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The 25/26 season could prove to be Mikel Arteta’s most challenging as Arsenal manager.

The Spaniard has done fantastically well over the last five and a bit years to take the club from mid-table mediocrity to serious contenders in both the Premier League and Champions League.

However, since the FA Cup win in 2020, he hasn’t been able to deliver any silverware, and with fan expectations now where they are, it feels like next season may be make-or-break time.

Fortunately, the board look like they are trying to help him out, as recent reports have linked Arsenal to an outrageously talented winger, someone who is even better than Rodrygo.

Arsenal's winger search

With Arsenal scoring 17 fewer goals than Liverpool and three fewer than Manchester City in the Premier League this season, it was clear that the two priorities this summer had to be a new number nine and a new left-winger to help alleviate the pressure on Bukayo Saka.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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So, it’s not surprising to see the North Londoners linked with a host of talented wide players in recent weeks and months, from Rafael Leao to the aforementioned Rodrygo.

The former enjoyed a pretty strong campaign with AC Milan this season, racking up a tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances, and could be available for around £77m, whereas the latter could cost just as much but did marginally worse, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in two more games.

In short, either attacker would seriously bolster the North Londoners’ frontline options for next season, but it now appears as if the club are looking at someone else, someone better than the Real Madrid star: Bradley Barcola.

According to a recent report from L’Equipe, Arsenal are one of several teams seriously interested in the Paris Saint-Germain gem.

The report has revealed that, alongside the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich, the Gunners have already made an approach for the 22-year-old dynamo, who didn’t start the Champions League final.

The bad news is that the story claims that PSG have no intention of selling the talented winger, but according to stories from earlier in the summer, he has a valuation of around £101m, so there may still be a chance to strike a deal.

It would be an incredibly complicated and costly transfer to get done, but given Barcola’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Rodrygo.

Why Arsenal's £101m target is better than Rodrygo

If we are arguing that one attacking player would make for a better signing than another, the first place to see how the pair stack up against one another would be their raw output, and when doing that, Barcola comes out miles ahead.

For example, in 59 appearances for the Parisians, totalling 3678 minutes, the utterly superb 22-year-old has scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists.

That means that the Lyon-born machine has been able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.47 games, or even more impressively, every 91.95 minutes – just imagine that level of output opposite Saka.

In contrast, Rodrygo’s 25 goal involvements have come in 52 appearances, totalling 3425 minutes, and while that is still fantastic, it does come to a worse average of a goal involvement every 2.08 games or every 137 minutes.

The young Frenchman continues to look like the better signing when we take a look under the hood as well, lending credence to analyst Ben Mattinson’s claim that he is “one of the best LW’s in Europe.”

Barcola vs Rodrygo

Statistics per 90

Barcola

Rodrygo

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.97

0.32

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.99

0.51

Progressive Passes

3.97

5.05

Progressive Carries

5.66

5.28

Shots

3.05

2.52

Shots on Target

1.57

0.93

Passing Accuracy

81.7%

85.9%

Key Passes

2.07

2.29

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.11

1.21

Shot-Creating Actions

4.17

4.95

Goal-Creating Actions

0.83

0.42

Tackles Won

0.70

0.65

Blocks

1.03

0.84

Interceptions

0.79

0.51

Clearances

0.50

0.42

Successful Take-Ons

1.40

2.29

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

Not only does he do better in crucial output-related metrics like expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, but the data also shows he’s far more willing to do the dirty work as well, with him coming out way on top for things like tackles won, blocks, clearances and more all per 90.

This ability to both supercharge the attack while also not leaving his full-back out at sea could make the former Lyon gem the perfect left-winger for an Arteta system.

Finally, with FBref placing him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and the top 9% for progressive carries, fans can expect the PSG phenom to get them on their feet on a regular basis, especially as U23 scout Antonio Mango described him as having “devastating pace.”

Ultimately, while Rodrygo would still be an excellent signing for Arsenal this summer, Barcola appears to be better in every way, and therefore, the club should be doing all they can to secure his services.

Related A bigger star than Zubimendi: Arsenal make approach to sign £50m midfielder

The midfield monster would be a game-changer for Arsenal.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 23, 2025

If there is one position that Arsenal desperately need to address this summer, it’s centre-forward.

Mikel Arteta might want to add other players to his team as well, but ask the fans, and we reckon the vast majority will want the club to add a reliable goalscoring nine to the squad, someone who can put away the chances created by the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli.

The board appear to share this opinion, as the last few months have seen a slew of top-quality forwards linked with the North Londoners, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko perhaps being one of the most consistent and significant of the lot.

However, while the Slovenian would be a fine addition to the Gunners’ squad, recent reports have now touted another, far more impressive centre-forward for a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal's striker search

As there have been so many strikers linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, it’s only right we go over a couple of them, like Ollie Watkins and Viktor Gyokeres, before getting to the player in question.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The Gunners made an offer for the former during the winter window but failed to match Aston Villa’s £60m valuation, and even if they want something similar again in the summer, it might be a deal worth revisiting, as in 53 appearances he has scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists this season.

On the other hand, while Gyokeres isn’t Premier League-proven, his incredible tally of 53 goals and 13 assists in 51 games this season suggests his upside may be far higher than the Englishman’s and more than justify the reports that he could cost the North Londoners around £55m.

However, if Arteta and Co want to sign a better alternative to Sesko, they might want someone younger than the aforementioned strikers and who is proven in a top-five league, someone like Hugo Ekitiké.

Fortunately, according to a recent report from French publication RMC Sport, Arsenal are indeed interested in the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

The report has revealed that, alongside fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Liverpool, the Gunners have already approached and held talks with the player and club.

However, on top of dealing with the competition, Andrea Berta and Co will have to stump up a fee of up to €100m – £84m – to get their man.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Ekitiké’s unreal ability and potential, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he’d be a way better signing than Sesko.

How Ekitiké compares to Sesko

So, if the choice for a new striker this summer comes down to Ekitiké and Sesko, who should Arsenal sign? Who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output – what matters most for a striker – it’s the Frankfurt star who comes out on top.

For example, in just 48 appearances, totalling 3645 minutes, the “incredible” Frenchman, as dubbed by teammate Rasmus Kristensen, has scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.20 minutes.

In contrast, the former RB Salzburg gem has scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Who comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Unfortunately for the Slovenian international, this is once again another area in which the comparisons heavily favour his competition.

For example, the 22-year-old comes out on top in almost all relevant metrics, including but not limited to actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, key passes, passing accuracy, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.91

0.40

Non-Penalty G+As

0.77

0.61

Progressive Passes

1.86

1.74

Progressive Carries

3.26

1.78

Shots

4.00

2.50

Shots on Target

1.55

1.10

Passing Accuracy

75.5%

67.6%

Key Passes

1.54

0.72

Shot-Creating Actions

3.55

1.93

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.34

Successful Take-On %

1.82

1.48

Aerial Duels Won

1.82

2.65

Ultimately, it’s abundantly clear that Ekitiké is a significantly better striker than Sesko, even notably described by journalist Graeme Bailey as “the next Mbappe”, and therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

He's like Isak: Arsenal plan talks to sign £105m Gyokeres alternative

The free-scoring forward would be perfect for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 22, 2025

Arsenal have reignited discussions over signing a highly-rated previous target with Andrea Berta heavily involved in the decision, according to a report this week.

Arsenal target new forwards for Mikel Arteta this summer

The Gunners are already reliably believed to be closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Spain international will be Berta’s first signing of the summer.

Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal submit opening £1m+ offer for "exceptional" gem

The Gunners have made a bid for a Premier League youngster, who is attracting the attention of several clubs.

ByDominic Lund May 13, 2025

As Mikel Arteta prepares to welcome his compatriot to N5, Berta appears set to carry on with his task of improving Arsenal’s squad across the board.

GiveMeSport recently reported that Arsenal could spend up to £300 million on seven new signings under Berta, as the 53-year-old attempts to make a splash over his debut summer at the club.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

Among the transfer chief’s top priorities is the potential acquisition of two new wingers, one for either side of Arsenal’s front three, and a goalscoring centre-forward.

Arteta is also known to value versatility in his players, leaving little surprise that Arsenal are rumoured fans of Wolves star Matheus Cunha.

The Brazilian has featured in practically every attacking role under Vitor Pereira this term, scoring a career-best 17 goals and bagging a further six assists in the top flight, and his £62.5 million release clause arguably makes him one of the snips of 2025.

However, it is widely believed that Man United are clear frontrunners to sign Cunha, and are working hard on a deal for the ex-Atletico Madrid star as they attempt to beat off competition.

News of the 25-year-old’s future has gone fairly quiet lately, though, which has led to speculation that Arsenal could hijack United’s move for Cunha.

Arsenal reignite Matheus Cunha discussions with Andrea Berta involved

According to journalist Dean Jones, writing for GiveMeSport, Arsenal have indeed “reignited” interest in Cunha.

Berta is said to be heavily involved in this call, prompting Arsenal “conversations” to “reopen” over signing Cunha, even if there are still some reservations in some sectors of the Emirates Stadium hierarchy.

Lauded for his “sensational” footballing IQ, it is clear to see why Berta remains keen on a swoop for the South American, but GMS also report that United can still be seen as pole position suitors, as Cunha is believed to be very keen on a move to Old Trafford.

The unpredictable nature of transfers these days means you cannot completely rule Arsenal out until the ink is dry on Cunha’s contract with United, so this story could be one to keep tabs on as we fast approach the first window’s opening on June 1.

Turning their attention towards future stars, Liverpool scouts are now reportedly keen for sporting director Richard Hughes to sign one particular 16-year-old gem ahead of Barcelona this summer.

Liverpool could endure summer of change

With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit now more inevitable than ever and the likes of Andy Robertson and Darwin Nunez struggling for form under Arne Slot, it could be a summer of change at Liverpool. What they will hope to avoid, however, are departures for Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, with a new deal for the former now considered a matter of when and not if, as per David Ornstein.

The Dutchman provided a fresh update on his deal following Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat at the hands of Fulham, telling reporters: “There is progress, yeah. Listen, these are internal discussions and we’ll see.

“I love the club, I love the fans and they were there for us again [at Fulham]. We wanted to reward them, but I ask them to be there again on Sunday and make the stadium an amazing venue like always for us.”

Of course, Van Dijk’s main focus will be on ensuring that Liverpool seal the Premier League title once and for all in their remaining seven games. Sat 11 points clear of chasing contenders Arsenal, the Reds need just four wins to secure their crown. Even if doubt began to creep in against Fulham too, the Reds could instantly put that to bed against West Ham United this weekend.

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Many of Liverpool’s players have hit new levels under the Dutchman’s management.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 9, 2025

Meanwhile, once their place at the top of English football is confirmed, their focus will turn towards the summer transfer window. Already, a number of names have threatened to steal the headlines on that front and if reports are anything to go by, those at Anfield are in for a busy few months ahead of next season.

Liverpool battling Barcelona to sign Mederic

Though it’ll be bigger names like Jonathan David and Milos Kerkez who steal the headlines this summer, no matter where they find themselves playing next season, Liverpool are still keeping an eye on welcoming future stars.

According to Africa Foot, as relayed by Sports Witness, Liverpool scouts are now keen for Hughes to sign Obli Kouame Jean Mederic ahead of interest from Barcelona, who want to add him to their famous La Masia academy.

The 16-year-old defender has reportedly been outstanding at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations this month and has done enough to attract the attention of Liverpool, Barcelona, Marseille and Atalanta.

Helping Ivory Coast finish top of their group at the U17 AFCON, Mederic is certainly one to watch at just 16 years old. Liverpool, of course, aren’t afraid to shop around other academies, having welcomed Harvey Elliott from Fulham in the past and – more recently – Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea last summer.

Now, they could get one over on Barcelona by welcoming Mederic at the first chance they get this summer. It’s then that the Ivory Coast defender would join up with the Reds’ academy, before perhaps one day joining the likes of Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate within Slot’s backline.

Having batted in the lower middle-order during a handful of T20 matches, a pre-season chat got him primed for a new role

Tristan Lavalette09-Jan-2025In a rare moment to reflect amid a BBL whirlwind, Mitch Owen does wonder if his spectacular move up the batting order for Hobart Hurricanes would have eventuated if he had failed in a practice match just days before the season.The 23-year-old Owen’s breakout has helped ignite titleless Hurricanes, long derided as an underachiever, and they sit near the top of the ladder with finals approaching.Their explosive batting order has clicked with Owen’s move to the opener’s position, having in previous seasons batted at No. 7 or 8 as a seam bowling allrounder, proving a masterstroke.Related

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He’s smashed a century – James Vince being the only other player with a ton this season – and his overall strike-rate of 175 is the highest among batters who have faced more than 80 deliveries.He’s flourishing in the powerplay, but things could have panned out differently if Owen hadn’t clubbed 80 runs off 40 balls as an opener in an intra-club match a few days before the season. “That probably helped me a bit,” Owen told ESPNcricinfo. “Who knows what what would happened if I got rolled for a duck.”Before this season, Owen had only played 13 BBL matches over four seasons for Hurricanes and batted below big-hitters Matthew Wade, Ben McDermott and Tim David in a powerful but inconsistent batting order.Owen had shown glimpses of his firepower at the death, intriguing Hurricanes’ hierarchy who wanted to find a better way to utilise him. A strapping lad, at 6 foot 5 and 100kg, Owen’s an intimidating sight at the crease with his long levers and brute strength able to muscle the ball with ease over the boundary.

I needed to strip it back a little bit. I told myself that’s not the way I need to go about opening the batting. Just play good cricket shots and try to hit the ball cleanly.Mitch Owen after his first innings of the season

Owen was given a heads up in the pre-season of plans being devised. “Be ready, you might be used at the top of the order,” Hurricanes assistant coach James Hopes told him.The bold move didn’t phase him. “It’s funny because when I’ve batted at seven or eight in the Sheffield Shield, I feel like I’ve got to either continue the momentum or swing momentum back, so it’s pretty similar in a sense,” Owen said. “There was the prospect of facing a new ball that swings a little bit, but I often face the second new ball in the Shield.”There wasn’t much difference in my training. It was just making sure I’ve got the bases covered and ready to go.”While Owen still batted down the order for Tasmania in the Shield, notably blasting 69 off 60 at the WACA where he hit Western Australia offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli for several massive sixes into the ground’s construction site, he opened in the One-Day Cup but to modest success.Owen remained unsure of his BBL role as the season approached until his fireworks in the practice game seemingly swayed the coaching staff. “You’ve worked towards this for a while and the opportunity is there,” Hurricanes coach Jeff Vaughan told Owen. “Go out there and be confident, take your chance.”Things didn’t go to plan in a horror opener for Hurricanes against Melbourne Renegades, bowled out for just 74 on a tricky surface in Geelong. Owen was one of only three batters to reach double figures, clubbing a couple of early boundaries, but he was edgy in his new role and lasted just seven deliveries.Mitch Owen has launched some huge sixes in the competition•Getty Images”I felt like my tempo was so high in that game, I just wanted to hit everything for six,” he said. “I needed to strip it back a little bit. I told myself that’s not the way I need to go about opening the batting. Just play good cricket shots and try to hit the ball cleanly.”After such a disastrous defeat, Hurricanes were under immediate pressure and faced a tough test next up against BBL powerhouse Perth Scorchers in Hobart.Hurricanes did well restricting Scorchers to 155 for 6 on a flat surface, but the match appeared in the balance with a jittery Hurricanes batting-order fronting up against star quicks Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris and Jason Behrendorff.In an incredible onslaught, lighting a fuse under Hurricanes’ season, Owen flayed the bowling to all parts of the ground to finish unbeaten on 101 from 64 balls, including five monstrous sixes.”It was very special, had my family and friends in the crowd,” he said. “As someone that spent their whole childhood sitting on the hill [at Bellerive Oval] supporting the Hurricanes, it was a dream come true.”Owen suddenly went from relative obscurity to drawcard. While he naturally hasn’t reached those dizzying heights since, Owen’s growing confidence is evident and so too his ability to hit a ball very high into the sky.Against Adelaide Strikers, Owen cracked three consecutive sixes off seamer Jamie Overton with the middle strike clearing 111m and hitting the roof over long-on.”I got one away the ball before that and I felt my beans going a little bit,” he said. “I just swung a little bit harder and luckily enough got it out of the screws. For me, the most important thing is just keeping my head nice and still and making sure I’m getting myself in a position to use my levers.”Mitchell Owen has also shown glimpses in the Sheffield Shield•Getty ImagesWatching Owen bully bowlers, perhaps he can lay claim to being able to hit further than David, Australia’s designated finisher in the T20 format.”Nup, I think he still has the mantle in our team having seen him hit so many shots onto the roof,” chuckles Owen. “He’s good at sharing his knowledge and I’ve spoken to him quite a bit about batting and his role, which is so unique.”But it’s funny how simple it is and what it all comes down to – get yourself into position and try to hit the ball cleanly.”Owen has also sought advice from famed hitters Carlos Brathwaite and Colin Munro, his New York Strikers team-mates in last year’s T10 tournament in the Cayman Islands. It was his first experience on the overseas franchise circuit with the promise of more to come, possibly this off-season.While still very early in his career, Owen also looms as a player of interest for Australia’s hierarchy. His bowling has not yet been unleashed in this season’s BBL, but Owen can hit speeds in the mid-130s kph and his towering height conjures awkward bounce.As reinforced by his Tasmania team-mate Beau Webster, a seam bowling allrounder is highly coveted in the national set-up.”I love both batting and bowling, so I feel like I will be an allrounder in my career,” he said. “It’s about being a little bit more consistent with the ball and just having that trust from the captain and the coaches that I can play a role, which I personally think I can.”His future looks rosy, the possibilities endless for a three-format allrounder, but Owen is remaining focused as he hopes to help end Hurricanes’ curse in the BBL.”It’s an unspoken thing [the title], but it would be an absolute honour to win the first title for the Hurricanes,” he said. “Hopefully the city can get behind us and I’m just absolutely loving my time out there.”

In a difficult season, the franchise has backed the same players to deliver even if they hadn’t quite done that earlier

Shashank Kishore20-May-20232:21

Should Jitesh be India’s next T20I wicketkeeper?

The more things change, the more they remain the same. This common refrain perhaps best sums up Punjab Kings season after season; IPL 2023 was no different.Take the last six seasons for example. They’ve had four designated captains – R Ashwin, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and now Shikhar Dhawan – and four head coaches – Brad Hodge, Mike Hesson, Anil Kumble and now Trevor Bayliss.This merry-go-round at the top can be unsettling for the players, at least the young Indian uncapped lot. But in what has been an anomaly, there’s been a growing sign of the team backing the same players to deliver even if they hadn’t quite done that earlier. Now, as they reflect on another season gone by, there’s an opportunity for them to build on these investments as they begin to bear fruit.Related

• Bowlers a letdown as Punjab Kings miss out on playoffs yet again

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Prabhsimran Singh joined the franchise ahead of 2019 but had only played six games across four seasons. This year, he had the role clarity. To give them explosive starts and allow Dhawan to anchor the innings. It wasn’t a blockbuster season, but his 358 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 150.42 provided more than glimpses of his ability.His 65-ball 103 on a Kotla deck against Delhi Capitals where most batters struggled on the two-paced nature of the surface told you of a special player who is capable of taking pitches out of the equation when in his element. Prabhsimran’s backing is unlike what the Kings have done, but here’s is a chance for them to help elevate his game.”I think the talent was always there with him, the maturity has changed,” Kings’ bowling coach Sunil Joshi said. “He started thinking about the game. He started thinking and respecting the bowlers also. That has helped him a lot, staying calm in different situations.”Then there’s Shahrukh Khan who has been branded a finisher for years now and has been with Kings for three seasons. The raw numbers will tell you he doesn’t have a T20 fifty across 33 innings in the IPL.He has failed more than he’s succeeded, and perhaps that’s simply down to the nature of his role, but the one common factor has been the team’s faith in him. This year, he featured in all 14 games but only once batted over 20 balls in an innings.On Friday night, he delivered, albeit belatedly. His 23-ball 41 not out at No. 7 gave Kings a total they didn’t look like getting at one point. In doing so, he gave more than a glimpse into his methods.It wasn’t like he was blindly swinging at every delivery. He came into bat in the 14th over and saw out Yuzvendra Chahal’s threat, fully knowing he could inflict damage later on a small ground. And against a wonky attack that has struggled in the death overs, he unleashed those big hits in the end.Shahrukh doesn’t premeditate; instead, he reacts to the ball and trains for it the same way. “I think my practice is paying off. I am reacting properly at practice to each and every ball I play. That’s the reason it’s paying off here,” he said during the season. “If I go too cheeky, I don’t think it will work for me. So, I just have one thing on my mind. I look to play straight. If anything is here and there, I try and adjust.”Jitesh Sharma ended the season with 309 runs at a strike rate of 156.06•BCCISuch clarity isn’t rare, but the ability to stick to methods that work for him and to have the belief that it will pay dividends, is.Then there’s Jitesh Sharma, whose rise has perhaps been a direct byproduct of the faith and opportunities the franchise has given him. He broke through last year after being scouted by Kumble and has shown a quality few Indian batters have – a no-holds barred approach, the ability to get go right from the outset with a fair degree of success.His power game and calmness at the same time have come in for plaudits. Like it did on Friday night, when he walked in with Kings 50 for 4 in the seventh over. Now, this can cause a few doubts to a few. Jitesh was clear the scorecard wasn’t a reflection of the surface and tried to pick his spots almost immediately.Sure, it didn’t come off, but the intent to go for it was unmissable. He somewhat made up for his relatively slow beginning – 30 off 23 – by taking apart Navdeep Saini for a sequence of 4,6,4 with each of the hits peppering different parts of the ground. In going for a fourth, he was out. But you could see he backed himself to go big once set. He ended the season with 309 runs at a strike rate of 156.06.It’s as much credit to Dhawan as it is to the team management that they’ve been willing to back players in roles they thrive at, even if it hasn’t always paid off. Dhawan himself has had a tough first full season with the Kings, and their history is replete with constant chopping and changing.Now is an opportunity for them to nip that in the bud and punt on this core that has given them an inkling of what is to come in the future with some backing and plenty of opportunities.

Big-name players will return but some key areas will continue to provoke debate when Australia resume playing

Andrew McGlashan07-Mar-2021Australia fought back from 2-0 down to square the series against New Zealand before suffering a heavy loss in the decider. The squad was missing at least four players who will be inked into the T20 World Cup squad, in theory given an opportunity to assess the wider options available. With the team now facing a lengthy break, what can be gleaned from the five matches?Related

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• Finch was 'never doubting' he would emerge from slump

• Martin Guptill leads New Zealand charge to series victory

Wade the frontrunner, but where does the keeper bat?However this series had played out there would have been questions remaining afterwards because of the names missing, especially so at the top of the order. David Warner will return and open with Aaron Finch – that’s probably the easy bit – but at the moment it appears Australia want their gloveman in the top order as well and that’s going to be a squeeze with Steven Smith also to fit in. Matthew Wade had the gloves throughout the series and in the last match slotted in at No. 3 having previously opened and produced his best knock of the five games. Josh Philippe played two very good innings in his debut series – and may well be the man for the 2022 T20 World Cup – but for now Wade looks to have the running. With the bat he may yet be used in a floating capacity both because of his experience and the fact that he’s a left hander.Marcus Stoinis played a spectacular innings in Dunedin but the make-up of the middle order remains a debate•Getty ImagesThe finisherThis has been a perennial debate around Australia’s T20 side. Given Ashton Turner wasn’t tried in the series before returning home early for the birth of his child it would appear to be between Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh (it’s tricky to see how both play when all the batsmen are available). Stoinis played one standout innings – the 78 off 37 balls that almost stole the game in Dunedin – and it could be his spot to lose although, like so many in this line-up, his best work domestically comes at the top of the order and at times he can still soak up too many dots. Marsh’s best innings came when batting at No. 4 in the first match, albeit in a forlorn cause, and in three of matches found himself down at No. 7 below Ashton Agar in an attempt to split up the left and right handers. He also didn’t bowl in the series following another season of injury. Daniel Sams showed what he is capable of with 41 off 15 balls in Dunedin, but the feeling is he has to compete as one of the five bowlers. Agar, whose role with the ball is vital, has yet to convince he can quite hold the batting position needed of him.It can’t all be on MaxwellRelated to the above is the fact that it still feels as though too much of how the middle order performs (in whatever order they bat) rests on the brilliance of Glenn Maxwell. It came off spectacularly in the third game when he had the ideal mix of a platform to work with and time left in the innings as he hammered 70 off 31 balls. Either side of that he made 23 runs in four innings and Australia need to have the ability to soak up those sorts of days more easily.Riley Meredith made a good impression in his first series•Getty ImagesPace-bowling pecking orderMitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will be locked into the side which probably leaves room for one more frontline quick in the XI. It could well be a horses-for-courses approach depending on conditions and opposition. The possibility of larger World Cup squad due to Covid-19 protocols also means the tough calls may not need to be made at the outset. Riley Meredith’s first appearances for Australia certainly caught the eye, twice beating Kane Williamson for pace to win lbw appeals, and his development at the IPL (if he plays) will be watched with interest. Kane Richardson remains a hugely versatile performer and perhaps the most dependable behind the big two. Jhye Richardson, on his international comeback, showed glimpses of the late swing that make him so dangerous. Does Josh Hazlewood come into the mix as well?Did Australia try enough? During the series both Finch and coach Andrew McDonald spoke of the valuable “information gathering” that had gone on even if, from the outside, it did not look like much was changing pointing to things like altering batting orders and Adam Zampa bowling more Powerplay overs. There was only one personnel change in the five games: Meredith replacing Sams after the first two matches. In truth, the series finishes with largely the same questions as it started. Five of the squad who were there the end – D’Arcy Short, Ben McDermott, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff and Tanveer Sangha – did not get a game although so many extra players wouldn’t have been on tour under normal circumstances.

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O Santos venceu o Avaí por 2 a 0 nesta sexta-feira (26), na Ressacada, pela segunda rodada da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro. Assista aos melhores momentos da partida no vídeo acima.

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عاد الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك إلى القاهرة بعد الانتهاء من مواجهته أمام كايزر تشيفز الجنوب إفريقي في إطار منافسات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الأفريقية.

وحسم التعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق نتيجة لقاء الزمالك وكايزر تشيفز، الذي أُقيم يوم السبت الماضي على ستاد بيتر موكابا ضمن الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات.

ويقع الزمالك في مجموعة تضم كلًا من: كايزر تشيفز الجنوب إفريقي – المصري البورسعيدي – زيسكو يونايتد الزامبي.

طالع أيضًا | يانيك فيريرا يكشف كواليس مثيرة بشأن رحيله عن الزمالك: عرضت أموالًا على اللاعبين.. وتم طردي

وكانت البعثة قد مكثت في مطار جوهانسبرج ترانزيت لمدة 4 ساعات، بعد مغادرتها لمدينة بولوكواني، قبل أن تستقل طائرة العودة إلى مطار القاهرة الدولي.

ومن جانبه، قرر أحمد عبد الرؤوف، المدير الفني للفريق الأول بنادي الزمالك، منح اللاعبين راحة لمدة يومين بعد العودة إلى القاهرة، قبل استئناف برنامج الإعداد.

ومن المقرر أن يستأنف الفريق تدريباته يوم الخميس المُقبل على ملعب الكلية الحربية، استعدادًا لمواجهة كهرباء الإسماعيلية يوم 9 ديسمبر الجاري في بطولة كأس عاصمة مصر.

Bournemouth are next on the agenda for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United, with intrigue mounting over just who the Portuguese will have at his disposal on Monday night, not least in the forward areas.

Indeed, it has yet to be confirmed whether Bryan Mbeumo and Amad – alongside Noussair Mazraoui – will be in line to feature for the final time before heading off to AFCON, albeit with the trio pictured in first-team training on Thursday.

Among those not involved by all accounts, however, was £74m man, Benjamin Sesko, with it yet to be seen whether the Slovenian will make his return after sustaining a knee injury against Tottenham Hotspur last month.

The 22-year-old – who has scored just twice following his summer arrival from RB Leipzig – limped off in that 2-2 draw in north London, having squandered two potential openings following his introduction off the bench.

Regardless of his early “struggles”, as noted by Amorim, the loss of United’s number 30 remains a blow considering the lack of genuine alternatives, with Joshua Zirkzee a self-described ‘nine-and-a-half’.

That burden and reliance on Sesko could be aided in 2026, however, with a new centre-forward perhaps on the agenda.

Man Utd's search for a striker

There was talk of moving for another Premier League proven figure like Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha, in the form of Ollie Watkins over the summer, before Jason Wilcox and co ultimately settled on a long-term gamble, in the form of Sesko.

That decision, while still perhaps too soon to judge, has potentially backfired as far as INEOS are concerned, with Sesko yet to prove that he can be the man to end United’s long-standing number nine woes.

Not since the days of Robin van Persie has any Red Devil hit 20 Premier League goals in a season, with Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund notably scoring just seven top-flight goals between them in 2024/25.

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With that in mind, Caught Offside are reporting that United could be in the mix for further reinforcement at the top end of the pitch, having joined Chelsea in the race for Strasbourg striker, Joaquin Panichelli.

As per the report, it is the west Londoners who are leading the race for the Argentine’s signature, due to their BlueCo connections, although the Old Trafford side – alongside Aston Villa – are believed to have indirectly expressed their interest via intermediaries.

Enzo Maresca’s side, clearly, hold the advantage, yet if INEOS can lodge a suitable bid, they could provide Amorim with a wildcard Sesko upgrade.

How Panichelli compares to Sesko

There’s no suggestion that Sesko should be written off already, with United’s £74m investment highlighting their plan to back the young striker to be the main man later down the line, if not necessarily this season.

As was felt by Hojlund before him, however, he can’t shoulder the goalscoring responsibility on his own, having yet to prove he is a truly clinical and consistent striker.

The one-time Red Bull Salzburg starlet’s tally of two goals makes for grim reading with the New Year approaching, with Panichelli, meanwhile, regarded as “one of the most in-form strikers in Europe right now”, in the view of scout Antonio Mango.

The 23-year-old forward has enjoyed a real breakout season under the watchful eye of Liam Rosenior, having already scored nine goals in just 15 Ligue 1 outings in 2025/26.

It must be noted that he hasn’t scored in any of his last four, although, as seen below, only five strikers across Europe’s top five leagues have bettered his tally to date, further supporting Mango’s standout claim.

Top Scoring Strikers – 25/26*

Player

Goals

Harry Kane

17

Kylian Mbappe

16

Erling Haaland

15

Ferran Torres

11

Igor Thiago

11

Joaquin Panichelli

9

Esteban Lepaul

8

Robert Lewandowski

8

Jonathan Burkardt

8

Vedat Muriqi

8

* Europe’s top 5 leagues

Stats via Transfermarkt

A true, old-fashioned centre-forward, where Panichelli also catches the eye due to his work ethic when leading the line, ranking in the top 2% of European forwards for interceptions and the top 7% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.

For comparison, Sesko ranks in the just the bottom 35% and the bottom 12% for those same two metrics, respectively, albeit while unsurprisingly ranking in the top 22% for aerial duels won.

It’s not as if the Strasbourg man’s form is a flash in the pan either, having netted 20 league goals in Spain last season for CD Mirandes, while on loan from Alaves.

Having been in red-hot form in front of goal over the last 18 months, the 6 foot 3 marksman could represent a left-field solution to Amorim’s centre-forward woes, provided United can see off Chelsea in the tussle for his signature.

Sesko might require patience, but if the Red Devils are after someone to make an immediate impact, Panichelli might just be that.

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