Wolverhampton Wanderers have agreed terms with a new “number 10” who could become Matheus Cunha’s replacement at Molineux.
Wolves aiming to replace Cunha after Man Utd transfer
The Old Gold are in need of a summer rebuild following a disappointing 24/25 Premier League season coupled with the fact they have already lost two of their star players in the transfer market.
The first to leave was Cunha, with Manchester United triggering the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause in the opening days of the window.
Matheus Cunha
Then, just before the first transfer window was set to shut, Manchester City announced a deal for Rayan Ait-Nouri, with the left-back being named in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the Club World Cup.
As a result, Vitor Pereira should have some money to spend, and they have been linked with numerous players in June. In attack, Wolves are thought to be showing an interest in FC St Gallen striker Willem Geubbels, who is valued at just £8.5m.
Meanwhile, when it comes to full-back signings, Wolves are keen on Vladimir Coufal, who has left West Ham United after five seasons and is available on a free transfer.
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Pereira will be hoping the club can get some players through the door before the end of the month ahead of pre-season in July, and it looks as if Wolves have made a breakthrough in regards to an attacking addition.
Wolves agree terms with Celta Vigo’s Fer Lopez
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Wolves have agreed terms with Celta Vigo attacker Fer Lopez. A long-term deal has been agreed between the Old Gold and Lopez, and Wolves now just need to shake hands on a fee with Celta Vigo.
Interestingly, Lopez, who shares the same Gestifute agency as Jose Sa and other Wolves players, was spotted away on holiday with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand-Larsen, with the pair knowing each other from their time with the La Liga side.
Should Lopez join Larsen in the Midlands, Wolves would be getting a versatile left footed attacker. Capable of playing on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, ESPN editor David Cartlidge even described Lopez as a “unicorn”.
After coming through the Celta Vigo academy, Lopez, still just 21 years of age, has only made 20 senior appearances for his current employers, scoring four goals. However, a move to England with Wolves looks like it could be on the cards following the breakthrough on personal terms.
تخطى قائد منتخب البرتغال، كريستيانو رونالدو، غريمه التقليدي ليونيل ميسي، نجم منتخب الأرجنتين، بعدما سجل هدفين في مباراة اليوم ضد أرمينيا، في تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم.
وخاض منتخب البرتغال مباراته الأولى في تصفيات القارة العجوز المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم، في مجموعته، ضد أرمينيا حيث حقق فوزًا بخمسة أهداف دون رد (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).
وتمكن كريستيانو رونالدو من تسجيل هدفين في تلك المباراة، ليرتفع رصيده إلى 38 هدفًا في إطار تصفيات كأس العالم، في مشواره الاحترافي.
كان رونالدو قد دخل تلك المباراة وهو على قدر متساوي مع ليونيل ميسي فيما يخص عدد الأهداف التي سجلها كل منهما في تصفيات كأس العالم، بعدما سجل الأرجنتيني هدفين ضد فنزويلا يوم الجمعة الماضي.
ولكن رونالدو نجح في فك الشراكة وسجل هدفين اليوم، ليتفوق على ميسي الذي خاض مباراته الأخيرة مع الأرجنتين في ملعبهم، وأثار الغموض حول موقفه من خوض كأس العالم 2026.
ويتبقى أمام رونالدو الوصول إلى رقم اللاعب الأكثر تهديفًا في مرحلة التصفيات وهو كارلوس رويز، الذي سجل مع منتخب جواتيمالا 39 هدفًا.
‘Who knows what cricket is going to look like in even two years’ time?’ says England Test captain
Vithushan Ehantharajah25-Jul-2024
Ben Stokes acknowledges that international cricket is sprinting into an uncertain future•Stu Forster/Getty Images
Ben Stokes has called for more player input over the international schedule, ahead of an overloaded 12-month period for England’s red- and white-ball sides.Speaking ahead of the third and final Test against West Indies, England’s Test captain reiterated his long-held criticisms of a congested fixture list, further complicated by the rise of franchise cricket. Having previously worried about its effect on the quality of cricket, Stokes is wary of the negative impact it could have on the development of England teams as a whole.While Stokes’ focus is on building towards the Ashes in the winter of 2025-26, the limited-overs set-up is looking towards a new dawn, with a decision to be made imminently on the futures of head coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler. Such are the commitments ahead for both squads, it is highly unlikely that each will progress at a similar rate.Related
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After the conclusion of this series in Edgbaston, the Test team will reconvene for a three-match series against Sri Lanka which begins at Emirates Old Trafford on August 21. The day after the third Test is due to finish in September, England begin a T20I series against Australia.That is followed by an ODI series against the same opponents that finishes just eight days before the start of a three-Test series in Pakistan. Three days after that tour concludes, England begin an ODI series in Antigua, which ends in St Lucia eight days prior to the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.The start of 2025 offers some respite with no overseas Tests in the first half of the year, but England will play five white-ball matches in India as preparation for the Champions Trophy in February. The home season then plays host to four visiting teams, with an ODI series in Ireland running parallel to the India Test series.England are blessed with a playing pool that can be adequately split for the obligations that await. But the pull on their multi-format players such as Harry Brook, Mark Wood and even Jofra Archer, who is mooted to return to the Test side in 2025, will become a problem, particularly as they continue to seek opportunities on the T20 franchise circuit.Stokes believes his role as Test captain allows him to have a firm hand on the tiller when it comes to what is best for his team. But he acknowledged problems on the horizon and urged boards such as the ICC, who produce the Future Tours Programme (FTP), and the ECB, who rubber-stamp it, to collaborate more with players at an uncertain time for the game’s ecosystem.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
“I hope not,” answered Stokes when asked if his ambitions with the Test team will be hampered by the schedule. “It is something that does need to be addressed.”Who knows what international cricket is going to look like, with all the franchise stuff that is going on as well? It does need to get looked at. The landscape is constantly changing. I don’t think anyone can put their hand on their heart and say they know what cricket is going to look like in even two years’ time.”I think some consultation might be quite nice, obviously to Jos (Buttler) and myself. The FTP could maybe see the people playing in it consulted, and I think we could have some good input in that.”Asked whether he had been consulted on the recent FTP running from 2023-27, Stokes was tight-lipped: “Yes and no. Make of that what you will.”He was similarly guarded when asked about his own white-ball career, unwilling to entertain the question on the eve of a Test match. Having reversed his ODI retirement to play in the 2023 World Cup, he subsequently opted out of the T20 World Cup last month to focus on his Test duties. He also refused to acknowledge reports in last week that he has signed a bumper £800,000 deal with MI Cape Town in the SA20, which clashes with the India white-ball series at the start of next year.
Manchester United are looking to add to their squad while not overstepping the mark financially, and they have now reportedly made an enquiry for a Brazil international, according to reports.
Man Utd eye shock Dominic Calvert-Lewin deal
The Red Devils and INEOS are looking to add to the pack after Matheus Cunha’s arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers and find themselves pushing to land Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Diego Leon has also finalised his move to the club.
Reports suggest a deal could be finalised by Monday that would see the Cameroon international head to Old Trafford. At the same time, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins and Nigeria hitman Victor Osimhen have also been touted as potential offensive recruits.
However, Manchester United could sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a squad rotation option. However, journalist Ben Jacobs believes he may need to lower his wage demands before a deal for the ex-Everton striker can become viable.
He stated: “Calvert-Lewin’s wage demands are very high, and therefore it is unlikely that Man United will move in that direction unless the demands decrease or they have a hole in the squad later in the window. As a free agent, the player will be rigid on his demands.”
Premier League experience will become paramount for the Red Devils in their rebuilding phase. Ruben Amorim is likely to have one game a week to manage most weeks, offering the possibility of focusing solely on the club’s league position without external commitments.
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It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.
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Cup football will also present a chance at silverware. Nevertheless, there is plenty of work to be done in the market before Manchester United are back challenging for honours, though their latest pursuit wouldn’t be a bad step in the right direction.
Man Utd make Douglas Luiz enquiry
According to reports relayed by FootballTransfers, Manchester United and therefore INEOS have submitted an enquiry regarding Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz’s availability following a frustrating campaign that has seen the Brazil international be placed on the transfer list.
Everton and Fulham are also in pursuit of the ex-Aston Villa man, who made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Old Lady last season.
He has previously been lauded as a “very underrated” engine room presence by Paul Merson, with the former Arsenal man claiming Luiz was every bit as good as the likes of Declan Rice and Rodri while he plied his trade in the West Midlands.
Douglas Luiz in 2024/25 – key statistics in Serie A (Fotmob)
Tackles won
8
Duels won
36
Pass accuracy
90.4%
Recoveries
31
Long ball accuracy
75%
Earning £138,000 per week in Turin, there is also talk that Luiz could be used as a part of a swap deal that would see Juventus land Jadon Sancho, albeit aforementioned striker Vlahovic is also mentioned, making the saga a possibility and nothing more.
Injury problems hampered the 27-year-old last term, and a return to the English top-flight could now be on the cards, though there would be other considerations to take into account for Manchester United.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are two existing deeper-lying midfield options, while Kobbie Mainoo can also operate in the six, so Amorim would potentially need to think about cutting someone loose to ensure his side had the space to acquire Luiz.
In an attempt to get their summer business going, Aston Villa have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign a defensive target for Unai Emery whose release clause expires soon.
Aston Villa set for tough Newcastle opener
If Aston Villa are keen to find out where their squad is at in the early stages of next season then their opening day Premier League meeting with Newcastle United will hand them the perfect chance to do exactly that. The Villans have been handed a tough start against one of last year’s top five, but Emery will also be well aware that victory over the Magpies would send quite the statement.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United
16/08/2025
Brentford vs Aston Villa
23/08/2025
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace
30/08/2025
Everton vs Aston Villa
13/09/2025
Sunderland vs Aston Villa
20/09/2025
Once the Midlands club have got Newcastle out of the way, they have the chance to enjoy a far more routine run on paper. Away trips to Brentford, Everton and Sunderland represent realistic opportunities for three points, whilst the visit of Crystal Palace should also be seen as a game that the Villans are favourites to win.
It’s the type of start that Aston Villa could need following what could be a difficult summer amid PSR concerns. Despite their growing success over the last couple of years, Villa’s spending in the years prior could yet force them to sell at least one key man in the coming months before they can focus on potential incomings.
Real Betis'JesusRodriguezcelebrates scoring their second goal
That said, their PSR concerns have not stopped the rumours from arriving when it comes to additions. Names such as Jesus Rodriguez have already threatened to steal the headlines and now those at Villa Park have also reportedly set their sights on signing a defensive addition.
Aston Villa submit opening Lucumi offer
According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have tabled an opening offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. That initial bid was below the defender’s reported €28m (£24m) release clause, however, and is unlikely to be entertained by Bologna anytime soon.
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He’s a Premier League winner…
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Whether the Villans go again in pursuit of the defender remains to be seen. Bologna certainly hold all of the cards if those in the Midlands decide against triggering Lucumi’s release clause, which reportedly expires on July 10.
Given that they need to be in the market for bargain deals amid their PSR concerns, Aston Villa should think again about returning for Lucumi this summer. For just £24m, until July 10, they can sign a “composed” centre-back who can play with both feet to an “excellent” standard, according to analyst Ben Mattinson.
Newcastle United’s return to the Champions League this season was down to the brilliance of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy last term.
Between them, the trio registered 72 goal involvements in all competitions.
Behind them, however, it was Sandro Tonali who was running the show. The Italian was missed during his debut season, having served a ten-month ban for gambling offences, but he returned for 2024/25.
He will be crucial next season if Eddie Howe wishes to see his side progress into the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
Might the manager be aiming to sign someone who plays just like Tonali this month?
Newcastle offered chance to sign La Liga star
According to TEAMtalk, the Magpies have been offered the chance to sign Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer, with the former Chelsea man said to be exploring a possible exit from his current side.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As per the report, Howe is a huge admirer of his talents, although no talks or negotiations have taken place as yet. Encouragement has been given to the Magpies, however, with the report outlining that the La Liga side are open to selling if they receive an offer in the region of €40m (£34m).
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are the other English sides to which Gallagher has been offered, but surely the lure of Champions League football makes Newcastle the favourites.
If Howe does lure him to the northeast, Gallagher could become his next Tonali.
How Tonali compares to Gallagher
Tonali missed just two Premier League games last term, going on to register nine goal contributions in all competitions.
The midfielder showed his class in the heart of the midfield, winning 54% of his total duels while succeeding with 59% of his dribble attempts per game. He also recovered 4.9 balls and averaged 1.4 tackles per game for the Toon, emerging as a key factor in the club’s return to the Champions League.
Goals
4
Big chances created
4
Accurate passes per game
34.9
Key passes per game
0.8
Tackles per game
1.4
Possession lost per game
8.9
According to FBref, Gallagher is the eighth-most comparable player to Tonali across Europe’s top five leagues.
Diving into more detail, the pair have even shared similar statistics across a range of metrics last season, most notably goals and assists (both six), shots per 90 (1.21 vs 1.20), goal-creating actions (eight vs nine), percentage of dribblers tackled (44.9% vs 49%) and touches in the attacking penalty area (38 vs 45) in their respective domestic leagues.
Gallagher did make 50 appearances for the Spanish side last season, but only 28 of these came in the starting XI.
Described by one analyst as a “pressing and transition monster”, Newcastle likely to see £34m bid accepted for “monster” CM, he’d be Tonali 2.0 – opinion he experience abroad might not have worked out as well as he would have hoped, but Gallagher would return to England a better player than when he left.
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher
Should Howe wish to add another reliable player to his squad, he could do no worse than to bring the former Chelsea starlet back to England.
Tonali has proven his worth over the previous 12 months, and by signing Gallagher, Howe would have two players capable of dominating the midfield next season.
Elanga's new Gibbs-White: Newcastle leading race for £40m "magician"
Newcastle are hoping to make more signings after landing Anthony Elanga.
Chelsea chiefs are prepared to ship off a fair few players this summer after already spending around £140 million on new signings, with BlueCo intent on balancing the books to ensure they’re in line with FFP regulations.
In talks: Chelsea identify "next top target" in £60m star, he's keen to join
The Blues could yet another new attacker to their ranks.
By
Emilio Galantini
Jul 2, 2025
Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro are both poised to join Enzo Maresca’s side, with the latter having his medical in the US before his £55 million switch from Brighton, which has now been officially confirmed. Chelsea also agreed a deal for Gittens at that same price.
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
This follows their £30 million move for Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, and it is believed that Chelsea are in talks over a move for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus as their next top attacking target (Simon Phillips).
If they do land Kudus next, the west Londoners will need to start selling players for significant fees, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga coming as their only senior exit so far.
Kepa joined Arsenal for around £5 million, which was announced earlier this week, and Chelsea are fully expected to orchestrate a few more high-profile exits.
Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi could all leave Stamford Bridge this summer, according to The Athletic, alongside more first-team regulars.
Christopher Nkunku is allegedly pushing to leave, while the likes of Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson are attracting reported interest from London rivals Arsenal.
Maresca’s backlog of surplus wingers will need some trimming, and that includes England international Raheem Sterling, who’s now back after a lacklustre loan spell at the Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea ready to sell Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke
Journalist Pete O’Rourke, sharing an update for Football Insider, says that Chelsea are ready to accept offers for both Sterling and Madueke.
The latter, who cost around £30 million to sign from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, has played a key role under Maresca in recent months – earning praise from England boss Thomas Tuchel for his performances at international level too.
However, Madueke will be allowed to leave for the right price, and it could very well be for Arsenal, given the serious links and their extremely productive business relationship over the last few transfer windows.
Chelsea are very unlikely to receive a bid close to Sterling’s original £50 million deal from Man City, but it will be a boost for BlueCo to get the 30-year-old’s seismic £325,000-per-week wages off the books.
Reports in Spain last week suggested that Besiktas were in talks to sign Sterling, so there could be an avenue to explore in the Turkish Süper Lig, or perhaps in Saudi Arabia, where sides stand the best chance of getting anywhere near his sky-high salary in terms of a contract offer.
Everton manager David Moyes is aiming to build a side that will be able to secure a top-half finish in the Premier League in their first season at the club’s new stadium.
It is the start of a new era for the Merseyside outfit and what better way to commemorate it by emerging from their recent malaise and moving forward under Moyes.
Much will depend on the transfer business that the club manage to pull off this summer. So far, only Carlos Alcaraz has joined the Toffees. Even then, the South American starlet spent the last six months of the 2024/25 campaign on loan. Therefore, he is hardly a brand-new arrival.
A few days ago, it was reported that Everton were in talks to sign Fulham right-back Kenny Tete on a free transfer.
Season
Final placing
2024/25
13th
2012/13
6th
2011/12
7th
2010/11
7th
2009/10
8th
2008/09
5th
2007/08
5th
2006/07
6th
2005/06
11th
2004/05
4th
2003/04
17th
2002/03
7th
2001/02
15th
Moyes is keen on bringing in another full-back, especially on the right side of the defence, and with Tete available for nothing, it is a move that makes perfect sense.
Another player who the club are targeting is Villarreal centre-forward Thierno Barry, who enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2024/25.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
Considering Everton scored just 42 goals throughout the Premier League last term, the lowest of any club outside the relegation zone, improving in the attacking department is a major priority for Moyes.
As such, signing Barry could turn into a solid piece of business, especially as he looks ready to take the next step in his career.
Why Everton must sign Thierno Barry
Last season, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Beto and Armando Broja netted just 13 goals between them, highlighting that this area in the squad needs to be vastly improved.
Barry could be the perfect solution for Moyes. Indeed, the Frenchman made a total of 41 appearances for the La Liga club last term, scoring 19 goals and registering four assists in the process.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
He also shone across various metrics when compared to his positional peers in the Spanish top flight last season. Not only did the striker rank in the top 25% for non-penalty goals (0.39) per 90, but he also ranked in the top 27% for total shots (2.75) and in the top 17% for aerials won (3.84) per 90.
Although they might not be a spell-binding array of statistics, considering it was his debut season in Spain, it suggests that Barry is only going to get better and better as time goes on.
The striker has spent the previous few weeks representing France at the U21 European Championships. Across his five games at the competition, Barry has scored once, averaged two shots per game and created two big chances, despite averaging just 37 minutes per game for France.
His future looks bright indeed. Should he make the move to the Toffees, could he be a success on Merseyside? Only time will tell on that front.
Moyes will be keen to supplement the signing of Barry by adding further attacking talent this summer, especially those who can help make the French starlet even better.
Might he possibly be eyeing up a move for an Englishman who impressed in the Premier League last season?
Latest Everton transfer news
While Barry is the main attacking target, Moyes has also shown interest in Timothy Weah and James McAtee this summer already.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Both players would improve the club’s attacking options, without a shadow of a doubt, although they may cost the club a pretty penny.
According to TEAMtalk, Everton are now exploring a potential move for Ipswich Town attacking midfielder Omari Hutchinson this summer.
Ipswich Town'sOmariHutchinsonreacts
Amid Ipswich’s relegation, several clubs, including the Toffees, Brentford and West Ham, are waiting to make a move for the player, who is valued at €28m (£24m) according to Football Transfers.
The Tractor Boys may have struggled last term, but Hutchinson was one of the few bright sparks, and it is likely he will depart.
Moyes must make sure he is at the front of the queue to sign the talented Englishman, especially as he could be a dream signing for Barry.
Why Omari Hutchinson could be a dream for Thierno Barry
Last season, Hutchinson played 31 Premier League games for Ipswich, scoring three goals and grabbing two assists.
While it wasn’t enough to prevent their relegation, he impressed in large spells, which is now leading to attention in the transfer market.
Aside from his goal contributions, Hutchinson also created six big chances, averaged one key pass per game and succeeded with 1.6 dribbles per game. This is made even more impressive by the fact Ipswich averaged just 40% possession across their 38 league games last term.
It proves that when the Englishman had the ball, he was willing to make things happen for his teammates, indicating that he would be a dream signing for Barry.
Not only would the youngster create chances for the Frenchman, but he would also be able to consistently get into dangerous positions in the final third.
Labelled “dazzling” by Statman Dave in the Championship, he spent the early part of the summer helping England U21s reach the final of the European Championship, playing a key role in their success.
Hutchinson has started four of England’s five matches and, as well as grabbing an assist, he has also created three big chances, averages 1.8 key passes and succeeds with an impressive 2.2 dribbles per game at the tournament.
If England go on to defeat Germany in the final, it will largely be due to Hutchinson’s impressive performances.
Moyes will surely have one eye on the final this weekend, especially as the club have joined the list of potential suitors for his signature.
Getting a move for Barry over the line will be his priority firstly. But once this deal is signed, sealed and delivered, lining up Hutchinson will be on the agenda.
It all depends on the fee Ipswich demands, but if it is reasonable, the Toffees should be all over the move. That’s for sure.
Everton now confident in their bid to sign forward with £34m release clause
Everton are now ready to progress forward with a deal to sign a new striker, who wants the move.
During the off-season, weekends don’t tend to generate much excitement for football fans. It’s time to enjoy the summer weather and disassociate ourselves from the stresses of supporting a team. However, for Arsenal fans on Sunday, there was certainly something to get the blood pumping.
It’s been two years now, two long years that the Gunners have needed a new striker and they finally look set to bring one to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal's KaiHavertzwith manager MikelArtetaafter being substituted
For much of the transfer window so far, the question has been, will Mikel Arteta sign Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres?
Well, it looks like the answer has arrived emphatically; Gyokeres.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein broke the news over the weekend that the reds were set to sign the Swede from Sporting, finally agreeing a fee with the Portuguese club that will see him move for a guaranteed fee of £55m plus an extra £8.6m in add-ons.
Arsenal, however, are not done there.
What's next for Arsenal after Gyokeres
This has been a particularly busy fortnight for Andrea Berta with Arsenal having confirmed the arrivals of three players: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.
It’s now widely expected that Noni Madueke will complete his move to the red side of London this week with Fabrizio Romano reporting on Monday that he will sign a contract until 2030 after undergoing the final part of his medical.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
After that, Arsenal look set to bolster their defence with the addition of a young defender plying their trade in LaLiga.
That’s according to a number of sources, including the aforementioned Ornstein who claimed at the start of this week that Arsenal “are working to complete” a move for Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera. Personal terms have reportedly already been agreed.
Cristhian Mosquera for Valencia.
An update was also provided by sources in Spain, via Sport Witness. They report that the player was left out of training on Monday and is now already flying to England to undergo a medical and officially put pen to paper on his contract.
Previous reports have suggested it could take a bid of £17m to lure him away from Spain.
What Mosquera could bring to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal team
The arrivals of Zubimendi and Gyokeres will undoubtedly cause much fanfare this summer but should Berta and Co get a deal over the line for Mosquera, it must also be celebrated.
After all, the 21-year-old has showcased himself to be one of the best young defenders in Spain over recent years.
Valencia defenderCristhian Mosquera.
On the face of it, you may not think Arsenal need to sign another centre-half. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are immovable objects at the heart of Arteta’s defence and have steered the Gunners to the best defensive record in the Premier League over the last two seasons.
Yet, it could be argued that they’ve struggled to find adequate backup. Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, who is a centre-back by trade, has played more as a left-back since arriving in the English capital and Jakub Kiwior’s future remains up in the air.
To his credit, Kiwior did stand out while Gabriel nursed a hamstring injury and actually looked like the more composed out of him and Saliba when Arsenal travelled to the Bernabeu. It was Saliba’s mistake that led to Vini Jr’s goal in the second half.
The Frenchman and Gabriel will resume their partnership in 2025/26 but Mosquera, a front-footed modern defender, will fit like a glove into this Arsenal team.
Analyst Ben Mattinson has described Mosquera as “one of the best backline aggressors of his age” while noting that the youngster will be the “aggressor and leader that Gabriel is but from right centre-back”.
What that means is that the Valencia star could be the perfect profile to help transitions into midfield, thus helping the likes of Zubimendi and Declan Rice get on the ball more.
Anytime Arteta’s side find possession in the hands of those two this season, something is bound to happen. European football expert, Sid Lowe, has noted that the Spaniard “is just about as good a deep-lying midfielder there is in Europe, apart from maybe Rodri,” while we all know the power and carrying ability that Rice has from deep.
To rubberstamp why Mosquera would be so beneficial to the build-up and midfield transition, we’ve highlighted the following numbers via FBRef.
Mosquera in LaLiga – 2024/25
Metric
Stat (per 90)
Rank vs LaLiga CBs
Progressive carries
0.95
Top 18%
Progressive passes
3.34
Top 37%
Pass completion
90.5%
Top 16%
Long pass completion
68.1%
Top 16%
% of dribblers tackled
77.5%
Top 16%
Ball recoveries
5.15
Top 4%
Stats via FBRef.
What the metrics above suggest is that Mosquera is very much ball-dominant. He loves to carry the ball forward and he marries that attribute with the composure to play out from the back.
For context, his pass completion rate of 90.5% was greater than Gabriel’s 90.2% in the Premier League last season.
He’s not just front-footed, but he’s an aggressive defender too, something Mattinson outlined. Only 16% of centre-backs in LaLiga tackled a higher percentage of dribblers. Only 4% of positionally similar players made more ball recoveries.
This is an elite defender in the making and his ability to make an impact higher up the pitch and carry the ball into midfield will only be beneficial, particularly for someone like Rice.
The club’s record signing loves to drop into the hole and then burst forward. He does that regularly with Gabriel and Saliba behind him but should one of them be unavailable, Mosquera will ensure Rice and Zubimendi can play in the same way.
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Pakistan are two places ahead of Bangladesh in the World Test Championship table but both teams are in the bottom half. And both are playing their first series since the T20 World Cup. Bangladesh exited from the Super Eight while Pakistan couldn’t even reach that stage, leaving both sets of fans disappointed with their performances. This Test series will be a chance to make amends. Luckily, there has been a considerable gap from the World Cup, which will allow the teams to play with a fresh perspective.Given their record, Pakistan are the clear favourites. Their captain Shan Masood has a new red-ball coach in Jason Gillespie. It is an interesting combination as they can look back at their respective recent county stints to bring stability to Pakistan’s Test team.Barring Aamer Jamal, Pakistan have all first-choice players available. In fact, they named their XI two days before the Test. They are going with an all-pace attack on this Rawalpindi pitch, while Saim Ayub has been given another chance as an opener.Related
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Bangladesh faced a different type of challenge in the lead-up to the series. They were not able to train in Dhaka, so the BCB took up PCB’s invitation to train for three extra days in Lahore before three more sessions in Rawalpindi. While Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe is satisfied with his team’s preparation, he remained cautious about their batting, which has been on a downward swing for the last 12 months.Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hasn’t been in form, while Litton Das, whom Masood called his favourite batter in the Bangladesh side, has also been struggling for a long time. That leaves senior batters Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque with a lot of responsibility.Pakistan, though, will not take Bangladesh lightly as the visitors’ in-form weapon is their pace attack. It may be short on experience but the likes of Khaled Ahmed and Shoriful Islam have done well with the new ball. Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana are also quick and energetic. So it will be an interesting battle against the home batters.Naseem Shah had kick-started his Test career with a hat-trick against Bangladesh•Associated Press
Form guide
Pakistan LLLWW (last five Tests, most recent first) Bangladesh LLLWWNajmul Hossain Shanto and Shan Masood pose with the trophy at the hilltop garden of Daman-e-Koh•PCB
In the spotlight: Naseem Shah and Najmul Hossain Shanto
Those who saw Naseem Shah bowl in the four-day match against Bangladesh A last week felt he was beginning to look like the red-ball bowler who last played in July 2023. His three wickets in the first innings included Mominul Haque and Anamul Haque, and in the second, he bowled seven overs in one spell. This was his only first-class outing in the last 12 months but Bangladesh know he will be a major threat. On their previous tour to Pakistan, he had rocked them with a hat-trick on debut.In 2023, Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 440 Test runs, including three hundreds, at an average of 55.00. But he could manage only 32 in four innings against Sri Lanka earlier this year. He has struggled for form in the other formats as well. He has the added responsibility of being the captain but a tendency of driving away from the body seems the main concern. Can he show a bit more discipline and provide Bangladesh with top-order runs?Shadman Islam is likely to replace the injured Mahmudul Hasan Joy•AFP/Getty Images
Team news: Shadman in place of injured Joy
Pakistan are going in with four fast bowlers. Saud Shakeel has been named the vice-captain.Pakistan: 1 Abdullah Shafique, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Shan Masood (capt), 4 Babar Azam, 5 Saud Shakeel, 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7 Salman Ali Agha, 8 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Khurram Shahzad, 11 Mohammad AliShadman Islam is likely to replace the injured opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy, while Mushfiqur Rahim returns to the Test side after missing the Sri Lanka series.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Shadman Islam, 2 Zakir Hasan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 4 Mominul Haque, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Shakib Al Hasan, 7 Litton Das (wk), 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Shoriful Islam, 10 Khaled Ahmed, 11 Hasan Mahmud/Nahid Rana
Pitch and conditions: Rain could play spoilsport
The pitch has a bit of grass but there is a strong belief that it could be favourable to batters. The last two Tests here have been high-scoring with teams posting totals of 657, 579, 476 for 4 dec, and 459 in their first innings. Rain, however, could play a major role as showers are forecast for all five days.
Stats and trivia: Bangladesh still to beat Pakistan
Bangladesh are yet to win a Test against Pakistan.
There are four players from the Bangladesh side that played their last Test in Pakistan, coincidentally also in Rawalpindi, in 2020.
Among the current players, Shakib (508) has scored the most runs in Bangladesh-Pakistan Tests, while Taijul Islam (22), who is unlikely to play, has taken the most wickets.
Quotes
“We raise our hands to say that we didn’t win in Australia. But we did a lot of things right, a lot of things that we want to take forward with us. We made some mistakes that cost us the Melbourne and Sydney Tests but as a team, we are heading in the right direction.””We had a good series against New Zealand but not a good time against Sri Lanka. We have a very good opportunity this time playing against Pakistan. We have a balanced side. We hope to play good cricket here.”