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Glasgow Rangers took to Ibrox for the first time in pre-season on Sunday when Russell Martin’s side were held to a 2-2 draw.

Danilo led the line for Rangers during the match because Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers were both not ready to be involved at that stage.

Both players have been linked with a move away from Ibrox before the end of the summer transfer window, with clubs on the continent now keen on signing the pair.

This means that it remains to be seen whether or not they will still be at the club by September, which may be the Light Blues are reportedly in the market for a new striker.

Rangers leading race for new striker

The Scottish Premiership giants would need to bring in a fresh number nine option for Martin if they cash in on Igamane or Dessers, and they are eyeing up a free agent talent.

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According to Leicester Mercury reporter Josh Holland, Rangers are the “frontrunners” to secure a deal for free agent centre-forward Jamie Vardy this summer.

The former England international has been unattached since the start of this month after his contract with Leicester City officially expired at the end of June.

Genoa were interested in snapping up the experienced marksman but manager Patrick Vieira is said to have decided against the signing, which has presented Rangers with an opportunity to make their move.

It now remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants will be able to take advantage of the situation to get a deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Martin could find his own Defoe for Rangers

If the Gers can sign Vardy on a free transfer this summer, Martin could unearth his own version of Jermaine Defoe by relying on him up front next season.

Defoe joined the club on loan from Bournemouth at the age of 36 in the summer of 2019, and eventually joined permanently in January 2020, but was far from past his best.

The former England international went on to score 32 goals in 74 matches in all competitions for the Gers, including four goals in 15 Scottish Premiership matches in the 2020/21 title-winning season.

These statistics show that Defoe was still an incredible goalscorer, despite his age, and Vardy could be a similar signing for Martin this summer, as a 38-year-old striker who is still a huge threat in front of goal.

Jamie Vardy

23/24 Championship

24/25 Premier League

Appearances

35

35

xG

17.07

11.22

Goals

18

9

Conversion rate

31%

16%

Big chances created

2

6

Assists

2

4

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the English forward scored 27 goals in the last two seasons for Leicester, including nine in the Premier League last term, which shows that he is still a reliable marksman.

Vardy, who was once hailed for his “sensational” movement by Brendan Rodgers, did underperform his xG in the top-flight for the Foxes, but was still getting in positions to consistently generate high-quality chances.

His form in Leicester’s 2023/24 title-winning season in the Championship also shows that he still has what it takes to deliver consistently and efficiently in front of goal in a team that is competing at the top end of the table.

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Therefore, Vardy could be Martin’s own version of Defoe as a veteran former England international striker who still has the quality and consistency to make a huge impact in the Premiership in the 2025/26 campaign.

تتجه الأنظار اليوم الثلاثاء 9-9-2025 إلى عدد من المواجهات القوية في التصفيات المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026، سواء داخل القارة الإفريقية أو في أوروبا، بجانب مباراة ودية قوية لمنتخب مصر الثاني ضد تونس.

منتخب مصر على موعد مع مواجهة نارية خارج الديار ضد بوركينا فاسو، في صراع قد يحسم بطاقة تأهله إلى مونديال 2026 بشكل رسمي حال تحقيقه الفوز. اللقاء يقام على استاد 4 أغسطس في واغادوغو، ويُنتظر أن يحظى بمتابعة جماهيرية كبيرة.

وفي مباراة أخرى، يخوض منتخب مصر الثاني بقيادة حلمي طولان اختبارًا وديًا جديدًا أمام تونس، بعد الفوز في التجربة الأولى بهدف نظيف حمل توقيع محمد مجدي أفشة، وذلك ضمن تحضيراته للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العرب المقبلة.

ويدخل المنتخب السوداني بدوره تحديًا مهمًا أمام توجو، في مواجهة قوية ضمن الجولة الثامنة من التصفيات الإفريقية، حيث يسعى “صقور الجديان” لمواصلة نتائجه الإيجابية وتعزيز فرصه في المنافسة.

وعلى الصعيد الأوروبي، يبرز لقاء البرتغال ضد المجر كواحد من أبرز مباريات اليوم، حيث يبحث رفاق كريستيانو رونالدو عن انتصار جديد يقربهم أكثر من حسم بطاقة الصعود. كما يخوض المنتخب الفرنسي مواجهة مرتقبة أمام آيسلندا على ملعب “حديقة الأمراء” بالعاصمة باريس.

ومن بين المباريات الثقيلة أيضًا في القارة العجوز، يحل المنتخب الإنجليزي بقيادة مدربه توماس توخيل ضيفًا على صربيا، في لقاء قد يشكل منعطفًا مهمًا في سباق التصفيات بالنسبة لمنتخب “الأسود الثلاثة”.

طالع أيضًا | إسماعيل يوسف يحذر من وجود لاعب الأهلي في تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام بوركينا فاسو مواعيد مباريات اليوم الثلاثاء 9-9-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات تصفيات إفريقيا لكأس العالم اليوم

تنزانيا ضد النيجر، الساعة 4 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

كينيا ضد سيشيل، الساعة 4 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

زيمبابوي ضد رواندا، الساعة 4 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 3”.

سيراليون ضد إثيوبيا، الساعة 4 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 1”.

ناميبيا ضد ساو تومي وبرينسيبي، الساعة 4 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 2”.

بوركينا فاسو ضد مصر، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “Ontime sports 1″ و”SSC 1″، و”mbc masr 2”.

الكونغو الديمقراطية ضد السنغال، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة SSC EXTRA.

جنوب أفريقيا ضد نيجيريا، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 2”.

توجو ضد السودان، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 3”.

الرأس الأخضر ضد الكاميرون، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

موريتانيا ضد جنوب السودان، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة SSC EXTRA.

بنين ضد ليسوتو، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC”.

أنجولا ضد موريشيوس، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 3”.

الجابون ضد كوت ديفوار، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 1”.

جامبيا ضد بوروندي، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC 2”. مواعيد مباريات تصفيات أوروبا لكأس العالم اليوم

إذربيجان ضد أوكرانيا، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بى ان سبورت 2 HD”.

أرمينيا ضد إيرلندا، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بى ان سبورت 3 HD”.

ألبانيا ضد لاتفيا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بى ان سبورت 7 HD”.

قبرص ضد رومانيا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

صربيا ضد إنجلترا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بى ان سبورت 2 HD”.

البوسنة والهرسك ضد النمسا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بى ان سبورت 6 HD”.

النرويج ضد مولدوفا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بى ان سبورت 5 HD”.

المجر ضد البرتغال، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بى ان سبورت 3 HD”.

فرنسا ضد أيسلندا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بى ان سبورت 1HD”. موعد مباراة مصر وتونس اليوم وديًا

منتخب مصر الثاني المشارك في بطولة كأس العرب ضد تونس (ب)، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “Ontime sports 2”.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا

Board is hopeful of creating a demographically-reflective national men’s team by the 2027 ODI World Cup

Firdose Moonda25-Jul-2024

South Africa made the T20 World Cup final for the first time during the 2024 edition•Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Cricket South Africa [CSA] will host a three-day diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) Indaba (conference) from Friday, with the main aim of identifying a roadmap to ensure a demographically-reflective national men’s team by the 2027 ODI World Cup at home.They will also address issues of representation in the game overall but have changed the labelling of the event from Transformation to DEI to reflect an agenda that addresses the cricketing infrastructure in totality and is not entirely focused on a particular race group.”It is not only about black players but about building a diverse structure,” Mudutambi Ravele, CSA board member and DEI Chairperson told ESPNcricinfo. “For example, we have looked at the data from the Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) province and seen that the number of players of Indian heritage has got less and less. We want to address that. We have looked at Limpopo and there are no white players. We can’t have that. We want to address the issues holistically.”The cases explained above are important when contextualised against the backdrop of South Africa’s history, demographics, and national representation in cricket. While 84.8% of the population is black African, before readmission in 1992, South Africa fielded all-white national sides. Since then, efforts have been made to reflect the country’s other, and most significantly, majority race group, but there was only one black African player in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad – an issue that raised concerns and makes the timing of this conference important.Related

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CSA punished for slow transformation

While CSA has expressed concerns with the lack of black African international players, they also hope to develop the game holistically, especially in places where they can identify gaps in the talent pool such as in Ravele’s examples. The KZN province is the area in the country with the largest percentage of people of Indian descent – 9.3% compared to 2.7% countrywide – while Limpopo, the northernmost province of the country, has a 97.3% black African population but still around 2% of white citizens. Both those race groups have historically high participation in cricket and CSA will seek to understand why those numbers have dipped.However, even their more wide-reaching approach does not take away from the key problem which is the lack of black African representation, that could set CSA back on the agreed annual targets with the country’s sports ministry. In 2016, failure to meet targets saw CSA, and three other sporting federations, banned from hosting major events and with 2027 in mind, CSA is keen to demonstrate a strong commitment to change.When asked why Kagiso Rabada was the only black African in the T20 World Cup squad, South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter pointed to the domestic system and asked it to “really up the ante”. Broadly, CSA agrees with him. At the time, they recognised that “various initiatives that have been pursued over the years have not yielded the desired results,” and now, Ravele said they continue to look at the domestic system to identify where it is lacking.”We want to look at the pool of players who are available and how we can support them to stay in the pool. There are a number of social issues that affect players from disadvantaged backgrounds.”CSA has also launched a specialised program for black African batters since this is an area of particular need.Walter will be present at the DEI , where he will be part of a panel of a discussion with black African batter Khaya Zondo, women’s international bowler Tumi Sekhukhune and former selector Patrick Moroney, who served on South Africa’s last panel under Victor Mpitsang.The selection committee was done away with when Walter and Test coach Shukri Conrad (who will not be in attendance as he readies the squad to leave for a two-match series in West Indies) were appointed last January. As head coaches, they were given sole decision-making powers over their squad selections. This is likely to change with some inside CSA pushing for the return of a panel, which Ravele supports. “A panel helps a lot because there are different views and people can think more broadly. There are more ideas,” she said.If the re-introduction of a selection panel emerges as one of the recommendations from the , it will still need to be ratified by CSA’s board but will ultimately take away Walter and Conrad’s independence.Kagiso Rabada was the only black African in South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad•ICC/Getty Images

The squad Walter picked for the T20 World Cup 2024 was South Africa’s most successful and reached the final for the first time, but Ravela would not be drawn into conflating their success with the issue of representation. “The squad did really well, but did they do well because they didn’t have black players? I think we should view their performance as a matter of progress, as they have been to the semi-finals several times before.”She stressed that CSA will not revert to stipulating a quota for XIs, as they have done in the past, but remain set on average goals. “For the national teams, we don’t put a number of players per event. We want to develop a plan for the year and ask what combinations of players can be used to make sure we are fielding diverse teams.”As things stand, South Africa’s national teams are required to field, on average over the course of a season, at least six players of colour of which two must be black African. At the provincial level, the same target is expected to be met but at least three of the six players of colour must be black African.The SA20, in which CSA owns the majority share although teams are privately owned, has no transformation target or even expectation imposed on it and will remain untouched. Ravele hoped that the franchise owners would keep South Africa’s segregated history and attempts at redress “in the back of their minds,” but so far, the competition is the least representative domestic event. In 2024, there were 13 black African players listed across the six squads, with one – the Pretoria Capitals – having none at all. Of those, only Rabada (MI Cape Town), Junior Dala, Tony de Zorzi (both Durban’s Super Giants), Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo (both Paarl Royals) and Sibonelo Makhanya (Joburg Super Kings) played more than one match for their team.

“[Implementing a few things I am working on] in practice it’s different. When you do it in a match, it’s way different”

Shashank Kishore23-Aug-2024

Jemimah Rodrigues on her WCPL stint: “These are the games I am going to get before the proper team matches [like T20 World Cup]”•Srinidhi Ramanujam/ESPNcricinfo

Jemimah Rodrigues would have it no other way than test herself in a competitive environment and in clutch moments wherever possible, especially when there’s a bigger picture, like the upcoming women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE this October.An established T20 globetrotter, having featured in the Hundred and WBBL, Rodrigues is currently playing in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) for Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), alongside India team-mate Shikha Pandey.”These are the matches that I’m actually going to get before going and playing like proper team matches [T20 World Cup],” Rodrigues said at a media interaction organised by .Related

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“I’m really looking forward to a few things that I’m working on to try and implement it here because when you do it in practice it’s different. When you do it in a match, it’s way different and franchise cricket has always excited me.”Rodrigues made her international debut as a teenager in 2018, but when her career hit a rough patch in 2021, she rediscovered her form during her time with Northern Superchargers in the Hundred. In her very first game there, she struck an unbeaten 43-ball 92 to overturn a poor run of form after going more than 18 months without an international half-century. Her 249 runs in seven innings overall were the second-best aggregate in that season. It gave her career a second wind.As she builds towards her fourth T20 World Cup, Rodrigues would’ve had to be content with preparatory camps, match simulation and practice matches if not for the WCPL stint.”I love travelling, I love playing for different teams,” Rodrigues said when asked about the prospect of playing in the Caribbean. “I love meeting new people and new cricketers and getting to know them, how their mind works and how to play in different conditions. Because every time you go play cricket, you don’t get the same kind of situation. Every time it changes.”The more you’re in that situation and in those pressure moments I think that’s the best preparation you can have, so for me, I look at it more as a preparation for the T20 World Cup, and at the same time an added responsibility playing for TKR to do whatever I can to make sure my team wins at the end, so I’m just looking forward to playing these matches and I’m very excited for that.”Known to be a touch player, Rodrigues has had to move out of her comfort zone and bat at No. 5, with India head coach Amol Muzumdar keen on her lending stability to the middle order. At the WCPL, though, it’s likely Rodrigues will bat at No. 3.Could the switching of batting positions pose a challenge?”I think every batter has their own formula,” Rodrigues explained of the challenges of batting on slower Caribbean surfaces. “But I think for me, it’s very important to assess the conditions quickly and know which shots work for me on a slower track. For me, just knowing which shots work and having that clarity and going out there with clarity helps wherever I play. For me, the basic formula is just having clarity and applying yourself and playing wherever you’re playing.”

كشفت تقارير إعلامية إسبانية اليوم السبت، عن سبب استبعاد فرانكو ماستانتونو، جناح نادي ريال مدريد، من قائمة منتخب الأرجنتين المشاركة في بطولة كأس العالم للشباب تحت 20 عامًا.

وسوف تقام كأس العالم للشباب تحت 20 عامًا في تشيلي، وذلك في الفترة من 27 سبتمبر المقبل وحتى 20 أكتوبر.

ويمضي ماستانتونو موسمه الأول في صفوف نادي ريال مدريد، حيث وقع الفريق الملكي مع اللاعب البالغ من العمر 18 عامًا قادمًا من ريفر بلايت مقابل 45 مليون يورو.

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وذكرت صحيفة الموندو ديبورتيفو، أن ريال مدريد منع ماستانتونو من المشاركة في كأس العالم للشباب، وذلك من أجل حمايته من الإصابات، حيث تعتبر المسابقة بجانب دورة الألعاب الأوليمبية غير مدرجة في جدول المباريات الدولية للاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم.

وأضاف المصدر، أن قانون الفيفا ينص على إلزامية مشاركة اللاعبين مع منتخبات بلادهم في المباريات الرسمية، وذلك يشمل بطولات كأس العالم وكأس القارات.

وأوضح المصدر، أنه في الجهة المقابلة سيتعين على لاعبي ريال مدريد كاستيا كدييجو أجوادو وخيسوس فورتيا، الذهاب إلى صفوف منتخب إسبانيا في البطولة، لأن القانون الإسباني يُلزم أي لاعب كرة قدم بحضور استدعاء المنتخب الوطني.

ماستانتونو نجح في حجز مقعد له في تشكيلة منتخب الأرجنتين الأول تحت قيادة المدير الفني ليونيل سكالوني، ولعب اللاعب الشاب بشكل أساسي خلال مواجهة التانجو أمام فنزويلا يوم الجمعة الماضي، ضمن تصفيات قارة أمريكا الجنوبية المؤهلة لكأس العالم العام المقبل.

Aston Villa are now strong contenders in the race for a “phenomenal” player, having recently opened talks, and they are confident he would be keen on a move.

Villa eyeing midfielder with Barrenechea set for exit

With Villa looking to raise funds for their own summer transfer business, amid concerns over PSR, they have now decided to cash-in on midfielder Enzo Barrenechea, who is very close to sealing an exit.

There have also been widespread suggestions that John McGinn’s future is in doubt, amid interest from the likes of Everton, while Ross Barkley is arguably yet to set the world alight at Villa Park, given his patchy injury record ever since leaving Chelsea.

Ross Barkley

Injury

Games missed

2020-21

Hamstring

9

2023-24

Hamstring

5

2024-25

Unknown

3

2024-25

Calf

19

Consequently, it would make sense for Unai Emery to bring in another midfielder this summer, and the Villans are now stepping up their pursuit of a Premier League player…

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have now emerged as strong contenders for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, having now opened talks over a deal, and there is a belief he would be keen on sealing a move to Villa Park.

That is despite rival interest from West Ham United, with Graham Potter also pushing to sign Elliott, although Europa League football being on offer with the Villans next season could give them the edge in negotiations.

Related Aston Villa now set to make move for £17m ace, keen to finalise deal quickly

The Villans are “ready” to finalise a move for a defender…

Posts ByDominic Lund Jul 15, 2025

Liverpool are not actively trying to find the attacking midfielder a new club, but they are open to bids, and there is a feeling that an offer of £35m could be enough to tempt them into a sale.

"Phenomenal" Elliott could excel at Villa Park

While the Englishman is still young at 22-years-old, he is still yet to receive a senior cap, which indicates he may need to leave Liverpool for the good of his career this summer, and Aston Villa could be a perfect fit.

The London-born midfielder has become accustomed to playing in Europe during his time with the Reds, scoring a stoppage-time winner in his side’s 1-0 smash-and-grab away against Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League.

As such, the former Fulham man is likely to want to play for a club set to take part in a European competition next season, and Villa fit the bill, despite being in the Europa League.

Lauded as “phenomenal” by journalist David Lynch, the England U21 star also caught the eye at the U21 Euros this summer, scoring five goals throughout the tournament, including one in the 3-2 victory over Germany in the final.

Elliott is ready to be a regular starter for one of England’s top clubs, and with Villa very much back in that bracket nowadays, a move could make perfect sense.

It’s already been a very busy summer transfer window for Arsenal, but the spending spree appears set to continue.

On Friday, Noni Madueke was unveiled as the club’s latest new recruit, arriving from Chelsea for a reported fee of £52m.

He is the club’s fourth signing of the summer, after Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard, while most are forecasting that Viktor Gyökeres and Cristhian Mosquera will soon follow.

Nevertheless, as Mikel Arteta targets the Premier League title, he is far from done there, with the Gunners seemingly set to make a move for another “exceptional” talent.

Arsenal looking to add more firepower

As the table below documents, Madueke became the seventh player in just seven years to join Arsenal from fierce London rivals Chelsea.

Players Arsenal have signed from Chelsea (2019-2025)

Players

Window joined

Fee

Noni Madueke

Summer 2025

£52m

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Summer 2025

£5m

Raheem Sterling

Summer 2024

Loan

Kai Havertz

Summer 2023

£65m

Jorginho

Winter 2023

£12m

Willian

Summer 2020

Free

David Luiz

Summer 2019

£8m

All information courtesy of Transfermarkt

The general weariness from Gooners when it comes signing Chelsea cast-off explains some of the apathy towards this this deal, but Sam Dean of the Telegraph believes Madueke will be an excellent addition to Arteta’s forward options.

Now though, Mark Brus of Caught Offside is reporting that Arsenal have opened talks with RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons’ representatives, adding that the Dutchman is ‘available’ for £52m, ahead of a potential swoop for the player.

The 22-year-old only made his move to die Roten Bullen from Paris Saint-Germain permanent in January, costing around £43m, but a report by Yvonne Gabriel of German newspaper BILD claims he wants to leave, after Leipzig failed to qualify for any European competition, prioritising a move to the Premier League.

So, could he become the eighth Netherlands international to represent Arsenal, linking up with Jurriën Timber, while following in the footsteps of Robin van Persie, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Marc Overmars, Dennis Bergkamp and others?

How Xavi Simons would improve Arsenal

Simons has been in the spotlight for a very long time, despite still being just 22 years old, very much aptly described as a wonderkid.

He spent time in the academies of Barcelona and PSG, but his real breakthrough came at PSV Eindhoven in the 2022/23 season, registering 22 goals and 11 assists for the Eredivisie giants, winning the KNVB Beker and Johan Cruyff Schaal.

Given his form, PSG enacted a buy-back clause worth just £5m, although he only ever made 11 senior appearances for les Rouge-et-Bleu across two spells, loaned out to Leipzig, before being sold for a massive profit earlier this year, as already mentioned.

In Eastern Germany, Simons has certainly caught the eye, scoring 21 goals and accumulating 23 assists in 76 appearances, including netting ten times in the Bundesliga last season.

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund labelled him an “exceptional player”, while Sultan Babajide of Breaking the Lines asserts that he is ‘destined for the top’, able to operate both centrally and out-wide, given that he is ‘brilliant between the lines’.

Well, Simon Collings of the Evening Standard believes that Arsenal need a creative midfielder who can ‘shoulder the burden’ so heavily placed on chief playmaker Martin Ødegaard, and Simons certainly appears to fit the bill.

But, would the Holland international really be a more exciting signing than Madueke?

Let’s compare the duo.

Xavi Simons vs Noni Madueke 2024/25 comparison (league only)

Statistics

Simons

Madueke

Appearances

25

32

Minutes

2,157

2,047

Goals

10

7

Assists

7

4

Shots

33

57

Shots on target %

69.7%

56.14%

Chances created

50

31

Big chances created

12

6

Big chances missed

2

14

Take-on success %

37.1%

49.5%

Touches

1700

1077

Average Sofascore Rating

7.58

7.03

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, SofaScore and Squawka

As the table outlines, while Madueke’s statistics are impressive, especially when it comes to shots and dribbling, it’s Simons who comes out on top across the board.

The Dutchman’s numbers when it came to shooting accuracy, chances created, and touches are all exponentially higher, underlining what he could bring.

Bart Vlietstra of the Guardian notes that Simons has always been a ‘precocious’ talent, and that there has always been ‘something irresistible about him’, while his recent ‘outstanding’ form suggests he is ready to take the next step.

Thus, if Arsenal can convince him to swap Saxony for North London, he could be the man to fire them to glory.

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Harshit Rana or Mayank Yadav is likely to make his international debut for India

Mohammad Isam05-Oct-20243:00

Takeaways: A first look at Mayank Yadav

Big picture: T20 world champions return homeA T20I series in the middle of a Test season can be a hard sell but both India and Bangladesh will have their own priorities in the three-match series starting in Gwalior on Sunday. While India have rested their key players – and will additionally be without Shivam Dube who was ruled out with injury on Saturday* – the ones on the fringes will look to establish themselves as back-ups and will also be keen to increase their IPL value.Suryakumar Yadav leads a side that’s less experienced than Bangladesh in T20Is, but his players are more skilled and versatile than Bangladesh’s in the format. Suryakumar, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh are among the experienced players in India’s side, but even the ones with less than ten T20I caps are stars. Newcomers Mayank Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana are the uncapped players, while Abhishek Sharma, who made his debut against Zimbabwe in July, has a chance to add to his five T20I caps.The home side are also without most of their first-choice fast bowlers, which could open up debuts for Mayank Yadav, who hit 150kph for Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, and Harshit, who won IPL 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders. Hardik offers them seam-bowling support while Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi and the returning Varun Chakravarthy make up the spin group.Related

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As for Bangladesh, who don’t play enough T20Is, this is a huge opportunity. From developing their game against a strong opposition, to having an outside chance of being picked in the IPL, there will be excitement in the visitors’ camp.The likes of Mahmudullah, Mustafizur Rahman, Litton Das, Taskin Ahmed and Mahedi Hasan, all of whom have at least fifty T20Is under their belt, have to put their act together if Bangladesh are to beat India. Even relative newcomers like Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain and Tanzid Hasan have growing reputations. All of this is vital when they know who is no longer in their line-up.Shakib Al Hasan, who is arguably Bangladesh’s greatest cricketer, has announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is.Form guideIndia WWWWW (last five T20Is, most recent first)
BangladeshLLLWWRishad Hossain can bowl the legbreak as well as the wrong’un•AFP via Getty Images

In the spotlight: Sanju Samson and Rishad HossainWith India having picked just one opener in Abhishek, Sanju Samson will be pushed up to the top to partner Abhishek – Suryakumar confirmed as much on match eve. Samson has ducks in his last two T20I knocks, against Sri Lanka, but it will be his IPL form from earlier this year, that will give him and the team management the confidence going into this series. Samson scored 531 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 153.46 in IPL 2024, once again underlining his ability in the format, something that he would like to bring into his international game quickly.Legspinner Rishad Hossain finished the T20 World Cup earlier this year with 14 wickets, level with Rashid Khan, at an average of 13.85 and economy rate of 7.76. He emerged as Bangladesh’s top wicket-taker in the tournament has now comes the second act: impressing IPL scouts in India. It will be tough to back up such a strong performance and even in the past many Bangladesh players have struggled to build on early success. Rishad has played just one competitive game since the 2024 T20 World Cup but has since been training in Dhaka to get up to speed.Team news: Mayank Yadav or Harshit Rana could be in line for debutIndia have a new-look top order and seam attack as a number of regulars are missing from their T20I squad. They have brought in Tilak Varma for the injured Dube, but it’s likely Nitish Kumar Reddy will slot into his place in the XI. Tearaway Mayank didn’t train much in the lead up to the series opener which could mean a debut for Harshit on Sunday.India (probable): 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Sanju Samson (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Rinku Singh, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Ravi Bishnoi, 10 Harshit Rana/Mayank Yadav, 11 Arshdeep SinghMehidy Hasan Miraz returns to the Bangladesh T20I side to play as a batting allrounder. Parvez Hossain Emon could be picked ahead of Tanzid Hasan.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Litton Das (wk), 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Tanzid Hasan, 4 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 5 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 6 Towhid Hridoy, 7 Mahmudullah, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur RahmanPitch and conditions: Good weather on Sunday eveningThe pitch is bit of an unknown, given this will be the first international at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, where there is extra security measures in place given some calls for a boycott.Teams batting first in night games in the last 12 months in India have averaged in excess of 190 runs, with four out of the eight teams scoring 200-plus batting first.The weather is likely to be slightly cooler than the usual daytime heat on Sunday evening.Stats and Trivia This is the first international match at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, which is located 12km to the west of Gwalior city. The last match held in the region was in February 2010 when Sachin Tendulkar struck the first double-hundred in ODIs, at the Captain Roop Singh Stadium.Bangladesh (644 caps) have a more experienced T20I squad than India (389 caps) in this series.At 37 years and 180 days, Shakib recently became Bangladesh’s oldest Test cricketer. Mahmudullah, part of this T20 squad, is second oldest in all formats for Bangladesh, now playing at the age of 38. Overall, Jahangir Shah is Bangladesh’s oldest international cricketer who played an ODI against New Zealand at the age of 41.Quote”From this series, you will see our players trying to play with a new approach. Everyone will play to win. I think the players that are here [for the series], and four or five others, will be the ones playing the 2026 World Cup. So, I think from this series, our preparations will properly begin.”
“It’s a good opportunity [for newcomers]. They have good potential; they have made impact for their state, their franchises. If they get a chance, I hope they would perform the same because there is no need to do anything different.”

أدلى رودري، نجم نادي مانشستر سيتي، بتوقعاته بشأن الفائز بالكرة الذهبية خلال هذا العام، حيث سوف تقام الحفلة مساء اليوم الإثنين في فرنسا.

وكان رودري قد حصل على جائزة الكرة الذهبية خلال العام الماضي للمرة الأولى في تاريخه، وذلك متفوقًا على جناح ريال مدريد، فينيسيوس جونيور في مفاجأة كبيرة.

وقدم رودري عامًا استثنائيًا حصل خلاله على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز مع مانشستر سيتي، إضافة إلى التتويج بلقب كأس الأمم الأوروبية ”اليورو” مع منتخب إسبانيا.

اقرأ أيضًا .. ماركا: الفائز بالكرة الذهبية لا يعلم حتى الآن أنه سيتوج باللقب

وفي تصريحات إلى صحيفة “آس”، تمنى رودري أن يتوج واحد من بين لامين يامال وبيدري جونزاليز، مواطينه ونجوم نادي برشلونة بالجائزة.

يامال وبيدري يعتبران مرشحين رئيسيين للحصول على جائزة الكرة الذهبية هذا العام وخصوصًا لامين يامال، في ظل المستوى الرائع الذي قدمه ابن ال18 عامًا مع برشلونة هذا العام.

وقاد يامال برشلونة إلى الحصول على ثلاثية كأس السوبر الإسباني وكأس ملك إسبانيا، وكذلك الدوري الإسباني.

أما بيدري فيعتبره العديد من الأشخاص في الوقت الحالي أفضل لاعب خط وسط في العالم، وهو حجر أساس في تشكيلة برشلونة تحت قيادة المدير الفني هانز فليك.

وقال رودري: “سأشاهد الحفل على التلفزيون هذا العام، لكن آمل أن يفوز به زميل لي في المنتخب مثل لامين، بيدري، أو أيًا كان. أتمنى ذلك، إنه احتفال بكرة القدم وأتمنى أن يفوز الأفضل”.

وفي حال فاز بيدري أو يامال بالكرة الذهبية، فسوف تكون هذه هي أول مرة في التاريخ التي يحصل خلالها على لاعب من إسبانيا على الجائزة مرتين متتاليتين.

واختتم رودري في حديثه: “سيكون ذلك مذهلاً وسيكشف الكثير عن الوضع الحالي لكرة القدم الإسبانية، نأمل أن يكون الأمر كذلك وأن يكون هناك المزيد من الفائزين بالكرة الذهبية في المستقبل، فنحن نمر بفترة رائعة”.  

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

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

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

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£153m

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

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

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

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

Viktor Gyokeres pictured travelling to sign for Arsenal

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

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

Romano adds that Gyokeres “only” wanted Arsenal.

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

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

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