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They are still in the Champions League, but we reckon most Arsenal fans just want this season to end.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been hit with injury after injury this year and look more than likely to end the campaign without any silverware for the fourth time in a row.

The good news is that new Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, is now through the door, and the transfer window is just a couple of months away.

One of the names heavily touted for a move to the Emirates has been Spanish superstar Nico Williams. While he’d be an exciting addition, reports suggest Berta is now gunning for someone even more dangerous, someone compared to Dennis Bergkamp.

Arsenal's transfer targets

Ahead of the club’s game against Fulham on Tuesday night, Arteta told the media that the club’s transfer window is “going to be a big one” this summer, and if the reports we have seen so far are anything to go by, that certainly seems to be the case.

As mentioned above, Williams seems to be a key target for the club, and, as he has a £48m release clause in his contract, one that doesn’t seem all that unrealistic.

Moreover, with Copa del Rey and European Championship medals already in his collection at just 22 years old, he might bring that cutting edge that the North Londoners have seemingly lacked at points over the last few years.

However, Berta and Co may now be considering another attacking option much closer to home this summer: Matheus Cunha.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur are incredibly keen on signing the Wolverhampton Wanderers star in the coming months.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, the report has revealed that the Gunners are leading the chase for the player’s services ‘due to Berta’s links’ with him from their time together at Atlético Madrid.

The Brazilian’s current contract includes a release clause worth €75m, which is about £62.5m, although there is a chance that they could accept a lower amount.

It will be a costly and potentially complicated transfer to get over the line, but considering Cunha is outscoring Williams this season and has been compared to Bergkamp, it’s one worth pursuing.

How Cunha compares to Williams

Okay, so before the pitchforks come out, it is true that Cunha tends to play more down the middle while Williams is an out-and-out left-winger, but across his career, the Brazilian has spent a good amount of time out wide as well.

In fact, he’s an incredibly versatile player, having made 145 appearances up top, 47 across both wings, 29 in attacking midfield, 22 as a second striker, and even one in right midfield.

Centre-Forward

145

32

24

Attacking Midfield

29

15

6

Left Winger

27

11

5

Second Striker

22

7

4

Right Winger

20

3

2

Right Midfield

1

0

0

This ability to thrive in multiple attacking roles is reminiscent of Bergkamp, who played as a nine, ten, and a second striker at times. However, that isn’t the only characteristic he shares with the Flying Dutchman, at least not according to former Wales captain Ashley Williams.

Speaking on Match of the Day following a particularly impressive performance against Fulham last year, the pundit described the Wolves ace as “Bergkamp-esque” for the way he controlled a long ball and poked it into the net for an exquisite goal.

With all that said, how does the former Atlético ace compare to Williams this season?

Well, from a pure output perspective, which is what ultimately matters most for an attacking player, it’s a comfortable win for the Old Gold’s talisman.

Appearances

29

38

Minutes

2376′

2689′

Goals

15

9

Assists

4

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.65

0.42

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.05′

168.06′

For example, in just 29 appearances, totalling 2376 minutes, he’s scored 15 goals and provided four assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.52 games or every 125.05 minutes.

In contrast, the Spanish ace has scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 38 appearances, totalling 2689 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.37 games or every 168.06 minutes.

Ultimately, if Arsenal can only get one of these two players this summer, and goals are what they are after, then it makes more sense to sign Cunha – the comparisons to Bergkamp certainly help as well.

Their next Podolski: Arsenal in talks to sign "one of the best in Europe"

The incredible international would make Arsenal far more dangerous.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 1, 2025

His stocks dipped with lean IPL and domestic form across 2024 and 2025, but he seems to have rediscovered his groove since his return to Delhi

Daya Sagar01-Sep-2025Nitish Rana marked his return to Delhi cricket with a statement performance in the crunch games of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), leading West Delhi Riders to the title. In the three playoff matches, he produced one century and one half-century, finishing unbeaten each time with scores of 134*, 45*, and 79*. It was a decisive response from a player who had been searching for form across the past two years and had started the tournament poorly. His unbeaten 134 off 55 balls in Qualifier 1, with eight fours and 15 sixes, was the defining knock of the tournament.”In big matches, it is very important for big players to perform because there is a lot of pressure in these games,” Rana said afterwards. “Big players know a little better how to handle pressure, and I place myself in that category of players who can steer the game under pressure situations.”As an experienced player, you know whether you are in good touch or not. I knew I was batting well, but the runs were not coming. I continuously backed myself. I knew I was only one big innings away, and luckily it came when the team needed it most. Now we are champions.”Related

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The Qualifier also featured an exchange of words with South Delhi Superstarz spinner Digvesh Rathi, which went viral online. Rana did not want to linger much on the episode. “It would be very unfair if I only share my side of the story and Rathi doesn’t get to say anything,” Rana said. “All I can say is that he started it and poked me, so I replied. I was born and raised in Delhi, and I have hot blood too. If someone pokes me, I am not the kind of person to stay quiet… He got disturbed in his line and length, and I responded with sixes.”The DPL title followed one of Rana’s toughest periods. In 2024, despite Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lifting the IPL trophy, injuries and team balance meant he featured in only two matches. His domestic returns were no better. For Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy that season, he was dropped after scoring just one fifty in six innings. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that followed, he averaged 13.88 with a strike rate of 114.43 across nine games, while in the Vijay Hazare Trophy he was left out after one game. In IPL 2025, playing for Rajasthan Royals, he scored two half-centuries but made six single-digit scores in 11 innings. Soon after, Rana returned to Delhi for the 2025-26 season, citing family reasons.Nitish Rana takes a selfie with his UP team-mates after a win•ESPNcricinfo LtdIt was not his first setback. In 2022-23, he scored only 71 runs at 17.75 in the Ranji Trophy and was dropped after three games, prompting a move from Delhi to Uttar Pradesh in search of opportunities. Looking back, Rana said: “I went to Uttar Pradesh because I thought maybe I would play better in a new place. But it didn’t work out that way. Now I have left those things behind and returned to the same Delhi dressing room where I learned to score runs. It’s not that I had to prove something, but personally, these DPL innings are very important for me.”Cricket is a game of experience. When you grind yourself, go through bad times, it becomes very important to try to learn from those situations. I too have had many bad patches, I have fought with myself, punished myself too. But I trust myself a lot. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I fail. But all this is part of the game.”In the seven seasons from 2017 to 2023, Rana was one of a few batters to score at least 300 runs in every IPL. In 2021, during the Covid-19 period, he earned an India call-up, playing one ODI and two T20Is in Sri Lanka. Since then, the door to the national side has stayed closed, though he has remained a regular contributor in domestic cricket and has on occasion captained his Ranji and IPL teams.For now, he is not looking beyond the immediate. “There are a lot of things to think about,” Rana said. “I also want to make a comeback to the Indian team, but by thinking about it, I will only put pressure on myself. That’s why I don’t think too much now. I only focus on things that are in my control. Right now, my cricket is in my control, and I am only focusing on that.”

Stats highlights from the Wankhede, where RCB became the first team to concede five 200-plus totals in a single season

Sampath Bandarupalli09-May-20232:04

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21 Balls remaining when Mumbai Indians completed their chase against Royal Challengers Bangalore. It is the biggest win in terms of balls remaining while chasing a 200-plus target in the IPL. The previous biggest win was by Delhi Daredevils, who took only 17.3 overs in their 209-run chase against Gujarat Lions in 2017.1 Number of bigger wins in terms of balls remaining in T20 cricket while chasing down a 200-plus target than Mumbai Indians’ 21-ball win on Tuesday. Surrey won with 24 balls to spare against Middlesex in 2018, needing only 16 overs to chase down a 222-run target.4 Number of 200-plus totals for Mumbai in this IPL, all while chasing. These are the most 200-plus totals for a team in chases in a T20 tournament, surpassing Yorkshire’s three in the last year’s T20 Blast. Mumbai are also the first team to successfully chase 200-plus targets on three instances in a T20 tournament.Related

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5 Royal Challengers Bangalore are the first team to concede five 200-plus totals in a single IPL season. The previous highest was four 200-plus totals by Kings XI Punjab in 2014, and by Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers in 2018. Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai have also conceded 200-plus totals on four occasions each in the ongoing season.Nehal Wadhera celebrates after bringing up his fifty with the winning runs•BCCI140 Partnership runs between Suryakumar Yadav and Nehal Wadhera, the highest third-wicket stand for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. It is also the third-highest partnership for the franchise behind 167* by Herschelle Gibbs and Rohit Sharma against the Knight Riders and 163* between Dwayne Smith and Sachin Tendulkar versus Rajasthan Royals, both in the 2012 season.4 Century stands between Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell in this IPL. They are the third pair in the IPL to share four or more 100-run stands in the same season. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers had five-century stands in the 2016 season, while Jonny Bairstow and David Warner put on four in 2019.260 Runs aggregated for the third wicket in this match, courtesy of the two century stands, the most partnership runs for the same wicket in an IPL match. The previous highest was 257 runs for the second wicket between Royal Challengers and Gujarat Lions in 2016, where 229 of those were added by Kohli and de Villiers.

Stats highlights from a special performance by R Ashwin on the third day of the Chennai Test

S Rajesh15-Feb-20213 – Instances of R Ashwin scoring a century and taking a five-for in a Test. Before the ongoing Chennai Test, he had achieved this twice against West Indies, in Mumbai in 2011, and in North Sound in 2016. India won the Test in 2016 by an innings and 92 runs, while the Mumbai game ended in a memorable draw with the scores level – India finished on 242 for 9, chasing 243 for victory.ESPNcricinfo Ltd1 – Player who have achieved this double of a century and a five-for in a Test more often than Ashwin: Ian Botham did it five times in his 102-Test career – twice each in England and New Zealand, and once in India. Four allrounders have achieved this feat two times – Garry Sobers, Mushtaq Mohammad, Jacques Kallis, and Shakib Al Hasan.Related

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3 – Indians who have achieved this double in a Test. Vinoo Mankad scored 184 and 72, and took 5 for 196 in England’s first innings at Lord’s in 1952, while Polly Umrigar made 172 not out and 56, and took 5 for 107 against West Indies in Port-of-Spain in 1962. Both those efforts came in defeats. Among the 33 instances of players achieving this feat, the batting aggregates for Mankad (256) and Umrigar (228) are first and third in the list.2016 – The last time a player achieved the feat, before Ashwin in the ongoing Chennai Test: Roston Chase took 5 for 147, and scored an unbeaten 137 in the second innings, against India in Kingston in 2016. In the previous Test, Ashwin had achieved this double in North Sound, scoring 113 and taking 7 for 83.33 – Total instances of an allrounder achieving this double in a Test. England lead the way with six such contributions – thanks mainly to Botham – while India and West Indies are next with five instances each. South Africa, Australia and Pakistan follow with four such occurrences for each team. Bangladesh feature three times, while New Zealand and Zimbabwe feature once each.3 – Instances of players scoring a century and taking 10 wickets in a Test match: only Botham, Imran Khan and Shakib have achieved this feat. Ashwin will join the trio if he takes five wickets in England’s second innings.3 – Test centuries for Ashwin when batting at No. 8. Only one batsman – Daniel Vettori – has scored more hundreds when batting at No. 8 or lower: he has four at No. 8, and one at No. 9.39.16 – Ashwin’s batting average in Tests against England. The only team against whom he has a better average is West Indies (average of 50.18 from 11 Tests). These are the only teams against whom his batting average exceeds 25.

Newcastle United are now reportedly keeping close tabs on a “generational” star who could be ready to complete a big move to the Premier League in 2026.

Howe heaps praise on "relentless" Newcastle in Fulham victory

Following a routine victory over Benfica in the Champions League, Newcastle were once again made to work for a result in the Premier League.

The Magpies, who had won just twice in eight league games in the build-up, desperately needed to find a way past Fulham on Saturday and did just that courtesy of Bruno Guimaraes’ last-gasp winner.

Having his say on the much-needed win, Eddie Howe told reporters: “It was end-to-end. I thought it was a really attacking performance from both teams; both teams were going for the win. We’re delighted to get it ourselves.

“I thought it was a really good last 20 minutes from us; we were relentless in our pursuit to try and win. Eventually, one of those chances fell for us. Those points are so precious, but you also carry forward the belief that you can win in any situation, even when it doesn’t look like you will.”

That said, celebrations from the weekend can’t last very long. Newcastle’s focus must instantly turn towards facing Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. In search of defending their crown, the Magpies must find a way past an in-form side searching for more silverware, themselves.

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Eddie Howe has an outstanding star at his disposal at Newcastle United who can help Nick Woltemade reach Alan Shearer levels.

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Given how important the Carabao Cup was to Newcastle’s season last time out, it will be interesting to see whether Howe chooses to rest players or field his strongest side in the competition. There’s no doubt that, with European football to balance with domestic duties, he must get things right.

Of course, adding another piece of silverware after last season would be no bad thing and it would certainly go a long way towards attracting the next generation of stars.

Newcastle keeping tabs on "generational" Monga

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle are now keeping tabs on Jeremy Monga as the Leicester City star continues to enjoy an impressive rise.

Still just 16 years old, Monga has already made more first-team appearances than Arsenal’s Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha and is one of the most sought-after young players in English football.

It would represent a major coup if Newcastle managed to sign Monga ahead of Manchester City and they could even land a bargain deal for what would, in many ways, be their own version of Arsenal’s Dowman.

Leicester are unable to tie their teenage sensation down to a senior contract until he turns 17 next June, which means he could leave for a compensation fee rather than what would be a hefty transfer fee.

Everton are now reportedly racing to sign a La Liga star ahead of both Leeds United and Juventus in the January transfer window.

Everton join race to sign Conor Gallagher

La Liga seems to be where it’s at for Everton ahead of the January transfer window, with reports now claiming that they’ve joined the race to sign Conor Gallagher.

The Ateltico Madrid midfielder has put the Premier League on high alert as he looks to leave the Spanish club this winter, and Everton could yet secure his signature.

A move for the England international would highlight the progress that the Toffees have made since moving into the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Currently sat 10th, David Moyes’ side are just three points off Chelsea in fourth and there’s every chance that they could push for a shock European place if their current form continues.

It’s worth noting that Gallagher’s not the only one on Friedkin’s radar ahead of January, either. The Toffees are in search of reinforcements across the pitch, perhaps starting with their frontline.

Whilst Thierno Barry is beginning to show glimpses of his quality, he remains without a goal after securing a £27m move from Villarreal in the summer. As such, Everton have reportedly set their sights on signing Franculino Dju ahead of Bayern Munuch.

Then comes the task of adding to Moyes’ backline and that has reportedly seen club chiefs turn their focus towards welcoming impressive Real Betis centre-back Natan.

Everton join race to sign Natan

As reported in Spain, Everton are now ready to compete in the race to sign Natan against both Leeds United and Juventus. The Real Betis defender has impressed in La Liga this season and is set to cost any potential suitor around €40m (£35m) in the January transfer window.

Dubbed a “physical” centre-back by Como scout Ben Mattinson, the South American has already played in Italy with Napoli and Spain with Real Betis. Now, a Premier League move could be calling, as Everton and Leeds do battle for his signature.

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Standing at 6’2, the 24-year-old would certainly fit the part at Everton, who have a number of aerial dominators in Moyes’ backline as it is. There’s every chance that Natan would receive the game time that he’s after, too, given that Jarrad Branthwaite continues to struggle with injuries.

If the Toffees are to push into the European places this season then further investment will be the key. Whether it’s Natan, Gallagher or Dju in January, Friedkin would be wise to repeat their summer work and add quality in depth to Moyes’ side this winter.

Everton eyeing up move to sign former-Liverpool star who's been "fantastic"

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways on Saturday, marking their first victory in the Premier League since the final weekend of October.

It was a win that lifted huge pressure off the shoulders of Thomas Frank, who, despite being in the dugout for a matter of months, was already facing questions and scrutiny about his job.

It’s another big week for Spurs who face Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday evening before coming up against Nottingham Forest next Sunday.

Heading into those games, Frank has received some positive and negative injury news.

The latest injury news out of Spurs

French forward Randal Kolo Muani has started to find his feet in Spurs colours in recent weeks, notably bagging against PSG in the Champions League.

However, he was withdrawn during the weekend’s win over Brentford and was spotted limping as he left the stadium.

Fortunately, he trained on Monday and looks set to play a part in Europe this midweek.

For James Maddison, things continue to look tough. The attacking midfielder featured on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football for their coverage of Wolves vs Manchester United and he may have to get used to off-field duties for now.

There is no specific time frame,” Frank began. “It will be a long time unfortunately before he [Maddison] is available.”

Spurs star will now miss the rest of 2025

While there is more positivity about Spurs heading into this week’s run of fixtures, there has been bad news on the injury front for Italian full-back Destiny Udogie.

The young defender has attracted criticism in recent weeks for his displays but missed the win against Frank’s former employers due to injury.

Speaking about the problem, the manager said: “Destiny picked up a hamstring injury at the end of the Newcastle game, so he’s out until January unfortunately.”

Ahead of their clash with Slavia Prague, a late call will be made on Brennan Johnson’s fitness but Yves Bissouma is set to miss out once again after his latest off-field controversy.

The Mali midfielder has not been seen in Spurs colours under Frank after he was dropped from the UEFA Super Cup squad for persistent lateness.

To make matters worse for Bissouma, a report at the weekend showed footage of the Spurs man allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas.

Commenting on the matter this week Frank said: “It’s an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it.”

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Manchester United are keen to strengthen their attacking ranks under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to raid South America for a bristling talent dubbed the next Neymar Jr.

Man Utd prepare to address squad issues in mid-season window

The Red Devils find themselves in the middle of the Premier League pack heading into a hectic run of fixtures between now and the New Year, which will offer Amorim some insight regarding where he needs to add steel to help his side continue their recent improvement.

Ultimately, setbacks are part of football, and Monday’s defeat against Everton will sting for the Manchester United support, especially given the difficulty their side had in breaking down the low block David Moyes deployed at Old Trafford.

Delivering an honest assessment of what needs to change going forward, Matthijs De Ligt urged his teammates to bounce back against Crystal Palace on Sunday and show improved urgency in South London.

He stated: “Overall, just a really bad performance. The next game, obviously, is really important now. We have to bounce back from this performance. We had some good performances over the last couple of weeks, and now we had a bad one.

“Now, it’s for us to come back, to stay together and to make clear what has to be better. We lacked maybe the urgency to score the goals, to create the chances – and then you know against a team like Everton, who drop back and are really strong in the air, it’s going to be quite difficult. That basically sums up the night.”

Man Utd to "complete" move and sign "the next Casemiro" in coming days

The Red Devils are now ready to open their transfer chequebook.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 28, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers pair Andre and Joao Gomes have been identified by Manchester United as January targets. Casemiro’s potential contract expiry has led Amorim down the path of searching for a midfielder, and it is clear he is making inroads on that front.

Conversely, the Red Devils are now said to be leading the race for a talent who could become one of South America’s brightest stars in the next few years.

Man Utd leading race to sign Santos star Robinho Jr

According to reports in Spain, Man Utd are leading the race to sign Santos prodigy Robinho Jr, and they have made contact with his entourage over bringing the 17-year-old winger to Old Trafford.

Compared to Neymar by peers in his homeland, he is a recognisable name as the son of former Manchester City and Real Madrid star Robinho, and he may be allowed to leave his current club due to their financial situation.

Robinho Jr’s statistics at Santos

Appearances

13

Goals

0

Assists

1

Santos are unlikely to let the winger go for a modest fee, albeit Manchester United have been tracking his progress for months and see a unique opportunity to develop his talent in England.

This is something that the Brazilian giants are willing to seriously evaluate as they look to bring funds into the club, especially given they are at risk of relegation, potentially creating a scenario where everyone is a winner.

ضمن الأهلي تأهله رسميًا إلى الدور النهائي لبطولة دوري المرتبط لكرة السلة، بعد فوز فريق الناشئين تحت 18 عامًا على سبورتنج بنتيجة 49-43 في إياب الدور نصف النهائي.

وكان الأهلي قد فاز في لقائي الذهاب على مستوى الرجال والناشئين، قبل أن يتفوق في مباراة الإياب بمنافسات الصغار، ليحسم تأهله إلى الدور النهائي دون الحاجة إلى نتيجة مواجهة الكبار.

طالع.. الأهلي يفوز على سبورتنج في ذهاب نصف نهائي دوري المرتبط لكرة السلة

وبهذا أصبح رصيد الأهلي 6 نقاط، مقابل 3 نقاط لـ سبورتنج، حيث يحصل الفائز على نقطتين، بينما ينال المهزوم نقطة واحدة.

ومن المقرر أن يضرب الأهلي موعدًا مع الاتحاد السكندري في الدور النهائي لدوري المرتبط.

وتأهل الاتحاد السكندري إلى نهائي البطولة، عقب فوزه على جاره سموحة بنتيجة 3-1 في مجموع لقاءات الدور نصف النهائي على مستوى الرجال والمرتبط.

يذكر أن منافسات الدور نصف النهائي لدوري المرتبط أقيمت على صالة برج العرب الرئيسية بالإسكندرية.

Steven Kwan made a spectacular diving catch in center field to preserve the Cleveland Guardians' scoreless tie against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of Game 2 of the ALDS. Only, not everyone was convinced he actually made the catch.

After a line drive off the bat of Wenceel Perez went out to center field, Kwan pursued the baseball and dove forward in order to make the play. Kwan managed to get his glove in between the ball and the grass while making a stunning diving catch for the final out of the inning. Some felt that he actually trapped the ball, however.

It's incredibly difficult to determine on the replay whether or not the ball touches the grass before entering Kwan's mitt. Even the announcers were at a loss, clearly unable to decipher whether it was a catch or a trap. Replay review ultimately determined that it was a catch, which ended the inning and preserved the scoreless tie.

The Tigers left two runners on as a result of Kwan's diving play, though there were many fans who felt that it should've been a base hit for Detroit.