Arsenal have been blessed with some truly exceptional players over the last ten to 15 years.

Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and William Saliba are just some of the names from the current squad that could have made it in some of the club’s most iconic Premier League winning sides.

Then, going back a little further, we get to some genuine game-changers like Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez, who may not have left on the best of terms, but were unquestionably world-class for much of their time in N5.

However, one player who might not always get the respect he deserves from other fanbases, but is rightly adored as something of a cult hero by the Emirates faithful, is Santi Cazorla.

The Spanish magician joined the club for under £15m in the summer of 2012 and went on to score 29 goals and provide 44 assists in 180 games before leaving in 2018.

The 40-year-old midfielder is still an incredibly popular man in the red side of North London, and now it looks like the club are trying to sign someone who could be Mikel Arteta’s version of Cazorla.

Arsenal target their new Cazorla

This summer is shaping up to be something really quite special for Arsenal, as the board appear intent on backing the manager to the best of their ability.

Transfer Focus

For example, the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga have already been announced, while Noni Madueke has reportedly passed his medical, and Christian Mosquera is set for his.

Moreover, the North Londoners have reportedly agreed a deal for goalscoring extraordinaire Viktor Gyokeres, which will see them pay Sporting CP an initial fee of just £55m.

Yet, the Premier League runners-up are not done there, as they have now turned their attention to someone who could be their new Cazorla: Eberechi Eze.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are still interested in the Crystal Palace star, and are in talks with his camp over a move.

Moreover, another report from the Mail Online has claimed that the England international is now the Gunners’ new top target.

It won’t be a cheap deal to get done, though, as Romano reaffirms that the Eagles are holding out for his full release clause, which stands at £68m.

Even though that is a lot of money to spend on one player, Eze would be worth it, especially as he could be Arteta’s own Cazorla.

Why Eze could be Arsenal's new Cazorla

Okay, so it should be said that we don’t think Eze is exactly like Cazorla, nor will he be just like him at Arsenal, but there are some undeniable similarities between the pair, similarities that would only grow should this transfer happen.

The first of which is where the pair play on the pitch, as, like the Spanish maestro, the Palace ace is more than capable of playing on the left, having done so on many occasions in the past, but has found his best position to be in attacking midfield.

Moreover, like the former Gunners star, the English “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is not just someone who passively recycles the ball in the middle of the park, or passes it off to a more dynamic teammate, he’s someone who can explode into life at the drop of a hat and make things happen himself.

Appearances

36

43

Minutes

2285′

3303′

Goals

11

14

Assists

6

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

134.41′

132.12′

For example, in just 43 appearances last season, totalling 3303 minutes, the game-changing dynamo scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists, which comes out as a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

He was almost as dangerous in the season prior, when, in 36 games, totalling 2285 minutes, he scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, which came out to a goal involvement every 1.89 games, or one every 134.41 minutes.

Furthermore, he proved he’s capable of standing up in the big games this season, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of the FA Cup, just as Cazorla helped the Gunners’ comeback against Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup final with that sensational free-kick.

Finally, while this is a little harder to quantify in numbers, the £100k-per-week star is also someone fans simply love watching, with Micah Richards accurately describing him as a “magician” with the ball at his feet – and if you watched the former Malaga ace, you’d have said the same about him.

Ultimately, it might be an expensive deal to get over the line, but Arsenal should do all they can to sign Eze this summer, as not only would he help improve the team, but he could also become the club’s modern Cazorla, getting the fans on their feet every week.

As exciting as Gyokeres: £80m "superstar" now open to signing for Arsenal

The international monster would be a game-changing signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 15, 2025

علق حسام غالي عضو مجلس إدارة الأهلي، على إمكانية توليه منصب رئيس النادي الأهلي في المستقبل، موضحًا رأيه في الصراع من أجل الوصول لهذا الهدف.

وقال حسام غالي في تصريحات عبر منصة اليوتيوب: “الناس بالطبع تضع آمالاً كبيرة أو تراني كـ رئيس للنادي الأهلي، ويمكنني أن أرى نفسي رئيساً لنادي الأهلي، ويمكنني أن أحقق طموح الناس الذين يرونني رئيساً للنادي، ويمكنني أن أحقق لهم ما يحلمون به طول حياتهم بشأن النادي ومبادئه وشخصيته واسمه وكيانه، لأنني أحفظه وأعرفه جيداً جداً وتربيت فيه”.

وتابع: “لكن عندما دخلت مجال الإدارة، رأيت الدنيا على حقيقتها قليلاً، لا من بعيد كما كنت أراها وأنا ألعب كرة القدم، وأرى الموضوع بوضوح أكبر الآن، أشعر الآن أنني غير قادر على حمل السيف والدرع والدخول في هذه المعركة حالياً وأنا أتحدث الآن، فهي تحتاج إلى طاقة وجهد هائل”.

وأردف: “طوال حياتي حملت السيف والدرع منذ كنت طفلاً صغيراً حتى توقفت عن كرة القدم، داخل الملعب حرفياً أحمل السيف والدرع، وأنا أحارب الجميع الإعلام والجمهور والمدير الفني الذي لا يثق بي أو المدير الفني الذي لا يريد أن يدفع بي، وألعب رغماً عنه”.

وأوضح حسام غالي: “كنت دائماً أحمل السيف والدرع وأحارب، ولم أخذ استراحة المحارب هذه بعد أن توقفت عن كرة القدم، بل دخلت في العمل الإداري، وعملت قليلاً ثم ذهبت مديراً رياضياً في الجونة، فدخلت تحت الضغوط وما زال اللاعب موجوداً أيضاً، فوجدت نفسي ما زلت أحمل السيف”.

وواصل: “لديّ الرغبة في أن أصبح رئيساً، لكن حالياً أنا غير قادر على حمل السيف والدرع والدخول في هذه المعركة بعد أن رأيت وعيشت الموضوع وتكالب الناس الكثيرين والصراعات الكبيرة جداً، وإذا كانت هي في هذه المكانة أو لديها تطلعات أو لديها غرض في إعطاء الشخص الذي يراه الجمهور أنه يمكن أن يصبح رئيسا للنادي ويحقق طموح النادي، لكن بالمقابل يُطعن بالخنجر في الظهر أو شيء لا أعرفه، الأهم أن الشخص الذي هو حسام غالي هذا الانطباع الذي يأخذه الجمهور أنه “رجل الأهلي”، لا أن نشوه هذه الصورة أو نجعل الانطباع الذي يأخذه خطأ”.

وزاد: “أنتم تفكرون خطأ هذا لا يجوز لذا دائماً هناك خناجر بالطبع تُوضع في الظهر، هل أستطيع القتال؟ نعم أستطيع القتال، لكن إذا فعلت ذلك سأخرج أموراً سيئة جداً، وأنا لا أفعل ذلك، ولم أوضع يوماً في موقف أدخل وأحارب حروباً غير شريفة أو غير نزيهة”.

طالع | وليد صلاح الدين يكشف خطة الأهلي للتجديد مع ديانج وعبد القادر.. وموقف المدرب الجديد

وأوضح: “أنا دائماً أحارب حربي بشرف ونزاهة، وجهًا لوجه أو بجهدي وأحصل على ما أريده، لكن هذه الأمور في الظهر والتكتيكات ليست من شأني ولا أعرف كيف أفعلها ولم أفعلها يوماً، لم أفعل يوماً أن أقول لك الآن أجلس وأضحك في وجهك وأحضنك وأقبلك وفي الخلف أطعنك في ظهرك، لن تستطيع حتى لو لعبتها لن تستطيع لعبها مثلهم، هم أشطر منك”.

وأشار: “لن أستطيع لعبها، أنا إذا كنت صادقاً فهذا ليس داخلي، ستنظر إلى وجهي وتعرف، ونعم بالطبع لديّ الرغبة ولديّ الحلم وأريد أن أحقق طموح الجمهور الذي يراني في هذه المكانة، لكن صدقني حالياً لا، غير قادر على حمل السيف”.

وبسؤاله لو أصبحت رئيساً لنادي الأهلي، ما هو أول قرار ستتخذه؟، أجاب: “سأختار الناس حولي بشخصية نادي الأهلي، ناس لديها إنكار للذات، ناس لديها طموح، ناس تحب العمل في فريق عمل لا فردية، وناس غير متسلقة، وشخصياتها قوية”.

وأتم: “أحب العمل مع شخصيات قوية لكن غير متسلقة، وبالطبع، لا يكون الذي يقول (أنا الذي أفعل)، وأنا الشخص الموجود، لا أنت شخصيتك قوية وقائد وكل شيء لكن في النهاية الجماعة، أتمنى أن تكون هذه الأمور موجودة وكانت موجودة من قبل”.

Sunderland completed their sixth signing of the summer transfer window earlier this week when they confirmed the arrival of Simon Adingra from Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Black Cats have signed Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diallo, Enzo Le Fee, and Reinildo to bolster Regis Le Bris’ options across the park.

Sunderland have only added Reinildo to their defensive ranks, though, and could look to improve their back four in the coming weeks before the end of the window.

It had been reported in June that the club were considering a permanent deal for Chris Mepham, who spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan from Bournemouth, but there has not been an update on the situation since then.

Sunderland plotting deal for Ligue 1 star

The Black Cats appear to be looking at alternative options to the Wales international in that area of the pitch, though, as they are reportedly keen on another right-sided centre-back.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to Football Insider, Sunderland are interested in signing Toulouse central defender Charlie Cresswell to bolster their team this summer.

The report claims that the Premier League new boys are ‘plotting’ a deal to bring the England U21 international to the Stadium of Light in the coming weeks.

Speaking to Football Insider, scout Mick Brown added: “Sunderland have been looking at Charlie Cresswell. They had scouts at the Under-21 Euros and from what I hear they were impressed by what they saw.”

The Sun have previously claimed that it will take a fee of £18m to tempt Toulouse into cashing in on the former Leeds man, who would be an upgrade on Mepham for Sunderland.

Why Sunderland should sign Charlie Cresswell

Le Bris should push the club to strike a deal for the 22-year-old colossus, who won the U21 Euros with England this summer, because he would add defensive quality to the squad.

Cresswell caught the eye with his impressive performances at the Euros, winning 67% of his duels across six appearances, but he also showcased his ability in Ligue 1 for Toulouse.

The English star showed that he can deliver brilliant defensive displays on a regular basis in a major European league, which is something Mepham, who played 38 times in the Championship last term, has failed to do.

Stats

Cresswell (24/25 Ligue 1)

Mepham (23/24 Premier League)

Appearances

31

10

Goals

3

0

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.0

1.9

Clearances per game

6.1

2.9

Duels won per game

4.9

4.3

Ground duel success rate

51%

37%

Aerial duel success rate

66%

60%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Cresswell’s showings in Ligue 1 were significantly more impressive than Mepham’s were when he last played in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

These statistics suggest that the former Leeds man would come in as an immediate upgrade on what the Welshman could have offered in the top-flight, as he is more dominant defensively and offers a greater threat from set plays.

The Toulouse star, who was once hailed as “incredible” during his loan spell at Millwall by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is also five years younger than Mepham, which means that he also has more long-term potential as a young player with time left ahead of him to develop and improve.

Therefore, Cresswell could be a significantly better signing for Sunderland than Mepham due to both his quality in the here and now, as well as his potential to get better in the future.

Related Adingra & Lauriente's dream CF: Sunderland have big interest in £21m "icon"

Sunderland are still in the race to sign this exciting attacker who could well be Armand Lauriente and Simon Adingra’s dream partner up top.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jul 9, 2025

Samoa batter Darius Visser has broken the men’s T20I record for most runs in an over, against Vanuatu in the T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Region Qualifier in Apia on Tuesday. Visser finished with a score of 132 off 62 balls.In just his third T20I, Visser, 28, smashed six sixes in a 39-run over from Nalin Nipiko. It was the fourth time a batter had hit six sixes in an over in men’s T20Is and the first time that a team scored more than 36 runs in an over.The record was broken in the 15th over of Samoa’s innings. Visser hit the first three deliveries from Nipiko over the deep midwicket boundary after which there was a front foot no-ball. The free-hit was hit for six over the leg side, followed by a dot ball when Visser’s straight hit struck the stumps at the non-striker’s end.Nipiko overstepped for the second time and then bowled another no-ball, for height, that Visser pulled over fine leg for six. The last ball of the over was a low full toss outside off stump that Visser flicked over deep square leg to achieve the 39-run over.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Previously, there were five instances of a team scoring 36 runs in an over in men’s T20Is. India’s Yuvraj Singh was the first batter to hit six sixes in a T20I, off England’s Stuart Broad in the 2007 T20 World Cup. West Indies’ Kieron Pollard repeated the feat against Sri Lanka’s Akila Dananjaya in 2021, and Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee did it earlier this year.The other two instances of 36-run overs that did not contain six sixes came when West Indies – aided by Nicholas Pooran – scored 36 against Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, and when India’s Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh combined to score 36 against Afghanistan, also in 2024.Visser is the first Samoa batter to score a T20I century and his 14 sixes were the fifth highest in a men’s T20I innings. His score of 132, out of Samoa’s total of 174, was also the highest percentage of runs scored by a batter in a team’s innings. The second-highest score for Samoa against Vanuatu was 16 by their captain Caleb Jasmat. Visser scored 75.86% of his team’s runs surpassing the previous record of 75.1% by Australia’s Aaron Finch.According to a report in St George & Sutherland Leader, Visser grew up playing in Sydney and was a fast bowler before nagging injuries and stress fractures made him switch to legspin and batting. He also picked up a wicket as Samoa restricted Vanuatu to 164 for 9 to win the game by ten runs.

Derby County are in a race with fellow Championship side Wrexham to sign an experienced international defender, according to a reliable reporter.

Derby complete the signing of striker Patrick Agyemang

On Tuesday, the Rams announced they had completed the transfer of striker Patrick Agyemang, who joins the club from MLS side Charlotte FC. According to the BBC, Agyemang has cost Derby £5.8 million, which could rise to £7.3 million with add-ons, as the 24-year-old has signed a four-year contract at Pride Park.

Derby County now keen to sign £30k-a-week star who has won 3 league titles

The Rams are eyeing experience as they prepare for another season in the Championship.

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 13, 2025

The forward has just finished playing in the Gold Cup with the USA, where they were beaten in the final by Mexico, and unfortunately for Derby supporters, they may have to wait a bit before they can see their new signing in action, as the club confirmed in their statement that Agyemang has to undergo routine surgery to address a long-standing hernia problem, meaning he could miss the opening matches of the season.

The American is “excited” to join the Rams and was interested in the move to the Championship side as soon as he heard of their interest: “It’s exciting. I have been hearing good things about the club and the fans as well. I always wanted to be a part of something special. To finally be here, it’s amazing.

“I’ve heard about [the move] once I was getting into the national team for the Gold Cup. In the moment, you’re like: “That’s something I’m interested in!” However, you want to focus on what you’re doing.

“As it starts to progress, you start to look more into it. I knew this was a project I’d love to be a part of. I just hoped for it to get across the line. Happily, it did.”

Derby in race with Wrexham for Egan signing

Agyemang becomes the Rams’ fifth signing of the summer, but he could soon be joined by number six, as according to Pete O’Rourke, Derby are interested in signing defender John Egan from Hull City.

The 32-year-old, who has been capped 36 times by the Republic of Ireland, joined the Tigers in February of this year after six months at Burnley, who he joined on a free transfer after leaving Sheffield United. Egan is still under contract with Hull until 2026 but could be on the move this summer, as Wrexham and Stoke City are also keen on him, as well as the Rams.

Apps

18

Started

9

Clean sheets

1

Interceptions per game

0.2

Tackles per game

0.1

Dribbled past per game

0.1

Clearances per game

3.9

Don Goodman has backed Egan to be a great signing for any of his suitors, saying he was “one of the best central defenders in the Championship for Sheffield United”, albeit urging caution due to the injuries which have limited him to just “24 games over the past three years”.

The umpires carried out an inspection around noon, even though it was raining, and called it off for the day

Hemant Brar30-Aug-2024

Persistent rain washed out the opening day in Rawalpindi•AFP/Getty Images

No play Persistent rain allowed no play, not even the toss, on the first day of the second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. The umpires had an inspection at noon, even though the rain had not stopped, and called it off for the day. The chances of play were so bleak that the teams had not even left their hotel.There is a forecast for more rain later in the day; it is expected to be overcast for much of tomorrow as well. On Thursday, too, the teams had to cancel their practice sessions because of rain.Bangladesh lead the two-match series 1-0 after registering their maiden Test win over Pakistan in the previous outing. Pakistan had fielded an all-pace attack then but included legspinner Abrar Ahmed in their XII this time. For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed is fit and is expected to replace fellow fast bowler Nahid Rana. But we will have to wait at least until Saturday morning for the playing XIs.According to the original schedule, this Test was supposed to be played in Karachi but the PCB shifted it to Rawalpindi because of ongoing construction at the National Stadium.

واصل فريق مانشستر سيتي، بقيادة المدرب بيب جوارديولا، نتائجه الجيدة في الوقت الحالي بعدما انتصر على نابولي مساء يوم الخميس، في إطار منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستضاف ملعب “الاتحاد” مباراة فريقي مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي ونابولي الإيطالي، حيث فاز السكاي بلو بهدفين دون رد، بفضل إيرلينج هالاند وجيريمي دوكو.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رجل مباراة مانشستر سيتي ونابولي في دوري أبطال أوروبا

ويُعد ذلك هو الفوز الثاني على التوالي لـ مانشستر سيتي هذا الموسم، بعدما انتصر على مانشستر يونايتد بثلاثة أهداف دون رد يوم الأحد الماضي في قمة منافسات الجولة الرابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز. موعد مباراة مانشستر سيتي القادمة في الدوري الإنجليزي

وينتظر مانشستر سيتي مباراة صعبة أخرى، يوم الأحد المقبل، في الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز 2025/26، وذلك ضد خصمه فريق آرسنال.

ويستضيف ملعب “الإمارات” مباراة فريقي آرسنال ومانشستر سيتي، في تمام الساعة 6:30 مساء يوم الأحد 21 سبتمبر، بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.

ويحتل مانشستر سيتي حاليًا المركز الثامن في جدول الدوري الإنجليزي، برصيد 6 نقاط، في حين أن آرسنال لديه 9 نقاط في المركز الثاني.

Tottenham Hotspur made a big splash in the market on Thursday night when they officially confirmed the signing of Mohammed Kudus from Premier League rivals West Ham United.

The Ghana international has put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Lilywhites and will be hoping to shine on the Champions League stage next season.

Thomas Frank and Daniel Levy are not done there, though, as they are also looking to bring Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White to North London.

The Guardian reports that his expected £60m transfer to the club has been delayed by Forest’s complaint that Spurs did not have permission to speak with the player, and their complaint around the confidentiality of the £60m release clause in his contract.

It states that the Tricky Trees consider the deal to be off, but the feeling is that their protestations are likely to delay a transfer, rather than derail it.

However, it now remains to be seen exactly how this transfer saga is going to play out, as Spurs hope that they will be able to add him to their squad before long.

What Morgan Gibbs-White could bring to Spurs

The 25-year-old ace could add to Frank’s depth in the attacking midfield department as a player who has already proven his quality in the Premier League with Forest.

However, although it should not be completely ruled out, Spurs supporters should not be expecting a generational talent to arrive at the club in the form of Gibbs-White.

In fact, there is no guarantee that he will come in as a significant upgrade on Tottenham’s current number ten James Maddison, if they are even competing for the same place in Frank’s system.

Their respective performances in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign, despite Forest finishing higher in the Premier League, suggest that he may not be an upgrade on Maddison at all.

Appearances

34

31

xG

6.34

5.83

Goals

7

9

Big chances created

10

6

xA

4.69

5.91

Assists

8

7

Possession lost per game

12.7

10.3

As you can see in the table above, the former Norwich man’s output – goals and xA – was more impressive than Gibbs-White’s, despite playing fewer games and giving the ball away fewer times per game.

These statistics suggest that they are, in fact, fairly similar in what they offer at the top end of the pitch and could provide healthy competition for each other, rather than Gibbs-White, who has only been capped four times by England, coming in as an immediate upgrade.

Meanwhile, Spurs are reportedly interested in signing another English midfielder who is an even bigger talent than the Nottingham Forest attacker.

Spurs eyeing move for English midfielder

According to GIVEMESPORT, Frank has pinpointed Crystal Palace central midfielder Adam Wharton as a ‘leading target’ for the summer transfer window.

The report claims that it will be a difficult deal for the Europa League champions to pull off, but Daniel Levy has been given the ‘green light’ to make more big-money signings to bolster the squad.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that Wharton is now ‘firmly’ in Frank’s sights as the Danish head coach wants to beef up his options in the middle of the park ahead of next season.

The outlet states that the English maestro is an ‘ambitious’ target for the Lilywhites, who are now weighing up whether or not to make a formal approach for the former Blackburn star.

GIVEMESPORT reveals that Palace are set to demand a fee of at least £80m for the left-footed defensive midfielder, and it remains to be seen whether or not Tottenham are willing to spend that much on him this summer.

Why Spurs should sign Adam Wharton

Tottenham should, if they have the funds, splash the cash to bring the Eagles sensation to North London in the weeks to come because he is an even bigger talent than Gibbs-White who is worth paying the extra £20m for.

The 21-year-old is four years younger than the Forest star, yet has already been capped by England and is currently valued at £20m more than him, at £80m.

Wharton, despite his young age, has emerged as one of the hottest midfield properties in the division because of the immense quality that he provides on the pitch at both ends of the pitch.

The left-footed star is a rare talent who combines physicality, athleticism, intelligence, technical ability, and determination. In short, he has everything that you could wish to ask for from a deep-lying midfielder.

Wharton, who was highly praised by Declan Rice last year, averaged 2.7 tackles and interceptions and 5.1 ball recoveries per game in the Premier League last term, without making a single mistake that led to a shot or a goal for the opposition.

To go along with the defensive qualities that the English youngster offers in the middle of the park, the Palace star would be an upgrade on what Frank currently has in midfield from an in-possession perspective.

Adam Wharton

7.31

4.03

Rodrigo Bentancur

5.47

2.46

Yves Bissouma

4.79

1.02

Archie Gray

2.06

0.31

Pape Matar Sarr

4.14

2.12

As you can see in the table above, Wharton is significantly better at progressing play with his passes and knitting together moves that result in shots for his side than the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are, based on his form last term.

This proves that the £80m-rated metronome, who has been called “world-class” by journalist Luke Weaser-Seychell, is a midfielder who combines defensive work with exceptional play on the ball.

Therefore, Wharton could arrive at Spurs this summer as an upgrade on what they currently have at their disposal, which is why they should be pushing to bring him in.

It is also further evidence that he would be an even bigger talent for the club than Gibbs-White, as a more expensive signing who could walk straight into the XI, whilst the attacking midfielder may not find it easy to take Maddison’s place.

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Pakistan vice-captain Saud Shakeel echoed his coach Jason Gillespie’s comments about Pakistan’s game plan, saying his side were looking to use England’s aggressive tactics against them in their three-Test series. England’s reputation for playing high-risk, high-reward cricket under current coach Brendon McCullum means Pakistan are sniffing an opportunity to draw them into making mistakes, according to Shakeel.”England always play attacking cricket, and that always gives you an opportunity to induce mistakes in them, and to use their mistakes to stay in the game,” Shakeel said at a press conference in Multan.Shakeel, who was Pakistan’s second-highest scorer during their series against England in 2022, said Pakistan would draw inspiration from that tour, despite England ultimately beating the hosts 3-0. “The last series we played against England, there were times we were quite close to winning, such as Rawalpindi and Multan, but we couldn’t finish it off.”Related

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It was in Multan, where the first Test starts Monday, that Pakistan ran England closest last time, with Shakeel almost steering his side home. Needing 355 for victory in the fourth innings, Pakistan were securely placed at 290 with half the side still to bat, and Shakeel on 94. But two wickets from Mark Wood on the stroke of lunch ended Pakistan’s resistance, with England ultimately edging to a 26-run victory.The idea of exploiting England’s mistakes is not exactly novel. Most recently, Sri Lanka managed it with relative success in their three-Test series in England, winning the third Test after inducing England collapses in each innings. Pakistan’s ability to execute such a plan, though, is far from guaranteed, given recent struggles with both bat and ball, badly exposed by Bangladesh.Saud Shakeel finished as Pakistan’s second-highest run-scorer when they last played England•AFP/Getty Images

“We’re struggling with the bat from time to time, and unable to convert starts into huge scores,” Shakeel said. “That’s a point of concern. The series that’s over is now in the past. Admittedly we didn’t play well there. Our focus is on what’s ahead.”But we don’t follow any particular style playing cricket, we play according to the requirement of any situation, which gives us flexibility.”Pakistan have been trying to carve out their own identity, something new head coach Gillespie has tried to nail down. In July, he told ESPNcricinfo he wanted his side to find a style of cricket “authentic to Pakistan”, admitting he didn’t yet know what that was.Earlier this week, he told the that Pakistan would look to “hang in there, keep being disciplined” and “strike at the right moments”, suggesting the quest for an identity is temporarily being shelved in the hunt for the results Pakistan have been starved of.”The strategy is often decided on the spot depending on how England play,” Shakeel said. “Reverse swing may also come into play depending on the weather and the pitch [that is] prepared. If a team is being aggressive, it can be easy to get sucked into their style of play and over-attack. If they’re attacking, and we just let them make their mistakes, that might work out better for us.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now “close” to reaching an agreement for a “powerful” defender, with talks “underway”, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Wolves set sights on defender with Semedo set to leave

Wolves are now planning for life without Nelson Semedo, as their former captain is still yet to commit to a new contract, and Vitor Pereira’s latest update indicates the right-back will not be returning to Molineux.

The manager said: “The relationship that I have with Nelson, we have been, from the beginning, very honest. He said to me that maybe it’s time, after five years here, to find another challenge and I understand. But I need to feel that he’s honest with me. I prefer to know the truth from the beginning. Then, waiting and waiting and waiting. We cannot wait.”

The 31-year-old established himself as a key player during his five seasons at Molineux, making 34 Premier League appearances last season, but given that he is now looking increasingly likely to leave, Pereira has set his sights on a replacement.

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Last week, it was revealed the Old Gold had overtaken AC Milan in the race for Almeria right-back Marc Pubill, and there has now been another exciting update on the pursuit of the defender, which states talks are “underway”.

Taking to X, Romano has now revealed that Wolves are “close to reaching an agreement” for Pubill, with both Almeria and on the player’s side, and they are hoping to get a deal over the line very soon, having submitted a €15m (£13m) offer.

"Powerful" Pubill could be solid replacement for Semedo

It will be a blow for Pereira to lose Semedo, given that the Portuguese defender has bags of Premier League experience, but there are plenty of signs the Almeria full-back could be capable of being a solid long-term replacement.

At just 22-years-old, the Spanish defender is still young, but he has a plethora of first-team experience, making 63 appearances for Almeria, during which time he has showcased his attacking prowess by picking up two goals and eight assists.

Football scout Ben Mattinson has also praised the Spain U21 international for his performances at the U21 European Championships.

As such, Pubill could be an exciting long-term addition to Pereira’s squad, so it is promising news that a deal is now edging closer to completion.