Liverpool are yet to offer Mohamed Salah a new deal – much to the player’s disappointment – and an important new update regarding the situation has emerged.
Salah's Liverpool future in doubt
The 32-year-old was the Reds’ match-winner yet again over the weekend, helping his team come from 2-1 down to win 3-2 away to Southampton in the Premier League. He grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck when they most needed him, pouncing to score the equaliser and then firing home the winning goal from the penalty spot.
After the game, however, Salah admitted that Liverpool are yet to contact him over a new deal, claiming he is more likely to leave than stay as things stand: “We are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in. You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end, it is not in my hands.”
It goes without saying that the Egyptian’s comments are concerning during a period where he still looks as world-class as he has ever been, consistently getting the Reds out of trouble this season.
The hope is that the situation changes dramatically in the coming weeks and months, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk also hopefully committing their futures, but it feels like a precarious situation for the Reds to overcome.
New update over Salah's Liverpool contract
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, there is one main issue stalling Salah’s contract negotiations at Liverpool, with the Egyptian King wanting a new three-year deal or a two-year extension with an option to extend for a further 12 months.
It is claimed that “the length of contract is a concern for the club’s owner Fenway Sports Group” given the £350,000-a-week wages he is currently on.
This does at least shed a little light on the situation, but supporters are right to still side with Salah considering how well he is playing, not to mention the fact that he looks like he can play well into his 30s at this level.
The idea of the Liverpool legend moving on in 2025 doesn’t bear thinking about, with Arne Slot heaping praise on him after the Southampton game, saying:
“That is what special players do. They can score out of nowhere. It wasn’t completely out of nowhere as it was a great ball by Ryan Gravenberch. Mo is known for the timing of his runs, he finds the right moment and scores the goal.”
At this point, keeping hold of Salah is arguably even more important than retaining the services of Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk, with arguably no player in the Premier League this season impressing this consistently.
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It is vital that Slot ensures that this situation doesn’t act as a distraction to his players amid their title charge, especially ahead of a hugely important home clash with Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
Sonia Bompastor's side fell behind early in the second, but Mayra Ramirez grabbed an equaliser for the Lionesses forward netted in injury time
Lauren James grabbed a dramatic 93rd-minute winner for Chelsea as they showed the spirit of champions in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Everton in the Women's Super League.
Having seen off the same opponents in the FA Cup last time out, confidence in the home camp of enjoying another comfortable afternoon’s work should have been high. The WSL leaders did, however, struggle to get going against stubborn rivals from Merseyside that were happy to sit in, get bodies behind the ball and make life as difficult as possible for James, Keira Walsh and Co.
The only opportunity of note in the opening 45 minutes came early on, with Maelys Mpome seeing claims that the ball had been bundled over the line following a scramble from a corner waved away before the defence versus attack routine set in. Chelsea were always running the risk of getting caught by a sucker punch, and that duly arrived in the 51st minute as Kelly Gago drifted into the space left by an advancing defensive unit and calmly fired across Hannah Hampton into the top corner.
Said lead only lasted 11 minutes, with Mayra Ramirez – who was allowed to turn with her back to goal and drill a low effort across and beyond Courtney Brosnan – refusing to let the Blues' unbeaten run come to an end. And with the clock ticking down, Lionesses star James stepped up to complete a remarkable turnaround as she collected the ball 20 yards from goal and sent a stunning left-footed effort skidding into the back of the net – sparking wild scenes of celebration.
GOAL rates Chelsea’s players from Kingsmeadow…
Getty
Goalkeeper & Defence
Hannah Hampton (5/10):
Stepped off her line to make one brave catch in the opening exchanges – knowing that she would take a hit – but was unable to do anything about the Everton goal.
Ashley Lawrence (5/10):
Was able to push well forward, as the visitors sat back, and was not afraid to try her luck with shots from the edge of the box – but the Toffees goal came from her area of the field.
Maelys Mpome (6/10):
Thought she may have forced the ball over the line early on, but saw those appeals waved away, and looked assured for most of the game – stepping out from the back with confidence.
Millie Bright (6/10):
Had virtually nothing to do, apart from pick the ball out of the back of the net, with the commanding centre-half standing up to the challenges that she faced well.
Sandy Baltimore (6/10):
Offered plenty of width down the Chelsea left, as she flew forward at every opportunity, and was involved in the Blues’ equaliser when winning possession over on the right flank.
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Midfield
Keira Walsh (5/10):
Always assured in possession and keeps things ticking over in the middle of the park, but was unable to find space between the lines and in behind.
Sjoeke Nusken (5/10):
Plenty of energy in the Chelsea engine room, with Everton prepared to let the Blues have the ball for long periods, but needed to move it quicker at times.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (6/10):
The Blues needed more from those in attacking areas of the pitch, with Kaneryd the one to pick out Ramirez for the equaliser.
Lauren James (7/10):
Did her best to generate a spark, with the odd dangerous run and cross posing problems before producing the moment of magic that ultimately settled the game.
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Attack
Catarina Macario (5/10):
Had to drift deep and wide in search of the ball, with frustration setting in, and that meant that she often vacated the playmaking post that she is supposed to fill.
Mayra Ramirez (6/10):
Will be happy to have found the net after being crowded out for much of the contest, with a smart finish delivered when spinning seven yards out and firing back across goal.
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Subs & Manager
Lucy Bronze (6/10):
Introduced immediately after the Everton goal and was her lively self when bombing on from right-back while looking to provide attacking support.
Maika Hamano (6/10):
Never stopped running and helped to ensure that Everton were not allowed to take any kind of control in the middle of the pitch.
Wieke Kaptein (5/10):
The Dutch teenager was another asked to provide hard running in the middle of the field, and was prepared to go beyond Ramirez with late bursts into the box.
Niamh Charles (6/10):
Gave Everton no time on the ball following her introduction off the bench, with every effort made to win possession back as high up the field as possible.
Aggie Beever-Jones (6/10:)
Came agonisingly close on a couple of occasions, with her clever glanced header hitting the top of the crossbar before then clipping the outside of the post with a half-volley from close range.
Sonia Bompastor (6/10):
Named another strong starting XI and will take heart from the fact that Chelsea improved slightly after making changes in the second half.
Glasgow Rangers secured a much-needed Premiership victory against St Mirren on Sunday afternoon, making it two wins in four days.
The Ibrox side were made to work for the win, however, as the Buddies looked a solid attacking threat throughout the game and if it were not for a marginal offside call in the second half, they could easily have taken something from the game.
The performance wasn’t as fluid as against FCSB, but hopefully, this can inspire some confidence ahead of the clash against in-form Aberdeen on Wednesday evening.
Best and worst performers for Rangers vs St Mirren
Mohamed Diomande was moved to a more advanced position and scored the opening goal within 15 minutes, winning four of seven duels, succeeding with 100% of his long balls and managing three total shots.
Vaclav Cerny continued his recent goalscoring form, netting the winner and looking lively at times down the right flank.
Hamza Igamane was given a rare start, hoping to continue where he left off against FCSB. The striker failed to register a single effort on goal and was subbed off at half-time, with Cyriel Dessers coming on for him.
The Moroccan summer signing is still a work in progress. The more he plays, the better he will get. Robin Propper, however, is an experienced professional, yet he was bullied by the St Mirren attack.
Robin Propper’s game in numbers vs St Mirren
The centre-back has begun to establish himself as one of the first-choice defenders in the squad, partnering John Souttar regularly over the previous few weeks. Against the Buddies, Philippe Clement went with Leon Balogun as the Dutchman’s partner on Sunday.
Touches
68
Accurate passes
48/56
Total duels (won)
9 (4)
Possession lost
8
Dribbled past
1
Tackles
3
Balogun was excellent yet again, oozing class despite his advancing years. The same can not be said for Propper, however, as the former FC Twente defender struggled.
Indeed, the centre-back lost five of his nine contested duels during his 60 minutes on the pitch, was successful with just three of his eight long ball attempts, made zero interceptions and was dribbled past once.
The statistics suggest he wasn’t at the races, but it was more how the Dutchman couldn’t quite cope with the physical threat posed by Toyosi Olusanya, who took full advantage of Propper’s lack of physicality.
He was given a match rating of 6.4/10 by WhoScored following his poor display during the 2-1 win, with more criticism coming elsewhere.
Writer Graeme Hanna criticised Propper after the game, saying: “Said it after Tannadice, Propper doesn’t have the physicality for our league and the opponents we face. He’s another questionable first choice signing.”
At 31, Propper is approaching the final few years of his career, which suggests he was signed as someone to plug the gap left by Connor Goldson, rather than someone who could have a bright future in Scotland.
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Against Aberdeen, Clement must surely go with a defensive partnership of Balogun and Souttar in order to prevent the Dons securing another league win against the Light Blues on Wednesday evening.
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Celtic continued their fantastic start to the Scottish Premiership season with a seventh straight win in the division against Ross County away from Glasgow on Sunday.
The Hoops had to battle from 1-0 down, thanks to a penalty from Ronan Vale, to secure all three points in Dingwall, winning 2-1 after their second-half comeback.
Goals from Alistair Johnston, who deflected Callum McGregor’s shot into the back of the net, and Nicolas Kuhn, who cut inside and passed a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, completed the comeback for the Scottish giants.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have now won all seven of their games in the Premiership and that penalty from Vale on Sunday was the first goal that Kasper Schmeichel had conceded in a league game for the club, having kept six clean sheets in his first six outings.
The summer signing has enjoyed a terrific start to life in Glasgow, and Auston Trusty, Arne Engels, Alex Valle, Paulo Bernardo, Adam Idah, and Luke McCowan also featured against Ross County after joining in the summer transfer window.
Rodgers could look to make further additions to his playing squad when the January transfer window opens for business midway through the campaign, and Daizen Maeda is one player who could be upgraded.
Daizen Maeda's mixed success in the Premiership
The Japan international had scored in three successive matches in all competitions ahead of the clash away at Ross County in the Premiership on Sunday.
In the 2-1 win at the weekend, Maeda endured a frustrating afternoon on the left flank for the Hoops. He had three shots and missed one ‘big chance’ and lost five of his six duels, as the winger ended the match with zero goals and zero assists.
The 26-year-old’s wasteful finishing has been a theme throughout his time under Rodgers since the start of last season, and has been evident in the Premiership this term.
24/25 Premiership
Daizen Maeda
Appearances
6
Goals
2
Big chances missed
6
Big chances created
1
Assists
2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, he has missed six ‘big chances’ and only scored two goals in six appearances, which shows that the winger has not made the most of the high-quality opportunities that his teammates have created for him so far.
In the 2023/24 campaign, Maeda only scored six goals in 28 league outings for the Scottish giants and spurned 12 ‘big chances’ in that time.
The Japanese forward also made just 0.5 key passes per game and ended that league campaign with three assists, which meant that the attacker failed to reach double figures for goals and assists combined.
Celtic's Daizen Maeda.
Since the start of last season, the Celtic winger has contributed with eight goals and five assists in 34 appearances, whilst missing 18 ‘big chances’.
With this in mind, Rodgers could land an upgrade on Maeda by swooping for a left winger with the quality to offer more in the final third – Bazoumana Toure.
Celtic's interest in Bazoumana Toure
Last month, Swedish outlet FotbollDirekt reported that Celtic are one of a number of teams interested in signing Hammarby youngster Toure in the January transfer window.
The outlet claimed that Hoops chief scout Joe Lefevre has been left impressed by the 18-year-old star’s superb performances in Sweden, and that the Scottish giants have a serious interest in the forward.
It added, however, that they will face significant competition to land his signature if they decide to pursue a deal for his services. Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, and Eintracht Frankfurt are all also keen on the talented winger.
Amid heavy interest from teams across Europe, Hammarby are said to be hoping to rake in a fee of around €10m (£8.3m) for the teenage starlet.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not any of the reportedly interested sides – including Celtic – are prepared to spend that kind of money on the Ivorian maestro.
Rodgers should now look to move quickly and secure a deal for Toure before any of the other teams are able to swoop in ahead of the Hoops, as the Hammarby phenomenon has the potential to come in as an upgrade on Maeda on the left flank from January onwards.
Why Celtic should sign Bazoumana Toure
Despite only turning 18 in March, shortly before his move to Hammarby from ASEC Mimosas, the winger has already showcased his ability to make a big impact in the final third.
The teenage sensation has produced seven goals and three assists in all competitions for the Swedish outfit this year, which shows that the youngster has the maturity and ability to provide regular quality at first-team level already.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed him earlier this year, as shown in the post above, by describing the talented youngster as a “superb” player.
He backed his opinion up with the forward’s statistics in the Allsvenskan up to that point, which was in July, and the 18-year-old wizard has continued his fine form in recent months.
Statistics
Bazoumana Toure (2024 Allsvenskan)
Daizen Maeda (23/24 Premiership)
Appearances
19
28
Sofascore rating
7.31
6.99
Goals
6
6
Big chances missed
1
12
Big chances created
5
5
Dribbles completed per game
1.8
1.1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Toure has matched Maeda’s goal and assist return from the 2023/24 campaign in nine fewer appearances, whilst only missing one ‘big chance’.
The electric forward, who has also created 1.2 chances per game in the 2024 campaign, has been far more clinical in front of goal than the Japan international this year, which suggests that he could offer a greater goal threat for the Hoops.
His 1.2 key passes per game are also more than double Maeda’s 0.5 key passes per match in the 2023/24 Premiership campaign, and this suggests that the youngster could also provide more creativity for the Scottish giants on the left flank.
If Toure can translate those performances over to the Premiership, and develop further – given he is just 18, then the teenage winger could come in as an upgrade on Maeda for Rodgers in the second half of the season and beyond, thanks to his quality as a scorer and a creator.
Rodgers must drop Hatate for Celtic star who made a "massive difference"
The Hoops boss should finally unleash the summer signing from the start.
A huge European side are plotting a £10 million swoop on a Nottingham Forest regular, according to a new report. The Reds have made an excellent start to the new Premier League season – one defeat in seven games has them in the top half of the table, already seven points clear of the relegation places, but their star players are now attracting even more attention.
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Heading into this international break, Forest faced a potentially huge setback, as Morgan Gibbs-White had to come off in the game against Chelsea over the weekend through injury. Nuno Espirito Santo said earlier this week that a further diagnosis will be conducted.
It has now been reported that the Reds hope to have Gibbs-White back fit and available for their game against Crystal Palace after the international break. The midfielder is Forest’s talisman and has been very key in their impressive start to the campaign.
Meanwhile, after earning a respectable point away at Chelsea on Sunday, Match of the Day pundit Stephen Warnock singled out Chris Wood for praise, labelling the forward as an “outstanding” player for Forest. The striker scored in the game at Stamford Bridge, putting him on four for the season in the league.
Roma plotting £10m swoop for Ola Aina
According to Gazetta dello Sport, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina is being watched by AS Roma ahead of a possible move in January. The defender has become an important figure under Nuno, playing in all seven league games this season.
The 28-year-old joined the Reds last summer on a free transfer after leaving Serie A side Torino. Aina was in and out of the side last season but seems to be firmly in the plans this time around, however he is now in the final year of his contract.
This report states that Roma see Aina as a “reassuring” profile to bolster their options at full-back, with a host of other players still trying to adapt to the Italian club. Forest are set to open talks over a new contract soon, but Roma believe they can sign the defender for between 12 and 15 million euros, which is roughly £10-12 million, due to the current situation forcing Forest to cash in.
Ola Aina’s Nottingham Forest stats
Apps
29
Goals
1
Assists
1
The Italian giants are also said to like Aina’s physical attributes and his ability to win the ball back, but another factor is that Ivan Juric, who is the Roma manager, managed the wing-back at Torino. Therefore, Roma believe he could fit in well with them, and it will now be a matter of whether Forest can convince the former Chelsea youngster his long-term career is better off in the Midlands.
Captain leads the way as Hampshire salvage draw with dogged batting performances
ECB Reporters' Network02-Sep-2021Hampshire 163 (Vince 49, Coad 3-29, Thompson 3-35) and 177 for 9 dec (Weatherley 43, Vince 42, Thompson 4-18) drew with Yorkshire 243 (Bess 54) and 312 for 6 dec (Ballance 101*, Kohler-Cadmore 89, Hill 55)A James Vince batting rearguard helped save his Hampshire side from defeat on a day of huge frustration for Yorkshire at the Ageas Bowl.Vince faced 151 deliveries before being dismissed late in the day for 42, then injured tailenders Kyle Abbott and Brad Wheal held out for the final six overs to deny the visitors a crucial victory on the final day of their Division One clash.Hampshire coach Adi Birrell set his players a target of each soaking up 72 balls to save the match on a lifeless day-four pitch just as Surrey and Gloucestershire had against the hosts earlier this season.Nightwatchman Mason Crane and Vince fulfilled their side of the bargain as Hampshire finished the day 177 for 9 declared with Wheal and Abbott unbeaten at the close, in pursuit of an unlikely target of 392 for victory.Crane repelled 196 balls – the most he has faced in a single innings – before falling for 28 and his exit just after tea saw the Tykes take three wickets in eight overs with the new ball to put themselves in view of victory.But Vince shelved his natural attacking game and showed magnificent technique and temperament to keep alive his side’s Championship title aspirations.Related
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Starting the day on 26 for 2 with Joe Weatherley and Crane at the crease, the pair survived the first 28 overs of the day until Weatherley fell lbw on the stroke of lunch to the impressive Jordan Thompson.Nick Gubbins exited after the restart for six when he was caught and bowled by Andrew Fisher, but with runs irrelevant, Vince joined the dogged Crane at the crease and the pair made it safely to tea with just 44 runs added from 29 overs.The docile pitch continued to offer little encouragement for both the spin of Dom Bess or the tireless Yorkshire seamers.Fisher finally made the breakthrough with the new ball shortly after the restart when he brushed the edge of Crane’s bat with Adam Lyth taking the catch at slip to end his stubborn vigil.Fisher struck again in his next over to pin Liam Dawson on the crease and trap him lbw for a duck to leave Yorkshire in sight of victory.Thompson, as he does so often for his side, made something happen when they needed him most, bowling Lewis McManus to leave Hampshire on the brink at 138 for 7 with 25 overs remaining.Keith Barker survived nine overs before falling to Thompson, bringing Abbott, who was unable to bowl on day three due to a foot injury, to the crease with 16.3 overs remaining. Abbott joined Vince, who was then dismissed six overs from the close by Thompson.Abbott was joined by fellow South African Wheal and the pair held out magnificently with 10 men around the bat for the final three overs as Yorkshire fell short in an absorbing finish.
Eight close contacts of the allrounder, most of them players, are also in isolation
Nagraj Gollapudi27-Jul-2021
Krunal Pandya had tested positive on Tuesday•BCCI/IPL
Krunal Pandya has tested positive for Covid-19, forcing the second T20I between Sri Lanka and India, scheduled for Tuesday evening, to be pushed back by a day.Pandya’s positive test result came not too long before the scheduled start of play – 8pm local time – and eight other members of the Indian contingent have so far been identified as Pandya’s close contacts and asked to isolate in their hotel rooms.It is understood that Pandya complained of a sore throat on Tuesday morning, after which the Indian medical staff asked him to take the rapid antigen test, which came out positive. It is also understood that Pandya also underwent the RT-PCR test, globally recognised as the gold standard in Covid-19 testing, and that came out positive too.Related
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Krunal Pandya's immediate contacts test negative for Covid-19
BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a media release that the entire Indian squad would also undergo the RT-PCR test to “ascertain any further outbreak” in their camp. The BCCI did not identify the eight people who had been asked to isolate along with Pandya, but a board official told PTI that the majority of those were players. “The reports (of today’s tests) will come in the evening (around 6pm) and if everyone is in the clear, we can have the match on Wednesday. Maximum among the eight close contacts who are also in mandatory isolation are players.”It could not be confirmed how long Pandya and the eight others are going to be in isolation, but one person privy to the discussions in the camp said that the period would be determined based on the strain of Covid-19 in question.There are no reports of positive results among the Sri Lankans, who are scheduled to be tested next on Wednesday morning.Professor Arjuna de Silva, who overseas SLC’s bubble protocols for international tours, told ESPNcricinfo that it remained a mystery as to how Pandya could have contracted Covid-19, as there have been no reports of the bubble being broken, nor any other significant irregularities. The series has been played behind closed doors and both teams have been operating out of a bio-secure bubble with their movements restricted to only the team hotel and the ground.The India team has a hotel – the Taj Samudra – to themselves, and even the staff working in the hotel are essentially in the bubble, and undergo frequent testing. de Silva said that no one else, including staff, had tested positive so far.Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav were scheduled to leave for England immediately after the Sri Lanka series•Getty Images
This is the second time Covid-19 has forced Sri Lanka Cricket to tweak the itinerary of the six-match series. The ODI series was originally meant to commence on July 13, but had to be pushed to July 18 after a few positive cases emerged in the Sri Lankan group.This is also the second time in the last week that an international match has been postponed because of a positive Covid-19 test: the second West Indies vs Australia ODI in Barbados had to be postponed after the toss had been conducted because a non-playing member in the West Indies camp had tested positive.As things stand, the second and third Sri Lanka T20Is will now be played back-to-back on Wednesday and Thursday. Though Pandya and some other players are likely to be unavailable for the last two games following the latest developments, India have enough back-up to field an XI, as they have travelled with an expanded squad of 20, plus five reserve bowlers.Though the series will end on schedule despite the postponement, the Indian team’s return home, slotted for Thursday, is likely to be delayed. The development is also set to impact plans for Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav, the two batters who were selected to join the Indian Test squad in England. Shaw and Yadav were scheduled to travel to England at the end of the tour of Sri Lanka.India, who earlier won the three-match ODI series 2-1 – despite being in Sri Lanka with a squad missing many first-choice players, who are in England to play a five-Test series in August-September – are 1-0 up in the T20I series following their 38-run win in the first fixture.
Spinners dominate as Pakistan Women collapse from 60 for 2 to 120 all out
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jul-2021Hayley Matthews’ all-round brilliance and Anisa Mohammed’s four-for helped West Indies Women comprehensively beat Pakistan Women in the second ODI and take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series in Antigua. Matthews and Mohammed combined to pick up six wickets between them to restrict Pakistan to a paltry 120, after which the former made 49 as West Indies hunted down the target within 32 overs.Spinners cemented their dominance as Mohammed, Matthews and Karishma Ramharack wrecked Pakistan’s line-up. A 47-run partnership between Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail briefly stopped the slide, after Pakistan lost Ayesha Zafar and Javeria Khan within the first five overs. But once Ramharack dismissed Sohail, the trio combined to wipe out the remaining batters as the visitors collapsed from 60 for 2 to 120 all out.Mohammed, who holds the record for taking the most four-fors in women’s ODIs, added one more to take her tally to 13, as she claimed 4 for 27 in 9.4 overs.West Indies then got off to a strong start in the chase as Matthews and Kyshona Knight added 65 for the opening stand. Matthews struck nine fours during her 49 off 58 balls. Although both Matthews and Kycia Knight were both run-out, Kyshona Knight and Deandra Dottin completed the job for the hosts, with eight wickets and 113 balls to spare.”I’m really happy to be able to contribute to a team win,” Matthews told after the win. “Going out there we had a goal of restricting them for under 180 or so and I think we did a fantastic job.”I just wanted to spend some time, obviously we know it was a low sore we were chasing and as batters it was probably the best time to get our confidence up and just spend some time at the crease. I fell one short of a half-century but still happy with the performance and the win.”
Over the last 12 months, Levi Colwill has become an integral part of the Chelsea squad, once again proving how impressive the club’s academy is at producing elite-level talent.
The 21-year-old broke into the Blues’ first team last season after various loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Brighton and Hove Albion, making 32 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino in all competitions during 2023/24.
He continued his run in the first team under new boss Enzo Maresca in the opening encounter of the Premier League season, featuring for the entirety of the game in the 2-0 defeat against Manchester City.
He registered a 98% pass success rate, making four clearances and two interceptions – starring despite the narrow loss to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Colwill looks to have cemented his place as a regular starter in the Chelsea squad, potentially being joined by one player at the heart of the defence in the near future.
Chelsea make contact to sign defensive star
According to reports, via TEAMtalk, Chelsea have made contact with the agent of Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez over a potential move to Stamford Bridge ahead of the transfer deadline in just ten days time.
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez
The 27-year-old was left out of Arne Slot’s first squad for the trip to Ipswich Town last weekend, potentially not being a part of the Dutchman’s plans during his time in charge at Anfield.
However, the Blues are also joined in the race by Newcastle United and Aston Villa, who are also said to be keeping a keen eye on the Englishman’s situation.
The report states that the Reds could demand a fee in the region of £45m for his signature, a figure that could put Maresca’s side off a potential move this summer.
However, he would be an excellent upgrade on one player who looks set for his own move away from Stamford Bridge in the coming days.
Why Gomez would be an upgrade on Chalobah
Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah could be set for a departure from his boyhood side after being excluded from the club’s pre-season tour of the US, whilst failing to be selected for the season opener last weekend.
Trevoh Chalobah
The 25-year-old has also been forced to train with the club’s academy side in recent weeks, potentially leaving the club in a £25m deal before the window slams shut.
Given his situation, the club will want to offload him to make a profit whilst also boosting their PSR standing, potentially avoiding a points deduction in the months ahead.
When comparing Chalobah to Gomez on a statistical basis, the Liverpool ace would be a huge upgrade, offering added reinforcements to Maresca at the back in his attempts to secure a top-four finish during his debut campaign at the helm.
jarell-quansah-joe-gomez-liverpool-opinion
The “exceptional” talent, as described by former boss Jürgen Klopp, excelled in possession last season, averaging more progressive carries and progressive passes per 90 than the Chelsea man – making him a great fit for Maresca’s possession-based system.
However, he also dominated defensively, completing more interceptions and tackles per 90, whilst also winning 30% more aerials, potentially providing the Blues with added defensive solidity – starring alongside Colwill at the heart of the defence.
Games played
32
13
Minutes played
1786
952
Progressive carries
2.2
0.5
Progressive passes
5.1
2.9
Interceptions made
1
0.8
Tackles won
1.6
1.1
Aerials won
76%
46%
Whilst it may be a harsh way for Chalobah’s Chelsea career to come to an end, it’s evident that the Italian doesn’t see him as part of his plans, wanting more competent ball-players in his system.
Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah
Gomez has showcased his talents with the ball at his feet, whilst also having the ability to improve the club’s poor defensive record from the last 12 months, which saw them concede 63 times in 38 Premier League matches.
The £45m figure quoted may seem like a steep price tag, but he would certainly improve the options currently available to the Blues boss, whilst handing him a potentially superb right-foot, left-foot partnership between Gomez and Colwill at the back.
Chelsea could repeat Sterling signing with deal for £250k-p/w "phenomenon"
Liverpool are now threatening to win the race for a £50 million player who Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was pushing his club to sign, with the Gunners even holding talks and were ready to pay his asking price.
Arsenal attempting third summer signing after Calafiori
Edu Gaspar and the wider recruitment team haven't exactly been too active this summer.
Arsenal may table eight-figure bid for ex-Olympian after Arteta green light
The Spaniard has personally approved a swoop.
ByEmilio Galantini Aug 7, 2024
Arsenal have sealed two major first team signings thus far, with David Raya joining in a £27 million deal from Brentford and Riccardo Calafiori signing a five-year contract after his initial £34 million move from Bologna.
It took a good while for the Gunners to officially announce the latter's arrival from Italy. Arsenal first opened club-to-club talks for Calafiori in early July, and only confirmed his signing last week.
Stats per 90
Calafiori
Gabriel
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.10
0.15
Non-Penalty Goals
0.07
0.12
Assists
0.17
0.00
Progressive Passes
3.69
3.46
Progressive Passes Received
0.88
0.24
Progressive Carries
1.08
0.38
Passing Accuracy
89.6%
88.7%
Live Passes
66.2
60.1
Shot-Creating Actions
1.77
0.68
Goal-Creating Actions
0.31
0.09
Tackles
1.81
1.42
Tackles Won
1.28
0.83
Blocks
1.46
1.30
Interceptions
1.94
0.92
Clearances
2.85
2.96
Successful Take-Ons
0.50
0.06
Ball Recoveries
7.46
4.02
Aerial Duels Won
2.31
2.28
With just over two weeks of the summer window remaining, supporters may be hoping that the north Londoners start speeding up their transfer process, as there is some hope Arsenal could still bring in a new midfielder and forward.
Arsenal are believed to still be in the race for Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, while midfielder Mikel Merino is repeatedly mentioned as a priority for Arsenal. Talks are currently ongoing over a deal for the 28-year-old, who's waiting to join them, according to Fabrizio Romano.
“For now my understanding is that negotiations continue," said Romano, via Football Transfers. "It’s still all verbal with no formal bid but for sure Merino is waiting for Arsenal to complete the agreement with Real Sociedad. It’s also about payment terms, the structure, more things to follow between the two clubs. Merino wants Arsenal, so it’s just on the clubs now.”
Arsenal have landed on the Spain international as an alternative to his teammate, Martin Zubimendi, who was rumoured to be a serious midfield target heading into the summer window.
Arteta really wants Zubimendi at Arsenal but Liverpool could now sign him
The midfielder, like Merino, played a crucial role as Spain went on to win the Euros in Germany earlier this summer.
Now, reliable media sources like David Ornstein say that Liverpool are attempting to do a deal for Zubimendi, who would be Arne Slot's first signing of the window. The transfer could also be a sore one to take from Arsenal's perspective, according to HITC.
The outlet claims Arteta was pushing Arsenal to sign Zubimendi, and the club were even ready to pay his full £50 million release clause. However, they were unable to convince the 25-year-old to swap Sociedad for the English capital.
Ornstein has written that Sociedad expect Zubimendi to accept a move to Liverpool, though, with Arsenal appearing to not quite attract him enough. Arteta, after missing out on a key target, will now be hoping Merino can fill the role in his stead with real aplomb.