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CSK captain was forthright in assessing his team’s performance after they were knocked out of the playoffs race

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Apr-202513:23

Ganga wonders when CSK will think about succession planning

The total of 190 was “slightly short of par” and his team needs “to take more catches” was how Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni summed up his team’s performance in the five-wicket loss to Punjab Kings (PBKS), which knocked CSK out of the IPL 2025 playoffs race.”I think the batting, yes, it was the first time when we had put enough runs on the board, but was it a par score? I feel [we were] slightly short,” Dhoni said on the broadcast. “I felt we could have got slightly more. That partnership between [Dewald] Brevis and Sam [Curran] was excellent. And I feel we need to take some catches because that really helps to take wickets, you can slow down the opposition. Other than that, I feel from the batting unit as a whole, I felt it was a good effort.”CSK were at one point well on course to post a 200-plus total when the partnership of 78 between Curran and Brevis shot their run rate past ten, placing the team at 126 for 3 after 14 overs. However, Brevis fell at the start of the next over and after Curran was dismissed for 88 off 47 in the 18th, CSK scored only 18 runs off the remaining 14 deliveries. CSK didn’t last all 20 overs, though; they were bowled out in 19.2 overs after Yuzvendra Chahal took four wickets – including a hat-trick – in the 19th over. They slipped from 172 for 4 to 190 all out, losing six wickets for just 18 runs.Related

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Dhoni said that losing those three wickets to Chahal and not playing out the entire innings made a difference to the outcome. “Not to forget, when it’s a high-scoring games, we didn’t play the last four deliveries, and the second last over we got four batsmen out, another three deliveries and in close games, seven deliveries means a lot.”CSK’s below-par batting performances have been a theme this season. They have the poorest run rate (8.23) so far in this IPL. They brought in changes at the top of the order by replacing senior players with youngsters like Shaik Rasheed (20) and Ayush Mhatre (17), and they lost their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to a shoulder injury early in the season. Some of their batters like Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja and Rahul Tripathi didn’t fire the way they were expected to either.Dhoni, however, was pleased to see Curran coming good with the bat following three single-digit scores after finally getting the kind of pitch they wanted at home.”Whenever he turns up, he wants to contribute, whether it’s with the bat or with the ball,” Dhoni said. “So, unfortunately, so far, when we tried to give him a chance the wicket was on the slower side and he found it slightly difficult. But I felt today’s wicket was one of the best that we have got in the tournament when it comes to the home venue. So I feel the wicket was really good and that’s the reason I felt we needed another 15 runs.”

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.

Transfer Focus

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

“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

Manchester United had reportedly "put €30 million (£26m/$35m) on the table" to sign Brazilian goalkeeper Kaua Santos in the summer before landing Belgian star Senne Lammens. The club had been tracking the 23-year-old for over a year and even reignited talks late in the window. But Frankfurt stood firm. The Bundesliga side made it crystal clear they had no intention of losing their prized shot-stopper and Santos himself opted to stay put.

• Lammens got the call before Santos

  United’s goalkeeping hunt finally ended on deadline day with the capture of Lammens from Royal Antwerp. The 23-year-old signed a five-year deal worth £18m (€21m/$24.5m) up front, with an additional £3m (€4m/$5m) in potential add-ons. While Lammens is seen as a long-term investment, has revealed that Santos was near the very top of their shortlist. Villa star Emiliano Martinez was also considered, but the club decided to pivot towards youth and eventually settled on the Belgian.

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• AFP
  

  Frankfurt hold all the cards

  Frankfurt will not even consider parting ways with Santos for less than €60m (£51m/$68m). That’s more than double what United were prepared to pay in August. For a club still balancing its transfer budget after a summer spree, United may find it hard to justify such a figure in the short term. Moreover, his current deal runs until 2030, giving Frankfurt total control over his future.

• Several top clubs were on the hunt

  In April, Santos was struck down with a nasty knee injury that sidelined him for almost four months. Throughout his recovery, clubs across Europe kept tabs, with United, Wolves, and Galatasaray all checking in on his progress. Pictures of his knee were even circulated to reassure interested suitors, such was the attention on him. By mid-August, he had regained full fitness, though he missed Frankfurt’s entire pre-season programme.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Brazil's next superstar?

  Santos’ reputation in Germany is skyrocketing. Already being hyped as the next big thing between the posts for Brazil, he’s expected to follow the path blazed by Premier League greats Alisson Becker and Ederson. The Frankfurt ace has shown agility, composure, and commanding presence far beyond his years. And now fully fit again, he will line up against Borussia Monchengladbach this weekend in the Bundesliga.

دخل نادي برشلونة الإسباني فترة التوقف الدولي الحالية بنتائج مخيبة للآمال حيث تعرض لهزيمتين متتاليتين ضد باريس سان جيرمان وإشبيلية في دوري أبطال أوروبا والدوري الإسباني.

وكان أداء برشلونة الأكثر إثارة للقلق على الرغم من الهزيمة بهدفين لهدف ضد باريس سان جيرمان في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وأبدى هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة بعض المخاوف بشأن المستوى البدني لبعض لاعبيه ويعمل على معالجة هذه المشكلة.

ووفقاً لصحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية فإنه من المرجح أن يبحث هانز فليك وبرشلونة عن صفقات في سوق الانتقالات الشتوية لتعزيز الفريق.

اقرأ أيضاً.. ديفيد فيا: لامين يامال سيرتجف إذا أدرك ما هو فيه

ويرغب فليك في الاجتماع مع ديكو المدير الرياضي لبرشلونة، لتحديد المركز الأكثر حاجة لتعزيزه سواء كان قلب دفاع أيسر أو مهاجم جديد.

ويثق هانز فليك مدرب برشلونة ثقة تامة في فريقه وأنه نفس الفريق الذي حقق الثلاثية الموسم الماضية، بعد ضم ثلاث صفقات جديدة ورحيل لاعب مهم مثل إينيجو مارتينيز.

وسيكون فليك منفتحاً على ضم لاعب رقم 9 جديد في حالة لم تحقق التجارب الهجومية النتائج المرجوة، كذلك أثر غياب الإسباني المخضرم مارتينيز على بناء ثنائي دفاعي ثابت هذا الموسم بسبب أنه قلب دفاع يساري ثابت ولذلك سيدفع البلوجرانا للبحث عن تدعيمات محتملة.

وكان برشلونة قد ارتبط في الأيام الماضية بضم ظاهرة مكسيكية يدعى جيلبرتو مورا، وقد وصل للنادي تقارير جيدة عن الموهبة الشابة والذي يعد أحد نجوم كأس العالم للشباب تحت 120 عاماً ويلعب بعمر الـ16 عاماً فقط.

Gerald Coetzee could be a doubt for the second Test against Sri Lanka after picking up a groin niggle during the first Test in Durban, which South Africa won by 233 runs on Saturday.Coetzee bowled in the morning session, beginning proceedings with Kagiso Rabada, but stopped after a three-over spell. His second spell of the morning was off just two overs, as Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal staged a spirited fightback for Sri Lanka after they had started the day five down and looking at a bigger defeat than they eventually suffered. Coetzee didn’t bowl again after that in the session, but did bowl three overs after lunch, sending back Chandimal caught and bowled.Shukri Conrad, the South Africa coach, said after the day’s play that Coetzee had spoken to him at lunch and told him he “felt a groin niggle”, and went back after the break “strapped up”. Coetzee, who picked up four wickets in Durban, will undergo scans tomorrow.That will be something fro South Africa to worry about ahead of the second Test, since Wiaan Mulder, the fast-bowling allrounder, is also injured – fractured right middle finger – and has already been ruled out of the second Test, to be played from December 5 in Gqeberha.”Not a big break between,” captain Temba Bavuma said in the presentation ceremony. “Wiaan is out of the series, we have to find a replacement. Gerald Coetzee, the medical team will have do to their best.”Two of South Africa’s three quicks that played the Durban Test – Rabada and Player-of-the-Match Marco Jansen – are fit for the second Test, and Dane Paterson is the other quick in the squad. South Africa might struggle to find another fast bowler to fit into the squad, though, with Nandre Burger out for the summer with a lower back stress fracture, and Lungi Ngidi out till January.Matthew Breetzke, the top-order batter, was named Mulder’s replacement earlier. “We will more than likely add another player to our group,” Conrad said.

Curran’s 86 counters Vaughan’s six wickets with Somerset 190 in front – for nine – in the second innings

ECB Reporters Network11-Sep-2024

Tom Curran cracked 86 off 75 balls to lift Surrey•Getty Images

Tom Curran launched an extraordinary assault on the Somerset bowlers as Surrey turned up the heat on the third day of the crucial Vitality County Championship match at Taunton.Making his first appearance in the competition for two years, the all-rounder smashed eight sixes and six fours in a game-changing innings of 86 from 75 balls, which rescued the Division One leaders from a perilous 228 for 8 in their first innings and allowed them to post 321 all out.Eighteen-year-old off-spinner Archie Vaughan finished with 6 for 102, while Jack Leach claimed 4 for 105. But Surrey had gained a slender advantage of four runs and soon built on it, reducing their opponents to 194 for 9 by stumps on a rain-interrupted afternoon, which saw Shakib Al Hasan take 4 for 83.Craig Overton was unbeaten on 40, having added 41 for the last wicket with a stricken Tom Banton (28 not out), batting heroically with a runner after suffering an ankle injury playing football in the warm-up for the day’s play.Only the most optimistic of Surrey fans could have expected a first innings lead when their team lost five wickets for 32 runs from a promising 196 for 3. Ryan Patel had added nine to his overnight score of 61 when top-edging a sweep off Leach to short third-man.Shakib made 12 before being caught and bowled by Leach off a leading edge. Then Vaughan added to his three second day victims by having Ben Foakes caught at short leg for 37 off 122 balls.It was 228 for 7 when Jordan Clark chipped a catch to the diving Tom Abell at mid-wicket off Vaughan, who struck again two balls later as Cameron Steel played down the wrong line and was bowled off stump.Surrey trailed by 89 runs. But Kemar Roach played a key role in contributing just five runs to a stand of 54 with Curran, who had begun his blitz with a six over long-on off Vaughan.Two more maximums off the same bowler followed by a four through the covers took Surrey to their first batting point and the all-rounder was far from finished. When Somerset skipper Lewis Gregory took the decision to remove Vaughan from the attack and introduce part-time spinner Lewis Goldsworthy, the left-armer’s only over went for 18 runs.The first ball was a full toss, dispatched over the mid-wicket boundary by Curran, who followed up with two straight sixes of the fourth and fifth deliveries. The story of the day was being transformed and by the time Roach was pinned lbw by Leach, Somerset’s lead was only 35.Still Curran ran riot, a six off Leach taking Surrey to a second batting point, celebrated by another six in the same over. A four off Vaughan gave the visitors the lead before the memorable exhibition ended with a skyed catch to long-on.Surrey team-mates gathered on their dressing room balcony to cheer Curran off the field, while Vaughan followed holding up the ball to acknowledge applause for his outstanding contribution to Somerset’s bowling. Lunch had been delayed and was taken between innings.Momentum was with Surrey and their bowlers soon increased it, reducing the hosts to 85 for five by the time rain forced an early tea. Vaughan was bowled playing around a delivery from Shakib and it was 12 for 2 when Goldsworthy suffered the same fate attempting to pull a short ball from Roach.Shakib claimed the key wicket of Tom Abell, lbw for 18 and, with Banton absent, Jordan Clark bowled Kasey Aldridge with his second ball of the innings before pinning Tom Lammonby LBW for 24.The final session, starting at 4.05pm, saw Gregory fall leg-before for 13, pushing forward to Shakib after a stand of 35 with Rew, whose composed innings of 29 ended when he edged the Bangladesh left-arm spinner to Dom Sibley at slip.Brett Randell fell cheaply and when Curran’s great day continued by having Leach caught behind for 13, Banton hobbled painfully and slowly to the crease with the total 153 for 9.Incredibly, with little or no foot movement, he struck four fours in helping Overton give Somerset genuine hope for the final day.

If there is one thing Arsenal need to add to the team this summer, it is goals.

The signings of Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arizabalaga and Christian Norgaard will undoubtedly improve the side, but to get to the next level, Mikel Arteta needs to reinforce his attack.

After all, the North Londoners have produced the best defence in the Premier League for two years on the bounce now, but still finished in a more distant second place last year.

Fortunately, after a couple of years in which they ignored it, the board do seem intent on bolstering the frontline this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres looking set to sign, and fresh links to someone who’d be unreal alongside him.

Arsenal target Gyokeres and world-class winger

Arsenal’s search for a new number nine has been one of the defining sagas of the summer so far, with Benjamin Sesko at one point looking like the man to lead the line for them next season.

Transfer Focus

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

However, talks with RB Leipzig over the forward have practically come to a complete stop now, with it being reported that the German outfit wants around €100m for their young poacher, which is approximately £86m.

Instead, it is now Gyokeres who looks the most likely to be the Gunners’ new number nine, with him reportedly already agreeing to personal terms and even agreeing to give up €2m of his salary to help the talks progress.

While it hasn’t been confirmed yet, it does appear as if the final fee for the Swede will be around £70m, which is almost as much as the North Londoners might spend to secure his dream winger this summer: Rodrygo.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal remain very interested in the Real Madrid star and have even held preliminary talks with his camp regarding a potential move.

The good news is that the Spanish giants are reportedly happy to let the Brazilian international leave this summer if the right offer comes in.

The bad news is that the right offer is likely to be in excess of 90m, which comes out to about £77m.

In all, signing Rodrygo this summer is going to be complicated and costly, but given his sensational ability, Arsenal should be doing all they can to make it happen, especially as he’d be a dream winger for Gyokeres.

Why Rodrygo would be the perfect winger for Gyokeres

The first and arguably the most crucial reason Rodrygo would be Gyokeres’ dream winger is that he’s a reliable source of goals and assists.

In fact, that undersells it somewhat, as even though Real have played him out of his preferred left-wing position over the last few seasons, the Brazilian has remained a seriously effective attacking outlet.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has scored 32 goals and provided 20 assists in 106 appearances, totalling 7229 minutes.

Appearances

52

55

Minutes

3777′

3452′

Goals

18

14

Assists

9

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

0.45

Minutes per Goal Involvement

139.88′

138.08′

That means the dynamic 33-capped international has averaged a goal involvement every 2.03 games, or every 139.01 minutes across two seasons, despite rarely starting in his actual position.

Furthermore, and this is the second reason the Swede will love playing with him, he’s someone who turns up in the big games, and rarely, if ever, gets overawed by the occasion.

For example, he has scored 25 goals in the Champions League, including eight game-winning goals and eight that have come in the knockout rounds.

This will be important to the Sporting star, as at 27 years old, he will not want to be playing alongside a ‘project’ winger or a prospect; he will want someone who can help him win major honours right away.

Finally, the former Coventry star is very much a penalty box poacher, as exemplified by his heatmap, so he’s going to need a winger who can get the ball to him in dangerous areas, either through passing or carrying, and fortunately, the former Santos gem excels at the former.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues and the Champions League for carries into the final third and pass completion, as well as the top 5% for progressive carrying distance and more, all per 90 minutes.

Ultimately, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Gyokeres and Rodrygo, as the Real Madrid star could help the Swede totally transform their attack and fire them to glory.

Bad news for Nwaneri: Arsenal set to submit bid to re-sign £60m "monster"

Ethan Nwaneri could suffer at Arsenal if the Gunners wrap up this £60m move.

4 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 8, 2025

يستعد منتخب مصر الثاني بقيادة حلمي طولان المدير الفني، لخوض أولى مبارياته الودية استعدادًا لبطولة كأس العرب في قطر، بمواجهة قوية أمام تونس.

ويستضيف منتخب مصر الثاني نظيره تونس، على أرضية ملعب هيئة قناة السويس في الإسماعيلية، في المباراة الودية.

ويشارك منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس العرب المقامة في قطر، في نسختها الثانية، التي تبدأ في 1 ديسمبر المقبل، وتختتم بالنهائي يوم 18 من الشهر ذاته.

طالع أيضاً.. فيديو | منتخب مصر على أعتاب كأس العالم 2026 بثنائية صلاح ومرموش أمام إثيوبيا

ومن المقرر أن يلعب المنتخب المصري مباراتين وديتين أمام تونس، اليوم موعدًا للمباراة الأولى، و9 سبتمبر موعدًا للثانية.

ويخوض منتخب مصر المباراة تحت بقيادة حلمي طولان مديرًا فنيًا ومعه أحمد حسن مديرًا للمنتخب وعصام الحضري مدربًا للحراس، بقرار من اتحاد الكرة المصري، بعد رفض حسام حسن المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر خوض البطولة في وقت الاستعداد لـ كأس أمم إفريقيا بالمغرب. موعد مباراة مصر وتونس الودية اليوم

من المقرر أن تُقام المباراة اليوم السبت في تمام الساعة الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر وتونس اليوم

من المنتظر أن تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة “أون سبورت 1”.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Everton are in the market for a forward this summer and could now be narrowing down their options to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin when he leaves the club, according to a report.

Everton's uncertain situation involving Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The Toffees are settling into life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but there is still a question mark hanging over whether a couple of their established stars will be at the club beyond this summer.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is out of contract at Everton and looks poised to leave the club despite the offer of a new deal being on the table, which could spell the end to his long-standing status as their number one striker.

71 goals in 273 matches is a respectable record considering the Toffees’ close brushes with relegation over the past few years, with the Three Lions international becoming a reliable focal point due to his hold-up play and instinctual nature.

However, injury struggles and a stalemate in negotiations over Calvert-Lewin’s wages have made him a prime candidate to move on unless an immediate agreement can be found.

In turn, David Moyes has begun his search for a new striker to fill the void, and Villarreal forward Thierno Barry could join Everton for £34 million amid reports they are ready to meet his release clause.

Everton plotting last-gasp move to hijack free signing of Argentina international

The Toffees could steal in ahead of Crystal Palace.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 13, 2025

Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is also on the Toffees’ radar, albeit West Ham United, Brentford, Lens, RC Strasbourg, Lille, and Stade Rennais are also tracking him.

Competition will be high for targets on the market this summer, meaning Everton need to harness their appeal in light of a new dawn for the blue half of Merseyside.

Scouring the market, they have now found a Premier League striker who could be available to make a switch that would create nationwide headlines.

Everton enter the conversation for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson

According to The Irish Times, Everton are interested in Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson and he may be allowed to leave the South Coast on a permanent deal this summer.

Once valued at around £55 million, an unfortunate period of injury has seen the Republic of Ireland striker’s stock fall; however, he is still only 20 years of age and remains highly regarded among his peers.

Evan Ferguson’s Premier League record – could Everton reignite his fortunes?

Appearances

68

Goals

13

Assists

3

Labelled an “amazing player” by Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, he was most recently on loan at West Ham United and failed to register a goal in eight appearances.

Nevertheless, he was found on the periphery in East London, so it is hard to judge his impact based on the fact that he only completed 151 minutes of football under Graham Potter.

Continuous game time is critical for Ferguson to find his mojo again, and Everton could be the perfect environment in light of their need for depth in the forward areas.

In what would be a statement move in his first few months in the job, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has now reportedly made an approach to sign a top Manchester United target.

All eyes on PSG for Arsenal

With the Premier League title race over and Liverpool confirmed as champions, Arsenal have all of their focus on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday. Heading to France with a 1-0 deficit to overturn courtesy of Ousmane Dembele’s early strike last time out, the Gunners have it all to do.

Bournemouth’s trip to The Emirates this weekend should simply be seen as the chance for Mikel Arteta to rest key men. In a season full of injuries, the Spaniard must take control of the narrative and avoid what would be the most frustrating absences heading into Wednesday.

The Arsenal boss rallied his troops after their disappointing 1-0 defeat against PSG on Tuesday, telling reporters: “It’s half-time. I said exactly the same message after we beat Real Madrid 3-0 [in the quarter-final first leg at the Emirates]. Go to Paris, win the game, and we are through.

“That’s what we have to do. We saw two teams that are very aggressive, intense, not a lot of margins. Their keeper made two saves that normally are goals and those are the margins you have in these games.”

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After frustration in the title race, Arsenal will be desperate to avoid even more heartbreak on the European stage. There’s no doubt that winning the Champions League would have a major impact on Arteta’s project on and off the pitch too, especially when chasing summer transfer targets.

Berta makes Arsenal approach to sign Trincao

Instantly ruffling a few feathers, Berta has reportedly set his sights on a top Manchester United target. According to Record in Portugal, Berta has now made an approach to sign Francisco Trincao from Sporting CP this summer and has already had scouts in place to take note of his impressive campaign.

The winger, who is represented by the same agency as United stars Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro, has been reborn in Portugal following a failed spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Now, four years on from leaving the Premier League and failing to make his loan move permanent, Trincao could be back with a vengeance courtesy of Arsenal.

By signing the winger, Arsenal would also solve a major problem of theirs by welcoming an added creative spark and someone who would provide instant backup for Bukayo Saka.

Starts

31

17

Goals

8

6

Assists

14

10

Key Passes per 90

2.42

3.02

Described as “terrific” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2022, Trinaco has only reached new levels ever since and his eye for an assist is particularly impressive. As Martin Odegaard’s numbers continue to fall too, it’s the type of passing ability that Arteta arguably needs at his disposal more than ever at Arsenal.