The left-arm spinner has previously led the side in a stand-in capacity and will start the full-time role against Sri Lanka
ESPNcricinfo staff18-Dec-2024Mitchell Santner has been named New Zealand’s new white-ball captain, taking over from Kane Williamson who stepped down after the T20 World Cup earlier this year.Santner has previously captained in 24 T20Is and four ODIs and his first series in the full-time role will come against Sri Lanka from late December.The first major event in his tenure will be February’s Champions Trophy before focus turns to building to the 2026 T20 World Cup.”It’s obviously a huge honour and a privilege to be asked,” Santner said. “When you’re a young kid the dream was always to play for New Zealand but to have the opportunity to officially lead my country in two formats is special.”It’s a new challenge and I’m excited to get stuck into the important period of white ball cricket that we have ahead of us.”Head coach Gary Stead explained that they were conscious of not adding to Tom Latham’s workload as Test captain. Santner is also a first-choice selection across both white-ball formats.”In Tom Latham we have an accomplished and experienced captain who has led the side admirably across all three formats,” Stead said. “Tom’s doing a great job as full-time Test captain since taking over in October and we’re keen to allow him to focus on that job which requires a considerable amount of time and energy.””Mitch is a fantastic team man and leads by example in all facets of the game. He’s an incredibly calm and collected personality and he has a huge amount of respect in the changing room, which will serve him well.”He’s had plenty of experience leading the T20 side and did a good job when he captained the ODI team last month, so he already has a good understanding of what it means to lead the team. I’m sure Mitch will also bring his own ideas and style of leadership to the role.”Santner has recently enjoyed a resurgence of his Test career with Player of the Match performances against India in Pune and England in Hamilton but New Zealand now have a light schedule in the format during 2025.
Tottenham Hotspur’s ambition to strengthen the squad throughout this summer has already been evident, already making key moves within the transfer market.
Mohammed Kudus is the first major signing of the Thomas Frank era, after joining the club in a £55m deal from London rivals West Ham United earlier this month.
However, despite the big money spent on the Ghanaian’s signature, other targets are still being pursued, with the club potentially being subject to external investment.
Various areas of the pitch have been of interest in recent days, but as of yet, no other key dealings have been completed ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Numerous players have emerged on their shortlist already this window, leading to work being done behind the scenes to ensure Frank has the best chance of success in North London.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Adam Wharton has been named as one of Spurs’ biggest targets this summer, with Frank evidently wanting to improve the options within his midfield department.
However, despite their interest in the Crystal Palace star, a deal for his signature is extremely unlikely, with the Eagles currently demanding £100m for the Englishman’s signature.
Adam Wharton at Spurs Tottenham Hotspur
The 21-year-old isn’t the only player currently in their sights within such an area of the pitch, leading to Juventus star Douglas Luiz being another target, according to Dean Jones.
He claims that internal talks have been held behind the scenes in North London over a possible deal for the Brazilian, as he looks set to depart the Italian outfit this window.
Jones also states that no serious development has been made for his signature, but the player himself wants a return to England after leaving Aston Villa 12 months ago.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Palhinha
Despite the recent moves within the transfer market, Spurs still hold a keen interest in landing the signature of Bayern Munich star João Palhinha this summer.
Bayern Munich's JoaoPalhinhalooks dejected as he walks off after receiving a red card
Their interest in the Portuguese midfielder has been confirmed in recent days, with the 30-year-old allowed to depart the Bundesliga champions in the coming weeks.
He only joined the club last summer in a £47m deal from Fulham, but after making just six league starts in 2024/25, it’s safe to say he’s not a player in Vincent Kompany’s plans.
Palhinha has previously excelled in England’s top-flight, making 79 appearances for the Cottagers over a two-year spell, arguably being one of the best deep-lying options within the division.
However, despite interest being registered in his services, the hierarchy should be prioritising a move for Luiz this window, with the Brazilian undoubtedly a better option.
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
When comparing their respective stats from the recent campaign, the former Villa star has dominated in key areas, having the tools to improve the options at Frank’s disposal as a result.
Luiz, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Adam Gilks, registered more key passes and progressive passes per 90, showcasing his ability to get the ball into forward areas, something which could massively bolster the attackers’ tally as a result.
Games played
19
17
Minutes played
529
673
Progressive passes
5.9
4.2
Progressive carries
2.7
0.4
Key passes made
2.5
0.5
% of tackles won
69%
68%
Interceptions made
0.7
0.5
Take-on success
79%
50%
Carries into final third
1.7
0.4
Recoveries made
5.3
2.2
He also completed more of the take-ons he attempted, whilst making more carries into the final third, further demonstrating his dominance with the ball at his feet.
However, defensively, the former Villa star has also impressed, winning a higher percentage of tackles, whilst also registering more interceptions per 90, arguably being the perfect deep-lying option for the Lilywhites.
It’s unclear if the side are willing to pursue a move for Luiz’s signature, but it’s evident from their stats in the recent campaign that he would be a better signing than Palhinha.
Whether he joins on a temporary or permanent basis, it would be a signing that would hand Frank the midfield talent he craves, handing him the best chance of success in his debut campaign at the helm.
Dream Wharton alternative: Spurs working on deal to sign "outrageous" CM
Tottenham Hotspur are making a move for a star who could make them forget about Adam Wharton.
Crystal Palace always have a keen eye on young talent and could be set to raid a Premier League rival to bring in an exciting gem for a minimal fee, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Crystal Palace continue to field Eberechi Eze interest
There is no secret about the fact that the Eagles have in-demand players on their books and speculation continues to mount surrounding the jewel in their crown this summer.
Arsenal are long-term admirers of Eberechi Eze and want to bring him to North London. In exchange, there may be potential for Crystal Palace to land defender Jakub Kiwior as a makeweight to shore up their defence.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzereacts
Despite his goals, assists and flair making the England international the star of the show, he isn’t the only star that could leave Oliver Glasner searching for reinforcements, as speculation over Marc Guehi’s future is intensifying by the day.
Champions Liverpool are working to secure Guehi’s signature and the fact he has one year left on his contract in South London has posed a question to Steve Parish and company over whether to sell the Three Lions’ man while he retains value, something he admits will be hard to turn down if their valuation is met.
He stated: “We will just have to see what happens. It needs a new contract or a conclusion of some kind. It is a really tough one. We will do everything we can in the next few weeks to give ourselves the best chance. I am aware we are in four competitions this season. But the money we have is not infinite.”
Crystal Palace want to sign £26m star from under nose of Nottingham Forest
The Eagles are keen to get one over their divisional rivals…
BySean Markus Clifford Aug 11, 2025
While that storm continues to brew, in the meantime, Crystal Palace want to close in on a talented young midfielder who is also attracting interest from elsewhere.
Crystal Palace make contact to sign Arsenal's Dan Casey
According to Romano on X, Crystal Palace and Norwich City have made contact to try and sign out-of-contract Arsenal midfielder Dan Casey, who could move for a compensation package before the end of the window.
The youngster has a new deal on the table at the Emirates Stadium after a return of 20 goals at Under-18 level last term. Nevertheless, he is yet to sign, signalling he could up sticks for a minimal fee if the correct opportunity presents itself.
Labelled “really reliable” by Adam Birchall, the attacking midfielder can play in a variety of different positions, including centre-forward, on either flank or even as a deep-lying six when needed.
Crystal Palace have done some wonderful work over the years in nurturing young talent and the 17-year-old could well be the next in line to join their conveyor belt of exciting stars.
Celtic are back in action once again this evening as they prepare to welcome Falkirk to Parkhead in their first League Cup match of the season.
The Hoops won the competition in the 2024/25 campaign, beating Rangers on penalties in the final, and they will be hoping to lift it again this year under Brendan Rodgers.
They must first get past Falkirk, who have conceded five goals in their first two matches back in the Scottish Premiership, and it will be interesting to see what route the manager goes down with his team selection.
Rodgers could see this as an opportunity to provide the fringe players with chances to impress him, or he could go with his preferred line-up to give them the best chance of winning the game.
The Northern Irish head coach should hand minutes to one of his other options in the centre-forward position, though, as Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny are both waiting in the wings behind Adam Idah.
Celtic’s number nine has started the season as the first-choice striker for Rodgers, but has yet to prove that he has what it takes to be the main man for the team moving forward.
Why Adam Idah should be on the bench
Idah did not do enough in the games against St Mirren and Aberdeen to suggest that he is going to be a ruthless and clinical goalscorer in the centre-forward position for the Hoops this term.
Whilst it is still very early in the season, the former Norwich City marksman’s statistics in the graphic above illustrate just how poorly he played on the opening day, missing three ‘big chances’ in the scrappy 1-0 win over St Mirren.
The 6 foot 3 attacker’s output for the Scottish giants in the 2024/25 campaign also does not suggest that he is suited to starting week-in-week-out in the Premiership, as he was more productive when coming off the bench against tired defenders to make an impact.
Appearances
19
16
Minutes
1,352
357
Goals
6
7
Minutes per goal
225
51
Assists
0
1
As you can see in the table above, Idah was far more effective as a substitute in the Premiership last season, scoring more goals in roughly 1,000 fewer minutes on the pitch.
These statistics suggest that the Irishman is at his best when he is coming off the bench to use his physicality – strength and speed – to take advantage of tiring defences to score goals for the Hoops.
This means that the Hoops need to find a player, before the end of the summer transfer window, to allow Idah to drop down to the bench to play that role.
However, it does not have to be a centre-forward because Daizen Maeda scored 14 goals in 11 matches as a striker, per Transfermarkt, for Celtic last season and could play that role.
Celtic make contact to sign new winger
According to Africa Foot, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Al Jazira wide attacker Oumar Traore before the summer transfer window slams shut.
The report claims that the Scottish giants have already made contact with the UAE outfit to discuss a potential move for the Mali international in the coming weeks.
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It adds that negotiations are well underway between Celtic and Al Jazira over a deal for the 23-year-old forward, as they remain locked in talks to reach an agreement for his services.
Africa Foot also reveals that it will take an offer of around €3m (£2.6m) to convince his club to part ways with him, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are prepared to pay that asking price.
The outlet claims that Traore is expected to complete a transfer to a team in Europe before the end of the summer transfer window, and Celtic are seemingly hoping that they will be the club to snap him up.
Why Celtic should sign Oumar Traore
The Premiership champions should push to get a deal over the line for Traore, if he is the winger they want to sign as this report suggests, because he could allow Rodgers to bench Idah.
He is a versatile winger who can play on either the left or the right flank, having played over 30 matches on both sides of the pitch, as per Transfermarkt, and this could make him a very useful player for the manager to call upon.
If Rodgers decides to use him as a left winger, Maeda would then be free to play through the middle, where he had success last term, and that would allow Idah to move to the bench to come on as a super sub.
Of course, Traore still needs to have the quality to be an effective operator in his own position to make this transfer make sense, though, as the Hoops could otherwise put any player out on the left to facilitate this move.
Starts
17
8
Goals
5
3
Conversion rate
12%
19%
Big chances created
5
2
Assists
4
2
Completed dribbles
33
8
As you can see in the table above, the Mali international has scored eight goals and created seven ‘big chances’ in his last 25 league starts for his club, which suggests that he can provide a fairly regular threat in front of goal as both a scorer and a creator.
Traore has delivered 24 goals and 19 assists in 140 matches for Al Jazira in all competitions during his career to date, as per Transfermarkt, and still has plenty of time left ahead of him, at the age of 23, to develop and improve his output at the top end of the pitch.
Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match
These statistics suggest that he carries enough of a threat in the final third already, if he can translate it over to Scottish football, to allow Maeda to move centrally, where he thrived last season.
This is why the signing of Traore could directly lead to Idah being dropped down to the bench, where he is at his best, despite the Mali international not being a natural centre-forward to replace the striker.
Celtic make offer to sign attacker compared to Jota as Hoops receive reply
The first of Rodgers’ three potential new signings has been identified.
Rafael chegou ao São Paulo no início desta temporada e é o único jogador do elenco que foi titular em todos os jogos até o momento. Seu destaque na vitória da equipe contra o América-MG, por 3 a 0, exemplificou em números o porquê da sua titularidade. Durante o confronto, o defensor teve seu melhor desempenho desde quando chegou ao clube.
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Contra o Coelho, foram oito defesas – sendo o maior número de bolas defendidas desde quando chegou ao Tricolor. Além disso, cinco destas, foramdefesas em chutes na área – sendo outro recorde pela equipe. Estes dados são levantamentos do perfil oficial ‘SPFC Estatísticas’.
ATUAÇÕES: Rafael tem noite de “paredão” e salva São Paulo na estreia de Dorival
Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro e simule os próximos jogos
Diferente do último ano, quando um rodízio entre os goleiros da equipe era praticamente rotina, Rafael mudou esta rota. Inclusive, na estreia de Dorival Júnior, além do titular, somente Jandrei foi escalado para ser reserva – ressaltando que, com Ceni, sempre haviam duas opções no banco.
O perfil oficial do São Paulo publicou neste domingo (23) os bastidores da primeira vitória do Tricolor paulista na competição. Rafael falou sobre o desempenho e afirmou tratar o Tricolor como ‘o projeto da sua vida’.
Ao término do confronto no Morumbi, algo quase inédito desde a aposentadoria de Rogério Ceni aconteceu: um goleiro teve o nome gritado. Mesmo com os gols de Luciano, Calleri e Marcos Paulo, os quase 40 mil torcedores presentes entoaram um coro gritando o nome de Rafael. O jogador também comentou sobre este carinho por parte dos torcedores.
-Foi um dia muito especial, é difícil falar sobre a alegria. O São Paulo é o projeto da minha vida. Sentir o carinho da torcida foi especial demais e meu intuito aqui é sempre levar alegria para eles – disse o goleiro.
Agora, o São Paulo volta a campo nesta terça-feira (25), contra o Ituano. A partida será essencial para definir o futuro do Tricolor na Copa do Brasil, já que vem de um empate sem gols. É mais uma chance para Rafael se provar.
Real Madrid legend Raul believes he will return to the club in the future, but doesn't rule out taking on "a challenge that excites" him before then.
Raul talks about his future coaching plansPromises to return to Real MadridDoesn't rule out taking on another opportunityFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Legendary former Madrid striker Raul has promised that he will return to the Santiago Bernabeu one day, hinting that he has set his sights on managing the first team in the future. The iconic ex-No.7 is currently without a job after he left the head coach position at Castilla at the end of the 2024-25 season.
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Raul began working as a coach in Madrid's La Fabrica academy before taking on as the B team's manager in 2019. He spent six seasons with Castilla and came agonisingly close to firing the reserves to a promotion to the second division in the 2022-23 season, losing to Eldense in the play-offs. During his spell as Castilla boss, he also took over the reins of the U-19 team in the UEFA Youth League knockouts in 2020 and led them to the title. Despite proving his managerial mettle time and again, he never came close to earning promotion and becoming the first-team head coach.
WHAT RAUL SAID
Speaking about his future on the podcast, Raul said: "The plan will come on its own. You have to be patient and calm. I have been a coach at Real Madrid Castilla for six years, and I am sure that in the short term some opportunity, some challenge will come that excites me, because I believe that to do things you have to be motivated and you have to feel it."
He also kept doors open to a return to the Chamartin: "I've been at the club where I wanted to be and which is my home, and I know I'll come back again when the time is right, at another time."
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WHAT NEXT FOR RAUL?
Madrid's all-time appearance maker was subject to immense speculation during his time at Castilla, receiving interest from across Europe. He was eyed by Schalke, where he played after leaving Los Blancos as a player. Leeds, too, were reported to have an interest in the Spaniard's services. Most recently, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Raul was linked with the Bayer Leverkusen role. However, the ex-Spain international is currently on a sabbatical, although his words indicate that he is ready to take on his next "challenge" if the right opportunity comes his way.
Harry Kane has dismissed claims that the 2025-26 campaign will result in a “boring” procession from Bayern Munich towards the Bundesliga title. The reigning German champions have started the new season in spectacular style, picking up a maximum haul of nine points from three games – with Vincent Kompany’s side scoring 14 goals while conceding just two.
Foot on the gas: No letting up from Bayern
Many have been quick to suggest that Bayern will bulldoze their way to another domestic crown, with it difficult to see anybody slowing them down. There could be little intrigue over the course of the campaign, with Kane and Co determined to keep their “foot on the gas”.
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Can anybody challenge Bayern for the title?
England captain Kane, who saw his trophy curse lifted in 2024-25, is adamant that Bayern will not have things entirely their own way. He believes that there are at least three teams capable of posing problems to those at the Allianz Arena.
Kane explains why Bundesliga will not be boring
As per , Kane said when quizzed on the supposed lack of competition to Bayern’s crown: “I don't think it will be boring. And if it is, that's a compliment to us. Two years ago, people didn't say that either, when we didn't win the league. There's Dortmund, Leverkusen, Frankfurt, they'll challenge us. It's good to be at the top, I hope we can keep our foot on the gas!”
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Biggest threat: Bayern must avoid complaceny
While Kane is eager to talk up potential title rivals, Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl admits that complacency is likely to be the club’s greatest threat. He said: “We are our own biggest opponent. If we bring what we can onto the pitch, then it will be difficult to beat us.”
He added on the “boring” accusations: “We saw against Wiesbaden and Augsburg: If we think we're doing a little less, then you always run the risk of losing games in the Bundesliga. Of course, we don't want that. We want to play like we did against Leipzig, or here against Hamburg, or in the Supercup against Stuttgart. And big opponents like Dortmund, Leverkusen, and Frankfurt are still to come.”
Pakistan overcame a deficit of 421 but South Africa’s target of 58 was little more than a formality
Danyal Rasool06-Jan-2025South Africa marked their qualification for the WTC final in style, romping to a ten-wicket win over Pakistan. It is their seventh successive Test win, and came after two and a half days of toil with the ball before they finally prised Pakistan out for 478 in the third innings. A valiant century from Pakistan captain Shan Masood and numerous other contributions forced South Africa to bat again as the visitors overcame the second-highest first-innings deficit in Test history. However, the target – 58 – was little more than a formality, and South Africa took 7.1 overs to knock it off.But Pakistan made them wait for the win. When South Africa enforced the follow-on leading by 421 on Sunday afternoon, they did not anticipate having to bowl another 122.1 overs. Masood, unbeaten overnight on 102, carried on and tried to rebuild after a mammoth 205-run opening stand with Babar Azam. South Africa were frustrated for large parts of the day, most notably during an 88-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha in the afternoon. But Keshav Maharaj, who had been denied for most of the day, found the breakthrough, and regular wickets after that ensured a finish was on in the late-evening sunshine.Related
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Earlier in the day, Marco Jansen got nightwatcher Khurram Shahzad out early on before Rabada cleaned up Kamran Ghulam. Maharaj more or less bowled through the entire session, interrupted only when he switched ends at one point. His variations in pace and flight, as well as a ball that continued to turn, posed the most significant threat to the batters, but the wickets came to pace.Shahzad had done his job and never quite looked equipped to carry on too long. When a length ball from Jansen grew too big on him, he chipped it straight to Maharaj at point. Ghulam never quite appeared to settle, keeping the slip cordon interested throughout his innings. He should have been on his way without scoring when, in the same over as Shahzad fell, he slashed at a wide one but it burst through David Bedingham’s hands at first slip.Kyle Verreynne celebrates the key wicket of Mohammad Rizwan•AFP/Getty ImagesThat wicket was always coming though. Rabada’s increasing frustration at his wicketlessness and general indiscipline – he bowled another four no-balls this morning – was mounting. Just after overstepping, he found a beauty that nipped back off the seam into Ghulam, pegging back his middle stump. It was an excellent way to bring up his 50th Test wicket at Newlands, with the roar that followed it making clear how much it meant to him.Saud Shakeel and Masood continued to make South Africa work for each scalp, and yet South Africa could have had one more before lunch. Kwena Maphaka squared Shakeel up with a lovely delivery that straightened as it hit the pad, only for South Africa to opt against a review. As Shakeel received extensive treatment for the blow, Hawk-Eye showed it was hitting leg stump.Masood’s vigil at the crease ended in somewhat contentious circumstances. Maphaka got one to shape away off the seam that kept low before cannoning into the batter’s front pad. Umpire Nitin Menon felt it was missing off stump, but when South Africa reviewed, Hawk-Eye showed it hitting. It prompted a furious response from Masood, whose protests continued all the way along his slow walk off the crease and into the dressing room.It capped a bright first hour post lunch for South Africa. Shakeel had been dispensed with shortly after play resumed in much the same way he fell in the first innings: nicking off into the slips while drove at Rabada. With Masood departing, there was a danger Pakistan might crumple in a heap, as they have tended to recently.David Bedingham made short work of South Africa’s victory target•AFP/Getty ImagesBut Agha and Rizwan rebuilt once more. They wore off the sheen of the second new ball and kept the strike turning over. There were just three fours in the first 55 runs of the partnership as Pakistan looked to milk the tiring bowlers, but when Mulder erred, Agha was quick to put him away for two fours in three balls.The two carried on as Pakistan wiped out the deficit, but soon Rizwan chipped Maharaj to short cover, precisely where Bavuma had placed a fielder for the shot, and South African nerves began to loosen once again.Agha, having been reprieved by DRS, fell quickly after – two runs shy of his half-century – when a Maharaj delivery ripped and bounced, drawing a sharp catch for Aiden Markram in the slips. Mir Hamza came out and had a bit of fun, including a heave back over the bowler’s head for the only six of the innings. But it wasn’t built to last. Aamer Jamal reverse-swept Maharaj to slip before Rabada wrapped the innings up, and Bedingham and Markram sprinted off the field.Six years ago, at this very ground, Pakistan’s third innings ended on the third evening, with South Africa needing 41 to wrap the series up. Stumps were called, with the game concluding on the fourth morning.This time around, the South Africa openers did not let the match go into the next day. Bedingham provided a shot in the arm with an eye-catching little knock – an unbeaten 47 off 30 – that ensured it took South Africa just 43 balls to seal a win that, despite a very long wait in the field, was ultimately routine.
It’s already been a very busy transfer window at Arsenal.
So far, the Gunners have brought in six new recruits, signing Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Nørgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga for around £187m.
According to Sam Dean of The Telegraph, this is the first time since transfer windows were introduced that the Gunners have signed six players before their first pre-season fixture, last making six or more signings in July all the way back in 1997.
However, as Mikel Arteta targets the Premier League title, they are not done yet, so could the most exciting addition be yet to arrive, a move that would be bad news for one of the club’s longest-serving players?
Arsenal need to add creativity
Following victories over AC Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, Arsenal’s Asia tour ended on a sour note.
On Thursday, the Gunners were beaten 1-0 by North London rivals Tottenham at the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong.
The only goal of the evening came on the cusp of half-time; David Raya played a hospital pass to Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had his pocket picked by Pape Matar Sarr, who then lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper from inside the centre circle.
However, it was at the other end where supporters’ concerns lay, creating just one big chance, while only one of 16 shots found the target, according to SofaScore, with the Gunners unable to break down a low block in the second half, reverting to the familiar horse shoe of doom, passing from side-to-side without any penetration.
Thus, as they seek to address this lack of creativity, journalist Sébastien Vidal reported that Arsenal are “preparing to submit” a £52m bid to Crystal Palace in an attempt to sign Eberechi Eze, who he claims is “keen” to join this summer.
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Elsewhere, Dom Smith of the Evening Standard documents that Eze’s £68m release clause actually expires on 15 August, just ahead of Palace’s Premier League opener, but they still intend to make an offer irrespective of this deadline.
So, could the 27-year-old be the fabled final piece in the jigsaw, as Gooners everywhere dream of a first Premier League title since 2004?
Where Eberechi Eze would fit in at Arsenal
It is not entirely clear where Eze would fit into Arteta’s team, but this is exactly why he would be such an exciting addition, given the need for something a bit different.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
Zubimendi’s arrival suggests that Declan Rice will be deployed as the left eight, given license to get forward alongside Martin Ødegaard, while Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz are also options for that left-sided midfield role.
So, could the 27-year-old become the starter wide on the left-wing, given that many Gunners fans believe a Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli upgrade is required?
As noted by Simon Collings of the Evening Standard, very few members of the Arsenal squad produce a better ‘work ethic’ than Martinelli, praising his ‘brilliant defensive work’, but there has been a clear decline in the Brazilian’s attacking output, as the table below documents.
Gabriel Martinelli season-by-season statistics
Statistics
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
Appearances
46
44
51
Minutes
3,440
2,640
3,564
Goals
15
8
10
Assists
7
5
6
Shots
55
39
40
Shooting accuracy %
58.18%
56.41%
62.5%
Big chances missed
6
5
8
Chances created
58
44
38
Big chances created
11
7
7
Take-on Success %
52.94%
39.6%
35.48%
% of touches in the box
15%
15%
18%
Average Sofascore Rating
7.17
7.11
6.96
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, Squawka and SofaScore
As the table notes, when comparing the last three seasons, the vast majority of Martinelli’s attacking statistics peaked during Arsenal’s first title challenge in 2022/23, and have subsequently plateaued, namely goals, assists, shots, chances created, and dribbling.
So, would the English “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, represent a major upgrade?
Well, ahead of their clash at Selhurst in November, Fulham manager Marco Silva labelled Eze a “top player”, adding “I really enjoy watching him play”.
Meantime, Daryl Gouilard of Total Football Analysis is impressed by his ‘technical ability’, thriving as a ‘primary playmaker’ who tends to drift towards the left, while Sam Tabuteau of Breaking the Lines notes that he is capable of producing ‘match-winning moments’.
So, let’s compare Eze to Martinelli.
Gabriel Martinelli vs Eberechi Eze 2024/25 PL comparison
Statistics
Martinelli
Eze
Appearances
33
34
Minutes
2,299
2,603
Goals
8
8
Assists
4
8
Shots
40
61
Chances created
38
57
Big chances created
7
11
Big chances missed
8
8
Take-on success %
34%
52%
Touches per 90
42.4
54.9
Average SofaScore rating
6.96
7.28
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, SofaScore and Squawka
As the table documents, Eze’s attacking statistics were universally more impressive than those of Martinelli in the Premier League last season, registering more assists, creating more chances, and completing a higher percentage of his take-ons.
Thus, it is undeniable that the England international would be an amazing signing for Arsenal, and they might just need him if they’re going to overtake big-spending reigning champions Liverpool, and it would be bad news for Martinelli.
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Arsenal have earmarked a fallback, should they fail to sign Crystal Palace’s Eze this summer.
Newcastle United have picked out a crucial double signing for manager Eddie Howe as their £50m bid for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen was rejected on Monday.
Strikers still high on Newcastle's agenda
The Magpies’ summer has been dominated by striker news, not least their efforts to keep hold of Alexander Isak, with the Swede still trying to seal a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
Newcastle missed out on signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig earlier in the summer, with Manchester United snapping him up instead, but a host of alternatives have been mentioned, including Juventus marksman Dusan Vlahovic in recent days.
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Premier League pair Yoane Wissa and Nicolas Jackson are also considered genuine targets, with the former doing the same as Isak and refusing to play for his current club, but the primary target to emerge in recent days is Norway star Strand Larsen, who made his loan move to Wolves permanent this summer.
Regardless of what happens with Isak, Callum Wilson’s time at St James’ Park has come to an end and the Magpies must find a solution, but a £50m offer for the Norwegian was rejected on Monday.
Newcastle still targeting two striker signings
According to Football Insider, Newcastle and Howe want and expect to sign not one but two strikers this summer, with journalist Pete O’Rourke further explaining the situation amid the move for Strand Larsen, perhaps implying he will be joined by one of Wissa or Jackson.
This is going to be such a pivotal week for Newcastle, with so much potentially happening on the striker front, and it is a short period that could end up defining their season.
If Isak does leave, which doesn’t feel too likely currently, it is essential that two players are brought in, in order to make up for the gaping void that the 25-year-old would leave.
Should he stay put, however, the need for a couple of strikers would be lessened, assuming Isak can reintegrate with his teammates after being made to train alone by Howe.
Put bluntly, Newcastle’s summer has been something of a mess, including how they have handled the Isak saga, but it is imperative that they nail the next week or so.
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To lose Isak and not bring in sufficient replacements could be fatal, in terms of the Magpies kicking on in both the Premier League and Champions League, and the ideal outcome would be to see Isak remain at St James’ Park, with a top-quality option such as Wissa joining him as competition.