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From idolising Ashwin and getting smashed by Dhoni to advice from Harbhajan, the TN spinner is ready to take the next step

Deivarayan Muthu20-Nov-2019Twelve wickets in six games at an economy rate of 3.86 – the best among bowlers who have bowled at least 10 overs in the 2019-20 Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. And a large chunk of his 24 overs have come in the Powerplay, when there are just two men outside the circle. Twenty-three-year-old Tamil Nadu left-arm fingerspinner R Sai Kishore has been largely responsible for his team progressing to the Super League stage without breaking a sweat.Even after Washington Sundar, India’s new-ball spinner, returned to the Tamil Nadu side, Kishore has been the first-choice option for the state in the Powerplay. He was part of the Tamil Nadu side that clinched both the Vijay Hazare and Deodhar titles in 2016-17, and now believes that he has greater control over his lines and lengths, something that has been central to his success in the Powerplay in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy.”According to me one of the hardest phases to bowl, as a spinner, is during the Powerplay,” Kishore told ESPNcricinfo. “Sometimes, you can get away in the death, as a spinner, as the ball might be old then. With just two fielders outside the circle, it is very hard to control the runs. I am really thankful to have that skillset to bowl in the Powerplay. The hard lengths and the change of pace you need in the Powerplay I feel I’m getting it naturally.”My height also works to my advantage and I have long fingers which allow me to spin the ball nicely. Sometimes, you can get under the ball as a batsman, but I tend to give more overspin on the ball and so far it has been useful for me.”ALSO READ: Sai Kishore, Dinesh Karthik take TN to Vijay Hazare final (2017)Kishore also credited his captain Dinesh Karthik for relentlessly backing him and giving him three overs upfront with the new ball.”Not many captains go and give three overs to a spinner during the Powerplay,” he said. “I must thank Dinesh Karthik; he has been following up with me right from TNPL (Tamil Nadu Premier League) and has advised me what I have done better and what I can do better. He has given me a lot of confidence. I feel cricket is a captain’s game – he takes those decisions and owns up responsibility. When somebody like Dinesh Karthik comes and tells you that you’ll be the strike bowler for the team in the Powerplay, you need to deliver.”Kishore reckoned that his stint as a net bowler for Chennai Super Kings earlier this summer gave him a “reality check” and helped him deal with pressure better. After MS Dhoni smashed him all over Chepauk on the third day of the pre-season IPL camp, Kishore returned home wondering: (what am I doing?). A chat with Harbhajan Singh then gave him clarity and spurred him to improve his game-awareness.R Sai Kishore prepares to bowl at the Chennai Super Kings nets•R Sai Kishore”Spending time at the CSK nets was an invaluable experience and it’s something I’ve told most of my state cricketers,” Kishore said. “I bowled quite well in the first two days of the camp and on the third day they probably knew how I would bowl and I was whacked all over Chepauk. Of course, it was Dhoni (laughs). It was like even if I change my line or length, Dhoni kept whacking me.”Net bowling at CSK was like an internship and I was just looking for some points with which I can grow. Harbhajan Singh was there at the nets as well and I went and asked him: what will you do if Dhoni keeps whacking you all around the ground? He explained that when you get hit, you go into a [defensive] mindset and search for an escape route and panic a lot. He asked me not to panic, back myself, take a little more time for myself and then get ready to bowl. Then, if Dhoni still hits you, it’s fine.”The next couple of days I bowled to Dhoni again and I did better. In one session, I didn’t give him a single six. The experience of getting hit everywhere made me more aware as a bowler.”Having grown up in Chennai, Kishore idolises R Ashwin, so much that his jersey number is 99 like Ashwin’s. Kishore’s Twitter handle, much like Ashwin’s, includes 99.”Coming from Chennai, I’m naturally a fan of CSK and when you see somebody like Ashwin , you have that admiration,” Kishore said. “I could relate a lot to him because he’s also a tall fingerspinner. Looking at him, I got the belief that I could also upgrade myself as a cricketer like him and do the things he does. When I made my TN debut, he was also there with me. Since he is busy playing international cricket, we haven’t had enough time to exchange notes at Tamil Nadu, but that’s something I’m looking forward to soon.”Kishore has been among the most consistent bowlers in the TNPL and had trialled with Mumbai Indians earlier, in addition to being a net bowler for Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab. His name has cropped up at the IPL auction in the past two years, but he didn’t find any takers. With another auction looming, does that thought play on the back of his mind?”Of course, it will be there at the back of your mind,” Kishore said. “But, if you have one particular skillset, you need to be executing it in every game. “You have to move forward. I’m not the same Sai Kishore I was two years back. And in two years, I don’t want to be this Sai Kishore. Whatever you do at practice, you need to replicate in the game, upgrade yourself, and balance it out.”Kishore is no stranger to balancing things, though. He’s currently juggling cricket with an MBA degree and just needs to complete his practical exams to finish it off.Outside of cricket and MBA, Kishore enjoys watching movies and taking his dog for walks. He describes himself as a “normal Madipakkam boy…just like Vijay Shankar”. If Kishore extends his red-hot form from the league stages in the Syed Mushtaq Ali to the Super league, he might well be the next Madipakkam boy to break into the IPL.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Ethan Lamb

Apr 6, 2025

An “exceptional” former Manchester United player could make a surprise return to Old Trafford this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd pursuing midfielder amid Casemiro doubts

Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford appears to be in doubt, despite the Brazilian putting in some much-improved performances in recent times, making a remarkable 11 tackles against Manchester City earlier this month.

As such, Ruben Amorim may be tasked with bringing in a new tough-tackling midfielder this summer, and the manager’s search has led him to Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with Man United expected to make a £52m bid for the Brazilian.

Other potential options include Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes, with United certainly not short on options as we edge closer to the summer transfer window.

Manuel Ugarte joined the Red Devils last summer, following the decision to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli for £25m, and the Scot has really kicked on since arriving in the Serie A, establishing himself as a key player for the Serie A title chasers.

As such, according to a report from Spain, McTominay could now be in line for a surprise return to Old Trafford, although a deal will not be cheap, as his performances for Napoli have elevated his market value considerably.

It may also be difficult to prise the 28-year-old away from Napoli, with the Italian club determined to keep hold of him, and given that he is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, the midfielder may not be overly keen on a return despite the interest from his former club.

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Dominic Lund

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"Exceptional" McTominay shining in the Serie A

The Scotland international was much-maligned during his time with Man United, which ultimately led to the decision to cash-in last summer, but he has shown serious signs of development since moving to Napoli.

The Lancaster-born midfielder has picked up a very impressive eight goals and four assists in 28 Serie A appearances, most recently bagging a brace against Empoli to ensure his side remained just three points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

In light of the improvements the central midfielder has made to his game, he was lauded as “exceptional” by journalist Josh Bunting earlier this season, and he ranks highly on some key metrics for midfielders over the past year.

That said, it seems very unlikely that McTominay will be on his way back to Old Trafford anytime soon, given that he left less than a year ago, and appears to be flourishing with Napoli.

There is just a month left of the season, and as such, transfer rumours have started swirling around clubs in the Premier League, although for Tottenham Hotspur, those rumours concern the manager’s position.

Ange Postecoglou might be two games away from a Europa League final, but as things stand, he’s overseen 18 league defeats and has a real chance of leading the North Londoners to a 17th-place finish.

So it’s not surprising that the last week or so has seen a number of top coaches in England and abroad linked with taking over his job in the summer.

One of the most prominent candidates at the moment seems to be Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, although based on recent reports, the club might have just identified an even better option.

Tottenham's manager search

Before we get to the manager in question, it is worth looking at some of the other potential candidates who have been linked with the jobs over the last week or so, such as Marco Silva.

Manager Focus

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The Fulham boss has done an incredible job in West London since being appointed in 2021, leading the Cottagers to promotion and turning them into a solid mid-table side who have beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United this season.

Another impressive coach linked with the job in recent days has been Brentford’s Thomas Frank.

According to the Telegraph’s Matt Law, Lilywhites technical director Johan Lange is a big fan of the 51-year-old, and it’s not hard to see why, as, like Silva, he’s led his side up to the top-flight and turned them into a solid team that can give anyone a game, despite losing star striker Ivan Toney in the summer.

However, another name has also popped up as a potential replacement for Postecoglou, a manager who could also be a better option than Iraola: Roberto De Zerbi.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss is a ‘name that some at Tottenham appreciate.’

Known for being something of a passionate character, it could be the perfect match to get Spurs firing again in the summer and a better hire than the Bournemouth man.

How De Zerbi compares to Iraola

So, if Spurs are looking at De Zerbi and Iraola as potential replacements for Postecoglou, how do they compare to one another?

Well, from a basic stylistic point, both managers prefer to use a 4-2-3-1 formation when possible, which may be ideal for the North Londoners, as that could see the backline receive more protection and allow James Maddison or Dejan Kulusevski to flourish as the most attacking midfielder with pacey widemen on either side and Dominic Solanke leading the line.

Moreover, while the Italian likes to play a high line, he prefers to play two holding midfielders, per the football analyst, which could help stop said line from being exploited as often as it has under Ange.

With that said, how do the manager’s recent records look when compared?

Well, during his time with Brighton, the “genius” tactician, as dubbed by analyst Statman Dave, won 38 games, drew 20 and lost 31, which resulted in him averaging 1.51 points per game, whereas the Cherries boss has won 33 games, drawn 19 and lost 30 on the south coast, resulting in an average of 1.44 points per game.

However, something to consider is that on top of securing the Seagulls European football in the 22/23 season, the Brescia-born boss is now managing one of the two biggest clubs in France, Olympique de Marseille.

He’s averaging 1.81 points per game on the French Riviera, so, unlike the former Rayo Vallecano man, he knows what it is like to take charge of a massive institution and all the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with it.

Ultimately, De Zerbi and Iraola would almost certainly improve the football and results at Spurs next season, but the former has the experience of leading a ‘big club’, which might just make him the better candidate for the North Londoners.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 24, 2025

It doesn’t take a footballing genius to work out what Arsenal need this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side failed to get over the line in the Premier League for the third time on the bounce this season, and while they sit just one place off Liverpool, they’ve scored 14 goals fewer.

Now, part of that is undoubtedly down to injuries, but it’s incredibly evident that the Gunners need a new striker once the transfer window opens, and the board seem to agree.

However, while Alexander Isak remains the dream signing for so many fans, his potentially £150m price tag makes the idea of him moving to the Emirates seem practically impossible.

Fortunately, recent reports have linked the North Londoners with someone who could be an ideal alternative.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth reviewing a couple of the other striker targets linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Daizen Maeda.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could move to N5 for around £70m, and while that would make him one of the Gunners’ most expensive signings ever, he’d probably be worth it as, in just 48 games this season, he’s racked up 52 goals and 12 assists.

The latter could be available for just £25m, which might also prove to be an absolute steal, as in just 47 first-team appearances for Celtic this season, the Japanese international has scored 33 goals and provided 11 assists.

However, Arteta and Co might want someone with more experience of football in a top-five league, which could explain the links to Ollie Watkins.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Arsenal are ‘planning to reignite their bid to sign’ the Aston Villa star.

The report has revealed that even though the Claret and Blue rejected a £50m offer from the Gunners in the January window, he’s back on the club’s shortlist ahead of the summer.

It’s unclear how much he’d cost, but with more time for Villa to find a replacement, it might not be far off Arsenal’s original offer, making him an incredibly appealing Isak alternative.

Why Watkins would be a great Isak alternative

Okay, so the first thing to say is that in an ideal world, Arsenal would just go out and sign Isak, but that feels incredibly unlikely to happen and points to the first significant advantage to signing Watkins over him: the price.

For example, if the reports are to be believed, then the Villa ace could cost as much as £100m less than the Swedish international, which in turn would allow the Gunners to splash the cash on several other first-team players, like Nico Williams, Martin Zubimendi and others.

Moreover, even though he’d cost a third as much as the Toon ace, it does not mean he’d be a third as good.

For example, in 50 appearances this season, totalling 3054 minutes, the Englishman, whom podcaster Rohan Jivan described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe,” has scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 111.75 minutes.

In contrast, the former Real Sociedad star has scored 26 goals and provided six assists in 39 appearances, totalling 3054 minutes, which comes out to a slightly better average of a goal involvement every 1.21 games, or every 95.43 minutes.

Finally, Arteta needs players he can rely on next season, and when it comes to fitness, the former Exeter City star is far more reliable than his potential competitor.

For example, he’s missed just three games for club and country across his entire career, whereas the Swede has already missed 67, and he’s only 25 years old.

With Isak unattainable this season, Arsenal would do well to sign Watkins as an alternative, as on top of costing up to £100m less, he’d be far more reliable.

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Jack Salveson Holmes

May 2, 2025

Derby County and Blackburn Rovers have been embroiled in an intriguing backstory this campaign, centred around John Eustace, who could now have a say in a transfer saga involving both clubs.

Derby County look to build on surviving relegation

Despite fighting for large parts of the campaign in the relegation zone, Derby secured their Championship status by the skin of their teeth after playing out an anticlimactic 0-0 draw with Stoke City on the final day. Working a minor miracle at Pride Park, John Eustace managed to guide the Rams to safety after they were previously seven points adrift of survival, losing only one of their final six league matches.

Controversially, the 45-year-old arrived at Derby from Blackburn Rovers, which was a surprise turn of events at the time due to the vast distance between both clubs in the English second-tier standings. Nevertheless, his decision proved to be worthwhile even in the face of doubters, something Eustace was quick to point out once the Rams confirmed they would be staying in the Championship.

Leaving some frosty relations at his former club, Blackburn missed out on a playoff berth by two points, creating more intrigue between both sides as they go head-to-head again next season. Crossing paths once again, Eustace’s Derby are now fighting his old side for the signature of a talented midfielder from League One, per reports.

Derby County and Blackburn Rovers fight to sign Ethan Erhahon

According to EFL Analysis, Derby and Blackburn both want to sign Lincoln City midfielder Ethan Erhahon, who is attracting interest from a clutch of other clubs in the second and third tier of English football.

Plymouth Argyle, Millwall, Preston North End and Oxford United are also in the hunt for the Scotland Under-21 cap, who could fetch the Imps a seven-figure fee if he were to be sold.

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By
Dominic Lund

May 8, 2025

Labelled “brilliant” by Michael Skubala for his dominant nature in the middle of the park, Erhahon has won no fewer than 139 duels in League One this season as Lincoln secured a comfortable mid-table finish. Formerly of St Mirren, the 24-year-old is known for his abilities in both boxes, making him an ideal fit for a move up to the Championship if the correct opportunity presents itself.

Now, it remains to be seen who will win the battle for his signature. Derby and Blackburn have become foes on the pitch. Could they also continue that relationship away from the field of play?

Chelsea have now hatched a plan to win the race for a “powerful” Paris Saint-Germain player, amid rival interest from fellow Premier League clubs, according to a report.

Blues stockpiling talented youngsters

Under BlueCo ownership, Chelsea have implemented a model of buying talented youngsters before shipping them out on loan to sister club Strasbourg or elsewhere, and it looks as though they are set to adopt a similar strategy in the summer transfer window.

The Blues have already sealed deals for Sporting CP duo Dario Essugo and Geovany Quenda, with the latter recently helping the Portuguese side clinch the Liga Portugal title on a dramatic final day.

Essugo, on the other hand, has spent the current campaign on loan at Las Palmas, whose relegation from La Liga has now been confirmed, but Chelsea will be happy their new signing has gained some experience in a major league, having made 25 league appearances this term.

Quenda is set to spend the 2025/26 season on loan at Sporting, while a number of other youngsters could follow a similar route to the likes of Djordje Petrovic, Andrey Santos and Diego Moreira by joining fellow BlueCo-owned club Strasbourg to develop their game.

According to a report from Sports Zone (via Sport Witness), that is exactly the future plan for Paris Saint-Germain defender Axel Tape, should Chelsea be able to lure the 17-year-old to Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window.

The west Londoners are said to value Tape highly, and they have now hatched a plan to beat their Premier League rivals to his signature, with two other unnamed English clubs in the race for the youngster, who is set to be available on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract.

Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen are in pole position for the defender as things stand, however, with the teenager planning to leave PSG this summer, despite the French club’s eagerness to keep hold of him.

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13

By
Emilio Galantini

May 17, 2025

"Powerful" Tape could be exciting long-term signing

Given his age, the Frenchman is yet to make a real name for himself at first-team level, featuring just twice in Ligue 1 during the 2024-25 campaign, but there are indications that he could go on to achieve big things.

Football scout Ben Mattinson singled out the starlet for praise on X back in April, saying: “When at CB, he’ll make powerful marauding runs through the middle third to break through the press.”

Mattinson also goes on to describe the PSG ace as “physically strong in duels” and a “progressive passer through the lines”, so there are clear signs that he could be a well-rounded modern-day centre-back.

As such, Tape could be an exciting long-term addition to the squad, but Chelsea should also look to bring in a centre-back capable of immediately slotting into the starting XI this summer, with Axel Disasi in talks to join Aston Villa.

Football might have come to a brief stop, but there is no rest for the wicked, and Arsenal have a potentially era-defining few months ahead of them.

To ensure they get over the line in the Premier League next season, Mikel Arteta and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta need to nail their transfer dealings, and if they can bring in Rodrygo, that’d be an excellent start.

The Real Madrid superstar has been linked with a £85m move to the Emirates on multiple occasions over the last few weeks, and the combination of his outlandish ability and stature in the game makes him someone who could really move the needle in the Gunners’ favour next year.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, the North Londoners could now be closing in on another attacking talent who’d be an even more exciting signing than the Brazilian international.

Arsenal transfer news

Given Arsenal’s position in English football and how close they seem to be to glory, it’s hardly been a surprise to see them linked with a plethora of incredibly exciting players in recent weeks, such as Bradley Barcola and Takefusa Kubo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could cost the club a whopping £101m this summer, which might be an eyewatering sum of money, but it might also be fair enough, as in 58 games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, he scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists.

Kubo would be a far cheaper option at around £50m, but he’s not been anywhere near as prolific as the Frenchman, racking up a reasonable but unspectacular haul of seven goals and four assists in 52 games.

However, while a wide player would be a welcome addition to the club, Arteta and Co’s priority has to be a new number nine, someone like Benjamin Sesko.

Fortunately, a recent report from Caught Offside has claimed that Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Slovenian striker.

In fact, on top of confirming that Berta has already held direct talks with RB Leipzig, the report has revealed that the Gunners are now among the frontrunners for the player, alongside London rivals Chelsea.

However, it won’t be a cheap deal complete; the report states that Leipzig want €80m for their star attacker, which is around £68m, and a fee Arsenal should pay, as not only would Sesko be an incredible signing, but a more exciting one than Rodrygo as well.

Why Sesko would be more exciting than Rodrygo

So the first thing to say is that Rodrygo would, in fact, be an incredibly exciting signing for Arsenal to make this summer. After all, he’s a Champions League and La Liga-winning winger who knows how to score a goal or two.

However, for our money, the “instinctive” Sesko, as dubbed by journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor, would be just that bit more exciting, and there are several reasons why.

The first is that, in signing him, Arteta and Co will finally be addressing the club’s longstanding need for an out-and-out striker, and more than that, he’d be coming in with a proven track record of scoring goals and providing assists.

For example, in the 22/23 campaign, he scored 18 goals and provided four assists in 41 appearances; last season, the Slovenian international scored 18 goals and provided two assists in 42 appearances, and then this year, the Leipzig star was able to rack up an impressive haul of 21 goals and six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes.

In other words, the Radeče-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, averaged a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or every 120.66 minutes this season.

In contrast, the Real Madrid star scored 13 goals and provided ten assists in 50 appearances, totalling 3290 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games, or every 143.04 minutes, in a far better team.

Finally, on top of his current ability in front of goal, the former Salzburg gem has received some rave reviews from scouts and analysts, with the respected EBL claiming he “has the potential to become the best #9 in the world” – which is also what makes him that bit more appealing than Viktor Gyokeres, another of the more heavily linked strikers in recent weeks.

He argues that this is down to the combination of him being “a 6’4 speed demon” who is “unstoppable in transition” and the fact “he can dribble”, all while also being “an elite ball-striker.”

That might sound hyperbolic, but a few of these strengths are on show in this goal, with him using his acceleration and mighty left foot – and you only need to look through some of his other goals to see his immense technical ability.

Ultimately, Arsenal need more than one attacking signing this summer, but from his goal tally this season to his potential and technical ability, Sesko would be the club’s most exciting addition.

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Tottenham Hotspur have now held direct talks to appoint an “outstanding” manager, with Ange Postecoglou heading for the exit door, according to a report.

Ange could be set to leave despite Europa League triumph

One year ago, INEOS arguably made the mistake of keeping Erik ten Hag in the Manchester United job after the Dutchman led them to victory in the FA Cup, and it appears as though Daniel Levy doesn’t want to make the same error this summer.

Indeed, widespread reports are now suggesting that Levy is set to sack Postecoglou, despite the historic Europa League triumph against Manchester United last month, which puts captain Son Heung-min among some esteemed company.

It may be a divisive decision to sack the manager responsible for leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years, but appointing a top-quality replacement could go some way to getting the fans back on side, and contact has now been made with a coach who could be in that category.

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna on X, Tottenham have now made “direct contact” with Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who spoke about his project and potential targets for the summer transfer window.

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Several candidates are said to be under consideration as potential replacements for Ange, but Frank is believed to be “high” on the list, and Spurs have now made their first move to appoint the Danish manager.

In another report from France, it is detailed that Ange’s future remains very much up in the air, with talks to discuss his position as manager due to take place at some point in the next week.

Frank could be "outstanding" Ange replacement

Deciding whether to sack the 59-year-old will no doubt be a difficult decision for Levy, given that Tottenham’s torrid Premier League form cannot be ignored, finishing 17th as a result of collecting just 38 points across the entire 2024-25 campaign.

However, the former Celtic boss has suggested his side’s first experience of success will make them more eager to make sure they’re in the same position again, saying: “I also wanted us to think about what’s next, you know — don’t settle for this. We’ve got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club’s got a taste for it. Well, let’s make sure we’re back here again.”

Should Levy decide to sack Ange, there are signs Frank could be a fantastic replacement, having been lauded as an “outstanding” manager by Troy Deeney, while leading Brentford to a very respectable 10th-placed finish last season.

Having transformed the Bees from a Championship club into a solid Premier League side, the 51-year-old, who utilises a 4-3-3 formation, has earned the opportunity to prove himself at the top level, showing a knack for turning attacking talents into some of the biggest stars in their division.

Said Benrahma, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Neal Maupay all thrived under his guidance, with only Watkins able to replicate that form elsewhere, while current forwards Yoane Wissa (19) and Bryan Mbeumo (20) combined for nearly 40 top flight goals this season.

Manchester United now want to “advance” a move for a £85m striker, who’s a “mix” between Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.

Man Utd's striker pursuit heating up

Signing a new striker is on the agenda of a number of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, and Man United are no exception, but they will have to be willing to spend big to lure one of Europe’s top centre-forwards to Old Trafford this summer.

The pursuit of a new striker comes amid widespread criticism of United’s current first-choice option, Rasmus Hojlund, with the Stretford Paddock’s Adam McKola singling the Dane and Andre Onana out for criticism during the 2-2 draw away at Lyon in April.

With Inter Milan now making progress in their pursuit of Hojlund, there may be funds to bring in a top-level replacement, and a “new name” has now emerged as a potential target, Jacobs has revealed to The United Stand, via GiveMeSport.

The reporter said: “They’re running data on some other names as well, including Hugo Ekitike, which is a new name that I can bring to the mix too.

“Liverpool are very interested, Chelsea have held some talks as well, but nothing’s going to happen in the next days with Hugo Ekitike either and Frankfurt want €100million, so he’s actually more expensive than Viktor Gyokeres.

“So right now, I’m told, if Manchester United can do Gyokeres, they would like to advance on it, but it will all depend on the overall cost and other suitors, and that’s why some of these other names are also concurrently being discussed.”

Free-scoring Ekitike likened to Neymar and Mbappe

Ekitike failed to make the same impact at the Parc des Princes as his former teammates, but having kicked on since leaving Paris Saint-Germain, he has been compared to Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Wesley Sneijder said: “I think he’s a mix between Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappé. I sincerely think so. He has the grace of Neymar, but also the movements of Mbappé.

“To suddenly accelerate, that’s something that Mbappé also has. And he’s only 22 years old. There’s really a lot of potential in this boy.”

Top 1% for dribbling: Man Utd ready to make bid for "world-class" £68m star

The Red Devils have now expressed a willingness to make a bid for a forward.

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 11, 2025

The high praise from Sneijder came during a fantastic 2024-25 campaign for the French forward, during which he amassed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, putting himself in the shop window for a summer move.

That said, while the Frankfurt star certainly caught the eye last season, a fee of €100m (£85m) is a tad high off the back of one prolific season, so the likes of David, Gyokeres and Osimhen could be preferable options.