All posts by h716a5.icu

Arsenal have been linked to an attacking midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window, in a signing that could boost Mikel Arteta’s squad depth.

The Gunners fell just five points short of winning their first Premier League title since 2004 this season, after leading the pack for the majority of the term.

Now, Arteta will turn his attention to the transfer window, as the north Londoners are in need of reinforcements ahead of the 2023/24 campaign if they are to challenge once again.

What’s the latest on Matheus Franca to Arsenal?

As reported by journalist Artur Petrosyan last week, Arsenal reportedly had an opening bid for Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca rejected.

The Gunners’ opening offer of £15m was declined by the Brazilian club, with Newcastle United also interested in the player.

The 19-year-old is highly rated in South America, having recently graduated from Flamengo’s academy.

What could Matheus Franca bring to Arsenal?

Lauded as being one of the most “exciting” teenagers by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the "big talent" would be a worthy young gem to have in any side.

The Brazilian plays predominantly in advanced midfield, featuring at times on the flanks to showcase his versatility, as supported by Kulig’s praise explaining that the youngster can play "almost everywhere”.

While Arsenal’s attack is packed with talent, there is always room for more, as the Gunners have learned this season in falling short due to squad depth.

In signing a young talent, Arteta could not only replicate the success that was uncovered when the club signed the unknown talent of Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano but also replicate past heroes that have graced the position at the club.

The Emirates has played host to a number of graceful attacking midfielders over the years, not many as adored as Santi Cazorla, who enjoyed a six-year stay in the capital.

Arsenal could have a player with the potential to replicate the threat in midfield of Cazorla by signing Franca, who undoubtedly has a huge career ahead of him.

The similarities between the two are already evident, as supported through their playing styles focusing on the art of passing and playing the ball off the ground – as per WhoScored.

In 2019, the Spaniard had the highest 1v1 dribbling success rate in Europe with 89.13%, as well as averaging 2.35 progressive carries in La Liga that season, comparable to Franca’s 2.96 per 90 at Flamengo.

The young Brazilian ranks highly in terms of a range of attributes that the former Arsenal ace excelled in, making 3.98 progressive passes per 90 as well as registering 6.34 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 – as per FBref.

Such numbers showcase the 19-year-old’s ability on the ball, as well as in terms of getting forward in attack.

Introducing a young and hungry talent, particularly one who can score goals from midfield like Cazorla – Franca bagged eight in the 2022 term – would be a fantastic addition for Arteta to integrate into his squad.

Indeed, it would crucially also fall in a position that could encourage competition to increase individual performance and ultimately increase depth in quality.

While the little Spaniard is irreplaceable to some in Arsenal’s midfield, Franca could give fans a glimpse of what they’ve been missing in his absence if he is to arrive in north London this summer.

Paul Adams’ position as Cobras’ head coach is under threat after 14 of the franchise’s contracted players lodged a formal grievance against him

Firdose Moonda16-Sep-2016Paul Adams’ position as Cobras’ head coach is under threat after 14 of the franchise’s contracted players lodged a formal grievance against him. The players, none of whom has been named, claim there has been a “material breakdown in their relationship,” according to Andrew Breetzke, head of player services and advocacy at the South African Cricketers’ Association. The board and the players will meet on Monday to take a final decision on Adams’ future.The complaint against Adams was laid at the end of the previous season – the first in eight seasons that Cobras went without a trophy – and pertains to Adams’ man-management skills, and tactical and technical knowledge. Adams was aware of the situation and underwent a leadership course over the winter period in an attempt to address any shortcomings.However, player unhappiness had not subsided by the time pre-season training began, and the Western Cape Cricket board convened a five-man independent panel to investigate. They recommended the appointment of a mediator which WCC accepted. Former national mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton was tasked with the job, and he submitted a report to WCC which was discussed at a board meeting on Thursday night, but no resolution was reached. Instead, Adams will have to wait until Monday before there is certainty over his future.Adams declined to respond when ESPNcricinfo attempted to contact him.Adams, who has been in charge of the Cobras since 2012 and has guided them to five domestic titles, was recently given a new two-year contract. He has also had his support staff beefed up with the addition of former internationals Ashwell Prince, who was appointed his assistant, and Alan Dawson, the new convener of selectors. Whether that will be enough to pacify the players is unclear. reported that several senior players may opt to leave the Cobras if Adams is retained.

N’Golo Kante’s sudden departure from Stamford Bridge means Chelsea now have to act.

The World Cup winner had been close to an agreement to extend his stay in the English capital, but a €100m (£86m) a season deal with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad suddenly looks set to end his fruitful career in Europe.

His last year at the Blues was ravaged by injury, and he only made nine appearances in all competitions – this prolonged absence was one of the reasons for Chelsea’s spectacular decline into the bottom half of the table.

The 32-year-old must be replaced and Moises Caicedo is a player who can adopt a similar role.

What’s the latest on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea?

Having missed out on the signature of CP Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte, the West Londoners are expected to accelerate their efforts to tempt Caicedo to join.

Whilst it seemed that Chelsea were prioritising a deal for the Uruguayan, it’s been revealed that the 2021 Champions League winners have been equally interested in the Brighton star for around £80m.

This has been reaffirmed by reputable journalist Dean Jones, who told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t think it’s even a case of getting back of the Caicedo trail, they’ve already been on it. The whole time the Ugarte thing has been going on, Caicedo is still the one I’ve been hearing more about. I’ve always expected that Chelsea would go for Caicedo.”

Can Caicedo replicate Kante’s exploits at Chelsea?

Across seven years at Chelsea, the former Leicester City star notched 269 appearances, 29 goal involvements, and six different trophies, winning everything available aside from the Carabao Cup.

The 53-cap international is renowned for his energetic and insufferable ability to break up opposition attacks and protect his backline.

Due to his unbelievable consistency, Cesc Fabregas has labelled Kante as “world-class”, a sentiment that was echoed by Ally McCoist, who described the player as “absolutely magic.”

The beautiful chapter of Kante’s tremendous story at Chelsea has rightfully ended, forging the pathway for Caicedo to possibly repeat the heroics of his positional peer.

Within his age bracket, the youngster has brilliantly excelled as the £60k-per-week star has won possession in the midfield third the most times (142) of any U21 player this season.

Across the continent, the 30-cap international has also emerged as a formidable asset, ranking within the top 26% in Europe’s top five leagues among other midfielders for progressive passes, as well as the highest 11% for interceptions per 90, according to FBref.

So far in his short, but equally dazzling career, Caicedo has demonstrated himself to be a phenomenal pivot with an uncoachable quality to read the game and sniff out danger.

South American Football expert Tim Vickery has described the Ecuadorian as “terrific” and whilst it would be foolish to suggest he can instantly fill Kante’s void if he continues on his currently frightening trajectory, he could be unstoppable.

The surface did not deteriorate much, contrary to its roughed-up appearance, but it was still a tough one, according to R Ashwin and Tom Latham

Sidharth Monga in Indore10-Oct-20162:32

‘In rhythm, I can beat any batsman in the world’ – Ashwin

Even if you don’t go looking for it, you get comments on pitches in India. Before this Test began, in response to a photo of the pitch tweeted by the BCCI, Harbhajan Singh, India’s most successful offspinner, tweeted it looked like a two-day-old pitch already, and predicted a finish in three-and-a-half days. With India batting for almost two days, people on Twitter began to ridicule Harbhajan. His response was to wait and watch for the turn, and that he got such turners only twice – Kanpur 2008 and Mumbai 2004 – in his whole career in India. He reckoned his and Anil Kumble’s wicket tally would have been “something else” if they got the pitches India have been playing on in the last “four” years.If this was unsolicited, R Ashwin’s first answer at a press conference after completing his 20th five-wicket haul, which bowled New Zealand out for 299, was to mention how difficult a pitch it was. He was asked how important the other bowlers were – Ashwin got six, he ran two batsmen out, and Ravindra Jadeja got two wickets – and he looked bemused. He seemed to stop himself from answering sarcastically lest it be misconstrued, and said, “It was very important. It was a very, very difficult wicket to bowl on. The way Shami and Umesh bowled in the morning, they never let go of the steam. Especially Umesh bowled very quick through the day. Hopefully they can get some good returns in the second innings.”Tom Latham, the only man besides Rohit Sharma to have scored a half-century in each of the Tests, was presented a similar sentiment by a journalist. He was asked if he agreed the pitch didn’t offer much turn or didn’t crack up. Latham’s response was sharp too. “Not sure what game you’re watching,” Latham retorted. “Certainly starting to turn. Lot of footmarks there. Might not be cracking up so much but there are dust and a lot of footmarks for bowlers to work with. They’ll be targeting those in the second innings so got to find a way of rectifying that.”The truth about the pitch might be somewhere in between. It is not the classic Indian pitches that Harbhajan bowled a lot on during his day, but it hasn’t turned out to be like Nagpur last year or even Kanpur this year. At the outset this looked a lot like the Kanpur pitch with a lot of cracks and expected to turn sharply from day two. It certainly hasn’t because India have now been officially warned for two players – not in the act of bowling – running on the danger zone despite cautionary warnings from the umpires. Latham said it was not something they could worry.”Out of our hands as players,” Latham said. “We’ve got nothing to do with it, it’s up to the umpires. They make the call.”1:15

‘A very hard wicket to start on’ – Latham

However, it was wicketkeeper BJ Watling, who alerted the umpires just before M Vijay was officially warned for running on the danger area when batting on the third evening. On the second evening, Jadeja’s transgression after three warnings – two informal and one official – had resulted in a five-run penalty for India and three demerit points for Jadeja. India didn’t contest the charge, and Jadeja stands one demerit point short of being suspended for a Test or two limited-overs internationals.Latham chose to not get involved when asked if he felt it was deliberate. “It’s cricket,” he said. “Guys are going to walk on the wicket. We’ve got a big job to do in the second innings. Going to focus on that.”India clearly feel the pitch needs to deteriorate more, which is one of the reasons why they didn’t enforce the follow-on. Let there be more overs on it, let it bake more in the sun, and then give New Zealand somewhere around five sessions to bat to save this Test. Ashwin said they were going to take a call on when to make the declaration in the middle session on day four. He felt the pitch could do with some more wear and tear.”We’re just giving it every chance to wear over the time that we bat on over the next session or two,” Ashwin said. “And see how it turns out. But from one side, from the Pavilion End, there is a lot of rough. From the other end it’s not spinning a lot. Hopefully it will deteriorate.”

Brighton and Hove Albion starlet Moises Caicedo is “very interested” in joining Arsenal this summer, according to journalist Charles Watts.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

Of the plethora of targets linked with a move to north London recently, Caicedo features among the most prominent, with reports suggesting that central midfield additions are of top priority.

Arsenal missed out on a first league title in nearly 20 years to Man City last season, despite being in pole position for much of the campaign, and it is the task of transfer chief Edu to back Mikel Arteta with fresh faces.

There is a case to be made that injuries to the likes of William Saliba hampered their momentum towards the back end of 2022/2023 – emphasizing the need to strengthen in key areas.

Premier League stars are attracting serious interest from Arsenal, namely West Ham’s Declan Rice and City captain Ilkay Gundogan, with Caicedo also regularly mentioned by the press.

As well as the aforementioned names, the Gunners could look abroad for right-back signings, as Galatasary’s Sacha Boey and Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda enter the forefront of Arsenal’s thinking.

Going back to Caicedo, reliable reporter Watts, formerly of GOAL and football.london, has shared an update on Arsenal’s links to the 21-year-old.

Ecuador’s star, who has dazzled for Brighton last season under Roberto De Zerbi, is apparently “very interested” in joining Arsenal.

However, while he is open to a north London move, Arteta and co may have to act quickly as Chelsea are also very much in the frame to sign him.

Who is Moises Caicedo?

The South American ace, who featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar last year, has been called one of Brighton’s “exceptional” players by members of the press.

As per WhoScored, this certainly holds up, with Caicedo standing out as a key defensive player last season.

The midfield enforcer averaged more tackles and interceptions per 90 than any other Brighton star over 2022/2023, backing his real quality and imperiousness in front of a back four.

If Arsenal are indeed keen to provide some cover in that position, Caicedo may well stand out as a real potential asset, though reports suggest the Gunners may have to spend around £70 million.

The only specialist bowler over 30 in the ODI squad playing against New Zealand, Amit Mishra has enjoyed how they have had several plans in place before going out onto the field

Arun Venugopal in Mohali22-Oct-20161:20

Kumble makes us mentally strong – Mishra

Amit Mishra is one of three men over 30 in India’s squad for the ODIs against New Zealand. He is the leader of the spin attack, yet he has played only 33 matches, six more than the second spinner Axar Patel. He came into the series having not played any ODI cricket since October 2015, and may well go out once the resting R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja return.But with six wickets in two games, including that of Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s century-maker in Delhi, Mishra has done his prospects no harm. He is on top of the bowling charts, and is in demand for bowling tips.”Whenever youngsters come and ask me, I give them advice,” Mishra said. “It happens during the games too, and in meetings if I feel I can share something. I don’t add any unnecessary pressure, but whenever I have felt the need to offer small tips, I do. I am really enjoying this duty of supporting youngsters.”Mishra is enjoying a dynamic where he shares his knowledge with the side and learns from coach Anil Kumble at the same time.”Anil is very helpful. When I didn’t play in a Test match, he would still tell me how to bowl, what pace I need to bowl for a wicket, what field I should bowl to and what are the strengths of the batsman. His experience has been helpful not just for me, but for everyone. Despite being a bowler himself, he shares batting tips to the tailenders which will be helpful in crucial matches, as to how to bat when you have a proper batsman around you.”When asked if his patchy batting form could be a reason for him not finding a permanent place in the limited-overs side, Mishra smiled and suggested he had no clue. He did concede that he played a “bad shot” in the Delhi ODI which India lost by six runs. Needing 60 to win off 55 balls and only two wickets in hand, Mishra went for a slog sweep against part-time bowler Martin Guptill and was caught off a top-edge.”It was the requirement of the match,” he said. “At that time, if I’d played positively against the spinner maybe it would have helped the team but if he hadn’t caught we could have finished the game maybe even with two overs to spare. Next time, I will look to take my time before trying to finish the game.”Mishra, though, was pleased with the way a young bowling attack has been able to have plans at the ready to combat various situations. “Whenever we need to put pressure, we try and apply it or take wickets,” he said. “Maybe sometimes all the strategies don’t work, but our second line of defence has always been good and it works.”As spinners we always talk about going for wickets irrespective of situation. Sometimes the situation is such that we have to take a step back, like during the last game. We have two plans all the time, sometimes we go back, reassess and go to Plan B. This time also we will always head into the game with two or three plans. So even if the second doesn’t work, the third will.”

Nottingham Forest will need to further improve their Premier League squad this summer after securing another season in the top flight with a new update now emerging from a reliable source on a potential replacement for one of Steve Cooper's outgoing stars at the City Ground.

What's the latest on Forest's interest in Carlos Augusto?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest are competing with Inter Milan to secure the signing of Monza left-back Calors Augusto.

Romano revealed on Sunday evening: "Inter will continue talks with Monza for Carlo Augusto next week. He’s concrete target as new left back — no issues on personal terms.

"Nottingham Forest also appreciate the Brazilian LB but Inter are now ahead."

Who would Carlos Augusto replace in the Forest team?

Whilst Inter may be ahead in the race to sign Augusto this summer, there is no doubt that the Brazilian talent would be a huge asset to Steve Cooper next season, especially after the news that Renan Lodi's return to the City Ground looking unlikely.

Journalist Jacque Talbot took to Twitter to confirm every Nottingham Forest fan's fear with the popular left-back looking to play Champions League football next season:

"Exc: Renan Lodi doubtful to make a Premier League return for next season."

As a result, the potential of signing Augusto – who Forest reportedly value at £8m – could not come at a better time for the Garibaldi Reds and if they could entice him to make the move to the Premier League he would be the dream replacement for Lodi.

Over 35 Serie A appearances, the 24-year-old gem – hailed "impressive" by journalist Josh Bunting – has scored six goals, registered five assists and created five big chances, as well as averaging 62.1 touches, 2.1 tackles, 2.1 clearances and 5.2 duels won per game.

That ensures that the full-back compares favourably to the aforementioned Lodi, with the Atletico Madrid loanee providing just one assist and no goals in the most recent campaign as well as creating just one big chance, having also averaged only 43.4 touches, 1.9 tackles, 2.1 clearances and 4.6 duels won per game from his 28 league outings.

Not only that, Augusto ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, shots on goal, aerial duels won and pass completion, proving that he is a solid all-rounder on the left flank with clear attacking ability and solid defensive traits too.

Securing the services of a player like Augusto who is not only consistent from a defending standpoint but isn't afraid to break the lines in attacking opportunities could significantly improve Forest next season as they will endeavour to compete more comfortably and avoid another relegation scrap at the bottom of the top flight table.

With that being said, the signing of Augusto could soften the blow of losing Lodi for Cooper next season and is definitely a move to watch for the City Ground faithful this summer.

Ben Stokes has received his second ICC reprimand in the last month, giving him two demerit points under the new code of conduct – halfway to being banned for a Test match

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Nov-2016Ben Stokes has received his second ICC reprimand in the last month, giving him two demerit points under the new code of conduct – halfway to being banned for a Test match. Stokes admitted a Level One offence after being dismissed on the first day of the Mohali Test against India.Stokes was found to have used “language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting”, in breach of Article 2.1.4 of the ICC Code of Conduct. Having been stumped for 29 during the afternoon session, he reacted to the India players celebrating – exchanging words with Virat Kohli – and his comments were heard by the on-field umpires.In Dhaka last month, Stokes was fined 15% of his match fee and given a demerit point for “verbally engaging” with Bangladesh batsman Sabbir Rahman. If he reaches four demerit points within a two-year period, he faces suspension for one Test or two limited-overs internationals.The charge in Mohali was laid by the umpiring team of Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney and Kumar Dharmasena. Because Stokes accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Ranjan Madugalle, there was no need for a formal hearing.

Celtic are preparing to contact the agent of Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey ahead of a potential move to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

Is Daniel Amartey leaving Leicester?

The Ghana international has clocked up a total of 145 appearances since arriving at the King Power Stadium from FC Copenhagen all the way back in 2016, but the upcoming window is set to present him with the opportunity to embark onto the next stage of his career.

The Foxes have publicly confirmed that the 28-year-old will leave the club as a free agent upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the month, and journalist Ryan Taylor has already backed him to complete a switch north of the border, where he would be a “valuable asset” to the dressing room.

The Hoops recently announced the return of Brendan Rodgers in the dugout following the departure of Ange Postecoglou so the Northern Irishman will be entering the market to find his first signing of his second spell in charge, and the centre-back could be just the man he’s looking for.

Are Celtic signing Amartey?

According to TEAMtalk, Celtic have placed Amartey under “strong consideration” to be the first fresh face walking through the doors since Rodgers signed. Leicester’s veteran has already been “talking” to clubs over in Turkey whilst he’s also attracting “interest” from Saudi Arabia, but there is a “chance” that he could join the Bhoys, who are “ready to contact his agent”.

Celtic will know that Rodgers holding a strong existing connection to Amartey from his time at Leicester, and alongside the fact that he would cost literally nothing to recruit, he seems an ideal target.

The World Cup participant averaged 3.5 clearances and 1.7 aerial wins per top-flight game last season, not to mention that he had a 91.3% pass success rate, via WhoScored, highlighting his calmness and composure on the ball when clearing the danger from his area.

Amartey, who will know what it takes to be successful having secured six trophies since the start of his career, would also be a great option for the manager to have at his disposal with his ability to be deployed in four various positions in both defence and midfield, so a reunion wouldn’t be a bad idea for Rodgers.

Hong Kong allrounder Nizakat Khan’s bowling action has been cleared by the International Cricket Council, following remedial work after his action was found to be illegal in July 2015

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Dec-2016Hong Kong allrounder Nizakat Khan’s bowling action has been cleared by the International Cricket Council, following remedial work after his action was found to be illegal in July 2015 during an ICC World Twenty20 Qualifying match against Nepal.Nizakat underwent a reassessment of his bowling action on December 6 at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, where his elbow extension for legspin deliveries was found to be within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC regulations. His offspin has not been cleared since he did not bowl it during the assessment.Before the ban, Nizakat had economy rates of 3.67 in ODIs and an impressive 5.30 in five T20Is. He has continued to play for Hong Kong since, averaging 35 in 10 ODIs as a top-order batsman.