Arsenal have penciled in negotiations with a “top” striker, with manager Mikel Arteta believed to hold a significant link to the player which could well hand the Gunners an edge in the race for his signature.

Andrea Berta pursuing new centre-forward for Arsenal this summer

The arrival of new sporting director Andrea Berta recently has intensified transfer talk around the Emirates Stadium, with nothing left to play for in the Premier League and the next summer window set to be a crucial one.

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The signing of a prolific new centre-forward will also have real significance, as long-term injuries to both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz highlight the importance for Berta to acquire a proven and reliable option for Arteta.

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is continuously being linked with a move to Arsenal, but the Magpies are reluctant to sell their star forward and will demand a serious premium to even entertain talks.

Fulham (home)

April 1st

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 26th

Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs is among the many credible media members who state that Newcastle’s starting price for Isak is around £150 million, which would require Arsenal to smash their transfer record.

Even if some reports state that Isak has expressed a desire to join Arsenal, a lot of signs point towards the Sweden international being unattainable this summer, but there are tempting alternative options.

One of them is Sporting CP superstar Viktor Gyokeres, another prolific Sweden international who’s racked up an incredible 40 goals across 41 appearances in all competitions this season.

While his release clause stands at around £83 million, Sky Germany stated late last year that Sporting could green-light Gyokeres’ sale for a fee between £50-58 million this summer.

Arsenal schedule "formal" talks with Viktor Gyokeres' agent

According to Portuguese news outlet Correio da Manha, via 90min, the Gunners appear to be prepared to take full advantage of this potential price tag.

Indeed, as per their information, Arsenal have scheduled “formal” talks with Gyokeres’ agent to discuss terms, and the representative is actually said to be a “close friend” of Arteta.

The north Londoners believe this could even hand Arsenal an edge in the race for his services, even if they’re likely to face very stiff competition for the 26-year-old following another very prolific campaign in the Primeira Liga.

Gyokeres already attracted praise from members of the Arsenal squad, like goalkeeper David Raya, who branded him a “top player” before their meeting in the Champions League.

“We know his strengths, how he runs a lot in behind and scores a lot in one v. one, and he is a top player in form,” said Raya.

“We are going to try and keep him very, very quiet. Don’t give him any chances. We have to step up defensively. Hopefully we can do a great job and keep a clean sheet.”

Floyd Reifer and James Franklin will also join the coaching staff ahead of the ODIs against UAE and the World Cup Qualifier

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jun-2023Former West Indies captains Carl Hooper and Floyd Reifer have been appointed as assistants to new white-ball head coach Daren Sammy ahead of West Indies’ three-match ODI series against UAE and the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe. Former New Zealand allrounder James Franklin has also joined the staff as an assistant coach.Hooper, who played 102 Tests and 227 ODIs, has worked at various levels of coaching in the Caribbean and Australia, where he is now settled. He was assistant coach of Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL) during the 2022-23 Australian summer, and has previously worked with Antigua Hawksbills and Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). He has also served as a mentor at the West Indies High-Performance Centre in Barbados.Related

Sammy appointed white-ball coach; Coley takes charge of Test team

“When I was initially approached by Daren about the potential opportunity, I immediately confirmed my interest, as I really want to help with the challenge and make a meaningful impact,” Hooper said. “I firmly believe that it is time for West Indies Cricket to ascend, and I am confident in my ability, knowledge, and experience to aid in this endeavour.”Reifer, who played six Tests, eight ODIs and one T20I, has also served as West Indies’ interim head coach during the 2019 World Cup. He has held coaching roles with the West Indies A team and the senior men’s side, and was head coach of the men’s Under-19 team in 2021 and Jamaica Tallawahs in the CPL.Franklin, an allrounder who played 31 Tests, 110 ODIs and 38 T20Is for New Zealand, has served stints as head coach of the English county side Durham, assistant coach at Birmingham Phoenix in the Men’s Hundred, and fielding coach at MI Emirates in the ILT20.Meanwhile, former West Indies players Kenny Benjamin and Stuart Williams and the former Guyana fast bowler Rayon Griffith will be assistant coaches working alongside Test-match head coach Andre Coley. Benjamin and Griffith were part of the coaching staff for the tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa earlier this year, while Williams had previously worked as an assistant coach on various tours.CWI have said all new assistant coaches have been appointed on a short-term basis and will be “reviewed after the India series in August 2023”.West Indies are currently in Sharjah for the three-match ODI series against UAE, which is scheduled to begin on June 4, as they build up towards the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.For the ten-team Qualifier, West Indies have been drawn in Group A, which also includes Netherlands, Nepal, Zimbabwe and USA, against whom they kick off their campaign on June 18.

Despite still having a lot to play for this season, Aston Villa are slowly turning their attention to the summer and are now interested in signing a “special” Real Madrid player, with the pursuit being led by transfer guru Monchi.

Rashford double sends Villa to FA Cup semi-finals

Two second-half goals from Marcus Rashford helped secure Villa’s place in the last four of the FA Cup this weekend, as the Midlands side eased past Preston North End. It was Rashford’s first and second goals for Villa since joining on loan from Manchester United, and manager Unai Emery believes Rashford has now made “one step forward”.

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The Villans do have the option of making Rashford’s deal at Villa Park a permanent switch, and after the game against Preston, the boss was asked about the situation, but Emery didn’t want to waste time talking about that.

“We can’t waste time speaking about that,” he told the BBC. “If next year we are in the Champions League, in the Europa, or the Conference League or not. Or we don’t win a trophy – it is completely different.”

Monchi wants Aston Villa to sign Real Madrid star Güler

As the Midlands side continue their focus on what remains of this season, according to a report from Spain, Monchi has confirmed Aston Villa’s interest in signing Arda Güler from Real Madrid this summer.

The report states that despite injuries affecting his game time this season, when he’s played for Real Madrid, he has impressed with his enormous attacking quality. Villa have now taken notice of his performances, and Monchi sees Guler as the ideal player to reinforce their attack as the Villans look for young players who can continue their growth in the Premier League.

However, any deal Villa wishes to do for Güler will be considered difficult to complete, as Real Madrid consider the Turkey international an important player for their future. The report does state however that Madrid will have to make a decision about what they want to do with Güler soon – the player himself will also have to decide what he thinks is best for him and his career amid such limiting playing time this season.

Arda Guler’s Real Madrid stats

Apps

44

Goals

9

Assists

6

Guler, who has been dubbed “excellent” by Alex Barker, joined the Spanish giants in July 2023, and so far, he’s had to remain patient when it comes to game time. The midfielder, who earns €100,000 a week (£83,000), has played 19 times in La Liga this season but has only started 12.

Steve Waugh has warned England they are set to be exposed by Australia in the Ashes if they don’t have a back-up plan for when all-out attack doesn’t come off.England’s ‘Bazball’ revolution in the past 12 months has revived Test cricket in the country, and prompted the most anticipated Ashes series in 17 years.But Australia have made no secret of the fact they have serious question marks over whether it can withstand the Australian attack.England have scored at 4.85 an over in the past year while racking up an 11-2 record in Test cricket, and five of their batters have scored at a strike-rate of above 75.Related

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In contrast, Australia have made their game out of building pressure and strangling opponents with the tightest economy rate of any team in recent years.Steven Smith cast doubt on England’s approach on Thursday, when he questioned for a second time how it would work against Australia’s attack.Waugh is convinced it won’t always come off, and said England were at serious risk of collapsing to their first Ashes series loss at home since 2001 if they didn’t have back-up plans.”That is the big question mark over so-called Bazball. What is Plan B? Have they got a Plan B?” Australia’s former Test captain asked. “If they haven’t then they are going to be found out.”They have shown they are good enough to carry this style of cricket off but the ultimate test will be against a world-class bowling attack, which Australia has got.”It is exciting but to me the jury is out at the moment. Does [Bazball] hold up under scrutiny against a really good bowling attack in maybe challenging conditions?”Regardless, Waugh said he did not expect England to go away from the fearless approach.”There is no doubt it won’t work all the time but I think with [coach Brendon] McCullum and [captain Ben] Stokes they will have the courage to go through with it,” Waugh said. “They can’t chop and change. Have they got a back-up plan? I’m not sure. That might find them out.”Waugh’s successor as Test captain, Ricky Ponting, said it was not impossible for England to pull off the ploy, but is adamant Australia can find answers to silence the hosts.”I’ve got a few thoughts on what I’d be doing if I was an Australian fast bowler,” Ponting said. “I think the reason the way England have played for the last couple of years is with this series in mind. They’ve been trying to find a brand of cricket that they can play that’s going to win an Ashes series.”

Newcastle United fans had been here before way back in 2023 when Manchester United ran out 2-0 victors over the Magpies in the EFL Cup final.

Thankfully, history didn’t manage to repeat itself two years on from this sobering defeat at Wembley, as Eddie Howe’s Toon shocked Arne Slot’s Liverpool late on Sunday evening to lift the honours as deserved 2-1 winners.

Alexander Isak showed off his class once more in the forward positions to hand his side a famous Cup win, with the Swedish sharpshooter no doubt topping even more shopping lists this summer off the back of his sensational showing in the final.

The latest on Isak's future after Wembley heroics

If Isak is to depart this approaching summer, popping up with a golden strike to hand his side a 2-1 win at Wembley is quite the parting gift.

There are rumours suggesting that the ex-Real Sociedad striker could attempt to negotiate a new St James’ Park deal too, so it remains up in the air as to whether he will stick it out on Tyneside, but his goalscoring prowess cannot be questioned.

The Toon would race into a two-goal lead on the day courtesy of this thumping finish from Isak, with this priceless strike taking his goal haul for the season all the way up to a bumper 23.

Arsenal might well be viewing his expertise in-front of goal as a major plus to fix their striker issues, but whatever comes will come on the end of Newcastle who will bask in the glory of having Isak around for the time being, as his crucial contribution ensured his side finally picked up some significant silverware.

Newcastle also wouldn’t allow the sharp shooter to leave for a small amount – considering he’s being touted to exit for around the £130m mark – which would obviously be the same for this modern day great on Tyneside who solidified his status as a legend even more when holding the EFL Cup aloft.

Newcastle's £100m sale in the making

So many reliable faces in Howe’s camp have now immortalised themselves in Newcastle folklore, with Joelinton a battler from minute one to help his team get over the line, alongside Dan Burn producing the goods with a bullet header.

But, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes also stood out throughout as a livewire in the middle of the park, with the Toon number 39 winning himself nine duels among other standout numbers.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

40

Accurate passes

14/22 (64%)

Key passes

2

Shots on goal

2

Successful dribbles

1/2

Tackles

5

Total duels won

9/14

It was an incredible very well-rounded display from the midfield stalwart at Wembley with a grit present in his game that saw him win five tackles alongside his nine duels, but also an awareness to push forward and help out the likes of Isak bursting through on goal with two key passes registered, on top of tallying up two efforts of his own.

Shields Gazette journalist Dominic Scurr would gift Guimaraes a high 9/10 rating post-match subsequently, with Scurr impressed by how composed the 27-year-old was across the full frantic contest, even when the pressure was ramped up for Newcastle to get over the line.

While Isak has been talked about as the Toon’s next big sale, Guimaraes too could end up banking Howe’s men some serious cash if he can keep up these top-drawer displays, with the Brazilian once rumoured to be valued around the £100m mark, just £30m shy of Isak’s wild price tag.

With an impressive 44 goal contributions next to his name from 144 games at Newcastle, this hefty valuation hasn’t just come out of thin air, with his confidence to dominate up against a star-studded Liverpool midfield further showing off his ability.

But, as can be seen in his emotional post-match celebrations, Guimaraes truly feels connected to the Toon, with many more happy years on the horizon if he manages to stay put.

The next Aguero: Newcastle now battling to sign "fantastic" £12m sensation

He’s one to watch…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 15, 2025

Chelsea’s youth academy has provided a continuous flow of talents who have managed to make the jump into the first team over the last couple of years.

Many have made their mark at Stamford Bridge before leaving in a big-money transfer, subsequently allowing Enzo Maresca to spend money and further improve his side.

Mason Mount left in a £60m deal to join Manchester United back in the summer, ending his 18-year stint in West London, making just shy of 200 senior appearances for his boyhood club.

He’s since struggled to make an impact away from the capital, with injuries restricting him to 33 games in the last two seasons – showcasing the right call made by the hierarchy to offload him.

One other academy graduate has starred in recent months, producing a performance to remember on international duty last night, looking to put his career back on track after his own fitness issues.

Reece James’ stats for England against Latvia

Right-back Reece James made his breakthrough into the first team setup back in 2019/20, often being a key member of the Chelsea side, but injuries have often halted progress.

However, he’s managed to stay fit as of late, often taking the armband in Maresca’s squad, leading to Thomas Tuchel calling him up for the latest England squad for the ongoing international break.

The 25-year-old started the meeting with Latvia, producing an excellent display, even managing to net his first goal for his country with an impressive free-kick during the first half – earning him the Man of the Match award.

His underlying stats were just as impressive, completing 96 of his 97 attempted passes, notching a total of 118 touches in an all-round superb showing at Wembley.

However, despite his recent form for club and country, the Blues could’ve had themselves a bigger talent than James had they kept hold of another player who’s taken his career to the next level after leaving.

The former Chelsea player who’s become a bigger talent than James

Chelsea have often been prone to a mistake or two in the transfer market, often selling players before their prime and missing out on elite level stars – subsequently benefitting other Premier League sides.

Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne both departed the Bridge for bargain fees, before developing elsewhere, now featuring for Liverpool and Manchester City respectively – helping the clubs achieve success in England’s top-flight.

Tino Livramento is another star who’s thrived away from West London after moving on, leaving for Southampton in a £5m deal back in the summer of 2021.

The 22-year-old has since impressed at St Mary’s despite their failures in recent years, notching 31 appearances for the Saints, before linking up with Newcastle United back in August 2023.

He’s since managed to thrive under Eddie Howe’s guidance, looking to be worth every penny of his £40m transfer fee, helping the Magpies claim the Carabao Cup a couple of weeks ago.

This season, the “sensational” Livramento, as dubbed by Alan Shearer, has managed to take his game to the next level, nailing down his place as a regular starter.

He was also included in Tuchel’s first England squad for the current break, deservedly so given the fact he’s managed to outperform James in numerous key areas throughout 2024/25.

How Livramento compares to James in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Livramento	James
Games played	27	11
Minutes played	1940	681
Progressive carries	2.3	0.7
Carries into final third	1.3	0.5
Pass accuracy	85%	84%
Tackles won	1.3	0.9
Clearances made	3.7	1.6
Take-on success	44%	42%
Stats via FBref

Livramento has managed to complete more progressive carries and achieve a higher take-on success rate, highlighting the threat he possesses with the ball at his feet.

He’s also managed to better James defensively, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making more clearances per 90, offering that added cover to Maresca’s side had they kept hold of the youngster.

However, after his departure nearly four years ago, he remains another player who’s slipped through the net, with their loss undoubtedly Newcastle’s gain given his recent success.

There’s no denying that James is a player who possesses a lot of quality, as seen by his display last night, but his injury issues will always remain a concern, with Livramento certainly a better option at present.

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Chelsea are reportedly keen to sign a £50m star who’d be their best winger since Eden Hazard.

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Dan Emery

Mar 25, 2025

Afghanistan lorded over Bangladesh in a 142-run win in the second match in Chattogram, completing their first bilateral ODI series win against this side. Rahmanullah Gurbaz blazed 145 while Ibrahim Zadran glided to 100 as they added a record opening stand of 256 runs in a powerful start.The home side were no match for the visitors’ formidable 331-9, stopped at 189 for 9 in 43.2 overs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi ensured Bangladesh’s chase never took off, taking three wickets each while and Rashid Khan picked up two wickets. It is Afghanistan’s biggest win against Bangladesh in ODIs.Gurbaz and Zadran also put on Afghanistan’s highest ODI partnership for any wicket, beating the 218 put on by Karim Sadiq and Mohammad Shahzad for the second wicket against Scotland in 2010. Bangladesh’s bowlers did mount a fightback in the last 14 overs of the Afghanistan innings, taking nine wickets for 75 runs. But it was never enough after the big opening stand.Gurbaz and Zadran teed off from the word go, hitting eight boundaries in the first Powerplay. This included Gurbaz’s first sixes, off Mustafizur Rahman, a straight six over the bowler’s head, and a powerful pull, both in the eighth over. Zadran survived a tough chance in the following over when Towhid Hridoy couldn’t latch on to a tough chance running in from long-off.Another spate of eight boundaries in the next ten overs followed, as the power hitting got even more spectacular. Gurbaz hoisted Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz for three sixes during this phase. Their 100-run partnership came up in the 15th over; it was the first opening century stand against Bangladesh since the 2019 World Cup.Rashid Khan castled Towhid Hridoy with a wrong’un•AFP/Getty Images

Gurbaz pressed ahead with the big-hitting as he raced to his fourth ODI century. He got it with a single off Shakib, having already struck six of his eight sixes, and eight boundaries in the run-a-ball century. It was a long celebration from the Afghanistan wicketkeeper as he soaked up the applause of an enthralled stadium.Zadran got struck with his first six around the same time, as the pair ramped up the pressure on the Bangladesh bowlers. From the 31st over till Gurbaz got out, the pair added 69 runs in the next six overs. Gurbaz cracked Mustafizur for a four and a six, before blazing four boundaries in an Ebadot Hossain over. Gurbaz’s last six came off Najmul Hossain Shanto, before he fell to Shakib in the 37th over.The first wicket triggered Afghanistan into a batting collapse as the subsequent batters only tried big hits. Rahmat Shah, despite surviving an easy run out when Mushfiqur crashed into the stumps before completing the run-out, pulled one to Mustafizur Rahman at fine-leg, off Ebadot.Mehidy Hasan Miraz got captain Hashmatullah Shahidi bowled for two in the following over, before he removed Najibullah Zadran caught at long-on in the 44th over. Ibrahim Zadran got out shortly after reaching his century, caught top edging a pull off Mustafizur Rahman. Shakib had Rashid Khan stumped for six, before the tail caved, unable to support Mohammad Nabi who was stranded on an unbeaten 25 off 15 balls.Mustafizur, Mehidy and Shakib pulled things back really well, conceding just 41 runs in nine overs out of the last 14 overs. They also picked two wickets each. Hasan Mahmud also took two wickets while Ebadot picked up one scalp.Bangladesh’s batters hardly made any headway in that late momentum grab by their bowlers. Fazalhaq Farooqi removed both openers Litton Das and Mohammad Naim in the first nine overs. The left-arm quick cramped Litton in the fifth over, as the Bangladesh captain top edged a pull shot to Nabi at short midwicket. Naim played on to his stumps against a Farooqi short ball.In between these two wickets, Mujeeb bowled the delivery of the ODI series; the 100kph delivery zeroing on middle-stump before sharply moving to hit Shanto’s off-stump.A brief resistance followed but Rashid ended Bangladesh’s hopes with two beautiful googlies. The first was a peach that nipped through Towhid Hridoy’s forward prod. He misread the hand, ending up bowled for 16. Afif got a googly first ball, edging it to Nabi at slip.In between these two wickets, Nabi accounted for Shakib’s wicket in the 18th over. The allrounder missed an arm ball that swung into him, having made 25 off 29 balls.Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy added 87 runs for the seventh wicket, but once they were separated in the 37th over, the Bangladesh tail caved in quickly. Mushfiqur was the last wicket to fall, when he pulled a catch to give Farooqi his third wicket, and Afghanistan the series.

Even the most optimistic Ipswich Town supporter will be having a hard time convincing themselves that their beloved Tractor Boys will live to see another day in the Premier League past this season.

Kieran McKenna’s men are now nine points cut adrift from 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, with five crushing defeats from their last six league games not helping to boost the mood at Portman Road whatsoever.

Ultimately, for as much as they do have ten-goal attacker Liam Delap up top, their defensive woes continue to cost them dearly as an instant return to the Championship looks nailed on.

Why Ipswich's defence has let McKenna down

Amazingly, the relegation-threatened side’s last clean sheet in league action was against Chelsea in December, with 2025 unfortunately seeing the goals flood in.

Nottingham Forest would run out comprehensive 4-2 victors over Ipswich last time out in the Premier League, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s visitors only needing to register six shots on target in total to beat Alex Palmer with relative ease.

McKenna even boldly ditched first-choice shot-stopper Arijanet Muric mid-way through the campaign to try and shore up his leaky side, but it hasn’t had the desired effect, with Ipswich now up to a dire 62 goals conceded.

Not even January additions in the form of Ben Godfrey have helped in this regard either, with the Suffolk side potentially left to rue letting a former centre-back depart.

Now starring in the Premier League, it’s safe to say his career has been a great deal better away from Portman Road.

Former Ipswich defender has seen his value rise 1150%

Away from their current lowly state, Ipswich have a fair few titan-like defenders grace the Portman Road turf, with faces such as Luke Chambers fondly remembered to this day as a warrior defensively having made 396 appearances for the club.

A certain Adam Webster is arguably not remembered in the same gushing manner, but the now Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back did begin to make a name for himself in the senior game in Suffolk, arriving in 2016 from Portsmouth for a fee of just around £800k.

Webster would go on to make 53 appearances for the Tractor Boys before moving on to Bristol City for £3.5m, having tallied up one goal and three assists as a composed player on the ball playing out from the back.

This move to the Robins would set him on his way to stardom, with the Seagulls number four featuring across just 47 games at Ashton Gate before costing the South Coast side a whopping £20m to a pick up, making him their most expensive capture in 2019.

24/25

11

0

0

2

23/24

15

0

0

1

22/23

27

0

0

8

21/22

22

2

0

4

20/21

29

1

0

9

19/20

31

3

1

5

Whilst the 6 foot 3 colossus has dealt with many an injury annoyance since entering the building, Webster has proven himself to be a reliable head whenever thrown into Premier League action donning Brighton blue and white, with two clean sheets even coming his way this season from 11 limited appearances.

Worryingly, Luke Woolfenden back at Portman Road only has one to shout about, despite making two more appearances as a utility figure under McKenna.

Lauded as “phenomenal” in the past by football analyst H, on top of also being labelled as a “great leader” by boss Fabian Hurzeler, it’s clear there’s life in Webster’s legs still despite injury setbacks, with the 30-year-old’s current transfer valuation sitting pretty at £10m according to Transfermarkt.

That is an 1150% increase from his original £800k value when he first walked through the Portman Road doors and a 185% increase on the £3m fee he was sold for.

Now, Webster will be keen to establish himself as a Premier League-worthy defender even more, while his ex-employers likely slip down to the EFL.

Cost £1m, now worth 2000% more: McKenna has struck gold on Ipswich "animal"

Ipswich Town struck absolute gold when picking up this star for cheap.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 16, 2025

Ivan Perisic is set to join Barcelona on a free transfer, with Hansi Flick eager to reunite with the Croatian winger following his PSV exit.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Perisic could join Barcelona as a free agent
• Flick pushing for reunion with Croatian winger
• Veteran seen as versatile squad option

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Perisic is expected to become one of Barcelona’s first summer signings. After a standout season with PSV, where he scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists, the veteran winger departed the Dutch club as a free agent and has reportedly attracted interest from Flick and the Barca board.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The German manager, who coached Perisic during Bayern Munich’s treble-winning 2019-20 season, is reportedly pushing for the reunion. He values Perisic's experience and versatility, seeing him as a low-cost but high-impact addition to bolster a squad in transition. Sporting director Deco is reportedly keen to get the Croatian on board. Perisic is said to be enthusiastic about the move, viewing La Liga as a perfect stage for what could be his final chapter at the top level.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Perisic won the Champions League in 2020 under Flick at Bayern, playing a key role in their treble-winning campaign. On the international stage, he has enjoyed a prosperous career with Croatia, finishing as a runner-up at the 2018 World Cup, securing third place in 2022 and reaching the final of the 2023 Nations League.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR IVAN PERISIC?

  Perisic featured for Croatia in their recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers, scoring in the 68th minute during a dominant 5-1 win over Czech Republic on Tuesday. With his national team duties now over, the veteran winger is expected to turn his focus to finding a new club. Barcelona, who are actively reshaping their squad in the transfer market, are hopeful of finalising the deal in the coming days, with the 36-year-old likely to reunite with Flick.

حرص لاعبو فريق ليفربول، بقيادة المدرب آرني سلوت، على تقديم تعازيهم في وفاة زميلهم الراحل ديوجو جوتا، خلال تواجدهم في مقر النادي، اليوم الجمعة.

واستيقظ الوسط الرياضي، صباح يوم الخميس قبل الماضي، على فاجعة بعد إعلان وفاة ديوجو جوتا رفقة شقيقه.

جاءت وفاة جوتا وشقيقه إثر حادث سيارة مروع، في الساعات الأولى من صباح يوم الخميس، في إسبانيا، حيث اشتعلت النيران على الفور، بعد اختلال العربة.

وتوجه العديد من لاعبي ليفربول إلى البرتغال، يوم الجمعة الماضي، للمشاركة في واجب العزاء قبل حضور الجنازة الرسمية السبت، وسط أجواء حزن شديدة.

وبدأ توافد لاعبو ليفربول على مقر التدريبات يوم الثلاثاء الماضي، استعدادًا للموسم الجديد، حيث تقرر تأجيل العودة عدة أيام بسبب وفاة جوتا.

وظهر لاعبو ليفربول، اليوم الجمعة، وهم يحملون زهرة في أيديهم ويتجهون نحو واجهة ملعب “الأنفيلد”، في الساحة التي امتلأت بتذكارات من جانب الجماهير ولاعبي النادي السابقين، تكريمًا للراحل البرتغالي.

ومن ضمن اللاعبين الذين ظهروا وهم يتجهون بالزهور ناحية الساحة، كان محمد صلاح، الذي نعى جوتا بكلمات مؤثرة يوم الجمعة الماضي (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

كما تواجد عدة لاعبين مثل فيرجيل فان دايك، أليسون بيكر، جو جوميز، ماك أليستر، كوستاس تسيميكاس، إلى جانب لاعبين جدد مثل فلوريان فيرتز وفريمبونج.

وظهرت علامات الحزن الشديد على وجوه لاعبي ليفربول، بطبيعة الحال، حيث لم يستطيعوا تجاوز الأمر بعد.

وشهدت تلك المراسم تواجد زوجة الراحل، ديوجو جوتا، وأفراد من أسرته، الذين تلقوا المواساة من لاعبي ليفربول.

ويستعد ليفربول لخوض مباراة ودية يوم الأحد المقبل، ضد بريستون، في أولى تجاربهم استعدادًا للموسم الجديد، 2025/26.