Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is thought to be on the verge of yet another summer transfer deal, following what has been a hectic last few weeks.

Arteta's top Arsenal striker target is "now" expected to stay at his club

He was the Spaniard’s “first choice”.

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Mikel Arteta has already welcomed Spanish international duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi to N5, with the pair reinforcing his goalkeeping department and engine room, while former Brentford captain Christian Norgaard has also been announced as Thomas Partey’s replacement.

This trio of signings has set Arsenal back around £75 million, not including add-ons, but Berta is poised to splash even more cash in the slow build up to deadline day on September 1.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£75m

Arsenal remain in ongoing talks over a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, and the prolific hitman has now gone on to strike. He’s actively refusing to return for pre-season training as Gyokeres attempts to force through a move to the Emirates, but the two sides are currently still apart in valuation.

Arsenal are also still in pursuit of Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze. The England international won’t be leaving Palace for less than his £68 million release clause, according to reports, with the Eagles determined to hold out for his full asking price, even if Arsenal have held positive discussions with Eze’s camp (ESPN).

However, while Berta is no closer to striking a potential deal for the 27-year-old as things stand, he is about to make his fourth signing of the summer through another London-based attacker – Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

News emerged on Thursday evening that Arsenal have reached a full agreement to sign Madueke for around £50 million, including add-ons, and Enzo Maresca has since confirmed that the 23-year-old is leaving Stamford Bridge.

Noni Madueke set for imminent Arsenal medical with agreement sealed

Sharing a further update on the situation, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared that Madueke is set to undergo his Arsenal medical this weekend – so it won’t be long before he’s announced as a new Gunners player.

Given their links to Real Madrid star Rodrygo, who is now unlikely to join the club, some Arsenal supporters are dissatisfied with Berta’s decision to go for Madueke instead – especially considering he performed much better on the right-hand side for Chelsea last term as opposed to the left.

According to a poll conducted by Sky Sports, out of 35,000 fans, 70 per cent of them feel that Madueke would be a bad signing for Arteta – but there is reason to believe he could eventually thrive at Arsenal.

Madueke has been revered for his strength and burst of pace by members of the media, with his ability to play on either flank also proving useful. The former PSV Eindhoven star is also still young with plenty of Premier League experience already, and has the potential to get even better under Arteta’s guidance.

While the elusive centre forward is yet to arrive, there is no doubt that this has been a great summer for Arsenal in the transfer market.

There’s no Edu-like hesitancy from the recruitment team as Andrea Berta is here and he’s making a stamp on the Gunners.

With a move for Viktor Gyokeres continuing to rumble on in the background, Mikel Arteta’s side have added Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke to their ranks.

Yet, they aren’t done there. It feels like a matter of time before Gyokeres becomes an Arsenal player and a new centre-back in the shape of Cristhian Mosquera has already completed his media duties ahead of being announced.

But, another winger could also arrive before transfer deadline day.

Arsenal looking to further bolster their forward line

Two of the biggest rumours this summer have concerned Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo.

Eze, who was once in the Arsenal academy, has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Gunners but club-to-club talks are yet to open between the north Londoners and Crystal Palace.

If the attacker does make the move to the Emirates Stadium, then it’s likely his £68m release clause will have been activated.

But, how about Rodrygo? Well, this saga is one that looks as though it could continue until the latter stages of the window.

Transfer Focus

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

The Brazilian played just 92 minutes at this summer’s Club World Cup and as a result, Xabi Alonso could well be looking to move him on from Real Madrid.

Arsenal have been at the table for a while now, but they are joined by Liverpool in the race. However, according to reports in Spain, the Gunners are now looking to steal a march on the Reds.

Those reports suggest that Arteta views Rodrygo as ‘the ideal player to strengthen the left flank’ and as a consequence, they are preparing an €80m (£70m) bid to bring him to London. It’s unlikely that will be accepted as Madrid have set their asking price at €100m (£87m).

Why Rodrygo could be Arsenal's best left winger since Alexis

While the centre forward position at Arsenal has been a problem for two years now, arguably so has the wide left position in Arteta’s side.

Gabriel Martinelli scored as many as 15 Premier League goals in 2022/23 but since then, he’s not scored more than eight in a single league campaign. As for Leandro Trossard, he did find the net on 17 occasions in 2023/24, but as far as league goals are concerned, it was an inconsistent term in 2024/25 for the Belgian too.

Indeed, the former Brighton winger scored just eight in the top-flight, leading to concerns about the overall makeup of Arsenal’s attack.

It feels like a long time ago now that the Gunners had Alexis Sanchez dominating the left flank. Like Trossard, he also featured as the main centre-forward, but his quality far surpassed both him and Martinelli.

Cast your minds back to 2016/17 and you will recall just how magical the Chilean was, scoring as many as 24 Premier League goals. In all competitions, he found the net 30 times and supplied 18 assists too.

It’s numbers we’ve not seen from a forward player at Arsenal since Sanchez. Not even Bukayo Saka has enjoyed a season as good as that.

Well, Rodrygo could well be the type of winger who can emulate Alexis in north London. Like the Chile international, he’d arrive at the Emirates having played second fiddle to some major names in Spanish football.

Sanchez moved to Arsenal in the shadow of Lionel Messi and Co while Rodrygo is firmly behind the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vini Jr.

Yet, his quality is clear for all to see. In 2022/23, he scored 19 goals in all competitions and possesses a dazzling dribbling ability akin to the club’s former number 17.

Goals *

0.6

0.3

Assists *

0.3

0.2

Key passes *

2.2

1.4

Big chances created

10

10

Crosses *

0.4

0.2

Successful dribbles *

2.8

2.4

Times fouled *

1.8

1.4

Taking a fraction of the data from the best individual seasons of both players’ careers, there are obvious differences, notably in terms of output.

That said, they created an identical number of big chances and their dribbling is very much on par, with Rodrygo only 0.4 down when it comes to their success rates.

To rubberstamp that ability, the Madrid star ranked among the top 20% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues last year for take-ons and the best 14% for progressive carries.

On that evidence, the Brazil international is a captivating star and even though he’s not too consistent with regards to goals and assists yet, he is still only 24. Alexis, in contrast, was 27 during that 2016/17 campaign. There is plenty of time left for him to develop yet.

A dream for Gyokeres: Arsenal chasing "one of the best 10s in the world"

The attacking midfielder would be unreal for Arsenal and Viktor Gyokeres.

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Australia’s women begin a three-match series against New Zealand in Queensland on Thursday having not played an international since April

Alex Malcolm17-Sep-2024Three-time defending women’s T20 World Cup champions Australia are hoping to shake out the rust and do some heat acclimation ahead next month’s tournament in the UAE in their warm-up series against New Zealand starting on Thursday in Mackay.Australia’s women have had a rare lengthy break between international assignments having not played since the limited overs tour of Bangladesh in March and April.Several of Australia’s squad played in the women’s Hundred in the UK in August while Tahlia McGrath was only one of Australia’s 15-strong squad to play in recent Australia A limited-overs series against India A.Related

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Australia is one of the few teams that hasn’t played international cricket recent months as Pakistan and South Africa have squared off while England and Ireland have locked horns. Australia’s opponents New Zealand had a lengthy tour of the England in June and July.Phoebe Litchfield, who played in the Hundred for the Northern Superchargers, believes there shouldn’t be too much rust amongst the defending champions given most have been playing somewhere over the winter months. But she did note that the team needed to do some heat acclimatisation before the trip to the UAE.”It’s going to be hot. Not too dissimilar to Bangladesh,” Litchfield said on Tuesday. “So our preparation continues the same, and we’re probably going to do some heat acclimation over the next sort of week and a half to get ready. But I think being Australian, we’re really suited to hot weather, so hopefully it won’t be too bad.”Litchfield said the squad was disappointed the tournament had to be moved from Bangladesh for security reasons, particularly after Australia had learned quite a lot about the conditions in Bangladesh from their tour there earlier in the year.”I think it’s really disappointing not to go to Bangladesh,” Litchfield said. “I know how much they were looking forward to it. But I think Dubai offers as much as it can, and we’re looking forward to it. I was having a look at a few temperatures there. It’s going to be 37 [degrees Celsius] feels like 45 kind of thing.”Litchfield, 21, has not played in a World Cup. Despite making her international debut just prior to the 2023 World Cup in South Africa Litchfield was not part of the squad that went onto win the title.She had an extended run in the side last summer in the middle order and performed superbly at times, particularly against West Indies in the first series of the season. But she only played two of the three T20Is in Bangladesh. She did not get a bat in the first game and then opened in game two when Australia completely changed the order to give some of their players a hit, before being left out of game three.Litchfield was unsure whether she was a guaranteed starter for the upcoming series against New Zealand and the World Cup but believes she will probably bat in the middle order again.”I assume it’s probably going to be similar to what I’ve been doing before, if I do play,” Litchfield said. “It’ll be going through the middle order and hopefully building off the back of some top order brilliance.”Both Australia and New Zealand arrived in Mackay on Monday with the first two matches of the series to be played on Thursday and Sunday before the teams move to Brisbane for the final game next Tuesday. Both squads will fly straight to the UAE next Wednesday.

Over the course of the last 18 years, Mahmud has had numerous roles in the BCB, including 11 years as a board director

Mohammad Isam11-Sep-2024

Khaled Mahmud has held several roles in the BCB after his playing days•AFP/Getty Images

Khaled Mahmud has resigned from his position as a BCB director on Wednesday. BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury confirmed the development. Mahmud, a former Bangladesh captain, becomes the latest board director to move on after Jalal Yunus and Naimur Rahman resigned over the past few weeks, and Ahmed Sajjadul Alam was removed from the post. Mahmud is understood to have informed the board through an email, bringing an end to his 11 years as a BCB director.At the time of his departure, Mahmud was the BCB’s game development chairman and cricket operations vice-chairman. Over the course of the last 18 years, Mahmud has had numerous roles in the BCB.A few months after announcing his retirement as a player in 2006, Mahmud became Bangladesh’s team manager. Three years later, he was appointed assistant coach under Jamie Siddons, followed by becoming a board director in 2013. Mahmud however continued to coach Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Dhaka Premier League (DPL) teams.He returned as Bangladesh’s manager in 2015, after which he also became a selector when then BCB chief Nazmul Hassan expanded the selection committee in 2016. Mahmud became Bangladesh’s technical director after Chandika Hathurusinghe left the job in 2017, effectively also acting as the head coach in early 2018. His multiple roles raised a serious question of conflict of interest but Mahmud continued in these and many others.He returned as Bangladesh’s interim coach for an ODI series in Sri Lanka in 2019, and continued as Bangladesh’s team director through to the 2023 World Cup, when he expressed dissatisfaction with the role for the first time.In several roles, Mahmud has had a lot of success. He is known as one of the architects of Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup win in 2020, when he was the game development head. As a coach, he won the BPL with Dhaka Dynamites in 2016, and several DPL titles with Abahani Limited including the 2023-24 season.Mahmud played 12 Tests and 77 ODIs, winning Player of the Match in Bangladesh’s famous win against Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup. He led Bangladesh in nine Tests and 15 ODIs, although the team never won a game under him. The closest he came was when Pakistan beat Bangladesh by one wicket in the Multan Test in 2003. It was also Mahmud’s finest hour as a Test cricketer, taking match figures of 7 for 105.

Newcastle United are facing a pivotal summer as they brace for the potential departure of star striker Alexander Isak.

The Sweden international, who has rapidly become a fan favourite since arriving on Tyneside, has made it clear that he is open to a move away, and Liverpool are ready to test Newcastle’s resolve with what could be a British-record bid.

Isak’s absence from the club’s pre-season tour of Southeast Asia, attributed to a “minor thigh issue”, has coincided with reports of a breakdown in contract talks.

Newcastle were keen to offer him improved terms, but Isak is believed to have asked for £300k per week, a demand that far exceeds the club’s current wage structure.

Though the Magpies maintain that Isak is not for sale, Liverpool’s growing interest, and Isak’s own openness to the move, has prompted Newcastle to begin preparations for life without him.

In that scenario, they would need a striker who not only shares some of Isak’s traits but also has the potential to grow into an elite Premier League forward.

Newcastle looking at Benjamin Sesko alternatives

According to GIVEMESPORT, one of the candidates to fill that role is Loïs Openda, the Belgian forward currently playing for RB Leipzig. The Magpies are believed to be ‘exploring’ a move for the striker.

Transfer Focus

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

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While the club have also expressed interest in Leipzig teammate Benjamin Šeško, Openda offers a more attainable option. One who, despite operating in a struggling side last season, demonstrated the kind of raw output and energy that Newcastle value highly.

Former Club Brugge manager Philippe Clement, who worked with Openda during his development, labelled him “super-fast”, as well as “combative” during difficult spells – precisely the kind of character Newcastle’s recruitment department seeks.

His contract at Leipzig runs until 2028, and a deal won’t be cheap, especially given Club Brugge’s 12.5% sell-on clause.

However, with Leipzig likely to part with Xavi Simons, while Šeško has a much higher price tag, Openda may be the more available of the two.

How Openda compares to Isak

Openda’s playing style is defined by pace, aggression, and sharp movement. While he doesn’t match Isak’s height (1.77m vs. Isak’s 1.92m), he brings a directness that can stretch defences and a physicality that belies his frame.

He’s a centre-forward by trade but is comfortable drifting out wide. Ideal for Howe’s system, which demands positional flexibility in transition.

Statistically, there’s more overlap with Isak than one might expect, with the pair deemed to be similar players among their European peers, as per FBref. According to the data site, Openda averaged 2.82 shots per 90 minutes last season in the Bundesliga to Isak’s 3.10 in the Premier League.

His shots on target per 90 (1.14) and shot-on-target percentage (40.3%) closely mirror Isak’s (1.34 and 43.2% respectively). While Isak recorded more non-penalty goals (19 vs. 9) and expected goals (17.2 vs. 8.2), that comes in the context of Newcastle’s more cohesive attack compared to Leipzig’s disappointing season, which ended with a 7th-place finish and early Champions League exit.

Where Openda truly stands out is in his mentality and off-the-ball work – qualities Howe prizes.

While his defensive stats are modest, just 0.07 tackles in the final third per 90, his pressing intensity and recovery runs have drawn praise from Bundesliga observers. He’s also adept at attacking space in behind, a trait that fits Newcastle’s counter-attacking DNA under Howe.

That said, Openda is far from the finished product. His passing accuracy (63.8%) lags behind Isak’s (75.3%), and he averages fewer progressive passes, carries, and successful take-ons per 90.

With his flaws comes room for growth. Under Howe, a coach known for improving attacking players, those gaps could narrow quickly.

At 25, Openda is entering his prime, and with 27 caps for Belgium already under his belt, he has experience at the highest level.

The Premier League isn’t unfamiliar territory for clubs tracking him either. Aston Villa and Leicester City have previously monitored the Belgian, but neither made a formal approach.

Now, Newcastle appear to be in the strongest position – and in the most urgent need.

While Openda may not yet have Isak’s polish or reputation, he brings a skill set that could flourish under the right guidance. His pace, directness, and goal threat are real, and paired with the right supply line, he could be a devastating outlet in the Premier League.

He’s not an exact copy of Isak, but if they do lose their star striker to Liverpool, Loïs Openda represents a logical and exciting step forward.

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Arshdeep Singh’s first-class career-best of 6 for 40 helped deliver a consolation win for India D in the final round of the Duleep Trophy 2024-25, in Anantapur. Set 373 for victory in a little over two sessions, India B folded for 115 in just 22.2 overs, with Arshdeep and Vidarbha seamer Aditya Thakare, who got 4 for 59, picking up all ten wickets between them.Arshdeep’s strikes across both innings included the big one of Suryakumar Yadav, who only managed scores of 5 and 16 in his first first-class fixture in over a year. Left-arm seamer Arshdeep, who picked up only his second five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, finished with a match haul of 9 for 90.India B’s allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was the only batter to offer any semblance of resistance, remaining unbeaten on 40 when Arshdeep fittingly picked up the final wicket to clinch a 257-run victory before tea on the fourth and final day.As well as Arshdeep contributed, it was batter Ricky Bhui who was named the Player of the Match. Bhui top-scored in the second innings with an unbeaten 119, going with 56 in the first, to swell the lead after India D found themselves in trouble at 18 for 3 in the second innings. Bhui, who began the day unbeaten on 90, completed his 20th first-class century quickly as India D added 59 more to their overnight 244 for 5 even as spin-bowling allrounder Saransh Jain didn’t come out to bat due to an unspecified injury.India B’s hopes of going after the target needed a stable base from the top order, but that wasn’t to be, as they quickly found themselves three down inside eight overs. Musheer Khan, who had opened the tournament with a backs-to-the-wall 181, was out for his second duck in four innings since, to end a tournament that had promised much more.Nitish, who himself hadn’t contributed as much as he would have liked with the bat, ended the tournament on a brighter note, albeit in a losing cause. He managed two wickets with the ball during the competition, where he showed the ability to bowl long spells and move the ball both ways at a brisk pace.Arshdeep aside, Saurabh Kumar, the left-arm-spinner, enjoyed a productive outing; his five-wicket haul in the first innings setting up a 67-run lead for India D. In other positives for them, Shreyas Iyer, who was leading the side, hit 50 off just 40 balls in the second innings, while Sanju Samson, the first-innings centurion, played a cameo in the second to set up a total they were able to eventually defend.For India B, Abhimanyu Easwaran was among their bright spots. Having begun the tournament with two very uncharacteristic dismissals, he bounced back with twin hundreds in his subsequent outings. However, a loss in the final game ended his side’s chances of clinching the Duleep Trophy, as India A are all but certain to gain three points from their ongoing fixture against India C.

Despite Hamza Igamane stealing plenty of headlines as of late, it could now reportedly be an alternative Glasgow Rangers player who leaves Ibrox in the coming days.

Latest on Hamza Igamane's potential Rangers exit

For a moment, it looked as though Igamane was destined to become a LOSC Lille player. The French side reportedly set their sights on the impressive Gers forward to replace Jonathan David and even held a decisive meeting to agree personal terms with the Rangers star. Yet, as things stand, talks between the Gers and Lille remain an obstacle in the way of any potential move this summer.

Igamane is now back in Rangers training and set to kick on with any pre-season plans under Russell Martin. Just how long that is the case is the big question. As Sacha Tavolieri reported, the 22-year-old wants to join the Ligue 1 club and has an agreement over personal terms in place. Lille simply must match Rangers’ demands, however.

It must be said that keeping hold of Igamane this summer would be seen as a major victory on the transfer front for all involved at Ibrox. The forward exceeded expectations last season by scoring as many as 16 goals in all competitions and would undoubtedly have a crucial role to play in a new era under Martin if he did stay put.

Meanwhile, as that transfer saga rumbles on, the Gers reportedly face the prospect of losing a different player this summer.

Jose Cifuentes close to leaving Rangers

According to Studio Futbol journalist Cesar Luis Melo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Jose Cifuentes is close to leaving Rangers and could even seal an exit with a new club in the coming days. The central midfielder spent last season on loan at Aris Saloniki, but has returned to Scotland after the Greek club decided against triggering their £4m clause for a permanent deal.

Now back at Ibrox, Cifuentes reportedly attracted the interest of Olympiacos, only for the Greek side to fail in their pursuit and for talks to break down earlier this summer. Just where the midfielder heads to next as a result of those talks breaking down remains to be seen.

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It’s been a difficult spell in Scotland for Cifuentes, who initially arrived hoping to make an immediate impact under Michael Beale. Ultimately, that impact never came, however, despite the former manager’s praise.

Beale told reporters when asked about his midfielder: “He is clearly a talented player and the more he plays, the more people will be aware of that. He is a player we brought in with high hopes for and this gives him an opportunity to have a run in the team now.”

Alas, a lot has, of course, changed since Beale was at the club and a new era under Martin is seemingly set to spell the end of Cifuentes’ Rangers career.

كشف تيبو كورتوا، حارس مرمى نادي ريال مدريد، عن تعليمات المدير الفني تشابي ألونسو للاعبي الفريق، بعد نهاية الشوط الأول أمام أوليمبيك مارسيليا في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وقلب نادي ريال مدريد تأخره بهدف مقابل لا شيء أمام مارسيليا إلى فوز مستحق بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد يوم أمس الثلاثاء، ضمن الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات أو مرحلة الدوري من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وقدم ريال مدريد مباراة رائعة أمام مارسيليا، فعلى الرغم من الفوز بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد فقط، إلا أن لاعبي الميرنجي خلقوا العديد من الفرص على مرمى النادي الفرنسي.

اقرأ أيضًا .. مدة غياب كارفاخال عن ريال مدريد بعد طرده أمام مارسيليا.. وموقفه من مباراة ليفربول

وقال كورتوا في حديثه إلى “موفيستار”: “طلب منا المدرب أن نفعل الشيء نفسه بين الشوطين، لكن مارسيليا غيروا أسلوب لعبهم وأغلقوا خطوطهم، كنا سيئين في التعامل مع الكرة في الدقائق الأولى وعانينا أكثر في الشوط الثاني من الأول، إنه فوز جيد لكن الأمور أصبحت معقدة في المباراة”.

وأضاف كورتوا في حديثه: “الفوز بهذه المباريات على أرضنا يغنينا عن الكثير، أردنا أن نتعلم من الخسارة العام الماضي أمام ميلان، فزنا عن جدارة واستحقاق لكن الأهداف جاءت من ركلتي جزاء، خلقنا خطورة كبيرة لكن ركلات الجزاء كانت واضحة وصحيحة”.

وعن اللعب بعشرة لاعبين بعد طرد داني كارفاخال، اختتم الدولي البلجيكي: ”المشكلة هي أنه عندما لا تدافع بأحد عشر لاعبًا، يضع المدرب ضغطًا كبيرًا على مبابي وجولر. إنه الفرق بين ما إذا كانوا يشكلون خطورة أم لا وتشابي يطلب مني أيضًا لعب كرات إلى الأمام ومساعدة الهجوم، هذه التغييرات التي تحدث”.

The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA, formerly FICA) has expressed its “concern” after receiving reports of certain cricket boards not paying the “prize money in full” to their players, who participated at the last men’s T20 World Cup, earlier this year in the USA and the West Indies.”In some cases the failure to pay in full has been paired with threatening and intimidatory behaviour by National Governing Bodies to player groups,” the WCA said in a statement on Wednesday.ESPNcricinfo understands that players from five of the 20 participating teams – of which eight were Associate Members of the ICC – have not been paid their dues.Related

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“We are extremely concerned with a number of countries who are still yet to pay players their prize money from the men’s T20 World Cup held in the US and Caribbean earlier in the year, and especially with a number of threats made against players who stand up for themselves and their colleagues in some cricket environments,” Tom Moffat, WCA chief executive, said. “We appreciate the ICC’s efforts to date in ensuring the players involved are paid in full, and are certain the ICC will continue to take all appropriate steps against any Boards who do not do so, and to enforce their own Terms of Participation.”Every player in our sport should receive the benefits they are entitled to in full, and should be provided with a safe environment to play, work, and advocate for themselves and their colleagues off field, through a players’ association if they choose.”The statement was released after the WCA board met this week in Singapore for its annual general meeting, where it also approved the establishment of a Global Player Hardship Fund.The fund, the WCA said, has been designed to support international players in need “who are not covered by the game’s existing domestic frameworks for support”.JP Van Wyk, WCA’s head of welfare and education, said, “Professional athletes face unique challenges in their short careers and we know through the great work that many players’ associations do at domestic level that tailored player welfare support structures have supported players in their time of need. We also know that in an increasingly global player employment market there are notable gaps in the current system in assisting players in extreme cases of hardship.”Although this fund will operate within certain constraints, and will complement domestic offerings, we are certain it is going to assist those current and recently retired international cricketers who are presently unsupported and vulnerable.”The fund will be governed by “an oversight group” made up of experts and players’ association representatives.Meanwhile, Heath Mills and Sana Mir have been reappointed executive chair and independent director respectively.

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin will be hoping to keep hold of his top talents at Ibrox between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

The likes of Hamza Igamane, Nicolas Raskin, Cyriel Dessers, and Mohamed Diomande have all been linked with moves away from Scotland, but all remain with the Light Blues at the time of writing.

A whole host of English clubs, who are all due to play in the top-flight south of the border, are reportedly interested in signing Raskin from Rangers.

Losing the Belgium international, who delivered four goals and ten assists in the Scottish Premiership last season, would be a big blow to Martin ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Rangers eyeing up new midfielder

However, Rangers could soften the blow of potentially selling Raskin in the coming weeks by signing an Italian star they are reportedly keen on bringing to Ibrox.

Transfer Focus

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

According to The Boot Room, Martin is interested in a deal to sign Spezia central midfielder Salvatore Esposito for Rangers before the end of the window.

The report claims that there is plenty of competition to land the Italy international’s signature, though, as Everton, Sunderland, Celtic, Brighton, Burnley, Fulham, Brentford, and Fulham are also keen on him.

It adds that Spezia, who failed to earn promotion to the Serie A via the play-offs, are open to a loan with an option to make it permanent next summer.

Rangers must now see off significant competition from their closest rivals and teams in the Premier League in England to sign Esposito, who could be a Raskin repeat at Ibrox.

Why Rangers should sign Salvatore Esposito

The £9m-rated star’s form in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that he would arrive in Glasgow as the dream replacement for the Belgian ace in the middle of the park.

He could provide similar qualities in midfield as a number eight who can make an impact, with both goals and assists, at the top end of the pitch, whilst also being strong in his physical duels out of possession.

Esposito was once described as a “set-piece specialist” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and it is no wonder when you see the clip of his goal against AC Milan in the clip above.

He is more than just a set-piece whiz, though, because the Italian star ended the regular 2024/25 season with an eye-catching haul of seven goals and nine assists in the second tier in Italy.

Appearances

33

34

Goals

4

7

Big chances created

9

18

Assists

10

9

Duels won per game

6.6

7.3

Ground duel success rate

57%

68%

Aerial duel success rate

56%

51%

As you can see in the table above, Esposito offered similar qualities to the ones that Raskin offered Rangers in the Premiership, with his contributions on and off the ball.

These statistics suggest that the Spezia sensation has the play style and the quality to be a Raskin repeat at Ibrox as a central midfielder who can make a big impact at both ends of the pitch.

This is why Rangers should push hard to win the race for his signature in the coming weeks, because signing Esposito would mean that losing the Belgian star would be less of a concern for Martin.

Of course, there is no guarantee that the 24-year-old ace will be able to translate his form over to the Premiership, but the list of Premier League clubs chasing his services points to how highly thought of his talents are.

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Of course, in a dream world, Rangers will be hoping to keep hold of Raskin whilst also adding Esposito to the squad to provide competition for places in midfield.