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Arsenal have now identified Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as their priority transfer target, and they have decided to make an offer of €90m (£77m), according to a report from Defensa Central.

Who is signing Aurelien Tchouameni?

It has recently been reported that Manchester United are in the race for Tchouameni, with manager Erik ten Hag personally instructing the board to make a move for the Real Madrid midfielder, who is ready to leave this summer.

However, Man United are not the only Premier League club to be linked with a move for the Frenchman, with Liverpool previously being named as potential suitors, while Chelsea could also be in the mix.

It has recently been reported that Arsenal are keen on the 23-year-old, and it now appears as though they are ready to take that interest one step further, by lodging an official bid.

According to a report from Defensa Central, the France international has now become the priority target for Mikel Arteta, and they have decided to make an offer amount to €90m (£77m) in order to win the race for his signature.

The report stresses that the Real Madrid star is one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market, however his current employers are not considering selling him, and the player himself wants to succeed at Real Madrid.

As such, while the Gunners are very interested in the £207k-per-week star, it does not seem likely he will be making the switch to the Emirates Stadium anytime soon.

Is Tchouameni signing for Arsenal?

Going off the aforementioned report, Arsenal do not stand much chance of signing the former AS Monaco man, however there have been other reports which indicate that he is keen to leave Real Madrid this summer.

If the midfielder makes it clear he wants to move on, that could potentially open the door for a move to Arsenal, and he could be a fantastic partner for Declan Rice, who is set to complete his medical soon, after cutting his holiday short.

Lauded as a "monster" by France U21s manager Sylvain Ripoll, the maestro could do a fantastic job sitting in front of the back four, given that he averaged more tackles and interceptions per game in La Liga than any other Real Madrid player last season.

With an average pass success rate of 93.5% in the 2022-23 La Liga season, Tchouameni ranked second only to Toni Kroos in terms of Real Madrid players who played a full 90 minutes last season, indicating he has all the qualities to be a success at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal are set to make another bid for Jurrien Timber, and the player is keen to move to the Emirates, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the latest on Arsenal and Timber?

Mikel Arteta is keen to sign the Ajax defender to add another option to the right side of his backline. The 22-year-old has played at both centre-back and right-back in his career, and will add quality depth following Arsenal's collapse after injuries to William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Arsenal reportedly are close to agreeing personal terms with the Dutch international, and have already had a bid knocked back, but seem confident that they will land their target.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano claimed that Timber is excited for the move, and that a new offer is being prepared.

"To close in on Arsenal situation, they will bid again also for Jurrien Timber, Arsenal are preparing a new proposal," he stated.

"They want to bid again, they want to reach an agreement with Ajax, they already have an agreement with the player [approval]. Timber considers the Arsenal project perfect for his idea and [he's] really excited."

Where could Timber play for Arsenal?

Given that both William Saliba and Ben White were outstanding for Arsenal last season, it will be a big ask for Timber to arrive as an immediate starter ahead of either established defender.

However, Arsenal's defensive vulnerabilities were shown when Rob Holding had to take Saliba's place following his long-term injury, and this was arguably the main reason for their collapse in the title race.

The Gunners conceded 13 goals in six games with Holding in the starting XI, a rate of 2.16 per game, compared to 30 in the 32 matches without him, a rate of 0.93 per game, and this significant difference is an area of weakness that needs addressing this summer.

Between White, Tomiyasu, Saliba and Timber, minutes on the right-side can be shared around, which will be particularly important as Arsenal return to the Champions League, and extra rotation may be necessary.

Timber ranks near the top of his peers for his ability on the ball as per FBref, and this could prove crucial in both defensive positions as he aims to cover one of Saliba or White.

At 22, the Ajax vice-captain will be a signing who can make an impact in the long-term, and he could prove to be a vital option within the squad as Arsenal aim to challenge Manchester City for the title again.

استطاع فريق سيمبا التنزاني الفوز على نظيره جوانينج جلاكسي بسداسية دون رد، خلال المباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، والتأهل لدور ربع النهائي.

والتقى سيمبا مع جوانينج جلاكسي، على أرضية استاد بنجامين مكابا الوطني، في الجولة السادسة والأخيرة من مجموعات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وتقدم سعيدي نتيبازونكيزا بالهدف الأول في الدقيقة 7، وأحرز با عمر جوب الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 14، فيما سجل كيبو دينيس الهدف الثالث في الدقيقة 22.

طالع أيضاً.. فيديو | صن داونز يحقق فوزًا صعبًا على مازيمبي ويتصدر مجموعته في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وفي الدقيقة 86 أضاف أدريان شاما الهدف الرابع، وسجل كينيدي جمعة وفابريس نجوما الهدفين الخامس والسادس في الدقيقتين 86 و89.

ويتواجد سيمبا وجوانينج جلاكسي في المجموعة الثانية من مجموعات دوري أبطال إفريقيا رفقة أسيك ميموزا والوداد المغربي.

بهذا الفوز، يحتل سيمبا المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب المجموعة الثانية برصيد 9 نقاط، بينما يتواجد جوانينج جلاكسي بالمركز الرابع والأخير ولديه 4 نقاط.

Former South Africa limited-overs captain Johan Botha has been given Australian citizenship after moving to the country four years ago.Botha, who captained South Africa in 10 ODIs and 11 T20Is between 2008 and 2012, played the last of his international matches for the side in October 2012.He was released from his CSA contract after the 2012 World T20 and moved to Australia to take up the role of South Australia’s captain. He captained for only one season but went on to take 64 wickets over three seasons for the side, in 23 matches.Botha has played all seasons of the Big Bash League so far, first for the Adelaide Strikers and then the Sydney Sixers, taking 22 wickets in 35 matches. He will turn out for the Sixers in the upcoming tournament. The Sixers confirmed that Botha will be classified as a local player in the tournament.Overall, Botha played five Tests, 78 ODIs and 40 T20Is between November 2005 and October 2012. He took 17 Test wickets and had 72 and 37 dismissals in ODIs and T20Is respectively. He led South Africa to eight wins each in ODIs and T20Is.

Celtic have one more match left to play – against Inverness in the Scottish Cup final – before they complete their 2022/23 campaign and could end it with a domestic treble.

Their success may not stop manager Ange Postecoglou from adding to his squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, though, and there is one player who they should be looking to snap up in the coming weeks.

It has been reported that Aberdeen are closing in on a deal to bring Leighton Clarkson back for a second spell at the club following his loan in 22/23.

However, the Hoops have also been linked with a swoop to sign the Liverpool midfielder this summer and Postecoglou must now hijack their rivals' move for the ace this summer.

How did Leighton Clarkson perform this season?

The 21-year-old ace enjoyed a terrific campaign with the Dons as he produced excellent displays on a regular basis in the Scottish Premiership and the youngster could form an exciting partnership with current Celtic star Reo Hatate.

In 22/23, Clarkson racked up five goals and eight assists in 34 league appearances. The magician proved himself to be capable of making a huge impact in the final third by delivering goals and assists on a semi-regular basis from the middle of the park, which suggests that he could be a game-changer for the Hoops at the top end of the pitch.

However, the £3k-per-week talent did not shy away from his defensive responsibilities as the battler made 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game in the Scottish top-flight and won 53% of his duels.

No Celtic midfielder made as many tackles and interceptions per match as Clarkson and this indicates that the Englishman could provide an extra level of bite to Postecoglou's midfield options.

It is the other side of the game, however, where the 21-year-old and Hatate could get supporters off their feet as a pair at Parkhead next season as both gems have the ability to be difference-makers on the ball.

In the Premiership, the Japan international scored six goals and provided eight assists in 32 appearances and created ten 'big chances' for his teammates.

The 25-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.25 in the division and ranked third in the Celtic squad. Clarkson's score of 7.14 for Aberdeen, meanwhile, would place him seventh for the Hoops, which shows that midfielders were excellent performers in the league.

Therefore, the head coach must hijack Aberdeen's swoop for the Liverpool ace, who can "dictate play" according to Reds coach Pep Lijnders, as the youngster has the potential to be an exciting partner for Hatate in midfield, with both players able to score and assist goals from central positions.

A career-best T20 score from Ben Duckett has powered Northants into the NatWest Blast T20 final for the third time in four years.

Report by George Dobell20-Aug-2016
ScorecardA career-best T20 score from Ben Duckett powered Northants into the NatWest Blast T20 final for the third time in four years.Despite their well-documented financial troubles and the loss of Seekkuge Prasanna to international duty and Richard Gleeson to injury, Northants overcame a Nottinghamshire side that came into finals day having won their last nine T20 matches and containing nine international players and to win by eight runs.Northants looked unlikely victors when, 14 balls into the game, they had subsided to 15 for 3. And, had either of two inside edges from Duckett’s bat hit the stumps rather than skidded to the fine leg boundary, it is quite possible this match could have ended as a contest almost before it had begun.But in partnership with captain Alex Wakely, Duckett helped add 132 in 82 balls showed once again why he is one of the highest-rated young batsmen in county cricket.Demonstrating an outrageous range of scoops, reverse pulls and drives, Duckett thrashed 84 from 47 balls – only two short of the record individual score on Finals Day – to take Northants to a competitive total.While some batsman might have been forgiven for consolidating after such a poor start, Duckett reasoned there was little sense in attempting to eke out a modest total on what looks to be an excellent surface and instead counter-attacked from the start.Stuart Broad was laced through mid-off and nudged off his hips for boundaries before Samit Patel was reverse-pulled for six. At one stage he took three boundaries in succession off Steven Mullaney – a reverse sweep, a scoop and a drive – while one Patel over was punished for 20, including a six crunched over long-on.Duckett’s success does raise questions, though. Would he have won an opportunity to play in an eight-team city-based competition? As a 21-year-old developing at one of the smaller counties, would he have been given an opportunity ahead of more experienced players at more fashionable counties?He is the latest in an impressive array of talent to emerge from Northants in recent years. He recently scored 650 List A runs in the space of two weeks, including a double-century against Sri Lanka A, and was probably unfortunate to miss out on a place in the England ODI squad.Whether the club can keep him remains unclear. He is not out of contract but, like David Willey and Olly Stone before him, he is sure to attract interest from counties with deeper pockets.The value of the Wakley-Duckett partnership was highlighted once Duckett was dismissed, attempting to slog-sweep. Northants only managed one boundary in the last 25 balls of their innings, with nobody except Duckett and Wakely making more than 7.Andre Russell, despite struggling with a sore knee that forced him off the pitch at one stage, came to bowl his final over and claimed two wickets – Rory Kleinveldt and Steven Crook – to catches on the midwicket boundary and conceded just three runs in the process.Nottinghamshire were soon 15 for 3 in reply. After Michael Lumb edged to third man and Alex Hales was bowled by one that nipped back, Dan Christian was hurried by a short ball and top-edged to fine leg.But Russell plundered 20 – three fours, two of which were delicately played through or over point and one six, which was thrashed over midwicket – from one Azharullah over to put his side back on track. While Riki Wessels was caught on the point boundary, attempting to clear the field with a reverse sweep, Patel helped Russell add 45 in just 25 balls.But an outstanding piece of athleticism on the midwicket boundary – Rob Keogh throwing himself full length to cling on to an outstanding catch – ended Russell’s innings and, with Patel falling to a sharp return catch and Mullaney pulling to midwicket, it seemed Nottinghamshire would fall well short.Northants put down three chances – none of them easy – in seven balls, though, to allow Notts back into the game. Chris Read, the fortune batsman on two occasions, thrashed a quick 30 to leave Northants – struggling to bowl their overs within the permitted time and risking a six-run penalty as a result – a little rattled. But when Read was caught at long-on, Notts’ chances disappeared with him and left Northants into the final once more.”We saved our worst performance of the season for the semi-final,” Notts captain Dan Christian admitted.

Anil Kumble remained coy about Ravi Shastri being overlooked, but was more comfortable talking about his own role in his first press conference as India’s head coach

Sidharth Monga in Bangalore29-Jun-2016The last time Anil Kumble was part of an India camp was at his home ground, M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, in 2008. Two men were under immense pressure to keep their places in the side: Captain Kumble and former captain Sourav Ganguly. Just before the series both had struggled in Sri Lanka: Ganguly had scored 96 runs in six innings, and Kumble had taken eight wickets for 400 runs in three Tests. Just before the home series against Australia, Kumble answered in the negative when asked about retirements. A few days later, Ganguly announced this series was to be his last, and an injured Kumble ended his career even before Ganguly.Eight years later, Kumble and Ganguly have emerged as an unlikely duo shepherding the Indian team from the management perspective. Unlike Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, Ganguly has turned out to be pretty hands-on as a state association president and a member of the cricket advisory committee. Kumble, too, has had a stint as a state association president, actually winning an election, willing to put his reputation on the line by entering the contest. Now Ganguly is believed to have played a key role in getting Kumble as the coach of Indian team.Sitting in the same spot that Ganguly had been in when he uttered words that still resonate – “just one last thing lads, before I leave, I just want to say that this is going to be my last series,” Kumble was asked for his opinion on the way Shastri had been overlooked. Shastri had alleged Ganguly was not even present to interview him when he made his presentation. The underlying suggestion being that the decision had already been made before the interview process.Kumble was a relentless bowler, always at the batsman, but here he did a good impression of leaving this swinging ball alone outside off. “I was the first one to call Ravi after I was chosen as head coach,” Kumble said. “He did a wonderful job with the Indian team. It is not about Anil or Ravi, it is not about the head coach. It is about the players, it is about the team. And from my point of view, whether it is me or Ravi or any Indian, we all want the Indian team to do well. We all want the Indian team to perform at its best. We all believe that there is potential for the Indian team to be the best in all three formats.”And If I’m part of the journey, that’s all I have to say. He congratulated me. I told him it’s a fantastic team, a young team that we have. It could be someone else tomorrow [in place of me]. I’m not permanent in this role. I have an opportunity to make a difference. I have an opportunity to be part of the journey and if I can be part of the journey where we see Indian cricket rise to where we all want it to be, then I think it’s wonderful. I feel privileged, like I already mentioned. And an honour again to be a part of the team.”Kumble was more comfortable and open talking about his own role. At the outset he repeated that he and his support staff were going to be in the background, that his legendary status as a cricketer himself was not going to overpower his team. About his preferred support staff – Sanjay Bangar and Abhay Sharma as batting and fielding coach are temporary appointments for the upcoming West Indies tour – Kumble didn’t reveal much except that he was keen to work with the bowlers himself. A fast-bowling coach couldn’t be ruled out, though.”At this point in time, I thought I can get close to the bowlers, for a start,” Kumble said. “Yes, we are considering options, I don’t want to say what because this is my first trip as coach with the team and I’d like to observe and try and see how the team is shaping up. At this point in time, I thought that with the bowlers, it is the strategy that I can certainly play a part of and that’s something which I am looking at, trying to get closer to the bowlers, understanding what their needs are and then looking at probably bringing in, if you are looking at a fast bowling coach I think is what you are trying to say. There are considerations that I am thinking of but at this point, I don’t know if it will be possible to take someone to the West Indies. If that doesn’t happen, then certainly I am keen to look at the bowlers. I feel that that is certainly an area where I can contribute a lot more.”Kumble was asked what he, as a player, used to look for in a coach. The answer to this was the most definitive in his 20-minute press conference. “As a coach, all I sought was organised preparations for the team and informed inputs to the captain and the team to strategise better. Inclusive of every player. You have to include every player. It’s not about just the 11 who are to play. Also abut the six or seven who are not going to play.”That’s something I sought as a player because it was not always that I played in every team that played for India during my time. I was dropped, I was not chosen for tours. So I understand [what it means to] be the most important member in the team to being dropped. I understand all of that, I understand that communication at such times is very critical. For the coach to pick up the phone and send the message, ‘Don’t worry you are still part of the team.’ That’s what I will look to do. Hopefully I will be able to succeed in telling people who are part of the system that they will always be part of it.”Kumble had earlier remarked it felt a little odd being interviewed by three of his long-time team-mates. Having stepped into the team atmosphere, though, Kumble doesn’t feel odd at all. “Obviously you know the roles and boundaries as a coach,” Kumble said. “Other than that it’s no different. All of us want Indian cricket to be doing really well, and these are exciting times. I feel privileged to be a part of that journey, and in whatever way I can help Indian cricket achieve that. It was no different walking into a meeting room with the entire team, although the faces were different. I’ve played with some of them; I’ve mentored a couple of them in various capacities. To be back in the changing room is always special.”

Chelsea had previously considered bringing Mauricio Pochettino to Stamford Bridge as he closes in on being officially unveiled as the Blues' new manager, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest news involving Mauricio Pochettino?

As per 90min, Chelsea are said to be 'inching closer' to appointing Pochettino as their new manager and the two parties only have 'minor details' to iron out before the Argentinian is announced as Graham Potter's permanent successor.

The report also states that Pochettino will be given the freedom to shape his squad appropriately and will have a major say in who is allowed to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

Sky Sports revealed last week that Chelsea have been 'admirers' of the 51-year-old manager in the past and 'enquired about his availability' following their decision to part ways with Thomas Tuchel in 2022.

Pochettino has been out of work since the end of the 2021/22 season after he left Paris Saint-Germain despite leading them to the Ligue 1 title.

Football Insider claims that the former Spurs boss is already getting to work scoping out potential additions for the Blues, with Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane thought to be one of his transfer targets.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Sheth thinks that Pochettino will have been given 'reassurances' by the Chelsea hierarchy that will have given him encouragement as he closes in on returning to management at Stamford Bridge.

Sheth said: “I think he was considered a couple of times before by Chelsea, particularly when they appointed Graham Potter. At the time, it wasn't right for Pochettino.

“Something has changed, and in the discussions that he will have had with the Chelsea owners, he would have probably got the reassurances that he wanted, not only about issues like his backroom staff but also about how he's going to need to trim the squad.

“We know that Pochettino likes to work with a squad that's not inflated.”

What happens now for Chelsea?

In all honestly, Chelsea could do with some positive news in the near future, especially given their current woeful run of form in recent weeks.

Caretaker boss Frank Lampard hasn't been able to get a tune out of his squad, losing six from six since being brought in to steady the ship in west London.

Incredibly, despite their enormous spending power, the Blues lie 12th in the Premier League table with five games left to play and sit nine points above the relegation zone, signifying that they are still not mathematically safe from the drop.

Of course, it is extremely unlikely that Chelsea will suffer such a fate come the end of this term; however, it's an indication of how underwhelming this season has been at Stamford Bridge for all involved.

Pochettino will be keen to establish his vision early on in pre-season at the club to avoid a repeat scenario in 2023/24.

The implications of relegation to the Championship could be disastrous for Leeds United, as it could see a number of their most promising players depart for pastures new.

Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Leicester City has left the Yorkshire outfit dangling just above the relegation places and with fixtures against the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle United still to come, Javi Gracia's side look to be in real danger.

Naturally, the club's most promising prospects will be targeted by other clubs should Leeds find themselves in the second tier next season and a recent report has suggested that the influential Tyler Adams could be one to leave.

Leeds fans may well expect the USA international to move on should they go down, but the reported asking price will certainly leave them concerned, as it could see Victor Orta repeat the nightmare that saw fellow fan favourite Luciano Becchio depart for a cut-price swap deal in 2013.

Could Tyler Adams leave Leeds this summer?

According to reports from Italy, AC Milan are interested in signing the 24-year-old this summer and Leeds could be forced to let him leave for less than the £15m they paid last summer.

Since signing from RB Leipzig in 2022, Adams has gone on to make 24 appearances in the Premier League for Leeds, averaging a strong 6.74 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This ranks him as the fourth-best player in Gracia's squad, while no player has contributed more tackles per game, which saw him labelled a "tackling machine" by Kevin Campbell, so it is clear just how important he is in Leeds' midfield.

His absence through injury has also been sorely felt in recent weeks, with the midfield duo of Weston McKennie and Marc Roca proving far too easy to play through, with the Yorkshire outfit picking up just one point from a possible 12, conceding 14 goals in that time.

Few could complain if Adams were to swap Championship football for Champions League football this summer but if Orta negotiates a deal of less than £15m for a player Football Transfers values at €39.6m (£35m), then it would surely join Becchio in the history books as one of the worst deals in Leeds' history.

What happened to Luciano Becchio?

Becchio was well and truly a fan favourite at Elland Road, crashing in 87 goals in 221 appearances for Leeds before he was inexplicably sold to Norwich City by Neil Warnock.

He had contributed 16 goals and four assists in 26 Championship appearances in the first half of the 2012/13 campaign but Warnock opted to sell him to Norwich for an undisclosed fee – believed to be a measly £203k – with Steve Morison heading in the opposite direction.

Given Morison would manage just five goals in 42 appearances for Leeds, fans certainly felt short-changed by his exit.

Indeed, they would no doubt react similarly if Orta sells Adams for a similarly insulting price this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have a squad inundated with players that need offloading, with almost the whole of English football aware of that.

However, it seems that the man who has allowed such mediocrity to fester, Daniel Levy, is the only one oblivious to such a fact.

For someone so frugal and seemingly petrified of spending big, the 61-year-old has certainly invested heavily in recent years in a desperate pursuit of silverware; a search that continues to go amiss.

Whilst there are plenty of depreciating duds that do need selling, perhaps the savvy CEO could first seek to capitalise on the few who have seen their value rise in preparation for the transfer war chest he will have to promise to the new boss.

One such name that springs to mind is Japhet Tanganga, who truly burst onto the scene during the 2019/20 season under Jose Mourinho.

The legendary manager saw immense potential in the 24-year-old, claiming after his first league start came against Liverpool: “I thought he did well. I think the kid has reason to be happy with his level.”

However, injuries and a sharp loss of form would see his reputation plummet, with the academy graduate falling way down in the pecking order. Therefore, he must be one of the first to go.

How much is Japhet Tanganga worth now?

Across his first six Premier League appearances, Tanganga maintained a 6.95 average rating that encouraged many. Journalist Charlie Eccleshare even branded him a “great prospect for the future."

Having burst onto the scene as a physical yet classy presence all across the back line, this figure would unfortunately decrease with each passing season.

With just three appearances to his name this campaign and a 6.3 rating to show for them, his downfall is truly exacerbated.

Pundit Jamie O’Hara even took to talkSPORT (5:38 pm, February 11, 2023) earlier this year to claim: “Tanganga, how he is still playing for Tottenham, I don’t know. It looks like he has got ice skates on him every time he is defending. It’s embarrassing.”

However, with increased prominence in and around the senior squad, no matter how poor the form, the £25k-per-week dud has still seen a valuation increase.

Transfermarkt has overseen this rise, suggesting that in September 2019 he was worth just €800k (£702k). However, despite the aforementioned underperformance, that has grown to €9m (£7.9m) as of November 2022. This marks a 1,025% rise across a three-year period.

With numerous poor performers culminating in what is set to be another year without a trophy, Tanganga could be an unfortunate but wholly necessary casualty of the impending revolution this summer should bring.