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Liverpool are in uncharted waters, with these deep fathoms threatening not only the future of Arne Slot, who won the Premier League a matter of months ago, but that of Mohamed Salah, one of the greatest players in the club’s history, too.

Where is the respite? At the moment, Liverpool can’t catch a break, fumbling a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 at Leeds United on Saturday after previously drawing against well-worth-their-money Sunderland at Anfield. All told, the Reds have won only two of their past ten league fixtures, losing six.

But Liverpool have sculpted this disaster themselves. They have patented a startling ability to wreak havoc on their own progress, with tactical imbalances sparking crises of confidence, sparking mutiny.

Salah’s flaming interview at Elland Road will go down in the history books, and though FSG have since underlined their faith in Slot’s stewardship, the severity of this crossroads cannot be understated.

The latest on Slot's Liverpool future

Slot is in an unenviable position, with Salah’s outburst proving the latest and most damaging in a long line of mishaps since the summer.

While FSG retain the faith in the 47-year-old, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title last year after Jurgen Klopp stepped down, there’s an acceptance that results are needed quickly if something is to be salvaged from this campaign.

The fact of the matter is that Slot’s Liverpool started wobbling well before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and he now needs to show that he can sort out the defence and restore balance to the team. He needs to show that quickly.

Liverpool are in big bother, and though FSG have been steadfast in their backing of the Dutchman, their leniency will only stretch so far, especially when there is such an exciting successor for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes to consider.

Liverpool could hire Slot upgrade

Last week, it was reported that FSG have been considering Julian Nagelsmann as a candidate to replace Slot, should the Reds coach be sacked, though they will face a tough task in wrestling him away from the German national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming large.

Nagelsmann, 38, is among the world’s finest young coaches, having managed Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in his homeland.

Would he be willing to park his international ambitions? Probably not. That’s why it’s anticipated he could be lined up ahead of the start of next season, meaning Liverpool would need to find an interim boss if Slot is dismissed before the end of the term.

What Nagelsmann would offer Liverpool

Nagelsmann has been described as the “best young coach in Europe” by journalist Josh Bunting, and though he’s the junior of practically all of the game’s standout managers, he’s hardly inexperienced, with a keen tactical mind that could be the remedy to a Liverpool team who have fallen by the wayside.

This is a fluid and interchangeable tactician. Nagelsmann employed a counter-pressing system at Leipzig before changing to a more dominant playing style at the Allianz Arena. He recognises the quirks and whims of the players at his disposal, and he crafts a system that caters to his troops.

Journalist Kai Iliev has even named him a “world-class manager” for his ability to fix a range of flaws within Germany’s national set-up. Now they are contenders. Now they believe again.

Liverpool could do with a bit of that, right? The appointment of Nagelsmann might even play into keeping Salah at the club; with the Egyptian King’s relationship under Slot having broken down, something has to give.

Liverpool, of course, will now back Salah over Slot. To do the contrary would result in anarchy. But this latest splinter in an outfit splitting wide open is not the root cause. Slot’s system is in a tailspin, and if he cannot establish form and fluency quickly, he will find that he has exhausted all the credit in the bank, and Edwards and Hughes will be forced into making a tough call.

The German coach’s principal 4-2-3-1 set-up would accommodate new signing Florian Wirtz and allow Salah to arc inwards once more and find passages into the danger area. This season, the 33-year-old has only posted five goals and three assists across all competitions.

Who could have expected this when Liverpool lifted the Premier League title? Salah was not the main man but the author of his long-term outfit’s illustrious success.

It’s not controversial to suggest that many, many Liverpool supporters would be dejected if Salah were to leave this winter, and it would be sure to put more than just a dampener on Slot’s reign at the Anfield helm.

If results do not continue over the coming weeks – with Salah off to AFCON after Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this weekend – FSG will have to face the reality of theirt spiraling situation and make a change.

Could that prompt Salah to stay? Working under Nagelsmann on Merseyside, it just might, though whether the Reds are able to keep the African legend appeased and reach a decision that would see him remain at the club he has served so well over the past nine years remains to be seen.

In any case, this is a staggering, stomach-sinking situation, one that nobody could have foreseen, and Liverpool’s powers that be need to make sure an upswing is found – quickly.

Sell him before Salah & Konate: FSG must bin Liverpool's "major issue"

Liverpool have collapsed this season, and some tough decisions need to be made.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

6 days ago

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has now made a major decision on Pedri’s fitness ahead of the Champions League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Tuesday.

The Blues will be looking to return to winning ways in the Champions League on Tuesday, having been unable to overcome Qarabag last time out, drawing 2-2 away at the Azerbaijani side, but they should be heading into the game with renewed confidence.

Enzo Maresca’s side have put together a good run in the Premier League, winning their last three matches without conceding, most recently securing a 2-0 win at Burnley courtesy of goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez.

Maresca was particularly happy with his side’s defensive showing, saying after the game: “The way we competed I am very happy.

“To come here and not concede is very difficult. It’s normal to concede something. But overall they only had one real chance. During the game they didn’t have any big chances and during the game we had loads of chances.”

However, the manager will be well-aware that Tuesday’s opposition will be much tougher, and the west Londoners have now been handed a boost heading into the Champions League encounter…

Hansi Flick set to leave Pedri out against Chelsea

According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), Pedri is now unlikely to travel to London ahead of Tuesday’s game, as Flick and his coaching staff believe it is not worth risking the midfielder, who suffered a hamstring injury near the end of October.

The 22-year-old is now a serious doubt for the trip to Stamford Bridge, having missed training on Sunday, which will be welcome news for Maresca & co, who need every advantage they can get heading into the game against the reigning La Liga champions.

Lauded as “amazing” by journalist Muhammad Butt, the Barcelona star has been absolutely integral for Barcelona over the past year, regularly displaying his ability to dictate games, set-up chances for his teammates, and drive the ball forward.

Pedri’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Assists

0.17 (80th percentile)

Passes attempted

91.85 (98th percentile)

Progressive carries

3.42 (99th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.40 (97th percentile)

That said, the La Liga side are likely to be just as fearful of Chelsea’s midfield, with Fernandez scoring his fifth goal of the season against Burnley at the weekend, while Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has waxed lyrical about Moises Caicedo this season.

As such, Chelsea should no doubt fancy their chances heading into Tuesday’s game, taking on Barca in a competitive game for the first time since a 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou back in 2018.

Moises Caicedo and Pedri have been named among the best midfielders in the world The Best 15 Midfielders in World Football Ranked (2025)

Some of the best players in the world do their stuff in the middle of the park, but who’s number one?

5 ByCharlie Smith Nov 20, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts missed the team's two-game Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs due to an illness that caused him to lose over 15 pounds. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the Betts started to feel sick the day before the team flew to Japan, but he still went on the trip because the two didn't think the illness would linger as long as it did.

As the Dodgers returned to the United States ahead of their home opener Thursday vs. the Detroit Tigers, Roberts says that Betts is on the mend. According to a report from ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, Roberts said he's "really encouraged" by Betts's progress and thinks he will be ready to play Thursday.

Gonzalez noted that Betts went through a full workout at Dodgers Stadium Monday and is expected to play in the team's final spring training game Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels.

"He tried solid food, kept it down, got through his workout, and he's gonna go home and eat some more solid food," Roberts said Monday via ESPN.

Betts spoke to reporters Sunday about the scary illness, where he said his body was "just kind of eating itself." He mentioned every time he tried to eat, he'd throw up—unable to sustain any fuel. His spirits seemed fine, though, and ready to get back on the field.

Gonzalez reported that Betts got an IV in Japan and was sent home early. He was scheduled to start in the Dodgers' spring training game Sunday but was a late scratch after another vomiting spell.

Roberts has since said that Betts "turned a corner" and should be ready to go for the team's home opener, barring any setbacks.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was arrested in the Dominican Republic on Monday, police said. Franco, who is on indefinite administrative leave from Major League Baseball as he awaits trial, was reportedly involved in an altercation Sunday that led to guns being drawn. Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Franco and an unnamed woman are being held for questioning over the incident.

Franco has a December 12 trial in the country for a separate case in which he is accused of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. As noted by ESPN, Franco's bail agreement allows him to travel within the Dominican Republic and he is free to carry a gun so long as he has a license to do so and the weapon is registered.

The 23-year-old shortstop was placed on MLB's restricted list in July and then on administrative leave in August after he was accused by prosecutors of having a sexual relationship with a then-14-year-old girl. Until that case is resolved Franco is considered under investigation by MLB over the league's domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.

Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays in 2021. He has not taken the field for the franchise since 2023.

Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has lifted the lid on her dramatic last few months with the Lionesses and the explosive exchanges with boss Sarina Wiegman which led to her departure from the team just weeks before this summer's successful European Championship defence, following the decision to recall Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

• High drama ahead of Euros

  Earps has revealed details of her exit from the international scene in her new autobiography 'All In', where she claims fellow 'keeper Hampton's poor conduct during the Euro 2022 campaign "frequently risked derailing training sessions and team resources". Earps claims she told Lionesses coach Wiegman that "bad behaviour is being rewarded" when the Chelsea goalkeeper was reinstated to the squad and the situation came to a head when the England boss named Hampton as her new number one, which prompted Earps' shock international retirement.

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  Stunning revelations over 'disruptive' behaviour

  The Paris Saint-Germain keeper addressed Hampton being dropped from the international squad after Euro 2022, citing her rivals' negative effect on the camp. The players were brought together after the landing the European crown at Wembley and were asked for their feedback – and Hampton's behaviour was singled out.

  In an extract from her book published in , Earps said: "The only negative that each group reported back on was that behaviour, which was overwhelmingly considered disruptive and unreliable, with a risk of being destructive, taking energy and time from coaches who needed to work with the rest of the team on set-pieces, mentality and of course goalkeeping sessions. 

  "It affected us all in a domino effect to an extent that was extremely unusual in a successful elite team environment. It also completely contradicted my professional values, which included preserving everything I had, mentally and physically, for performance and for a goalkeeper union where everyone, whatever their role, had the space and support to be great at their job."

• Breakdown in relationship explained

  But in April 2024, Earps was asked to join a meeting with Wiegman and goalkeeper coach Darren Ward where they revealed that Hampton was going to be reintegrated into the starting XI for a Euro 2025 qualifier. It was a decision which left Earps devastated. 

  Speaking to Wiegman, Earps said: "I don’t get it. It’s a qualifier match. And bad behaviour is being rewarded."

  Earps continued: "Now this felt unjust. My eyes welled with tears. It was a choice that went against my core values. I couldn’t get my head around it because when my values were compromised, the strain always felt heavy enough to keep me up at night. When this kind of a decision compromised my football, I was sleepless. The affinity I had for Sarina and this job – one I’d given every last cell of myself to – was being destroyed, the trust and respect evaporating.

  She added: "I wasn’t entitled to keep my place if Sarina didn’t want me to but I was entitled to decide what happened next. I could do what other people do if they’re no longer enjoying their job: I could leave, I could retire."

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  Final showdown ended Euro hopes

  The crunch meeting came the following year at England’s St George's Park training base where it was revealed Hampton would be the Lionesses' No.1 for the forthcoming European Championship in Switzerland. 

  Earps revealed: "I had 30 seconds to say my piece. I told her (Wiegman) I wasn’t surprised by what she’d just said, that it had been a long time coming, but I felt extremely disappointed, nonetheless. Then I said: 'I just think you could have been more direct and honest from the jump.' She wasn’t happy with that 'No, I don’t think that’s fair. I always communicate openly. We’ve only just made this decision,' she cut in."

  Earps added: "That sounded like bullsh*t to me."

Over the last three seasons, Arsenal have been within touching distance of ending their two-decade drought for a Premier League title under Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners last claimed title glory way back in 2004, with a generation of supporters unable to personally experience the heights achieved in the years prior.

In recent years, the club have shown glimpses of ending such an extended wait, but have been unable to cross the line and end a campaign in top spot.

Arteta’s men have finished the last three seasons in second place, but will be hoping to go one better this time around after the hierarchy backed him with over £200m worth of new additions.

However, despite the heavy spending from the board, one player already in the ranks at the Emirates could offer the solution to their recent inability to jump the final hurdle.

Why Saka could lead Arsenal to title glory in 25/26

Winger Bukayo Saka has been a crucial member of the Arsenal squad over the last couple of years, even cementing his place as a regular starter under Arteta.

The Englishman has risen through the academy ranks and showcased his worth, subsequently reaching unthinkable heights in the club’s hunt for title glory.

The 24-year-old has since racked up 270 senior appearances for the Gunners, registering 144 combined goals and assists in the process – an average of 0.53 per 90.

He missed a huge chunk of last campaign through injury, restricting him to just 37 appearances in all competitions, but it didn’t stop him from achieving a total of 25 goal contributions.

Such numbers weren’t enough for Arteta to claim any form of silverware, but his return to full fitness in 2025/26 will only improve the club’s chances of success.

His emergence through the youth ranks has highlighted the impressive work done by all the staff behind the scenes, which could allow players to emulate his success at the Emirates.

The Arsenal star who’s already a Saka-type player

Over the last couple of months, Arsenal fans have found a new reason to be excited, with teenager Max Dowman making his mark on the first-team despite being just 15.

He made his first senior appearance for the Gunners in the 5-0 triumph over Leeds United at the Emirates, featuring for just under half an hour but still having a huge impact.

The youngster won a penalty late on in the contest, handing Viktor Gyokeres the chance to net his second goal for the club, already showcasing his ability to torment the opposition despite his tender age.

Given his immediate impact in North London, there’s no denying that Dowman has a huge future at the club, but it’s crucial Arteta and co manage the expectations placed upon him.

However, the route of being in the academy and making the jump to the senior squad isn’t as simple for others, with Eberechi Eze one player who’s demonstrated just that in recent years.

He spent time in the youth ranks during the early years of his career, before being let go and making a name for himself at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The Gunners subsequently forked out a deal worth £67.5m for his signature this summer, with the hope he can become as crucial as Saka in the immediate future.

Eze, who’s been labelled “magical to watch” by Paul Hall, has glaring similarities to the aforementioned star, with the attacker already being comparable to his compatriot.

In his first eight games back in North London, the 27-year-old has already showcased his creative ability, laying on two assists in his first five Premier League outings.

Eberechi Eze – Arsenal stats

Stats (per 90)

Eze

Arsenal rank

Shots

2.8

1st

Shots on target

1.13

1st

Shots on target %

46.2%

5th

Progressive passes

5.23

8th

Shot-creating actions

3.83

3rd

Goal-creating actions

0.68

4th

Successful dribbles

1.3

3rd

Take-on success %

61.5%

1st

Stats via FBref

However, Eze has also shown that he’s capable of starring alone, already netting his first goal for the club in the recent Carabao Cup clash against Port Vale.

Both traits have seen Saka become a real fan-favourite in North London, with the winger undoubtedly a key part of any potential success the club could achieve this campaign.

As for the new summer addition, he could also follow suit if he continues his excellent start to life at the Emirates – subsequently adding a new dimension to Arteta’s already potent front line.

Related Arteta can drop Gyokeres by unleashing Arsenal star who's emulating Haaland

Viktor Gyokeres should be under pressure to perform at Arsenal.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Oct 15, 2025

While Leeds United fell to a disappointing 1-0 loss on the road at Fulham on Saturday, Sunderland battled to a hard-fought draw at nearby Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats have only lost one of their opening four matches in the league, too, with this battling draw away at Selhurst Park the first point picked up on their travels, which will surely only boost the confidence even more as they bid to beat the drop.

Granit Xhaka impressed once more from the middle of the park as Sunderland’s warrior centrally, with the decision to instantly gift the ex-Arsenal man the captain’s armband appearing to be a masterstroke.

Xhaka's performance in numbers vs Palace

The Swiss enforcer joining the building for £17m this summer did look to be a mightily impressive pick-up before the football had even got underway. After all, this is a player who had once scored nine and assisted seven goals in a solitary campaign for Arsenal.

Now, it certainly looks to be a top purchase for a Sunderland side attempting to make survival look a breeze.

Indeed, Xhaka backed up a standout performance against Brentford, which saw him pick up an assist, with a far more attritional effort away at the Eagles.

Indeed, alongside Robin Roefs heroically keeping the ball out of his net with six big saves, Xhaka would come up trumps, rolling his sleeves up and doing the dirty work, winning a high ten duels and completing eight clearances, meaning Palace were limited in their approach.

However, Xhaka wasn’t the only one figure after the dust had settled on the hard-fought draw that was receiving many a plaudit, with a new recruit defensively sticking out, having been heralded as an “unreal” bit of business by journalist Michael Graham after the full-time whistle was blown.

Le Bris' biggest coup after Xhaka

It was expected that Xhaka was going to be a success, considering the 32-year-old already had a mammoth 225 Premier League games in his back pocket.

On the contrary, Nordi Mukiele might well have been viewed as needing more time to acclimatise to the tough division, having only ever plied his trade in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, before making the late switch to England this summer.

However, it’s clear from his opening two games in the heart of Le Bris’ defence that the Frenchman was born for the fight of the Premier League.

Minutes played

90

90

Goals scored

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches

84

72

Accurate passes

49/55 (89%)

43/50 (86%)

Clearances

9

7

Total tackles

5

2

Total duels won

12/16

3/4

Looking at the table above, it’s clear that adding Mukiele for just £12m could now go down as a sensational coup on the same level as Xhaka, with a remarkable 15 duels already won by the gritty 27-year-old across his first two near faultless starts.

With just 13 passes misdirected too, it’s clear that the ex-Bayer Leverkusen defender – who would have known Xhaka at the BayArena – is cut out for the tough fight ahead, having reduced Jean Philippe-Mateta, who is revered for being a handful, to just 31 touches of the ball and one paltry duel won at Selhurst Park.

Having previously shone in the Champions League, it shouldn’t be a shock that Mukiele has instantly settled in. The Premier League can be a tricky beast to adjust to, but the early proof indicates that it’s a phenomenal capture.

Roker Report journalist Andy Tomlinson certainly agrees, with a glowing 9/10 post-match rating handed to the brand new number 20 after he ‘completely shut down’ the threat of Mateta.

With the French defender further heralded as “outstanding” by the aforementioned Graham, the hope will be that both Mukiele and Xhaka can continue to be crucial parts of Le Bris’ machine, as survival is triumphantly secured without any real worries seeping in.

Le Bris could unleash his own Mateta in Sunderland's “one man machine”

Regis Le Bris could unleash Sunderland’s very own Jean-Philippe Mateta for his side’s away test at Crystal Palace.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 13, 2025

A typically insatiable Harry Kane fired England to the 2026 World Cup as the captain scored twice in the 5-0 hammering of Latvia which extended the Three Lions' 100 percent record in qualifying. Kane, who had missed Thursday's friendly win over Wales with an ankle injury, returned to set a new England record by scoring more than once for the 13th time in international football to move on to 76 goals for his country.

Anthony Gordon set England on their way to a sixth consecutive win in World Cup qualifying by scoring in the 26th minute, latching onto a defence-splitting ball from John Stones and cutting inside onto his right foot before sweeping into the far bottom corner.

Kane then struck twice in the space of four minutes to effectively seal qualification before the half-time whistle had gone. First he curled in a left-footed strike from outside the box after aggressive pressing from Bukayo Saka and then dispatched a penalty which he had earned after being pulled down by Latvia captain Antonijs Cernomordijs.

England didn't rest on their laurels in the second half and scored again with little effort thanks to a comical own goal, Maksims Tonisevs diverting a Djed Spence cross – which was going well wide – into his own net before substitute Eberechi Eze capped a near-perfect night for Thomas Tuchel's side by scoring a splendid fifth goal.

GOAL rates England's players from Daugava Stadium…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Jordan Pickford (6/10):

  Another relaxing outing for a goalkeeper who last conceded for England one year ago and has kept nine consecutive clean sheets. He didn't have to deal with any shots on target yet again, only facing one in the qualifying campaign thus far.

  Djed Spence (7/10):

  An impressive first competitive start for England in which he also demonstrated his ability to perform at right-back as well on the left. Busy attacking in both halves and played a part in the fourth goal, albeit thanks to Tonisev's clumsiness.

  Ezri Konsa (7/10):

  Calm yet assertive back in the centre of defence and meant England barely missed Guehi, who was given the chance to rest. Produced a chest-thumping moment when he raced back and slid in to prevent Gutkovskis from almost certainly scoring.

  John Stones (7/10):

  An excellent demonstration of his ball-playing qualities as he provided a regular supply of balls to midfield and opened the floodgates with his sumptuous pass to Gordon. England will be so much better off next summer if he can stay fit.

  Myles Lewis-Skelly (6/10):

  Should have made more of a rare start given his reduced opportunities at Arsenal this season. Didn't attack with usual freedom and was shown up by Spence on the other flank.

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  Midfield

  Declan Rice (7/10):

  Patrolled the midfield with his usual authority, although he didn't get forward as much as he would have liked. Earned a rest and was taken off on the hour-mark.

  Elliot Anderson (7/10):

  Another seamless England performance which consolidated his place in the starting XI. Played a dictating role, although will be annoyed not to have scored his first Three Lions goal when he skewed wide inside the area.

  Morgan Rogers (5/10):

  A bit of a comedown from his show-stopping display against Wales as he couldn't get involved in the attacking play and was among the first to be taken off.

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  Attack

  Bukayo Saka (7/10):

  Showed his pestering side by pressing to win the ball when Kane scored England's second and drove the move which led to the own goal. Got a well-earned rest as he was removed on the hour-mark.

  Harry Kane (8/10):

  Back with a bang and yet another England record. Could have struck early on when he narrowly failed to connect with a cross but made amends with his brilliantly-taken goal and showed hunger to earn the penalty.

  Anthony Gordon (8/10):

  Showed why Tuchel didn't need to call up Grealish. Terrorised Latvia with his turn of pace and trickery, scored an excellent goal and ensured England look dangerous every time they came forward.

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  Subs & Manager

  Jordan Henderson (6/10): 

  Comfortably took the baton from Rice to continue England's dominance in midfield.

  Jarrod Bowen (7/10): 

  Showed hunger to win the ball and then drive forward to set up Eze to score.

  Eberechi Eze (8/10):

  Produced a wonderful goal to show that he can be a reliable 'finisher' for his country as well as his club.

  Marcus Rashford (7/10): 

  Showed lots of trickery and pace, highlighting how his loan spell for Barcelona can benefit England.

  Dan Burn (6/10):

  Made a good tackle although it does not reflect too well that Latvia had two good chances when he was on the pitch.

  Thomas Tuchel (8/10):

  His project is truly taking shape and this was a third successive impressive display which bodes well for his chances of taking England deep at the World Cup.

Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta are somehow not done in the summer transfer market, despite spending over £250 million already this window.

The Gunners’ ambition to end their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title is crystal clear from their excellent deals for Kepa, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, with Mikel Arteta backed to the hilt.

Their transfer spending since Arteta took charge has now surpassed the £900 million mark after their sensational hijack of Tottenham’s deal for Eze, so failure to win the league gives Arteta no place to hide.

Arsenal have made a perfect start to the new campaign – scoring six goals in two games whilst conceding none – with current English champions Liverpool awaiting them at Anfield on Sunday in what will be their arguable toughest test of 2025/2026.

With deadline day just four days away, following a phenomenal debut summer for Berta as their main transfer chief, all that’s left to do now is to ensure Arsenal finish it as strongly as possible.

Arteta cannot afford to be weakened by outgoings, and they have a plan to replace Jakub Kiwior, who’s on the verge of joining FC Porto on loan with an obligation to buy in 2026.

With Kiwior preparing to depart for Portugal, Arsenal have entered talks for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

Bayer Leverkusen working to replace Piero Hincapie after Arsenal pact

According to reliable media sources, the Ecaudor international has already agreed personal terms on a move to Arsenal and wants to join Arteta’s side, with Fabrizio Romano now confirming that they’re in club-to-club negotiations too.

Romano, speaking on Kraken earlier this week, has also said that Arsenal want to sign Hincapie on an initial loan deal with the obligation to buy, and before Leverkusen potentially agree to these terms, Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to source a replacement.

They’ve already made an approach for Newcastle United star Sven Botman as a candidate, but a deal for the Dutchman is seen as very difficult considering Eddie Howe and co are not keen on selling the player this late on.

The obligation to buy, according to BILD, could even be as low as £39 million, and there are many reasons why this could be deemed a bargain.

Hincapie was a mainstay of Leverkusen’s backline last year, and the versatile 23-year-old, who can play in multiple defensive areas, has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Matt Henry hurt his shoulder while fielding in the Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa in Lahore

Andrew Fidel Fernando07-Mar-2025

Doubts have emerged over Matt Henry’s availability for the Champions Trophy final, owing to the shoulder injury he picked up during the semi-final in Lahore.Henry, the highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far, had hurt his shoulder while taking the catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen, but returned to bowl two overs late in the match against South Africa. He was also seen diving in the field after he came back.Mitchell Santner had been optimistic about Henry’s availability soon after the match on Wednesday. But head coach Gary Stead has now said that Henry’s fitness status was “unknown” a little more than 48 hours ahead of the final.Related

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“I guess the positive thing from our perspective is he got back out there to bowl,” Stead said. “We’ve had some scans and stuff done on him, and we’re going to give him every chance to be playing in this match.”[But it’s] still a little bit unknown at this stage.”Henry has ten wickets at an average of 16.70 at this Champions Trophy. Five of those wickets came in the group match against India in Dubai, their opponents and the venue for the final.”He’s obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder,” Stead said. “Hopefully he will be okay.”If Henry cannot play, New Zealand have right-arm seamer Jacob Duffy in their squad. Duffy has not played any of New Zealand’s four matches in the tournament, but did have an outing against Pakistan in the pre-tournament tri-series that had been played there. He took 1 for 48 in seven overs in that game.