Tottenham plotting bid to sign £195k-per-week France forward on loan

Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy have some key decisions to make in the near future, which even stretch beyond manager Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham's transfer plans amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

With Levy yet to fully decide on whether to stick or twist with Postecoglou, following a season of extreme highs to the lowest of lows, the Lilywhites chief will need to commit to a direction soon as we enter the summer transfer window.

Tottenham prepared to pay £68m for ex-Arsenal gem who gave Ange nightmares

They could also propose a player-plus-cash deal.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 31, 2025

Postecoglou’s position in the dugout will greatly determine how Spurs tackle their recruitment strategy, and with the first mini-window now upon us – open from June 1 to June 10 – supporters will be eager for the Australian’s future to resolved as soon as possible.

There are reports that Levy and technical director Johan Lange have identified targets, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze among the players attracting Tottenham’s keen interest.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

However, it is unlikely they can make any serious moves until they have some clarity regarding Postecoglou, who guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years but also set a dismal Tottenham record for most Premier League defeats in a single season (22).

It appears an attacker is firmly on the agenda at Spurs, amid links to Eze and Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané, with Spurs chiefs reportedly keen to add more experience to their youthful squad.

“Spurs don’t have to sell to buy, with Champions League qualification huge for the club,” said Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge in a Q&A, providing some answers on the club’s transfer plans.

“All areas, apart from the goalkeeping department, will be looked at. Midfield and forward would be the priority if Cristian Romero stays.”

There are many intriguing market opportunities for Spurs to consider, and one of them comes in the form of wantaway £195,000-per-week Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku.

The France international bagged 14 goals in all competitions under Enzo Maresca last season, despite barely starting, and he can play in a variety of attacking roles – namely on the left-wing, attacking midfield, second striker and as a centre-forward.

Tottenham plotting bid to sign Christopher Nkunku on loan

Spurs made an enquiry for Nkunku recently, as reported by reliable GiveMeSport journalist Ben Jacobs, so he appears to be a genuine target for Levy.

Now, Chelsea News, a site run by another reliable journalist in Simon Phillips, reports that Tottenham are considering a loan bid for Nkunku with an option to buy the 27-year-old.

The former RB Leipzig star’s final price tag could apparently be around £46 million plus bonuses, which would take it to £55 million, but both Spurs and Newcastle are keen to take him on an initial temporary deal before paying anywhere near that amount.

Even though Chelsea would prefer an outright sale, there is an acceptance within Stamford Bridge that they may have to green-light such a move, with the Blues keen to get him off their books.

Nkunku could be an excellent deal for Tottenham given his quality, experience and versatility, with the option of remaining in London also potentially attractive for the player.

Tottenham now preparing offer for "bargain" Chelsea and Man Utd target

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to enter discussions as they plan an offer to sign an astute Man United and Chelsea target, and he’s viewed as a potential snip if they can get a deal done this summer.

Tottenham eyeing new forward amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Amid the uncertain future of manager Ange Postecoglou, chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team must also get to work on planning for the upcoming transfer window.

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Contact has reportedly been made already.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 7, 2025

This year, a special edition window will be open from June 1 to June 10 – which gives some clubs the opportunity to sign players before the Club World Cup begins. It could also be an opportunity for Levy to strengthen early doors, but it is unclear whether the Lilywhites plan to make use of this early window.

What’s crystal clear, though, is Tottenham’s need to strengthen certain areas of the squad.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Their 2024/2025 campaign has been overshadowed by a plethora of injuries to key players, leaving Postecoglou with precious few options at times, and it has undoubtedly contributed to their lowly 16th-placed position in the Premier League table.

Spurs are reportedly in the market for a new striker to bolster their forward line, among other transfer priorities, with Richarlison’s long-term future also in question after a season blighted by injury for the Brazilian.

This week, reports claim Tottenham are targeting Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst, following the German’s exceptional Bundesliga campaign, and they’re ready to pay up to £30 million for his signature (CaughtOffside).

However, he is by no means the only centre-forward being looked at, with Ipswich Town starlet Liam Delap coming as another name on their radar.

Tottenham preparing to enter talks for Ipswich striker Liam Delap

According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham are planning an offer for Delap and preparing to enter talks for the Englishman’s signature – but face competition from West Ham, Chelsea, Everton and United in pursuit of him.

The 22-year-old has been a bright spark in an otherwise torrid campaign for Kieran McKenna’s relegated side, bagging 12 goals in all competitions, and reports claim Delap’s contract includes a £30 million release clause tied with Ipswich dropping back down to the Championship.

Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts

Delap is viewed as a “bargain” behind-the-scenes, according to GMS, but a major obstacle could still form in the ex-Man City starlet’s wage demands. Indeed, it is believed Delap wants around £150,000-per-week from any new suitor, which would actually make him one of Spurs’ highest earners.

This could be tricky to navigate for Levy, who has managed to keep control of Tottenham’s wage bill, and may be reluctant to green-light moves for players with extortionate requirements when it comes to personal terms.

That being said, Delap is a homegrown player of serious quality and sky-high potential, so it could be worth the concession in this instance.

“He is a quality player,” said former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson.

“He led the line on his own against Chelsea. At times, Chelsea were playing a back five with four players in front, and they defended resolutely, but he was always an outlet.

“He is a pest. He is a nuisance. He is always there on the shoulders of the centre-backs. He is making runs in the channels. He is always available. When it looks like he isn’t going to win the ball, he puts his body in between the player and the ball, somehow managing to win a free-kick or something for his team.

“He is a top, top player.”

Arsenal: Berta tells Arteta to sign "powerful" forward likened to Aguero

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has recommended a new forward to manager Mikel Arteta, with the Italian already exerting his influence ahead of what will be a crucial summer transfer window for the north Londoners.

Andrea Berta sends message after Arsenal appointment

The 53-year-old has been officially confirmed as Edu Gaspar’s replacement after weeks of rumours, and Berta has expressed his delight over joining the Premier League heavyweights after 12 successful years at Atlético Madrid.

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It is a significant loss for the Spaniard.

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“I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club,” said Berta on his appointment at Arsenal.

“I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role.”

Arteta has already confirmed that Arsenal are set for a “big” summer window after Berta’s arrival, following previous reports that £300 million could be spent on seven new signings, including a goalkeeper, left-back, defensive midfielder, left-winger, striker and alternative to Bukayo Saka (GiveMeSport).

Bringing in a new centre-forward is an especially key aim for the club, following a campaign which has arguably been hampered by their lack of a ruthless goal-scoring poacher.

Kai Havertz chipped in with 15 goals from 34 total appearances this term, before his season-ending hamstring injury, while Gabriel Jesus enjoyed a serious purple patch prior to his ACL tear.

Both men are ruled out of action for the foreseeable future, with midfielder Mikel Merino deployed in an emergency striker role by Arteta. Their need for a world-class number nine is more prevalent than ever before, and reliable media sources indicate they’re expected to bring one in this summer.

Fabrizio Romano anticipates Arsenal will make an “important” proposal to sign Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko also repeatedly linked.

Andrea Berta tells Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid sensation Adrian Nino

As per journalist Steve Kay, speaking on KS1TV, Berta has now recommended Atletico striker Adrian Nino to Arsenal and Arteta.

The Spain Under-19 international is seen as a player with big potential, drawing comparisons to the likes of City legend Aguero and Fernando Torres, and is currently into double figures with Atletico’s B team.

Simeone handed Nino his first-team debut against CD Leganes in January, but he already carries quite a formidable reputation.

“He’s one of these players I’ve been told Arsenal are watching,” said Kay.

“He plays for Atletico B. He’s in the mould of, people have mentioned, Fernando Torres, Griezmann, Aguero. I spoke to a guy, I actually had to speak to him in Spanish.

“Yeah, he’s highly-rated, Arsenal are interested in him and are keeping an eye on him. Berta brought him in, and he was integral to bringing him to the club. He’s in the Torres mould. Powerful, quick thinking, silky skills clever. Watch him because we have Berta coming in.

“This is one I’ve been told has been recommended to Mikel Arteta.”

Australia's Bumrah problem: how to prep for a one-of-a-kind genius?

Unlike other fast bowlers in Australia, Bumrah can target the stumps as well as threaten both the edges with his swing. How does one prepare for it?

Alex Malcolm03-Dec-20243:01

Pujara: Bumrah is a team-man and has the ability to lead the team

Australia have a Jasprit Bumrah problem. They’re not the first team to run into said problem, and they won’t be the last.There is also evidence to suggest that Bumrah isn’t their only problem. Aamer Jamal, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mir Hamza, Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, Matt Henry and Ben Sears have all scythed through Australia’s top order in the last seven Test matches with bags of four or more in an innings.But the issue with Bumrah appears to be particularly acute. The only top-eight batter Bumrah failed to dismiss in Perth was Mitchell Marsh. He took five of the first seven wickets in Australia’s first innings and three of the first six in the second.Related

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He did most of his damage with the new ball, but he knocked over Travis Head in the fourth innings on 89 with a ball that was 38.5 overs old. He knocked over right-hand batters from over the wicket and left-hand batters from around. He tattooed red cherries on pads and outside edges alike with both inswingers and outswingers. The only thing he didn’t do was rattle anyone’s stumps, but that was only because four sets of pads got in the way.So how do Australia’s batters solve a problem like Bumrah ahead of Adelaide?

****

In 2005, Adam Gilchrist had an Andrew Flintoff problem. Specifically, a Flintoff problem from around the wicket. Flintoff dismissed him six times in all forms in the 2005 tour of England, including four times in the Ashes. His angle in from wide around the wicket and late movement away had Gilchrist consistently following and nicking outside off stump.Ahead of the 2006-07 Ashes, Gilchrist turned to his batting coach Bob Meuleman for a solution. Meuleman, the brain behind the famous squash ball in the glove, came up with another inventive way for Gilchrist to prepare. At Meuleman’s indoor cricket nets in South Perth, he set up a bowling machine on an angle so wide from around the wicket that the machine’s legs were nearly touching the side net. With brand new bowling machine balls, pulled straight from the packaging, he peppered Gilchrist with deliveries angled in and swinging away at high speed.Gilchrist didn’t get out to Flintoff that summer, albeit Flintoff was certainly not the same bowler as he had been in 2005. He didn’t face him in the first Test. He survived 28 Flintoff deliveries of the 79 balls he saw in the second in Adelaide on his way to scoring 64. Flintoff brought himself onto Gilchrist straightaway in the third innings of the third Test after Monty Panesar had dismissed him for a four-ball duck in the first, and Gilchrist went at Flintoff without fear on his way to a stunning 57-ball century.

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In 2024, the bowling machine is a relic of the past for modern-day batters. Despite being a staple in preparation for the likes of Gilchrist and his team-mates, even in the days leading into a Test match, modern batters have shunned it completely citing the repetition and predictability of the machine as detrimental despite the ability to position it for very specific challenges like Gilchrist did.How do you prepare for this kind of action?•Getty ImagesIn trying to solve the Bumrah problem while preparing in the nets, Australia’s batters rely on the coaches throwing with the aid of the side-arm/dog thrower, along with net bowlers.The problem is replicating Bumrah’s release. It’s near-on impossible to do. He is a freak of nature. One of a kind. Much has been made of the stuttered run up and the hyper-extended elbow but none of that actually matters to the guys facing him. What matters only is how the ball comes out of the fingers and how it arrives to them.”I’m best when I look for the cues, when I’m just preparing to watch the ball hard and staying fresh mentally,” Travis Head said on Monday. “I think I’m lucky that I’ve faced him a few times and came across him a fair bit. So I just go back over recent times, and times I’ve faced him.”The problem is there are very few cues from Bumrah. The batters say the uniqueness of his action makes it difficult to differentiate his inswinger and his outswinger. The seam presentation is virtually the same, and he doesn’t fall or lean excessively for his inswinger like other bowlers tend to.Top-order Test batters face high-quality bowlers for a living. Often they have to pick a poison in terms of defending against the most likely dismissal, trying to stack the odds in their favour.In Australia, a batter’s outside edge is the biggest vulnerability. The excessive bounce and seam movement of nearly all of Australia’s pitches now, bar the SCG, and the height of most fast bowlers means that it is very difficult for bowlers to hit the stumps from a good 5-6m length.Australian batters are traditionally very good at leaving on length. Australia’s tall fast bowlers often complain about how hard it is to hit the stumps in Australia. If a batter is leaving well, it forces a quick to push much fuller to hit the stumps, which reduces the ability of the ball to move sideways, and batters can profit with scoring opportunities.Batters might then make a decision to take their guard and eyeline closer to off stump in Australia, in order to make better decisions on what to leave and what to play, and back themselves not to miss anything full or straight given the lbw threat is reduced by the added bounce.They would do the opposite in slower and lower conditions in India. Nicking off in India to the quicks is nowhere near as large a concern as getting pinned lbw. So batters might choose in those conditions to take guard closer to leg stump to take lbw out of play and hope any edge falls short of any small waiting cordon.The problem against Bumrah in Perth was that the threat of lbw and nicking off was equally high given his skiddy nature and his ability to swing the ball both ways at high speed from a close release point. While Australia’s bowlers find it hard to hit the stumps from a 5m length, Bumrah can.

“To me, it’s about how are you scoring runs off Jasprit Bumrah? The art of putting pressure back onto him and knowing where you’re going to score off him, that’s our definition of method.”Australia coach Andrew McDonald

There were five lbws in the Perth Test and Bumrah had four of them. Four players also nicked off. It would have been five had Marnus Labuschagne been held second ball of his first innings at second slip by Virat Kohli.The threat of the nick again no doubt played a part in Labuschagne’s torturous 52-ball 2, where he refused to play a shot, and a part in his second innings dismissal where he tried to leave on length and was pinned lbw.The issue for Australia is how to recalibrate their plans with both threats in play, and how to rehearse them in the nets.Australia’s coaches have been going wide on the crease to replicate Bumrah’s wide release and angle in while attempting to swing it both ways at pace. They did something similar when preparing for West Indies quick Kemar Roach last summer, who also releases the ball from past the perpendicular.The issue with the side-arm device though is the height. The distance between the handle and where the ball is released from is up to 50cm. Coach Andrew McDonald already stands at approximately 6 foot 3 inches. So does bowling coach Daniel Vettori who is a left-armer. Batting coach Michael Di Venuto is a lot closer to Bumrah’s height while fielding coach Andre Borovec is shorter.Jasprit Bumrah trapped Steven Smith lbw first ball in the first innings in Perth•Getty ImagesAustralia had coaching consultants Michael Hussey and Lachlan Stevens, another left-hander, in Perth as well who are Bumrah’s height or shorter. But even then, adding 50cm of stick to the release point means a good length delivery in the nets is unlikely to hit the stumps. The decision-making in terms of footwork and shot selection changes with the trajectory and the bounce.It was a problem past Australian players encountered when preparing for Sri Lankan quick Lasith Malinga, and some tried to get coaches to throw without the side-arm device, instead throwing by hand with a low round-arm release point from in front of the umpire’s chest to replicate the angle.Facing Australia’s bowlers in the nets won’t help either. One international player told ESPNcricinfo that the closest comparison Australia had in terms of Bumrah’s skillset and trajectory was Jhye Richardson. But even Richardson is significantly different to Bumrah and is not with Australia in Adelaide.Ultimately, every player who has ever played knows that what happens in the nets is completely different to the middle, no matter how hard you tried to replicate what you will face.And survival is one thing, scoring is another, as McDonald noted in the aftermath of the Perth loss.”To me, it’s about how are you scoring runs off Jasprit Bumrah,” McDonald said. “It’s one thing sitting there and going, ‘how am I going to defend the good balls?’ But the art of putting pressure back on to him and knowing where you’re going to score off him, that’s our definition of method, how you are going to score your runs against a certain type of bowler.”The boys, they were clear coming in. There’s one thing being clear coming in and then obviously, once you get into the heat of battle, maintaining your mindset around all of that, and that’s going to be our challenge.”

NLCS Game 1 Laid Bare the Biggest Difference Between the Brewers and Dodgers

The Brewers take away the ball on the ground and at the wall, so in the sixth inning, Freddie Freeman lined a four-seamer to the only place they couldn’t get to it: the stands. 

The home run gave the Dodgers a lead they would hold to win Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, 2–1. It gave them cushion as their bullpen faltered in the ninth inning. It gave the Brewers the kind of fits they are used to when it comes to that player. “Freddie Freeman has been a Brewer killer for a while,” lamented Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy. “So hopefully he’ll oversleep tomorrow or something.”

It also rendered moot one of the wildest plays in recorded memory: With the bases loaded and one out in the fourth, Max Muncy drove a would-be grand slam 404 feet to center, where center fielder Sal Frelick leapt for—and bobbled—then caught—the ball. He fired it to shortstop Joey Ortiz, who relayed home. On the base paths, the runners broke into chaos, darting forward as if for a double, then back as if for a sacrifice fly. Teoscar Hernández barreled home from third just as the throw reached the plate. Amid the chaos, catcher William Contreras raced to third. For a moment, it seemed no one was quite sure what was happening. After a three-minute replay review, the word came down from New York: It was the first 8–6–2U double play in postseason history. 

(If Frelick had caught it clean, that would have been the second out and it would have been a tag play at the plate for the third, which Hernández beat, so it would have been bases loaded, two out. But because the ball hit the wall before Frelick got hold of it, the ball was live and it was a force play at home for the second out, and then a force play at third for the third.)

The 97-win Brewers, best in the sport, have spent much of the run-up to this series casting themselves as scrappy underdogs who win games with grit and the power of friendship. They keep the competition off balance, playing tight defense and running the bases aggressively; no other team forced its opponents to make more errors this season. Their $108 million payroll this season ranked No. 24 in the sport and is less than a third of what the Dodgers spent on players: $329 million. 

“I’m sure that most Dodgers players can’t name eight guys on our roster,” Murphy said before Game 1, having already discarded his last bit: calling his players the Average Joes and then complaining that people were calling them average Joes. The Dodgers rolled their eyes at this routine—“We know the act,” said Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts—but there is something to be said for paying superstars to play like superstars. Freeman, the first baseman (who is making $162 million over six years), and shortstop Mookie Betts ($365 million, 12 years) provided the offense; lefty Blake Snell (whom the Dodgers signed this offseason for $182 million over five years) offered just about everything else. 

He threw eight sparkling, one-hit, no-walk innings, striking out 10. He did not throw a fastball in the seventh. He allowed a total of two balls to the outfield, none after the second inning. He picked off the only hitter who reached base against him. 

In his 10 years in Milwaukee, Murphy said, “I think it’s the most dominant performance against us.”

The Brewers’ collection of “misfit toys,” as Murphy insists on calling them, nearly matched him: Opener Aaron Ashby, a fourth-round draft pick chosen for this task essentially because he is left-handed and therefore has a chance to shut down two-way star Shohei Ohtani, walked Ohtani but otherwise survived the first inning. In came Quinn Priester, who did not make the Red Sox’ rotation out of spring training and whom the Brewers acquired for two minor leaguers and a draft pick; he got through the next four. Chad Patrick, who came to Milwaukee in a trade with the A’s for utilityman Abraham Toro, allowed that Freeman home run. Jared Koenig, who was released by the Padres in 2023, got five outs. Closer Trevor Megill, who was waived in ’21 and then traded for a player to be named later and cash to the Brewers in ’23, got three more. 

Only Abner Uribe, who signed as an 18-year-old out of his native Dominican Republic for $85,000 in ’18, made more than one mistake. He walked Muncy to open the ninth, then allowed a single to Kiké Hernández. After a sacrifice bunt moved them to second and third, he intentionally walked Ohtani, then very unintentionally walked Betts to bring in a crucial insurance run. 

This became relevant only minutes later, when the Dodgers’ only weakness—their bullpen—struck. Roki Sasaki, the flamethrowing starter who flamed out in the majors and spent much of the season rediscovering himself in the minors before being converted to postseason closer, struggled with his command, walking the first hitter he saw, then allowing a ground-rule double and a sacrifice fly to bring the game back within a run. After another walk, Roberts summoned erstwhile closer Blake Treinen, who walked the bases loaded before getting away with a fastball a foot above the zone for a whiff. 

“It’s not going to come easy,” said Roberts. “This is going to be a grind. It’s going to be tough.”

The Average Joes can still win this series. They just have a smaller margin for error. And unfortunately for them, the next Joe Millionaire awaits: the guy who starts Game 2 for the Dodgers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is the highest-paid pitcher of all time. 

Frank can forget Johnson by unleashing Spurs' answer to Bukayo Saka

Tottenham Hotspur are set to face bitter North London rivals Arsenal at the Emirates this afternoon, with the clash against the Gunners no doubt the biggest of the 2025/26 campaign to date.

Thomas Frank will be getting his first taste of what the Derby has to offer, but he will undoubtedly be hoping to be on the winning side later on this evening.

However, he faces a huge challenge ahead of him, with Mikel Arteta’s team currently sitting top of the Premier League and remaining unbeaten on home soil after their first five encounters.

To make things worse for the Lilywhites, they have only beaten the Gunners once away from home in the last 32 matches, with Frank potentially writing himself into the history books this afternoon.

If his men are to claim all three points against their bitter rivals, the manager desperately needs to drop one player from his starting eleven after his recent dismal form.

Why Brennan Johnson needs to be dropped against Arsenal

Brennan Johnson has endured a massive decline over the last couple of weeks, with the Welshman unable to match his form from the 2024/25 campaign.

The 24-year-old has only found the net twice in his first 11 outings of the league season, with his last effort coming way back in the 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the end of August.

However, he did start the last outing against Manchester United before the international break, but failed to deliver and made it nine games without a goal in England’s top-flight.

His underlying stats showcase his lack of impact against the Red Devils, with the Welshman only able to complete 50% of the dribbles he attempted in North London.

Johnson also only managed to find a teammate with one of his five crosses, whilst also failing to register a single shot on goal during his 90-minute display.

He gifted possession back to the opposition on 18 separate occasions – the most of any player in the squad – further highlighting his lack of success in the meeting.

As a result, the manager desperately needs to drop him from his starting eleven, with one player deserving of the opportunity to thrive against the club’s bitter rivals.

The Spurs player who can secure bragging rights over Arsenal

During the recent draw with Ruben Amorim’s men, Frank made some crucial substitutions that managed to save the game and secure a vital point in the Premier League.

Mathys Tel was brought off the substitutes bench in the 79th minute against the Red Devils and made an immediate impact on the meeting – as he scored just five minutes after stepping onto the field.

He wasn’t alone in thriving after his addition, with winger Wilson Odobert grabbing the assist for Richarlison’s stoppage-time effort, with both massively staking their claim for a starting role.

However, it’s unclear whether the manager will decide to hand any of the aforementioned stars a rare start – but they are massively deserving of an opportunity from a starting role.

Instead, Frank should look to recall a man who was billed as “Arsenal’s perfect Saka replacement” by pundit Adrian Clarke. Indeed, that man is Mohammed Kudus who must return to the starting eleven after missing each of the last two outings in all competitions with a minor injury.

The £150k-per-week Ghanaian only joined the Lilywhites in a £55m deal from West Ham United in the summer, but he’s wasted no time in impressing and is arguably one of the club’s most important players.

He’s already opened his account for the Lilywhites, whilst laying on four assists in the process – a tally which is the joint-highest of any player in the division.

Johnson has had the opportunity to fill the void in recent weeks, but he’s been unable to do so, with the manager needing to recall the 25-year-old this afternoon.

Kudus, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has only lost once to the Gunners in his four previous meetings – even finding the net in the Carabao Cup win back in November 2023.

xG generated

1.39

3rd

xA registered

1.26

1st

Assists

4

1st

Big chances created

2

1st

Key passes per game

1.9

1st

Dribbles completed per game

3.6

1st

His numbers from the ongoing season, coupled with his previous wins against today’s opponents, showcase his ability to cause carnage in attacking areas when having the chance.

Given such numbers in recent history, Frank desperately needs to start the winger at the Emirates, with his pace and quality on the ball a real danger to any side that dares to stop him.

It’s a massive game and one that the supporters always want to win, with their chances of claiming a rare victory potentially falling into the hands of Kudus.

Spurs must sell "one of the worst signings in PL history" to fund Semenyo

Tottenham Hotspur must sell one player if they are to land Antoine Semenyo in January.

1 ByEthan Lamb Nov 20, 2025

Man Utd now eyeing "exceptional" record-breaking maestro with low release clause

Manchester United are now eyeing Hertha Berlin’s Kennet Eichhorn, with it being revealed the midfielder has an affordable release clause, but there could be rival interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.

Gary Neville has suggested that Ruben Amorim may need to upgrade the spine of his team, given that his current options are arguably in the latter stages of their career, saying: “You’ve got the midfield, Casemiro and Bruno have got massive experience.

“Up front, they haven’t got the experience. But to me, that spine of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Maguire and De Ligt is ageing, but should be doing a lot better at holding it all together than they do.”

Casemiro has been proving age is just a number with some of his recent performances, which has led to United contacting his agent about a new contract, but with the Brazilian set to turn 34 in just over three months time, Amorim may need to start thinking about a long-term replacement.

Carlos Baleba was named as the Red Devils’ dream target earlier this week, with Elliot Anderson also of interest, despite Nottingham Forest’s huge asking price, but they have now joined the hectic race for another up-and-coming prospect…

Man Utd eyeing Hertha Berlin's Kennet Eichhorn

According to an update from Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, Man United are now eyeing Hertha Berlin maestro Eichhorn, who recently broke the record to become the youngest player in the history of the 2. Bundesliga.

Lauded as an “exceptional talent” by Plettenberg, the 16-year-old is already a regular starter for the German second tier side, which has led to interest from some of Europe’s top clubs, including RB Leipzig, Ajax, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

The teenager has an affordable release clause of just €10m – €12m (£9m – £11m) included in his contract with the German club, and there are plenty of indications he could be a fantastic long-term addition to Amorim’s squad.

Becoming a first-team regular at just 16 is an achievement in and of itself, with the youngster making ten appearances all competitions this season, and he has put in some impressive performances, given his age, in order to keep his place in the side.

Last month, the Hertha starlet showcased his all-round attributes in a 2-1 win against Munster, creating one big chance, while also making a combined four interceptions and tackles to keep the opposition at bay.

Eichhorn is certainly one for the future, but it is also paramount Man United bring in a midfielder capable of immediately slotting into the starting XI in January, given that Casemiro’s contract is set to expire in the summer, and Kobbie Mainoo’s future is still in major doubt…

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ByJames O'Reilly Nov 7, 2025

Chase becomes first Full Member team batter to retire out in T20Is

This was the 12th instance of a batter retiring out in a men’s T20I, and the first in a match featuring two Full Member teams

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Aug-2025Roston Chase became the first batter to retire out during a men’s T20I featuring two Full Member teams when he went off during West Indies’ chase of 190 in the deciding game against Pakistan in Lauderhill on Sunday.West Indies had gotten off to a good start, with Alick Athanaze scoring a 40-ball 60 opening the innings, but they slowed down once he was dismissed to leave the scoreboard reading 110 for 3 at the end of the 13th over. The requirement then was 80 runs from 42 balls.While Sherfane Rutherford, the No. 4, got going immediately, Chase struggled to go big, hitting just two fours in a 12-ball 15 before he was called back to the dugout – 41 runs were needed off 18 balls after that, and West Indies only managed 27 to concede the series 2-1.There has been only one previous instance of a batter retiring out in a men’s T20I featuring a Full Member team: in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Namibia’s opening batter Nikolaas Davin retired out after scoring 18 from 16 balls in a chase of 126 in ten overs against England in North Sound. The other ten such dismissals have all been recorded in matches involving two Associate teams.Chase, incidentally, had been retired out once before in a T20, at the ILT20 earlier this year. His team Abu Dhabi Knight Riders batted first in that game against MI Emirates, and Chase, batting at No. 6, had failed to get a move on after walking out in the 12th over, scoring 20 from 13 at the end of the 18th over, when he was retired out.

Recordista do Guinness tem camisas de até R$ 40 mil, raridades de Pelé e uniforme histórico de Cássio

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Mais de seis mil camisas armazenadas e diversas raridades mundiais. Isso é o que Cássio Brandão, empresário e colecionador há 20 anos, acumula em seu acervo, na zona oeste de São Paulo. Ele é recordista mundial em coleção de camisas de futebol e entrou para o livro dos recordes, o Guinness World Records.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Entre as preciosidades que o empresário preserva estão agasalhos da Seleção Brasileira utilizados por Pelé, Garrincha e Zagallo, além de um uniforme de Diego Maradona avaliado em R$ 40 mil.

— É muito difícil falar de valores. Hoje temos camisas que vão de R$ 400 a R$ 40 mil, esse é um olhar. A do Maradona, usada no Napoli, é super rara, de 1991. O Maradona usou essa camisa três vezes, foi exatamente com a mesma, porque não tinha troca na época. Essa camisa é uma joia, uma obra de arte — contou Cássio Brandão, em entrevista ao Lance!.

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Além de Maradona, Cássio detém camisas utilizadas pelo Rei Pelé, como a do encontro com a Rainha Elizabeth II, em 1968. Também há outras joias, como uniformes da Seleção Brasileira bicampeã mundial de 1958 e 1962. Essas, diferentemente do caso argentino, não têm preço.

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— Pelé é completamente fora da curva, absurdo. Uma camisa utilizada pelo Pelé não tem valor. Camisa do Maradona já conseguimos precificar. Ainda temos mais exemplos, como a camisa de 1958, da Copa de 1962, absolutamente ricas e que não têm valor. Dependendo da necessidade do colecionador, pode ter um valor até quatro vezes maior do que em um marketplace — explicou.

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Corintiano fanático, Cássio possui todas as camisas utilizadas pelo seu xará e herói Cássio Ramos, ex-goleiro do Timão. Ele, inclusive, armazena a roupa utilizada pelo atleta no jogo em que defendeu a finalização de Diego Souza, na Libertadores de 2012, que antes era de posse do próprio atleta ex-Vasco. Além disso, o empresário guarda camisas de todos os Corinthians existentes no mundo e uma vasta coleção de uniformes do Doutor Sócrates — seu maior ídolo.

➡️ Torcedor de foto histórica faz revelação sobre gol de Paulinho em Corinthians x Vasco

Contudo, apesar da expressividade dos valores e do número acumulado de uniformes, Cássio considera que sua coleção é de histórias, não apenas camisas.

São 6.101 camisas, e o antigo detentor do recorde armazena cerca de 1.700 peças. A intenção do empresário nunca foi entrar no Guinness, mas sim preservar a cultura do esporte mais popular do planeta.

— Contei das seis mil camisas para um amigo, e ele disse que era recorde mundial. Falei: “Claro que não, não faz sentido”. Apliquei o processo, que é muito criterioso, durou quase seis meses. Planilha com 6.101 itens, tive que filmar as camisas uma por uma. Hoje é um recorde mundial, mas é menos sobre as seis mil camisas, mas sim seis mil histórias, e o Guinness traz um olhar para isso. Nunca foi sobre ser o maior, mas sobre contar e ouvir boas histórias — concluiu.

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Taide ton, Rathod 91 steady Vidarbha against Rest of India

Manav Suthar took three wickets and Akash Deep two on the opening day of the Irani Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Oct-2025Vidarbha opener Atharva Taide scored an unbeaten 118 on the first day of the Irani Cup in Nagpur, putting his team on course for a strong first-innings total against Rest of India. He wasHe began the day alongside Aman Mokhade, who hit four boundaries during his 27-ball 19, before nicking an Akash Deep delivery in the eighth over of the match. Akash Deep – returning to competitive cricket for the first time since his Test tour of England – found success at either end of the day’s play. He was the most economical bowler for Rest of India, going at just 2.50 across his 14 overs.Akash Deep capped off the day by having Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar caught behind for 5 in the 82nd over. Vidarbha were reduced to 275 for 5, and Taide batted out the remaining overs alongside Yash Thakur to take Vidarbha to stumps on 280 for 5.Earlier in the day, Rajasthan allrounder Manav Suthar had threatened to roll them over for much less. Fresh off an eight-for against Australia A in Lucknow, he took back-to-back wickets in his first over – the 23rd of the innings. First, he cleaned up Dhruv Shorey (18) while the batter was playing down the wrong line, before he had Danish Malewar caught behind just three balls later. The latter was the second of three catches Ishan Kishan completed behind the stumps.Akash Deep impressed on his return to competitive cricket•PTI At 80 for 3, 25-year-old Yash Rathod walked in. He stopped the slide and continued his good form from the Duleep Trophy, where he had scored 374 runs in five innings at 124.67. Rathod and Taide batted through the second session, and looked all set to bat till stumps.However, after having hit Suthar for a six just the previous ball in the 74th over, Rathod skipped down the track for the second time in a row and holed out to mid-off on 91 against the run of play. The dismissal ended a 184-run partnership for the fourth wicket.While Akash Deep snared the fifth wicket before the close of play, Taide’s presence in the middle will be essential to Vidarbha’s hopes on the second day. In case an outright result cannot be achieved over five days, the team with the first-innings lead will be declared the winner.Vidarbha will thus be looking to bat deep in their first Irani Cup outing since the 2018-19 edition, which they won through a first-innings lead as well.

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