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A league official was hopeful MLC will be classified as a ‘major sporting event’ which would ease any concerns about the participation of the players

Matt Roller05-Jun-2025

Rashid Khan is one of the seven Afghanistan players in the MLC•Peter Della Penna

Major League Cricket (MLC) officials hope that Afghanistan players including Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will be able to fulfil their contracts for the 2025 season after US president Donald Trump signed a travel ban which will come into effect next week.Trump’s proclamation will “fully restrict and limit the entry” into the United States of nationals of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. He said the ban is designed to “protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people”.There are seven Afghanistan players under contract for MLC 2025: Rashid, Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq (all MI New York); Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Waqar Salamkheil (all Seattle Orcas) and Noor (Texas Super Kings).Related

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The ban, which is effective from 12.01am Eastern Time on Monday, June 9 includes an exemption for “any athlete or member of an athletic team… traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State”.The order also states: “This proclamation shall apply only to foreign nationals of the designation countries who: (i) are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and (ii) do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation.”ESPNcricinfo understands that some relevant players have already reached the United States after receiving visas, while others are yet to apply or travel. A league official told ESPNcricinfo they were hopeful that MLC will be classified as a ‘major sporting event’ by Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, which would ease any concerns about the participation of Afghan players.An official at one affected franchise told ESPNcricinfo that they would explore all options, including the possibility of flying affected players into the United States before the ban kicks in. The official added that they will lean on MLC and other relevant authorities for guidance.An MLC spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to monitor the situation and are working with the relevant authorities to minimize travel disruptions for overseas players ahead of the start of Major League Cricket next week. We continue to attract some of the best players from around the world to come over to the US to showcase their talent, along with the best cricketers from the USA, and we are set to have the most exciting tournament to date this summer.”The order specifically mentions the Olympics, which will take place in Los Angeles in 2028, as an event for which athletes will be granted exemptions. Afghanistan should, therefore, be eligible to compete in the men’s T20 cricket event at the Games if they qualify.MLC’s 2025 season starts on June 12, with a rematch of last year’s final between Washington Freedom and San Francisco at the Oakland Coliseum.

Manchester United are now readying a £70m bid for a “world-class” midfielder, who could join as part of a Kobbie Mainoo swap deal.

Mainoo fails to force his way into Amorim's plans

It is clear that Ruben Amorim isn’t the biggest fan of Kobbie Mainoo, who is still yet to start a Premier League game this season, despite Man United making an awful start, with their most recent setback coming in a 3-1 defeat against Brentford.

With Casemiro suspended, Manuel Ugarte came into central midfield, alongside Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo once again had to settle for being a substitute, with the 20-year-old being brought on for the final 25 minutes of the game.

Having been unable to force his way into Amorim’s plans, there have been suggestions the Englishman could be ready to move to a new club this winter, and rivals Manchester City have even been named as surprise potential suitors.

That said, with Amorim now under significant pressure, receiving criticism from club legend Wayne Rooney, the midfielder may soon have a new manager, who is more willing to give him consistent game time.

For now, however, INEOS are persisting with the 40-year-old, and Mainoo’s future remains up in the air, with a report from Spain revealing the youngster could be used as part of a swap deal for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde.

Man United are said to be preparing an offer of around €80m (£70m) for Valverde, but they may be willing to use their youth product as a makeweight in negotiations, in order to reduce the cost of the operation.

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However, Real Madrid are currently showing little interest in sanctioning a departure, with the midfielder emerging as one of their most ‘trusted’ players, so it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible.

"World-class" Valverde could take Man Utd's midfield to next level

Let’s make it clear — Man United definitely shouldn’t consider letting Mainoo leave, given that the England international has previously shown he has what it takes to perform at the top level, excelling in the 2024 FA Cup Final.

That said, signing the Real Madrid star for straight cash should still be a very attractive proposition, having proven himself over a number of years in La Liga and the Champions League, with Jurgen Klopp once dubbing the maestro “world-class”.

Casemiro has made it clear he is unreliable, with the Brazilian naively getting himself sent off in the 2-1 victory over Chelsea, and at 33-years-old, United are in need of a long-term replacement in the middle of the park.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Pass completion %

89.5% (89th percentile)

Assists

0.20 (89th percentile)

Interceptions

1.48 (86th percentile)

Over the past year, Valverde has shown that he is a well-rounded midfielder, capable of making an impact at both ends of the pitch, and the Uruguayan would undoubtedly be an exciting signing for the Red Devils.

Sunderland have made some great strides in the market this summer and still find themselves in the hunt for fresh blood to help bolster their Premier League survival prospects, per reports.

Sunderland plot further signings under Regis Le Bris

Nobody could accuse Sunderland of not showing ambition this summer in the market, and there is plenty more where that came from as the Black Cats aim to take their spending spree beyond £147.9 million

Regis Le Bris delivered a coy response when asked whether his side will add one or two more new faces to the group ahead of Monday’s deadline, specifying that he is happy with his squad no matter what happens over the next few days.

He stated: “The amount of work is huge (that Sunderland have done this summer). Not an easy challenge. Connection with players now is good. They understand identity of the club, the connection with team-mates.”

With that in mind, Sunderland are hopeful of striking a deal for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi and could also look to add Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson to compete with Anthony Patterson between the sticks alongside Robin Roefs.

Furthermore, West Ham United outcast Nayef Aguerd is a target for the Black Cats. However, Marseille are also pushing to add the Morocco international to their ranks, which could lead to a tense battle between the two clubs to secure his signature.

Making the jump to the top-flight was never an easy ask for Sunderland, though they are making their mark in the window and could now be set to ramp up interest in an exciting attacker.

Sunderland looking to sign Dario Osorio

According to reports in South America via Sport Witness, Sunderland are plotting a late move to sign FC Midtjylland winger Dario Osorio alongside Ligue 1 outfit Lille.

Given the deadline is on Monday, the Danish outfit are in no rush to sell, but it is claimed that £15.5 million may be enough to entice the Chile international to swap MCH Arena for the Stadium of Light.

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Compared to Alexis Sanchez in Chile due to his rise to prominence, Osorio has already registered four goals and four assists in 11 matches this campaign, including pivotal strikes in Europa League qualifying against KuPS and Hibernian.

His former club Universidad de Chile are said to retain a 15% stake in the 21-year-old, and it remains to be seen how that stipulation could reflect in negotiations with Midtjylland as they aim to collect a fair fee for their prize asset.

Sunderland have made a habit of finding gems from markets around Europe and Osorio could be the next on their conveyor belt if circumstances align in the North East.

Kiran Carlson’s century is in vain as Glamorgan lose inside three days

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Apr-2025Leicestershire 427 (Hill 96, Wright 74, Handscomb 63, Budinger 56, Cox 51, Asitha 4-71, Gorvin 4-51) and 53 for 0 (Budinger 32*) beat Glamorgan 229 (Cooke 55, Holland 3-40, Mike 3-54) and 248 (Carlson 113, Gorvin 50*, Holland 4-46, Green 3-28) by 10 wicketsLeicestershire sealed a comfortable win against Glamorgan inside three days in the opening match of the Rothesay County Championship despite a magnificent century from Kiran Carlson.Carlson played a patient five-hour innings for his 113 as he was made to rescue Glamorgan from 10 for 2 with some support shown by Andy Gorvin making a maiden half-century to ensure Leicestershire would bat again despite the unlikeliness.Ian Holland and Ben Green dominated with the ball, the American international taking 4 for 46 to go with his three-fer in the first innings.There were concerns for Leicestershire though as Chris Wright hobbled off midway through an over after scoring 74 at No.10 and with Rishi Patel still unable to field due to his damaged thumb with the next match against Derbyshire just five days away.Glamorgan righted all their wrongs from the final session on day two within just 18 balls with Gorvin claiming the wickets of Ben Cox on the second ball of the day for 51, and then Wright, the Foxes adding just one to the total from the previous evening.Needing 198 just to make Leicestershire bat again, Glamorgan’s chances withered away in an instant. Holland with the new ball on a string brought back familiar memories of that 48 hours prior when Zain Ul Hassan fell for a second single-figure score in the match and Sam Northeast first ball, Glamorgan still needing 188 to make the visitors bat for a second time.Enter Carlson. With no expectations of a result, the white-ball captain carried the weight of the side for a five-hour knock. Battling through the movement on the ball Glamorgan never seemed to find with the same effect as Leicestershire. As Eddie Byrom fell slashing at a wide half-volley, Ingram unable to replicate his and Carlson’s 174-run partnership from a similar position in this fixture just eight months prior, and Ben Kellaway next, it was soon 46 for 5 with five sessions still left in the match.As the ball got older, Chris Cooke added some resistance and the home-grown Carlson began to show positivity, manoeuvring around his crease and oozing class with an uppercut off Ben Mike for six to bring up his half-century, shortly followed by a cut shot mid-leap to pass 5,000 first-class runs for the Welsh county.With Green continuing to impress economically as Glamorgan bided their time, Cooke eventually fell for a hard-fought 21, Timm van der Gugten attempting to withstand pressure succumbing to the extra pace of Mike.Gorvin and Carlson combined for 99 and the former continued to put up a fight when Carlson was dismissed, reaching his career-best score in the process in a patient knock until he was stranded with not enough of a lead.Needing just 51, Sol Budinger and Rehan Ahmed came out swinging to complete the job inside three days thanks to a bizarre scenario of facing Northeast’s off-spin as he was forced to replace Kellaway after just two legal deliveries for bowling beamers.

There are fewer than two weeks to go until the transfer window slams shut, and it would be fair to say that Arsenal have had an interesting summer so far.

On the one hand, Andrea Berta and Co have done incredibly well to make six first-team additions and bring in superstars like Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi.

Yet, on the other hand, fans are still crying out for the club to address the team’s issues with creativity and the lack of threat off the left.

Moreover, it now looks like the Gunners won’t be getting their hands on the player who could have solved those problems for them: Eberechi Eze.

However, in better news, the club are now being linked with another sensational talent, someone who could help Mikel Arteta forget about the Palace star.

Arsenal target Eze alternative

While Arsenal have been linked with Eze in the past, the reports touting him for a return to the Emirates really picked up earlier this summer.

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

In fact, some stories even claimed that he had his heart set on a move to the club, but in recent days and weeks, everything has changed, and now it looks increasingly likely he’ll be moving to Tottenham Hotspur.

However, while missing out on such an incredibly entertaining player is far from ideal, it now appears as if the Gunners are moving to bring in someone who could help Arteta and Co forget about him.

At least that is according to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, who has claimed that Arsenal are once again very interested in Rodrygo.

The journalist has revealed that the North Londoners held fresh talks with the player’s camp last weekend, and that while they need to make room in the squad, they are ready to push for him.

However, while other stories from this summer have claimed he would cost around £78m, Bailey states that the Gunners would ideally bring him in on loan this summer.

It could be a complicated transfer that eventually requires a considerable fee, but even then, Rodrygo would be more than worth it, and the perfect player to help Arteta and the fans forget about Eze.

Why signing Rodrygo would be the perfect way to forget about Eze

The most significant reason that signing Rodrygo will help Arsenal forget all about Eze this summer is simply his stature and achievements in the game.

For example, while the Palace ace is a big name in England and played a pivotal role in the club’s FA Cup triumph last season, the Brazilian is undoubtedly the bigger name, not only because he’s been an important player for Real Madrid over the years, but because he has helped them to win all there is to win in the club.

Despite still being just 24 years old, the “world-class superstar,” as he was dubbed by former teammate and Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modrić, already has two La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues and a host of other trophies on his CV.

Moreover, he has been particularly effective on the biggest stage.

In 64 Champions League appearances, totalling 3883 minutes, the former Santos gem has scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists.

Appearances

64

Starts

46

Minutes

3883′

Goals

25

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

Minutes per Goal Involvement

99.56′

That comes out to a staggering average of a goal involvement every 1.64 games, or every 99.56 minutes, which is only made all the more impressive by the fact he had to play out of his preferred position off the left for much of his time in Spain.

Moreover, of those goals, eight have come in the knockout rounds, and another eight have been game-winning strikes, so he can be relied upon to turn up when it really matters.

In short, while the Eagles ace is a star of the Premier League, the Osasco-born dynamo is a worldwide superstar.

Therefore, his arrival at the Emirates would almost certainly go some way in helping the fans and Arteta forget that they didn’t land the Englishman.

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The Blaugrana were meant to host Valencia in their refurbished home on Sunday, but they'll be playing at a 6,000-seater stadium instead

On a sunny Monday morning at Camp Nou on May 29, 2023, Barcelona president Joan Laporta gathered local dignitaries and key figures from the club for an event marking the start of reconstruction work at one of the most iconic arenas in football. The first brick was laid, a time capsule was buried beneath the pitch and there were numerous photos filled with smiling faces.

"Since the opening of Camp Nou in 1957, it has been our home and a source of pride for all Barca fans and we want it to stay that way," a beaming Laporta said. "The new Spotify Camp Nou will become a reality, a collective dream for all Barca fans and, at the same time, it will be a legacy for our children and grandchildren.

"Now we have to go through a process, the construction process, and we must be excited about that. When we come back here, we will be stronger than ever. It will coincide with our Club's 125th anniversary (November 29, 2024), when the stadium will be ready for us to get what we want from it."

However, more than 10 months on from the first of several missed deadlines, the refurbished Camp Nou is still not ready to reopen – and that's one of the two reasons why Barcelona will be playing their first home game of the season at a 6,000-seater arena beside their training ground. The other is Post Malone…

AFPNew hope

Laporta described the Ordinary General Assembly on October 17, 2021 as "one of the most important in the history of the club". Barcelona were in financial disarray, still counting the colossal cost "of the serious deficiencies" of the previous administration. According to Laporta, his predecessor, Josep Maria Bartomeu, had left behind "the worst accounts in Barca's history".

He spoke of refinancing packages and the renegotiation of player contracts in order to immediately address the dire economic situation. However, Laporta argued that the key to making a full recovery was the completion of the Espai Barca project – which centred on the transformation of Camp Nou and its surrounding area.

"It has been needed for a while now," he said. "We will be responsible and we ask you to give us a vote of confidence as it is absolutely necessary to grow and to compete with our rivals."

Laporta received the support he was seeking, and on December 19, 2022, club members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the €1.5 billion (£1.3bn/$1.76bn) project.

"It's a success for all Barcelona fans and for the singularity of the club," Laporta said at the time. "I am excited and ecstatic when I see the mock-ups of Camp Nou and the new arena. It will be a step forward in our lives."

AdvertisementAFP'Shortest possible time at the best price'

Four months after the vote, the local council granted permission for work to begin on Espai Barca project in June 2022, 'with the focus on the second and third tiers, technology, the environs of the stadium and exterior urban planning'.

At the same time, Barca revealed that the 'bidding process for works' had been brought forward, with the tender to open in July and be awarded 'no later than October'. However, Barca only announced on January 9, 2023 that Turkish contractor Limak Construction would be in charge of the building of the new arena.

"We want the Spotify Camp Nou to be built in the shortest possible time at the best price: two things that this company can do," vice-president Elena Fort told reporters. "Work will begin in June 2023 and we will return to the Spotify Camp Nou before the 125th anniversary… The speed of the construction guarantees the least economic damage."

AFPFirst cracks appear

As per the original plan, the majority of the required work was to be carried out during the 2023-24 season while Barcelona were playing their home games at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Montjuic. When Barca then returned to Camp Nou for their centenary celebrations in November 2024, the ground would have an initial capacity of 62,000 – which would increase to 105,000 upon completion of the second and final phase of construction before the summer of 2026.

However, it was clear during the summer of 2024 that Limak were behind schedule, meaning Barca had little hope of celebrating their centenary on home soil.

Inevitably, questions began to be asked of Limak, who had only previously built one stadium, the 25,000-seater Mersin Arena, while it was also noted that all of the architects, engineers and consultants had begun working on the project under Bartomeu had since walked away.

Fort, though, was still speaking optimistically about the Catalans returning home before "the end of the year". By January 2025, that had changed to "the end of the season". Unfortunately, even that objective proved unobtainable.

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Getty Images SportGampar Trophy U-turn

Given the ongoing uncertainty, it came as a surprise to see Barcelona announce that Camp Nou would host The Gampar Trophy clash with Como on August 10 with a reduced capacity of 27,000. Indeed, the initial excitement sparked by the 'We're back' slogan didn't last long, with Barca revealing on July 18 that they had been forced to move their traditional-opener to the Johan Cruyff Stadium, which is located beside the club’s training ground and is home to the Blaugrana’s women’s team, reserves and Under-19s.

"This decision is due to the fact that the necessary work to comply with the requirements of the Ordinance Regulating Municipal Intervention Procedures in Construction Works has made it impossible to complete the procedures required for the granting of the initial licence," a club statement read. "Specifically, due to the scale of the work carried out, it has not been possible to meet all the conditions laid out by the regulations governing this licence, despite the club's intention to reopen the redeveloped stadium sector by sector.

"The club is liaising closely with Barcelona City Council and the relevant authorities to make progress on the different requirements and will inform its members and fans of any new developments regarding the return date. This delay does not affect the planned schedule for the repayment of the Espai Barca debt."

The reference to the cost of the project was significant, as there was growing concern over the financial impact of the constant delays – especially after Laporta admitted that "all the commitments we have under the financing contract are included in returning to the Spotify Camp Nou".

After the appointment of Thomas Frank earlier this summer, it’s become apparent that Tottenham Hotspur are desperately trying to improve one area of the pitch this window.

Mohammed Kudus has already completed his £55m transfer from West Ham United to join the Lilywhites this summer, but their business appears far from done within the final third.

The Ghanaian will add key goals and assists to the side throughout 2025/26, that’s if his Premier League tally from last year is anything to go by, after he notched eight combined goals and assists for the Hammers.

However, despite Spurs’ tally of 64 league goals last year, it’s evident that further improvement is desired by the hierarchy during the off-season in an attempt to rise up the table.

Numerous names have been mentioned with moves, highlighting the ambition shown by Daniel Levy to avoid a repeat of their dismal league finish in 2024/25.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

Yoane Wissa is a player who has been firmly on their radar this window, potentially following Frank in joining Spurs from Brentford during the off-season.

The DR Congo international has stated his desire to leave the Bees this summer, opening the door to a move across the capital, but they could face competition from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest for his signature.

However, he’s not the only forward currently in their sights, with Roma star Mathias Soule also on their radar, according to Italian outlet Radio Radio via Tutto Juve.

They claim that the Lilywhites are preparing a £28m bid for the Argentinian winger, but they’re not alone, with Aston Villa also lurking for the 22-year-old’s signature.

The report also states that the Serie A side may have to raise funds this window, opening the door to a potential move to North London, but fails to mention whether the player would want the move.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Rodrygo

Rodrygo has emerged as one of Europe’s leading talents over the last couple of years, starring on countless occasions for European giants Real Madrid.

The Brazilian has registered 270 appearances for the LaLiga outfit, managing to score 68 times, including an infamous double against Manchester City in the Champions League.

However, he looks set to depart this window, seemingly not part of Xabi Alonso’s plans after the Spaniard took the reins from Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Spurs have been named as one of the interested parties in the 24-year-old’s signature this summer, but it appears he’s rejected any move to join the Lilywhites in favour of a bigger move.

Such a decision appears to be a big disappointment given his stature in the professional game, but the supporters shouldn’t be worried if they miss out on his signature.

Fellow target Soule, who’s been dubbed “Messi-esque” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has also been labelled a similar player to the Brazilian by FBref, subsequently showing the talent he possesses.

When delving into their respective stats from the recent campaign, the Roma star managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, offering Frank’s side a cheaper alternative this window.

Games played

27

30

Goals & assists

10

11

Goal per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Key passes made

2.6

2.2

Passes into opposition box

1.7

1.2

Crosses completed

4.4

3.8

Fouls won

1.8

1.7

Aerials won

37%

30%

The Argentine may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, showcasing the added threat he carries in front of goal.

He also managed to complete more key passes and more passes into the opposition’s box per 90, highlighting the creativity he possesses over the Real Madrid star.

Soule’s dominance is further reflected in his higher tally of crosses completed and aerials won, having the tools to provide Frank’s side with a more all-rounded talent within the final third during his quest for success.

£28m for a player of his talents could prove to be a huge bargain, especially given the chance he has to develop further in North London, given his tender age.

If he can continue on his current trajectory, he could surpass the levels achieved by Rodrygo, allowing them to forget about a move for his signature and be the club’s own version of the superstar.

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It seems as though Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Nelson Semedo will not stay at the club this summer. The Portugal international did not sign a new contract at Molineux, with The Athletic explaining that ‘no one at the club expects the 31-year-old to return’ now that his contract is up.

That is not through lack of trying on Wolves’ count. The former Barcelona star was offered a new four-year deal recently, according to the same report, but it does not seem like he will sign. So ends his five-season stint with the Old Gold, which saw him make 182 appearances.

Now, it means Vitor Pereira’s side are in the market for a new right-back. They may well have someone lined up.

Wolves’ new right-back target

It is certainly a blow for the Old Gold to lose Semedo this season, given his importance on the side. Not only is he the club captain, but a key part of the squad with four assists from right-back last season.

Transfer Focus

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However, it seems that the West Midlands club have identified the man who will replace him. According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Wolves are ‘pushing in talks’ to sign Almeria and Spain under-21 full-back, Marc Pubill.

They are not the only side in the race, with Romano reporting that the Old Gold are looking to ‘anticipate Italian clubs’ who might be interested, too.

Reports from Spain back in March also named Barcelona as an interested club. They said that a £17m fee would be enough to tempt Almeria into selling their young star.

Why Pubill would be a good signing

Given the stature of clubs interested in 22-year-old Pubill this summer, there is no doubt that this would be an astronomical coup from Pereira’s Wolves side. He certainly comes with a high reputation, and impressed for Almeria last term.

Playing in the second tier of Spain last season, Pubill made 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring once in the league and grabbing five assists. Four of those games, as well as one assist against CD Leganes, came in the Copa Del Rey.

The Almeria number 18 is also an Olympic Gold medalist, having won the tournament with Spain in Paris in 2024. He was a key member of his country’s under-21 side at the recent European Championship, too.

Playing four games and scoring the first goal of the tournament against hosts Slovakia, the defender was described as “one of the best two right-backs” in the competition by football analyst Ben Mattinson.

Indeed, some of the numbers Pubill was putting up in his most recent La Liga season, 2023/24, will surely impress Wolves fans. The numbers, which come via Squawka, show how defensively solid he is, winning an average of 6.7 duels per game.

A progressive player, Pubill also averaged 13 forward passes each game, too.

Chances created

20

1

Crosses completed

10

0.5

Forward passes

271

13

Take-ons completed

33

1.6

Duels won

139

6.7

Ball recoveries

93

4.5

The “powerful” full-back, as Mattinson called him, could prove to form an excellent partnership with another potential new incoming at Molineux, Jhon Arias. The winger, who plays for Fluminense, is set to move to the West Midlands for £15m, according to The Guardian.

The 27-year-old Colombian winger has four goals and 13 assists to his name for the Brazilian giants this season.

A skilful attacker, Arias is a fantastic combination player and likes to work in tandem with his full-back, which this assist from the Club World Cup showcases perfectly.

It is safe to assume that, if Pubill joins Wolves after Arias’ move has gone through, the pair could form a devastating partnership. They both excel in the final third, and could piece together some exciting combination play down that right flank.

The competition to sign Pubill is tough, which, if anything, just confirms this is a strong move from Wolves. £17m is not too much of an investment, and he could link up in a superb way with Arias, too.

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Arsenal have been extremely busy in the transfer market over the last week, putting the final touches on a few key deals, but more are expected to follow.

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Mikel Arteta is facing a crucial campaign in the dugout as pressure grows on the Spaniard to clinch major silverware, with their FA Cup triumph in 2020 coming as their last major honour, if you don’t count Community Shields.

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

Their summer business will be absolutely vital when it comes to Arteta’s chances of bridging the gap between Arsenal and Premier League champions Liverpool next term, with Arne Slot’s side already making a serious statement this window.

The Reds have signed Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong already, spending nearly £200 million in the process, and this will worry Arsenal supporters, who are desperate to see their side win a first league title in over 20 years.

Man City have also splashed the cash in an effort to seriously rebuild their squad after a disappointing 2024/2025 campaign for them, but Arsenal have made some progress when it comes to their own recruitment plans.

Arsenal finalised a deal for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi last week after months of talks, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also completing a medical in the last few days ahead of his £5 million move from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are in ongoing talks to sign defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard poised to join the north Londoners before him.

Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Arsenal agreed a deal for Norgaard after accelerated talks, with Fabrizio Romano also sharing that the Denmark international will undergo a medical.

The 31-year-old is set to become their third signing of the window to replace the exit-bound Thomas Partey, and while Norgaard’s signing has been questioned by pundits like Gabriel Agbonlahor, former Chelsea and Tottenham director, Frank Arnesen, has heaped praise on the transfer.

Frank Arnesen praises Christian Norgaard with Arsenal deal agreed

Speaking to Danish news outlet Tipsbaldet, as translated by Sport Witness, Arnesen says that Arsenal are about to sign a “fantastic” player in Norgaard – calling him the “whole package”.

“It would be fantastic for him if he could get a contract at Arsenal.

“Christian is a fantastic guy. I have nothing but good things to say about him. You meet players many times in your life, but I always hoped this one would have a fantastic career. He has got that. He has become captain of Brentford and has done incredible.

“If he can take a step up and come to Arsenal, it would be fantastic. Every dressing room would be thrilled to have him. He has the right mentality, is a team player and has the attitude.

“Mikel Arteta was fantastic as a player, I think, and as a coach he has done absolutely superbly, both as an assistant at Manchester City and afterwards at Arsenal with the way he plays football.

“He doesn’t just take a player in without knowing exactly what he’s going to use him for. Maybe he won’t play 50 games, you don’t know, maybe it’ll only be 30, but it’s about the whole package. He gets the whole package with Christian.”

Manchester United now have a “dark horse” candidate in their quest to sign a new striker, potentially turning to hijack a player who has spoken to Arsenal on multiple occasions this year.

Man Utd want Mbeumo through the door before new striker

It’s been a while since the Red Devils wrapped up the transfer of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the hope would have been that they had secured a deal for Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo by now as well. However, United have been unable to reach an agreement with their fellow Premier League side, seeing one bid already turned down.

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The Cameroon international is still seen as a likely arrival at Old Trafford, but the time it has taken to work on the transfer has probably gone on longer than many at United expected, with Thomas Frank’s arrival at Tottenham complicating matters.

But this week there could finally be some good news for the Premier League side. That is because, according to journalist Rudy Galetti, Man United have agreed personal terms with Mbeumo and are now willing to pay £63 million to get a deal done.

The 25-year-old netted 20 goals in the Premier League last season, and his impending arrival at Old Trafford is expected to see him join Cunha as United’s two new number 10s in Ruben Amorim’s system.

Attention will then turn to finding the right number nine to play in front of the pair, with neither of Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee expected to be the man to lead the line.

Man Utd keen on signing £40m star Ollie Watkins

According to a report from Spain, Man United are considering a move to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa this summer, and he has become the “dark horse” target in their race for a new centre forward.

The Red Devils see Watkins as a ‘reliable alternative’ who may not cost as much as other forwards who have been linked with a move to Old Trafford. He is under contract until 2028, but Villa’s PSR complications will force them to sell at least one key player this summer.

It isn’t a straightforward deal for United to complete however, as it’s already been reported that Arsenal have held talks with Watkins, who has been dubbed “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan, both in January and again this summer.

Watkins emerging as a target for United also comes as the Red Devils are working on a deal to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Watkins

Ekitike

Apps

38

33

Starts

31

31

Goals

16

15

Assists

8

8

xG

15.3

21.6

Goals per 90

0.55

0.53

Shots per 90

2.84

4.00

Goals per shot

0.17

0.12

It’s been claimed that United have held talks with the representatives of the Frenchman over a move to Old Trafford, and a formal bid is expected to arrive soon. However, it’s been well publicised that he could cost as much as £85 million, so Watkins is seen as a cheaper option, as he is valued at around £40 million by the Villans.