Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta have been working to back Mikel Arteta behind-the-scenes, with the north Londoners intent on strengthening their squad ahead of a vital Premier League campaign.

Benjamin Sesko has now made "unusual" demand in Arsenal transfer talks

The Slovenia international wants something out of the ordinary.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 20, 2025

Berta has many plates spinning as he looks to secure the best possible deals for his new club.

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

The Italian is still simultaneously working on deals for both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, as has been the case for weeks (BBC), with Arsenal’s final striker decision shaping up to be one of the most intriguing stories of this transfer window.

“Arsenal still deciding between Benjamin Sesko and Gyökeres,” said reliable transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, via X, recently.

“Andrea Berta simultaneously advancing both deals. Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions.

“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed for #MUFC. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m. Arsenal have always been one to watch, but it will depend on Berta now because he is also in ongoing talks for Sesko at the same time.”

The Gyokeres situation in particular is getting pretty toxic to say the least.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas publicly denied claims that the 27-year-old would be allowed to leave for £60 million, even if Gyokeres remains privately convinced that’ll happen, with the club chief also stating that he won’t be blackmailed by the striker or his agent.

“I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word,” said Varandas.

“Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting will not demand the clause.

“Now blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10 [£60m].”

Viktor Gyokeres "dreams" of joining Arsenal

As tensions surrounding Gyokeres’ future reach boiling point, Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport has at least moved to provide some good news for Arsenal.

Serie A heavyweights Juventus have been expressing an interest in the Sweden international recently, but the Old Lady have been told something crystal clear – Gyokeres “dreams” of a move to Arsenal, and they’re his top priority.

While Corriere reiterates that the north Londoners have seen a low-ball offer rejected already, the newspaper has provided clarity on Gyokeres’ current price tag, with Sporting demanding close to around £70 million to agree a deal.

Juve were actually willing to surpass Arsenal’s opening offer, but after receiving Gyokeres’ “refusal”, they’re now moving on to other targets like free agent Jonathan David.

Berta knows the price at which Sporting will begin to loosen their hold on the star striker, with the 53-year-old now set to carry on pondering his imperative decision before advancing further in talks – Sesko or Gyokeres.

“I know Gyokeres very well personally, I was a bit of a mentor for him when he played for Brommapojkarna,” former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar told FotbollDirekt.

“He’s a fantastically hardworking forward who scores a lot of goals. If we at Arsenal [were to] buy Gyokeres, then he will definitely call me. But then to see Gyokeres at Arsenal, that would be crazy.

“His work rate, he runs like a madman. When it doesn’t work out for Viktor, he works his way into the game with uncomfortable runs.”

India B were propped up on Musheer Khan’s magnificent 181 in the Duleep Trophy game in Bengaluru

Shashank Kishore06-Sep-2024

Navdeep Saini struck twice after recording his second first-class half-century•PTI

Until last week, Navdeep Saini hadn’t touched a red ball for over seven months. He was hoping to ease himself into the season with a steady diet of white-ball cricket courtesy of the Delhi Premier League (DPL). But when the Duleep Trophy call-up came, as a late replacement for Mohammed Siraj, he had to hit the ground running.Two days in, Saini has already had a bigger influence on the game than he may have imagined. A mix of stoic defence and the occasional free swing brought him an excellent half-century, his second in first-class cricket. He occupied the crease for 349 minutes, his longest vigil, during the course of a magnificent 205-run stand for the eighth wicket with Musheer Khan as India B recovered from 94 for 7 to post 321.Saini’s contribution was massive in helping Musheer build from an overnight 105 to a majestic 181. But that was one-half of his efforts on the second day’s play in Bengaluru. He later delivered a telling early spell with the new ball to send Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal back. India A then recovered to finish on 125 for 2 still trailing India B by 187 runs.KL Rahul and Riyan Parag added an unbroken 68-run stand for the third wicket for India A•PTI

Gill was out shouldering arms to an in-ducker that flattened his off stump for 25, reminiscent of his dismissal to Australia’s Scott Boland in last year’s World Test Championship final. Agarwal’s wicket for 36 was slightly lucky; made possible thanks to Rishabh Pant’s agility as he threw himself to his left to take a catch down the leg side to dismiss the opener who had tantalised the audience with a series of superb cover drives. Riyan Parag and KL Rahul, playing his first red-ball game since the Hyderabad Test against England in January 2024, then put together an unbroken 68-run partnership, allaying the early jitters.Related

Akash Deep uses Shami's advice for impressive Duleep Trophy outing

Pant and Sarfaraz's thrilling double-act hands India B advantage

Suthar, Rana star on another 14-wicket day in Anantapur

Rahul’s was largely an exercise in denial after being lucky twice. Still on zero, he could have been Saini’s third wicket when he nearly dragged a ball back on to the stumps while attempting a loose drive. Then, on 3, he was reprieved by Nitish Kumar Reddy at third slip after poking at an away-going delivery from Mukesh Kumar. Rahul scored his first runs off his 14th delivery and it wasn’t until the fag end of the day, when he unfurled a superb cut behind point off Reddy, that he finally seemed in his element.Rahul’s methods also had something to do with the appreciable movement Saini and left-arm seamer Yash Dayal were able to get. Either way, having been on the field for a better part of the game already, there couldn’t have been a bigger endorsement of the middle-order batter’s match fitness as he eyes a return to the Indian Test squad.Parag was a little more sprightly, even though he was occasionally troubled by the late movement on offer. He survived a close lbw shout early off Reddy when the ball curved away to hit him high on the back leg. Like Rahul, Parag is a stroke-maker but his willingness to show fight and deviate from his natural game was an encouraging sign.Musheer Khan finished with 181 for India B•PTI

There were less encouraging signs as well from India A, like the tactics employed by their captain. Having taken the new ball at the first available opportunity at the start of the 81st over, Gill spread his field out to both Musheer and the No. 9 batter Saini. This not only limited the bowlers’ ability to exert pressure, but it also helped India B push their total ever higher.After Musheer initially denied himself run-scoring opportunities in trying to farm the strike, he was encouraged by Saini’s ability to hold his own. The pair, however, got lucky when they were involved in a comical mix-up didn’t somehow result in a wicket. Both batters were stranded mid-pitch looking at each other in the fourth over of the day, the 83rd of the innings, after Musheer had pushed the ball to point. Khaleel Ahmed, who could’ve thrown at either end, eventually went for the striker’s and missed with Saini having long given up.As Musheer opened himself out to take all the available runs, Gill tried to unsettle him by placing a leg slip. Musheer responded by hooking Avesh Khan for six, and then followed it up with a superb pull in front of square for a boundary in the same over. Along the way, Musheer also made judicious use of DRS to overturn two decisions – one lbw and one caught behind.Musheer brought up his 150 off 326 balls when an overthrow allowed a second run with no one backing up. It summed up the state of play at the time, with India A running short of ideas. Soon after the landmark, Musheer launched Parag for a massive six over deep midwicket to signal a change in intentions.But a double-ton wasn’t to be as he fell in the second over after lunch, a ball after he had slog-swept Kuldeep Yadav onto the roof at deep midwicket. Two of Musheer’s three first-class hundreds are now 150-plus scores. This one, like the others, served to reiterate his maturity and hunger at 19.

Until last week, Navdeep Saini hadn’t touched a red ball for over seven months. He was hoping to ease himself into the season with a steady diet of white-ball cricket courtesy of the Delhi Premier League (DPL). But when the Duleep Trophy call-up came, as a late replacement for Mohammed Siraj, he had to hit the ground running.Two days in, Saini has already had a bigger influence on the game than he may have imagined. A mix of stoic defence and the occasional free swing brought him an excellent half-century, his second in first-class cricket. He occupied the crease for 349 minutes, his longest vigil, during the course of a magnificent 205-run stand for the eighth wicket with Musheer Khan as India B recovered from 94 for 7 to post 321.Saini’s contribution was massive in helping Musheer build from an overnight 105 to a majestic 181. But that was one-half of his efforts on the second day’s play in Bengaluru. He later delivered a telling early spell with the new ball to send Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal back. India A then recovered to finish on 125 for 2 still trailing India B by 187 runs.KL Rahul and Riyan Parag added an unbroken 68-run stand for the third wicket for India A•PTI

Gill was out shouldering arms to an in-ducker that flattened his off stump for 25, reminiscent of his dismissal to Australia’s Scott Boland in last year’s World Test Championship final. Agarwal’s wicket for 36 was slightly lucky; made possible thanks to Rishabh Pant’s agility as he threw himself to his left to take a catch down the leg side to dismiss the opener who had tantalised the audience with a series of superb cover drives. Riyan Parag and KL Rahul, playing his first red-ball game since the Hyderabad Test against England in January 2024, then put together an unbroken 68-run partnership, allaying the early jitters.Related

• Akash Deep uses Shami's advice for impressive Duleep Trophy outing

• Pant and Sarfaraz's thrilling double-act hands India B advantage

• Suthar, Rana star on another 14-wicket day in Anantapur

Rahul’s was largely an exercise in denial after being lucky twice. Still on zero, he could have been Saini’s third wicket when he nearly dragged a ball back on to the stumps while attempting a loose drive. Then, on 3, he was reprieved by Nitish Kumar Reddy at third slip after poking at an away-going delivery from Mukesh Kumar. Rahul scored his first runs off his 14th delivery and it wasn’t until the fag end of the day, when he unfurled a superb cut behind point off Reddy, that he finally seemed in his element.Rahul’s methods also had something to do with the appreciable movement Saini and left-arm seamer Yash Dayal were able to get. Either way, having been on the field for a better part of the game already, there couldn’t have been a bigger endorsement of the middle-order batter’s match fitness as he eyes a return to the Indian Test squad.Parag was a little more sprightly, even though he was occasionally troubled by the late movement on offer. He survived a close lbw shout early off Reddy when the ball curved away to hit him high on the back leg. Like Rahul, Parag is a stroke-maker but his willingness to show fight and deviate from his natural game was an encouraging sign.Musheer Khan finished with 181 for India B•PTI

There were less encouraging signs as well from India A, like the tactics employed by their captain. Having taken the new ball at the first available opportunity at the start of the 81st over, Gill spread his field out to both Musheer and the No. 9 batter Saini. This not only limited the bowlers’ ability to exert pressure, but it also helped India B push their total ever higher.After Musheer initially denied himself run-scoring opportunities in trying to farm the strike, he was encouraged by Saini’s ability to hold his own. The pair, however, got lucky when they were involved in a comical mix-up didn’t somehow result in a wicket. Both batters were stranded mid-pitch looking at each other in the fourth over of the day, the 83rd of the innings, after Musheer had pushed the ball to point. Khaleel Ahmed, who could’ve thrown at either end, eventually went for the striker’s and missed with Saini having long given up.As Musheer opened himself out to take all the available runs, Gill tried to unsettle him by placing a leg slip. Musheer responded by hooking Avesh Khan for six, and then followed it up with a superb pull in front of square for a boundary in the same over. Along the way, Musheer also made judicious use of DRS to overturn two decisions – one lbw and one caught behind.Musheer brought up his 150 off 326 balls when an overthrow allowed a second run with no one backing up. It summed up the state of play at the time, with India A running short of ideas. Soon after the landmark, Musheer launched Parag for a massive six over deep midwicket to signal a change in intentions.But a double-ton wasn’t to be as he fell in the second over after lunch, a ball after he had slog-swept Kuldeep Yadav onto the roof at deep midwicket. Two of Musheer’s three first-class hundreds are now 150-plus scores. This one, like the others, served to reiterate his maturity and hunger at 19.

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.

Agbonlahor slams "very odd" Arsenal transfer decision as Berta agrees deal

The Gunners are shopping “at Asda”.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025

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.”

Chelsea are the champions of the world.

On Sunday, in an outcome simply no one saw coming, the Blues demolished Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the Club World Cup Final.

The game was all over by half-time, with Cole Palmer scoring two near-identical goals just eight minutes apart at MetLife Stadium, before João Pedro rubber-stamped the victory with an impudent dink over Gianluigi Donnarumma on the cusp of the interval.

So, a statement success stateside this summer for Enzo Maresca’s side but, in less than five weeks’ time, the Blues will begin their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge, and you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll be busy in the transfer market between now and then.

Chelsea's search for a centre-forward

Already this summer, Chelsea have spent big on not one but two strikers.

Transfer Focus

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

First, Liam Delap arrived from Ipswich for a reported fee of £30m, with the Englishman scoring his first goal for the club against Espérance Sportive de Tunis during the group stages of the tournament.

However, by the end, he had been usurped in the pecking order by João Pedro, arriving from Brighton for £60m, on target twice against his former club Fluminense in the Club World Cup semi-finals, not a bad way to mark your full-debut, before netting in the final too.

Now though, according to a report by TBR Football, Chelsea are ‘in contact’ with the representatives of Benjamin Šeško, who is looking to move to the Premier League this summer, while Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United are all mentioned as being interested too.

How Benjamin Šeško would improve Chelsea

Earlier this summer, the Slovenian’s most likely destination appeared to be Arsenal, but the Gunners are now ‘in the process of completing a deal’ to sign Viktor Gyökeres instead, as reported by David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana of The Athletic.

So, could Šeško, who is valued at around £78m, still end up in London, only now wearing blue and donning a Champions of the World patch on his chest?

Well, still only 22 years old, Šeško’s performances for Leipzig have certainly caught the eye.

Writer Andreas Andersen labels him “clinical”, praising his “incredible athleticism” and asserting he possesses “everything to become world-class”.

Meantime, Brandon Liss of Total Football Analysis believes that he is an ‘exciting young talent’ who boasts exceptional ‘pace and physicality’, while he’s also been labelled as “the new Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Now though, the question remains. Is he a bigger talent than Pedro? Let’s find out.

Appearances

31

27

Minutes

1,528

1,953

Goals

14

10

Assists

2

6

Shots

1.9

1.6

Shots on target %

62%

60.61%

Non-penalty goals

0.5

0.3

Chances created

0.7

1.3

Take-on success %

54.93%

38.16%

Touches

38.1

48.8

As the table outlines, Šeško is much more of a clinical finisher and a natural goal-scorer than Pedro, scoring more goals and mustering more shots, a higher proportion of which find the target.

In total, Šeško scored 21 times across all competitions last season, including four in the Champions League, while the most Pedro has ever enjoyed in a single campaign is 20, reaching that tally for Brighton in 2023/24.

So, despite having already signed Delap and Pedro, while Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu remain on their books, you wouldn’t put it past Chelsea to splurge their Club World Cup winners on Šeško, would you?

As good as Palmer: Chelsea may have found their new Drogba at the CWC

Chelsea were brilliant as they thrashed PSG to win the Club World Cup.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 14, 2025

Manchester United are in a race with fellow Premier League side Everton in a bid to sign a £9 million international who has been labelled the “bargain of the summer”, according to a recent report.

Man Utd eyeing new midfield reinforcements

The Red Devils return to action at the end of this week, as they travel to Stockholm in Sweden to face rivals Leeds United in their first game of pre-season 2025. The hope Ruben Amorim will have is that his side will finally have Bryan Mbeumo through the door before that game gets underway.

Related Man Utd make loan proposal to sign £166k-a-week Bayern ace and get a reply

Man United have submitted a bid to sign a player from Bayern Munich on loan.

Posts ByBrett Worthington Jul 13, 2025

Once the deal for Mbeumo is completed, there has been a lot of talk that the next target will be a striker, but INEOS and co are also scouring the market to strengthen their midfield department. It was recently reported that United have made a move for not one but two new midfielders.

It’s been claimed that United have made an approach to sign Richard Rios from Palmeiras, who has been heavily linked with a move to AS Roma. The Brazilian side are said to want at least £25 million for Rios, who could be considered a replacement for Casemiro.

The second midfielder United are chasing is Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha. The Red Devils have submitted a loan approach for Palhinha, but the German side turned it down straight away, with Bayern looking to sell the player on a permanent basis instead. These two players could be very good signings for United, but there is another midfielder firmly on their list of potential summer signings.

Man Utd in race with Everton to sign £9m ace called "bargain of the summer"

According to Football Insider, Man United are very interested in signing Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City. The 28-year-old has just suffered relegation with the Foxes, and while he is under contract until 2027, the midfielder has a £9 million release clause that can now be activated.

The Nigeria international is expected to leave the King Power Stadium, and while United are an option for the player, Everton, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Juventus are also in the race for the Nigerian international.

Ndidi, who has been dubbed the “bargain of the summer” by Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, has been a Leicester player since 2017. During that time, he has faced the Red Devils on 14 occasions in all competitions, and he has lost 10 times overall, with the Foxes only winning two games.

Wilfred Ndidi’s Premier League record

Apps

220

Goals

7

Assists

14

His potential arrival at Old Trafford could see him be a replacement for Casemiro, who could remain at United but may not have a bigger impact this season than he did last, due to competition for places and the fact he isn’t getting any younger. Despite the Foxes’ struggles last season, Ndidi still managed to impress, recording five assists in 28 Premier League games.

أشاد أحمد حسام ميدو، نجم الزمالك السابق، بالمستوى المميز الذي يقدمه البرازيلي خوان ألفينا بيزيرا لاعب الفريق الأبيض، خاصة بعد الأداء اللافت له في مواجهة المصري البورسعيدي بالدوري الممتاز.

وشارك خوان بيزيرا في فوز الزمالك بثلاثية نظيفة على المصري، في المباراة التي أقيمت على استاد برج العرب ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة، حيث صنع الهدف الثاني الذي سجله عمر جابر.

وكتب ميدو عبر حسابه الرسمي على منصة “إكس”: “بيزيرا كشف كل لاعبي الدوري المصري، كشف كل أجنحة الدوري، وكشف كل المدافعين!!”.

طالع أيضًا | عدي الدباغ أم مدافع المصري؟.. بطولات يكشف صاحب هدف الزمالك الأول المثير للجدل

وأضاف: “ربنا يهديه ويبعد عنه الإصابات، ويبعد عنه اللي مابيحلاش في عينيهم حد إلا اللي من ريحة الزمالك”.

بهذا الانتصار، رفع الزمالك رصيده إلى 13 نقطة يتصدر بها جدول ترتيب الدوري الممتاز، بينما توقف رصيد المصري عند 11 نقطة في المركز الثاني.

ويستعد الفريق الأبيض لخوض ثلاث مباريات مرتقبة خلال سبتمبر أمام الإسماعيلي والجونة، قبل مواجهة الأهلي في قمة الدوري يوم 29 سبتمبر.

#بيزيرا كشف كل لاعبي #الدوري_المصري كشف كل اجنحة الدوري وكشف كل المدافعين!! ربنا يهديه ويبعد عنه الإصابات ويبعد عنه اللي مابيحلاش في عينيهم حد إلا اللي من ريحة #الزمالك 😀

— Mido (@midoahm) September 14, 2025

Still searching for a new No.9 even if it’s not Alexander Isak or Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool have now reportedly initiated contact to sign a 17-goal striker who once terrorised Virgil van Dijk.

After a quiet first summer in charge, Richard Hughes has silenced all doubters at Liverpool this summer. He emerged victorious in the race to sign Florian Wirtz in a British transfer record, swooped in to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong and even returned to former club Bournemouth to sign Milos Kerkez. But he’s not done there.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have now made their first approach to sign Isak from Newcastle United and have told the Magpies that they’re willing to break their transfer record for the second time this summer to welcome the Swede.

Signing Wirtz was a statement of intent from Liverpool, but signing Isak would arguably blow that out of the water. The one weakness in Arne Slot’s side last season came in the No.9 role and the Newcastle star stood out as the Reds’ dream target to solve that problem. Now, in the mood to spend, he could arrive.

He's better than Ekitike: Liverpool chasing "monster" £60m Isak alternative

Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

That said, it almost goes without saying that it will be a complicated deal and Newcastle’s stance remains a difficult one to change. So it comes as no surprise that Isak isn’t the only name on Liverpool’s radar, with an approach also made towards Frankfurt star Ekitike, who is wanted by Newcastle themselves.

Alongside the widely reported two targets, Liverpool have also set their sights on a Premier League rival who previously dominated Van Dijk.

Liverpool make contact to sign Watkins

As reported by The Daily Mail, Liverpool have now initiated contact to sign Ollie Watkins. Those at Anfield reportedly contacted the Villans to discover details over how much a deal for the forward would cost this summer amid their PSR problems in the Midlands. Whether that means a cut-price deal can be formed remains to be seen, but there’s little doubt that Watkins would be an excellent addition.

Appearances

10

Goals

6

Assists

2

With six goals in 10 appearances against Liverpool, including a hat-trick against Van Dijk and his teammates in a stunning 7-2 thrashing in 2020/21, the Reds know more about Watkins’ quality than they’ll care to admit. Alas, five years on from that thrashing and he could at last become a teammate rather than a thorn in their side.

Villa boss Unai Emery won’t be keen to lose his star striker, and those around Villa Park will likely share that stance. The Spaniard, full of praise for Watkins during his 17-goal haul last season, told reporters: “He’s amazing. Because he’s a really hard worker and his commitment to work every day is amazing.

“When he is scoring goals, it’s the main objective he can have. Where he is assisting as well, he’s contributing to help the team. But even when he’s not doing both, he’s working for the team.”

Watkins’ 16 top flight goals last season was actually one more than Ekitike’s 15 in the Bundesliga, and given the difference in quality between the two leagues he could provide more guaranteed end product.

India A made a solid start to their chase but fell away against the home side’s spinners

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Aug-2024India A 184 and 149 for 6 (Shubha 45) need 140 more runs to beat Australia A 212 and 260 (Darke 105*, de Broughe 58, Mani 6-92)Australia A were on course for victory in the four-day game against India A as they worked their way through some stubborn top-order resistance after Maddy Darke’s outstanding unbeaten 105 and set a tough target.Darke, who had her family watching on, helped add 96 further runs in the morning as the lower order, led by Grace Parsons at No. 10, provided important support, but India A gave themselves a good base in the chase before the home side’s spinners combined to do the majority of the damage as the visitors lost 5 for 42 across 21 overs.Related

Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra share nine wickets to bundle out Australia A

Mani and Peterson star as ball dominates before Darke extends lead

“Physically [I’m] probably not in the best shape at the minute, but really goes to show this format of the game, the way it tests you both physically, mentally and tactically as well. Come to see what red-ball cricket is all about,” Darke said after then keeping wicket for the rest of the day.”[It was about] just keeping it really simple, playing the right shot to the right ball as long as possible. Going back out there today, every run was going to be crucial on a wicket that’s getting harder and harder to bat on.”Captain Charlie Knott broke the opening stand by having Shweta Sehrawat lbw and fellow offspinner Lilly Mills ended a second-wicket stand of 52 in 23 overs when Priya Punia was well taken in the covers by Georgia Voll.Legspinner Parsons produced an excellent delivery to have Tejal Hasabnis caught low down at gully then Tess Flintoff provided the only wicket for pace so far in the innings with the key dismissal of Shubha Satheesh, although she did not seem pleased with the caught-behind decision.India A captain Minnu Mani tried to break the shackles but ran past a delivery from Knott and the impressive Parsons struck again to have Sajeevan Sajana caught in the off side. At that stage a three-day finish looked a possibility, but Raghvi Bist and Uma Chetry negotiated through to the close.Australia A had resumed with a lead of 192 but lost Mills early when offspinner Mani took her match haul to 11 wickets. However, Parsons showed her batting prowess to form a ninth-wicket stand of 75 with Darke who was content to give her plenty of the strike.Darke, who had come in with Australia 53 for 4 on the second day, was on 91 when Parsons fell but No. 11 Nicola Hancock was able to see her through to a superb century, brought up by just the fourth boundary of Darke’s innings when she pulled Sayali Satghare through midwicket. It was Darke’s second century of the multi-format tour after her unbeaten 106 in the second one-dayer.”She [Hancock] was definitely playing the team role there and I really appreciate what she did for me,” Darke said. “The whole family is here – mum, dad, brother – think they saw the opportunity for a one-four flight rather than a four-hour one [to Western Australia] so it’s really special. They are massive supporters of me.”