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Red Devils fans are excited to see the new coach's heralded system in action on Sunday at Portman Road – but who deserves to start?

There could hardly be more excitement about Ruben Amorim's first game in charge of Manchester United and the wait is almost over. The Portuguese will finally lead the Red Devils out away to Ipswich Town on Sunday, 27 days after Erik ten Hag was sacked and 23 days after it was confirmed that the 39-year-old was going to take his place.

Amorim left Sporting CP in the best shape imaginable but he joins a United side who are in the midst of the latest of many crises in the post Sir Alex Ferguson era, looking hopelessly off the pace with the Premier League's leading sides and even further behind Europe's elite. He has had nearly two weeks to get his feet under the table and assess his squad and has taken several training sessions, being left aghast by the lack of intensity on display.

The coach is renowned for playing a 3-4-3 formation and has made it clear he intends to stick with that tried and tested shape at United, already putting it into practice in training. But who will get the nod when he names his first line-up at Portman Road? GOAL runs through the starting XI Amorim should pick in order to make the best possible start.

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  GK: Andre Onana

  The Cameroonian has made a huge improvement from his shaky early days and he has been one of the best performers this season, making tremendous saves against Crystal Palace and Fenerbahce while ironing out the errors that plagued his start to life at Old Trafford. He is yet to make a big contribution to United's possession game, which, after all, is what he was brought to the club to do. But that should change with Amorim and the new formation. Onana's best season came while playing with a back three at Inter, and having an extra centre-back to pass to should benefit him.

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  RCB: Matthijs de Ligt

  United might have a centre-back shortage at the moment but the Dutchman is fully fit, playing 90 minutes for his country against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday. The former Ajax captain had a bit of a rough start to life in the Premier League but he has settled into the team recently and delivered much improved performances under Ruud van Nistelrooy, showing his power in the air and looking more assured in possession.

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  CB: Jonny Evans

  With Lisandro Martinez being sent home from the Argentina camp, Victor Lindelof getting injured with Sweden and Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire still getting back to full fitness, all signs point to the 36-year-old marshalling the defence in Amorim's dugout debut. The veteran centre-back might not be the picture of renewal United are hoping for but he is the safe pair of hands the new coach needs in his first game in a new league. Evans can always be relied upon and he comes into his element at tricky Premier League grounds, producing a man-of-the-match display at Burnley last season and keeping Aston Villa at bay last month with an immaculate second-half performance from the bench.

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  LCB: Noussair Mazraoui

  The Morocco international has been one of United's best players in recent weeks, starring against Chelsea and getting an assist against Leicester. He has played as both a right-back and a left-back, although he has impressed more in the latter role, inverting into midfield when United have possession. He could play as a wing-back, but his defensive attributes makes him better suited to playing on the left of the back three, where he can help out the left winger while also joining the midfield when appropriate.

Leeds United chiefs have expressed their desire to sign a "top" Premier League player, with his club preferring to sanction a loan deal this summer.

Leeds undergo overhaul in busy summer at Elland Road

A succession of players have departed Elland Road with defender Rasmus Kristensen most recently sealing a temporary switch to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

Bye Bye: £40k-p/w man on verge of leaving Leeds United with medical booked

Daniel Farke is already eyeing up a replacement.

ByBen Browning Jul 19, 2024

The Danish ace joins the likes of Archie Gray, Luis Sinisterra, Marc Roca and other big names in leaving Leeds, following manager Daniel Farke's heartache of losing the Championship play-off final to Southampton in May.

Leeds United exits so far

Player

Fee

Archie Gray

£35m

Luis Sinisterra

£20m

Glen Kamara

£8.5m

Marc Roca

£3.8m

Charlie Cresswell

£3.8m

Diego Llorente

£2.7m

Rasmus Kristensen

Loan

Sam Greenwood

Loan

Jack Harrison

Loan

Darko Gyabi

Loan

Robin Koch

Free

Jamie Shackleton

Free

Luke Ayling

Free

Fees courtesy of Transfermarkt

The aforementioned players and others have brought in around £73.8 million in total to bolster Leeds' transfer kitty and balance their books, not including the wages being taken off their salary bill either.

Left-back Junior Firpo is also in talks to re-join Real Betis, so yet more funds could be added to this total sooner rather than later. In terms of incomings, the Whites have landed Joe Rodon in a £10 million deal from Tottenham, Joe Rothwell on loan from Bournemouth and goalkeeper Alex Cairns from Salford City for an undisclosed fee.

Losing the likes of Gray and Kamara will be a difficult one to take for Farke, though, as the tactician looks to mount another promotion push next season. Indeed, Farke will be hoping not to lose another star player, as forward Crysencio Summerville continues to attract interest from the Premier League.

In the meantime, club chiefs maintain their push to sign star quality for Farke at doable rates, with Crystal Palace starlet Jesurun Rak-Sakyi now on their radar. The 21-year-old has admirers at Southampton and other clubs (Alan Nixon), but Leeds are well and truly in the race for him.

Leeds United express interest in signing Rak-Sayki

That is according to The Daily Mail, who claim that Leeds have expressed an interest in signing Rak-Sakyi ahead of next season.

Palace prefer that he goes out on loan rather than striking a permanent sale, perhaps suggesting that he is highly regarded at Selhurst Park. As well as Leeds, it is believed the Saints, Sheffield United and Sunderland are keen on bringing in the England Under-20 international.

Rak-Sakyi finished the 2021/22 season as the Premier League 2's top goalscorer with 18, making waves at academy level. Thereafter, the winger was sent out on loan to Charlton Athletic for the 2022/23 campaign, where he racked up 15 goals and eight assists in League One.

He was given a handful of opportunities for Palace last season, making six league appearances, but perhaps another loan would be more beneficial for his development.

England defender and Palace star Marc Guehi has called Rak-Sakyi a "top player", and his numbers do a lot to suggest this as well.

Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor and player Jill Roord have insisted the Women's Super League title race is not over despite their loss to Chelsea.

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• Chelsea beat Man City 2-0
• Gain upper hand in title race
• Taylor & Roord say it is not over

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Defending WSL champions Chelsea leapfrogged City into first place after a deserved 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night. Chelsea are now two points clear and having a game in hand, but City manager Taylor and midfielder Roord believe they can bounce back from this setback.

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  WHAT ROORD AND TAYLOR SAID

  Roord told City's website: “No [this game doesn’t define our season], not at all. We knew coming in to this game that we wanted to win, obviously it was an important game and I think we could have [won it]. But in the end it didn’t go our way. Still, there’s a long time util the season is done.”

  While Taylor added: “For sure, the league’s never won in November. We’ve been on an incredible run. We’re obviously disappointed not to extend that, but that’s football. We’ll be back to the drawing board and make sure we’re ready for the next game and the next WSL game after the international break.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea won the 2023-24 WSL title on the last day of the season and did it despite picking up just one point from two games against City. Now, they have beaten them this term in a heavyweight clash and are on pole position to secure a record-extending sixth-straight league crown.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea will take a break from WSL action when they host Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday, whereas City travel to Hammarby the following day in the same competition.

This summer, Todd Boehly wants to take his Chelsea side to the next level and return to the Champions League.

Last campaign, Mauricio Pochettino failed to inspire enough improvement, finishing sixth in the Premier League, and now it’s Enzo Maresca’s turn.

Tosin Adarabioyo has already become a blue, and next on the list is a new centre forward.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a Chelsea centre-forward target who has the potential to be unstoppable in the Premier League.

Chelsea’s search for a new number nine

According to a report from BBC Sport, Chelsea have included Serhou Guirassy on their striker target list.

It’s said that the Blues are ‘admirers’ of the Stuttgart forward, who tore apart the Bundesliga last season.

The Guinea attacker has a £15m release clause that can be activated this summer, which is without doubt a bargain.

However, he’s not the only attacker that Chelsea are interested in, with Jhon Duran and Samuel Omorodion also in the mix.

Why Guirassy is far better than Duran and Omorodion

It’s fair to say that Guirassy has proven to be much better than the aforementioned duo, and given that Chelsea want a reliable goalscorer, he’d be by far the best option.

The 28-year-old has only been at Stuttgart for two campaigns, with his first one ending with a tally of 11 goals in the Bundesliga, but nobody would’ve expected what occurred last time around.

Rennes’ former striker helped his club finish second in the division despite starting just 25 matches, but his influence on the field was irreplaceable.

Over these starts, Guirassy netted an outstanding 28 goals and provided two assists, which was only fewer than a certain Harry Kane in Germany.

Goals

1.14

0.95

0.41

xG

0.85

0.38

0.52

Shots

3.59

3.79

3.02

Key passes

2.16

0.76

0.81

Shot-creating actions

3.67

2.27

1.49

Progressive passes received

7.46

4.74

4.64

Touches

43.37

35.81

28.11

Firstly, his goal-scoring record absolutely speaks for itself, and that alone makes him a better signing than Duran and Omorodion already.

The number nine is the definition of a finisher, often taking his chances in front of goal, as shown by his xG to goal ratio.

Guirassy is a complete striker, and his style of play is often unpredictable in regards to the fact that he can hurt the opposition in many different ways, with journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor stating that within his approach “there’s flair, there’s movement, there’s skill and there’s power.”

That said, the right-footed ace is much more than just goals, with his overall play much more developed than the young duo, which is what makes him so “outrageous,” as dubbed by Stafford-Bloor.

Guirassy can receive the ball with his back to goal, link up play brilliantly, and even create chances for others, as shown by his progressive passes received, shot-creating actions, and his key passes.

On top of that, the 28-goal man would bring more experience to the young Chelsea attack, which may prove to be vital next season both domestically and in Europe.

In truth, there’s not really anything that Guirassy cannot do, and therefore, given he’d cost just £15m, Chelsea must opt for him over Duran and Omorodion any day of the week.

No Jackson, £226m trio sign: Enzo Maresca's dream lineup at Chelsea

Chelsea are set for a busy summer with plenty of signings expected.

ByTom Lever May 29, 2024

In recent seasons, Tottenham Hotspur have shifted their recruitment to focus on signing young talents who can affect the first team whilst keeping one eye on the future.

Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven are just a handful of examples who have arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the past year before going on to make an immediate impact on Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

They’ve also signed youngsters Lucas Bergvall and Luka Vuskovic, who have spent time away from north London, in the hopes of gaining valuable experience before making an impact for the Lilywhites.

Such recruitment has already continued this summer, with the £40m signing of midfielder Archie Gray from Leeds United following the 18-year-old’s impressive debut campaign at senior level, where he featured 44 times for Daniel Farke’s side.

Their business has allowed for a much more youthful squad, with the club still targeting multiple young prospects to improve their squad.

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer news

Tottenham are keeping a close eye on Hull City winger Jaden Philogene after his impressive campaign in the Championship under former Tigers boss Liam Rosenior.

The 22-year-old scored 12 and assisted six in his 33 league appearances, prompting further interest from the likes of Ipswich Town, Manchester United and Barcelona. The club have also registered an interest in French talent Desire Doue, but aren’t alone in their pursuit.

The 18-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents around Europe, with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United also

monitoring Doue over the last few years after he burst onto the scene in France.

Reports earlier in the summer have suggested that Rennes could demand a fee in the region of £35m to allow him to depart in the summer transfer window, with Doue fitting perfectly into the club’s current scouting plan of targeting talents with huge potential.

However, Doue and recent new addition Gray are both valued lower than one player who has become a real hit under Postecoglou after the Aussie’s arrival last summer.

Pape Sarr’s market value in 2024

Upon joining the club for £14.6m back in the summer of 2021, the name of Pape Sarr would have been an unfamiliar one to the majority of Tottenham supporters.

Pape Sarr's stats at Tottenham Hotspur

Statistics

Tally

Games

49

Goals

3

Games per goal

16.3

Assists

4

Games per assist

12.3

Stats via FotMob

However, three years on from his move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he’s cemented his place in Postecoglou’s midfield, looking at home in the Premier League despite his tender age of 21.

Since his move from French side Metz, the Senegal star has made 49 appearances for Spurs, scoring on three occasions – including a brilliantly taken finish against Bournemouth.

He’s formed an excellent partnership with Yves Bissouma, with his market value taking a sharp increase as a result of his excellent performances.

In 2024, the "relentless" Sarr, as described by scout EBL, currently has a market value of £38m, as per Transfermarkt – a £24m increase on the fee the club paid for him just a handful of years ago, with the midfielder having the potential to improve even further.

However, his subsequent value is higher than Gray and Doue, who are only valued at £15.2m and £25.3m respectively, despite their recent price tags.

It’s been an excellent start to Sarr's Tottenham career, proving that the club’s current transfer strategy is an effective one.

Postecoglou’s faith in the youngster has certainly helped him develop and grow into the potential he once had during his time at Metz, with

the sky being the limit for the 21-year-old in north London.

Jamie Leweling marked his Germany debut with a vital goal as they beat Netherlands 1-0 in the Nations League on Monday.

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Leweling scores on Germany debutBeat Netherlands 1-0 in MunichStill unbeaten and top of the groupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE

The 23-year-old was a surprise presence in the starting XI having only been called up due to an injury to Jamal Musiala. He then got the nod after Deniz Undav was also ruled out with an injury. Nevertheless, it took just two minutes for Leweling to make an impact as he smashed into Netherlands' net, but it was disallowed following a lengthy VAR review.

Germany's early dominance diminished as the first half wore on, but the Dutch were barely able to get the ball beyond the halfway line and managed to stay level thanks to some desperate defending and Verbruggen.

The visitors held onto the ball for almost three full minutes in a hopeful start to the second half but they were toothless against Germany's defence and didn't manage a shot until Denzel Dumfries' wayward header in the 56th minute.

Unsurprisingly, it was Germany who broke the deadlock when a failed clearance rolled in Leweling's path and he lashed into the top corner.

Netherlands finally showed some spark in the last 15 minutes when Xavi Simons found space outside the box and unleashed a shot that struck the bar. In the 90th minute, Donyell Malen's shot from outside the box forced an excellent save from Oliver Baumann, making his debut at 34 years of age, as the hosts held out for the win.

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Stuttgart forward Leweling got the nod from Julian Nagelsmann due to injuries in the Germany squad but showed he was worthy of his place in the starting XI, seeing an early goal ruled out for a marginal offside before he broke the deadlock in a dull match.

AFPTHE BIG LOSER

Dutch defender Micky van de Ven looked reckless at centre-back and put his fellow defenders under pressure throughout the game. His attempt to block Leweling for the goal was terrible.

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DID YOU KNOW?

The Netherlands failed to attempt a single shot in a first half of a game for the first time since June 2019 (against Portugal) and recorded just one touch in the opposition box before half-time for the first time since August 2017 (against France).

Manchester City have reportedly been in contact to sign a £50m star for Pep Guardiola ahead of Vincent Kompany and Bayern Munich this summer.

Final season for Pep Guardiola at Man City?

After another Premier League triumph last season, making it a historic fourth title in a row, Guardiola could be preparing for his final season at the Etihad Stadium.

There has been plenty of speculation regarding the 2024/25 campaign being the Spaniard’s final year in Manchester, and it looks as if despite this, he and the club are still planning for the long run when it comes to signings.

For example, City have recently been credited with an interest in attacking prodigy Dzenan Pejcinovic from Wolfsburg, with the teenager scoring every 55 minutes at academy level.

Some senior incomings could also be made for the Sky Blues, with FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa linked with a move to potentially replace Ederson and rival Stefan Ortega, who has signed a City contract extension.

Related Manchester City ready to sell £130,000 per week ace who only joined in 2023

They might struggle to find a buyer though.

Posts ByBen Browning Jun 13, 2024

There have also been rumours about Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig. Recent claims said that City had started to move for the attacking midfielder, and it looks as if that has now materialised, with information being collected.

Man City make Dani Olmo contact

According to French outlet Sports Zone, Man City are one of three clubs who have been in contact over a potential move to sign Olmo. The Spaniard, who is set to feature at Euro 2024, is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain and former City captain Kompany at Bayern Munich.

“Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are following the Dani Olmo file this summer. The player, who has a €60M (£50M) clause this summer, interests Luis Enrique. Initial information has been taken by the 3 clubs.”

Olmo has been with RB Leipzig since 2020 and has gone from strength to strength during that time, now being valued at a career-high €50m by Transfermarkt.

Dani Olmo's career stats

Appearances

Goals

Assists

RB Leipzig

148

29

34

Dinamo Zagreb

124

34

28

Spain

33

8

7

The attacking midfielder, who can also turn out as a winger if needed, also caught the eye of Guardiola back in 2019, with the City boss calling the Spaniard a “top player” and “incredible”.

"He's a top player – he has a bright future, of course. His performance today shows it. About the transfer and the money he deserves, that is not the point. The point is he is an incredible player and I am pretty sure he is able to play in the strong leagues in Europe. Hopefully if Dinamo wants and he wants, it can happen."

Kevin de Bruyne recently hinted at a move to the Saudi Pro League in the future, so who knows, City may view Olmo as a player who could replace the Belgian in the long run.

With the summer window just around the corner, Sean Dyche potentially faces his toughest task as Everton manager, with the next couple of months playing a huge part in the club’s ever-present Premier League status.

Outgoings are needed if the Toffees are to comply with the Premier League’s PSR rules ahead of the June 30th deadline, which could result in yet another points deduction should they be in breach of the losses permitted.

Jarrad Branthwaite is undoubtedly the most likely player to depart Goodison Park, unsurprising given his form for the Toffees that saw him claim the club’s Young Player of the Season award for the 2023/24 campaign.

Amadou Onana is another player who has been linked with a move away from Merseyside, with Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham United side previously touted with a move for the Belgian international midfielder.

With the prospect of any potential outgoings from Goodison this summer, Dyche will have the job of piecing together a squad capable of securing top-flight safety once again, but on a limited budget to prevent further punishments.

His side have already been credited with an interest in one player, who’s previously showcased his talents but has struggled for any form over the last 12 months.

Everton interested in signing one-time £45m talent

According to Sky Sports, Everton are interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips on loan ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 28-year-old joined Pep Guardiola’s side for £45m during the summer of 2022, but his stock has fallen rapidly in recent months, following a disappointing loan spell at the London Stadium that saw him feature just eight times for the Hammers, which also included a red card against Nottingham Forest.

Games

8

Goals

0

Assists

0

Minutes played

307

Yellow cards

1

Red cards

1

Average rating

6.10

He may not appear to be the player he was upon his move to the Etihad, but one thing is for sure, and that is that he’s desperately lacking confidence, with Dyche potentially one of the best managers to rediscover his previous form.

The Yorkshire-born talent has failed to be named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for the upcoming European Championships, with Phillips able to have the whole summer to reset before any potential move to Goodison.

Should he make the move, he would follow in the footsteps of one player who thrived during his time on Merseyside after a disappointing spell elsewhere in the Premier League.

Why Phillips could be Everton’s next Gareth Barry

Back in 2013, Everton signed midfielder Gareth Barry on loan from Manchester City, after the experienced midfielder fell down the pecking order following the heavy investment at the Etihad.

He eventually joined the Toffees on a permanent basis the following campaign, going on to make 118 appearances for the club – cementing himself as a fan-favourite amongst the fanbase, while being hailed as "one of the best English players ever" by then-boss, Roberto Martinez.

That praise was also backed up by Martinez's assistant, Graeme Jones, who said of the midfielder: “Gareth Barry was our most important piece of business. He was the brain of the team".

11 years later, the club are presented with the same opportunity for Phillips, with Dyche’s side needing to take a gamble on a player who has previously showcased his talents in the Premier League.

The “absolute beast”, as described by former footballer Nigel De Jong, would hugely benefit from the loyal support from the Everton faithful and consistent game time under Dyche – potentially allowing him to return to his previous performance levels as demonstrated by Idrissa Gueye this season, with the midfielder posting his best ever goalscoring campaign.

It’s understandable that some supporters may be against the signing of the 28-year-old, but given their current financial situation, it could prove to be a shrewd move to sign a player of his calibre.

An England international, like Barry, he’s won 31 caps for his nation over the last four years and had multiple years playing in the top flight – providing valuable experience to a squad that could be faced with another relegation battle in 2024/25.

Phillips hasn’t turned into a bad player overnight, but he needs a fresh start to reignite his career, with Goodison potentially the perfect move for him to get back on the right track after a disappointing 12 months.

Everton struck gold on "top-class" signing who's worth more than Phillips

He’s catapulted himself into a key player under Sean Dyche this season.

ByEthan Lamb May 29, 2024

It's been a fantastic week and a half for Arsenal, one that has seen them demolish Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates before beating bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 away from home to keep their Premier League title hopes alive.

Mikel Arteta's side have masterfully recovered from their slight wobble against Bayern Munich and Aston Villa a couple of weeks ago and now look to be back in the swing of things with three games to go.

Thomas Partey's reintroduction into the team has been a massive positive, but based on recent transfer reports, these last few games could be more of a swan song than a resurgence in red and white for the Ghanaian.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are now one of a few teams leading the race for Everton ace Amadou Onana ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report revealed that the 22-year-old midfielder has 'caught the eye of some elite clubs', but the German giants Bayern Munich and absurdly wealthy Newcastle United are leading the race alongside the Gunners.

The North Londoners were interested in the Belgian international back in the January transfer window, but with reports suggesting that a deal would've cost them anything from £70m to £90m, they understandably held off from making a move.

While there hasn't been much said regarding the former LOSC Lille ace's potential price tag this summer, it's unlikely to be quite that high, and so that could encourage Edu Gaspar and Co to come back in with an offer, which could be good news for Declan Rice, but bad news for Partey's long-term future at the club.

How Onana compares to Partey

Now, while there is a lot of interest in Onana from some of the biggest clubs in world football, like Arsenal, Bayern and Newcastle, it would be fair to say that thus far, he hasn't played long enough to say whether he's categorically better than Partey, but there are a few reasons why it might be a smart move from the Gunners to sign him as the Ghanaian's replacement.

The first reason is age. Arsenal have spent the last few years bringing down the average age of their squad by shipping out players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mesut Ozil, and Alexandre Lacazette. As a result, they have fielded the third-youngest XI in the league this season.

So, with a clear desire to build a team for the long-term and the former Atlético Madrid ace set to turn 31 this year, it would make sense to phase him out of the side, as when the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz all hit their peaks, he'll be way past his prime, which The Athletic place around the age of 25 to 27 – the age the Everton ace will be at the time.

The second reason is related to age: injuries. For as great as the Krobo Odumase-born midfielder has been for the Gunners, he has also likely caused Arteta and Co an inordinate amount of stress due to his consistent injury problems, problems that have seen him miss 72 games in the four seasons since he arrived at the club.

In comparison, the Toffees' "one-man army", as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has missed just 11 games in the same period and, therefore, he would be a reliable option for Arteta to call upon, which cannot be said for the man he may replace next year.

Moreover, signing an incredibly talented midfielder who is regularly available for selection could help take Rice's game to the next level at the Emirates.

Thus far, the former West Ham United captain has seen his midfield partner alternate frequently between Havertz, Partey, and Jorginho, which cannot be conducive to his development at the club nor to creating a consistent and effective unit in the middle of the park.

Respected data analyst Ben Mattinson certainly seems to share this opinion, claiming that signing the 12-capped international would allow Arteta to field "a disgusting double pivot" comprised of the Belgian and Englishman, a pivot that could realistically remain at the heart of the team for up to a decade.

Finally, when comparing the pair's underlying numbers from last season – Partey has barely played this year, so the comparison has to be from 22/23 – it's clear that there isn't an enormous difference between the two stars, suggesting that with the right coaching, the Dakar-born gem could reach the level of the Arsenal man.

For example, the Gunners ace produced more progressive carries and passes, maintained a higher passing accuracy, recovered more balls and made more blocks, but the Everton midfielder produced a higher non-penalty expected goal and assists figure, made and won more tackles, won more aerial duels, and made no errors that led to a goal.

Ultimately, Partey is an incredibly talented footballer, and whenever he's had a consistent run of starts for Arsenal, he has shown that. But therein lies the problem: He can't stay fit enough to start games consistently.

So, if the Gunners have a genuine opportunity to sign Onana this summer, they should do it. Not only would it further future-proof a team that looks set to challenge for years to come, but it could also allow Rice to truly flourish at the heart of midfield next to a teammate he can rely on season upon season.

Arteta must finally cash in on Arsenal star who earns more than Saka

It might be time for the Gunners to move on from the talented star.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 2, 2024

The board meeting instead turned into a discussion about the “issue of confidentiality”

ESPNcricinfo staff28-May-2020

An ICC board meeting set to discuss the fate of the T20 World Cup and the international calendar instead turned into a discussion about the “issue of confidentiality” and ended with the setting up of an “independent” investigation into the matter. All actual items on the agenda – which included discussion about the next ICC chairman – were deferred to the next meeting on June 10.Little other detail about the investigation was provided, other than that it was brought to attention by several board members, and that it would be headed by the ICC’s ethics officer and “supported by global experts.”ALSO READ: 2020 T20 World Cup prospects fadeOriginally, the board was meant to discuss whether or not to postpone the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held later this year in Australia. As ESPNcricinfo had reported on Wednesday, the chances of postponement remain high and a few rescheduling scenarios had been drawn up by the Finance & Commercial Affairs committee. Those would have been discussed by board heads as well as the financial impact a postponement could have on smaller members.Almost as significant, there was to be discussion that would lead towards finalising an election process for the ICC chairman’s position. Shashank Manohar, the current chairman, is not going to contest a third term, as the ICC confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. Incidentally in that statement, the ICC also said that reports of a postponement of the T20 World Cup were “inaccurate”.Manohar, the ICC said, led the discussion around the investigation. “A number of board members had raised their concerns over this issue recently and felt it required immediate attention to ensure the sanctity and confidentiality of board matters in line with the highest standards of governance.”