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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been full of praise for Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone ahead of the Gunners' meeting with the Spanish side in the Champions League on Tuesday. Arteta, whose team have been accused of winning ugly this season, says that Simeone is a coach he looks up to and tries to learn from and reserved special praise for the Atletico manager's "passion."

Arteta inspired by Atletico boss Simeone

Arteta has revealed that he has been inspired by Simeone as he prepares to take on Atletico in the Champions League. Simeone has been in charge of Los Colchoneros since December 2011, and his team have become well-known for being difficult opponents who are tough to beat.

Arteta told a press conference ahead of the game that he's learned a lot from studying the Argentine: "There is someone that I look up to and learn from in many situations. What is for me outstanding is his passion, I think for how long he's been in the game and in the same club, with the same players, and how you still have that handle and that capacity to transmit such an energy and willingness to win. It's a very tough environment that we live in, and to keep convincing players, you have to be extraordinary as well. I don't know him personally but everything that I have heard about him is that he's so good at doing that. That's one of the reasons why you are able to sustain at that level.

"At the highest level, I think what he's done since he got to Atletico has been outstanding, not only what he has achieved but the way he's done it. I think the identity that he has created for the club, for the team, the spirit, I think they are very simple and clear to identify, and that's because the manager is very much them. That's extremely difficult to achieve for a short period of time and to do it for 14 years, I think he's been there now, he's done something incredible so it'll be a pleasure to meet him."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSaliba does his Atletico homework

Arteta was also quizzed on defender William Saliba after he was spotted watching Atletico in action after Arsenal's win over Fulham. The Gunners boss admitted he was thrilled to see Saliba doing his homework on his next opponents without being asked.

"I'm very pleased because I didn't encourage it, so it came from them," Arteta explained. "That's the most powerful thing – a game finishes, the job is done but now what's next, what's the next challenge, what's the next opportunity? We know that it's going to be a really tough one, so the earlier we start to think about it and prepare, the better. I love that initiative from the players and it tells you how much they want it and how focused they are on what is next."

Atletico head to London on the back of some impressive results in big fixtures this season. They battered Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 last time out in the Champions League and also crushed bitter rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in La Liga in September.

Arteta backs Simeone to shine in the Premier League

Arteta has also backed Simeone to thrive in England if he were to try a new challenge in the Premier League. Simeone has recently been touted by Roy Keane as a good choice for Manchester United if Ruben Amorim were to be sacked, and Arteta thinks he would be a success.

He explained: "If he works in the Champions League, which is the highest competition in Europe, he can do it anywhere. I don't know, you have to come here and try it and feel it, but I'm very sure that his know-how is unbelievable and his character and willingness will take him anywhere."

Arteta also spoke about why Simeone's team is so difficult to play against: "First of all, the willingness to win. You can sense that in every single ball, in every single yard, the way they play, so it's about how they compete and then after how they play. I think there are two very different things, and in order to have to analyse what they are, the level of organisation is really high, the level of discipline is really high and then they have acquired a lot of talent throughout the years that are very specific for the needs and the way they want to play and they are very, very good at exploiting those opportunities."

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Getty Images SportArsenal aiming to stay perfect in Champions League

Arsenal will be hoping they can maintain their 100% record in the Champions League with another win over Atletico. The Gunners have opened up their campaign with wins over Olympiacos and Athletic Club so far, and are also yet to concede a goal in the competition.

Rahane also explained why he did not review his dismissal

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Apr-20256:18

Pressure or complacency – why did KKR collapse?

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane has taken the blame for his side’s failure to chase down 112 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur, but called it “a collective failure of the batting unit”. After KKR were skittled for 95 in 15.1 overs, Rahane said that his batters were pretty reckless with their shots in going after a target which was “pretty chaseable”.That Rahane was hurting was apparent when he spoke to the host broadcasters. The usually unflappable Rahane even mentioned that he needed to be “really calm” when talking to his team-mates about the 16-run loss.”Nothing to expect. You all saw what happened there. Pretty disappointed with the effort,” Rahane said immediately after the match. “I’ll take the blame. As the captain of the team, I played the wrong shot even though it [the ball] was missing [the stumps]. But again, it started from there.Related

Stats – PBKS pull off lowest successful defence in IPL history

Chahal back in his element, in the game, in typical style

Chahal four-for stuns KKR as PBKS defend 111

Ponting: That might be the best win I've ever had as coach in IPL

“We batted really badly as a batting unit, and we take full responsibility as a batting unit. I thought bowlers did really well on the surface, restricting a strong Punjab batting line-up to 111.”Later, at the post-match press conference, Rahane said, “It’s not like Punjab bowled very well. I think we played bad cricket as a batting unit. I take this responsibility as a captain that we couldn’t chase this down. But individually, I’m sure, all the players, especially the batters, will think about their own game and improve in the upcoming matches.”KKR lost two early wickets in the chase, but Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi steadied the ship with a 55-run third-wicket stand. Raghuvanshi counter-attacked, scoring 37 off 28 balls, and, at that point, the chase seemed straightforward. But the game changed when Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Rahane lbw. He walked back without opting for the review. Replays revealed that the impact was outside off stump.”As a batter, I thought that I could save the review for later. It shouldn’t happen that I take a review and lose it, then we are only left with one review,” Rahane said. “The communication between the two batsmen [him and Raghuvanshi] wasn’t that clear. If someone clearly tells you that the impact can be out or it can miss, you take a review as a batter.2:59

Rayudu: Russell made an honest effort

“But generally, the batsmen in front of you, you think about what they say. The communication wasn’t that clear: ‘Maybe it could be the umpire’s call, maybe it could be hitting’. That’s why I didn’t take a review. But again, no complaints. Apart from that, we also were pretty bad as a batting unit. And that was the reason we lost today.”The wicket brought PBKS back into the game. Chahal ran through the middle order with 4 for 28 as KKR lost their last eight wickets for 33 runs.”See, as an individual, you still have to be confident, be positive,” Rahane said. “Let the ball come and then just take your chances, keep the intent going, but look to play cricketing shots. I thought on this wicket, the sweep was pretty hard to play.”So again, you’ve got to be really positive, keep that intent going. But we were a little reckless and we should take full responsibility as a batting unit.”Rahane stressed that the KKR batters were not complacent and that they hadn’t won the game in their heads before they had. However, he did suggest that the batters lacked “game awareness”.”All the players are confident. They are pretty experienced enough to handle all the situations,” he said. “I wouldn’t say we were complacent or we were overconfident. It’s always about… we didn’t bat well. That’s the truth and the honest answer.2:07

Rayudu: ‘Chahal bowled to get a wicket, not to defend’

“It’s not only about being complacent or taking things for granted. I don’t think we are doing that. Yes, we didn’t bat well. We didn’t have that game awareness, what the situation demanded on that wicket. When we lost those three-four wickets, it was only about taking your time. Even singles. That was important.”It was not a flat wicket. There was something for the bowlers. We had to grind it out. T20, I believe, is not only about hitting sixes. Though we are seeing at this moment that most of the players are going for big shots, they want to look good while batting, it’s not about that. It’s all about reading the situation well. Having that game awareness as a batter, as an individual and then take the game forward – that’s what I thought we lacked today.”What was Rahane planning to say to his team-mates after a heartbreaking loss like this? “At the moment, there are too many things going in my head. It is still early. Let’s see. When I go upstairs, I need to keep myself really calm and then think about what to talk to the boys.”You still have to be positive. It’s still halfway to the tournament. As a team, as a unit, we still have to be positive and keep a good brand of cricket. But at the same time, we would definitely like to address the stuff.”

West Ham United have experienced a nightmare start to life back in the Premier League.

Graham Potter’s job security is already on thin ice at the Hammers a mere two games into the brand new season, having had to watch his hopeless team lose 3-0 away at Sunderland on the opening day, only to then be humiliated back on their patch 5-1 by near London rivals Chelsea.

It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, however, with West Ham potentially able to restore some of their damaged pride by picking up some last-minute purchases in the transfer window to try and push them out of their malaise.

West Ham keep tabs on £20m star

Potter will look to be busy between now and September’s approaching deadline, knowing this could be make or break for his job in the long run.

Reports from Spain are indicating that the basement club are in talks over landing Barcelona youngster Hector Fort on loan, on top of AS Monaco’s Soungoutou Magassa also being on their radar, albeit with Nottingham Forest and Atalanta being placed alongside them in the race for the £15m midfielder.

Away from those named, the forlorn Irons are also in the hunt for an experienced Premier League attacker who could be available for as cheap as £20m.

Indeed, a report from Caught Offside reveals that West Ham are keeping tabs on Raheem Sterling’s developing situation at Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, with Beskitas allegedly in the lead for the 30-year-old’s services, as the Turkish titans plan to send a delegation out to London shortly to seal a deal.

Still, not all hope will be lost, considering Caught Offside also state that the Blues number seven might prefer a London stay over a switch to the Super Lig, with Fulham also keeping an eye on the unfolding situation, alongside Potter and Co.

How Sterling can become the next Antonio

Despite Sterling’s missteps at both Chelsea and Arsenal in recent years, he could be the boost West Ham desire up top, with Potter potentially picking up the Hammers’ next version of Michail Antonio in the process.

The Premier League’s early relegation favourites waved goodbye to a whole host of experienced faces this summer, as the likes of Aaron Cresswell and Lukasz Fabianski departed the London Stadium.

The casualty that looks to have hurt the Hammers instantly is the loss of Antonio, though, with the loyal 35-year-old servant allowed to leave the building on a free transfer this summer.

Off the back of this decision, West Ham have only been able to carve out one big chance during their opening two league defeats, leading to former goalkeeper Robert Green bemoaning the lack of leaders in the dressing room after the sobering Blues loss.

With the Jamaican’s 83-goal tally gone, the Hammers are clearly in dire need of another seasoned head to try and get more out of a limp attack, which is where Sterling could come to the rescue if he can bounce back from disappointing stints elsewhere in London.

It’s clear from the table above that Sterling can be a “world class” star on his day – as he was once lauded by ex-City teammate Frank Lampard – with a mammoth 174 goals up his sleeve playing for some of the Premier League’s elite clubs, with a further 124 assists also catching West Ham’s eye. Incredible, 123 of those goals have come in the top-flight.

The 82-time England international might not lead the line in the same imposing manner as Antonio, but his creativity and efforts down the right wing might just enable the Hammers to get out of some sticky situations and soar up the league, with the likes of Niclas Fullkrug perhaps able to put his shaky start to the campaign behind him, knowing he has the expertise of the 30-year-old by his side.

Further dubbed as “outstanding” by football pundit Paul Merson when showing off flashes of his excellence at Stamford Bridge, Sterling will hope he can show there’s life still in his legs at the London Stadium, much like Antonio did during the 2023/24 season with seven goals next to his name, before his unfortunate Hammers exit.

After all, Sterling’s former Three Lions boss in Gareth Southgate did once herald him as a “fighter”, with a hope he can become a bright spark for West Ham during some testing times, too, leading to a sharp rise up the table imminently.

West Ham submit opening offer to sign "exciting" 6'2 Alvarez replacement

The Hammers have made their first move…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 23, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Neste domingo, às 16h, Internacional e Vasco se enfrentam no Beira-Rio, pela 10ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, com o objetivo de subirem na tabela. O Colorado é o 13º lugar com 11 pontos, mas esboça reação. Após perder quatro jogos consecutivos, venceu o Bahia em casa e empatou com o Santos fora. Já o Cruz-Maltino, penúltimo colocado com apenas 6, está mergulhado em crise, não vence há oito rodadas e perdeu as últimas quatro partidas.

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Os times não se enfrentam desde o Campeonato Brasileiro de 2020. Naquela edição, o Internacional levou a melhor nos dois turnos. No Beira-Rio, venceu por 2 a 0 e repetiu o placar em São Januário, que ficou marcado por uma polêmica. No gol de Rodrigo Dourado, o VAR estava “descalibrado” e foi validado sem revisão, valendo a decisão de campo. Já em 2019, o Cruz-Maltino foi vencedor nos dois confrontos. No Beira-Rio, Marrony marcou o gol da vitória por 1 a 0.

+ Confira a classificação atualizada e a tabela completa do Brasileirão

FICHA TÉCNICA
INTERNACIONAL X VASCO – 10ª RODADA DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO
Local:Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre (RS)
Data e horário:Domingo (11/06), às 16h (Brasília)
Árbitro: Edina Alves Batista (SP-Fifa)
Assistentes: Neuza Ines Back (SP) e Leila Naiara Moreira da Cruz (DF-Fifa)
VAR: Igor Junio Benevenuto de Oliveira (MG-Fifa)
Onde assistir:Globo, Premiere e Tempo Real doLANCE!

INTERNACIONAL (Técnico: Mano Menezes)
John; Fabrício Bustos, Vitão, Nico Hernández e Renê; Rômulo, Gustavo Campanharo e Alan Patrick; Pedro Henrique, Wanderson e Luiz Adriano.

​Desfalques: Carlos de Pena e Maurício (departamento médico); Johnny (convocado pela seleção dos Estados Unidos);
Pendurados: Rodrigo Moledo, Gabriel Mercado, Nico Hernández, Alan Patrick, Maurício e Alemão.

VASCO (Técnico: Maurício Barbieri)
Léo Jardim; Puma Rodríguez, Capasso, Léo e Lucas Piton; Zé Gabriel, Mateus Carvalho, Jair e Marlon Gomes; Alex Teixeira e Rayan.

Desfalques: De Lucca, GB, Barros, Andrey Santos, Luca Orellano e Eguinaldo (departamento médico);
Pendurados: Andrey Santos, Figueiredo, Gabriel Pec, Jair, Robson e Manuel Capasso.

The 18 centrally-contracted Bangladesh women will also see an increased pay for the period between October 2024 and June 2025

Mohammad Isam22-Dec-2024The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has introduced national contracts for an additional 30 female cricketers who are either uncapped or haven’t played for Bangladesh for some time. This is in addition to the 18 centrally-contracted women, and the newly-contracted players will get a monthly salary till June 2025. The contract system is similar to the men’s first-class contracts in Bangladesh and is aimed at increasing the pool of players across the country.The existing centrally-contracted players were also given a raise in the BCB meeting on Saturday.”The women’s national contract is similar to the first-class players’ contract for male cricketers,” the BCB stated in a release. “The board has decided to introduce this in an effort to provide financial stability to a larger pool of women cricketers. Thirty cricketers, who are not a part of the central contract, have been placed in the women’s national contract for the November 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 period.”The BCB has raised the salary in all four grades of their women’s central contracts for the October 2024 to June 2025 period. Grades A and B will now get BDT 120,000 (US$ 1,000 approx.) and BDT 100,000 ($850 approx.) per month respectively – up by BDT 20,000 each from 2023-24 – while Grades C and D will get BDT 70,000 ($600 approx.) and BDT 60,000 ($500 approx.) per month respectively – an increase of BDT 10,000 each.Among the 18 contracted cricketers, Sharmin Akhter, Murshida Khatun and Marufa Akter were promoted from grade C to B.The BCB has also introduced match- and series-winning bonus for the women. They will receive BDT 100,000 ($850 approx.) and BDT 50,000 ($420 approx.) in ODIs and T20Is respectively for beating a top-three side in the ICC rankings. The bonus amounts for beating teams ranked from fourth to sixth are BDT 75,000 ($630 approx.) and BDT 35,000 ($300 approx.) and for beating those ranked seventh to ninth are BDT 50,000 ($420 approx.) and BDT 30,000 ($250 approx.).Bangladesh women’s central contracts for October 2024 to June 2025Grade A (BDT 120,000): Nigar Sultana Joty, Fargana Haque, Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter
Grade B (BDT 100,000): Fahima Khatun, Shamima Sultana, Sharmin Akhter, Murshida Khatun, Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan Grade C (BDT 70,000): Sobhana Mostary, Lata Mondal, Jahanara Alam, Shorna Akter Grade D (BDT 60,000): Disha Biswas, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Shathi RaniBangladesh women with national contractsSalma Khatun, Rumana Ahmed, Ishma Tanjim, Fariha Trisna, Sumaiya Akter, Sharmin Sultana, Rubya Haider, Farzana Akter, Suraya Azmim, Puja Chakroborty, Nishita Akter Nishi, Shampa Biswas, Jannatul Ferdus Sumona, Sabikun Nahar Jesmin, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Fatema Jahara, Reya Akter Shika, Misty Shaha, Jannatul Ferdous Tithi, Ayesha Akter (Jr.), Fuara Begum, Mosammat Eva, Sumaiya Akter Shuborna, Jannatul Maoua, Dipa Khatun, Afia Ashima Era, Unnoti Akter, Taj Nehar, Shorifa Khatun

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen has taken aim at a social media post comparing him with Wayne Rooney, insisting he was a better player at the age of 17.

• Owen fumes over Rooney comparison
• Ex-Liverpool star runs through the stats
• BBC asked who was better at 17

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Owen and Rooney had similar beginnings en route to becoming Premier League legends, having both burst onto the scene as teenagers for Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton respectively. Owen made his league debut for Liverpool aged just 17, scoring in a narrow 2-1 defeat against Wimbledon in May 1997, whereas Rooney made his bow as a 16-year-old for Everton in August 2002. He would then go on to score his maiden league goal two months later in a 2-1 victory over Arsenal, then aged 17.

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  And such is the similarity between Owen and Rooney that BBC's Match of the Day took to X to ask football supporters who was better at the age of 17. However, as fans quickly fired up social media to cast their vote, Owen himself was among the replies as the ex-Manchester United forward issued a strong tirade in defence of his record as a teenager.

• WHAT OWEN SAID

  Commenting on the BBC's post, Owen wrote: "At 17 I scored 18 PL goals (winning the Golden Boot), Wazza scored 6. At 18 I again scored 18 goals (again winning the Golden Boot and coming 4th in The Ballon d’Or), Wazza scored 9. In our opening 7 seasons, Wazza didn’t outscore me once (117 goals v 80). In which time I became the 2nd youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever. Injuries hindered me from then on while he sustained his level. Therefore, he’ll go down as a better player than me. But, at 17, please…"

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The similarities between Owen and Rooney do not stop at club level, with both forwards having scored as a teenagers for England as well. After netting at the age of 17 years and 317 days old in a 2-1 win over Macedonia in September 2003, Rooney became England's then-youngest goalscorer – surpassing Owen's record after he netted against Romania aged 18 years and 190 days old in June 1998.

Noni Madueke's private coach says the winger is a "mentality monster" just like Cristiano Ronaldo and is backing him to a big hit at Arsenal.

• Madueke moved to Arsenal from Chelsea
• Transfer criticised by many Gooners
• Coach backs him to come good in north London

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Madueke swapped Chelsea for Arsenal in the summer transfer window in a transfer worth over £50 million ($67.8m). The move saw some backlash from Arsenal fans, with #NoToMadueke going viral on X and thousands of fans signing a petition calling for the Gunners not to sign the forward.

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  Madueke has featured in all of Arsenal's first three Premier League games of the new season but is yet to score or assist for Mikel Arteta's side. However, his private coach – Saul Isaksson-Hurst – has backed the England international to come good and has even compared him to Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo.

• WHAT ISAKSSON-HURST SAID

  He told : "The big misconception about Noni is his mentality. He’s like a mentality monster. In terms of mentality, I would liken that to Cristiano. He’s so focused and driven in terms of wanting to be the best and wanting to improve. We’ve been away in Marbella for five or six days. I’ve had to force him to have a day off and take a rest in between. He wants to work, he wants to do more, he wants to do the extras. When his peers are partying around the beach clubs in Marbella, he’s on the grass, training with me every day. I can only comment on what I see when he trains with me. I haven’t seen him when he’s with Chelsea, but when he’s been with me, he’s switched on, he works hard, he’s on it.”

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• TELL ME MORE…

  Madueke's coach also had a word for his critics, adding: "That’s water off a duck’s back. He takes that on board and it’s part of the game. That is not going to faze him and he wants to be a success there. Arsenal fans will come to love him, I’m sure. It’s close to the family home so he’s settled. Arsenal’s a massive club and Noni wants to be one of the best players in the world.”

They might not have officially announced any signings yet, but Arsenal have finally started making moves this summer.

For example, last week reports claimed that Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga are set to sign for the club.

On top of that, reports from earlier this week claimed that Martin Zubimendi was in London to finally complete his long-awaited move from Real Sociedad.

Finally, there has been an abundance of stories linking Arsenal to the incredible Eberechi Eze in recent days.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, the club could now be nearing an agreement to sign another attacking gem who would be an even more exciting addition to the team than the Englishman.

Arsenal close to signing goalscoring monster

With Arsenal creating the best defence in the Premier League for the second campaign running this season and still finishing second, it’s hardly a surprise to see them linked with an exhaustive list of incredible attacking talents in recent weeks.

The likes of Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Crystal Palace’s Eze have all been touted for moves to the Emirates, and while all feel like realistic targets, it’s the latter who has been the subject of more reports in recent days.

The England international has a release clause worth around £68m in his current contract, and according to Fabrizio Romano, he was involved in talks with the Gunners over the weekend.

Transfer Focus

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

The Eagles’ gem would undoubtedly be a seriously exciting addition to Arteta’s squad, but it now looks like the club might be closing in on another attacker and someone who’d be that bit more exciting a signing: Benjamin Sesko.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Slovenian international and that they are now ‘edging closer to an agreement with RB Leipzig’ for his transfer.

The report goes on to reveal that even though the German outfit want a fee in excess of €80m for the striker, which is about £69m, the two sides may be ‘nearing a compromise’ worth around €75m, which converts to about £64m.

Despite that news, the Gunners are still intent on signing Viktor Gyokeres too, with advanced talks also in place for the Swede.

Why Sesko would be a more exciting signing than Eze

Now, while Arsenal should try to sign both players this summer, there are two intertwined reasons why we think Sesko would have a greater impact than Eze, and therefore be the more exciting addition: his goal-scoring instincts and where he plays.

We say this because the Gunners’ biggest problem last season was not creating chances, but finishing them.

According to Understat, the Premier League runners-up produced an expected goals figure of 73.57, but scored just 69 goals.

Now, while one way to address this problem is to create more goal-scoring opportunities, bringing in a more clinical number nine seems far more straightforward than changing how the team approaches games, which is where the Leipzig star comes into play.

For example, in 33 league appearances this season, he scored 13 goals from an expected goals figure of 10.84, whereas Kai Havertz scored nine from a figure of 11.83, and Gabriel Jesus managed three from a figure of 3.38.

In short, the “monumental” Slovenian poacher, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is far more effective in front of goal than the Gunners’ current crop of forwards, and even more clinical than Eze, as he scored his eight league goals from an expected goals figure of 1.88.

Finally, if we simply compare the Leipzig star’s overall output from this season to the Palace star’s, we once again see that he’s a better source of goals and assists, which is what the North Londoners need next year.

For example, the former RB Salzburg monster scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or every 120.66 minutes.

In contrast, the Greenwich-born dynamo scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal or assist every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

Ultimately, Sesko is far more clinical than Arsenal’s current centre-forward options and a better source of goal involvements than Eze, and therefore, would be the more exciting signing this summer.

A big upgrade on Eze: Arsenal discussing move to sign £80m "nightmare"

The international attacker would be brilliant for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 1, 2025

Tottenham have West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus at the very top of their transfer priority list, but he isn’t their only desired target this summer, as the Lilywhites open club-to-club discussions for another target.

Thomas Frank has already welcomed back some key players for his first-ever pre-season at Spurs, with Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke, Lucas Bergvall, Deki Kulusevski, Djed Spence and Antonin Kinsky all returning to training four days ago as the Lilywhites manager assesses his new squad.

Tottenham in talks over selling "underrated" player with £60m offer made

Spurs are in negotiations.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 8, 2025

Frank has a key issue to deal with in regard to UEFA’s 25-man Champions League squad rule, with their lack of ‘locally trained’ assets to fill an eight-player quota proving problematic.

This could result in Spurs having to register a depleted Champions League squad whilst leaving senior players out, according to The Telegraph, but Frank’s side also need to strengthen as they look to compete on four fronts again next term.

Tottenham are widely reported to be in talks over a deal for Kudus, who is believed to be prioritising a move to N17 above every other potential landing spot (Fabrizio Romano), so terms don’t appear to be the issue here.

Finding a rare agreement with West Ham, 14 years after their last transfer deal, will prove the ultimate challenge.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

West Ham could demand as much as £70 million to let Kudus leave, and they’ve already rejected a £50 million bid from Spurs, so the Hammers won’t be pushovers in negotiations, despite their rumoured need to sell before they can kickstart Graham Potter’s own summer recruitment drive.

Tottenham are not giving up, though, with West Ham insider ExWHUemployee reporting that the east Londoners anticipate an imminent new bid from their rivals.

“We spoke to our top source at the club within the last half hour and asked for an update, and we were told: Spurs, sadly, only bid £50m. We hope other clubs will come in. There are very few clubs that buy players for £50m/£60m and need a RW,” said Ex earlier this week, via West Ham Way.

“West Ham are expecting Spurs to come back with an improved offer in the next day or so and will hope at least one other club will compete.

“Kudus is said to be happy to move to Spurs. He will get Champions League football and has been promised he will be the main man.”

While Kudus is the main target right now, technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy are finding time to work on other targets as well.

Tottenham open discussions with Burnley over Maxime Esteve

That is according to French newspaper L’Equipe, who report that Burnley defender Maxime Esteve is back on Spurs’ radar after a failed £21 million January bid.

The 23-year-old was a mainstay for Scott Parker last season and one of the Clarets’ most reliable players as Burnley achieved promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking, and Tottenham are certainly interested.

It is believed that Tottenham have re-opened discussions with Burnley over signing Esteve, and the Lancashire side were demanding around £30 million to sell in the winter.

After a fantastic season, his price tag is unlikely to have dropped since then, so it is reasonable to assume the 6 foot 4 Frenchman could still command a similar fee.

In any case, L’Equipe report that Spurs are trying to find an agreement with Burnley, so this could be one to watch.

“I’ve been really impressed with Maxi,” said Parker about Esteve last season.

“First and foremost he’s a great kid and an unbelievable professional. Just his general aura about him and his humility about the boy and his professionalism, just everything about him is top, top boy and of course you see his quality as well.”

It is non-negotiable that Tottenham Hotspur need to recruit new signings this summer ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full campaign in charge, with the Dane looking to build on Ange Postecoglou’s historic Europa League triumph.

Frank holds Tottenham talks over signing £300k-p/w ace who's open to joining

The Spurs boss has been discussing him with Lilywhites hierarchy.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

Spurs’ memorable night in Bilbao at the end of last month ended their 17-year-long wait for a piece of major silverware whilst simultaneously gifting them a spot in next season’s Champions League draw.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Their place in Europe’s most prestigious competition has been described as “huge” in terms of their recruitment plans, and it means that chairman Daniel Levy no longer has to adopt a ‘sell to buy’ policy (Sky Sports).

The Lilywhites have already put their European financial windfall to good use, striking a permanent deal for Mathys Tel last weekend for a cut-price £30 million fee, and he’s unlikely to be their last winger signing.

Tottenham have apparently approached West Ham over signing Mohammed Kudus, who they’re prepared to pay £50 million for, whilst the likes of Man City star Jack Grealish, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo have all been linked this week.

Grealish’s £300,000-per-week wages are a stumbling block in potential Spurs talks for the England international, while West Ham are thought to want around £65 million for Kudus as well.

Even the teenage Dibling could cost as much as £51 million to prise away from St. Mary’s, so quality wingers with Premier League experience are likely to come at a premium.

The need for another wide player is exacerbated by reports that Son could leave Tottenham this summer, and Mbeumo in particular is believed to be a “priority” target for Frank.

Tottenham have "firm offer on the table" for Bryan Mbeumo

That is according to inews, who also report that Mbeumo has a “firm offer on the table” to join Spurs before deadline day on September 1.

While Man United remain in pole position to sign the Cameroonian as things stand, the Red Devils still need to “significantly” increase their opening bid of £55 million, which has been called nowhere near Brentford’s valuation of their top scorer last season.

inews echo a recent report by Fabrizio Romano that Spurs made Mbeumo’s signing a priority as soon as Frank came through the door, and the 25-year-old is still tempted by the prospect of a reunion with his former manager amid United’s pursuit.

Mbeumo’s 20-goal haul in all competitions last term makes him a very attractive potential signing for Levy, especially considering Son’s links with a move to Saudi Arabia, but other reports claim the Bees value their star man at around £70 million.

“The big praise goes to Bryan,” said Frank during their time together at the Gtech Community Stadium, via The Athletic.

“He has grown more and more to be a key player for us. He works so hard, he’s a fantastic pressing player and can score goals and get assists, but maybe lacked enough goals. He works very hard on his finishing.”