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Bjorn Fortuin, Sisanda Magala and Ryan Rickelton were the other first-time additions to the list that has grown from 16 to 20

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-2023

Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Bjorn Fortuin, Sisanda Magala and Ryan Rickelton have been added to South Africa’s expanded list of centrally contracted players for the 2023-24 season. Cricket South Africa has made provision for four more players, increasing the list from 16 to 20.Heinrich Klaasen, who was upgraded during the past season, also keeps his new grade, while Wayne Parnell has been contracted for the first time since returning from his Kolpak deal in 2021. Three players have lost their deals from the last contracting cycle: Janneman Malan and Andile Phehlukwayo have been dropped off the central contracts list and Dwaine Pretorius has retired.Though CSA’s director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe, had initially indicated a split-contracting system, this was not specifically announced. Instead, Nkwe said the increased number of contracts was created to allow for single-format players to get national deals. “The number of contracted players has increased from 16 to 20 this season to ensure that we have a wider pool of white-ball specialists and Test players. We look forward to seeing them compete at the highest level in what is an important next 12 months for the limited-overs and Test sides, with the [ODI] World Cup taking place later this year as well as the start of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.”On the list, Quinton de Kock and David Miller are white-ball players only, with both having announced their retirement from red-ball cricket in previous years, while Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen have only played for South Africa in Tests. The rest of the players on the list play in all formats at domestic level and would be in contention for national selection on that basis. There was some suggestion that de Kock and Elgar would walk away from international cricket soon but their re-contracting suggests they have committed to South African cricket for another 12 months.South Africa are currently playing their last Test of the 2021-2023 WTC cycle, where they could finish third, and will not play in whites until hosting India in December. For the rest of the year, their focus is on white-ball cricket, with the team yet to secure automatic qualification for this year’s 50-over World Cup. They play Netherlands in two must-win World Cup Super League matches on March 31 and April 2. South Africa will then go into a winter break – which may be interrupted by World Cup qualifying in Zimbabwe in June – and then play Australia in white-ball matches at home in August-September.The national women’s contracts are expected to be announced later this month.South Africa men’s contracts listTemba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

He has been called up on the back of his impressive performances in the T20I series, where he made 290 runs in five matches

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Apr-2023

Mark Chapman has been added to the New Zealand ODI squad for their upcoming five-match series against Pakistan that begins in Rawalpindi on Thursday.Chapman has been called up on the back of his impressive performances in the T20I series, where he finished as the highest run-scorer with 290 runs in five games. His runs tally is the most by any player in a five-match T20I series. The series ended 2-2, with Chapman scoring an unbeaten 57-ball 104 in the fifth T20I to stun the hosts after New Zealand were 26 for 3 in a chase of 194.Chapman has played seven ODIs so far, of which two have been for Hong Kong. He played his first ODI for New Zealand in 2018 and last played in the format in July 2022, when he scored a match-winning 101* against Scotland.”The way Mark’s played against one of the best T20 bowling attacks in the world has been nothing short of outstanding,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said. “His match-winning knock in the fifth and deciding match was particularly special and we’re happy to have someone in such strong form added to our ODI squad.”Tom Blundell and Henry Nicholls will join the squad in Rawalpindi for the ODIs, while Dane Cleaver, who was part of the T20Is, will return home.The ODIs begin in Rawalpindi on April 26, with the last three matches set to take place in Karachi. The final game takes place on May 7.New Zealand ODI squad (updated): Tom Latham (capt),Tom Blundell, Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young

Craftsman and cricketer produced some of the most popular bats of the 1970s and 1980s

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Mar-2024

Duncan Fearnley, the former Worcestershire player and administrator who went on to become one of cricket’s most sought-after bat manufacturers, has died at the age of 83.Originally from Pudsey, Fearnley moved to Worcestershire in 1960 after beginning his career in Yorkshire Seconds, and went on to make 97 appearances as a left-handed batter across seven seasons, including 687 runs and four half-centuries in the club’s County Championship victory in 1964.After departing the club in 1968, he returned in 1972 as the Second XI captain, by which stage his Worcester-based bat manufacturing business was thriving, with several of the greatest players of the era using his equipment, including Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Botham, Graham Gooch and Allan Border.As the son of a woodwork teacher, and the grandson of a cabinet-maker, Fearnley had taken on an apprenticeship with batmakers Fred Clough and Les Ward in Bradford to supplement his winter income, and after launching his own range – Tudor Rose, which became Fearnley of Farsley – he opened his own shop in Worcester in 1968.”I gathered some equipment together and that way I could make bats in the winter and play in the summer,” he once told The Cricketer. “By the time Worcestershire didn’t extend my contract, I knew if I got stuck in then there was no stopping me.”In 1986, Fearnley was named Worcestershire chair, and oversaw a golden era for the club that included two County Championship titles, two Sunday League titles, the Refuge Assurance Cup, the Benson and Hedges Cup, and the NatWest Trophy over a period of just twelve years.He also served as Club President from 2011 to 2013, and was subsequently elected as an Honorary Vice-President. In 2005, in collaboration with Mervyn King, the former Governor of the Bank of England and the broadcaster Mark Nicholas, he co-founded Chance to Shine, the cricket charity that has helped to reintroduce cricket to state schools in England and Wales.”Duncan’s passing is a tremendous loss,” Paul Pridgeon, Worcestershire’s acting chair, said. “His contributions as a player, an administrator, and a passionate supporter of the club were immeasurable. He was the heart and soul of Worcestershire CCC, leaving an indelible mark on the club.”His legacy as a bat-maker and his profound love for the club will always be remembered. Today, we have lost a true cricketing legend.”

Delhi Capitals captain admits his team was playing catch-up right from the powerplay

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Apr-20242:34

‘Capitals bowlers gave Head the start he wanted’

When Delhi Capitals opted to bowl in their first match of IPL 2024 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, they expected dew to play a role later in the evening. Which would have meant a target of around 220 also gettable. But the absence of dew in the chase helped Sunrisers Hyderabad, who got the balls to grip on the surface, register a 67-run win to move to second on the points table.”The only thought process behind [opting to bowl at the toss] was we thought there will be a bit of dew, which did not come,” Rishabh Pant, Capitals captain, said at the post-match presentation. “If we could have restricted them to 220-230 we still had a chance. [The ball] stopped more [on the surface] in the second innings than what we anticipated. But when you have 260-270 to defend, it gives bowlers confidence.”Sunrisers once again rode on the brilliant power-hitting display of openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, who helped them score a record 125 for 0 in the powerplay, the highest in all men’s T20s. Abhishek fell for a 12-ball 46 while Head made 89 off 32 after his maiden IPL century in the last outing as Sunrisers posted 266 for 7, their third 250-plus total in IPL 2024.Related

When Head and Abhishek caused carnage at Kotla

Live report – Head, Abhishek, Fraser-McGurk dazzle in unreal sixer fest

125 in 6 overs: Head and Sunrisers shatter T20 powerplay records

Head, Abhishek, Shahbaz, Natarajan break records and help SRH go second

“I think powerplay was one of the differences,” Pant admitted. “They got 120-130 runs in the powerplay and we were catching up throughout the match.”Pat Cummins, the SRH captain, had mixed feelings watching his openers bludgeon the opposition. “Part of me is very excited and elated, but the other thinks I will have to bowl on this later,” he said. “Amazing, every game they keep delivering and keep playing the way we want to.”Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma put on a blazing show in the powerplay•Associated Press

The game saw 213 runs being scored in the powerplay, both innings combined, again a record in T20 cricket. Capitals romped to 88 for 2 in their chase of 267 and Cummins said that the pitch came into play once the ball became old.”We saw in the powerplay, there was not much in it for the bowlers for both sides,” he said. “Once the game got on, the ball got softer and it started to hold a little bit. But 260-odd plays 200 [means it] is a good batting wicket.”Normally dew makes it hard [to grip the ball]. It slides on. But there was a little bit of grip out there, so maybe that was a factor also.”T Natarajan led Sunrisers’ charge with the ball, picking up 4 for 19, his best figures in T20s. Mayank Markande and Nitish Kumar Reddy also returned two wickets apiece, and Cummins was pleased with the discipline the bowlers showed.”Really happy with how we closed out. It was really disciplined, everyone was strong with their fields and how they wanted to bowl and executed well on the fly. It was not easy when they are trying to hit a six every ball.”Bhuvneshwar Kumar: SRH batters are ‘ruining us’T Natarajan bowled a triple-wicket maiden•BCCI

The leader of the SRH bowling attack, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, heaped praise on Natarajan’s effort in what was their fifth win in seven outings. Natarajan used his change-of-pace as well as was effective with the yorkers, making it tough for Capitals’ batters to line him up.”We know how good he is when it comes to Yorkers,” Bhuvneshwar said after the match. “He is someone who keeps working hard, a silent guy who goes unnoticed most of the times. But he is a star for us for so many years playing for SRH. We know how important he is for us, he is truly a match-winner.”For years, SRH were known to win games because of their bowling in the IPL. But for a change their batters are firing in unison and Bhuvneshwar, who returned 1 for 33 off his four overs, was happy for the bowlers to take a backseat. But he also had a word of caution for them.”For so many years, this is possibly the first time our batting is clicking so much,” he said. “As bowlers, we are happy to take the backseat and let the batters do their work and happy do defend so many runs. Honestly, they are ruining us; if one of the games we score 180-200 mentally, it will be tough for us bowlers to defend those. But great to see the way they are batting.”When you are defending those many runs, either of the things happen – you go for plenty of runs or you get teams out within 150. We accept the fact that when you defend so many runs, you can go for plenty of runs.”

Everton are a different beast under David Moyes, but the recent defeat at Anfield illuminated some of the cracks fissuring the foundations of the squad.

He spoke pragmatically of the gap between the neighbours in recent years before suggesting, post-game, that his side are beginning to show signs of bridging that gulf, well worth their paychecks across the two recent Merseyside derbies.

However, Everton will need to strengthen this summer, while also fending off interest in their star man, Jarrad Branthwaite.

The latest on interest in Jarrad Branthwaite

Branthwaite, 23, has been brilliant since returning from a loan move at PSV Eindhoven in 2023, featuring regularly alongside James Tarkowski and being hailed for his “pretty special” talent levels by pundit Jamie Carragher.

However, that quality comes at a price, with the sharks circling and Football Insider recently revealing that the club would be willing to consider his sale if bids fell into the £60m ballpark.

Hark your minds back to last year, when Amadou Onana was sold to Aston Villa for £50m. The Friedkin Group would sell Branthwaite for the right price, but must be equipped to redirect the funds toward the squad in a beneficial manner.

Branthwaite is a monstrous young centre-half, but he’s not irreplaceable, and £60m is no small sum besides.

Luckily, Everton’s rebuild predates Moyes’ return; the Scotsman merely shaped the pieces together, strewn as they were across the Goodison Park turf.

Branthwaite is the star man at the rear, but he’s not the only talented Toffee in the mix, with one man in particular beginning to look like a former star in John Heitinga.

Everton's new John Heitinga

Heitinga, 41, enjoyed five years of his career at Everton, the lion’s share of which came under Moyes’ tutelage. In 2009, Everton snapped Atletico Madrid’s defender up for a £7m fee, and he went on to play 140 times for the club, notching five goals and assists apiece.

Now, he’s back on Merseyside, part of Arne Slot’s coterie as Liverpool charge toward the Premier League title. Forgetting this tarnishing feature, the Dutchman was a solid and dependable player for the Blues, way back when.

Moyes actually joked that he had “got two players in one” when clinching the Holland international’s signature, and in that sense, you could argue that Jake O’Brien is fast becoming the manager’s next version of the ace in this new era.

John Heitinga – Career Stats* by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Centre-back

189

14

3

Right-back

70

3

3

Defensive midfield

33

1

2

Stats via Transfermarkt

*of matches recorded

O’Brien was signed from Lyon over in France last summer, part of the crew who formed Sean Dyche’s last hurrah at the helm. He spent the majority of the campaign, under the craggy-faced manager’s wing, on the sidelines, but has come alive since the winter switch in the dugout.

Indeed, O’Brien, a centre-back, has started the past ten Premier League matches for Everton, all of which have come at right-back, an unconventional role for the Republic of Ireland international.

But O’Brien, 23, has performed his duties with aplomb, showcasing his tactical range with two important goals while maintaining a combative presence, winning 57% of his duels and averaging a whopping 4.7 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

Whatever happens with Branthwaite down the line, Moyes will take solace in his Irish ace’s rise and rise over the past few months, proving that he too can be a player of versatility and importance, two for the price of one.

Hailed as a “revelation” for Everton by Irish Football FAN TV’s Paul Nealon, O’Brien has got what it takes to make further developments over the coming years, providing priceless service to Moyes’ side, just like Heitinga in the past.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 2, 2025

After missing the last three games through injury, one Aston Villa star could now make his return to action against Paris Saint-Germain as Unai Emery’s side go in pursuit of upsetting the odds in the Champions League.

Aston Villa show depth against Nottingham Forest

Whilst their balancing act has at times stood in the way of their top four ambitions, victory over Nottingham Forest has kept Aston Villa in the race to qualify for the Champions League in consecutive campaigns. And the credit for that as well as their FA Cup and European exploits on the side should go towards both Emery and sporting director Monchi.

After selling Jhon Duran in the January transfer window, those in the Midlands welcomed a number of key reinforcements and have gone on to benefit ever since. The likes of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford have thrived whilst Donyell Malen is now beginning to show his best form – scoring his second goal in as many games this weekend.

Emery was left pleased with victory over Forest too, albeit whilst admitting that he wasn’t happy with how Aston Villa allowed their opponents a glimmer of hope in the second half.

The Spaniard told reporters in his post-match press conference: “We started dominating. They were playing tactically, a medium-low block and we started dominating because they were not pressing high, not getting out. We were creating chances and we scored goals.

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Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 6, 2025

“The second half, I am not happy. They were changing their tactics and taking more duels aggressively, pressing higher and we were not dominating like we have to. This victory is very important. Very happy with the victory. Very demanding of myself to improve things within… I am happy because we have three points more.”

Emery provides Bailey injury update

Aside from the three points, Aston Villa also had some positive injury news to enjoy following their battle against Forest. As confirmed by Emery, Leon Bailey could now make his return from injury against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, making his first appearance in three games.

The winger couldn’t be returning at a better time with such an important game on the horizon. The Villans will need every one of their stars to step up against the French champions and arguably the best team left in the Champions League, meaning that Bailey must be at his best on his potential return.

Emery revealed the news, telling reporters: “It is very important to manage the players we have, we are more less with the players available. Leon Bailey hopefully can be available for Paris.”

The former Bayer Leverkusen man is due some good form too. Before his injury, Bailey had only scored twice and assisted a further four goals in all competitions in a major drop-off compared to last season.

Now on his way back from injury, the £120,000-a-week winger must find a way to return to his clinical best and offer Aston Villa an instant boost in the process.

Manchester City are set to sell a £150,000-a-week player this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Man City players who could leave with De Bruyne this summer

The Citizens and Pep Guardiola are looking to finish the Premier League season in one of five Champions League qualification places, while also looking to win the FA Cup in what is Kevin de Bruyne’s final season at the Etihad.

The Belgian superstar recently announced his Man City exit when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.

De Bruyne will leave after 10 years at the Etihad, and more Sky Blues stars could be following the attacking midfielder out of the door. Ilkay Gundogan is also out of contract at the end of June and may depart, whereas Jack Grealish could also be sold, according to recent reports.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 9, 2025

Another player who has an uncertain future ahead of the 2025/26 season is Kyle Walker. The right-back joined AC Milan on loan in January, with the Serie A giants having the option to buy Walker for around £4.2m (€5m).

Named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, Walker has recently undergone surgery on a fractured elbow, and a new update on his future has been shared.

Man City to sell Kyle Walker this summer no matter what – Romano

As per Romano on X in the last 48 hours, Walker will be sold by Man City this summer, even if AC Milan pass up on their option to buy. Man City have their eyes on a new full-back signing, with Walker’s eight-year stint on the books at the Etihad to be “over”.

“The story between Man City and Kyle Walker will be over in the summer, regardless of AC Milan’s future decision. Milan have buy option clause for Walker but decision will follow with new director. In any case, Walker will NOT stay at City as they’ll bring in new fullback.”

Signed from Tottenham in 2017, Walker will soon turn 35, so it appears to make sense to look to the future by selling the experienced defender.

Walker’s stats at Man City

Games

319

Goals

6

Assists

23

Minutes played

25,716

Trophies won

17

Guardiola hailed Walker following his move to Milan at the beginning of the year, calling him a “very important figure”.

“Kyle, thank you so much for the seven years you’ve been with us. The amount of trophies, the consistency and being a very important figure. I said it personally to him, I said it in front of the group, I wish all the best for him and his family. That is all.”

He’s still under contract at Man City on £150,000-a-week until 2026, and even if AC Milan don’t sign Walker, he won’t be seen at the Etihad for the new season.

Arsenal have now been informed an “unbelievable” forward could be available for a fee of £80m in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Gunners planning to bolster attacking options

At this stage, it seems almost certain that a new striker will arrive at the Emirates Stadium this summer, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing the Gunners are now “working hard” to secure a deal.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are among the more attainable targets, while Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is also well-liked, although the Magpies have shown little interest in sanctioning a departure this summer.

Not only has Mikel Arteta set his sights on a new striker, but there is also interest in a versatile forward, and Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo is on the shortlist, with the Bees looking to receive a fee of £50m for the Cameroonian.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 21, 2025

Mbeumo’s performances in the Premier League this season indicate he could be a great fit at the Emirates Stadium, but there have now been suggestions the north Londoners could also look to bring in one of Europe’s most renowned forwards.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Arsenal have now been informed that Barcelona star Raphinha could be available for £80m this summer, with intermediaries hinting that a deal may be possible in talks.

The Gunners are huge admirers of the left-winger, and they will remain informed about his situation at the Camp Nou, where the Brazilian remains very happy, with Barcelona currently attempting to tie him down to a new contract.

There could be fierce competition for the 28-year-old’s signature, with Chelsea and Liverpool said to be big fans, while there is also interest from the Saudi Pro League, with clubs willing to fork out £100m for his services.

"Unbelievable" Raphina draws praise from Thierry Henry

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is clearly a big admirer of the Brazil international, stating he “has it all” after Barcelona’s triumph against Napoli in the Champions League back in March, while also tipping him as a favourite for the Ballon d’Or.

The former Leeds United man has been extremely influential en-route to the Champions League semi-finals, picking up 12 goals and seven assists, while also ranking extremely highly on several key attacking metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.60 (98th percentile)

Assists

0.43 (97th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.36 (91st percentile)

Lauded as “unbelievable” by Romano, Raphinha could be capable of taking Arsenal’s frontline to the next level, but given that he remains happy at Barcelona, it remains to be seen whether a deal is possible.

Manchester United’s Premier League campaign in 2024/25 has been one to forget, with the side set to finish in their lowest-ever position, along with the lowest points tally.

Ruben Amorim’s men currently sit in 15th place with just three games remaining, seeing all focus switch onto their prospect of claiming a Europa League triumph come the end of the season.

The Red Devils have conceded an average of 1.5 goals per 90 to date, undoubtedly playing a key role in their inability to rise up the table after the manager’s appointment back in November.

However, they still have the opportunity to end the season on a high, currently in a European semi-final and holding a 3-0 advantage over Athletic Club following the away leg.

Should they go all the way and win the competition, they will secure Champions League qualification, with added squad depth needed to compete at the top level of European football next campaign.

An update on United’s hunt for new additions

Given the summer transfer window is now just around the corner, numerous links have emerged, including that of Liam Delap, who has been touted as the club’s top target for the attacking department.

The Ipswich Town talisman has netted 12 goals in his 34 appearances in 2024/25, but looks set to leave Kieran McKenna’s side after their relegation back to the Championship, which has seen the forward’s £30m release clause become active.

However, despite the improvements in forward areas, the backline is also in need of investment, potentially coming in the form of Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, according to reports in Spain.

It states that the Red Devils are currently preparing a £68m bid for the Uruguayan international, who has made 22 appearances across all competitions for the LaLiga giants.

The report also claims that he’s hugely admired by staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford, potentially being a key piece in their rebuild, which desperately needs to happen this summer if they are to move in the right direction.

Why United’s £68m target could revive Andre Onana

Goalkeeper Andre Onana was seen as the man to take United to the next level after arriving back in the summer of 2023, replacing fan-favourite David de Gea in the process.

His ball-playing attributes were seen as a key attribute to help the side progress, but the move up until now has been a disaster, often producing a clanger which has resulted in their lowly league standing.

The Senegalese has made five errors leading to goals across all competitions, with his mistakes against Lyon nearly putting the side out of the tournament and ending any hopes of a trophy.

Questions have been asked about his long-term future at Old Trafford as a result, with it unclear whether Amorim will stick or twist with the former Inter Milan shot-stopper in 2025/26.

However, he could be revived at the club, especially if the side are to bolster their backline with a move for Araujo, with the 26-year-old having the defensive qualities to improve the situation.

The Uruguayan, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the world” by Carles Puyol, has starred this season despite his lack of action, registering two combined goals and assists.

He’s also starred at the back, completing 91% of passes, handing United a composed presence at the back and undoubtedly taking the pressure off Onana at the back.

Ronald Araujo’s stats for Barcelona in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

10

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

91%

Progressive passes per 90

4

Tackles won

1.9

Blocks made

1.5

Clearances made

4

Aerials won

3.8

Stats via FBref

Araujo has also impressed out of possession, winning 1.9 tackles per 90 and making 1.5 blocks per 90 – preventing the ball from getting through and facing Onana between the sticks.

Defensive solidity is desperately needed at Old Trafford, enabling Amorim to take the side to the next level and hopefully make him a success during his tenure at the club.

The deals they make over the next couple of months will be crucial, needing to sign the right players to take them back towards glory, with Araujo the man who could massively bolster the defensive department.

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Posts ByDan Emery May 6, 2025

Arsenal chiefs are ready to bid up to £63 million for another key target after offering him a contract, according to a report this week, with sporting director Andrea Berta wasting no time at all after reportedly sealing a move for Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal seal deal for Zubimendi with more signings on the cards

Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier this week that Arsenal are set to make Zubimendi their first signing of the summer window, securing a replacement for the exit-bound Jorginho in swift fashion.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025

The Spain international, who played a role in his country’s triumph at Euro 2024, replacing Rodri in the final against England, has been a star player for Sociedad over many years.

Race for Champions League qualification with 2 games remaining

Points

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

However, after initially rejecting a Premier League switch to Liverpool last summer, Zubimendi will now depart his boyhood club and make his long-anticipated move to England – where Arsenal will welcome the 26-year-old with open arms.

Man United legend Paul Scholes criticised Arsenal’s capture of the midfielder when speaking on The Overlap, but fellow pundit Gary Neville explained why he disagrees.

“I’m surprised you say that, I’m really surprised you say that,” said Neville in response to Scholes, who suggested there isn’t a place in the Arsenal first-team for Zubimendi.

“I genuinely don’t believe Rice or Partey are anywhere near as good at receiving the ball as some of the other midfielders in the Premier League.

“I think Declan Rice is a brilliant player and Thomas Partey is a very good player, but I don’t think they’ve got anyone who can control a football match properly in the top games. I think they really struggle with that. I think Jorginho is the best of them. I’m surprised you don’t see that. They need someone to control the ball and keep it moving.”

After agreeing Zubimendi’s move, on-lookers are keen to ascertain who will follow him to N5.

It is no secret that Berta is in the market for a new striker at Arsenal, and he’s highly expected to bring a prolific goalscorer to the Emirates, which is viewed as one of the missing pieces of Mikel Arteta’s jigsaw.

Arsenal ready to bid £63m for Viktor Gyokeres after offering £135k-per-week deal

According to Portuguese news outlet A Bola this week, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres remains high on their agenda.

The Sweden international has established himself as one of Europe’s most lethal marksmen, chalking up a pretty incredible 52 goals across 50 appearances in all competitions this season alone.

The 26-year-old is a rumoured top target for Berta, and A Bola report that the north Londoners have offered him contract terms worth £135,000-per-week after tax. They also state that Arsenal are ready to bid up to £63 million for Gyokeres after making this proposal, as they seek to win the race for his signature early doors.

Other Portuguese media outlets have reported that Arsenal are fearful Chelsea could hijack their move for Gyokeres, so it is little surprise Berta is attempting to move in early.

Called a “massively underrated” striker, the former Coventry City star appears certain to finally depart Sporting before summer deadline day on September 1.