West Bromwich Albion have been deep in the waters of the Championship for some time now, having been absent from the exclusive club of the Premier League since 2021.

This is the Baggies’ fourth straight campaign in the second tier, therefore, with one promotion near miss suffered along the way as Carlos Corberan’s side tripped up in the playoff mix last season to eventual promotion winners Southampton.

The Spaniard occupying the Hawthorns dug-out will just want his players to step up more with exciting displays to really push for a space in the top flight, with Matheus Pereira acting as a memorable hero for the Baggies last time the sweet taste of promotion was lapped up.

Pereira's promotion heroics

Pereira would become a modern-day icon in the West Midlands during the 2019/20 season, with his heroics in terms of scoring goals and supplying chances galore for teammates undoubtedly helping his side reach the promised land of the Premier League.

In total, during that memorable promotion-winning campaign, the captivating South American would fire home eight goals and pick a ridiculous 20 assists in the league, as the ex-Baggies number 12 made the second tier his playground at points.

He would later go on to be a hit in the top flight too, before breaking West Brom hearts everywhere when leaving for Al-Hilal in 2021, but he is still fondly remembered for being a major reason why Slaven Bilic’s men soared up to the top-flight.

Corberan will pray he has his own version of Pereira right now – even as his side routinely fire blanks in the Championship – in this sharpshooter up top.

Corberan's very own Pereira

Josh Maja has already bettered Pereira’s goalscoring numbers in the league with nine strikes notched up from just 15 league clashes, with the ex-Sunderland attacker hopeful other members of the camp can do the heavy lifting on the assist front.

Still, every good promotion-winning side needs a deadly centre-forward and the Baggies have thankfully uncovered that in Maja, who was having a rocky time of things at the Hawthorns before coming alive this season.

Stat

23/24

24/25

Games played

12

15

Games started

1

15

Goals scored

1

9

Assists

0

1

Last campaign, Maja’s injury demons got the better of him with just one start coming his way in the league for Corberan’s men. Whereas, this season he has been a consistent starter when injury free, as West Brom’s patience paid off.

Corberan even labelled the 25-year-old attacker as “special” during the heights of these previous issues in the Hawthorns treatment room and his glowing praise has now been very much vindicated, with stylish finishes like this one away at Luton Town at the start of the month the mark of a striker overflowing with confidence.

He has also played in the big time during his varied career to date, where he has bagged a respectable three goals from 15 appearances, meaning he could also follow in Pereira’s footsteps in taking the step up in his stride.

There are even rumours linking Maja with a bumper move away from the West Midlands this January, as reports begin to tout him with a £16.7m switch to Celta Vigo when the manic transfer window reopens.

Corberan will hope Maja remains loyal to the club that stood by him during his issues last season, because if he does stay put, he could be the club’s next Pereira by firing in all the pivotal goals that see the Baggies leap back up to the Premier League.

West Brom could make Maja even more unplayable by signing EFL sensation

Josh Maja would love to line up next to this new signing at West Bromwich Albion.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 18, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

O meia-atacante Nikão falou sobre a goleada do São Paulo sobre o Santos, por 3 a 0, na Vila Belmiro. O camisa dez ajudou no triunfo com duas assistências e falou sobre o excelente triunfo, que fez a equipe chegar a 11 pontos no Paulistão.

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– Fico feliz de ter ajudado de alguma forma. Essa bola que eu puxo pra esquerda e cruzo pra dentro da área eu costumo fazer sempre, treino bastante isso. Espero seguir assim, ajudando , e podendo contribuir de alguma forma nas vitórias da equipe – disse o jogador.

Nikão também avalio o rendimento da equipe no SanSão e fez questão de elogiar o trabalho do técnico Rogério Ceni.

– Todo mundo sabe a importância de um clássico, nem só pelo resultado, mas como o time vai se apresentar dentro de campo. Fizemos uma boa partida, com todos os jogadores sabendo o que fazer com e sem a bola, mérito do Rógerio e de toda a comissão e jogadores que estão se dedicando ao máximo no dia a dia – finalizou.

O São Paulo folga nesta segunda-feira e retorna aos treinamentos na terça. O próximo compromisso será diante do Campinense, na Paraíba, pela Copa do Brasil, na quinta-feira (24), às 21h30.

أعرب ميكيل أرتيتا، المدير الفني لفريق آرسنال، عن حزنه بعد تعادل اليوم مع إيفرتون في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتلاقى الفريقان في خضم منافسات الجولة الحادية والثلاثين من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث تعادلا بهدف لمثله.

وحصل آرسنال على نقطة واحدة، ليصبح رصيده 62 نقطة، بفارق 11 نقطة عن ليفربول الذي سيواجه فولهام في الجولة نفسها غدًا.

وقال أرتيتا، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “حزين للغاية خاصة مع النتيجة، إنها مباراة صعبة، فريق قوي بدنيًا ويلعب بشكل مباشر، بداية الشوط الثاني كانت سيئة للغاية حيث فقدنا الكرة وشعرنا بعدم الأمان ثم جاء قرار ضربة الجزاء”.

وأضاف: “أردنا استعادة بعض الزخم في الشوط الثاني، ولكن المباراة أصبحت مختلفة تمامًا، القوة البدنية للخصم؟ دائمًا ما يكون الأمر هكذا، هذه نقطة كبيرة في الدوري الإنجليزي، علينا التعامل مع ذلك، والتعايش معه مثل العديد من الفرق في البطولة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | بعد تعادل آرسنال مع إيفرتون.. ماذا يحتاج ليفربول لحسم لقب الدوري الإنجليزي؟

وواصل: “أتيحت لنا بعض الفرص الخطيرة جدًا، لكننا لم ننهيها بشكل جيد باستثناء الهدف، لم يصنع الخصم أي شيء على الإطلاق، لذا من المخيب للآمال جدًا أن نستقبل هدفًا”.

وفيما يخص تعادلهم في 11 مباراة هذا الموسم، قال: “علينا الفوز بمباريات أخرى كثيرة، اللياقة لدينا كانت جيدة اليوم ولكن أردنا 3 نقاط، نريد كل شيء كما نخطط له”.

وشدد: “لقد كنا نأمل مواصلة السيطرة في الشوط الثاني، ولكن فجأة قرر الحكم احتساب ضربة جزاء، لقد رأيت الموقف 15 مرة، إنها ليست ركلة جزاء”.

وفيما يخص سباق المنافسة على لقب الدوري، قال: “لا يوجد لدينا أي هامش من أجل التقدم، هذا واضح جدًا، فعلنا ما يكفي للفوز في المباراة، ولكن هوامش التقدم (في الجدول والتفوق على ليفربول) ضئيلة للغاية”.

The pop superstar’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour has forced a change of venue for the Liga MX side’s last-16 Champions Cup tie.

Monterrey's home leg against Vancouver Whitecaps moved to TorreonBBVA Stadium unavailable due to Shakira's world tourFans express frustration over last-minute venue switchGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Monterrey FC has been forced to relocate their CONCACAF Champions Cup last 16 second leg against Vancouver Whitecaps due to a scheduling conflict with Shakira's world tour. The match, originally set to take place at BBVA Stadium on March 12, will now be held at Estadio Corona in Torreon, home of Liga MX side Santos Laguna. Reports indicated that the Liga MX side considered pushing the game but that option was scrapped after they found a replacement.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Monterrey are heavy favorites for their tie against the MLS side. In addition, the Liga MX side has a strong history in the Champions Cup, having won the tournament five times — the last win coming in 2021.

DID YOU KNOW?

Vancouver doesn't have the same level of history as Monterrey in the Champions Cup. The farthest the team has gone in the tournament was in the 2016-17 season, where the club reached the tournament's semifinal.

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Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?

Before their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Monterrey, Vancouver Whitecaps will focus on their second league game of the season against LA Galaxy on March 2. After that, the Whitecaps host Monterrey at the BC Place on March 6 and then welcome CF Montreal in the MLS before facing Monterrey in the second leg of their last 16 tie.

The six-wicket defeat meant Renegades tumbled to the bottom of the BBL table

Tristan Lavalette13-Jan-2022

Glenn Maxwell brought up a blazing half-century•Getty Images

Haris Rauf finished his BBL season in style to help fuel Melbourne Stars’ crucial six-wicket victory over crosstown rival Melbourne Renegades at Marvel Stadium.Before heading home ahead of the PSL, Rauf claimed two early wickets to help restrict Renegades to a lowly 7 for 122, before Glenn Maxwell emerged from a drought with an unbeaten 68 from 45 balls as Stars hauled down the chase in the 15th over.Related

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A rejuvenated Stars (18 points) moved to fifth on the ladder, while inflicting a blow to Renegades (15 points) who tumbled to the bottom. Playing their third match in four days, Stars showed no ill-effects and claimed their 15th win in 22 games in the Melbourne derby after their Covid-19-hit team lost to Renegades by five wickets on January 3.Rauf finishes BBL stint on a highA pumped-up Rauf wanted to go out in style and did so with the key wickets of Shaun Marsh and skipper Nic Maddinson in his first over to leave Renegades in tatters at 2 for 9.After hitting speeds of 150kmh/93mph, Rauf briefly left the field mid-innings with an apparent niggle in his leg. It didn’t curtail his speed when he returned in the backend marked by a brutal short ball that whacked a rattled Jake Prestwidge on the gloves.Having taken nine wickets from five matches, Rauf’s pace prowess and innate exuberance will be missed but Stars are fortunately blessed with a strong attack.Their brilliant spin duo Adam Zampa and Qais Ahmad bowled superbly with four wickets and were particularly destructive in the power surge to halt Renegades’ attempts at a fightback. The Afghanistan legspinner’s double strike in the 14th over gave Stars a stranglehold they wouldn’t relinquish.Renegades’ rejigged batting order failsIn a crux fixture, Renegades rejigged their batting order with Marsh and Maddinson shuffling up one position with the big move being opener Aaron Finch sliding down to No.5 after just two half-centuries from seven innings this season.It didn’t work with Renegades slumping to 3 for 25 leaving Finch to rescue the innings along with youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk. Apart from arguably taking the catch of the tournament – a one-handed blinder on the boundary against Adelaide Strikers – Fraser-McGurk has had a disappointing season with just two scores in double digits from seven innings heading into this game.He once again lacked fluency and found boundaries hard to find against Stars bowlers executing their lengths. In a desperate bid to up the ante during the power surge, Fraser-McGurk unsuccessfully charged Ahmad to end his sluggish 32 off 39 balls.It was left to Finch who was generally left frustrated in his sedate 44-ball 45 as Renegades fell well short of a competitive total.Maxwell finds form at the top Maxwell decided he needed a spark after being unable to reach double figures in his previous four innings. Moving up from No.4, Maxwell opened for just the third time in his BBL career and it did the trick.Stars were shaky at 2 for 15 in the second over but that didn’t deter Maxwell from unleashing his natural aggression as he smashed spinner Zahir Khan for a straight six to get off the mark.After turbo-charged batting in the powerplay, Maxwell – batting without a helmet or cap against the spinners – and Joe Burns smartly knocked the ball around for easy runs.Maxwell impressively held the innings together to make a case to stay in the opener’s role moving forward. With their frontline team finally coming together – set to be further strengthened by the imminent return of Marcus Stoinis – and Maxwell rediscovering form, Stars look ominous as they make an unlikely push for a first BBL title.Renegades’ season is at the crossroads Defending such a low total, Renegades needed early wickets and they did exactly that with Joe Clarke and Beau Webster falling within the opening two overs. Much depended on Zahir and legspinner Cameron Boyce, who made a triumphant return against Sydney Sixers after two years on the BBL sidelines, but they were thwarted by a determined Maxwell.Without scoreboard pressure, Renegades were always on the back foot and it didn’t take long for the contest to run out of steam. Having fallen off the pace of the top five, Renegades – who recently lost the services of quick James Pattinson and allrounder Mohammad Nabi – are heading towards a third straight wooden spoon.

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo has done a magnificent job during the opening ten games of the Premier League campaign, leading his side to third place before this weekend’s action.

Chris Wood has played a huge part in the recent success, registering eight goals in his ten appearances, with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland the only player to score more than him at this stage.

The defence has also massively improved since last season, conceding just seven times, with new signing Nikola Milenkovic undoubtedly playing a huge role in the decrease of goals conceded.

Such recruitment over the summer has taken the Reds massively clear of the drop zone already, with survival still the first priority despite the incredible first few months of the campaign.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis appears to have strengthened the off-the-field staff at the City Ground, with the appointment of Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar – joining as the CEO of the Greek’s football empire, which also includes Olympiacos and Rio Ave.

It could leave the 46-year-old with some big decisions to make when he finally gets his foot under the table, with three calls needing to be made upon his arrival under Marinakis.

1

Ola Aina's contract extension

After arriving on a free transfer from Italian side Torino last summer, not many people knew what to expect from Ola Aina after his previous stint in England’s top flight with Fulham back in 2020.

He only agreed a one-year deal with many expecting him to be a backup to the likes of Neco Williams and World Cup-winning loanee Gonzalo Montiel.

However, the Nigerian quickly cemented himself as a key player under both Steve Cooper and Nuno, registering a total of 22 league appearances, but did struggle with injuries during certain parts of the season.

Aina scored his first goal for Forest during the 2-0 win over Aston Villa at City Ground back in November 2023, with his fine strike flying past Emiliano Martínez and into the bottom corner.

As a result of his displays in 2023/24, the 28-year-old was handed a 12-month extension, a deal that takes him until the summer of June 2025.

The former Chelsea youngster has gone from strength to strength this campaign, being part of the second-best backline in the division – even scoring a screamer off his weaker foot in the victory over West Ham United.

His recent form hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the likes of AC Milan and Roma reportedly eyeing a move for the full-back in January – potentially able to agree a pre-contract should he fail to agree a new deal with the Reds.

The hierarchy can fend off any interest by handing Aina a new contract, something which he thoroughly deserves after his recent performances at the City Ground.

2

Anthony Elanga’s potential departure

Deadline day during the summer transfer window saw Forest frantically try for a new striker, with Omar Marmoush and Santiago Gimenez just two games who were both strongly linked with a move to the East Midlands.

However, it also saw a flurry of bids placed for key first-team members, including Anthony Elanga, who was the subject of huge interest from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe’s side tried to secure a move for the Swedish international in the deal that saw Elliot Anderson move to the Reds, but instead, Odysseas Vlachodimos made the move to Tyneside.

Despite this, the Magpies made a £50m bid for Elanga on deadline day, an offer which the Reds’ hierarchy turned down – a surprise decision given the nature of the bid.

The 22-year-old only cost the club £15m from Manchester United 12 months prior, with the rejected bid seeing the club make £35m profit on the winger – a phenomenal piece of business given the recent PSR drama.

It appears that the offer may have turned the youngster’s head, with Elanga failing to score in the current campaign and only registering one assist in his first ten league outings.

Combined goals & assists of Forest attackers (2024/25)
Player	Goals & assists	Minutes played	Min per G+A
Chris Wood	8	806	101
Anderson	3	602	200
Hudson-Odoi	2	731	365
Sosa	1	77	77
Jota Silva	1	181	181
Elanga	1	562	562
Gibbs-White	1	572	572
Stats via FotMob

The “frightening” winger, as dubbed by journalist Laurie Whitwell, has also been left out of the Sweden national side for the upcoming Nations League matches against Slovakia and Azerbaijan- an indication as to how poor he’s been in recent weeks.

Given his lack of form under Nuno, should the club receive a bid of a similar nature from Newcastle, they simply cannot afford to turn it down, handing Edu the funds to work his magic in the transfer market upon his arrival.

In recent days, Bayern Munich winger Mathys Tel has been touted with a potential move to join Nuno’s side, with Elanga’s potential fee potentially covering any move for the Frenchman.

3

Andrew Omobamidele loan move

Centre-back Andrew Omobamidele joined Forest on deadline day back in January 2024, arriving in an £11m deal from Championship side Norwich City.

The Irishman arrived providing key depth to the defensive department as Nuno aimed to avoid relegation just a couple of months after taking over from fan-favourite Cooper.

Omobamidele would go on to make 14 appearances in all competitions during the second half of last season, scoring on his full debut in the FA Cup victory over Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

However, after the arrival of the aforementioned Milenkovic, the 22-year-old has found first-team minutes extremely hard to come by, featuring for a total of 90 minutes – failing to appear for a single minute in the Premier League.

As a result of his lack of minutes, the centre-back has been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the upcoming international break, replaced by current Norwich defender Shane Duffy.

Omobamidele has never put a foot wrong when featuring for Nuno, but ultimately, he’s become the victim of the club’s rapid success, falling down the pecking order as a result of the investment and form of other players.

Nottingham Forest’s current centre-back options
Player	Games played	Minutes played
Murillo	10	900
Milenkovic	10	840
Morato	5	65
Willy Boly	3	181
Omobamidele	1	90
Zach Abbott	1	60
Stats via FotMob

He desperately needs a loan to either a bottom-half Premier League side or a promotion-chasing Championship side to give him the valuable minutes he needs if he is to progress and reach the potential he arrived with.

Edu has the opportunity to facilitate such a move, potentially enabling the Reds to reach the next level with their recruitment – helping Nuno and the coaching staff sustain their impressive start in 2024/25.

However, if the Brazilian is to make a great first impression in the East Midlands, he must look to implement all three aforementioned dilemmas allowing for all the players to continue their varying stages of development.

Edu simply must offload Nottingham Forest dud who earns more than Murillo

Nottingham Forest’s big-money signing has been a huge flop during his time at the City Ground.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 7, 2024

As he braces to bowl on surfaces reminiscent of those that have anguished them in the UAE previously, Nathan Lyon has summoned his trademark bravado and backed a “young and exciting” Australia to sweep the historic Benaud-Qadir series in Pakistan.Three days before their first Test in Pakistan for 24 years, Australia held their first training session in Rawalpindi in Tuesday, in a bid to quickly acclimatise to conditions. Having played a guessing game so far, Australia received some answers when a dry pitch with little grass covering was unveiled to suggest there could be toil for the bowlers, particularly at the start.Lyon, well adept at analysing pitches as a former curator before he began his 105-Test career in 2011, believed the deck was reminiscent of those in the UAE which has been barren terrain for Australia who were thrashed in three of four Tests there against Pakistan within the last decade. Only a superb match-saving century from Usman Khawaja spared Australia from defeat in the first Test in Dubai in 2018.”It looks similar to a UAE wicket at the moment, there isn’t much grass on it and I dare say it will be pretty shiny on day one,” said Lyon, who in Asia has taken 95 wickets in 19 Tests at 31.24 – fractionally under his overall mark. “Expecting it to be pretty nice to bat on the first couple of days but hopefully spin and reverse swing will come into it.”Australia’s spin options in Pakistan. Who will partner Nathan Lyon?•Getty Images

Lyon’s assessment would seem to suggest Australia’s attack requires another specialist spinner, but he threw a curveball after revealing the slow bowlers were getting little assistance during their centre wicket practice.”We were training three pitches over and it wasn’t spinning that much,” he said. “It had a bit more grass than the match wicket. It’s [the match wicket] not the type of wicket I would have produced as a curator,” he quipped.In the lead-up, Australia have emphasised a “flexible” approach and having “all bases covered” – a cliché Australia’s most successful offspinner too sprouted – but tough decisions are looming, particularly on whether to add a specialist spinner to complement Lyon.If Australia’s go down that path, they will have to decide between uncapped legspinner Mitchell Swepson and left-arm spinning allrounder Ashton Agar, who played the last of his four Tests in late 2017.”I don’t have a preference,” Lyon said when asked who he would rather partner up with. “Both Mitch and Ash are bowling extremely well in the nets and putting their hands up for selection. Sweppo has been around our squad for a long time and always asks questions. Whenever he gets his opportunity, I have no doubt he will take it and run with it.”So it’s going to be an interesting conversation that Andrew McDonald, [chair of selectors] George Bailey and Pat Cummins have in the lead-up.”While diplomatic about a potential Swepson-Agar selection debate, Lyon wasn’t shy about prognosticating over Australia’s first away Test series since the Ashes in 2019. “My mindset is to come here to Pakistan and win 3-0,” said Lyon, whose recent prediction of an Ashes whitewash fell marginally short.”Obviously it’s a totally different challenge to what we’re used to at home. It’s going to be a big challenge, but it’s a young and exciting Australian Test squad and we are coming off a spectacular summer which has given us a lot of confidence.”Lyon admitted to being taken aback over the shock departure of the team’s long-time physio David Beakley, just days before the tour, but said the tourists remained upbeat amid new surroundings.”We don’t make the big decisions on that, so we’ll leave it up to CA and everyone else involved,” he said. “It is disappointing, but we’ve just got to move on. The hospitality in Pakistan has been unbelievable. It’s been very enjoyable so far. To be the first Australian team to come here to play [in 24 years]…it’s a pretty proud moment.”

“We may be young in terms of age but being senior or junior shouldn’t be an excuse”

Mohammad Isam27-Feb-2022

Miraz – “We learned from the seniors who have brought big achievements to the country”•BCB

One of the biggest takeaways for Bangladesh in their ODI series win over Afghanistan has been the contributions from multiple players, not just the seniors. Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed all put in decisive match-winning performances in the first two matches, helping Bangladesh take an unassailable 2-0 lead with a game to go.Miraz said that given the opportunity, the younger players now know what they have to do to become matchwinners for Bangladesh. He said that their contributions will only boost the team, particularly when playing alongside a group of seniors who have been quite consistent in the last ten years.Related

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“The seniors always want the juniors to perform well, which will help the team,” Miraz said. “They always back us up, talk to us. Litton, Mustafiz [Mustafizur Rahman] and I have been around for the last five-six years. So we have a bit of experience. We want to use it to play good cricket. When we had the opportunity, we tried to put together a partnership by playing normally. When it became a big partnership, we started to think about winning the game. Grabbing this opportunity is going to help us in the future.”We learned from the seniors who have brought big achievements to the country. They have helped Bangladesh take the next step. They have won Bangladesh many matches. When they were doing it, we [the junior members] would think that whenever we get the opportunity we will get the team to that stage too. We had that confidence when we were out there. When we reached our half-centuries, we told each other that if we can’t win the game this fifty would have no value. If we can win the game, it will be an achievement.”Afif and Miraz put together a grand 174-run stand in the first ODI, helping Bangladesh turn around their fortunes after slipping to 45 for 6 chasing 216. In the second game, Litton struck his fifth ODI hundred, while Taskin bowled superbly in the middle overs. While all four have done well for Bangladesh in the past, too – Litton, Miraz and Taskin were part of their historic Test win against New Zealand last month – they have come under scrutiny for not being consistent enough.Bangladesh have waited for a long time for the next crop of cricketers to become consistent performers at the highest level. Sporadic performances, like Miraz’s big haul of wickets in his maiden Test series against England in 2016, have given them the opportunity to gain attention. But only consistency can bring them greater success.”You get to play for the national team on the back of performance,” Miraz said. “We may be young in terms of age but being senior or junior shouldn’t be an excuse. Someone else will take my place if I am not performing. Sooner I can settle myself in international cricket, I can have a long career at this level.”Miraz said that playing on good pitches, like the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium over the last week, will also be helpful for Bangladesh going into major events in the next couple of years.”We have some big events coming up like the Asia Cup and the World Cups, so we have to adopt playing on good wickets. In India, we can expect 300-plus runs in every game, whether batting first or chasing. It was the same case in the 2019 World Cup. There are good wickets in these big events so it is better to have such wickets in our home conditions too. Runs will give confidence to the batters.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been “alerted” that one club may be open to holding transfer talks over their £60 million striker in January, and they could even allow him to leave on a temporary deal in the winter.

Arsenal draw transfer shortlist as Mikel Arteta targets new striker

The Gunners have been repeatedly linked with a new marksman for a couple of seasons now, with the prospect of a prolific number nine arriving at N5 becoming a reoccurring theme.

Related £239k-per-week forward holds new deal talks as Arsenal look at signing him

The Gunners are reliable contenders to sign him next year.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Dec 3, 2024

Former sporting director Edu Gaspar attempted to bring in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko over the summer window, following the 21-year-old’s impressive haul of 18 goals in all competitions last season, but he snubbed Arsenal’s advances in favour of remaining in Germany.

Arsenal could go back in for Sesko next year, if they think the Slovenia international will be available for transfer this time (Ben Jacobs), but he isn’t the only striker on Arteta’s radar heading into 2025.

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak could be subject to an £80 million bid from Arsenal (CaughtOffside), while it is believed that the north Londoners hold an interest in Sporting Lisbon sensation Viktor Gyokeres as well.

Former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown, who remains well-connected within the game, recently told Football Insider that Arsenal are closely monitoring Gyokeres ahead of a potential move – even if he has doubts over whether he’d cut it for a truly elite side.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Man United (home)

December 4

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

“He’s a player I like from what I’ve seen of him, and I know some of the top clubs have been interested,” said Brown.

“Arsenal are one club who’ve been closely watching him in Portugal, and Chelsea too, but there are lots of clubs interested if he becomes available.

“But I don’t think any clubs would be willing to spend upwards of around £80million on him. It’s a big commitment to a player who, as good as he has been, is playing in a weaker league than the Premier League.

“Even during his time at Coventry, he was a very very good Championship player, but not one you’d say would be a game-changer for a real top side.”

Arteta "alerted" that Brighton could let Arsenal sign Evan Ferguson in January

According to GiveMeSport, another opportunity to shore up their forward options comes in the form of Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson.

Indeed, it is believed Arteta has been “alerted” that Brighton could be open to negotiating a Ferguson loan to Arsenal in January, with the Republic of Ireland international falling behind Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro in Fabian Hurzeler’s pecking order.

However, the 20-year-old, who commands a £60 million price tag, isn’t somebody who interests the Gunners – with Arteta unlikely to pursue a temporary deal for Ferguson despite being informed that it is an option.

Interestingly, this could disappoint club legend Ian Wright, who heaped praise on the player when Arsenal were linked with him last year.

“When you look at him, the way he plays, his appreciation for the game, his movement and finishing both feet, good in the air and good pace,” said Wright on Premier League productions in 2023.

“He has all the attributes at 18. Very mature in the way he plays. All he has to do is keep doing what he is doing and they are going to start talking about him in million terms because that striker is not allowed. “

Chelsea have been contacted by a club who wish to send their £23 million player back to Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca and co dealt a potential transfer headache by this situation.

Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei could leave Chelsea soon

The January transfer window is fast approaching, and BlueCo will have a few key decisions to make on fringe players who are no longer in Maresca’s long-term plans.

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Despite reports in September that Maresca was under pressure to play Ben Chilwell more often, thereby increasing his chances of finding a suitor in the next transfer window, the Englishman has been reduced to just 45 minutes in all competitions this season.

The £200,000-per-week defender, it is safe to say, remains out of Maresca’s thinking, and it is widely believed that Chilwell is one of the main contenders to depart west London in January.

Southampton (away)

December 4

Tottenham (home)

December 8

Brentford (home)

December 15

Everton (away)

December 22

Fulham (home)

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Chelsea have held exit talks with numerous clubs regarding Chilwell already, according to reliable media sources, and the Englishman is apparently a man in demand across the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga heading into next month.

Midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is also looking to leave Chelsea ahead of January, with the 20-year-old failing to make a single Premier League appearance this season and playing just 63 minutes in total.

Cesare Casadei finds himself in a similar situation, and reports in Italy are linking the midfielder with high-profile moves to the likes of AC Milan and Juventus in his homeland.

This is despite some praise from Maresca earlier this season, who previously expressed happiness over his countryman’s role.

“I am very happy with the way he is playing. I had Cesare last year, and he was playing a little bit in different position,” said Maresca on Casadei in October.

“This year, we are using him like a holding midfielder. The reason why is because I think we go in the direction where the middle you need physical players. Cesare is very big, physically strong and helps us when we want to press. On the ball, he is improving a lot. Tonight he played one touch, so we are very happy. For him, it’s the same as the rest; many things he can do better but he is in the right direction.”

Southampton tell Chelsea they want to send Lesley Ugochukwu back from loan

Now, according to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea may now have to find another new home for midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu – who is currently on loan at Southampton.

The Frenchman, who cost BlueCo around £23 million to sign from Rennes on a seven-year deal, has struggled for game time under Russell Martin – leaving him in limbo as he seeks to properly kickstart his career in England.

Southampton have told Chelsea they want to send Ugochukwu back and terminate his loan early, and the Blues are also eager for him to rack up more minutes elsewhere.

Maresca’s side are now working to find him a new club behind the scenes as a result, so this could be one to watch in January.