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Gavaskar also wants board to take a re-look at the domestic schedule, and players to “never forget” importance of domestic cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Mar-2024

Sunil Gavaskar wants domestic players to be given better remuneration•Getty Images

Sunil Gavaskar has urged the BCCI to implement the Test cricket incentive scheme in the Ranji Trophy as well, saying it would encourage domestic players and look after the feeder system.Earlier this month, the BCCI announced that those who play 75% of India’s Tests in a season will earn INR 45 lakh per Test, and those who play 50 to 75% of Tests will earn INR 30 lakh. This is in addition to the match fee of INR 15 lakh.”That is a wonderful thing by the BCCI to reward those who would be playing [Test cricket],” Gavaskar said on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Friday. “But I would also request the BCCI to ensure that the feeder to the Test team, which is the Ranji Trophy, is also looked after.”Related

Mumbai men to get 100% pay raise from 2024-25 domestic season

Making a better Ranji Trophy schedule and finding room for DRS

Indian players stand to earn INR 45-60 lakhs per Test

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BCCI warns players: Don't prioritise IPL over domestic cricket

Currently, a player earns around INR 2 lakh per match in the Ranji Trophy. If he plays every match in the season and his team makes it to the final, he ends up with ten games. The match fee for the Vijay Hazare Trophy is INR 50,000, and for the Syed Mushtaq Ali INR 17,500.”[If your team doesn’t qualify for the knockouts], your whole year’s earnings are around 20 lakh, which is like the base price in the IPL,” a domestic player told ESPNcricinfo. “If there are proper contracts, then players will feel more motivated to play red-ball cricket.”Gavaskar said: “If the Ranji Trophy fee can be doubled or tripled, certainly there will be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, [and a] lot less pullouts. They will all be wanting to play with the slab system – [if] every ten first-class matches you get that much more – so I would request the BCCI to look at that aspect as well.”Gavaskar also asked for a re-look at the short gap between Ranji matches, and suggested that the Ranji Trophy should be played from October to mid-December, and the domestic season should end with the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy so that it ties in smoothly with the IPL.Currently, the Ranji Trophy is the last tournament in the domestic calendar. The 2023-24 season ended with the Ranji Trophy on March 15, with the IPL starting from March 22.”That way, everybody will be available to play [the Ranji Trophy], except for the ones featuring for India,” Gavaskar said. “There will be no real excuse to pull out. With the one-dayers beginning from January, people who are in the IPL can have enough practice from them.”Gavaskar also supported the BCCI’s directive to players to prioritise domestic cricket.”It is something that should be looked up [to] by every cricketer – domestic cricket is actually how they have come up,” he said. “If they had not started at the domestic level, be it the domestic T20, the domestic one-day tournament or the Ranji Trophy, they wouldn’t be where they are.”Very few cricketers have actually come up from not having played domestic cricket. They always have played some domestic cricket – it could be junior cricket or Under-19 cricket or something like that. That is something the players should never forget.”

Afridi, who was unhappy with the manner of his sacking, still feels his concerns have not been addressed appropriately but was willing to put the saga behind him

Danyal Rasool01-Apr-2024

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Shaheen Shah Afridi shake hands•PCB

The PCB and Shaheen Shah Afridi have reached an uneasy truce after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the player in Kakul earlier today. Afridi, who was deposed as Pakistan T20I captain after just one series, was thoroughly disgruntled with the manner of his sacking and the lack of communication from the board. Relations deteriorated further when the PCB put out a statement on their website containing quotes from Afridi, ostensibly offering Babar Azam, the incoming captain, his full support and stating it was an honour to lead Pakistan.ESPNcricinfo understands that while Afridi still feels his concerns have not been addressed appropriately, the player was willing to put the saga behind him and move on.Afridi was incensed by a statement containing words which were neither approved nor said by him, and ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB acknowledged to the player that an internal error had been made on the board’s part. Though Afridi continues to feel the manner of his sacking was neither fair nor transparent, it is understood relations with Babar – a long-time close friend of Afridi’s – remain strong.Related

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PCB and Shaheen Afridi hold crisis talks after statement furore

There are no concerns about Afridi being unavailable for Pakistan’s upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins later this month in Rawalpindi, with the fast bowler looking to turn his focus back on his game.Afridi’s obvious displeasure was significant enough for PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to head to Kakul, where the Pakistan players are training at a military camp. The PCB, for its part, released a statement saying the chairman met the players “to gather firsthand insights into the training camp”.The PCB released a photograph of Naqvi and Afridi shaking hands, though it is understood no individual discussion at length between the pair took place. “The chairman also took the opportunity to interact with the players, personally commending them for their dedication and active participation in the camp. He expressed satisfaction over the players’ enthusiasm and commitment towards enhancing their fitness levels,” the PCB statement read.The camp ends on April 8, with New Zealand arriving in Pakistan on April 14 to play 5 T20Is from April 18 to 27.

After such a below-par campaign by their usual high standards, Manchester City have a huge summer on their hands to right the wrongs of recent months.

Pep Guardiola’s side could still end the season in a top-four spot in the Premier League, subsequently securing Champions League football, whilst also having the opportunity to win another FA Cup trophy.

However, if they are to return to the summit of the division next time around, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy back the manager in the transfer market to make the additions he needs.

Over the years, the board haven’t been afraid to splash the cash, as seen last January, when they forked out over £150m on new talent to combat the early-season slump in form.

Such high spending could be set to continue this summer, with one player already high on their list of targets to bolster the current first-team squad at the Etihad.

Man City favourites land £87m sensation this summer

According to TBR, City are favourites to land Bayer Leverkusen’s star man Florian Wirtz this summer, but face stiff competition from multiple other Premier League clubs.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all credited with an interest in landing the 21-year-old star who’s managed to notch nine goals and 10 assists in his 25 Bundesliga outings this season.

It’s not the first time the Citizens have pushed to land the German international, with Guardiola also targeting the youngster last summer, but to no avail, with this summer offering a fresh opportunity.

The report states that Wirtz is valued at £87m, with City huge admirers of the attacking midfielder as seen by their tireless attempts to persuade him to move to England.

Whilst it would be yet another huge sum splashed out by the hierarchy, it’s a superb investment in a star who’s only going to get better, also offering an upgrade on one talent set to depart the Etihad.

Why Wirtz is a bigger star than De Bruyne for City

City’s task of returning to the top of England’s top flight next season was dealt another blow after it was confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne would depart the club at the end of the season.

The Belgian has spent the last decade in Manchester, making over 400 appearances and notching over 250 combined goals and assists – arguably being one of the best midfielders to ever grace the Premier League.

It’s been a tricky few years for the 33-year-old, struggling to meet the high standards he’s set for himself, with numerous injuries plaguing his progress at the Etihad.

However, his pending departure opens up another issue for the manager to solve this summer, with a move for Wirtz doing just that whilst also landing a star who can develop further in the years ahead.

His goal and assist tally from the ongoing season are evidence of the talent he possesses, undoubtedly being a bigger star than De Bruyne in the present day.

When comparing their respective figures from this season, the German has massively outperformed the Belgian, highlighting what a phenomenal addition he would be despite the mammoth price tag.

The Leverkusen star, who’s been labelled a “superstar” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered 11 more combined goals and assists than the Belgian, whilst also achieving a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing the threat he poses in the final third.

How Wirtz compares to De Bruyne in 2024/25 so far

Statistics (per 90)

Wirtz

De Bruyne

Games played

25

21

Goals & assists

19

8

Progressive carries

5

2.9

Shot-on-target accuracy

45%

28%

Pass accuracy

80%

76%

Through balls completed

1.1

0.6

Take-on success

53%

37%

Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to register more through balls completed per 90, whilst also achieving a higher take-on success rate, highlighting the creativity he’s capable of producing – filling the void of the departing midfielder.

£87m for a star who could cement his place at the heart of the side for the next decade is a deal worth exploring, with Guardiola getting himself one of Europe’s biggest young stars.

De Bruyne’s move away from the Etihad is one that will leave fans worried, but Wirtz has showcased he has all of the tools to fill the void, whilst also providing an upgrade given the stats produced in the past 12 months.

Related De Bruyne 2.0: Man City chasing £50m star who's "similar to Bellingham"

Man City will need to find a replacement for their outgoing legend

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Apr 8, 2025

Manchester United’s wait for back-to-back Premier League wins continues, with the Red Devils having slipped to a 13th top-flight defeat of the season away to high-flying Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night.

Frustratingly for Ruben Amorim, his side had largely put in an encouraging performance at the City Ground, albeit while being undone on the counter in the early knockings of the game, as former United man Anthony Elanga – perhaps inevitably – converted following a stunning surging run from his own half.

The visitors were largely untroubled otherwise, although – as has been the norm in 2024/25 so far – they simply failed to offer the cutting edge at the other end of the pitch, with the decision not to start Rasmus Hojlund having certainly backfired.

The Danish number nine did provide a much needed focal point when he was introduced as Joshua Zirkzee dropped into a deeper role, although it wasn’t until the last-gasp introduction of makeshift striker, Harry Maguire, that United actually came close to drawing level, with the towering centre-back having notably been denied on the line by opposite number Murillo.

As it is, Amorim will be left to reflect on another night of what might have been for his stuttering side, with the Portuguese simply needing to find a way to get his attacking unit, including Alejandro Garnacho, firing once again.

Alejandro Garnacho's game in numbers vs Forest

The Argentine starlet – who was awarded a remarkably harsh 2/10 match rating by Express journalist, Alex Turk – may not have been at his sparkling best, yet once again, he offered the only real threat in the final third for the away side.

Yes, the end product is lacking, having now scored just twice in 28 games since the change in the dugout, yet the 20-year-old was a real livewire in the second half, in particular, having notably racked up four key passes as he looked to make things happen for his side.

On another day, the United academy graduate could have got himself on the scoresheet more than once after lashing over the bar on a few occasions, having also seen one volleyed effort squirm agonisingly past the post late on.

Elanga vs Garnacho – Key stats

Stat

Elanga

Garnacho

Minutes played

86

90+

Touches

48

82

Goals/Assists

1

0

Pass accuracy

79%

94%

Key passes

0

4

Successful dribbles

6/9

2/5

Successful crosses

0/3

0/7

Duels won

9/15

4/13

Possession lost

18x

18x

Shots off target

0

3

Shots blocked

0

3

Stats via Sofascore

There remains a feeling that Garnacho “should be on the bench” once Amad Diallo returns from injury, in the words of writer Zach Lowy, yet at present, the ex-Atletico Madrid man remains the only spark in a lifeless United forward line.

Indeed, time and again the youngster was an outlet down the left flank, having notably taken the ball in his stride beautifully following a lofted pass over the top from Bruno Fernandes, only to see his eventual effort denied by the sliding Ryan Yates.

Nothing came off in the end for Garnacho, but he certainly wasn’t the major villain, having hardly been afforded much support by the sluggish Patrick Dorgu behind him.

The Man Utd star who had a night to forget

Considering that the promising Dane previously saw red and set up a goal for the opposition in the same half against Ipswich Town, it says a lot that this latest outing was perhaps his worst in a United shirt to date.

Indeed, that 45-minute showing against the Tractor Boys had shown signs of promise as he charged up and down the left flank, before being dismissed, although on his return from that suspension, the 20-year-old was far more muted.

Like Garnacho, the January arrival failed to keep pace with the electric Elanga for what proved to be the game’s only goal, having also been rather subdued going forward.

What was particularly frustrating on the night was Dorgu’s at-times casual and wayward passing, having given the ball away on 16 occasions – or every five minutes – including in the build-up to Leny Yoro’s perfectly timed challenge on that man Elanga.

As The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell noted, that breakaway for the hosts had come after Dorgu “gave [the] ball away sloppily”, a moment that only epitomised what was a disappointing 90 minutes for the £30m man.

The aforementioned Turk also agreed, after handing the wing-back a measly 4/10 match rating, albeit while suggesting that he was ‘snubbed far too often’ by Garnacho ahead of him.

Whether that is the case or not, Dorgu’s own performance certainly deserves scrutiny, with it perhaps surprising that Amorim did not introduce a potential replacement in Harry Amass off the bench, particularly considering the 18-year-old had been kept out of Monday’s FA Youth Cup semi-final defeat to Aston Villa.

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With the Manchester Derby next on the agenda, it may not be too much of a surprise to see Dorgu find himself back on the bench, with either a change in role for Mazraoui required, or a bold first start for the teenage Amass.

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Posts ByRobbie Walls Apr 1, 2025

Millwall have emerged as a late contender to snatch a Championship playoff slot and could now strike in the summer window to secure a talented youngster.

Millwall's late bid for promotion to the Premier League

Four victories in the last six under Alex Neil have put Millwall five points behind sixth in the race for a playoff berth, giving the Lions an outside chance of stumping their rivals for a shot at promotion to the Premier League.

Admittedly, they will need to string together a near impeccable run of results to pull off such a feat, beginning with their clash against Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon. Holding previous experience of winning promotion with Sunderland and Norwich, you wouldn’t bet against Neil doing the trick again should his side manage to upset the odds over the next few weeks.

Casper De Norre has urged fans to get behind Millwall’s late bid to reach the top six, stating ahead of their clash against Boro: “It is going to be very important to have the support. It is a huge game.

“Now you need that extra fire from the fans – that extra support – to give you that five per cent extra or to help make that one final sprint to block a ball or try to score a goal.”

Millwall’s Championship run-in

Middlesbrough (H)

The Den

Blackburn Rovers (A)

Ewood Park

Norwich City (H)

The Den

Swansea City (H)

The Den

Burnley (A)

Turf Moor

Regardless, the Londoners appear to be active ahead of the summer window. The Lions are reportedly keen on Cheltenham Town winger Jordan Thomas after identifying the 23-year-old as a replacement for Romain Esse, who is now on the books at Crystal Palace.

Now, they also have a free deal in their sights alongside one of their Championship rivals, according to recent developments.

Millwall leading race to sign Charlton star Thierry Small

According to Football Insider, Millwall are leading the race to sign Thierry Small from Charlton, making an approach to register their interest in the 20-year-old’s services for when his contract expires this summer.

Preston are interested as well, and the Addicks have also offered a new contract to the defender, who has notched two goals and five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions this season.

Related Millwall leading race to sign "excellent" winger to finally replace Esse

He’s enjoyed an impressive season…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Mar 27, 2025

Potentially available on a free transfer this summer, former Everton man Small is predominantly a left-back, though he has also featured on the right flank under Nathan Jones. Labelled a “fantastic guy” by Ralph Hasenhuttl, he has also spent time out on loan at Scottish Premiership side St Mirren and Port Vale, building his portfolio of first-team experience.

Now, it remains to be seen if Millwall can see off competition from Preston to land his signature. Securing promotion would give them a major advantage over any rival suitors, offering Small a chance to ply his trade in the top-flight as he continues to develop.

Either way, supporters can take encouragement from the fact that transfer cogs appear to be turning in South London ahead of the summer.

Sunderland and Regis Le Bris have received not one but two significant injury boosts ahead of their Championship play-off campaign, according to a recent report.

Sunderland’s patchy form continues ahead of play-offs

The Black Cats have long been cemented as a team in this season’s Championship play-offs after falling short of competing for an automatic spot but having a big enough cushion to the teams below them.

Related Trial underway: Sunderland now closing in on deal to sign new future star

Academy coaches are set to see him in action…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 15, 2025

That has meant Sunderland haven’t really had much to play for in recent games, as they continue to have a nine-point lead over fifth-place Bristol City. The fact they haven’t had much to play for is shown in the results, as Sunderland have won two of their last seven Championship games. They suffered two defeats over the weekend, with their latest being a 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers, and while Le Bris was unhappy with the result, he was pleased with his side’s performance.

“The energy was largely positive, the way we played. Disappointing result, positive performance.

“The opponent had a specific plan; only two shots and one goal. They were efficient, and it wasn’t the case for us. It is now a question of mindset, energy, ambition and desire.”

Sunderland: Le Bris handed double injury boost ahead of play-offs

Le Bris has made several changes to his team in recent weeks to keep everyone fresh, and now with only two games remaining before the play-off campaign gets underway, the Sunderland boss has revealed an injury boost. Relayed by The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson, Le Bris has now revealed that he expects Dennis Cirkin and Dan Ballard to return in time for the play-offs.

Cirkin has not played for the Black Cats since being substituted in the 3-0 defeat to Coventry City in the middle of March, meaning he has missed the last six league games. There was a possibility the full-back was going to be on the bench for the game against Rovers, but Le Bris decided not to risk him, with him now set to return to training this week and possibly be involved against Oxford United at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Ballard has been out with a hamstring injury since the end of February and while he isn’t expected to be involved against Oxford, he is making good progress on his return and could be involved against QPR on the final day of the season.

Dennis Cirkin and Dan Ballard’s 24/25 Championship stats

Cirkin

Ballard

Apps

34

19

Starts

29

12

Goals

3

2

Passes attempted

1321

733

Passes completed

1017

643

Progressive carries

71

8

Progressive runs

123

4

Progressive passes

121

50

Tackles (Won)

85 (46)

10 (6)

Blocks

41

9

Interceptions

43

9

Clearances

101

76

“We will probably have Dennis next week, and then we should have Ballard after the Oxford game. Hopefully, he will be available for the last game (against QPR),” Le Bris told The Northern Echo.

Arsenal may not have won the Premier League this season, but Mikel Arteta’s squad still have it all to play for in the Champions League.

Though Paris Saint-Germain left the Emirates Stadium with a slender one-goal advantage in midweek, the Gunners have the quality and confidence to create something special at the Parc des Princes.

Some questionable officiating aside, Arsenal know the crux of their issues this season lies with the failure to provide Arteta with an elite-level striker.

Injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in the new year sapped the Londoners’ strength at number nine, calling for an unconventional but curiously effective stopgap in Mikel Merino.

However, Arsenal need a permanent solution, one which could ease the talismanic burden Bukayo Saka wears around his neck.

Bukayo Saka's season in numbers

To be fair, Saka wears the weight of responsibility rather well, having maintained a confident stream of goals and assists through the campaign while producing influential and energetic performances.

But this only draws to attention the yawning hole at number nine, with a prolific centre-forward certain to take the England international’s game to the next level.

Saka, 23, has scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists for Arsenal this season. The three-month hamstring injury picked up in December has proved the biggest blow to his side’s campaign; Saka’s back now, but he’s still not at his sharpest.

Nonetheless, the winger’s return has restored a deeper degree of balance and fluency that must be allowed to bloom into something truly world-class next season, and a more clinical attacking partner than one of Havertz or Jesus will ensure that happens.

As per FBref, Arsenal’s starboy ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 1% for goal-creating actions and the top 5% for crosses made per 90.

This man is a striker’s dream, and new sporting director Andrea Berta is ready to reward him with one of the finest centre-forwards out there.

Arsenal in talks to sign top striker

We all know Alexander Isak’s the dream. But Isak is going to cost more than £150m to convince Newcastle United to sell, and this would likely prove beyond any interested party’s means.

Instead, Berta is pushing to seal the signing of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, several talks have already taken place, with the Liga Portugal champions looking for no more than €70m (about £60m) to get a deal done.

Arsenal are confident they can get a deal done, but with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United also keen, they will need to act swiftly.

What Viktor Gyokeres would bring to Arsenal

Isak has been described as “the best striker in the Premier League” this season by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, but he’s not the only deadly goalscorer on the market.

In fact, Gyokeres has the complete take on the centre-forward role and could make it his own at the front of Arteta’s system.

The 6 foot two star’s technical quality, physicality and hunger for success have been hallmarks of his journey in Portugal, scoring 95 goals from 98 matches and winning last season’s Liga Portugal title before being crowned the division’s Player of the Year.

This level of surety in the final third is something that Arsenal have lacked across the campaign, and by instating Gyokeres in the focal role, Saka would finally have the reliable outlet from which he could direct his peerless playmaking ability.

Viktor Gyokeres – Past Five Seasons (all comps)

Club

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25 – Sporting

48 (40)

52

12

23/24 – Sporting

50 (47)

43

15

22/23 – Coventry

50 (47)

22

12

21/22 – Coventry

47 (42)

18

5

20/21 – Coventry

19 (7)

3

0

20/21 – Swansea

12 (2)

1

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

Talk about year-on-year growth. Gyokeres, 26, has yet to make his mark in one of Europe’s recognised top-five leagues but his numbers leave little to the imagination in the best way, especially since he’s only missed 43 big chances across his past three league terms, as per Sofascore, scoring 88 times.

Havertz has his strengths, but he’s not clinical. In the Premier League this season, the German has missed 15 big chances, converting nine strikes. The 28-year-old Jesus, meanwhile, has not been available often enough to warrant Arteta’s trust as his first-choice option.

There’s no doubt Saka is among the finest players in world football, but his game is being impeded by the absence of a partner like Gyokeres. With 20 big chances created in the Premier League this season, only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has more – and having played plenty more minutes at that.

Injury pulled from Saka the chance to immortalise his name in the Premier League’s playmaking record books, but the Three Lions sensation’s electric start to the 2024/25 season remains a welcome reminder of the level of player Arsenal have on their hands.

Moreover, it’s an arresting lever Arteta wields in convincing a player of Gyokeres’ ilk that the Emirates project is the best place for him to go from strength to strength and hit the next level in his incredible journey.

Of course, any natural goalscorer would find their game enhanced alongside Arsenal’s main man, but the Sweden star is “the hottest striker in Europe,” according to ESPN’s Mark Ogden, and the partnership might just be something that fixes the issues that have plagued the north London side’s season.

Having come agonisingly close in recent years, this would be a signing to complete the craft and finally establish Arsenal as the continent’s team to beat.

It’s not over yet; Arsenal may yet find themselves fighting for the Champions League trophy after turning it around against PSG, but in any case, Gyokeres would turn a great team into an unstoppable force.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025

Stood on the side of the pitch after Arsenal’s 1-0 win on Sunday, Mikel Arteta issued a rallying cry.

Hopefully the people upstairs do their job, he essentially pleaded, urging the Kroenke’s to put their money where their mouth is and give the Gunners the tools to finally win the Premier League again after 20 long years. It was rather telling.

Josh Kroenke, Stan’s son, does at least seem on board, acknowledging in his programme notes for the Newcastle game that “investment” will be made to improve the playing squad.

Time will tell, of course, but there’s a lot to do this summer. That includes signing a striker, a winger, a new back-up goalkeeper and a midfielder too.

Proceedings look set to begin with the arrival of Martin Zubimendi.

Why Arsenal are signing Martin Zubimendi

Back in January reports emerged that Arsenal were working on a deal to bring the Real Sociedad midfielder to the Emirates Stadium.

After signing Mikel Merino from La Real last summer, the relationship between the two is clearly civil and that’s shone through here.

Still, it’s a surprise that the Spaniard has chosen Arsenal as his next destination. After all, it was Premier League title winners, Liverpool, who fought so hard to bring him to England a year ago.

Zubimendi reportedly turned down the Reds’ advances and despite interest from Real Madrid too, the Gunners look set to win the race.

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So, why are they signing him? Well, there’s two principal reasons; Thomas Partey and Jorginho are out of contract at the end of the season. The second is that Zubimendi is rather good at football and the third involves Declan Rice.

With Partey and Jorginho leaving it means Arsenal need a no.6 and in the Sociedad star, they will be signing one of the best in that position in the world.

In the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, the Spaniard’s “ball temperament is better” than Partey’s, meaning that a combination of Zubimendi and Rice “could be special.”

The Spain international will never be someone to gallivant forward. He only ranks in the worst 14% of midfielders in LaLiga for shot-creating actions and the worst 44% for goals.

What he does do well is sit, dictate and evade the press. Zubimendi sits inside the top 20% in Spain’s top-flight for progressive passes, the best 9% for dribblers tackled and the best 13% for interceptions, rubber stamping his credentials to play at the base of Arsenal’s midfield.

As a consequence, it would free Rice up to play as an 8 on a more regular basis. As we saw during two Man of the Match displays against Real Madrid where he ran the show, he’s really rather good at that.

Yet, Arsenal did actually already have their own Zubimendi.

Arsenal’s very own Zubimendi is set to leave

This is due to be a summer of change in N5 with a batch of players hopefully set to be welcomed to the Emirates and another crop saying their farewells.

On Sunday, we saw Kieran Tierney given one final run out at Arsenal’s home stadium and it’s also likely to have been Jorginho’s final match in the club’s colours.

Indeed, having been brought on as a very late substitute and handed the captain’s armband, it looked like a goodbye from the Italian who is on the verge of moving to Brazil.

Jorginho’s £110k-per-week contract will soon expire and consequently, he has now “sealed” a deal to join Flamengo in time for the Club World Cup according to Fabrizio Romano.

The former Chelsea midfielder has enjoyed a great time of it at Arsenal. Initially the fanbase couldn’t get their heads around why they were signing him but he quickly proved everyone wrong. He’s one of the most consistent and reliable players we’ve seen at the Emirates during its near two decades of existence.

A tempo setter, few have been better in that regard over the last few years. Indeed, during 2022/23, only Rodri made more passes (2,831) in the Premier League than Jorginho (2,404) when compared to Moises Caicedo, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Declan Rice.

Passes by selected DMs – PL 2022/23

Player

Passes made

1. Rodri

2,831

2. Jorginho

2,404

3. Moises Caicedo

2,130

4. Declan Rice

1,974

5. Bruno Guimaraes

1,578

6. Casemiro

1,353

Stats via Coaches Voice & Wyscout.

At dictating play, Jorginho is one of the best we’ve seen in recent years in the English top-flight.

It’s for that reason that similarities to Zubimendi emerge. Described as an “elite tempo controller” by the aforementioned Mattinson he’s already suggested that the Spain star is a “deep-lying playmaker like Jorginho”.

As a result, there really does feel like there is no one better suited in Europe’s top leagues for replacing the qualities that the Champions League and Euros winner brought so successfully to Arsenal for a couple of years.

It’s reported that Zubimendi will cost around £51m to bring to England but that certainly feels like money well spent. Arsenal need a midfielder and they need someone to give Rice more freedom in attack. This is the signing that allows that to happen.

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In a deal that could see them replace Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly set to make a serious move to sign a want-away Premier League midfielder this summer.

Nottingham Forest clarify Marinakis outburst

Whilst Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City last weekend secured their Europa League qualification at the same time that their Champions League fate fell out of their hands, it was owner Evangelos Marinakis who stole the headlines. Marching onto the pitch at full-time, the Greek owner was seen exchanging words with manager Nuno Espirito Santo in a moment which instantly garnered criticism.

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Since then, however, the Midlands club have clarified the controversial moment – revealing that Marinakis’ frustration was directed at the medical staff who allowed Taiwo Awoniyi to continue before he came off injured not long after. The forward has now reportedly undergone the first part of urgent surgery after an abdominal injury and has been placed in an induced coma with the rest of the procedure due to be completed.

Following a moment full of emotions around a concerning injury, Marinakis also released his own statement on the matter, which read: “Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game. This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!”

The Nottingham Forest owner, like many around European football, are now simply hoping to see Awoniyi make a full recovery.

Nottingham Forest set to make serious McAtee move

Amidst the headlines away from the pitch, those at the City Ground did have Europa League qualification to appreciate last weekend and could put that to instant use in the transfer market.

According to TeamTalk editor James Marshment, Nottingham Forest are now set to make a serious move to sign James McAtee, who is reportedly looking to leave Manchester City this summer. In pole position, Forest’s move for the midfielder certainly makes sense amid rumours that Gibbs-White could be heading in the opposite direction.

What’s more, all it takes is one look at Cole Palmer and Chelsea to realise just how successful Manchester City’s academy graduates can be when given the chance to thrive. And Nottingham Forest could offer McAtee exactly that.

That’s not to say Pep Guardiola isn’t well aware of McAtee’s talents, either, having told reporters following the midfielder’s hat-trick against Salford City earlier this season: “I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat trick is not easy. He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score and I am very happy for him.”

Nottingham Forest “want to do a deal” for an “amazing” Liverpool player, with the Reds now “willing” to sanction a departure this summer, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Forest set for Europa Conference League campaign

After spending large parts of the season in the top five, Forest will no doubt be disappointed to have missed out on the Champions League, but the 2024-25 campaign still has to go down as a success for Nuno’s side.

The Tricky Trees have sealed a return to Europe for the first time since 1996, and West Ham United’s victory in the 2023 Europa Conference League final suggests Nuno’s men will also be able to be competitive in the competition next season.

However, a European campaign comes with a more congested fixture list, which means it will be important for Nuno to improve his squad depth in the summer transfer window, and there is a desire to bring in a new defender.

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Indeed, according to Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, Nottingham Forest are now interested in signing Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah this summer.

The former scout said: “Nottingham Forest are one of the sides interested in Quansah. Whether it’s a permanent move or a loan, they want to do a deal.

“From what I hear, Liverpool and the manager would be willing to let him go on loan, and a loan spell is exactly what he needs.

“At Forest, he’d have to step up and be counted, which would be good for his game. They want to strengthen their squad to prepare for competing in Europe, and he’s on their radar.“

Forest move could be ideal for "amazing" Quansah

The 22-year-old played a role in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph last season, making 25 appearances in all competitions, but he predominantly deputised for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, finding it extremely difficult to dislodge the centre-back duo.

As the Warrington-born defender is now at an age where he needs to be playing regular football, it could make sense to leave the Reds this summer, and a move to the City Ground would allow him to continue playing in Europe for a big club.

There are signs the Englishman may have a lot to offer Forest too, having been lauded by teammate Alexis Mac Allister, who said: “He was amazing. The job he did with Virg [Virgil van Dijk] is so important for the team because it gives us that calmness that we need to play football. “Even on the ball he was amazing. Very happy and very glad for him.”

Having also received an endorsement from Arne Slot, Liverpool may be unwilling to cash-in on Quansah for good this summer, but a move is not completely ruled out, with a £50m fee touted.