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The Cincinnati Reds have added rotation help as they desperately try to stay afloat in the playoff race.

The Reds are acquiring pitcher Zack Littell from the Tampa Bay Rays, according to a Wednesday night report from ESPN's Jeff Passan. Per Passan, the deal is a three-teamer; the Los Angeles Dodgers will get pitcher Paul Gervase, catcher Ben Rortvedt and pitcher Adam Serwinowski, while the Rays will get catcher Hunter Feduccia and pitcher Brian Van Belle.

Littell, 29, joins the Reds after eight years split between four teams. After years spent shuttling between the bullpen and rotation, the Burlington, N.C., native found a niche starting for Tampa Bay over the past two years.

In 2024, he went 8-10 with a 3.63 ERA and 141 strikeouts in 156 1/3 innings. In 2025, he has again pitched to a respectable ERA (3.72) and leads the majors with just 1.2 walks per nine innings, but also carries one significant blot on his Baseball Reference page—an MLB-high 26 home runs allowed.

Cincinnati is currently the only team within five or fewer games of the San Diego Padres, who hold the National League's last wild-card spot. The Reds are three back after both teams won Wednesday.

The Rays, on the other hand, are in the midst of a 2-8 stretch and trail the Seattle Mariners by 3.5 games for the last American League berth.

Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has singled out Marcus Rashford as the biggest surprise in La Liga so far this season following his move from Manchester United, though the former defender admitted that Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe is currently operating "on another level" compared to the rest of the competition. The Frenchman has made a blistering start to the campaign in Spain, averaging a goal a game for Xabi Alonso's team.

Mbappe and Rashford in fine form this season

The current La Liga campaign has been defined by a fascinating battle between established superstars and fresh faces looking to make their mark. While Kylian Mbappe is now firmly entrenched as the face of Madrid following his move in 2024, the arrival of Rashford in Catalonia this summer has added a new dynamic to the title race.

The England international joined Hansi Flick's side on a season-long loan from Manchester United in July, looking to revitalise a career that had stalled at Old Trafford. His impact has been immediate, with his pace and direct running providing Barcelona with a different dimension in attack as well as six goals – two in La Liga and four in the Champions League. It is a transformation that has caught the eye of Pique, who knows exactly what it takes to succeed in Catalonia.

Speaking in an interview with , the former Barcelona captain was asked to identify the players who have impressed him most this term. Pique wasted no time in highlighting the English forward's seamless adaptation to Spanish football.

AdvertisementAFPBarcelona legend hails English forward

Asked who has surprised him most this season, Pique picked the 28-year-old Englishman, saying: "Rashford. I think he had a very good start, now let's see how he continues. He scored two goals in the match against Newcastle, he has contributed and helped a lot since the beginning."

However, despite his allegiance to the Blaugrana, Pique could not ignore the elephant in the room. When discussing the absolute elite performers in the league, he conceded that Real Madrid's number nine sits alone at the top of the mountain. After all, the Frenchman won the league's top scorer prize on his debut season and has followed that up with a whopping 16 goals in as many La Liga games this term, despite Madrid struggling for consistency and falling behind Barcelona in the top-flight. He has also netted an incredible nine in just five Champions League matches.

"Also Mbappe, he is on another level and not just in goals, but also in how he looks," Pique admitted. "I think he is sharper than ever."

The former defender also tipped his cap to rivals Atletico Madrid, noting the contributions of their Argentine contingent. "Looking at other teams, in Atletico you have Giuliano Simeone, who is doing very well, Julian [Alvarez], who is a differential player," he added. "I think in La Liga there has not been any big surprise and that everything is being quite expected."

Rashford's Spanish renaissance

Pique’s comments validate what has been a rejuvenating few months for Rashford. There were significant doubts over whether the 28-year-old could adapt to the technical demands of La Liga, but he has answered his critics emphatically. Pique highlighted his pivotal Champions League performance earlier against Newcastle, in which he scored twice to seal a 2-1 win. He has also provided six assists in the domestic competition and a further one in Europe.

For a player who looked lost at United under Ruben Amorim, Rashford has found a new lease of life under Flick. His versatility across the front line has been crucial for Barcelona, allowing them to rotate Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski without a drop in quality.

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Getty Images SportMbappe the benchmark

While Rashford has been a pleasant surprise, Mbappe has been an inevitability. Now fully settled in his second season in Madrid, the Frenchman has evolved into the complete leader of the Los Blancos attack.

Pique’s observation that he looks "sharper than ever" is a frightening prospect for defences across Europe. Having already lifted the Champions League in his debut season, Mbappe appears determined to chase down individual records this term. His dominance is such that even the staunchest Barcelona icons are forced to acknowledge his supremacy.

For Rashford, the challenge is now consistency. As Pique noted, "let's see how he continues." With reports suggesting Barcelona have a purchase option in the region of €30 million for next summer, the Englishman is effectively playing for his long-term future. A strong second half of the season could seal a permanent exit from Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Mbappe and Real Madrid face a defining week with a Champions League clash against Manchester City. With the team suffering from a defensive injury crisis, the onus will once again be on their French superstar to provide the "differential" quality Pique so admires.

Venkatesh Prasad reiterates his commitment to bringing big-ticket cricket back to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru

Shashank Kishore08-Dec-2025Venkatesh Prasad, the former India seamer, has been elected president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Sujith Somasunder, who played two ODIs in 1996 and was until recently head of education at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, is the vice-president.Prasad, who received unanimous backing from former colleagues Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath among others, defeated his rival KN Shanth Kumar by a 749-558 margin. Flanked by his team members, Prasad reiterated his commitment to work with the state government to restore “Chinnaswamy’s lost glory”.”First and foremost, this is a victory for the sport of cricket,” Prasad said. “Secondly, this is a victory for all the members who wanted a change, all the people who wanted international cricket to come back to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.”Related

Probe panel deems Chinnaswamy 'unsafe' for large-scale events

The venue hasn’t hosted a big-ticket game since a stampede outside the premises claimed 11 lives during a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL victory party on June 4. Since then, the KSCA has been a no-go for cricket in Bengaluru, with the BCCI preferring to host the Duleep Trophy and ‘A’ series between India and South Africa at the Centre of Excellence.The M Chinnaswamy Stadium was scheduled to host five women’s ODI World Cup games, including the final. But they had to be moved out after the previous KSCA dispensation, which was operating without a treasurer and secretary, who had resigned on moral grounds after the stampede, failed to obtain the necessary clearances from the state government.KSCA subsequently ran into trouble with the state’s electricity suppliers over fire-safety compliances, which led to power supply to the venue being cut-off. Power has since been restored after a fire-safety audit that said KSCA was in compliance with regulations.Prasad has now instructed his team to study the other possible changes they can implement by studying the findings of the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission, appointed by the Karnataka government in the aftermath of the stampede.DK Shivakumar casts his vote at the KSCA elections•PTI In its report in July, the commission had stated that the stadium’s “design and structure” were inherently “unsuitable and unsafe” for mass gatherings. It warned that continuing to hold high-attendance events at the venue would pose “unacceptable risks to public safety, urban mobility, and emergency preparedness”.On Sunday, Karnataka’s deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, a KSCA life-member and among the early voters, vowed to bring the IPL back to the Chinnaswamy.”I’m a cricket lover,” he said. We will ensure that the accident in Karnataka does not happen again and hold cricket events at Chinnaswamy Stadium in a manner that upholds the honour of Bengaluru. We will not shift the IPL elsewhere and will continue to hold it here at Chinnaswamy Stadium. This is the pride of Bengaluru and Karnataka, which we will retain.”Prasad joins a small group of former India players currently in cricket administration. Recently, Mithun Mahnas, the former Delhi captain and a cricket administrator in Jammu & Kashmir, was elected BCCI president, while Sourav Ganguly, Prasad’s former India colleague and captain, was unanimously elected as president of Cricket Association of Bengal. Saurabh Tiwary and Shahbaz Nadeem, who also had brief India careers along with a strong body of work in domestic cricket, have entered cricket administration in Jharkhand in positions of authority.

Tottenham Hotspur responded in stoppage time to cancel out Newcastle United’s controversial late penalty at St. James’ Park and arrest their losing run.

It was more of the same in the first half, with Spurs unable to test the goalkeeper for the fourth successive game before the break. But as in Paris last week, Thomas Frank’s side showed fight after the break, and this was typified by Cristian Romero as he scored twice to secure a point.

Bruno Guimaraes opened the scoring, but Anthony Gordon’s spot kick was a contentious call, and Arsenal correspondent Charles Watt even commented on the “madness” in seeing it given.

But the captain’s contribution also saw Tottenham end a run of four losses to the Magpies, and it gives Frank a foundation to build on throughout December.

Cristian Romero leads the Spurs' fightback

Romero is among the most aggressive and tenacious players in the Premier League. He led by example on Tyneside, scoring both goals with a brave header and dramatic bicycle kick in the dying embers.

On his return from suspension, Romero reminded the fans of the dimension he adds when on the field and wearing the armband.

Defensively, the Argentina international was something of a mixed bag, though, only winning six of 13 contested duels across the evening and being skinned by Harvey Barnes for the winger’s chance.

However, the 27-year-old made five ball recoveries and five clearances, also blocking two shots. He led by example.

Romero’s heroics will secure the headlines this morning, but there was arguably a Spurs man in front of him who played an even more impressive game, point-sealing strikes aside.

Frank has found Spurs' new Mousa Dembele

In testing times this season, 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall has stepped up and looked like one of Tottenham’s most promising players, purposeful on the ball and combative in the challenge.

He’s still so young, but the teenager’s maturity and natural technical flair indicate a certain likeness to former Lilywhites star Mousa Dembele.

His heart and passion are clear to see, and as he polishes his natural skillset, he could emulate Dembele’s all-controlling role in Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield, earning him so many plaudits.

Newcastle were on the front foot for much of the game, but Bergvall helped repel the hosts throughout.

One Spurs podcast host even remarked that the Swedish talent was “a class above the rest in the first half”, effortless on the ball and tenacious in a way which hasn’t been matched by his teammates (barring Romero).

How often was this the case with Dembele? his elegance and physicality made him a unique midfielder, and it was his effortless dribbling that led Belgian teammate Kevin De Bruyne to call him “the best in the world” during his heyday.

Bergvall isn’t there yet, but he’s shining in a Tottenham team which, at times, appears allergic to positive attacking play, inviting pressure on themselves with poor passing.

However, the club’s never-say-die attitude was embodied by players like the skipper and Bergvall, with the Scandinavian star showing off both sides of his game by winning his tackle and succeeding with both attempts to carry the ball forward.

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Football.london gave him a 7/10 post-match rating and acknowledged Bergvall’s intensity in pressing against the Newcastle engine room and providing plenty of energy to keep the spirited fightback focused.

Bergvall has some way to go before he could say he is on a level with Dembele at his Tottenham best, but this is the kind of profile and the kind of performance that Frank needs from his team to start playing with an exciting identity.

Richarlison upgrade: Spurs line up bid for "one of the best STs in Europe"

Tottenham have left plenty to be desired in the final third this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

A T20 freelancer talks about why he embraced the opportunity to travel to Pakistan for one match

Peter Hatzoglou21-May-2025It was a Wednesday afternoon in London, and I was in the fruit section at Marks & Spencer, on the hunt for their mango fingers – which, by the way, are a seriously underrated snack. That’s when I got a voice note from my manager. The Pakistan Super League was restarting. A replacement draft was happening. And somehow, Multan Sultans were interested in me.To be honest, I barely knew the PSL was resuming, let alone that I’d be in contention. My first thought? Keep hopes low. Too many “maybes” in this career can break your heart if you let them. So I grabbed my mango fingers, walked back to the car – and then came the text.”You’re in.”I laughed. Not because it was funny but because of how unexpected it all was. Just days earlier, I’d been wrestling with doubts about where I stood in my career. Now, I was heading to one of the world’s top T20 leagues, amid one of the more tense geopolitical moments in recent memory.In the days leading up to the draft, cross-border tensions boiled over into real military escalation that halted both the IPL and PSL. Players were flown home. Airspace was closed. Some international players understandably chose not to return.Related

Shafique powers Lahore Qalandars into Qualifier 2

PCB to reschedule PSL games as tensions between Pakistan and India mount

Remainder of PSL postponed indefinitely amid India-Pakistan tensions

PSL 2025 to resume on May 17, final scheduled for May 25

PSL 2025 FAQs – what the six teams need to do in the final stretch

So when the opportunity came, it wasn’t just about cricket. I had to weigh the reward against the risk.I did what most of us do – I reached out to people I trust. I checked in with family and spoke to leaders among the playing group, like Tom Kohler-Cadmore, a PSL veteran, and David Warner, whose standing in world cricket speaks for itself. I then checked in with Brendan Drew from the Australian Cricketers’ Association, which, along with the World Cricketers’ Association, had commissioned a third-party risk assessment for players considering a return to Pakistan.The advice? The situation was being monitored, but the league was safe to resume. It was ultimately our call, but the ACA would support it either way.Still, my decision wasn’t just about personal safety. It was also about my upbringing.I grew up at Sunshine Heights Cricket Club in Melbourne’s west – a place that welcomes migrants, celebrates diversity, and believes in cricket as a tool for inclusion.My grandparents arrived in Australia through the mid-1960s, with no cricketing background. My dad was embraced by the club and he would go on to volunteer for more than 40 years in just about every capacity, including over a decade as president. Following in his footsteps, I served as treasurer, secretary, and junior coordinator across a six-year stretch – roles that gave me a front-row seat to how sport can help people find their footing.That ethos – that cricket is more than runs and wickets – is still part of how I navigate opportunities like this. Yes, I was aware of the political climate. But cricket isn’t responsible for borders.

Playing sport in politically charged times is never just about the sport. But cricket offers something that few other experiences can: shared rituals, mutual respect, and the chance to coexist in ways that politics doesn’t always allow

At 2am on game day, I landed in Islamabad airport alongside Tymal Mills and George Munsey, where PSL officials were ready to fast-track us through immigration and security. By mid-morning, I was being fitted for a kit and introduced to the Multan Sultans set-up: owner Ali Tareen, coach Abdul Rehman, and a room of players and staff.Immediately, I was met with the hospitality foreign cricketers have become accustomed to in Pakistan. Pakistanis take real pride in their country and want guests to have the best possible experience. I genuinely felt I could ask for anything – no matter how unusual – and someone would make it happen.Then came the journey to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Like all PSL match days, roads were cleared. The team bus, reinforced and flanked by military vehicles, made its way through the city under armed escort. The heat? Thirty-seven degrees. The outcome? A final-ball thriller against table-topping Quetta Gladiators.Although the match was technically a dead rubber – Gladiators had already qualified, and we were out of contention – it still carried plenty of meaning. In some ways, these matches feel even more competitive. Why? Because the bench guys, who have been quietly grinding and waiting their turn all season, finally get their shot. And they know how small the window is. They are not just playing for points. They are playing for careers. Just like I was.We lost, but I was proud of both the team and my performance. And more than that, I was glad to reconnect with so many familiar faces. That’s the hidden joy of franchise cricket. On paper, you’re switching teams every month. But in reality, it’s a roving community. A group of freelancers – players, coaches, analysts, media staff – who keep bumping into each other in new colours and new cities.It’s a network. It’s a cultural education. It’s a circus. It’s home.The PSL resumed on May 17 after an eight-day pause•Farooq Naeem/AFP/Getty ImagesThe past year has been a mixed bag for me. I was a late inclusion in the Hobart Hurricanes BBL playing XI after management signed an overseas spinner. When I did get a go, I started well – my economy was good – but I struggled to make big personal inroads, despite an exceptional team performance culminating in the title.While winning is always great, it meant I arrived late to the UAE’s ILT20, where Sharjah Warriors had pivoted to Adam Zampa. Fair enough – he’s world class. But it meant another bench stretch for me. If anything, the biggest takeaway from my time at the ILT20 was a reflective conversation with Matthew Wade on my BBL performances. He and his experience helped me rethink my lengths and field placements, which really helped.Still, I keep moving. I played in the Weston Shield, a really exciting T10 tournament hosted by European Cricket. I joined Tom Scollay’s Cricket Mentoring tour in India, played Topklasse cricket in the Netherlands, a couple of matches for the MCC in Cardiff, and had a solid outing with Radlett in the Hertfordshire Premier League. I’ve been working hard with spin coach Carl Crowe, and lately I feel like I’m getting that “pace” back off the wicket – more bowleds, more lbws.In short: I feel close. And I’m looking for that moment – the catalyst for the next phase of my cricket journey.Playing sport in politically charged times is never just about the sport. But cricket offers something that few other experiences can: shared rituals, mutual respect, and the chance to coexist in ways that politics doesn’t always allow.It’s now Tuesday, May 20. I’m sitting in a London café, writing this before I head to Manchester to see my brother, Max, who’s playing for Glossop in the Greater Manchester Cricket League. On Thursday, I play for the MCC against Loughborough University. Then I’m back at Radlett for another weekend of club cricket.Cricket moves fast. One day you’re a replacement pick in one of the world’s biggest competitions. The next, you’re back in whites on a recreation reserve, chasing rhythm.But through it all, the game stays bigger than the headlines. It offers connection. It offers hope. And right now, I’m grateful to be part of it.

The Boston Red Sox are flying high heading into the All-Star break. Winners of seven straight and nine of their last 10, they currently sit at 50-45 and hold the American League's third Wild Card spot.

They're also getting healthy at the right time. Not only is third baseman Alex Bregman expected to return to the lineup this weekend, but outfielder Masataka Yoshida was activated from the injured list on July 9—and went 3-for-4 with a double in his return. While ultimately a good thing, this also means that there's a logjam in the Boston outfield, and has led some to speculate that the team could trade 2024 All-Star Jarren Duran to make room.

After the Sox's 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, however, fans made it clear that they want the team to keep the 2024 All-Star Game MVP. In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Underdog's Jared Carrabis, the Fenway faithful could be heard chanting "Keep Duran!" at chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Check it out:

All Breslow could do is smile and wave.

Over Boston's seven-game win streak, Duran his hitting .360 with two home runs and 11 RBI. The Red Sox are back at it on Friday at Fenway for a 7:10 p.m. first pitch.

USMNT star Folarin Balogun made history by scoring in a third successive Champions League match to steer Monaco to a hard-fought victory over Galatasaray in the Principality. On an evening when both teams squandered a catalogue of inviting opportunities, the 24-year-old’s scrappy finish midway through the second half proved enough to secure a vital three points and lift Monaco level with their Turkish opponents in the league phase.

Galatasaray waste key openings before Monaco steal it

The tone of the match was set early when Galatasaray squandered a gilt-edged chance that left their travelling support groaning. Ilkay Gundogan, arriving unmarked just yards from goal, lashed a rising effort over the bar when it seemed easier to score. Minutes later, Baris Alper Yilmaz muscled past his marker to latch onto a long pass but struck the outside of the post with the goal at his mercy. Those misses offered Monaco a reprieve, but the hosts initially struggled to take advantage. Balogun nodded a free header off target from close range, and a catalogue of near-misses followed as pressure built but composure faltered.

Shortly after the break, Monaco were handed an ideal opportunity to break the deadlock when Takumi Minamino, darting into the area, was upended by former Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez. Captain Denis Zakaria stepped forward but failed to convert with a meek attempt, allowing Galatasaray goalkeeper Uuurcan Cakır to stop it away with an outstretched leg. 

However, in the end, Balogun’s persistence became the story of the night. For long stretches, he looked destined to leave the field disappointed after spurning a handful of chances. Yet, when Thilo Kehrer nodded a corner into the heart of the six-yard box in the 68th minute, the American reacted fastest, bundling the ball over the line with his knee in the kind of instinctive, unglamorous finish that often separates winning sides from frustrated ones.

AdvertisementUCL record for Balogun

Balogun's goal did more than lift Monaco’s campaign – with the French outfit now up to 18th in the Champions League table – as it also carved a milestone into American football history. With his latest strike, the forward has become the first USMNT player to ever score in three consecutive Champions League appearances.

Monaco manager lavishes praise on Balogun

Balogun toiled hard, constantly got into the right places, and was finally able to break the deadlock. Moanco manager Sebastien Pocognoli was euphoric after grabbing a narrow victory and hailed the USMNT star for bailing out his side at home. 

He said: "Players are like sponges. If you’re nervous on the sideline, they will feel it. Balo does work off the ball, which is very important for us. He responded after the misses, and I am very happy for him. It shows his strength of character, and it shows that he can get back up."

Balogun knows the importance of continued efforts, as he said in an interview with GOAL in October. 

"I think the hardest part is that we all work our whole lives for something," Balogun said. "But I always have a slightly different outlook. You do that work your whole life, and it is a constant pursuit of greatness. At the end of the day, I think it all comes down to definitive moments. Each of those moments makes a great career. There are certain moments that allow other moments to happen. You get to do something you've dreamed of as a kid and, if you keep scoring, you allow yourself to get that opportunity again and again."

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AFPWhat comes next?

For now, Balogun’s attention shifts back to domestic duties, with Monaco preparing to face Mason Greenwood’s Marseille on Sunday in Ligue 1. His European exploits have raised expectations once more, and Monaco will hope that the confidence of another Champions League contribution fuels him into the weekend.

Former England batter looking for “fresh challenge” after six seasons with White Rose

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Nov-2025Former England batter Dawid Malan says he is looking for a “fresh challenge” after being released by Yorkshire following six seasons with the club.Malan, 38, came through at Middlesex before joining Yorkshire in 2020. He captained the club in the Blast last season, but despite leading the way with 365 runs at a strike rate of 156.65, could not prevent them from finishing second-bottom in the North Group.During his time at Headingley, Malan was Yorkshire’s second-leading run-scorer in T20, with 1642. He also scored 2014 runs at 54.43 in first-class cricket.”I have enjoyed six happy and successful seasons with Yorkshire, but feel now is the right time for the club to make a fresh start,” Malan said. “I am grateful to the general manager of cricket Gavin Hamilton and head coach Anthony McGrath for allowing me to seek a new challenge elsewhere.”Malan, who last played for England at the 2023 ODI World Cup, has extensive experience of the global T20 circuit, featuring in the PSL, BPL, SA20 and, most recently, the Nepal Premier League.He has also started to explore a media career, commentating on BBC radio during the summer.Hamilton said: “Dawid has been a consistent run-scorer across all formats, and will always be welcome at Headingley. We thank him for his very significant contribution in recent seasons, and we wish him well for the future.”

Arsenal are now believed to be among the frontrunners for the signing of a new forward target after missing out on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané, who is committing his future to the Bundesliga side with a new contract.

Leroy Sané on verge of Bayern Munich stay after talks with Arsenal

Earlier this week, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg shared news of fresh Arsenal talks with Sane over a potential move to the Emirates Stadium, but the former Man City star appears more likely to snub Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal hold "high-level talks" to sign "bargain" attacker "in recent days"

Negotiations have apparently taken place this week.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025

The 29-year-old, who’s impressed with a string of standout performances for Bayern in recent weeks, was due to leave on a Bosman deal past June 30th. However, he is now edging towards signing fresh terms at the Allianz Arena.

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Plettenberg reports that Bayern have made an official new contract offer to Sane, with all parties now working to reach an agreement over an extension, which spells bad news for Arsenal’s attempts to bring in a new right-winger this summer.

The journalist also states that Sane is about to extend his Bayern contract in a separate message, so it’s more likely than not Arsenal are about to miss out on a free deal for the Germany international star.

Interestingly, the Sky reporter has now claimed that the Gunners are eyeing an alternative in wantaway Bayern teammate Kingsley Coman.

Arsenal now "most concrete" option for Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman

According to Plettenberg, Arsenal is now the “most concrete” landing spot for Coman, who has told Bayern chiefs that he’d like to leave this summer.

However, it won’t be a free run for Arteta’s side either, with Tottenham also eyeing a move for the Frenchman and Saudi planning transfer talks.

“Kingsley Coman has already internally expressed his desire to leave this summer, as revealed,” wrote Plettenberg on X.

“Saudi clubs are now taking the matter seriously and are planning a visit to Munich for talks with Bayern. In England, Arsenal are currently the most concrete option – especially since Leroy Sané is about to extend his contract with Bayern. Spurs would like to sign Coman but are currently in a waiting position due to his high salary.”

While the 28-year-old earns a reported £284,000 per week in Germany, which would make him one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players, Coman’s price tag stands at up to £39 million – making him an obtainable option in terms of club-to-club negotiations.

The former PSG and Juventus winger has racked up nearly 140 goals and assists combined over almost 330 appearances since joining Bayern, all whilst showcasing real ability on the highest stage.

“He was at PSG as an eight-year-old boy,” said pundit Rio Ferdinand.

“With the money that came in with the Qataris, he was one of the players who were offloaded, and he’s come back and done this. His trophy haul since leaving – it shouldn’t be allowed. It’s unbelievable. The kid knows how to win.”

One major drawback which Arsenal need to be aware of is Coman’s injury history, with Arteta keen to avoid being left so short of wide options akin to this season.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is on the verge of losing a star player this summer, and it is believed he’s already held talks over joining a big club.

Players likely to leave Arsenal this summer

Alongside the likes of Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares, who are both expected to complete permanent moves away from Arsenal amid impressive loan spells at Sevilla and Lazio respectively (Pete O’Rourke), other Gunners players appear set for the exit door as well.

Arsenal leading race to sign 21 y/o La Liga star with "enormous potential"

The Gunners have set their sights on a 21-year-old midfielder, who they are convinced is a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s system.

ByDominic Lund Apr 13, 2025

Arsenal will need to find a buyer for Reiss Nelson, who’s endured a nightmare temporary stint at Fulham and has spent most of the Premier League campaign out with a hamstring injury.

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The Hale End academy graduate, who’s been at London Colney for 17 years, doesn’t appear to have a long-term future under Arteta, and will most likely be up for grabs again when the summer window reopens.

Fabio Vieira, meanwhile, is enjoying a productive spell on loan at Porto this term, bagging five goals and four assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, but journalist Charles Watts has predicted that Arsenal are still likely to sell him permanently, especially considering the presence of rising star Ethan Nwaneri.

“I don’t think it is an absolute certainty that his Arsenal career is finished,” said Watts to CaughtOffside.

“But I would be surprised at this point if he comes back and makes the grade in north London. I still think the most likely option is that he moves on permanently come the end of the season.

“Arteta admitted that Vieira was allowed to leave so that Ethan Nwaneri could get more minutes this season and Nwaneri has already shown how good he can be. It just feels like an exit is inevitable and that Arsenal will have to take a fairly big financial hit on a player they spent £34 million on back in 2022.”

Arsenal are also ready to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer, with the Ukranian falling down Arteta’s pecking order and Andrea Berta seemingly keen to trim his £150,000-per-week wages off the books.

Thomas Partey highly likely to leave Arsenal with Barcelona talks held

There is also the matter of Arsenal’s out-of-contract duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

As things stand, both men are set to leave on free deals past June 30th, and a debate has surrounded whether Berta should negotiate fresh terms with the latter following Partey’s impressive run of form lately.

The £200,000-per-week Ghanaian put in a brilliant performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League last week and scored against Brentford during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with the Bees last weekend.

The “sensational” former Atlético Madrid ace is rumoured to be eyeing an exit regardless, and now journalist Graeme Bailey is reporting that Partey is “highly” likely to leave Arsenal this summer.

“As it stands, Thomas Partey is highly unlikely to remain with Arsenal this summer,” wrote Bailey on X.

“Barcelona want Thomas Partey as their Joshua Kimmich alternative, and they have held talks.”

With discussions already taking place with Barca, Arteta faces a very real prospect of losing one of his most reliable players of recent times, and one who’s made 45 appearances in all competitions, including as a makeshift right-back.