will come straight back in. At what position, I don’t know. We’ll look at that for the Caribbean.”
“We had a really good match, it was just some small moments that we could’ve done better,” says New Zealand head coach Gary Stead
Madushka Balasuriya25-Sep-2024
Rachin Ravindra and Prabath Jayasuriya starred in the fourth innings of the first Test for their respective teams•AFP/Getty Images
You win the toss, you bat. When it comes to playing a Test in Galle, that is not so much as received wisdom as it as an etched in stone eleventh commandment. While this might on the face of it seem a ploy to get the best of the batting conditions, in actuality, it’s more down to not wanting to get the worst of it.In the first Test, Sri Lanka won the toss and obviously batted, but while the notable turn on day one signified a raging turner from the outset, Sri Lanka still managed to run up 305 in the first innings – even accounting for them losing their last four wickets for just 24 runs.And after that, it was in fact New Zealand’s batters that got to utilise the most batter friendly of conditions across the Test – on day two, when the turn had slowed down and Sri Lanka’s spinners struggled for control. But their innings, too, was hampered by a late collapse, going from a pretty strong 269 for 5 to 340 all out.Related
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But as the Test wore on, particularly on the fourth and fifth day, batting became the chore Galle is more commonly renowned for, with 14 wickets falling on day four and two wickets within 15 minutes on day five to wrap up the game.”The pitch can change quite quickly and we saw that,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead noted on the eve of the second Test. “From being relatively good off the straight areas, to then spinning, quite a bit on that fourth day. The conditions can change very quickly.”So I think every run you get in the first innings is very important. And making sure you can post a as large a total as possible, as that means it’s just less runs you have to score in the second innings.”Stead’s sentiment was something shared by Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandamby, who spoke towards the importance of setting the tone early on, be it with the bat or ball.”Setting the tone is key in Test cricket, even with the ball. In Manchester also, if you remember, we had a really bad day starting with the bowling. Then we recovered really well. That’s the positive part of it, whether it comes to bowling or batting our recovery is really good. But setting the tone is really important, and all the players know that.”Both teams are also acutely aware of the areas in which they need to improve, primarily in pressing home hard-fought advantages. With five wickets in hand, 50 runs adrift of Sri Lanka’s first innings total, and a set pair of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips at the crease at the start of day three, New Zealand might have been eyeing a hefty first-innings lead – particularly taking into account the confidence with which they had approached their batting the previous day.As it turned out, they would lose their remaining five wickets for 86 runs on the third morning, and in the process relinquish the grip they had on the game. With 63 runs the final margin of defeat it’s pivotal passages such as these, that Stead knows proved the difference in the end.”I actually think we had a really good Test match and for the most part it was very evenly contested. I thought that it was just some small moments that we could have done better,” he explained. “We probably should have got more run in terms of that first innings, and the lead from the position we were in.”And then the second session, I think it was of the third day, where we didn’t take a wicket. [Dinesh] Chandimal and [Dimuth] Karunaratne batted very well, but we maybe were just a little bit slow to adjust and adapt to that situation.””We probably should have got more run in terms of that first innings, and the lead from the position we were in” – Stead•AFP/Getty Images
Kandamby had similar grievances with his own side. Sri Lanka lost five of their top six batters (including Angelo Mathews who retired hurt) inside the first 35 overs of day one, before a century from Kamindu Mendis and a Kusal Mendis fifty revived their innings. In the second innings, having got to 153 for the loss of just one wicket, Sri Lanka stumbled to 178 for 4. And then again went from 286 for 6 to 309 all out.”Mindset will be the same [going into the game], but we have discussed where we went wrong, especially in the batting,” revealed Kandamby. “We had a collapse in the third or fourth day, it had happened a couple of times earlier also. The senior players need to take the responsibility because they have played a lot of cricket in Galle. We all knew the wicket would be helpful for spinners.”When we see the stats, I think they swept more than us, which is a concern. We played some good sweep shots as well, but you can’t always trust the defence on a wicket like this. So you’re better always to be in a positive mindset to score runs.”One other area of concern has been the contribution from Sri Lanka’s tail. In terms of batting contributions from those batting at 9, 10 and 11, Sri Lanka know they could be doing better. Across both innings they contributed a total of 13 runs, while Ramesh Mendis batting at eight offered not much more.This has partly been reason for Sri Lanka bringing in Milan Rathnayake – following his impressive showing with the bat in England – in place of Lahiru Kumara, but Kandamby said it was nevertheless an area they were actively looking at improving on.”Yes we’re looking for runs from them [the tail], but more than that it’s about supporting the batter at the other end. It’s only after the recognised batter gets out that we start thinking about how to put the pressure back on the bowlers and get some runs. So honestly if they can get about 30-40 runs, that would be good. Because if you look at it compared the rest of the Test playing nations, our batters at 9, 10, 11, are quite low down.”Whenever we have practice, batting is compulsory for them. And when we’re not playing in a series, they will work the coaches at the HPC (high performance centre) to work on their technical errors.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has already been able to bring in several new players to bolster his first-team squad during the summer transfer window.
Benjamin Nygren, Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Hayato Inamura, and Callum Osmand have all already come through the door since the end of last season.
Benjamin Nygren
There is more yet to come for the Scottish Premiership champions in the coming weeks, though, as the Hoops are looking for further signings, particularly in the attacking areas.
One player who looks set to join the likes of Tierney and Nygren is Japanese centre-forward Shin Yamada, after Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claimed that the club have agreed a £1.5m deal with Kawasaki Frontale to secure his services.
As explained in the post, the 25-year-old number nine is currently at an international tournament, which means that supporters may have to wait for an official confirmation from the club.
What role Shin Yamada could play at Celtic
The £1.5m striker is an interesting prospective signing for the Scottish giants because he is coming off the back of a poor season in the Japanese top-flight.
In the 2025 season, the right-footed striker has scored two goals and provided one assist in 21 appearances in the J1 League, which is far from an impressive return for the forward.
Shin Yamada in action for Kawasaki Frontale.
Speaking about that form, Yamada said: “On a personal note, I have to admit I have had a disappointing season. I set high standards for myself and I don’t think I met them if I am being honest.”
These statistics do not suggest that the forward is going to make a big impact at Parkhead next season, but he did thrive in front of goal in the 2024 campaign, before his struggles this year.
Shin Yamada (J1 League)
2024
2025
Appearances
38
21
Goals
19
2
Minutes per goal
107
573
Big chances missed
14
8
Key passes per game
0.7
0.4
Assists
3
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Yamada enjoyed a terrific spell in 2024 with a return of 19 goals in 38 games, but his form fell off a cliff since the turn of the year.
There is no guarantee that he can return to his form from last year, as it may have been a flash in the pan, which is why this is a risky signing for Celtic, and why he could be a back up option within the squad next season if he does not go back out on loan.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup
Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke claims that Rodgers wants a “marquee” striker who can “guarantee” goals, and Yamada does not appear to fit the bill for what the manager is looking for.
This suggests that another number nine could come through the door before the end of the window, and David Strelec would be an interesting option.
Celtic's interest in David Strelec
Herald Scotland recently reported that the Slovakian striker has been a long-term target for the Scottish giants, although it remains to be seen if they are willing to make a move for him this summer.
The Hoops were interested in a deal to sign the Slovan forward, who played against Celtic in the Champions League last season, in the January transfer window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, Slovan decided to demand a whopping fee of £9m in order to sanction an exit for their star centre-forward, which put any potential transfer to an end.
With Rodgers wanting a ‘marquee’ striker to ‘guarantee’ him goals, though, Strelec could emerge as an option for the Scottish giants this summer, should the price tag drop or should Celtic decide to pay the money.
Why Celtic should sign David Strelec
The Hoops should push to sign the Slovan striker this summer after missing out on him in January because he could be brought in as a much better centre-forward than Yamada.
Whilst the Japanese forward has struggled in front of goal this season and does not look to be the immediate answer to the club’s goalscoring needs, Strelec’s form last term suggests that he has the tools to hit the ground running in Glasgow.
The left-footed star, who was described as a “tireless runner” by analyst Louorns on X, ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of 25 goals and eight assists in all competitions, including two goals in the Champions League.
Strelec, who has scored seven goals for Slovakia at international level, showcased his ability to score and create goals at an exceptional rate as a centre-forward, and he could come in as an in-form striker who could provide a big threat in front of goal for Rodgers.
Stats
Strelec (24/25 Nike Liga)
Yamada (2025 J1 League)
Appearances
29
21
Goals
20
2
Minutes per goal
102
573
Big chances missed
9
8
Big chances created
9
2
Key passes per game
1.1
0.4
Assists
5
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Slovakian marksman’s form suggests that he would be a far better option than Yamada, whilst also being one year younger than the potential Hoops signing.
He would also arrive at Celtic with experience in European football and having played in the Champions League, whilst the Japanese striker would have to adapt to European football.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup
Therefore, Strelec has far more potential to be the marquee striker who guarantees goals for the Premiership champions than Yamada does, because he would arrive at Parkhead off the back of a 25-goal season, rather than a two-goal one.
At the age of 24, the Slovakia international would also have room to develop and improve during his time at Celtic, making him a potential candidate to be sold on for a substantial profit in the future, even if they have to splash out £9m to bring him to the club.
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This is why the Scottish giants should be pushing to sign the Slovan sensation in the coming weeks to be the prolific number nine that Rodgers is desperate for.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is already working to back incoming new manager Thomas Frank, with the Dane closing in on a move to N17 as he replaces Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham reach Thomas Frank agreement as transfer plans begin
Fabrizio Romano was first to give the ‘here we go’ on Frank’s switch to Spurs from Brentford, and now other reliable media sources are reporting that he’s about to become the Lilywhites’ fifth manager since 2019.
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By
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Talks over backroom staff were apparently stalling preparations to announce Frank as Postecoglou’s immediate heir, specifically Justin Cochrane as the 51-year-old’s assistant, but the club now appear to have struck an accord.
With any doubt surrounding Frank’s move to N17 seemingly quashed, Tottenham can begin work on their summer recruitment drive sooner rather than later, which is vital considering their place in the Champions League.
Levy will not want to leave Frank in a similar position to that of Postecoglou last campaign, as the Australian had to deal with a plague of injuries throughout his squad on a consistent basis during the 2024/2025 season.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Securing much-needed strength in depth will be imperative if they wish to compete in Europe’s most prestigious competition and significantly improve on their 17th-placed Premier League finish.
Some reports suggest Frank is already making some intriguing transfer decisions behind-the-scenes ahead of his arrival in north London.
According to TEAMtalk, Frank is keen to keep hold of Mathys Tel on a permanent deal, and he’s also recommended Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to Levy as a potential signing (GiveMeSport).
Tottenham are targeting a new forward as one of their summer priorities (Michael Bridge), with keen interest also shown in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.
Daniel Levy meets with Antoine Semenyo's agents over Tottenham transfer
According to talkSPORT and reporter Alex Crook, their fondness of the Cherries forward stretches far beyond just an admiring glance.
It is believed Levy has personally met with Semenyo’s agents to hold Tottenham talks, but Spurs’ high-ranking chief was told a key transfer condition, namely that Tottenham would have to smash their transfer record to strike a deal for the Ghanaian.
The 25-year-old scored 13 goals and bagged a further seven assists in all competitions last term, with the price for his signature coming in at around £70 million.
There is little doubting Semenyo’s quality, though it remains to be seen just how much Levy is willing to part with to make his signing a reality.
“He’s a lovely footballer to watch”, said Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp on Premier League productions late last year.
AFC Bournemouth's AntoineSemenyolooks on
“The manager’s taken him to another level. He obviously has that capability because you saw it with Solanke. I’m just seeing him elevate his game right now, we’ll talk about why does that happen, a lot of it is purely on confidence.
“He looks like he’s enjoying his football, his shoulders are back, he’s relaxed, every time he gets it, he plays with a bit of a swagger. He’s actually a joy to watch right now.”
Manchester United’s move for Matheus Cunha appears to be all but completed, although that deal will likely be just the start of a hectic summer at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim expected to oversee a real squad overhaul.
While the Portuguese has admitted that incomings may be limited due to the club’s failure to secure Champions League qualification, he also hinted that he could look to work with a smaller squad as a result, heightening the need for further departures.
Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans all said their goodbyes during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, while sales for Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony are all set to be prioritised, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Evans and Lindelof
A bold call has been made by Amorim and INEOS over the future of Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentine currently the major talking point at the club – alongside in-demand captain, Bruno Fernandes.
Latest on Bruno Fernandes' future
In the aftermath of last week’s Europa League final defeat, Fernandes – who had put in a surprisingly muted performance in the Bilbao showpiece – admitted for the first time that the club could decide to cash in on him, having previously rejected an “offer” from elsewhere last summer.
The 30-year-old did put pen to paper over a contract extension ahead of the start of this season, although intense interest from Saudi Arabian side, Al Hilal, has thrown his future in doubt.
It has been claimed in recent days that the playmaker has been given 72 hours by the Pro League outfit to decide whether or not he is open to a move, having spent the last five-and-a-half years in Manchester.
Bruno Fernandes
The belief is that Al Hilal are willing to almost treble Fernandes’ wage, should he agree to a switch, with United’s talisman in line to take home £700k-per-week, totalling £200m over a three-year contract.
Should that mammoth offer prove too tempting for both player and club – with an £100m fee having been mooted – then Amorim and co will need to seek out a suitable replacement.
Man Utd's search to replace Fernandes
With Cunha having one foot in the door, the search to find a new attacking talisman is already underway, although for a side who failed to score in 16 games in all competitions in 2024/25, further reinforcements are needed.
With that in mind, Caught Offside are reporting that the Red Devils are ready to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding Lee Kang-in’s future at Paris Saint-Germain, with talks said to have hit a snag over the South Korean’s contract extension.
As per the report, while the 24-year-old still has three years left on his existing deal, the failure to tie him down to fresh terms has ‘opened the door’ for suitors to pounce, with the Old Trafford side said to have ‘made a move’ to sign him.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Any deal could cost in the region of £36m, with The Athletic reporting in January that the Ligue 1 side are looking to at least double their €22m (£18m) investment, after landing the playmaker from Mallorca in 2023.
That reported price tag was mooted amid interest from Arsenal, with the Gunners among a raft of clubs to have made contact, alongside the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
Paris St Germain'sLeeKang-in, Paris St Germain's Nuno Mendes and Paris St Germain's Achraf Hakimi
A hotly-contested race then it would seem, although if United can win the battle, Lee could represent a wildcard Fernandes replacement.
Why Lee Kang-in could be a perfect Fernandes replacement
It is a summer in which many top-flight clubs are looking to strengthen their attacking ranks, with rivals Liverpool seemingly stepping up their pursuit of one of the most high-profile deals to have been touted so far, with regard to Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
The subject of an offer worth over €100m (£86m), the German sensation looks to have selected Anfield as his next destination, despite interest from Bayern Munich, with the 22-year-old enjoying a fine campaign in which he registered 31 goals and assists in all competitions.
While Lee may not have hit such heights back in Paris, having registered just 12 goals and assists amid his bit-part role under Luis Enrique, it is encouraging to note that he has been deemed a statistically similar profile to Wirtz, among those in their position in this season’s Champions League, as per FBref.
Lee vs Wirtz – 24/25 UCL stats
Stat (per 90)
Lee
Wirtz
Non-penalty goals
0.00
0.59
Assists
0.00
0.12
Shot-creating actions
5.00
5.10
Pass completion
86.1%
85.8%
Progressive passes
7.50
6.28
Progressive carries
3.65
3.32
Successful take-ons
1.54
2.13
Tackles
1.73
0.71
Interceptions
0.19
0.47
Stats via FBref
As indicated in the table above, the two men – both of whom can operate off the flanks or in a central role – are particularly adept at providing a creative outlet in attack, with Lee ranking in the top 1% of Champions League forwards for progressive passes per 90. Wirtz, for context, ranks in the top 3% in that regard.
The duo’s dribbling prowess is also worth noting, with Lee – who did only feature for 468 minutes in the competition – ranking in the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90, with his German counterpart ranking in the top 1% for that same metric.
Previously described as an “incredible” talent by international teammate Son Heung-min, the former Valencia starlet has recorded 22 goals and assists in 81 games during his time in Paris, while previously registering 17 goal involvements in 73 games for Mallorca.
It is also worth mentioning that despite registering just six goals and six assists in Ligue 1 in 2024/25, the Korean gem did create 16 ‘big chances’, while averaging 1.9 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.
Wirtz, for example, was only just ahead after creating 17 ‘big chances’ in the Bundesliga, albeit while averaging 1.8 key passes, while as for Fernandes, the Portuguese hero also created 16 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League.
That indicates the type of threat that Lee can offer, particularly if afforded regular game time under Amorim’s watch, with the silky left-footer courting such interest for a reason, heading into the summer window.
Lee Kang-in for Paris Saint-Germain
For United to be able to land a Wirtz-like talent on the cheap could prove a masterstroke, with the PSG contract rebel representing a potentially left-field solution should Fernandes’ void need to be filled.
Another Sancho situation: Man Utd plot move for "world-class" £30m star
Manchester United could be about to make a move for a star who could replicate Jadon Sancho’s footsteps.
The transfer window is just around the corner, and as Mikel Arteta told the press just last month, it’s set to be a massive one for Arsenal.
The Gunners failed to get over the line in any competition this year, and while injuries have played their part, one of the team’s most significant problems, which most agree on, is their lack of a truly clinical striker.
So, it’s not been surprising then, that in recent weeks, the North Londoners have been heavily linked with several top-class number nines, perhaps none more than Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who could be available for around £70m.
However, the club seem intent on revolutionising the entire attacking unit, and reports have now touted another superstar for a move to the Emirates, a star who’d be a dream teammate for the Swede.
Arsenal's attacking transfer targets
Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other attacking talents who’ve been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Daizen Maeda and Jamie Gittens.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has been enjoying a simply spectacular campaign north of the border with Celtic, in which he’s scored 33 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 games and best of all, he could be available for just £25m.
Gittens, on the other hand, could cost up to £51m, but as he’s still just 20 years old and has managed to rack up a stellar haul of 12 goals and five assists in 46 games for Borussia Dortmund this season, he looks like he’d be worth it.
However, to really get the most out of Gyokeres and take the club’s whole attack to another level, the Gunners will need to sign a true superstar, someone like Rodrygo.
Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are one of a few Premier League sides keen on the Real Madrid star.
Alongside the North Londoners, the report has revealed that Liverpool and Manchester City have contacted the player’s representatives and remain in contact today.
In terms of how much the winger might cost Arsenal, a report from earlier this week claimed that he could be available for around €100m, which is about £85m.
Real Madrid'sRodrygolooks on
It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s immense ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be ideal for Gyokeres.
Why Rodrygo would be a dream for Gyokeres
So, to keep things simple, there is one primary reason why Rodrygo would be a dream teammate for Gyokeres, which all others stem from his output.
For the Swedish goal machine to make the most of his incredible finishing ability, he’s going to want to have someone as effective as Saka to the left of him, and that could be the Brazilian.
For example, in 50 appearances this term, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 13 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games.
Rodrygo vs Martinelli vs Trossard
Players
Rodrygo
Martinelli
Trossard
Appearances
50
48
53
Minutes
3290′
3313′
3262′
Goals
13
9
10
Assists
10
6
8
Goal Involvements per Match
0.46
0.31
0.33
Minutes per Goal Involvement
143.04′
220.86′
181.22′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
In comparison, Leandro Trossard has produced 18 goal involvements in 53 appearances, and Gabriel Martinelli has produced 15 in 48, which comes out to an average of one every 2.94 and 3.2 games, respectively.
Moreover, besides having far better raw output than the North Londoners’ current left-wing options, the 24-year-old has some seriously impressive underlying numbers to his name.
According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for carries into the final third, the top 2% for pass completion and passes blocked, the top 4% for progressive carrying distance, the top 9% for shot-creating actions from take-ons and more, all per 90.
Finally, despite his age, the Osasco-born dynamo has seen it all and won it all at club level, with two Champions League titles, three La Liga titles and a handful of other cups to his name, so while some of Arteta’s other options might struggle to step up on the biggest stages, it’ll just be another game to the Real star.
Ultimately, thanks to his brilliant output, impressive underlying numbers and the immense amount of experience he has at his age, Rodrygo would be a dream teammate for Gyokeres and Arsenal should do what they can to sign him.
Kai Havertz upgrade: Arsenal send scouts for "unpredictable" goal machine
The free-scoring forward could be just what Arsenal need.