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Tottenham Hotspur legend Hugo Lloris could soon be departing the club after Harry Kane with journalist Fabrice Hawkins sharing a transfer update.

Who is leaving Spurs this summer?

The most high-profile and devastating departure by some way is Kane's transfer to Bayern Munich, and the star striker will be near-impossible to replace.

Kane parted company with Spurs after 12 years with the north Londoners, making his debut all the way back in the summer of 2011 against Hearts, leaving supporters with a bitter taste in their mouthes.

The 30-year-old had entered the final year of his Tottenham contract and could've left for free next summer, prompting Spurs to make the big decision of selling to Bayern for around €100 million (£86m) plus an extra €20 million (£17.2m) in possible add-ons

Midfielder Harry Winks also left Spurs for Leicester City earlier in the window, joining winger Lucas Moura out the door after the Brazilian's contract expired in June.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is also rumoured to be closing in on a move to Ateltico, while Lloris has candidly admitted that this summer could be the end of an era for him at Tottenham.

“We have reached an important moment, whether it be for the club or me,” said Lloris to Nice-Matin.

“It’s the end of an era. I have a desire for something else. I will carefully study what is possible. However, I haven’t forgotten that I have a year left on my contract at Tottenham, and in football, it’s always hard to predict what will happen."

The goalkeeper has been at Tottenham since signing from Lyon in 2012, but after 11 years, the time could be now for him to try a new challenge.

Lloris had been attracting interest from Saudi Arabian sides like Al-Hilal, but according to reporter Hawkins, Serie A side Lazio have now entered the bidding.

According to the journalist, writing on X, Maurizio Sarri's side are in talks with Lloris over a proposed transfer to Italy.

"Lazio is positioning itself on Hugo Lloris, the interest is mutual," said Hawkins on Friday.

"HL who should be released from Tottenham for “service rendered” negotiates with the Italian club.

"He was also offered to Real following Courtois' injury / other goalkeepers are higher on the shortlist."

How good is Hugo Lloris?

Lloris has made 447 competitive appearances for Spurs in all competitions over the last decade (Transfermarkt), proving an ever-faithful servant to the club.

The World-Cup winning star, though, suffered a decline in form over 2022/2023 – attracting criticism for his poor form and ultimately giving Spurs a decision to make this summer.

Lloris is now France's all-time most capped player, beating Les Bleus icon Lilian Thuram's record, with their manager Didier Deschamps calling him an "exemplary" figurehead.

“Records are made to be broken," said Deschamps after Lloris equalled Thuram's record late last year.

"It’s the longevity of two exemplary players, two great professionals who have both kept themselves at a very,very high level. These records mean something. Some are more anecdotal than others, but this one speaks for itself.”

Indeed, Lloris' experience on the biggest stages in football could be invaluable to any interested side.

Tottenham Hotspur's move for Gent striker Gift Orban continues to take shape as journalist Sean Walsh shares an update on their pursuit.

Who will Spurs replace Kane with?

The biggest story to come out of north London this summer – by some distance – is the departure of club legend and star striker Harry Kane.

Kane, who signed for Bayern Munich last week after Spurs agreed a possible £103 million transfer fee (if certain add-ons are met), will be a devastating miss for new manager Ange Postecoglou.

The England superstar became Tottenham's all-time record goalscorer last season, surpassing the legendary Jimmy Greaves, and Newcastle icon Alan Shearer will be relieved the striker won't smash his Premier League record as well.

Postecoglou has had time to brace for Kane's departure, though, as the Australian admitted it was a long time coming following some behind-the-scenes onversations.

“I had a conversation with Harry the first day he arrived and he was up front and honest, and I was the same,” said Postecoglou last week.

“You get an indication there that he kind of made up his mind: that if the clubs agreed he would go, particularly if it was before the first game. That was my preference as well.

“There's nothing along the way that's sort of made me feel there's anything other than this outcome."

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Following Kane's move to Germany, attention now turns to the transfer market and how Spurs will seek to replace their former talisman.

Orban, who has been in quite scintillating form for Gent over the last 12 months, is one forward seriously attracting Tottenham's interest alongside other reported targets in Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Montpellier's Elye Wahi.

The Lilywhites have been repeatedly linked with a move for Orban in particular, and reports have suggested he could cost in the region of £25-£30 million.

90min reporter Walsh, sharing an update on X, says that talks have indeed been held by Tottenham over the potential signing of Orban this summer.

The north Londoners are moving for Nigeria's latest hot-shot striker, but he isn't the only name on their radar, as other targets are also "in play" at Spurs.

"Tottenham continuing to assess striker options on the market," wrote Walsh.

"Talks held with Gent's Gift Orban but other targets are also in play."

The in-form attacker bagged a brilliant 20 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions last season, and has continued in that vain with five goals in four this term.

What's been said about Gift Orban?

Orban has been lavished with praise by members of the African press, like DW Sports reporter Lolade Adewuyi, who claims the 21-year-old is "hugely popular" in Belgium.

"Arrived in Ghent to watch two of the most exciting young Nigerian talents play tonight – Gift Orban for KAA Gent and Victor Boniface of Royale Union Saint Gilloise," wrote Adewuyi on X.

"The Belgian league is a breeding ground for Nigerian players and these boys are hugely popular here."

Meanwhile, another reporter in Ryan Taylor has called Orban one of Nigeria's new crop of Golden Generation players.

Chelsea will take on Liverpool in the opening game of their Premier League season. This is arguably the most mouth-watering clash of the first round of fixtures, with the rivalry heightened by both clubs' joint pursuits of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

It will be Mauricio Pochettino’s first domestic game as the new manager.

Last season, Chelsea endured a dismal season as they finished 12th, only winning six of their 19 home games. They also netted just 38 goals in as many league games, as their dysfunctional and misfiring attack plagued their campaign.

But, it is a new era as Pochettino is armed with a fresh set of players, who have been tasked with wrestling the club back from midtable mediocrity.

What’s the latest Chelsea team news?

The West Londoners will be without summer signing Christopher Nkunku, who could be out until January with a knee injury. Wesley Fofana is also a long-term absentee, whilst the game comes slightly too soon for Benoit Badiashile, who is still recovering from a hamstring issue.

Pochettino has reacted to the massive change that has occurred, preparing the fans for an exciting season, saying: “When change is big people need time to settle at a big club like Chelsea. Now it is about working to create a different vision and for the people to trust in the club again. To get the results and try to play good football for the fans because we are selling entertainment and they come here to enjoy the team.”

In pre-season, one of the brightest Nicolas Jackson, who looks set to be handed his competitive Chelsea debut…

Will Nicolas Jackson start for Chelsea?

The 22-year-old, who has been described as "extraordinary" by Jacek Kulig, featured prominently during Chelsea’s tour of the USA, scoring once and creating three assists in five games, as per Sofascore.

Whilst there is the caveat of it ‘only being pre-season’, the striker demonstrated an electric turn of pace, physical dominance, and an ability to link the midfield and attack – three traits that the Blues desperately lacked last season.

His role as a dynamic and unselfish focal point was displayed in the victory against Brighton last month, in which he deliciously linked up with Mykhailo Mudryk for the second goal and battled in the box to tee up Conor Gallagher for the third.

In the next match against Newcastle, he showcased his blistering pace to latch onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Ian Maatsen, in which he coolly finished the chance.

It was an impressive sign of what could follow and was a replica of the form he displayed at Villareal. Last term, in 26 La Liga appearances, he recorded 16 goal contributions and was the club’s top scorer, as per WhoScored.

As well as this potency, the 6 foot 1 phenom also ranks in the best 21% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for assists per 90, progressive carries per 90, and successful take-ons per 90.

Chelsea fans have been dreaming of possessing a consistent and loveable focal point, having been disappointed by a series of underwhelming attackers. With Nkunku and Armando Broja not fit, it leaves the door wide open for Jackson to announce himself to English football and become the new blue-blooded god in West London.

اتفق ميكيل أرتيتا، المدير الفني لفريق آرسنال، مع نظيره بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي، في انتقاد مسؤولي كرة القدم بسبب جدول المباريات.

وفاز آرسنال، مساء أمس على ولفرهامبتون بهدفين دون رد في الجولة الرابعة والثلاثين من الدوري الإنجليزي.

وخاض آرسنال مباراة الأربعاء الماضي ضد بايرن ميونخ، قبل لقاء الأمس، في حين سيواجه تشيلسي يوم الثلاثاء المقبل.

وشن جوارديولا هجومًا قويًا على المسؤولين بسبب جدول المباريات المزدحم (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا)، وهو ما نال اتفاق أرتيتا.

وقال أرتيتا في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية: “الأمر لا يتعلق بنا أو بـ بيب أو بي، بل يتعلق برفاهية اللاعبين، عندما تتنافس في المنافسة الأوروبية، يجب على كل فريق أن يتنافس بنفس الطريقة”.

وأضاف: “لا يمكن أن يكون لديك فريق لم يلعب لمدة سبعة أيام، أو لديه راحة 3 أيام، ولديه المزيد من الوقت للتعافي، في حين يتعين عليك اللعب في الدوري الإنجليزي وكأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي”.

وواصل: “هذا ليس بالأمر الصحيح، إذا نظرت إليه من أي زاوية، هذا ليس صحيحًا، إذا كنت تريد الحماية، فلنتحدث عن اللاعبين”.

وأردف: “دعونا نحمي اللاعبين ونبذل كل ما في وسعنا لمنحهم أقصى قدر من الوقت لمساعدتهم على التعافي والأداء وتقديم الأداء الذي يقدمونه كل أسبوع”.

West Ham United could make a move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to ExWHUEmployee.

The club would make the move if the other reported moves from the Belgian don't materialise.

What is the latest Romeo Lavia transfer news?

It looks increasingly likely that Lavia is going to depart Southampton in the coming days.

In recent hours, reports have emerged stating that Liverpool have had an opening bid of £37m rejected by the Saints for Lavia, with the South Coast side holding out for a fee closer to £50m due to the buyback clause inserted into the deal as well as the 20% sell on clause.

The Merseyside outfit are not the only side interested in the 19-year-old, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City all registering an interest in the player following a fine first season in the Premier League.

The 19-year-old midfielder made 29 league appearances for Southampton last season and scored one goal, earning many plaudits from those in the media, with The Athletic journalist Jacob Tanswell naming the midfielder as his Southampton Player of the Year, whilst describing Lavia by saying "If Romeo Lavia walked under a bucket of water, he would emerge without a splash on his clothes."

The midfielder is also highly thought of by fellow Belgian international Kevin De Bruyne, who stated in an interview last year: "He [Lavia] is very good. He's been training with us since the end of last year. If he continues his development, I think he'll be a top player."

Speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, ExWHUEmployee stated that due to the club's willingness to pay £50m for Palhinha, should none of the aforementioned clubs sign Lavia, the Hammers could swoop in: "The situation with Romeo Lavia at Southampton is interesting. Now Liverpool didn’t bid £50m for him because they saw that as too much, but £50m is what we were prepared to pay for Palhinha, so it shows that we would be prepared to pay that for a defensive midfielder. He’s been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City and Liverpool, so he’s got a whole host of top clubs in for him however if none of those moves materialise he’s definitely someone we like, but someone we haven’t moved for because we thought he would go elsewhere, so it’s definitely one to keep an eye on."

Would Romeo Lavia be a good Declan Rice replacement?

Lavia, who has been hailed as a "monster", shares a number of similarities to the former West Ham captain that would make him an interesting replacement.

Both have very similar passing completion percentages at 86%, whilst also sharing a quality when it comes to tackling, however where Rice excels at interceptions, Lavia instead excels at blocks. The England international is also statistically a much bigger threat in the final third whilst also being a better progresser of the ball in all phases of the game. However, this data is skewed due to the situations both players found themselves in, with Lavia playing in a much more defensive and lower quality side compared to West Ham.

Diving into the more advanced stats, you can see the similarities between the two and why the Belgian could be the ideal replacement. @SawkurGod on Twitter posted a graph showcasing the best duel winners under the age of 24 in the Premier League last year and Lavia was the closest competitor to Rice in that category, with Brighton and Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo joining them in the elite tier. This shows that the quality is there and a better situation would allow the 19-year-old to truly kick on and showcase his talents consistently

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details2:59

‘Last two overs of Pune’s innings made the difference’

After being asked to bat on a favourable chasing ground, Rising Pune Supergiant lost the majority of the first innings. But it was an atypically slow surface at the Wankhede Stadium and Rising Pune utilised those conditions better than Mumbai Indians did to clear a path to their maiden IPL final.Rising Pune defended 162 comfortably in the end, by 20 runs, for their third win over Mumbai this season. Mumbai, despite having squandered the shootout for the final in front of a packed home crowd, will have a second chance in the second qualifier in Bengaluru on Friday.At the forefront of a sublime bowling performance was teenage offspinner Washington Sundar. His fuller-than-good length and straight lines meant the batsmen were not able to attack either side of the wicket with any conviction. His quick pace didn’t let them get under deliveries either. The 17-year old finished with 3 for 16 from four overs and the Man-of-the-Match award.The harder task on the night, though, was with the bat. Manoj Tiwary and Ajinkya Rahane struck patient fifties, setting a platform for MS Dhoni to use his wiles and hitting prowess at the end to help Rising Pune finish with a decent score and sufficient momentum.A strong start
In Mumbai’s last league game at this venue, Kings XI Punjab defended a total of 230 by just seven runs. Even with the possibility of dew and the short boundaries, Rising Pune may not have been aiming that high after losing the toss, but they knew they needed to get close.Planning, check. Execution, a big red cross. Rahul Tripathi fell over a flick and was bowled. Steven Smith’s leading edge was snaffled up at backward point. Rising Pune were 9 for 2 in two overs. The surface may have been slow, and Mumbai’s variations were effective, but after that start, a score of close to 170 was the best Rising Pune could hope for, which meant Mumbai were never out of the game.Different pitch, same Dhoni finish
Rising Pune had laboured to 121 for 3 after 18 overs. The five overs prior to that yielded just 32 without a wicket as Mumbai’s bowlers found the right length to Dhoni and Tiwary. Dhoni’s strike rate in his first 10 balls in the IPL, before this game, was 88.52. Against Mumbai, he could only muster 14 off his first 17 balls.But then Mitchell McClenaghan, not for the first time this season, missed his yorker. A high full-toss was hit for four and the resulting free-hit went for six over long-on. Dhoni anticipated McClenaghan’s good or short length in the second half of that over, and sat back to hit two sixes.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Jasprit Bumrah hadn’t pitched anything in Dhoni’s half all through the match. But in the final over, he gifted two good length balls that were smashed for sixes as Rising Pune plundered 41 off the last 12 balls. Their score of 162 was below par at this ground, but the momentum and confidence – of having defended a similar score before on this ground earlier this season – was firmly with Rising Pune.Falling behind from the start
Rising Pune had only one way forward – exploiting a two-paced Wankhede surface. Even if they didn’t get early wickets, they had to keep Mumbai in check because batting was going to get harder. Jaydev Unadkat brought out his offcutters in the first over and conceded just one run. Mumbai were already behind the game.Parthiv Patel hit 33 off 16 in the Powerplay, but Mumbai lost three wickets. Lendl Simmons was run-out, backing up too far at the non-striker’s end. Rohit Sharma was undone by umpiring error, given out lbw despite a thick inside edge. Ambati Rayudu found midwicket with a pull; the second wicket in Sundar’s over. Mumbai were 42 for 3 inside the fielding restrictions and behind the asking rate.Undone by conditions
Timing shots and picking slower deliveries was getting tougher. Why? After a bowler releases his delivery, batsmen pick the speed through the air and then adjust accordingly. But with the ball gripping the surface, it came onto them slower than expected. Mumbai, having played seven league matches on an even, true Wankhede pitch, weren’t used to that pace. Unadkat used his slower balls, Shardul Thakur his knuckle balls and Sundar an effective change in pace, to thoroughly flummox Mumbai’s batsmen.

The last time Australia successfully batted out the final day of a Test to secure a draw was in 2011, and Steven Smith and Darren Lehmann were hopeful the wait would end in Ranchi

Daniel Brettig19-Mar-2017Australia haven’t played in a drawn Test since a rain-blighted meeting with West Indies in January 2016. But to find the last time they managed to successfully bat themselves out of trouble on the final day, it is necessary to go further into the past. All the way to the 2011 Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.Michael Clarke, on his maiden Test tour as captain, made a hundred back then to keep out Rangana Herath and make the series safe. The loss of David Warner and Nathan Lyon in the eight overs before stumps in Ranchi meant that his successor Steven Smith needed a similar performance to prevent Australia from falling behind in the battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Head coach Darren Lehmann said the team’s Dubai preparations had included discussion and training for exactly the scenario they found themselves in. “Obviously we’ve got to save the game. Tough to lose those two wickets tonight, there were some good balls from them. Good challenge for the group to put it into practice tomorrow and we’ve got to do that and deliver on the big stage. Once the ball gets a little bit softer it plays pretty well so there’s no real demons in the track. It’s obviously a case of applying ourselves.Lehmann also emphasised the importance of combating Ravindra Jadeja as a key part of emerging with the 1-1 series ledger intact. The left-arm spinner was responsible for taking both wickets to fall so far, and was able to make balls explode off the pitch.”Going to have to come up with a plan to combat Jadeja but we’ve worked on that and you’ll probably see it tomorrow, I would think,” Lehmann said. “They’ve got to believe in what they’re doing as a group and a couple of good balls like tonight, that can happen in a game of cricket. For us it’s a great challenge. The challenge for our group is to put on a couple of partnerships and really get ahead of the game.”You’ve got to prepare for all scenarios here in India. As you’ve seen the wickets start to wear on day four, day five, [but] this has been a really traditional Indian wicket, a good wicket. It’s quite a challenge. Preparing in Dubai, that’s what we did and now it’s putting it into practice.”A possibly tired Australian team – Steve O’Keefe bowled 77 overs and Steven Smith had to deal with 210 overs of setting the field – was up against a seriously difficult task to save the Ranchi Test•Associated Press

Before this series, Smith had said one of the qualities he wanted to see in his team was the ability to scrounge a draw from a difficult situation. “Obviously you want to win first and foremost, but a draw’s a much better result than a loss. If the game’s dead and buried and we can’t win, you want to see the fight and the willingness to put your natural game away and do everything you can to stay out there and get a draw.”That’s something we haven’t done overly well in the past. When we’re a long way behind the game and chasing 500 or something in the last innings, guys have still just gone out and played, rather than do what Faf [du Plessis] did in Adelaide a few years ago and just block it until the game’s gone, and give yourself a chance to survive.”Some observers, including Clarke, have wondered whether the allrounder Glenn Maxwell could have bowled more overs, but Lehmann defended Smith’s judgment in relying heavily on the frontliners Steve O’Keefe and Nathan Lyon. O’Keefe equalled the 18th longest spell in all of Test cricket, bowling 77 overs for three wickets, and at times the Australians appeared somewhat limited in their plans and tactics.”I think [it’s the] captain’s call obviously,” Lehmann said. “We did speak about it, chopping and changing a little bit. The game was always on a knife’s edge so you always want your best spinners going. And we chopped and changed a little bit, probably could have bowled a few more overs [of part-timers] but I thought the spinners toiled really hard as well so that’s a call the captain makes out there and really happy with that.”The physical toll on the pacemen Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also had Lehmann pondering whether it would be possible to pick them for the final Test in Dharamsala next week. “When you bowl 210 overs, I don’t think that’s happened too often, and India do that well, they bat long periods of time here in India.”If anything it heightens our first innings where we needed to bat a little bit longer. But the bowlers worked really hard and I thought they were fantastic. Chopped and changed as best as they could in the conditions. We’ll see how they pull up and make a decision. But we’ll worry about tomorrow first.”

Manchester United have made contact with Brighton & Hove Albion over the potential signing of midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer.

What’s the latest on Moises Caicedo to Manchester United?

According to 90min, United have made contact with the south coast side regarding a move for their prized asset, with a potential move likely to cost £100m, although the report states this is an overall figure and not just a one-off upfront payment.

United could face stiff competition from Chelsea for his signature, with the Stamford Bridge outfit set to open talks to sign the 21-year-old according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils had a chance to sign the talented midfielder back in January 2021 for a fee of just £4m as per the report, and they will obviously be regretting that now.

Could Manchester United sign Moises Caicedo this summer?

A move to United rather than Chelsea surely has a lot more incentives for the Ecuadorian, especially with Erik ten Hag’s men playing in the Champions League, giving him a taste of Europe’s premier club competition for the first time.

A move for Mason Mount has finally been agreed and signing Caicedo would signal a major statement of intent that the club are heading in the right trajectory.

Not only has Caicedo made the second-most tackles out of any player in the Premier League with 100 last season, displaying a dogged nature which could benefit Ten Hag's midfield, but he also ranks seventh for passes, with 2,209 throughout the whole season and this ability to circulate the ball effectively is key to the Dutchman’s philosophy.

His passing ability is one of the finest on the continent, with the Brighton star ranking in the top 6% across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion percentage per 90 (88.5%) while also ranking in the top 13% for both tackles per 90 (2.87) and interceptions per 90 (1.61) and this could improve should he jump ship to United.

Ten Hag won't only be getting a player who has clearly enjoyed success in the top flight already, but one that could still significantly improve over the coming years, which suggests a fee of £100m may turn into a fine investment.

Lauded as a “crown jewel of a new generation” by historian Enrico Castro-Montes, the ceiling is limitless for the youngster, as he could become one of the finest Ecuadorian players of all time, and with experience at the World Cup already under his belt, the pressure of playing for United shouldn’t faze him.

He could be a dream signing for Ten Hag and everything must be done in order to fend off Chelsea and get a move sealed as swiftly as possible.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey could be set for a summer exit from the Emirates over the coming weeks.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The Gunners enjoyed a seriously impressive 2022/23 campaign which saw them provide Manchester City with some stern competition at the top of the table.

However, Mikel Arteta's side were unable to prevent Pep Guardiola and his team from retaining their Premier League crown.

And as a result, it is believed the Gunners will be looking to make some major moves in this summer transfer window which could see some movement in the midfield.

Indeed, reports have suggested the north London club are seriously keen on making West Ham United's Declan Rice an Arsenal player this summer.

This comes amid claims the current Arsenal star Granit Xhaka could be set for a potential return to his homeland with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly interested in acquiring him.

And as the speculation surrounds a potential incoming and outgoing in north London, it appears Xhaka may not be the only Arsenal midfielder to leave in the coming months.

Speakng on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Ghanaian midfielder, Partey, could also be heading for the exit doors at the Emirates:

"So guys, let me start with Arsenal because I have important updates to give you about the Gunners."

"Thomas Partey could be on the move this summer. It's a possibility for Thomas Partey to leave Arsenal.

"I'm told this is a very concrete chance for Thomas Partey to find the solution and to leave Arsenal Football Club.

"There are conversations ongoing. This is still not advanced, for example, Xhaka to Leverkusen is more than advanced. It's almost done just waiting for the green light from Arsenal.

"For Thomas Partey, still time to look at options and then discuss with Arsenal but Thomas is a concrete name in the potential exits of Arsenal."

How long is left on Thomas Partey's contract?

This summer will mark Partey's third year since joining the north London side from Atletico Madrid for a fee believed to be worth in the region of £45m.

And in that time he has played a significant role in the middle of Arsenal's side having made 99 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

In the Premier League alone last season, Partey was able to rack up a third of those 99 appearances where he contributed with three goals.

But the – dubbed "monster" – Ghanaian has also battled with numerous injuries over his time in north London which could be a reason behind his potential departure from the Emirates.

On the back of an impressive campaign for the Gunners, the 30-year-old now has just two years remaining on his deal with the north London side.

And with reports suggesting Arteta's side are hoping to bring in Rice over the coming weeks, perhaps Partey is not viewed as a long-term option anymore.

If they are to wait another year to potentially sell the Ghanaian then they could receive a much lower return on their £45m investment.

A round-up of the second day of Group C matches in the fifth round of the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Nov-2016Right-arm medium pacer Rituraj Singh bagged 6 for 60 as Chhattisgarh squandered a strong start to be bowled out for 198 against Goa. But their bowlers fought back to reduce Goa to 127 for 6 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Chhattisgarh had put up 103 for 2 on a curtailed first day when only 38.2 overs were bowled. Amandeep Khare, resuming on 58, was dismissed nine balls into the day, after adding just two more runs. Only Ashutosh Singh made a mark among the batsmen that followed, striking an unbeaten 55.Goa were reeling at 70 for 6, before Samar Dubhashi and Shadab Jakati got together for an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 57. Dubhashi was not out on 38 and Jakati was batting on 29 when stumps were drawn. Kant Singh, the right-arm medium pacer, led Chhattisgarh’s charge, picking up three wickets.Over at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, Himachal Pradesh took a 208-run first-innings lead over Jammu & Kashmir, courtesy half-centuries from Ankit Kalsi, Paras Dogra and captain Rishi Dhawan. J&K had been bowled out for 162 on the opening day after they opted to make first use of the surface. Himachal ended the day on 58 for the loss of their openers. Kalsi, who resumed on 25, and Dogra, who resumed on 3, shared 88 runs for the third wicket. Kalsi was dismissed for 54, while Dogra carried on and top scored with 89. Himachal were also boosted by some solid contributions from the middle and lower-middle order. Dhawan stayed not out on 79. Aamir Aziz, the left-arm spinner, took 4 for 56, and J&K captain Parvez Rasool returned 3 for 69. J&K responded with 39 for no loss in their second innings, with both their openers, Shubham Khajuria and Umar Nazir unbeaten on identical scores of 17. J&K are behind by 169 runs.At the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Haryana’s lower order produced a late surge to lift the team to 303 in their first innings against Kerala. Kerala responded strongly, however, ending the day on 170 for 1. Haryana had been reduced to 188 for 8 on the opening day, before Rohit Sharma and Sanjay Pahal shared an unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 39. That partnership extended to 109 runs, with No. 10 Pahal hitting his maiden half-century in his sixth match. Pahal was dismissed for 54, before Rohit was caught and bowled by right-arm medium pacer Sandeep Warrier eight short of a century. Warrier took 5 for 79.Vishnu Vinod dominated in Kerala’s reply, striking 58 in an opening stand of 72 with Bhavin Thakkar. After Vishnu’s dismissal, Kerala captain Rohan Prem joined Thakkar for a second-wicket stand that has realised 98 so far. Prem was unbeaten on 51, and Thakkar was on 56, having faced 176 balls.Shamsher Yadav struck his second first-class century, while Rahul Singh was closing in on his second ton as Services piled on 400 for 8 against Andhra at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. Services had crawled to 170 for 3 in 90 overs on the opening day, with Shamsher unbeaten on 60. Rahul joined Shamsher with Services on 250 for 5 and added 107 for the sixth wicket. Shamsher finished with a career-best 136 in his seventh first-class match, while Rahul, playing his fifth game, ended the day not out on 95.The Hyderabad v Tripura match in Delhi was called off without a ball bowled due to smog.