Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram’s half-centuries powered the home side in Lucknow
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Apr-20253:23
Boucher and Bangar on MI’s scouting system
Half-centuries from Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh helped Lucknow Super Giants put on 203 for 8 against Mumbai Indians on Friday in IPL 2025. MI captain Hardik Pandya took a five-for for the visitors after winning the toss and choosing to bowl.Marsh survived a caught-behind chance in the first over of the game. But the bowler Trent Boult and his team-mates didn’t hear it, and the opener capitalised in a 69-run powerplay where he hit nine fours and two sixes.The introduction of left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur accounted for Marsh before a slower bouncer from Hardik reduced the in-form Nicholas Pooran’s promising start to a cameo. Rishabh Pant’s lack of form continued as he, too, fell to a slower short ball from Hardik.After going on the attack during Pant’s stay, Markram went back to playing second-fiddle with Ayush Badoni’s entry. Badoni bought some time but got going later on to post 30 off 19 balls. He was out caught behind playing the scoop a ball before the death overs began. LSG made 90 for 4 in the middle (7-16) overs.Markram reached his fifty off 34 balls, which was off the 98th ball of the innings. He fell to Hardik, who bowled two overs at the death in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. A couple of boundaries from David Miller in the final over took LSG past the 200-mark before Hardik helped himself to two wickets to complete a five-for, the first by a captain in IPL history.
أصدر نادي ريال مدريد بيانًا رسميًا منذ لحظات، والذي يتحدث عن الإصابة التي تعرض لها دين هويسن خلال الساعات الأخيرة، أثناء تواجده مع منتخب إسبانيا خلال فترة التوقف الدولي الجاري.
هويسن غادر معسكر منتخب إسبانيا صباح اليوم الأربعاء، وذلك عقب الإصابة التي تعرض لها والتي ورد أنها إصابة عضلية نتيجة إجهاد، بالتالي لن يلعب المدافع الشاب مع لاروخا أمام جورجيا وبلغاريا في تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم العام المقبل في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية وكندا والمكسيك.
ويعتبر هويسن حجر أساس في تشكيلة نادي ريال مدريد، ويعول عليه المدرب تشابي ألونسو بشكل دائم، وكذلك الأمر بالنسبة للاعب الشاب مع منتخب إسبانيا.
اقرأ أيضًا.. مدة غياب هويسن المتوقعة عن ريال مدريد.. وموقفه من الكلاسيكو
وقال ريال مدريد في البيان: ”بعد الفحوصات التي أجريت اليوم للاعبنا دين هويسن، والتي خضع لها من قبل الخدمات الطبية لريال مدريد، تم تشخيص إصابته في عضلة النعل”.
ولم يكشف ريال مدريد عن مدة غياب هويسن عن الملاعب، لكن الموثوقة آرانشا رودريجيز أفادت أن ابن الـ20 عامًا سوف يغيب عن الملاعب لمدة 15 يومًا.
وفي سياق متصل أفاد الصحفي الإسباني، سيرجيو كيرانتي، أن مدة غياب هويسن قد تصل إلى 12 يومًا فقط، مما يعني أنه سوف يكون جاهزًا لمواجهة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة في كلاسيكو الليجا المرتقب، ويوم 26 أكتوبر المقبل على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.
O Santos volta a atuar pela Copa Sul-Americana nesta terça-feira (2). O adversário da vez é o Newell’s Old Boys, líder do Grupo E. Para conseguir os pontos e tomar a primeira posição da chave, o Peixe terá que driblar a ausência de Soteldo, camisa 10 e um dos principais destaques do Alvinegro Praiano.
+Guia Santos: veja a análise dos adversários, onde assistir e tudo sobre o Peixe na Sul-Americana
Sem poder contar com o venezuelano por conta de uma lesão muscular moderada na posterior da coxa esquerda, Daniel Ruiz é o favorito para assumir o espaço.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSantosPrimeiro time de Messi, líder do grupo… Conheça o Newell’s Old Boys, adversário do Santos na Sul-AmericanaSantos02/05/2023SantosNewell’s Old Boys x Santos: onde assistir, escalações e desfalques do jogo pela Sul-AmericanaSantos01/05/2023SantosSantos e Argentinos Juniors homenageiam Pelé e MaradonaSantos01/05/2023
+Joia de 15 anos estreia pelo Barcelona: lembre 28 jogadores que começaram cedo no profissional
Pelo Brasileirão, o colombiano ficou com a responsabilidade de substituir Soteldo, pois o jogador não pôde atuar na 2ª rodada por conta de uma suspensão.
Na briga pela vaga, Ângelo também visa espaço, mas Odair Hellmann deve ir com Daniel Ruiz para manter formação tática semelhante com a dos últimos jogos. Correndo por fora, Lucas Braga está disponível para ser utilizado pelo treinador Odair Hellmann. Todavia, por retornar agora de lesão, o ponta deve começar no banco.
Com base nessas informações, Odair Hellmann deve armar o Santos da seguinte forma: João Paulo; Nathan (Inocêncio), Messias, Bauermann e Lucas Pires; Rodrigo Fernández, Dodi e Lucas Lima; Daniel Ruiz (Ângelo), Mendoza e Marcos Leonardo.
O momento mais esperado da noite no Morumbi veio com a entrevista do técnico Rogério Ceni após a vitória do São Paulo por 2 a 0 sobre o Puerto Cabello, pela Copa Sul-Americana.
Pressionado após a derrota no final de semana para o Botafogo, o treinador viu sua demissão ser pedida pela Independente, maior torcida organizada são-paulina, além da saída ser dada ‘como questão de tempo’ por gente de dentro do clube.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSão PauloMarcos Paulo comemora primeiro gol pelo São Paulo: ‘Melhor noite da minha vida’São Paulo19/04/2023São PauloMarcos Paulo destaca importância de vitória do São Paulo contra o Puerto Cabello: ‘A gente precisa pontuar’São Paulo18/04/2023São PauloTorcida do São Paulo decreta: passagem de Rogério Ceni como técnico acabouSão Paulo18/04/2023
+ATUAÇÕES: Em noite ruim, Marcos Paulo salva, e Calleri mostra que faz diferença em vitória do São Paulo
Com a vitória, o comandante tricolor deve ganhar uma sobrevida no cargo. E foi direto sobre o assunto.
– Os últimos dias são iguais aos primeiros dias: trabalho do mesmo jeito. Não posso responder, mas até gostaria. Facilitaria bastante. Sou extremamente feliz e gosto de trabalhar com eles. Sou empregado, não empregador, não posso responder pelo patrão.
Respondendo sobre o que ele achava da situação, mais uma vez deixou a decisão sobre a permanência no colo da diretoria.
– Não sei, é uma pergunta que não pode ser feita para mim. Eu trabalho todos os dias tentando extrair o melhor de cada um. Com 0 a 0 no intervalo, acho que as vaias foram aceitáveis, mas o time jogou bem, finalizou bastante. Trabalho com o que eu gosto e sou feliz com o que escolhi. A pergunta não cabe a mim, cabe à direção.
Ceni ainda citou o seu passado dentro do Morumbi para avaliar a condição que possui atualmente.
-Para mim está tranquilo. Meu maior desafio foi chegar aqui aos 17 anos, morar debaixo da arquibancada, ganhando menos que um salário mínimo, me manter focado, vivo. Você pode ter ídolos, mas os ídolos não se criam da noite para o fia. Eu desejo o melhor para o São Paulo sempre. Quando o Muricy saiu do São Paulo, disse na época que estavam matando os caras que respaldaram esse clube.
-Mas, eu não sinto falta de absolutamente nada. A direção tem todo o direito de fazer a troca, está no contrato. Saí duas vezes do Fortaleza rescindindo o contrato. É um direito. Não é proibido que haja uma troca. A vida segue para todo mundo. A minha maior dificuldade foi aos 17 anos, ganhando o equivalente a R$ 800 hoje. E eu venci. Não importa quantas vezes você cai. O importante é quantas vezes você se levanta – completou o comandante são-paulino.
+ Confira os jogos, classificação e simule resultados da Sul-Americana-23 na tabela do LANCE!
Manchester United are now ready to make a shock move for a “world-class” World Cup winner, having held discussions over a deal at the weekend, according to a report.
Strachan believes Man Utd must replace Onana
Former Celtic boss Gordan Strachan has suggested Ruben Amorim needs to replace Andre Onana this summer, given that the goalkeeper doesn’t have the necessary qualities to succeed at Old Trafford.
Strachan said: “When I’ve been successful anywhere, I’ve had goalkeepers with personality and presence. Will it be a physical presence, a personality presence that is always needed in the team,”
“I don’t think Andre Onana got either of them. I don’t think he’s got a physical presence and I don’t think he’s got this personality presence. He looks like he’s constantly at war with himself worrying about making a mistake and that he might have to go somewhere else to get that confidence back.
Amorim appears to be in agreement with the 68-year-old, given that a number of goalkeepers have been identified as potential replacements for Onana already this summer.
Linked GK
Current club
League clean sheets in 24/25
Senne Lammens
Royal Antwerp
10
Diogo Costa
FC Porto
16
Lucas Chevalier
Lille
11
Emiliano Martinez
Aston Villa
9
There has now been a new update on Man United’s pursuit of Emiliano Martinez, with a report from The Daily Mail revealing they are now ready to launch a “shock” move for the Aston Villa goalkeeper, having held talks over a deal at the weekend.
The possibility of signing the 32-year-old on loan has been discussed, but Villa are unlikely to agree to a deal of that nature, given that they would stand to gain nothing by allowing him to join United on a temporary basis.
As such, a permanent departure could be more likely, but the Red Devils may need to shell out around £40m to get a deal done, and it is unclear whether they would be willing or able to pay a fee in that ballpark for the 2022 World Cup hero.
"World-class" Martinez could be instant upgrade on Onana
The likes of Lammens and Costa are yet to prove themselves in a major European league, meaning it could be a risky to take a punt on either goalkeeper as a replacement for Onana, while the Villa shot-stopper has already proven himself at the highest level.
Gary Neville has lauded the Villa star as “world-class”, which is underlined by the fact he has won the Best Fifa Men’s Goalkeeper award two times in the last three years, having made some very important saves during that time.
Unai Emery also praised the Argentina international for a different penalty save against Fulham last season, saying: “Emiliano Martinez is the best goalkeeper in the world. Before the penalty, I was sat down on the bench dreaming he would save it… and he did.”
United need a dependable option between the sticks if they are to reestablish themselves at the top level, and it is difficult to find a better goalkeeper than Martinez.
Sunderland are the early big spenders out of all the newly promoted teams heading up to the Premier League.
Leeds have secured three new buys in the form of Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw, but the Whites’ promising business has been blown out of the water by the Black Cats’ lavish approach, as seen in Sunderland forking out a combined £50m to land both Enzo Le Fee and Habib Diarra.
Plenty more luxurious buys could soon be on the menu away from this club-record £30m deal, as Regis Le Bris eyes up Ligue 1 and beyond to improve his budding squad.
More transfers expected at Sunderland
Le Bris must know the French top division inside and out, having previously been at the helm of ex-employers Lorient in the division.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
He’s certainly clued up on those who he thinks could take the Premier League by storm, with Sunderland reportedly interested in the likes of Lyon’s electric attacker Georges Mikautadze and standout Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell to immediately improve their first-team options, while they are also allegedly keeping close tabs on 20-year-old starlet Arthur Evom Ebong.
Yet, his next buy could see him venture out to Serie A to try and link up with Matteo Guendouzi.
Matteo Guendouzi at Lazio
Indeed, reports from Italy suggest that Lazio are scared about the prospect of keeping their star Frenchman around this summer, with Aston Villa, neighbours Newcastle United and Sunderland named as interested parties.
19/20
34
0
3
18/19
48
1
2
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Although it is reported that Sunderland may have to splash out a club-record £43m to land Guendouzi, it could be a worthwhile splurge to make, even as the Black Cats edge closer to adding Noah Sadiki to their plentiful midfield options.
His wealth of Premier League experience could potentially be invaluable to the Wearside underdogs as they climb back up to the top-flight, alongside the fact that the 26-year-old has turned into an even more formidable central midfield option in Italy.
Former Arsenal player Matteo Guendouzi
Why Guendouzi would be a better signing than Sadiki
Of course, Sadiki could go on to be another youngster that Sunderland manage to get the very best out of, with the Congo international no doubt joining the Stadium of Light ranks dreaming of becoming the Black Cats’ next Jobe Bellingham-style project.
Last season, the 20-year-old undoubtedly impressed those out in Belgium, with the versatile Saint-Union Gilloise number 27 helping himself to two goals for his Europa League-competing outfit across the 2024/25 campaign, leading to Sunderland making their £17.75m move.
Yet, if it’s immediate success Sunderland are after – instead of waiting around for a youngster to learn the Premier League ropes – Guendouzi is their next best possible buy.
The 6-foot-1 battler is very much well-versed in what it takes to be a competent performer in some top leagues, having now made a mammoth 151 appearances in both Ligue 1 and Serie A, away from just his 57 top-flight outings in North London.
He will no doubt be chomping at the bit to return to England, too, considering he wasn’t always the star of the show at the Gunners. Still, even from just 23 Premier League starts during his final Arsenal season, he still showed off his presence as a “monster” – as he’s been glowing labelled by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – winning 4.8 duels per game.
Games played
37
Goals scored
1
Assists
3
Touches*
68.3
Accurate passes*
52.1 (91%)
Ball recoveries*
4.7
The 26-year-old has since refined other aspects of his varied game at the Stadio Olimpico, with the table above showing off his well-rounded characteristics as a far more confident and assured performer when averaging a mightily impressive 91% pass accuracy last season in the hustle and bustle of Serie A.
If there’s any manager that could get even more of Guendouzi, too, it’s Le Bris, with the popular Wearside boss once coaching the Frenchman during the early stages of his football education at Lorient.
Also hailed as possessing “something special” by journalist Aaron West in the past, it does feel as if the time is right for the ex-Gunners midfielder to return to England and be a star, whilst Sadiki waits for his moment in the spotlight down the line.
Shades of Cresswell: Sunderland now in advanced talks to sign £4m star
Sunderland will be looking to the future if they successfully snap up this £4m gem.
The hosts recovered from 99 for 5 against South Africa in Bengaluru
Srinidhi Ramanujam16-Jun-2024Smriti Mandhana’s outstanding century and a clinical bowling performance led by Asha Sobhana headlined India’s massive win as they went 1-0 up against South Africa in the first of the three ODIs in Bengaluru, on Sunday.Mandhana’s 117, her first century at home and sixth in ODIs, rescued the hosts after they opted to bat first but suffered an early collapse. India added 166 runs after the fall of the fifth wicket, the most they have ever done in a women’s ODI, to push their total from 99 for 5 to 265 for 8, which proved too much for South Africa, who had an underwhelming outing with the bat on a surface that offered variable bounce and turn.The chase got off to a shaky start as South Africa lost Laura Wolvaardt, the returning Tazmin Brits and Anneke Bosch for 33 runs. Marizanne Kapp and Sune Luus chipped in briefly but none of the batters could negate the spin threat under lights at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Asha, showing no nerves on her debut, starred with four wickets to skittle the visitors for 122, handing India a 143-run victory.India’s oldest ODI debutant’s two crucial oversA month after making her international debut at 33 in the T20Is against Bangladesh, Asha was handed the ODI cap, becoming India’s oldest debutant in this format as well. She was slotted in ahead of the offspinner Shreyanka Patil. That Asha has the knack of picking up big wickets in pressure situations was well-known after the WPL. On Sunday too, she showcased that control and maturity to tilt the momentum in India’s favour.After India’s pacers and Deepti Sharma strangled South Africa’s top order, South Africa slowly found a way to get back into the contest, thanks to Kapp and Luus’ partnership. The duo had batted for more than ten overs after the fall of the third wicket and India knew a well-set Kapp could be a game-changer.Asha Sobhana picked 4 for 21 on her ODI debut•BCCIHaving bowled two overs for eight runs, Asha came back for her second spell, in the 19th over. The legspinner started by conceding just two runs, getting enough drift and turn to slow down the scoring. After largely sticking to length deliveries in her first few overs, she floated one outside off this time, slow through the air, to deceive Kapp and force her to hit in the air towards cover where Harmanpreet was stationed. An easy catch for one of India’s best fielders gave Asha joy, and her maiden ODI wicket.In her next over, Jemimah Rodrigues dropped Annerie Dercksen at point but a mix-up between her and Luus ended Dercksen’s innings as she was run out at the striker’s end.At 75 for 5, South Africa were all but out of the game.India rejig batting orderD Hemalatha and Rodrigues were back in the XI. Rodrigues was returning from a back niggle after missing out on the Bangladesh T20I series while Hemalatha, on the back of good performances against Bangladesh, made her way to the ODI setup.In India’s last ODI series against Australia in December, head coach Amol Muzumdar had mentioned that Richa Ghosh would be suited for No. 3, with Harmanpreet and Rodrigues coming in after her. This was a deviation from her previous role where she was used as a finisher.However, on Sunday, with Shafali Verma departing early for 7, Hemalatha slotted in at No. 3. She perished after a 16-ball 12. Rodrigues and Harmanpreet were India’s Nos. 4 and 5 and Ghosh back to the lower-middle order at No. 6. She survived four balls but was then caught behind for 3.ESPNcricinfo LtdMandhana at home in BengaluruNinety-two for three became 99 for 5 in the 22nd over and India were desperate for a big partnership. An ODI after a gap of six months, players are bound to be rusty. But not Mandhana. She put on a brisk 81-run stand for the sixth wicket with Deepti Sharma to lift the team past 250. Switching to the long format, the India vice-captain curbed her aggressive instinct to play along the ground to play long.South Africa denied easy runs for India’s batters, with the likes of Dercksen and Ayobhanga Khaka targeting a stump-to-stump line. But Mandhana countered well, using the crease whenever the opportunity arose to play her pull and cut shots to manufacture runs. Though she and Deepti kept the scorecard ticking, there were also chances to convert the ones to twos.Mandhana hit 12 fours – seven of them on the leg side – and a six. She was all clarity and calmness. After 32 overs, she batted cramps on her way to hundred. But it also forced her to find a few quick boundaries and forgo the singles.Once Deepti departed for 37, Pooja Vastrakar joined Mandhana and this pair stitched a 58-run stand off 54 deliveries to give India the late push they wanted. South Africa let their guard down in the last ten overs, conceding 74 runs, with the humidity also playing a major factor in their sloppy fielding.Mandhana played for 193 minutes and 42.3 overs overall to make 117. In the end, South Africa could post only five more than her score.
Arsenal have made a £10 million-per-year contract offer to a Real Madrid and Barcelona transfer target, according to reports, with sporting director Andrea Berta attempting to beat the Spanish heavyweights to his signature.
Arsenal focus on summer transfers after sealing Champions League spot
Mikel Arteta guided his side to a 1-0 win over Newcastle United in their final home game of the season last weekend, with Declan Rice scoring the match-winning goal and sealing Arsenal’s place in the Champions League draw next term.
Mikel Arteta "loves" £161k-per-week Barcelona star and wants him at Arsenal
The 43-year-old is a huge fan.
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Emilio Galantini
May 21, 2025
With Arsenal’s season effectively over in terms of something to play for, attention is swiftly turning to the summer transfer window, and how Berta will reinforce Arteta’s squad ahead of next campaign.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
This follows a promising statement from Arteta in the aftermath of Berta’s official arrival in late March, with Arsenal’s manager promising a “big” first summer window under the Italian’s leadership.
“It’s going to be a big summer for everybody,” said Arteta after Arsenal’s win over Newcastle.
“I think it’s time to reflect, reset, and set again the standards even higher, see how we can improve, be very critical with each of us and the things that we can do better, and how we can help this football club to go to another level.
“What I can promise is that I will do my very best [to win a trophy] and I will give my life, and get every drop of everybody here to squeeze it and get the best out of them.”
One of the items on Berta’s transfer to-do list is the signing of a proven goalscoring striker who can guarantee a degree of potency in the final third, with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres at the centre of links to a north London move.
Sporting Club's Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede has bagged 53 goals across 51 appearances in all competitions this term, leaving little wonder that Man United are also very keen on Gyokeres as well.
However, reports in Portugal have been making serious claims that Arsenal are the side who are advancing in serious pursuit of the 26-year-old.
Arsenal make Viktor Gyokeres a £10m-per-year offer to join Mikel Arteta
Newspaper O Jogo reported earlier this week that Arsenal have already agreed a £59 million fee with Sporting over signing Gyokeres, following rumours last week from A Bola that Arteta’s side have also offered him a contract.
A Bola stated at the time that Arsenal’s offer to Gyokeres was one worth around £135,000-per-week, but this is now being disputed by CaughtOffside.
The latter news outlet claims Arsenal have actually presented a contract offer to Gyokeres worth up to £10 million-per-year, which comes in at around £192,000-per-week, and seems more fitting for a striker who’s been scoring for fun these past two seasons.
As such, Arsenal are said to be leading the race, but that isn’t to say it is a done deal. CaughtOffside also share information that Gyokeres is being targeted by Real Madrid and Barcelona, not to mention a host of other top sides, so Arteta and Berta do face stiff competition to get him over the line.
Goalkeeper David Raya is already a fan of the centre-forward, having called him a “top player” earlier this season, and many believe he could be the answer to Arsenal’s lack of ruthlessness in the final third.
Everton manager David Moyes has now personally requested the signing of an “excellent” midfielder this summer, according to a journalist.
Toffees in need of summer rebuild
There has been a major improvement in performances since Moyes returned to Goodison Park, and the manager has achieved his main aim of avoiding relegation from the Premier League ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock this summer.
However, the Toffees have made a habit of drawing far too many games, meaning they have now won just one of their last ten matches, most recently slipping up against already-relegated Ipswich Town in the penultimate match at Goodison Park.
Moyes’ side raced into a two-goal lead against the Tractor Boys, but the visitors fought back to earn a point on the road, which underlined the need to bring in new reinforcements in the summer transfer window.
The next Barkley: Everton considering move for "unbelievable" £15m star
David Moyes is looking to overhaul his Everton squad this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair May 2, 2025
Targets have been identified in several key areas, including striker, with the Merseysiders now leading the race for Jamie Vardy, while the Friedkin Group are also ready to back Moyes by making a move for Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer.
Everton are interested in bringing in a new midfielder from elsewhere, but they also need to secure the future of Carlos Alcaraz, who has shown some promising signs since arriving on loan from Flamengo back in January.
Evertonmanager David Moyes withEverton's CarlosAlcaraz
According to journalist Bruno Lemos (via Sport Witness), Moyes has now personally requested for the Friedkin Group to sign Alcaraz on a permanent basis this summer, regardless of whether the mandatory clause to sign the midfielder for €18m (£15m) is triggered.
There are conflicting reports as to how many games Alcaraz will have to feature in for the Toffees to be obligated to sign him permanently, but Moyes wants a deal done either way, having seemingly been left by his performances in the second half of the campaign.
"Excellent" Alcaraz has earned permanent move
Upon arrival at Goodison Park, the 22-year-old was described as an “excellent ball carrier who can add real quality to our attack” by sporting director Kevin Thelwell, and he has since gone on to put in some impressive performances for Moyes’ side.
The attacking midfielder has featured 13 times in the Premier League, picking up one goal and two assists, most recently setting up Beto’s opening goal in the 2-2 draw against Ipswich at the weekend.
Not only does the Argentine contribute going forward, but he is also more than willing to pitch in defensively, ranking highly across some key defensive metrics over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.
Statistic
Average per 90
Tackles
1.60 (80th percentile)
Interceptions
0.99 (99th percentile)
Clearances
1.35 (95th percentile)
Alcaraz has proven he is well worth snapping up on a permanent basis this summer, so it is no surprise that Moyes has made it clear he wants club chiefs to get a deal over the line.
New Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has personally reached out to another player alongside Nico Williams, amid credible reports that talks have been held with the latter’s representatives this week.
Berta holds Arsenal talks with Nico Williams' camp
Multiple reliable media sources have claimed that Berta has reached out to Williams’ camp over the last few days, as the Italian makes a fast start to his tenure as director and looks to tempt the Spain international with a Premier League move.
£84m striker really wants to join Arteta with Arsenal "top" of his list
The Gunners are now favourites.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 3, 2025
Foot Mercato first broke news that Berta made contact with the 22-year-old’s agents in the last few days, with The Guardian’s Ed Aarons then backing this report in a statement made on X.
Arsenal’s links to Williams are nothing new, as it is rumoured Mikel Arteta was after him last summer as well, but the winger opted to remain at Bilbao for another campaign and further his development in La Liga.
However, his stance has now changed, and it is now expected that Williams will push for a Bilbao exit this summer in a boost for Berta and Arsenal. However, N5 is by no means his only potential landing spot, with Chelsea, Barcelona and Bayern Munich all contending for his signature.
The £200,000-per-week forward has a £48 million release clause written into his contract this summer, which would be quite the coup for a player who bagged 19 assists in all competitions for Bilbao last term and helped Spain to Euro 2024 glory.
The main obstacle to any transfer being completed is his reported wage demands, which some sources state to be in the region of £300,000-per-week.
Everton (away)
April 5th
Brentford (home)
April 12th
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
TBD
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
While it is unclear whether Arsenal can strike a deal just yet, Berta is clearly stamping his authority just days after he was confirmed as the man to replace Edu.
Andrea Berta holds Arsenal talks with Martin Zubimendi
According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, the 53-year-old has reached out to another top transfer target – Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
As per their information, Berta has also held Arsenal talks with Zubimendi, as he looks to get Williams’ international teammate over the line as well. The midfielder, who would come in to replace Thomas Partey and Jorginho, is expected to complete a move to Arsenal (Dharmesh Sheth), despite interest from Real Madrid.
Arsenal are planning to trigger his £50 million release clause and finally tempt him to England, one year after Zubimendi publicly rejected Liverpool. Called a “world-class” player by Gunners left-back Kieran Tierney, Fabrizio Romano also called Zubimendi the “perfect” midfielder for Arteta last summer.
“My personal feeling is that Zubimendi would be fantastic, even if Onana and Douglas have the advantage of both already knowing the Premier League,” said the reporter to CaughtOffside.
“Zubimendi is fantastic player, he can help with his vision, quality and intelligence on the ball – he’s the perfect midfielder.”