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It's no secret that Arsenal want to sign attacking reinforcements, with Ivan Toney the main name mentioned among potential summer options for Mikel Arteta. Now, however, an alternative option has reportedly emerged.

Arsenal transfer news

Whilst the Gunners remain in the race to win the Premier League title, they've lacked a clinical forward at times with the output of their attacking front three painting quite the picture.

Stat

Bukayo Saka

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Martinelli

Starts

25

13

12

Goals

13

4

5

Assists

7

3

3

With that said, it's no surprise that Arsenal have reportedly turned their attention towards Toney, who could leave Brentford this summer in a deal worth as much as £80m. The forward recently returned from a lengthy ban for breaching betting rules, instantly finding his goalscoring boots to send reminders around the Premier League about his clear talent.

Reports suggest that the Gunners could turn to an alternative option, however. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have scouted Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres multiple times.

Romano said in his CaughtOffside column: "Although there are many clubs that are attentive to Viktor Gyokeres at the moment, none have made a move as yet, nothing is happening now. It’s one for the summer.

"His conditions are that he has a €100m release clause then we will see what happens in the summer – but we know how difficult is to negotiate with Portuguese clubs. Many clubs have also sent their scouts to watch him, Arsenal for sure multiple times – but also others are closely monitoring the situation."

With that said, when the summer window arrives, it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal choose €100m (£86m) Gyokeres over Toney.

"Outstanding" Gyokeres is one of Europe's best

Since leaving Coventry City last season, Gyokeres has been one of the best strikers in Europe, making the interest in the forward little surprise. It is the type of rise that analyst and former player Adrian Clarke saw coming too, having praised the Swede when speaking to talkSPORT last May.

Clarke said (via Football League World): “You two [Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist] know what a good striker looks like, and at that level, he is mustard. I think he’s Premier League-ready, actually. Viktor Gyokeres, he was outstanding.”

If Arsenal are looking for a killer in front of goal, then everything is pointing towards Gyokeres. The former Coventry striker is enjoying a season to remember in Portugal and is long overdue a move to the Premier League. As the Gunners weigh up their options this summer, it should be Gyokeres who stands above the rest, including Brentford forward and current target Toney.

Beth Mooney made a well-paced half-century to provide Australia a base with the bat

Report by Daniel Brettig at Junction Oval02-Mar-2020Australia suffered a grievous blow to their chances of lifting the T20 World Cup even as they survived a virtual elimination final against New Zealand, as Ellyse Perry limped from the Junction Oval with what appeared to be a serious hamstring injury.With the semi-finals slated for Thursday in Sydney and the final at the MCG on Sunday, Perry has next to no time to recover, after already battling shoulder and hip complaints during the early part of the tournament. The worries around Perry detracted from what was otherwise a sturdy display to squeeze out New Zealand, as the hosts put together a sensible innings after being sent in by Sophie Devine, and then defended the target stoutly either side of Perry’s injury.The pivotal spell was delivered by the wrist spinner Georgia Wareham, who defeated both Devine and Suzie Bates while also plucking out Maddy Green in a performance that suggested she may have been given a bowling berth earlier in the tournament. Wareham’s success also left the Australian selectors pondering whether, should Perry be replaced, they opt for more wrist spin in the squad, having already called in Molly Strano to replace Tayla Vlaeminck on tournament eve.Lanning’s early dashAustralia’s captain Meg Lanning had indicated on match eve that her team enjoyed the chance to take stock after a hectic early schedule, and was endeavouring to bring a greater air of calmness to proceedings after they flirted with summary elimination in their first two matches. To that end, it was Lanning walking out as a traditional No. 3 at the fall of Alyssa Healy’s wicket – the first time it has been Lanning coming in at the fall of Healy instead of Ash Gardner in nearly two years of the pair rotating Nos. 3 and 4.With Beth Mooney playing serenely at the other end, balancing power and poise, Lanning did not make a big score. But her positive and clear-headed 21 enabled the Australians to build steadily from the start and avoid the loss of early wickets, easing the task for the middle order to maintain and then increase the rate. If Lanning looked disgusted with herself to be out top edging a sweep at Anna Peterson, she had played a useful part in helping set the hosts on her way.Mooney the spine, Perry the finishThe contrast between Lanning and Gardner was underlined when the No. 4 was tied in knots by Amelia Kerr and then bowled by Leigh Kasperek, having nevertheless played her part in a fruitful stand worth 52 in 43 balls with Mooney. As a top-order platform innings in a high pressure game with the occasional big hit, Mooney’s effort could scarcely be faulted, and it took a sublime catch by Bates, running around in front of the sight screen, to dismiss her.In doubt before the match, Perry arrived at No. 5, her highest post for the tournament so far, and with Haynes belted the late innings runs that ensured Australia would pass 150 for the second fixture in a row. Together they ensured 41 runs were piled up from the final four overs of the innings, as both found the boundary and Haynes cleared it with one deft paddle over the head of fine leg. Kerr flighted the ball past Perry from the penultimate ball of the innings, but New Zealand’s target would require them to break a national chasing record.New Zealand pressured before Perry fallsOn the slowing Junction Oval pitch, New Zealand could expect some of the biggest questions to be asked by spin bowlers, and Jess Jonassen did not disappoint by finding a way past Rachael Priest. However, at 39 for 1 after the Powerplay, New Zealand were actually a run better placed than Australia at the same stage, with their star duo Devine and Bates plotting a way forward on a sunny St Kilda afternoon.Enter Wareham, who had not bowled a full four-over spell for the Australians since the tour of the West Indies in September last year and spent more time out of the team than in it. Her wrist spin is not always big on side spin but it is most certainly accurate, and by getting one on line to Bates and then reviewing the lbw decision, she claimed a vital break for her team. Unhappier tidings were to follow when Perry, fielding at mid-off and throwing off-balance, appeared to hurt her right hamstring, leaving the field in emotional turmoil as well as physical discomfort.Wareham cleans upThere was a brief moment’s shock for the Australians after Perry hobbled off and New Zealand looked to be loading up for a final charge to the semi-finals. But Lanning had the good sense not to persist with Gardner after her offspin went for 11 from one over, recalling Wareham to the attack and immediately reaping the rewards. Generating good dip and just enough turn, Wareham deceived Devine as she ran down the track, giving Healy plenty of time to complete the stumping.In Wareham’s final over, Green flicked a full toss through square leg for the only boundary the leg spinner would concede, but then fell in similar fashion to Devine, stumped as she charged down to find the boundary but failed to reach the pitch of a leg break. Figures of 3 for 17 from four overs were a handsome reward for Wareham, and opened the question of whether Australia, as they closed things out with some aplomb, might need to consider more wrist spin into the team to replace Perry. They will also have to ponder the overs bowled by Gardner, who conceded 26 from two overs – these could easily have been far more damaging figures on another day.

Football fans were left perplexed at the sight of Romania star Ianis Hagi wearing a hair net during their last-16 Euros clash with the Netherlands.

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Romania take on the NetherlandsHagi wears hair net during Euro 2024 tieMany perplexed at his appearanceGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Rangers ace Hagi lined up against the Dutch on Tuesday, with a quarter-final spot in the Euros on the line. For those who tuned in late to the contest, many would have been puzzled by Hagi's choice of head gear. Here's why the 25-year-old was donning this eye-catching attire.

AdvertisementGettyTHE EXPLANATION

Early on in Romania's encounter with the Netherlands, Hagi had a hefty coming together with Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries. Such was the force of the collision, the former was bleeding and that is why the medical staff felt a hair net was the right choice to stop the flow of blood and allow him to continue playing.

DID YOU KNOW?

Former Genk player Hagi is the son of Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi. His father played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Galatasaray, among others, in a glittering career – that included 124 caps for his country.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Hagi's Romania side went behind against the Netherlands thanks to Cody Gakpo's 20th-minute strike. Unless they turn things around quickly, Romania will exit the competition after a positive run to the knockout stages.

Sourav Ganguly’s elder brother Snehasish Ganguly, a former Bengal batsman, is the new joint-secretary

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Feb-2020Former BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya’s son Avishek became the youngest president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) at the age of 38, after being elected unopposed on Wednesday.BCCI president Sourav Ganguly’s elder brother Snehasish Ganguly, a former Bengal batsman, is the new joint-secretary, a post that was vacated by Avishek before his elevation. The CAB president’s post was lying vacant after Sourav Ganguly took over the reins of the BCCI last year.Sourav Ganguly to deliver Dalmiya lecture in March

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly will deliver the Jagmohan Dalmiya lecture in March, new CAB president Avishek Dalmiya announced on Wednesday. The Jagmohan Dalmiya Annual Conclave will be held on the eve of the third India-South Africa ODI at the Eden Gardens scheduled for March 18.
Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith had delivered the lecture last year.

However, Avishek will go for a cooling-off period from November 6, 2021 as per the rules in the constitution. Avishek became the 18th president of CAB, taking charge of the same chair where his father sat in his two terms from 1992-93 to 2006 and then from 2008-09 till his death on September 20, 2015.”Right from my childhood, I always heard my father saying ‘Eden is a temple of worship’. That sentiment will run with me always,” Avishek said in his first address as CAB president. “He was very passionate about Eden Gardens. It was really emotional that I could sit in this room. I will only be a fool if I compare myself with any of the former CAB presidents. Their statures were different.”Snehasish recalled his playing days after taking charge of the office.”It was a dream to play for state and I played for 10-11 years,” Snehashish said. “Yesterday, I was really emotional remembering my playing days. Now as an administrator, we have got a very young team and we are confident to take Bengal cricket forward.”With India set to host two global events – the 2021 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup – in three years’ time, the priority for the new CAB president would be to renew the Eden Gardens lease with the Ministry of Defence.”The renewal of lease of Eden Gardens is due in a couple of years. It takes a lot of time to put things in right perspective. We would initiate the process soon,” Avishek said. “Earlier it was for 15 years. With the two global events coming up, we don’t want the issue to be racked up before a global tournament.”The CAB is also planning to introduce an eight-team women’s club league and code of conduct for players.”We want to have women’s club league with eight clubs. We also want to introduce code of conduct of players and support staff. It’s necessary to maintain discipline,” Avishek said.The idea of introducing a code of conduct comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding Bengal quick Ashok Dinda who was found abusing bowling coach Ranadeb Bose earlier this season, which later cost him a place in the squad.Avishek addressed the media interaction with his five-member team of Snehasish, joint-secretary Debabrata Das, treasurer Debasish Ganguly and vice-president Naresh Ojha.

With the confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS' takeover of Manchester United, it is expected that the chequebook will be open for the summer window. With a number of targets in mind, the new owners are looking to strengthen an area that has been a major problem at Old Trafford this season.

United in need of defensive reinforcements

Any United fan would've laughed in your face if you told them Jonny Evans would be starting Premier League games for them in the 2023/24 season. However, owing to the fragility of their starting defenders, the 36-year-old has started on ten occasions this season, just one less time than Raphaël Varane.

The often maligned Harry Maguire has also found consistent minutes after spending most of last season frozen out of the side. This makeshift defensive set up has mainly come as a result of the loss of Lisandro Martínez, who has struggled with injury since arriving from Ajax in 2022.

Lisandro Martínez

7

558

Raphaël Varane

11

993

Jonny Evans

10

930

Harry Maguire

12

1068

Victor Lindelof

10

991

Latest Man Utd transfer news: De Jong back on radar; 21y/o hands in request

Here are all the latest Man Utd transfer rumours from Old Trafford as we enter the final weeks of the window.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 12, 2024

With their woes at the back unlikely to subside anytime soon, there is no wonder why Ratcliffe and co are already planning to take the central pairing of one of Europe's best defensive sides.

United target Leverkusen defensive duo

According to Sport Witness, reports out of Germany suggest that the Old Trafford outfit are plotting an audacious quadruple swoop for some of Bayer Leverkusen's top talent. The outlet names star full back, Jeremie Frimpong, who the Red Devils have boasted a longstanding interest in, as well as midfielder Exequiel Palacios.

The reports states that United are "interested" in defensive pairing Edmond Tapsoba and Odilon Kossonou. Having conceded just fifteen goals all season in the league, there is no wonder why a United side that have struggled for consistency at the back are looking at the duo.

Tapsoba will be an familiar name to English fans, with the defender constantly linked with a move to these shores since his arrival at Leverkusen back in 2020. The Burkina-Faso international has earned plaudits for his raw pace and strength, as well as his unique abilities with the ball at his feet. A centre back with an eye for a pass, Tapsoba would slot effortlessly into Erik ten Hag's style of play.

Kossounou on the other hand, is a bit more of an unknown entity. Playing on the right-hand side of Leverkusen's back three, he is as adept at filling in out wide as he is in the centre. It was this versatility that led to his former Leverkusen head-coach, Gerardo Seoane, singing his praises, saying of the defender:

With the price tags for Tapsoba and Kossounou set at a combined £77m, it is likely that United will pursue one or the other, depending on which Leverkusen are more inclined to part ways with. Regardless of whether they both don the famous red shirt, either player would be a significant upgrade on United's current options.

Leeds United progressed through to the next round of the FA Cup 4-1 on Wednesday night, beating Plymouth Argyle on their own patch convincingly even without Daniel James being available for selection.

James had been a key first-team presence for the promotion-chasing Whites until an injury curtailed his impactful season against Norwich City, scoring ten goals and picking up seven assists from 29 appearances up to that point.

It's even led to James gaining deserved recognition by being nominated for Championship Player of the Month for January, despite being in the Elland Road treatment room now.

Daniel Farke could well have James available at his disposal again soon, but if the Welshman picks up another injury further down the line even when he does return, the German manager could look towards the youth talents in West Yorkshire to step up to the mark.

Connor Douglas' numbers at youth level

Able to play down both channels much like the injury-stricken former Manchester United attacker, 18-year-old Connor Douglas could well begin to bang down the door for some senior action soon.

Douglas' form for the U18s during the 2022/23 season would have caught the eye of those with close associations to Leeds, scoring six goals and picking up three assists from 15 games in total.

This season, bumped up to the U21 fold, Douglas has excited those in the youth set-up even more – scoring against Man United U21s in a 2-1 win back in August, a standout result for the exuberant Whites.

Described as being "impressive" when netting two goals on his U21 debut before the Red Devils win by journalist William Jackson, Douglas is yet to get a taster of men's football even despite sticking out with eight outings under his belt in Premier League 2 this term.

That lack of senior action could well change soon, especially with Farke showing that he can shake things up by regularly including the likes of Archie Gray in his starting lineup.

Leeds' next Archie Gray

Douglas making waves in the current Leeds first-team lineup and staying there could well be a stretch still, even with James failing to play in his side's last three matches.

The plethora of attacking talent Farke can call upon in the blink of an eye is rather frightening, utilising the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony if needed when the seasoned first-team presences are in need of a breather.

Yet, nobody expected Gray to make such an impact as a 17-year-old this campaign when gifted his first chance.

Now, Gray is a regular first-teamer whilst still only being a teenager – the versatile gem now onto 32 appearances in all competitions, despite only breaking through into the senior side just this campaign.

Douglas will take some encouragement from Gray's career trajectory, knowing that his time could come soon if everything falls into place.

In the long-term, the 18-year-old could well explode onto the first-team scene when the likes of Summerville and James have potentially moved on from Elland Road.

Coach Hilton Moreeng claims that “the players we have at our disposal are some of the best” in the world

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jan-2020South Africa’s players received a rousing send off to the Women’s World T20 next month with their coach Hilton Moreeng claiming that “the players we have at our disposal are some of the best” in the world.Dane van Niekerk, who has not played a T20I since February 2019, leads a full-strength squad, 11 of whom were part of the last edition of the tournament. Back then, South Africa won only two of their four group matches and couldn’t make the cut for the semi-finals.ESPNcricinfo LtdSune Luus had taken temporary charge of South Africa over the past few months, leading the side to a series win over Pakistan and a loss to India. She takes up her usual role as lead spinner now that van Niekerk has proven her fitness – she was sidelined by a thigh injury – by playing a a key role for the Sydney Sixers in the 2019 Women’s Big Bash League.South Africa are well stocked in the fast bowling department with Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp set to continue a very successful partnership with the new ball. On the batting side of things, Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee form a solid top two with Chloe Tryon providing firepower down the order.”It’s a group that has the talent, youth, experience and desire to help us win the T20 World Cup,” Moreeng said at an event in Johannesburg on Monday. “We have assembled a team that we feel can hold their own against anyone in the world and it will be important that we carry that belief into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.Graeme Smith, CSA’s acting director of cricket, pointed to the players’ experience in the franchise circuit as he wished them well for the tournament which starts on February 21. “Many of our senior players are household names in T20 tournaments in Australia and England and they will set the tone for the rest of the team.”There were a couple of relatively new faces as well: left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who made her T20I debut in September 2019, and Nondumiso Shangase, who will be looking to add to the four T20Is against her name.

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has been linked with a free transfer to Juventus at the end of the season. The Portuguese international could follow in the footsteps of his former team-mate Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Serie A side Napoli on a free transfer in the summer. However, Silva is keeping his options open, with the possibility of a return to Portugal also on the table, and has yet to make a decision on his future.

Juventus’ interest in Silva

According to , Juventus are exploring a move for the Manchester City star on a free transfer in the summer of 2026. The Bianconeri have reportedly contacted the midfielder’s entourage to discuss the possibility of a switch to Turin, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSilva's excellent City career

The Portuguese midfielder joined City from Monaco in the summer of 2017. A key figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad, Silva has scored 72 goals and registered 74 assists in 411 appearances. During his time at the club, he played a pivotal role in securing City’s maiden Champions League triumph in 2023 as well as six Premier League titles. Recognising his influence, Guardiola appointed Silva as club captain following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.

Alternative options for SIlva

Juventus are not Silva’s only option, as City are working to tie down their captain with a contract extension. Should they fail to reach an agreement, Portuguese side Benfica are prepared to welcome him back, with the midfielder having come through their academy before his move to Monaco.

Getty Images SportSilva's Napoli challenge

Silva is in no rush to decide his future, as his immediate focus remains on City’s Champions League clash with Napoli later today, with Guardiola's side aiming to secure their second title in the competition.

Opening batsman feeling better after illness and expects to train on New Year’s Day

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Dec-2019England have finally received some encouraging news on the health front, with Dom Sibley feeling better after being struck down by the illness that has cut a swathe through the visitors’ camp.Opening batsman Sibley became the latest player to succumb to the virus which has hit 17 members of the touring party, including key players and backroom staff, over the past fortnight.Sibley was to be monitored while travelling with the squad to Cape Town on Tuesday for the second Test, starting on January 3, and he was expected to train on New Year’s Day. The fact that no one else has been hit by the bug over the past 24 hours can be regarded as progress, although England management have been eager not to use the illness as an excuse for the side’s lacklustre performance in Centurion which resulted in a 107-run defeat.Some 11 England players have been sick. They include Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad, who showed some lingering effects of having spent the best part of the week before England’s first-Test loss in bed, as well as Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes, who spent time off the field during the match because they felt ill.Of most serious concern is Jack Leach, who also spent time in hospital in New Zealand with gastroenteritis and whose situation complicated by his history of Crohn’s disease. Leach is travelling with the rest of the squad to Cape Town, although it remains unlikely he will be considered fit for the second Test, having hardly bowled a ball for a month.Dom Bess and Matt Parkinson are vying for a spot in Leach’s place, with Bess considered to have the edge at this stage.Also read: We ‘won’t be afraid’ to leave out Broad or Anderson – SilverwoodWhile most of those previously affected have returned to training, it will take time to rediscover their fitness and stamina, particularly in the heat and altitudes they face in South Africa.While no decision has been taken on Sibley’s availability yet, if he fails to be deemed fully fit for the second Test, it could hand an opportunity to Zak Crawley to open the batting. It could also provide a reprieve for Jonny Bairstow, who looks set otherwise to make way for the now-recovered Ollie Pope.

Nottingham Forest aren't shy of making a signing or two, with the club bringing in 34 players since promotion back to the Premier League in May 2022.

The club were recently charged with breaching the Premier League's FFP and PSR rules after spending over £220m on players within the last 21 months. Expensive signings such as Emmanuel Dennis and Jonjo Shelvey failed to live up to expectations and are just two examples of the poor business conducted by the Reds' hierarchy in recent times.

Despite this, the club have made some brilliant additions, with the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga both proving to be worth every penny of their respective £42.5m and £15m moves to the City Ground.

Another player who has been a hit on Trentside is striker Taiwo Awoniyi. The 26-year-old was the club's first signing back in the top flight, joining the Reds back in June 2022 from German side Union Berlin.

The fee Nottingham Forest paid for Taiwo Awoniyi

After joining the Reds for a then-club-record fee of £17.5m, Awoniyi became the first of a flurry of players to join Forest from the Bundesliga.

George Syrianos, the Forest recruitment chief at the time, identified players from the top tier of German football after his time as head analyst at VfB Stuttgart. Faces such as Moussa Niakhate, Omar Richards and Orel Mangala all joined the club, with the latter bringing in a hefty profit after his move to Lyon just two weeks ago.

After his arrival, Awoniyi made an instant impact at the City Ground, scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win against West Ham United during the Reds' first home Premier League outing in 23 years.

Despite multiple injury issues, the Nigeria international has established himself as a key player under now-boss Nuno Espírito Santo – scoring 15 times in 39 Premier League appearances.

One of his goals last season came in the crucial 1-0 win against his former side Liverpool – prompting praise from Reds boss Jürgen Klopp, who branded the 26-year-old as "sensational".

Taiwo Awoniyi's market value in 2024

No one could've predicted how crucial the Nigerian striker would be for the Reds after his arrival from the Bundesliga. The 26-year-old has five goals in his 13 Premier League appearances so far this season, with the former Liverpool striker facing a huge task in helping keep the Reds in the division this season.

Although his all-round stats might not be much to shout about, there are certain key areas that the Forest striker excels in – proving his importance to the side when he features.

Awoniyi averages 0.64 non-penalty goals per 90 this season, a stat that sees him rank within the top 11% of strikers in Europe's top five leagues this season.

The Nigerian also averages 1.9 aerial duels won per game – a stat that is crucial with Forest often finding themselves under pressure and playing a high-intensity counter-attacking style.

As per Transfermarkt, Awoniyi is now valued at £24m, £5m more than youngster Murillo, who has excelled since his move from Corinthians during the summer transfer window.

Nottingham Forest's "unbelievable" star could break Johnson's record sale

Since he arrived from Corinthians in the summer, Murillo has impressed at Nottingham Forest with the Brazilian being touted for a big-money move.

ByEthan Lamb Feb 6, 2024

If he can stay fit and regain full fitness within the coming weeks, a fully fit Awoniyi could prove to be a huge asset in Forest's bid to retain the Premier League status come the end of the 2023/24 campaign.