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Bairstow carting a protester back to the Grand Stand the only time an Englishman extolled domination

Vithushan Ehantharajah28-Jun-2023An over into the opening day at Lord’s, two protestors from Just Stop Oil ran onto the field armed with orange paint powder. Their aim was to disperse as much of it as possible on the pitch, only to be halted in their tracks by Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes and David Warner. Honestly, could you think of three worse cricketers to be confronted by?Apart from Bairstow hot-footing it into the home dressing room to change out of a now stained white shirt, there was no real impediment on proceedings. The auxiliary pitch – sat two to the left of the main strip as you look out from the press box – did not have to be used. As it turned out, Bairstow’s carry of one of the protesters back to the Grand Stand from where he emerged was the only time an Englishman extolled domination on day one.Whatever debris on the field was removed with a petrol-fuelled blower, just to really hammer home the futility of the protest. A worthy one considering the debilitating effects of fossil fuels on the climate. But like many things we need to change about the world around us, there was a nagging sense it’s all too far gone. Even for believers, there’s enough doubt in the productivity of such acts to let the nuisance of inconvenience, however minor, prevail as the dominant emotion.”They have consistently shown complete disregard for the people who pay to attend events,” said CEO Guy Lavender in an MCC press release about the protest that dropped an hour later. A line far more instructive than he would have intended 24 hours after the institution had to confront a chastening from the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket for being woefully out of step with “contemporary Britan”.Jonny Bairstow removes a ‘Just Stop Oil’ pitch invader from the field•Getty ImagesThe home of cricket is only a home for those who look a certain way and, principally, can afford the entry fee. A fee which MCC felt entitled those who can afford it to an uninterrupted day’s play without being reminded the ground’s main sponsor JP Morgan is the world’s worst fossil fuel financing bank.It also entitles them to, well, not watch the cricket. Just as celebrated as the members rushing for seats in the Pavilion before the start of play is the afternoon meander to the various greens of the Nursery Ground, Coronation and Harris Gardens. A point in the day when they think, you know, all this cricket is getting in the way of our conversing.On this occasion, you could understand the motivation of those punters, however strong their ties to this England team are. This was not good viewing, by any means. Overly full bowling at a worryingly docile pace. Nuts so nude you could see the birthmarks.No one in England garb looked like they really wanted to be there, save Josh Tongue in his second Test, which is damning in its own way. They had flunked the best conditions you could ever ask for at this ground. Even Stokes seemed to be devoid of the usual funk, fiddling intermittently when testing Travis Head out with the short ball, but otherwise sticking to by-the-book fields featured in many of the paintings adorning the walls of the closed-off Long Room.As England went through the back end of 83 overs of toil, they probably looked upon the now vacant spaces in the stands with some jealousy. If only they could saunter off and chill out, rather than pointlessly address Australia’s screw-turning.At another time, players would think nothing of it. They all know this is a ground those not really into cricket come to be seen at rather than actually do any seeing. But given all the success coming into this summer, all the Bazball buzz heading into an Ashes, even the way the Edgbaston opener played out day to day, something about these empty white seats created far more of a stain than any orange pigment.There was a sense of lost hope. Of a team who pride themselves on entertaining whether they win or lose, simply losing the thread of their most vaunted – and thus, most watched – series to date, in quite unwatchable fashion. Whether you watched all of the 339 runs and five wickets, or just the first session, you were left with the same mundane conclusions. Australia are quite good. England might not be as good as they thought.Related

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There is a point be made that this is the worst ground for this particular England Test side. It’s as much the pitch – devoid of meaningful bounce today from the Nursery End – as the tradition hanging over this joint, cruelly over-emphasising the grandeur of an Ashes to a group whose best cricket over the last year has come through not taking the game and their part in it too seriously.They also need those watching them to invest emotionally in what they do, which doesn’t happen here. Perhaps Wednesday was when they found out the hard way that this Lord’s crowd need a bit more than vibes and the wrong kind of jaunty hats to buy into what you’re selling. And it’s not so much the ones who wander off, more those who remain. They’ve seen far more than most, and they care not for golfing anecdotes other than their own.There’s no Hollies Stand or Western Terrace here. Other than the occasional sponsored brass band on the outfield, no instruments are allowed. All the beer snakes are killed at birth. Try and sneak in an extra can at your peril. Oh and revelry? Just try and get that past a thorough pat-down. Whatever noise to be made has to come from the middle, and but for the cracks off the middle of the bats of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Head and Steve Smith (with plenty to come from him), England couldn’t produce the infectious music that has scored the last 14 months.Expect all or some of the above to get fashioned into some excuse behind closed doors, and pray to whoever you pray to it’s not uttered publicly. There has been enough talk for a life time. Six days into this series, England’s worst by some distance has an entire narrative they built shifting against them. Previous lauders are now doubters. Their most high-profile celebrators now their harshest critics.Now, only actions matter. And at a time when English cricket and the world at large step up to fight harder in unending battles for betterment, those on the field (who are meant to be there) now find themselves rallying in similar fashion. They must hope like hell these are not equally futile circumstances.

Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, says his team have “no excuses” after crashing to a 2-1 series defeat with back-to-back losses in Multan and Rawalpindi, but admits he was surprised it took Pakistan until the second Test to prepare the sort of spinning pitches that have been his team’s undoing on recent tours of the subcontinent.Pakistan had been left with no place to hide after England’s ruthless victory on a flat deck in the first Test in Multan, where they powered past a seemingly impressive first-innings 556 to post 823 for 7 declared, the fourth-highest Test total in history, with Harry Brook setting up their innings win with a career-best 317.But, after changing their selection panel and tailoring the subsequent surfaces with the use of heaters and industrial fans, Pakistan transformed their fortunes, with spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali sharing 39 of England’s next 40 wickets, as their opponents mustered just 814 runs across their final four innings of the series.Not only is the result a stark turnaround from England’s 3-0 win in Pakistan two years ago, it comes in the wake of their 4-1 loss in India in February, meaning that England have now gone from winning four in a row under Stokes and McCullum in Asia, to losing six of their last seven, and by comprehensive margins.Related

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“That’s life,” McCullum told Sky Sports after England’s nine-wicket defeat. “We obviously coughed up the opportunity to win the series. We did some good stuff throughout, and we leave ultimately disappointed, but also very much complimentary of how Pakistan played. But we know within ourselves that we’ve had an opportunity to have been better than that and we’re a little bit disappointed about that.”Credit to Pakistan, the way that those two spinners bowled was superb,” McCullum said, after Noman and Sajid had combined to rout England for 112 in their second innings in Rawalpindi.”I thought they varied the pace beautifully. Noman from one end, taking pace off most of the time with the occasional fast one, and Sajid flipping that around and putting pace on with the occasional slow one. I thought was great partnership bowling. And our guys weren’t able to sustain the pressure, unfortunately.”Asked if he was comfortable with the extreme measures that Pakistan had taken to bring their spinners into the series, including the seemingly unprecedented reuse of the first-Test pitch in Multan, and the raking of the Rawalpindi surface to exacerbate the turn on offer, McCullum said he welcomed the initiative they had shown.”I kind of like it to be honest,” he said. “They were brave enough to make decisions on their personnel, and they were brave enough to make decisions on the surfaces that they wanted to play on.”When teams come to England, ideally we play on the surfaces that we’re more accustomed to, which allow our strengths to really flourish and maybe paper over some of the weaknesses as well, which every team naturally has.”I’m a little bit surprised it’s taken Pakistan as long as it has. Because when you go to Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, the ball is always going to turn. What we had here a couple of years ago, or in that first Test match, where it was pretty flat, was a different challenge. It’ll be interesting to see over the next couple of years whether they persist with these types of services, but certainly there are no excuses from our point of view. We had our chances, and we ran second.”Despite remaining magnanimous, McCullum acknowledged that the series defeat would increase the scrutiny on his team. Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley were notably short of answers in the more extreme conditions, while Brook managed a top score of 26 in his final four innings of the tour, having racked up four centuries and a fifty in his previous six in Pakistan.England were thoroughly outplayed in spinning conditions in Multan and Rawalpindi•Getty Images

“It’s pretty much the same batting group that came here two years ago, and were outstanding in these conditions, and it’s the same batting group that put on 800 in the first Test match,” McCullum said. “As the conditions changed, we were presented with different challenges and we weren’t quite able to adapt to those challenges. And that’s a missed opportunity.”I have no doubt, and the skipper has no doubt, that our batting group that we’ve now had together for the best part of 18 months is the best that we’ve got,” he added. “We’re very confident, we’ve just got to make sure we keep allowing guys to develop them and keep becoming the players that they want to become, and will benefit from that.”The focus will also fall on England’s spinners, particularly Shoaib Bashir and Jack Leach, whose direct counterparts Sajid and Noman exploited the conditions with significantly more success in the final two Tests. Bashir, whose selection for the India tour had been on the basis of his natural attributes, rather than any proven record in first-class cricket, has now bowled more overs in Tests in 2024 than any other player, but his series haul of nine wickets at 49.66 pales compared to Sajid’s 19 at 21.10.”[Sajid and Noman] were brilliant in the way they bowled together, and they challenged in different methods with the paces that they used,” McCullum said. “Could we have been better? Yeah, of course, right? Anytime you lose a Test or lose a series, you’ve got to have that period of reflection. And we’ll do that, and say, right, next time we’re presented with conditions similar to that, how will we respond? What do we need to do? Do we need to vary our pace more? Do we need to adjust our tactics more? That’s natural, right? It’s no difference to when a batsman gets out.”You’re always trying to improve, but you’ve got to be really careful that you’re not seeking perfection, because it doesn’t exist in an inconsistent game. The game we play is going to come with periods where it’s not going how you want it to, but you’ve still got to hold firm.”We will be confronted with spinning conditions at some stage in the future, and we hope that some of the lessons, good and bad that we’ve had throughout this series, will give us a bit more of a base to be able to be successful.”

The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool

The clock is ticking on transfers in both MLS and Europe, with the end of August marking a crucial period for the U.S. men’s national team. Several players face uncertain club futures, or need significant moves, to cement their place in Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup plans.

In Italy, Yunus Musah's status continues to swing like a pendulum. Last week, it was reported he would stay at Milan, but now it appears both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are aggressively moving to acquire the talented midfielder, who has struggled for consistency in Serie A. 

Josh Sargent is off to a torrid start, scoring in his first two games of the season. Yet, Norwich manager Liam Manning stressed that the striker could still be on the move. In MLS, Max Arfsten has been linked with a move all summer and it appears Real Salt Lake's talented youngster, Zavier Gozo, is drawing interest from a Belgian giant. 

GOAL tracks all of the American player movements in the USMNT Transfer Notebook, a recurring feature covering the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty ImagesPremier League clubs face off for Musah?

Will he stay or go? That's seemingly been the question for months with Musah, a player with plenty of potential who has struggled to find a fit in AC Milan. Though Musah appeared to be set to stay after a strong preseason, Nottingham Forest emerged as a strong contender to sign the American, with the Athletic reporting the two clubs opened talks over a move. 

Things took another turn on Tuesday. Forest reportedly wasn't willing to reach Milan's $40 million valuation, offering $35.1 million. That could open the door for another club to emerge in Crystal Palace, according to journalist Ciro Venerato. Musah's is Forest's No. 1 target, but they are already looking at alternatives if Milan aren't willing to accept their bid.  

There are positives and negatives with both reported bids, as Forest clearly values Musah but had struggles integrating another American, Gio Reyna, two years ago. Palace features another USMNT star in Chris Richards, but already has a strong midfield with Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada.

Will it be London or Nottingham or potentially Naples? Time will tell.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNorwich preparing for Sargent's exit?

Sargent is arguably the hottest striker in the U.S. national team pool, scoring in both of Norwich's opening games. Despite Sargent wearing the captain's armband in the opener, Canaries boss Manning admitted the 25-year-old could still be on the move. 

"I think the best practice is to be proactive with the work you do… With the interest, you’d be mad to not do anything behind the scenes to be prepared. So, of course, we want him to stay, but we have to be prepared if it doesn’t happen," the manager said. 

While Sargent turned down a move to Wolfsburg earlier, he continues to be linked with other moves – including to Burnley and Leeds earlier this summer.

Getty Images SportAnother American to Belgium?

In June, it was reported that Belgian side Genk were monitoring RSL teenager Zavier Gozo. Yet speculation suggests that they aren't the only club who are watching the U.S. youth international, who scored at the weekend for Real Salt Lake against the New York Red Bulls.

Gozo, 18, has been a breakout star alongside Diego Luna in the first team, and is expected to compete for a spot at the U20 World Cup this September. 

“I don't really think about that," he said of a possible transfer. "I'm just focused on the season right now and getting as many wins as we can, making the playoffs. And then, you know, the offseason, we'll see."

Getty Images SportArfsten gives green light to Middlesbrough

The emerging wingback has been the subject of a transfer tug of war between Toulouse and Middlesbrough, but if reports out of England are to be believed, the Crew star has given a clear indication of his preference. 

The Northern Echo is reporting Arfsten wants to go with Boro and has asked for a transfer from Columbus. 

The sticking point remains price, as the English club's bid of $3 million was rejected by the MLS side – who insist they want to keep the 24-year-old until the end of the season.

If the deal goes through, it could be a promising for Arfsten, as manager Rob Edwards likes playing a system with attacking wingbacks, and currently features fellow USMNT midfielder Aidan Morris.

A look at those who did well, those who didn’t, and everything else around a dramatic season

Mohammad Isam26-Jun-2021Champions, runners-up and survivorsAbahani Limited became Dhaka Premier League champions after their eight-run win against Prime Bank Cricket Club. Both teams made it a title-deciding match after losing their respective penultimate matches, locking at 22 points each going into the last day.Related

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This will count as Abahani’s 21st overall DPL title, as well as their first in DPL T20s. It also completes their fourth instance of a hat-trick of DPL titles.Prime Bank, who led the first phase’s points table, lost ground during the Super League when they lost three out of the five matches. Abahani won four Super League matches. Although Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club made a late dash, they never reached the top three when the title was still in play.At the other end of the table, big-spending Legends of Rupganj survived the drop to the Dhaka First Division Cricket League after beating Old DOHS Sports Club and Partex Sporting Club in the relegation playoffs. Partex became only the third T20 team after the CPL’s St Lucia Stars and Impi (from South Africa’s old T20 tournament) to go winless in a domestic tournament (playing more than ten matches).Mustafizur Rahman was one of four bowlers to take a five-for this season•BCBTop performers
 Mohammad Saifuddin’s 14 wickets in the Super League phase, including the 4-36 against Prime Bank in Saturday’s finale, was key to Abahani’s late push for the trophy. He finished on 26 wickets, equal with Kamrul Islam Rabbi who was impressive in his death bowling. Fast bowlers took up eight out of the top ten wicket-takers’ spots.Abahani were also lucky that Liton Das recovered from his wrist injury shortly before their captain Mushfiqur Rahim was sidelined with a finger injury. Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto made crucial runs in the Super League phase. Dhanmondi Club’s Nurul Hasan and Mohammad Ashraful, and Mahedi Hasan, for Gazi Group Cricketers, looked in good touch during the Super League stage.Mizanur Rahman, with his 418 runs at 52.25 average from the first phase, finished as the highest scorer. Hasanuzzaman and Rahman were the only centurions while three left-arm quicks – Mustafizur Rahman, Ruyel Miah and Salauddin Sakil – were among four bowlers to take five-fors. Alauddin Babu took the only hat-trick of the tournament.Flattering to deceiveBy Shakib Al Hasan’s world-class standards, his 120 runs and nine wickets in eight appearances for Mohammedan Sporting Club were a let down. Soumya Sarkar who was picked in Bangladesh’s T20I side against Zimbabwe next month, averaged 22.92 and batted at 117.15 in 16 innings for Gazi Group Cricketers.Mosaddek Hossain and Sabbir Rahman were also under par, given their experience, averaging in the early twenties with one fifty each.While most of the pace bowlers were among the wickets, Abu Hider and Qazi Onik had disappointing outings. Among the spinners, the veterans Sohrawordi Shuvo and Sohag Gazi finished with high bowling averages and few wickets.On the national radarDPL T20 performances got Shamim Hossain, Nurul Hasan and Aminul Islam into the Bangladesh T20I side for the Zimbabwe series next month. But the national selectors must keep Kamrul Islam Rabbi, joint highest wicket-taker, and Mizanur Rahman, top run-scorer by a distance, in the loop to not lose their rhythm and form.
 Mahmudul Hasan Joy will certainly interest the selectors, but he also has to work on his open stance that keeps him away from deliveries outside off stump. Parvez Hossain Emon and  Saif Hassan were among only three batters to hit at least 20 sixes, so they should also be in consideration in the near future.Shakib Al Hasan kicks the stumps in anger after having an lbw appeal turned down by umpire Imran Parvez•WaltonTalking pointsThe image of Shakib kicking down the stumps catapulted the DPL T20 to worldwide notoriety. Shakib’s tantrum was an embarrassment, though it also brought some attention to the already regular accusations of favoritism towards the Dhaka league clubs linked to the BCB’s power base.There probably needs to be a deeper inquisition into the culture of Bangladesh cricket after Sabbir Rahman was found guilty of racially abusing Elias Sunny.These incidents, however, took the sheen away from some positives that emerged from the DPL T20. A significant moment was when the Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) rescheduled the relegation playoff between Legends of Rupganj and Old DOHS Sports Club to the Shere Bangla National Stadium from BKSP. There was live TV coverage, as well as the involvement of international panel umpires Sharfuddoula and Masudur Rahman. There were no incidents, but it was commendable for CCDM to heed Rupganj’s request.High-quality TV coverage during the Super League stage was another important addition. The BCB had earlier provided one-camera coverage for all other matches.There was other good news too. Shahadat Hossain’s five-year ban was reduced on humanitarian grounds after his mother was diagnosed with cancer. Hossain appeared for Partex Sporting Club, money from which will help her treatment. There was some attention paid to the four young legspinners Aminul Islam, Rishad Hossain, Minhajul Abedin Afridi and Jubair Hossain who played a significantly higher number of matches than in previous seasons.The BCB also ensured a large bio-bubble for all twelve teams and match officials that included staying in five-star hotels, travel and food, as well as arrangements for entertainment.Lastly, it was the ground staff at the three venues who really made a difference. They put in at least 18 hours of work on match days, pulling the covers on and off several times due to the heavy rain in June. They are probably the least appreciated of all in Bangladesh cricket, but it would have been impossible to finish the DPD T20 in time without them.

Aston Villa stars Tyrone Mings and John McGinn have spoken out following Jacob Ramsey’s £44 million ($60m) move to Newcastle United, with both players making emotional statements about the homegrown midfielder’s departure. The transfer was undertaken as the Villans struggle with Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) and the move sparked strong reactions inside the dressing room.

Ramsey joins Newcastle in £44m move from VillaMings and McGinn share emotional statements on exitVilla forced into sale amid PSR compliance pressuresFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ramsey has completed a £44m transfer from Aston Villa to Newcastle after coming through the youth system and making 176 appearances for the Midlands side. The 24-year-old midfielder was sold as part of the Villans’ push to comply with PSR, with the deal representing pure profit due to his academy status. Ramsey’s departure marks one of the most high-profile sales in recent years for Villa. However, both Mings and McGinn are unhappy with the state of football.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT MINGS AND MCGINN SAID

Tyrone Mings urged supporters not to criticise Ramsey, writing on Instagram: "Don't wanna hear any bad words or anything negative on his name. You don't know the half (of it). Till the bitter end lil bro. Go smash it."

Captain John McGinn also paid tribute, adding: "Always humble, respectful and willing to learn. It’s been a privilege to share the dressing room with you and enjoy some special moments together on the pitch. A sad day losing a top player and person and one of our own, but it seems to be the way football is set up these days."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Aston Villa’s sale of Ramsey highlights the increasing impact of financial regulations on Premier League clubs. The midfielder was an important part of Unai Emery’s squad but was moved on as Villa balance their books following UEFA fines for overspending. With his departure, the Villans must now adapt without one of their most talented academy graduates.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR RAMSEY?

Ramsey will look to establish himself in Eddie Howe’s Newcastle midfield as the Magpies push for Champions League qualification yet again. Meanwhile, Villa will continue to focus on squad stability and financial compliance as the transfer window progresses. Supporters will be watching closely to see how Emery reshapes his side after the loss of a key player.

It’s all going on at Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The North Londoners moved quickly to fire Ange Postecoglou earlier this month and then, in a relatively quick fashion, appointed Thomas Frank to lead the club into the next season.

However, that’s only the start of the business the North Londoners will be doing this season, as recent weeks have seen them linked to a plethora of talented players, from Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo to RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

Yet, perhaps the most interesting and exciting link has been to Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, even though his valuation is currently lower than that of a current Spurs star.

Why Spurs want Mbeumo

As things stand, it would appear as if Spurs and Manchester United are the two teams most interested in signing Mbeumo this summer, and while the fee required to do so is still in the air, Football Transfers has valued the Cameroon international at around €58m, which comes out to £49m.

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Now, that is still a lot of money, but it would be hard to make a genuine argument against him being worth that and more.

For example, in 42 appearances for the Bees this season, totalling 3577 minutes, the former Troyes gem scored 20 goals and provided nine assists.

That means the 25-year-old phenomenon managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games, or every 123.34 minutes, which is undeniably sensational and the sort of output that would seriously help the North Londoners next year.

Furthermore, the Avallon-born monster is reasonably versatile, as while his primary and best position is off the right, he has spent a not-insignificant period playing up top and as a second striker during his time in the capital.

Finally, while there might be cheaper and more exciting options elsewhere in Europe, the 22-capped international is Premier League-proven and, therefore, should easily slot into the Tottenham squad next season.

However, he will have to hit the ground running to see his valuation surpass one of his potential new teammates.

The Spurs star worth more than Mbeumo

So, even though Spurs endured a diabolically poor domestic campaign this season, the club is still blessed with an abundance of talented players, like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Micky Van de Ven.

However, in this context, the player in question is fellow right-winger Brennan Johnson, who, according to Football Transfers, is currently worth €66.5m, which converts to about £57m, or £8m more than Mbeumo’s valuation.

Now, that might sound like a lot to some of you, but the Welshman actually enjoyed a pretty impressive season with the North Londoners this year.

For example, he ended the campaign as the club’s top scorer, with 18 goals and seven assists in 51 appearances, totalling 3316 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 132.64 minutes, which isn’t much worse than the Brentford star.

Moreover, he scored arguably the most important Tottenham goal in a generation in the Europa League Final last month.

On top of that, he stacks up reasonably well against the Cameroonian superstar when we take a look at their underlying numbers from this season.

For example, the 25-year-old comes out ahead in some metrics, such as progressive passes and carries, shots on target and shot and goal-creating actions per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.51

0.42

Non-Penalty G+As

0.61

0.58

Progressive Passes

2.69

3.72

Progressive Carries

2.21

3.43

Shots

2.13

2.08

Goals per Shot

0.23

0.18

Shots on Target

0.84

0.94

Goals per Shot on Target

0.58

0.41

Passing Accuracy

69.2%

66.1%

Shot-Creating Actions

1.72

3.80

Goal-Creating Actions

0.27

0.53

Tackles

1.42

1.29

Tackles Won

0.90

0.85

Blocks

0.97

0.69

However, the “frightening” former Nottingham Forest gem, as dubbed by content creator HLTCO, comes out ahead in just as many other areas, including expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots, goals per shot and shot on target, tackles and tackles won, blocks and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Mbeumo might be the more exciting player at the moment, but Johnson fully deserves the valuation he has, and should the North Londoners get their hands on the Brentford star, there could be a fierce battle for that right-wing position next season.

He's like Isak: Spurs make contact to sign £47m Premier League "monster"

The reliable goalscorer would make Spurs far more dangerous.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 20, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is personally leading the charge to sign a “powerful” player, with an offer now ready to be submitted, according to a report.

Berta taking hands-on role at the Emirates

Having laid the foundations, the Arsenal hierarchy believes now is the time for the team to start winning silverware, and Berta has a big role to play, with the Italian regarded as a master negotiator, capable of being involved in multiple deals at once.

The 53-year-old is taking a hands-on role at the Emirates Stadium, attending training sessions and press conferences, while also putting in work behind-the-scenes to secure agreements for the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi.

There have been some disagreements with Mikel Arteta, however, especially when it comes to which striker they should bring in, with Berta keen to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, while the manager would prefer to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Berta is simultaneously working on moves for both strikers, indicating a decision is yet to be made as to which striker is the preferred option, and the north Londoners are also keen to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch.

That is according to a report from Super Deporte (via Sport Witness), which states Berta is now leading the charge for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, who has recently been identified as a key target by Arteta.

Saka will love him: Arsenal agree initial fee to sign £60m "monster"

Arsenal could be growing closer to signing a new striker.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

Such is Arsenal’s level of interest, they are now ready to submit an offer in the region of €20m – €25m (£17m – £21m) for Mosquera, with around €3m – €5m (£2.6m – £4.3m) of the higher amount based on bonuses relating to performance.

Berta is said to be key to the deal, with the sporting director retaining a long-term interest in the 21-year-old, having also targeted him during his time with Atlético Madrid.

"Powerful" Mosquera could be ideal centre-back signing

With any new centre-back signing unlikely to immediately take Gabriel or William Saliba’s spot in the starting XI, it would make sense to bring in a younger centre-back, capable of replacing one of the first-choice options on a long-term basis.

The Valencia star is showing very promising signs in La Liga, having now established himself as a key player, missing just one La Liga game last season, while the defender has also received high praise from former youth coach Miguel-Ángel Angulo.

Angulo said: “He’s characterised by a physical condition and good technical qualities, powerful in the air, and mature for his age.”

Having also received plaudits from Statman Dave, Mosquera is clearly an exciting young player, who could provide Arsenal with the depth to compete on all fronts next season, before going on to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.

West Ham have their sights set on an experienced Premier League forward to replace Michail Antonio following his release from the east London club.

• Antonio released following car accident
• West Ham opted against renewing contract
• Lining up move for Premier League veteran

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Graham Potter is searching for a new striker following the release of Antonio and has persuaded West Ham's higher-ups to open talks with 33-year-old Callum Wilson. The ex-Newcastle forward turned down a pay-as-you-play contract with the Magpies and could be on his way from Tyneside to the capital should negotiations go well.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Any deal for Wilson would still be based on incentives, according to reports. This is based on both the England international's age and injury record. During his time at Newcastle, Wilson bagged 47 goals in 113 appearances and could be a useful outlet for West Ham as they look to improve upon their below-average Premier League campaign last term.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Wilson is also drawing interest from other Premier League suitors, particularly those making the step up from the Championship. Leeds are also said to be keen on signing the former Bournemouth forward on a short-term deal.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WILSON?

  Nothing is agreed between West Ham and Wilson but the Hammers are in need of attacking reinforcements. Alongside Antonio, the London club also released Danny Ings and will need to bring in some support for Jarrod Bowen following the sale of Mohammed Kudus to rivals Tottenham.

Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this afternoon was enough to secure the club Champions League football ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Levi Colwill’s strike just minutes into the second half was enough to secure all three points for Enzo Maresca’s men, ending the year in fourth during the Italian’s first season at the helm.

Such an achievement is exceptional, handing the hierarchy a needed boost in the financial department, certainly aiding the current PSR standing and easing any concerns.

The win in the East Midlands was certainly a hard-fought contest, with the side deserving of a place among Europe’s elite, having the opportunity to claim a third European Cup.

However, despite the triumph, numerous players struggled to make the desired impact on Trentside, potentially putting their place in the side at risk over the summer transfer window.

Chelsea’s poor performers against Nottingham Forest

Midfielder Enzo Fernández has been widely linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent weeks, with Real Madrid the main outfit in the race for his signature.

The Argentine struggled to produce his best display in the win, failing to win a single tackle and only managed to complete 70% of the passes that he attempted.

He wasn’t alone in failing to impress, with attacking midfielder Cole Palmer once again disappointing and needing to recapture his best form in 2025/26.

The 23-year-old failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles, and registered a measly completion rate of just 17% from the crosses he put into the box.

However, despite the showings from the aforementioned duo, one other first-team regular was unable to extract his highest performance levels, putting his long-term future at Stamford Bridge at huge risk.

The 5/10 Chelsea star who may never play for the club again

This summer is now likely to be an exciting one for Chelsea supporters, with the manager now able to have the extra funds to make the changes he desires to his playing squad.

He’s done a magnificent job in leading the side to a place in the top five, deserving the chance to land any targets he feels would improve the options at his disposal.

However, he will likely want to move players on in the process, with winger Jadon Sancho still having a huge question mark next to his future in West London over the coming months.

The 25-year-old joined on loan from Manchester United last summer, with an obligation to buy for £25m, but they could pay a fee in the region of £5m to send him back to his parent club.

However, his showing in the East Midlands was one that wouldn’t have satisfied the hierarchy, which could spell the end of his stint as a Chelsea first-team player.

Sancho featured for 62 minutes of the contest, failing to register any efforts on goal and was unable to complete any dribbles, showcasing his lack of impact in the final third.

He also only registered a measly tally of 32 touches, a figure that was lower than that of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who managed a total of 44.

Minutes played

62

Touches

32

Shots taken

0

Dribbles completed

0

Tackles won

0

Aerials lost

100%

Possession lost

6x

The loanee also failed to win a single tackle, whilst losing 100% of the aerial duels he entered, showcasing his inability to impress across all areas of the pitch.

As a result of his disappointing showing against the Reds, he was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by The Standard’s Malik Ouzia – highlighting the disappointing performance he produced.

Such a display will put doubt in Maresca’s mind over his long-term future, potentially saving them £20m to invest in other targets if they send him back to Old Trafford.

It’s safe to say that his time with the Blues has been well below the levels many expected, with the hierarchy needing to make sure that his outing today was his last for the club.

Their new Palmer: Chelsea lining up move for "direct" £75m PL star

Chelsea are again forecast to be busy in this summer’s transfer market, so could they sign a “direct’ Premier League star to be the next Cole Palmer?

May 25, 2025

Trent Rockets 145 for 7 beat Manchester Originals 144 for 8 by one runJordan Thompson stole the show and the match at Emirates Old Trafford, defending two runs from the final three balls of the game to secure Trent Rockets an improbable victory over Manchester Originals.On a day of last-ball finishes – after Originals women won the first game of the day by one run – it was once again the bowling side who ended up on top at the death when many may have been backing the batting side.Sikandar Raza scored 21 from 12 balls to take Originals to the brink, but when he was run out with one ball to go it left Max Holden (40) requiring two runs for the hosts. Holden could only top-edge his attempted pull to Sam Hain on the leg-side, much to the delight of Thompson and his Rockets teammates.Tom Banton got Rockets off to a flier at the top of the match, supported by Rovman Powell (27) and a big-hitting cameo from Rashid Khan (15), making his first appearance in the Hundred this year.Tom Hartley’s 3 for 25 on a slow pitch perhaps suggested it wouldn’t be the easiest chase for the Originals, especially with spin duo Rashid and Imad Wasim in their attack, but when Paul Walter cleared the ropes on three occasions the home fans began to dream about a day of double-header victories.Three wickets fell to those Rockets spinners in six balls to put doubts in the mind of the Originals faithful, but Raza looked to have allayed those fears until Thompson nipped in to make it two wins from two for Andy Flower’s Trent Rockets.Meerkat Match Hero Banton said: “The emotions are very up and down! Obviously they played extremely well to get to a very close ending and that’s what The Hundred is about, attracting the crowd. It was a good game.”My job at the top is to try and put their bowlers under pressure. I want to respect their good balls when they’re there, but when they’re in my scoring zone try and take it to them. And luckily it was my day.”That’s what we want to do. At the start of the competition we talked about qualifying and obviously two wins from two is a good start.”