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Sai Sudharsan continues to lead the batting charts but Gill is just two runs away from him

ESPNcricinfo staff23-May-20252:23

Moody: Marsh has ‘golden ticket’ to just intimidate bowlers

Orange Cap tableGT’s opening pair of B Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill continue to hold on to their the top two spots despite scoring 21 and 35 respectively against LSG. Sai Sudharsan now has 638 runs from 13 innings while Gill is just two runs away from the leader.Mitchell Marsh, who stole the show on Thursday with his maiden IPL hundred, moved up in a big way. One of the most consistent run-getters this season, Marsh’s 117 off 64 balls helped LSG post a mammoth 235 for 2 and eventually win the game by 33 runs. Marsh took his tally to 560 runs from 12 games to sit fourth, with Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Suryakumar Yadav between him and the GT openers.LSG’s other major batter on the night, Nicholas Pooran, who had slipped down on the Orange Cap table after spending a lot of time at the top in the early part of the tournament, advanced to seventh place with 511 runs with his unbeaten 56 off 27.Purple Cap tableChennai Super Kings’ (CSK) Noor Ahmad has reclaimed the top spot after GT’s Prasidh Krishna, who was wicketless in Ahmedabad, slipped to second position. Both have 21 wickets. Prasidh’s average is 19.66 and economy rate is 8.09 while Noor’s average is slightly better, 18.42, while his economy rate is 8.41.Also in action was GT left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, who jumped to sixth spot after his 1 for 34. He now has 16 wickets from 13 matches.Meanwhile, MI left-arm quick Trent Boult is third on the list with 19 wickets.Here’s what ESPNcricinfo’s MVP table looks like.And here are some other IPL 2025 tables that show the season’s best performers in different aspects of the T20 game. Highest batting strike rates Best bowling economy rates Most sixes Best bowling figures in a match

Adrien Rabiot’s strong criticism of Serie A’s decision to stage AC Milan’s clash with Como in Australia has sparked a fiery response from league CEO Luigi De Siervo. The executive hit back, urging the French midfielder to “respect the money he earns” and “just play football,” defending the move as necessary to promote Italian football globally.

Rabiot's criticism sparks backlash

Rabiot’s outspoken attack on Serie A’s decision to stage AC Milan’s fixture against Como in Perth, Australia, has ignited a war of words. Calling the idea “completely crazy,” the French midfielder questioned the logic of forcing Italian clubs to play nearly 14,000 kilometres from home. His comments came shortly after UEFA officially approved the controversial plan, citing “exceptional circumstances” linked to the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will occupy Milan’s San Siro that weekend.

The clash, set for February 2026, will be the first Serie A match held outside Italy. While UEFA reiterated that this approval “should not set a precedent,” the move has drawn sharp reactions from players and fans alike, with Rabiot’s remarks standing out as the most direct criticism yet.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDe Siervo hits back at Rabiot

Lega Serie A CEO De Siervo wasted no time responding to Rabiot’s outspoen work. Speaking on the sidelines of a league meeting at Stadio Olimpico, De Siervo firmly defended the league’s decision and dismissed the midfielder’s complaints.

“Rabiot’s outburst about AC Milan-Como in Australia? He forgets, like all footballers who earn millions of euros, that they’re paid to do something, just play football,” De Siervo said. “He should have respect for the money he earns and be more accommodating to his employer, AC Milan, who agreed and pushed for this match to be played abroad.”

He stressed that players must understand the balance between global exposure and sporting demands, adding: “Top players, whose salaries are commensurate with the effort they put in, should understand that this is a sacrifice that can be made.”

Serie A chief defends global expansion

De Siervo further justified Serie A’s decision by drawing comparisons with other major sporting events. “The Tour de France started in Florence, the Giro d’Italia starts regularly from abroad. This is done to strengthen the product, not weaken it,” he explained.

He emphasised that the Australian fixture would enhance Italian football’s global visibility, insisting that such “exceptional sacrifices” bring long-term benefits. “We’re talking about something complicated but not impossible,” he said. “The organisational challenge is complex, but teams travel business class and are accustomed to such commitments.”

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Getty ImagesWhat was Rabiot's problem and what lies ahead?

Rabiot’s stance reflects a growing concern among players about fixture congestion and player welfare. In his comments to , the midfielder said: “It’s completely crazy. These are financial agreements to give visibility to the league, things that are beyond us.”

The February 2026 Milan-Como clash will mark a historic moment for Serie A, and a major test for its international expansion strategy. UEFA’s reluctant approval underscores the fragile balance between commercial ambition and sporting integrity.

For Serie A, success in Perth could pave the way for more global ventures, especially with La Liga also set to stage Barcelona’s fixture against Villarreal in Miami in December 2025. Yet, with players like Rabiot publicly challenging the concept, the league faces the difficult task of promoting growth abroad without alienating its stars or supporters at home.

Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to make a huge offer for an “incredible” £80m forward, who is now “keen” on a move to north London this summer, it has been revealed.

Spurs remain keen on new winger after losing Son Heung-min

Son Heung-min made the extremely difficult decision to leave Tottenham this summer, making the move to LAFC, and the South Korean has gotten off to a fantastic start in the MLS, recently picking up his first assist.

It was arguably the right time to cash-in on Son, given that the Spurs legend is now 33-years-old, and Brennan Johnson has proven he could be up to the task of being the long-term replacement at left-wing, scoring against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

However, with Son leaving, and James Maddison set to miss the majority of the campaign due to an ACL injury, Thomas Frank is light on options in attacking areas, and remains keen on adding another winger to his squad.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Savinho’s agents are trying to get a move to north London over the line, and there has now been a new update on Tottenham’s pursuit of the Manchester City winger.

According to a report from Spain, Spurs are now willing to make a new offer for the Brazilian, having already had a £60m bid knocked back, and there is a feeling that a deal could be possible.

Frank identifies third £60m top Tottenham target with Eze and Savinho

The Spurs boss personally wants him.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 17, 2025

While City are keen to keep hold of the winger, they could be tempted to cash-in if an ‘irresistible’ offer arrives, with Pep Guardiola’s side valuing the 21-year-old at the £70m – £80m mark.

Fabrizio Romano has also revealed the youngster is “keen” on a move to north London, with talks still ongoing.

"Incredible" Savinho could be ideal Son heir

It is little wonder Man City are hesitant to sell the young winger, given that he is held in very high regard by Guardiola, who waxed lyrical about the forward after impressing against Leicester City last season.

The City boss said: “He’s a guy who can play on both sides, today he finally scored a goal. He has an incredible ability and quality he’s proven in that period.”

The Brazil international is also fantastic at dribbling and providing assists, indicating that he could be the ideal option to replace Son at left-wing.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Progressive carries

6.61 (97th percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.69 (94th percentile)

Assists

0.35 (88th percentile)

The only thing that Savinho needs to improve is his end product, having averaged just 0.08 non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, despite an xG of 0.25 per 90, and if the starlet is able to rectify that aspect of his game, he could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham.

Matt Beard passed away earlier this month, with news of his death rocking the football world and prompting outpourings of emotional tributes. Beard was known to have taken his own life following a devastating social media post from his son urging that suicide is "never the answer". The cause of death has now been confirmed at a coroner's court hearing in north Wales.

Initial evidence heard at inquest

At the coroner's court, it was heard that paramedics were called to Beard's home in Flintshire when the two-time WSL-winning manager was found hanged. He was taken to hospital in Chester, where he later died at 9:15pm on September 20, after his family agreed for life support to be turned off. Proceedings have now been adjourned and a full coroner's inquest will be held at a future date to establish more detailed circumstances of Beard's tragic passing.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesA legend of women's football

After starting his coaching career in men's and women's football in and around London, Beard got his first managerial gig at Millwall Lionesses in 2008. From there, he moved to Chelsea, ultimately laying the foundations for the success that Emma Hayes would later have, before being appointed by Liverpool in 2012. The Reds won the WSL title in both 2013 and 2014, with Beard then trying his hand in the United States with Boston Breakers.

A return to English football saw him take West Ham to their first ever FA Cup final in 2019, with the team's overall journey captured in a BBC reality series. Beard went back to Liverpool in 2021, taking over a side that had by then been relegated from the top flight, restoring them to the WSL and overseeing a hugely impressive fourth place finish in 2023-24. That saw him named Manager of the Season. Beard left Liverpool a second time in February 2025, with his final job a short two-month spell at Burnley over the summer.

Beloved by many

The football community collectively stood together to mourn Beard. Liverpool's WSL fixture the day after his death was postponed out of respect, while his picture was shown on big screens at the league's other games that day and a moment's silence was observed prior to kick-offs.

Former Liverpool player Fara Williams became tearful during the BBC's live broadcast of Manchester United vs Arsenal, saying that "he meant so much to all of us". United boss Marc Skinner referred to Beard as an "incredible human" and "iconic". Hayes, his successor at Chelsea, referred to him as "absolutely one of the best humans" and "one of the good guys". Ex-West Ham forward Alisha Lehmann recalled that he believed in her when no one else did.

Liverpool captain Grace Fisk said in a tribute from the club: "It's rare for a football manager to be so loved by so many players. He coached hundreds of players but had interactions with many more and he just had this way of drawing people to him."

Liverpool returned to WSL action for the first time since Beard's passing on Sunday, with banners honouring Beard displayed in the stands for the visit of Manchester United, and fans putting on another tribute with applause in the 13th and 14th minutes to commemorate his WSL titles.

A fundraising page set up by football broadcaster Jacqui Oatley to support Beard's wife and children has received more than £54,000 from well over 1,000 donors.

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Getty Images SportCelebrating Beard's life

A service of commemoration for Beard will be held at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral on October 17, where fans and well wishers will be able to celebrate his life and the impact he had on so many.

أوضح وليد صلاح الدين، مدير الكرة بالنادي الأهلي، موقفه من الصلاحيات المنتظرة لـ سيد عبد الحفيظ المرشح لعضوية النادي الأهلي في الانتخابات القادمة، حال نجاحه.

ويخوض سيد عبد الحفيظ، سباق انتخابات النادي الأهلي للفترة الجديدة 2025 حتى 2029 ضمن قائمة الكابتن محمود الخطيب رئيس النادي.

وقال وليد خلال تصريحات عبر قناة النادي “الأهلي” لبرنامج “حارس الأهلي”: “بالطبع لا يوجد لدي أي قلق من تواجد سيد عبد الحفيظ، هو سيكون إضافة كبيرة لنا خلال المرحلة القادمة”.

طالع | وليد صلاح الدين يوضح حقيقة معاملة زيزو بشكل خاص في الأهلي.. وسر رفضه طلب محمد الشناوي

وأضاف: “نحن قربين من بعض جدًا كنا نتحدث خلال فترة علمه بالنادي الأهلي وأنا كنت في الاتحاد السكندري وفي نادي زد أيضًا، كنت أساله لماذا فعلت ذلك في موقف ما وهو كذلك معي”.

ومن جانب آخر، قال: “كان لدي قلق كبير، بعدما تحدث معي الكابتن الخطيب لتولي منصب مدير الكرة وبعدها قام بالاعتذار عن استكمال فترته وعدم الترشح، وقلقي راح، عندما عاد في القرار بناءً على رغبة الأعضاء”.

وأكمل: “(كنت أشعر أنه لبسني وشيلني الموضوع كله)، لكن تواجده حماية كبيرة لنا وهو أسطورة كبيرة ورمز في الكرة المصرية”. 

England 329 for 5 (Livingstone 124*, Salt 59, Bethell 55, Curran 52, Forde 3-48) beat West Indies 328 for 6 (Hope 117, Carty 71, Rutherford 54) by five wicketsIn the battle of captain’s centuries, there was one clear winner. Liam Livingstone’s devastating 124 not out from 85 balls trumped Shai Hope’s far more sedate 117 as England sealed victory in the second ODI by five wickets.That it was Livingstone’s maiden 50-over century is one thing. But leading an inexperienced group, the responsibility he assumed to see England home in a chase of 329 – and thus square the series at 1-1 – in such jaw-dropping fashion is worthy of the highest praise.The tourists looked up against it after Phil Salt’s 59 and Jacob Bethell’s 55 – his maiden international half-century – had beenthe only scores of note in the top four. But a watchful stand between Livingstone and Sam Curran (52) evolved into a match-twisting epic of 140 from just 107 balls.The acceleration at the end that brought victory with 15 balls to spare is showcased best in the breakdown of Livingstone’s approach into the final 10 overs, with 100 still to get. He headed into this period on 46 from 57, before striking 78 off his final 28 deliveries.Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie – 4 for 41 in the first ODI – was taken down for 14 and 16 at the start of the back straight to nurse his worst figures of 0 for 71. Jayden Seales was carted for 26 in an over, before debutant Shamar Joseph was thumped for 24. No one was safe. All in all, Livingstone thumped nine sixes among his 14 boundaries.Aside from a hacked edge from Livingstone on four that flew between Hope and a wide first slip, there was little Hope could do to turn back the tide. Earlier in the day, his 17th century had seemingly done the main graft to put West Indies at a commanding position at the halfway stage with 328 for 6, meaning England needed to complete the second-highest ODI run-chase in the Caribbean.Hope arrived at the start of the fourth over and batted through to the end of the 47th. There was vital support from Keacy Carty – whose 71 came in a third-wicket stand of 143 – and Sherfane Rutherford – his punchy 54 providing the majority of 79 for the fourth. Cameos from Shimron Hetmyer and Matthew Forde helped ransack 93 from the final 10 overs, even if Livingstone’s final flourish make that look well below par.Shai Hope made his 17th ODI century to propel West Indies to 328 for 6•Getty Images

Livingstone’s decision to bowl after winning the toss was immediately vindicated by the removal of both West Indies openers in the first 19 deliveries. John Turner was responsible for both initial strikes for his first wickets in international cricket, the second of which was the prized wicket of Evin Lewis. The hero of the first ODI was snared down the leg side for just four following Thursday’s match-winning 94.But things unravelled, characterised by England’s use of nine bowlers for only the second time in ODIs. That they could have dismissed Hope on 60 also cut them deep.From 12 for 2, consolidation was the initial aim for Hope and Carty, who could have been removed on eight. An English squeeze involved three fielders at backward point, but Bethell – the middle of them – could only palm a skewed drive from Carty which would have given Turner a third dismissal.The pair made it out of the Powerplay on 41 for 2, a figure bumped up in the 10th over by Hope’s first boundary – a stunning back-foot launch over extra cover for six off Turner. A brace of straight drives off Saqib Mahmood – the only change to the XI from the first ODI, with Jamie Overton sitting out – and a second six, lofting Adil Rashid over cover, was then followed by some quiet rotation.Once satisfied the early losses had been offset, risks were taken to lift the run-rate. However, having cleared midwicket after Bethell dropped short to bring up his 42nd fifty-plus score, from 66 deliveries, it was a botched defensive push that should have brought his innings to an end on 60. A edge of Bethell bounced out of the hands of Salt behind the stumps.Carty was soon moving to his fourth ODI fifty from 62 deliveries. He was then given two lives when a top-edge took Turner over the boundary at deep fine leg, then the fielder dropped a far simpler chance off the very next ball. Both came as Archer nailed his short-ball plans.That miss would only cost three runs, as Rashid returned to bowl Carty through the gate at the start of the 31st. But that brought Rutherford to the crease, who ended up striking seven boundaries – three of them sixes – for a fifth half-century from just 35 deliveries.Though he was dismissed a ball later – caught at deep cover attempting to replicate the six over the same region that took him to fifty – Hetmyer’s breezy 24 off 11 kept the pressure on. He was also dropped on 2 by Will Jacks down at long-on.Related

• John Turner keen to prove he's the real deal

• Livingstone shows there's more to him than hitting sixes

• Marcus Trescothick defends quality of English white-ball cricket after crushing defeat

• Liam Livingstone: 'It's me who's got to want me and love me'

• Jason Holder: England's frequent tours are 'boosting West Indies' survival'

Once Hetmyer was dismissed, caught by Archer at gully off a Rashid googly, Hope pressed down on the accelerator. After leaning into a drive off his 118th delivery to move to 100, he smeared Rashid for a four and six to wide long-on as 13 was taken off the 36-year-old’s final over.Hell-bent on throwing his bat at everything sent his way, Hope misread a slower delivery from Archer that was well-taken by Livingstone charging in from long-off. Forde then picked up the baton for the final straight, striking three successive sixes off Mahmood in the final over to lift the hosts to 328 for 6.Though England shot themselves in the foot with four drops, they were also guilty of spurning opportunities to make immediate amends with the bat. Salt looked on his way to redemption, carrying the start of the innings on his back, shrugging off the loss of Jacks in the fifth over to contribute 36 of England’s first fifty runs.When Shamar Joseph, making his ODI debut with his namesake Alzarri rested, bounced out Jordan Cox for an agonising 4 off 19 deliveries, Bethell arrived to take England to 107 for 3 by the 20-over mark.Both were culpable for relinquishing control. Salt skied the first ball of Forde’s new spell at the start of the 21st for 59, then Bethell dumped Roston Chase into the hands of long-off after reaching a maiden international fifty.But the duo of Livingstone and Curran, players still with much to prove despite their experience, refused to panic. Curran initially took the reins as the aggressor, starting smartly with a six off Motie having noticed an extra fielder in the outfield meant the umpires would call it a no-ball. He contributed 31 of the initial 50 for the fifth wicket before Livingstone, after five overs without a boundary heading into the final 10, decided it was going to be all on him.The starter pistol was set with a charge off Motie down the ground to bring up Livingstone’s fifty from 60 deliveries, before he signed off the 41st over with a slog-sweep over deep midwicket off the very next delivery. Back-to-back sixes in Motie’s next over – the second bringing up the century stand from 92 – also found the grass banks.Pace was then put back on the ball, which played further into Livingstone’s favour. When Curran was dismissed a ball after the skipper had nudged his 77th ball down the ground to move to 100, Dan Mousley played his part to a tee – simply dabbing singles. The most important came at the start of the 48th over, giving Livingstone the strike for the honour of hitting the winning run.

Australia allrounder Cameron Green’s chances of playing any part in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have all but disappeared with back surgery emerging as a possibility following his latest injury.Surgery is a legitimate option but it is among a host of recovery plans that are still being worked out by Cricket Australia’s medical and high performance team following Green’s injury on the UK limited-overs tour.Green flew home from the UK after complaining of back soreness following the third ODI against England at Chester-le-Street. He had a scan in England and in Australia on return but CA’s medical team have taken their time in assessing how to move forward with no formal plan yet released.Related

• If not Steven Smith, then who? Australia's opening debate

• Australia sweat on Green as selection for India becomes complicated

• Cameron Green out of remainder of England ODIs with back injury

Green, 25, has had four previous stress fractures but none since 2019 and has been managed very carefully through his first four years in international cricket.If surgery is decided as the option, it would rule him out of the entire summer. If a non-surgical recovery plan is taken there is a possibility he could still play cricket this summer as a batter only, but the timeframe on when he would be available is still to be determined.Green’s absence from the series would pave the way for Australia to reshuffle the batting order and allow Steven Smith to move back to No.4. An indication of his batting position for the series is set to come when he returns to Sheffield Shield cricket for New South Wales on Sunday October against Victoria at the MCG.If Green is unavailable, and Smith moves to four, it opens the door for an opener to be picked from Shield cricket with Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw all in the running as they were last summer before Smith put his hand up to open.Harris made the perfect start to the Shield season scoring 143 for Victoria against Tasmania, but it has come on a very placid pitch at the Junction Oval where in-from Tasmania allrounder Beau Webster has also scored a century. Bancroft and Renshaw both made low scores in the first innings of the match between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA ground.

It would be fair to say that the transfer window is shaping up to be one of Arsenal’s most dramatic for some time.

After weeks of little to no noticeable progress on the recruitment front, the Gunners burst into life a couple of weeks ago and have now announced the signing of backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfield metronome Martin Zubimendi.

Moreover, the links to Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo refuse to go away, and the club have reportedly been in talks with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

However, perhaps the most exciting development of all concerns the saga surrounding Viktor Gyokeres, although it also appears that Arsenal are keen to land an international ace with whom the Swede would love to play.

Arsenal moving to sign brilliant Gyokeres partner

Following yet another campaign in which they came close but failed to win a trophy, it was clear that a new centre-forward had to be one of Arsenal’s primary targets this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

For a long time, it looked like RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko was going to be that forward, but with the German outfit reportedly demanding at least €90m, which is about £78m, the Gunners turned to another of their options: Gyokeres.

It now looks like a deal for the Swedish goal machine is a matter of time, as personal terms have already been agreed, and the Sporting CP star has even agreed to forgo €2m of his salary to help move things along.

As if that wasn’t enough to get excited about, it now looks like the North Londoners are also making progress towards another attacking signing, an international who Gyokeres will surely love playing with: Noni Madueke.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are incredibly interested in the Chelsea ace.

The Italian journalist reaffirms claims that the Gunners have an “agreement” with the Englishman, and that even though there is a difference in valuation between the two clubs, they’re now “set to make the first bid” for him “at any moment.”

In terms of price, it appears that the Blues value the former PSV Eindhoven gem at around £50m.

While it might not be the transfer some fans were hoping for, Madueke has the ability and potential to become something special for Arsenal, and a brilliant teammate for Gyokeres at that.

Why Gyokeres will love playing with Madueke

There are really two reasons why Gyokeres would love playing in a team with Madueke, and the most important is his style of play.

From looking at his heatmap for Sporting last season, and the areas in which he scores his goals, we can see that, at his best, the free-scoring Swede really is the archetypal penalty box poacher.

Therefore, if the Gunners are going to get the most out of him next season, they will need to get the ball to him when he’s in dangerous situations, and there are two ways of doing so in open play: passing it up the pitch and carrying it there.

While Martin Odegaard will be tasked with doing the former, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the Chelsea star is truly world-class at the latter.

Don’t just take our word for it, though, as FBref ranked him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area, while also ranking him in the top 7% for total progressive carrying distance, all per 90.

In other words, the tricky Englishman is a simply outrageous carrying “monster,” as dubbed by personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, and could therefore be a key cog in the machine that feeds the former Coventry star chance after chance.

Moreover, the second reason the Swede could love playing with the “fearless” winger, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is that his output wasn’t too bad at all last season.

Excluding the Club World Cup, the seven-capped international played 2449 minutes of football across all competitions, in which he scored 11 goals and provided five assists.

That means he averaged a goal involvement every 153.06 minutes, and suggests that in a better team, alongside a more effective striker, he could do much better.

Ultimately, Arsenal need to overhaul their attack this summer, and bringing in Gyokeres and Madueke is a fantastic way to start.

Talks open: Arsenal submit offer to sign "standout" 17 y/o after Zubimendi

The midfielder is the Gunners’ second summer signing.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 7, 2025

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.

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.

Aston Villa make contact to sign £400,000-a-week player ahead of Arsenal

He’s a Premier League winner…

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 17, 2025

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.

Arsenal transfer chiefs are not about to give up their pursuit of new attacking signings any time soon.

In comparison to the previous two Premier League seasons – where they scored 91 and 88 over the course of 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 respectively – Mikel Arteta’s side only managed a meagre 69 over the domestic campaign just gone.

Related £150k-per-week Premier League star in London after agreeing Arsenal move

Arsenal are about to make a signing.

Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 25, 2025

Their lack of firepower, which was largely down to injuries to attacking players and the absence of a prolific striker, was a key aspect of Liverpool running away with last season’s domestic crown.

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

Bukayo Saka was out for months in total during 24/25, while Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard also suffered from lengthy lay-offs. This has made the signing of potential forward reinforcements a vital item on sporting director Andrea Berta’s to-do list this summer, and that applies both further forward and in the wide area.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is a top target for Arsenal in that regard, and they’ve already held reported talks this summer over a move for the Brazilian. However, his £77 million price tag and high salary make him a very ambitious target.

The Gunners have looked at alternatives, like Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg last month.

Alongside Mitoma, another Premier League star under serious consideration at Arsenal is West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus.

Arsenal plan bid for Mohammed Kudus after talks with him

The Ghanaian has an £80m-plus release clause which is reportedly active from July, but amid West Ham’s eagerness to offload him so they can fund their own transfer plans, Graham Potter’s side would accept around £60 million.

That is according to Graeme Bailey, who also told TBR this week that Arsenal have held talks with Kudus in the last week.

As a result of these discussions, Arsenal are now believed to be plotting a potential bid for the former Ajax star, but it is unclear what his stance would be on a move across London to the Emirates.

Kudus was deployed in a wide variety of roles under both Julen Lopetegui and Potter last term, including as a second striker, centre-forward and CAM, as well as on either flank as a winger/midfielder.

He bagged five goals and four assists in 35 total outings, but what’s more impressive is the player’s outstanding take-on ability.

As per WhoScored, only Man City sensation Jeremy Doku completed more successful dribbles per 90 than Kudus in the top-flight last term, indicating he could offer Arsenal an entirely different dimension.

Arteta also wouldn’t lose Kudus to the Africa Cup of Nations midway through 25/26, as would be the case with many other African stars, considering Ghana failed to qualify for the first time since 2004.