Everton are in the market for a striker this summer and may now have identified the man they want to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin when the England international moves on, according to a report.
Everton still in limbo over Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Clubs are beginning to filter back in for pre-season, and the transfer window is well underway. However, there is still no definitive news over whether Everton stalwart Calvert-Lewin will sign a contract extension.
Leeds United have reportedly made contact to sign the England international. Still, their pursuit has been complicated amid the suggestion that he could be open to a prolonged stay at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Everton.
Confirmation is needed for all parties at this point to bring about some form of clarity. Regardless, Everton are expected to be in the hunt for attacking reinforcements as David Moyes seeks to bolster his offensive line.
Having put that into the universe, BBC chief reporter Phil McNulty feels Jack Grealish is unlikely to move to the Toffees despite persistent rumours connecting the Manchester City star with a switch to one of their Premier League rivals.
He explained: “Everton, like many other clubs, will be aware that there is a deal to be done for Jack Grealish, but this would be a very rich deal for Everton to do – and would certainly require Manchester City picking up a large share of his salary.
Everton’s first five fixtures of the new Premier League season
Leeds United (A)
Elland Road
Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
Molineux
Aston Villa (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Liverpool (A)
Anfield
“So, at the moment, I think you can categorise this as being a long shot but, if the clock runs down towards the window closing and Grealish has not found himself a new club, then I can certainly see Everton at least trying to find out the lay of the land.”
Despite Grealish becoming a difficult pursuit, Everton have now turned their attention to an exciting potential replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton set sights on Millwall striker Mihailo Ivanovic
According to Goodison News, Everton have identified Millwall striker Mihailo Ivanovic as a target and Moyes is ‘desperate’ to strengthen his forward line amid uncertainty over Calvert-Lewin’s future.
After joining the South London-based outfit for £2.8 million last year, the Serbia international has also attracted interest from other Premier League clubs after scoring 13 goals and putting in a string of impressive performances.
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He hit the net 14 times last term, if you include his solitary effort at Vojvodina before moving to the capital, and was previously labelled “remarkable” by Alex Neil amid his rapid rise to prominence at Millwall.
Encouragingly, any deal would be ‘unlikely’ to break the bank from an Everton perspective, potentially offering an affordable solution if Calvert-Lewin decides to move on to pastures new.
Over recent weeks, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has been the most likely star to make the move to join Manchester United and further aid Ruben Amorim’s attempts in the final third.
The Cameroonian has starred in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, scoring 20 times in his 38 appearances, undoubtedly being the shining light in the Bees’ side.
Such a record has led to the Red Devils’ keen interest, even making a £60m bid for the attacker, but it was rejected, with the two clubs yet to agree on a fee this window.
They have faced huge competition from Tottenham Hotspur for his signature this summer, but the Bees star has given the Red Devils his word and confirmed that he wants to join Amorim’s side.
However, it appears as though other options are being considered in the forward department, potentially forming an excellent partnership with the Cameroonian at Old Trafford.
The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer
Dušan Vlahović is a player who has emerged on their radar over the last couple of weeks, potentially striking an agreement with Juventus that would see Jadon Sancho move in the opposite direction.
Felix Nmecha is another player on their radar, potentially making a bid for his services in the coming weeks in an attempt to land his signature ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Felix Nmecha for Borussia Dortmund.
However, the hierarchy are also active elsewhere, subsequently preparing a move for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, that’s according to the latest update from CaughtOffside.
The report claims that the Red Devils are preparing a £60m offer for the 26-year-old, who’s registered 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this campaign.
It also states that the offer is below the Italian side’s asking price for the Portuguese international, but they would be open to offloading him should they receive an acceptable bid during this window.
Why United’s £60m target could be Amorim’s own version of prime Rashford
Marcus Rashford is a player who has been a superb option for United over the years after making his debut way back in 2016 as a baby-faced teenager.
He’s racked up over 400 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 138 times for his boyhood club, with his best season coming in 2022/23 – notching 30 goals in his 56 outings.
However, he appears to be out of favour under current boss Amorim, subsequently being loaned out to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024/25 season.
The 27-year-old looks almost certain to depart Old Trafford on a permanent basis this summer, potentially handing the manager the funds to make the changes he requires.
A move could allow Leao to take his place within the first-team setup, being the manager’s next version of the England international, outperforming him in numerous key areas this season compared to his prime a couple of years ago.
AC Milan's RafaelLeaobefore the match
The Milan star has previously stated he’s modelled his game on Rashford’s, often liking to cut inside onto his stronger right foot off the left-hand side, developing into a bigger talent in the process.
Leao, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – demonstrating his clinical edge within the final third.
Games played
34
35
Goals & assists
16
22
Progressive carries
4.8
2.6
Progressive passes
3.6
2.7
Shot-on-target accuracy
46%
45%
Key passes made
2.3
0.9
Shot-creating actions
4.4
3
Take-on success
46%
39%
Carries into opposition box
2.6
1.7
Aerials won
57%
33%
He’s also produced countless chances, completing more progressive carries and passes per 90, subsequently able to provide the players around him with added opportunities.
The Portuguese star has further dominated, registering more take-ons and winning more aerial battles, handing Amorim an all-round threat within the final third.
£60m for a player of his quality would be a superb piece of business, giving the side the fear factor they’ve often lacked within the final third in recent seasons.
Should he match or better the levels produced by Rashford back in 2022/23, it would be a sensational signing and one that could transform the Amorim era for the better.
Bruno will make him world-class: Man Utd hold talks for "phenomenal" star
Manchester United appear to be making a move in a deal to sign a new talisman.
Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq set up the win by helping bundle out PNG for 95
S Sudarshanan14-Jun-2024
Fazalhaq Farooqi was named the Player of the Match for his 3 for 16•ICC via Getty Images
Afghanistan booked their place in Super Eight, thereby knocking New Zealand out of men’s T20 World Cup 2024, after a seven-wicket win over PNG in Tarouba.Their win was set up by new-ball spells from fast bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq that saw PNG lose five wickets inside the powerplay. A total of four run-outs did not help PNG’s cause either as they were dismissed for 95.Afghanistan romped home with 29 balls to spare with Gulbadin Naib staying unbeaten on 49. The result meant that for the first time since 2014, New Zealand bowed out before the semi-final stage of a men’s World Cup – ODI or T20.With six points and a net run rate of 4.230, Afghanistan lead Group C.Naib douses a brief spark from PNGA target of 96 would not have worried Afghanistan. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran had added century stands for the opening wicket in each of their first two games. Gurbaz had struck fifties in those outings. As a result, the middle order had barely had time in the middle. On Thursday, Afghanistan’s worst fears nearly came true.Semo Kamea, brought in for vice-captain Charles Amini, almost struck first ball when Ibrahim was ruled out lbw. He used the DRS to his benefit but lost his stumps three balls later while trying to attack an inswinger from Kamea. In the next over, fast bowler Alei Neo knocked over Gurbaz, who also charged down to heave one across the line. PNG could have put even more pressure on Afghanistan had wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga hung on to Naib’s outside edge in the fifth over.PNG were left to rue those chances on a surface with dry grass, which, as Daren Ganga had said in his pitch report, contributed to variable bounce. The proof was in Azmatullah Omarzai’s dismissal when a length ball from Norman Vanua barely got up and bowled him.But Naib, in the company of Mohammad Nabi, countered the conditions to ensure Afghanistan faced no further hiccups.Vala run-out triggers collapsePNG made almost the right start after being sent in. A double through fine leg, a single through point, a cut shot for four – they were ticking along without any risk. But it all went south when captain Assad Vala was run out in the second over. Going for the third run, his bat was in the air at the non-striker’s end when Gurbaz nailed a direct hit at the bowler’s end. Had Vala slid his bat, he would have been safe.Papua New Guinea lost four wickets, including Norman Vanua, to run-out•Associated Press
Farooqi then did what he does best: flummox batters with swing. He had Lega Siaka caught behind by Gurbaz diving full length to his right and then, on the next ball, Sese Bau also nicked one behind.When Naveen got Hiri Hiri to chop one onto his stumps on the first ball of the fourth over, PNG had lost four wickets in nine balls. Batting first on a used surface that hosted the West Indies-New Zealand clash just 24 hours ago, that was handing over advantage on a platter.Doriga leads mini-recovery for PNGWhen Naveen crashed through Tony Ura for his 50th T20I wicket, PNG were reduced to 30 for 5. PNG needed to bat a few overs safely at that point, and Chad Soper and Doriga did that for 24 balls while scoring 16 runs. But in the tenth over, both were guilty of ball-watching, which resulted in Soper being run out.Doriga then used the slog sweep and sweep to rotate strike against Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. Neo punished the seamers when they bowled on his pads. The pair was effective without being enterprising and added 38 off 34 balls.Once Doriga was done in by a wrong’un from Noor to be trapped lbw, PNG lost their last three wickets for just seven runs.
Chelsea are expected to part company with a host of senior players during the next summer transfer window, as BlueCo look to trim the wage bill and reduce Enzo Maresca’s bloasted squad.
Chelsea players who could be sold this summer
Some big names are currently surplus to requirements and haven’t been named in Chelsea’s squad for the Club World Cup.
"I am told" – Journalist says insiders are shocked by who Chelsea have let go
Many are apparently surprised.
By
Emilio Galantini
Jun 12, 2025
This includes Renato Veiga, Lesley Ugochukwu, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi, who are all facing the prospect of having to find new clubs this summer (The Athletic).
Sterling is back from a lacklustre stint at London rivals Arsenal on loan, while Felix also failed to impress during his temporary spell at AC Milan over the second half of 2024/2025.
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
Chilwell is on around £200,000-per-week and has returned from his loan move to Crystal Palace, so Stamford Bridge chiefs will be keen to find him a new landing spot sooner rather than later.
Given their backlog of goalkeepers, and reports Chelsea could still sign Mike Maignan despite their failed June 10 deadline day move for the France international, uncertainty also surrounds the futures of Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic.
Djordje Petrovic wants to leave Chelsea as agent fields calls
According to journalist Simon Phillips, as he’s previously reported, both keepers are indeed up for sale, and Petrovic is now seeking to leave Chelsea in a bid to kickstart his career.
The Serbian enjoyed an impressive spell on loan at sister club Strasbourg last season, with many clubs now blowing up his agent’s phone as they attempt to enquire about his services.
“The club and Enzo Maresca do not believe he is good enough with his feet to be Chelsea number one, that’s it. And for that reason, he’s up for sale,” said Phillips, via his Substack.
“And on Petrovic’s side, he is 25-years-old now and will turn 26 early in the winter. He does not want to play second fiddle, and he knows if he stays at Chelsea then there is no guarantee that he will be a regular starter. So he also wants to leave the club if he cannot be guaranteed this.
“So right now, both parties want the same thing and that is for Petrovic to move on this summer, and I’d be very surprised at this point if he’s not sold this summer. He has many clubs phoning his agent right now to ask about a move.”
A section of Chelsea supporters actually saw the deal for Maignan falling through as a blessing in disguise to hand Petrovic a route into the first team, but it appears Maresca doesn’t see a role for him at all due to a perceived lack of effective distribution in his game.
This is despite real praise from his manager at Strasbourg, Liam Rosenior, who called Petrovic a “world-class” shot-stopper.
“We have seen huge progress from Petro,” he said.
“He is a world-class goalkeeper. We see it every day, and it is still paying off today.”
Rival supporters will mock the continued lack of silverware at Arsenal, but it is hard to ignore the progress that is being made under Mikel Arteta’s watch, having notably enjoyed a thrilling Champions League run last time out.
Yes, it may have all ended in heartbreak, but football is a game of moments, and few have been better in the Emirates era than that night against Real Madrid, with Declan Rice coming up clutch for the Gunners.
Up against the holders and 15-time winners of the competition, Arteta’s men showed no signs of inferiority, with a collectively stunning performance epitomised by those two magic set-pieces from the club’s record signing. Who knew that the Englishman had that in his locker?
The recipient of the Gunners’ Player of the Year award – as voted for by fans – Rice is slowly but surely taking on talismanic status in north London, representing the leader without the armband in Arteta’s ranks.
While £105m looked like a sizeable investment two years ago, the 26-year-old has since backed up claims from former West Ham United boss David Moyes that he actually could have fetched more than £150m, such has been his “level of performance”.
Arsenal's Declan Rice celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates
If recent reports are to be believed, Arteta and co could be in the mix to make another similarly statement signing this time around.
Arsenal open talks for forward signing
The transfer circus is certainly in full swing, with things having reached the stage where the social media activity of a transfer target is even being scrutinised, as journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that a certain Benjamin Sesko has begun following the club on Instagram.
Read into that what you will, although it is no real secret that the Gunners are working on a deal for the Slovenian striker, albeit with an issue over the 22-year-old’s price tag still to be resolved with RB Leipzig.
Elsewhere, meanwhile, BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel has shed light on another potential attacking reinforcement that could be on his way to north London, with the respected insider revealing on the Latte Firm YouTube Channel that work has begun on a move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As Mokbel hinted, talks have seemingly begun with the Hammers amid the claim that Arsenal are among one of the Premier League’s top six who have made an “enquiry” regarding the Ghanaian forward:
“My information is that all of the top six in the Premier League have checked in on the conditions of that deal. He’s got an £85m release clause for Premier League clubs but I think West Ham would be willing to go below that.
“They wouldn’t take masses below that but they would be open to a negotiation. There is a long-term interest there and as I understand that, there has been an enquiry from the Premier League’s top six; Arsenal are one of them. That could be one to watch in the absence of getting Rodrygo or Gordon which would be difficult deals to get over the line.”
West Ham United's MohammedKudusin action with Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Leandro Trossard
As Mokbel noted, the former Ajax man – who joined the Irons on a £38m deal in 2023 – could be available for less than his £85m release clause, with the race now on for his coveted signature.
Why Kudus would be a good signing for Arsenal
As already noted, it’s fair to say that Arsenal have got their money’s worth after their previous dealing with West Ham, with that man Rice providing 36 goals and assists from just 103 games in all competitions in his new surroundings.
The man who led his former employers to Conference League glory in 2023, prior to his high-profile exit, the Three Lions mainstay has certainly kicked on from his time in east London, where he provided just 28 goal involvements in 245 games across all fronts.
At one stage a defensive-minded midfielder, or even a centre-back, at West Ham, Rice has since been unleashed under Arteta’s tutelage, with the Spaniard having found the perfect role for his statement signing in an advanced number eight berth.
Kudus’ career stats by position
Position
Games
Goals
Assists
Centre-forward
51
16
3
Right winger
50
21
10
Attacking midfield
49
11
6
Central midfield
46
11
3
Left winger
19
6
3
Right midfield
3
0
2
Left midfield
2
0
0
Second striker
1
0
1
Stats via Transfermarkt
Hopefully, the former Manchester City assistant can replicate that feat with regard to Kudus, with the fleet-footed sensation in need of a settled role, after lining up on either flank, as a number ten, and even as a centre-forward during his time at the London Stadium to date.
Like Rice too, there is certainly room for growth, with the 24-year-old coming off the back of a disappointing campaign in which he provided just five goals and four assists in all competitions, as West Ham toiled under Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter.
Such woes should not overshadow Kudus’ undoubted talent, however, as he had previously registered 23 goals and assists in 2023/24 during Moyes’ final season in charge, having also been dubbed a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith.
With 39 goals and assists also under his belt in just 87 games in Amsterdam, the dynamic left-footer is a figure who can wreak havoc in the final third when at his best, as shown by the fact that he ranked in the top 3% of his Premier League peers for successful take-ons per 90 last season, as per FBref.
That dribbling prowess also mirrors his ability as a ball carrier, something he shares with Rice. Indeed, the pair averaged 3.41 and 2.66 carries per 90, respectively, in the top-flight in 2024/25.
Such quality, if harnessed in the right way, could well be a real asset to Arteta’s forward line, with now the time for the Accra-born speedster to finally find a consistent, settled role for himself.
Lauded by Potter for his “really good” performance against the Gunners, during West Ham’s shock 1-0 win at the Emirates earlier this year, Kudus has also been described as something of an “example” at the club by the Englishman.
It could then be the case that after poaching Rice two years ago, Arteta could return with a fresh raid for another of the Hammers’ main men this summer.
Mikel Arteta personally wants Arsenal to sign £94m forward this summer
They know the costs of what would be a marquee deal.
The transfer news is starting to heat-up at Rangers.
Following Russell Martin’s appointment, and with the start of Champions League qualifying little over five weeks away, Rangers need to act quickly in the transfer market, seeking to rebuild their squad at Ibrox.
Southampton manager Russell Martin.
So, with one centre-back seemingly on his way out of Ibrox, could the Gers’ land a vastly experienced defender?
Rangers' search for a new centre-back
Defence is clearly an area the Gers are looking to improve this summer with links to English centre-back Harry Darling emerging on a regular basis.
That being said, Darling isn’t the only defender on the club’s radar heading into the forthcoming weeks.
According to a report by the Leicester Mercury, Rangers have initiated talks to sign Conor Coady from Leicester City this summer, having lodged an enquiry in a bid to understand what it might take to sign the former England international.
Football Insider revealed on Sunday that, with the Foxes needing to offload players following their relegation to the EFL Championship, Coady could be one name on the chopping block, handing Martin and Co encouragement in their attempts to sign the defender.
The 32-year-old is vastly experienced, having made almost 200 Premier League appearances to date, joining Leicester from Wolverhampton Wanderers two years ago for a reported fee of around £7.5m.
Analyst John Walker labels Coady “highly intelligent”, praising his in-possession play, so could Martin convince him to move to Glasgow?
How Conor Coady could finally replace Goldson at Rangers
Back in the summer of 2018, following Steven Gerrard’s arrival in Govan, Rangers signed Connor Goldson from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported fee of £3m, and what a bargain this would prove to be.
Despite requiring heart surgery during his time with the Seagulls, the Englishman would go on to make 309 appearances for the Light Blues, winning all three domestic trophies, a near ever-present fixture of the Gerrard-era, as well as being a key figure in the side that reached the Europa League Final in Seville three years ago.
Graham Falk of the Scotsman labels him a ‘stalwart’ of Rangers’ recent success, and many would argue that the club have not replaced him since he was allowed to leave for Aris Limassol last summer.
The need to replace him has only been made greater by news surrounding Robin Pröpper, who could be poised to depart Rangers this summer.
Indeed, reports suggest that FC Twente are ‘desperate’ to re-sign the centre-back for £1.5m, just a year after the Eredivisie outfit sold him to the Gers for around double that fee.
Robin Propper
They go on to say that Pröpper ‘will hold talks’ with new manager Martin before making a concrete decision over his future, but few supporters would mourn his exit, given that Ewan Paton of the Rangers Review asserts that Scottish football is ‘too quick and physical for his capabilities’.
So let’s assess if Coady would be an upgrade.
Appearances
26
43
Minutes
2,002
3,210
Tackles
0.6
1.2
Interceptions
0.7
1.2
Clearances
3.8
4.9
Blocked shots
1.3
0.7
Ball recoveries
3.3
4.4
Aerial duel success %
37.14%
54.04%
Ground duel success %
53.33%
53.26%
Passing accuracy %
91.47%
85.81%
Touches
64.6
75.5
Average Sofascore Rating
6.60
6.69
The table suggests that Pröpper was more impressive than Coady this season, with the Dutchman boasting better statistics for most metrics included, but some context is required.
Rangers finished second in the Premiership while Leicester were relegated from the Premier League, thereby skewing the data, while it is worth considering that England’s top flight is, according to Global Football Rankings, the strongest division in the world, with Scotland’s first division ranked all the way down in 43rd place.
The most interesting statistic from the table above, however, is Coady’s excellent pass completion percentage – better than Propper – which would fit into Martin’s style of play perfectly.
Meanwhile, as outlined by Tim Spiers of the Athletic, the Englishman is known for his outstanding leadership qualities, describing him as an ‘intelligent ball-playing centre-back’.
Thus, still only 32 years old, Coady still has plenty to offer and, if Rangers are able to snap him up on the cheap, he would be an excellent addition, reminiscent of Goldson’s move to Glasgow all those years ago.
Balogun upgrade: Rangers line up move to sign "heroic" defender for Martin
Russell Martin will be aiming to bolster his squad in the coming weeks.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta appear to be creating quite the squad ahead of a vital 2025/2026, where the Gunners are under pressure to clinch a piece of major silverware.
Arsenal have "submitted an offer" to sign "strong" £30m Premier League star
The north Londoners are opening talks.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 2, 2025
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi’s arrival at N5 is expected to be confirmed shortly, but in the meantime, supporters can now officially welcome new second-choice goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
The 30-year-old had his medical last week ahead of a £5 million switch from Chelsea, and the shot-stopper’s signing has now been announced by Arsenal as Berta unveils his debut deal for the club.
“We are really excited to have Kepa join our Arsenal family,” said Berta about Kepa’s arrival in an official statement.
“He is a player with great experience, someone who has already won major trophies, and we cannot wait for him to join the group and help the club win.
“Kepa knows it is an exciting time to be at Arsenal and we know he is a player who will bring with him a winning mentality. We welcome him and his family to the club, and look forward to him meeting the players and staff, with everyone excited to see him.”
Arsenal are by no means done with Zubimendi and Kepa, either, with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard poised to join Arteta after the north Londoners agreed a potential £15 million deal for him to replace Thomas Partey.
Meanwhile, Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera has reportedly agreed personal terms over a move to Arsenal too, with Arteta’s side attempting to agree a club-to-club fee.
While the La Liga side have offered Mosquera a new contract in an attempt to ward Arsenal off (Fabrizio Romano), the 21-year-old is clear – he wants a switch to the Premier League.
Arsenal are extremely busy right now, and all of this is happening while they make an approach to £100,000-per-week Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal hold "positive" talks with Eberechi Eze
Berta has many attacking midfielders and wide players on his list of targets, including Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, but Eze remains chief among them.
That is according to GiveMeSport and reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, who shared an update on Arsenal’s pursuit of the England international this week.
Jacobs reports that Eze is keen to join Arsenal after “positive” talks with his representatives, which occurred over the weekend, and their main attraction to the 27-year-old is down to his versatility, given he can play both as a CAM and out wide.
Berta has the option of paying his £68 million release clause through installments as well, so Palace chairman Steve Parish won’t demand the fee be paid in one lump sum, and that may help Arsenal when it comes to erring on the cautionary side of PSR.
Jacobs describes their interest in Eze as “serious” and “advancing”, following a 2024/2025 campaign where he bagged 14 goals and 11 assists, with one of his strikes coming in the FA Cup final against Man City – ending Palace’s history-long wait for a major trophy.
The former QPR sensation has been an elite-level Premier League player for some time, and former Arsenal defender Martin Keown is among those who’ve praised his quality in recent seasons.
“This guy is an immense talent, there’s no doubt about that,” said Keown about Eze.
“He was released by Arsenal as a kid. I wonder if that will come back to haunt Arsenal here today? He said he cried for a week. He realised when it hits you really hard as a young man, you think, ‘Ok, I’m coming back from this.’ It proves that he’s made of really strong stuff.”
Archie Vaughan – son of Michael – takes first senior wicket before Andy Umeed leads cruise home
ECB Reporters Network07-Aug-2024
Andy Umeed plays the ball late•Harry Trump/Getty Images
Andy Umeed struck a commanding, clinical 63 as Somerset made short work of Northamptonshire Steelbacks, chasing down 156 to win this Metro Bank One Day Cup clash at Wantage Road with 148 balls to spare.Umeed faced 66 balls, blasting six fours and two sixes and combined with George Thomas (28) to get Somerset’s run chase off to a rapid start, the pair racing to 50 off just 31 balls in a blaze of boundaries. While Umeed fell with just 21 needed for victory, James Rew and Sean Dickson saw them home by seven wickets.In a match reduced to 49 overs a side due to rain, Saif Zaib cut a lone figure with 57 as Northamptonshire were bundled out for 155 inside 38 overs. Josh Davey claimed two early wickets before Zaib rebuilt, finding support from Ricardo Vasconcelos (29) and Lewis McManus (20).But hopes the Steelbacks might post more than 200 were soon dashed as the lower order collapsed, the last four wickets falling for seven runs in four overs, all seven Somerset bowlers taking at least one wicket. Somerset’s victory will give them extra confidence heading into next month’s Vitality Blast T20 quarter final between these two sides.Somerset made a crucial early breakthrough to remove their nemesis Prithvi Shaw, who plundered 244 off their attack in last season’s corresponding fixture. Shaw started positively, taking two boundaries off the opening over before he was caught behind off Alfie Ogborne.Davey then struck in consecutive overs, spearing one back in to clean bowl former Somerset teammate George Bartlett before James Sales played inside the line of a straight ball which hit the top of off-stump to leave Northamptonshire 33 for three at the end of the powerplay.Vasconcelos pulled Ogborne for two boundaries and helped take Northamptonshire past 50. But after sweeping a wide ball from Archie Vaughan for four, he attempted the same shot to a straight one and was was adjudged lbw, giving the offspinner his first senior wicket.Archie Vaughan – pictured being presented with his Somerset cap – took his first senior wicket•Getty Images
Zaib and McManus rebuilt, putting on 46 in 10.2 overs. Zaib smashed Vaughan down the ground for six and pulled Thomas from outside off-stump for another maximum. McManus too cleared the ropes when he dispatched Vaughan over long-on.But the break for drinks brought two quick wickets as first McManus had his off stump uprooted and next over Gus Miller was bowled by a Jack Leach delivery which straightened.Zaib duly scooped Leach for four to bring up his half-century off 62 deliveries, but that was where Northamptonshire’s celebrations ended as their lower order imploded.Zaib was first to go, caught in the deep when he attempted to muscle Lewis Goldsworthy over long-off for six. Michael Finan was bowled when he heaved at one from Riley Meredith and missed, Ben Sanderson chipped a return catch back to Goldsworthy, and Freddie Heldreich was caught behind off Ogborne. Justin Broad provided some late resistance, finishing 19 not out.In the run chase, Thomas took on Sanderson, who unusually failed to hit his trademark metronomic form. Thomas drove fluently and punched Sanderson through midwicket and flicked him over midwicket for six.Umeed meanwhile was unfurling textbook cover drives off Finan and played some attacking shots in the air, carving a Sanderson free hit behind square for four and flicking the same bowler over deep square leg for six.Thomas’ downfall came courtesy of an excellent diving catch from Vasconcelos at short midwicket off Broad, but next batter Goldsworthy (20) was soon into his stride. He got off the mark by cover driving Finan for four and leant into a wide delivery from Broad to square drive him to the ropes.Broad picked up his second wicket though when he pinned Goldsworthy in front lbw with Somerset 88 for 2.Umeed meanwhile was motoring, pulling Sales nonchalantly for four to bring up his half-century and clubbing Heldreich over deep midwicket for a huge six. He was ultimately unable to see his side over the line, edging a catch behind off Sales, leaving Rew and Dickson to wrap up the win.
Warwickshire 328 for 3 (Barnard 173) beat Essex 324 for 7 (Browne 75, Hannon-Dalby 3-69) by seven wicketsEd Barnard continued his summer love affair with the Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford, by hammering his highest score in List A cricket.Warwickshire’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup captain followed up his personal-best 165 in the Vitality Championship reverse in May by carrying his bat with a 140-ball 173 to underpin a seven-wicket victory over Essex. Barnard, whose previous best was 161, was ably assisted in match-defining stands by Rob Yates, Will Rhodes and Michael Burgess as last year’s semi-finalists eased home with 14 balls to spare.Essex, who won just one game in the 2023 campaign, were again on the receiving end after being put in a green-tinged wicket in front of a crowd of 2,462. And that despite Nick Browne claiming his fourth List A career half-century with seven fours, one of them all run, in an innings of 75 from 90 balls.The left-handed opener shared stands of 51 with Feroze Khushi, 71 with Robin Das and 55 with Charlie Allison, who went on to contribute a 72-ball 69 and engage in a swashbuckling partnership of 70 with Luc Benkenstein. Olly Hannon-Dalby, meanwhile, chipped in with three wickets in nine balls to finish with 3 for 69.Chasing a target of six and a half an over to record their highest successful List A run chase, Warwickshire had 97 on the board inside 16 overs when Yates played across one from Tom Westley and was lbw for 42. Both he and Barnard clubbed Noah Thain for sixes with Barnard pulling Ben Allison for another over square leg.Barnard reached fifty from 39 balls, three figures from a further 50 and 120 balls in t4otla for his 150. He was not finished there, adding a third maximum over long-off against the luckless Thain, and then bringing up the century partnership with Will Rhodes in a further 16 overs. A fourth six marked his 150.The stand had moved on to 107 when Rhodes, on 41, skied one from Jamal Richards so high that three players converged before debutant wicketkeeper Simon Fernandes put his name to the catch.Hamza Shaikh did not trouble the scorers, but Burgess was quickly into the groove by sweeping the wicket-taker Benkenstein for six in an over that eventually went for 18 runs. He repeated the dose with an enormous drive off Aaron Beard over long-on and another from a Ben Allison free-hit to bring up the century partnership for the fourth wicket. His own half-century took just 34 balls as he finished on 59 not out from 42 balls.Earlier in the day, Khushi had bought up Essex’s opening fifty by pulling Barnard for four and six off successive balls before he fell next ball to one that nipped back and bowled him.Barnard had a second when Tom Westley was beaten by a slower delivery and went lbw. Das hung around for 14 overs until he tried to swing Rhodes over midwicket for what would have been only a third four in his 52-ball 35 and was bowled.Browne reached his half-century from 60 balls and celebrated by executing an uncharacteristic reverse sweep for four. He was finally fourth man out with the score on 199 when he picked out midwicket halfway back to the boundary to give Rhodes a second wicket.Of the young guns who took over in the middle, Allison was particularly strong through extra cover where the majority of his seven fours came, while Benkenstein launched sixes over extra cover and long-off.Benkenstein had reached 44 from 27 balls when he wafted at Hannon-Dalby and didn’t wait for the umpire before turning on his heels and walking off. That was the first of the Warwickshire pace bowler’s quickfire treble with Thain and Allison perishing in the deep.
Arsenal are at the centre of many intriguing transfer stories this summer, and there is no sign of things slowing down at the Emirates Stadium with new sporting director Andrea Berta working tirelessly to reshape the squad.
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Mikel Arteta is already poised to welcome the arrivals of Spain international duo Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
Zubimendi was in London last month to finalise a move to Arsenal, while Kepa has been confirmed as a new Arsenal player after he completed a medical last week.
football.london have reported that Arsenal could announce the transfer Zubimendi in the next few days as well, following the start of football’s new financial year – which allows them to register both Kepa and the 26-year-old as part of the 2025/2026 balance sheet.
Arsenal have also agreed a near-£15 million deal for Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard, including add-ons, with the Denmark international set to replace Thomas Partey.
Norgaard will step into the shoes of Partey, who’s now officially a free agent after deciding to call time on his five-year stay in north London.
Arteta wanted Partey to stay, and Arsenal did hold negotiations to extend the African’s former £200,000-per-week contract, but both the club and player amicably decided to go their separate ways.
“The relationship between Thomas Partey and Arsenal is still solid, even though today will be his last day as an Arsenal player,” said Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, giving his verdict on the reaction to his departure.
“Arteta did his all to keep him, but they didn’t agree on terms. I have seen Arsenal fans insult Thomas Partey and that’s very unfair. Football is about give and take and players come and go. A player has the right to request and the club has the right to reject, thats why it’s called negotiation.
“I believe Partey did his best for Arsenal, and it’s for the betterment of the player and club that he’s leaving. There’s nothing more he can offer Arsenal and nothing more Arsenal can offer him too. It’s business at the end of the day. The club and player has decided what it’s good for both.”
Thomas Partey in talks to join Galatasaray after leaving Arsenal
The former Atlético Madrid star, called “sensational” by La Liga expert Gerry Armstrong, enjoyed his best-ever campaign at Arsenal last term – making over 50 appearances in all competitions and playing a key role under Arteta.
The question now is; what’s next for Partey?
Well, according to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, Partey is now in talks to join Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray after quitting Arsenal, with Okan Buruk’s side also opening discussions for Man City star İlkay Gündoğan as they look to reinforce their midfield with proven quality.
A Süper Lig switch, where Partey will also have the chance to compete in the Champions League next season, could be an ideal next move as he enters the twilight phase of his career.
He’d also have the chance to add a league title to his CV, as Galatasaray are most likely set for another interesting title race with José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe next season.