All posts by h716a5.icu

“You need to show intent and take the bowlers on, so it was pleasing from a batting perspective,” Anil Kumble said

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jun-20241:08

Are we seeing Hardik at his peak now?

Rohit Sharma is convinced that India’s batting approach against Bangladesh – of going hard from ball one – is “how we want to play”.”I’ve been talking about that for a long time,” Rohit said after India’s 50-run win against Bangladesh, which kept them unbeaten in the T20 World Cup 2024 with a semi-final berth in sight. “It’s just about going there and putting it to work knowing what is expected out of us, what we need to do and how we need to play.”Considering everything, we played really well. We adapted to the conditions. There are factors [like the wind] you need to take into account and be smart on how to choose those options. We were smart with the bat, and with the ball. Overall it was a great effort.”Related

Onus on India's present to link their past and future in T20s

Hardik serves reminder of his power and excitement with the bat

Kuldeep relishes Caribbean conditions as Super Eight specialist

Shakib, Tamim criticise Bangladesh's batting intent against India

Hardik and Kuldeep lead India to their second win in Super Eight

India made 196 after being put into bat, with Virat Kohli’s 28 balls (for 37) the longest innings and Hardik Pandya’s 50 not out (from 27 balls) the highest score. There was a sprightly cameo from Rishabh Pant (36 off 24), while Rohit scored an 11-ball 23 and Shivam Dube hit 34 in 24 balls.”Look, all eight batters need to play their role, whatever it is,” Rohit said. “We saw only one guy get a fifty, but we still got 198 [196]. In T20s, I don’t believe you need to get fifties and hundreds. How you can put pressure on the opposition is what matters.”All the batters were trying to do that from the word go. That’s how we want to play and encourage ourselves to go forward. Yes, you need to understand the conditions as well, but we have a lot of experience in the squad, and we back them to use that experience on the field.”

“Today was a perfect example of what he can do with the bat. He’s a very important player for us. If he can keep doing that, we will be in good positions”Rohit Sharma on Hardik Pandya

Anil Kumble, the former India captain and head coach, called the approach “refreshing”.”You want batters to come in and take on the bowlers,” Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 TimeOut show. “This is a format where you can’t come in, sit back, and allow good bowlers to bowl their four overs.”You need to show intent and take the bowlers on, so it was pleasing from a batting perspective. Yes, if you probably look at the way they got out, probably you’d expect them to continue. But, in this format, you want them to go hard. Even Rishabh Pant – he hit a six, four and was looking to go for a reverse sweep.”Kumble also felt playing an extra batter at No. 8 [Ravindra Jadeja, who didn’t get a chance to bat] had empowered the top order. “Jadeja is eight. that gives you a bit more freedom for the batters to show the intent they’ve shown,” Kumble said. “And it’s not about one batter going deep and getting to 70-80. Yes, if it happens it happens, but I don’t think that’s the template India is looking to play.”When you had one less batter earlier on, that was the kind of template where one batter batted through and the rest of them go there and play around one batter. There’s a role for an anchor then. Those things are gone now. You have a slightly longer batting line-up, which means you can show that intent from ball one.”2:10

Kumble – ‘India’s intent has been refreshing to see’

Hardik showed that intent as he came up with a second impactful batting performance in the competition. Two nights ago, his half-century stand with Suryakumar Yadav had steered India out of choppy waters after Rashid Khan had applied the skids on India. On Saturday, Hardik ensured India had momentum going into the break; the last five overs produced 62.Hardik finished with four fours and three sixes, and he also somewhat made up for Dube’s early struggles during their 53-run partnership.”I mentioned in the last game that his partnership with Surya [was crucial]. Him batting well the way he did puts us in a very good state,” Rohit said. “We want to finish off innings really well after the top five-six set the platform to finish the game.”Hardik being Hardik, we know what he’s capable of. Today was a perfect example of what he can do with the bat. He’s a very important player for us. If he can keep doing that, we will be in good positions.”

An “unbelievable” Liverpool player is now reportedly “ready” to complete a move to a major club who have met the Reds in multiple major finals.

Players who could leave Liverpool this summer

For all the current stories linking the Premier League champions with new signings, constant speculation is also rife regarding outgoing moves in the summer transfer window.

Andy Robertson is reportedly keen on a shock move to La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, with some claiming that he is a “top target” for them. The 31-year-old wasn’t at his best last season, and Milos Kerkez is expected to join Liverpool from Bournemouth, but seeing him leave would still be a surprise.

Elsewhere, the likes of Kostas Tsimikas, Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez are far from guaranteed to be at Anfield next season, with Elliott arguably hinting the most about a new challenge: “I’m coming into an age now where I’m 22, I’m gonna be 23 next season, and I don’t really want to be wasting years in my career because it’s a short career, you don’t know what’s gonna happen.

“Injuries and things could shorten it. So I think it’s a situation that, as I’ve said before, I need to reflect, I need to see if I’m content in doing what I’m doing and how can I improve as a player.”

Liverpool attacker "ready" to leave Anfield

Now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy [via Sport Witness], Liverpool striker Nunez is now “ready” to secure a move to AC Milan this summer, moving to the Reds’ 2005 and 2007 Champions League final opponents.

Milan are dreaming of snapping up a “big No.9” and the £140,000-a-week Uruguayan has emerged as a target, even though his wages could be expensive for both themselves and fellow suitors Napoli.

Nunez moving on from Liverpool this summer is the right decision for everyone concerned, with the 25-year-old ultimately not good enough over the past three years.

Arne Slot has made it clear that he doesn’t see him as a key part of his plans, simply by not picking him often, even though his assist for Elliott’s winner away to Paris Saint-Germain last season was described as “unbelievable” by Ally McCoist during commentary on the game.

Liverpool need to sign a higher calibre of striker before next season gets underway, unless Slot plans to use Florian Wirtz as a false nine, and Nunez can still generate a healthy amount of money for the Reds.

Better than Ekitike: Liverpool make approach to sign "the new Haaland"

Liverpool could be about to forget about Hugo Ekitike with a move for another talisman.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 16, 2025

While clearly a popular figure among the fanbase because of his personality and work ethic, the Merseysiders must be ruthless with him, and Milan could be an ideal destination.

Chelsea are one of the busiest Premier League sides this transfer window, with just days remaining for Enzo Maresca and BlueCo to register new players in time for the Club World Cup.

Who Chelsea could sign after Liam Delap

The Blues have already sealed their first signing of the summer after shaking hands on a deal for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap (Fabrizio Romano), who joins in a £30 million deal, but Chelsea are by no means done following the Englishman’s arrival.

Chelsea inform £170k-a-week star they're ready to pay his £50m release clause

The Euro 2024 winner is a serious target for Enzo Maresca’s side.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 3, 2025

Work is happening behind-the-scenes at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea attempting to bring one or two more signings through the door before they kick off their CWC campaign on June 16 against Leon (Simon Phillips).

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

It is believed that the west Londoners are laying the groundwork on potential deals for wingers and attacking midfielders as one key item on their agenda. Chelsea held talks with the representatives of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams last week, and informed the Spaniard’s camp that they’re prepared to pay his £50 million release clause.

As well as the 22-year-old, Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jeremy Doku (Man City), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Max Tillman (PSV), Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund), Alejandro Garnacho (Man United) are all reportedly on Chelsea’s shortlist of wide-attacking targets.

Chelsea are expected to sign a centre-back too, amid links to Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and they’re currently in talks with AC Milan over a deal for French international goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The 29-year-old’s contract expires next summer, and this situation has alerted Chelsea to a potential upgrade on Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.

However, there is still a major gap when it comes to price, so the west Londoners are prepared to walk away and stick with what they have if Milan don’t lower their demands.

That being said, even if the clubs are failing to find common ground right now, Chelsea do have the player’s approval.

Mike Maignan gives green-light to join Chelsea from AC Milan

According to Football Italia, Maignan has given his green-light to join Chelsea, with the Frenchman approving a switch to Cobham as he ponders life after the San Siro.

The outlet adds that a formal bid is expected to arrive from Chelsea “in the near future”, and if they can reach an agreement on Maignan’s final asking price, he could depart the Rossoneri “in the coming days”.

There is no doubt he would be a stellar addition between the sticks, with Liverpool star Alisson believing Maignan is in the “elite” bracket of keepers. Milan are also eyeing up Torino number one Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in the event they do lose their star shot-stopper.

This saga definitely appears one to watch over the next week, and it could prompt BlueCo to undergo a major goalkeeping reshuffle considering Chelsea’s backlog of five keepers already on their books.

Burnley didn’t blow anyone away in attack during their recent promotion-winning feat out of the Championship as their rock-solid defence instead stole all the plaudits.

That is understandable considering the Clarets only leaked a seriously impressive 16 goals all season long, but only 69 goals would actually be scored by Scott Parker’s men on the flip side.

To add context, Leeds United were crowned champions ahead of Burnley purely because of their heftier goal difference, helped by their mammoth 95 strikes.

Therefore, upon their re-entry into the top division, Burnley could be on the hunt for a new, potent attacker to call their own, with Parker praying he can uncover his next Aleksandar Mitrovic in the process, having worked alongside the lethal Serbian at previous employers Fulham.

Mitrovic's potency under Scott Parker

Mitrovic is the very definition of a modern-day legend at the Cottagers, having ended his 206-game association with the West London side by bagging a ridiculous 111 strikes.

30 of those would come under the bumpy reign of Parker, before the now Al-Hilal attacker became an even more ice-cold finisher of chances when Marco Silva took on the managerial reins after the 44-year-old’s dismissal.

Still, the deadly 30-year-old first kicked on donning Fulham white under the guidance of Parker with the Clarets boss arguably also playing a key part in Dominic Solanke’s development at AFC Bournemouth prior to his major switch to Tottenham Hotspur.

Off the back of this, Burnley could be tempted to go after an experienced striker to lead the line next season, knowing he has been as clinical as Mitrovic when previously performing at the peak of his powers.

Parker could sign his new Mitrovic

Most of the chatter involving Burnley this summer has honed in on the alarming amount of potential outgoings as both Maxime Esteve and Josh Brownhill reportedly continue to be eyed up by higher up suitors.

Thankfully, rumours involving who they could add to their promotion-winning squad are also now coming to the surface, with former hero Danny Ings being lined up for a stunning Turf Moor return.

Before the “phenomenal” veteran – as he’s been previously labelled by pundit Noel Whelan – would go on to cement himself as a Premier League distinguished striker for the likes of Aston Villa and Southampton, the 32-year-old first burst onto the scene as a dangerous goal machine in Lancashire.

After ripping up the Championship with Burnley by firing home 21 goals – much like Mitrovic had shown on the books of Fulham – Ings would get his first big break in the Premier League with the Clarets during the 2014/15 season, with a temptation surely on the ageing attacker’s end now to return to his ex-side shortly to try and recapture his frightening best and help Parker’s underdogs beat the drop.

24/25

West Ham

15

1

2

23/24

West Ham

20

1

1

22/23

West Ham

17

2

2

22/23

Aston Villa

18

6

0

21/22

Aston Villa

30

7

6

20/21

Southampton

29

12

4

19/20

Southampton

38

22

2

18/19

Southampton

24

7

3

17/18

Liverpool

8

1

0

15/16

Liverpool

6

2

0

14/15

Burnley

35

11

4

As can be seen looking at the table above, when Ings isn’t in and out of the treatment room with injuries, he is a reliable goalscorer at Premier League level which is what Burnley are crying out for after a mediocre campaign in front of goal in the league below.

It will all just rest on whether Ings can break free of his recurring injury issues, but with Parker’s track record with Mitrovic, he could well be an ideal figure for the 32-year-old to shine under.

The nervous Clarets will also be able to land their ex-number ten on a free transfer, meaning it could go down as a very shrewd deal if he rolls back the years on his return.

Their best ST since Wood: Burnley could now sign "clinical" PL star

Burnley could pick up their best striker purchase since Chris Wood with this summer deal

ByKelan Sarson May 25, 2025

Chelsea chiefs are now internally debating a potential deal for another rising star, according to a report out of Stamford Bridge this week.

Chelsea continue transfer policy of signing high-potential starlets

Since the start of 2025, despite Enzo Maresca strongly suggesting that Chelsea need to bring in more experienced players, BlueCo have shown no sign of slowing down when it comes to their transfer policy of signing world football’s brightest up-and-coming talents.

£172k-per-week striker is waiting for Chelsea to contact him about joining

Chelsea are set for a big summer after qualifying for the Champions League.

2 ByEmilio Galantini May 26, 2025

Earlier this year, the west Londoners agreed a double-deal with Sporting CP to sign their rising star duo, Geovany Quenda (18) and Dario Essugo (20), for a total fee of around £62.5 million, with the former set to fully join them in 2026 and the latter this summer.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

It is now also being reported by reliable media sources that Chelsea are planning a pre-2026 deal for 22-year-old Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

Since Romano’s initial report, French media sources have claimed that Chelsea have moved in with a six-year contract offer to Emegha, and an agreement for the Ligue 1 sensation is merely a “matter of time”.

“Chelsea have offered Emanuel Emegha a six-year contract valid until June 2031,” wrote Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna on X.

“The intention is for him to stay in Strasbourg for another year and then go to Chelsea. A full agreement is just a matter of time.”

As Maresca’s side carry on planning for the long-term, Brighton starlet Valentin Barco, who spent the 2024/2025 on loan at Strasbourg, has now entered their radar.

Chelsea hold internal talks over signing Valentin Barco from Brighton

The Argentine midfielder can play in a variety of roles on the left, and he was the “most signed wonderkid” on popular PC game Football Manager last year.

According to CaughtOffside, while no formal approach has been made yet, Chelsea are holding internal talks over a potential move for Barco, and Maresca is believed to be a personal admirer of the 20-year-old.

“(He’s a) left back but he’s not going to be playing there, I don’t think,” said South American football expert Tim Vickery.

“He’s a left-sided attacking midfielder. Very good running with the ball. Amazing power that he generates from his left foot. Good from set-pieces.

“He can combine well. He had a sweet little thing going with Edison Cavani at Boca Juniors.”

Barco is fresh off a productive campaign at Strasbourg, finishing 24/25 as one of their best-performing players in Ligue 1 by average match rating per 90 – starting 14 Ligue 1 matches and bagging two assists (WhoScored).

It is little surprise Chelsea have taken note of his displays, possibly while keeping tabs on Andrey Santos’ progress in France and scouting Emanuel Emegha. In any case, the Blues’ relationship with their sister club may end up paying dividends again.

Man City were once linked with a move for Barco in 2023 as well, indicating he’s a player of real promise.

Tottenham Hotspur sunk to another defeat, their 20th of the season, in the Premier League when they were beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace on Sunday.

A double from Eberechi Eze, who scored just before and just after the half-time break, put Spurs to the sword, and it could have been even more if not for eight saves from Antonin Kinsky between the sticks.

The Czech star was given a rare run-out in goal as he is not eligible to play in the Europa League, but the shot-stopper was not the only player who was given a rare chance to impress, as Ben Davies also came in at centre-back.

Why Ben Davies should not start the Europa League final

The Wales international came in to start in the left-sided centre-back position against Palace, after he was an unused substitute in both legs of the semi-final clash with Bodo/Glimt.

Davies won seven of his 13 duels against the Eagles, just over half, and put in a decent, but unimpressive, display at the heart of the defence. He certainly did not do enough to suggest that the manager should keep him in the team for the Europa League final after the clash with Aston Villa next weekend.

Appearances

8

7

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.3

2.0

Duels won per game

2.9

4.5

Ground duel success rate

50%

54%

Aerial duel success rate

50%

86%

As you can see in the table above, Micky van de Ven has been far more defensively dominant than him in Europe, which is why the Dutchman should be in line to start against Manchester United.

Davies is not the only player from Sunday’s starting XI who should be ditched from the team after the Aston Villa game, though, as Djed Spence must also be binned for the final.

Why Djed Spence should not start the Europa League final

The English defender lined up at left-back against Palace and did not cover himself in glory for either of the goals with his positioning on that side of the pitch, whilst he also gave the ball away 12 times and only completed 76% of his attempted passes.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Football.london handed him a player rating of just 3/10 and wrote that he was ‘all over the place’ and that Palace took ‘advantage’ of his poor positional play throughout the match, despite winning eight of his ten duels.

It is not the first time that his positioning has been questioned. When playing in his more natural right-back berth, Football FanCast suggested that he should have been dropped after the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool because he was allowed his market to get in behind on at least three occasions, once leading to a goal, on that day.

Ange Postecoglou, therefore, should not select Spence at left-back for the Europa League final because his unreliable positioning could cost them big time against the Red Devils.

Spurs will not want to gift chances away, as they did against Liverpool and Palace, with Spence at full-back because his positioning lets the United wingers in too many times down the flanks, which is why he should be dropped.

Destiny Udogie, meanwhile, has averaged 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game and won 66% of his duels in the Europa League, whilst also offering a naturally left-footed option to progress the ball in possession down that side.

Not another Mourinho: Levy makes "genius" coach Spurs' top target

Even if Tottenham triumph in the Europa League, most expect Ange Postecoglou to be sacked, so doest Daniel Levy have a “genius” coach top of his list?

2 ByBen Gray May 10, 2025

It is now down to Postecoglou to take Spence out of the XI, whether that is for Villa next week or after the clash with the Villans, in order to play Udogie at left-back in the Europa League final.

Given the high standards he’s set for himself in 2024/25, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has a huge job on his hands this summer to continue the process made in recent months.

The Dutchman took the reins from Jürgen Klopp last summer, offering a seamless transition and leading the side to Premier League glory at the very first attempt.

He managed to achieve such a feat with multiple games to spare, winning 25 matches out of a possible 35 to date, losing on just three occasions, with one coming on home soil.

However, the Dutchman faces a huge task on his hands next time around to maintain such a success and hand the club an opportunity to make it back-to-back titles.

If such an achievement is to happen at the same point in 12 months time, this summer transfer window will be crucial, with the hierarchy needing to hand Slot the funds to make the additions he needs.

An update on Liverpool’s pursuit of new signings this summer

With the transfer window just around the corner, numerous names have been mentioned over a potential move to join Liverpool, including Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez.

The Hungarian has been on their shopping list for many months now, with the Reds still in the hunt for his signature, leading to a potential saga throughout the off-season.

However, the opposite side of the pitch could also be in line for investment, with Slot’s men closely monitoring a move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, according to reports in Spain.

They state that the Reds are to submit an offer in the region of £34m for the 24-year-old star, who’s made 47 appearances across all competitions for the German outfit this campaign.

It also claims that the Dutchman is the manager’s key target for the upcoming window, with Frimpong having the tools to come into the side and soften the blow of one player’s pending departure.

Why Liverpool’s £34m target is the dream TAA replacement

Over the last couple of days, Liverpool fans have been left dismayed after right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold confirmed he would be ending his 20-year stint with his boyhood club.

The 26-year-old has racked up over 350 appearances after making his first-team debut back in the summer of 2016, winning a staggering six major trophies – including two Premier League titles.

However, after such an impressive stint at Anfield, it’s going to be tricky to replace such a talent, which could subsequently have an impact on their ambitions of going back-to-back in the Premier League next campaign.

Premier League

257

18

67

Champions League

60

2

13

FA Cup

13

1

3

Carabao Cup

10

0

6

Europa League

5

0

2

Club World Cup

2

0

1

CL Qualifying

2

0

1

Community Shield

2

1

0

UEFA Super Cup

1

0

0

It’s a positive sign that the hierarchy have already wasted little to no time in targeting a replacement, with Frimpong having the tools to do just that – or even provide an upgrade on the Englishman.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from 2024/25, the Leverkusen star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – with the fee touted potentially being a bargain for the Reds.

The Dutchman, who’s been labelled “one of the best wing-backs in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to complete more progressive carries per 90 this campaign – handing Slot an added attacking threat from full-back.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, but whilst also attempting more take-ons – highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.

Defensively, he’s been just as impressive, winning more tackles against players attempting to dribble past him – with Frimpong able to offer added stability, something which Trent often struggled with at Anfield.

£34m for a player of his calibre in today’s market is an absolute steal, allowing the club to land a player who can fill the role for many years, given his tender age.

Whilst losing Trent will be a huge disappointment to many, the Leverkusen star has the chance to allow supporters to forget about his departure and play a key role in any success endured under Slot in the years to come.

Better signing than Sesko: Liverpool plot move for "world-class" £64m ace

Liverpool appear to be making a huge move to land a new striker for Arne Slot this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 7, 2025

Spanish giants Atlético Madrid now want to sign a £200,000-a-week Arsenal player as the Gunners begin talks over a new contract, according to a recent report.

Arsenal desperate for a new striker this summer

One of the main reasons why the Gunners were unable to mount a serious title challenge with Liverpool was because of the lack of goals in the team. There are not many weaknesses in Mikel Arteta’s squad, but the lack of a number nine has cost them in the last 18 months to two years, especially once injuries compounded the issue.

He's like Saka & Salah: Arsenal plan talks to sign £55m Ballon d'Or nominee

The free-scoring international could be just what Arsenal need.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 28, 2025

Therefore, it is no surprise to see that Arsenal are already looking at the market and trying to find the best possible number nine who will fit into their team. Benjamin Sesko and Jonathan David of RB Leipzig and Lille, respectively, have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now. Meanwhile, it was reported over the weekend that the Gunners have made an enquiry over the possibility of signing Christopher Nkunku, who looks set to leave Chelsea at the end of this campaign, given his lack of game time.

Reports have also stated that Arsenal are in advanced talks in a deal to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club this summer. The Spain international has a release clause worth £50 million, and the Gunners are willing to trigger it to get a deal done.

Williams may not be the only high-profile arrival at the Emirates, as Arsenal are now willing to make a bid worth £69 million to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. This figure would be a lot lower than his release clause, which is reportedly worth £86 million.

Atlético Madrid want to sign £200k-p/w Arsenal ace

These potential arrivals will cost the Gunners a lot in terms of fees and wages, and there is an expectation that some players will have to be let go – Thomas Partey could be one.

According to Marca, relayed by The Mirror, Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Partey amid talks over a new deal with Arsenal.

Partey, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is currently in talks with the Gunners over extending his stay beyond this campaign. However, Arsenal need to act quickly, as Atlético are keeping a close eye on the situation and will be ready to make a move should an agreement not be found. They are not the only team interested either, as Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen, and the player himself is said to be open to joining Barcelona.

Partey, who has been labelled a player “Arteta loves”, has been a key player for Arsenal since arriving from Atlético back in 2020. This season the midfielder has played 31 games in the Premier League, 27 of which he has started. The Ghana international has also started 10 of the 11 Champions League games the Gunners have played, and he will be looking to add to that as Arsenal face PSG this week.

Apps

31

Goals

4

Assists

2

Touches

65.0

Big chances created

3

Key passes

0.5

Passing accuracy per game

46.5 (89%)

Tackles per game

2.5

Interceptions per game

1.0

Balls recovered per game

3.9

Arsenal appear keen to tie Partey, who earns a weekly wage of £200,000 at the Emirates, to a new contract, but it’s been reported that the player’s entourage are in active talks with other clubs, meaning he could be ready to move away from the London side.

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.

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

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.

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

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.