Kemar Roach, who took 3 for 17 on the second day of West Indies’ three-day warm-up match against Essex, shed light on the efforts he has been taking towards a Test return ahead of the three-match series against England

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Aug-2017Kemar Roach took further steps towards playing his first Test since January 2016, carrying over his promising domestic form into West Indies’ first warm-up match, against Essex, ahead of the three-Test series against England. Following his 3 for 17 on the second day of the thee-day warm-up fixture, Roach shed light on the efforts he has been taking towards the Test return.”I’m looking to make the ball go both ways. I always had it in me, but I need to perfect it even more and I’ve been working hard on that,” he said after a rain-hit day in Chelmsford. “Today, it was perfect. The line and length was spot on. That’s where I wanted to be. I want to keep working and building on that.”Roach is the most experienced member of the 15-man squad, having played 37 Tests since his debut in 2009. He was dropped owing to poor form at the start of 2016, but has since made strides in the Professional Cricket League, West Indies’ first-class tournament, where he took 23 wickets at 16.17 for Barbados.”It’s pretty tough to go there after almost two years off, to catch up with things. Test cricket is the biggest form of cricket, and I’ve been working hard and I want things to be right back here. So I’m going to go there, help the young guys in the team and put some good performances.”Roach is no stranger to English conditions. He played in West Indies’ previous tour of England, in 2012, and took eight wickets – the most for his team – despite playing only two of the three Tests. That apart, he has also represented Worcestershire in the County Championship.”I’ve been here previously for Test tours. I know certain grounds and how the pitches play and the atmosphere. It’s about adapting quickly. It’s not home, it’s not Barbados. It is colder here. It’s about doing the business right.”Roach also spoke positively of the format for the first of the three Tests; the match will be played under lights at Edgbaston – England’s first day-night Test. “I’ve played a couple of games with the pink ball back home during the domestic season,” he said. “I think it’s good for cricket. It does a bit more for a bowler’s likes, so that’s good for me.”It’s always a different feel, a different switch up. The atmosphere is going to be different; everything is going to be different. We’re going to pull some more crowd. It’s about time we switch things up a little bit.”

West Ham United bringing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher to the London Stadium is a deal 'that could certainly happen' this summer, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Is Conor Gallagher leaving Chelsea for West Ham United?

According to The Evening Standard, Gallagher has been told he is free to leave Chelsea this summer and has interest from West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in his services after being deemed 'surplus to requirements' at Stamford Bridge.

The report states that West Ham United are ready to power ahead of their London rivals in the race for Gallagher due to their £105 million windfall earned from the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal. At the same time, Tottenham are in the hunt for a homegrown player and may need to dip into the market to strengthen their engine room if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg moves on to Atletico Madrid.

Nevertheless, The Daily Mail report that West Ham are afraid that they may miss out on Gallagher as he wants to remain at Chelsea to try and fight for his place under Mauricio Pochettino.

David Moyes' men had hoped to succeed in a bid of £40 million plus add-ons for Gallagher; however, Chelsea rebuffed their offer and he remains on the Blues' pre-season tour of the United States.

Last term, Gallagher made 45 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, registering three goals and one assist, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown thinks that West Ham will use the money generated from the Rice sale to go back in with a second bid for Gallagher.

Brown stated: “I think if a bid has been made and rejected, West Ham will certainly go back in for him as there is money to spend there. I think that’s one that could certainly happen.”

Who else could West Ham United bring in this summer?

West Ham have yet to confirm a summer signing this window and Hammers fans will hope that is a trend that is eradicated over the next few weeks for sure.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham have held initial talks with Manchester United pair Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay over a potential move to the London Stadium.

Discussions are also continuing for Southampton midfielder James-Ward Prowse and it is believed that a deal is 'very possible' for the 28-year-old dead ball specialist, as per Football Insider.

Ward-Prowse is believed to be keen to return to the Premier League following the Saints' relegation to the Sky Bet Championship, though Southampton are believed to value him at the £45 million mark.

The same outlet claim that Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez is West Ham's 'top target' in midfield to replace Rice and there is 'confidence' from inside the London Stadium that a transfer can be completed for a fee of between £35-40 million.

Borussia Dortmund were keen to land the Mexico international before talks between both parties collapsed; nevertheless, there is a chance that the Bundesliga giants could reignite their interest before the end of the window.

Looking ahead, West Ham will need to act swiftly over the next few weeks to capitalise on the positive momentum they built last campaign due to their Europa Conference League triumph.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are "in talks" with West Ham United over their leftback Aaron Cresswell, with the deal described as a "goer", according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Is Aaron Cresswell joining Wolverhampton Wanderers?

It hasn't quite been the transfer window that fans of the Old Gold would have been hoping for this year.

The club are yet to make a major signing, with the only significant business at all being the sale of first-team players, none bigger than club captain and talisman Ruben Neves, who was sold for £47m last month.

The lack of spending stems from the club's concern over their ability to remain within the Premier League's profit and loss regulations after years of splashing the cash for little in return.

The regulations are clear that a club in the top flight cannot lose more than £105m over three years, with the punishment for doing so ranging from simple fines to points deductions.

According to The Athletic, Wolves aren't currently expected to breach the regulations, but if they repeat last summer's £100m spend, they would easily cross the line.

So, this summer, the West Midlands side will likely be spending much less on transfers, and the latest player linked to the club fits that bill, West Ham's Cresswell.

According to the Daily Mail, Wolves are keen to bring the player to Molineux, and the Hammers would be willing to let their man leave for as little as £2.5m.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth explained the situation live on Sky Sports News (via Football Daily), saying:

"They're also in talks, we're told, with West Ham United over their leftback Aaron Cresswell. He's entered the final year of his contract, he made 24 starts in the Premier League last season. But he wasn't in the starting eleven, and he was an unused substitute for the Europa Conference League final victory against Fiorentina last month.

"That one could be a goer because the talks are ongoing between the two clubs over Cresswell."

Did Aaron Cresswell have a good season last year?

It was a good season for the 33-year-old last year, as despite being an unused substitute for the Europa Conference League final, he was given plenty of game time during the Premier League campaign, starting 24 matches and coming off the bench on four other occasions.

According to WhoScored, he averaged a respectable rating of 6.61 across his 28 appearances, created one assist for his team and maintained a passing accuracy of 81.4%.

His underlying numbers, while nothing spectacular, demonstrate that, even at his age, he can perform at a high level.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, he sits in the top 11% for progressive passes, the top 15% for shot-creating actions, the top 20% for expected assists, and the top 29% for attempted passes, all per 90.

One man who is certainly a fan of the Liverpool-born defender is former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson who, when speaking to Football Insider, said:

"Cresswell is an amazing player. Consistency is the word with him. You know what you are going to get week in, week out. He never lets the team down.

"It is just unfortunate for him that England have got so much strength in that position with the likes of Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell.

"He has been the unsung hero at West Ham over the past couple of seasons."

While he definitely wouldn't be a flash or glitzy signing for the Old Gold, he would undoubtedly be a massive asset to the squad if the fee is only £2.5m; that seems like an excellent deal for a team unable to spend big this summer.

A career-best unbeaten 151 from Craig Ervine held a resurgent Zimbabwe together on the first day at the Premadasa Stadium, lifting them from a shaky 70 for 4 to a stumps total of 344 for 8

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando14-Jul-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball updatesCraig Ervine’s unbeaten 151 was his highest Test score, going past the 146 he made against New Zealand last year•AFP

The score was 38 for 2 when Craig Ervine came to the crease. Within 10 overs, Zimbabwe would slip further, to 70 for 4, on a track that already seemed to be spitting. But for the remainder of the day, Ervine resisted Sri Lanka’s spinners, and Colombo’s sticky heat, to drive his team to a strong position, and himself to 151 not out. The lower order rallied around him, No. 10 Donald Tiripano – in particular – contributing 24 to an as-yet unbroken 62-run stand. Zimbabwe ended the day at 344 for 8, when at one time, it appeared as if 200 might be a struggle.Sri Lanka were reliant – as ever – on Rangana Herath for breakthroughs, and though he had two wickets in his first three overs, could claim only two further scalps in his next 27. Dilruwan Perera had Sean Williams top edge a sweep to square leg, but was largely unthreatening – outstripped for menace even by Asela Gunaratne, who was expensive, but beat the bat and claimed two wickets. On a track as slow as this, Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara were always going to struggle. The main positive for Sri Lanka, is that on the first day of Dinesh Chandimal’s leadership, they took all their chances, and fielded with uncharacteristic zest.Ervine was measured to begin with. It took him 13 balls to score a run, and his first 50 deliveries brought just 19. Then the offside strokes began to flow – drives to overpitched deliveries mainly, but soon, cuts as well. Steadily growing confident through the day, reverse sweeps eventually began to prove productive, paddles around the corner were increasingly deployed, and though the likes of Herath would beat his bat late into the day, the quicks did not trouble him at all.The hundred – the second of his career – came not long after tea, via a sweep off Herath. The maiden 150 was achieved in the penultimate over of the day. Along the way, Ervine had struck 13 fours – most of these on the off side – and a six over wide long on. The significant partnerships he was involved in, were many. There was an 84-run fifth-wicket recovery alongside Sikander Raza for a start, then a 65-run seventh-wicket stand with Malcolm Waller, which put Zimbabwe within range of a fine first innings total. The stand that hurt Sri Lanka most, perhaps, was the one he wrought with Tiripano – a brisk, busy association, during which Zimbabwe scored at almost four an over. Where at one point in the day, it appeared as if Zimbabwe would roll over, Sri Lanka know now that they are in a fight.The hosts would have had such different hopes for the day. Herath, introduced by Chandimal in the eighth over, struck with his third ball, as Regis Chakabva played all around a delivery that dipped near his feet, and would go on to hit the stumps. Not long after, Hamilton Masakadza – one of Sri Lanka’s tormentors from the ODIs – had popped a catch to short leg off the insede edge of the bat. Sean Williams attempted to counterattack Zimbabwe out of their early troubles, and wound up top edging a ball he tried to sweep against the turn, and Tarisai Musakanda, on debut, was the day’s only victim of seam bowling. He was originally ruled not out when Sri Lanka appealed for a catch off Lahiru Kumara’s bowling. Upon review, however, a faint edge was detected and that decision overturned. Musakanda’s 6 was also the only single-figure score on the Zimbabwe card, though no one apart from Ervine mustered a fifty. Raza and Waller came closest, hitting 36 apiece.Although it was clear towards the end of the day that Zimbabwe were en route to a score of around 300, Sri Lanka perhaps would not have expected Tiripano to bat with such skill. He has a first-class hundred to his name however, and if he can support Ervine further in the morning, Zimbabwe might turn this from a highly competitive score to a commanding one.

Arsenal could make their interest in one star striker a reality, waiting until the last moment to hijack the move from a rival…

Who are Arsenal signing this summer?

Whilst Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a swoop for Montpellier's Elye Wahi more recently, the Gunners actually hold a longstanding interest of their own in the marksman who has been tearing up French football of late.

With Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz having already been welcomed into the fold, Edu has shown he is not afraid to spend big to give Mikel Arteta the strongest squad possible for the new season.

Especially given the €40m (£34m) touted price tag, which would likely hamper the Lilywhites far more than it would their rivals.

Perhaps in hijacking this Spurs swoop, it could emulate their move from 2021, when they too stole Martin Odegaard from their clutches, to great success.

How good is Elye Wahi?

During that January, as chances at Real Madrid had been limited for the Norwegian maestro, he sought game time out on loan, demanding he be allowed to explore his options.

Two interested parties that arose both came from north London, and yet it was Arsenal who eventually captured his signature.

Reports emerged from Norway suggested that after speaking to Arteta, the decision became easy. He rejected the Lilywhites, and the rest is history.

He would move to the Emirates permanently the next summer and has since announced himself as one of the Premier League's leading creative forces from midfield.

As such, he improves with each passing season too, as his 15 goals and eight assists from last campaign mark an upgrade on his first full year since making his full-time switch, where he only posted 11 goal contributions.

His 7.35 average match rating from the most recent term even made him the division's sixth-best performer, as per Sofascore, as he has truly flourished in his role as captain.

Now, should Edu snatch another target from their rivals, Wahi could have a similarly transformative effect up front, adding some much-needed proficiency and a different dynamic to play off.

The 20-year-old would score an outstanding 19 goals in Ligue 1 alongside six assists, building upon his ten-goal haul from the season prior. His most recent exploits also saw the Frenchman maintain a 30% goal conversion rate, which is a marked upgrade on the 14% Gabriel Jesus recorded in the Premier League.

Whilst likely not a wholesale replacement for the Brazilian, his direct play style matched with his pace and power would make him a unique asset for Arteta, allowing him to switch up his philosophy should it be failing.

Such a new dimension could unlock a whole new type of goal for his side to score, as ex-Caen academy director Francis de Taddeo outlined those key assets: "He is a powerful, athletic and fast player with a range of dribbling skills where only he knows what he is going to do next".

Whilst not a move the Gunners need to make, they could still once again leave their rivals looking foolish by snagging a deal from right under their noses.

Should he prove half as successful as Odegaard has, it would be worth every penny.

Suzie Bates continued her stunning form but it wasn’t quite enough•Nathan Stirk / Stringer

Reigning champions Southern Vipers lost their first game in this season’s Kia Women’s Super League despite another impressive innings by Suzie Bates.Bates has yet to be dismissed in the tournament after making an unbeaten 50 to add to earlier scores of 47 and 119.But Vipers’ pursuit of a target of 128 against Surrey Stars at the Ageas Bowl stalled when they lost four wickets for one run having reached 78 for 3 in the 13th over.Rain forced the players off after 16.2 overs with Vipers 100 for 7 as Stars won by four runs under Duckworth-Lewis to claim their third straight win and virtually seal their place in finals day at Hove on September 1.Bates and West Indies’ Hayley Matthews had launched the chase with a stand of 35 before Vipers lost three wickets in nine balls, two of them to England off-spinner Laura Marsh.Bates and Arran Brindle then put on 37 for the fourth wicket and looked to be steering the hosts to victory before the dramatic collapse.Brindle was leg before to Nat Sciver who then ran out Georgia Adams from midwicket in the next over. In her next over, Sciver bowled Vipers’ captain Charlotte Edwards round her legs and trapped Carla Rudd lbw two balls later.Vipers took 16 runs off the 16th over with Bates moving to her half-century with successive fours as they tried in vain to get ahead of Duckworth-Lewis before the rain got too heavy.Earlier, Stars were indebted to their two South Africans, Lizelle Lee and Marizanne Kapp, to get them to 127 for 8 after winning the toss with 56 runs coming in the Powerplay.Lee, making her first appearance in the competition, crashed 40 off 24 balls with eight fours as she dominated to the extent that no other batsman scored a run until the fifth over. She looked in prime form until mis-timing a drive to extra cover in the seventh over.Kapp held the rest of the innings together with 42 from 48 balls but some accurate bowling restricted Stars to 50 runs between the 6th and 16th overs, during which time they lost three wickets including Sciver, who was run out by Matthews’ direct hit from mid-off.

Manchester United "remain keen" on signing Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus, who could be targeted as an alternative option to Rasmus Hojlund, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Hojlund remains a transfer target for Man United, with Erik ten Hag confirming the club have made "progress" in their pursuit of a new striker, however they are unwilling to fork out more than £60m for the Atalanta striker.

The Red Devils are working under strict financial constraints, and talks are currently being held over Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani, however they are unlikely to wrestle with Bayern Munich over Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.

Kane is the striker that Ten Hag would most like to sign, however the same report mentions that the United boss has a "firm interest" in Kudus, and Bailey has now offered another update on the ongoing pursuit of the Ghanaian.

Taking to Twitter, the transfer insider has now said: "Chelsea discussing personal terms with Ajax's Mohammed Kudus but no bids yet and they are not only interested party as Manchester United remain keen and Arsenal are also keeping close tabs on the situation too."

In the extended report for 90min, Bailey claims that Ten Hag is open to a reunion with his former player, as he is seen as a viable alternative to Hojlund, with United currently focussing on signing the Denmark international.

There has also been a suggestion that the Ajax star could even be brought in alongside Hojlund, as signing two strikers remains on the agenda and Kudus can also play deeper, so they are keeping informed of his situation.

Given that Chelsea have already made a move for the 22-year-old, Man United may have to move swiftly if they are to win the race for his signature, however they do have the advantage of having Champions League football on offer next season,

How good is Mohammed Kudus?

Ten Hag will know all about the £11k-per-week forward's qualities, having spent time working with him at Ajax, and one of his key attributes is his versatility, commonly playing at central midfield, right-wing and striker throughout his career so far.

The forward has been praised by teammate Steven Berghuis, who has lauded him as "unpredictable", and he scored 11 league goals for Ajax last season, as well as four in the Champions League.

In his most recent 50 matches, the Ghana international has only played at striker 11 times, so his goal-scoring record is very impressive, however Man United may be keen on signing a more out-and-out striker.

Hojlund has played at striker 89 times, including matches at youth level, weighing in with 42 goals and 13 assists during that time, with football scout Jacek Kulig describing him as an "absolute monster in the making."

As such, the Atalanta star should remain Man United's priority target, however Kudus could still be an excellent addition to the squad, given his versatility, and it is exciting news that the Red Devils could pursue both players.

نجح فريق كرة اليد بنادي الزمالك في تحقيق الفوز على نظيره سكيكدة الجزائري بنتيجة 30-26، وذلك في إطار منافسات بطولة إفريقيا (كأس الكؤوس).

وتستضيف مدينة واهران الجزائرية خلال الفترة الحالية بطولة إفريقيا لكرة اليد، بمشاركة الأهلي والزمالك.

واستطاع الزمالك تحقيق الفوز على نظيره سكيكدة في مباراة الدور نصف النهائي، ليقتنص بطاقة صعوده للدور النهائي.

قدم لاعبو الزمالك، أداءاً مميزاً خلال أحداث المباراة، وانتهى الشوط الأول بتقدم الفارس الأبيض بنتيجة 20 – 12، وفي الشوط الثاني، وواصل أبناء القلعة البيضاء سيطرتهم على مجريات اللقاء، لتنتهي المباراة بفوز الكوماندوز بنتيجة 30- 26.

رابطة الأندية تُعلن عقوبات الجولة 19 لـ الدوري المصري.. أبرزها إيقاف وتغريم رمضان صبحي

ومن المقرر، أن يلتقي الفريق الأول لكرة اليد بنادي الزمالك، مع نظيره الترجي التونسي، يوم السبت المقبل، على صالة المركب الأولمبي بمدينة وهران الجزائرية، في نهائي البطولة.

ووجه هشام نصر نائب رئيس نادي الزمالك، ورئيس بعثة فريق اليد، الشكر إلى اللجنة المنظمة لبطولة أفريقيا للأندية أبطال الكؤوس.

والتقى هشام نصر خلال مباراة الزمالك وأمل سكيكدة، بإبراهيم بونادر رئيس لجنة البروتوكول في اللجنة التنظيمية للبطولة، ورئيس رابطة المنطقة الغربية بالجزائر لكرة اليد.

هشام نصر ومدرب الزمالك يحفزان اللاعبين قبل نصف نهائي بطولة إفريقيا لكرة اليد

وأشاد رئيس بعثة الزمالك، بحسن الاستقبال من الجانب الجزائري، مؤكداً أنه ليس أمر غريب، وتوفير كافة سبل الراحة لبعثة الفريق الأبيض في البلاد الشقيقة، مؤكداً أن كل الأمور على ما يرام.

وتضم قائمة “يد الزمالك” المشاركة في البطولة كل من: محمود خليل فلفل – هشام السبكي – أحمد مجدي – أحمد الأحمر – أكرم يسري – مؤمن زكي -أحمد حسام – عبدالله إمام- عمر الوكيل بكار – أحمد مؤمن دودو – مازن رضا – محمد ياسين – عمر الفولي – محمد رضا فراد – محمد عبدالغني – محمد البسيوني مودي – أحمد سامح – زياد حشاد – خالد وليد – شادي خليل – عبدالحميد العربي.

The renaissance of Aston Villa under the tactically meticulous Unai Emery has been remarkable.

The club’s flirtatious relationship with relegation has been transformed into a burning desire to make inroads into European competition. This has been heightened by the appointment of Monchi as the President of Football Operations, who alongside Emery, has been described as a “serial winner” by the chairman Nassef Sawiris.

The manager’s ambition is matched by the ownership and board, who have started the summer sensationally. Last week, Villa completed the signing of Pau Torres for around £31.5m as they prepare the squad to juggle domestic and European football.

In the previous transfer window, Emery outlined his need for a “specialist winger” and he’s targeted Moussa Diaby.

What’s the latest on Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa?

According to RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), the Midlands outfit are closing in on an agreement to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star.

It's thought that Villa and the Bundesliga side have 'almost agreed' on a deal of around €50m (£43.5m), including bonuses for the France dynamo, though Saudi Pro League's Al-Nassr are still lingering with interest.

Emery's side would like to conclude dealings sooner rather than later, with the player himself now in control of where his future lies.

What can Moussa Diaby bring to Aston Villa?

Last season, Diaby was in imperious form, recording 25 goal contributions in 48 appearances across all competitions.

His untameable potency is reflected by his nine Bundesliga goals, which meant he was Leverkusen’s top scorer.

One scout, speaking to The Athletic on the condition of anonymity, believes he is a “wildcard” capable of affecting the game in moments. This is also shown by his rank within the best 19% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for total shots and non-penalty goals per 90.

However, he supports this goal-scoring with sparkling creativity and dribbling. Last year, he notched the most assists (8) and chances created (50) in the team, as per BBC Sport.

Morade Djeddi, president of Diaby’s first club Esperance Paris 19eme, has lauded his quality, saying:

“Since he was young, Moussa had this talent… very quickly, you realise that he has explosiveness, an ability to take on his opponent and dribbling skills.

“He was born with it. Moussa has a supernatural, divine gift. A gift that some have and others don’t.”

How would Moussa Diaby benefit Ollie Watkins at Villa Park?

This glorious combination of invention and productivity could make for a formidable offensive partnership with Ollie Watkins.

Under Emery, the Englishman has enjoyed a phenomenal revival, and in the most fruitful period of his top-flight career, he netted 13 goals in the final 23 league games of the season.

The former Brentford striker’s endless running and indomitable hard work have been noted by his boss, who said:

“His mentality is very good. Sometimes we have to stop him; we have to tell him, ‘No, this is enough for today. Tomorrow, more.’

“Defensively and offensively, we try to use his skills, adding his characteristics. He is doing it: scoring and defending with a great attitude. Overall, he is improving in everything.”

Pairing him with the mooted Villa transfer target could be a match made in heaven for Emery, given the credentials of both players, as evident above.

In the “dangerous” Diaby – as lauded by former Freiburg striker Nils Petersen – Villa could be adding a player with key European experience and someone to rival Watkins’ commendable effervescence and output.

One Arsenal player in particular looks like he's now set to stay at the club, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Gunners have already made a number of signings this summer with the hope of toppling Manchester City, but it's exits that were the topic of discussion for Ryan Taylor.

What is the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners have had a very strong transfer window already.

The club have made three signings so far, adding Kai Havertz from Chelsea in a deal worth £65m, Jurrien Timber from Dutch side Ajax for a fee of £38m, and the British domestic record transfer for West Ham United midfielder and captain Declan Rice for a fee of £105m.

The club are also in advanced talks with Brentford for Spanish goalkeeper David Raya, with David Ornstein reporting that despite the fact the opening bid was rejected, it was only slightly below what Brentford will accept, with all parties wanting to complete the deal for the 27-year-old shot-stopper.

One deal that doesn't look like it'll happen is the transfer for Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus. Arsenal were reportedly interested in the Ghanaian this window, however, Ornstein reports that the attacking midfielder is closing in on a move to Brighton and Hove Albion for €40m(£34.5m).

But, it seems now that the Gunners will be focused on outgoings for a while, with the focus on reducing the deadwood in the squad and bringing in funds in case they want to complete any more signings, with a number of players potentially leaving the Emirates this summer.

One player who has been linked with an exit from the Emirates is Takehiro Tomiyasu, who earns around £56k per week, as Inter Milan are one of the clubs who are looking at potentially signing the defender.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Taylor revealed that Albert Sambi Lokonga and Cedric Soares were earmarked for potential departures this summer, whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu is part of manager Mikel Arteta's plans for next season.

He said: "Lokonga is one that's being looked at by Burnley, but from what I understand, the stuff that's been reported in the past few days has been sort of blown up a bit. It's not quite as close as being reported. Cedric Soares can leave. Tomiyasu, from what I understand, is very much part of Arteta's plans, and he's not going to leave the club. The only case that would maybe change – Tomiyasu is really appreciated at Arsenal because he's a versatile defender who's done a solid job – is if a right back comes in, which I don't forecast happening. I don't know how much money Arsenal have got left to spend, but the fact they are in for David Raya indicated that they're not done yet. I still think there could be a few surprises at Arsenal, but ultimately outgoings will be key to that further spending."

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

So, who could leave Arsenal this summer?

There are a number of players who are attracting interest ahead of potential departures.

As Taylor stated, Sambi Lokonga is a reported target of Burnley, with current manager Vincent Kompany driving the interest for the midfielder who he worked with previously at Anderlecht. The report states that it could be either a permanent deal or a loan move that brings the Belgian, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, to Turf Moor for this season.

Another player close to sealing a departure is goalkeeper Matt Turner. The USA international is set to join Nottingham Forest according to Fabrizio Romano, with a verbal agreement in place between the two sides, and personal terms also agreed between Forest and Turner.

Cedric is also set to leave the Gunners this season, with a number of sides around Europe interested in the fullback according to football.london. Villarreal retain their interest in the defender whilst the big three in Portugal all hold an interest in the player who didn't join the Gunners on their pre-season tour around America.