Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol has made a stunning revelation about how his professional sports career could have taken a very different direction after temporarily falling out of love with the game. The Croatia international is a regular for City boss Pep Guardiola and has also revealed the tentative approach being taken by the club after a slow start to the season.
Manchester United are reportedly prioritising a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton after cooling their interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. The Red Devils were keen to strengthen in the middle of the park by signing the Cameroon international in the summer but have now decided to rethink their shortlist following the 21-year-old’s difficult start to the 2025-26 season.
Amorim an admirer of Wharton's desire to play brave passes
According to a report from United head coach Ruben Amorim is believed to be an admirer of England international Wharton. The report claims that the Portuguese has taken note of the 21-year-old’s ability to consistently pass forwards and not sideways, piercing through opposition low blocks to launch Palace attacks. After joining the Eagles from Blackburn in 2024, Wharton has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders, playing a significant role in his side’s victories in the FA Cup and the Community Shield – the first two trophies in the club’s history.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWharton moves up United's wish list following Baleba's struggles
The report concludes by claiming United’s interest in Wharton represents a rethink in their quest to strengthen in midfield, having chased Brighton ace Baleba in the summer. More defensive-minded than Wharton, Baleba has equally become one of the league’s best players in his position since moving to Brighton from Ligue 1 side Lille in 2023. However, following a transfer window which saw United initially open talks before opting to walk away over the Seagulls' reported asking price of over £100 million (€115m/$134m), Baleba has subsequently struggled so far this term, failing to complete a full 90-minute match. And therefore Wharton is believed to have moved up United’s wish list ahead of the January transfer window.
Brighton chairman confirms United wanted Baleba in the summer
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom recently confirmed United’s interest in signing Baleba this summer, telling “I don’t think Baleba was a saga. There was interest from Manchester United, and we said that he wasn't available this summer and they went away. So we've had many bigger sagas in the past. But Carlos Baleba, his improvement has been immense. Massively important player to this football club, and just delighted that he's with us for this season.”
Bloom’s comments came off the back of Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler admitting Baleba’s slow start to the season could be down to United’s interest in his services, saying in September: "For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep (down). That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club who wants to have him. But then to keep pushing, to be humble, stay here in Brighton, and try to make the next step with the team and that’s something we have to keep on working with him and therefore I can’t give you a clear answer if it’s really affected him or not. But for sure, he’s a young boy and we need to understand he’s not a machine that if you click on then he always runs and off then he stops. We need to understand his feelings, his emotions, where he comes from, and that’s our responsibility.”
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Getty Images SportPalace owner says club are not under any pressure to sell Wharton
Meanwhile, Palace owner Steve Parish recently said he is not surprised to see Wharton being linked with a move to United, but reiterated that his side are not under any "pressure" to sell any of their prized assets.
He told "I think Adam at some point will want to play either in the Champions League with us, if we can make that happen, or probably with another club. He's an extraordinary talent. I think right now, and I can't speak for Adam, but I think he's focused on his time at Crystal Palace. He had a broken season last season with the groin issues that he had that a lot of young players get.
"I think this season he's completely focused on putting the games in, getting in the England squad, being a regular for us, and making sure that he can show that Saturday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday. It's a difficult programme for us right now. I think he's very committed to the club. I don't know where all this stuff comes from.”
When asked specifically about United's reported interest, Parish said Palace were confident of keeping hold of Wharton, adding: "If Manchester United want Adam Wharton, there's nothing surprising really about that. The fact of the matter is he's got a long contract to run. There's no pressure on us to do it, and I don't think there's any real pressure from the player either.”
With both Leeds United and Burnley picking up Premier League results yesterday, it was up to Sunderland to keep up their end of the bargain today as another newly promoted side managed to stave off an unwelcome defeat.
Thankfully, it played out just like that as Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats battled it out with Aston Villa all match, earning themselves a well-deserved share of the points in the 1-1 draw come the end of the contest.
Sunderland, on another day, could well have buckled under the pressure after Reinildo Mandava received a first-half red card, culminating in the Villans then picking up an easy victory.
Instead, Sunderland stood tall and competed even when reduced to ten, with Wilson Isidor also getting in on the goalscoring action again, as the Frenchman continues to solidify himself as a fan favourite so early into the challenging Premier League campaign.
Why Isidor is a fan favourite at Sunderland
Already, Isidor was a well-liked striker on Wearside, considering he hammered home 13 strikes last season as promotion to the top-flight was achieved.
Now, however, he’s a next level of popular at the Stadium of Light, with this instinctive finish after a clever Granit Xhaka header set him free, his third league goal already on home turf.
That means the energetic number 18 now finds himself in the same conversations as former Black Cats goal machine Darren Bent, with Isidor hopeful of a similarly long-lasting career at the very top of the English game if he can keep up this red-hot streak of form.
Obviously, without the Frenchman’s crucial finish late on, Le Bris and Co. would have been staring down the barrel of a defeat.
But, the clinical attacker was given that platform to be the hero off the back of a heroic defensive display, as the bold hosts put their one-man disadvantage firmly to one side to fight their way to a gritty draw.
The Sunderland star who is as undroppable as Isidor
It shouldn’t be the greatest shock that Sunderland battled well at the back; however, with the newly promoted outfit just fresh off a 0-0 stalemate at Crystal Palace, that saw the Black Cats’ defence tested regularly.
Yet, it takes another level of determined display to be able to seal a result when down to ten men, but with Nordi Mukiele in the heart of defence being valiant once more, the lack of Reinildo on the pitch wasn’t as painful to come to terms with.
Mukiele hasn’t even needed a lengthy amount of time to grow accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the Premier League, with the French colossus thrown straight into the deep end against the Eagles and Brentford in the previous encounter, only to win a ridiculous 15 duels in total.
The 6-foot-2 centre-back is becoming nearly as undroppable as Isidor by putting in these consistent attritional showings, with his hard-working approach clear for all to see again versus Villa, as the ex-RB Leipzig warrior was constantly put through his paces.
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
47
Accurate passes
11/18 (61%)
Key passes
3
Clearances
12
Tackles
3
Total duels won
7/10
Amazingly, before delving deeper into his back-to-the-wall showing, Mukiele also impressed when attempting to carve out openings, with three key passes registered across his near faultless 90 minutes.
Yet, it was his battling nature that really shone through as the likes of Ollie Watkins were regularly kept at arm’s length, as seen in Mukiele winning 70% of his duels and registering 12 clearances to ensure Matty Cash was the only fortunate goalscorer for the visitors.
This never-say-die attitude on display today will stand Sunderland in great stead to beat the drop, knowing they don’t fold when the going gets tough.
After the match, Mukiele was rightly showered with praise, with Sunderland-based journalist James Copley heralding him as “absolutely incredible”, while Sky Sports’ Keith Downe dubbed him a “beast” for his commanding showing.
Further handed a 9/10 post-match rating by journalist Phil Smith – who also affectionately labelled the no-nonsense 27-year-old a “titan” – it really does look set in stone that Mukiele has to be in the heart of the Black Cats’ defence from now on, much like Isidor will feel even more assured that he is Sunderland’s leading man in attack.
Sunderland hit the jackpot on "complete" talent who's worth more than Xhaka
Sunderland look to have secured their own Moises Caicedo, who’s rising in value alongside captain Granit Xhaka
ByWill Miller Sep 19, 2025
Ellyse Perry, who recently suffered a hip injury, could be a doubtful starter for RCB
S Sudarshanan13-Feb-20254:05
Mandhana: WPL has taught me a lot, not just captaincy
Who’s playingGujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, February 14, 2025, 7.30pm ISTWhat to expect: Mandhana vs GardnerNo bowler has dismissed Smriti Mandhana more often than Ashleigh Gardner in Women’s T20s or in ODIs. With Gardner assuming the captaincy of Giants, she could look to bring herself on early against the RCB captain. With Mandhana in sublime form, it could be an interesting contest.Two of Giants’ four wins across two seasons of the WPL have come against RCB, including their first-ever victory.Related
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Team news and likely XIs: Mooney’s opening partner, Perry’s fitness in focusThe choice of Beth Mooney’s opening partner could pose a headache for Giants. Given Deandra Dottin commands a place in the XI, only one of Laura Wolvaardt and Phoebe Litchfield might find a place in the XI.Gujarat Giants (probable): 1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 Laura Wolvaardt, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Deandra Dottin, 5 Dayalan Hemalatha, 6 Ashleigh Gardner (capt), 7 Simran Shaikh, 8 Sayali Satghare, 8 Meghna Singh, 9 Tanuja Kanwar, 10 Kashvee Gautam, 11 Shabnam Shakil/Mannat Kashyap.Ellyse Perry is heading into WPL 2025 on the back of suffering a hip injury during the Women’s Ashes Test in Melbourne. She could take the No. 4 spot in the absence of Sophie Devine. If Perry does not pull up well for the opening game, RCB could go with Georgia Wareham at No. 4 and play Charlie Dean as well. The injury to Asha Sobhana, a sure-starter who has been ruled out of the tournament, adds to the selection complications for them.1:43
Gardner: We have fantastic youth in our set-up
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable): 1 Smriti Mandhana (capt), 2 Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 3 S Meghana, 4 Ellyse Perry, 5 Richa Ghosh, 6 Raghvi Bist, 7 Kanika Ahuja, 8 Georgia Wareham, 9 Jagravi Pawar, 10 Kim Garth, 11 Renuka Singh.Players to watch: Deandra Dottin and Richa GhoshWith their acrimonious equation from WPL 2023 behind them, Deandra Dottin could be key to Giants’ success. She made a successful return to internationals just ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup last year, where she was West Indies’ leading run-scorer while picking up five wickets at an economy rate of 5.42. In the home T20Is against Bangladesh, Dottin scored 110 in three games at a strike rate of 203.70. Having played ODIs against India at the Kotambi Stadium, Dottin would have an idea of what to expect, and Giants would want her to step up with the ball too, especially at the death.4:32
RCB will have it tough against well-rounded Giants
Very few Indian players in the WPL can do what Richa Ghosh can – finish matches as a power-hitter. With RCB battling player-unavailability and fitness issues, Ghosh will be a vital cog in that middle order. She showed good hitting form in the home season against West Indies and Ireland. RCB relied on her prowess last year to win the title. She is third in the list of most sixes in the WPL; expect her to move up as the season progresses. How she does could well decide how the defending champions start their campaign.Key stats Ashleigh Gardner is Giants’ leading run-scorer (324) as well as wicket-taker (17) Giants have had eight opening pairs in the two years, the most in the WPL. Giants have hit 43 sixes in the WPL, the fewest among all teams. RCB have two bowlers in their squad with T20I hat-tricks – Ekta Bisht and Heather Graham.
Manchester United are now preparing a £130m double swoop for a “world-class” goalkeeper and a “generational” midfielder, according to a report.
Ruben Amorim made it clear he was happy with his side’s performance in their opening Premier League match, despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at home against Arsenal, with the manager saying: “I am proud of the players. I said so many times that the players need to adapt. Intensity, the way they are sprinting. They fought for every duel. They were so brave playing one against one. They were really brave, and I am happy with that.”
However, the difference between the two sides was Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half goal, which came from a Declan Rice corner that Altay Bayindir dealt with poorly, according to both Roy Keane and Micah Richards.
With Andre Onana also suffering widespread criticism since his arrival at Old Trafford, it is little wonder that Amorim is now looking to bring in a new goalkeeper, alongside a midfielder, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba known to be well-liked.
However, the Red Devils have halted their pursuit of Baleba, and they have now moved on to an alternative target, according to a report from Spain, which suggests chiefs are prepared to spend big on a midfielder and goalkeeper.
The report states Man United are now willing to shell out a combined €150m (£130m) to get deals for Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton over the line.
The addition of Wharton would ideally provide Bruno Fernandes with more attacking freedom, while signing a new goalkeeper is deemed a top priority for Amorim, following Bayindir’s costly error against the Gunners on Sunday.
Despite being unable to pick up a positive result in the opener against Arsenal, there were some positive signs for Man United, with new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha looking particularly lively.
However, United’s goalkeeper ultimately cost them once again, underlining how vital it is to bring in a replacement before the deadline, and Donnarumma could be a real upgrade, having been lauded as “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti in the past.
The 26-year-old is proven at the top level, having featured 15 times for PSG en-route to their Champions League final triumph last season, and he should undoubtedly be United’s priority target.
Man Utd chiefs convinced they'll win race for "elite" number one stopper
The Red Devils are feeling more than optimistic…
1
By
Sean Markus Clifford
Aug 18, 2025
While Wharton is yet to play in Europe’s elite competition, the Englishman is Premier League proven, much like previous arrivals Mbeumo and Cunha, and he clearly has a lot of potential, having been lauded as a “generational talent” by members of the media.
Gianluigi Donnarumma joked about not taking his mother to the Etihad Stadium for the Champions League opener against Napoli on Thursday. The Manchester City goalkeeper, who arrived at the end of the summer transfer window, revealed that his family members are big supporters of the current Serie A champions. However, he remains determined on helping his new team kick-off their continental campaign with a win.
Man City to lock horns with Napoli in UCL opener
After a rather underwhelming start to their Premier League campaign, Manchester City will turn their attention towards Thursday's Champions League opener against Serie A champions Napoli at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola's side will be eager to prove themselves after their pre-round of 16 playoff exit last season. They have responded by showcasing their financial muscle in the summer, including Champions League winner Donnarumma.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportDonnarumma hopes his 'mother will get over' Napoli's defeat
Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday, Donnarumma said: "I'm leaving Mum at home tomorrow night. I'm very attached to the city, I have many friends on and off the team, but I play for City and I hope to win this match. Mum will get over it."
New goalkeeper has big shoes to fill
The £26 million (€30m/$35m) signing has arrived on the back of a historic campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian was perhaps the best goalkeeper in the Champions League, as his heroics went a long way in helping Les Parisiens capture their maiden European title. However, he has started a new chapter at the Etihad, where he has replaced Ederson, who joined Fenerbahce. Given he is among the finest custodians in the world at the moment, he is likely to rise to the challenge. But question marks have already been raised about how he would fit in, considering his profile is completely different to what Guardiola usually prefers.
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Getty Images SportCity confident after derby win
Guardiola and his troops head into Thursday's clash riding high on confidence, as they registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over cross-city rivals Manchester United on Sunday. As per the manager, City are "apparently not one of the favourites" to lift the coveted European trophy this season.
New Zealand may have lost the first ODI in Dambulla on Wednesday by a fairly comprehensive 45-run margin, but for a youthful outfit with no less than three debutants in the playing XI, it was an opportunity to grab the “best seat in the house” in terms of learning how to play in unfamiliar conditions.”I think the experiences that you get in this part of the world, they’re obviously very different conditions from what we face back home in New Zealand,” Michael Bracewell said after the game. “Those experiences you bank and you learn from and hopefully come back better, that’s the true challenge of international cricket.”So as much as playing against them [Sri Lanka], you sort of watch them with the best seat in the house and see how they go about their business.”Related
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In that context, for around 35 overs they observed a masterclass in how to navigate a sometimes sluggish surface. While rain in the first over of the day had ensured that any dryness in the pitch would be mitigated, this still wasn’t an entirely batter friendly track.Getting in was crucial, and so proved Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando during a 206-run second-wicket stand off just 215 deliveries, one that effectively took the game away from the visitors.”It was difficult looking to start on as we saw, because after that big partnership between Fernando and Mendis, it was hard for the guys to come in and score straight away,” added Bracewell. “Partnerships are obviously hugely important and we saw that partnership in the first innings of some 200 runs. I think that’s what changed the game.”The majority of the time is obviously favourable here in Sri Lanka for spin, but batters can still play well on those wickets and put you under pressure. And I think we probably saw that today. The batters played really well and we’ll have to keep coming up with different answers and throwing different things at the Sri Lankan batters throughout the series, to try to break those partnerships a little bit earlier.”After Pathum Nissanka fell early, Mendis and Avishka ensured the scoring rate remained stable between five and six runs an over, rotating strike with the odd boundary thrown in. It was only closer to the halfway stage of the innings that they felt comfortable enough to up the scoring.Between the start of the 23rd over and end of the 28th over, they struck 52 runs, with the 200 coming up in the 35th over. Sri Lanka at this point were well set, but the new batters coming in after both Mendis and Avishka fell struggled to push the score to that 350 mark.Sri Lanka though, with their eventual 324 on the board, had done enough to ensure that even with a DLS-adjustment New Zealand would have a challenging target of 221 off 27 overs. In their chase, New Zealand got off to a similarly good start, as the opening pair of Will Young and Tim Robinson put on 88 off just 80 deliveries. But once they fell, the innings began to fall apart.”I think you look at the fine margins of when guys got out in our innings and things like that. And obviously there’s a little bit of scoreboard pressure, so guys coming in had to get going straight away.”So that that always makes it a challenge, but that’s part of the job of coming in that middle order. And we obviously didn’t get it right. But we’ll come again in a couple of days and we’ll be looking to resurrect that again.”Among those who perhaps could have done more was Bracewell himself. He remained unbeaten on a 32-ball 34, but with wickets tumbling at the other end he was left ruing over what could have been.”I think it was one of those ones where to chase to 221 in 27 overs was always going to be a pretty tough ask. I think we gave it a pretty good shot but we perhaps could have fired a few more shots there through the middle as well.”I’ll put my hand up and and say I could have taken the game on a little bit earlier, but yeah, I just don’t think we quite timed the chase very well.”
Leicestershire trail by 111, four wickets down in second innings as Yuzvendra Chahal strikes again
ECB Reporters Network18-Sep-2024James Sales hit an excellent career-best 135 as Northamptonshire piled on the runs on day two of this Vitality County Championship match against Leicestershire at Wantage Road.The Northamptonshire youngster made the most of his recent elevation up the order, stroking 16 boundaries in more than four hours at the crease, facing 197 deliveries in an innings of real maturity.While he was dropped on 86 and 121 off two rare false shots, his innings was notable for his fluency, placement and timing. It stood in contrast to his maiden first-class ton in April, scored against the kookaburra ball on a docile pitch which had offered little for the Middlesex attack.Sales and Rob Keogh (49) extended their overnight partnership to 117, before runs kept flowing during Sales’ stand of 131 off just 134 deliveries with a resourceful Saif Zaib. Stroking a run-a-ball 71, Zaib garnered most of his runs from the sweep and reverse sweep as he put the spinners to the sword, a wayward Rehan Ahmed taking the brunt of his offensive.Leicestershire seamer Ian Holland, who found some inswing with the second new ball to end Sales’ innings, helped wrap up the Northamptonshire tail to finish with figures of four for 53 as the hosts were bowled out for 383 to take a first innings lead of 180.When Leicestershire replied, Northamptonshire tied them down, runs coming at a pedestrian rate with legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal finding plenty of turn. The Indian international claimed two wickets as Leicestershire closed on 69 for four still trailing by 111.Earlier Sales, 21, quickly got into his work, driving Sam Wood through the covers for four and dispatching him down the ground as he reached his half-century off 82 balls. He smashed Rehan over long-on for four, but otherwise manoeuvred the ball into the gaps nicely, driving sweetly and playing a delicate late cut.Despite nursing a bad back, Keogh provided good support, twice pulling Rehan over long-on before he was trapped lbw, struck on the back leg as he went back to a full delivery from the England legspinner.Zaib got off the mark first ball, cutting Ahmed square for four and sweeping Liam Trevaskis effortlessly behind square. Proving an ideal partner for Sales, he ran sharp ones and twos to keep the scoreboard ticking over and the pressure on the fielders.Sales survived his first false shot when Louis Kimber put him down at short cover off Trevaskis, the fielder injuring his hand in the process.Undeterred, Sales reached his century shortly after lunch by slapping Rehan through the covers for his 13th boundary as he and Zaib plundered 86 off the first 10 overs after the interval.Zaib meanwhile was tucking into some increasingly loose bowling from Rehan, sweeping with ease as he brought up his half-century off 55 deliveries before pulling a half-tracker square for six. At the other end, Sales benefited from another drop in the covers off Trevaskis, responding by smashing the bowler down the ground for four.But both batters departed in quick succession to spark a mini Northamptonshire collapse, four wickets falling for 21 in 6.1 overs. First Zaib was trapped lbw as he played another sweep, to give Sol Budinger his maiden first class wicket. Then, when Leicestershire took the new ball, Holland swung one back in to bowl Sales as he attempted to drive.Justin Broad was next to go when he pushed at one from Holland and was well caught by a diving Rishi Patel at first slip. Next Ben Sanderson was denied the three runs he needed for 1,000 career first-class runs when Holland trapped him lbw without scoring.A counterattacking Lewis McManus extended Northamptonshire’s lead as he took on the new ball clubbing five boundaries in a knock of 27 before becoming the sixth lbw casualty of the innings, Holland claiming his fourth wicket. Wood then wrapped up the innings by demolishing Jack White’s stumps.White struck immediately with the fifth ball of Leicestershire’s reply. Budinger, top scorer in the first innings, fell without scoring when he played inside the line of one which hit the top of off-stump.Patel (35) and Holland (11) found scoring tough going, accumulating at just 1.5 an over. Holland was eventually stumped off Chahal as he advanced down the wicket.With Keogh unable to bowl due to his back injury, Northamptonshire turned to Zaib to bowl his slow left-armers and he soon accounted for Patel when he flicked a half volley on leg stump straight to Sales at short midwicket. Leicestershire quickly lost another when Rehan danced down the wicket to Chahal, missed and was stumped by McManus.
This summer is shaping up to be one of Arsenal’s best in a very long time.
It might sound hyperbolic, but it’s really not, as, following a slow start to the transfer window, the club have already officially announced four signings, including Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke.
Add to that the renewed contracts of Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, plus the fact that Cristhian Mosquera is already reportedly out in Singapore, and it’s easy to see why some fans are getting very excited.
Moreover, while he’s not been announced yet, the club appear to have finally agreed a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres, and based on reports, they’re also keen on someone who’d be his dream winger.
Arsenal target dream winger for Gyokeres
The most significant transfer saga involving Arsenal this summer has undoubtedly been about Gyokeres.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
At first, it looked like Benjamin Sesko was the club’s first-choice option to lead the line next season, but once RB Leipzig priced him out of a move, the North Londoners turned their full attention to the Swedish international.
Finally, after what had felt like weeks of stalemate between Sporting CP and the Gunners over the add-ons in the deal, Fabrizio Romano gave the transfer the ‘here we go’ treatment yesterday afternoon.
It’s a potentially game-changing addition to a team that needed a clinical number nine last season, and better yet, the club are now being linked with someone who could be the striker’s dream winger.
According to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal are interested in Anthony Gordon.
The report claims that the Newcastle United star is a player the Premier League runners-up currently ‘admire’, but that the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard could determine whether that admiration develops.
In terms of how much the Englishman may cost, reports from earlier this summer claimed a fee of around £100m could be enough, and while that’s a lot of money, it might prove worth it to sign someone who could be Gyokeres’ dream winger.
Why Gordon would be a dream teammate for Gyokeres
So, to first determine which wingers would be dream teammates for Gyokeres, we need to take a moment to look at how the striker plays the game.
While Arteta and Co will surely be able to further develop the way in which the Swede plays, it’s crystal clear from both his heat map last season that he spends most of his time in and around the penalty area.
Moreover, when we take a look at his shot map in all competitions last season, it becomes even more apparent that he is a traditional number nine, a fox in the box, if you will.
So, to get the most out of him and maximise his strengths, the Gunners need a winger who is effective at getting the ball into dangerous areas, and based on some of his underlying numbers, Gordon fits the bill.
For example, FBref placed him in the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for crosses into the penalty area and the top 15% for passes into the penalty area.
Additionally, FBref ranked him in the top 1% for penalty kicks won and the top 3% for goal-creating actions the previous season, suggesting that the Englishman will create chances for his teammates, either through winning a foul or ingenious play.
Finally, you don’t just have to look at the underlying metrics to see the Liverpool-born “nightmare,” as he described himself, could be a real game-changer for the Gunners and Gyokeres, as his output also makes the case.
For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, he’s scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists in 90 appearances, totalling 6815 minutes.
In other words, that means the 24-year-old ace has averaged a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 154.88 minutes.
Gordon’s recent form
Season
23/24
24/25
Appearances
48
42
Minutes
3869′
2946′
Goals
12
9
Assists
16
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
0.38
Minutes per Goal Involvement
138.17′
184.12′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Ultimately, Gyokeres looks like he’ll be an incredible addition to this Arsenal squad, but if Arteta and Co want to get even more out of him, they’d do well to bring in Gordon as well.
He'd be Nwaneri 2.0: Arsenal agree fee to sign "technically gifted" star
Arsenal could sign their new Ethan Nwaneri this summer.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 23, 2025
Several ICC officials have visited Pakistan to inspect arrangements and, it is understood, the PCB has received positive feedback
Danyal Rasool10-Jun-2024The PCB has proposed a February 19 start to the Champions Trophy next year in Pakistan. ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB has pencilled the tournament to be played from February 19 to March 9, across Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore. Karachi will host three games, including the tournament opener as well as a semi-final, while Lahore plays host to seven, including the final. The other semi-final will be one of five contests to take place at Pindi Cricket Ground.Several ICC officials have visited Pakistan to inspect arrangements to host the first ICC tournament in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup. They include security and event officials as well as chief pitch inspector Andy Atkinson, and it is understood the PCB has received positive feedback from the ICC concerning logistics and arrangement, allowing it to press ahead with its plans.The current dates, should they be finalised, mean the last third of the tournament will he held during Ramadan, just as the knockout stage of the PSL was last year. Some knockout games in Karachi saw an extremely low turnout during Ramadan. The PCB did try and accommodate for that by moving start times to a later 9pm, though with the Champions Trophy being an ODI tournament, that will not be possible. That means large parts of games will take place during the sunrise to sunset window where players observing Ramadan cannot eat or drink.As ESPNcricinfo reported earlier, every game involving India at the tournament is slated to take place in Lahore. This means one semi-final will be moved from Karachi or Rawalpindi to Lahore should India qualify for the last four. Basing India in one city is thought to have been proposed because it avoids what could be considerable logistical and security complications around their travel. Additionally, by being based in Lahore, which is close to the Wagah border crossing between the two countries, it allows Indian fans a relatively easier option to visit.As ever the main question in the run-up to the event will surround India’s participation. The Indian team has not played in Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008, and there has been no bilateral series between the two since a white-ball visit by Pakistan in 2012-13. When the PCB hosted the Asia Cup last year, the workaround involved deploying a hybrid model that saw the bulk of the games – including all of India’s – take place in Sri Lanka with the final, which India won, held in Colombo. The BCCI has maintained the decision to travel to Pakistan rests in the hands of the Indian government.Every side other than India involved in the upcoming Champions Trophy has travelled to Pakistan since cricket returned to the country in 2015. Pakistan will also host an ODI tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand before the tournament.Pakistan are the defending champions, having won the last Champions Trophy in 2017.