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28 wins, 89 points – a record that would have seen Arsenal win the Premier League title in 15 previous seasons, as well as finish joint-top in a further five.

That is a reminder of the levels that Mikel Arteta's side reached in 2023/24, although that remarkable run will count for nothing if it is not built on next term, with quality recruitment needed to help bridge that minute gap with rampant champions, Manchester City.

Talk is already rife that the Gunners have their eyes fixed on a new centre-forward signing in the form of RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, although the Slovenian sensation may not be the only exciting, young attacker to arrive at the Emirates in the near future.

Arsenal in the race for Eredivisie star

According to Het Belang van Limburg – via Sport Witness – the north Londoners and rivals Liverpool are said to be among the clubs who have made an approach for PSV Eindhoven star, Johan Bakayoko, with German giants Bayern Munich also in the mix.

Having previously turned down the likes of Brentford and Burnley last year, the 21-year-old could finally be on his way to England if Arsenal get their way, with the Belgian having caught the eye since making his first-team debut in 2022.

As per the report, there have been claims that the wing wizard could be available for a fee of around €50m (£43m), representing a cheaper alternative to another reported Gunners target, in the form of Crystal Palace's £60m ace, Michael Olise.

How Bakayoko compares to Olise and Saka

The suggestion at present is that Arteta and co are keeping an eye on the in-demand Olise this summer, with the 22-year-old courting attention from a raft of top-flight clubs after contributing 16 goals and assists in just 19 games this season for the Eagles.

If the Emirates outfit do wish to consider a possible rival or alternative to the former Reading man, then they should look no further than Bakayoko, with the PSV dynamo also able to offer that creative, clinical spark from the right flank.

A left-footer like Olise, the youngster is a real "handful for defenders" – in the words of broadcaster Jack Collins – having bettered the Palace man's return with 12 goals and nine assists in the Eredivisie this season.

With 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions in total, the wideman now boasts a haul of 40 goal involvements in just 85 games for his current side – remarkably similar to Olise's 41 goals and assists in 90 games at Selhurst Park.

A worthy option in place of Olise, the suggestion is that Bakayoko could also potentially even threaten Bukayo Saka's regular role on the right flank, with data analyst Ben Mattinson noting that he would represent "genuine competition for Saka" in that wide berth.

Also described as the right-winger with the "profile most similar" to the England international, in the words of Mattinson, Bakayoko compares favourably to Saka with regards to his ball retention, dribbling prowess and ability to beat a man – as indicated below.

Saka vs Bakayoko – last 365 days

Stat (per 90)

Saka

Bakayoko

Non-penalty goals

0.35

0.43

Assists

0.32

0.32

Shot-creating actions

5.52

5.20

Pass completion

75.7%

81.5%

Progressive passes

3.66

3.50

Progressive carries

4.85

7.11

Successful take-ons

1.46

3.29

Touches in attacking penalty area

7.86

6.35

Tackles

2.03

1.19

Interceptions

0.42

0.32

Figures via FBref

Of course, operating in the Premier League is a different kettle of fish to the Dutch top flight – as the likes of Antony have found out at Manchester United – yet it seemingly bodes well for the impact that the ten-cap Belgium international could make under Arteta.

With no real obvious competitor to Saka at present in the senior ranks, signing someone to keep the Hale End hero on his toes – and afford him the chance to be rested on occasion – could work a treat.

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With the season now at a close, Arsenal can take stock and prepare to go again in 2024/25, with Mikel Arteta no doubt seeking those extra tweaks to help his side from challengers into champions.

Having come so close to ending their barren Premier League run last term, the Gunners went big in the transfer market with the signings of David Raya, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, the latter man having arguably been the "stand-out signing" of the season, according to Alan Shearer.

Further high-profile additions, like that of the ex-West Ham United skipper, will surely be needed if the north Londoners are to find that edge over Manchester City, with Arteta and co seemingly already seeking out much-needed recruits.

Arsenal's search for a midfielder

Much of the talk at present has been centred around the club's apparent interest in Newcastle United star, Bruno Guimaraes, with the Brazilian maestro said to have a £100m release clause in his current Magpies contract, running until late June.

As per journalist Ben Jacobs, however, the suggestion is that "Arsenal have no plans to trigger the clause" and will "only consider" a move if the former Lyon man's price drops this summer.

Amid that hesitation surrounding their pursuit of Guimaraes, Jacobs has suggested that Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is a "more concrete possibility" in Arteta's search for a midfielder, with the Spaniard having been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates of late.

With a far more reasonable £52m release clause of his own – according to reports – the 25-year-old may represent a far cheaper Guimaraes alternative this summer.

How Zubimendi could fit in at Arsenal

Having begun the season trialling Kai Havertz in a left-eight role, with Odegaard and Rice making up the midfield trio, it was noticeable that Arteta ended the campaign by reverting back to last season's system, with Thomas Partey holding the fort in front of the back four.

With the Ghanaian international believed to be on his way this summer, a replacement will seemingly need to be found to operate as the club's number six, thus in turn allowing Rice to be truly felt loose in a more advanced, box-to-box berth.

The Englishman has himself revealed that his "strongest position" is in a deeper role, yet he has shown his ability to operate further forward this season, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists in the Premier League alone in 23/24.

That attack-minded approach can be maintained if the £105m man has a stable figure like Zubimendi behind him, with the "special" talent – as hailed by journalist Antonio Mango – notably recovering 5.5 balls per game in La Liga this season, as well as averaging 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game.

Zubimendi vs Guimaraes – 2023/24

League stats

Zubimendi

Guimaraes

Games

31

37

Goals

4

7

Assists

1

8

Pass accuracy

86%

85%

Big chances created

2

12

Key passes per game

0.5

1.7

Tackles & interceptions per game

2.8

3.3

Balls recovered per game

5.5

6.4

Total duels won

55%

57%

Possession lost per game

8.7

14.9

Stats via Sofascore

The "underrated" ace – as per Mango – typically operates as a protective screen in front of the back four, with his performances in that role even seeing him dubbed one of the "best centre-midfielders in the world" by national team boss, Luis de la Fuente.

Having such an asset could then allow Rice to do what he does best and surge forward at any opportunity, the former Hammers man ranking in the top 18% among his European peers for progressive carries per 90, as well as in the top 9% for progressive passes.

As much benefitting from the impact Zubimendi can have his own right, the key thing may be the difference it could make to Rice's game, allowing the Gunners' record signing to be truly unleashed in the years to come.

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The fast bowler initially dislocated his shoulder last March

ESPNcricinfo staff07-May-2020

Jhye Richardson, the Australia fast bowler, has undergone further surgery to stabilise the shoulder he dislocated last year which led to him missing the World Cup and Ashes tour.Richardson suffered the original injury in the second ODI against Pakistan in Sharjah last March when he dived in the outfield. It would end up keeping him sidelined for six months and he has played just once for Australia, in the one-day series against South Africa, since then.Although he was able to bowl at good pace during the Australian season he was hampered in the outfield and the shoulder popped out again on occasions.It is hoped Richardson will recover in time for when cricket could resume later this year following the Covid-19 pandemic.”All the ligaments become loose when you do dislocate and then the surgery essentially involves tightening things up,” CA’s head of sports science, Alex Kountouris, told . “A lot of other players have had that in the past. We’re hoping that will fix the problem.”It’s a lengthy surgery but it does give him an opportunity now that we’re not going to play until…September, October, November or December…he’s obviously a chance with that.””It was nasty [the original injury]. He dived with a lot of force on his arm. It was something that was quite bad. It’s probably not surprising he’s had ongoing symptoms and not surprising in general for cricketers because they do need their shoulders to be fairly mobile.”Richardson has taken 24 wickets in 13 ODIs and six wickets in two Tests which were against Sri Lanka in early 2019.

Serie A side Napoli have made Chelsea an offer for Romelu Lukaku that would also see Victor Osimhen move to Stamford Bridge.

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Two clubs in talks over swap dealOsimhen offered to Blues as part of Lukaku transferBelgian striker keen to move to NapoliWHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea and Napoli are locked in talks over a deal that would see the two strikers swap clubs. Lukaku is determined to reunite with former Chelsea and Inter boss Antonio Conte at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona – according to . The report adds that Napoli have so far offered £25.6 million (€29.8m/$32.8m) for Lukaku and value Osimhen at around £90m (€104m/$115m). Negotiations are expected to continue to agree a deal that suits all parties, as Chelsea are thought to want around £40m (€46m/$51m) for the Belgian striker.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Lukaku's wages may also prove an issues as talks continue. The striker earns £325,000 a week at Chelsea and may have to take a pay cut if he's to be granted his wish to work with Conte again. Yet Osimhen also appears keen to move. He has already informed the club he wants to leave, while former Chelsea stars Didier Drogba and John Obi Mikel have been in touch to try and persuade the attacker to head to London.

DID YOU KNOW?

Osimhen scored 15 goals in 25 games for Napoli in Serie A last season, while Lukaku netted 13 in 32 while on loan at Roma in the Italian top flight.

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Both Osimhen and Lukaku will be hoping that Napoli and Chelsea can finally agree a deal. Both teams start their new 2024-25 campaigns this weekend. The Blues take on champions Manchester City in the Premier League, while Napoli travel to Verona in Serie A.

The BCCI has not named a replacement yet but has options to pick from in New Zealand

Sidharth Monga21-Jan-2020

India opener Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the upcoming five-T20I series in New Zealand because of the shoulder injury he picked up during the third ODI against Australia in Bengaluru on Sunday. Dhawan did not travel with the India squad that left for Auckland on Monday and the selectors have not named a replacement yet.Dhawan fell awkwardly on his left shoulder while diving to stop a drive from Aaron Finch at cover-point in the fifth over of Australia’s innings in the series decider. He soon left the field clutching his shoulder, and didn’t come out to bat in India’s chase as he was rushed to a hospital during the match for X-rays. The reported that Dhawan had hurt the AC joint on the shoulder which is between the collar bone and shoulder blade. He was later spotted in the Indian dressing room with his arm in a sling as India won by seven wickets.The T20I series begins on January 24, and will be followed by a series of three ODIs from February 5. In case Dhawan doesn’t recover in time for those games, India have the option of picking up any of Sanju Samson, Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw, all of whom are already in New Zealand with the India A squad for a three-match one-day series that begins on Wednesday. Shubman Gill, who made his ODI debut in New Zealand last year, is also in in the country with the A squad.Of the four, Samson is the only one with a T20I cap (two of them), and even played a game against Sri Lanka earlier this month before being left out of the New Zealand series because of the return of Rohit Sharma, who was rested earlier. That should make Samson the frontrunner as replacement, but Shaw could also be in contention after his 100-ball 150 in a 50-over warm-up game against a New Zealand XI on Sunday. Agarwal scored 32 and 8 in the two-warm-ups, Shaw played only the second one after recovering from an injury, while Gill scored 24 and 50, and Samson scored 4 in the first game.Dhawan had injured his left leg before the West Indies T20I series last year, and Samson had replaced him at the time.

After several years in the footballing wilderness, Arsenal are firmly back among the big boys, and as things stand, look ready to overtake them.

Mikel Arteta has crafted a supremely talented squad at the Emirates through intelligent signings and facilitating brilliant youth players like Bukayo Saka.

However, with Gabriel Jesus increasingly injury-prone and Eddie Nketiah – who hasn't scored a Premier League goal since October – not at the level, the club needs to add a star number nine to the mix in the summer, and based on recent reports, they might do just that…

The latest on Arsenal's striker search

Over the last 18 months or so, the Gunners have been linked with a number of talented nines, from Napoli's Victor Osimhen to RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško, but perhaps none have been more heavily touted for a move to N5 than Brentford's Ivan Toney.

However, in recent weeks, it would appear that the north Londoners have moved on from the Englishman and have now turned their attention to Viktor Gyökeres, a player who was tearing it up in the Championship last season and has been even more clinical in Portugal this year.

According to a recent report from talkSPORT, the Gunners have placed the Swedish marksman firmly at the top of their summer wishlist and, therefore, ahead of the Brentford ace.

That said, while Arsenal appear to have made their choice between the two goalscorers, have they made the right one?

How Gyökeres compares to Toney

So, with the league leaders looking for a striker to finish the plentiful chances created by their fluid frontline, the most important thing to compare between the pair would be their recent goal records. However, with the former Newcastle United ace missing the majority of this season due to his eight-month betting-related ban, it would make sense to look at their record from the last two seasons to work out their average return.

Since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, Sporting CP's "game changer," as content creator Statman Dave described him, has scored 58 goals and provided 26 assists in 89 games, whereas the Bees' number nine has scored 25 goals and provided five assists in 45 games.

Player

Gyökeres

Toney

Appearances

89

45

Goals

58

25

Goals per Match

0.65

0.55

Assists

26

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.94

0.66

So, when looking at just goals, the Swedish phenom comes out on top with a more impressive 0.65 per game compared to the Englishman's average of 0.55, and it gets even more one-sided when looking at goal involvements as a whole, with the former Coventry City ace averaging 0.94 to just 0.66 from his potential competition.

Unfortunately for the former Peterborough ace, the comparisons become yet more one-sided when taking their underlying numbers into account. According to FBref, he produces a significantly lower non-penalty expected goal and assists figure, is less clinical in front of goal, contributes less to build-up, has a far inferior pass completion, and is generally less dangerous on the ball.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.79

0.46

Non-Penalty Goals

0.75

0.40

Assists

0.42

0.00

Shots on Target

1.59

1.40

Goals from Shots on Target

0.47

0.29

Passing Accuracy

72.9%

51.5%

Shot-Creating Actions

4.65

2.60

Goal-Creating Actions

0.80

0.30

Successful Take-Ons

2.26

0.50

Overall, there isn't a meaningful attacking metric in which he comes out on top. He would, therefore, be a weaker option to spearhead the Gunners' attack and likely a far more frustrating teammate for the likes of Saka, who could thrive alongside Gyökeres – the Englishman having already racked up 29 goals and assists this season in all competitions.

The Swede's clinical finishing would see the Hale End gem's assist numbers explode, and his brilliant dribbling ability would open up more space for the young Englishman to exploit and potentially see his goalscoring figures similarly supercharged.

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Ultimately, while the Brentford star is an undeniably talented forward, Arsenal's decision to shift their focus towards Sporting CP's electric marksman is undoubtedly the right decision and could benefit the whole attack.

Aston Villa's season is threatening to fizzle out as they are struck by fixture congestion and injury woes, with Unai Emery's side now looking less than certain for Champions League football next season.

Villa hit by another defensive injury

The Villans were handed a major boost just last week when it emerged that Tyrone Mings was making good progress in returning from his knee injury suffered at the beginning of the campaign, though he is not expected to feature before the end of the Premier League season.

Versatile defender Ezri Konsa is also on the treatment table, and is facing at least another fortnight out, while Jhon Duran is another key piece of squad depth out of action through injury.

And now they have another problem at centre-back, with Diego Carlos suffering an injury during a training session. Emery later confirmed that it was a hamstring issue and that the Brazilian would be sidelined for between three and four weeks with the injury.

It is yet another issue for the midlands outfit to contend with, having lost Boubacar Kamara to a season-ending knee injury in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United a fortnight ago and with Emiliano Buendia having missed the entire season to date with the same issue.

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Now, Villa journalist and writer Ty Bracey has had his say on the fallout from Carlos' absence. Speaking to Aston Villa News, he revealed that though it is 'another blow' for Emery, there are alternatives within the squad.

Villa stuttering at crucial point

Injuries are not helping Villa's situation, and the return of European football could see them tested once more. Emery's side were clear favourites for a top 5 spot before Christmas, but have won just three games out of their last seven across all competitions since the turn of the year.

Defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League has seen the Red Devils close the gap in the race for European football, and as it stands, all of Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are separated by just five points, though it remains the Midlands outfit leading the way.

They also await their fate in the last 16 of the Europa Conference League draw, which takes place on Friday, February 23rd, and which the Villans will feel that they have an excellent chance of winning with Emery at the helm.

However, with a smaller squad keeping everyone in peak condition for both competitions will become increasingly difficult, and with tricky Premier League games against Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal all to come, it could ultimately prove a step too far for the injury-hit squad.

Of course, the season will still be considered a major success for Villa even if they miss out on Champions League football, with Emery having overseen a major change of fortunes at the club after taking over from Steven Gerrard 18 months ago. Should they add a European trophy too, it would be the best season in living memory for plenty of Villa fans.

It's been a season full of frustration for Newcastle United, who made such significant progress in the previous campaign by qualifying for the Champions League. After a summer of transfers to forget, followed by a limited winter window, they could now see their misery compiled by the potential exit of a vital cog in the St James' Park machine.

Newcastle exit news

Throughout the January transfer window, the likes of Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Kieran Trippier were among the players to be linked with moves away from Newcastle, who found themselves walking a profit and sustainability tightrope due to their reported £155m in losses over the last three seasons. Despite that figure, however, Eddie Howe kept hold of his stars.

It remains to be seen whether that will be the case during the summer though, with Joelinton potentially one to keep an eye on. The Brazilian's contract runs out in the summer of 2025 and Howe admitted that he could yet leave, saying via BBC Sport: "He has 18 months left on his contract so it's a possibility he'll be sold in the summer."

Newcastle now winning the race to sign “wonderful” in-demand gem for Howe

This would be some coup…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 14, 2024

Making matters worse, it's not just those on the pitch that the Magpies have to worry about. According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Dan Ashworth has agreed terms with Manchester United to become their first-ever sporting director. Ashworth – currently the sporting director at Newcastle – would take a lengthy period of gardening leave before completing his Old Trafford switch to join up with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

It would be some blow for Newcastle, given how vital Ashworth's been to their project since 2022, building a squad capable of reaching the Premier League's top four. Just who they get in to replace the former Brighton & Hove Albion man is not yet clear, but Luke Edwards has claimed that former Liverpool man Michael Edwards is a name which has crept up in conversations.

Major blow for Newcastle

One of the most impressive in his role, Ashworth's exit, should it occur, could leave Newcastle's project under PIF in tatters. Meanwhile, Manchester United would be getting the perfect sporting director to finally start to organise the chaos of Old Trafford.

Gary Neville has already given his seal of approval when it comes to Ashworth too, posting on X back in November of last year:

At a time when Newcastle have been left more frustrated than ever off the pitch under PIF, Ashworth's exit would be coming at the worst time possible ahead of a vital summer transfer window. Not only will the Magpies have to think about incomings to improve Howe's side, but also restructuring away from St James' Park, potentially forced to replace their sporting director.

“It’s one I’ll never forget” says Stokes after stunning innings seals improbable England victory

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-2019Ben Stokes said that the winning boundary in his remarkable, unbeaten innings of 135 to seal a dramatic third Ashes Test at Headingley was one of the “top two feelings I’ve ever had on a cricket field”, alongside the Super Over finale in the World Cup final last month.England needed 73 to win when Stokes was joined by last man Jack Leach, but the pair put on a stand of 76 in 10.2 overs – of which Leach contributed an unbeaten 1 off 17 balls – to seal the unlikeliest of victories.”It probably matches the World Cup, to be honest,” Stokes told Sky. “Unbelievable, it’s one I’ll never forget. I’m not sure that’ll ever happen again. I just had to try to take it all in. It’s never over until it’s over.”When Leachy came in it was pretty clear what had to be done,” he said. “[I was] just saying ‘five and one’ – I’ll take five [balls] and you take one. There were a couple of times I thought we were getting two but it was only one, but Leachy’s done it before. He’s a super nightwatchman, he’s got a 92, and I backed him knowing what he had to do. I couldn’t watch at the end, I was just waiting to see what happened.”When it got down to 20 [runs required], I started thinking I could rein it in a little bit, but when it was 70s, 60s, 50s I thought I had to really try and go. I was so in the zone as to what I had to do.”Ben Stokes takes the applause after sealing England’s win•Getty Images

Stokes’ innings came despite a minor injury in his back leg. “I twanged my glute a little bit,” he said. “I was a little bit heavy-legged, but when you’re out there in the middle and you know what’s on the line, adrenaline keeps you going.””We had to win this game to stay in the Ashes. We’ve managed to do it, we’ve got to move on to the next game, we’ve managed to keep our hopes alive of doing the double, and we’re going to take a lot of momentum in. It’s nice that we’ve got a bit of a break to recharge our batteries and hopefully hit the ground running again in Manchester.”Leach planted a kiss on his batting partner’s cheek, and Stokes paid tribute to his innings. “Credit to Jack to be out there and able to do that in such a high-profile situation. That was the best kiss I’ve ever had.”Tim Paine, Australia’s captain, said the defeat was “hard to take” but admitted “you’ve got to tip your hat sometimes. Ben Stokes played an unbelievable innings. It’s probably the best Test innings I’ve seen, and the rest of the team thought the same thing.”Stokes’ captain Joe Root described the innings as “outrageous”.”We had to call upon all of that in the World Cup,” Root said. “To stay as calm and composed as he did showed great skill, courage, and belief in his own ability. He deserves all the plaudits and adulation that he gets given.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly keen to add another centre-forward to their ranks before the January transfer window slams shut tonight.

Latest Wolves transfer news

Gary O'Neil has found reliable goalscorers in Matheus Cunha and Hee-chan Hwang, who have combined for 16 Premier League goals this season, and is now looking for a third.

According to HITC, the Old Gold had opened talks with Brazilian side Corinthians over a deal to snap up impressive young striker Yuri Alberto in a late swoop.

Wolves were plotting a move for the 22-year-old marksman that would comprise an initial loan until the end of the season with an option to then make it permanent for a fee of £18m.

The report stated they had turned their attention to Alberto after they failed in an approach to sign Albania international Armando Broja on loan from Chelsea.

However, at the 11th hour, a deal is now off with David Ornstein revealing the following news late on Wednesday night.

Armando Broja's Premier League goal record

The English-born has made 58 Premier League appearances throughout his career for Southampton and Chelsea combined and has plundered eight goals and three assists.

This is a startling return of just one goal every 7.25 top-flight matches on average, which shows that he is far from a proven goalscorer at that level.

In fact, Broja has managed two goals in 25 Premier League games for the Blues since the start of last season – one every 12.5 outings on average.

The 22-year-old striker, who has scored three goals in 38 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, has shown little sign of being a reliable goalscorer in England, albeit he still has plenty of time left to develop and improve at his young age.

The stats that show why Alberto would have been better than Broja

The Brazil international's form for Corinthians since his move to the club in January of last year suggests that he has the potential to be far more prolific in front of goal.

Alberto has racked up 26 goals and 11 assists in 95 appearances for them over the past 12 months, which is a return of one goal every 3.65 matches on average.

The £18m-rated whiz, who was capped by Brazil in March of 2023, has showcased his quality as a scorer and a creator of goals from a centre-forward in that time.

He previously caught the eye in his home country with 31 goals in 85 appearances for Internacional – one strike every 2.74 matches on average – before a short spell in Russia with Zenit led to his switch to Corinthians.

Alberto, who was once described as "clinical" and "complete" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could, therefore, offer far more than Broja in the final third.

The Brazilian's goal record is considerably better than the Albania international's poor return in front of goal in the Premier League and that is why a late swoop for his services could well have turned out to be a masterstroke from O'Neil in his quest to add more goals to his side.

It looks as though they may well have to go back to Broja, after all.