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Essex supporters watched the two standout performers of last season’s title-winning team go about their work under an unseasonable April sun

Alan Gardner at Chelmsford20-Apr-2018
ScorecardIt might be stretching it a bit to suggest the Championship offers a rudder to steer us in these times of change, but in some cases familiarity does breed content. That was certainly the case for those Essex supporters watching the two standout performers of last season’s title-winning team go about their business under an unseasonable April sun. Jamie Porter and Simon Harmer were back in harness, following 147 wickets between them in 2017, and keeping the champions in contention.For a while, it was all threatening to go Pete Tong, as they say in these parts. Essex required some biffing from their No. 10, Australia international Peter Siddle, to reach 150 – hardly the most intimidating of opening batting efforts for the season (having been denied any on-pitch action in the first round at Headingley) but reminiscent of the 159 they managed on the first day against the same opponents last year. And we all know how that turned out.They then went to work with the ball, Porter finding the thudding stride that took him to within a back injury of a Test call-up over the winter. Lancashire’s top three – Keaton Jennings, Haseeb Hameed and Alex Davies, all England prospects – fell in an opening burst of 3 for 11, and he returned to remove Shiv Chanderpaul later in the evening session, as Lancashire stuttered to 109 for 7 before Jordan Clark kept them in with a sniff of a first-innings lead.Andy Flower, coach of the England Lions, was in town to give feedback on the likes of Jennings, Hameed and Essex’s Dan Lawrence, after their involvement in the winter tour of the Caribbean. That Lions series against West Indies A showed up the batsmen’s shortcomings against spin but, if Flower had hoped to watch one of his charges bat through a session in more familiar conditions, he was to be disappointed.Seam had done the trick for Lancashire, but Essex did not wait too long to introduce Harmer: Liam Livingstone, the unused batsman in England’s most recent Test squad, was taken at short leg for an attractive 33 in the 18th over, Harmer’s first – though Livingstone seemed unhappy with the decision. Dane Vilas fell in identical fashion, to similar disgruntlement, as Harmer and Porter – Essex’s HP sauce – threatened to mop up.The topic up and down the country may have been 100-ball cricket, the ECB’s latest grow-the-game wheeze, but the patrons at Chelmsford were concerned only with the old verities. There was humbug to be found, but only in small amounts, as fans returned to what we are bound to refer to as the home of the champions for a while yet, eager to drink in the sunshine and see Essex in Championship action for the first time in 2018.There were queues at the gates ahead of their 10am opening, the Tom Pearce Stand was brimming and – an important ritual, this – the first shirtless patrons of the summer were visible by early afternoon. Not too much had changed over the winter around one of the circuit’s cosiest grounds, but the Division One winners’ pennant hung (somewhat limply) by the pavilion and you can now find such delicacies as bratwurst on the lunch menu.On the field, the white-clad players went about their business, moving back and forth in the timeless manner described in Joseph O’Neill’s , “a repetition of pulmonary rhythm, as if the field breathed through its luminous visitors”.The cricket was somewhat less poetic. Until Siddle brought some fast-bowler’s grunt, whacking sixes down the ground in each direction, Essex’s innings had taken on a bronchial quality, puffing along as wickets fell. Having introduced himself, Essex’s overseas debutant was then engaged by a member of the crowd down at fine leg in a jovial discussion about whether the pugnacious Siddle had ever considered being a boxer.The fighting was one-sided to start with, although Essex might have felt they had denied Lancashire the initiative by reaching 38 for 1 after the first hour. But Nick Browne, having pilfered 23 from 54 balls, received an excellent bail-trimming delivery from Joe Mennie, Lancashire’s Australian pace bowler, coming round the wicket, and batsmen came and went thereafter.The Lancashire attack, now led by Graham Onions – still an insistent, angular menace at 35 – found their range on a pitch that was perhaps a bit soft, with Lawrence the recipient of a particularly good ball from Clark that turned him around like a nightclub doorman. Tom Westley brought coos with one straight drive but fenced to slip, while Ravi Bopara and James Foster were both lured into prods outside off, and Ryan ten Doeschate was adjudged lbw as Mennie brought the ball back in. Essex’s batsmen dragged themselves off but, not for the first time, Porter and Harmer dragged them back into it.

Brendan Doggett finished with four wickets in the first innings•Chris Hyde/Getty Images

A five-wicket haul from emerging paceman Brendan Doggett helped Queensland move well clear at the top of the Sheffield Shield table after a 118-run win over South Australia.The Redbacks needed 384 to win on the final day with only six wickets in hand but did not shirk the monstrous chase. Travis Head set the tone with expansive strokeplay early. He was well supported by nightwatchman Joe Mennie before Doggett trapped Mennie in front.Head lost his off stump to an inswinger from Jack Wildermuth for 85. When Tom Cooper fell a short time later the game appeared over. But Alex Carey and Adam Zampa kept fighting and they put on 108 for the eighth wicket.Doggett claimed Carey only two runs shy of a century. He removed Daniel Worrall four balls later to claim his first five-wicket haul at Shield level. Matt Renshaw was named Man of the Match for his day-one century.The Bulls are now eight points clear on top of the table with two rounds to go and in a strong position to host the final.

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Os efeitos da pandemia do novo coronavírus não passaram em branco na entrevista coletiva online concedida por Tite. Na tarde desta sexta-feira, o comandante da Seleção Brasileira reconheceu que haverá dificuldades para avaliar como estão Bolívia e Peru, adversários do início de jornada nas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo (nos dias 9 e 13 de outubro, respectivamente).

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— A parte clínica, física e técnica, todas as equipes não têm parte tática e não estão se mostrando. Nós e eles. Então, fica prejudicada em termos estratégicos, mas a essência somos nós, nosso desempenho e nosso resultado – declarou.

Em seguida, o comandante contou como foi seu período de quarentena.

-Acompanhamento de todos os jogos, a ponto de minha esposa e minha filha me perguntarem de futebol. A gente desenvolveu um modelo que a Seleção Brasileira usa agora, para aqueles que gostam de estudar futebol, organização tática, a construção como inicia, a média, a alta, entre linhas, o que é externo, flutuação. Isso, didaticamente, a gente quer passar para o público e passar de situação mais clara. Para não ficar no imaginário. Explicar o que é marcação adiantada – e apontou:

– Quem pegar aquele 1 a 0 contra a Alemanha, que vencemos, vai ver o que é marcação adiantada. Queremos transformar em ação, mostrar para ex-atletas, universidade do futebol, na CBF Academy. Tudo isso – completou.

O treinador afirmou que as partidas com portões fechados é frustrante, mas destacou o cuidado sanitário.

-Difícil transmitir sentimento, estar perto do torcedor é energia inconteste. Fui ver o jogo no Maracanã, sem público e você pensa “que coisa estranha”. Você quer entrar no ritmo normal e pensa “não é normal”. Nada substitui o lado humano, nada – disse.

Em seguida, ele mostrou sua confiança na equipe médica que cerca atletas e comissão técnica da Seleção Brasileira.

-Tenho certeza de que esse posicionamento que todos temos é de primeiro respeitar as pessoas que têm lugar de fala. Médicos como o doutor Pagura, doutora Andrea, depois disso, preservando lado humano, termos lado profissional desenvolvido. Tomara que tenhamos sempre discernimento para podermos nos orientar também – disse.

Everton are now interested in signing Rosenborg youngster Sverre Nypan, and they believe they could hold one key advantage over rival suitors Manchester City, according to a report.

What's the latest Everton transfer news?

Bringing in new attacking options is of paramount importance to Sean Dyche, despite having already signed Youssef Chermiti, with the manager running the rule over a couple of players who are already proven in the Premier League.

Che Adams and Patson Daka are being targeted by the Toffees, with reporter David Maddock claiming neither striker is "prolific", but represent the type of player from the market Dyche is now having to shop in, with a "huge week" ahead of him.

Maddock also details that a £25m bid has been made for Wilfried Gnonto, who has handed in a transfer request, however the Championship club are standing firm, and continue to block his departure from Elland Road.

There had been suggestions the Toffees may look at Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, perhaps as an alternative to Gnonto, but The Liverpool Echo have now clarified the 22-year-old, who is eager to leave Stamford Bridge, is not currently a target.

At the moment, Everton appear to be focussed on bringing in players who can slot straight into the first team, but they are still in the market for an up-and-coming youngster, with Football Insider naming them as potential suitors for Nypan.

The Toffees are reportedly hold a concrete interest in signing the Rosenborg youngster, who is just 16-years-old, having watched him in action for the Norwegian side in their match against Hearts last week.

There will be competition for the starlet's signature, however, with Manchester City also keeping tabs on him, but Everton believe they can offer him a quicker pathway to first-team football, which could end up being a key advantage.

The young midfielder, who has been dubbed the "next Martin Odegaard", is contracted until December 2025, and it is unclear whether Rosenborg would be willing to sell him this early in his career.

Read The Latest Everton Transfer News HERE

Who is Sverre Nypan?

The Norwegian came through the youth ranks at Rosenborg, and he has already managed to make his breakthrough in the first team, appearing 13 times in the Eliteserien last season, weighing in with two goals and one assist.

Although he has most commonly featured in central midfield, the Rosenborg academy graduate has also featured at striker on a number of occasions, showcasing his versatility, and he has received game time in his side's Europa Conference League qualifiers.

In three games, the maestro has recorded three assists, setting up both goals in his side's 2-1 victory against Hearts earlier this month, indicating he could go on to be a more regular first-team player this season.

Nypan is the youngest player to ever feature in the UEFA Youth League, playing in the competition when he was just 14 years, 9 months and 11 days old, and he is showing all the signs he could be ready to move to the Premier League soon.

That said, it may be difficult for Everton to win the race for the "wonderkid", given that reigning Premier League champions Man City are also keen.

Glasgow Rangers are now turning their attention to signing a defender or two before the summer transfer window closes in just a few weeks.

Michael Beale has already made nine new signings so far, yet just two of them are defenders and given the major mix-up in the box that led to Kilmarnock scoring the winner during the opening 2023/24 Premiership fixture, this area is now a priority.

A recent update has emerged in their pursuit of a defender, with Beale diverting his attention to the English Championship…

Who could Rangers sign this summer?

The Gers showed interest in Jake Cooper back in January and they have kept tabs on him since 2018, when Steven Gerrard was in charge, suggesting that Beale knows the Millwall star rather well.

A fresh update from Football Insider has now claimed that Beale has now ‘set his sights’ on securing his signature before the end of the window.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

The Englishman is heading into the final year of his current contract at the club and thus could potentially be lured north of the border for an affordable fee.

Could Jake Cooper improve Rangers?

Beale has five centre-backs to choose from, yet Ben Davies may not have a future at Ibrox.

The former Liverpool defender has been told that he is free to depart the Light Blues following just a year at the club.

2022/23 wasn’t exactly the season Davies had in mind upon joining the Gers last summer, as he ranked way down in 14th position across the squad for overall Sofascore match rating in the Premiership (6.94) while he ranked seventh for interceptions (0.8) and third for clearances (two) per game, failing to have the desired outcome that Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Beale expected.

Cooper, in comparison, ranked sixth in the Millwall squad for overall match rating, while also ranking fifth for interceptions (1.2) and first for clearances (3.1) per game, clearly suggesting that he could be an improvement on Davies this season.

It wasn’t just his defensive ability which has obviously caught Beale’s eye over the previous few months, but the fact he can also chip in with the odd goal and assist too.

Indeed, last term, Cooper registered six goal contributions – three goals and three assists – and during his spell in the Championship with the club, there has only been one season out of six where he has failed to score three goals.

It’s no wonder he was lauded as a “threat” by Paul Heckingbottom in 2022. Davies on the other hand, registered just one assist across 38 matches, failing to provide the same attacking threat as Cooper throughout the season.

The £10k-per-week centre-back may not be the marquee name that the supporters will want to see arrive at Ibrox in the coming weeks, yet he offers not only a wonderful defensive acumen but is also capable of posing as something of a weapon at set pieces.

Beale obviously knows all about him and with the opportunity to secure his signature on the cheap, it could be a smart investment by the 42-year-old.

Liverpool are interested in Eintracht Frankfurt star Jesper Lindstrom as manager Jurgen Klopp prepares his squad for the 23/24 campaign.

The Anfield side have been bolstering the midfield over the past couple of months, and the impressive signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai could now be supplemented by Southampton's Romeo Lavia, who Liverpool have recently lodged a £42m bid for after seeing an initial approach turned down.

With the Reds falling by the wayside last term, failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons, and Klopp will be hoping to make singings capable of spearheading an ascent back to the forefront of domestic and European football.

What's the market value of Jesper Lindstrom?

According to Danish publication Ekstra Bladet (page 43), Liverpool and Premier League rivals Arsenal are already in contact with Frankfurt for the dynamic midfielder, with the German Bundesliga outfit demanding €35-40m (£30m-£34m) for his signature.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Despite a belief that Liverpool will attempt to bolster their backline before the transfer window closes in one month, there are still murmurings of further attention to the Anfield centre after a tidal wave of departures this summer.

How good is Jesper Lindstrom?

Some might feel that Liverpool do not need to wade into the transfer pool and search for more attacking talent, but Lindstrom is first-class and Klopp might view the opportunity to at least discuss a deal as irresistible.

A truly all-encompassing ace, Lindstrom has been deployed in a wealth of roles, finding success each time, and has been praised as "outstanding" by teammate Kevin Trapp after scoring nine goals and supplying four assists this term.

The 23-year-old also boasts the winning mentality that Klopp will covet after going without a trophy last season – barring the Community Shield – with Lindstrom playing an important role in Frankfurt's Europa League triumph in 21/22, beating Rangers on penalties in the final.

The nine-cap Denmark international also ranks among the top 20% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals and the top 12% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, which illuminates his application across both sides of the pitch.

While his flexibility will appeal to Klopp, he would most often find a home in the centre of the pitch, perched on the periphery of the final third as he orchestrates play and charges into the attack, and he could thrive with Alexis Mac Allister performing alongside him.

The Argentina star sealed a move to Anfield from high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion this summer for a bargain £35m, after starring for the Seagulls last season, scoring ten goals and supplying two assists from 31 starts in the Premier League, also playing a pivotal role in his nation's momentous victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where his "sumptuous" assist in the final – as lauded by Gary Lineker – proved crucial.

Mac Allister recorded an impressive average Sofascore rating of 7.21 in the league, complementing his goals and assists with an 87% pass success rate, 2.5 shots and 1.3 key passes per game, two tackles per outing plus a 67% dribble and 57% duel success rate.

With Mac Allister's vibrant, diverse approach to his play blending with Lindstrom's directness, Liverpool could have a midfield for the ages, and Klopp must now consider his next move and whether a deal is in fact feasible.

Newcastle United are now ready to make a €35m (£30m) bid to sign Galatasaray midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, with an official offer expected to arrive at some point this week, according to reports from Turkey.

What's the latest Newcastle transfer news?

With the new Premier League season rapidly approaching, Newcastle's main target in the transfer market appears to be a defender, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently telling GiveMeSport: “I would keep an eye on a centre-back after Barnes, I think a centre-back could be a possibility.”

However, the Magpies are still being linked with moves for some attacking targets, including Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, however journalist Ben Jacobs is sceptical about whether a deal will be possible this summer.

Juventus' Federico Chiesa is another potential option for Eddie Howe, with it now being reported that an offer of €50m (£43m) plus bonuses could soon be on its way, although the St James' Park outfit will face stiff competition from Aston Villa.

According to reports from Turkey (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are also expected to make an official offer to sign Zaniolo at some point this week, having been convinced by his performances for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig.

There may be competition for the attacking midfielder's signature, however, as RB Leipzig are named as potential suitors, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal also said to be in the race.

The Magpies are actively trying to convince the 24-year-old to make the switch to St. James' Park, and they are now ready to pay Galatasary €35m (£30m) to get the deal over the line.

With Sandro Tonali already making his way to Tyneside this summer, Newcastle are now working on signing his compatriot, and it appears as though we can expect more news on their pursuit later this week.

How many goals has Nicolo Zaniolo scored?

The Italian scored 24 goals in 128 appearances for AS Roma, during which time he was lauded as "devastating" by manager Jose Mourinho, who also added that he is "always tough to handle" for the opposition.

However, the former Roma man asked to leave during the January transfer window, much to the disappointment of Mourinho, going on to join Galatasaray, where he has scored five goals in ten Turkish Super Lig appearances.

The Massa-born maestro clearly offers a threat in front of goal, however there are question marks over whether he would be a worthwhile addition for Newcastle, considering he is quite poor at setting up opportunities for his teammates.

Over the past year, the Italy international ranks in just the 14th percentile for assists per 90, when compared to his positional peers, and in the 30th percentile for shot-creating actions.

Not only that, the Galatasaray ace scores poorly on almost all defensive metrics, placing in just the seventh percentile for tackles, and in the 15th for interceptions over the same time period.

Now they have Champions League football on offer, Newcastle can attract far better players than Zaniolo, and they should pursue other targets this summer.

A round-up of the second day of matches at the ICC WCL Division Three in Uganda

Peter Della Penna in Kampala24-May-20171:19

‘Rizwan Cheema is quite destructive’ – Nitish Kumar

Canada continued their hot start to Division Three on Wednesday with an 83-run win over Oman at Lugogo Stadium. One day after clubbing 91 off 44 balls, Rizwan Cheema claimed his second-straight Man-of-the-Match award after giving Canada a late surge to 274 for 9 with 42 off 25 balls. Cheema then returned to break the back of the Oman chase with a double-wicket over in the 27th, snaring Naseem Khushi for 22 before trapping Amir Ali leg before for 1 to make it 148 for 7, forcing Oman to subside for 191.Though Cheema received the chief plaudits, Canada’s performance was a consummate team effort. Six players passed 30 in the Canada innings, though none made more than the 44 that teenage opener Bhavindu Adhihetty, who teamed with captain Nitish Kumar for a 77-run opening stand after losing the toss, scored. Oman threatened to contain Canada to a modest total considering Lugogo’s short boundaries when Cheema was dismissed in the 42nd over to make it 202 for 7, but Hamza Tariq (34 off 22) and Nikhil Dutta (41 off 34) partnered for a 72-run stand for the eighth wicket before each fell off the final two balls of the innings to Mohammad Nadeem.Wickets fell regularly early in Oman’s chase as four of their top five fell for single digits, but Zeeshan Maqsood motored on in counterattack-mode with 63 off 62 balls. Oman were well ahead of the required run rate with Maqsood in the middle, but he fell to Satsimranjit Dhindsa in the 22nd to make it 107 for 5, ending a 50-run stand with Ajay Lalcheta. Cheema’s double-strike, a short time later, left Lalcheta running out of partners and he eventually fell for 39 to Kumar, middling a sweep to backward square leg for the eighth wicket to snuff out Oman’s hopes of victory.Rizwan Cheema’s all-round show helped him collect his second Man-of-the-Match award in as many matches•Peter Della Penna

United States of America bounced back from their opening day loss to Oman with a resounding six-wicket win over Malaysia at Kyambogo Oval. Captain Steven Taylor received Man-of-the-Match honors in recognition of USA’s stifling bowling effort in which he finished with 2 for 12 in 9.5 overs. Opening medium pacer Ali Khan was almost as miserly in taking 2 for 7 in five overs while legspinner Timil Patel’s 3 for 36 triggered a middle-order collapse that saw Malaysia go from 90 for 4 to 117 all out.USA’s quick bowling rate meant they batted 14 overs before lunch to reach 51 for 1. Taylor fell for 25 to make it 60 for 2 in the first over after play resumed, slog sweeping to deep square leg in an effort to improve the team’s net run-rate. Power hitters Timroy Allen and Elmore Hutchinson were both promoted up the order with the same intent in mind, but each fell slogging for 1 and 3 respectively.Ibrahim Khaleel and Camilus Alexander calmly knocked off the rest of the runs in an unbroken 51-run fifth-wicket stand that helped USA achieve victory with 21.5 overs to spare. Khaleel top-scored for the second day in a row, ending unbeaten on 49.Uganda defeated Singapore by 66 runs at Entebbe to even up both teams’ records at 1-1. Singapore’s chase of Uganda’s 217 for 9 was thrown off course in the 29th over when first-day Man of the Match Anish Paraam was caught behind off Mohammed Irfan for 20 just after helping his team move past hundred. Irfan continued to burrow through the middle and lower order to finish with 5 for 38 as Singapore were bowled out for 151 in 44 overs.Opener Hamu Kayondo helped set up a defendable total for Uganda with 41, the first of three scores in the 40s for Uganda. The Uganda innings was crawling at just above three per over through the 31st until Shahzad Ukani (46 off 51) and wicketkeeper Arnold Otwani (47 off 46) combined for a comparatively speedy 86-run stand in 77 balls to help set a target well out of reach for Singapore.Thursday is a scheduled off day at the tournament before play resumes on Friday. Canada will look to maintain their unbeaten record against winless Malaysia at Entebbe while USA plays Singapore at Lugogo Stadium. Hosts Uganda takes on Oman at Kyambogo Oval. The winners of the last two contests will remain in strong contention for promotion berths but a loss could be crippling to their chances of advancing to Division Two.

Tottenham Hotspur have moved to offer star striker Harry Kane a "huge" new contract as chairman Daniel Levy attempts to tie down his prized asset.

Will Harry Kane leave Spurs?

This isn't the first time Kane has been linked with a move away from north London and it's highly unlikely to be the last, with Premier League champions and treble-winners Man City once in the mix.

Back in 2021, before Pep Guardiola ultimately signed superstar Erling Braut Haaland, City were chasing Kane and even placed bids in excess of £100 million on the table.

Despite an alleged gentlemans's agreement with Levy, though, the Spurs star was forced to remain in north London despite reports suggesting he wanted the new opportunity.

Tottenham were in a strong position not to buckle then due to his contract length, but with Kane's deal set to expire in 12 months, the Lilywhites now have a major decision to make.

The England star, who broke Jimmy Greaves' club record as Tottenham's all-time top scorer, could leave for free next summer as things stand and that is a scenario Levy will be desperate to avoid.

Bayern Munich are apparently determined to sign Kane, as some reliable media sources out of Germany even claim their manager, Thomas Tuchel, has even held secret meetings with the 29-year-old.

Those same reports say Kane had made it clear to Tuchel that he is more than open to joining the Bavarians this summer, but despite his contract expiring next year, Spurs won't be bullied.

Levy has already rejected an opening proposal for Kane from Bayern, with The Guardian and journalist Jacob Steinberg, in collobaration with David Hytner, sharing a pretty big update on Tottenham's attempts to keep him.

As relayed by Steinberg, writing on Twitter and sharing a piece, Spurs have moved to offer Kane a "huge" new contract in the hopes of tying down their star player.

"Tottenham are going to great lengths to convince Harry Kane to stay by offering the striker a huge new deal," said Steinberg.

"No indications Kane is going to sign it, though. Bayern Munich still pushing to sign him this summer."

The offer, as stated in The Guardian, is a significant step up on his current £200,000-per-week terms but Kane apparently won't put pen to paper this window.

Levy is apparently mindful that is popularity would plummet if Kane were to leave, even with Bayern boss Tuchel seriously pushing for his signature.

What's been said about Harry Kane?

Scoring 30 goals in 38 league starts over 2022/2023, the forward has been praised for his obvious ability, with former Spurs boss Antonio Conte calling him "world class".

"We are talking about a world class striker,” he said.

“In my career I didn't have great talent [so] for this reason I worked hard. What I liked about him from the first time was his ability. He was a big example for his team-mates."

Arsenal are set to hold talks with FC Porto over a potential summer move for striker Mehdi Taremi, who could be available for a fee of just £17m, according to recent reports from Portugal.

Which striker are Arsenal signing?

Back in April, Football Insider reported that Mikel Arteta wanted to sign a striker with a completely different profile to the options he currently has at the club, namely Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Folarian Balogun.

The manager has been preoccupied with deals for Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice, but he could now turn his attention back towards bringing in a new centre-forward, having previously been linked with a number of different players.

Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin was on the Gunners' radar back in April, while they have also been named as potential suitors for Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic, with the 6 foot 3 forward making it clear he wants to leave the Italian club this summer.

According to reports from Portugal (via TEAMtalk), Arsenal have now joined the race for Taremi, and talks with Porto officials are set to open soon over his possible signing.

However, there is set to be competition for the striker's signature from Premier League rivals Manchester United, who have also made their interest clear in recent days, as they are attracted by his relatively low price tag.

It is detailed that the 30-year-old could be available for around £17m this summer, making him a low-cost option to strengthen the Arsenal frontline.

How good is Mehdi Taremi?

Journalist Zach Lowy waxed lyrical about the Iranian forward back in March, saying:

"Given Heung-min Son’s dismal form this season, think there’s a serious argument to be made that Taremi is the best Asian player in football right now."

It is clear to see why Lowy has been so impressed by the 6 foot 1 forward, as he has recorded a phenomenal goal tally in Portugal across a number of seasons now, weighing in with 22 league goals and assists in the 2022-23 campaign.

Not only that, the 66-time Iran international also found the back of the net five times in the Champions League last season, which indicates he would be able to hit the ground running for Arsenal, when they return to Europe's elite competition in the 2023-24 campaign.

Against Atletico Madrid, the FC Porto star put in a particularly impressive performance, getting on the scoresheet and winning a total of four duels, while also showcasing his creative talent by making four key passes.

Although Taremi has never played in one of Europe's "big five" leagues, his performances at Champions League level indicate he could be ready to make the step up to a club the size of Arsenal.

Jesus had a solid first season in north London, recording 11 goals and seven assists in the Premier League, however, it would still be nice for Arteta to have an alternative option to bring on when chasing a game, and having sufficient squad depth is vital now the Gunners are back in the Champions League.