Talk about a baptism of fire for new Arsenal Sporting Director, Andrea Berta.

Edu Gaspar is no longer in charge of the Gunners’ recruitment and Berta has been dealt a tough hand, needing to sign Mikel Arteta his elusive striker.

No pressure then, Andrea, we only need you to find a player capable of winning the Premier League and Champions League.

Last term was a golden opportunity for the Londoners to end their 20-year wait for a league title, but a succession of injuries and inconsistent performances saw Liverpool romp to the crown, ultimately winning the division by ten points.

It was a rough old year for Arsenal but let’s forget about that for now. The 2025/26 campaign is already around the corner, although Arteta’s side face a tough start against Manchester United.

So, the need for a striker has only been heightened. Can Berta get one across the line? Here’s what Arsenal’s dream summer could look like if everything goes according to plan.

The new arrivals £100m winger & new striker sign

Arsenal haven’t quite been as gung-ho as their rivals Liverpool and Manchester City so far this summer but they have all but confirmed three new arrivals already.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to arrive from Chelsea in a £5m deal, replacing Neto as the club’s second-string goalkeeper. They have also agreed a move to bring in Brentford captain Christian Norgaard as Berta goes about improving the midfield ranks.

Speaking of midfielders, the most exciting addition of the summer so far is Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, set to join in a move worth just over £50m.

But, what does the rest of the window hold? Well, Arsenal fans are certainly dreaming of the attacking ranks being bolstered.

Let’s start with the striker, shall we? Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres are the two centre-forwards in the club’s crosshairs but who arrives very much remains up in the air.

Gyokeres is a devastating attacker, someone who’s coming off the back of a campaign in which he found the net on 54 occasions in 52 outings. He is the ready-made option, someone who could fire the Gunners to the title.

Yet, it might well be that Arsenal prefer the project striker, someone in the mould of Sesko who appears to have all the raw attributes to become a genuinely elite player.

Transfer Focus

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

Described as “the new Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig, the Slovenian is tall, powerful, quick and has an immense shot on him. That being said, he did only score 21 goals in 2024/25, some way behind Gyokeres.

Still, he’s got incredible potential and if reports are to be believed, personal terms have already been agreed between player and club. Arsenal need a striker and Sesko could be their man.

Elsewhere, a winger appears to be on the agenda for Arteta and Co. Positive talks have reportedly been held to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid but it remains a difficult deal to do.

If the Gunners had it their way, then Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon would be a dream alternative. Arsenal are interested but with an alleged £100m asking price, this is an incredibly unlikely deal.

That said, he’s Premier League proven and in the process of amassing 44 goal contributions in the last two seasons, he is one of the most dangerous wingers in English football.

Games

48

42

Mins played

3,869

2,946

Goals

12

9

Assists

16

7

Arsenal need another winger; they need competition for Martinelli, and in Gordon, they’d seal a remarkable coup.

The outgoings Bye-bye Trossard

If the club are going to fund two big additions to the forward line then they will need to sell smartly.

Jorginho has already departed on a free transfer, although Norgaard and Zubimendi look to be the replacements there.

But, who could fetch some cash? Well, Oleksandr Zinchenko is one of the names on the chopping block. Linked with Borussia Dortmund last January, he’s caught the attention of the German club again this summer, while AC Milan are also looking at him.

Having played just 522 minutes in the league last season, he’s certainly expendable and must finally be given the boot this summer.

Another departure could be Leandro Trossard. The Belgian appeared in more games (56) than any other Arsenal player in 2024/25, proving his dependability as far as availability is concerned.

However, he had a disappointing campaign on the whole, scoring just ten goals in those outings. At the age of 30, he’s beginning to get on and has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia this year.

Getting a decent transfer fee for the winger could be decisive in Arsenal’s efforts to spend big on new forward players.

The contract renewals Saliba pens new terms

The biggest news as far as renewals are concerned this summer is that Brazilian colossus Gabriel has penned new terms at the Emirates Stadium.

But, who could join him? Well, the news that Myles Lewis-Skelly has signed extended terms has certainly gone down well, with reports suggesting that he’s now one of the highest-paid teenagers in world football.

Four players – Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli – see their deals expire in 2027 and while that feels like a long time away, they could depart for a cut-price fee or run their deals down if Arsenal aren’t careful.

We’re not suggesting Saka could leave on a free for one minute but it’s vital that Berta gets extensions sorted for him, Saliba and Martinelli, in particular.

Saliba has attracted the interest of Real Madrid and we all know what happens when they come calling. Trent Alexander-Arnold, we’re looking at you.

So, getting the French defender tied down could be one of the biggest pieces of business Arsenal do all summer. They simply cannot afford to let him leave.

Tying that in with the arrival of a new winger and a striker would ensure the Gunners end the transfer window with an almighty bang. Wouldn’t that be a bit special, eh?

Better than Williams: Arsenal open talks to sign ex-Spurs player for £50m

The dynamic winger could provide Arsenal with another avenue of attack next season.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 24, 2025

Liverpool have become one of the most interesting sides to follow on the market this summer and appear primed to announce yet another signing at Anfield, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool not wasting any time on transfers

Jeremie Frimpong became Liverpool’s first signing of the window, and he has been joined by young goalkeeper Armin Pecsi from Puskas Akacemia, though more headline additions are on the way as Arne Slot gets to work.

Florian Wirtz has passed his medical on Friday ahead of a record move to the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen, and Jarell Quansah’s potential move to Germany has set the scene for the arrival of a new central defender.

Recent reports suggest Liverpool have upped their interest in Crystal Palace central defender Marc Guehi and the Eagles could be compelled to sell the England international, who only has one year left on his deal in South London.

Despite the excitement emanating out of the red half of Merseyside, Mick Brown believes the Reds could entertain selling Andy Robertson, citing the financial incentives involved in a potential switch to Atletico Madrid for the Scotland international.

He stated: “In terms of wages and transfer value, they would make the most back from letting Robertson go. If they get an acceptable offer for him, I think they’ll entertain it.”

Liverpool’s first five Premier League fixtures of the new season

Bournemouth (H)

Anfield

Newcastle United (A)

St James’ Park

Arsenal (H)

Anfield

Burnley (A)

Turf Moor

Everton (H)

Anfield

Admittedly, Liverpool’s Premier League-winning side could form a very different complexion next term. There is a feeling that the dynamic has shifted regarding transfer activity at Anfield, with Slot becoming a ruthless force in his mission to claim further silverware.

In light of this, the Reds are now close to completing another deal for a star who has been edging towards a move to the top-flight holders.

Romano: Liverpool agree deal for Milos Kerkez

According to Romano, sharing the news on Friday lunch time, Liverpool’s negotiations with Bournemouth are complete and Milos Kerkez will now undergo a medical with the Reds.

Kerkez registered two goals and six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions for the Cherries last term as they narrowly missed out on continental qualification.

The Hungarian has been praised by Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola for his improved end product since arriving in the top flight, something which marks him out as the perfect replacement for Robertson, known for bombing down the left flank and whipping in dangerous crosses.

With Robertson potentially on his way out, the 21-year-old appears to be a shrewd replacement that could go on to become a leading light in Liverpool’s side for years to come should the medical go to plan.

تحدث حسام حسن، المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر، عن الفوز على إثيوبيا بهدفين نظيفين، ضمن التصفيات المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026.

وقال حسام حسن عبر المؤتمر الصحفي عقب اللقاء: “مباراة بوركينا فاسو لن تكون سهلة على الإطلاق، فقد فعلوا كل شيء، حتى أن رئيس دولتهم تدخل من أجل إقامة مباراة مصر على ملعبهم، لكننا على قدر التحدي”.

وواصل: “منتخب إثيوبيا يمتلك خبرة وإمكانيات، لكننا عملنا فنيًا أمامهم بشكل جيد، منتخب إثيوبيا منظم، ونحن أهدرنا عددًا كبيرًا من الفرص إلى جانب الهدفين المسجلين”.

طالع.. محمود صابر: حسام حسن وضع شرطًا لي للمشاركة مع منتخب مصر

وأكمل: “لو أي نادٍ يلعب مباراة ويفتقد لاعبًا مهمًا، تحدث أزمة كبيرة، نحن فقدنا محمد عبد المنعم، وربيعة لم يشارك سوى في مباراة واحدة مع العين، وكانت لدي مشكلة في خط الدفاع”.

واستمر: “مروان عطية حصل على إنذارين، وجاء أيضًا من إصابة، لكنه سيكون متاحًا في المباراة المقبلة، لأنه لاعب مهم جدًا بالنسبة لي”.

وأضاف: “لدينا عناصر جديدة مثل عمرو الجزار، مهند لاشين، أحمد عيد، محمود صابر، وخالد صبحي، ورغم حداثة عهدهم بمنتخب مصر إلا أنني أثق فيهم كثيرًا، وطالما أننا أضعنا العديد من الفرص فهذا يعني أننا كنا جيدين”.

واسترسل: “هل أغير طريقة لعبي أمام بوركينا فاسو؟ أنا لا أخاف، لكن المدرب يجب أن يكون جريئًا، وأنا غير قلق من مباراة بوركينا، وما يسعدني أن محمد صلاح بات قريبًا من أن يصبح الهداف التاريخي للمنتخب”.

وبشأن إمام عاشور، قال: “لم يتعاف بنسبة ١٠٠٪ وإن شاء الله يكون معنا في المعسكر المقبل”.

وأتم: “عندما تألق محمد شحاتة مع الزمالك الجميع قالوا لابد أن ينضم للمنتخب، لكنه متواجد بشكل دائم لكن الناس (بتنسى)”.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin announced his departure from the club last week upon the expiration of his contract.

“After nine remarkable years at this club, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision – together with my family – to begin a new chapter in my career,” said the Englishman on social media, confirming the news.

The previous few seasons haven’t quite gone to plan, as he scored just 11 goals since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

David Moyes now faces the challenge of bringing in another attacker who can replace the former Sheffield United man. Might a move be close for someone linked recently?

Everton ramping up talks to sign La Liga centre-forward

While Calvert-Lewin was reduced to a bit part figure at Goodison Park last season, he still needs replacing, and Beto still needs some competition up top.

Well, the Toffees may well have found their man already.

Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, Everton are currently in talks to sign Villarreal striker Thierno Barry and are ramping up their efforts to bring him to the Premier League now knowing that Calvert-Lewin is departing.

The La Liga side are desperate to keep their prized asset, and unless a club matches his €40m (£34m) release clause, the Frenchman won’t be going anywhere.

“We want the player, and if he were to leave, it would have to be, if not for the release clause, something very close to it. If not, he won’t leave.” commented Villarreal Sporting Director Fernando Roig Nogueroles.

With Calvert-Lewin’s £120k-per-week wage now off the bill, Moyes will have some flexibility regarding potential incomings.

Not only would Barry be an excellent signing, but the youngster would also be an upgrade on the former Toffees frontman.

Why Everton must sign Thierno Barry

Calvert-Lewin has really struggled for form over the previous two seasons. Last term, he managed to score just three times in the Premier League, recording two assists.

In comparison, Barry netted 19 times while assisting four times across all competitions, instantly suggesting he would be a big upgrade on the Englishman.

Furthermore, Barry also registered more shots on goal per game (2.1 vs 1.9) than Calvert-Lewin, along with scoring more frequently (a goal every 211 minutes vs every 543 minutes), created more big chances (seven vs one) and finished the season with a better goal conversion percentage (15% vs 6%) in their respective leagues.

By coming out on top across all of these metrics, Barry could give Everton some much-needed firepower next season under Moyes.

He was hailed by U23 scout Antonio Mango in May this year, who spoke glowingly of his 6 foot frame, noting that his “strong physique makes him menacing in the box.”

Apps

35

Starts

25

Goals

11

xG

12.41

Total shots per game

2.1

Big chances missed

15

Chance conversion

15%

Assists

4

Big chances created

7

His hulking frame means Barry is excellent in the air. Indeed, when compared to his peers across Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks in the top 14% for aerials won (3.84) per 90.

This ability in the air will be music to Moyes’ ears, who can ask his wingers to deliver crosses into the box on a regular basis.

For a fee of just £34m, the Merseyside outfit can sign a player with proven ability in a top-five European league.

Not only that, Barry would be an instant upgrade to Calvert-Lewin.

Everton considering shock move to sign £40k-p/w ace likened to Messi

The Toffees could cause a shock…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 29, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and his ‘scattergun’ approach to the transfer window continues, with a fresh report claiming that discussions are now being held over a marquee Serie A star.

Arsenal told key Benjamin Sesko transfer condition as agent makes statement

He’s expressed what it will take for the Slovenian to leave Leipzig this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 19, 2025

Berta operates a different transfer strategy to his predecessor, Edu. Rather than identifying one key target to seriously pursue, the Italian is known to work on numerous deals simultaneously before landing on the best one for a key position.

“The best way of describing it is that Andrea Berta’s approach is different to Edu. If he was going to a party, he would lay out three or four outfits, try them all on and finally decide what to wear,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs on talkSPORT recently.

“With this race for a number nine, what’s happening is that both deals, for Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, are being advanced or ‘tried on’ before a bid is made. Andrea Berta is out in the market, effectively lining up both deals, whereas Edu tended to pick one and be very meticulous, and then discreetly try and get it over the line, often with a series of bids.

“It was either a very smart tactic because Arsenal had confidence that they would get that man, or it dragged on, and we got more summer sagas. We won’t see that with Andrea Berta.”

This was echoed by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg last month, who revealed that Berta held talks over “numerous” transfer targets for the wide area.

Recent reports from Turkey state that one of the many wingers on Berta’s Arsenal radar is Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz.

Yildiz was said to have emerged as a “prime” Arsenal target recently, and a further update has now come to light on their interest.

Arsenal in discussions with Juventus over signing Kenan Yildiz

As per news outlet Juve FC, the Turkey international commands a valuation of around £85 million, following an excellent 2024/2025 campaign where he finished the Serie A campaign as the Old Lady’s best-performer by average match rating, according to WhoScored.

It’s also reported that Arsenal have entered discussions with Juventus over signing Yildiz, despite their unwillingness to sell the 20-year-old, as they also try to tie him down with a new deal which could run until 2031.

Juve view Yildiz as a future star and cornerstone of Igor Tudor’s team, while the player himself isn’t exactly chomping at the bit to leave either, despite some contact made with his “close” circle.

The Turk is currently starring at the Club World Cup for Juve, scoring in their 5-0 win over Al Ain, and with £97 million worth of prize money on offer to the victors, Tudor won’t want to lose one of his star men before the tournament ends.

In-form batter absent with appendicitis as 14 wickets fall on green-tinged Oval pitch

ECB Reporters Network01-Jul-2024

Fourteen wickets fell on an attritional day two at the Kia Oval as Surrey edged themselves ahead against Essex in a top-of-the-table contest that could have a significant bearing on the destination of this year’s Vitality County Championship title.Division One leaders Surrey, resuming on 248 for eight, at least made sure of a batting bonus point before being bowled out for 262 but second-placed Essex, missing an ill Jordan Cox, were then dismissed for 180 in their own first innings.And, on a well-grassed pitch giving assistance to the quicker bowlers, Surrey then struggled to 44 for three in their second innings but still took their overall lead to an already handy 126.Only Paul Walter, who top-scored with 64, and Matt Critchley, with a determined 48, held up the Surrey seam attack for any length of time – but Jamie Porter, Shane Snater and Eathan Bosch all struck new-ball blows for Essex before bad light lopped 27 overs from the day’s allocation.Cox’s absence was particularly unfortunate for Essex, with the in-form 23-year-old – who has scored 763 championship runs at an average of 69.36 this season – reportedly needing to have an appendix operation after leaving the field yesterday feeling unwell.Dan Worrall and Jordan Clark took 3 for 40 and 3 for 33 respectively for Surrey, with Worrall chiefly responsible for Essex’s initial slide to 113 for five. Clark followed up his crucial early strike to remove former South Africa Test captain Dean Elgar for a 19-ball duck by later ending Walter’s combative 64 and finishing off the innings by having Bosch caught at mid on for 12.Walter, who struck Clark for six and also hit eight fours – several of them booming off drives – was eventually eighth out when he miscued a hook to deep square leg.Essex began badly with Nick Browne edging Worrall to third slip on 12 and fellow opener Elgar following in the next over when Jamie Smith held on again in the same position as the probing Clark found reward for his sustained accuracy with the new ball.Tom Westley made 11 before losing his off stump to a magnificent ball from James Taylor but Critchley and Walter then added 52 either side of lunch, with Critchley hooking Tom Lawes for six to go to 32.Worrall returned to remove Critchley with an outswinger prodded to second slip, and Worrall struck again when Michael Pepper (1) slashed straight to square cover.Simon Harmer offered some lower order resistance, pulling Taylor for four and then on-driving him next ball for another boundary, but on 16 was pinned leg-before by the same bowler.And Lawes, in his first appearance for two months due to a heel injury, looked more dangerous in his second spell and had Snater caught by Taylor at long leg for six.Tea was taken immediately after Clark wrapped up the Essex innings but Surrey then lost both openers in quick succession as Dom Sibley was bowled off stump for 11 by an absolute beauty from Porter and Rory Burns edged Snater to second slip to go for eight.Bad light first forced the players off at 5.09pm, with Surrey on 36 for two, and on a resumption at 5.37pm Dan Lawrence was adjudged lbw for 10 to Bosch, playing no stroke to one angled back into him.But only two overs were possible in this mini-session before more bad light drove the players off again at 5.51pm, umpires Peter Hartley and Graham Lloyd then waiting patiently for more than an hour until the light improved enough for a final four overs to be bowled from 7.02pm.At stumps at 7.17pm Smith had moved on to 11 not out, with Ben Foakes unbeaten on four and having already taken a blow on his right hand from a Porter lifter.

Hosts go 2-0 up in series after New Zealand fall short in severely rain-affected game

Valkerie Baynes09-Jul-2024Alice Capsey and Maia Bouchier lifted England to an impressive total which proved more than enough when Charlie Dean ripped into a struggling New Zealand line-up to seal victory in a rain-affected second T20I in Hove.Persistent rain delayed the start by two hours and cut the match to nine overs per side. Capsey’s 28 off 15 balls and Bouchier’s 23 off 15 set England up for a total of 89 for 6, then Dean took 2 for 3 in a single over as New Zealand crumbled to 42 for 5 in 6.4 overs before the rain returned to end the match even more prematurely than expected, the hosts taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series which moves to Canterbury on Thursday.New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first. They made two changes to the side which lost the opening match at Southampton on Saturday by 59 runs, bringing in seamer Hannah Rowe and offspinner Leigh Kasperek for Fran Jonas and Eden Carson. England, meanwhile, brought back Lauren Bell – rested after her five-wicket haul in the third and final ODI – and called up Dani Gibson to replace Freya Kemp and Linsey Smith.Dry, not dullHove’s enviable drainage – and hardworking ground staff – ultimately delivered a playing surface that was sufficiently dry. But, at nine overs per side, the match promised not to be. Although there were no big individual scores, Capsey and Bouchier found, and cleared, the boundary with finesse while Heather Knight struck three fours in her 14-ball cameo of 15 and Sophie Ecclestone hammered a six off the only ball she faced to end the England innings in the best possible way.It took four legitimate deliveries for Bouchier to get off the mark but to do so she despatched a shorter ball from Jess Kerr over backward square leg and into the stands and she followed up with four through midwicket off Rowe’s first delivery. When Danni Wyatt fell for a third-ball duck, Capsey arrived and helped herself to back-to-back fours off Sophie Devine, a lap through fine leg and a glance through third. Bouchier overcame a knock to the grille via an edge onto her own glove attempting a reverse off Lea Tahuhu to find the boundary twice more but her attempt at a third in a row went awry when she holed out to Maddy Green at long-on.Georgia Plimmer put down a straightforward chance off Jess Kerr running in from deep square leg when Nat Sciver-Brunt was on 3 and Sciver-Brunt looked to capitalise when she swung Tahuhu into the grounds of the flats which sit beyond the fence at deep midwicket. She survived a review for caught behind next ball but fell moments later as Tahuhu pegged back middle stump. Capsey, who had smashed a six off Jess Kerr over wide mid-off, welcomed Kasperek back to T20Is for the first time in a year by launching her third ball over midwicket and into a hospitality tent, but fell next ball, caught by Jess Kerr at short third.Amelia Kerr grabbed two wickets in three balls with a return catch to remove Knight and tempting Gibson down the pitch and beating the bat as Izzy Gaze whipped off the bails. That left Ecclestone one ball to face and she muscled it into the stands over long-on.Dean defeats damp squibDevine promised the most in terms of fireworks and walked out to open with Suzie Bates, but she fell for just 9 spooning Lauren Bell tamely to Capsey at mid-on. Then Amelia Kerr picked out Capsey at midwicket off Sciver-Brunt and England had two prize wickets inside the three-over powerplay. Sciver-Brunt fell to the ground, rolled over and stayed there, waiting for it to swallow her up after she parried a Brooke Halliday slog over the rope for six. But Dean managed to remove Halliday in the next over, pinned lbw for 14 and New Zealand were 28 for 3 needing 62 off 29 balls.Sarah Glenn held an excellent catch diving forward from short third to remove New Zealand’s remaining big hope, Bates for just 4, giving Dean her second wicket in the space of five balls and, after Jess Kerr picked out Knight at extra cover to give Ecclestone her first, the rain returned. The players left the field with 2.2 overs remaining and the rain set in, with handshakes exchanged a short time later, the weather deciding the result in the end on the DLS method and Dean walking away with impressive figures of 1-0-3-2.

It feels as if things are finally starting to fall into place at Arsenal.

For example, Sporting Director Andrea Bertas has been able to secure new long-term contracts for Gabriel Magalhães and Myles Lewis-Skelly, but that’s not all.

He has also seemingly secured the services of Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga while also pursuing several exciting striker targets.

The forward who seems to be most heavily linked with a move to the club is Benjamin Sesko, and if recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal could be moving to sign someone who’d be a dream teammate for the Slovenian star.

Arsenal target Premier League superstar

Signing a new striker was always going to be an objective heading into this summer, as while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are talented and useful players, neither has ever been, nor is likely to become, prolific.

The list of centre-forwards supposedly targeted by the club includes the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak, but the goalscorer who has arguably been linked most with the club, and therefore feels like the most realistic to end up in North London, is Sesko.

The RB Leipzig star was a target for the Gunners as far back as last summer, and while the German outfit is still holding out for a sizable fee, recent reports suggest that the 22-year-old could make his way to the Emirates for around £70m 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.

Expand Collapse

It would be an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad and one made all the better by the capture of another target: Eberechi Eze.

Yes, according to a recent report from insider Hand of Arsenal, Arteta was involved in direct talks with the Crystal Palace star’s camp on Saturday.

Talks have not been held directly with the South London side, and although there’s no mention of a fee, it has been widely reported that the Englishman has a release clause worth around £68m in his current contract.

It wouldn’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, but given Eze’s ability and track record, it’s one worth pushing the boat out for, especially as he could be incredible alongside Sesko.

Why Eze would be a dream for Sekso

The first reason Sesko would love to play alongside Eze at Arsenal is incredibly straightforward: his output.

The Crystal Palace star has long been an effective player for the South London side, but in recent seasons, he’s really stepped it up when it comes to goals and assists, with this season being a particular high point for him.

For example, in just 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes, the “dangerous” playmaker, as dubbed by Oliver Glasner, was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, which for someone in a midtable side, is unreal.

Eze’s 24/25

Appearances

43

Minutes

3303′

Goals

14

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Just imagine what the Leipzig gem could do with a player as effective as the Englishman playing behind him or off to his left; he’d surely see his own goal and assist tallies soar.

Moreover, he’s not just stat padding against the weakest teams or in meaningless games, as the 26-year-old opened the scoring in the semi-final of the FA Cup this season and then scored the winning goal in the final, demonstrating exactly why teammate Tyrick Mitchell thinks he’s “one of the best players in the Premier League”.

The second reason that the Slovenian would love the former QPR gem is that he’s not afraid to do the dirty work when needed.

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 5% of attacking midfielders or wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for passes blocked and in the top 11% for ball recoveries per 90, which could free up the former RB Salzburg star to focus all his attention on scoring goals.

Finally, the fact that the Greenwhich-born dynamo can play as a ten or off the left of a front three should help him get more minutes with the Leipzig star and, in turn, build up more chemistry and a better understanding with him.

Ultimately, while it would be a lot of money, Arsenal should do all they can to sign both Sesko and Eze this summer, as together, they could help Arteta and Co finally get over the line next season.

Related Better move than Norgaard: Arsenal agree personal terms to sign £17m phenom

The exciting prospect could develop into something special at Arsenal.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 30, 2025

Newcastle exceeded expectations when winning the Carabao Cup and rolling out the carpet for the forthcoming Champions League campaign, qualifying as they did via the Premier League.

Given that Eddie Howe was forced to contend with less than fluent form in the early stages of the season as a by-product of a disappointing summer transfer window that was itself preceded by a crushing end to their 2023/24 season, missing out on Europe after Manchester United won the FA Cup, this is a truly remarkable feat.

And now, during this current window, more adversity has been met. Newcastle need new forwards, but they’ve struggled to reel them in thus far.

That is, up until a breakthrough in regard to Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.

Why Newcastle are signing Anthony Elanga

When Newcastle parted ways with Miguel Almiron midway through the 2024/25 campaign, it was expected they would sign a replacement.

They have needed a right-sided forward for a while, but Jacob Murphy’s incredible form has tempered the urgency over the past 12 months, having chalked up 20 goals and assists in the league alone last season.

Now, though, Elanga could provide the perfect competition, bringing a high-speed, high-energy and high-creativity style of football to Howe’s team, already so impressive in transitional sequences.

Having already seen a £45m offer knocked back, the Magpies have demonstrated their intent by returning with an improved £55m bid, with anticipation growing that their efforts will prove fruitful.

Having already missed out on a slew of top targets such as Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, United are in need of some uplifting news.

They will strike gold with Elanga, who has posted 31 goal contributions across his two top-flight terms with Forest, after initially signing from Man United for £15m in 2023.

However, Elanga’s high stock doesn’t mean he automatically qualifies as the cream of Newcastle’s wide attacking crop.

Murphy and Harvey Barnes have both been exceptional for the Toon; however, Anthony Gordon would wager himself the best of the bunch.

Newcastle have hit gold with Anthony Gordon

Gordon didn’t start his Newcastle career on the firmest footing. Indeed, after forcing his way out of Everton and joining the Toon in a £45m deal back in January 2023, he played a peripheral role that lacked a potent finish over the business months of that campaign.

However, he’s since come alive; now a fully-fledged Three Lions star and one of Howe’s most talented forwards, fearsome alongside the world-class Alexander Isak, Gordon is regarded as “one of the best wingers around” by retired manager Harry Redknapp.

It bears testament to his quality that even after an up-and-down year, only scoring nine goals (and providing seven assists) across 42 games, the 24-year-old has still retained the admiration of the fans and indeed potential suitors, who have circled over recent weeks.

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

34 (28)

Goals

11

6

Assists

10

5

Shots (on target)*

2.3 (0.9)

1.7 (0.6)

Pass completion

82%

81%

Key passes*

1.6

1.5

Big chances created

16

6

Dribbles*

1.5

1.1

Ball recoveries*

3.6

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

1.1

Duels (won)*

5.3 (49%)

4.4 (52%)

Gordon might not have had the finest season in the world, but he showcased his high-level quality across the previous year, racking up 21 goal contributions in the Premier League and dazzling with underlying creative and physical metrics that were certainly still on show last term.

His efforts across his first full term on Tyneside saw the England international crowned the club’s Player of the Year, a talisman through an injury-hit spell that hampered Howe’s project considerably.

The goal involvements act as a neat barometer for assessment of Gordon’s talent, but his performances on the field almost defy such statistical analysis. His driven, tough and intelligent performances have made him an instrumental part of Howe’s success, especially as he’s so versatile, playing dutifully as a right-winger or even as a makeshift centre-forward.

But Gordon’s high ceiling was rubber-stamped when Liverpool came calling, the Anfield side being offered their one-time academy member as St. James’ Park sweated over compliance with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.

Ultimately, United managed to weave around any costly breaches by offloading more peripheral members of the squad – like Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh – but the fact remains that fans got a glimpse of the financial reckoning their winger is held in, with the Reds looking to strike a deal for £75m.

That figure in itself underscores Gordon’s superior value to Elanga, who could leave the City Ground for £55m, but Gordon has actually seen his stock rise higher still this year, with the £150k-per-week talent now valued at an eye-watering £100m.

His might seem over-expensive, but this is the modern market we’re talking about, and it illustrates Gordon’s reputation as being one of the most talented wingers on the continent.

Confident in his skills, Gordon has declared himself a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, owing to his combative and electric running style, his willingness to take on his man and get stuck in during defensive phases.

Having extended his contract with Newcastle in October 2024, Howe must well and truly feel that he has hit the jackpot with this wonderful player, whose left-sided predilection will perhaps see him partner Elanga for years to come, servicing the focal Isak in the middle.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Newcastle have come a long way over the past few years, but with Howe engineering such exciting and precise signings with a regularity that eludes many of their divisional rivals, there’s every chance that the best is yet to come.

Howe's next Tonali: Newcastle preparing bid for £43m "monster"

Newcastle may need to sign a midfielder this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 4, 2025

The fallout from Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign has claimed its first victims, with Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq both sacked as selectors from the national side. Razzaq, who was appointed to the selection committee for both the men’s and women’s side just weeks ago, will no longer serve as a selector for the women’s team, either.As ESPNcricinfo reported last month, Wahab’s job was in danger following Pakistan’s group stage exit from the T20 World Cup. Despite being removed as chief selector earlier this year, and officially appointed as one of seven selectors to a committee that had no chief at all, Wahab was widely viewed as the de facto head of the committee. Internally, Wahab had raised frustrations at this public perception, primarily because it resulted in him bearing the brunt of any criticism for decisions the committee made, and it was a frustration that he also expressed on X after he was sacked.In a statement on Wednesday, the PCB confirmed that “it has notified” the duo that “that their services will no longer be required in the national selection committee setup”.As reported earlier, the nature of the selection committee is also likely to be reconstituted, with a chief selector eventually expected to be reappointed. The numerical strength of the panel is expected to be reduced, making it unlikely that Wahab and Razzaq will be replaced to make up the numbers.Related

• PCB restructures selection committee by picking Aleem Dar, Aaqib, Azhar

• PCB mulls 'key changes', says domestic cricket 'compulsory' for players

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• Babar Azam: Pakistan captaincy is 'PCB's decision'

• Pakistan must face up to hard truths of modern T20

Wahab’s departure is a speedy fall from grace for a man viewed as extremely close to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Wahab had served in his cabinet as caretaker sports minister while Naqvi was appointed caretaker chief minister of Punjab, and followed him to the PCB, where he was initially appointed chief selector. Wahab had also travelled with the Pakistan side to the T20 World Cup as senior team manager, another duty he is likely to be stripped of. Naqvi, for his part, is understood to have been keen to demonstrate no one was immune from adverse consequences.The decision effectively means the PCB has performed another U-turn on the procedure by which players are picked for the Pakistan national side. The seven-member committee was only announced less than four months ago, with Wahab demoted from chief selector, with each of the seven members carrying an equal vote, and Naqvi saying at the time that the committee would “make a majority decision based around debate and argument to reach a satisfactory conclusion”.It also indicates a continuation of the instability that has plagued the selection committee over recent years. The PCB has seen five chief selectors since January 2022, with Wahab, Haroon Rashid (twice), Shahid Afridi and Inzamam-ul-Haq all serving brief stints; Mohammad Wasim and Misbah-ul-Haq also served stints in the preceding period.The remaining five selection committee members are the head coach and captain of the respective formats, Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq and Bilal Afzal.