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Arsenal "will make" a second midfield signing this summer as manager Mikel Arteta continues his squad overhaul, according to reports.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The north Londoners mean business this summer and sporting director Edu has been very busy so far, having already sealed deals for Germany international Kai Havertz, defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax and a club-record £105 million move for Declan Rice.

Arsenal's total expenditure by the end of this transfer window could total over £200 million, as per claims in the media, with the Gunners also linked to making further signings.

Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia, who is also attracting their interest, may cost around £50 million but Arsenal are believed to be targeting the Belgium international. Further forward, it is also said that they want to sign Montepellier forward Elye Wahi, alongside the likes of Newcastle, Strasbourg and Eintracht Frankfurt.

However, if they're to make these moves, Arsenal may well need to offload certain players to balance the books -with former midfield general Granit Xhaka already making the move to Bayer Leverkusen recently.

Thomas Partey, who was a fixture in Arteta's starting eleven, may well be on the way out himself as Arsenal seemingly plot a major revamp of their midfield.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, backing their interest in Lavia, reporter Ryan Taylor of The Daily Express has assured supporters that they "will make" a second midfield signing this summer. Even if Lavia's price tag is a deterrent right now, Taylor does expect another addition in that area, while he also claims Partey looks certain to make way.

"As we know, Liverpool were there as well and again, my understanding of Lavia is the price tag needs to drop," said Taylor.

"I don't think any of those parties are prepared to pay £45-50 million for him, particularly after Southampton's relegation. So I do believe Arsenal will make a second midfield signing and I do also expect Thomas Partey to make way."

Little else is said on how Edu and co expect to fund the signing of another body in that area, but going by Taylor's claim, Gooners can await more potential transfer activity before the window's closure.

Who else should Arsenal sign?

We believe Lavia is, by far, a brilliant candidate to shore up Arteta's midfield options further whilst providing real strength in depth.

While the 19-year-old's price tag is arguably excessive, especially considering the Saints' drop to the Championship, there is little denying his quality.

If Southampton are willing to compromise on Lavia's asking price, the teenager could be a brilliant addition, with members of the press revering his sky high ceiling.

Last season, the midfielder stood out as a "shining star" at St. Mary's Stadium, at least according to journalist Sam Tighe, who also said that Arsenal supporters should be "excited" by his potential arrival.

"I watched every game Roméo Lavia played last season and he was absolutely incredible," said the reporter on Twitter.

"A shining star despite playing in terrible circumstances most of the time. Arsenal reportedly advancing on a deal…one to be very excited about."

The former Man City starlet has also been praised by Pep Guardiola for his brilliant first season on the south coast.

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni, as Mikel Arteta targets his midfield as an area for revitalisation this summer.

The Gunners revealed yesterday that Granit Xhaka had departed to join Bayer Leverkusen, leaving space for the north Londoners to announce the signing of Declan Rice.

Arsenal’s midfield has been the narrative of their transfer window so far, with the future of Rice dominating news, however with the deal agreed, reporters have indicated that further reinforcements could be made.

Did Arsenal bid for Aurelien Tchouameni?

Last week, it was reported by FootballTransfers that the Gunners hold an interest in Tchouameni, stating that the club had ‘added’ the 23-year-old to their list of targets, although no bid has yet been made.

An update this week from football.london’s Arsenal correspondent Kaya Kaynak explained that despite the deal being ‘unlikely’ it’s not appropriate to rule the Londoners out of anything in this window.

Kaynak noted: “It's hard to really say what is and isn't financially viable for Arsenal before they get some sales done. All of that money will be available to reinvest into the playing staff this summer.

"I have to say when you factor in the wages he would likely demand Tchouameni seems unlikely, but then again Arsenal have spent £105m on Declan Rice this summer so I'm not sure we can rule anything out.”

Valued by FootballTransfers around the €63m (£54m) mark, signing the midfielder would be an audacious move by Edu.

How good is Aurelien Tchouameni?

Lauded as a “monster” by members of the media, the 23-year-old Frenchman has proved himself to be one of the best young midfielders in Europe.

Signed by Los Blancos from Monaco last summer, the Rouen-born ace has shot to fame since rising up the ranks at Bordeaux.

Deployed primarily as a defensive midfielder, the youngster has sealed 25 caps for France, scoring on two occasions with one goal coming at the 2022 World Cup.

A move for the dynamic Frenchman would be a statement for Arsenal, with the player cementing himself as a top performer in the continent.

As per FBref, the midfielder sits in the top 1% of players in Europe in terms of both pass completion rate and interceptions (1.98 per 90), highlighting the areas he thrives in when controlling the engine room.

Averaging a 92.9% pass completion rate per 90 over the past year, the 23-year-old would undoubtedly bolster Arteta’s side, especially those around him.

Gunners captain Martin Odegaard was voted the club’s player of the year last term, scoring 15 goals and registering seven assists as the magician in the Emirates midfield.

Having cover from Tchouameni would surely allow the Norwegian to further flourish, knowing he has a truly competent and defensive figure behind him.

The 24-year-old skipper averaged 7.66 progressive passes and 2.19 key passes per 90 in the Premier League last season, via FBref, highlighting the danger the attacking midfielder adds to the Gunners’ attack when given creative freedom in the number 10 role.

A lot of Odegaard’s form was attributable to the cover and passing ability of Xhaka behind him, with the Swiss averaging an impressive 5.89 progressive passes per 90.

The Frenchman could replicate the work of the 30-year-old by helping Odegaard’s game, as supported by his average of 6.03 progressive passes per 90 in La Liga last season.

It would be an impressive swoop for the Gunners, who could take a huge step in the development of the title-challenging side this summer. Indeed, this is a move that could well make one of their star men even more unplayable. Imagine that.

Chelsea are considering opening a fresh round of discussions to bring Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana to the Premier League, according to reports.

Is Andre Onana leaving Inter Milan?

The Cameroon international still has another four years remaining on his contract at San Siro, but having made 24 Serie A starts from 38 games last season after sharing the gloves with Samir Handanovic who is the club’s captain, he could be looking to secure a move and establish himself as a prominent first-choice elsewhere.

The Athletic credited the Blues with an interest in the 27-year-old three years ago, so they have clearly been long-term admirers, but back in March, Gazzetta Dello Sport reported that they had knocked on his door only to be turned down by the player with Simone Inzaghi’s side also resisting the temptation to cash in.

However, Nizaar Kinsella, who is a journalist for Standard Sport, recently claimed that the shot-stopper is now “open to the move” so he must have had a change of heart, something which Mauricio Pochettino and Todd Boehly are considering capitalising on.

Are Chelsea signing Onana?

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea could "discuss" Onana once again "in the coming days" when they hold talks with Inter regarding the future of Romelu Lukaku.

The Blues would be "open" to striking a deal for the goalkeeper, though it would likely mean players "moving in the other direction". Manchester United are also pushing to reach an agreement, but the SW6 outfit are not "out of the race" despite initially thinking his price tag of £50m was "too expensive".

Recent reports have suggested that Pochettino is happy to head into the 2023/24 season with Kepa Arrizabalaga as his number one, but with Edouard Mendy having completed a medical to join Al-Ahli, Chelsea’s manager will need a replacement to challenge the Spaniard and Onana could be just the goalkeeper he’s looking for.

Across all competitions last term, he kept 19 clean sheets from 41 appearances and in Serie A made 61 saves from 83 shots on target against, giving him a 73.5% save percentage – higher than both Kepa and Mendy.

Inter’s 6 foot 2 colossus also has a strong range of passing having successfully completed all of his 224 short passes and 98% of his medium length attempts, an attribute that has seen him hailed “exceptional with his feet” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, so for such a well-rounded player, it would be a massive coup to secure his services.

Newcastle United are creeping closer towards a breakthrough in negotiations for Leicester City's James Maddison, but still face a battle to reach an agreement for the England international.

What's the latest on James Maddison to Newcastle?

According to CBS Sports' Ben Jacobs, Newcastle "will move" for the 26-year-old after sustaining a vested interest in his services since failing with a £50m bid last summer.

The sticking point at present lies in the fact that the Foxes feel their prized midfielder is worth £55m, whereas Newcastle's sporting director Dan Ashworth is unwilling to pay more than £40m for a player relegated from the Premier League this term and with just one year left on his current deal.

Having qualified for the Champions League this year after two decades away, the Magpies are looking to make first-rate moves to bolster Eddie Howe's squad and an attacking midfielder has been highlighted as an area for investment.

Should Newcastle sign James Maddison?

The £110k-per-week star endured a torrid season with Leicester succumbing to the drop after years of impressive work under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, notably winning the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

However, Maddison can hold his head high after producing prolific and robust performances with regularity despite his outfit's woes, scoring ten goals and supplying nine assists from 28 starts in the Premier League, subsequently mentioned among the "world-class" crop of talent England boast at present by Dean Saunders.

The three-cap gem could catalyse Newcastle's midfield in a manner not too dissimilar to that of Martin Odegaard, with the Norwegian maestro thriving at the heart of Arsenal's centre over the past several seasons following his £30m permanent transfer to the club after an initial loan deal.

The Gunners captain is listed as the most comparable midfield player to Maddison via FBref's 'Similar Players" model, and ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 14% for rate of assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for progressive passes, the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90.

This illustrates the sensational calibre and impact the "wizard" – as dubbed by footballer Babayele Sodade – has had on this resurgent Arsenal team, now fighting at the forefront of the Premier League pack after years mired in obscurity.

Maddison could emulate this at St. James's Park, ranking among the top 1% of peers for rate of non-penalty goals, rate of assists and shot-creating actions, the top 11% for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90 – praised as a "monster" by journalist Josh Bunting.

Indeed, both players evidently possess that intricate ability to carry the ball forward and unlock a defence with relative ease.

Given the sheer brilliance of Odegaard's trade and his orchestrating prowess, it's clear to see that Newcastle would only flourish by procuring a signature worthy of matching the prominent player in both merit and effectiveness, and Maddison is the man for the job.

England’s spinners will have the services of Saqlain Mushtaq to call up until after the third Test in Mohali after his contract was extended

George Dobell in Rajkot13-Nov-20161:59

Compton: Saqlain’s presence will give Rashid a lot of confidence

Saqlain Mushtaq will remain with the England team until the end of the third Test in Mohali after agreeing an extension to his deal with the ECB.Saqlain, the former Pakistan offspinner, is currently in the middle of a second spell as spin-bowling consultant with the England side but had originally been contracted to spend just a couple of weeks with the team. He was scheduled to leave the tour after the first Test.But with all three spinners in the England side enjoying an improved performance in Rajkot, it has now been decided to retain his services for a little longer. While there had been some concerns over whether they would be able to extend his visa due to the strained relationship between India and Pakistan, the ECB has confirmed that the issue has been resolved.The ECB has been criticised in recent times – not least by Graeme Swann – for not providing the same level of support to spin bowlers as other disciplines within the side. While batting and bowling coaches travel with the team nearly all the time, the likes of Saqlain and, before him, Mushtaq Ahmed, have been contracted for just a few days a few times a year. Sometimes this has been arranged only a couple of days before games, providing little time for meaningful coaching or improvement.Adil Rashid’s improved showing in Rajkot has, in part, been credited to Saqlain, though. Encouraged to bowl at his natural pace, rather than bowl quicker which has been a feature of recent performances, Rashid gained impressive turn and noted Saqlain’s input on field placement and game plans.

Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey could leave the club during the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Dean Jones.

Has Bailey had a good season for Villa?

The Villans' fortunes have turned around so much this season, with things looking bleak earlier in the campaign when Steven Gerrard was in charge. Since Unai Emery has come in as manager, however, they have been transformed, with results and performances going up a significant gear.

So many individuals have improved under the Spaniard as the season has gone on and Bailey is one of them, because a more consistent and dangerous presence in Villa's attack. The £100,000-a-week attacker has scored and assisted four times apiece in the Premier League in 2022/23, with his most recent assist coming in the 2-1 win over Tottenham earlier this month.

The 25-year-old's current deal at Villa Park expires in the summer of 2025, however, and while there is still a couple of years left on it, there is the possibility that the club decides to potentially accept an offer for him at the end of the season.

Could Bailey leave Villa this summer?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Bailey is someone who could possibly depart once the summer window opens:

"I think there will be a market for him. He's the type of player that will always attract a certain level of club. I would be surprised if he was at Villa next season, even if he was to have a banging last game of the season."

This is a tricky one for Villa, with Bailey's displays much improved in recent months and his age meaning he could improve further in the coming years. That being said, he does arguably feel like someone who could both be improved and who Villa could receive good money for, so it is a key decision to make in the coming months.

The key ultimately depends on whether Emery sees the 19-cap and three-goal Jamaica international as an important figure moving forward, or if he believes there are stronger options out there.

Granted, he has got better after some questionable form in the past, but a more prolific wide man could help take Villa to that next level this season – someone who can deliver more relentless numbers than eight Premier League goal contributions in 32 appearances.

If Bailey stays, it is unlikely that many supporters will be complaining, but equally, there would be logic in letting him go, helping boost Villa's summer transfer kitty in the process.

Test cricket is “big-man cricket” and West Indies cannot use their youth and inexperience as a crutch to deflect against poor performances, according to Marlon Samuels

Karthik Krishnaswamy in Kingston29-Jul-2016

Test cricket is “big-man cricket” and West Indies cannot use their youth and inexperience as a crutch to deflect against poor performances, according to Marlon Samuels. Two days before the second Test against India at Sabina Park, Samuels said the young players will have to keep earning their places with their performances.”Well, first and foremost, I’m not going to be here to tell you that it’s a young team,” Samuels said. “For me to say that is like finding excuses for the team. It’s a Test team, and Test cricket is big-man cricket, and the players should know that by now.”They are here, playing Test cricket. So we all have to step up to the plate, and put up a very good challenge against the Indians. The Indians are a very good team, a very good unit, so what we want to try and build right now is a team spirit, and build a stronger unit in order [to move forward]. Yes, we have new players coming in, but they still have to deliver. At the end of the day, you have to do that to keep your job here.”A string of impressive limited-overs performances won Samuels West Indies’ Cricketer of the Year award, but his Test form has been poor in recent months. Before scoring a half-century in the second innings of the first Test in Antigua, he had failed to pass 20 in his 10 Test innings.”You make a half-century, it’s a milestone,” he said. “You have to cherish it, but at the end of the day I always want more. I haven’t been getting the runs that I’m looking for in the Test arena, but I’ve been making up in the shorter versions, so it augurs well that I’m doing well for the team as well. It’s just, I need to start focusing more and putting in some big performances, so the team can benefit from my performances.”Samuels looked forward to another Test in front of his home crowd at Sabina Park, and said he wanted to show them “what they have been seeing over the years – me coming out here, playing shots and just enjoying myself in the middle”. But his main aim, he said, was to help West Indies bounce back from their innings defeat in Antigua.”It’s a great opportunity for me,” he said. “Not too many sportsmen get to play in front of their home crowd. I’ve got the opportunity more than one time, so I cherish it, playing in front of a Jamaican crowd. As I said, it’s a great opportunity, not only for me, but for the team to make a turnaround and come here and play some positive cricket and put up, not just a challenge, but a fight.”According to some media reports, Samuels has been considering Test-match retirement, and Jeffrey Dujon, the former West Indies wicketkeeper who is part of the TV commentary team for this series, had suggested on air that this might be his last Test series. Samuels did not reveal his plans, and said his only focus, for now, was to do well in this series.”Jeffrey Dujon can say anything,” Samuels said. “But what I say is, I’m here to focus on the Test series and put my best foot forward, and make a significant contribution, so that whatever I do, the team can benefit from it. So that’s my ultimate goal and that’s my focus at the moment.”

Aston Villa are on the path towards an exciting time ahead with Unai Emery at the helm on his Premier League return.

When the club hired the Spaniard in November, not many would have dreamed how the season could end, with Villa still in contention for a top-six finish and European football next campaign.

The four-time Europa League-winning coach has installed a new sense of belief in the squad, taking players to the next level and placing the club in a positive direction.

While things are ticking at Villa Park this season, the Spaniard has been linked with a number of players that could improve his squad in terms of depth and in signing future stars.

Earlier this week, the Villans were linked with a potential double swoop for a Serie A pair, in a move that could have a positive influence on Villa’s hopes to compete at this level again next season.

What’s the latest on Denzel Dumfries to Aston Villa?

As reported by InterLive – via SportWitness – Villa are planning a €55m (£48m) offer to sign Inter Milan duo Marcelo Brozovic and Denzel Dumfries.

Both players have been linked with a move away from Inter this summer, with InterLive’s report claiming that Mateu Alemany – who had been set to join Villa until a change of heart – could be the key influence in any move.

However, since revelations regarding Alemany's own future, there has been no update on whether Dumfries remains a target.

What could Denzel Dumfries bring to Aston Villa?

Lauded as a “monster” by journalist Alan Rzepa on Twitter, the right-back is one of the top performing in his position in Europe over the past year as per FBref.

The 27-year-old ranks in the top 4% in Europe’s top five leagues in his position for his rate of aerials won, with 1.97 per 90.

The most dominating attribute the Dutchman offers is his ability to get forward, which is a key strength for a full-back when entering the Premier League.

Having caught the eye for his pace and directness, the £55k-per-week defender is a threat in attack on the flanks.

Such a claim is supported by the £35m-rated full-back's numbers which rank him in the top 1% of those in his position in Europe for most touches in the attacking penalty area, averaging a huge 4.01 per 90.

While Ashley Young is a seasoned professional in the Premier League, having made 421 appearances in the league over the years, the 37-year-old is nearing the end of his playing career.

The Stevenage-born right-back has been a key member of Emery’s squad, however, finding depth in his position is vital.

Dumfries could opt as a worthy heir to the Englishman, as a player that is experienced himself having played among Europe’s elite in his career at Inter.

Only time will tell if the Dutchman will reside at Villa Park come the end of summer, however, his talent and suitability to Emery’s squad is an exciting prospect.

There are two potential scenarios for the proposed 49ers Enterprises takeover of Leeds United if they are relegated, journalist Phil Hay has explained.

What's going on with Leeds?

The 49ers Enterprises now own 44% of the club, and a full takeover has been mooted for some time, with the expectation that a deal could happen at the end of this season.

However, Leeds find themselves in a relegation battle, and with just four games left of the season, they have brought in Sam Allardyce in a desperate bid to stay up.

Should they go down, the potential takeover could be greatly affected, which will add even more pressure to their final few games given what is at stake.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show (35.00), Hay revealed what could happen to the takeover if Leeds do suffer relegation, with two potential scenarios on the horizon.

"I feel like there are probably two more likely options in the Championship. One is that Radrizzani sits at 56% and tries to get back up as Burnley have using parachute payments, transfer funds, whatever else they can pull together," he stated.

"The other which seems to be that 49ers Enterprises do move into majority ownership without going close to 100%, with clauses or options or whatever else further down the line, to complete a full takeover if they're promoted back in the Premier League, perhaps at a price that was more suit Radrizzani and would allow them to do it."

Could Leeds stay up?

Given that the ownership could look very different depending on the division Leeds are playing in, there should be an extra emphasis on the squad to secure safety in order to help the future of the club.

If Leeds do stay up and the takeover is completed, then they could hope for better days in the Premier League after a couple of tough seasons. If they go down and Andrea Radrizzani stays, then they will likely have to hope for a quick return to the top flight in order for a full takeover to happen.

With a tough trip to Manchester City now behind them, Allardyce will have had the chance to assess which of his players are suitable for this high-pressure run-in, as he aims to stop a run of poor results and keep Leeds above Everton and Leicester.

ارتبط نادي ليفربول الإنجليزي بالتعاقد مع مهاجم نادي باريس سان جيرمان والمنتخب الفرنسي، كيليان مبابي، خلال الفترة الماضية.

ويعد النادي الإنجليزي من المرشحين وبقوة للظفر بخدمات هداف مونديال قطر، كيليان مبابي، بجانب النادي الإسباني ريال مدريد.

ويحتل ليفربول صدارة الترتيب العام للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج” برصيد 45 نقطة.

اقرأ ايضاً.. تقارير: ليس اتحاد جدة.. نادِ سعودي يحاول التعاقد مع محمد صلاح في صيف 2024

وذكرت شبكة سبورت بيبل البريطانية، أن الدولي المصري محمد صلاح، قد يعيق انتقال كيليان مبابي إلى ليفربول بالصيف القادم.

وتابعت الشبكة الإخبارية، أن نادي ليفربول لا يستطيع التعاقد مع كيليان مبابي إلا في حال الاستغناء عن خدمات محمد صلاح، ويأتي ذلك بسبب فاتورة الأجور الحالية للنادي الإنجليزي.

جدير بالذكر أن محمد صلاح كان مرتبطاً بشكل كبير جداً بالانتقال إلى نادي اتحاد جدة السعودي في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الماضية، لكن هداف ليفربول رفض الرحيل عن أنفيلد.

وبالرعم من أن جماهير ليفربول لازالت ترغب باستمرار صلاح مع الفريق، لكن تواجده سيحرم الريدز من التعاقد مع المهاجم الفرنسي كيليان مبابي.