da bet7k： O Maringá está na reta final de preparação para a estreia no Campeonato Paranaense, diante do Londrina. Com a aproximação do primeiro jogo da competição, a torcida do Dogão vive a expectativa pela atuação dos reforços que foram contratados neste começo de temporada.
Nesse ínterim, o nome que mais vem chamando atenção é o meio-campo, Rodrigo Bassani, que inclusive, recebeu o apelido de “Zinedine Bassani”, em alusão ao ex-jogador e hoje técnico do Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane.
– A nossa pré-temporada foi bastante intensa e muito boa. Evoluímos como equipe e nos preparamos muito bem com os amistosos. Estamos confiantes para nossa estreia, com a certeza que faremos um grande jogo – disse Bassani.
Com 23 anos, Bassani foi contratado por empréstimo junto ao União Suzano de São Paulo. O jogador que tem passagem pelo futebol europeu, comemorou a rápida adaptação ao elenco e a cidade. Durante os amistosos de preparação diante da Portuguesa Londrinense, Cianorte e Cascavel, Bassani se mostrou completamente adaptado ao estilo de jogo do Maringá.
-Minha adaptação ao clube foi muito legal, me receberam muito bem e a cidade é muito boa de se viver, uma cidade grande e bonita. O elenco é muito unido, todos buscando seu espaço e trabalhando muito todos os dias pra buscar os nossos objetivos junto ao Maringá – encerrou.
Com a antecipação da estreia, que seria no domingo, o Maringá enfrenta o Londrina no sábado (27), às 19:15h, no estádio do Café. Na segunda rodada do Campeonato Paranaense, o compromisso será diante do Coritiba, no Willie Davids, dia 3 de março.
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Celtic could complete a superb signing with the permanent capture of on-loan Tottenham Hotspur defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The lowdown: Breakthrough season
The 24-year-old USA international joined the Hoops on a season-long loan and has enjoyed an impressive 2021/22 campaign for the Glasgow giants.
So much so that the Parkhead hierarchy are expected to sanction the reported £10million (£6m initial) option to buy clause included in the deal that brought the centre-back from north London to Celtic Park.
Amidst interest from the Premier League and Newcastle United, in particular, Celtic may be thankful for their pre-existing upper hand.
The latest: ‘Massive coup’
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones, an insider for Eurosport, suggested that the Bhoys would be over the moon if Carter-Vickers becomes a permanent member of Postecoglou’s ranks.
The journalist said: “It’d be a massive coup because the player obviously still believes he can play in the English Premier League. But he has found a good home for himself right now, and part of him will realise that and know that if they could put forward a big enough incentive for him to stay, then he maybe should do that.
“It’s a big season next season in Glasgow, there’s so much to compete for between Celtic and Rangers. It’d be a big result if Celtic could keep him; they’ve still got a chance.”
The verdict: Make it happen
Described as an ‘absolute beast’ by Tottenham favourite Jan Vertonghen, Carter-Vickers has been superb for Celtic this term, earning a 7.34 average Sofascore rating in the Scottish Premiership, winning 5.8 duels and making 4.3 clearances on average per game.
For the mooted £10million fee the Hoops would be signing a proven top-flight operator with eight-cap international experience and the required skill-set to develop even further in his career to come thereafter – potentially earning the club a hefty sell-on fee down the line.
Albeit unlikely, were major interest to be forthcoming this summer, the deal has worked in such a way that, in theory, Celtic could make an instant profit on the defender in order to boost the coffers yet further and allow Postecoglou to strengthen freely.
In other news, one Celtic player has been backed to leave the club. Find out who it is here.
Fast bowler was synonymous with England’s famous victory at Headingley in 1981
Andrew Miller04-Dec-2019Bob Willis, the former England captain and fast bowler who will be forever synonymous with England’s 1981 Ashes victory, has died at the age of 70 after a short battle with cancer.Willis claimed 325 wickets in a 90-Test career that began on the Ashes tour in 1970-71, when he was called up as a 21-year-old as a late replacement for the injured Alan Ward and played a full role in a famous 2-0 series win.Nicknamed “Goose” for his unconventionally loose-limbed approach to the crease, Willis was capable of extreme hostility with the ball, making him England’s one true answer to the West Indian and Australian pace batteries that dominated the 1970s and early 1980s.His finest hour came at Headingley in 1981, when – in the wake of Ian Botham’s counter-attacking 149 not out – he tore into Australia’s second innings in a frenzied display, pounding down the hill from the Kirkstall Lane end to deliver an incredible 18-run win with figures of 8 for 43.Botham would go on to describe Willis as a “tremendous trier, a great team-man and an inspiration – the only world-class fast bowler in my time as an England player”.Willis went on to lead England on 18 occasions in Test cricket, including the 1982-83 Ashes tour, where England were defeated 2-1 though not before pulling off a remarkable three-run win in the fourth Test at Melbourne.Replacing Keith Fletcher in the wake of the 1981-82 tour of India and Sri Lanka, Willis inherited a weakened team, shorn of a number of key players including Graham Gooch and Geoff Boycott who had signed for that year’s rebel tour of South Africa. But he went on to claim nine wickets in his first match in charge, against India at Lord’s, and would lead the side through to the visit of West Indies in 1984.Willis retired after the first Test of that summer as England’s leading wicket-taker, and second in the world overall, behind Australia’s Dennis Lillee. His national tally was subsequently overhauled by his long-term team-mate Botham (383), and more recently James Anderson (575) and Stuart Broad (471).He also captained England at the 1983 World Cup, where England were defeated by India, the eventual winners, in the semi-final at Old Trafford. He claimed 80 wickets at 24.60 in 60 ODIs overall, and was a member of the team that lost the 1979 World Cup final against West Indies at Lord’s.The fact that Willis endured as long as he did made him something of a medical miracle, as he had to overcame surgery on both knees in 1975 before going on to claim 899 first-class wickets at 24.99 in 308 appearances, the majority of them in a 12-year career with Warwickshire.After retirement, Willis went on to forge a career in the media, and was most recently an acerbic and popular pundit on Sky Sports’ post-match show, The Verdict. His off-the-cuff criticisms of England’s players were frequently robust but delivered with an undertone of humour, such as in the wake of England’s 2015 Ashes victory, when Joe Root mimicked his style while wearing a mask in a live TV interview.Willis’ family said in a statement: “We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather. He made a huge impact on everybody he knew and we will miss him terribly.”Tributes poured in in the wake of the news, with David Gower, Willis’s friend and former England team-mate, telling BBC Radio Five Live: “I toured with him as a captain and I took over the captaincy from him and then had him as what was called in those days as an assistant manager. He was a very loyal friend and a loyal supporter. Without going into too much unseemly detail, it was an era where you were allowed to have more fun than you are possibly today. Various tours Down Under were colourful, let’s put it that way.””Bob Willis was my first England captain and a legend of England cricket,” wrote the former England allrounder Derek Pringle, on Twitter. “Headingley 1981 was as much his triumph as Beefy Botham’s – RIP Big Bob…”The ECB, who last year named Willis in an all-time England XI, also paid tribute to “a legend of English cricket” and “a perceptive and respected voice at the microphone”, adding that “cricket has lost a dear friend”.He is survived by his wife Lauren, daughter Katie, brother David and sister Ann.
West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce recently spoke about the possibility of a significant transfer overhaul taking place at The Hawthorns this summer.
Having finished 10th in the Championship this season with 18 wins, 13 draws and 15 defeats to their name, it’s easy to see why the Baggies boss thinks some big changes to the squad are needed.
In terms of which current West Brom players could or should be at risk of being shown the exit this summer, two figures that we feel should be in this category are Kenneth Zohore and Grady Diangana.
Bruce must axe Baggies flops
With Zohore only making three senior appearances for the Baggies this season, all of which came back in August, the word outcast comes to mind when thinking about his current situation at the Midlands club.
Labelled a “lazy” player in the past by Neil Warnock, who managed him at Cardiff, the 28-year-old did at least score five goals in seven appearances with West Brom’s under-23 side.
Taking all this into account and with his current contract at The Hawthorns is set to expire in the summer of 2023, the next few months could give the Baggies the chance to cash in on the forgotten striker if another club would be willing to pay a fee to sign him.
As for Diangana, while he had more first-team action this season than the Danish marksman, he failed to display any attacking talent. In 41 league appearances, the former West Ham winger scored just two goals and provided only one assist.
To further highlight his inefficiency going forward, the 24-year-old ended the campaign with an average of only 0.9 shots and 0.8 key passes per game.
His overall performances earned him a rather underwhelming season rating of 6.39/10 from WhoScored, making him the lowest-rated outfield player currently in Albion’s squad to start more than one league match.
Having had his previous season with the Baggies described as “disappointing” by Kevin Phillips, this is exactly what Diangana’s 2021/22 campaign has been as well.
With the duo being listed as the club’s top two earners according to Salary Sport on a combined wage of £51k-per-week, it can be argued that the disaster duo have been robbing the club blind and therefore need to be shown the door.
With Bruce aiming to build a squad which will be capable of winning promotion back to the Premier League in 2023, it’s hard to see that roster including disaster duo Diangana and Zohore.
In other news – Imagine him & Grant: Bruce can form scary duo as WBA eye £4.1k-p/w “super talent”
Newcastle United have seen their progress come to a crashing halt this season following an excellent campaign last time out. Finishing inside the Premier League's top four and qualifying for the Champions League in the process after also reaching the Carabao Cup final, the only way seemed up for the Magpies. At the halfway mark a season later, however, Eddie Howe's side sit 11 points adrift of the top four and have already crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage.
With that said, reports suggest that those at St James' Park have turned their attention towards the future, and one potential reinforcement could casue quite the stir in the North East.
Newcastle transfer news
Whilst much of the focus will be on the January transfer window and handing Howe some much-needed depth, it wouldn't come as a surprise if Dan Ashworth is already planning well ahead for the Magpies. He and others will be desperate to ensure that last season's top four finish was no one off and that Newcastle become a mainstay in the Champions League. To do that, PIF could yet weaken their rivals by signing a player who seems destined for success at the top.
According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle are eyeing a move to sign Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland. The Magpies reportedly held talks with the family of Bellingham prior to his Black Cats move in an attempt to add the midfielder to their youth ranks.
Keen for a guarantee of first-team football, however, the former Birmingham City man chose Wearside, and has thrived ever since. With his rise only continuing at The Stadium of Light though, Newcastle are still keeping tabs on the teenager ahead of the FA Cup clash this weekend.
"Incredible" Bellingham to star in FA Cup derby?
When hearing the name Bellingham, it's easy to instantly picture a Real Madrid number five with his arms outstretched and a packed Santiago Bernabeu chanting his name after yet another goal. However, Newcastle and others would be unwise to forget about the Bellingham making his way in the Championship, who will no doubt be crucial if the hosts are to get a positive result in the FA Cup clash on Saturday.
In England's second tier this season, Bellingham's stats show just how good he's been. And at just 18-years-old, the Sunderland man has been a better attacking threat than current Newcastle options Sean Longstaff and Joelinton this season, albeit in a weaker league.
Player
Goals
Assists
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Key Passes
Jobe Bellingham
4
1
44
82
20
Joelinton
2
1
21
47
18
Sean Longstaff
2
2
8
70
12
Given the numbers, it's no surprise that former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has been full of praise for Bellingham: "One of the great weaknesses we had at the Stadium of Light, in the early days, when the Kevin Phillips' of this world had moved on, when 49,000 people were turning up every week, loving the game, expecting success… players came in and weren't able to match those expectations.
"For a long period of time it was just too much for players to cope with up there. They found it very difficult to play in the Stadium of Light. And here we have, now, a whole new feel around the place. Players are stepping out and fans are delighted with their attitudes, and the type of football they're playing. And Bellingham leans into that brilliantly, you know? He's a breath of fresh air. To be like that, at his age, it's absolutely incredible."
Whilst Sunderland's main focus has seemingly been on finding attacking reinforcements throughout the January transfer window, they could yet seal the return of a player in a deal that those at The Stadium of Light deem a dream move.
Sunderland transfer news
The Black Cats' search for a striker has taken them to Sam Gallagher, Macaulay Langstaff and Kieffer Moore. According to the latest reports, it is the latter who seems the most likely, with rumours of Sunderland submitting a loan offer to Bournemouth for the Welshman's services. And although an agreement is yet to be reached with the Cherries, a first offer is certainly a step in the right direction. Away from their pursuit of attacking additions, meanwhile, the Championship play-off-hopefuls could seal the return of a midfielder who last played at The Stadium of Light in the Premier League.
According to journalist Santi Aouna, Sunderland have now made contact with the agent of Yann M'Vila over a potential move this month. A dream target for the Black Cats, M'Vila is currently without a club which makes any potential deal a simpler one to secure. Aouna posted the news on X, saying:
A boost for Sunderland is the fact that M'Vila previously spoke of his desire to return to the club, saying:
"I spoke with a lot of Ligue 1 clubs, but I didn’t get the little thing. Given my qualities and my leadership, I think I can help a lot of teams. I believe in myself. I don’t need the money. I want to play. With all the respect I have for Ligue 2, I don’t see myself playing in this championship.
“There is only one club for which I would have agreed to return to the lower division for, it is Sunderland, to help them return to the Premier League. I had an extraordinary year there."
M'Vila has unfinished business at Sunderland
After completing a season-long loan move at Sunderland during the 2015/16 campaign, helping the Black Cats to avoid Premier League relegation by two points as Newcastle United instead suffered the drop, M'Vila never got his return to The Stadium of Light. Now 33 years old, however, the defensive midfielder has the chance to complete some unfinished business.
Yann M'Vila for Sunderland.
From Michael Beale's point of view, a player with the experience of the Frenchman could quickly prove to be invaluable. What's more, M'Vila, himself, has stated his desire to play for the club, highlighting his potential commitment. In what would be a free deal, there's not much risk involved for Sunderland either, if they agree on a short-term contract.
In the best-case scenario, a player with previous Premier League experience plays to that level and helps Sunderland on their way back up to England's first tier. But if he does fail to perform, the worst-case outcome is that the Black Cats could be to simply cut ties. It seems like one that is certainly worth keeping an eye on.
da roleta： Arsenal's victory over Liverpool yesterday evening was one to remember, for the home fans anyway.
da esport bet： As they did in their FA Cup encounter just last month, Mikel Arteta's side came out flying, pinning the Reds into their half and creating some great chances. Only this time, they were able to put them away, and now they're firmly back in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners were the superior side to a man on the night – excluding a mad 30 seconds at the end of the first half – and while there were various stand-out players, it was the experienced and calm Jorginho who just about stood above the rest, putting in a remarkable performance and showing why the Arsenal boss has so much faith in him.
The Italian was near enough perfect, and while he's closer to the end of his career than the start, the Arsenal faithful can rest easy, as Hale End could be about to deliver a ready-made replacement in the coming years.
Jorginho's game in numbers
While the team's performance was impressive as a whole, if there was one area of the pitch where Arsenal well and truly dominated their northern opponents, it was midfield.
The Jorginho and Declan Rice duo played as if they were a trio, covering every blade of grass, making brilliant tackle after brilliant tackle and pressing the Reds' midfield as if they weren't some of the best players in the league.
The Standard's Simon Collings gave both of them a 9/10 for their efforts, claiming that the 32-year-old 'rolled back the years' and put in 'one of his best performances for the Gunners', which is hard to disagree with.
In his 97 minutes on the pitch, the former Chelsea ace had 71 touches, completed 45 of his 53 passes (85%), made one key pass, won four ground duels, won three aerial duels, made two clearances, three interceptions, and two tackles.
It is hard to overstate just how vital the Imbituba-born maestro was for the Gunners yesterday, and while he may have been looked at as nothing more than reliable cover by Arsenal fans beforehand, there is a strong argument that he should be in the starting lineup from here onwards.
Jorginho's game in numbers
Statistics
Figure
Minutes played
97
Touches
71
Accurate passes
45/53 (85%)
Key passes
1
Ground duels (won)
9 (4)
Aerial duels (won)
4 (3)
Clearances
2
Interceptions
3
Tackles
2
All Stats via Sofascore
And, once he finally does hang up his boots or move on, it looks as if the club might already have their own ready-made replacement to step into the void.
Why fans should be excited about Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand
So the first thing to clear up is that, as things stand, and probably for the next two to three years, Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand is simply not going to be ready to step into the shoes of Jorginho, nor is he likely to break into the first team, but that's alright.
The young Dutchman only turned 20 in the summer, and with the Italian still looking fit, Rice being the world-class midfielder he is, and the reasonable chance of midfield reinforcements arriving in the summer, there is no need to rush the youngster's development.
That said, his performances at the youth level serve as a promise for what could be an impressive senior career. The Den-Haag-born midfielder started his footballing journey with Dutch giants Feyenoord, before joining the Hale End setup in 2020.
In all, he made 38 appearances for the Eredivisie side's youth teams, scoring three goals and providing three assists along the way, whereas, in England, he has made 26 appearances for the Gunners' U23 team, scoring an impressive six goals and providing four assists to boot.
Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand's Youth numbers
Club
Feyenoord
Arsenal
Appearances
38
26
Goals
3
6
Assists
3
4
Goal Involvements per match
0.15
0.38
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Following this impressive stint in the youth sides, Arsenal opted to send Salah on loan to Championship side Hull City last season, but an injury in preseason saw him return to the Gunners in the winter break, and unfortunately he wasn't able to make a single appearance for the Tigers due to this time on the sidelines.
Instead of simply returning to junior football this season, he has been back in the Netherlands, on loan with FC Den Bosch, where he has made eight appearances thus far.
While the former Feyenoord prospect has already endured some significant setbacks in his short career, the fact that he is back playing again should show Arteta and Co that he has the right mentality to make it at the Emirates.
Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand could be Jorginho's heir apparent
Described as a player who has "worked tirelessly" to get where he is by Chris Weatley, Salah unquestionably has the drive and commitment to replicate Jorginho's journey. However, the pair have more than grit and determination in common.
Both players have the ability to play in both a central and defensive midfield role. While the Italian prefers the latter and the youngster the former, they're both malleable to their manager's needs.
Where Jorginho has been deployed in a central midfield three times this year alone, Salah has occasionally played as a six during his time at Arsenal.
However, with Rice himself telling TNT Sport (via The Athletic) earlier this season that defensive midfield is his best position, it's unlikely that either the experienced Italian or former Feyenoord prodigy will be tasked with taking over that six-role long-term.
So, the perfect heir will need to excel primarily as a central midfielder who has the ability to move up and down the pitch according to the needs of his manager and team.
Arsenal close to new deal for player Arteta loves
He’s been called “really important”.
ByCharlie Smith Feb 5, 2024
Ultimately, it will always be hard to replace a player as intelligent, classy and useful as Jorginho is, but the "superb" Salah, as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, certainly looks as if he could get close, and in doing so, potentially saving the club an awful lot of money, money that could be better spent further up the pitch.
Leeds United turn their attention away from Championship action as they prepare to travel away from Yorkshire to take on Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup.
The two sides held each other to a 1-1 draw in the first match and now have to go through a replay to decide who will go through to the fifth round of the competition.
Daniel Farke's side head into this game off the back of a 1-0 win away at Bristol City in the second tier, thanks to a second half goal from Wilfried Gnonto.
The Italy international came in from his position on the right flank to get on the end of a ball from Junior Firpo before remaining composed to fire his shot past the goalkeeper to secure all three points for the away side.
Farke could now look to make a few changes from the starting XI that defeated the Robins in order to offer opportunities to other players for this cup clash.
With this in mind, here is FFC's predicted Leeds line-up to take on Plymouth in the FA Cup this week…
1 Illan Meslier
Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
The French shot-stopper – Illan Meslier – retained his place in goal for the first clash between these two sides in the FA Cup and the manager could give him another outing between the sticks on Tuesday night.
2 Sam Byram
Leeds defender Sam Byram.
The first change to the XI could come at right-back as Sam Byram could replace Archie Gray, to provide the teenage starlet with a rest after his start on Friday night.
Farke could unleash his former Norwich star from the start in his more natural position on the right of the defence, having been utilised on the left for the majority of this season.
The 30-year-old titan has made 24 appearances in the Championship so far this season and made 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game for his side.
3 Joe Rodon
Leeds United's loan defender Joe Rodon.
At the heart of the defence, Joe Rodon could once again start to lead the Leeds defence. The Tottenham Hotspur loanee, as you can read in FFC's recent article below, was a colossus at Ashton Gate and will hope for a similar display against Plymouth.
"Outstanding" 99-touch Leeds titan was the hero over Gnonto on Friday
The Whites colossus produced a superb display at Ashton Gate for Daniel Farke.
ByDan Emery Feb 3, 2024 4 Liam Cooper
Leeds defender Liam Cooper.
Alongside the Spurs ace, Liam Cooper could be the second change by coming into the defence to replace Ethan Ampadu, who could move further up the pitch.
The Leeds skipper started the 1-1 draw with Plymouth at Elland Road and produced a solid display. He won four of his six duels and made two interceptions, two blocks, and one clearance throughout the 90 minutes.
Cooper, 32, has only started seven Championship matches and this cup clash is the perfect opportunity for Farke to hand him some minutes on the pitch.
5 Junior Firpo
Leeds United defender Junior Firpo.
Junior Firpo could keep his place at left-back to avoid wholesale changes to the defence ahead of another run of key Championship fixtures in the race for promotion.
The 27-year-old dynamo has provided four assists in his last five league appearances for the Whites and could look to make an impact at the top end of the pitch in the FA Cup on Tuesday.
6 Glen Kamara
Finland international Glen Kamara.
Another player who could start again is Finland international Glen Kamara. The former Rangers metronome has been a reliable presence in midfield for Leeds this season with his pass success rate of 93% in the league, which shows that he rarely gives possession away to the opposition.
7 Ethan Ampadu
Leeds midfielder Ethan Ampadu.
Bringing Cooper in at centre-back would free up Ampadu to start in his more natural position alongside Kamara in the midfield for the Whites.
This would also provide midfielder Ilia Gruev a rest ahead of the clash with Rotherham at Elland Road in the Championship on Saturday.
8 Jaidon Anthony
Leeds winger Jaidon Anthony.
On the right of the attacking trident behind the striker, Jaidon Anthony should be brought back into the starting line-up after his sensational goal in the first game between these sides.
The on-loan Bournemouth winger was dropped to the bench against Bristol City but produced a fantastic goal, cutting in from the left to find the far corner, against Plymouth at Elland Road, and should be given another chance to catch the eye in the replay of that match.
9 Wilfried Gnonto
Wilfried Gnonto for Leeds United.
With the focus on getting promoted to the Premier League, cup matches are the perfect opportunity for Farke to try new things and offer mintues to players who may not play much in the second tier.
Gnonto did start, and score, against Bristol City but an interesting move the German head coach could make is to unleash the Italian forward in the number ten position.
He came over from the right and into a central role to score his goal and playing him in that area of the pitch from the start could provide him with more chances to find the back of the net, instead of being stuck too far from goal on the wing.
This change would also see Georginio Rutter ditched from the starting XI to provide him with a rest after four games without a goal or an assist in all competitions.
The French whiz has produced five goals and nine assists in the Championship this season and keeping him fresh and sharp, avoiding fatigue and injury, could be key ahead of the run-in, which is why it could make sense to drop him for this match.
10 Crysencio Summerville
Crysencio Summerville.
Farke's options to rotate his attack are somewhat limited as Dan James is currently out injured and Crysencio Summerville could start once again as a result.
The Dutch winger has produced 12 goals and seven assists in the Championship so far this season but is yet to make an appearance in the FA Cup this term.
Speaking to Football FanCast on behalf of NetBet Online Casino, Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has shared his thoughts on the club's January transfer window, and says sporting director Edu could look to seal a loan striker signing rather than spend big money.
Arteta linked with Jesus and Nketiah alternative
Since far before the winter window even opened for business, there have been widespread reports that manager Mikel Arteta wishes to bring in a new centre-forward.
All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024
With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.
ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024
The Spaniard is attempting to guide Arsenal to their first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, but has just Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus to choose from as his natural number nine options. Jesus has sporadically succumbed to injury at points this campaign, while Nketiah has been linked with a move away from Arsenal.
Arsenal have been struggling in front of goal over the last few games as well, with Arteta's side wasting a host of glorious chances during their 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium earlier this month.
The Gunners' issues going forward could go some way to being solved through the signing of a proven, goalscoring striker. Arsenal are reported admirers of Brentford star Ivan Toney, but Bees boss Thomas Frank has already stated that it would take an "unbelievable" price to tempt him away before February 1.
Edu has other rumoured options, though, like Getafe striker Borja Mayoral among others. Reports suggest Arsenal made a rejected £22 million bid for Mayoral in the last fortnight, with the north Londoners seemingly looking at cheaper Toney alternatives.
Ivan Toney
17th January
Serhou Guirassy
19th December
Dominic Solanke
16th January
Boulaye Dia
16th December
Kylian Mbappe
15th December
Dusan Vlahovic
12th January
Borja Mayoral
12th January
After spending north of £200 million in the summer transfer window, Arsenal appear to have a slightly more limited January budget and may have to be careful when it comes to FFP regulations.
Parlour backs Arsenal to sign striker on loan
We sat down with ex-Gunners fan favourite Parlour to discuss Arsenal's window and whether they could indeed bring in a new striker, despite the roadblocks facing Edu.
Parlour says Arsenal could sign a striker on loan as the solution to this, and he thinks the likes of Toney will be too far out of reach this month.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
"It will be very difficult for Arsenal to sign the striker they want in January as Toney could well be the number 1 target, but he will likely cost £80 million which I don’t believe Arsenal can spend right now," Parlour told FFC, in partnership with NetBet Online Casino.
"Brentford need him to ensure they don’t get relegated, so it’s an issue here regarding the transfer fee. Osimhen from Napoli signed a new deal, so he will be too expensive as could Calvert Lewin who Arsenal were rumoured to be interested in.
"I do think Arsenal need to strengthen up front as we had four top strikers in my day with Bergkamp, Henry, Wiltord, Kanu and also Jeffers would pop up with a few goals. Arsenal have two main recognised strikers in Jesus and Nketiah. It’s very tough in January to get the striker you want, so I trust Edu and Mikel to get it right and maybe a loan could happen."
The team did not get clearance from the Indian government to travel to Pakistan
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Nov-2024The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) on Wednesday announced that it is pulling the team out of the fourth edition of the T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, after failing to secure the Indian government’s clearance for the squad to travel to Pakistan.The tournament is set to start on November 22 and go on till December 3.”While this is a significant setback for the team, CABI fully respects the government’s concerns and the decision for the same,” the board said in a statement. “The team had been training rigorously and was eager to compete. However, we prioritise the government’s guidance and remain steadfast in our commitment to the continued development of Blind Cricket in India.”Related
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“We play with passion, and we represent our country with immense pride. We have always looked forward to competing at the biggest stage, and it is disheartening to miss out on this opportunity,” Durga Rao Tompaki, the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team for the blind, said. “However, we know that the next World Cup is just around the corner, and we remain committed to our training and preparation.”We have had a successful coaching camp and have seen emerging talent that we believe can lead our team to greater heights. It’s time to nurture these talents and ensure that our team is ready when the next tournament comes.”The development comes 100 days ahead of the start of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is also set to be held in Pakistan. On November 9, the BCCI had informed the ICC that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament – again, a decision taken on the advice of the Indian government.The schedule for the Champions Trophy was originally expected to be released by the ICC today.India had hosted and won the first three T20 Blind Cricket World Cups, beating Pakistan in the finals of the first two editions and Bangladesh in their most recent triumph.