Having swung from stomach-churning lows to giddying peaks all through 2019, how will they do on this most momentous tour?

Andrew Fidel Fernando10-Dec-2019Is stability overrated? Does continuity actually matter? Is form a good predictor of results? To what extent does form even exist anyway?In one of Sri Lanka’s wildest cricketing years yet – in which they’ve dived to stomach-churning lows and scaled giddying peaks, all in addition to sacking captains, firing managers, losing coaches, and hiring replacements for all of the above – they’ve charted a careening course around convention and spat hefty balls of saliva at common sense.Is a seriously depleted and beleaguered team headed to a slaughter in South Africa, where another Asian side has just been monstered? Oh, look at that, Sri Lanka have snatched the series clean, 2-0, putting on some of the most imperious batting displays in years.Is a heavily rain-affected Test headed for a draw, the first-innings only coming to a close on the fifth morning? Heh, no worries, Sri Lanka’s batsmen will go down in a vortex of staggeringly aggressive strokes to surrender the Test.So they’ve arrived in Pakistan now for a tour as momentous as they come, and we should expect what, exactly? The last time these teams met (in the UAE in 2017), Sri Lanka won 2-0, but that was in the age of Rangana Herath, who basically inhaled Pakistan wickets. The Sri Lanka of now, meanwhile, are not only missing a kick-ass spinner (with Dilruwan Perera having been modest in his three Tests this year), they are also without Suranga Lakmal, whose diligent line and length have lately been the rock upon which they have built numerous pleasing away performances. He was instrumental in February’s victory in Port Elizabeth and last year’s win in Barbados, but almost more important than those wickets is the control he provides, and his guidance of the younger quicks. Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando have good engines on them, but can they also be their own rudder?The batting? In some ways, that’s even more of a mystery. Lahiru Thirimanne, who averages 22.64 and has made seven 50-plus scores in 68 innings, may open the batting. Meanwhile, Dinesh Chandimal, who averages 41.86 and has more centuries than anyone else in the squad, is not a certainty in the XI (he was in the squad, but didn’t play either of the Tests against New Zealand in August).Dhananjaya de Silva and Lakshan Sandakan prepare to bowl at the nets•AFPAnd yet, for all this upheaval, Sri Lanka have what amounts to a passing grade in Tests, in 2019. They’ve lost as many Tests as they’ve won, true, but the victories have left the greater impression, and have helped restore a little of the hope that was lost during galling failures in 2017 and 2018. It has felt like a year of juddering gains. Dimuth Karunaratne has seemed an inspiring presence as captain. Sri Lanka have won three out of the four Tests he has led. Even in the one they lost, Karunaratne had been off the field injured during the pivotal fourth day, in which New Zealand set themselves up for a victory push.The likes of Vishwa, Oshada Fernando and Lasith Embuldeniya have all had breakout performances, and even wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella has produced innings that hint at… maybe not maturity exactly, but… growth? (The last time Sri Lanka played Tests against this opposition, it was strongly rumoured that Dickwella had harnessed Google Translate to sledge the Pakistan players in Urdu.) Meanwhile Dhananjaya de Silva’s offspin has grown wilier, and the last Test in August saw him make his first hundred in 18 months.ALSO READ – Can Mickey Arthur and revamped coaching structure lift Sri Lanka out of chaos?It’s tempting to suggest that a series win will help firm up Karunaratne’s captaincy, and set him up as the newly-installed Mickey Arthur’s long-term leadership partner. It was only months ago, after all, that the selectors were so impressed by Karunaratne’s Test leadership that they handed him the ODI reins as well. But this is an era of extreme flux in Sri Lankan cricket. Other captains and coaches have seemed relatively secure in their posts at the top of the mountain, until, suddenly, oh crap, there they tumble, into the ravine. Victories are only mild protections against the sack. (Long-term contracts are even milder.)Defeat though, like the 3-0 whitewash at the hands of England last November, could sour what low-key good vibes the Test team has built up. And if suddenly, on the back of a loss, the fickle folks at the board have yet another change of heart, then who knows?

It is fair to say that the season has not gone to plan for Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, after their latest defeat to Hibernian last weekend.

The Gers are 13 points adrift of their city rivals at the top of the table, with just six matches left to play, and are set to miss out on the title for the fourth year running.

Barry Ferguson was brought in to replace Philippe Clement on an interim basis until the end of the season and has already lost two of his five Premiership matches in charge of the club to date.

The campaign is not completely over for the Light Blues, though, as they remain a contender in the Europa League, with a clash with Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox coming up on Thursday.

Ferguson has a chance to etch his name in Rangers history, as a manager rather than a player this time, by delivering success on the European stage, and he could look to draw inspiration from Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s run to the final in 2022.

The Dutchman led Rangers to the final, only to lose to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties, and one of the key stars in that campaign was winger Ryan Kent.

Why Ryan Kent was a key player for Rangers

The English forward, who currently plays for Seattle Sounders in the MLS, was a pivotal player for van Bronckhorst and Rangers over the years, particularly in that Europa League run.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Kent started 12 of his 13 appearances in Europe and contributed with one goal, five ‘big chances’ created, and three assists from a left wing position.

This shows that the former Liverpool winger provided an excellent creative threat for Rangers in the Europa League, which is what he did throughout his Gers career in all competitions.

Kent typically played down the left wing and had the ability to either go down the outside on his weaker left foot or to chop inside to make things happen on his strong foot, causing constant problems for opposition full-backs.

Ryan Kent’s Rangers career

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

22/23

44

3

10

21/22

46

3

19

20/21

52

13

14

19/20

33

8

4

18/19

43

6

9

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Kent was an incredibly creative player in his final three seasons at Ibrox, whilst his goalscoring output decreased, with 43 assists in those three campaigns combined.

This shows that Rangers could rely upon the English attacker to create openings for his teammates on a consistent basis at the top end of the pitch, which played a key role in their run to the Europa League final run under van Bronckhorst.

The Light Blues lost 2-0 to Hibernian last time out and creating chances from the attacking midfield positions was an issue for Ferguson’s side.

Why Rangers need to change their starting line-up

Vaclav Cerny, Mohamed Diomande, and Hamza Igamane lined up in the three attacking midfield roles behind Cyriel Dessers in the loss to Hibs, with Cerny on the right, Diomande in the middle, and Igamane on the left.

Unfortunately, though, they only created three chances and one ‘big chance’ between them, along with zero shots on target, and that is why Ferguson must consider making changes to his XI ahead of the clash with Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.

Igamane started on the left but the change that the manager should make is to move him centrally and to drop Cyriel Dessers from the team, opening up that position on the flank.

24/25 Europa League

Cyriel Dessers

Hamza Igamane

Appearances (starts)

10 (7)

8 (4)

xG

5.41

1.16

Goals

3

4

Big chances missed

9

0

Conversion rate

17%

31%

Assists

2

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Morocco international has significantly outperformed the Nigerian forward in the Europa League this season and appears to be the best option to start in the centre-forward role, due to his clinical finishing ability.

Dropping Dessers to play Igamane through the middle would then provide Ferguson with the chance to unearth his own version of Ryan Kent by playing Nedim Bajrami on the left flank against Athletic Bilbao.

Why Nedim Bajrami could be the new Ryan Kent

The Albania international, who made the move to Ibrox on a permanent deal from Sassuolo last summer, has only played 31 minutes across the last two Premiership matches, but he has the potential to be Kent 2.0 if given an opportunity to start.

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Bajrami has played 33 times for Rangers in the Europa League and the Premiership combined for the Light Blues this term and has only racked up three goals and one assist in that time.

You would not immediately compare him to Kent based on those statistics, as he has only delivered one assist in 33 games, but his underlying statistics suggest that he has been incredibly unfortunate this season.

The 26-year-old playmaker has created ten ‘big chances’ in those matches and has only been rewarded with one assist, which shows that his teammates have let him down with their wasteful finishing rather than it being a case of him lacking creativity in his play.

Bajrami, whose footwork was described as “magnificent” by Willie Miller, was compared to Kent by Kris Boyd earlier this season, as the ex-Gers forward wrote that they offer similar qualities on the left flank, creating space for others by cutting in from the left flank.

24/25 Europa League

Nedim Bajrami

Appearances (starts)

9 (8)

Goals

1

Key passes

14

Big chances created

6

Pass accuracy

82%

Dribbles completed per game

1.9

Dribble success rate

65%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Albanian whiz has been incredibly creative in the Europa League, but has not been rewarded with assists because of poor quality finishing from others.

In fact, Bajrami has created more ‘big chances’ for the team than Kent did in four more appearances during van Bronckhorst’s Europa League run, which illustrates how impressive his creativity has been.

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Therefore, Ferguson can find his own version of the English forward by unleashing the ex-Serie A playmaker on the left flank, whilst moving Igamane into the middle, because of his creative quality, cutting in on his right foot from the left.

Manchester United are now preparing to make a £50m offer for an “incredible” defender, who is also wanted by Real Madrid and Liverpool, according to a report.

Man Utd's summer transfer plans taking shape

As we enter the business end of the season, Man United are on course for their lowest-ever Premier League finish, having taken just 38 points from 31 games, which indicates a major rebuilding job may be necessary in the summer.

One position in which United are very keen to strengthen is striker, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap among their top targets, while an offer has also been submitted for Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres.

There are signs Ruben Amorim is also eager to strengthen the spine of his team, with a whole host of potential targets being identified in central midfield, including Ederson and Joao Gomes, who may be brought in to replace Casemiro.

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Not only that, but signing a new centre-back is also on the agenda, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie a subject of interest, although a new report has revealed the Red Devils could also target a defender from much closer to home.

According to Caught Offside, Man United are now preparing to make a £50m offer for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who is attracting widespread attention ahead of the summer transfer window.

United remain keen on the 6 foot 5 colossus, who has been a long-term target, but they could face competition for his signature from Liverpool and Real Madrid.

A move to Real Madrid could make the most sense from an Everton perspective, as the Toffees are unlikely to be willing to strengthen their Merseyside rivals or a fellow Premier League club.

"Incredible" Branthwaite could upgrade United's backline

It would be fair to say United’s defence has not been their main issue this season, having scored just 37 goals in the Premier League, only six more than Ipswich Town, who are 12 points from safety and almost certain to be relegated.

However, there are signs the Everton star could still be a solid signing this summer, having been lauded as “incredible” by teammate Seamus Coleman, while also being ranked among the most consistent players in the Toffees squad this season.

The Englishman’s performances this term follow on from a very impressive 2023-24 campaign, in which he was a part of the defence with the second most clean sheets in the Premier League.

Signing a new striker should be Amorim’s priority this summer, but if the manager has the funds to pursue a centre-back too, there are plenty of indications that Branthwaite could be a success at Old Trafford.

As Evangelos Marinakis commenced the club’s latest scouting mission in Turkey, one Nottingham Forest target was given his marching orders in what was an ill-timed moment to forget.

Nottingham Forest send scouts to Besiktas vs Galatasaray

After defeating Manchester United 1-0 courtesy of Anthony Elanga’s stunning solo effort, Nottingham Forest have every right to be dreaming of Champions League football more than ever in the Premier League. And with that comes the right to turn their attention towards stealing further headlines in the transfer market this summer.

On the transfer front, several big names have already been mentioned – the biggest of which arguably being Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray loanee has enjoyed an excellent spell in Turkey and looks destined for bigger and better things once back at Napoli this summer. With Chris Wood not getting any younger either, Forest could yet make their move.

Turkish football seems to be where it’s at for those at the City Ground too, having also set their sights on two other targets. According to The Boot Room, Nottingham Forest’s scouting mission focused on Semih Kilicsoy last weekend, only for the young Besiktas star to receive a red card in his side’s 2-1 victory over Galatasaray.

Forest officials were also in attendance to watch Baris Alper Yilmaz, but it’s Kilicsoy who stole the headlines when he received his marching orders in the 96th minute before his teammates handed their rivals their first league defeat of the campaign.

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The first red card of the teenager’s career couldn’t have come at a worse time given that scouts from both Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa were in attendance, but he will hope to have still done enough to maintain their interest.

"Incredible" Kilicsoy is a rising star

Red card aside, Kilicsoy has been one to watch throughout the current campaign. At just 19 years old, the winger has scored four goals and assisted a further six in all competitions and doesn’t look likely to stop there. A player destined for the top, Nottingham Forest could yet sign another talented winger to add to the likes of Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the coming years.

Earning the praise of football talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, who described his campaign as “incredible”, Kilicsoy has only improved ever since and could earn the move that reflects that improvement this summer.

The Besiktas star is arguably one of the most talented young players that European football has to offer, but that won’t stand in Forest’s way. Closing in on a Champions League place, they could be more ambitious than ever this summer.

Manchester United could now be willing to sell a “very good” player for more than £55m this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

United basking in glory of Lyon victory

The Red Devils produced a stunning turnaround against Lyon on Thursday night, winning 5-4 at Old Trafford to book a place in the Europa League semi-finals, where they will meet Athletic Bilbao.

United were 4-2 down deep into extra-time and on the verge of their season coming to an embarrassing end, only to score three times in the remaining minutes, culminating in Harry Maguire scoring a dramatic winner with a penalty shootout looming.

This is still a Red Devils side that has been painfully lacking in quality this season, however, highlighting the need for a host of new signings to arrive during the summer transfer window. Atalanta midfielder Ederson has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford, potentially being seen as a replacement for Casemiro in front of the defence.

There is also a shock rumour regarding Scott McTominay returning to United in the summer, following an impressive season at Napoli. It would be a surprise, but Ruben Amorim may feel that he can get the best out of the Scot.

Man Utd want over £55m to sell Rasmus Hojlund this summer

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Manchester United are willing to sell Rasmus Hojlund at the end of the season, demanding over £55m for his signature, with INEOS willing to take a loss on the £72m spent on him.

Serie A trio Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli are all thought to be “considering moving” for the £85,000-a-week striker, who has struggled to reach the required standards throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

At just 22, there would be a risk in United letting Hojlund leave, considering how much time he still has to improve as a player in his career. That said, he looks increasingly lost at Old Trafford, even though Amorim lauded him after his recent goal against Leicester City.

“It’s really important for Rasmus. He’s doing the right things, helping the team, fighting for every ball. He scored a very good goal and I think he deserved it more than anybody. It was a difficult goal with difficult control with his right foot. It’s a shame we stop for the national teams because we have confidence.”

United have to be ruthless this summer, bringing in a proven striker who can take the team up a level, and if that means cashing in on Hojlund, so be it.

Rasmus Hojlund’s Premier League stats this season

Total

Appearances

27

Starts

18

Minutes played

1592

Goals

3

Assists

0

Shots per game

0.9

Key passes per game

0.5

Dribbles per game

0.3

He has been given enough opportunities to prove his worth to Amorim, but unless he enjoys a strong end to the season, it looks increasingly like a transfer that ultimately hasn’t quite worked out.

Eight more points. That is the maximum number of points that Leeds United need from their last four matches to guarantee their place in the Premier League next season, although seven would likely be enough due to their superior goal difference.

The Whites are five points clear of Sheffield United, who still have Burnley to play, in the Championship and are closing in on an automatic promotion place.

Daniel Farke’s side took another step towards promotion with their 2-1 win over Preston North End at Elland Road on Saturday, thanks to goals from Manor Solomon and Jayden Bogle.

With promotion on the horizon, the powers that be will be assessing the squad and preparing to build a team that can compete in the Premier League, and one player who must be kept is Ao Tanaka.

Why Leeds must keep Ao Tanaka

The Japan international, who joined from Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer, has been an exceptional performer in the Championship this season and should remain a key player next term.

Tanaka has shown his quality on the ball, with four goals and a pass completion rate of 90%, in midfield to control and dictate matches for the Whites.

He has also provided defensive strength, with 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game and a duel success rate of 56%, to protect his own goal.

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Per Capology, Tanaka currently earns £25k-per-week and has offered fantastic value for money in midfield when you consider that Illan Meslier is on £30k-per-week, and the French dud must never play for the club again.

Why Illan Meslier must never play for Leeds again

The 25-year-old flop was finally dropped by Farke after his third error that directly led to a goal this season against Swansea in a 2-2 draw last month, after pundit Jeff Stelling claimed that the player’s “confidence is shot” as a result of his mistakes.

Meslier played the first 39 matches of the Championship campaign and made three errors that directly led to goals and conceded 2.73 more than expected based on the xG of the shots against him.

Appearances

44

39

Penalties saved

0/1

1/4

Goals prevented

-4.49

-2.73

Error led to shot

1

0

Error led to goal

1

3

Aerial battles won per game

0.3

0.5

As you can see in the table above, the French dud has consistently let Leeds down at Championship level by underperforming as a shot-stopper and making too many errors.

Karl Darlow, meanwhile, has prevented 0.56 goals and not made a single direct error in his three appearances since coming into the team against Luton, providing an assured pair of hands between the sticks.

Meslier’s current contract at Elland Road is due to expire in the summer of 2026 and that makes this summer a big one for Leeds, because they either have to commit to him with a new deal or cash in on him before they lose the goalkeeper for nothing next year.

Scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Leeds will “listen to offers” for the former Lorient gem, which suggests that he could be on his way out of Yorkshire ahead of next season.

With this in mind, Meslier should never play for Leeds again because Darlow has proven that he has the quality needed to help push them over the line in the final four matches of the current campaign.

Therefore, the English stopper should remain in goal for the rest of this season before Meslier is sold, and replaced, in the summer transfer window which would mean that the French dud’s last game for the club will end up being the 2-2 draw with Swansea last month.

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Whilst it would be a sad way for him to end his Leeds career, the 25-year-old liability’s performances this season suggest that it would be the right decision, as he has not provided value for money with his £30k-per-week wages – earning more than the impressive Tanaka despite struggling throughout the campaign.

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.

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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.

Manchester United are thought to be interested in a Premier League star who actually has the same agent as Patrick Dorgu.

Man Utd looking at multiple summer signings as Ratcliffe calls out recent additions

The Red Devils have big plans for the future, as laid out by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, who recently announced plans for a new 100,000-capacity stadium.

However, shortly before those were released, Ratcliffe sat down with the media and discussed previous signings at Old Trafford. The co-owner called out several players who the Red Devils are still paying for, believing some aren’t good enough and are overpaid.

“If you look at the players we are buying this summer, that we didn’t buy, we’re buying Antony, we’re buying Casemiro, we’re buying Onana, we’re buying Hojlund, we’re buying Sancho. These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we’ve inherited those things and have to sort that out.”

Ratcliffe added: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid, but for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”

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More recently, United have looked to youth in the transfer market, signing the likes of Ayden Heaven from Arsenal and Dorgu from Lecce in the January transfer window.

Both have featured under Ruben Amorim already, and it looks as if Man Utd are planning for the summer transfer window, where numerous incomings and outgoings appear to be on the cards.

The club may axe 10 Man Utd players on more than £1.8m a week at Old Trafford, whereas a new striker appears to be high on the to-do list, with Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt a target.

Behind a new striker could be an attacking midfield addition, and an impressive Premier League player appears to be on the Old Trafford radar.

Man Utd eyeing bid for £60m+ Eberechi Eze

According to TEAMtalk, Man Utd are weighing up a move to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. The report suggests that the Red Devils may need to sell before launching a move for the England international due to PSR rules.

Eze is also wanted by Tottenham but is thought to be ‘ready to take the next step in his career’, and any transfer will cost at least £60m. Amorim is thought to personally be a fan of Eze and can see him ‘playing as one of the no. 10s in his side’.

Now aged 26, Eze has starred at Selhurst Park in recent seasons and has now made more than 150 appearances for the Eagles.

Games

31

Goals

6

Assists

9

Minutes played

2,457

He was called up to Euro 2024 for England last summer and has shown why again this season, becoming a key figure under Oliver Glasner.

Eze, who actually shares the same CAA Base agency as Dorgu, looks like he could be on the move over the coming months, and if United get some players out the door quickly, a deal for the Palace star could be one to watch.

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.

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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.

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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.

Liverpool are edging ever closer to being crowned Premier League champions, but they could now have an intriguing proposal on the table from one of their elite competitors on the continent, per reports.

Liverpool prepare for Premier League title party and summer window

The champagne remains on ice for Liverpool as they need three points and an Arsenal loss at Ipswich Town to officially claim the top-flight crown at Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.

Arne Slot has done a magnificent job at Anfield and has been the subject of adulation from all quarters across the season, though the Dutchman has admitted he doesn’t care where the Reds win the title as their campaign reaches a sweet conclusion.

Undoubtedly, sealing a second Premier League of the modern era will fuel the appetite for more silverware on the red half of Merseyside. With rivals set to come back stronger next term, a positive summer window is a must to ward off any potential threat.

Tapping into that mindset, Liverpool are willing to break their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle after preparing an offer of roughly £130 million for the Sweden international.

Planning for the future, the Reds are also interested in Sheffield United youngster Ryan One, and there may be scope for a push to sign the Scotland Under-21 international to continue his path on an upward trajectory.

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Presumably, the likes of Diogo Jota or Darwin Nunez could make way for new arrivals. However, plenty of movement is expected in both directions as Slot shapes his squad for the coming years.

Nevertheless, the Liverpool boss may now have to make a decision regarding a surprise swap proposal involving one of their key men and a global star.

Liverpool offered Arda Guler in surprise Alexis Mac Allister swap proposal

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are set to be offered Arda Guler plus a significant fee for Alexis Mac Allister in a surprise swap deal involving Slot’s side and European competitors Real Madrid.

The outlet claim Carlo Ancelotti and company have been won over by the Argentina international’s attributes, creating a scenario where they are willing to include players in exchange to seal an agreement.

Alexis Mac Allister vs Arda Guler – how do both players compare this season?

Alexis Mac Allister – Premier League statistics

Goals

4

Assists

4

Chances created

38

Successful dribbles

15

Duels won

156

Arda Guler – La Liga statistics

Goals

1

Assists

3

Chances created

23

Successful dribbles

12

Duels won

64

Labelled “exceptional” by Jose Mourinho, Guler’s tally of three goals and seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions is a fairer reflection of his contribution in the Spanish capital.

Valued at £35 million, per various outlets, his scope to develop into one of the world’s finest playmakers is clear for all to stay. That said, should his arrival come at the price of losing Mac Allister? Only time will tell on that front.