Fabrizio Romano has shared a transfer update out of Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta’s side closing in on another summer signing ahead of their fourth-successive challenge for a Premier League title.

Arsenal prepared to bid £55m for star, four-year contract at the ready too

Andrea Berta is swiftly moving on to his next target after Viktor Gyokeres.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 26, 2025

Arteta’s side fell desperately short in their bid for title glory last season, lagging 10 points behind eventual champions Liverpool by the final matchday, and this can be put down to a number of factors.

Injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and more seriously hampered the Gunners, with Arsenal also struggling to break down teams in the low block to an even greater extent than their previous two campaigns.

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

25/26 – summer

£153m

The north Londoners scored just 69 league goals, far beneath their totals of 91 and 88 in 23/24 and 22/23 respectively. This resulted in Arsenal drawing more matches than any other side in the top 10, so new sporting director Andrea Berta is actively working to add more creativity to their attack in response.

After striking a potential £55 million deal, including add-ons, for England winger Noni Madueke, it is widely reported that Arsenal will accelerate their plans to sign Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.

Reports this week suggest Berta is prepared to pay £55m for Eze (TEAMtalk), but Palace are determined to hold for his full release clause.

Their pursuit of the former QPR star will happen immediately after they finally sealed a full agreement for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who comes as an especially crucial signing for Arteta.

Viktor Gyokeres pictured travelling to sign for Arsenal

A breakthrough was reached earlier this week for Gyokeres, with Arsenal set to pay an initial fee of around £55 million for the Swede that could rise to £64 million if bonuses and add-ons are achieved (The Athletic).

The 27-year-old is expected to undergo a medical today before signing his contract, and Romano has now dropped an exclusive photo of Gyokeres travelling to Arsenal with his agent, Hesin Cetinkaya, who was crucial in making the transfer happen.

Romano adds that Gyokeres “only” wanted Arsenal.

The former Coventry City forward is fresh off the back of a stunning 54-goal campaign at Sporting, helping Rui Borges’ men to their first domestic double in around two decades, and Gyokeres is tipped to be a potentially game-changing arrival.

His signing puts an end to both a long-winded transfer saga and Arsenal’s search for a proven, goalscoring number nine – with on-lookers understandably very excited by the prospect of him in red and white.

Gyokeres will also wear the number 14 shirt once donned by club legend Thierry Henry.

Having already agreed a loan deal to sign Cedric Kipre from Stade de Reims, Ipswich Town are now reportedly closing in on their second signing of the summer in the form of another Ligue 1 star.

Ipswich set to sign Cedric Kipre

It’s been a slow summer transfer window at Portman Road so far as Kieran McKenna looks to build a side capable of earning an instant return to the Premier League without Liam Delap. The talented forward was always destined to depart once relegation was confirmed and he did just that when Chelsea came calling to win a frantic race for his signature.

Replacing the forward remains the toughest task for Ipswich this summer, but not one that sits top of their list of priorities. Instead, according to recent reports, The Tractor Boys are set to commence their summer business by signing Kipre on loan from Reims to hand the central defender his first move back to English football since leaving West Bromwich Albion last year.

Kipre will need little introduction to Championship fans given his extensive experience in England’s second tier, and that experience should prove to be key for McKenna’s side next season.

Ipswich in race for sought-after "huge talent" who scored 12 goals in 24/25

The Tractor Boys could add some attacking flair this summer…

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Whether signing Championship experience is part of the overall plan for Ipswich this summer remains to be seen. Recent links have emerged with the likes of Kwame Poku have been mentioned in recent weeks before his move to QPR, but those at Portman Road could first welcome a midfield reinforcement to match the potential arrival of Kipre this summer.

Ipswich in advanced talks to signing Matusiwa

As reported by Le Parisien, Ipswich are now closing in on a deal and are in advanced talks to sign Azor Matusiwa from Stade Rennais this summer. The defensive midfielder initially cost the French side around €16m (£14m) back in January 2024, but is seemingly set to move on just 18 months later in favour of McKenna’s side.

Minutes

2,078

1,959

Progressive Passes

134

59

Tackles Won

39

22

Ball Recoveries

134

107

As far as replacements for Jens Cajuste go, it’s fair to say that Matusiwa is an impressive option. The midfielder outperformed the former Ipswich loanee and Napoli midfielder in several key departments last season and will thrive in the Championship if he completes a summer switch.

In a deal worth £10m, Matusiwa could even turn into an excellent bargain at Portman Road. During his time at Reims, the midfielder found himself at the centre of praise more than once, including from Ben Mattinson in 2023. The analyst described the Dutchman’s anticipation as “great” and went on to praise him as “strong” as well as “agile”.

So, although Ipswich have taken time to get going, both Kipre and Matusiwa would represent solid signings to kickstart their transfer window at long last.

تحدث أيمن يونس، نجم الزمالك السابق، عن فوز الأبيض على الإسماعيلي بهدفين نظيفين، ضمن منافسات الجولة السابعة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وقال أيمن يونس في تصريحات خلال الاستوديو التحليلي بقناة “أون سبورت”: “فوز مهم جدًا للزمالك، والاستمرار في الانتصارات أمر ضروري، والذكاء في استغلال الفرص والثغرات واندفاعات الإسماعيلي هو ما فعله الزمالك”.

وتابع: “الأداء مقبول بعد مباراة المصري، والأبيض يحافظ على مستواه وشخصيته، لكن هناك العديد من اللاعبين في الزمالك حولهم علامات استفهام”.

طالع.. الزمالك يفقد خدمات لاعبه أمام الجونة في الدوري المصري

وأكمل: “يظل الاسم الأبرز والأجمل في الملعب عبد الله السعيد، الذي يقدم أداءً رشيقًا جدًا في كل المناطق المهمة، قادر على استخلاص الكرة وبناء الهجمة وإنهائها، كما يصنع الفرص ويستعرض إمكانياته”.

وأتم: “عدي الدباغ أنقذ نفسه وسجل هدفًا من صناعته بعد أن أضاع فرصة مؤكدة في الشوط الأول، وعبد الله السعيد يستحق جائزة أفضل لاعب في المباراة”.

Aleem Dar will retire from all umpiring at the end of Pakistan’s current domestic season, ending a celebrated career that ran for nearly a quarter of a century.Dar, 56, had already stepped down from the ICC’s Elite Panel of umpires in March 2023 but as part of the International Panel was still eligible to stand in ODIs and T20Is. He stood in a T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand in April this year. Pakistan have a busy home season, though mostly with Tests; they do host an ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa in February 2025 which, in theory, represents Dar’s last chance to stand in an international. PSL 2025, where Dar has been a regular official, will likely take place in May this year and could be the opportunity for a high-profile farewell.At his peak, Dar was widely acknowledged as the best umpire in the world, winning the ICC’s David Shepherd trophy for Umpire of the Year award three years in a row from 2009 through to 2011. In the age of neutral umpires, he was the first from Pakistan to break through, appointed on the ICC’s elite panel when it was established in 2002. He subsequently forged a successful and respected career, standing in four World Cup finals and a record-breaking 145 Tests and 222 ODIs.Related

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• Aleem Dar steps down from ICC's Elite Panel of Umpires

“Umpiring has been my life for nearly 25 years and I have cherished the privilege of officiating some of the most iconic matches involving the greatest players of this generation,” Dar said in a statement. “Throughout my career, I’ve strived to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, and it has been an honour to work alongside some of the finest match officials in the world.”In recent years, as he has cut back from his on-field role, Dar has set up a charity – the Aleem Dar Foundation – that provides a free ambulance service as well as a blood bank and transfusion for thalassemia patients. It is there that he intends to spend more time.”However, all great journeys must eventually come to an end, and the time has come for me to focus fully on my social and charity work. My hospital project and other initiatives are very close to my heart and require my full devotion and attention.”Dar played 17 first-class and 18 List-A matches between 1986 and 1998 as a legspinner, before he made his first-class umpiring debut during the 1998-99 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He said he hopes to continue working as a mentor and guide to the next generation of match officials.

Leeds United have now held direct “conversations” with an “unplayable” striker over a potential summer move to Elland Road, journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Leeds eyeing new striker after Nmecha

The 49ers Enterprises and Leeds have already added one centre-forward to their ranks this summer, having sealed the signing of Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer, but they remain keen on bringing in another striker, with the 49ers ready to splash the cash.

That is despite the fact Daniel Farke already has Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford on the books, with the former finishing as the Championship’s top scorer last season, picking up a total of 19 goals and seven assists in 46 outings.

Bamford, on the other hand, has entered the final 12 months of his contract, with the striker also previously admitting he would consider making a move to the MLS one day, saying: “It is something that I would be open to, yeah. We [Bamford and his family] just don’t know when yet.”

Alongside Longstaff: Leeds now strongly considering bid for £15m midfielder

The Whites are stepping up their pursuit of another “brilliant” central midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 9, 2025

As such, it would make sense for the Whites to bring another striker through the door, and they have now made an approach to sign another former England international for free, according to Bailey.

Speaking to Leeds United News, the journalist confirmed that direct talks have been held with former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, saying: “Leeds have had conversations with Dom Calvert-Lewin.

“He’s considering his options and Leeds are certainly one of them, there has been talks. Callum Wilson as well, but Leeds have held talks for Calvert-Lewin but he’s not close to signing or anything like that.”

As the centre-forward is now without a club after leaving Everton, he will be available on a free transfer this summer, although his wage demands could be high, having raked in a whopping £100k-a-week at Goodison Park.

"Unplayable" Calvert-Lewin is Premier League proven

With Leeds looking to avoid the drop in their first season back in the top flight, it makes sense to bring in players who are proven in the Premier League, and the ex-Everton striker certainly fits the bill in that regard.

The 28-year-old has amassed a total of 57 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League, with his most prolific season coming in 2020/21, netting 16 times in 33 games. During his senior career, Calvert-Lewin has scored 89 goals for club and country.

Pundit Tony Cascarino has also singled out the Englishman for high praise, describing him as “unplayable”, while also adding: “His leap is phenomenal, the best in the Premier League and he leads the line well, holding up the ball and running channels.”

That said, Calvert-Lewin is well-known to have struggled with injuries throughout his career, so it would be a risk for Leeds to make a move, especially with Bamford already on the books, with the 31-year-old also well-known to be extremely injury-prone.

Manchester United’s need for new additions this summer is hugely evident after their failures across all competitions throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

The Red Devils only managed to finish in 15th place in the Premier League, losing 18 of their 38 matches and only registering a total of 42 points – their lowest since the division’s formation.

Ruben Amorim has the chance to make the changes he desires this window, needing to recruit the right players for his 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford.

He’s struggled to make the desired impact after taking the reins back in November, registering a 40% win rate and falling at the last hurdle, suffering a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

However, if he is to transform the club’s fortunes in 2025/26, he needs to be backed by the hierarchy in his quest for success, with the transfer market opening up numerous opportunities for additions.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this window

After Matheus Cunha’s arrival this summer, United have shown no signs of slowing down, with Ollie Watkins one of the latest players linked with a move to join the club.

The England international is a man in demand this summer after scoring 17 times for Aston Villa last campaign, but his £60m asking price could prove to be a stumbling block for Amorim’s side.

However, moves have been made elsewhere, with a deal seemingly progressing for the signature of Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor, according to Brazilian outfit Globo.

Their report claims that the Red Devils are in talks over a move for the 29-year-old, who could be available for a fee in the region of £5.8m during the off-season.

It also states that Amorim’s men see the shot-stopper as an excellent option for their number one position, but they could face potential competition from fellow English side Everton this window.

Why United’s latest target would be a more important signing than Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s been massively linked with a move to join United this summer, with Amorim’s side having two separate offers rejected for the Brentford star.

The latest was in the region of £55m plus £7.5m in potential add-ons, but the Bees are holding out for £65m to part ways with their star talent during the off-season.

The interest in the 25-year-old is no surprise, given his record of 20 goals in the 2024/25 campaign, the most of any player in the division whose side didn’t achieve European football.

However, a move for Victor this window would arguably be a more important addition for the Red Devils, offering the side an upgrade on current number one Andre Onana.

The Cameroonian has often been culpable for numerous errors in recent seasons, leading to serious questions being asked about his long-term future at the club.

However, when comparing his stats with those of the current United shot-stopper, Victor has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – possibly being a bargain given his current price tag.

The Botafogo star, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, achieved a better clean sheet percentage last season, whilst also making more saves per 90 – handing the side the needed confidence between the sticks.

Games played

11

34

Clean sheet percentage

55%

26%

Save percentage

81%

68%

Goals conceded

0.6

1.3

Pass accuracy

81%

72%

Crosses claimed

0.8

0.6

Saves made

2.7

2.5

He’s also conceded fewer goals per 90, whilst claiming more crosses, offering a need presence and a player who can command his 18-yard box, which could bolster the defensive unit.

Victor’s ability to play out from the back could also massively improve Amorim’s side, giving them the option to build and dominate rather than constantly going long and handing the ball to the opposition.

£5.8m in today’s market is a bargain, especially for a player who would offer a huge upgrade on the options currently at the manager’s disposal at the Theatre of Dreams.

There’s no denying that Mbeumo would improve one area of the pitch, but the goalkeeping department is one of the most crucial, with Victor having the ability to improve the current situation tenfold.

Bad news for Bruno & Amad: Man Utd want to have deal "finalised by Monday"

Manchester United appear to be edging closer to another summer addition for Ruben Amorim.

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Aston Villa have now been handed a boost in their pursuit of a £70m forward, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing he would be open to a move to Villa Park this summer.

Aston Villa eager to sign new forwards

It has been clear that Villa need to sign a striker since the January transfer window, at which point they sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, and the need to bring in a centre-forward could be exacerbated by the departure of Ollie Watkins.

Manchester United have held talks over a deal for Watkins, which means the Villans have started to run the rule over replacements, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani has entered the frame as a potential option.

Besiktas’ Semih Kilicsoy also remains of interest, alongside Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with Unai Emery’s side now ready to make a move for the striker, should he become available later this summer.

Target

League appearances in 24/25

Goals

Randal Kolo Muani

26

10

Semih Kilicsoy

32

3

Nicolas Jackson

30

10

After losing Duran in the January transfer window, versatile forward Marcus Rashford was brought in, but with the Manchester United man now Barcelona-bound, Emery is also keen on bringing in a forward capable of playing out wide.

Last week, it was revealed that Aston Villa have made an approach for Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho, who could be valued at £70m, and there has now been another update on their pursuit of the forward.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Garnacho is open to a move to Villa Park this summer, given that he is keen to remain in the Premier League and play under Emery.

Aston Villa keen on £21m international star but he's already in talks with Man City

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1 ByBrett Worthington Jul 21, 2025

Bailey added: “Alejandro Garnacho wants to stay in England, and there are only so many options. Chelsea, we know, like him, whilst Tottenham have maintained contact.

“But Aston Villa have emerged as an option, I am told the player has done his homework on the possibility of working with Unai Emery, and he has heard good things.”

Garnacho could be "amazing" signing for Aston Villa

Amid doubts surrounding Jacob Ramsey’s future, it could be very important to bring in a new signing capable of playing at left-wing this summer, and the 21-year-old has picked up 31 goals and 17 assists in 110 appearances from that area, including games at youth level.

Ruben Amorim has also singled out the youngster for high praise, describing him as “amazing” after an impressive performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal last season.

That said, given that Villa are treading a fine line PSR-wise, it may not be financially prudent to shell out £70m on a player yet to record world-class numbers.

Garnacho amassed a respectable six goals and two assists in the Premier League last season, but his performances are yet to justify a £70m outlay, so it may only be worth Villa making a move if the winger becomes available for a lower price.

واصل برشلونة نتائجه الرائعة على ملعب يوهان كرويف، حيث حقق انتصاراً جديداً ضد خيتافي بثلاثية نظيفة في الليجا بعد فوزه على فالنسيا بسداسية ساحقة.

وساهم داني أولمو في انتصار برشلونة ضد خيتافي في الدوري الاسباني حيث صنع تمريرة حاسمة وسجل الهدف الثالث لفريقه من صناعة ماركوس راشفورد.

وقد استغل داني أولمو الفرصة التي حصل عليها من جانب المدرب هانز فليك، وقام باحتفاله الشهير في الهدف الثالث ويتمني إعادة تكرار هذا الاحتفال في ملعب كامب نو الجديد أمام أكثر من 100 ألف مشجع.

وقال أولمو بعد الفوز أمام خيتافي في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية: “يوهان كرويف ملعب جميل ومضياف، نتطلع للعودة لكامب نو مرة أخرى”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. فيران توريس: تعاملنا مع خشونة خيتافي.. وأستحق اللعب أساسيًا في برشلونة

وأضاف :” بالنسبة لي ستكون هذه هي المرة الأولى وستأتي قريباً، كلنا نتطلع لها بشوق سواء داخل النادي أو مع جماهيرنا”.

وكانت آخر مباراة لبرشلونة على ملعب كامب نو قد جاءت يوم 28 مايو 2023 ضد ريال مايوركا في نهاية الموسم قبل إغلاق الملعب للتجديدات.

ولعب أولمو بقميص برشلونة على ملعب مونتجويك الذي سيستضيف مباراة دوري أبطال أوروبا ضد باريس سان جيرمان، وفي يوهان كرويف الملعب المؤقت للدوري الإسباني.

وختم أولمو: “فوز اليوم مهم خاصة ضد فريق مثل خيتافي الذي يمتلك أفكار واضحة وهجومية، إذا لم تسجل مبكراً أمام فرق مثله فقد تصبح المباراة معقدة، في النهاية، كنت أحتاج لدقائق لاستعادة الإيقاع المهم لي وسعيد بمواصلة إضافة مزيد من الأهداف”.

Ponting, it is understood, will take the final call on the rest of the coaching staff

Nagraj Gollapudi18-Sep-20246:27

What is Ponting’s biggest challenge at Punjab Kings?

Ricky Ponting has been appointed head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) from IPL 2025, a little over two months after he and Delhi Capitals parted ways ending his seven-year tenure at the franchise.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Ponting has signed a four-year contract with Kings, a franchise with multiple owners. Ponting, it is understood, will take the final call on the rest of the coaching staff. There is no clarity yet on who remains on the books from the coaching unit from last year: Trevor Bayliss (head coach), Sanjay Bangar (head of cricket development), Charl Langeveldt (fast-bowling coach), Sunil Joshi (spin-bowling coach).”I am grateful to Punjab Kings for presenting me with the opportunity to be the new head coach,” Ponting said. “I am excited to take up the new challenge. I had great conversations with the owners and the management about the way forward and was truly elated to see the alignment of our visions for the team. We all want to repay the fans who have stayed with the franchise over the years and we promise that they will see a much different Punjab Kings going forward.”Ponting will be the third head coach in four seasons at Kings, who finished ninth in the 2024 season. They have not qualified for the IPL playoffs since 2014, when they finished runners-up. Ponting’s first challenge would be shortlisting players who could be potentially retained for the next season even as the franchises wait for the IPL to finalise the retention rules.Related

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Harshal Patel, who won the purple cap for the second time in IPL 2024, along with the uncapped Indian pair of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma were among the key performers for Kings last season. Kings also have India left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, legspinner Rahul Chahar in their squad along with a healthy bunch of overseas players, including the England trio of Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow and South Africa quick Kagiso Rabada.With Shikhar Dhawan retiring recently, Kings will also be keen to identify a new captain.Ponting has been part of the IPL set-up since the inaugural season in 2008, first as a player at Kolkata Knight Riders followed by Mumbai Indians where he stepped down as captain midway through the 2013 season, paving way for Rohit Sharma to take over. Mumbai won the title the same year, with Ponting continuing in an advisory role in 2014 and then serving as head coach for two seasons in 2015 and 2016.In 2018, Ponting took charge as head coach of Capitals who made the playoffs for three successive seasons between 2019 and 2021, during which period they qualified for the first IPL final in 2020. After ending his association with Capitals in July, Ponting was head coach during Washington Freedom’s title-winning campaign in the 2024 season of Major League Cricket (MLC).

Queensland and Tasmania share the points after only 16 overs were possible due to rain and bad light, with Renshaw posting 51 off 36

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-2024Matt Renshaw’s first half-century of a new summer was the only shining light on an otherwise gloomy day in Melbourne as Queensland and Tasmania shared the One-Day Cup points on offer after rain and bad light meant only 16 overs were possible.Renshaw made 51 off 36 balls with four fours and three sixes as Queensland posted 128 for 5 from the only play possible on a day where rain delayed the start by four-and-a-half hours and bad light ended it early.Persistent rain fell at the Junction Oval on Wednesday ensuring no play was possible until 2.30pm. The rain meant the match was shortened to a 20-over affair, albeit with 50-over powerplay rules in place. Tasmania unsurprisingly sent Queensland in having been skittled by Victoria on the same surface two days earlier.They made early breakthroughs with Gabe Bell removing Ben McDermott while Beau Webster picked up Max Bryant. Renshaw and new Queensland recruit Lachlan Hearne then shared a 79-run stand in just 8.4 overs. They struck seven fours and four sixes between them before Webster broke the stand.Matt Kuhnemann got his first wicket for his new state against his old side, bowling former team-mate Jack Wildermuth for 8. Hearne holed out to deep midwicket off Bell in the 15th over before the umpires checked the light after 16 overs and called a halt to proceedings. Play never resumed and the points were shared.Queensland will remain in Melbourne and face Victoria on Friday with Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja set to play after missing the clash with Tasmania.