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Multan Sultans believed to be considering Olly Stone as replacement

Danyal Rasool12-Feb-2024

Multan Sultans have been dealt a dual blow, with injuries to fast bowlers Reece Topley and Ihsanullah ruling them out of the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League. While Ihsanullah has a long-standing elbow injury and his unavailability was expected, Topley’s absence was announced on Sunday by Sultans owner Ali Tareen.”[Topley] hasn’t received his NOC [no-objection certificate from England] and is out of the PSL,” Tareen tweeted.Topley hasn’t played in the PSL before, but had a full T20 workload through the winter, playing 12 games in the SA20 with Durban Super Giants, finishing ninth on the tournament wickets chart. He is also scheduled to play the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore.ESPNcricinfo understands his injury is not serious enough to imperil his participation in the IPL, and pulling him out of the PSL was a decision taken out of an abundance of caution with a T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean in June.It is understood Sultans wanted to replace Topley with South African quick Nandre Burger – who also had a stellar season in the SA20 – but was told by Cricket South Africa he wouldn’t be granted an NOC. They are believed to be considering Olly Stone, who played in the SA20 and the ILT20 recently, as well as Sri Lankan seamer Dushmantha Chameera. Chameera, however, injured his left quadriceps on Sunday and will be missing the rest of the white-ball series against Afghanistan. The extent of his injury is currently unknown.The PSL starts on Sunday, February 17. The Sultans have reached the final in each of the last two seasons, falling short at the hands of Lahore Qalandars each time.

Strikers will travel to the Gold Coast and face Brisbane Heat in the Challenger on Monday

Tristan Lavalette20-Jan-2024Legspinners Lloyd Pope and Cameron Boyce starred on the traditional pace-friendly Optus Stadium surface as Adelaide Strikers ended Perth Scorchers’ historic bid for a hat-trick of BBL titles with an upset victory in the knockout final.Strikers will travel to the Gold Coast and face Brisbane Heat in the Challenger on Monday, with the winner to meet Sydney Sixers in the final at the SCG.It was a remarkable turnaround for Strikers, who were in big trouble at 48 for 4 before a hard-hitting 56 off 32 balls from Jake Weatherald ignited a comeback.Strikers then superbly defended 155 for 7 with Boyce and Pope combining for seven wickets, including stars Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis, to stun Scorchers.It was a shock exit for Scorchers, who had a late-season fadeout after losing to Sixers in a last-ball defeat that cost them second spot and the double chance.Scorchers and Western Australia had swept all six domestic titles over the last two seasons. But they could not stop red-hot Strikers, who defied the absences of ILT20-bound Chris Lynn, Adam Hose and allrounder Jamie Overton.After being sent in, Strikers’ hopes of setting a big target rested with skipper Matthew Short who was coming off scoring the most-ever runs in a 10-game regular season. He had also blasted Scorchers for a pair of 70s during the season. But it was his namesake D’Arcy Short who came out blazing before falling to a brilliant return catch from left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff.Matthew Short looked in ominous form when he whacked a short delivery from speedster Lance Morris to the boundary. Something special was needed to dismiss Short cheaply and veteran seamer Andrew Tye stepped up with a gem of an inswinging yorker that rattled the stumps.Strikers were seemingly shaken by the dismissal with Thomas Kelly struggling to score in the overs before drinks. In an inspired move, Hardie reverted to left-arm spinning allrounder Cooper Connolly who hadn’t bowled in Scorchers’ last three matches.Connolly justified the faith by dismissing Kelly before Hardie brilliantly ran out Harry Nielsen with a direct throw from mid-on to leave Strikers in ruins at 48 for 4.Jake Weatherald counter-attacked with a quick fifty•Getty Images

Veteran Weatherald has grabbed his opportunities since being a late-season inclusion and dominated after drinks. He used his feet superbly against left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, whose home struggles continued in contrast to his miserly bowling on slower surfaces on the east coast.Weatherald raced to his half-century in 30 balls, but fell shortly after when he failed to execute a reverse scoop against Hardie, who then dismissed James Bazley to put Scorchers well on top.But their death bowling woes against Sixers reared with Strikers smashing 45 runs off the last five overs. Ben Manenti, who in recent seasons has been a thorn to Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, and Henry Thornton effectively threw the bat as Strikers finished with a competitive total.Strikers’ strong attack sensed an opportunity against a revamped Scorchers opening partnership of Sam Fanning and Marcus Harris, who were both late-season signings.Debutant Fanning started with a fearless approach to continually bludgeon through the offside. Fanning, 23, made a duck against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield in his only innings in domestic cricket this season. But he had entered with a century in local grade cricket and carried over that form with an assault on the new-ball, where he cracked two sixes off left-arm seamer David Payne in the fourth over.Fanning overshadowed Harris, who played sedately in his first innings since being overlooked for Australia’s Test team. It appeared like a fairytale was unfolding until Fanning holed out in the fifth over after scoring 31 of Scorchers’ first 38 runs.But it triggered a collapse of 4 for 10 capped by Hardie being clean bowled by Pope, who bowled well in tandem with Boyce in the middle overs.The pressure fell on Inglis, who plays aggressively against spin but he succumbed to a rampant Boyce as Scorchers crashed to 70 for 5 in the 12th over.Boyce was pumped up and Strikers were further buoyed when skipper Short took a spectacular diving return catch to dismiss Nick Hobson. Strikers were on fire as Bazley took a tough juggling catch on the boundary to snare Connolly to leave Scorchers’ faithful stunned and quickly heading for the exit.

Bayern Munich have taken their interest in Rafael Leao up a notch, holding direct talks with the AC Milan star’s entourage.

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Bayern hold direct talks with Leao’s agentsAC Milan demand massive transfer feeGerman champions won't rush negotiationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Bayern held talks with Leao’s camp as they seek a new left-sided winger. The Portuguese forward is open to the move but Milan's valuation, reportedly above €100 million (£84m/$114m), could make this deal a complex one.

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After parting ways with club legend Thomas Muller and facing uncertainty over Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane, Bayern are prioritising wide reinforcements. According to , a face-to-face meeting between Bayern and Leao’s representatives recently took place in Munich. While the 25-year-old Portugal international is reportedly open to the idea of joining the Bundesliga champions, Milan are reluctant to sell.

DID YOU KNOW?

Leao had 12 goals and nine assists in the 2024-25 campaign and reportedly has a €175m (£148m/ $199m) release clause at Milan, one of the highest for any Serie A player.

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With the Club World Cup approaching, Vincent Kompany's side are not expected to rush negotiations. They are unlikely to meet that figure and may explore alternative targets such as Cody Gakpo, Kaoru Mitoma or Eberechi Eze. Nevertheless, Leao remains high on their wishlist, offering the kind of explosiveness, creativity and physical presence that Die Roten want on the left flank to complement Michael Olise on the right.

Enzo Maresca claimed he is not to be blamed for Cole Palmer's dip in form as the Chelsea boss admitted that the Blues talisman is "worried".

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• Palmer has drawn a blank in the last 16 games
• Maresca thinks the problem is "mental"
• English star desperate to end goal drought vs Everton

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer has had a sensational debut season with Chelsea, but is now going through a rough patch. He has drawn a blank in his last 16 appearances for the Blues, and the pressure is mounting on the forward to deliver the goods. Things are even more complicated since he has not faced such an extended dip in form at West London since his £40 million ($53.2m) transfer from Manchester City.

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  However, Maresca was quick to dismiss suggestions that Chelsea’s tactical setup was to blame for Palmer’s struggles. Speaking ahead of their clash with Everton, the Italian manager stressed that the issues were more psychological than tactics or quality.

• WHAT MARESCA SAID

  Before facing Everton, Maresca told reporters: “For sure, it’s mental. I don’t think it’s tactical, I don’t think it’s technical, because Cole is still the same player who scored this season with us. The style of football we play is the same one. The manager is the same one. The club is the same one. So nothing changes around Cole and Cole doesn’t change. It’s just mentally at this moment. For sure, you can see that he is a little worried because he wants to help the team.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PALMER?

  While it was almost inevitable that Palmer would find it hard to maintain the extraordinary levels he displayed during his first 18 months in top-flight football with Chelsea, the extent of the drop-off has still become a major talking point. Despite the challenges, Palmer will have a golden opportunity to rediscover his scoring touch this Saturday against Everton – the very same side he famously scored four goals against in a 6-0 rout a year ago.

Alick Athanaze dropped in only change to squad that lost 2-1 in Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Oct-2024Shimron Hetmyer has been handed a recall to West Indies’ ODI squad for the three-match series against England, which starts in Antigua on Thursday. Hetmyer replaces Alick Athanaze in the squad as the only change from the touring group that has just returned from Sri Lanka.Hetmyer last played ODIs in December 2023, when he was part of the team that beat England 2-1. He missed the Sri Lanka tour for personal reasons, having recently finished fifth on the run-scorers’ list at the CPL.Athanaze had been one of the incumbent openers, but lost his spot to Evin Lewis for the third ODI against Sri Lanka, in Pallekele. Lewis, making his first ODI appearance in more than three years, made an unbeaten 102 from 61 balls as West Indies finished the series with a consolation win on DLS.Shai Hope will captain the group, which also includes 17-year-old batting prodigy Jewel Andrew, who made his debut at the end of the Sri Lanka series.ESPNcricinfo LtdEngland have already arrived in the Caribbean for their third limited-overs tour since 2022. They will be led during the ODI leg by Liam Livingstone, with Jos Buttler continuing his rehab following a calf injury that has kept him out since July.”Playing against England always provides a new challenge and reignites a rivalry that the players and the people of the Caribbean are eager for,” Daren Sammy, West Indies head coach, said. “Somehow, we West Indies always find a way to raise our game when we face England.”This rivalry goes back for decades, and after defeating them last year at home for the first time in a long time in an ODI series, we’re ready to face the challenge of a strong England squad again. It’s always special to play at home, where the local support brings energy and passion to every match. With our sights set on qualifying for the ICC Men’s World Cup in 2027, we’ve selected a balanced squad that will no doubt push and compete with one of the best teams in the world.”Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Stadium will host the first two ODIs, before the series moves on to Barbados. It will be followed by five T20Is, played at the Kensington Oval and the Daren Sammy National Stadium in St Lucia.West Indies ODI squad: Shai Hope (capt), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr

Rishabh Pant’s accident is a cause for concern, as is the lack of a credible back-up for Hardik Pandya

Sidharth Monga09-Jan-2023The top order – has Dhawan dropped out of contention?It is a little too late to drop someone you have invested in for the last three years, even making him the captain in the absence of the regular captain, but Shikhar Dhawan has made himself droppable. In the last couple of years, his returns have dipped, and it’s not like his replacement is going to debut at the World Cup: Shubman Gill has played 15 ODIs, Ishan Kishan ten.It will take extraordinary circumstances for Dhawan to return so close to the World Cup, but he remains an outside shot given his experience should both Gill and Kishan hit wretched form. At the moment, though, they have only strengthened their case with runs in New Zealand and Bangladesh. Kishan has even scored a double-century.ESPNcricinfo LtdOther top-order batters since the last ODI World Cup
Rohit Sharma
Innings: 18, Runs 745, Average 44, Strike Rate 96Made a comeback after injury during the ODI series in Bangladesh. It is important he gets a string of matches and some rhythm under his belt in the lead-up to the World Cup. Time for resting might be over.Ishan Kishan
Innings 6, Runs 401, Average 67, Strike Rate 127Brings the dynamism and left-handedness needed at the top of the order to capitalise on the powerplay. Was only an outside contender two series ago, but the injury to Rohit left a gap in the door for him, which he has burst open with the double-century.Shubman Gill
Innings 13, Runs 671, Average 67, Strike Rate 102Wasn’t a part of the squad in Bangladesh, but scored a 50 and 45 not out in New Zealand. Will definitely be part of the plans.Virat Kohli
Innings 27, Runs 1169, Average 45, Strike Rate 93Master of the format, scored a century in the shadow of Kishan’s double-century. ODIs also happen to be his best format.Middle order – the Pant situation is a worryRishabh Pant’s road accident means he may or may not be able to present a case for the World Cup in time. On the other hand, it will be heartening that Hardik Pandya is back.ESPNcricinfo LtdMiddle-order batters since the last ODI World Cup
KL Rahul
Innings 14, Runs 698, Average 58, Strike Rate 106Back to the middle order, where he has scored runs, after having been tried in other positions. Might also keep wicket if Kishan doesn’t play in the series against Sri Lanka.Shreyas Iyer
Innings 24, Runs 955, Average 45, Strike Rate 97Keeps going from strength to strength in the middle order in both ODIs and Tests. Important spin hitter in the middle overs.Hardik Pandya
Innings 10, Runs 429, Average 48, Strike Rate 116Time to take this vital cog out of cotton wool. The only doubt over his place in the XI can be fitness-based, if it prevents him from bowling.Suryakumar Yadav
Innings 14, Runs 350, Average 29, Strike Rate 98Hasn’t yet had a proper run in ODIs, but there are those who believe he can challenge Rahul in the middle order based on his exploits in T20s.Rishabh Pant
Innings 17, Runs 638, Average 40, Strike Rate 111A definite force in the middle order, or even the top order, if he is fit and ready in time.It might be time to move on from other outside contenders except maybe Deepak Hooda, that too because he bowls.Allrounders – still no back-ups for HardikThere is no seam-bowling allrounder to be back-up for Hardik should he get injured again. All the other allrounders are spinners. India will still play at least one of them or possibly two depending on the pitches.ESPNcricinfo LtdRavindra Jadeja
Matches 18, Runs 335, Strike Rate 95, Wickets 13, Economy Rate 5.4On the weight of his improved batting, the first choice, but his injury layoff mysteriously keeps getting longer. Might he have to prioritise formats when he is back?Axar Patel
Matches 8, Runs 168, Strike Rate 120, Wickets 10, Economy Rate 4.39A better bowler than Jadeja in limited-overs formats, and his batting has only been improving, as seen in his crucial innings when promoted in a tense chase in the Mirpur Test, followed by a blinder of a T20I half-century against Sri Lanka in a chase that India lost.Washington Sundar
Matches 11, Runs 212, Strike Rate 87, Wickets 13, Economy Rate 4.4Providing variety as opposed to the two left-arm spinners is his biggest draw. Has been injury-prone himself.Spinners – will Chahal or Kuldeep pip a fingerspinner?If pitches assist spin, India might not play either of them in the XI because then they can bank on their fingerspinners. However, on flatter pitches, a wristspinner is extremely valuable.ESPNcricinfo LtdYuzvendra Chahal
Matches 21, Wickets 34, Strike Rate 30, Economy Rate 5.7India’s second-highest wicket-taker since the 2019 World Cup, taking one every 30 balls. Unlucky not to have played a single game in the last two T20 World Cups.Kuldeep Yadav
Matches 22, Wickets 26, Strike Rate 46, Economy Rate 5.76Not being fielded in ODIs, but slowly being rehabilitated into international cricket after massive drop in confidence. Left-arm wristspin could be a point of difference.Fast bowlers – Shami and Malik in the frameThere has been no clear direction here either, which is only getting compounded by the extended injury layoff for Prasidh Krishna. They need to get a middle-overs enforcer back-up. It just brings Mohammed Shami and Umran Malik into the picture.ESPNcricinfo LtdJasprit Bumrah
Matches 14, Wickets 18, Strike Rate 38, Economy Rate 5.16Coming back from a stress reaction of the back, which kept him out of the T20 World Cup. His performance on return will be followed with bated breath.Prasidh Krishna
Matches 14, Wickets 25, Strike Rate 27, Economy Rate 5.32Has an excellent strike rate of 27 balls per wicket, but needs to get back on the park soon.Mohammed Siraj
Matches 15, Wickets 24, Strike Rate 31, Economy Rate 4.62Continued bowling well in Bangladesh. Can bowl with the new ball and also bang it in in the middle overs. Minus the height of Krishna.Arshdeep Singh
Only just coming back from an illness. Left-arm angle, swing each way, experience of bowling death overs in T20s could go in his favour, but needs some more ODIs under his belt.Mohammed Shami
Matches 15, Wickets 25, Strike Rate 30, Economy Rate 6.16Has kind of become the man India go to for all World Cups even if he plays little cricket in that format in the intervening years. Great seam position, lot of experience, bustling pace.Umran Malik
Matches 5, Wickets 7, Strike Rate 28, Economy Rate 6Raw pace, but is showing signs of higher accuracy having stayed in the India bubble. Is an outside chance especially if Krishna’s fitness remains under a cloud. His selection for the Sri Lanka ODIs says as much.Deepak Chahar
Matches 12, Wickets 15, Strike Rate 32, Economy Rate 5.58Again, fitness dodgy, but when available, he is a genuine swing bowler with decent batting ability in the lower order.Shardul Thakur
Matches 26, Wickets 38, Strike Rate 32, Economy Rate 6.23If batting down the order is something India hold dearly, Thakur is that man. Takes wickets quickly but concedes runs just as quickly. Not part of the current squad.

2.3Bumrah to McSweeney, OUT, Much tighter call. Bumrah’s questions to his fielders is (Was there a bat sound? (It’s hit pad first)” and he reviews. In comes Hawk-Eye, and it’s three reds! A nervy start for McSweeney ends quickly. The ball was on the fuller side of length, landed around a fifth-stump line and seamed in with the angle. McSweeney’s feet weren’t moving freely and was the case again this time, he waited and tried to defend with bat (facing cover) next to pad, but the ball snuck past. Hawk-Eye showed impact was in line with off and it’d hit top of middle. Pace off the hand – 138ksNA McSweeney lbw b Bumrah 10 (13b 2×4 0x6) SR: 76.926.4Bumrah to Khawaja, OUT, Taken this time by Kohli at slip, this was all set up from Bumrah. This may not have been as gorgeous as the first ball of the over, but more importantly, it finds the edge. Khawaja was square-on, feet jammed before they hopped, hands reached out in front of the body, the straight bat couldn’t cover the line. A thin edge went at an easy pace to Kohli’s breadbasket.UT Khawaja c Kohli b Bumrah 8 (19b 1×4 0x6) SR: 42.106.5Bumrah to Smith, OUT, Boom Boom, beauty! Decks it back a mile to trap Smith plumb lbw. Goldie for the No. 4, who might as well have opened. He got a similar ball from Kemar Roach last summer, that was initially given not out. But this looked a touch fuller, Smith went across – like he usually does – and tried to jam the bat down but had no time. The ball skidded through and thundered onto pad. 141ks, would’ve crashed into the stumps says Hawk-Eye. Good call not to reviewSPD Smith lbw b Bumrah 0 (1b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.0024.2Bumrah to Cummins, OUT, edged, taken behind! No. 17 for the day. Wide on the crease, full, angled in at off stump, Cummins drives. Neat catch. Captain gets captainPJ Cummins c †Pant b Bumrah 3 (5b 0x4 0x6) SR: 60.0028.1Bumrah to Carey, OUT, edged, taken behind! What a start for Bumrah. Round the wicket, short of a length, Carey has a nibble at it and a regulation catch for Pant. Very nice delivery, but a half-hearted shot from CareyAT Carey c †Pant b Bumrah 21 (31b 3×4 0x6) SR: 67.74

The 2025-26 season has kicked off with a new look Match of the Day and Gary Lineker has revealed what he thought of the show following his departure.

Lineker has stepped down as host of showNew season kicked off on SaturdayVerdict delivered on new Match of the DayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Lineker put his feet up to watch the first Match of the Day of the new season after stepping down as the popular programme's host last season. Mark Chapman took over hosting duties for the opening weekend, while Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney were on hand to offer some expert analysis.

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Lineker had been Match of the Day host for 26 years prior to his departure and has now been asked what he thought of Saturday's show. The former England captain, who had previously told the that BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski "wants to change Match of the Day a bit," seemed pretty happy to see that Match of the Day actually looked the same as usual.

WHAT LINEKER SAID

He told The Rest is Football podcast: "I mean, I must say I enjoyed it. I went out for dinner then I came home and I got in in time to watch it. I thought it was really good. Chappers did a great job. And despite all… there was a lot of talk that they were going to change things. And I think you know what it's like when you get a new guy in as new head of sport thinking he wants to do this, wants to do that. But in the end, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. And I think that was very much the sensible decision and I thought the programme was great."

TELL ME MORE…

Lineker also admitted he enjoyed watching the show at home and was impressed with Rooney's performance. He added:"It wasn't weird really. I was quite relaxed. I was thinking I haven't got a three-and-a-half hour journey at the end of the show, but no, I really enjoyed watching it. I think that's the first time that I've watched Match of the Day on a Saturday night for… I don't know how many years. 'I don't know how many years because the only time I ever missed the show was if I'd get the odd Saturday off to take a holiday so I'd go somewhere. So it's been so long since I watched it and it's a bloody good show, Match of the Day… it really is.

"I thought the the programme was great. 'I thought Wayne Rooney did really well as well as yourself Alan, some good analysis in there. It was so nice watching it holding a glass of wine.'"

Already closing in on a deal to sign James Trafford, Newcastle United are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign a towering midfield star who their scouts have already seen in person.

Newcastle "closing in" on James Trafford

It has been far from routine, but Newcastle look set to welcome their second signing of the summer following Antonio Cordero’s earlier arrival. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies are “closing in” on securing Trafford’s signature in a deal that will see those at St James’ Park land a long-term target at long last.

Following an incredibly impressive season in the Championship, in which he played a key role in Burnley’s promotion, Trafford looks destined to become Newcastle’s new No.1 ahead of Nick Pope in the coming months.

The England international, who is still just 22 years old, represents an instant upgrade on the ageing Pope and will hand Eddie Howe one of the most promising young goalkeepers that European football has to offer.

It’s not just upgrades between the sticks that Newcastle are targeting this summer, however. Having already missed out on Joao Pedro and given up on their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo amid his preference for Manchester United, the Magpies have set their sights on some fresh names.

That reportedly includes Anthony Elanga. The Nottingham Forest man instantly entered Newcastle’s radar following Mbeumo’s rejection and they’ve since had an offer rejected by those in the Midlands for his signature. Even after that rejection though, a deal could still take place with those in Tyneside expected to return with an improved offer.

That said, it’s not just Elanga on the shortlist with reports now suggesting that Newcastle have set their sights on signing a towering midfield star this summer.

Newcastle considering Amir Richardson move

According to NUFC Blog, PIF are now considering a move to sign Amir Richardson after Newcastle completed their scouting mission on the Fiorentina midfielder.

A player with a “freak athletic profile” according to analyst Ben Mattinson, Richardson stands at a staggering 6’5 yet remains an impressive technical player and one that Newcastle should push to sign.

Next Ben Arfa: Newcastle set to bid £50m for "electric" Elanga alternative

As Newcastle chase Anthony Elanga, should they instead go for an “electric” winger, one who is reminiscent of former fan’s favourite Hatem Ben Arfa?

ByBen Gray Jul 3, 2025

At just 23 years old, the Fiorentina star would be making his biggest move yet by swapping Italy for the Premier League and St James’ Park. Whether he would sink or swim is the big question, but all signs are pointing towards a player full of potential. As Newcastle look to add depth to Howe’s squad, Richardson could be one to watch this summer.

Former Arsenal star Anders Limpar has come to the defence of Noni Madueke after his proposed transfer from Chelsea led to fan scrutiny.

• Madueke has received backlash
• £52m transfer from Chelsea set to go through
• Limpar defends Madueke

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former title-winning Gunners winger Limpar has defended 23-year-old Madueke after the young England winger faced considerable backlash from sections of the Arsenal fanbase once reports of a £52 million (€60m/$69.7m) move from Chelsea being close to completion surfaced.

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  Criticism towards Madueke and Arsenal for the move was so strong that #NoToMadueke went viral on X, while a petition for the Gunners not to sign the former PSV Eindhoven man was signed over 4,000 times. While it is true that these were largely 'online fans' and not necessarily a true representation of the club, the idea that the Gunners are offering such a large sum of money to a London rival, for a player who may be largely used as back-up, has led to criticism.

• WHAT LIMPAR SAID

  Limpar said: "It’s never fun when a club signs a player and the fans are not happy with it. I think Noni Madueke is a good player. I think he can fit in Arsenal’s system. It’s just unfortunate to hear that some fans are against him and making his life difficult in a way. I don’t know the background about all the fuss from the fans. It can’t just be that he’s from Chelsea and going to Arsenal. I’m pretty sure of that. It’s sad when fans are making a player’s life difficult."

  He added: "If you look at the big clubs: Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and so on. They want a mega-squad. They want a squad where they can put on 22 players and everybody can play. That’s modern football. To hear about £50 million here, £60 million there, £70 million here, for some players who can’t even play, in my opinion. It’s ridiculous money. But that’s the way it is, in 2025.

  "You always have to have backup for your big stars. It is up to Madueke if he can handle the pressure. He’s used to playing and he has to compete for a starting spot with Saka, who is one of the best players in the world. That’s not easy. Madueke has to be patient and take the chances he gets. Playing on the left side, we have Martinelli there, we have Trossard there, even Reiss Nelson. It’s hard for a player to come to a big club with big stars but when pre-season starts, you have to prove yourself to be a starter. It’s always been like that. It’s not set that he’ll be on the bench. He can work his way up to becoming a starter."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MADUEKE?

  Limpar went on to cite Kai Havertz, a player who signed for Arsenal from Chelsea to considerable backlash and won fans over after a slow start, as an example for Madueke to follow. Madueke is no doubt a young man who believes in his ability and one would hope that this criticism will only light a fire within him to perform even better for his new club. The deal is set to be officially announced in the coming days.