Benches cleared during Wednesday night’s game between the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles after O’s outfielder Heston Kjerstad took exception with Yankees second baseman Pablo Reyes as he slid into second.
As Kjerstad stole second, Reyes jumped to bring down the throw down from catcher Austin Wells and Reyes came down awkwardly on Kjerstad's head. Words were exchanged and benches quickly cleared between both sides. The Orioles' bullpen sprinted in from center field and the Yankees' relievers followed slowly behind.
The dust up amounted to a whole lot of nothing, with players quickly separating and play resuming shortly after.
Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay couldn't fathom why the bullpens cleared as well, as the incident settled before they could even get to second base from behind the center-field wall.
"I'm telling you, the run from the bullpen is one of the most ridiculous things," Kay said on the broadcast via Prime Video and . "No one's thrown a punch. No one's said a curse word. But they all had to run from the 410-foot mark."
You can't help but wonder why the bullpens even bothered. But, hey, they did what they could do get there as soon as possible, I guess.
The Orioles (12-18) beat the Yankees (18-13) by a score of 5-4 to take the rubber match of the three-game series between the American League East rivals.
A significant update has now emerged regarding Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United, with a Champions League side pushing hard to sign him.
Mainoo’s stock has fallen over the past 12 months or so, having burst onto the scene at Old Trafford, and he is struggling for playing time this season.
Ruben Amorim has recently spoken honestly about the Englishman’s future, admitting that he rates him but also needs to keep other players happy.
“No, like a lot of guys, he wants to play more. I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed – I did this week. Because I don’t want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having any conversation with him just to hold on to him. I don’t want that feeling.
“I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done (the finished article). I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot. I think for some guys it is enough (their talent), but for him it is not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys.”
Mainoo has been linked with a move away from United in the January transfer window, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding his future.
Napoli in advanced talks to sign Mainoo
According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Mainoo’s representatives are in “advanced discussions” with Napoli over a loan move from Manchester United in January.
It is also stated that Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester City also “continue to monitor” the £45,000-a-week ace, but “Napoli’s wage pledge and option clause have vaulted them to pole position.”
It has been sad to see Mainoo fail to kick on at United, having looked such a special talent, but it simply appears as though Amorim doesn’t think he is right for his system.
That’s not to say that the Red Devils manager doesn’t consider him a talented footballer, however, with the 40-year-old lauding him back in September.
“Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys. If I feel during the week that he’s the best player to play, he’s going to play and I proved that already to every player here. I believe a lot in him. I have the same thing [opinion] that you have and that is a top, top player, but he can be so much better, so I’m focused on that.”
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A loan move to Napoli means that Mainoo’s United career isn’t over, giving fans some hope that he has a future, but as things stand, it is hard to see him becoming a key figure with Amorim at the helm.
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Aaron Boone has finally managed the New York Yankees into the World Series. Since taking over as the skipper in 2018, he led New York to the doorstep twice but could never manage to get past the ALCS until Saturday night, when his team beat the Cleveland Guardians in extra innings to take the ALCS four games to one.
Now, they await the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Mets from the National League.
Boone, who has remained almost comically resolute over the years that this team has had everything it needs to compete, admitted during a press conference after the game that at least one aspect of the team and its high level of performance wasn't predictable.
Here's what he said on the bullpen staff after the game:
"If I would have told you a month ago or two months ago that we're gonna close out the American League with Mark Leiter Jr., Tim Hill, Jake Cousins, Luke Weaver, I don't know if many people would have thought that. But it's a credit to each and every one of those guys, their ability to do their job."
Boone stuck with Clay Holmes as his closer for a time, despite blown saves. In September as the season was winding down, he retreaded Weaver into the closer spot and he gave up four hits in 11 innings of regular season work after getting the job. The Yankees won all eight games he came in for.
Even more surprising was Leiter who got the win in Game 4. He was not even included in the first iteration of the ALCS roster, added after Ian Hamilton became unavailable due to injury. Leiter was added at the trade deadline in a transaction with the Chicago Cubs.
Hill was released by the White Sox in June and picked up by New York. Cousins, a young relief pitcher, emerged as a seriously important bullpen arm in late July.
Next man up has been much more than just an adage for this bullpen.
أعلن مجيد بوقرة، المدير الفني لـ منتخب الجزائر للمحليين، قائمة محاربو الصحراء، لمواجهة منتخب مصر الثاني وديًا خلال شهر نوفمبر الحالي.
ويتواجه منتخب مصر مع الجزائر وديًا في مباراتين، يومي 14 نوفمبر و17 نوفمبر، بملعب السلام في القاهرة، ضمن الاستعدادات لـ كأس العرب.
وشهدت قائمة منتخب الجزائر، استدعاء لاعب النادي المصري، عبد الرحيم دغموم ومعه لاعب الأهلي السابق أمير سعيود الذي يلعب حاليًا مع نادي الحزم السعودي.
ويقود منتخب مصر الثاني، جهاز فني بقيادة حلمي طولان ومعه أحمد حسن مديرًا للمنتخب وعصام الحضري مدربًا للحراس، وذلك بقرار من اتحاد الكرة المصري، بعد رفض حسام حسن المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر خوض البطولة في وقت الاستعداد لـ كأس أمم إفريقيا بالمغرب.
طالع | أحمد حسن يوضح سبب غضب حلمي طولان.. وحقيقة الخلاف مع حسام وإبراهيم حسن قائمة منتخب الجزائر لمباراتي مصر وديًا
خط الدفاع: نوفل خاسف (شباب بلوزداد)، مهدي حميدي (شبيبة القبائل)، ربيع حلايمية (مولودية الجزائر)، عبد الرحمن عزي (ماخاتشكالا)، عبد القادر غزالة (مولودية الجزائر)، عبد القادر بدران (ضمك السعودي)، عبد النور عبادة (جمعية الشلف)، إسماعيل عزي (ماخاتشكالا)، مراد مداني (شبيبة القبائل).
خط الوسط: حسام مريزيق (ماخاتشكالا)، محمد بن خماسة (مولودية الجزائر)، سفيان بن دبكة (الفتح السعودي)، زياد دراوي (اتحاد العاصمة)، بلقاسم بوقرعاوي (شباب بلوزداد).
خط الهجوم: عبد النور بلبينة (الباطن السعودي)، عبد الرحمن ميزان (شباب بلوزداد)، رضا غيتان (إستوريل)، عبد الرحيم دغموم (المصري البورسعيدي)، نبيل لغول (شباب قسنطينة)، أمير سعيود (نادي الحزم)، رياض بودبوز (شبيبة القبائل)، ريان بركان (الوكرة)، أحمد محيوس (شبيبة القبائل)، إسلام سليماني (سي إف آر كلوج).
Arsenal have a squad packed with quality, but Andrea Berta could look to add another attacking starlet to their ranks.
Mikel Arteta holds private conversation with Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is a man in the spotlight after his big-money move to North London in the summer, and he’s got off to a mixed start so far.
The Swede extended his goalless run to seven games after failing to find the net again during Arsenal’s vital 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday, with Kai Havertz racing to be back fit and impressing Arsenal staff in rehab.
Once Havertz returns to the fold, Mikel Arteta could even turn to the ex-Chelsea star in place of Gyokeres — if the latter’s barren streak continues.
Arsenal have even been tipped to replace Gyokeres with Havertz for the big games by critics, but Arteta has moved to ease early concern about the 27-year-old.
Arteta has detailed private conversations with the Sweden international and has full faith in his ability to deliver big moments, claiming that going matches without scoring as a Premier League striker is simply inevitable.
He stated: “I told him before the first meeting, the nine that I want is a nine that when he doesn’t score for six or eight games, he can handle that. If not, you have to go somewhere else because the pressure is gone, the expectation is going to be there. So if you put a number nine shirt for Arsenal, you have to be able to say, OK, six games, don’t score.”
Unfortunately, he won’t be able to rely on the service of playmaker Martin Odegaard, who has been ruled out for a while due to a knee injury, leaving Arteta to call on the likes of Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and potentially Ethan Nwaneri to fill the void.
Either way, the January window could be intriguing, as the Gunners aim to maintain their title challenge.
Indeed, they’re apparently in the mix for a South American jewel, amid reports of interest in a new left-winger.
Arsenal eye Ian Subiabre after holding talks
According to TBR, Arsenal are eyeing River Plate’s Ian Subiabre, who is also on the radar of Man City, Liverpool, Brighton, Fulham and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Arteta’s side apparently held talks with the 19-year-old’s camp earlier this year, as per this report, and this interest has remained as Andrea Berta eyes a 2026 move.
Interest from abroad is also present from Atlético Madrid, Juventus, Monaco and RB Leipzig, and there is a belief that he may opt for a River Plate exit to continue his development in different surroundings.
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Known to model his game on Atlético Madrid star Julian Alvarez, Subiabre has made 19 appearances across all competitions for River Plate since breaking through the ranks, registering a solitary goal and an assist.
Some of his most notable displays have come in Argentina’s run to the Under-20 World Cup final, where he scored twice in six matches against Brazil and Colombia.
Scouts from around the world will be keeping a keen eye, and Subiabre’s name is one to watch amid a string of excellent performances across the Atlantic, with Berta hoping to tempt him to the Emirates Stadium.
The teenager’s contract, which includes a £26 million release clause, expires in 2026, and he’s also been directly compared to his idol Alvarez.
While Arsenal potentially anticipate the winger going on a similar trajectory to Man City’s former sensation, Transfermarkt data scout Mathias Ledesma has revealed his best qualities.
Alan Pace, who owns Premier League outfit Burnley, has successfully completed the takeover of Spanish side Espanyol, who are the second-biggest team in Catalunya behind Barcelona. Pace spoke ambitiously about his plans to make the Catalan club into a top six side in La Liga, with his dream not only to win the Champions League, but also to turn them into a global brand.
Burnley owners complete Espanyol takeover
The American ownership group behind Premier League side Burnley has finalized a majority takeover of La Liga club Espanyol, the Spanish outfit confirmed last Thursday. Velocity Sports Partners, headed by American businessman Pace, completed the acquisition in a deal reportedly worth up to €200 million (£173m/$233m), according to British media reports. The agreement brings an end to Chinese conglomerate Rastar Group’s nine-year tenure at the helm of the Barcelona-based club.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportAlan Pace wants Espanyol to win the Champions League
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Pace said: "Success for me is being one of big six clubs [in Spain], that would be great, that's success, being in the top six," he said.
"If we can then win more than that, it would be a dream as well. If you have the mentality that our place is among [the big clubs], that we're equals to them, that's success. We want that change of mentality. We're not here to change Espanyol, but to help it grow with humility and to invest in the youth academy and infrastructure. But Espanyol must preserve its independence and its identity.
"My problem is my dreams are big. My dream is for everyone to realise this is a great club, a special part of Barcelona and the world of football. We have to show that there are some things here that aren't found elsewhere.
"My ambition will outlast me. If anything happens here, I would love for this club, any club that I am associated with, to win Champions League. But it's an ambition. It may happen long after I'm dead, but we have to put plans in place and change the mentality [for that to happen]. We want winners."
Espanyol tipped to become a global brand
Espanyol are often overshadowed by their city rivals Barcelona, who are not just one of the biggest clubs in Spain, but in the world. Pace, however, wants Los Blanc-i-blaus to become a global brand.
"Barca have grown thanks to people from outside Barcelona more than inside," he said. "The tourists that come, they are not necessarily Barca fans, they want to see the best football possible. A lot of tourists come here and they have to at least have an opportunity to get to know us, to visit us… and maybe can make them Pericos as well. But they have to know we are here.
"There are things to do in the city and around the world. It's not just about how we play or if we have the best players. I think there are many ways we can introduce this club to the world and grow in that way."
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Alan Pace determined to avoid a Crystal Palace-esque UEFA mishap
Being an owner of two clubs in Europe's big five leagues can sometimes come at a cost. Crystal Palace were relegated to the Conference League after UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body ruled that the club had missed the March deadline to place its ownership in a blind trust. The measure was deemed necessary due to then-shareholder John Textor’s involvement with French side Lyon, who had also qualified for the Europa League, raising concerns over a potential conflict of interest.
"Yes, because I know what we have to do," said the new Espanyol president . "I have to leave one of the clubs, if not both of them at the same time. There are plans in place about what we would have to do. We have been planning for a long time, we have advisors on top of everything."
Leeds United are “now leading the race” to sign a £30m+ star for Daniel Farke in the final days of the summer transfer window.
Farke wants two more Leeds signings after Arsenal defeat
The Whites suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday evening, losing 5-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side only had five shots on target but were dominant throughout, with Farke admitting after that it won’t be a “season-defining” loss for his side.
“I think it’s fair to say that Arsenal deserved to win this game today. They were the better side, they deserved also to win this game with a good proper goal difference.
“I’m not sure if it was actually a 5-0 because five shots on target and they scored with all five of these shots. Long story short, it’s more like when a team like Arsenal are on it – a team who in the last three years is probably the best team in the whole of Europe at least in consistency you could argue – not title winners but no other team has showed this consistency – then it’s always difficult. It’s not a season-defining game for us. We accept they were better than us.”
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Farke was also asked how the result would impact the club’s transfer plans, with the manager confirming he wants at lest another winger and full-back before the Monday September 1 deadline.
Winger Largie Ramazani was a notable exclusion from the traveling squad at the Emirates, and by the looks of things, Leeds may have found the winger they and Farke are after to potently replace him.
Leeds “leading the race” for £30m+ Dilane Bakwa
According to Sacha Tavolieri, Leeds are “now leading the race” to sign Dilane Bakwa from Strasbourg.
A Sky Sports reporter, Tavolieri said that the Whites are now ahead of Nottingham Forest for the 22-year-old and are ready to meet the €35m (£30.3m) asking price.
“Leeds United now leading the race for Dilane Bakwa. LUFC are now ready to meet Racing Strasbourg expectations which around €35M to make a deal happen. NFFC has not left but the newly promoted are now ahead.”
Should a deal materialise for the “very exciting” forward, £30m+ Bakwa would easily become the 49ers’ most expensive signing of the summer and take the club’s spending over £100m.
A versatile attacker capable of playing on either wing, Bakwa is left-footed and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €25m Transfermarkt valuation.
Signed by Strasbourg in 2023, Bakwa has scored 11 goals and registered 19 assists in 68 games for his current employers, and by the looks of things, could be heading to Elland Road over the next week.
حلل إميل هيسكي، أسطورة نادي ليفربول، تراجع مستوى محمد صلاح مع الريدز خلال هذا الموسم، مشيرًا أن الدولي المصري يفتقد إلى أحد اللاعبين في النادي الإنجليزي.
محمد صلاح تراجع مستواه بشكل ملحوظ خلال هذا الموسم مع ليفربول، حيث لم يسجل سوى هدفين فقط في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
ويلتقي ليفربول مع أينتراخت فرانكفورت مساء اليوم الأربعا، ضمن الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الدوري في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
ويعتقد هيسكي في تصريحات إلى موقع ليفربول، أن محمد صلاح يفتقد وبشدة إلى ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، والذي رحل عن صفوف ليفربول من أجل التوقيع مع ريال مدريد.
وقال هيسكي: “مستوى محمد صلاح مصدر قلق فهناك فرق كبير عما اعتدنا عليه معه، لكن حتى في الموسم الماضي لا أعتقد أنه لعب بشكل جيد، سجل الكثير من الأهداف لكنني لا أعتقد أنه لعب بشكل جيد”.
وأضاف: ”مع محمد صلاح، هو ليس ساديو ماني، حيث إذا لم يسجل الأهداف ستحصل من السنغالي على المثابرة والروح القتالية وغيرها من الصفات، مع محمد صلاح، تسجل الأهداف ومع ماني تحصل على كل شيء”.
أقرأ أيضًا .. تورام يختار أفضل لاعب في العالم
وأوضح: ”في هذه اللحظة، عندما لا يسجل محمد صلاح ما الذي يقدمه لك؟ هذه هي المشكلة، مع صلاح وبعض المهاجمين يميلون دائمًا للتسجيل في اللحظات الحاسمة، فإلى متى سيستمر في اللعب أساسيًا”.
وأردف هيسكي: “أعتقد أن الفريق بأكمله يفتقد ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، يجب النظر إلى ما قدمه وقدرته على خلق الفرص أيضًا، في هذا الصدد نعم، يفتقدونه، لكن لا يمكن الاعتماد على لاعب واحد لتقديم أداء مميز”.
وتابع: “في هذه اللحظة يبدو ليفربول مشتتًا دفاعيًا، عندما تنظر إلى لاعبي قلب دفاع أرسنال، تجد أنهم كانوا أفضل ثنائي دفاعي في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز لفترة طويلة”.
وواصل هيسكي في حديثه: “إنهم أقوياء حقًا والدفاع علينا أن نحسنه ونحتاج إلى هذا الشغف للدفاعن جابرييل على وجه الخصوص يدافع بقوة وهذا ما يميزه، أعتقد أننا نفقد هذا الشغف قليلًا”.
واستكمل: “أتيت من حقبة كان الدفاع فيها يعتمد على القتال والتدخلات والرغبة في الحفاظ على نظافة الشباك، أما متعة الفوز بأهداف خط الدفاع والتعرض للركلة في الرأس من أجل الفريق، فنحن نفقدها قليلًا، إذا امتلكنا بعضًا من هذا الشغف فهو أساس لأشياء أعظم”.
واستطرد: “لا يزال ليفربول في صراع لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، لكنهم أضاعوا فرصة حقيقية لإثبات جدارتهم”.
وأوضح: “تقولون آرسنال ولا تبالون بمانشستر سيتي أيضًا، عندما يكون الضغط مستمرًا من يستطيع الحفاظ على رباطة جأشه؟”.
واختتم هيسكي: “لقد رأينا نقاطًا تهدر، لذا لا أحد يعلم ما سيحدث، لكن يجب أن نضع آرسنال على رأس المرشحين للفوز بالدوري في هذه اللحظة، خاصةً مع طريقة لعبهم”.
Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White will undoubtedly go down as one of the strangest moves during the summer transfer window.
The Lilywhites thought they had a deal agreed for the 25-year-old, after triggering the £60m release clause within his contract at the City Ground – well, so they thought anyway.
It emerged that Nuno Espírito Santo’s side claimed the approach for his signature was illegal, subsequently putting a move for the Englishman to North London on hold.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts
However, the attacking midfielder has since agreed a record-breaking contract to stay with the Reds, taking a release clause out of his deal, something which was spare headed by owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Missing out on such a top-level Premier League star will undoubtedly be a disappointment to Thomas Frank and the rest of the Lilywhites staff, but it appears as though they have already moved on to different targets before the end of the window.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
It’s been reported in recent days that Spurs are preparing a move for Manchester City star James McAtee, who’s free to leave the club this summer with just one year left on his contract.
They could be battling Forest for his signature, after they had a £25m bid rejected, with Pep Guardiola’s side demanding a fee in the region of £40m this summer.
Manchester City'sJamesMcAteecelebrates after the match
However, a cheaper alternative appears to already have been identified, with the hierarchy interested in making a move for Stuttgart midfielder Enzo Millot, according to Estadio Deportivo.
The report claims the Lilywhites are trying to hijack a move for the 23-year-old, after he had already agreed personal terms over a deal to join Atlético Madrid this summer.
It also states the Frenchman currently has a €20m (£17m) release clause within his deal at the Bundesliga side, potentially seeing the North London side getting themselves a bargain.
Why Spurs’ £17m target is a bigger star than Gibbs-White
Gibbs-White would’ve been a sensational signing for the club, especially after Frank made his intentions to land the England international given his admiration for his talents.
The 25-year-old played a key role in Forest’s success last season, notching 15 combined goals and assists in the top-flight, helping them achieve a European finish for the first time in 30 years.
£60m would’ve been one of the most expensive additions in the club’s history, but such a fee would’ve been excellent business, as seen by the Reds’ reluctance to allow him to depart.
Never before has a situation like this been seen over a transfer, but it’s no surprise when dealing with Mr Marinakis, who’s evidently a tricky person to do business with.
However, whilst many supporters must wish a deal for his signature was completed, it may prove to be a blessing in disguise if they can secure a move for Millot in the coming weeks.
Enzo Millot for Stuttgart
The youngster has showcased in the Bundesliga over recent times that he’s a huge talent, worth way more than his current release clause, with the Lilywhites needing to take full advantage this summer.
He produced countless stats better than those of Gibbs-White last campaign, highlighting why he’d be a bigger talent than the England international ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Millot, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth, managed to register five goal contributions in his eight Champions League outings last season, showcasing his ability to thrive at the top-level.
His underlying stats were just as impressive, notching a higher shot on target accuracy rate, subsequently handing Frank’s side a bigger threat in front of goal.
Games played
29
34
Goals & assists
11
15
Goals & assists (per 90)
0.54
0.48
Shot on target accuracy
40%
34%
Pass accuracy
85%
78%
Passes into final third
4.3
4.1
Passes into opposition box
1.6
1.3
Take-on success
46%
40%
Carries into opposition box
0.8
0.4
The Frenchman’s dominance is further reflected in his higher tallies of passes into the final third, with more of which going into the opposition’s 18-yard box, offering a bigger creative threat to the Lilywhites should he join this summer.
There’s no denying that Gibbs-White would’ve been most supporters’ number one choice this summer, but it’s evident that Millot would be a better addition for Frank’s side.
£17m would be a simply superb price for a player of his quality, arguably being one of the best additions made by any Premier League side if they can get it completed in the coming days.
A bigger coup than Palhinha: Spurs make contact for "incredible" £50m star
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They haven’t even kicked a ball yet, and there is already an enormous amount of pressure on Arsenal.
After three successive second-place Premier League finishes, this season has a do-or-die feeling to it for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Fortunately, the Gunners looked impressive in their final game of pre-season against Athletic Bilbao, and the board have done a great job adding some real quality to the team over the summer.
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka,Arsenal's Cristhian Mosquera,Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi,Arsenal's Noni Madueke,Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri andArsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly line up
However, with just over two weeks to go, Arsenal look determined to make at least one more addition, and if reports are to be believed, they’re looking at someone who’d be an even better signing than Rodrygo.
Arsenal target Rodrygo upgrade
So far this summer, Andrea Berta and his team have done a brilliant job in the market.
Transfer Focus
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The Italian has overseen the addition of six players to the first team, with Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres the clear stand-outs.
However, instead of resting on their laurels, the North Londoners appear keen to add more quality to the team and could bring in someone who’d be even better than the previously linked Rodrygo.
Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly in action with Real Madrid'sRodrygo
At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which reaffirms Arsenal’s interest in Eberechi Eze.
The story has revealed that while Tottenham Hotspur have been in intense talks with Crystal Palace over the player, and could be set to make a £55m offer, the Gunners are still in the frame.
While it’s hard to be sure which North London side the Englishman will join this summer, sources have informed Caught Offside that “the next two days will decide it all.”
Therefore, Arsenal should move as fast as they can, as Eze would be an excellent addition to Arteta’s squad, and for our money, a better signing than Rodrygo.
Why Eze would be a better signing than Rodrygo
Now, while Arsenal would do incredibly well to sign either Rodrygo or Eze this summer, there are a few key reasons why the latter would be better than the former, and the first comes down to the league they play in.
This matters because while the quality of La Liga is exceptionally high, it would take the Brazilian some time to adapt to life in the Premier League, and when the Gunners need to win something this season, those few months of him getting up to speed could be hugely detrimental.
On the other hand, the Crystal Palace star has made 146 appearances in the competition since moving to South London.
Therefore, beyond getting to know his teammates, there really shouldn’t be much of an adaptation period for him.
The second big argument in favour of the Greenwich-born “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is his output.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEze
For example, in his 43 appearances for the Eagles last season, totalling just 3303 minutes, the 27-year-old monster scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.
In other words, the goalscoring dynamo managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, for a team that finished in mid-table.
Appearances
43
54
Minutes
3303′
3452′
Goals
14
14
Assists
11
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
0.46
Minutes per Goal Involvement
132.12′
138.08′
In contrast, the Brazilian international scored as many goals and provided as many assists, but did so in 54 appearances, totalling 3452 minutes.
That means he averaged a goal involvement every 2.16 games, or every 138.08 minutes, and did so in a far better team.
Finally, away from the quantifiable advantages, another tick for the Eagles ace is that, thanks to his time with the Three Lions, he already has a relationship with several players in the Gunners’ squad, like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Noni Madueke.
While it might not sound like a big deal, this should make his integration into the squad far easier.
Ultimately, while Rodrygo is an exceptional player, Eze would be the better signing for Arsenal this summer.
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