She replaces Healy in the role, who has been ruled out due to a stress injury in her right foot
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Feb-2025UP Warriorz have named Deepti Sharma as their captain for WPL 2025. The announcement comes after their regular captain Alyssa Healy was ruled out of the tournament due to a stress injury in her right foot.Agra-born Deepti has been one of the more consistent players for Warriorz. She is their second-highest wicket-taker with 19 wickets in 17 games, and their third-highest run-scorer with 385 runs in 16 innings.Deepti had a bumper WPL 2024 although Warriorz failed to make it to the playoffs. She scored 295 runs in eight innings with a strike rate of 136.57 and an average of 98.33. She also picked ten wickets at an economy rate of 7.23.Related
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Healy to miss WPL 2025, remains coy about future beyond ODI WC
Deepti has previous captaincy experience too, having led Bengal in domestic cricket, and East Zone in the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal One Day Trophy in 2024. She had also led Velocity in the Women’s T20 Challenge in 2022.”I am delighted and honoured to be named captain of the UP Warriorz, which is a team from my home state,” Deepti was quoted via a release. “The UP Warriorz has a fantastic squad, and we are confident that we will entertain our fans with the Warriorz brand of cricket, at the WPL this season as well. We can’t wait to play in Lucknow in front of our home fans, and hope to inspire the next generation of women athletes.”Warriorz will, however, sorely miss Healy, who is their highest run-scorer in the WPL, with 428 runs in 17 outings. Healy has had a frustrating time with injuries in recent times. She missed the T20I leg of the Women’s Ashes recently, and only made it to the MCG Test after passing a late fitness test. However, Healy did not keep wicket.In October 2024, Healy had ruptured her plantar fascia in her foot at the T20 World Cup, which saw her miss Australia’s final group match and the semi-final against South Africa. She also suffered a knee injury during the WBBL 2024-25. Warriorz have called up West Indies allrounder Chinnelle Henry as Healy’s replacement for the season.Warriorz start their third season against Gujarat Giants on February 16 in Vadodara. This is also the first season where they will play a few games in front of their home crowd in Lucknow.
New Zealand have lost their most experienced fast bowler to injury with Lockie Ferguson ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025. Ferguson, who has played 65 ODIs, including the last two World Cups where his team reached the final four, suffered a hamstring injury while playing in the International League T20 (ILT20) tournament in the UAE earlier this month. Kyle Jamieson has taken his place in the 15-member squad who are slated to kick off the ICC event on Wednesday with a game against hosts Pakistan in Karachi.Ferguson picked up the injury at the start of February when he left the field without completing his full quota of four overs for the Desert Vipers. He did not play their two remaining matches of the season and was on the sidelines during the ODI tri-series that followed in Pakistan. Ferguson tested his hamstring out on Sunday, bowling three overs in a warm-up game against Afghanistan. On Tuesday, he was ruled out of the Champions Trophy.Related
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Ferguson is the second fast bowler that the Black Caps have lost in the last week with Ben Sears also down with a hamstring complaint. Although the Champions Trophy is expected to be played in conditions that might be hard work for the quick bowlers, New Zealand’s stocks now look very green. Jamieson joins Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy and Natham Smith as seamers with less than 15 ODIs’ under their belt, which places added focus on the only senior fast bowler left in the squad, Matt Henry.Jamieson, 30, has only just recovered from a back injury of his own, having spent 10 months out of the game. His hiatus from ODI cricket stretches back even longer – till September 2023. He has recent form going his way though. Jamieson proved his fitness during the Super Smash T20 competition, along with the talents that made him eye-catching in the first place, bowling full lengths and getting the ball to swing in. He picked up 14 wickets in 12 innings at an economy rate of 5.95. Helped by that performance, his domestic team, Canterbury, made it to the final. Jamieson has also earned a PSL deal and will play for Quetta Gladiators later this year.New Zealand are one of the pre-tournament favourites at the Champions Trophy. They won the tri-series final at the same venue where they will open their campaign, with their batting depth and their allrounders proving key at crucial moments. New Zealand are in group A and after the game against Pakistan, they play Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 24 and India in Dubai on March 2. The top two teams in each group go on to the semi-finals.
Arne Slot has spoken to the media ahead of Liverpool’s curtain-raising Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, and he has confirmed that he cannot rule out further summer signings.
The Anfield side won the Premier League at a canter last season, but who can claim that they have since rested on their laurels? Liverpool are intent on defending their throne and widening the scope of the Slot era, with further prizes certainly eyed.
Alexander Isak’s name has stolen the headlines for some time now, and understandably so. But there’s little question that the prow of the ship isn’t the only area in need of investment before the end of the transfer window.
Namely, Liverpool need a central defender, having shown their hand on that front way back in May, when they pushed to sign Bournemouth prodigy Dean Huijsen before the 20-year-old joined Real Madrid once his £50m release clause was activated.
Why Liverpool want a centre-back
Last month, Jarell Quansah was sold to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £35m. The English talent is highly regarded, but it didn’t quite work out under Slot’s wing last season, and cashing in (with a buyback clause inserted) was probably a prudent move.
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah
Having said that, Joe Gomez has since sustained a minor Achilles injury; the blow won’t sideline the 28-year-old for an extended period, but it does highlight the fragility of Virgil van Dijk’s defensive line.
Van Dijk extended his Liverpool contract by two years before the end of last season, but the captain has now turned 34, and the inevitability of an athletic decline will begin to take a seat in Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes’ mind.
Liverpool's VirgilvanDijkapplauds fans before the match
Then there’s Ibrahima Konate, who marks a pressure point himself. The France defender is into the final year of his £70k-per-week contract at Anfield, and with Real Madrid lurking, there is a growing sense of dread that he will follow Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps and join the European nemeses on a Bosman.
In any case, Liverpool need to sign a centre-back this month.
Liverpool lining up new defender
According to Football Insider, Liverpool have learned that a bid in the region of £40m should be enough to convince Crystal Palace to sell Marc Guehi this summer.
Crystal Palace'sMarcGuehilooks dejected after Newcastle United's Harvey Barnes scores their third goal
Liverpool believe Guehi would be a fantastic addition to a backline looking rather thin, but since the 25-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, Hughes is unwilling to pay over the odds.
However, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur both interested too, the Reds might want to bite the bullet and lodge a first formal offer, lest Guehi end up elsewhere.
Why Liverpool want Marc Guehi
Guehi has been a pillar of strength and solidity for Crystal Palace over the past four years, joining the club from Chelsea for an £18m fee after graduating from their famed academy, though failing to get his foot through the first-team door.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts
He’s a “monster in defence”, as has been noted by Eagles reporter Bobby Manzi, but Guehi is also a fiercely underrated technician, with the passing game to make a real difference for Liverpool over the coming years.
As per FBref, he ranked among the top 9% of centre-halves across Europe’s top five leagues last term for goal contributions, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for through balls, and the top 20% for successful take-ons per 90.
His completeness even suggests that he would be the perfect partner for Van Dijk over the next few years, bringing energy and mobility to the backline, and a forward-thinking approach besides.
Matches (starts)
34 (34)
37 (37)
31 (30)
Goals
3
3
1
Assists
2
1
2
Clean sheets
11
14
11
Touches*
64.9
90.4
71.6
Pass completion
84%
92%
90%
Key passes*
0.5
0.3
0.3
Ball recoveries*
4.3
3.1
3.2
Dribbles*
0.4
0.1
0.1
Tackles + interceptions*
2.6
2.5
1.7
Clearances*
4.6
5.1
4.0
Duels (won)*
4.9 (59%)
4.7 (69%)
4.4 (66%)
Errors made
2
4
3
As you can see from the table, Guehi hardly looks out of place when his data is ranked alongside Van Dijk and Konate’s efforts last season, and that’s having starred for Crystal Palace, instead of title-winning Liverpool.
Curiously, the Three Lions star made fewer mistakes than both of his world-class positional peers, something that Slot and Liverpool’s data analysts have no doubt picked up.
It’s hardly surprising that journalist and scout Ben Mattinson had hailed Guehi as “England’s best player” following their EURO 2024 campaign, so commanding in defence and cultured on the ball.
England's Harry Kane celebrates scoring their first goal withMarcGuehi
Though Van Dijk is more precise in the duel (Konate is too), Guehi has the kind of multi-faceted defensive skill set that is so important for top-challenging teams in the modern age.
He captained Oliver Glasner’s side toward the FA Cup title last season, beating Manchester City in the final at Wembley, did he not?
By adding this profile to the mix, Slot would rest assured that Van Dijk has the perfect partner to continue plying his craft so superlatively, leading the team and organising, timing crunching challenges and steely headers when the situation demands it.
In an ideal world, Konate renews his contract and Liverpool attack the upcoming campaign with three of the Premier League’s finest centre-backs in their ranks.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The club’s Netherlands superstar remains the cream of the crop, but he’s not a spring chicken anymore, and bringing in another athletic and dynamic profile could prove the perfect recipe for Slot to achieve his lofty ambitions.
He's like Gerrard: Liverpool preparing formal offer for £120k-p/w "wizard"
Liverpool are looking to close several more transfer deals this summer.
Chelsea set their sights on a new transfer target “in recent days”, amid their deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato and ongoing talks for Xavi Simons.
Chelsea gift discount on £195k-a-week star as Man United make approach
A “fresh approach” has been made recently.
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Once Hato is announced as a new Chelsea player, as is widely expected, it will take their summer spending to nearly £270 million after both the west Londoners and Ajax shook hands on a £35m-plus transfer for the Netherlands international.
This also takes into account their previously agreed moves for Kendry Paez, Mamadou Sarr, Dario Essugo and Estevao, who all officially landed at the club this summer but were poised to join Chelsea a long time ago.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
Nevertheless, their £158 million raised through player sales, their £87.5 million financial windfall from winning the Club World Cup and Champions League qualification have allowed Chelsea to balance out their serious spending, with more high-profile exits expected from now until deadline day.
More incomings are possible too, with journalist Simon Phillips recently reporting that BlueCo could go for another centre-half, striker and a new goalkeeper, depending on outgoings.
“Chelsea are still going to be in the market for a new centre back and a new goalkeeper, even after Jorrel Hato coming in, who as we reported is seen as Marc Cucurella competition anyway.
“Chelsea will not panic buy a new goalkeeper or another centre back, and that is why these are situations for this latter stage of the window. But there is a feeling amongst the majority of the decision makers that both positions could still be needed this window.
“Another new striker could also still be attacked should Nicolas Jackson be sold.”
That comes as a very encouraging update ahead of the new season, but the one position supporters didn’t expect Chelsea to invest in was another midfielder.
Chelsea plan Ardon Jashari offer in bid to hijack AC Milan
AC Milan have been trying to sign Club Brugge star Ardon Jashari for some time, and talks remain ongoing between all parties to get a deal done for the Swiss, who’s pretty keen on a move to the San Siro (Fabrizio Romano).
Club Brugge's ArdonJasharireacts
Enzo Maresca is very well-stocked in the midfield department, but according to Sky Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Chelsea started planning an offer to sign Jashari “in recent days” in a bid to hijack Milan.
Bayer Leverkusen also want him as a replacement for Granit Xhaka, who’s just joined Sunderland, but the player is clear – he wants Milan above everyone else.
The 23-year-old is tipped to be Switzerland’s next superstar. Jashari has just won the Jupiler Pro League’s Player of the Year award too, and has already competed against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo at the last World Cup in Qatar.
However, he’s perhaps best suited to Milan rather than Chelsea right now. Former FC Basel star and Swiss international, Marco Streller, has called Jashari “world-class” already, but even he’d be hard-pressed to break into Chelsea’s current midfield.
أعلن نادي ريال مدريد الإسباني عن طبيعة إصابة لاعبه ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، والتي تعرض لها في المباراة أمام أولمبيك مارسيليا الفرنسي في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
وأجبر أرنولد على الخروج من ملعب المباراة بعد مرور 5 دقائق فقط بسبب إصابته وأوضح ريال مدريد أن الظهير يعاني من إصابة في العضلة ذات الرأسين الفخذية بساقه اليسرى.
وذكرت تقارير الصحف الإسبانية أن أرنولد سيغيب عن المشاركة مع ريال مدريد لمدة تتراوح من 6 إلى 8 أسابيع.
وبناء على تلك المدة المذكورة سيغيب أرنولد عن 10 مباريات تقريبًا لفريقه ريال مدريد، إذا تأكد غيابه لثمانية أسابيع.
وتشهد تلك الفترة عدة مواجهات هامة لريال مدريد سواء في الدوري الإسباني أو دوري أبطال أوروبا، بينها مواجهة أمام فريق أرنولد السابق، ليفربول، فضلاً عن الديربي أمام أتلتيكو مدريد، والكلاسيكو أمام برشلونة.
Amad Diallo is a player who has had to switch up his game over the last couple of months due to the implementation of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford.
The Ivorian has largely operated in a right wing-back role when fit, having a huge impact on the side and arguably taking his career to the next level as a result.
He managed to register eight goals and six assists in the Premier League last season, potentially having to feature in such a position once again throughout 2025/26.
The addition of Matheus Cunha and the potential signing of Bryan Mbeumo would likely see the pair operate in the number ten positions, which could see Amad drop back into a deeper position.
However, the hierarchy could land numerous targets this summer, with many of which benefiting the former Atalanta star in his quest for success at Old Trafford.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Over the last couple of days, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has been named as a possible addition for the club throughout the current window.
The 32-year-old may be allowed to depart Unai Emery’s side ahead of 2025/26, with the player himself wanting a move, but he could cost in the region of £40m.
AstonVilla's EmilianoMartinezreacts
However, he’s not the only defensive option currently on their radar, with PSG star Lucas Beraldo a key target for Amorim’s side, according to one Spanish outlet.
The report claims that the Brazilian centre-back could be allowed to depart the French outfit during the off-season, opening the door to a move to the Red Devils.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It also states that Jason Wilcox and Co are preparing a bid for the 21-year-old in the coming days, potentially adding further depth to the backline, but also providing quality elsewhere in the squad.
He could be available for a fee of around £25m, according to reports in France.
Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Amad
Whilst injuries somewhat plagued his progress throughout last season, Amad managed to produce numerous impressive moments in what was a huge year for the star personally.
He was seen as a squad player by former boss Erik ten Hag, but the arrival of Amorim saw him become a key member of the side, as seen by his assist for Marcus Rashford in the 40-year-old’s first game at the helm.
Other key outings saw him register a hat-trick against Southampton, whilst also netting the winner against local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.
Undoubtedly, given his setbacks with various injuries, he will be hoping to put a run of games together and replicate his best form in the club’s charge up the table next year.
If he is to be a success, he could be aided by defender Beraldo, who could hold the keys to the Ivorian reaching the next level despite his current defensive role.
Paris St Germain's Lucas Beraldo, Nuno Mendes, Gianluigi Donnarumma and BradleyBarcola
When delving into his stats from the previous campaign in Ligue 1, the Brazilian thrived in and out of possession, offering a real top-level talent to Amorim’s side as a result.
Beraldo, who’s been labelled “incredibly eye-catching” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, managed to complete 95% of the passes he attempted last season, 5.9 of which per 90 were progressive – subsequently handing Amad the chance to impress when he receives the ball.
Games played
25
Goals & assists
1
Pass accuracy
95%
Progressive passes
5.9
Passes into final third
7.5
Passes into opposition box
0.6
Tackles won
1.4
% of tackles won
62%
Aerials won
2.1
Aerial success rate
68%
The youngster’s impressive ability on the ball is further reflected by his tally of 7.5 passes into the final third per 90, a figure that puts him in the top 2% of the division – having the ball-playing ability to allow Amad to torment the opposition.
However, the defender has also been a key defensive option for the Parisians, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 along with a 68% aerial success, which could massively bolster the options currently on the books at Old Trafford.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for his signature would cost this summer, it’s evident that any deal would be a superb one, having the potential to improve further given his tender age.
If he can transfer his skillset to England, he would have the quality needed at both ends to impress, potentially allowing Diallo to reach the next level as a result.
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Manchester United appear to be edging closer to landing the signature of another star.
All eyes are on Chelsea’s Club World Cup commitments, although that has not stopped the transfer rumour mill rumbling on in the background, with further deals seemingly set to follow, following the notable capture of Liam Delap last month.
While the Blues appear to have ended their interest in AC Milan goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, the club’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens continues, despite missing out on the Englishman ahead of the previous transfer deadline.
Prior reports have indicated that the 20-year-old has already agreed on a seven-year contract with the Stamford Bridge side, albeit with a club-to-club agreement still yet to be found, amid reports of a €65m (£55m) asking price.
Jamie Gittens
The former Manchester City youth star does appear to be Enzo Maresca’s leading target right now, although further moves could seemingly lie in store, with talk that a new defensive addition could also enter the building.
Latest on Chelsea's bid for a new defender
For all the speculation surrounding attacking additions, it would appear that the west Londoners are also keen to bolster the backline this summer, having previously been in the mix for new Real Madrid man, Dean Huijsen.
A reunion with a certain Marc Guehi has also been mooted, albeit with the Englishman looking more likely to join Arne Slot’s Liverpool, should he decide to leave Crystal Palace in the coming months.
Centre-back thus looks to be a priority position for Chelsea ahead of the start of the new Premier League season, with reports in Spain suggesting that they are now readying an offer for Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As per the report, the Blues have ‘launched an ambitious move’ for the 23-year-old defender, having made the versatile left-footer – who can operate at left-back – one of their ‘key targets’.
Despite his €60m (£51m) asking price representing something of an obstacle, the report claims that Chelsea are ‘willing to negotiate’, with the player himself ready to take the next step in his career.
Should that step take him to Stamford Bridge, the 6 foot sensation could look to replicate the success of his compatriot, Moises Caicedo.
Why Chelsea could land their next Caicedo
It’s fair to say that eyebrows were raised when Chelsea forked out a club-record fee of £115m to sign Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion back in 2023, with the Blues edging out Liverpool for the midfielder’s signature.
Despite enduring a “tough” first season by his own admission, the 23-year-old has kicked on and then some since, with teammate Cole Palmer hailing him as the side’s “best player” last month.
Also lauded as the Premier League’s ‘best central midfielder’ by pundit and analyst Adrian Clarke, the former Seagulls star is relishing life under Maresca, having notably made the fifth-most tackles in the top-flight last term.
Hopefully, the signing of his international colleague – who is the same age as Caicedo – can prove just as successful, with Hincapie having been noted as an “Ecuadorian football legend in the making” in his own right, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Despite being “in the shadow” of the likes of Florian Wirtz at Leverkusen, the £51m man is a “top quality” talent undoubtedly, in the words of Kulig, with it no surprise that he has caught the eye of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.
Piero Hincapie in action for Bayer Leverkusen
Where he particularly excels is in possession, as evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries per 90, while also ranking in the top 16% for progressive passes, as per FBref.
For comparison, the man he could potentially replace in that left-sided centre-back – Levi Colwill – ranks in just the bottom 33% for progressive carries, as well as in just the top 38% for progressive passes.
Hincapie’s 24/25 Bundesliga stats
Stat (*per game)
Record
Games (starts)
32 (28)
Goals
2
Assists
2
Big chances created
4
Key passes*
0.5
Pass accuracy*
89%
Tackles*
1.6
Interceptions*
1.0
Balls recovered*
3.3
Total duels won*
62%
Stats via Sofascore
In a similar manner to Colwill, however, what does set Hincapie apart is how flexible he is at operating as a full-back or more centrally, with Caicedo sharing that versatility having featured as a deep-lying midfielder, or even as an inverted right-back under Maresca to date.
A further benefit is also the wealth of experience that Hincapie has earned thus far despite his relative youth, having made 189 club career appearances at senior level, alongside 46 caps for his country. For comparison, Caicedo has made 193 senior club appearances, alongside 55 caps at international level.
While unlike the latter man and his time at Brighton, the Leverkusen star is yet to be tested in the Premier League, all the signs point to him being a natural fit in Maresca’s side – much like Caicedo has been over the last 12 months or so.
Better than Garnacho: Chelsea set to launch £45m bid for "world-class" star
The dynamic phenom would be sensational for Chelsea.
After sealing the appointment of Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur are now set to tackle the transfer market in preparation for an all-important campaign where they’ll be back in the Champions League.
Tottenham agree deal with Thomas Frank to become new manager
Earlier today, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano gave his famous ‘here we go’ to Frank joining Spurs, with the Lilywhites triggering his £10 million release clause and agreeing terms on the Dane’s contract.
Tottenham: Frank already urging Levy to sign "immense" £100k-a-week talent
The Dane is now set to replace Ange Postecoglou.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 10, 2025
The 51-year-old’s move to Spurs comes just five days after chairman Daniel Levy’s decision to sack Postecoglou was announced, despite the Australian ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy and guiding them back to Champions League football.
Tottenham cited their woeful domestic form last season as the main reason behind Postecoglou’s dimissal, regardless of certain squad members like James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Pedro Porro publicly speaking out in his defence and wanting the 59-year-old to continue.
Taking this into account, Frank could now be set to inherit an awkward atmosphere, and the Premier League-proven boss has an intriguing task on his hands to carry on the club’s momentum after their Europa League triumph in Bilbao.
Following their well-documented injury crisis last term, it is also imperative for Levy to back Frank in the summer transfer market.
Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge recently claimed that Tottenham want to ideally strengthen all areas bar their goalkeeper, and Frank has reportedly already recommended Spurs move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in particular (GiveMeSport).
A new wide-attacker is on the agenda, especially on the left, with out-of-favour winger Timo Werner returning to parent club RB Leipzig, despite Postecoglou initially holding high hopes for the German and calling him a “quality player”.
Tottenham hold "genuine" Jack Grealish interest
According to reliable transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, writing in a column for talkSPORT, Tottenham are targeting £300,000-per-week Man City forward Jack Grealish as an option to replace Werner on that side.
Manchester City's JackGrealishduring the warm up before the match
Jacobs reports that Tottenham hold a “genuine interest” in signing Grealish, but they face competition from Everton, AC Milan, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah.
His sky-high salary is a major stumbling block for any suitor, meaning a permanent sale is made all the more challenging given City value their man at around £50 million.
Realistically, a loan deal where City pay a fair percentage of Grealish’s wages is perhaps the most likely avenue for Spurs to explore a potential deal here.
Grealish would be competing with Mathys Tel for a regular starting berth on that side, with Jacobs also reporting that the Frenchman is expected to remain in north London.
The England international wants regular game time to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans in time for the World Cup next year, and Tottenham could be an ideal landing spot in that regard.
One manager appears very attracted by the prospect of a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur, after the tactician missed out on the Man United job to Ruben Amorim.
Tottenham's list of rumoured managerial targets
Ange Postecoglou could be facing his final few weeks as Spurs boss, according to some reports, as there is a growing belief the Australian could be sacked regardless of their success in Europe.
£195k-per-week Chelsea player holds talks over joining Tottenham via agents
His team are trying to find a new club.
1
By
Emilio Galantini
Apr 30, 2025
The Telegraph reported last week that Postecoglou is heading for the Spurs exit door, and it may not even tie in with their Europa League campaign, even if the Lilywhites do end up winning their first piece of major silverware since 2008.
Tottenham’s final Premier League fixtures
Date
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
Chairman Daniel Levy reportedly has numerous candidates under consideration to succeed Postecoglou, including Domestically, Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley), who have all been linked in the last few weeks.
Even Carlo Ancelotti, Jürgen Klopp and Xabi Alonso have been internally discussed as managerial options by Tottenham chiefs, according to GiveMeSport, but the trio may be very hard to tempt to N17, especially as Real Madrid are currently blocking an exit for their head coach.
Spurs may have to temper their expectations when it comes to high-profile coaches of Ancelotti’s ilk, but a readily-available head coach with Champions League and trophy-winning experience comes in the form of ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić.
The German left Dortmund after guiding them to an unexpected Champions League final last season, where they lost to Real Madrid, and won two major trophies during his time in the Bundesliga.
Borussia Dortmund coachEdinTerziclooks dejected after the match
Terzic was mentioned as a potential target for Spurs back in January, and links have now resurfaced from his homeland.
Edin Terzić "would be immediately open to discussions" with Tottenham
It comes courtesy of newspaper Sport Bild, who report, via Sport Witness, that Terzic “would be immediately open to discussions” with Tottenham if the north Londoners come forward with an offer.
The 59-year-old rejected opportunities at Besiktas, West Ham and AC Milan in the last year, but was open to the Man United job before he ultimately watched Amorim take the reins at Old Trafford instead.
He’s now keen on a potential opening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he’s hungry to get back into management. Terzic is said to be taking advice from legendary ex-head coaches like Arsène Wenger in preparation for his next job, spending several weeks in Spain, Italy and England recently to watch as many top flight encounters as possible.
After their win over Fulham during the week, it was another disappointing Premier League affair on Saturday for Arsenal.
The title race may be all but over, but Mikel Arteta and Co would still have been hoping for a win over Everton ahead of the must-win clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow night.
Instead, the Gunners played out another dismal draw against the Toffees, and while they never really looked in danger of losing, they didn’t look like winning either.
It was another encounter that demonstrated the North Londoners’ need for a new striker, and the good news is that recent reports have touted one of the most exciting in Europe for a move to the club, a striker who’d be a better signing than Benjamin Sesko.
Arsenal striker search
It’s no secret that the area of the squad Arsenal need to strengthen the most this summer is centre-forward, so recent reports linking them to players like Sesko are no surprise.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
The RB Leipzig star is one of the most exciting up-and-coming number nines on the continent at the moment, has amassed a tally of 25 goal involvements in 39 appearances and, per reports from earlier this month, remains a key target for the Gunners.
However, while he would undoubtedly help improve Arteta’s attacking options, there is another target who’d be an even bigger game-changer: Viktor Gyokeres.
Transfer Focus
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Yes, according to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal’s strong interest in the Swedish superstar has intensified over the last week.
Moreover, in even better news, the report has revealed that the player’s representatives will attend the game against Real tomorrow night, indicating that further talks may take place.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates after the match
The report does not reveal a potential fee, but according to stories from late last month, the former Coventry City marksman could be available for around £58m in the summer.
It could still be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gyokeres’ immense ability, it is well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a far better signing than Sesko.
How Gyokeres compares to Sesko
So, while both strikers would certainly improve Arsenal’s attack next season, why would Gyorkeres be the better signing?
Well, while there are a few reasons, the most significant is their respective output, as, after all, they’re number nines.
For example, since the start of last season, the Sporting CP star has scored 86 goals and provided 26 assists in just 93 appearances, which comes out to a simply staggering average of 1.20 goal involvements every game.
Appearances
81
93
Minutes
4918′
7599′
Goals
37
86
Assists
8
26
Goal Involvements per Match
0.55
1.20
Minutes per Goal Involvement
109.28′
67.84′
In contrast, the Slovenian international has scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 81 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.80 games.
Now, it is true that the Leipzig star is playing in a more challenging league, but when we look at their output from their time in the Champions League, it’s once again clear who the superior striker is.
For example, the “complete” Stockholm-born monster, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored six goals in eight UCL appearances, while the former RB Salzburg gem has six in 28 games.
Lastly, Sesko is still just 21, and while he could become a superstar in the future, he is not entirely developed, whereas, at 26, Gyokeres could come into Arteta’s team as the finished article and immediately lead the line.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal
Ultimately, while he may cost a significant amount of money, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the Sporting star this summer over the Leipzig ace.
Alongside Gyokeres: Arsenal make contact to sign ace who'd revive Odegaard
Arsenal could be set for a huge summer with Viktor Gyokeres and one other player firmly on their list.