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It feels like it could be a long old season for West Ham United this year.

The East Londoners may have beaten Nottingham Forest last time out, but with three defeats before that, it feels like Graham Potter is already on borrowed time.

It’s not just the defeats that have been worrying, but the manner of them, losing 3-0 to newly promoted Sunderland, being thrashed 5-1 by London rivals Chelsea, and blowing a lead away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Unsurprisingly, the Irons have been linked with a host of potential replacements in recent weeks, including former player Frank Lampard.

Frank Lampard could replace Graham Potter

With just six wins in 23 games, it’s not hard to imagine any number of managers doing a better job than Potter in East London, including Lampard.

The Hammers have reportedly already been in contact with the former player, and it’s easy to see why they might consider him a worthwhile gamble.

Since taking charge of Coventry City, the 47-year-old has won 20 games, drawn seven and lost 12, which isn’t too bad at all considering the hyper-competitive nature of the Championship.

Moreover, since the season began, the Sky Blues have been absolutely flying, scoring 14 goals, conceding just six and taking eight points from a possible 12.

Moreover, while the former Chelsea legend didn’t exactly blow anyone away the last time he managed in the Premier League, he was still able to keep Everton from going down and averaged 1.75 points per game during his first stint in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

In all, Lampard looks to have further developed as a manager and could be the answer to West Ham’s Potter-shaped problems.

However, there is another manager on the market who we think would do an even better job at the London Stadium and help the likes of Jarrod Bowen reach another level.

The manager West Ham should hire over Lampard

Now, although we think Lampard would do a better job managing West Ham than Potter, an even better option than him might be Marco Rose.

Manager Focus

Granted, the German manager hasn’t actually been linked with the club yet, but since leaving RB Leipzig in March of this year, he has been without a club.

So, why would the East Londoners want to hire the 48-year-old?

Well, one of the most significant reasons is that he’s a manager who tends to get the very best out of his attacking talent, and as a result, plays some exhilarating football.

For example, in the 20/21 season, Borussia Dortmund scored 75 goals in the Bundesliga, but then by the end of the following season, when Rose was in charge, they’d moved up a place in the table and scored 85 goals.

Mönchengladbach

88

47%

0

Dortmund

55

59%

0

RB Leipzig

128

56%

3

The same happened at Borrussia Mönchengladbach, as they finished the 18/19 season having scored 55 goals, which increased to 66 the following campaign and 64 the year after that.

Moreover, while the effectiveness of Leipzig’s attack did vary a bit more during his tenure, the former RB Salzburg boss led them to a DFB Pokal triumph.

So, just imagine what the “outstanding” tactician, as dubbed by Dortmund legend Marco Reus, could do with players like Jarrod Bowen, who, even in this system, continues to be a real goalscoring threat.

Finally, even if you ignore the argument that he’ll bring a more entertaining brand of football to the club, you can just look at his overall managerial record.

Games

458

235

463

Wins

274

103

191

Draws

84

47

123

Losses

100

85

149

Points per Game

1.98

1.51

1.50

In 458 matches, he has managed to maintain an average of 1.98 points per game – and win two league titles in Austria – whereas Lampard has averaged 1.51 points per game and Potter an even less impressive 1.50.

Ultimately, even though he hasn’t been linked with the club, West Ham should do what they can to hire Rose, and not only would he be an upgrade on Potter, but his attacking style could get even more out of Bowen.

West Ham make contact with ex-Everton manager to replace Graham Potter

Potter’s job is far from secure at the London Stadium…

1 ByTom Cunningham Sep 6, 2025

After games in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and now Dubai, New Zealand will head to Lahore for their semi-final – they are the only semi-finalist who will have played four games at four different venues

Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Mar-2025

So far in the Champions Trophy, New Zealand are doing all their usual things well – fielding nicely, finding top-order runs, finishing strong. They also have the bowling resources to adapt to Dubai’s surfaces, Glenn Phillips feels.The final group match of the tournament is not a live match exactly. New Zealand and India are both through to the final four, and their semi-final locations are set (New Zealand will definitely play theirs in Lahore, and India theirs in Dubai). The match will, however, decide whom they play – whoever wins plays Australia.Perhaps more vitally, however, a run in Dubai gives New Zealand a chance to become familiar with this set of Dubai conditions. Most of their players will have played at this venue previously, of course. But these are substantially used surfaces following the ILT20 and India’s first two games, in which the surfaces were on the slower side.Related

India and New Zealand face off to identify semi-final opponents

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Glenn Phillips finds secret to his success

“It comes down to the execution on pitches like this,” Phillips said. “We’ve got two really good spinners [Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell], and then allrounders in myself and Rachin Ravindra to be able to offer overs if we’re needed.”And then we’ve got three high-quality pace bowlers – Matt Henry nips it on glass, and our two big tall boys [Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke] that have got variable bounce and in Pakistan have been quite tough to play. I think that covers our bases quite nicely.”New Zealand are also the only team in the semi-finals who will play four matches in four different venues. Australia have played two in Lahore already, and will play a third match there if New Zealand win on Sunday. South Africa have played two in Karachi so far. New Zealand began in Karachi against Pakistan, went to Rawalpindi and beat Bangladesh there, before travelling to Dubai for this game. Being adaptable, though, has been one of New Zealand’s hallmarks in big tournaments over the last ten years.New Zealand had also won the pre-Champions Trophy tri-series in Pakistan, defeating Pakistan and then South Africa in Lahore, before beating Pakistan in the final in Karachi. They then beat the hosts in Karachi to kick this tournament off.2:30

Does Daryl Mitchell slot back into NZ’s XI?

“I think the beauty of Pakistan is every pitch we’ve played on has been significantly different to the last and I think that’s been great preparation for us coming over to Dubai, knowing that the pitch is going to be different again,” Phillips said. “We’ve had a lot of different situations, we’ve had balls that have spun, we’ve had surfaces that have been flat and fast, and boundaries that are small.”This ground presents us with a different challenge of being potentially a little bit slower, more void of grass and maybe slightly slower outfields. So I think we pride ourselves on trying to be as adaptable as possible.”Phillips mistakenly initially thought there was no reserve day for the semi-final due to be held in Pakistan, which would have allowed the group-topper to progress to the final more smoothly. But there is a reserve day for the semi-final in Lahore, and it is only after a no-result across two days that the topping of the group becomes relevant to progressing to the final.He maintained, nevertheless, that there was incentive to finish at the top of the group by beating India.”Finishing in the top spot goes with a great deal of confidence going into the semi-finals,” he said. “At the end of the day, we always, in a tournament like this, go out to win every game possible and momentum is a strange thing in cricket especially.”

Leeds United are now racing to sign a sought after midfielder who is “definitely” world-class, and his club have made him available, according to a report.

Leeds looking to improve midfield options

Leeds are still in the market for an attacking midfielder, having mainly bolstered their options in more defensive areas up to this point, and Leicester City’s Bilal El-Khannouss has now emerged as a target, with talks set to take place soon.

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Having already brought in Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach this summer, strengthening in deeper midfield areas may no longer be a priority for Daniel Farke, but there may still be room for one more addition in that area of the pitch.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which reveals Leeds are one of a number of Premier League clubs racing to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, who has now been made available for a transfer this summer.

A deal could be expensive, however, with the Italian club looking to receive €40m (£35m), amid widespread interest in Luiz’s signature, with the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and West Ham United also named as potential suitors.

Nottingham Forest are thought to be leading the race for the former Aston Villa man, and there are indications that he could be keen on a return to England, with his representatives turning down an approach from Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Leeds now racing to sign £26m striker who's scored 3 goals at Elland Road

He loves playing against the Whites.

ByCharlie Smith Aug 6, 2025 Luiz would be statement signing for Leeds

Upon the Brazilian’s arrival at Juventus, he received high praise from ESPN’s Leonardo Bertozzi, who said: “Douglas Luiz world class? Definitely yes, Douglas Luiz has been coveted by the big Premier League clubs and would have played at City with Guardiola if he had received his work permit earlier.

“On the national team level, he will be one of the leading names for the 2026 World Cup.”

The 27-year-old also has a proven track record of success in the Premier League, indicating he could be a real difference-maker in Leeds’ battle to avoid relegation, performing remarkably well across the 2023-24 campaign.

That said, it could be very difficult to win the race for Luiz’s signature, given the interest from some top clubs, and it is more important for Leeds to strengthen in more attacking areas, having already signed Stach and Longstaff.

تنطلق بعد ساعات قليلة واحدة من أكثر مباريات دوري أبطال أوروبا ترقبًا هذا الموسم بين برشلونة وباريس سان جيرمان على ملعب “مونتجويك”.

والتقى كل من خوان لابورتا رئيس برشلونة وناصر الخليفي رئيس باريس سان جيرمان قبل انطلاق المباراة في غداء تقليدي للمسؤولين التنفيذيين.

وتفاعل لابورتا مع وسائل الإعلام خلال اجتماع الغداء، حيث أبدى رأيه في مباراة برشلونة وباريس سان جيرمان وتأثيرها على الفريق.

وقال رئيس برشلونة: “مباراة برشلونة وباريس من أفضل المباريات التي يمكنك مشاهدتها في دوري أبطال أوروبا، كنا نرغب في ذلك بالفعل العام الماضي، لكن ذلك لم يحدث، آمل أن تكون مباراة كرة قدم رائعة وآمل أن نفوز”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. ديكو:لا توجد مشكلة مع منتخب إسبانيا.. ومانشستر سيتي حاول ضم لاعب برشلونة

وتذكر لابورتا تفوق باريس سان جيرمان على برشلونة في 2024 وقد أصر رئيس برشلونة أن مباراة اليوم تعد فرصة للثأر من بطل دوري أبطال أوروبا: “كانت ستكون أفضل مباراة في الموسم الماضي لكنها لم تتحقق لأننا لم نصل للنهائي، هناك أيضاً حافز آخر لدينا وهو فوزهم علينا هنا، مع طرد أراوخو”.

وحول غيابات الفريقين اليوم بسبب الإصابات أجاب لابورتا :”إنها مباراة تنافس شديد، لدينا فريق تنافسي للغاية، تماماً مثل باريس سان جيرمان”.

واكمل: “يفتقد كلا الفريقين لاعبين وهو آمر مؤسف، لأنني كنت أتمنى أن يكون الجميع متاحاً لكن لا توجد أعذار”.

وعبر عن إعجابه بمدرب باريس سان جيرمان، لويس إنريكي: “إنه مدرب محبوب للغاية من جماهير برشلونة ونحن نحبه كثيراً”.

وسئل عن تصريحات فليك حول كون برشلونة من بين المرشحين للفوز بدوري أبطال أوروبا: “لو قال فليك ذلك لتخيلوا ما كنتم ستفعلونه، سأكون في غاية السعادة لأنه يرى أن الفريق في قمة مستواه، يسعدني أن مدربنا يثق بفريقه ويرى أن لديه فرصة جيدة للتألق في دوري أبطال أوروبا، آمل أن يتحقق ما يقوله، إذا قاله، فذلك لأنه يرى الأمور بهذه الطريقة”.

وقال عن تصريحات فليك حول ضرورة بذل لامين يامال قصارى جهده للوصول إلى القمة: “لن أخوض في هذا الموضوع، لدينا فريق تنافسي للغاية، جميع اللاعبين ممتازون، لدينا لاعبون رائعون مثل لامين وسحرة مثل بيدري لكن الأمر يتعلق بالفريق، مفتاح برشلونة اليوم هو الفريق، نعتمد على فريق تنافسي يضم مجموعة رائعة من اللاعبين”.

واختم لابورتا عن لويس فيجو وأكد أن سفير الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم سيستقبل ويعامل باحترام اليوم على الرغم من تاريخه القديم بانتقاله من برشلونة لريال مدريد: “هو عضو في مجلس إدارة الاتحاد الأوروبي وهذا أمر محترم للغاية لنا، كان لاعبنا في برشلونة ونتذكر الفترة الرائعة التي قدمها لنا، ثم اتخذ قراره والحياة استمرت وتطورت، هو سيستقبل بكل الاحترام الواجب”.

The Bangladesh selectors naming Shakib Al Hasan in the Test squad for the first match against South Africa confirms that he will return to the country for the first time since May. Shakib is reportedly landing in Dhaka on Thursday, which allows him three days to prepare for his final Test match.Shakib announced his retirement in Kanpur on September 26, wishing to complete his Test career with at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. But he had expressed concern about his safety if he came to Bangladesh, given the number of Awami League leaders being arrested since August 5, the day their government effectively resigned from power after 15 years. Shakib was a member of parliament from his hometown Magura. He was one of 147 people named in an FIR for an alleged murder during the unrest.Although the BCB said that they couldn’t guarantee Shakib’s security, Bangladesh’s interim government confirmed – a couple of times – that he is unlikely to be arrested. But the sports adviser Asif Mahmud did say that the allrounder would be better off if he were to break his silence about the student protests. Shakib did that last week, when he put up an apology on Facebook.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Selector Hannan Sarkar said that Shakib was selected only after the BCB had given them the green light.”Shakib had expressed his desire to play his final Test at home. We also know that this was a government issue and BCB issue. We sought the BCB’s clearance so when they gave us the green signal that Shakib is available for selection, we picked him. We are proud to see our legend retiring from the home of cricket.Shakib is among four spin-bowling options in the squad, alongside Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nayeem Hasan. Almost everyone that were part of the recent tours to Pakistan and India made it to this squad as well, except the fast bowler Khaled Ahmed, who was picked to play in Kanpur but bowled only four overs.Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan opened in all four Tests, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy has become their back-up. Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto could continue at No. 3 and 4, rather than the other way around since Mominul got a century batting at No 3. Shakib, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das and Mehidy round out a long Bangladesh batting order.Taijul is usually picked in home Tests ahead of a third seamer. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud should be the first choice, although Nahid Rana’s pace could be tempting.Bangladesh host South Africa for two Tests, in Mirpur from October 21 and in Chattogram from October 29. It is the first assignment under their interim coach Phil Simmons, who joined the squad on Wednesday, a day after the BCB removed Chandika Hathurusinghe from the position for disciplinary reasons.Bangladesh are currently seventh on the World Test Championship points table, after a 2-0 win in Pakistan and a 2-0 defeat in India. South Africa are fifth on the WTC standings, having most recently won a two-Test series 1-0 in the West Indies in August.

Bangladesh squad for first Test against SA

Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana

England produced an electric all-round display to set up a series decider at Bristol on Sunday, as they thrashed Australia by 186 runs at Lord’s. Harry Brook’s sublime 87 formed the backbone of the innings which was capped off by the thunderous hitting of Liam Livingstone in a ground-record 25-ball half-century. Jofra Archer then briefly rekindled memories of 2019 with the best spell of his latest comeback, while Matthew Potts bagged a career-best 4 for 38 in an overwhelming performance.Harking back to last year’s dramatic Ashes Test, there was also, briefly, a moment with an Australian wicketkeeper in the spotlight. On 17, Brook glanced Mitchell Starc down the leg side and was given out but queried whether the catch had carried to Josh Inglis, who had been recalled to the side after injury. The replays showed the ball pitching just before his gloves. The crowd booed as the pictures came on the big screen, accompanied by a few chants of ‘same old Aussies, always cheating’, but it was a tame interlude compared to 2023.Following his maiden ODI hundred in Durham, Brook cruised to a 37-ball fifty, adding 79 in 53 balls for the third wicket with Ben Duckett and 75 in 47 with Jamie Smith for the fourth, as England went through the gears in a game cut to 39 overs by heavy morning rain. Livingstone produced a grandstand finish to the innings with a mighty display of striking, including four sixes off the last over bowled by Starc, whose 28 runs conceded amounted to the most expensive over by an Australian bowler in men’s ODIs. England amassed 156 off their last 15 overs.Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh gave the daunting chase a promising start – Head launching a gigantic pull out of the ground over the Tavern Stand – and after the eight-over powerplay Australia were 66 without loss compared to England’s 34 without loss. Overall, the 16 sixes hit in the match was a record for a Lord’s ODI. However, sustaining the tempo was a tall order. Head swung across the line at Brydon Carse and Steven Smith edged an ugly charge at Potts.Then Archer produced something special. An off-cutter at 88.2mph initially shaped in at Marsh before straightening to beat the edge and clatter off stump. It was a gem of a delivery to give Archer his first Lord’s wicket since 2019 and he rightly wheeled away in celebration. When his next ball clattered into the forearm of Marnus Labuschagne, the 2019 flashbacks were in full flow, albeit in coloured clothes, and Archer also added Glenn Maxwell during Australia’s collapseBefore long, however, his ball to Marsh had a contender for delivery of the game (or series) when Carse found an unplayable offering to flatten Labuschagne’s off stump. It was a collective effort from England’s quicks who shared nine wickets – Potts taking three wickets in four balls to rush through the lower order – before Adil Rashid finished things off.Matthew Potts starred with four wickets•Getty Images

Under heavy cloud, the ball nipped around early after England had been put into bat. Phil Salt fell shortly after the powerplay, skewing the excellent Josh Hazlewood to backward point, and Will Jacks picked out the same fielder to give Marsh a wicket in his second over – the first he had bowled since April 3. On a day when Cameron Green was revealed to have a back injury, it was not insignificant that Marsh was back with the ball.Brook initially appeared to be playing a different game to the other batters, as he skipped out of the blocks with three leg-side boundaries prior to his near-dismissal, and England’s momentum built around him. Sean Abbott’s expensive series continued – by the end of the innings his combined figures for three outings were 19.4-0-165-0 – while both Brook and Duckett took on Adam Zampa as well as the other overs of spin from Maxwell and Labuschagne.Duckett, who had offered a tough return catch to Starc before scoring, sent Zampa over long-on for six before moving to a hard-working 51-ball half-century one ball later, before top-edging the legspinner to deep backward square. Smith continued the aggressive approach against Zampa, sending him over wide long-on, and Brook added a second six in the same over to deep midwicket. The 12 overs of spin went for 106.A moment of absent-mindedness nearly did for Smith when he only just avoided being run out when he didn’t run his bat in at the non-striker’s end, although the ball ended up costing Australia six runs as the deflection went to the rope. By then, Brook was challenging for England’s fastest ODI hundred at Lord’s – 61 balls by Jos Buttler – but picked out long-on as Zampa ended his stay from his 58th.Smith fell in the next over, slicing Maxwell to short third, but any concerns the innings may limp to a finish vanished as Livingstone provided stunning late power. A huge blow over midwicket off Hazlewood was followed by the dismantling of Starc’s figures, including two sixes into the pavilion, to the increasingly joyous roars of a large crowd. Unlike last summer, an England-Australia series goes to the final game 2-2, although the weather in Bristol may yet have the final say.

West Ham United find themselves in the hunt for new attacking options and could look to steal a march on Everton to land a striking target, according to a report.

West Ham look to bring attacking flair to the London Stadium

The Hammers struggled for goals last term and weren’t helped by Michail Antonio’s unfortunate injury struggles, while Niclas Fullkrug and Evan Ferguson weren’t able to deliver often enough in his absence. Danny Ings has also left under freedom of contract.

Addressing potential targets, former manager Martin Allen believes Aleksandar Mitrovic would be an upgrade on West Ham’s current striking options if they are to push forward in a bid to sign the Serbia international from Al-Hilal.

He explained: “West Ham certainly need somebody up front. Mitrovic was at Fulham and did so well there. Can West Ham afford £40m for him? I’m not sure they can. Would he fit into their team and do well? I personally think he would, he’d be an improvement on what they’ve got.”

West Ham are reportedly keen on adding Mitrovic to their forward line, even if his former club Fulham and the might of Manchester United stand in the way, though he is far from the only name linked with a move to the London Stadium.

Approach made: West Ham now in contact to sign "incredible" £20m defender

The Hammers have come forward for a centre-back, who they are now seriously interested in signing.

ByDominic Lund May 25, 2025

Tammy Abraham could move to the Hammers after a frustrating loan spell at AC Milan, albeit that would depend on whether parent club AS Roma feel now is the right time to let the England international return to more familiar surroundings.

Speculation is beginning to mount with the window now open and West Ham are looking to brush Everton aside in the race for a talented young forward, per recent developments.

West Ham hold talks to beat Everton to Adama Bojang signature

According to The Express, West Ham are eyeing a move for Gambian striker Adama Bojang, who spent the entirety of last campaign on loan at Grasshoppers Zurich from Stade de Reims.

Coming in with a return of six goals and two assists in 27 appearances across all competitions, he has previously attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City before settling on a £3m move to France.

Adama Bojang in 2024/25 – Swiss Super League (Fotmob)

Shots

41

Shots on target

21

Chances created

13

Completed dribbles

14

Touches in opposition penalty area

93

Labelled “The Gambian Hurricane” as his rise to prominence continues, Everton and Brentford are also interested in his services, but the Hammers hold a key advantage after initiating talks over a potential deal.

Reims are hesitant to let him depart. Nevertheless, their relegation to the second-tier could mean they have to sell players to balance the books.

Bojang is unlikely to be a first-team starter straight away, though any notion of an agreement could see West Ham bring down the age of their strikeforce further after they brought in Daniel Cummings from Celtic to kickstart their summer business.

Last summer, Arsenal needed to sign a new centre-forward. Benjamin Sesko was in their crosshairs but he ultimately ended up signing a new contract with current employers, RB Leipzig.

In the end, the Gunners went without. The only signing to bolster the forward line was Raheem Sterling.

The Chelsea loanee promised we’d see the best of him. That did not happen.

In January, Mikel Arteta was crying out for a striker again but it wasn’t forthcoming. What happened next? Kai Havertz sustained a nasty hamstring injury during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

Arsenal’s Premier League form suffered drastically and it ultimately tripped them up in Paris when they exited the Champions League at the semi-final stages.

So, a year on from when a new centre-forward first should have arrived, Arteta and Co are back at square one, chasing Sesko again.

Arsenal moving closer to signing a new centre forward

When you end the campaign with Mikel Merino up top, you know something has gone drastically wrong.

In all fairness, Merino was fine. Fine being the key word. He wasn’t exceptional, he wasn’t the spearhead you need to win a Premier League or continental title but he did score six goals in 12 outings as a striker.

That’s not bad at all, but it’s not the 54-goal tally Viktor Gyokeres scored. It’s not the 27 goals Alexander Isak scored. It’s not the 21 goals Sesko scored either.

All three of those players would be excellent signings, but it’s Sesko who looks the most likely to arrive at the moment.

Transfer Focus

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

That’s according to German publication BILD, via Sport Witness. They report on Wednesday that a deal is beginning to move on the player side.

Indeed, BILD states that Arsenal have ‘reached an agreement’ on personal terms between them and the striker.

While that doesn’t mean anything is wrapped up with Leipzig, the report does note that Arsenal have signalled to the Bundesliga club that they are set to made a bid that will not fall below their expectations financially.

It’s likely to take an offer between £68m-£85m to convince them to sell.

How Sesko could replicate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Arsenal

It’s safe to say that since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left Arsenal behind, Arteta has lacked a real potent centre-forward.

That’s not to say it was a mistake to let him go. After all, the Gabonese striker departed in controversial circumstances, stripped of the captaincy (video below) and then flying out to Barcelona on a trip that wasn’t sanctioned by the club.

Despite his flaws, Aubameyang was a mighty fine player for the club and was a key reason behind Arteta’s only trophy as a manager so far, the FA Cup in 2019/20.

Given Arsenal’s recent progress, it’s remarkable that they’re currently in the middle of a five-year trophy drought, but it’s perhaps no coincidence that they’re yet to win any major honours since Auba departed.

His record with the Gunners was exceptional, scoring 92 goals in 163 outings, most notably winning the Premier League Golden Boot in 2018/19.

He was one of the meanest forwards in the whole of English football during his time at the Emirates Stadium and even deservedly found his way into the PFA Team of the Year for 2019/20.

Aubameyang was relentless, netting 31 goals in 51 games throughout 2018/19 and then the following term, he bagged 29 in 44 matches.

Well, if Sesko did arrive then he’d certainly have a lot to live up to but there are similarities in the way they play the game.

Described as “the new Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig, the Slovenian possesses a tall frame, standing at 6 foot 5. In contrast, the former Arsenal forward stands at 6 foot 2.

There is a slight difference there but what their height allows is for a longer and more powerful stride pattern. They can burst beyond the last line of the defence and surge towards goal in a similarly explosive fashion.

Rather than relying on intricate build-up play, they’re also very clever with their movement and rely on their instinctive finishing ability. In essence, they’re both mighty fine poachers. More often than not, they’re always in the right place at the right time.

Shots

2.50

2.61

Shot on target %

43.9%

44%

Average shot distance

17.5 yards

15.5 yards

Expected goals (xG)

0.38

0.42

Shot-creating actions

1.93

1.98

Touches

34.1

35.4

Carries

16.8

20.9

Completed passes

15.7

17.6

Key passes

0.72

0.75

Pass completion %

67.6%

67.3%

Comparing one of Aubameyang’s best seasons at Arsenal with Sesko’s latest campaign, we can see see alike the pair are.

They took a near identical number of touches and completed a near identical rate of successful passes per 90 minutes, suggesting their actions in the build-up are very similar.

Likewise, they come out very closely for key passes and shot-creating actions, underlining how often they make something happen in the final third of the pitch.

Aged just 22, Sesko clearly has a lot of development left to do but if Arteta could extract that in north London, the Spaniard may well have the next Aubameyang on his hands, just without the excess baggage. That doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

He's shades of Nwaneri: Berta holds talks to sign £40m star for Arsenal

Arsenal are looking at signing one of Europe’s best young prospects this summer.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 18, 2025

Newcastle United’s campaign hangs in the balance, the uncertainty cloaking the gateway back into European competition.

Fourth in the Premier League, two points behind sixth-place Nottingham Forest (who sit just outside a Champions League-qualifying spot), Eddie Howe’s Carabao Cup champions need to hold their nerve over the final few weeks, with fixtures against Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton looming.

It’s a good position the Magpies hold, though, and Howe will be confident that he can get back into the big time and convince some exciting players to join the St. James’ Park cause.

Indeed, Newcastle have already put an offer on the table for one player searching for a way back into the Champions League.

Newcastle eyeing up new midfielder

Although Alexander Isak’s departure from St James’ Park this summer now looks unlikely, it hasn’t stopped a whole wave of new attackers being linked with a move.

Bryan Mbeumo is one hot topic in the Toon right now, with recent reports suggesting Newcastle ‘can afford’ to get a deal over the line if they were to push hard enough this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

While strengthening in attack will be key, particularly if Howe’s men reach the Champions League, they must not neglect other areas.

According to Spanish reports, Newcastle have put a firm offer on the table for Girona midfielder Yangel Herrera, with the La Liga club open to the 27-year-old’s sale this summer.

Whether the proposal, worth about €25m (£21m), will be enough to convince Girona to part with Herrera remains to be seen, especially with Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest also keen on a deal.

What Yangel Herrera would bring to Newcastle

Howe likes his midfield to pack a punch. Bruno Guimaraes is silky, stylish and all the superlatives, but he’s also a combative little player, tenacious in the tackle.

Sandro Tonali also has a certain bite to his game, interspersing defensive efforts between the many long, stroking passes that define his style. According to Sofascore, he’s won 1.4 tackles per top-flight fixture this term, winning 54% of his ground duels.

Then there’s Joelinton. A raging bull of a midfielder, he’s a fantastic asset, so much energy and flair as he lopes around the pitch, winning duels, recovering loose balls and generally just menacing his opponents.

That’s not to negate his technical ability, of course, but it’s clear where Joelinton’s strengths lie. Such strengths are hard to replicate, but Newcastle could do just that with Herrera, who for the past three seasons has played for Girona, the first of which he was a loanee, sent out by Manchester City.

Like Joelinton, Herrera likes to get forward and score, ranking among the top 12% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and the top 13% for touches in the attacking box per 90, as per FBref. He also ranks among the top 9% for aerials won per 90. He’s been described as a “monster” of a player by Opta journalists Jamie Kemp and Robbie Dunne.

The Newcastle midfielder’s data follows a similar track. He ranks among the top 18% for goals, the top 9% for shots, the top 8% for touches in the box and the top 5% for aerial battles won per 90 (also FBref).

Such similarities have actually seen the stat-driven site record Joelinton as Herrera’s most comparable player, hardly that surprising after collating the two pieces of data.

It’s curious that the players’ metrics are so closely aligned, and it’s more interesting still that Herrera actually outstrips Joelinton across defensive areas. The 27-year-old is a real La Liga menace, and one who could complete Newcastle’s midfield next season, blending that technique and combativeness that Howe likes so much.

With the Champions League on the cards once again, Newcastle have an attractive project which could convince the Girona man to jump ship.

Liverpool could sign dream Trent successor who's 'one of the best in the PL'

Alexander-Arnold’s decision has left Liverpool in search of a new right-back.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 6, 2025

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in February 2006 remains one of the Gunners’ finest nights in their history.

In the clubs’ first-ever meeting, a sole Thierry Henry goal was enough to give the north Londoners a slim advantage going into the second leg at Highbury.

Arsene Wenger’s side would pull off a big Champions League upset by holding the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo to a goalless draw to make the quarter-finals.

19 years on, Arsenal are once again heading to the Santiago Bernabeu, this time hoping to secure a semi-final berth after a spellbinding 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

But what has come of the side that beat Real Madrid nearly two decades on? Here, we look back and reminisce over the players who started on that special night.

1

Jens Lehmann

Goalkeeper

German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann made history in the 2005/06 Champions League, helping the Gunners produce a record 10 consecutive clean sheets in the competition.

The shutout in Madrid was clean sheet number 5, and Lehmann miraculously repeated the feat in the second leg, partly thanks to a sensational save to deny Raul.

Since retiring, the Invincible has been in coaching roles at Arsenal and Augsburg, and can currently be seen as one of the managers in Baller League UK.

2

Emmanuel Eboue

Right-back

The 2005/06 campaign saw Emmanuel Eboue’s breakthrough at Arsenal, with the full-back standing in for Lauren in the Cameroonian’s final season at the club.

Eboue managed to keep Robinho quiet at the Bernabeu, with the Brazilian taken off after an hour for Spain legend Raul.

The Ivorian has kept a low profile since retiring and has previously opened up on his mental health struggles following the end of his playing career, while he remains a cult hero in N5.

3

Philippe Senderos

Centre-back

Philippe Senderos was called upon to deputise for Sol Campbell while the England ace was out.

Senderos had not long turned 21 at the time of the first leg and kept Ronaldo at bay for 180 minutes, during which he was faultless, perhaps bar a fluffed clearance in the second leg that could have cost Arsenal dear.

Another former player to step away from the limelight since retiring, Senderos retired in 2019 after playing for second-tier Swiss side Chiasso.

4

Kolo Toure

Centre-back

Kolo Toure was a part of the Invincibles squad before moving to Manchester City in 2009.

He marshalled the back four alongside Senderos and was one of the heroes of the 2006 Champions League run, scoring the eventual winner in the semi-final against Villarreal.

Toure moved into coaching following retirement and was most recently the manager of Wigan Athletic, though he failed to win any of his games in charge.

5

Mathieu Flamini

Left-back

Mathieu Flamini was Arsenal’s makeshift left-back throughout their Champions League run with Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy both unavailable.

The Frenchman played every minute from matchday 2 until the quarter-final second leg against Juventus, securing 9 clean sheets in 10 games.

Now a successful entrepreneur, Flamini is a partner at GF Biochemicals, which looks to provide sustainable solutions for oil-based products that harm the environment.

6

Freddie Ljungberg

Right-midfield

Freddie Ljungberg is an Arsenal hero, and another of the Invincibles squad who stuck around long enough to beat Madrid on their own backyard.

The Swede had chances to score himself before Henry’s opener as Arsenal made a threatening start in Spain, coming closest but for a last-ditch challenge from Roberto Carlos.

Ljungberg was an Arsenal youth team coach and briefly the Gunners’ interim manager following Unai Emery’s sacking, and can also be seen alongside Jens Lehmann in the Baller League, where they manage N5 FC.

7

Alexander Hleb

Centre-midfield

Alexander Hleb was a January signing from VfB Stuttgart, and had seemed a shrewd addition to the side based on his first impressions.

His link-up play set up several chances on that night in the Bernabeu, and was a key player for the Gunners until his departure to Barcelona in 2008.

Now 43, the Belarussian has seemingly stepped away from football altogether since retiring in 2019.

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8

Gilberto Silva

Centre-midfield

Gilberto Silva was Arsenal’s primary midfield general post-Patrick Vieira, and the experienced head in the middle of the park before leaving north London in 2008.

Another Invincibles star, Gilberto won the league and FA Cup during his time at Arsenal.

Having retired in 2015, the Brazilian is an athlete mentor and public speaker, as per his X account. He is also a club ambassador for the Gunners.

9

Cesc Fabregas

Centre-midfield

Cesc Fabregas was in something of a breakthrough campaign at Arsenal as he emerged from the shadow of the departed Patrick Vieira, whose Juventus side he helped knock out of the Champions League with a goal in the quarter-final.

In the round of 16 against Madrid, Fabregas played the all-important assist for Thierry Henry to give Arsenal the lead in the Spanish capital.

A former Gunners captain, Fabregas is now the manager of Italian side Como, who are set to secure safety in Serie A following their promotion last year.

10

Jose Antonio Reyes

Left-midfield

Jose Antonio Reyes became an instant hero following his arrival at Arsenal in January 2004, and was an integral part of the team in his first 18 months at the club.

His Gunners career petered out after that, but Reyes did play in all bar one of Arsenal’s matches in the Champions League, starting both legs against Madrid.

Reyes sadly passed away in 2019, though he is still fondly remembered by the Arsenal faithful as one of their Invincibles heroes.