All posts by h716a5.icu

The India captain stressed on keeping a calm team environment and trusting his experienced players to perform their roles in the semi-final

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jun-20246:19

Rohit: ‘I don’t think we need to change from what we did in 2022’

India’s captain Rohit Sharma stressed on the importance of keeping the team environment normal and clarity of thought as they prepare to take on England in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Providence, Guyana on June 27.”See, we want to treat this game as another game that we have played in this tournament,” he said on the eve of the match. “We don’t want to think about what lies ahead and what is the context of the game and all of that. Everyone knows in the back of their mind it’s a semi-final. But you don’t want to keep talking about it again and again and again. And not to think about what has happened in the past.”The fixture is a re-match of the semi-final at the T20 World Cup 2022, where India suffered a ten-wicket defeat against England in Adelaide.Related

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“I think we are, all of us, the entire group is in a good frame of mind. We are playing well as a team, enjoying each other’s company, enjoying each other’s success at times as well. Yes, we’ve been put under pressure in certain games during this tournament as well, but I thought we responded pretty well. And that is probably because we’re not thinking too far ahead.”We want to think about how well we can play and what we can do as a team for us to achieve the result that we are looking for. Sometimes if you think too much, you then will not be able to make the decisions that you want to make on the field. So, I think it’s important that we stay clear in our mind what we want to do. We have had enough conversations with the players, what is expected out of each one of us. So, it’s time now to just rely on the individual instinct and then take the game forward.”Both India and England will be playing in Providence for the first time this T20 World Cup – it’s a 10.30am start – and assessing conditions quickly will be crucial.”I know it sounds very boring for me to talk about conditions, conditions, because that does matter a lot,” Rohit said. “Because in New York, we saw what the winning score was. So, we want to be a smart cricket team. We don’t want to just talk in one language, which is to just go and swing the bat.”I think it is important for us to understand what conditions are in front of us and what we have to do. And I have spoken about experience in this group, and we rely on that experience from each player to go out and make that decision, whether it is playing the reverse sweep, whether it is bowling a yorker, whether it is bowling a bouncer. We rely on those individuals to make that decision.”1:58

Defeat to England in 2022 semi-final was a ‘wake-up call’ for India – Manjrekar

When asked about India adopting an aggressive batting approach during this T20 World Cup, Rohit picked out their Super Eight contest against Bangladesh as the “perfect game”. In that match, India scored 196 for 5 with only one batter – Hardik Pandya – making more than 40 and the team won by 50 runs.”Yes, it’s important to play without fear,” Rohit said. “Of course. And we have created this environment in the team for the past few years … This format is like that now. Individual scores and individual brilliance don’t matter that much. If someone does it, it’s good, but you shouldn’t focus on it that I have to score 70 runs, 90, or 100 runs. I think the game that we played against Bangladesh was the perfect game. Why I say that is because only one guy scored 50 runs. Rest of the team scored 20 – 30, 20 – 30, and still we reached 198 [196]. Which is a very good score.”That is because the role that we have given each player – he did his role in his phase. That’s why we reached that score. I think this is what our team needs – if we play eight batsmen, they will play their roles and we will get the score we want.”I see the same with bowling – it’s not any one person’s day – they might not get a chance to bowl four overs. He will get a chance to bowl one or two overs. I keep talking to the players about this. I want one or two overs from you. I want those two tight overs. You are creating pressure here so that the other bowler can come and take the wicket from the other end.”So, these small things, we keep talking about these things in the team. I think the message in the team is very clear. Our focus is not on the individual score, it is on the role, how you will play the role.”

From Tony Adams to Ashley Cole, from Cesc Fabregas to Jack Wilshere, and from Bukayo Saka to Ethan Nwaneri, it’s safe to say Arsenal have spawned some of the best young talent in world football over the last three decades.

The Hale End academy is revered around Europe and they’re not slowing down.

The start of Mikel Arteta’s reign was dominated by that man, Saka, and now, a few years into his tenure, it appears as though Nwaneri is beginning to make a name for himself too, starring in the offensive line.

With 15-year-old Max Dowman also causing a stir at youth level, the Gunners certainly look like they’re set up for a bright future.

From the above list, we’ve missed off a few names, perhaps most notably Myles Lewis-Skelly. Sadly for him, Andrea Berta and Co could be about to sign some competition.

Arsenal targeting one of the finest young talents in Europe

A lot of the talk so far this window has been dominated by the elusive striker. Will Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres arrive? Only time will tell.

Transfer Focus

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

That said, it’s important that Berta doesn’t neglect other areas of the pitch, and probably to the dismay of Arsenal fans aplenty, the defence could be bolstered again.

Reports from the Athletic this week suggest that they are looking to sign someone who can play second fiddle to William Saliba and Gabriel with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi earmarked. We’ve also seen less concrete reports suggesting that Arsenal are looking at former Manchester City centre-back, Aymeric Laporte, who now plays in Saudi Arabia.

However, there’s a player who’s a great deal more exciting than both of them; Jorrel Hato.

Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the Ajax star and this summer, he could finally be on the move with a host of clubs interested in prising him away from Amsterdam.

The young Dutchman is attracting the interest of Chelsea, but recent reports from journalist Graeme Bailey this week suggest their London rivals have also held talks regarding a move.

Bailey revealed that Arsenal considered a move for £40m-rated defender last summer and are now considering making a formal bid following ‘successful talks’ with Ajax.

How Hato could replicate Arsenal's great young talents

It’s safe to say that when things have been tough for Arteta at Arsenal, the younger players at his disposal have come up trumps.

It was Saka and Emile Smith Rowe who combined so successfully during the Spaniard’s first year at Arsenal and with injuries decimating the squad in 2024/25, it was Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly who stood up.

The former ended up playing 37 matches in all competitions, scoring nine goals, most notably bagging against Manchester City in Arsenal’s remarkable 5-1 win at the Emirates.

Also on the scoresheet that day was Lewis-Skelly whose meteoric rise has been staggering. He hadn’t made his debut for the club before this season but ended the campaign having dominated Real Madrid, shone against PSG and even scored on his England debut.

Well, Hato, aged just 19, is very much cut from the same cloth as his fellow teenage stars.

Like Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, he made his senior debut as a boy. While Nwaneri was only 15 at the time of his Premier League debut, making him the youngest player in the competition’s history, Hato was only 16 when Ajax gave him his Eredivisie debut.

#1 Ethan Nwaneri

15 years, 5 months, 28 days

#2 Jack Porter

16 years, 2 months, 10 days

#3 Cesc Fabregas

16 years, 5 months, 24 days

#4 Jack Wilshere

16 years, 8 months, 12 days

#5 Jermaine Pennant

16 years, 10 months, 15 days

#6 Paul Vaessen

16 years, 11 months, 11 days

#7 Ryan Smith

16 years, 11 months, 18 days

#8 Gedion Zelalem

16 years, 11 months, 29 days

#9 Armand Traore

17 years, 16 days

Since then, the defender – who can play at left-back and centre-back – has risen up the ranks remarkably swiftly.

He’s already played 111 times for the Dutch giants – making him the youngest member of Ajax’s 100 club, and has been described as “one of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Also labelled as an “elite talent” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Hato evidently has the world at his feet. He’s making a stir just as Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly have. He’s got the confidence and swagger they both have too.

Incredibly, he’s already got amazing leadership skills despite his tender age. He’s captained his boyhood club on several occasions, which is just one of many boxes Hato seems to tick.

Versatile? Check. Leadership skills? Check. Experience in Europe? Check. This would be an amazing deal if Arteta and Co can get it over the line.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers managed to enjoy a comfortable end to the campaign and have now made an approach to bring a talented youngster to Molineux this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Wolves transfer rumours with Cunha set to join Man Utd

The Old Gold spent a portion of the campaign flirting with relegation from the Premier League. However, Vitor Pereira made sure that no such thoughts managed to enter their psyche in the West Midlands and secured safety with plenty of time to spare.

Thanking supporters for their crucial role in backing the team, the Portuguese boss has promised to add to his Wolves squad this summer to ensure a repeat scenario doesn’t unfold next term.

He stated: “Our supporters, they are fantastic. I’m very proud of them, very proud of my team, proud of our work, proud of our club, all the staff, all the efforts that everybody did to finish the league in the situation that we know we can build on in the future.”

Matheus Cunha may be on his way to Manchester United, though Pereira has already profiled Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss as an ideal Wolves replacement for the Brazil international.

A bid of around £22 million should be enough to entice him away from the King Power Stadium, and he is far from the only star lined up at Molineux now the window is around the corner.

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Lazio defender Mario Gila could also pitch up at Wolves if they can see off competition from Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion for his signature.

Plenty of movement is underway as the Old Gold build for next season, and they have now reportedly made an approach for a highly-rated talent.

Romano: Wolves make approach for Liverpool's Kieran Morrison

Taking to social media platform X, renowned transfer specialist Romano has reported that Wolves have made an approach for “highly rated” Liverpool winger Kieran Morrison.

Said to be on their shortlist, there is also competition from around Europe for his signature as the summer window kicks off in earnest.

Capable of operating out wide or in a central role, the Northern Ireland Under-19 international has registered five goals and six assists in 27 appearances for Liverpool’s youth development squad this season.

It feels unlikely that Morrison would immediately become a first-team figure at Molineux, though his versatility and scope to develop would be an attracting commodity looking towards the future.

Under contract at Anfield until 2027, it remains to be seen what type of fee he could command if he were to leave the Merseyside giants. However, it may be worth noting that a sale would likely count as pure profit for Liverpool, indicating that a move could go through before the PSR deadline.

Today is the day for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou and his team can make their fans forget about their diabolically poor domestic season by continuing their impressive European run and winning the Europa League Final.

However, with Manchester United having a stellar track record on the continent this season as well, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll get their hand on the trophy come full-time.

To give his team a better chance of coming away victorious, Postecoglou will have to make a number of changes to the starting lineup that lost away to Aston Villa on Friday night, like dropping Mikey Moore.

Why Moore should be dropped

The first thing to say is that while we think Moore should be taken out of the team, that doesn’t mean we don’t think he’ll have a large part to play for the club in the coming seasons.

After all, his youth record of 21 goals and 15 assists in 34 appearances across the various levels is nothing short of spectacular, and according to respected analyst Ben Mattinson, he’s a “future superstar” in the making.

However, he is still just 17 years old, and while he has looked reasonably impressive for the senior team here and there, he’s not had a significant enough impact – three goal involvements in 21 games – to warrant a start in the club’s biggest game since the Champions League Final.

Minutes

87′

Expected Goals

0.00

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.00

Assists

0

Accurate passes

7/9 (78%)

Key passes

0

Crosses (accurate)

1 (0)

Shots on target

0

Ground duels (won)

9 (4)

Possession lost

7

Dribbled past

2

Dribble attempts (successful)

3 (0)

Moreover, his inexperience showed somewhat at Villa Park, as he struggled to assert himself on the game and eventually came off the pitch in the 87th minute, having made just seven passes and failing in 100% of his dribbles.

Moreover, with Brennan Johnson still the team’s top scorer in all competitions this term, with 17 in 49 games, it should go without saying that he should be starting on the right ahead of everyone else.

The other Spurs star who should be dropped

Given the underwhelming nature of the game, there are a few other players you could bring up who should probably be taken out of the team for the final, like Archie Gray, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies and more.

Yet, in this instance, we are talking about another starter in the attack: Mathys Tel.

The young Frenchman might well be one of the more exciting players in the Lilywhites’ squad, with some at the club reportedly labelling him a “generational talent” before he arrived in February, but against the Villans, he didn’t do enough to convince us he should keep his place in the team for tonight’s monumental clash.

Minutes

96′

Expected Goals

0.00

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.15

Assists

0

Accurate passes

12/14 (86%)

Key passes

1

Crosses (accurate)

1 (0)

Shots on target

0

Big chances created

1

Dribble attempts (successful)

5 (1)

Duels (won)

14 (4)

Possession lost

11

Fouls

4

For example, despite leading the line for 96 minutes, he failed to take a single shot on target, registered just 0.15 expected assists, failed in 80% of his attempted dribbles, completed only 12 passes, failed in 100% of his crosses, missed one big chance, lost ten of 14 duels, lost the ball 11 times and committed four fouls.

Add to that the fact that he’s scored just three goals and provided one assist in 19 appearances for the club this season, and it’s almost impossible to make a convincing argument about why he should lead the line against the Red Devils.

Moreover, Dominic Solanke, the man who should come in to replace him, has been far more effective in front of goal this season, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 43 appearances.

Ultimately, Tel could still be a useful asset for Spurs in tonight’s final, but to get the most out of him, Postecoglou would be better off starting him on the bench and then bringing him on later into the match as things get stretched so that he can exploit the opening spaces with his pace.

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Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston ended the season on a disappointing note when they missed their spot kicks for Celtic in the final of the SFA Cup.

Aberdeen took them to penalties at Hampden Park, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, and the two Hoops stars stepped up to miss from he spot, securing the trophy for the Dons.

This meant that the Bhoys failed to win the domestic treble for the second time in as many seasons since Brendan Rodgers returned to Parkhead, as they also won two of the three available trophies last term.

They did still win the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup, though, in what was a successful campaign for the club irrespective of what happened in the SFA Cup final.

It was also still a successful season for Johnston at right-back despite his penalty miss at the national stadium, as he provided impressive performances down the right flank for the Premiership champions throughout the year.

How Alistair Johnston had a successful season for Celtic

The Canada international combined solid defensive work with a desire to get forward to make an impact at the top end of the pitch to offer a fantastic all-round presence at right-back, both in the Champions League and the Premiership.

Johnston started all ten of the club’s matches in Europe, which illustrates how much Rodgers relied on him, and he ranked first out of all players in the squad with more than one start for tackles (2.8) and interceptions (1.4) per game.

This shows that the 26-year-old star was hugely important to Celtic from a defensive perspective, as he consistently made vital interventions to cut out opposition attacks with tackles and interceptions.

It was not only his form in Europe that caught the eye during the season for the Hoops, though, as the defender also delivered exciting displays from right-back in the Premiership.

Appearances

32

Goals

4

Big chances created

15

Key passes per game

1.5

Assists

10

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.0

As you can see in the table above, Johnston provided a decent goal threat from right-back, whilst also being an incredibly creative figure at the top end of the pitch, with almost one ‘big chance’ created every other game on average.

These statistics, along with his defensive numbers in the Champions League, show how the Canadian star has enjoyed a successful season for Celtic, despite his miss in the final against Aberdeen.

In March, The Athletic reported that Fulham and Ipswich were both plotting summer moves for the defender, which suggests that the Hoops may need to fight to keep hold of him.

This shows that his performances for Celtic have also attracted interest from elsewhere, and a fresh report has linked the club with a move for a player who plays in a similar position.

Celtic eyeing deal for Premiership defender

According to EFL Analysis, Celtic are one of the clubs interested in a deal to sign versatile Dundee star Josh Mulligan in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hoops are set to battle it out with English Championship side West Bromwich Albion to land the Scotland U21 international.

It reveals that the Baggies are already holding talks with the Scottish defender, whilst Celtic’s interest remains just that as it stands, ahead of his expected exit from Dundee.

Mulligan’s contract at Dens Park expires at the end of this month, and he is set to be available on a ‘free’ transfer, although Dundee would be due compensation due to his age.

Whilst West Brom appear to be ahead of the Hoops in the race, due to them already being in talks with the 22-year-old star, Celtic are eyeing up the Premiership star and he could be Johnston 2.0 for Rodgers next season.

Why Celtic should sign Josh Mulligan

At the age of 22, Mulligan could be a terrific addition to the Hoops squad as a long-term signing who could develop and improve with games over the seasons to come.

This means that he could also come in as a back-up to Johnston initially, if the Canada international does not move to the Premier League, because the youngster is at an age where he can bide his time if needed.

However, Mulligan is also a proven performer in the Premiership who could hit the ground running as a replacement for the Celtic star if that is the situation that he would walk into this summer.

The versatile star, who can play as a central or attacking midfielder, has caught the eye as a right-sided wing-back for Dundee in the top-flight.

As you can see in the clip above, his emergence in that position earned him plaudits from multiple pundits due to his attacking drive down the right flank.

Whilst Celtic do not play with wing-backs on paper, their dominance in matches means that Johnston is more or less a wing-back in how high he gets up the pitch and how many touches he takes.

Appearances

34

32

Touches per game

42.6

89.8

Big chances created

9

15

Assists

5

10

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.5

2.0

Duels won per game

5.2

3.6

As you can see in the table above, Mulligan has the potential to be Johnston 2.0 for the Hoops because he created nine ‘big chances’ and posted similar defensive numbers, despite taking less than half as many touches per game.

The 22-year-old star has shown a willingness to drive forward to make things happen at the top end of the pitch from a wing-back position, and was once compared to Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur icon Gareth Bale, who started out his career as a full-back.

Former teammate Simon Ferry said: “He’s a Rolls-Royce like Gareth Bale – powerful, strong, direct. He’s a machine at that age. He wants to learn, listens to you.”

This shows that Celtic could have another ‘machine’ racing down the right flank to deliver assists next season even if they do cash in on Johnston, because Mulligan has the potential to be a fantastic signing for the club.

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Therefore, the Hoops should consider opening talks to land the out-of-contract defender in the summer transfer window to beat West Brom to his signature.

Arsenal are now in “advanced” talks to sign a marquee player ahead of interest from Premier League champions Liverpool, with new sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly making an eventful start to life as Edu’s successor.

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Mikel Arteta guided them to FA Cup glory during the COVID pandemic in 2020, clinching a piece of silverware amid his first campaign in charge of the club, but there has been precious little in the way of honours since then.

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

You can make a serious argument that this is largely down to Man City’s invincibility over the last few years, barring this campaign, with Arsenal racking up a brilliant 89 points last term only for Pep Guardiola’s side to eventually take all the plaudits.

As per the above table, Arsenal have invested significantly in the squad, and some debate is even beginning to arise over whether Arteta is the right manager to end the club’s two-decade-long-plus wait for a league title.

They’ve undoubtedly evolved into an elite-level side under Arteta’s tenure, as their run to the Champions League semi-finals highlights, so reports of a potential exit for the 43-year-old have been few and far between, with the consensus being that Arsenal are continuing to show faith in him.

“It’s a great achievement, in 2025, to not win a trophy for five years and still be the manager at a top club that isn’t under pressure – from us, from anybody in the football community or even anyone in the Arsenal fanbase,” said Sky pundit Gary Neville.

“That’s an incredible achievement because we thought those days were gone whereby you can have this type of patience being afforded to you. I think it’s a good thing: normally with five years without a trophy you’d ordinarily see a manager be under pressure.

“That’s significant in that you think there is progression.”

Arsenal in advanced talks to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres

However, this may not last for long if Arsenal don’t end their trophy drought soon, and Berta has every intention of backing Arteta with key signings that will reinforce the squad and hand Arteta the best possible chance of achieving glory. Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is a top target, according to widespread reports.

The “massively underrated” Sweden international appears destined to leave Sporting after a haul of 50 goals in all competitions, and some media sources suggest Arsenal have already offered him personal terms worth £135,000-per-week to join them (A Bola).

Now, CaughtOffside shares some more intriguing news about the saga. The outlet reports that Arsenal’s talks to sign Gyokeres are at an “advanced” stage, and they are currently leading the chase for his signature ahead of both Liverpool and Man United.

Arteta’s side are apparently closing in on a five-year deal for the striker, but CO claim it is actually worth around £9 million-per-year, rather than the previously mooted £7 million.

While Liverpool and United are still contending, it is reiterated that Arsenal are in pole position, with the ex-Coventry City star, who has an £84 million release clause in his contract, seemingly nearing a return to England.

Arsenal fans have to be feeling pretty down right now.

After coming close to silverware in 22/23 and closer still last year, they have once again seen their team fail to win the Premier League and, fresher than that, fail to win their first Champions League semi-final in over a decade.

Mikel Arteta must be feeling like he’s been cursed right about now, and while that’s probably taking things too far, there is one disappointing trend that has followed the club for almost twenty years now.

Since William Gallas received the armband in 2007, more often than not, the Gunners’ captains have either seen their form fade, suffered injury after injury, or most dramatically of all, simply fallen out with the fans – and the current skipper is no different.

Arsenal's cursed armband

While we could go through every captain the club have had in the last twenty or so years, there are two more recent players who perhaps demonstrate what we are talking about better than any others: Granit Xhaka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Chalkboard

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Despite being a known firebrand and someone capable of doing ridiculous things on a football pitch, the former was elected skipper by his teammates in September 2019 under manager Unai Emery.

Now, in his defence, it wasn’t a particularly nice time for the club; the team had just missed out on the top four, had been humiliated in the Europa League Final by Chelsea, and started the new campaign poorly, so it felt like something was going to give at some point, and it did.

It was a home game against Crystal Palace in November of the same year, and with the score level at 2-2, the Swiss international was taken off in the 61st minute, but instead of being clapped off, he was jeered, which saw him respond in kind by throwing the shirt and armband to the floor.

It looked like his Arsenal career was over, but somehow, Arteta convinced him to stay, and he became a firm fan favourite again, no longer with the weight of the captaincy on his shoulders.

Unfortunately, things didn’t end so well for Aubameyang, as within a year of taking the role from the Swiss midfielder, he saw his previously incredible goalscoring ability all but disappear.

Moreover, he wasn’t just making the wrong choices on the pitch either, as he was increasingly pushing the limits off of it, with the manager famously leaving him out of the North London Derby in March 2021.

The situation became so negative that the club were forced to let him leave for free in January 2022, which would have been inconceivable when he first received the armband.

The bad news is that the curse once again seems alive and well.

Arsenal's curse continues

Indeed, while we all hoped it wasn’t the case, it’s become increasingly difficult to deny the sad reality that, as things stand, Martin Odegaard appears to be the next victim of Arsenal’s captaincy curse.

The Norwegian maestro was first handed the massive responsibility in the summer of 2022, at just 23 years old, and for a good couple of years, it looked as if he was going to be the first skipper in a generation to lead the club to glory.

However, he picked up the first significant injury of his Gunners career early on this season, and while everyone expected him to take a while to get back to his best upon his return, it’s been six months now, and he looks a shadow of the man who won successive Player of the Year awards.

Appearances

45

48

42

Minutes

3404′

4053′

3252′

Goals

15

11

5

Assists

7

11

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.48

0.45

0.38

Minutes per Goal Involvement

154.72′

184.22

203.25′

Moreover, the £30m signing’s drop in output, while undeniable, is only part of the problem.

For example, instead of picking up the ball from deep and getting it forward with a brilliant pass or mercurial piece of skill, every action now looks laboured, as if he’s running with weights in his boots.

Moreover, his ability to hold onto the ball in dangerous areas has seemingly fallen off a cliff, with every fan now all too familiar with the picture of him receiving the ball on the edge of the box and then simply losing it, either through a misjudged pass or poor control.

The consistently lacklustre performances are starting to turn fans as well, with content creator Rimedi arguing he’s “not at the level” to lead this team and the Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid exclaiming that he was “anonymous” during the second half of their game in Paris a few days ago.

Ultimately, next season will let us know whether Odegaard really is just the next victim of the club’s wretched curse or just out of form – although it’s not looking good.

Arsenal line up move for PSG star who'd be a big upgrade on Martinelli

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ByJack Salveson Holmes May 8, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now tabled a contract offer to sign an “excellent” midfielder, and they are looking to beat Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur to his signature, according to a report.

Wolves stepping up summer transfer plans

Wolves are on a remarkable run of form under the helm of Vitor Pereira, winning their last six Premier League games on the spin to move up to 13th in the table, and the manager will be hoping his side can carry the momentum into the 2025-26 campaign.

Before then, however, Pereira will have the opportunity to put his own stamp on the squad, and targets have been picked out in a number of areas in recent days, with Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy recently being named as an option at striker.

Internal talks have also been held over a move for West Bromwich Albion’s Grady Diangana, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, although it may be difficult to convince the winger to move to the Baggies’ bitter rivals.

Vitor Pereira wants Wolves to sign 22 y/o ace who he's worked with before

He could be a strong addition to Wanderers’ midfield.

1 ByHenry Jackson Apr 25, 2025

With speculation building over Matheus Cunha’s future, it may be particularly important for Pereira to strengthen in forward areas this summer, but the Old Gold are also keen on strengthening their options in the middle of the park.

That is according to a report from Spain (via Sport Witness), which states Wolves have now offered to triple Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso’s salary, in a bid to lure the USA international to Molineux this summer.

Tottenham have a deal which allows them to buy Cardoso for €25m (£21m) which he agreed to last summer, but there is now a growing possibility that he leaves for a higher amount, with a €30m – €35m (£25m – £30m) move on the cards.

Interest is growing from within the Premier League, and the Old Gold’s willingness to triple his salary underlines just how highly the 23-year-old is regarded at Molineux.

"Excellent" Cardoso impressing in La Liga

It is little wonder that clubs are now queuing up to sign the Betis star, given that he has put in some impressive performances over the past year, most notably flourishing in a defensive role, although he also ranks relatively highly for non-penalty goals, when compared to other midfielders.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.12 (72nd percentile)

Successful take-ons

0.96 (80th percentile)

Interceptions

2.12 (98th percentile)

Clearances

2.47 (91st percentile)

As such, the American is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, and he has also been praised for his ability to pick out his teammates by scout/writer Ben Mattinson.

It may be difficult for Wolves to compete for Cardoso’s signature, given that Tottenham have the option to sign him, but there is every indication he could be a success at Molineux if they are able to win the race.

Arsenal have a huge summer ahead of them if they are to finally make the step-up and end their generational wait for a Premier League title triumph.

Mikel Arteta has led the Gunners to a second-placed finish in each of the last two seasons, looking increasingly likely to finish in the same position once again this time around.

Additions are needed in the summer if they are to push for a title battle, with squad depth needed in key areas of the pitch to prevent a repeat of the situation that has occurred this campaign.

Injuries have plagued the squad, leading to various players having to operate in unfamiliar roles, restricting the progress the Gunners have made under the Spaniard’s guidance.

However, with the summer rapidly approaching, new sporting director Andrea Berta has wasted no time in identifying targets to improve the squad and help mount their title ambitions.

The latest on Arsenal’s pursuit of new attackers this summer

In recent days, Arsenal have taken the lead in the race for Athletic Club’s Spanish forward Nico Williams, with Barcelona pulling out of the running to land the 22-year-old.

The youngster has been on the club’s radar over the last couple of years, but it appears Berta looks set to reignite interest in his signature over the coming months.

A previous report has claimed that the Gunners are willing to trigger his £50m release clause within his current contract in an attempt to bolster Arteta’s forward line ahead of 2025/26.

However, other names have already been thrown into the mix, with Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez the latest name touted with a summer deal to the Emirates.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Arteta’s men are leading the race for the 19-year-old’s signature but also face stiff competition from Liverpool and Chelsea for the star, who has a £42m release clause.

Why Rodriguez would be better than Williams for Arsenal

Williams will undoubtedly be top of many fans shopping list ahead of the summer transfer window, with his figures at the top level of LaLiga nothing short of sensational.

He would undoubtedly provide the options which the manager has been hunting for in recent months, offering a solution to their ongoing injury issues.

However, the same could be said for fellow target Rodriguez, with the compatriot potentially a better and cheaper alternative than the Athletic Club sensation.

It’s been the 19-year-old’s breakthrough year as a professional, playing a key role in the club’s hunt to claim Europa Conference League glory come the end of the season.

When comparing their respective stats from the current season, Rodriguez has managed to outperform fellow target Williams in numerous key areas – highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be in North London.

Games played

15

27

Goals & assists

1

10

Shot-on-target accuracy

37%

36%

Pass accuracy

72%

70%

Tackles won

1.6

1.2

Take-on success

97%

36%

Carries into final third

3.4

2.6

Fouls won

3.6

1.6

The winger, who’s been labelled “outstanding” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has managed to notch a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature in attacking areas.

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons this season, whilst also registering more carries into the final third per 90, highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

Rodriguez is a threat at both ends of the pitch, winning more tackles per 90, having the defensive quality and work ethic to regain possession should the Gunners find themselves under the cosh.

Either winger would massively bolster the attacking department in North London, certainly providing the reinforcements Arteta has craved over the last couple of months.

But given the age difference and contrast in quality, the hierarchy must certainly push for Rodriguez’s signature, desperately needing to pursue a move to avoid missing out on him to an English rival.

Imagine him & Gyokeres: Arsenal leading the race to sign £50m sensation

Arsenal could be about to massively improve their forward line ahead of 2025/26.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 17, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race for an “amazing” Premier League midfielder, but there could be fierce competition for his signature from some of Europe’s top clubs, according to a report.

Spurs' summer transfer plans

The 1-0 victory at Eintracht Frankfurt last week has provided Totttenham with a real chance to make a success out of this season, with Ange Postecoglou’s side now just a two-legged tie against Bodo/Glimt away from reaching the Europa League final.

However, having fallen way below expectations in the Premier League, Spurs have set out to make serious improvements to their squad this summer, with targets being identified in multiple positions, including attacking midfield.

Como maestro Nico Paz has recently been named as a potential target for the Lilywhites, having enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Serie A, while they have also set their sights on Athletic Bilbao’s Oihan Sancet.

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The Lilywhites want to hold discussions.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 19, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, Tottenham are also considering options from within the Premier League, and they have now joined the race for Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly, who is attracting the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs.

Having enjoyed a breakthrough season with Man City, the likes of Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain have now expressed an interest in O’Reilly, while Chelsea and Newcastle United headline the interest from the Premier League.

The 20-year-old is an attacking midfielder by trade, but he has showcased his versatility by starring at left-back since breaking into the City starting XI, and Pep Guardiola is eager to keep hold of him.

In fact, such is City’s determination to retain the services of the youngster, who has previously been valued at £40m, they are in talks over a new contract, which could make it very difficult for Spurs to lure him to north London.

"Amazing" O'Reilly starring for Man City

It is little wonder some of Europe’s top clubs are now queuing up for the starlet, given the level of his performances since breaking into the Man City side, scoring twice in his last two Premier League outings, including what could be a very important effort against Everton last time out.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has clearly been impressed by the City academy graduate’s recent displays, lauding him as “amazing” earlier this month, while also describing him as a “versatile and quality player”, given the job he has done at left-back.

That said, it seems unlikely that Tottenham will be able to sign the England U20 international this summer, considering he is now closing in on a contract extension at the Etihad Stadium, which means they may have to move on to other attacking midfield targets, of which there is no shortage.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Nico Paz

Como

£8m

Oihan Sancet

Athletic Bilbao

£69m

Jobe Bellingham

Sunderland

£20m

Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace

£50m