Category Uncategorized

It’s safe to say that Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar’s squad building at Arsenal hasn’t been the greatest.

Yes, the Gunners have been able to put together a starting XI capable of challenging for both the Premier League and Champions League.

Yet, amid injuries and suspensions last season, they struggled to maintain their form post-Christmas.

While the semi-finals of the Champions League were reached, their domestic form took a turn for the worse, ultimately finishing ten points behind Liverpool in their quest for the title.

To rubberstamp Arsenal’s at times puzzling strategy in the transfer window, they have signed six players from Chelsea in the last seven years, the latest of which saw Kepa Arrizabalaga arrive as David Raya’s back-up in a £5m move.

Incredibly, the north Londoners have now also signed more goalkeepers since Arteta’s arrival than wingers and strikers.

So, it’s clear they need to do better in the ongoing market and what better way to do so than by handing the manager a wealth of new forwards.

Here’s what Arsenal’s dream squad could look like if everything goes according to plan this summer.

The goalkeepers Raya vying for the Golden Glove again

Having won the Golden Glove in consecutive years, Raya is the undisputed number one at Arsenal now.

His arrival back in 2023 was undoubtedly a strange one. Arteta claimed that he had two number 1s and that Raya and Aaron Ramsdale would battle it out.

Sadly for the latter, he was rather cast aside by the Spaniard, eventually sold last summer to Southampton, who became one of the worst Premier League sides in history.

Neto came in as backup, but after playing just one game while on loan, he has departed Colney and has now been replaced by the aforementioned Kepa.

Alex Runarsson

£1.5m

Mat Ryan

Loan

Aaron Ramsdale

£30m

Matt Turner

£5.5m

David Raya

£27m

Neto

Loan

Kepa Arrizabalaga

£5m

Signed from Chelsea, the Spaniard enjoyed a pretty decent time of it on loan at Bournemouth last season and his error-ridden days appear to be behind him. Now 30 years of age, he’ll provide strong competition for Raya.

Full list of goalkeepers: David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Karl Hein.

The defence New centre-back signs to compete with Gabriel & Saliba

Undoubtedly, the strongest point of this Arsenal team in the last two years has been their defensive record. No side has shipped fewer goals than Arteta’s men in 2023/24 (29) and 2024/25 (34).

Any success this team have next season will be built on strong foundations again and with Gabriel Magalhaes having already signed new terms in recent months, Arsenal will be hoping they can swap William Saliba away from the jaws of Real Madrid by tying him down too.

Gabriel’s stand-in, Jakub Kiwior, has been linked with a move away, but having stood out during the Brazilian’s absence through injury, deserves his place in this squad now. He could be joined, however, by young Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera. The 20-year-old “wants” Arsenal in the words of Fabrizio Romano and a deal could be done for a cheap fee of £17m.

At full-back, while Jorrel Hato of Ajax has been touted with a switch, it’s unlikely that move goes through if Mosquera arrives.

As a result, despite Kieran Tierney’s exit and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s likely departure, the right and left side of defence will have a familiar ring to it. Expect Myles Lewis-Skelly to dazzle again after being rewarded with a new contract. Here’s hoping Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori can stay fit too.

Full list of centre-backs: William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior.

Full list of right-backs: Jurrien Timber, Ben White.

Full list of left-backs: Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori.

The midfielders Two new signings arrive

There could be big changes in the middle of the park this summer with the Gunners moving quickly to fill gaps in the squad.

Martin Zubimendi is due to arrive from Real Sociedad for just over £50m, having been billed by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente as “one of the best midfielders in the world”.

Vying for a spot as the holding midfielder will be Brentford captain Christian Norgaard. A surprise transfer is in the works for the Dane to come to Arsenal for £10m and he is likely to play second fiddle to Zubimendi.

Transfer Focus

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

Elsewhere, Arsenal do lack genuine depth for Martin Odegaard but a sliver of minutes could be handed to Max Dowman, the current poster boy for the Hale End academy.

Declan Rice will be the standout option as the left 8 but expect Mikel Merino to continue impressing after his strong end to the 2024/25 campaign.

Full list of midfielders: Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard, Max Dowman.

The forwards A big improvement for Arteta

Here we go, then. Just what can Arsenal do to bolster their tame forward line this summer? The fanbase are expecting that a shiny new centre-forward arrives but before we get there, let’s evaluate options out wide.

The Gunners have long needed cover for star boy Bukayo Saka on the right wing but the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri last season is set to save them a bucket load of cash on finding a deputy.

Nwaneri is one of the finest young talents in the game and will be ready to make a splash again after scoring nine goals in his 37 first-team outings.

The left-hand side is where big improvements are required. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are decent options but after scoring ten goals apiece last season, failing to really stand up when the likes of Saka and Kai Havertz were injured, Arteta needs to be ruthless.

Arsenal have been linked with several wide forwards, notably the likes of Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers but we expect Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Crystal Palace superstar Eberechi Eze to arrive.

The club have flirted with making a move for Rodrygo this summer and it’s reported that positive talks have been held. Yet, with a possible £85m fee lined up, it’s not an easy deal to do. Still, the Brazilian should be pushing for a move having played just 88 minutes at the Club World Cup so far. He’s clearly not in new manager Xabi Alonso’s plans.

David Ornstein has reported that Arsenal’s pursuit of Eze is separate from their chase of a winger and if they could get both deals over the line here, it would significantly improve their forward line. Once rejected by the Hale End academy at 13, the Eagles star has dreamed of playing for the first team and that could become a reality in 2025/26 if his £68m release clause is activated .

Games

40

31

43

Goals

10

11

14

Assists

4

6

11

Mins played

2,686

2,285

3,303

At long last, we come to the striker position. This is where Arsenal need to improve big time and failing to get a new centre-forward in this summer would be a disaster.

Viktor Gyokeres, the scorer of 54 goals in 52 games last season, remains a key option and reports this week have suggested he’s already agreed a five-year deal to sign. Still, there remains a gap in what Arsenal are willing to pay and what Sporting want to receive.

A deal for Benjamin Sesko, billed as “the new Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig, remains in the works and reports this week suggested that they are moving closer to an agreement with Leipzig on what could be a £64m fee.

While the Slovenian is not as prolific as Gyokeres, scoring 21 goals last term, he’s got an amazing profile that consists of pace, power, height and goalscoring. There are few better options out there and he could truly explode in Arsenal colours.

Full list of wingers: Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Rodrygo, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard.

Full list of strikers: Benjamin Sesko, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus.

£100m star & the "new Haaland" sign: Arsenal's dream summer

Andrea Berta is in for a big summer at Arsenal; here’s how it could play out.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

Granit Xhaka's agent has confirmed that the former Arsenal man's Premier League return is imminent after snubbing offers from elsewhere.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Xhaka to return to Premier League from Leverkusen
• Agent reveals agreement with newly-promoted team
• Swiss star turned down offers from big European clubs

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The future of Xhaka seems to have been resolved amid his desire to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer, despite having a contract valid until summer 2028. The ex-Arsenal man has snubbed several offers from across Europe and beyond to mark a return to the Premier League.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Xhaka has been linked with several big clubs across Europe. Inter recently enquired about the possibility of signing him, while Fenerbahce have also expressed interest in the midfielder amid a major squad overhaul this summer. Juventus were ready to place a bid for him, while he turned down an approach from Saudi Arabia. Instead, it seems that the Swiss international will attempt to make his mark on the Premier League once again, this time with a newly-promoted side.

• WHAT GRANIT XHAKA'S AGENT SAID

  "We have reached a basic agreement with Sunderland," Xhaka's agent Jose Noguera confirmed in an interview with "We hope that Leverkusen will respect his wish to leave and that the clubs will reach an agreement soon."

  Among others, Italian side AC Milan showed great interest in the 32-year-old, but Xhaka, who is currently on tour in Brazil with Leverkusen, apparently decided otherwise. "Granit wants to return to the Premier League," said his agent. "He is excited about Sunderland – he wants to take on this challenge."

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The midfielder will be hoping that Sunderland and Leverkusen can strike an agreement, before he prepares to undergo medicals at his potential new club. Xhaka will be tasked with helping the Black Cats remain afloat after returning to the top-flight following an eight-year absence.

Santi Cazorla has committed to another season with Real Oviedo, signing a new one-year contract that will see the Spanish legend return to La Liga after nearly half a decade away. The 40-year-old midfielder, whose previous contract had expired earlier this summer, will continue playing for his boyhood club as they prepare for top-flight football for the first time since 2001.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Cazorla gets a new contract at 40
• Will ply his trade in La Liga with Oviedo
• Played a crucial role in the club's promotion

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Cazorla’s contributions during the promotion playoffs were crucial. He scored first with a stunning free-kick in the semi-final against Almeria and then calmly converted a penalty in the final against Mirandes. His composure and technical ability proved to be decisive in high-stakes moments, proving that even at 40, his influence on the pitch remains profound.

Advertisement

• kooora
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Cazorla’s journey with Oviedo is deeply personal. He spent his formative footballing years in the club's academy, but financial turmoil at the time prevented the club from offering him a professional deal. Forced to leave in 2003, Cazorla went on to build a glittering career across Spain, England, and Qatar. In 2012, when Oviedo was teetering on the brink of extinction, Cazorla joined a group of former players who purchased shares to help rescue the club from collapse. Since rejoining in 2023 following a stint with Al Sadd in Qatar, he has racked up 61 appearances, five goals, and nine assists.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Cazorla is no stranger to triumph and adversity. A double European Championship winner with Spain in 2008 and 2012, he was once among the most admired midfielders in world football. But in 2016, an Achilles injury threatened to end his career prematurely. Over the next two years, Cazorla endured 11 surgeries, including one operation that led to a gangrene infection. His rehabilitation culminated in a remarkable stint at Villarreal following his time at Arsenal, where he had made 180 appearances and played key roles in back-to-back FA Cup wins in 2014 and 2015.

• getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CAZORLA?

  Though age will likely prevent Cazorla from consistently completing full matches in La Liga, his value to Oviedo extends far beyond matchday contributions. In the dressing room, his presence offers a benchmark of professionalism for younger teammates. On the pitch, he has already shown he can rise to big occasions when needed, and manager Veljko Paunovic will surely look to use him in key moments throughout the campaign.

She always had the power, and now Shafali Verma wants to build on her confidence and add consistency to it for a better-rounded game

Daya Sagar and Vishal Dikshit02-Oct-20242:47

Shafali: ‘I have worked on the mental side of my game’

Consistency, power-hitting, and confidence. Shafali Verma wants to combine the three things she has learnt at different stages of her career to take India to glory at the T20 World Cup next month.She always had the power, it was her “natural game”. Consistency is something she has picked up more recently, highlighted by her maiden international century in June this year. And she is hoping to tap into the confidence she gained from leading India to victory in the Under-19 T20 World Cuplast year, where she was also the third-highest scorer.”I will draw inspiration from the Under-19 World Cup last year,” Shafali told ESPNcricinfo at a QUA brand shoot in Delhi recently. “Of course, it was a massive thing for women’s cricket in India that we won an ICC trophy. It was the biggest moment of my life and I will take confidence from that so that we can lift the T20 World Cup this year as well.Related

October 4 at T20 World Cup: SA face WI in potential quarter-final; dew to play big role in India vs NZ

'Be fearless, don't play safe' – Ratnayake spells out SL's mantra

Shafali puts Bristol behind on day of relentless record-breaking

New and improved Shafali has brought method to her madness

“Our main focus right now is that we win the [World Cup] trophy. Individual goals and records are a part of the game. But there’s no better feeling than your team winning, and those nights I get good sleep.”Shafali has been part of the India team’s camps at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru in the lead up to the T20 World Cup, which runs from October 3 to 20 in Sharjah and Dubai. She hasn’t played any competitive cricket since the T20 Asia Cup in July, and since she didn’t feature in the Hundred and didn’t put her name in the WBBL draft for the upcoming season, she has been utilising this time to work on herself in different ways.”At the start of my career, I just used to go out and hit, but now I’ve made some changes mentally”•Getty Images

“I’m not playing the WBBL and the Hundred because I’m working on my fitness and mental levels,” she said. “But even when I played those tournaments, I learnt that fitness is very important because if you want to play long knocks then having good fitness is extremely important.”One such long knock Shafali played recently was when she scored the double-hundred against South Africa in the home Test in June.”That day I told myself I had to play a long innings, and not let that opportunity go,” she said. “I don’t know how many bad patches and struggles I went through before that, and such knocks are so rare. But that day everything was going well and my aim was to play for as long as possible.”Speaking about consistency, she said, “At the start of my career, I just used to go out and hit, but now I’ve made some changes mentally. Now I have the game to block a couple of deliveries as well, I can play along the ground too. You become more consistent once you make mental changes in your game. I’m hoping to carry on this consistency and do well for the team.”The T20 World Cup in 2020 was my first World Cup and that time I used to go after every ball. Early in your career, such thing may work, but after a point the opposition starts doing video analysis and they can work out your game when it comes to your strengths and weaknesses. I didn’t do that well in the 2023 T20 World Cup either but I learnt a lot from that tournament.”Now people have started to say my consistency has improved and in the last three-four years I’ve learnt how important being consistent is. I’m just 20 now and plan to get better from the learnings of the last three-four years.”Shafali’s USP, right from her early days in the Women’s T20 Challenge which led to her India debut at the age of 15 in 2019, has been her power hitting, something she doesn’t want to let go of.”These kinds of things you learn from an early age and I have worked a lot on it,” she said. “Now it comes very naturally to me. But it’s not like if something comes naturally then you don’t have to work hard on it. Just like you work on your weaknesses, you should work on your strengths as well. So the truth is that I’ve learnt this from childhood and now it comes naturally to me.”

Leeds United have reportedly made a £20m defender similar to Joe Rodon one of their top targets following a recent scouting mission.

Leeds reach 100 points and lift Championship title on final day

It was a final day to remember for Daniel Farke and his Leeds side after clinching the Championship title in stoppage time.

A Manor Solomon goal in the 91st minute ensured a come-from-behind victory for the Whites at Home Park and meant they’d finish the season on 100 points.

Talking after winning the title, Farke said: “Today I was allowed to have one or two tears in my eyes. After Wembley I had to be there for my players and give them some belief, it was a tough moment. For Ethan [Ampadu], Ilia [Gruev], Joe [Rodon] they were all in tears.

“I wanted to create something really special with them. To see them like little kids [after the title was won], enjoying themselves like they did at the age when they started playing football. In these moments you’re never thinking about money or contracts. To be a bit reminded how happy they are, like children, it’s one of the best moments you can have as a manager.”

Leeds make advances in move to sign "top-class" 243 career-goal striker

The Whites are in the hunt for attacking reinforcements.

2

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 3, 2025

Now, the club’s attention behind the scenes at Elland Road will be on the summer, looking to bolster the current squad ahead of their Premier League return. Adam Underwood has been promoted to the role of sporting director having been at the club for more than 10 years, and it could be a crucial first transfer window with him at the helm.

Solomon has been linked with a permanent move to Leeds, whereas a raid on Celtic for the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nicolas Kuhn has also been mooted.

Additions at the back and in attack look likely, and now, a new defensive option has emerged on Underwood’s radar.

Leeds eyeing bid to sign £20m defender Leonardo Balerdi

According to reports from The Sun, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds have recently sent scouts to watch Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi.

The Whites have now made Balerdi one of their top targets, and the Argentine is open to a move to England. It is added that Marseille would demand a £20m fee for their defender over the coming months.

Balerdi signed for Marseille from Borussia Dortmund back in 2021 and is now the captain of the Ligue 1 side having made more than 160 appearances for his current employers.

Stat	Balerdi	Rodon
Passes attempted	99th percentile	97th percentile
Passes completed	99th percentile	98th percentile
Passes into final third	93rd percentile	94th percentile

Capped six times by Argentina, Balerdi has impressed on the ball over the last 12 months. As per FBref, he has ranked in the top 1% of centre-backs when it comes to passes attempted and top 3% for successful passes per 90, whereas the Marseille man is also in the top 1% for successful take-ons.

Balerdi is similar Rodon as the Leeds star ranks in the top 3% for passes attempted and top 2% for successful passes, and by the looks of things, he could be partnering the Wales international at the back next season.

MatériaMais Notícias

da fezbet： Líder em interceptações entre os jogadores do Bahia no Brasileirão, o volante Rezende fez uma partida segura na última terça-feira contra o Grêmio, pela Copa do Brasil. Castigado com um gol sofrido já nos acréscimos, o time baiano jogará em igualdade de condições na próxima semana em Porto Alegre. Para Rezende, a equipe tricolor merecia o triunfo no jogo de ida das quartas de final.

RelacionadasFora de CampoUm dia após apresentação na Seleção, Diniz janta em churrascaria na Barra da Tijuca e posa com torcedoresFora de Campo06/07/2023Fora de CampoRelacionamento aberto ou monogâmico? Jornalista da ESPN explica Fernando Diniz na Seleção de forma inusitadaFora de Campo06/07/2023Seleção BrasileiraEntenda os planos da CBF com Fernando Diniz na Seleção BrasileiraSeleção Brasileira06/07/2023

da roleta： – Realizamos uma boa atuação. Enfrentamos o vice-líder do Campeonato Brasileiro, um time com bastante qualidade e ainda assim conseguimos jogar com fluência. Infelizmente o gol no fim impediu que saíssemos de campo com um resultado favorável, mas mostramos que estamos totalmente na briga pela vaga – afirmou.

Antes do confronto de volta na próxima quarta-feira, o Bahia visitará o Cuiabá no próximo sábado, pela 14ª rodada do Brasileirão. Caso derrote o adversário, a equipe de Rezende se igualará em pontos a ele. O atleta destaca a relevância do jogo.

– Em competições por pontos corridos, todas as partidas tem muito valor. Enfrentaremos o Cuiabá cientes do quanto será importante conquistar três pontos – encerrou.

da 888： Arsenal’s summer spending spree is seemingly set to commence.

da cassino： On Saturday morning, Fabrizio Romano reported that Martín Zubimendi “has now verbally agreed” to join Arsenal, claiming that the Gunners intend to trigger his release clause, which stands at €60m (£51m).

This deal has been in the pipeline for a while, with David Ornstein of The Athletic reporting back in January that they were “pursuing a deal” to sign the Spanish international, describing him as a “long-term target”.

Nevertheless, this is set to be just the start of Mikel Arteta’s mass summer squad rebuild, so are the Gunners also close to signing another La Liga star, who’d be the club’s best value-for-money signing since Jurriën Timber?

Latest on Arsenal's transfer search

According to a report by Miguel Delaney of the Independent, Arsenal are ‘close to signing’ Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.

As noted by James McNicholas and David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal spent all of last summer pursuing the 24-year-old, having “identified” the Spaniard as the perfect player to provide competition for his compatriot David Raya, but Espanyol were unwilling to negotiate any lower than his €30m (£25m) release clause.

The bad news for Arsenal is that the Blanquiazules are on course to avoid relegation, García’s release clause would reportedly have dropped to just £12.6m had the Catalan club finished in the bottom three, but Tom Allnutt of the Times still believes the Gunners plan to finalise this deal.

So, how will García improve Arteta’s squad, and will he be their latest bargain signing?

Arsenal's best value-for-money signings

Analyst Ben Mattinson labels García an “exciting goalkeeper”, praising his “cross claiming” and “composure on the ball”.

Meantime, Sive Vishwa of Breaking the Lines describes him as “dependable and aggressive”, forecasting that he will become “one of the best goalkeepers” of his generation.

Thus, at just £25m, García looks set to prove an absolute bargain, but who are some of Arsenal’s best value-for-money signings of the Arteta-era?

Selected Arsenal signings ≥£35m under Arteta

Players

Year signed

Fee

Arsenal appearances

David Raya

2023

£27m

93

Jurriën Timber

2023

£34m

51

Leandro Trossard

2023

£27m

121

Jorginho

2023

£12m

78

Martin Ødegaard

2021

£30m

195

Gabriel Magalhães

2020

£27m

210

All information courtesy of Transfermarkt

Timber in particular stands out as an excellent value-for-money signing, arriving from Ajax for just £34m two summers ago.

As outlined by Alex Howell of BBC Sport, the Dutchman is in the running to be named Arsenal’s player of the season, a remarkable achievement considering he played just 147 minutes during his first campaign in North London, suffering an ACL rupture on the opening day of the season against Nottingham Forest.

So, will García prove to be the Gunners’ latest bargain?

Well, for him to become that, he’ll need to play matches, and this won’t be easy considering current number one Raya has been “really impressive” according to Arteta, so let’s compare the two Spanish shot-stoppers.

Joan García vs David Raya 2024/25 comparison

Statistics

García

Raya

Appearances

34

52

Minutes

3,060

4,710

Cleans sheets

7

18

Goals conceded

44

47

Shots on target faced

176

170

Saves

135

119

Save %

77.3%

74.1%

Post-shot xG – goals conceded

+9.3

+4.1

Crosses stopped %

9.6%

12.1%

Penalties faced

6

12

Penalties saved

2

2

Pass completion %

70.9%

73.9%

Long passes attempted

515

723

% of accurate long passes

39.6%

36.7%

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and Squawka

As the table outlines, García’s statistics this season do compare favourably to Raya, made all the more impressive by the fact he is playing for an Espanyol side battling to avoid relegation from La Liga, having been promoted via the Segunda División play-offs last June.

Raya’s statistics are superior when it comes to high claims and passes completed, but García’s post-shot expected goals – goals allowed figure of +9.3, meaning he’s prevented over nine more goals than expected, is certainly eye-catching.

Across Europe’s top-five leagues, of all 204 goalkeepers who have featured this season, García ranks sixth for this metric, behind only Yehvann Diouf (Reims), Yahia Fofana (Angers), Vanja Milinković-Savić (Torino), Đorđe Petrović​​​​​​​ (Strasbourg) and Donovan Léon (Auxerre), with Raya down at 131st, according to FBref.com.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

So, García will arrive in North London confident he can usurp his fellow Spaniard in the pecking order, suggesting he could prove to be fantastic value for money.

Related Vini & Yamal hybrid: Arsenal could sign 'one of the world's best dribblers'

The brilliant winger would be unreal for Arsenal.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 10, 2025

New Zealand had started the fourth day with hope but that soon evaporated once the offspinner got to work

Tristan Lavalette03-Mar-20242:54

How Lyon and Co made it six out of six for Australia on NZ soil

Nathan Lyon crushed New Zealand’s hopes early on day four to complete a 10-wicket match haul as Australia recorded a convincing 172-run first Test victory at the Basin Reserve.After a stirring fightback on day three, New Zealand resumed at 111 for 3 as they eyed the daunting target of 369 with a near capacity crowd hopeful of a rearguard.But after a sedate start, with the surface appearing to be playing a little easier than the opening three days, Lyon claimed the wickets of Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips in two overs to effectively end New Zealand’s resistance.Watching wickets tumble at the other end, Daryl Mitchell held firm in vain and was the last batter dismissed for 38 off 130 balls.On a surface that turned and bounced sharply, Lyon always loomed large and once again he was Australia’s match-winner to finish with 6 for 65 and match figures of 10-108. It was the first 10-wicket haul by a spinner in New Zealand since 2006.Lyon, who also top-scored in Australia’s second innings with 41, was the standout performer alongside Cameron Green, whose masterful unbeaten 174 in the first innings was remarkable on a bowler-friendly surface. It was just the fifth Test match where 13 bowlers took a wicket and the first since 1966.With just one Test victory over Australia since 1993, New Zealand’s misery continued having struggled to muster much resistance with the bat after being bowled out for under 200 runs in both innings.After starting well having sent Australia in, New Zealand rued a wayward bowling effort where they watched helplessly as Green and Josh Hazlewood combined for a record 116-run last-wicket partnership. New Zealand also were left to lament not selecting frontline spinner Mitchell Santner as the surface increasingly offered bite as the match wore on.New Zealand’s capitulation early on day four was an anti-climax after an impressive fightback gave them some belief. But New Zealand needed to rewrite the record books if they were to take the lead in this series with their highest successful fourth-innings run chase being 324 against Pakistan at Christchurch in 1994.Needing a further 258 runs, there were no alarms in the first 30 minutes for Ravindra and Mitchell, who had combined for a calm half-century partnership late on day three.Cameron Green added his name to the wicket taking•Getty ImagesThey defended well and looked to be proactive although it almost proved their undoing when they took off for a tight single with Mitchell relieved after Marnus Labuschagne’s shy at the stumps missed.Having played watchfully late on day three given the precarious situation, Mitchell started to show glimpses of his innate aggressiveness when on his 82nd delivery he hit his first boundary of the innings after slashing a short delivery from Mitchell Starc.After flowing to a fifty off 77 balls before the close, Ravindra was shackled and started to look anxious in his bid for runs. Australia sensed this and packed the off-side field as Lyon changed to the southern end of the ground.It did the trick with Ravindra falling for the trap as he miss-hit a cut shot to point to trigger a collapse. Later in the over, Lyon dismissed Blundell for a duck after he tentatively pressed forward and inside edged to short-leg much like his soft dismissal in the first innings.New Zealand’s hopes entirely rested on Mitchell and Phillips, who had been their star in this match with a 70-ball 71 in the first inning before claiming his first five-wicket Test haul in Australia’s second innings.But Phillips was no match for Lyon after being trapped lbw on the back foot as he reviewed unsuccessfully. It was Lyon’s first five-wicket haul in New Zealand as he joined Shane Warne and Muthiah Muralidaran as the only bowlers to have reached that feat in nine countries.After his marathon knock, Green had not bowled in the match until day four and showed off his prowess with the ball as he delivered a brute of a delivery that ballooned off the gloves of Scott Kuggeleijn to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.Green’s wicket meant seven Australian bowlers took wickets for the match, which was the most for them since 2012 against West Indies in Roseau.Fittingly, given their heroic performances, Green, Lyon and Hazlewood claimed the final wickets as Australia’s stranglehold over New Zealand continued.

Club will “pay tribute to” Baker’s memory and “keep his spirit alive on the field”

ESPNcricinfo staff08-May-2024

Worcestershire spinner Josh Baker has died at the age of 20•Getty Images

Worcestershire will wear Josh Baker’s No. 33 on their playing shirts for the remainder of the season as a tribute to the left-arm spinner who passed away last week, aged 20.Baker, who had made two County Championship appearances this season, died suddenly on May 2. He was a popular member of the Worcestershire dressing room, signing his first contract with the county aged 17 in 2022. He took 43 wickets in 22 first-class matches and 27 in 25 limited-overs appearances. He had also represented England at under-19 level.The day before his passing, he had taken 3 for 66 in the first innings of Worcestershire’s four-day 2nd XI Championship match against Somerset at Bromsgrove School. The match was called off early on the final day. Players wore black armbands as a mark of respect during the most recent round of the County Championship, which began on May 3.Worcestershire declined to comment on the nature of Baker’s death, asking for “the respect of privacy” on behalf of his family. Having consulted with the family, Baker’s teammates have decided to honour his memory by wearing his squad number on the front of their shirts, under the club crest.”It is clear from the outpouring of love we’ve seen, following last week’s awful news, that Josh touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” said Worcestershire CEO Ashley Giles in a statement released on Wednesday.”Wearing Josh’s number on their shirts is a way for the team, and all involved with Worcestershire cricket, to pay tribute to his memory and keep his spirit alive on the field.”Josh’s mum and dad, Lisa and Paul, have asked us to thank everyone for the hundreds of messages of love and support that they have received since Josh’s passing.”As we all continue to navigate through this very difficult time, we encourage our members, supporters, and the cricketing community to join us in honouring Josh’s memory and celebrate the life of a remarkable young man who will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”Worcestershire will wear the commemorative shirts for the first time on Friday, when they play Kent at Canterbury in Division One.

Mikel Arteta's side have finished as Premier League runners-up for three seasons running and they cannot afford to fall short again next term

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

By the end of 2024-25, Arsenal supporters must have grown sick to the back teeth of that same old ditty. Fans of teams far, far below their position in the Premier League table were rocking up to the Emirates Stadium and singing 'second again, ole ole'. Indeed, the Gunners were on their way to another second-place finish, tying the record they themselves set in the days of Arsene Wenger for most consecutive runners-up placements in English top-flight history.

We can throw all of the valid excuses out there to defend Arsenal's campaign, be they injury-related or otherwise, but ultimately history will deem last season as a failure. Mikel Arteta recognised that in a vengeful and aggressive speech after their last home game, while he also made reference to transfer plans after their Champions League elimination at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

"For me it's crystal clear what we have to do, to be better and to increase the probability [of winning]," he said. "Nobody can say 'you do this and you win the league, or you win the Champions League'. No manager, no owner is going to sit in a press conference in front of everybody and say that, because the margin is so small, and not only that but a lot of things have to go your way to achieve that."

So what do Arsenal need to actually do? What are the tasks awaiting new sporting director Andrea Berta? GOAL breaks down who should come in, who should leave and more…

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Don't let Zubimendi get away

  We have to start with Arsenal's pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. If you have any Gunners fans in your life, then you will have noticed how their stress levels have been increasing over the status of a deal which was supposedly one step from completion, only for the Spain international to act coy when quizzed on it this week.

  "Of course there are options, but it's true that it seems like it's going to be a different, long summer, and I don't know how it will end," he told on Tuesday. "I don't think thinking about that right now is my priority. I'm here with the national team, which I think is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will."

  Now, despite this cryptic admission, reports coming from both Spain and England insist the deal is not in jeopardy, despite the possibility of Real Madrid – now managed by Zubimendi's idol and former coach, Xabi Alonso – hanging over negotiations. Still, it would be best for Arsenal to wrap this up sooner rather than later.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Move on from the old guard

  Zubimendi is expected to serve as Arsenal's long-term replacement for Jorginho, who will return to Brazil with Flamengo on a free transfer, as a metronomic midfielder. It's often forgotten how important the Italian playmaker was in Arteta's system during the second half of 2023-24 when they ripped off a run of 16 wins from 18 league games, and so it makes sense to bring in a successor of the same archetype to freshen up the squad again.

  Elsewhere, Arsenal are reportedly in talks with Leandro Trossard over a lengthy contract extension, which boggles the mind for several reasons. Though he is one of the squad's most reliable fitness bets, featuring in all 38 Premier League games last season as part of 56 in total, there were notable signs of struggle when it came to replicating his scintillating form of his first 18 months in N5, and with 12 months left on his deal, now is the perfect time to cash in or decide this will be the last dance in a reduced role. Ultimately, if Arsenal are relying on Trossard to play 56 times again in 2025-26, it is unlikely they will lift the Premier League trophy come May.

  The same can be said of 52-appearance Thomas Partey, whose contract expires at the end of the month after his 32nd birthday and has been linked with a move back to Spain with Barcelona, despite Arteta admitting he would like to keep the midfielder. Whether the Ghanaian stays or goes, he is entering a different stage of his career and can't be relied upon in the same way either.

  Arsenal are in a tricky position with their squad in general because Arteta admitted it needed streamlining last summer, though the flip-side meant they were unnecessarily stretched when it came to battling injuries, and you can't rule out that increasing that workload contributed to the crisis. Regardless, fresh legs and impetus are needed to get up and go again.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Find a dynamic winger

  Arsenal simply can't go into another season with Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli as their two main options on the left wing. They just can't. Both are fine players in their own right with differing skillsets, but this is one of two positions the club must strengthen in if they are serious about winning a major trophy.

  In the case of Martinelli, he hasn't kicked on as hoped after such an impressive 2022-23 campaign in which he flew past full-backs with ease and scored 15 Premier League goals as part of a fluid, break-neck speed attack. His limitations on the ball have been easy for defenders to suss out since. This isn't to say Martinelli should be sold, rather that his minutes should be reduced to make him more of an impact substitute.

  Athletic Club's Nico Williams has long been said to be one of the Gunners' dream targets for the role, though his sky-high wage demands in excess of £200,000-a-week and talks over a new deal in the Basque Country will make this extremely difficult to pull off. Arteta and Co will need to cast their net wider to find a suitable alternative.

  The German media claim Arteta is interested in a reunion with Leroy Sane, whom he worked with at Manchester City and could yet leave Bayern Munich as a free agent later this month. That would prove quite the market opportunity, yet not quite the marquee signing the club should be looking at. If Rodrygo is granted permission to pursue an exit from Real Madrid this summer, then that's the sort of deal Arsenal should be all over, while it may also be worth knocking on Bradley Barcola's door after losing his starting spot at PSG to Desire Doue.

• AFP
  

  Prioritise Gyokeres over Sesko

  If you were to survey Arsenal fans over what position they need most in the summer window, roughly 99.9 percent would respond with 'striker'. The club have made only two purchases in that area in the post-Wenger era, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz the chosen duo. Even then, Havertz was signed as a midfielder, as the Gunners aggressively told the world upon his arrival in 2023.

  In fairness, Jesus played like a man possessed during his first six months in north London, and the pivot from his fluidity to Havertz's rigid style has certainly contributed to Arsenal becoming far less entertaining to watch. Forwards with the Brazilian's pre-injury skillset are hard to find, and it's probably why their top two targets this summer more so resemble a traditional No.9.

  It has been widely reported that RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres are now leading the Gunners' shortlist of marksmen. Sesko appears to have the edge in the race, yet it's the Swede who ought to instead.

  A package for Gyokeres would not only prove cheaper, with Sporting lowering their demands to around £60m compared to the £92m Leipzig want for their Slovenian hitman, but he is in the prime of his career and would help Arsenal compete for honours right away. Concerns over the standard of the Portuguese top-flight are valid – especially considering how eerily similar Gyokeres' impact was to Darwin Nunez's when he was at Benfica – though his excellent record in Europe, with the Swedish national team and a previous stint in a once competitive Championship at Coventry City should alleviate fears. The eye test also suggests Gyokeres is nowhere near as erratic a finisher as Liverpool's Uruguayan.

  This isn't a slight on Sesko, who will almost certainly grow into one of the world's leading strikers by the end of the decade, but he is far rawer a prospect and project when what the Gunners need is immediate impact. If Arsenal were to sign two centre-forwards, one for the immediate present and one for the long run, then it would relieve some of the pressure Sesko would have to overcome, though that's an extremely unlikely scenario.