Next season is set to be another new dawn for Tottenham Hotspur.

Daniel Levy and Co. made what looks to have been the unpopular decision to sack Ange Postecoglou last Friday and, in his place, hire Thomas Frank.

While fans might’ve liked the club to back the manager who ended their trophy drought, the Danish coach is an exciting appointment, as he took Brentford up from the Championship and turned them into one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League.

Unsurprisingly, then, the North Londoners have been linked with one of the Bees’ best players, Bryan Mbeumo, but if reports are to be believed, they could decide to sign someone else, someone better.

Tottenham Transfer news

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other talented players touted for a move to Spurs in recent weeks, like Eberechi Eze and Xavi Simons.

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 a long-term target for the North Londoners, and while his £68m release clause would represent a significant investment, his tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 games this season suggest he’d be more than worth it.

Likewise, the £67m it would reportedly take to secure Simons’ services this summer may sound like a lot – because it is – but when you consider he’s still just 22 years old and was able to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in just 33 games this year, it doesn’t sound so bad.

However, another Premier League-proven attacker has entered the frame for the North Londoners, someone who could be better than Mbeumo: Antoine Semenyo.

Yes, according to a recent report from Sky Sports, Spurs have maintained their intense interest in the Bournemouth star, even though that interest originated prior to Postecoglou’s sacking.

The report does not mention a potential price for the Cherries ace, but stories from earlier this month claimed that he could be available for close to £70m.

It would likely be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line this summer, but given Semenyo’s immense ability, it’s one Spurs should be all over, especially as he could be an even better signing than Mbeumo.

How Semenyo compares to Mbeumo

Okay, so we know that Mbeumo is one of the most talked-about targets in England at the moment, and understandably so, as in 42 appearances this season, he was able to score 20 goals and provide nine assists.

But for our money, Semenyo would be the better signing, and there are several reasons why.

Firstly, while he wasn’t able to produce quite as many goal involvements, the Ghanaian international was still an incredibly effective attacker, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists in as many appearances for Bournemouth.

Moreover, as we all know, a winger is and should be judged on more metrics than just his goals and assists in the modern game, and when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, the Cherries ace starts to come out on top.

For example, while the former Troyes gem does better in some metrics like shot and goal-creating actions as well as progressive passes, the former Bristol City star comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, tackles and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.44

0.42

Progressive Passes

3.06

3.72

Progressive Carries

3.93

3.43

Shots

3.49

2.08

Shots on Target

1.11

0.94

Passing Accuracy

73.4%

66.1%

Non-Penalty xG

0.28

0.20

Shot-Creating Actions

3.71

3.80

Goal-Creating Actions

0.37

0.53

Tackles

1.54

1.29

Blocks

1.88

0.69

Successful Take-Ons

1.94

1.37

Ball Recoveries

4.44

4.12

Aerial Duels Won

1.85

0.90

Moreover, on top of being the more statistically well-rounded player, the 25-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is incredibly versatile.

For example, thanks to him being ambipedal – equally able to use both feet – he’s more than happy playing off the right as he is on the left and can even play up top or in midfield if he’s needed to.

Therefore, the dynamic “maverick,” as dubbed by Mattinson, could come in and fill in wherever he’s needed, in turn giving Frank far more tactical flexibility than he’d get from someone only dangerous off the right.

Ultimately, either Mbeumo or Semenyo would be excellent additions for Spurs, but thanks to the latter having the more impressive and promising underlying numbers, combined with his ability to play almost anywhere, we reckon he would be the better signing for the North Londoners.

Alongside Son: Frank must axe £165k-per-week Spurs "monster"

It would be best for Spurs to cash in and help Frank kickstart his time at the club.

3 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 13, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are a side that have fallen below the expectations set for them in the Premier League in recent years, as seen by their standings last campaign.

The Lilywhites ended the year in a measly 17th position, only one place above the relegation zone and becoming the first side to survive in the division after losing 22 matches.

As a result, Ange Postecoglou lost his job, with Thomas Frank the man tasked with building on their European triumph and transforming their league form.

The Dane has already wasted no time in the role in North London, targeting countless players who could help improve the current situation at the club.

Whilst no first team additions have yet been agreed, work has been conducted behind the scenes, in an attempt to catapult the side to added success in 2025/26.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player firmly on their radar in recent days, even making a £50m offer for the West Ham United star, but the offer was swiftly rejected.

The Ghanaian was said to be wanting a move to join Frank’s men this window and The Athletic’s David Ornstein has since revealed that a £55m total agreement has now been struck for the 24-year-old.

However, despite the interest in the former Ajax star, moves have been made elsewhere, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling once again in their sights, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He claims that the Lilywhites have made an approach for the 19-year-old star, despite suffering relegation back to the Championship with the Saints last season.

He also claims that Nottingham Forest and West Ham are other teams keeping tabs on the teenage star, who could be available for around £55m this summer.

Why Spurs’ £55m target could be a bigger talent than Kudus

Over the last couple of months, Spurs have showcased the attacking threat they possess, registering 64 goals in their 38 league outings last season.

Brennan Johnson ended the year as the club’s top scorer, notching 18 goals across all competitions, including in the Europa League final, subsequently ending the club’s 17-year drought.

Other players such as Dominic Solanke and James Maddison also managed to achieve double figures, highlighting the strength in depth currently at Frank’s disposal.

However, such depth clearly isn’t enough, especially considering the rumours around moves for Kudus and Dibling over the last couple of weeks.

Both would represent impressive options for the Dane, but given the nature of the fees touted for each player’s signature, it is crucial they land the right one during the off-season.

When comparing their respective stats from the Premier League last time out, the Saints’ youngster managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, despite the relegation – highlighting why he’d be a better addition.

Dibling, who’s been labelled “incredible” by former boss Ivan Juric, managed to register a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst matching the Hammers star for goals per shot on target – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses.

Games played

33

32

Goals & assists

2

8

Shot on target accuracy

32%

28%

Goal per shot on target

0.2

0.2

Progressive passes

3.1

2.7

Passes into final third

1.9

1.6

Carries into final third

2.4

2

Fouls won

2.4

2.2

He also managed to register more progressive passes per 90, and more passes into the final third, subsequently having the tools to provide some of the aforementioned talents with added opportunities in front of goal.

The teenager’s dominance doesn’t end there, producing a higher tally of carries into the final third, whilst also drawing more fouls – showcasing the threat he poses to the opposition at any given time.

Whilst £55m may appear to be a huge risk for such a young talent, he’s already showcased he can thrive despite featuring for a side who fell well below the expectations set in 2024/25.

There’s no denying that Kudus would also represent an excellent pickup, but ultimately, Dibling has already outperformed him and has the tools to rapidly develop further, given his tender age.

Spurs eyeing "immense" £40m Kudus alternative who'd be their own Rodrygo

Spurs are looking at a £40m alternative to Kudus.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 9, 2025

Jude Bellingham could face a potential ban after being caught making an X-rated gesture during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clasico. The English midfielder was the match-winner at the Bernabeu, but his celebration has once again sparked controversy after cameras appeared to capture him repeating the same gesture that landed him in trouble at Euro 2024.

Bellingham makes lewd gesture after winning Clasico for Real Madrid

Bellingham played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s 2-1 triumph over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, contributing both a goal and an assist in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season in La Liga. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Madrid, only for Fermin Lopez to level for Barcelona before Bellingham struck just before half-time to restore Los Blancos’ lead — one that ultimately proved decisive.

However, celebrations took an unexpected turn when the England international was caught on camera making a lewd gesture, pointing toward his crotch while sticking out his tongue in front of supporters. The incident quickly spread across social media, drawing comparisons to the same gesture Bellingham made at Euro 2024 after scoring for England against Slovakia, for which UEFA issued him a £25,000 fine and a suspended one-match ban.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportReal Madrid and Barcelona players clash in heated Clasico

The gesture has once again placed Bellingham in an uncomfortable spotlight, overshadowing an otherwise stellar performance that helped Real Madrid extend their lead at the top of La Liga to five points. The match itself was a heated affair, with tempers flaring late on as Andriy Lunin was sent off in stoppage time amid a scuffle involving multiple players. La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) are expected to review the footage to determine whether Bellingham’s actions warrant disciplinary action, though a decision may depend on how seriously the governing bodies interpret his intent.

If sanctioned, Bellingham could face a fine or even a short suspension, a setback that Real Madrid can ill afford as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures. Head coach Xabi Alonso, who has praised the midfielder’s resurgence since the international break, will be keen to keep one of his most influential players available. Speaking after the match, Alonso said: “He’s had three very good games. We knew before the last break that he needed time and minutes to get going, and he’s done better than we expected. Jude is all about feeling, communicating, and connecting. That’s why he’s had some very good games.”

Bale got away with a similar gesture in 2019

This is not the first time a Real Madrid player has become embroiled in controversy for a similar act. Back in 2019, Gareth Bale made the infamous “corte de mangas” gesture toward Atletico Madrid fans — a motion considered deeply offensive in Spain — yet he escaped punishment from the authorities. That precedent could provide some comfort to Bellingham, who will hope that the Spanish FA takes a lenient view. The midfielder’s previous incident at Euro 2024, however, may not work in his favour, even though UEFA’s jurisdiction does not extend to La Liga matches.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick landed himself in hot water last week after being shown a second yellow card for making a gesture during a win over Girona. Flick also picked up a one-match ban and was suspended from the touchline for El Clasico. All eyes will now be trained on whether La Liga manage to clamp down on Bellingham’s X-rated gesture with similar vigour, while a lack of action could very well reiterate a dig made by Lamine Yamal before the Clasico, a sentiment shared heavily by fans of other La Liga teams through the last few seasons.

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AFPCould Bellingham be banned for Valencia clash?

Bellingham will now await any formal word from the league authorities regarding potential punishment, but as of now, no official statement has been released. If history is any indicator, a review process could take several days, with Real Madrid’s legal team likely to argue that the gesture was made in jest or misinterpreted by cameras. Even if he avoids a ban, the incident is likely to be discussed heavily in the Spanish media over the coming days, reigniting debates that have raged in the last few weeks.

In the meantime, the 22-year-old remains focused on maintaining his fine form for Madrid, who are entering a critical phase of the season. After being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad, Bellingham will hope that his club displays — rather than his on-field antics — become the talking point ahead of the Three Lions’ upcoming fixtures against Serbia and Albania.

Tayla Vlaeminck dislocated her bowling shoulder just moments into Australia’s T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, deepening her shocking run of bad luck with injuries.Vlaeminck was attempting to stop a boundary off Muneeba Ali’s fine edge on just the fourth ball of the match in Dubai on Friday. Running back from short third, Vlaeminck slid but her knee got stuck in the turf as she reached for the ball and flicked it back before tumbling over the rope, crying out and clutching at her shoulder as she did so.Lying on the boundary’s edge clearly in distress as Australia team medical staff rushed to her aid, captain Alyssa Healy looked visibly concerned.Vlaeminck’s shoulder was later relocated and the extent of the injury will be known following further assessment in the coming days.She had come into the side for the big-hitting Grace Harris, adding pace in what Healy described as an “impact for impact” swap in Australia’s first match of the tournament at the ground, having opened their campaign with wins against Sri Lanka and New Zealand on a slower pitch in Sharjah.It is the latest in a long line of injuries for 25-year-old Vlaeminck, playing her first World Cup match since 2018, Australia’s group game against India, and only the second of her career.Vlaeminck dislocated her left shoulder playing for Victoria in the 2017-18 season. Then, during the Australia A tour of England which coincided with last year’s Women’s Ashes, she dislocated the same shoulder again while bowling, which led to corrective surgery.Before she made her debut for Australia, in 2018, she had undergone two ACL reconstructions. Stress fractures in her foot also forced her to miss the 2020 home T20 World Cup as well as the 2022 ODI World Cup, the Commonwealth Games later that year and the 2023 T20 World Cup. Her foot injuries led her to spend time training with professional dancers at the Australian Ballet as part of her rehab work.

Arsenal know their hunt for a striker will define the type of campaign they enjoy under Mikel Arteta and there has now been a significant development on that front, according to reports.

Arsenal look to finalise move for Cristhian Mosquera

Undoubtedly, Mikel Arteta has become an admirer of solid foundations when analysing his recruitment strategy this summer, which may explain why he has focused primarily on defensive-minded arrivals early in the window.

Martin Zubimendi is set to join the Gunners from Real Sociedad. At the same time, Kepa Arrizabalaga will become David Raya’s deputy between the sticks following a solid loan spell at Bournemouth last campaign.

Furthermore, Arsenal are set to sign Brentford captain Christian Norgaard for a fee of £15 million including add-ons. With Thomas Partey and Jorginho now no longer in the building, making two smart additions in the engine room will ensure a balance in squad depth.

Nevertheless, there could be more in the way of solidity soon to enter the frame amid news that Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera could soon be on his way to North London.

He's just like Saka: Arsenal pushing to sign £38m star with "electric pace"

As Arsenal target attacking reinforcement this summer, could they sign a winger worth £38m with “electric pace” to be their left-sided Bukayo Saka?

ByBen Gray Jun 29, 2025

While that is all well and good, Arsenal will be judged this window on what they do to strengthen their frontline amid Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus’ injury struggles last term, so fans may want to take note of the latest update emerging from the Emirates.

Viktor Gyokeres demands meeting to force Arsenal move

According to reports in Portugal via Sport Witness, Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres has demanded a meeting with Sporting president Frederico Varandas in relation to broken promises over a potential move away from the Primeira Liga champions this summer.

The Sweden international has an £85 million release clause in place. Still, there is a disagreement over how much he will be allowed to depart for as the club prepares to return to pre-season, with Varandas publicly stating Sporting won’t be held to ransom.

Viktor Gyokeres’ incredible record in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

52

Goals

54

Assists

13

Talks are set to act as a move to push Sporting into a sale, while the report names Berta and Arsenal as the team now in the front seat to land Gyokeres after a summer transfer saga that has dominated headlines across the globe.

Manchester United have also been heavily mentioned. However, the Gunners are believed to be the only contender in line for Gyokeres, who has been labelled the “hottest striker in the world” by talkSPORT pundit Flex.

Potentially, this development could bring the curtain down on a nerve-shredding summer episode for everyone involved with the North London giants, though supporters won’t be getting too excited until he is paraded at the Emirates Stadium.

Sunderland will be playing in the Premier League next season and they know that their recruitment work this summer will need to be spot on to give them a chance of avoiding an instant relegation.

The Black Cats recently confirmed the signing of Enzo Le Fee on a permanent basis from Roma for a club-record fee of £20m as their first addition ahead of their return to the top-flight, after he spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Regis Le Bris’ team.

Le Fee showed quality on the ball, with 1.3 dribbles completed per game, but combined that with 2.5 tackles and interceptions per game in his 11 league starts, which suggests that he could thrive in a relegation battle where plenty of defending will be needed.

The French maestro also heads into the Premier League with plenty of experience in Europe’s major leagues, with 132 games in Ligue 1 and six matches in the Serie A, which means that he is used to playing at the top level and that is why he could be an excellent signing for the Black Cats.

Sunderland eyeing deal for Premier League defender

Sunderland could repeat the blinder that they have seemingly played with Le Fee, who is an experienced top-flight performer who is already settled in and used to playing for the club, by signing another one of their loan stars.

Transfer Focus

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

According to the Northern Echo, the Premier League newcomers are considering a deal to bring Chris Mepham back to the Stadium of Light in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Wales international is one of a number of defensive options being weighed up by the board at Sunderland, as they eye up a possible reunion with the Bournemouth centre-back.

It states that there was no obligation for the loan move to be turned into a permanent one this summer, which means that they would have to negotiate a fee with the Cherries.

Why Sunderland should sign Chris Mepham

The Black Cats should swoop to sign Mepham on a permanent basis in the coming weeks because it could be a repeat of their Le Fee blinder.

Like the French star, the 27-year-old colossus would not need any time to settle in because he just played 40 matches on loan at the club in the 2024/25 season.

The Welsh titan also has top-flight experience, like Le Fee, having played 61 times in the Premier League for Bournemouth, which means that he knows the division and could provide vital experience to a young team lacking games at that level.

Mepham, who was hailed as “outstanding” by pundit Carlton Palmer, also delivered solid performances for Sunderland when called upon in the Championship this season.

As you can see in the table above, the Bournemouth loanee was dominant in his duels and helped the team to keep 11 clean sheets in 38 outings in the second tier.

He also averaged the most clearances per match in the entire squad, ahead of the likes of Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard, which may be down to his experience and know-how, as he excels at being in the right place at the right time at the heart of the defence.

Mepham was, therefore, an important player for Sunderland in the Championship and that is why they should press ahead with a deal to sign him on a permanent basis, as a star who knows the club and has Premier League experience under his belt.

Like Le Fee, the 27-year-old brute would hit the ground running on Wearside in the top-flight because of his loan spell at the Stadium of Light and because of the top-flight games that he has played.

Worse than selling Jobe: "Outstanding" Sunderland star wanted by PL clubs

This Sunderland star is being eyed up by Premier League teams, and his exit would be a bigger blow than Jobe Bellingham’s.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 4, 2025

It is now down to the club to ensure that they can strike a deal with Bournemouth to bring him back to Sunderland, to join Le Fee as their second signing.

da dobrowin： Arsenal have plenty of time on their hands to bring in stars to strengthen their bid for the Premier League title, but may now face a battle to retain one of their key men, according to a report.

Arsenal closing in on Martin Zubimendi deal

da brdice： In what appears to have become a long-running saga, Arsenal are close to signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after the Spain international was in London over the weekend to try and iron out the finer details of his move.

With Thomas Partey set to leave the Gunners on a free transfer amid interest from Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, there is definite scope for Mikel Arteta to reshape his engine room ahead of another campaign where his side are expected to lead the fight on all fronts.

Nevertheless, there is still no clear direction on whether Arsenal will sign Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line as the financials involved between the club and either RB Leipzig or Sporting remain to be determined.

Of course, the Gunners have plenty of capital to play with in North London, but they need to factor in the best possible way to use it without being short-changed in their hunt for reinforcements.

Taking a measured approach to signings makes a degree of sense, though there is always a sense of impatience among supporters desperate to see new arrivals.

Related Arsenal ready move to sign £40m+ Chelsea star with Maresca open to offers

The Gunners are reportedly ready to launch a surprising move.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jun 23, 2025

Jorrel Hato is another long-term Arsenal target. Still, there may need to be one or two departures to bankroll their summer spending spree.

Looking ahead to potential events that could occur, the Gunners now have a major decision on their hands involving one of their most important contributors.

Arsenal could face battle to retain Gabriel Martinelli

According to TBR, Arsenal could struggle to retain Gabriel Martinelli after Bayern Munich made contact over a potential move for the Brazil international.

Lodging an enquiry, the Bundesliga champions have tempted the 24-year-old to think about his future, and he is said to be ‘exploring his options’ and hasn’t made a conclusive decision over whether to stay in North London or otherwise.

Gabriel Martinelli’s Premier League campaign in numbers – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Chances created

40

Successful dribbles

33

Shots

55

Shots on target

25

Successful crosses

22

Labelled “brilliant” by teammate Gabriel Jesus, Saudi Pro League clubs have also expressed an interest in his services, though it feels unlikely that he would opt to leave Europe’s top-five leagues during a relatively early stage in his career.

Enjoying a productive time of things last term, £180,000 per week earner Martinelli registered ten goals and six assists in 51 appearances across all competitions and wouldn’t be easy to replace at the Emirates Stadium.

Intriguingly, Arsenal have looked at Chelsea’s Noni Madueke after missing out on Nico Williams to Barcelona, so there is a possibility that wingers will form a key part of their transfer strategy regardless of the outcome elsewhere.

MatériaMais Notícias

da bet7k： Bahia e Fluminense se enfrentam nesta terça-feira (31), em jogo válido pela 31ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro 2023. Veja as prováveis escalações e onde assistir!

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da bet7： + Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fluminense

O Tricolor de Aço quer vencer para seguir firme na briga contra o Z-4 do Brasileirão. Dentro de casa, a equipe baiana quer se reconciliar com as vitórias de duas derrotas seguidas.

+ Veja a classificação e simule os resultados do Brasileirão

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BAHIA X FLUMINENSE
31ª RODADA DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO

Local: Arena Fonte Nova, em Salvador (BA)
Data e hora: terça-feira, 31 de outubro de 2023, às 19h (horário de Brasília)
Árbitra: Edina Alves Batista
Assistentes: Fabrini Bevilaqua Costa e Evandro de Melo Lima
Árbitro de vídeo: Thiago Duarte Peixoto
Onde assistir: Premiere e no tempo real do Lance!

BAHIA

Marcos Felipe, Gilberto, Kanu, Vitor Hugo e Camilo Cándido; Rezende, Yago, Thaciano e Rafael Ratão; Biel e Everaldo. Técnico: Rogério Ceni.

FLUMINENSE

Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Marlon, David Braz e Diogo Barbosa; André (Alexsander), Martinelli e Ganso; Arias, Keno (Lima) e Cano. Técnico: Fernando Diniz.

There are plenty of new faces in Mikel Arteta's squad, but attentions must now turn to cutting away the deadwood ahead of a Premier League title tilt

Arsenal are going big this summer in what feels like a crucial juncture in their ongoing pursuit of ending their 21-year Premier League title drought. The Gunners have been spending freely, strengthening across the board, but attentions must now turn to outgoings.

After a protracted transfer saga, long-term target Viktor Gyokeres is set to become their latest big-money new arrival, following the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke through the door at the Emirates Stadium and taking the north Londoners' summer outlay to around £200 million ($269m).

Meanwhile, Jorginho, Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Thomas Partey – who has been charged with rape and sexual assault – have all left the club without generating any income. Head coach Mikel Arteta will know there is plenty more blubber to be trimmed and money to be made as he attempts to mould a potentially title-winning squad…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Kai Havertz

  Do Arsenal need to ask themselves a serious question about Havertz?! Gyokeres' long-awaited, imminent arrival throws the German attacker's involvement into doubt, after he emerged as Arteta's main No.9 last season.

  Nine goals in 23 appearances before a hamstring injury effectively curtailed his season was not a bad return, but the decision has clearly been made that he is not the prolific striker Arsenal need to carry them forward, while the No.10 role and the wings are occupied. It might be time to cash in…

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Gabriel Jesus

  It's a great shame, but it's probably time to face up to the fact that Jesus' much-heralded move to Arsenal in 2022 has been completely derailed by fitness issues, with the forward currently sidelined by a second serious knee injury since his arrival and those bookending a number of other niggles.

  He still faces several months on the treatment table as he continues to recover from a dreaded cruciate ligament tear, but it would be little surprise if the Gunners were weighing up cutting their losses behind the scenes. Finding a buyer is another question, although a loan return to Brazil could be on the cards.

• Getty
  

  Jakub Kiwior

  Strangely, Kiwior's place in Arteta's plans has rarely seemed secure since he signed for the north Londoners in January 2023, although he really stepped up in the run-in in 2024-25 amid a raft of defensive injuries. However, that spell only seems to have put him in the shop window.

  With Riccardo Calafiori now back in action and Gabriel Magalhaes nearing a return, Arsenal have also completed the signing of highly-rated Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera – all of which pushes Kiwior right down the pecking order. Unsurprisingly, it's been reported that he wants out.

• Getty
  

  Albert Lokonga

  One player who is pretty much guaranteed to be on his way this summer, forgotten man Lokonga is back at Arsenal having done his reputation no harm with a decent loan spell at Sevilla, albeit disrupted by injuries.

  Now 25, the midfielder has surprisingly been included on the pre-season tour to Asia, but with just one year to run on his contract the club will be determined to find him a new, permanent home this summer. The Belgian says he needs "stability".

“We should appreciate the players for throwing themselves in the den without being exposed to these conditions,” Pakistan’s Test captain said

Danyal Rasool27-Jan-2025Pakistan captain Shan Masood said he expected the team to continue their recent experiment of heavily turning tracks at home, and that they would be replicated across domestic cricket as well. After falling to a 120-run defeat at home against West Indies that levelled the series 1-1 and confirmed Pakistan’s position at the bottom of the current World Test Championship cycle, Masood maintained there were “encouraging signs” that Pakistan would seek to build on.”Domestic cricket will be played like this,” he said. “We’ve already talked about this. The more we’ll play the better we’ll get at it. We’ve shown encouraging signs. After the four matches, we’ve won three in these conditions. We dominated the first hour of the first day which could have swung the match in our favour. It’s just about winning those key moments and ensuring we’re consistent with these conditions domestically and internationally.”Since Pakistan lost the first Test against England on a flat wicket in Multan, they have reverted to producing tracks that break up and spin from the first day, rendering fast bowling almost redundant. The last four home Tests have seen Pakistan take 80 wickets, with just one falling to a seam bowler. Fingerspinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali have dominated the bowling attack, taking 70 of the 80 wickets, and frequently opening the bowling attack in each innings. It has turned around Pakistan’s straggling home form, allowing them to beat England 2-1 at home and easing to a victory in the first Test against West Indies. This Test, however, the visiting spinners turned the script around on them, with left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican of West Indies walking away with both the Player-of-the-Match and Series awards.Related

• Shan Masood to continue as Pakistan Test captain for 2025-27 WTC cycle

• Warrican bags five as West Indies win in Pakistan after 34 years

• Warrican dominates a series made for spinners in Multan

• Brathwaite: West Indies had to be 'brave' on pitch where 'you are going to get out'

“It’s a game of all stakeholders. We should appreciate the players for throwing themselves in the den without being exposed to these conditions. We know we haven’t played domestic cricket in these conditions. In some ways, it’s a kind of bravery to expose ourselves to these conditions. We practiced, but this is new for us. But we need to replicate this in domestic cricket, give our batters exposure so we play in these conditions and get runs in them. In the fourth innings, anything over 150 is a competitive score, where spinners will always have the edge.”An unavoidable outcome of such surfaces is the outsized role the toss plays. All four times, the side winning the toss has batted first, walking away with victory three times. While Pakistan were able to flip that script against England in the series-decider, West Indies’ win once more demonstrated the way these pitches can slant a game in favour of the side bowling last.Mohammad Rizwan was bowled by Jomel Warrican, who took the match and series honours•AFP/Getty Images

However, it didn’t appear that way when Pakistan bowled in the first hour, having reduced West Indies to 54 for 8, and letting that situation slip through their fingers frustrated Masood most of all. “We didn’t get the result we wanted. The positive thing was when you field first and you know the fourth innings will be difficult. So you try to restrict the opposition in the first innings. We bowled brilliantly for the first eight wickets. But we’ve talked about the first innings batting and bowling combining to do well, so you have the advantage in the third and fourth innings. If you look at our batting and bowling, and the mistakes we made collectively, that was a crucial time because their last two wickets cost us dear.”Then, with the bat, we went from 119 for 4 to 154 all out. When these collapses happen and the other side puts on partnerships, they can set you back. If we’d got them out early and got a 100-run lead, the Test match would be completely different. With Test matches on these pitches, you can’t wait to make a move, because things are decided on day one, and that is where you can win or lose matches.”This is the end of a cycle, an unhappy one for Pakistan, and for its leader. Pakistan have lost nine of their last 12 matches, all five away from home and four of seven at home. Despite starting off with a crushing away win in Sri Lanka, they have finished bottom of the WTC table, and do not play another Test for nearly nine months.Masood acknowledged Pakistan had fallen short of expectations, but did not believe the side required a complete overhaul, pointing out fine margins made the difference in this Test, and could be worked on.”The tail not getting wickets is an area of concern, and we need to finish off sides quicker,” Masood said, echoing his frustrations in South Africa, where the last two wickets adding too many runs cost them dear in the first Test at Centurion. “Against Australia, who have the best tail in the world, we got them out cheaply, but not here, or against Bangladesh or South Africa.”Batters have been proactive, but we need more contributions. You may not get hundreds here but 30s and 40s contribute to the winning conditions. Kraigg Brathwaite was an ideal example. He took the game on. One batter will need to step up in these conditions especially when the ball is new.”It’s not about holding someone responsible. This isn’t an accountability bureau. This is a team effort. Our mistake as a team was the first two innings. That was what set us back, and gave the opposition a degree of freedom. If we had a 100-run lead, I do not think they’d have been able to play in the way they did. We need to understand the direction of matches will be decided very quickly, as early as day one.”