Arsenal could now “close the deal” to sign a “world-class” player in less than two days, should they be willing to submit a £51m offer, according to reporter Buchi Laba.

Gunners' striker search rumbles on

The Gunners have certainly been busy in the early stages of the summer transfer window, having agreed deals for Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga, but they are still yet to get a new striker through the door.

Troy Deeney has been left particularly bemused by the length of time it has taken to bring in a new centre-forward, with the former Watford man saying: “It just seems that Arsenal are dragging their feet a little bit in terms of getting the striker,”

“It’s been a talking point since they basically bottled it in January with going to get that last little bit, get it over the line.”

Deeney also outlines the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Oliver Watkins, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres as potential options for the north Londoners, and there has now been an intriguing update regarding their interest in the latter player.

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Taking to X, Laba said: “Sporting Lisbon will easily do a deal for any club offering €60m in total for Gyokeres. Right now none of the clubs interested are willing to pay that. Right now there’s nothing even concrete. – Gyokeres going on strike because that’s not the verbal understanding he had with the president last season.

“As of today, Arsenal have not made any bid for him but Berta has all the information about him. If Arsenal wants Gyokeres. They will close the deal in less than 2 days.”

With a bid of €60m (£51m) reportedly enough to get a deal over the line, the Sweden international could be a relatively affordable option for the Gunners, when compared to some of their other targets, although he is not the cheapest option on the shortlist.

Target

Current club

Price tag

Victor Osimhen

Napoli

£63m

Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa

£40m

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

£70m

"World-class" Gyokeres could be ideal signing for Arsenal

It is no secret that Gyokeres has a remarkable eye for goal, placing second in the European Golden Shoe rankings, behind only Kylian Mbappe, courtesy of a phenomenal campaign in front of goal for Sporting CP.

The 27-year-old, who has been lauded as “world-class” by members of the media, bagged 39 goals and eight assists for Sporting in the league alone last season, showcasing that he could now be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League.

While it will be difficult to replicate those numbers in England, Gyokeres could be Arsenal’s best bet, given that Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is seemingly unavailable, with Mikel Arteta in dire need of a new striker.

Kai Havertz, who missed large parts of the season through injury, finished as Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League last season, courtesy of netting just nine goals, indicating some extra attacking firepower is needed if they are to compete for the title.

Manchester United will be adding further signings to their attacking arsenal before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September, after they agreed a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Man Utd in talks to sign Premier League attacker

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg recently claimed that the Red Devils are in talks with Brentford over a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their attack.

The reporter claimed that the club already have a “verbal agreement” in place with the 25-year-old wing wizard, but that they are also facing competition from Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs recently confirmed the appointment of Thomas Frank, who managed Mbeumo with the Bees, and they are hoping that he can convince the forward to make the switch to North London.

The Cameroon international played in an inside right position for Brentford in the 2024/25 campaign and could compete for one of the two number ten positions in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system alongside Cunha.

Mbeumo delivered 20 goals and seven assists in the Premier League for the Bees, which shows that he has the quality to hit the ground running at Old Trafford, and could provide the team with a boost offensively.

United would not be done there, though, as the Red Devils are also looking to sign a new centre-forward on top of Cunha and possibly Mbeumo.

Man Utd remain keen on Amorim favourite

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have been making calls in recent weeks in an attempt to sign Sporting number nine Viktor Gyokeres.

The reporter claims, however, that it is going to be a difficult deal for the Red Devils to get over the line because the Sweden international’s priority is to secure a transfer to Arsenal.

Romano states that the Gunners are currently assessing their options, as they look to sign a new striker, and adds that RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko is also on their radar.

This means that Gyokeres signing for Arsenal is far from guaranteed, as it remains to be seen what they are going to do in that position, which means that the door is still slightly ajar for United.

In fact, Romano claims that the Red Devils “remain keen” on the former Coventry City centre-forward, despite their belief that a move is unlikely at this stage, due to his preference to sign for the Gunners.

In April, football statistician Spencer Mossman described him as a “lethal” striker who is possibly “the best finisher in the world”, which highlights the kind of quality United could get if they land a deal for the Swedish star.

As you can see in the table above, Gyokeres certainly has the potential to be the best finisher in the Premier League next season, as he outperformed his xG by more than any player in the English top-flight did.

The Sweden international, who also scored ten more league goals than any other player in England’s top tier, was on fire for Sporting in the 2024/25 campaign and could, therefore, be a fantastic signing for United if they can turn the odds around and beat Arsenal to his signature.

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South Africa bring in uncapped Migael Pretorius in his place for the two-Test series

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jul-2024Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of South Africa’s upcoming Test series against West Indies because of a side strain, which he picked up during the USA’s T20 franchise league, Major League Cricket (MLC). Migael Pretorius, uncapped at Test level but with the experience of 64 first-class games to his credit, comes in as Coetzee’s replacement.Coetzee, playing for Texas Super Kings, returned home to undergo assessments on his injured left side by South Africa’s medical team. Cricket South Africa confirmed on Thursday that he was not passed fit to play the Test series, which begins on August 7.Pretorius was last named in a South Africa squad in March 2021, for a T20I series against Pakistan, but he didn’t get a cap. He also got a national call-up in December 2020 for a Test series in Sri Lanka, but then injured his shoulder and could not debut.In 64 first-class games, Pretorius, 29, has 188 wickets at 27.50. He is currently the leading wicket-taker for Somerset in this season’s English County Championship, with 23 wickets, albeit at an average of 39.43.South Africa kick off the Test series in Port-of-Spain, before moving to Providence for the second Test. Three T20Is follow, from August 24 to 28.Updated South Africa Test squadTemba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne, Migael Pretorius.

وجه لاعب نادي ليفربول، صدمة لزميله في الفريق محمد صلاح اليوم الأحد، واختار مرشحه للفوز بالكرة الذهبية عن 2025.

محمد صلاح يعد بين المرشحين للفوز بجائزة الكرة الذهبية، وذلك عقب الموسم الرائع الذي قدمه مع ليفربول والذي انتهى بالمساهمة في تتويج الريدز بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

اقرأ أيضًا.. “مثير للاهتمام”.. لاوتارو مارتينيز يرشح محمد صلاح للفوز بالكرة الذهبية 2025

ويرى إبراهيما كوناتي، مدافع ليفربول، أن مواطنه وجناح نادي باريس سان جيرمان، عثمان ديمبلي، هو الأوفر حظًا للفوز بالكرة الذهبية عن العام الحالي بالفعل وليس محمد صلاح.

وفي تصريحات نقلها موقع “توك سبورت”، تم سؤال كوناتي عما إذا كان ديمبلي سيتوج بالكرة الذهبية، والتي سيتم إقامة حفل خاص بها يوم 22 سبتمبر المقبل، حيث رد: ”نعم”.

ثم تم سؤال كوناتي ما إذا كان مقتنعًا بفوز ديمبلي بالكرة الذهبية، حيث رد وأضاف: ”نعم، بالطبع”.

وأخيرًا سئل كوناتي عن احتمالية فوزه بالكرة الذهبية مستقبلًا، ليرد مدافع لايبزيج السابق: ”نعم، نعم، نعم!”.

كوناتي يعتبر مستقبله محل شك مع ليفربول سواء بالاستمرار أو الرحيل، حيث لم يجدد الدولي الفرنسي عقده مع النادي الإنجليزي والذي سوف ينتهي بنهاية الموسم الجاري.

ويراقب نادي ريال مدريد موقف كوناتي، حيث ذكرت تقارير عديدة أن النادي الإسباني يريد ضم اللاعب في نهاية الموسم كوكيل حر.

Deandra Dottin has come out of international retirement, making herself available for West Indies selection once again, nearly two years after a sudden decision to quit while leading Barbados in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.The development is a boost for West Indies ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October this year.”Representing West Indies in international cricket has always been a matter of great pride and passion for me,” Dottin, 33, said in a letter to Cricket West Indies (CWI) that was part of the board’s statement. “After a period of reflection and thoughtful dialogue with various parties within Cricket West Indies, including Cricket West Indies President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, I am pleased to inform you that I am eager to return to the game that I love, and contribute my utmost to the West Indies women’s team across all formats, with immediate effect.”I am confident that my experience, maturity, and skills will add value to the team as it has done in the past, and I am prepared to furnish my best efforts in every match and training session to ensure the team’s winning trajectory in international cricket. Moreover, I am enthusiastic about mentoring younger players and contributing to the overall development of women’s cricket in our region.”Related

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CWI welcomed Dottin’s decision. “Deandra is a player of immense ability and experience,” CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe said. “We are pleased with her decision to return to international cricket and be eligible for selection. There is no doubt that she could add significant value to the West Indies Women’s teams.”When Dottin announced her retirement in August 2022, citing a “non-conducive” environment within the West Indies set-up, she had played 143 ODIs (3727 runs at an average of 30.54) and 127 T20Is (2697 runs). She holds the record for the fastest century in women’s T20Is – a 38-ball hundred against South Africa in the 2010 T20 World Cup. She also has 72 wickets in ODIs and 62 in T20Is.”It has a lot to do with the board, how they handle stuff and how they handle players and how they actually speak to players,” Dottin said in August 2022 about her decision to retire. “Certain people take things different, so it is a lot of work that West Indies Cricket will need to be done and I think they need to do it as fast as possible because it’s not going to end well for West Indies Cricket or cricket in the Caribbean.Dottin was active on the T20 league circuit after her retirement but hasn’t been in competitive action since September 2023. She will captain the Trinbago Knight Riders team in the upcoming women’s Caribbean Premier League, ahead of a West Indies camp in August in the lead up to the T20 World Cup.

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly planning to table an offer for an attacking player who “does everything”, seeing him as a potential alternative to Jamie Vardy.

Rangers linked with stunning Vardy signing

Vardy has been one of the most prominent attacking stars in the Premier League over the past decade, famously starring for Leicester City en route to an unfathomable title triumph in 2015/16.

Now, the 38-year-old is being strongly linked with a summer move to Rangers, having brought to an end a legendary spell at the King Power Stadium at the end of last season, saying goodbye to the fans.

“I’ve had 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, some downs, but the majority all highs. But it’s finally time to call it a day, which I’m devastated about but I think the timing is right. I just want to sincerely thank you all for taking me in as one of your own.”

Recent reports have suggested that the Gers have opened talks with Vardy over a move to Ibrox, seeing him as an ideal option to bring added firepower to Russell Martin’s squad, as the new manager looks to win the Scottish Premiership title at the first attempt.

Given his age, it is understandable why some may have reservations about a move, but there are no great signs of the Englishman slowing down, and he could be an inspired signing for a year or two. It looks like a younger option is being looked at, though, following a new update.

Rangers planning bid for attacker who "does everything"

According to Gol [via The Daily Record], Rangers are planning a bid for Girona striker Bojan Miovski, seemingly seeing him as an option if they miss out on acquiring Vardy’s signature. The 26-year-old is also reportedly wanted by Celtic this summer, so it could be a tug of war between the two biggest clubs in Scottish football.

Miovski could be a great signing for Rangers this summer, even though Vardy is arguably the preferable choice in the sense of high level experience, with the striker 12 years younger than the Leicester icon.

The Gers have felt the wrath of the North Macedonian plenty of times in the past, with Miovski scoring four goals against them in nine appearances, three of which came in six league outings.

Meanwhile, former Rangers attacker Billy Dodds has lauded his ability, saying: “I really like Miovski. How he played against England, you’re stepping up the levels and notching up the standard of football, then seeing him today, seeing him throughout the season. You get some people who don’t join in the game, don’t link up, but score goals. Others you see not scoring goals but they link up. This guy does everything.”

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A return to Scotland may appeal to Miovski, having only netted twice for Girona in 17 La Liga appearances last season, and he stands out as a top-quality option for Rangers alongside Vardy.

Rangers are now believed to have held talks over the signing of a “fantastic” attacking player ahead of next season, in a significant new transfer update.

Rangers chasing exciting signings

Russell Martin will be looking to make a flying start to his spell in charge of the Gers, as they look to wrestle the Scottish Premiership title away from Celtic in 2025/26.

New signings are a must if that is to happen, however, and Rangers continue to be linked with some exciting additions, not least Leicester City icon Jamie Vardy.

The Englishman has played his final game for the Foxes after announcing his decision to leave at the end of last season, and he stands out as an eye-catching option for the Gers, having proven himself at the very highest level over so many years, both in the Premier League and on the international stage with England.

Elsewhere, Rangers are said to be pushing hard to complete the signing of another Leicester player, Conor Coady, while Maccabi Tel Aviv winger Weslley Patati is also seen as a target for Martin’s side.

Rangers hold talks over legendary addition

According to a fresh claim from Football Insider, Rangers have now “held preliminary talks” over the signing of Vardy this summer, with the Scottish giants “accelerating their pursuit” of him.

It is stated that the 38-year-old is the “subject of interest from a number of sides worldwide, including clubs in the United States”, and Martin “feels that the former England international would be a smart signing” for his new club.

At 38, Vardy’s very best days are clearly behind him, but he remains an impressive performer who still possesses plenty of pace and ruthlessness in attacking areas, being hailed as “fantastic” by Claudio Ranieri earlier this year, as well as being lauded by Gary Lineker.

The Leicester legend is one of the best strikers to have ever graced the Premier League, and his passionate style of play, not to mention his ability to wind up opposition players and supporters, could make him an instant hit at Rangers. He holds a net worth of £9m to boot, so if he moved north of the border to play it would be with the intent of winning trophies, not just a final paycheque.

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The Gers may only get a year or two out of Vardy, but if he manages to guide them back to Scottish title glory, he will have done more than enough to justify a short-term stay at Ibrox.

Arsenal look set for a busy summer in the transfer market, with Mikel Arteta looking to go one better in the Premier League after three successive second-place finishes.

To do that, the Gunners may make a number of marquee additions ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with attack a key area of focus for those at the Emirates Stadium.

New sporting director Andrea Berta is tasked with bringing a star striker to north London after injuries left Arteta with a lack of final third options in 24/25.

A number of players have been linked with moves to Arsenal, which has resulted in Grok, the AI tool on X, predicting the Gunners’ summer transfer business.

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It has thrown up some interesting results, with Berta potentially spending just over £250m between now and the September 1 deadline.

AI predicts 5 Arsenal summer signings 1 Martin Zubimendi Real Sociedad (£59m)

It shouldn’t come as a shock that AI have predicted Martin Zubimendi to be one of Arsenal’s first summer signings, as it has been widely reported that the Real Sociedad midfielder is set to swap Spain for England.

The Gunners have been chasing the central midfielder since the start of the year and they regard a transfer as “done and signed”.

There were rumours of Real Madrid coming in to hijack Arsenal’s move, however, it looks a matter of time before Zubimendi’s transfer is announced, with Grok citing a £59m fee.

2 Kepa Arrizabalaga Chelsea (£5m)

Set to follow Zubimendi through the Emirates door this summer is goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, so again, it isn’t a shock that he’s on AI’s Arsenal list.

Still the world’s most expensive goalkeeper after his £70m+ move to Chelsea back in 2018, Arrizabalaga has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and spent the last two seasons out on loan with Real Madrid and Bournemouth.

Arsenal will reportedly pay just £5m to sign the ‘keeper, who will serve as back up to David Raya in north London.

3 Benjamin Sesko RB Leipzig (£70m)

A centre-forward will be at the top of the to-do list for Arsenal after deals for Zubimendi and Kepa, with both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres mooted as targets for the Gunners.

Grok thinks Sesko will be the striker to arrive in north London following transfer talks at a total cost of £70m.

RB Leipzig

87

39

8

RB Salzburg

79

29

11

FC Liefering

44

22

6

Slovenia

41

16

6

AI state that the Slovenian’s ‘physicality, goal-scoring ability and potential to develop into a Haaland-like forward make him a strong fit for Arsenal’s need for a statement striker’.

4 Nico Williams Athletic Club (£50m)

Should Arsenal land someone like Sesko, they could then move to bolstering their options on the wing, and Nico Williams has been a player of interest to Berta and co.

The Athletic Club could be on the move in 2025 and has been linked with going Arsenal. In fact, there were claims saying the Gunners were very close to signing Williams.

Grok says Williams ‘seems more attainable’ than someone like Rodrygo and would offer ‘pace and youth’ and the Emirates, placing a £50m figure on the Spain international.

5 Marc Guehi Crystal Palace (£70m)

The final of Arsenal’s five predicted summer signings come in defence, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi backed to move to the Emirates.

A former Chelsea youngster, Guehi has grown into one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, and although Arsenal have William Saliba and Gabriel, the Gunners could be on the search for more.

There have been suggestions Arsenal are ready to swoop for the England international, and Grok says a deal could be worth up to £70m.

England 189 for 3 (Crawley 76, Pope 57) lead West Indies 121 (Atkinson 7-45) by 68 runsThey came for James Anderson, but they got Gus Atkinson. The first Test of England’s summer at Lord’s was meant to be a farewell for their greatest-ever seam bowler, but West Indies’ batters rolled out the red carpet for a debutant instead: they collapsed from 88 for 3 to 121 all out, with Atkinson taking remarkable figures of 7 for 45.Atkinson took two wickets in his first 14 balls on the first morning, but it was his second spell that sent West Indies into a tailspin. He took three wickets in four balls in his ninth over, ripping the heart out of West Indies’ middle order, then took two in three during his 11th. His figures were the second-best by an England bowler on their Test debut, behind only Dominic Cork.Anderson, playing his 188th and final Test, bowled nine wicketless overs before lunch and was brought back to take the final wicket of the innings, trapping Jayden Seales lbw to a loud ovation from the Lord’s crowd. But it was Atkinson, the Surrey fast bowler, who led England off the field midway through a remarkable first day as a Test cricketer.