Somerset 293 for 4 (Abell 105*, Lammonby 87) trail Nottinghamshire 360 (Stone 83, Haynes 55, Clarke 51, Aldridge 5-94) by 67 runsA century from Tom Abell led a strong Somerset response on day two of the Vitality County Championship match at Trent Bridge, where the visitors closed on 293 for 4 in reply to the hosts’ 360 all out as they bid to keep pace with leaders Surrey and Essex at the top of the Division One table.It is a first hundred for the 30-year-old since he relinquished the Somerset captaincy after struggling for form last year, although he missed the start of the current campaign through injury and this is only his second match in the Championship.He finished on 105 not out, with Somerset trailing by 67 runs, having shared a 157-run third-wicket partnership with Tom Lammonby (87), adding a further unbroken stand of 67 with James Rew before the close.At the start of the day, Nottinghamshire had extended their first innings by nine overs from 326 for 8 overnight, picking up a third batting point before Somerset’s bowlers could winkle out the last two wickets, seamers Migael Pretorious (4 for 96) and Kasey Aldridge (5 for 95) finishing the job for figures that reflected their fine contributions on day one.Nottinghamshire fast bowler Olly Stone, the principal architect of a recovery from 190 for 7 on day one, fell just before the 350 was reached, edging Pretorius to second slip for an 83 that was warmly acknowledged by the home crowd, who saw him make 90 against Lancashire last month after beginning the season with a first-class average of 15.38.Aldridge completed his five-for when Dane Paterson, earlier dropped by wicketkeeper Rew, was caught on the extra cover boundary, with Dillon Pennington, having enjoyed some good fortune in picking up six boundaries, unbeaten on 29.As Somerset began their reply, Pennington picked up an early scalp with the ball thanks to a fine catch at third slip by Will Young as Andy Umeed departed in the sixth over.Tom Kohler Cadmore, dropped by Calvin Harrison at second slip before he was off the mark, made 38 in his first Championship action of the season before falling soon after lunch to a superb piece of work on the leg side by Tom Moores as Stone gained his 15th wicket of the Championship campaign.Thereafter, it was a frustrating afternoon for Nottinghamshire and a profitable one for Somerset, who added 105 runs in the session as Lammonby and Abell patiently built a half-century apiece, in the former’s case for the sixth time this season.Lammonby’s came from 104 balls with six fours, among them a couple of glorious off-drives. Abell completed his from 101 balls soon afterwards, clipping Harrison crisply to the leg side for his seventh boundary.There had been little encouragement for the bowlers in that time. Nottinghamshire skipper Haseeb Hameed had a number of discussions with the umpires about the condition of the ball, which had already been changed once in the innings. Eventually it was replaced again, although with no discernible change in its behaviour.The footmarks left by Pennington and Stone gave Harrison something to aim at, and the leg-spinner would have been cheered by a delivery soon after tea that turned sharply enough to beat the left-handed Lammonby’s inside edge, even if the end result was four byes.In the event, it was at the other end, where the four Nottinghamshire seamers had been patiently rotated by Hameed, that the breakthrough came as Lammonby, perhaps letting his concentration drift for a moment, played across a ball from Paterson that held its line and was leg before.It broke the partnership after 48 overs, after which the wait for the next wicket was considerably shorter – just seven deliveries – as new batter Tom Banton prodded at one from Harrison to be caught behind.The second new ball raised Nottinghamshire’s hopes of further gains. In the event, none came in the five overs before the close as Abell turned the injection of some pace to his advantage, despatching a couple of leg-side deliveries to the boundary to complete a 202-ball hundred containing 12 fours.

Aston Villa have lofty ambitions for next season, despite missing out on the Champions League.

Unai Emery’s project is still very much ongoing, and the next step is for him to lead the club to their first major trophy in nearly 30 years.

The Europa League might be their best shot, especially as winning it will secure a spot in the 2026/27 Champions League.

In order to do this, he will have to sign a few high-profile players while also complying with PSR regulations in the process.

With this in mind, it looks as though the club are chasing a move for a current Barcelona player.

Aston Villa chasing swoop for Barcelona sensation

While it might be slightly more difficult to lure the type of players Emery wants at the club this summer, it isn’t stopping the Spaniard from trying.

Reports in Spain (as per Sport Witness) claim that Villa are battling it out with Chelsea and PSG to sign Barcelona starlet Fermin Lopez.

The report goes on to state that Villa and the French giants have made contact with Lopez and are showing the most interest.

Chelsea could be set to make an offer worth €75m (£63m) in the near future to secure his signature, meaning Emery will have to act swiftly to get his man.

Why Aston Villa must sign Lopez

There are so many talented players at the La Liga side now. Lopez joins a list which includes Pedri, Gavi, Pau Cubarsí and, of course, Lamine Yamal.

Well, of those players, it is Yamal he is most similar to. When compared with positionally similar players in LaLiga this term, FBref suggest that the generational wonderkid and Ballon d’Or contender is the fourth most similar player to Lopez.

While the latter might play a more central role compared to Yamal, who operates on the right wing, the duo have shared similar statistics in La Liga last season.

According to FBref, the duo recorded similar metrics, including shot-creating actions (4.10 vs 5.92) per 90, goal-creating actions (0.50 vs 0.91), successful take-on percentage (45.5% vs 50.9%) and shots on target percentage (36.6% vs 31.9%) per 90 in La Liga for Barcelona.

On that evidence, they are both creative players who love to get at their marker/

Metric

La Liga

Champions League

Goals

6

1

Assists

5

3

Big chances created

8

3

Shots per game

1.5

1.5

Key passes per game

1

0.5

His former manager at the Catalan club described Lopez as having the “whole package” and judging by his statistics and performances last term, this assessment is bang on the money.

Alongside his 11 goal contributions, Lopez also created eight big chances in the top flight, along with averaging one key pass per game.

Considering he started just 12 league games, averaging only 45 minutes per match, these are impressive statistics indeed.

Should he make the move to Villa, he would certainly secure more gametime in the starting XI than he was afforded under Hansi Flick last season.

Will he want to drop and play in the Europa League, however? Or is the long-term project at Villa enough to entice the youngster?

The next few weeks could be interesting indeed, and given he offered similar statistics to those of Yamal last season, he would make for an excellent signing.

"Sensational" GK emerges as Aston Villa's top target to replace Martinez

The Villans have identified a 25-year-old goalkeeper as their first-choice option to replace Emiliano Martinez this summer.

ByDominic Lund Jun 9, 2025

Cricket Scotland under scrutiny after publication of letter clearing John Blain of wrongdoing

Osman Samiuddin15-Jun-2024The investigators looking into allegations of racist behaviour in Scottish cricket have denied they “exonerated” anyone after referrals that have so far led to a series of “learnings” but no disciplinary action against alleged perpetrators.Two legal firms, Harper Macleod LLP and Bishop Lloyd Jackson Solicitors, and the race inclusion charity Sporting Equals have been investigating over 50 referrals – individual complaints of alleged racist behaviour – over the last year, stemming from the independent review in July 2022 that found Cricket Scotland to be institutionally racist.On Friday, the team issued its first public statement. Although no individuals were mentioned, it was in response to John Blain’s statement earlier in the week, in which the former Yorkshire and Scotland fast bowler said he had been cleared of allegations of racist behaviour earlier this year. Blain called for a “full and transparent inquiry” into those running cricket in the country.Related

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John Blain calls for Cricket Scotland inquiry after being cleared of racist behaviour

Blain said the investigation’s findings “fully exonerate me” and also made public a letter from Cricket Scotland’s interim CEO Pete Fitzboydon from January, informing him that the allegations against him were “unfounded” but requesting that he kept that information confidential to allow time for the complainers to be informed of the outcomes. Cricket Scotland’s subsequent “delay and prevarication” in going public, Blain said, forced him to release his statement, five months after receiving the letter.In its response, however, the investigating team insisted that its role had not been to “make findings of fact, nor to pronounce guilt, nor to exonerate or pronounce as innocent any person against whom allegations had been made”. As a consequence, it was stated that they had neither “exonerated” any individual in any of their reports, nor reported “in any way to the Board of Cricket Scotland to suggest that an individual was “exonerated” or equivalent”.Instead, the investigating team insisted its role was to identify “learning lessons”, of which, it said, there have been over 250 across 51 referrals so far. Cricket Scotland has been making some of these learnings public on its website, as and when batches of referrals have concluded over the last year.The investigators, having engaged with over 170 people and witnesses so far, acknowledged the difficulties in looking into these complaints, some of which were from nearly two decades ago. The nature of allegations of discrimination – “having to consider competing accounts” – made it “universally a complex task”.That no disciplinary proceedings had taken place so far, the investigators said, did not diminish the allegations but only served to illustrate the difficulties involved in such investigations; including issues of a lack of governance and processes; the historic nature of some breaches; incidents that were outside Cricket Scotland’s jurisdiction; and some cases in which disciplinary action had already been taken.Any action stemming from the referrals, the investigators made clear, was for Cricket Scotland to take.John Blain, during his playing days in at the 2007 World Cup•Getty ImagesThe 2022 “Changing the Boundaries” report, which led to the Cricket Scotland board resigning en masse, has come under criticism from, among others, Tony Brian, a former board chairman. Brian has repeatedly raised concerns about how the review was conducted and its findings, calling it “fatally flawed” and demanding a government inquiry into how it was put together. Brian was chair from 2015 to 2022, a period during which some of the allegations made by former players Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh – whose testimonies led to the review – took place.But the investigation team unequivocally backed the report, saying that its own investigations “echoed” findings in “Changing the Boundaries”.”Evidence of poor governance, poor and/or absent policies and procedures to handle complaints of racism, inappropriate and/or a lack of support for whistleblowers and/or complainers, and failings in the delivery of appropriate diversity, equity and inclusion policies were all evident to the Investigation Team. These factors all unquestionably contributed to the subsequent number and breadth of complaints made, where race was spoken to as a factor in the allegations made.”The investigators urged the game’s stakeholders to acknowledge the recommendations the report had made, as well as its own recommended learnings, and to acknowledge that the game had been exclusionary for too many people who faced “unacceptable behaviours” and had no recourse to complain about it.The resurfacing of tensions around the investigations comes as the national men’s team prepares to take on Australia in St Lucia in the T20 World Cup with progression to the Super Eight stage in their own hands. Anything other than a defeat on Sunday evening will see Scotland through, even if England succeed in beating Namibia on Saturday.But the fact that the investigators felt compelled to issue a public statement will only add more pressure on Cricket Scotland, who were also criticised last week by Haq and Sheikh for their role in the events that led to Blain’s statement. It will also increase scrutiny over its January communication to Blain who was told by Fitzboydon: “As advised, these allegations have not been founded, and there is not any case to answer, and so this matter is now considered closed.”In response to Blain’s earlier statement, the board had said it would “continue to respect that independent process [of investigations], with the welfare of all involved as a priority, in order that we can reach a conclusion that enables our sport to move forward with unity.”Further comment, the board said, would come at the end of the investigative process.

أصبح المغرب أول منتخب إفريقي يحسم تأهله لمنافسات كأس العالم 2026، بعد الفوز بخماسية نظيفة على النيجر في إطار تصفيات أفريقيا المؤهلة لمونديال 2026.

ونجح ياسين بونو حارس مرمى الهلال السعودي، في أن يقود منتخب بلاده بنجاح، وقد بذل جهداً كبيراً طوال التسعين دقيقة لينهي المباراة بشباك نظيفة، للمرة الـ 4 من أصل 6 مباريات في التصفيات.

وقدم ياسين بونو أداء رائعًا في مونديال قطر 2022، وقاد منتخب بلاده لاحتلال المركز الرابع في البطولة، وتألق أيضاً في كأس العالم للأندية الأخيرة مدافعاً عن ألوان الهلال السعودي.

أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | المغرب أول المتأهلين إلى كأس العالم 2026 بخماسية أمام النيجر

وذكرت صحيفة “أوليه” الأرجنتينية أن ياسين بونو يمثل للمغاربة ما يمثله ديبو مارتينيز حارس مرمى نادي أستون فيلا للأرجنتينيين.

Yassine Bounou sobre Armani: “Estoy muy contento por él. Fue decisivo en los últimos partidos” 🧤🔴⚪

El arquero de Marruecos, reconocido fanático de River, opinó sobre la actualidad del Pulpo, que fue clave en las últimas series por penales del equipo 🥅🧤

🎥 @vicentemuglia -… pic.twitter.com/j4n7laTfY7 — Diario Olé (@DiarioOle) September 6, 2025

وفي تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “أوليه” عن ياسين بونو بعد التأهل والأداء القوي الذي قدمه منتخب المغرب، حيث رد على سؤال حول توقعاته وأهدافه لكأس العالم القادمة: “في الحقيقة نحن متحمسون، كأس العالم أهم حدث لجميع اللاعبين لذا نحن سعداء للغاية”.

ورد بونو على سؤال يتعلق بالأسطورة الأرجنتينية ليونيل ميسي الذي تصدر أغلفة الصحف العالمية لخوضه آخر مباراة رسمية له مع الأرجنتين ضد فنزويلا على أرضه: “لا أجد كلمات تصف كل ما قدمه ميسي في كرة القدم”.

وأكمل عن نجم إنتر ميامي :”بالنسبة لي كان شرفاً عظيماً أن أتمكن من مواجهة ميسي عن قرب وأن أستمتع باللعب ضده وأن أتحمل كل هذا، لذا تهانينا”.

Match details

India vs Bangladesh
Dambulla, July 26, 2.00pm local time

India and Bangladesh – recent form

India are the in-form team going into the first semi-final. They have played 14 T20Is this year and have won 10 of those with one being a no-result. After losing the home series to Australia 2-1 in January, they bounced back to sweep Bangladesh 5-0 and then draw 1-1 against South Africa at home after the second game of the series was washed out.In this period, Bangladesh have featured in 11 T20Is and emerged victorious only in their last two matches at the Asia Cup. Batting was their biggest concern heading into this competition, but they have accumulated runs at the top of the order with handy contributions from their captain Nigar Sultana, ending the losing streak against Thailand on Monday.

India vs Bangladesh – head-to-head

They have met 22 times in this format over the years, and India have had the clear upper hand, winning 19 times. Bangladesh offered a stiff fight last July when India won the series 2-1, but the more recent home series in Sylhet was very one-sided in the visitors’ favour.At Asia Cups, though, India have won two and lost two against Bangladesh. Bangladesh were beaten comprehensively at the last Asia Cup, in Sylhet, in 2022, but India will not forget how Bangladesh snatched victory away in 2018 to clinch their maiden title.

Players to watch

India will bank on their premier spin-bowling allrounder Deepti Sharma to strike early. She is the leading wicket-taker in the competition with eight scalps from three matches at an economy rate of seven. Irrespective of when she has been introduced into the attack, Deepti has given India timely breakthroughs.For Bangladesh, opener Murshida Khatun will be expected to play a massive role. She is coming off 80 and 50 after missing the opening game against Sri Lanka and will be looking to carry forward this form into the semi-finals.1:37

X-factor Feroza key against in-form SL

Match details

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan
Dambulla, July 26, 7.00pm local time

Sri Lanka and Pakistan – recent form

Sri Lanka head into the last four, having won 12 out of 15 T20Is this year. Like India, they have remained undefeated in this tournament, and have posted convincing victories in the last seven months with contributions from several players. Considering their home advantage and form, Sri Lanka will be tough to get past in their bid for a maiden Asia Cup title.Pakistan have found it hard to find their rhythm in 2024. Having played 11 matches since January, they only have wins against Nepal, UAE and West Indies (once) while falling short – several times by big margins – against India, England and West Indies (four times). However, they will take some confidence from the 10-wicket victory against UAE, where their spinners and openers shone the brightest.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – head-to-head

There have been 19 fixtures between the two sides over the years, and the contest has been close. Pakistan have won 10, with one ending in a no-result.At the Asia Cup, too, Pakistan have been the dominant side between the two, winning three out of four T20Is. In the previous Asia Cup semi-final, in Sylhet, Sri Lanka turned the tables on Pakistan, clinching a low-scoring game by one run.

Players to watch

Chamari Athapaththu will undoubtedly be Sri Lanka’s key player in any knockout game. But 2024 has been her young opening partner Vishmi Gunaratne’s year. The 18-year-old has looked sorted in her stroke play, having scored 415 runs in 15 matches at an average of 37.72. She has hit 39 not out, 1, and 51 in the competition so far, and Sri Lanka will be relying on another solid start from the duo.For Pakistan, too, a lot can be accomplished at the top, with opener Gull Feroza proving a vital cog with Muneeba Ali. Feroza made her debut against Sri Lanka in May 2022 but was dropped in the next series. She made her comeback against West Indies this April and has found her touch in the Asia Cup. She is coming off back-to-back half-centuries, scored at strike rates of 162.85 and 112.72. Sri Lanka’s big challenge will be to keep these openers quiet.

Where to watch

In India and Sri Lanka, the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 will be telecast on the Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website in India.

Despite missing the deadline to trigger their buy-back option, Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly preparing an offer to re-sign a Premier League defender.

Daniel Levy: "Failure is not an option"

The biggest decision of Tottenham’s summer so far has undoubtedly been the appointment of Thomas Frank after showing Ange Postecoglou the door. The decision to sack Australian is one that split opinion just weeks after the Lilywhites ended their trophy drought by winning the Europa League against Manchester United.

Levy has since spoken for the first time since sacking Postecoglou, revealing that it was a difficult decision emotionally. He told reporters: “I don’t regret appointing Ange, I’m very grateful to Ange. In his first season we finished fifth and in his second we were over the moon to win a trophy.

“But we need to compete in all competitions, and we felt that we needed a change. Emotionally it was difficult but we feel that we’ve made the right decision for the club. “I’ve got very broad shoulders. Failure is not an option, the desire [is] to succeed. And because it’s so difficult, I want to succeed even more.”

Frank green-lights move for "decisive" star to replace Tottenham forward

The Dane is “crazy” about signing him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Whether those in North London agree with the decision or not, Postecoglou’s departure has since opened the door for Frank to step into the hot seat for the biggest job of his career.

It has been a long time coming for the Dane, who took Brentford to new heights despite often lacking in resources. Now at Tottenham, he has the chance to prove that he belongs at the very top by turning things around in North London.

That turnaround must start away from the pitch and in the transfer window, however, with names such as Antoine Semenyo alongside a name that Spurs fans know well already among the headlines on that front.

Tottenham preparing offer to re-sign Cirkin

According to reports relayed by The Northern Echo, Tottenham are now preparing a formal offer to re-sign Dennis Cirkin despite missing the deadline to trigger their buy-back clause from Sunderland.

The left-back has blossomed into an impressive talent since swapping Spurs for Wearside and now finds himself back in the Premier League with the Black Cats. That return has not gone under the radar, however, and Levy now has his sights set on a reunion.

Cirkin would not only hand Frank an instant boost in his backline but also help Spurs to fill their homegrown quota in the Champions League next season. On all fronts, it is a deal that may make sense for the Lilywhites.

Sunderland are reportedly eager to keep hold of Cirkin and tie their defender down to a new contract. Whether they are able to convince their defender to ignore the interest of his former club remains to be seen, though.

Alas, having already lost Jobe Bellingham for big money, the Black Cats have proved their ability to drive a hard bargain and with no buy-back clause to fall back on, Spurs could yet face some tough negotiations.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League triumph at the end of the 2024/25 campaign will have undoubtedly lifted a huge weight off the shoulders of the players.

Before their win in Bilbao, the Lilywhites had gone 17 long years without any form of silverware, but now the club must build on their success and look to reach the next level.

The fanbase have often had to endure being mocked by other fanbases, but Thomas Frank will hopefully be the man to make the club serial winners in the near future.

It’s evident from the facilities in North London that the side are capable of challenging Europe’s elite, but it’s vital owner Daniel Levy backs the new boss in his quest.

The ongoing transfer window presents the Dane with the first opportunity to make the mark he desires, which has seen numerous players being linked with a move to the club already this summer.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a name on the lips of many Spurs fans over recent days and understandably so given the interest in the West Ham star’s signature.

It was reported this week that the Lilywhites had made an opening offer to Graham Potter’s side, but it was immediately rejected, with another bid being prepared.

However, despite the keen interest in the Ghanian’s signature, moves have been made elsewhere, with Atalanta star Ademola Lookman in their sights, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that Frank’s side have been closely monitoring the Nigerian international this window and could be preparing an offer for his signature.

It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of €60m (£50m) this summer, after registering 20 goals and six assists for the Italian outfit last campaign.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be a better signing than Kudus

There’s no denying that from the recent activity within the transfer window that Spurs are desperately in the hunt for new attackers to bolster Frank’s forward line.

Kudus appears to be the main option for the hierarchy after other targets, Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo, either agreed moves elsewhere or signed a new deal at their current side.

However, despite their recent bid being rejected for the West Ham star, he has already agreed personal terms over a move to North London, with the two clubs needing to agree on a fee.

It remains to be seen how much the Hammers could demand for his signature, but it could be a pretty penny, given his current £85m release clause in his contract at the London Stadium.

The club may be better off pursuing a move for fellow target Lookman, with the Atalanta star offering a cheaper alternative based on their respective transfer fees.

However, when comparing their stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the Nigerian has managed to outperform Kudus in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be the better option.

Lookman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist John Bennett, has registered more combined goals and assists, with a higher shot on target accuracy rate – demonstrating the edge he possesses in attacking areas.

Games played

31

32

Goals & assists

20

8

Shot on target accuracy

40%

28%

Progressive carries

5.7

3.4

Progressive passes

2.9

2.7

Key passes

2.4

1.1

Carries into opposition box

3.2

1.4

Aerials won

57%

21%

He’s also completed more progressive passes and more passes into the opposition’s areas per 90, having the tools to provide others around him with the ammunition to improve their own tallies.

The 27-year-old further demonstrated his quality by posting more carries into the final third along with more aerials won, having the all-round talent to star in attacking areas.

Given the difference in price tag and stats produced over the last couple of months, it’s evident that the former Everton talent would be the better signing.

There’s no denying that Kudus would also be a superb option, but Frank can save himself and the club a hefty chunk of money whilst getting themselves a better addition in the form of Lookman.

£34m Maddison upgrade: Spurs in race to sign “one of the best midfielders"

Tottenham are hoping to sign some Champions League-worthy quality this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 6, 2025

Manchester United are believed to have agreed personal terms with an “unplayable” player and are now willing to pay more than £60m to get a deal done.

Who could Man Utd sign this summer?

Ruben Amorim will know the importance of the Red Devils signing top-quality players this summer, following a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, with exciting names continuing to be linked with moves to Old Trafford.

A new striker is a must for United, and Juventus marksman Dusan Vlahovic has been mentioned as an option before next season gets underway. In fact, they are even reportedly awaiting talks over a transfer.

Meanwhile, Emiliano Martinez continues to be seen as a target for the Red Devils this summer, as Amorim eyes up a summer switch for the Argentine. An upgrade on Andre Onana is required and the World Cup-winning 32-year-old appears to be a leading target between the sticks.

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is also a front-runner to join United imminently, joining Matheus Cunha in the process, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding their pursuit of him.

Man Utd agreed personal terms with "unplayable" star

Taking to X, journalist Rudy Galetti claimed that Manchester United have now agreed personal terms with Mbeumo, as a £63m move to Old Trafford edges closer:

At this point, it would be a huge surprise if Mbeumo wasn’t a United player come the beginning of next season, with the winger constantly edging closer to completing a move in recent weeks.

The Cameroonian enjoyed a fantastic 2024/25 season, scoring 20 goals in 38 Premier League appearances, and former Bees manager Thomas Frank is well aware of his ability, saying:

“Bryan Mbeumo today was unplayable. The way he holds the ball up and links play, like today to Kevin Schade [for the fourth goal] was very impressive.”

United are desperately in need of signing a wide player who can bring guaranteed end product to the team, with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony all loaned out in 2024/25, and the Brentford ace could be perfect in that respect.

Granted, Mbeumo takes up the same right-sided role as Amad Diallo, so there is the risk that he could stunt the youngster’s progress, but the Red Devils need to be in a position where they have top-class players battling for minutes all over the pitch.

Man Utd come blistering into race to hijack Arsenal deal to sign £20m star

They could get one over on their rivals.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 22, 2025

The Bees attacker has proven himself in the Premier League, and at 25 years of age, there is still so much more to come from him, so there are few positives to the move happening this summer.

Sam Hain 93, Jacob Bethell 50 take match to final over, but Bears fall short by 11 runs

ECB Reporters Network18-Jul-2024Saif Zaib hit a blistering 86 off just 41 balls with eight fours and six sixes to set up a thrilling Northamptonshire Steelbacks victory over Birmingham Bears by 11 runs and secure their first Vitality Blast quarter-final spot in four years.Zaib shared a partnership of 72 in almost seven overs with Ravi Bopara (19) to propel Northamptonshire to a formidable total of 197 for 6.Steelbacks skipper David Willey struck immediately in the run chase taking two wickets in the opening over, including Moeen Ali first ball, as the Bears slumped to 11 for 3.But a magnificent 93 from Sam Hain off just 60 balls with 10 fours and three sixes took the match into the final over with the Bears still very much in the hunt.Hain shared a partnership of 92 in nearly 10 overs with Jacob Bethell, who hit 50 off 31 balls as the visitors bounced back from the early fall of wickets.Despite some more big hitting from Hain and George Garton at the close, they fell short, although they can draw consolation from having already booked their quarter-final spot.Earlier Garton struck with the third ball of the match, Ricardo Vasconcelos flicking one off his hip straight to Craig Miles at backward square.Warwickshire’s bowlers put the squeeze on, the only early boundaries coming from leg byes before Willey punched through cover and Northamptonshire ended the powerplay on 40 for 1.Willey fell soon after though, heaving one from Danny Briggs to Miles who took an excellent tumbling catch on the deep midwicket boundary.Zaib opened his account with three consecutive late cuts for four off Miles to take Northamptonshire past 50 in the eighth over before stroking Briggs expertly over extra cover for six. But when Jake Lintott nipped in to remove Matt Breetzke for 21, the Steelbacks had made only 78 for 3 after 10 overs.It proved a solid foundation though with Bopara soon into his work cutting Moeen for consecutive boundaries. Runs continued to flow as Zaib smashed Briggs over deep cover for another maximum. He plundered 18 runs off the next over from Lintott, with three fours and an outrageous hook shot over fine leg, bringing up his half-century off just 26 balls along the way.The Bears finally broke through when Bopara chipped Briggs to deep cover and then ended Zaib’s bombardment in the next over when he reached for one from Miles, the ball flying off the top-edge to Hain at mid-off.Ashton Agar’s stay was brief, departing immediately after taking one huge six off Dan Mousley, Moeen taking a leaping one-handed catch behind square.Lewis McManus continued his excellent Vitality Blast form, pulling Zak Foulkes for six and hitting three fours, while Gus Miller nonchalantly flicked Foulkes for another maximum.Willey struck immediately with the ball collecting the wickets of Moeen and Mousley, both caught behind in the opening over of the run chase.Next over, Ben Sanderson struggled to control the swing, conceding six runs in wides but redeemed himself when Alex Davies chopped on to a ball outside off-stump.Hain and Bethell though were quickly into their stride, Hain taking two boundaries off one Sanderson over. Bethell meanwhile was soon clearing the ropes, depositing White over the food stalls for six and also sending Bopara’s first delivery out of the ground.Agar bowled tidily but conceded six when Bethell struck him down the ground with Birmingham reaching 100 in the twelfth over shortly afterwards.It took a stunning diving catch from White behind square to account for Bethell in Bopara’s second over. Three balls later Chris Benjamin swept Agar, picking out Vasconcelos on the deep square leg boundary.Hain was still motoring though and despite Birmingham needing 73 off the last five overs at a rate of 14.6, he continued to find the boundary, finding a willing partner in Garton (29).Needing 39 off the last two overs, Hain swotted a straight ball from Willey down the ground for six and the visitors started the final over bowled by White, with 25 still required. Garton took three off the first two deliveries, leaving Hain with three sixes and one boundary to win.He pulled White for six before taking a boundary. White put down a caught and bowled chance off the next ball but Hain was caught behind off the final delivery.During the interval Northampton Saints took to the outfield to show off the Premiership trophy they lifted at Twickenham last month.

Arsenal are at the centre of many intriguing transfer stories this summer, and there is no sign of things slowing down at the Emirates Stadium with new sporting director Andrea Berta working tirelessly to reshape the squad.

The threat Gyokeres has text Sporting as he pushes to join Arsenal

He’s prioritising a move to north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

Mikel Arteta is already poised to welcome the arrivals of Spain international duo Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

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

Zubimendi was in London last month to finalise a move to Arsenal, while Kepa has been confirmed as a new Arsenal player after he completed a medical last week.

football.london have reported that Arsenal could announce the transfer Zubimendi in the next few days as well, following the start of football’s new financial year – which allows them to register both Kepa and the 26-year-old as part of the 2025/2026 balance sheet.

Arsenal have also agreed a near-£15 million deal for Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard, including add-ons, with the Denmark international set to replace Thomas Partey.

Norgaard will step into the shoes of Partey, who’s now officially a free agent after deciding to call time on his five-year stay in north London.

Arteta wanted Partey to stay, and Arsenal did hold negotiations to extend the African’s former £200,000-per-week contract, but both the club and player amicably decided to go their separate ways.

“The relationship between Thomas Partey and Arsenal is still solid, even though today will be his last day as an Arsenal player,” said Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, giving his verdict on the reaction to his departure.

“Arteta did his all to keep him, but they didn’t agree on terms. I have seen Arsenal fans insult Thomas Partey and that’s very unfair. Football is about give and take and players come and go. A player has the right to request and the club has the right to reject, thats why it’s called negotiation.

“I believe Partey did his best for Arsenal, and it’s for the betterment of the player and club that he’s leaving. There’s nothing more he can offer Arsenal and nothing more Arsenal can offer him too. It’s business at the end of the day. The club and player has decided what it’s good for both.”

Thomas Partey in talks to join Galatasaray after leaving Arsenal

The former Atlético Madrid star, called “sensational” by La Liga expert Gerry Armstrong, enjoyed his best-ever campaign at Arsenal last term – making over 50 appearances in all competitions and playing a key role under Arteta.

The question now is; what’s next for Partey?

Well, according to TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, Partey is now in talks to join Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray after quitting Arsenal, with Okan Buruk’s side also opening discussions for Man City star İlkay Gündoğan as they look to reinforce their midfield with proven quality.

A Süper Lig switch, where Partey will also have the chance to compete in the Champions League next season, could be an ideal next move as he enters the twilight phase of his career.

He’d also have the chance to add a league title to his CV, as Galatasaray are most likely set for another interesting title race with José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe next season.