Will he or won't he? Lionel Messi has a massive decision to make and, just eight months before the start of the 2026 World Cup, we still don't know whether he'll lead Argentina's title defence. "At my age, it's only logical to think I might not," the 38-year-old told TyC Sports just last month. But, let's face it, there's never really anything logical about Messi's career.
He's football's miracle-man, blessed with a heavenly gift for making a mockery of the laws of physiology and physics. Truth be told, what he achieved with Argentina at the last World Cup in Qatar shouldn't have been possible either. He was 35 at the time and still running rings around the likes of Josko Gvardiol.
However, if Messi does decide to walk away from the international arena before next summer's tournament in North America, how would Argentina cope? After all, it would be an "enormous loss", as coach Lionel Scaloni recently admitted, because "there will be no heir to Messi". The man is irreplaceable, both as a player and a leader. Scaloni, though, has already been preparing for a future without his talismanic No.10 and there's already a strong support structure in place.
For starters, under Scaloni, the fundamental game plan has never changed thus far, whether Messi plays or not, while the coach also says that Argentina are already in possession of players capable of limiting the damage caused by their skipper's inevitable retirement. Nico Paz is undoubtedly one such player…
'A player for the future of Real Madrid'
As is obvious to anyone that watches Paz play, he's a pure street-footballer, a product of the piazzas he played on as a kid in Tenerife, where he was born and raised. His father Pablo was a centre-back, though, and good enough to earn 14 caps for Argentina – one of which arrived at the 1998 World Cup for a squad containing stars such as Gabriel Batistuta, Javier Zanetti, Diego Simeone, Juan Sebastian Veron and Hernan Crespo.
It was perhaps inevitable, then, that the young Paz would start out playing in defence. However, after Real Madrid signed him from Tenerife before he'd even turned 12, they quickly realised that Paz's street-honed skills were far more suited to an attacking role. Consequently, by the time Paz made his professional debut, in a routine Champions League win over Braga on November 8, 2023, he was impressing for Real Madrid Castilla both as a right winger and a centre-forward.
Then-Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti was often criticised for not trusting more in the club's youth sector but, credit where it's due, the Italian repeatedly invited Paz to train with the senior squad – a move that got the Toni Kroos seal of approval. "This boy should train with us every day because he is very good," the German playmaker enthused.
Ancelotti was also willing to bring Paz off the bench midway through the second half of another Champions League clash at the tail end of November – only this time against Napoli, and with the game tied at two goals apiece. It proved an inspired decision.
With just six minutes of normal time remaining, Paz cut inside onto his favoured left foot and deceived Alex Meret with a low strike from more than 20 yards out. Joselu may have added another goal for Madrid in the dying seconds but Paz was the talk of the Santiago Bernabeu after the game.
"He is a player for the future of Real Madrid," an understandably chuffed Ancelotti proclaimed after the 4-2 win. "He has all the quality that a Real Madrid player needs to have."
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The key move to Como
However, a mini-injury crisis had contributed to Paz making four appearances in total during the first half of the 2023-24 season, so when several key men returned to action, the youngster went back to playing predominantly for Madrid's reserve team in the third tier of Spanish football.
As a result, Paz and his representatives pushed for a transfer in the summer of 2024. Madrid agreed to let him go, too, but on the condition that a buy-back clause be included in the deal – which Paz was pleased about, given it meant he wouldn't have to give up on his dream of becoming a regular at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The only point of contention, then, was where he would go. Como were particularly keen. The Serie A side had done their homework on Paz and director Carlalberto Ludi was certain that they could help him realise his great potential by making him the "centrepiece" of their project.
The problem was that several other sides wanted the winger too. "There was a lot of interest," Ludi told . "We weren't in the front row, but we were the most determined to sign him."
Crucially, Como also had an ace up their sleeve in Cesc Fabregas and the World Cup winner's contribution was, as Ludi said, "decisive" in terms of getting the €6 million (£5.2m/$7m) deal done.
The Cesc Fabregas factor
Paz was on holiday with his family in Greece when his father received a message from Como coach Fabregas. The attacker admitted, "It was a really special moment for me." Crucial to his development, too.
"Having a legend as a coach is incredible," Paz told his club's media channel. "He's a person that puts you at ease and who teaches you a lot, both about life and about football."
It clearly wasn't just a case of Cesc speaking the same language as Paz. The former Arsenal and Barcelona ace clearly viewed the game in the same way. As one of the finest midfielders of his generation, Fabregas understood that desire to be on the ball all the time.
"The best thing is that he gives me the confidence to play my football," Paz told . "He keeps me calm and wants to have me playing in between the lines – and that's something really important for me.
"I also remember him as a player: he had so much quality, and had an amazing final ball. He knew when to arrive in the penalty area to score goals, and that's something I have to improve, to get into the box more. That final pass of his is something that I study a lot."
As a former prodigious talent himself, Fabregas also knew the potential pitfalls of restricting Paz in any way in these formative years.
"He's a special player and he must be free to express himself,” the Spaniard said after Paz scored his first goal for Como in a 1-1 draw with Parma on October 19, 2024. "We must not make him robotic."
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'The best moment of my career'
There's certainly nothing rigidly mechanical about Paz, who boasts a certain balletic quality to his movements, and particularly the Zinedine Zidane-like pirouettes that have become such a pleasingly regular sight in Serie A.
The way in which his tall and slender frame glides past opponents before dissecting defences with pin-point passes has also evoked memories of Kaka, while his left foot has provoked comparisons with Martin Odegaard.
Paz, though, says he spent – and still spends – hours watching clips of Messi in action to learn as much as possible from the player he considers the greatest of all time.
It, thus, won't come as a surprise to learn that he barely managed to utter a word to his idol when he was called up to the Argentina senior squad for the first time last October.
"I get nervous when I see him," Paz confessed to . "So, I didn't speak much at all because I was so embarrassed!"
Still, while Paz might not have been able to talk to Messi, he proved more than capable of passing to him, as the debutant teed up the No.10 for his hat-trick goal in the 6-0 rout of Bolivia at the iconic Monumental Stadium.
"It was the best moment of my career so far," Paz told Como's official website. "Providing an assist for the best player in history – and on my debut – was surreal. Considering Leo's age, I never thought I'd have the chance to play with him, but it happened, and was one of the best things that could ever have happened to me in my life." Being singled out for special praise from the great man himself probably ranks as a close second for Paz.
"Nico has a lot of quality," Messi said at the time. "He has a great head on his shoulders, he understands the game perfectly and I hope he continues like this. He played, he enjoyed it and I think he'll feel comfortable in this team because he likes having the ball." It was then pointed out to Messi that Paz was only one month old when he made his debut for Barca's senior side. "I knew about this!" he said, laughing.
The question now, of course, is whether we could see Paz and Messi combining at next summer's World Cup in spite of the 17-year age gap and, funnily enough, the only real doubt is over whether Messi will decide to take up his place in Scaloni's squad, because Paz looks like a shoo-in.
CSK dropped five catches before failing to chase another 180-plus target
Deivarayan Muthu08-Apr-20252:37
Jaffer: Hope to see Arya in India colours soon
Priyansh Arya announced his arrival in the IPL with a 39-ball century, the fastest by an uncapped Indian and joint-fourth-fastest by anyone, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) consigned Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fourth successive defeat in IPL 2025.CSK didn’t help themselves in the field, dropping as many as five catches, including two offered by Arya. The 24-year-old rookie capitalised on those chances to charge to his hundred as early as the 13th over. He holed out for 103 off 42 balls in the next over, but Shashank Singh (52*) and Marco Jansen (34*) provided the finishing kick for PBKS.CSK started well in the powerplay in their pursuit of 220 – Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra added 59 in the first six overs – but their soft underbelly was exposed once again in a chase. Conway retired out on 69 off 49 balls, with CSK needing 49 off 13 balls, but MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja couldn’t get the job done.CSK have now failed to chase a 180-plus target in their last 11 attempts, dating back to 2020.Arya’s assaultArya had triggered a bidding war at the auction after cracking six sixes in an over in the inaugural Delhi Premier League. In the lead-up to IPL 2025, his coach Ricky Ponting had talked him up as a “special” player. On Tuesday, Arya backed up Ponting’s comments in only his fourth IPL innings.1:50
Are Ashwin and Jadeja too defensive?
Arya is a bit like a left-handed version of the original Delhi basher Virender Sehwag. He sees the ball and hits the ball. He has also the gift of timing. When Matheesha Pathirana marginally missed a wide yorker and bowled a full toss – it was still a hard-to-hit full toss – Arya opened his bat face and carved it over point for six. He dispatched the next three balls from Pathirana for 6, 6, 4 to surge to a 39-ball hundred in the 13th over. In the next over, left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad had Arya dragging a catch to long-on.While Arya finished with 103 off 42 balls, the rest of the top six had a combined 23 off 25 balls in a bizarre scorecard. Arya could have been dismissed in the very first over had Khaleel Ahmed held on to a fairly straightforward return catch. Arya was on 6 at that point, having scythed the first ball over the point boundary. He then got another life on 35 when Vijay Shankar fluffed a more difficult chance at midwicket. Arya raced to his half-century, off 19 balls, when he backed away and carted R Ashwin over mid-off in the last over of the powerplay.In all, Arya took Ashwin for 28 off ten balls. The spinner came away with 4-0-48-2, his third-most expensive spell in the IPL.Shashank, Jansen join the funDespite Arya’s departure, PBKS kept attacking. Shashank forged an unbroken 65-run partnership off 38 balls for the seventh wicket with Jansen to push them to an above-par total. Shashank welcomed Noor into the attack with a slog-swept six over wide long-on, and pumped a carrom ball from Ashwin over his head for six more. Jansen had his own fun when he launched a no-look six off Pathirana in the 18th over.17:35
Bangar: Dhoni not playing for the crowd, he has a clear role at CSK
CSK fade away in another chaseCSK started positively in the chase, with the New Zealand pair of Conway and Ravindra scoring ten fours in the powerplay. However, they had to wait until the tenth over for their first six, when Shivam Dube swatted Lockie Ferguson over the midwicket boundary.Glenn Maxwell had broken the opening stand when he had Ravindra stumped for 36 off 23 balls. In the next over, Ferguson banged the ball on a hard length at 143kph and had Ruturaj Gaikwad chipping a catch to midwicket for 1 off three balls.CSK responded by pushing their designated spin-hitter Dube up to No. 4, but PBKS countered his promotion by not throwing spin at him. They held Yuzvendra Chahal, their premier spinner, back until Dube’s dismissal at the end of the 16th over. Once Dhoni arrived in the 17th over, PBKS matched Chahal up with him and raised the asking rate to almost 20. Chahal ended up bowling just one over for nine runs.Conway retired out in the 18th over, and Dhoni hit three sixes, but CSK were left with too much to do at the end. When Dhoni flapped a full toss from Yash Thakur, the Impact Player, to short fine leg, at the start of the final over, PBKS all but sealed victory.
The 39-year-old, who had already retired from Tests and T20Is, has now ended his ODI career
Mohammad Isam12-Mar-2025Mahmudullah has announced his retirement from the only format he was still active in – ODIs – via a social media post on Wednesday.”All praises only for the Almighty Allah. I have decided to retire from international cricket,” Mahmudullah wrote on his official Facebook page. “I would like to thank all of my team-mates, coaches and especially my fans who have always supported me. A big thank you to my parents, my in-laws, especially my father in law & most importantly my brother Emdad Ullah, who has been there for me constantly since my childhood as my coach & mentor.”And finally, thanks to my wife & kids, who have been my support system through thick & thin. I know Raeid will miss me in red and green jersey. Not everything comes to an end in a perfect way, but you say yes and move forward. Peace, . Best wishes to my team & Bangladesh cricket.”Mahmudullah, who turned 39 last month, had retired from Tests in 2021 and T20Is in 2024.Related
Mahmudullah to retire from T20Is after series against India (2024)
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'I always gave my 100%' – Mushfiqur Rahim retires from ODIs
Mahmudullah finishes as Bangladesh’s fourth-highest run-getter in ODIs, behind Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, with 5689 runs at an average of 36.46, including four hundreds and 32 fifties. His retirement came a week after Mushfiqur, who is also his brother-in-law, had retired from ODIs.On Monday, when the BCB said in its press release that Mahmudullah had requested the board not to consider him in the central contracts list after February 2025, it was seen as a sign of the impending announcement.All of Mahmudullah’s centuries came in ICC tournaments. After scoring two hundreds in the 2015 ODI World Cup, he made an unbeaten 102 against New Zealand in the 2017 Champions Trophy in Cardiff. More recently, in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, he scored 111 against South Africa in Mumbai.The ODI retirements of Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur come after Bangladesh suffered an early exit in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Mahmudullah played just one innings, managing 4 off 14 balls against New Zealand in Rawalpindi. Mahmudullah’s form in the lead-up to the tournament, though, was excellent: he had scored four ODI fifties in a row, against Afghanistan and West Indies, away from home.Mahmudullah made his ODI debut in 2007 as a utility player, batting mostly at No. 7 and bowling offspin. The turning point came in the 2011 World Cup against England, when he added an unbroken 58 for the ninth wicket with Shafiul Islam to guide Bangladesh to a two-wicket win. The following year, his unbeaten fifties helped Bangladesh to a 3-2 ODI series win over West Indies.All four of Mahmudullah’s ODI centuries came in ICC tournaments•Getty ImagesMahmudullah enjoyed more success in the 2015 World Cup, when he struck centuries against England and New Zealand in successive matches while batting at No. 3. His hundred against New Zealand in the 2017 Champions Trophy, in a 223-run stand with Shakib, is an iconic performance in Bangladesh cricket history.Mahmudullah made a comeback ahead of the 2023 World Cup after he had been dropped from the side.He also provided value with the ball, taking 82 wickets at an economy rate of 5.21. Mahmudullah never led Bangladesh in ODIs, though he had captained them in T20Is and Tests.Mahmudullah’s retirement brings the curtain down on Bangladesh’s most successful quintet of cricketers who played between 2006 and 2025 in white-ball cricket. Tamim reconfirmed his retirement from international cricket earlier this year. Shakib had announced his Test and T20I retirement in India last year, while also informing at the time that the Champions Trophy would be his last ODI assignment. Having missed the tournament due to non-cricketing reasons, his ODI career now seems over, too.Mashrafe Mortaza last played ODIs in 2020, when he also signed off from captaincy. Mushfiqur has retired from ODIs and T20Is, but is in line to become the first Bangladesh cricketer to reach the 100-Test landmark.
أثنى مدرب نادي برينتفورد، على نظيره في مانشستر سيتي بيب جوارديولا، وذلك قبل مواجهة الفريقين غدًا الأحد في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
ويحل نادي مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا ثقيلًا على برينتفورد في إطار منافسات الجولة السابعة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
ويسعى برينتفورد إلى خلق المفاجأة وتحقيق الفوز على مانشستر سيتي، بينما يمر الأخير بفترة أكثر من رائعة تحت قيادة جوارديولا.
طالع.. جريمالدو يكسر صمته ويعلق على إمكانية انتقاله إلى ريال مدريد
وأفاد المدير الفني لنادي برينتفورد، كيث أندروز، أنه تأثر بجوارديولا كثيرًا على مدار مسيرته التدريبية، موضحًا أن الإسباني هو أفضل مدرب في العالم خلال الـ15 سنة الأخيرة.
وقال أندروز في تصريحات نقلتها شبكة ”Cityxtra” عن جوارديولا: “لا أعرف الكثيرين ممن لم يستلهموا من هذا المدرب المبدع، لقد تأثرت به كثيرًا وربما كان أفضل مدرب في السنوات الخمس عشرة الماضية، في العصر الحديث فأسلوبه في التدريب غير طريقة فهم اللعبة وطريقة لعبها في أندية ودول مختلفة”.
واختتم أندروز في حديثه عن جوارديولا: “لقد مررت بمسيرتي التدريبية ودوراتي التدريبية وكان اسم جوارديولا حاضرًا بقوة في كل تلك المسيرة، إن القول بأنني أكن له كل الاحترام والتقدير هو أقل ما يمكن قوله”.
As Chelsea continue to assess their wide options in the transfer market, their focus has returned to one long-standing target.
While efforts remain ongoing to secure Xavi Simons, the club are also monitoring a dynamic winger who combines the explosiveness of Noni Madueke with the creativity of Pedro Neto.
Having emerged as a Premier League force in recent seasons, this forward’s statistical output paints a compelling picture.
Not only does he rival Madueke for goalscoring impact and Neto for progression and movement, but he also offers a unique blend of the two that could fit Chelsea’s evolving attacking blueprint.
As relations with his current club continue to sour, and with his valuation falling significantly, Chelsea are understood to be keeping close tabs, ready to move if circumstances allow.
Chelsea looking at Premier League star
Alejandro Garnacho has long been touted as a future star.
Since arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2020, the Argentine has impressed at every level, from leading Manchester United’s youth side to FA Youth Cup glory, to making a smooth transition into the senior setup.
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Senior figures at Old Trafford have long spoken about Garnacho’s ability to spark games into life.
After a Europa League match in 2022, Paul Scholes drew early comparisons with one of United’s most iconic players. “I think this lad was really entertaining. Almost like a young Cristiano at that age.”
Former Manchester United winger Febian Brandy echoed the sentiment, labelling Garnacho a “full-back’s nightmare. He can go either side, cut inside, he makes it difficult for defenders all game.”
Manchester United's AlejandroGarnachoreacts
Despite all of that, it looks as though he could be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 20-year-old wants to remain in the Premier League, with Chelsea and Aston Villa among those monitoring his situation.
Initially priced at £70m, United have now dropped their asking price to £40m according to other reports, a valuation that may tempt Chelsea if they wish to act before his value rebounds.
How Garnacho compares to Madueke and Neto
According to data from FBref, Madueke and Neto are the first and fifth most similar players in European football to Garnacho across the last year.
More generally, across his senior career, Garnacho has averaged 0.27 goals per 90 minutes, behind Madueke (0.39) but ahead of Pedro Neto (0.16). In terms of total goal involvement per 90, he sits between the two as well: 0.40 for Garnacho, compared to 0.58 for Madueke and 0.42 for Neto.
Garnacho’s directness is a defining trait. He averages more shots per 90 (3.50) than either Madueke (3.09) or Neto (2.12), though his shot accuracy (31.3%) is lower than Madueke’s 42%.
Those numbers reflect a player still learning to pick his moments, but with a clear intent to impact games regularly. In terms of progression, he also offers plenty. Garnacho averages 5.93 progressive carries per 90, again, sandwiched between Madueke (6.56) and Neto (5.10), underlining their ability to get at their full-back.
His passing numbers are more modest: 2.19 progressive passes per 90, compared to Madueke’s 3.90 and Neto’s 2.32. But he still maintains a healthy pass completion rate (77.2%), while registering a solid 3.77 shot-creating actions per 90.
Pedro Neto
While he attempts fewer take-ons than his Arsenal and Chelsea counterparts, with just 1.45 successful dribbles per 90, Garnacho’s overall attacking involvement is consistent. He touches the ball in the attacking third 27.3 times per 90, just behind Neto (28.5) and Madueke (30.4), suggesting a player fully embedded in the final-third phase.
Crucially, Chelsea are weighing his profile not just against their current squad, but against their future vision.
Garnacho’s combination of aggression and youthful energy offers a stylistic contrast to more intricate wingers like Cole Palmer.
For a side seeking to sharpen its transitions and threaten on the break, he offers a compelling solution.
Yet despite that promise, United are keen to let him go.
A strained relationship with manager Ruben Amorim has meant Garnacho, along with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia, has reportedly been told to find a new club this summer.
Rashford has already joined Barcelona on loan, while Garnacho’s own future appears to lie away from Old Trafford.
He may not be the finished product, but the underlying data, coupled with a proven ability to excite and influence matches, makes him one of the more intriguing options on the market.
Whether Chelsea firm up their interest may depend on the Simons deal and their broader squad strategy. But in Garnacho, they could secure not just a winger but a player who, if harnessed correctly, could help reshape their attack for seasons to come.
Chelsea star says yes to joining Madrid; his exit can fund Simons & Rodrygo
Losing the international star would be far from ideal for Chelsea.
“We need to grow this habit [of scoring big]… Of course, we should also play more franchise tournaments”
Mohammad Isam10-Oct-2024What happens in the aftermath of two huge defeats in India? For Bangladesh, it is less about trying to improve their batting or bowling, rather a discussion about having better pitches back home. Bangladesh’s players have told the BCB that they need to play on better tracks at home to have any chance of improving in T20s and compete against teams like India.Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto had touched on the need for better pitches back home after the loss in the first T20I against India on Sunday, after which the BCB president Faruque Ahmed held a lengthy discussion on the subject in a press briefing earlier this week. Faruque even hinted that they would consider the future of the Shere Bangla National Stadium’s curator Gamini Silva. Now, after the 86-run defeat to India in the second T20I in Delhi on Thursday, Taskin Ahmed further emphasised on the need to have better pitches at home to get used to posting high totals, while admitting there was a “lot of room for improvement” in the team.”We have to improve our skills, but we also need to play on better wickets back home,” Taskin said. “These are the main reasons [for the defeat]. We have informed the board, so I am sure they are thinking about [better pitches]. They gave us hope that they will make things better. It is up to them how they will improve conditions back home.”Related
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Taskin said that Bangladesh bank heavily only on a select few members contributing to a total; so when the top order failed against India in the second game, they had little chance to chase down 222.”The average score in Delhi is more than 200 runs. Both [Gwalior and Delhi] were good to bat but we didn’t bat well,” Taskin said. “We didn’t play to our potential. We didn’t have a good game. We had to go hard at their big total. There’s not much to do in a T20 when the top five or six batters fail.”We haven’t done well as a team in the two T20Is, which is sad for us. We are the sort of team [in which] we need 80% of our team to win a game. We can’t win with [just] one or two [players] doing well. There’s a lot of room for improvement.”Bangladesh’s batting failure was in stark contrast to how India batted smoothly despite slipping to 41 for 3 in the sixth over. Newcomer Nitish Kumar Reddy and finisher Rinku Singh counterattacked with a 108-run fourth-wicket partnership, with both scoring rapid fifties before Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag took India past 200. Taskin said India playing most of their cricket on good batting pitches has helped them hit big.”Most matches in IPL are high-scoring. They know how to chase big targets, and build high scores,” Taskin said. “What [scores like] 130-150 is for us, is 180-200 for them. We need to grow this habit [of scoring big], but I hope we have better home conditions so that we develop the ability to score and chase big targets. Of course, we should also play more franchise tournaments, which will give us better experience.”If we try to hit shots sitting or lying down in our home conditions, we would get hit in the face” – Taskin Ahmed•Associated Press”You need everything [to be a big-hitter] – power, technique, ability and adaptation. If you see the way they hit those sixes so fluently, I am sure if we try to hit those shots sitting or lying down in our home conditions, we would get hit in the face. They grew this habit from their childhood to play on good wickets. This is their biggest strength in bowling and batting.”Taskin was Bangladesh’s standout bowler in Delhi, giving away just 16 runs in his four overs while also taking two wickets. The pace bowlers combined to take six wickets in 12 overs which cost 102 runs. The spinners, though, bowled eight overs which went for 14.50 an over, something which cost Bangladesh the game. It is worrying that the spinners couldn’t put together good spells in the first series since Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from T20Is.”Shakib is someone who is always an important player for us. The reality is that he will retire soon [from Tests as well],” Taskin said. “We have to stand up without him. Definitely, he is an all-time legend. We will miss him.”I think we started well in the powerplay. They batted really well towards the end to get a big total. Unfortunately, the spinners had a bad day. There was also dew. It is the nature of T20s. Anything can happen any time. I think we could have chased a target of 180 or 190. We failed to make runs, but it was a good wicket.”Taskin conceded that Bangladesh aren’t adapting quickly to better batting conditions too, which is an overall “failure” of their T20 approach.”We haven’t improved in T20s. It is our failure,” he said. “Regardless of wickets back home, we are not doing well in better conditions. We are trying hard to improve, and we are hoping we can improve. That’s all we can do.”
In a few weeks, Arsenal will begin the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, and their eyes will be riveted on the prize.
Having fallen short in each of the past three seasons, the Gunners know that this is a big one, with Mikel Arteta’s side having gone five years without silverware.
But the improvements have been vast, these recent years. A lack of trophies aside, this has been an incredible resurgence for a giant who had been cast to the wayside before.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta
There’s a strong case for Arsenal’s unfortunate injury record across the 2024/25 term to have impeded them in their pursuit of glory, but Arteta has revised the issues and made some impactful summer signings to take his squad to the next level.
And the months of work have now been crowned by the addition of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Why Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres
Technically, Gyokeres isn’t yet an official Arsenal player, but the centre-forward has been the subject of an agreed £64m deal that will see him stand as Arteta’s chief goal-getter over the coming years.
The Sweden international scored 97 goals and added 28 assists across 102 matches for Sporting, winning the Liga Portugal in both of his seasons at the club.
Aged 27, he’s in the prime of his career, described by former Coventry City coach Adi Viveash as being a “physical machine”. He has what it takes to become one of the leading Premier League strikers of his era, rivalling the best over the coming years.
1)
Viktor Gyokeres
33
39
2)
Kylian Mbappe
34
31
3)
Mohamed Salah
38
29
4)
Robert Lewandowski
34
27
5)
Victor Osimhen
30
26
5=
Harry Kane
31
26
There’s no question that Gyokeres will be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, but there remains that slight uncertainty, for he has yet to ply his trade in the Premier League.
However, Arsenal are lining up another star who could prove to be an even better signing – and that’s not to Gyokeres’ discredit.
Arsenal agree fee for Premier League star
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are confident that they will complete the signing of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze this summer, having agreed to pay his £68m release clause through a series of manageable instalments.
Eze scored the winning goal as Palace won the FA Cup final against Manchester City last season, and has been expected to leave for a new challenge, having already agreed personal terms with the Gunners.
The £100k-per-week talent has also attracted interest from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, but it’s Arteta’s side who are set to enjoy his qualities next season and beyond, should the finer details of the transfer go through without a hitch.
What Eberechi Eze would bring to Arsenal
Like Gyokeres, Eze is 27, and would provide the Gunners with maturity and completeness of development. The Three Lions star’s 2024/25 season proved to the world that he has what it takes to become a star member of one of Europe’s elite outfits.
Pundit Rio Ferdinand hailed his “unique” style of play back in March, going on to claim he could “play for one of the top teams” in the world.
A dribble-happy attacking midfielder, Eze’s low centre of gravity, immense core strength and skilled passing game make him a difficult opponent indeed, with so many different ways to hurt his opponents.
Typically used as a left-sided midfielder by Oliver Glasner over the past 18 months, Eze completed 82% of his passes in the Premier League last term, as per Sofascore, while averaging two dribbles, 1.7 key passes and 4.8 successful duels per game, underscoring his roundedness.
Attacking midfield
74
25
11
Left winger
52
9
7
Central midfield
25
6
3
Right winger
3
0
0
His ability to shift, seamlessly, between the left flank and a more central attacking position bespeaks his sharpness and intelligence. Eze, in this regard, could plug two holes for Arteta, with both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli linked with moves away this summer.
While Eze has become more potent over the past few years, he remains a robust physical profile who could dynamise the club’s overall attacking build-up.
As per FBref, he ranked last season among the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for successful take-ons and the top 14% for ball recoveries per 90.
There’s no question that Gyokeres would bring to Arsenal a newfound degree of goalscoring quality, but there’s also no doubt that Eze has a skill set so impressive that he could come to nail down a starting berth on the left flank and emerge as one of Arteta’s most trusted lieutenants.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeresreacts
Will Arsenal’s soon-to-be-sealed striker hit the ground running in England’s top flight? Will he manage to retain that same level of destructive brilliance in tougher conditions, against steelier defenders?
These are the questions, and we shall soon find out. In any case, Eze has built himself up over a number of years in Europe’s highest-quality division, and, of course, with Gyokeres as a target man in the middle, both could enjoy the fruits of each other’s labours.
In Gyokeres, Arsenal will secure the centre-forward they have desired over the past several years. However, Eze might prove to be the better signing, all things considered.
His higher fee reflects that, and so does the consistency for Palace in the Premier League over the past five years, even leading analyst Ben Mattinson to call him a “superstar”.
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Liverpool could only wonder what it would be like to sit back at the top before Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers way back when.
But the strong desire for greater success has since been realised, in full colour, over a sustained period of success that has returned every shape of silverware to Anfield’s trophy cabinet.
And when Arne Slot replaced the German last summer after he had ‘run out of energy’, in his own words, many thought that was it, that was the end of an illustrious period that would be remembered for years and years.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotlooks on before the match
That hasn’t proved the case. Most rivals expected the Reds to fall by the wayside, or at least stumble, ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, but Liverpool are Premier League champions, deserving winners, dominant winners.
Multiple threads connect the two eras, but that all-important piece of twine, central to everything good on the red half of Merseyside across recent years, is Mohamed Salah.
And he’s set to continue his iconic journey.
Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future
Liverpool ended months of anxious speculation in April, extending Salah’s contract at Liverpool for an additional two years. His £350k-per-week deal was set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season.
He’s no longer a spring chicken, but Salah is very much still reflecting his greatness on the field. Last term, he spearheaded Slot’s Premier League title charge, notching 47 goal contributions across the league campaign (an all-time record for a 38-game season).
His vicious blend of deadly shooting and intelligent playmaking have established him as one of the finest forwards of his generation, indeed hailed by Liverpool podcaster Lewis Aspinall as “the best right winger in Premier League history”.
Salah is now 33 years old, but he has all the tools to forge another successful season for himself and his team. With someone like Florian Wirtz, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record £116m fee, supplying him, is there really any doubt?
Moreover, Liverpool are hoping to sign a centre-forward to replace Darwin Nunez, and he could be perfect for the Egyptian King.
Liverpool hold talks for new striker
As per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool remain interested in signing Hugo Ekitike this summer and have been in contact regarding the player, though they face stiff competition from Newcastle United.
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Chelsea have also shown interest this summer, but their recent £60m acquisition of Joao Pedro will have tempered their desire.
The Eintracht Frankfurt striker is among the most coveted players on the market, but he’s valued at £85m, and this has dissuaded suitors from making concrete moves.
Nonetheless, if Liverpool bank sums from Nunez (with Luis Diaz attracting intrigue from Bayern Munich and Barcelona too), they will have the means and the focus to push ahead and sign a frontman who has what it takes to become a superstar.
Why Liverpool want Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike was recognised as an exciting attacking talent from his days as a fledgling on the professional stage, with talent scout Jacek Kulig saying, “he could reach world-class striker levels”.
He has demonstrated as such in the Bundesliga over the past year, scoring 22 goals and supplying 12 assists across all competitions last season. He had spent a half-season on loan with Die Adler previously, warming himself up to a senior role away from the bloatedness of Paris Saint-Germain’s fringes.
And what a decision it was to forge his own path away from the French capital. The data is certainly kind to Ekitike, for he ranked among the top 16% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goal involvements, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 20% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.
That latter metric is interesting. Ekitike is a man of mobility and swiftness. He gets things done himself, scarce one to linger in wait of deliveries posted onto his doorstep.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
This is especially important for the continued success of Salah, for the Liverpool legend is indeed getting on a bit, and a robust and reliable centre-forward such as Ekitike will aid him in conserving his energy for the critical moments.
The Frenchman might not be on the same prolific level as Salah, but he’s got a similarly varied approach to his attacking play, and this could bear dividends for Liverpool’s offensive fluency next season.
It’s important to remember that Ekitike isn’t the finished product yet, but then he’s already been hailed as “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson, with his progress a rising thing over the past several seasons.
He would certainly prove an upgrade on Nunez, who has been heavily linked with a move to Napoli this summer.
Goals scored
0.53
0.40
Assists
0.28
0.16
Shots taken
4.00
2.70
Shot-creating actions
3.55
2.46
Touches (att pen)
6.88
5.88
Progressive passes
1.86
2.14
Progressive carries
3.27
1.83
Successful take-ons
1.83
0.64
Ball recoveries
3.06
3.26
Tackles + interceptions
0.81
1.99
Nunez has been known for his connection with Salah, having assisted the right-winger 11 times across his Liverpool career. Can you imagine how a more refined and established forward like Ekitike would play with him, in turn providing a far superior goal threat?
Moreover, the forward is blessed with a certain instinctiveness that will allow him to latch right onto Salah’s inventive passes, his whipped crosses and deft lay-offs.
This “incredible” young prospect, as described by teammate Rasmus Kristensen, is on the fast track to the top of the game, and Liverpool must do all they can to ensure he winds up at Anfield this summer.
He might even be the perfect partner for Salah over the next couple of years, bringing an energy and dynamism to feed off the 33-year-old’s technical brilliance.
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Chelsea’s recruitment drive has been pretty exciting over the last week, with numerous talks ongoing behind-the-scenes after they sealed a deal for Liam Delap.
Chelsea attempting to confirm more signings before Club World Cup
Delap officially signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge earlier this week and will don the number nine shirt, with the Blues deciding to pay his £30 million release clause.
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The now-former Ipswich Town star is eligible to take part in Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, giving Enzo Maresca a classic out-and-out number nine to work with ahead of the potentially lucrative tournament, which could yield £97 million in prize money.
BlueCo are by no means slowing down in the market after the confirmed arrival of Delap, with Chelsea at work to strengthen numerous other areas of Maresca’s squad before the mini-window shuts on June 10.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea
8.08
Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town
8.05
Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa
8.04
Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton
7.83
Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town
7.55
via WhoScored
Chelsea are still reportedly pushing to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, as his price tag apparently drops to around £30 million, and they’ve been in discussions with AC Milan about a deal for French international goalkeeper AC Milan.
However, despite Chelsea holding talks over Maignan, as first revealed by Fabrizio Romano, there remains a considerable gap in valuation between the clubs.
With Chelsea also reportedly in negotiations over signing Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato in their pursuit of a new centre-back, not to mention a move for Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Hugo Ekitike, it is clear that Maresca’s side are pulling no punches as they attempt to reinforce the squad.
There’s actually been an interesting update on the latter, who appears likely to leave Eintracht after just one full season in the Bundesliga.
Hugo Ekitike clear he wants to join Chelsea with "positive talks" held
According to a report by journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, Ekitike has communicated his desire to join Chelsea behind-the-scenes – following the 6 foot 3 striker’s excellent campaign of 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
However, the move remains complicated, with price proving to be a major sticking point.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
“More positive talks yesterday and this one has been progressing. However, as with Maignan, Chelsea are not paying their asking price. Games are being played here too,” said Phillips.
“The player wants the move and has communicated that. Frankfurt know they are selling him, so Chelsea once again are taking the tough stance here and know they are in a strong position.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
“Chelsea have mooted players to Frankfurt as a make-weight on the deal, and they are interested. I don’t know which players, but it is rumoured to be a couple from Strasbourg, so it would have to be unofficial favour for a favour ‘swap’ deals here.
“I see this one dragging on a bit to be honest because the gap in valuation is too big. But as I said, there has been positive progress on this over the last week. By the way, there is no way Chelsea should be paying £80m for Ekitike so I back this stance here, I just don’t back it for Maignan.”
Tottenham Hotspur could sign a “unique” and “exciting” forward at a bargain price this summer as his contract expires in December, with the player himself privately considering a move to north London.
Tottenham eye free agents with significant names available
The free agent market could still be a fruitful talent pool for Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy, even if they’re set for a significant financial windfall after their Champions League qualification.
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Some prestigious names, and players who are also proven at the top level, are up for grabs at zero transfer cost, with the Lilywhites said to be expressing an interest in some of them ahead of their contracts expiring.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
According to some reports in France, Tottenham have held talks with the representatives of Lille star Jonathan David, with the Canada international set to become one of the biggest bargain deals of this summer after nearly five years of free-scoring for the club.
“I wanted to tell you myself that after so many years at the club, it’s time to say goodbye,” said David in an emotional goodbye post on social media.
Lille'sJonathanDavidshoots at goal
“I’ve had five wonderful seasons here. I know that it hasn’t always been easy but I hope that with my goals and celebrations, that I’ve managed to bring you some joy.”
Tottenham are also said to be one of the main contenders for Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, who will also depart Bruno Genesio’s side on a free transfer, so Levy and technical director Johan Lange could seemingly raid the Ligue 1 outfit for talent.
The England midfielder would provide Ange Postecoglou, or any new manager, with a solid technician and alternative to the likes of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray.
Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is also a reported option for Tottenham, following botched new deal talks with the Bavarians.
Roony Bardghji "prepared" to join Tottenham this summer
While not a free agent this summer, but out of contract at the end of the year, FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji could still be available for a very meagre fee of around £10 million.
That is according to GiveMeSport, who also state Bardghji is privately indicating that he’s prepared to join Tottenham this summer as a viable Premier League destination.
Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic in action with FC Copenhagen's RoonyBardghji
The 19-year-old burst into the spotlight with his heroics against Man United in the Champions League, scoring a stunning winner against the Red Devils in a 4-3 group stage victory back in November 2023.
The Swede has had injury problems since then, but his reputation as a rising star has never left Bardghji’s side.
Called one of the most “exciting” talents in Europe by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Danish journalist Nicklas Degn likened his playing style to that of Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, all the while stating he’s destined for a big move to England.
“He will go to a great Premier League club,” said Degn.
“He would suit a team that dominates the ball, like Manchester City, or Liverpool because he has very similar characteristics to Mohamed Salah.
“When Copenhagen have to come up with something brilliant or unlock a team, it is Roony they look to. He has this unique talent.”
Given his cheap price tag, this seems like a very tempting, low-risk move for Levy.