Laura Wolvaardt dropped to tied-second alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jun-2025India opener Smriti Mandhana is back to No. 1 on the ICC’s ODI rankings for women’s batting. It is the first time since 2019 for Mandhana (727 rating points) at the top. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt (717) – who lost 17 rating points – dropped to tied-second alongside England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt.In early May, Mandhana had scored 51 against South Africa and 116 in the final against hosts Sri Lanka in a tri-series, which were has last two ODI appearances.Wolvaardt, in her five ODI appearances in 2025, has averaged 28.20 with a top score of 43. She scored 27 and 28 in the first two ODIs of the ongoing series against West Indies.Related
Devine to retire from ODIs after the World Cup
Women's ODI World Cup: India vs Pakistan on October 5 in Colombo
England’s Amy Jones and Australia allrounder Ellyse Perry round out the top five. Mandhana is the lone Indian in the top ten, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur on 15th and 16th respectively.The top of the ODI bowling charts stayed the same, with England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone well ahead of Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner and Megan Schutt. But West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher’s four-wicket haul against South Africa in the second ODI helped her gain four spots up to 19th.There were no changes in the ODI allrounders’ top ten either. Gardner leads the list, with West Indies’ Hayley Matthews at No. 2 and South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp at No. 3. New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, who announced her decision to retire from ODIs after the World Cup in September to be hosted by India, is ninth among allrounders and 13th among batters.
Sunderland had one of the busiest transfer windows in the Premier League, with Regis Le Bris’s side having the 5th highest net spend of the entire league.
Earlier in the window, Sunderland brought in some of their most expensive ever players ever, such as Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra and Enzo Le Fée. The Black Cats were still pushing for deals on deadline day as they signed Ajax’s Brian Brobbey in the window’s final hours.
However, one deal they didn’t manage to complete was that of Jhon Lucumi. Sunderland placed numerous bids with Bologna for the centre-back that culminated with a £24 million deadline day offer that was rebuffed.
Bologna had already sold centre-back Sam Beukema to Napoli in the window and were reluctant to let another defender go. They were also hoping to get Lucumi to sign a new contract, but this has not yet materialised, providing Sunderland with the opportunity to reignite the transfer saga in January.
Sunderland given hope in Lucumi transfer
Jhon Lucumi for Bologna.
Renato Villa spent six years at Bologna and retired there after making nearly 200 appearances for the club. In a recent interview, he spoke about Bologna’s current defensive options and was pressed about Lucumi’s future: “Selling him now would have brought in £21.7 million, while if you sell him in January, you’ll only get £9 million. It’s an evaluation the club will surely have made, weighing up the technical and financial factors.”
As an alternative to Lucumi, Sunderland agreed a deadline loan deal with RB Leipzig for Lutsharel Geertruida, paying just over £2 million as a loan fee, and they have the option to sign him permanently next summer for £20 million. Despite bringing in another option though, with Geertruida only guaranteed to be on Wearside for one year, Sunderland may go back in for their top target when his price drops, providing he does not sign a new contract.
Space for Geertruida and Lucumi
While both are good options for Le Bris, they are two very different defenders. Last season, Lucumi played considerably more of the pair; his extra minutes equalled almost 12 full games. Their defensive strengths had significant variations, with Geertruida on the front foot with more interceptions, whereas Lucumi was better at tackling dribbling players and getting blocks in.
As well as the ways they vary statistically, they also vary stylistically. Lucumi is a traditional centre-back, while Geertruida is a little more versatile and fluid in his position, having previously been utilised at centre-back and full-back. This means that if Lucumi were to join in January, there may still be a place for Geertruida as cover along all of the backline.
Overall, Sunderland seem to still have the funds available to sign Lucumi, especially for the cut-price, as they submitted that deadline day bid for him and only signed Geertruida on loan. If they feel they can accommodate both players in their squad, this would be the best strategy, and having multiple defensive options won’t hurt their chances of Premier League survival.
Observando o mercado em busca de nome impactante para o seu setor ofensivo, o Grêmio segue analisa oportunidades de nomes vindos da Europa onde, depois da chegada de Juan Manuel Iturbe, outro nome aventado seria o do chileno Alexis Sánchez.
O Tricolor chegou até mesmo a contatar pessoas que pudessem fazer uma aproximação a representantes do atleta de 34 anos de idade. Informação essa, aliás, que partiu de um ex-jogador do Grêmio e hoje comentarista, o também chileno Fernando Astengo, em participação na ‘Radio Touch’.
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>Já atualizou sua camisa de 2023? Confira os novos uniformes do Imortal!
Segundo Astengo, ele chegou a conversar abertamente com o presidente do Imortal, Alberto Guerra, em que um dos temas foi a possibilidade de contatar o staff de Alexis Sánchez e ter maiores informações sobre sua situação no mercado. Entretanto, não há detalhes se as conversas tiveram qualquer evolução para algo mais concreto.
Há bastante tempo no futebol europeu, o jogador que foi bicampeão da Copa América com o Chile, em 2015 e 2016, acumula passagens por Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter de Milão e, na última temporada, Olympique de Marselha.
Depois de sua saída do Arsenal, foi em território francês que Alexis conseguiu se reencontrar com os melhores desempenhos e os números são capazes de traduzir essa evolução. Enquanto entre 2017 e 2022 ele não conseguiu passar da barreira dos dez gols em uma temporada, somente em 2022/2023 foram 18 tentos em 44 compromissos.
Manchester City have enacted something of a rebuild across the last two transfer windows and could now be set to continue their spending spree once the January window opens, according to a report.
Manchester City look to overcome mixed Premier League start
Despite making some impressive summer signings, Manchester City have lost consecutive Premier League fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pep Guardiola has changed the guard in several positions and may need time to let new faces settle in at the Etihad Stadium, albeit he will be hoping for an improved return on the club’s investments after the international break.
Manchester City's Erling Haaland shakes hands with managerPepGuardiolaafter being substituted
Still, Joe Cole preserves optimism that one of Manchester City’s main men can go on to thrive this campaign and has claimed that Phil Foden is the best player in the Premier League when he is in form.
The former England international told talkSPORT: “He had a difficult season last year. We don’t know the problems he had off the pitch or injuries or what it was, but what you have to do is keep faith with these types of players.
“When Phil Foden plays to the best of his ability, like the season before last, he’s the best player in the country, you know, but there’s only one player who can produce that type of level of performance over the last 15 years consistently. That’s Lionel Messi. And there’s a reason he’s the greatest player in the world.”
Intriguingly, Guardiola could add a new superstar to the fold amid Manchester City’s plan to launch an ambitious move to sign Vinicius Junior in January, albeit it remains to be seen whether they could tempt him away from the Spanish top-flight.
Remaining on that topic, the Citizens could be set to raid La Liga for a rising young star who could now have a pivotal decision to make on his future.
Man City could launch January move for Dro Fernandez
According to reports in Spain, Manchester City want to sign Barcelona talent Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, who is viewed as a breakout star in his homeland after entering La Blaugrana’s second string at 17 years of age.
Predominantly an attacking midfielder, the Spain Under-17 star is also wanted by Chelsea and has registered four goals in 14 appearances for club and country at various youth levels.
"Unbelievable" Man City player in demand as clubs queue up to sign him
Would selling him make any sense?
ByHenry Jackson Sep 6, 2025
Adored by Hansi Flick for his contribution during Barcelona’s pre-season, he has already got off the mark at first-team level by scoring in a friendly against Vissel Kobe, potentially opening the door to further senior opportunities down the line.
Nevertheless, he now faces an intriguing decision amid interest from the Premier League, which could force his club to offer him a contract extension with guarantees that his developmental needs will be met.
Guardiola always has an eye out for prodigious talent and may have spotted an opening to convince one of Europe’s stars to move to the Etihad Stadium.
New Zealand’s fast bowlers tore through Sri Lanka’s top order to set up a big win, before their own top three clinched it, Will Young hitting 90 not out off 86 balls in a nine-wicket victory.On a grassy Basin Reserve pitch, on a cold day beset by biting southerlies, New Zealand had had Sri Lanka 23 for 4 by the end of the powerplay. There were resurgent innings from the likes of Avishka Fernando especially, but Sri Lanka never seemed headed to a healthy total. They were out for 178 in the 44th over. New Zealand ran that total down with 23.4 overs to spare.It was Matt Henry who set the tone for the early exchanges with his first spell, and claimed the first wicket on his way to figures of 4 for 19 from ten overs. He caught Pathum Nissanka’s leading edge with a full away-seamer in the fifth over, the ball floating out to mid-off for a simple catch. In his first five overs, Henry seamed the ball substantially, and conceded only six runs.At the other end, Jacob Duffy was delivering probing overs as well. He took the second wicket with a short delivery that surprised Kusal Mendis, and which he inside edged into his leg stump. Three overs later, Kamindu Mendis – batting at No. 4 now – was run out attempting a suicidal single. Dropping a ball towards cover he called his partner through for a run, only for Mitchell Santner to swoop on the ball, and fire in an underarm throw that hit the base of the only stump Santner had to aim at. In general, New Zealand’s fielding was exemplary, with Mark Chapman also outstanding in the point region. On the rare occasions, New Zealand’s quicks strayed in the early overs, an act of spectacular fielding would tend to ensure the pressure stayed on Sri Lanka.The last wicket to fall in the powerplay was that of captain Charith Asalanka, who initially only seemed to be beaten by a sharply rising Nathan Smith delivery outside off stump, only for Smith to insist on the review, and for Snicko to show that the ball had brushed the shoulder of the bat. Asalanka, so often the batter who arrests Sri Lanka collapses, was out for a duck.This brought Janith Liyanage to the crease to join Avishka, and the pair set about the repair work, finding boundaries square of the wicket after much of the seam movement of the early overs had disappeared. Avishka played the short balls well through the middle period, as New Zealand’s seamers switched occasionally to that mode of attack. In any case, the pair put on 87 together, Avishka scoring his ninth ODI fifty, before Liyanage miscued a Mitchell Santner ball to deep midwicket and was out for 36.Sri Lanka had contributions from Wanindu Hasaranga, who hit 35, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who made 22. But New Zealand always had Sri Lanka by the collar – no passage of retaliation lasted very long.Given the trouble New Zealand’s quicks had given Sri Lanka, the chase was exceptionally smooth. Rachin Ravindra was strong on the front foot early on, finding six boundaries in the arc between backward point and mid-off. Young, meanwhile, was excellent whenever Sri Lanka’s bowlers pitched short, playing a number of powerful pulls and hooks. New Zealand were 70 for no loss at the end of the powerplay, Sri Lanka’s seamers guilty of a little indiscipline. There were no serious wicket chances, aside from one missed run-out by Asitha Fernando, who had fielded the ball in his follow-through.Ravindra would be dismissed attempting an ambitious leg-side flick off a full delivery down the leg side, but the remainder of the chase was straightforward. Young continued to find those leg-side boundaries and sped past his tenth ODI half-century. Mark Chapman was a steady presence at the other end. Their unbeaten stand of 87 took the hosts home.
Newcastle United frustratingly drew blanks across the entire 90 minutes away at Aston Villa on the Premier League’s opening day.
The obvious question on everyone’s minds post-match was whether the Magpies would have been so wasteful if Alexander Isak were leading the line, but the superstar Swede was notably absent, as he remains insistent on a summer switch away from St James’ Park.
With the ex-Real Sociedad striker seemingly set on leaving, Eddie Howe and Co. will be desperate to land a striker in a similar vein to their potent number 14 before the transfer window slams shut, with plenty of targets popping on the Toon shortlist.
Newcastle given encouragement over striker deal
It’s not exactly been a closely guarded secret this summer that the Magpies are in the market for an explosive, new centre-forward.
They could finally be about to land long-term target Yoane Wissa, with the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope recently revealing that a deal could be wrapped up by next week for the 28-year-old to leave Brentford behind for pastures new on Tyneside.
Isak vs Wissa 2024-25 stats (timeless)
While his 19 goals last season would make him a suitable Isak replacement, he isn’t the only clinical attacker on Newcastle’s shopping list.
Indeed, Hope has also revealed that the Isak-less Toon have been handed some “encouragement” over securing the services of Paris St. Germain hotshot Goncalo Ramos, who has also been reportedly looked at by the likes of Liverpool and Aston Villa this window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Hope said: “Goncalo Ramos, the PSG striker, is back on the agenda. He was and then he wasn’t, I was told last week that it’s not happening. Then I was told yesterday [Friday] that actually there’s a chance it might, Newcastle have been given some encouragement there.
“But again, I think that would be a really hard one to do. I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one for want of a better phrase. But they are looking, he is an option absolutely. I’ve had that confirmed, that’s why I put the story out there last night.”
PSG forward Goncalo Ramos
How Ramos possesses shades of Ekitike
It’s still some way off from being near completion, but landing the Portuguese attacker could see the Magpies win a striker who possesses shades of Hugo Ekitike’s clinical game.
Amazingly, Ekitike was yet another striker Howe and Co. missed out on this summer, as Arne Slot’s Reds ultimately won his signature over picking up Ramos.
The Magpies must be forlorn that the former Eintracht Frankfurt striker decided to uproot to Anfield over St James’ Park, considering he already has two goals next to his name for the reigning top-flight champions, which included a fierce strike getting Liverpool up and running on the entertaining opening night of the campaign.
Any lingering disappointment surrounding the Frenchman choosing the luxuries of Liverpool over Newcastle would soon be forgotten about, however, if Ramos were to make the switch to Howe’s men, with the 24-year-old a recognised goalscoring menace in Europe, much like Ekitike was before Merseyside came calling.
Already, Tottenham Hotspur are aware of his red-hot instincts in front of goal, with Ramos only needing 14 minutes of action against Thomas Frank’s Spurs in the Super Cup final before delivering this sucker punch of a header to level proceedings at 2-2.
This has been a tale of his entire stay in Paris to date, with only 28 Ligue 1 starts coming his way across his last two seasons in the French capital.
However, that hasn’t stopped him from going on to bag a mightily impressive 21 league goals across those limited opportunities.
Coincidentally, Ekitike also struggled for gametime during his own up-and-down stay at the Parc Des Princes, but slipped up in the goalscoring department with only four strikes registered.
Ramos career record vs Ekitike
Stat
Ramos
Ekitike
Games played
248
153
Goals scored
102
52
Assists
29
26
Trophies
10
3
Top goalscorer accolades
3
0
Sourced by Transfermarkt
The brand new £79m Reds signing, of course, fought back from this underwhelming stint in Paris, with a promising return of 26 goals from 64 games for Frankfurt winning him the lavish move.
However, when assessing the table above, the “outrageous” 24-year-old – as he’s been lauded previously by scout Jacek Kulig for his unerring accuracy in front of goal – has actually had a far more glittering career path than his Anfield counterpart, with 50 more career strikes next to his name.
Goncalo Ramos at Benfica
Therefore, the former Benfica marksman will be loving the prospect of having his own moment in the Premier League spotlight with Newcastle, as he potentially goes head-to-head with Ekitike in the demanding division.
Once hailed by Bruno Fernandes as having “all the qualities to play in the Premier League”, the proof will soon be in the pudding if Ramos does make the move, as Newcastle’s hunt for a fresh striker looks to go the distance.
Better than Ramos: Newcastle set to see bid accepted for "outstanding" CF
Newcastle United are closing in on a deal to sign a Premier League forward to bolster their squad.
As The Friedkin Group look to kick on with their £150m spending spree, Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive winger who scored 33 goals last season.
Friedkin planning £150m spending spree
After already signing Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Carlos Alcaraz, Friedkin are reportedly looking to make further statements this summer by completing a £150m spending spree. As part of that spree, David Moyes wants to sign a new right-back, a new No.6 to replace Abdoulaye Doucoure, a No.8 and a right-winger ahead of next season.
To that end, there are already several targets who could fulfill that quota. James McAtee reportedly remains Everton’s top target this summer and he could solve their No.8 problem. Meanwhile, an offer has reportedly been made to sign Juventus’ defensive midfielder, Douglas Luiz in what would be an excellent addition.
That would instantly be two tasks ticked off the list for the Toffees and two ideal additions. McAtee, in particular, would be one to watch after he showed glimpses of his talent at Manchester City even as he was denied consistent opportunities last season.
Earning the praise of Pep Guardiola when he did feature, the City boss told reporters after the young midfielder scored a hat-trick against Salford City: “I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat trick is not easy. He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score and I am very happy for him.”
After potentially ending their midfield search, meanwhile, Friedkin could yet welcome their most impressive signing yet in the form of a clinical winger.
Everton enter race to sign Daizen Maeda
According to TeamTalk, Everton have now entered the race to sign Daizen Maeda from Celtic alongside Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and West Ham United this summer. Whilst the Japan international won’t come cheap at £25m, his numbers suggest that such a fee could quickly prove to be an impressive bargain.
Daizen Maeda stats 2024/25
Record (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances
51
Goals
33
Assists
12
With 33 goals to his name in all competitions as Celtic strolled towards another Scottish Premiership, it’s no surprise that Maeda found himself at the centre of praise.
Brendan Rodgers told reporters when asked about the winger: “If you are a young player coming through and want to give your honesty to the game, work, intensity and everything. No cheating, no nothing – even away at St Mirren, the penalty we got last week he tried to stay on his feet – he’s so honest to the game. Natural isn’t it? He’s been absolutely brilliant.”
Everton bang in the race to sign "terrific" star who Moyes personally wants
He’s on the move this summer.
By
Tom Cunningham
Jul 18, 2025
Maeda has the quality for the Premier League, there’s no doubting that, and Everton should do everything to land his signature this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur will be expected to be fighting for Europe once again next season, with Thomas Frank the man who’s been tasked with taking the side back up the table.
The Dane was appointed as the Lilywhites’ new boss last month after owner Daniel Levy decided to fork out £10m to prise him out of his contract at Brentford.
He’s showcased in the Premier League that he’s capable of overachieving, helping the Bees register a top-half finish despite losing top scorer Ivan Toney last summer.
He will likely have much bigger funds to spend after taking the reins in North London, needing to make the changes he desires if he is to be a success in the role.
Frank has already wasted no time in identifying key options to help him in his quest at the club, already edging ever closer to landing his first signing since replacing Ange Postecoglou.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Mohammed Kudus has been a player of huge interest in recent weeks and a deal for the West Ham United star was officially confirmed by the club on Thursday evening.
£55m appears to be the golden number between the two clubs, with the Ghanaian now arriving as Frank’s first addition this summer.
However, other moves have also been made in recent days, with Morgan Gibbs-White set to put pen to paper after the Lilywhites activated his £60m release clause at Nottingham Forest.
Another Premier League star could be inbound too, with Yoane Wissa potentially following Frank to Spurs, according to BBC Sport.
They claim that talks have been held over a deal to land the Congolese international striker, who managed to score 19 times in his 35 league appearances last campaign.
The report also states that the player himself is extremely keen on a move to link up with his former boss, but they are demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the 28-year-old this summer.
Why Spurs’ £50m target would be the dream CF for Kudus
Soon-to-be Spurs star Kudus is a player who will undoubtedly bring excitement to the fanbase in North London, given his spell in England with West Ham.
West Ham United's MohammedKuduscelebrates
The 24-year-old has registered 19 goals over the last two years since his move from Ajax, often catching the eye with his mazy runs and incredible solo efforts.
He’s often scored numerous times after dribbling past the opposition effortlessly, but arguably his best strike was his bicycle kick against Manchester City in the 2023/24 campaign.
His pending move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium would be a big-money one, no doubt, but one that would be worth every penny if he can replicate his form from the London Stadium.
Kudus could also link up with Wissa if he also completes a move, with the pair having the prospect of helping the Lilywhites rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.
The Brentford star, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Zach Lowy, managed to score four goals with his head last campaign, something which could fall perfectly into the Ghanaian’s hands given his cross success rate of 26% last season.
Wissa also managed to register 1.3 shots on target per 90, able to link up with the £55m addition next season, especially considering his tally of 1.2 chances created per 90.
Games played
35
Goals scored
19
Shots on target per 90
1.3
Aerials won
46%
Pass accuracy
80%
Touches in opposition box
5.2
Fouls won
1.6
The Congolese star has further impressed by winning 46% of the aerials he’s entered, a superb record considering he’s not the tallest of players, standing at just 5”9.
Whilst it may be an expensive addition at around £50m this summer, it’s evident that Wissa would be a phenomenal addition given his previous spell in England’s top-flight.
The prospect of the Brentford talent linking up with Kudus in North London is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with the club potentially possessing two of the division’s leading talents going into 2025/26.
A better signing than Eze: Spurs set to make bid for "magical" £20m star
Tottenham Hotspur appear to have ended their pursuit of Eberechi Eze with a move for another talented star.
In a fresh transfer twist, The Friedkin Group are now reportedly working on a deal which would see Everton sign a £25m South American star with the help of AS Roma.
Calvert-Lewin confirms Everton exit
With contracts officially coming to an end around the Premier League, it’s no surprise that Everton’s transfer business has instantly shown signs of life. The Toffees are reportedly set to sign the impressive Thierno Barry and have also set their sights on a return for former loanee Jack Harrison in two deals that would reinforce their attack following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s departure.
The forward confirmed his departure after failing to sign a new contract in Merseyside, taking to social media to say: “The choice to move on was not simply about me, it was a decision with my family and we spent a long time considering together. We believe it’s the right moment to seek a new challenge and continue growing, but that doesn’t lessen the bond I’ll always have with Everton.
“I’m deeply proud of what we’ve shared, fighting for this club when it mattered most, scoring big goals in crucial moments, wearing the shirt with commitment and pride. My hope is that I leave with your respect, knowing I always sought to uphold the values of this great club.”
Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates scoring their first goal
Friedkin have, of course, already reacted to that news by agreeing a deal to sign Barry, but they may not be done there on the transfer front. Reports are now suggesting that the American owners want to put their Roma links to sign a £25m defender for Everton.
Friedkin now working on Wesley deal
As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Friedkin are now working on a move to sign Wesley in a deal that would see the Flamengo defender join Everton and then head straight out on loan to Roma. The Italian club are already reportedly working on a deal for the €30m (£26m) right-back, but it’s the Toffees who could benefit in the long run.
Bigger talent than Barry: Everton chasing £28m ace with a "hint of Haaland"
Following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s exit, Everton are set to sign Thierno Barry, but could they also target another striker who has a “hint of Haaland”?
ByBen Gray Jul 3, 2025
Friedkin own majority stakes in both clubs and are seemingly looking to hand David Moyes and his side a major boost using that ownership. Whether the American owners can pull off a complicated deal remains to be seen, however. On Wesley’s end, there’s no doubt that Everton would be getting a talented player.
A player who has had his critics, as South American football expert Nathan Joyes explained in December, Wesley is still just 21 years old and his “pacey” speed could quickly help him transform into a Premier League star.
Arsenal are now expected to submit a bid for a Real Madrid target, with Mikel Arteta personally keen on securing his signature, according to a report.
Gunners in transfer tussle with Real Madrid
While they ultimately came up short against Paris Saint-Germain, the Gunners proved themselves to be a force to be reckoned with by dispatching of Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-final last season.
As such, the Emirates Stadium should be an attractive destination for some top players this summer, with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi thought to have chosen a move to north London ahead of remaining in Spain and signing for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Arteta is seemingly very keen to strengthen his midfield this summer, with Thomas Partey heading for the exit door, having also set his sights on Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, who has agreed to make the move across the capital.
However, Arsenal are also battling Madrid for the signature of a centre-back, namely Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera, with a report from The Guardian revealing Arteta’s side are now hopeful of getting a deal over the line.
The Gunners boss has identified Mosquera as his main target as back-up for Gabriel and William Saliba, and the north Londoners are expected to make an improved offer for his services, having already seen a £16m bid knocked back by the Spanish side.
Zubimendi 2.0: Arsenal ready to offer £35m for "barbaric" talent
With Martín Zubimendi set to arrive, but Jorginho and Thomas Partey departing, could Arsenal make a £35m offer to sign another Spanish midfield star?
ByBen Gray Jun 28, 2025
Personal terms aren’t expected to be an issue, so a deal could be relatively straightforward if the Premier League side are willing to increase their bid slightly, with it previously being revealed that Valencia are looking to receive a fee of just £21m.
"Dominant" Mosquera impressing in La Liga
Football scout Ben Mattinson has been left very impressed by the 21-year-old’s performances for Valencia, having praised the youngster for his ability in duels and possession of the ball.
Despite still being in the early stages of his career, the Spaniard has already cemented himself as a key player for Valencia, making 37 appearances in La Liga last season, which indicates the centre-back could make an instant impact at Arsenal.
That said, it will be very difficult to dislodge Gabriel or Saliba in the starting XI, while Jakub Kiwior also impressed in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, playing “exceptionally well” against Real Madrid, according to Martin Keown.
As such, bringing in a new centre-back shouldn’t be a priority for Arsenal, but signing Mosquera would provide them with greater strength in depth, in order to compete on all fronts next season.