Arsenal have a massive season ahead of them.

After all, they finished second in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce last season, and there is only so much time Mikel Arteta will have to bring the glory days back to the Emirates.

The good news is that the board seem intent on giving him all the help they can in the transfer window this summer, with a host of brilliant players already touted for a move to N5, like Eberechi Eze.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal are now closing in on a deal to sign an international star who would be an even more exciting addition to the team than the Englishman.

Arsenal move to sign a new goalscorer

It was last week that stories linking Arsenal to Eze began to appear, but it was over the weekend that things supposedly accelerated in a meaningful way.

Transfer Focus

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

According to reports from Monday, the Gunners had held talks with the Crystal Palace star’s camp, and, according to Fabrizio Romano, he’s now more than open to a move to the Emirates.

The 27-year-old has a release clause in his current deal widely reported to be worth around £68m, but even at that price, he could still be worth going all out for.

Yet, it appears as if the North Londoners are now making serious progress in their attempts to sign someone who’d be an even more exciting addition: Viktor Gyokeres.

According to a recent report from Belgium, Arsenal are now in “advanced talks” with Sporting CP over the Swedish international, and feel like they are near the “final line” of the deal.

Moreover, it has been revealed that the club and player have already agreed personal terms.

A potential price is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this week claimed that a fee in the region of £69m could be enough to seal the deal.

It’s a lot of money to spend on one player, but given Gyokeres’ recent record, it could prove to be more than worth it, and he could end up being a far more exciting signing than Eze.

Why Gyokeres would be more exciting than Eze

While there are so many different things to enjoy in football, from a well-timed tackle to a wonderful ball over the top, there is one thing that excites fans more than anything else: goals.

When it really comes down to it, what supporters want to see above all else is their team putting the ball in the back of the net, and when it comes to that, there seem to be few, if any, better than Gyokeres.

It’s this reason why his arrival would be more thrilling than Eze’s, as he’s been a lean, mean goalscoring machine over the last two years.

Appearances

50

52

Minutes

4169′

4248′

Goals

43

54

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87′

63.40′

For example, in his first campaign with Sporting, the “ball-striking monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances, totalling 4169 minutes, which comes out to an average of 1.16 goal involvements every game, or one every 71.87 minutes.

Then, somehow, he managed to do even better last season, scoring 54 goals and providing 13 assists in 52 appearances, totalling 4248 minutes, which comes out to a simply sensational average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes.

In contrast, Eze has scored 48 goals and provided 28 assists in the 167 appearances he’s made for Crystal Palace since joining them in 2020.

Ultimately, it is a little simplistic, but sometimes football can be an extraordinarily simple game, and based on the sheer weight of goals he’s scored in recent seasons, we can’t imagine many, if any, players being a more exciting signing for Arsenal than Gyokeres would be.

£60m Madueke upgrade: Arsenal eyeing "one of the fastest players in the PL"

Arsenal could sign a winger who’s one of the fastest players in the Premier League.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2025

Leeds United are now close to signing a 26-year-old international from the same club as their earlier move for Lukas Nmecha.

Like any Championship team promoted to the Premier League, Leeds are desperately seeking ways to improve their squad options ahead of the 2025/26 season getting underway. The Whites have already made two additions in the form of Lukas Nmecha, who joins on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, and Jaka Bijol, who has joined from Serie A side Udinese.

A Bijol repeat: Leeds make one of the "best in the world" a priority target

Leeds United could soon seal another fantastic defensive deal by landing this cut-price star.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 30, 2025

The Yorkshire side have no desire to stop there, with journalist Pete O’Rourke reporting over the weekend that Leeds are preparing a bid worth £12 million to sign Himad Abdelli from Angers. Leeds are in the market for new options in the midfield area, and Daniel Farke is personally a big fan of Abdelli.

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, Leeds are also in talks to sign defender Igor Julio from Brighton & Hove Albion. The defender looks set to leave the Seagulls this summer, as a number of English teams circle with interest.

Leeds close to signing Belgium international Bornauw

The Whites are keeping their options open when it comes to signing another new defender, and according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are close to signing Sebastiaan Bornauw from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

The report states that Leeds have agreed to pay an initial €6 million, which is roughly £5 million, and are ready to offer the defender a four-year contract at Elland Road. It goes on to add that Bornauw is set to undergo his medical at Thorp Arch on Monday.

The 26-year-old, who has won four caps for Belgium, has entered the final year of his contract at Wolfsburg, leaving them little choice but to cash in to avoid him following Nmecha in a free transfer a year later.

Bornauw played just 15 times in the Bundesliga last season, as several injuries caused him to miss large parts of the campaign.

Apps

15

Starts

8

Goals

2

Assists

1

Clean sheets

1

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

0.6

Balls recovered per game

1.9

Clearances per game

2.4

His arrival at Elland Road will see him be the second defender to join the Whites this summer after the signing of Bijol.

Max Wober is now likely to leave, as he spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach, and is now well down the pecking order following an injury-hit campaign.

Everton head into the 2025/26 campaign full of optimism after a solid second half of last term under David Moyes.

The Toffees move into their new stadium and hopes will be high that progress can be made on the field.

In order to move the club up the Premier League table next term, Moyes must spend money this summer; that much is certain.

With Profit and Sustainability regulations to abide by, the manager must balance his ins and outs strategically, which could make business more difficult.

One player who won’t be at the club next year is midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, who departs at the end of his contract.

Could the Merseyside outfit be eyeing a replacement?

Everton transfer news

According to GIVEMESPORT, Everton are just one of the clubs showing interest in Valentin Atangana this summer.

The Reims starlet is also being tracked by Leeds United. West Ham United, Burnley, and Crystal Palace are also among the potential suitors for the midfielder.

Due to Reims suffering relegation from Ligue 1 at the end of last term, Atangana could be available for a fee in the region of just £9m.

Given the fact Moyes might not have a financial war chest at his disposal, this sort of deal could see the club land a perfect replacement for Doucoure for a decent transfer fee.

Why Everton must sign Valentin Atangana

Doucoure spent five years at Goodison Park, making over 150 appearances for the club, contributing 35 goal involvements during that time.

At 32, he is past his peak, and freeing up his wages could give Moyes some flexibility in the transfer market this summer.

Abdoulaye Doucoure’s Everton statistics
Season	Games	Goals	Assists
2024/25	36	4	2
2023/24	35	7	3
2022/23	27	5	2
2021/22	34	2	4
2020/21	34	3	3
Via Transfermarkt

Last season, Atangana played 41 matches for Reims, although he couldn’t save the famous club from suffering relegation to the second tier.

Despite his tender years, the teenager shone over a range of metrics last season. Indeed, when compared to his peers in Ligue 1, the Frenchman ranked in the top 2% for percentage of dribblers tackled (73.7%) per 90, while also ranking in the top 10% for touches in the defensive third (3.63) and in the top 8% for aerials won (1.48) per 90.

It is evident based on these statistics that the midfielder offers excellent defensive support in the heart of the pitch, something which Everton have been missing of late.

U23 scout Antonio Mango hailed the teen sensation a few weeks ago, saying: “Defensive midfielder – Box-to-box style, great anticipation and technical ability to initiate attacks. He allows others to express themselves.”

By signing Atangana, Moyes will have someone who is able to prevent attacks and allow more creative players to thrive in the final third, knowing he is there to protect.

For just £9m, it could well be a shrewd move by the Toffees, although they will have to act swiftly to fend off the competition, and a perfect replacement for Doucoure in the middle of the park.

The next few weeks could be interesting indeed, that’s for sure.

Everton's new Richarlison: TFG line up move to sign "clinical" £17m CF

Everton are in the market for a centre-forward this summer, and they could find their next Richarlison.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 21, 2025

Manchester United desperately needed to hit the rebuild button this summer after a catastrophic 2024/25 season.

Indeed, the stale Red Devils slumped to a horrendous 15th place in the Premier League come the end of the 38-game slog, on top of also failing to secure a last-minute spot in Europe by coming up short in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

Therefore, this summer does feel as if it’s make-or-break territory for Ruben Amorim in the constantly pressurised Red Devils hot-seat, with the Portuguese manager aiming to not sink under all the strain by landing some top talents to help his underperforming team push on next season.

Man Utd in talks to land £51m midfielder

Matheus Cunha has already joined the building, with Bryan Mbeumo looking likely to be the next high-profile capture.

Cunha’s capture certainly caught the eye, but Mbeumo would no doubt be the biggest statement here, considering he scored 20 goals last season for Brentford.

Yet, as far as rumours go, another excellent addition might soon be entering the developing United camp in the midfield areas.

Indeed, according to reports in Italy, United and Atalanta are currently locked in negotiations over the Red Devils landing Ederson from the Serie A titans.

It’s stated that Amorim and Co. were interested in the energetic Brazilian last summer when offering up a fee around £42m, but Atalanta were looking for an offer nearer to the £51m region to consider parting ways.

Now, they could make this move a reality as talks continue, with it also being rumoured earlier in the hectic transfer window that Liverpool were intrigued by the possibility of landing the 25-year-old to bolster their own midfield department.

The Premier League strugglers aren’t blessed with depth in the middle of the park either, with both Christian Eriksen and Casemiro 33 years of age, meaning a new, fresh addition centrally would definitely boost Amorim’s side, away from just the high-profile addition of Cunha.

How Ederson can be United's new McTominay

Sealing a move for Ederson could mean United can finally get over the sad exit of Scott McTominay, with the lively South American a similar style of performer to the departed Scotsman, having also set Serie A alight with many standout performances.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Nobody would have anticipated the sharp rise McTominay would undergo when swapping his boyhood club for Antonio Conte’s Napoli last summer.

Indeed, just a season into his stay in Naples, the 61-time Scotland international steered Conte’s men to a triumphant Serie A title success.

He scored a sublime 12 goals and posted six assists in league action. Amazingly, he had only amassed seven more goals than this stunning amount when regularly plying his trade in the Premier League, even from a far greater tally of 178 clashes.

Ederson didn’t quite have a similarly impactful season for The Black and Blues, but he has shown over three seasons now in Bergamo a hunger to be involved in all phases of play, just like McTominay.

From 139 games and counting in the heart of the Atalanta midfield, the £51m “machine” – as he’s been labelled in the past by journalist Carlo Garganese – has collected 13 goals and four assists, with his relentless desire to get stuck in for his team’s cause also baring clear similarities to the ex-United academy product.

Ederson’s Serie A numbers (24/25)

Stat (* = per game)

Ederson

Games played

37

Goals scored

4

Assists

1

Touches*

65.9

Accurate passes*

45.5 (87%)

Key passes*

1.1

Big chances created

6

Ball recoveries*

5.0

Total duels won*

4.9

Stats by Sofascore

Glancing at the table above, Ederson actually beats McTominay when it comes to accurate passes per league clash in Serie A at 45.5 per clash compared to the Scotsman’s lesser 22.7, before you even begin to consider the Brazilian’s aggressiveness means he trumps McTominay’s ball recovery numbers too at five per match, next to his counterpart’s lower 4.2

Further heralded as “strong” by football journalist Tim Vickery in what he can offer in the midfield spots, this feels like it could be a golden capture on United’s end as they hunt down a similar star to McTominay.

United will have to hit the ground running next season to silence their loud naysayers, and with Ederson’s potential arrival onto the scene, Amorim’s options continue to look stronger and stronger all across the pitch.

Related Man Utd now negotiating "complex" big-money transfer to sell £200k-p/w star

He wants to leave.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jun 28, 2025

Nottingham Forest are now willing to make a £21m bid for a “superb” midfielder, which would be enough to get a deal over the line, according to a report.

Forest eyeing new signings amid Elanga uncertainty

After making an unexpected push for the Champions League places last season, there was also going to be interest in some of Forest’s best-performing players this summer, and the future of Anthony Elanga remains very much up in the air.

Newcastle United, who pipped the Tricky Trees to a fifth-place finish, are now thought to be closing in on a move for Elanga, which would be a major blow, given that the Sweden international amassed 17 Premier League goal contributions in the 2024-25 campaign.

As such, Nuno has been running the rule over potential replacements for the winger, with FC Porto’s Pepe believed to be of interest, having held talks over a deal for the 28-year-old, while Juventus’ Timothy Weah has turned down a move to the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest set to make £20m+ move for EURO 2024 Golden Boot winner

Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign a promising young striker.

By
Brett Worthington

Jun 30, 2025

Having missed out on Weah, Nottingham Forest have now turned their attentions to another Serie A player, with a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) revealing they are now willing to make a €25m (£21m) offer for AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah.

Musah is described as being one of the key candidates to leave Milan, with the Italian club looking to raise funds for their own transfer business, and a move to the City Ground could be on the cards, as there is a belief he could shine in the Premier League.

Milan would be likely to accept a £21m offer, but there is set to be competition for the central midfielder’s signature, with Wolverhampton Wanderers also willing to make a bid of the same value.

"Superb" Musah could flourish at Forest

Despite being just 22-years-old, the maestro already has plenty of experience in some major European leagues, making 108 appearances with Valencia, before going on to receive regular game time with current club AC Milan.

During that time, the USA international has displayed his versatility, predominantly featuring in central midfield, but also playing on both wings, perhaps due to his stellar dribbling ability, ranking in the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year.

Scout Jacek Kulig also lauded the American for his “superb” performances at the 2022 World Cup, showcasing his ability to perform at the top level, which could make the Milan ace a solid signing for a Forest side with aspirations of competing in Europe.

Nuno’s side should be wary of Wolves’ interest, but Europa Conference League football being on offer at the City Ground next season could give them an edge in negotiations for Musah.

Chelsea know exactly what they need to do to secure qualification for the knockout stages of the Club World Cup.

A win and a defeat in their first two games means the Blues must defeat African side ES Tunis in their final group stage match.

With around $125m awaiting the winner of the competition, Enzo Maresca won’t be settling for an early exit. That much is certain.

Several players have impressed stateside for the Stamford Bridge outfit across their opening two matches.

Liam Delap recorded an assist on his debut against LAFC last week, delivering an inch-perfect cross into the path of Enzo Fernández, who slotted home the club’s second goal.

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ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025

Elsewhere, Pedro Neto is enjoying a stunning tournament so far. Not only has the Portuguese winger scored in both games thus far, but he has also succeeded with four dribbles per game, and has created two big chances while averaging 2.5 key passes per match.

If he can deliver another wonderful display on Wednesday, the Blues will seal a place in the last 16 without much fuss.

Not everyone has shone in America, however, with Nicolas Jackson enduring a tournament to forget so far.

Why Nicolas Jackson's future is uncertain at Chelsea

Jackson was chosen by Maresca to start the first match against LAFC, where he did manage to grab an assist and make three key passes, although the striker did miss a big chance, something he’s become famed for since moving to London.

It was a solid, if unspectacular, start to the Club World Cup, but Liam Delap’s impressive cameo in the same game meant he would be tasked with leading the line from the start against Flamengo.

The Englishman performed admirably, but was substituted off with just under 30 minutes left, replaced by Jackson.

The former Villarreal star didn’t have long to make an impression, but just four minutes after coming on, he committed a dreadful challenge on Lucas Ayrton, which saw him receive a straight red card.

He can have no complaints, especially given the studs-up nature of the challenge. Jackson will now miss the final group stage match for the Blues.

Goals

10

Assists

5

Shots per game

2.5

Goal conversion percentage

13%

Key passes per game

0.9

Big chances missed

19

Both Juventus and Napoli have reportedly shown interest in signing the Blues centre-forward this summer amid his poor displays and now recent sending-off.

However, an update from Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol quashed the rumours of a potential departure, stating that “Chelsea are planning to have at least two frontline strikers in their squad next season which means Nicolas Jackson is not for sale at the moment.”

It appears as though Jackson will still be a player that Maresca needs in his squad next season, but things have to change if he wishes to contribute effectively.

Could signing a new attacking midfielder perhaps help in this regard?

Chelsea target move for Bundesliga sensation

Maresca has been searching for a new winger over the previous few weeks and players such as Mohammed Kudus, Tyler Dibling and Jamie Gittens are among the main targets.

Transfer Focus

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

There are other positions which need bolstering too, including the defence and midfield. This has led Maresca to search far and wide for potential new signings.

One player who is on their radar is RB Leipzig starlet Xavi Simons. That is according to football.london, who also state that the likes of Joao Pedro, Kudus and Ekitike are those on the club’s wish list this summer.

No transfer fee has been mentioned regarding a move for the Dutchman, but considering he has a contract until 2027 with the club and is valued at €70m (£60m) by Transfermarkt, the Blues could be forced to splash the cash.

This is, of course, nothing new to the Blues, and if Simons does make the move to London, he could be the man to revive Jackson. That’s for sure.

Why Xavi Simons could revive Nicolas Jackson

Last season for Leipzig, Simons demonstrated why, in the words of one data analyst, he is “one of the best 10s in the world,” not only scoring 11 goals, but also registering eight assists in all competitions.

In the Bundesliga, the Dutch starlet created 12 big chances while also averaging two key passes per game and these sorts of numbers could be music to Jackson’s ears.

If deployed directly behind the Senegal international, Simons would surely create chance upon chance for the player, hopefully helping him hit that magic 20-goal-a-season mark next term.

Furthermore, he displayed his creative abilities in the Champions League last season. When compared to his peers in the competition, Simons ranked highly on a range of metrics.

Indeed, he ranked in the top 9% for successful ons (1.88) per 90, in the top 2% for shot-creating actions (5.91) and also in the top 89% for progressive carries (3.22) per 90 in the competition.

Yet more evidence of how Simons could revive Jackson. He can beat his man consistently while bringing the ball into the final third with ease.

All Jackson has to do is get into the correct positions, and he will have a plethora of chances to score next term.

Further hailed by journalist Alex Barker as “one of the best youngsters in Europe” towards the end of the 2022/23 campaign, it won’t be long before he hits the very top and he could do just that at Stamford Bridge.

Will Chelsea ramp up their interest in the player as the transfer window goes on? While a winger remains the priority for Maresca, signing someone like Simons is a must.

Jackson could turn into a new man next season by having Simons operating just behind him. As evidenced, the Dutchman can generate chances galore and regularly bursts into the opposition penalty box.

Better signing than Ekitike: Chelsea ready to launch bid for "elite" star

Chelsea must try and get this fantastic deal over the line.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 22, 2025

Colin Ingram became the first batter this summer to reach 1,000 first-class runs as he plundered his fifth century of the season, and his highest score, to put Glamorgan into a commanding position at the end of the second day against Leicestershire as they led by 180 runs.It was the first time the South African had reached 1,000 first-class runs in a season and after more than six hours of batting he passed his highest score of 190. It had taken him a mere 13 innings to crack the 1,000 runs mark – the quickest by a Glamorgan batter since Majid Khan in 1972.Shortly afterwards, he celebrated reaching his double-hundred with a leap in the air as he took a single off the spin bowling of Louis Kimber in the 118th over. He had received 312 balls and hit 23 fours and one six.He eventually batted through the day to remain 205 not out and ensure the Welsh county picked up three batting points. On one of the nicer days of the summer at Sophia Gardens, he made hay to add to his previous Championship hundreds this year against Middlesex (132 not out), Yorkshire (113), Sussex (170) and Middlesex again (105).Leicestershire seamer Ian Holland was the most successful bowler on both the day and in the innings, as he ended with 4 for 88 from his 25 overs. Rehan Ahmed picked up two wickets.The South African resumed on 63 and helped Kiran Carlson take the overnight score of 114 for 2 up to 201 for 3 in a stand of 174 for the third wicket. Carlson reached his half-century in the sixth over of the morning and then punched England all-rounder Ahmed to the boundary to bring up the 150 partnership in the 47th over.Not to be outdone, Ingram hit Ahmed back over his head for six two balls later. Ingram’s century arrived three overs later (150 balls, 15 fours, 1 six) and it was another Ingram boundary that took Glamorgan past 200 runs a few overs later.Carlson departed in the 55th over thanks to a classy piece of glove work by Peter Handscomb as he stumped him off the bowling of Ahmed. Holland then returned to the attack after lunch to pick up two more wickets as he removed Chris Cooke (47) and Dan Douthwaite (7). His dismissal of Douthwaite at least brought up a second bowling point, but it was a real slog all day on a hybrid pitch that offered little or nothing to the bowlers.Earlier on, Ahmed trapped Billy Root (6) lbw. None of this deterred Ingram, who kept grinding out the runs. His 150 came up in the 82nd over with a tickle to leg and by tea he had steered his side to 318 for 5 at tea.He put on 86 for the fifth wicket with Cooke and then 39 with Timm van der Gugten for the seventh. Van der Gugten became Tom Scriven’s first victim in his 20th over when he was trapped lbw.That made it 370 for 7 and he partnered with Mason Crane to safely steer Glamorgan past the 400 mark in the 114th over of a slow paced innings that saw the home side score 87 in the morning session, 117 in the afternoon and then 113 after tea.

The pitch for the India vs Pakistan game, where India won by six runs after scoring just 119, has been rated “satisfactory”

Shashank Kishore20-Aug-20242:03

Flower on New York pitch: “Bordering on dangerous”

The pitches for the first two matches at New York’s Nassau County Stadium – a modular venue that no longer exists – during the men’s T20 World Cup 2024, as well as the one for the semi-final between Afghanistan and South Africa at the Brian Lara Academy in Tarouba, have been rated “unsatisfactory” by the ICC.The verdict comes nearly two months after the tournament, which India won by beating South Africa in the final.In those two games in New York, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 77 against South Africa and Ireland were shot out for 96 by India two days later.Related

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'That's not the pitch you want to have a World Cup semi-final on'

ICC working to improve quality of pitches at New York venue

In the India-Ireland game, a number of players copped body blows due to uneven bounce. Rohit Sharma had to retire hurt after being hit on the upper arm by Josh Little. Rishabh Pant, too, was struck on the body by Little, while Ireland’s Harry Tector was struck on the finger by a short ball from Jasprit Bumrah.At the time, Andy Flower, the former Zimbabwe captain, had said the pitch in New York was “bordering on dangerous”, while former England captain Michael Vaughan called it “shocking”.The modular venue was readied in five months with Damian Hough, the Adelaide Oval chief curator, brought in by the ICC to prepare the drop-in pitches. But after criticism from various quarters, the ICC had acknowledged that the pitches there had been substandard and the short turnaround time between matches – New York hosted eight games in two weeks – didn’t help.4:14

Moody, Flower on Tarouba pitch: “Not good enough”

Remedial work was carried out, and ahead of the following game, between Canada and Ireland, areas where grass shoots were growing under the cracks were covered with topsoil and rolled in to make the surface much flatter. The surfaces used for the subsequent fixtures in New York, including India vs Pakistan, where 119 beat 113 for 7, have been rated as “satisfactory”.But the bigger point of scrutiny, perhaps more than New York, was on the surface for the semi-final, where Afghanistan were bowled out for 56. Some deliveries rolled along the ground, while a few reared up from a similar spot. At the time, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott was clear “that’s not a pitch you want to play a semi-final on”.In general, surfaces at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy were challenging. West Indies, who scored 149 there and defended it narrowly against New Zealand, were tottering at 30 for 5 at one stage.The ICC rates pitches, and outfields, for all international games on a scale of very good to unfit: very good, good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory and unfit. The surface at Providence for the India vs England semi-final was rated “satisfactory”, while the Kensington Oval deck for the final between India and South Africa was rated “very good”.The ICC was largely happy with the state of the outfields, with only New York and Guyana receiving “satisfactory” ratings, while the others were “very good”.

Tottenham have a potentially golden opportunity to sign another player after sealing a marquee deal for Mohammed Kudus, and amid the drama surrounding their Morgan Gibbs-White move, with chairman Daniel Levy thought to be prioritising a couple of more areas to reinforce.

Related £100k-a-week Tottenham star now wants to join elite manager at another club

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 11, 2025

Spurs announced the signing of Kudus in a £55 million deal from West Ham late last night, ending the 14-year-long wait for a transfer between the clubs, and the Ghanaian cannot wait to get started.

“It feels great to be here, I’m very happy and can’t wait to start,” he said in an interview with the club’s official channels.

“I’m a very direct winger, strong, very good in taking players on and creating chances, so there is a lot of flair in my game.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“I like to entertain the fans as well. That’s what football is about – it’s putting a memory in the heads of the fans that they have when they go back home, and after the money they’ve spent to buy a ticket. Although there is also a lot of seriousness and competitiveness in the game, I still think it’s a sport I try to enjoy as much as I can and give the fans something to enjoy too. I hope fans are going to really enjoy what I’m going to bring to the team here.”

Kudus was set to be followed by Gibbs-White, following a round of quick-fire talks which accelerated in absolutely rapid fashion.

Surprise reports emerged on Thursday that the Lilywhites were suddenly in advanced negotiations for the England international right after Kudus, and it didn’t take long for Levy to make significant progress, with Spurs prepared to pay his £60 million release clause.

Tottenham were thought to be closing in on a sensational double deal worth £115 million after developments in the last 24 hours, with Levy making a serious statement whilst backing new manager Thomas Frank to the hilt.

However, after a stunning twist, Nottingham Forest are now ready to take legal action against Tottenham after alleged illegal conduct over the England international’s transfer – with the deal considered to be off, at least for now.

Forest are likely unable to put a complete halt to the signing (Rob Dorsett), but it’s now been significantly delayed.

Elsewhere, Spurs are planning to strengthen other areas of midfield, and they have their eyes on an intriguing option.

Douglas Luiz "very keen" to join Tottenham as Juventus green-light exit

According to journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, £138,000-per-week Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz is being actively targeted by Spurs, following the Old Lady’s decision to green-light his exit this summer.

The Brazil international has found life difficult in Turin since his switch from Aston Villa last year, and he’s believed to be eyeing a return to the Premier League already, specifically to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Luiz is apparently “very keen” to join Tottenham and his representatives are pushing to get him that desired move, coming after Spurs allegedly held talks with them recently.

However, the former Man City man is just one of a few midfield targets being considered, as Levy apparently wants to sign a holding midfielder and new number six after their ambitious deals for Kudus and Gibbs-White.

The 27-year-old suffered from both injury problems and a subsequent lack of game time under Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor last term, but his final season at Villa Park demonstrates that he’s capable of seriously strengthening Frank’s options.

Luiz bagged 10 goals and 10 assists in 53 total appearances for Unai Emery’s side across 2023/2024, with the South American potentially coming as a dynamic replacement for Yves Bissouma in midfield, who’s attracting reported interest from Fenerbahce.

As Bayern Munich step up their pursuit of Luis Diaz, Liverpool are now at risk of losing another star man amid reports that one European club are now readying an improved offer for his signature.

Bayern Munich submit opening offer to sign Diaz

With just two years remaining on his current deal, Diaz’s immediate Anfield future has been thrown into doubt courtesy of interest from Bayern Munich. The German giants have reportedly submitted an offer worth just £45m to sign the South American and have unsurprisingly been told that the winger is not for sale, especially at that price.

Given that Diaz, himself, is reportedly keen on the move though, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Liverpool’s stance changes in the coming weeks. If it does, then the Reds could reportedly demand around €80m (£69m) to sanction the Colombian’s exit ahead of next season.

It’s a transfer saga which could force Liverpool back to the market for incomings in unexpected fashion. Just who they would turn to as a replacement for Diaz is the unanswered question, however.

Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon reportedly remains a target following long-standing interest and the Magpies’ decision to sign Anthony Elanga may at least leave the door ajar for the Reds to make their move for the Liverpool-born winger.

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Meanwhile, as interest in Diaz begins to steal the headlines, the exit door could also be about to open for another Anfield star in the coming weeks.

Napoli readying fresh £48m Nunez bid

According to Caught Offside, Napoli are now readying a fresh offer to sign Darwin Nunez from Liverpool this summer. The Italian giants have already reportedly agreed personal terms with the Uruguay international and are now preparing a bid worth more than €55m (£48m) to secure his arrival ahead of next season.

Like Diaz, however, Liverpool value Nunez at more than £48m this summer. In fact, reports are suggesting that the Premier League champions could demand as much as €70m (£61m) to sanction the South American’s exit. Whether Napoli agree with that hefty valuation remains to be seen.

Whilst there’s no denying that Nunez’s Anfield spell hasn’t gone the way anyone would have wanted, the forward has still had some important moments, with late goals against Brentford and Nottingham Forest particularly standing out.

Ultimately, however, a departure is best for all parties as the Red continue to chase a deal for Hugo Ekitike and, therefore, an instant upgrade on their struggling forward.

Appearances

143

Goals

40

Assists

26

Once dubbed “wonderful” by former manager Jurgen Klopp, Nunez now seems destined to leave Liverpool after just three seasons at the club.