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In the golden era of Chelsea's history when the likes of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba were dazzling packed-out crowds in west London, goals were never an issue as that duo would strike fear into opposition defences with their sheer quality.

In the Blues near faultless title-winning campaign in the 2005/06 season, spearheaded by the tactical brilliance of Jose Mourinho, Chelsea posted 72 goals in the league, but perhaps more telling, Lampard and Drogba combined for 47 of them.

Forming an almost telepathic partnership across their time at the club, the two legends built up the most fruitful duo in Premier League history, holding the record for the most combined goals as a pair (36) from 2012 – holding it for a full decade – before it was broken by Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane in 2022.

In recent times, despite accumulating over £1bn on new players since Todd Boehly took over, the Blues are still toothless in front of goal, finishing sixth from the bottom for goals scored last term (38), behind the likes of relegated Leicester City and Leeds United.

Chelsea attempted to fix that problem with the £32m acquisition of Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson but it is fair to say, he hasn't had the desired impact thus far.

What has gone wrong for Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea?

Jackson has shown glimpses of the star striker that Chelsea so desperately desired through his piercing movement in-behind, ability to occupy dangerous pockets of space and being a handful for opposition defenders, lacking the most important part – putting the ball in the back of the net.

While the 22-year-old hasn't been helped by the injury to Christopher Nkunku as the pair formed what was looking like a budding partnership in pre-season, Jackson's attacking metrics paint a picture of someone who is doing everything but take his chances.

The Senegalese has scored only twice in the Premier League this term – the latest coming in a 4-1 victory against Burnley – a goal he hopes will truly kickstart his Chelsea career, however, the youngster could have had several more goals to his name.

According to Sofascore, the 6 foot 1 marksman is joint second in the league for big chances missed (7), fifth for the most expected goals (xG) accumulated (4.09), while his goal conversion of 10% paints a sorry picture of striker squandering big opportunities in front of goal, as seen during their defeat against Nottingham Forest.

Despite being in the early days of his Chelsea career, should he continue to be wasteful in front of goal, Mauricio Pochettino could ditch him and splash the cash on one of Europe's most promising goal-getters, Lois Openda.

What would Lois Openda bring to Chelsea?

The RB Leipzig forward has been ripping it up in the Bundesliga since making the £37m (€43m) switch to the German giants this summer.

Having netted an astonishing 58 goals combined across his past three seasons for Vitesse Arnhem and RC Lens, Openda is a lethal finisher, exhuming a calmness in front of goal, an attribute that isn't distinguished from Jackson.

Lauded as "exceptional" by Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the talented 23-year-old has taken the footballing world by storm in the past year and this is demonstrated by his incredible shooting stats, ranking in the top 3% for non-penalty goals against his positional peers across Europe's top five leagues, top 6% for shots on target, top 12% for total shots and top 32% for shot creating actions per 90, via FBref.

While clever movement and lightening pace frees the Belgian into dangerous positions, similarly to Jackson, the fact he ranks so high for non-penalty goals suggests he's uber-efficient in and around the box, displaying the attributes that could get Chelsea challenging towards the top end of the table.

With four goals and two assists in seven Bundesliga appearances so far this campaign, including a strike in the Champions League against Manchester City, it is no surprise to see Premier League's circling for his signature with Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly entering the race, alongside Pochettino's men.

A deal would be near impossible to complete in January given he's only just signed for Leipzig, but if he continues this rate of scoring, the £80m rated youngster will begin a bidding war next summer that the Blues desperately need to win.

Former Watford star Troy Deeney revealed the key difference between the current Arsenal squad and Arsenal Wenger's side.

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Deeney criticised Wenger's Arsenal for lacking 'cojones'Praised Arteta's Gunners teamArsenal two points behind LiverpoolWHAT HAPPENED?

Deeney, who spent 11 years at Vicarage Road between 2010 and 2021, has claimed that Mikel Arteta's Arsenal "have cojones2 having previously criticised Arsenal Wenger's side for being easily bullied by opponents despite having world-class players like Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the team.

AdvertisementWHAT TROY DEENEY SAID

Writing for , the former English forward claimed, "I played against several Arsenal players who would easily have been good enough to get into Mikel Arteta’s current Gunners side. At their peak, Jack Wilshere, Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were all world-class players.

"But those were Arsenal teams you always fancied your chances against. Arsenal teams you could bully. Arsenal teams who could fall apart. It’s well remembered that I once accused Arsene Wenger’s team of lacking ‘cojones’ after my Watford side beat them at Vicarage Road. I certainly cannot imagine taking the p*** out of this Gunners team in the same way. I wouldn’t rate my chances of bullying them, either."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Deeney had criticised the Gunners after scoring in his team's 2-1 win at Vicarage Road in Wenger's final season in charge of the team. While the Frenchman bemoaned the referee's decision to hand Watford a penalty, the striker said that the north London side lacked 'cojones'.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arteta's side, who are currently trailing league leaders Liverpool by two points, will next face Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday. A win will take the Gunners top of the table ahead of Sunday's crunch clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.

Arsenal are in talks with another player and his representatives, as manager Mikel Arteta personally tries to convince him to join the Gunners before transfer deadline day on September 1.

Arsenal talks with "unique" target "advanced" after further moves this week

The Gunners closer to another deal.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 3, 2025

It’s been quite a hectic last fortnight for sporting director, Andrea Berta, who’s now starting to reap the rewards of his simultaneous talks with numerous targets.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was confirmed as Berta’s first official signing of the window, arriving in a £5 million deal from Chelsea, and Arsenal are poised to welcome Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this week as well.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)	Money on new signings
19/20 – winter	£0
20/21 – summer	£81.5m
20/21 – winter	£900k
21/22 – summer	£156.8m
21/22 – winter	£1.8m
22/23 – summer	£121.5m
22/23 – winter	£59m
23/24 – summer	£208m
23/24 – winter	£0
24/25 – summer	£101.5m
24/25 – winter	£0
25/26 – summer	£5m

Brentford captain Christian Norgaard will likely follow the Spanish duo, with Fabrizio Romano sharing that all documents and paperwork have been exchanged in preparation for the Denmark international’s £15 million potential transfer.

Arsenal are also in ongoing talks over a deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, who’s reportedly hell-bent on joining Arteta’s side, so it is highly possible that the club could seal four new arrivals very soon.

Reports suggest that Arsenal are in “advanced” talks over personal terms for Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace as well (L’Equipe), and this apparently won’t impact a possible deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

It is believed Arsenal are discussing Madueke in a separate move to the England international (Fabrizio Romano), and according to journalist Simon Phillips, they’re really pushing the boat out.

Arsenal trying to convince Noni Madueke as Mikel Arteta reaches out

As per the Chelsea reporter, writing via his Substack, Arteta is personally reaching out to Madueke in a bid to tempt the 23-year-old with a switch across London.

Arsenal are also in ongoing talks with the ex-PSV Eindhoven star’s agents, but as things stand, Madueke will need some convincing. He apparently doesn’t fancy playing a back-up role to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, and the player is also reluctant to settle for a role on the left.

“He is currently not convinced by a move to Arsenal,” said Phillips.

“This is down to the fact that he does not want to play on the left, so if he goes to Arsenal he does not want to be a backup player to Bukayo Saka, which is most likely what he would be if he doesn’t play on the left.

“This is not shutting the move down, but at the moment he is certainly unsure. As I said, Arsenal are currently in talks with his agents trying to convince him about a move, and we have also heard that Mikel Arteta is reaching out to him as well, because he really likes the player.

“Arsenal are yet to make an offer to Chelsea but they are looking to get player buy in first, as Chelsea do themselves. At the moment, Arsenal are still pushing on the player side. We will have to see what happens there and what other clubs come in.”

Madueke, who played a key role under Enzo Maresca throughout 2024/2025, could end up costing around £55 million, according to talkSPORT.

Newcastle United suffered an excruciating 3-0 defeat to Everton on Thursday night, meaning the Magpies failed to capitalise on Tottenham Hotspur's loss to West Ham United and remain below Manchester United in the Premier League table.

Injuries and inconsistency have been the story of Newcastle's season so far, with the former being the catalyst for the latter. The players are dropping like flies at the moment and just when head coach Eddie Howe thought he was getting some first-team members back from training, Jamaal Lascelles limped off at Goodison Park and had to be replaced by Emil Krafth.

Nevertheless, there is one player capable of filling the 30-year-old's boots against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon should he join the lengthy injury list – Paul Dummett.

Jamaal Lascelles' stats this season

Having been a constant starter for Newcastle ever since joining the club at the beginning of the 2014/15 season for £7m, Lascelles found himself knocked down the pecking order when Sven Botman was brought to St. James' Park in 2022 for £32m. The experienced centre-back made merely 11 appearances in all competitions, including just seven in the Premier League.

Since making his debut for the Geordie outfit, Lascelles' minutes significantly dipped in the previous campaign, pinpointing exactly when Botman arrived to take his place in the lineup.

Jamaal Lascelles at Newcastle United
Season	Appearances	Minutes
2015/16	24	1,693
2016/17	47	3,978
2017/18	35	3,048
2018/19	34	2,846
2019/20	29	2,526
2020/21	21	1,762
2021/22	27	2,146
2022/23	11	463
2023/24	15	1,272
Stats via Transfermarkt

Lascelles has already made around three times the number of appearances this season as he did last term. One of the primary reasons for this is that Botman suffered a long-term injury back in September. However, the former England U21 international's recent performances have proved to Howe that he still has a future with Newcastle.

This season, Lascelles has held his own defensively against all centre-backs in Europe's top-five leagues. The Englishman is sitting in the top 7% for aerial duels won per 90 and the top 19% for shots blocked per 90, according to FBref. The centre-half has done well to fill in during Botman's absence but now could potentially face a spell on the sidelines himself.

Paul Dummett's stats this season

Paul Dummett has nor been a key player for the Magpies since Rafa Benitez left the club in 2019. However, despite only making seven appearances across the last three seasons, Howe handed the Welshman a new contract during the summer which will keep him at St. James' Park until July of next year.

Dummett's game time since Benitez's final season in charge has been pretty dismal, posing questions about Howe's decision to hand the defender back-to-back one-year contract extensions.

Paul Dummett at Newcastle United
Season	Appearances	Minutes
2018/19	26	1,986
2019/20	17	1,241
2020/21	16	1,376
2021/22	3	198
2022/23	1	90
2023/24	3	184
Stats via Transfermarkt

The 6 ft defender has featured a little more this time around than in the previous campaign, making two full appearances in the EFL Cup, although he has seen merely four minutes of action in the Premier League this term, not starting a single game in the top flight.

Now, Howe may have to rely on the 32-year-old if Lascelles is out injured, although, the manager previously labelled Dummett as "absolutely outstanding", so perhaps he will not mind.

Unlike Lascelles, Dummett is left-footed and could slot seamlessly in at the back alongside the right-footed Fabian Schar to form a perfectly symmetrical defensive partnership. The last time the 6 foot titan started a game was in a 3-0 away win over Manchester United in the EFL Cup at the beginning of November. Dummett was superb at the back, making five clearances, and winning 80% of his aerial duels and 100% of his ground duels.

Howe may have to call upon the experienced centre-back but Dummett will be ready to put a shift in with his heart on his sleeve, as he always is, against Spurs today.

da leao： Norwich City's frailties in defence reared their ugly head once more away at Watford, the Canaries collapsing at Vicarage Road as Yaser Asprilla's late strike secured a 3-2 win for the Hornets who found themselves remarkably 2-0 down after 12 minutes.

da bet nacional： David Wagner's men were calamitous at the back all night, George Long in-between the sticks for the Yellows let down by a shaky backline at times but the former Millwall goalkeeper didn't cover himself in glory either – spilling a Wesley Hoedt effort late on for Asprilla to then score the decisive winner on the rebound.

Wagner is now left in limbo once more about his future as Norwich manager, but the under-pressure German boss is only partly responsible for his side's capitulation versus the Hornets.

It was a poor overall team display from the short-on-confidence Canaries that lost the game also, only redeemed by one or two players having bright games to make the scoreline as tight as it was.

Norwich's game in numbers

On another occasion, Watford could have romped home to a comprehensive victory on their own patch. Valérien Ismaël's side had a far superior xG over the full 90 minutes compared to the lacklustre visitors, Watford coming in at a 1.59 xG as per Sofascore whilst Norwich's total falls flat at a lesser 0.59 xG.

Both teams considerably outperformed their expected goals therefore, Hwang Ui-jo's wonder goal for the visitors a bolt from the blue that helped Wagner's men race into a surprise 2-0 lead early on – Hwang's effort cannoning into the net unexpectedly, the Norwich away faithful in shock that the shot had even gone in.

That was a rare moment of joy for the visiting side however, the away supporters watching on painfully for most of the contest after this as their beloved team ended up surrendering a two goal lead.

Watford did control proceedings for large parts of the game, notching up 21 shots in total on Long's goal whilst also dominating possession with 66% of the ball.

Related How Norwich’s dream starting XI may look after signing 3 new players in Jan

This is what Norwich’s starting eleven could look like come January, with Wagner eager to add new faces into the building.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Nov 18, 2023

Hwang might have stolen the headlines with his outrageous goal for the Canaries despite the loss, but his strike partner in Adam Idah had a night to forget against Watford with the Canaries lacking firepower for the majority of the contest after the South Korean's long-range strike.

Adam Idah's game in numbers

Norwich's number 11 was ineffective as a lone striker against the Hornets, hauled off by his manager just after the hour mark after an unimpressive showing.

Idah couldn't get another goal to add to his Championship tally for the season, the Republic of Ireland international on five goals for the campaign.

The 22-year-old only managed one shot on target before being substituted off, Ryan Porteous and Hoedt at the back for the hosts easily dealing with Idah.

Adam Idah vs Watford

Minutes Played

67

Touches

13

Accurate Passes

5/6 (83%)

Shots on target

1

Expected Goals (xG)

0.08

Duels Won

1/7

Possession Lost

x4

Fouls

2

Key Passes

0

Stats via Sofascore.

The striker was bullied by the physical Watford defenders all night too, losing 87.5% of his duels to the detriment of his team going forward.

It even led to Pink Un football journalist Samuel Seaman rating Idah's display as a 5/10 in his post-match thoughts, a sub-par showing from the Norwich academy talent turned seasoned first-team forward.

If Wagner remains in his job to oversee Norwich's next match away at Bristol City, Idah will be anxious that he could be dropped from the starting line-up at Ashton Gate after such an anonymous display.

The German boss will pray that star-man Hwang coming off with an injury after 17 minutes doesn't mean he's out for a significant amount of time, or he might well be forced into sticking with his misfiring Irish attacker up top.

da apostebet： Sunderland have experienced an up-and-down start to the Championship season under Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray.

da dobrowin： Exciting and exhilarating performances are often sandwiched alongside crushing defeats with the squad then back to square one – a notable example of that being the demoralising 4-0 defeat to local rivals Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light in mid-October, with Sunderland's next home match after that being a convincing 3-1 win over Norwich City to get fans back on side.

Mowbray will hope he can strengthen his starting eleven this January to get a few new faces and bodies into the building to help his side really cement a playoff spot, the Black Cats hanging onto sixth place currently on goal difference.

Here's what a predicted Sunderland XI could look like after the upcoming transfer window…

1 GK – Anthony Patterson

Subject to significant Premier League interest in the summer – with Wolverhampton Wanderers apparently interested in the 23-year-old at one point – everyone at Sunderland will have breathed a collective sigh of relief when their reliable shot-stopper signed a new deal to prolong his stay at the Stadium of Light this September.

Patterson's recent display away at Swansea was crucial, saving a penalty on the stroke of half-time to keep hold of a clean sheet and ensure Sunderland picked up a point in a 0-0 stalemate.

2 RB – Trai Hume

Only missing 18 minutes of Championship football this season, Hume is a shoo-in to stay firmly in Mowbray's first-team plans and for good reason.

Amassing an average 7.17 rating via Sofascore in the second tier, the 21-year-old is a standout performer for his side – recovering 6.2 balls on average each game this season as a tireless full-back option.

3 CB – Luke O'Nien

Having to play reserve centre-backs recently against Wayne Rooney's Birmingham due to piling injury concerns, Mowbray will hope that Sunderland centre-back and commander Luke O'Nien is back to full sharpness soon.

Looking at FBRef, it's a no-brainer that he slots into the heart of defence for the Black Cats when fit – his aggression is key with 1.64 tackles per 90 minutes attempted over the last year.

4 CB – Nathaniel Adjei

The first of three potential new transfers into the Stadium of Light, Hammarby prospect Nathaniel Adjei is being lined up for a move to English football with Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough also keen on the Ghanaian defender.

In a recent Allsvenskan encounter versus IFK Värnamo, the lofty centre-back was crucial in ensuring his team kept a clean sheet in a drab 0-0 game – winning five of his seven ground duels as per Sofascore, resilient in his defensive efforts.

Sunderland need more numbers defensively, with Adjei looking like a target worth pursuing.

5 LB – Niall Huggins

The former Leeds United turned Sunderland first-team man should retain his spot at full-back even with possible reinforcements coming in, Huggins performing competently up against Birmingham City last time out in league action.

Huggins even had two shots of his own blocked per Sofascore, joining in with waves of Sunderland attacking pressure from down the flanks.

6 CDM – Pierre Ekwah

Operating in a 4-1-4-1 formation, Ekwah is the usual defensive anchor fielded for the Black Cats.

The 21-year-old can also pop up with a goal here and there from his holding role, netting twice against Southampton in a barnstorming 5-0 triumph over Russell Martin's Saints earlier in the season.

7 RM – Patrick Roberts

The ex Manchester City man has found a home in Sunderland over the last few seasons, excelling with the Durham-based club now after playing in the likes of Spain and Scotland before sealing a move to the Stadium of Light.

Starting 11 games for the Black Cats this season, the goals and assists haven't been flowing – just one assist with zero goals to his name – but his flair and trickery from down the channels is a useful calling card for Mowbray's men.

8 CM – Dan Neil

At the club since emerging as a top talent through the U18 ranks, Neil is now a seasoned first-team presence at Sunderland despite still only being 21.

Registering three goals and two assists from 15 Championship appearances to date, the South Shields-born man even wore the captain's armband for his boyhood club against Wayne Rooney's Blues last match.

9 CM – Jobe Bellingham

Brother of Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham, Jobe is a star in his own right now with Sunderland after leaving boyhood club Birmingham behind this summer for a fresh challenge.

It helps that Sunderland and Mowbray give youngsters opportunities to impress, Sunderland's number 7 sticking out last match against his former employers – scoring his third Black Cats goal in the resounding 3-1 win since relocating from St Andrews.

10 LM – Amad Diallo

Sunderland look to be facing a losing battle to keep star winger Jack Clarke at the club, Brentford interested in the 22-year-old allegedly after an electric 17 games this season for the midfielder already – scoring nine times and assisting a further goal.

The Black Cats hierarchy could appease this potential sale by bringing back Amad Diallo on loan to the Stadium of Light, the Manchester United attacker a resounding hit last time with the Sunderland faithful with 16 goal contributions in total for Mowbray's playoff challengers during the 2022-23 campaign.

Not traditionally a left winger, Diallo can slot into this position if called upon and his theoretical addition back to the group could be the perfect Clarke replacement.

Where else in the world would a scheduled day of first-class cricket be adjusted for reasons outside of the playing conditions, as occurred on Sunday at Guaracara to accommodate players getting to the Hyatt Regency on time for the WIPA event that evening?

Fazeer Mohammed03-Apr-2008
Shivnarine Chanderpaul left in the middle of a first-class match to attend an awards ceremony © AFP
You bring the iron pot. I’ll walk with the .We call it a fete match. Elsewhere up the Caribbean chain, it’s known as curry-goat cricket. By whatever name, this version of the game is all about fun, with little more than a rudimentary acknowledgement of the basic rules that govern the sport. That superficial adherence lingers until the heat of the afternoon and the cumulative effects of copious quantities of alcohol and artery-clogging food take hold, rendering the final result as nothing more than an opportunity for heated old talk, more rum and more well after sunset.This is the context in which we must absorb Windwards manager Lockhart Sebastien’s implication that the regional first-class match between Guyana and the Windwards was reduced to the status of curry-goat cricket when Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 78 not out at the end of the first day’s play at Providence on Saturday, flew across to Trinidad for Sunday’s West Indies Players Association (WIPA) awards ceremony in Port-of-Spain.Unless they are lying, this was done without the prior knowledge of Guyanese team manager Carl Moore or coach Albert Smith. The visitors refused to allow the home side to use a substitute fielder in Chanderpaul’s continued absence on Monday. Guyana therefore had ten players on the field before lunch, by which time the former West Indies captain had returned from collecting the three major awards at the WIPA function to take his place in the side.Keep in mind that the start of this fixture was already pushed back from Friday to Saturday because the Windwards’ gear had not arrived with them, with the further implication being that any players in that match selected for the second Test against Sri Lanka would only have arrived here last night or early this morning for the five-day fixture starting tomorrow at the Queen’s Park Oval. However, based on a very recent precedent, it is quite possible that the cricketers concerned could have just upped and duss it to the airport sometime yesterday, leaving their team-mates to devour the remaining and curry-goat after play.Jimmy Adams, another former West Indies captain, spoke eloquently on Sunday night about the chronic failure of the game’s administrators in the region in our nearly 80 years of Test cricket to take control of the product and modify the systems and processes to meet the demands of an ever-changing game in an ever-changing global environment.As a former player and now secretary of WIPA, Adams’ impressive feature address may have left him open to the usual criticism that those who see the players as helpless victims of administrative incompetence and corporate indifference refuse to acknowledge that the cricketers themselves are also responsible for the depths to which we have plummeted in just 12 years.Far be it from me to try to understand the workings of such a complex and intense mind, but I suspect that Adams would view the players’ indiscretions as the result of the absence of those processes and systems, which, if implemented and adhered to consistently and impartially, would provide both the opportunities for players to fulfill their potential and the regulated structure that ensures the integrity and viability of West Indies cricket for the foreseeable future.When Ryan Hinds and a number of other players on both sides can behave as badly as they did in last year’s Challenge final between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados at Guaracara Park, and then face absolutely no sanction, whatever the reason, it must seem like a free-for-all. When Chris Gayle, whether rightly or wrongly, refuses to apologise to then WICB president Ken Gordon for public criticism of the board, and then Gordon’s successor, Julian Hunte, rightly or wrongly, drops the matter entirely in an effort to give the players some love, are the cricketers then wrong to assume they can essentially do as they please? Six weeks before Australia’s Test party starts the journey to the Caribbean and 11 weeks before the first limited-over match, Cricket Australia released both of their squads to take on the West Indies yesterday, including all of their top players, whether or not they are contracted to the Indian Premier League. Yet at midday of the same day, there was still no official word on the composition of the West Indies Test squad for a match starting less than 48 hours later Where else in the world would a scheduled day of first-class cricket be adjusted for reasons outside of the playing conditions, as occurred on Sunday at Guaracara to accommodate players getting to the Hyatt Regency on time for the WIPA event that evening? In the absence of integrity and respect for a system that is actually proven to work, any number can play.Six weeks before Australia’s Test party starts the journey to the Caribbean and 11 weeks before the first limited-over match, Cricket Australia released both of their squads to take on the West Indies yesterday, including all of their top players, whether or not they are contracted to the Indian Premier League. Yet at midday of the same day, there was still no official word on the composition of the West Indies Test squad for a match starting less than 48 hours later. And, of course, no one seems to know for sure if the IPL-bound trio of Gayle, Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan will be available from the start of the first Test against the Aussies at Sabina Park on May 22.Wait, wait. I’ve just got an e-mailed press release from the WICB with the West Indies squad for this month’s Under-15 International Championship. The team is to be led by Stephen Katwaroo, captain of fourth-placed T&T, who got the nod ahead of Donovan Nelson, leader of the all-conquering Jamaican side and top wicket-taker at the regional tournament in Dominica last month.Keep the rum, but I won’t mind some to go with the curry-goat at the Oval tomorrow.

We’re now just a week away from the start of Celtic’s pre-season fixtures.

Next Friday night, Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops will make the short three-mile journey to Glasgow’s south side to take on Queen’s Park at Lesser Hampden, having demolished the Spiders 6-4 in a friendly almost exactly 12 months ago.

After that, Celtic to Cork, Lisbon, the north of England and then face Ajax and either Al-Ahli or the hosts at the Como Cup.

So, just how many new signings will the Parkhead masses have the opportunity to cast their gaze at during these fixtures?

Celtic's star attacker set to depart

Both returning hero Kieran Tierney and new third-choice goalkeeper Ross Doohan have already signed for Celtic this summer, with deals for Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren close to being finalised too.

However, due to Celtic’s position in the global football food chain, they’re always in danger of losing a star player, and this summer is no different.

As has been widely reported by Josh McCafferty of the National and elsewhere, RB Leipzig have ‘intensified their interest’ in Nicolas Kühn, who is supposedly available for around £15m.

Well, now, according to Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports News, Como have ‘made an approach’ as they target a move for Kühn.

I Lariani finished tenth in Serie A last season under Cesc Fàbregas, their first top-flight campaign since 2002/03, but are not your ordinary newly-promoted club, given that they are owned by the Djarum Group, making them the wealthiest club in Italy, as noted by James Horncastle of the Athletic.

So, potentially creating a bidding war could be good news for Celtic, as they seek to drive up the price for, what is set to be, one of their biggest sales of all-time.

Regardless, it appears very likely that Kühn will be sold in the coming weeks, so has Rodgers identified a potential replacement?

Who Celtic should sign to replace Kühn

As reported by Glasgow World, Aston Villa are open to selling youngster Louie Barry, to ease their ongoing concerns about breaching the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rules.

Thus, they add that Celtic are ‘weighing up a potential offer’ for the 22-year-old, given their long-standing interest in Barry, who they have been ‘keeping close tabs on’. Previous reports have suggested he could be available in and around the £12m mark.

Barry first made headlines by joining Barcelona’s fabled la Masia academy in 2019, before returning to England a year later, signing for Aston Villa for a reported £880,000.

He’s since been loaned out no less than seven times, making the biggest impression at Stockport County, scoring 24 goals in 43 league appearances for the club, with Sam Byrne of the Manchester Evening News describing his performances for the Hatters as “absolutely electric”, adding he “captured the imagination” of all supporters.

So, let’s assess his senior career statistics so far.

2024/25*

Championship

4

0

0

2024/25*

League One

24

16

3

2023/24

League Two

22

9

4

2022/23**

League Two

21

2

1

2022/23**

League One

32

1

3

2021/22

League Two

16

6

1

*moved to Hull City in January 2025.

**moved to Salford City in January 2023.

As the table outlines, Barry very much burst onto the scene at Stockport this season, scoring 16 goals in just half a campaign, before moving to Hull in the EFL Championship, featuring just four times for the Tigers before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Jack Manship of Total Football Analysis labels him a ‘highly-rated prospect’, while Mick Brown of Football Insider believes that Barry is ready to take the next step in his career and make a permanent move away from Villa.

Barry can be deployed centrally or on either flank, a position that Celtic might have vacancy to fill in the coming weeks, thus making him an ideal replacement for Kuhn.

The young attacker is certainly an extremely talented player, so the Hoops should do all they can to secure his signature, especially if they can do so at a reduced rate, with Villa needing to raise funds and fast.

New Wanyama: Celtic looking to sign "outstanding" £2.5m star after Nygren

As Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his squad, could Celtic sign a “outstanding, box-to-box” midfield star for £3m; he’s the new Victor Wanyama.

Jun 26, 2025

BBC pundit Stewart Downing has suggested that an "amazing" player should join Arsenal for one key reason.

Who will Arsenal sign in January?

After sealing summer deals for club-record signing Declan Rice, defender Jurrien Timber, forward Kai Havertz and goalkeeper David Raya, who all cost north of £200 million in total, it is believed that the Gunners could be busy yet again in January. Indeed, reports in the media have suggested that a new striker could well be in the offing, with the likes of Brentford star Ivan Toney, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez all linked in the last month.

Arsenal have just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to turn to as natural striking options, with Havertz brought in as a sort-of makeshift option from Chelsea in the summer. However, the German has scored just one league goal for Arteta so far. Injuries to both Nketiah or Jesus would arguably spel trouble for Arsenal, prompting some calls for them to sign a centre-forward.

Club legend Emmanuel Petit, speaking before deadline day, even urged them to sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak as an alternative to Jesus and Nketiah.

"Alexander Isak is tall, aggressive and has great technique," Petit said (via The Mirror). "He wants to score every time he gets the ball but he needs to be more precise in his game. Physically and technically, he has a huge presence on the pitch.

"If one day someone can tell me that he plays like Thierry Henry, maybe I will believe them, but for the moment it’s really too soon to say that. He's a good striker and he's someone that Arsenal would be very happy to have because he brings different qualities.

"Jesus and Nketiah play in a similar way, they are different in terms of movement, but physically, technically and in their finishing they are not far apart."

As well as a new striker, Arsenal have been tipped to move for Wolves winger Pedro Neto in 2024.

Arsenal – Ivan Toney update

Speaking on the future of Toney, who has been centre to claims he's likely to depart Brentford in the new year, BBC pundit Downing has suggested to the broadcaster that he should join Arsenal to get the England international preference over Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.

“When I was at Middlesbrough with Capello and doing alright, he was a fan of how I played,” said Downing to Five Live, as transcribed by HITC.

“He actually made a straight point to me, ‘you need to leave and play for a team that is further up the league. Europa League or Champions League’. I actually laughed at him and thought ‘that’s easier said than done. I am trying. How am I going to get them clubs?’ I know it does play a big part. If Ivan Toney does come back and say he goes to Arsenal, starts playing Champions League, winning the Premier League or threatening every season.

“Then Gareth (Southgate) will be under pressure to start him ahead of Ollie (Watkins). 100% – I am sure Ollie knows that as well. If he continues to score goals and gets Villa into them Champions League or Europa League spots, then he gives himself a hell of a chance.”

Aerial duels

Direct free-kicks

Through balls

Finishing

The future battle between Toney and Watkins will be an interesting one, especially considering Toney should be in top form when he returns from his ban. Called "amazing" by Thomas Frank, the striker netted 20 league goals last season.

Only one of Cricket South Africa’s three domestic sponsors remain in place ahead of the 2018-19 season, in which there could be no corporate backing for either the franchise first-class competition or the 20-over tournament. Only the 50-over format continues to be sponsored, by the financial services company Momentum.Sunfoil, the sponsors of Test cricket and both the franchise four-day and provincial three-day competitions, opted not to renew its deal with CSA at the end of the 2017-18 summer, ending a relationship which lasted seven years. ESPNcricinfo understands that the company would prefer to use its marketing budget differently. A CSA spokesperson said the organisation is at “at a more advanced stage in negotiations with a replacement and are confident we will be able to conclude the arrangement soon”.In the shortest, and most troubled format, for CSA, courier company RAM have decided not to back the T20 Challenge. RAM re-signed for the 2017-18 season, when the tournament replaced the postponed Global League T20 (GLT20), after also pulling out of a deal with CSA in 2016. For the 2018-19 summer, the competition has no sponsor and, given its timing and the uncertainty over whether another 20-over competition will also take place in South Africa, it is difficult to see how it could attract a backer.The franchise T20 tournament will be played from the April 5 to May 5, 2019, which is particularly late in the South African season. It will also clash with the IPL, meaning big-name South African players who are contracted to the Indian competition are unlikely to be able to play for their domestic franchises. Moreover, if a replacement for the GLT20 takes place, this competition will be an afterthought that could become defunct in years to come.The rest of the domestic season takes its usual form, and starts with the first-class competition in the last week in September. All six franchises will play each other, home and away. The one-day cup will be played between February 8 and April 1, with the semi-finals and final set to feature international caps. The knockouts will be played after the white-ball leg of Sri Lanka’s tour to South Africa, so the national players should be free to participate in the franchise fixtures and thereby have further preparation for the 2019 World Cup.