Tag Futebol

Manchester United appear to be keeping an eye on PSV Eindhoven attacker Xavi Simons ahead of a potential summer move, according to reports.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Simons?

The Red Devils have been linked with a number of players this summer as the club seemingly look to back Erik ten Hag with a number of new additions.

Two positions that were previously top of Manchester United’s transfer wishlist were midfield and attack. Chelsea’s Mason Mount is seemingly the key midfield target at Old Trafford, with a £40m offer made earlier in the month. That was rejected by those at Stamford Bridge, and the Red Devils improved £50m bid for the England international was also turned down.

In attack, Harry Kane was previously the top attacking priority, however, a transfer for the Spurs star is unlikely. As a result, United have been linked with moves for the likes of Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.

A new final third target has emerged in the shape of Simons, though, who appears to be a player in demand over the coming months.

Fabrizio Romano provided an update regarding Simons on Wednesday, where Manchester United were named. The transfer expert said that Paris Saint-Germain have a buy-back clause for the PSV gem worth just €6m, adding that the Red Devils are one of four Premier League sides that have been in contact with PSV, asking to be kept informed about the situation.

“Paris Saint-Germain buy back clause for Xavi Simons is just €6m! It can only be activated in July, from 1 to 31st. The final decision is ONLY up to the player. He’s waiting to hear from PSG.

“Man Utd, Arsenal, Brighton, Spurs, BVB and Leipzig asked to be informed.”

Who is Xavi Simons?

Simons is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play on the wing if required. The 20-year-old, labelled as “spectacular” in the media at the end of 2021, made the move to PSV from PSG last summer.

Since then, the Netherlands international has seen his Transfermarkt valuation increase from €8m to a career-high €30m. He has starred in his native country, contributing to 34 goals in 48 PSV appearances. He appears to be going from strength to strength, with scout Antonio Mango stating that Simons “has the X-factor”:

“Xavi has one of the best Football IQ’s as just 19 which makes him incredibly versatile to play anywhere along the front line. It’s visibly clear that Xavi has the x-factor, technically special blended with.”

Therefore, should he make the move to Old Trafford over the coming months, he would add strength in depth to United's attacking midfield ranks, with Bruno Fernandes the only senior option, while also providing an option out wide.

However, following his incredible rise over the past 12 months, you’d expect that PSG would be willing to activate their buyback clause for a relatively low fee, so a deal could prove tricky for the Red Devils.

Renowned football commentator Clive Tyldesley has decided to step down from TalkSport as he doesn’t feel comfortable helping advertise gambling live on air.

Why did Clive Tyldesley leave TalkSport?

The 68-year-old has one of the most recognisable voices in English sport and has talked fans through many big occasions for decades now.

However, it seems you won’t be hearing his superb commentary on one major radio station in the foreseeable future.

As per the Mirror, Tyldesley has opted to leave TalkSport as he doesn’t want to be used as a way of advertising to supporters from bookmakers.

Indeed, the article said: “Whilst not looking to preach to others, [he] felt uncomfortable at being expected to promote gambling companies and odds during live commentaries.”

In a Tweet later on, Tyldesley confirmed the news and further explained his decision, writing: “I’m not going to change anything alone but I just feel more comfortable not doing this now. Thank you to TalkSport for the opportunities and the friendships.”

Does football have a problem with gambling?

There certainly is an argument to potentially examine the current relationship football has with gambling. After all, Ivan Toney will now face a lengthy eight-month ban from football after his guilty plea to breaching betting rules 232 times.

Of course, the player deserves to be punished, but he obviously has a problem and this no doubt isn’t helped by how frequently gambling is promoted within football.

Barry Glendenning summed it up perfectly in his article for The Guardian, writing: “Toney plays for a football club that is owned by a man who made his money out of gambling, while wearing a shirt emblazoned with the logo of a betting firm, on pitches surrounded by advertising hoardings exhorting those who see them to bet on football.

“He made his name in a league sponsored by another gambling firm and his goals are broadcast on TV and radio stations who pocket millions from unscrupulous firms whose raison d’etre, despite their bland assurances to the contrary, is to relieve often vulnerable punters of as much of their income as possible.”

With this being the current state of play in England, it’s an honourable stance from Tyldesley to step away from his duties at TalkSport by way of making a stand. He will also now do some work with Big Step – a charity trying to end all gambling and bookmaker advertising in football.

Perhaps more decisions such as that from others within the sport could help address some of the issues the beautiful game has with betting right now.

تعرف على ترتيب مجموعة الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا بعد انتهاء الجولة السادسة والأخيرة

تمكن فريق الأهلي من الفوز على يانج أفريكانز بهدف دون رد، خلال المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم ضمن منافسات دور مجموعات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

الأهلي لعب مع يانج أفريكانز على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي، في الجولة السادسة والأخيرة من دور مجموعات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وفي مباراة أخرى، أقيمت في نفس التوقيت، فاز شباب بلوزداد على ميدياما الغاني بثلاثية نظيفة، على أرضية ملعب 5 جويلية 1962.

طالع أيضاً.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة الأهلي ويانج أفريكانز في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

ويتواجد الأهلي في المجموعة الرابعة من دوري أبطال إفريقيا، مع يانج أفريكانز وشباب بلوزداد الجزائري وميدياما الغاني.

وحسم الأهلي تأهله إلى دور الـ8 من دور المجموعات لدوري أبطال إفريقيا، بعدما حقق الفوز في الجولة الماضية على ميدياما الغاني، ووصل إلى النقطة التاسعة في صدارة ترتيب المجموعة. ترتيب مجموعة الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

1- الأهلي: 12 نقطة من 6 لقاءات.

2- يانج أفريكانز التنزاني: 8 نقاط من 6 لقاءات.

3- شباب بلوزداد الجزائري: 8 نقاط من 6 لقاءات.

4- ميدياما الغاني: 4 نقاط من 6 لقاءات.

Newcastle United ended their remarkable 22/23 Premier League campaign on a high after earning a point at Stamford Bridge in a thrilling 1-1 draw, having qualified for next season’s Champions League last week.

Eddie Howe’s side were unable to secure victory against Chelsea, who have plummeted to mid-table obscurity and finish in 12th place after a woeful season, though demonstrated their grit and determination after holding on against the home side’s second-half onslaught.

Anthony Gordon opened his account for the Tyneside club after netting his first goal since completing a £45m move from Everton in January and staked his claim for a prominent role next term after struggling to find his feet across the maiden phase of his career with United.

While the fleet-footed winger will steal most of the headlines for his point-securing goal, it was midfield machine Elliot Anderson who deserves the plaudits for impressing during one of his rare starting appearances in the Premier League, grabbing the assist for his outfit’s solitary strike on the afternoon.

How did Elliot Anderson perform vs Chelsea?

The Magpies’ homegrown talent has not played with consistent regularity under Howe’s wing this season, but he has impressed when called upon and looks to be a reliable option for his manager, especially when considering the increase in competition next year.

The £4m-rated starlet makes his midfield work look “effortless” – as former boss Steve Bruce proclaimed – and plays with a composure that belies his 20 years of age and inexperience (the contest at Stamford Bridge was Anderson’s third league start of the campaign).

Against Chelsea, he produced another all-encompassing display and complemented his “perfect” pass for Gordon’s goal – as it was described by the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder – with an impressive blend of composure, tenacity and guile.

As per Sofascore, the “huge talent” – as he was once heralded by Joey Barton – recorded an average match rating of 7.0, making 37 touches, completing 86% of his passes, succeeding with two of his three attempted dribbles and winning four of his seven duels.

Dominic Scurr gave the Scotland U21 international an 8/10 match rating for his feats and said: ‘Grabbed his first Premier League assist in only third start. Was really tidy in possession and was a threat going forward with some teasing balls into the penalty area. Ran himself into the ground before being taken off.’

For a player that has played a peripheral role in the top-flight this term, Anderson is exuding confidence and could grow into a central role at St. James’s Park over the next few years.

With more stellar showings such as the one against Chelsea, he will certainly have left his manager pensively reflecting upon the best way to fit the youngster into his plans.

ScorecardIan Bell battled for more than two hours but could not prevent defeat•Getty Images

Ian Bell’s accession to the Warwickshire captaincy was not meant to turn out like this. Instead of an anticipated title challenge, he is now haunted by vague fears of relegation, unthinkable in April. Instead of an inspired return to the England side, he has made no immediate comeback to a deeply unimpressive England middle order and is so consumed by the job he has taken on late in his career that the runs are not coming easily.The Warwickshire captaincy was a childhood dream for Bell ever since he sprinted onto the outfield at Lord’s to celebrate the county’s 1993 NatWest Trophy win under the individualistic captaincy of Dermot Reeve. For a proven England player to return to the county ranks with ambitions so sharp, and good years still ahead, was something for Warwickshire to relish, but the job is proving an onerous one.Bell challenged Warwickshire to bat out the final day against Surrey – to chase 396 for victory, from 2 for 1 overnight, felt out of the question – but the day he called the biggest of the season fell Surrey’s way by 227 runs with 20 overs to spare. Surrey have passed Warwickshire in the table and have the look of an improving side with much to commend them. If either of the bottom two stir it is now Warwickshire and Durham who have most to fear.

Boys put their bodies on the line – Batty

Gareth Batty, the Surrey captain, praised his team commitment over the four days and especially their final-day efforts.
“It was a magnificent performance. I’ve just said to the boys in the dressing-room I couldn’t ask for any more from any individual which, from a captaincy point of view, is just a wonderful place to be.
“The boys have been absolutely magnificent for the last six weeks, today they were out there diving on a hard square and putting their bodies on the line. We are nearing that time of year where traditionally we are pretty good and we are showing it again. On the flatter pitches we are putting in some wonderful performances.”
Meanwhile Dougie Brown, Warwickshire’s director of cricket, was critical of his team’s batting.
“There were a number of soft dismissals today which we couldn’t afford as we were already behind the game due to our first-innings indiscipline. If you analyse the first five dismissals of our specialist batsmen today I think you would say there was ill-discipline attached to all of them. We need to find a way to apply all the things we do in practice in match-situations.”

At least Bell conceded his own wicket in most honourable fashion during a compelling duel with Gareth Batty, finally unpicked at short leg after making 32 in two-and-a-quarter stubborn hours, survival his only undertaking. He managed a couple of peaceful off-side drives, but the overriding image was of Bell under attack from an angry seagull as Batty squawked, flapped and smiled his way through his overs, finding substantial bounce and turn from a wearing final-day surface. This was surely the best 2 for 27 of the season, earned by 21 antagonistic overs. This has also been another excellent Edgbaston pitch.Surrey’s spin pair, Batty and Zafar Ansari, are both being monitored as potential England tourists in India and Bangladesh and they make a contrasting pair, not just because of offspin and slow left arm but in personality. Ansari has a stately stroll and flick back of floppy hair that smacks of old-time pedigree whereas Batty is waspish and combative, every grin – and he grins often when he is on top – the possible precursor to something more quarrelsome.Suggestions that a spinner fast heading towards his 39th birthday should add to his seven Tests, the last of them 11 years ago, naturally invite suspicion, but contenders are conspicuous by their absence and, if England opt for a specialist finger spinner then on this evidence Batty is better than anybody. That he would relish the challenge could be taken for granted.For the first 40 minutes of the morning, Bell’s call to arms was answered, but the loss of three wickets in six overs then told of a laborious day ahead. The nightwatchman Chris Wright backed up too far and Batty threw him out from mid-on with a celebratory speech of triumph. Varun Chopra, Bell’s predecessor, whose move to Essex has already been confirmed, edged Mark Footitt’s sixth ball of the innings to wicketkeeper Steven Davies. To lose Jonathan Trott, alongside whom Bell stood firm so often for England, was the biggest jolt of all, Stuart Meaker producing a good one to have him caught at the wicket.Three more wickets fell in the afternoon session, not just Bell, but Laurie Evans, who was forced back by Ansari and had his off-stump knocked out by one that turned. Rikki Clarke fell in the final over before tea, bowled as he offered no shot to Sam Curran. The tail succumbed easily enough after tea, the victory suitably confirmed by Batty when he had Oliver Hannon-Dalby lbw for nought, six Surrey bowlers taking wickets in a strong team display.Gareth Batty celebrates the wicket of Ian Bell•Getty Images

Bell was omitted by England after averaging barely 20 in his last 23 Test innings, nine of them single figures. The Warwickshire captaincy seemed a perfect challenge and he has thrown himself into it with gusto. He could have taken quite a narrow role, concentrating on making runs, changing fields and preserving energy to keep his England ambitions alive. Instead, his authority is strikingly wide for a captain. For a player who has not skippered since age-group cricket – apart from a stand-in appearance or two – it must be particularly burdensome.He is taking a central role in recruitment and was influential in the signing of Olly Stone from Northants, a bowler who – if he stays fit – can bring new verve to their attack. Warwickshire’s academy, too, must surely be something that troubles him because he came that way himself, but it has not produced a player of substance for Warwickshire since Chris Woakes a decade or so ago. To lose Woakes regularly now to England – a consummate professional who would naturally buy into his ideas – has been a deserved career progression for Woakes, but ill-timed for Bell as he seeks to implant his beliefs on a squad that is arguably too unwieldy and too set in its ways to respond in the way he wishes.

County cricket at Lord’s offered a chance to retreat for a while into something quintessentially English. Even if nobody can say for certain these days what quintessential Englishness actually is

David Hopps at Lord's26-Jun-2016
ScorecardThe Kolpak, Alviro Petersen: another century for an endangered species•Getty Images

Britain is riven by conflict, uncertainty stalks a disunited kingdom and the future is hard to comprehend. County cricket at Lord’s offered a chance to retreat for a while into something quintessentially English. Even if nobody can say for certain these days what quintessential Englishness actually is.At such times, the rituals of Championship cricket can seem comfortingly timeless. Just skip past the news as you unfold your Sunday newspaper, alight upon the crossword and watch Middlesex bowl, and Lancashire bat, while you muse determinedly on seven across. Facial fortitude in the face of adversity: 5-5-3.To those who cannot rest during the biggest schism in the UK in a lifetime, the quietly-changing patterns made by the white figures on the outfield as the game’s rituals and strategies were played out once more had never seemed more pointless. One England player with a broad perspective on life has already confided as much.There was a period at Lord’s on Sunday when members of the shadow cabinet were resigning faster than Lancashire were scoring boundaries. There again, Haseeb Hameed was playing himself in at the time.That, it should quickly be added, was a cheap gag. That Hameed is a player of some discipline has been evident all season and his 89 was another impressive addition to a fine debut season. He is a batsman who deals in certainties, building his case carefully and thoughtfully. He would never make a politician. But his range is already expanding and one day he will probably play for England. Ashley Giles, Lancashire’s coach, called him “a big talent” and so he is.For nearly five hours, Hameed promised to follow up his maiden championship hundred against Warwickshire at Old Trafford with another. Instead, he fell during an excellent over from Toby Roland-Jones, escaping with a boundary as he fended him over the slips, but dismissed three balls later, a decent catch at the second attempt by Sam Robson at first slip.The hundred instead fell to the South African Alviro Petersen, playing for Lancashire as a Kolpak registration, a freedom-of-movement ruling handed down by the EU in 2003 and which the ECB might one day choose to close, assuming Brexit actually does take place. Petersen, 35 and in the last year of his contract, has no need to worry: by then he would be long retired.It was to county cricket where John Major retreated after losing the 1997 election, although being an advocate of a classless society he chose The Oval rather than Lord’s. David Cameron had been at Lord’s for the Test, but regrettably he did not put in an appearance. He would have been safe here.Political chat? Not today, old boy. Best avoided at times of crisis, even at Lord’s. Especially at Lord’s. Among the MCC members scattered in front of the pavilion, it was time to tighten the egg-and-bacon tie, gaze into mid-distance and adopt an air of stoicism. Cohesion would return. The crisis would pass.Lord’s always feels close to the seat of power. Outside the ground, a poster old-fashioned enough to have been first designed before the EU came into being still advertised the Eton v Harrow match that had been scheduled for Friday: the day the nation dwelt on the reality of the Brexit vote in the EU referendum.Eton v Harrow: the last school match still to be played at Lord’s. Eton: school of a Conservative prime minister who resigned on Friday, his imagined legacy in ruins, and the school of the colleague who fought him and won, and yet who must now be spending his hours considering his poisoned chalice.How was the cricket, dear? “Slow day, slow pitch, too damn slow.” Lancashire, 298 for 3 by the close, might make 500 and then Middlesex might well do the same. A familiar pattern. This season’s flatter pitches have come alongside a wet summer. June is nearly out and Middlesex have drawn six of their seven matches. Lancashire are leaders, three games won, but only 16 points separate them from Warwickshire in fifth, the season still amorphous as it heads towards its mid-point.There was a theory that the pitches would quicken when they moved to the higher side of the sloping square, but such optimism looked unfounded. Wickets were hard to come by: perhaps shortages had already begun. Tom Smith was lbw on the front foot to James Franklin, Luke Procter edged to second slip, but the afternoon was wicketless and only Hameed fell after tea.Still, while fear of another stalemate took hold, laid out before these stout observers of the county scene was a game with an innate sense of decency. Enough to stir the belief that England still shared a common set of values: tolerance, a belief in the rule of law, a sense of fair play and decency. But Lord’s does not speak for England, and has not done so for a long time.Yet the games go on. Do you want a short leg? Should cover move a little squarer? Even today, with the nation at odds, there are people who would choose to spend their final hours gently watching county cricket even as an asteroid heading towards the earth.All day, they observed the minutiae of the game as patiently as ever: how Hameed worked the ball skilfully into the leg side; how the off spin of Ollie Rayner tied him down so much that he managed only two considered off-side pushes against him in his first eight overs – the second to take him to 50; or how his emphatic hook into the closed-off Warner Stand was the first six of his Lancashire career. One vigorous extra cover drive against Rayner was a delight. His ability to concentrate on the job was strangely comforting.The suggestion that the county game can be a retreat from the harsh realities of real life is unconscionable to many. It must adapt to survive, it must be central to life itself. This time, though, a retreat would do for the time being. Time to watch the game with a stiff upper lip. That’s it: that’s seven across, another one done. Fold the paper, close out thoughts of the great divide, life goes on. Just nobody knows in quite what fashion.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Newcastle United could be in with a chance of signing Cristiano Ronaldo on loan if Al-Nassr cover his wages.

What's the latest news on Cristiano Ronaldo and NUFC?

With Champions League football potentially on the cards for the Magpies next term, there have been plenty of exciting rumours about how could join the Premier League side in the summer.

Manager Eddie Howe actually played down talk that Ronaldo or Neymar could be joining his team, telling BBC Sport: "We could not be able to come close to affording those players."

However, as explained by Jones while speaking on NUFC Matters, Newcastle may not actually have to pay the 38-year-old's wages.

The insider explained (12:49): "If, and now we're just speculating, it ever happened, it would in likelihood be a loan from Al-Nasir, funded by our Al-Nassr.

"And this is where there is a genuine opportunity potentially for a suitor, if it's green, lighted by both Al-Nassr and the wider partners funding that particular deal at the moment.

"Because Ronaldo could be loaned somewhere with Al-Nassr picking up the bill. But the only reason why Al-Nassr would pick up the bill is because they're not really paying the bill. It's wider partners within Saudi Arabia that are funding this.”

Is Ronaldo going to be at Newcastle next season?

Now it might seem odd that those connected with Al-Nassr would be happy to pay for Ronaldo to go on loan. But his very connection to football in Saudi Arabia is no doubt great for publicity.

However, for the time being, it sounds as though he's not particularly happy, with reports in Spain claiming that he is already thinking about quitting the Saudi Pro League (via El Nacional).

Despite this, he signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club, estimated to be worth $75m (£59m) a year, back in December.

With that being the case, he might not be able to leave permanently but if he could technically remain an Al-Nassr while being shipped out to Newcastle, which could be a decent compromise for all parties – especially if Ronaldo had the intention of eventually returning after the loan.

What's more, the Magpies would be an obvious destination due to their own links to Saudi Arabia, as they are owned by the country's sovereign wealth fund PIF.

And so, all in all, it sounds as though Newcastle could land the £3.4m-p/w star while not having to worry too much about actually paying those wages.

Rangers are becoming increasingly likely to lose Borna Barisic this summer, with the club yet to open contract talks with the left-back, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

Which Rangers players could leave this summer?

Michael Beale has confirmed that he expects his squad to undergo a major overhaul in the summer, recently admitting the group is going to look "completely different" in ten games' time, and multiple first-team players could depart.

Alfredo Morelos' contract is up at the end of the season, and the club are still yet to offer the Colombian a new deal, despite interest from teams in the Netherlands, France, Spain and Turkey.

The striker is not the only key player who could be on the move this summer, as Ryan Kent, Scott Arfield and Allan McGregor are currently all set to leave at the end of the campaign, upon the expiration of their contracts.

Not only are the Gers unwilling to offer Morelos a new deal as of yet, but they still haven't opened talks with Barisic, meaning the possibility of him leaving the club is growing, according to a new update from Football Insider.

The Light Blues are expecting bids for the left-back in the upcoming window, and there are now said to be major doubts about his future, amid interest from clubs in Turkey and France.

Suitors are said to be preparing offers for the Croatian, and he could leave Ibrox if Rangers' asking price is met, although the report does not specify how much that would be.

Should Rangers let Borna Barisic leave?

We think it is another baffling decision from the board to not initiate talks with the 30-year-old, as he has been a vital player for the Gers so far this season, particularly in an attacking sense.

In the Scottish Premiership this term, the Croatia international has scored one goal and registered nine assists, most recently setting up James Tavernier's second goal in the Old Firm derby against Celtic.

Given that he is now 30 years old, Beale may perhaps be a little concerned about offering the £18k-per-week defender a long-term deal, but his performances this season have arguably been at a level good enough to merit a three-year extension.

In the Scottish Premiership, Barisic is ranked as Rangers' second-best performing player as per Sofascore behind only Tavernier, averaging a 7.47 match rating throughout 27 SPFL appearances, so he is clearly a trusted member of the squad, and the club should look to offer him a new contract at the earliest opportunity.

Newcastle United are currently gearing up for what could be a potentially pivotal game in the battle to secure a top-four berth, with the Magpies making their return from the international break at home to Manchester United on Sunday.

That Premier League encounter comes just over a month on from the meeting between the two sides in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, with the Red Devils ultimately running out 2-0 winners to ensure that the wait for silverware goes on at St James' Park.

One potential regret that manager Eddie Howe may have from that showpiece defeat is the decision not to include club-record signing Alexander Isak in the starting lineup, with the Sweden international having been "electric" after entering the fray off the bench, according to his manager.

While Howe had seemingly found it a "tough" decision to choose between the former Real Sociedad man and fellow forward, Callum Wilson, it would appear that the choice should be far simpler this time around, with Isak undoubtedly the man of the moment at present.

After netting three goals across his last two league games prior to going on international duty, the 6 foot 4 striker has continued that momentum for his country – despite not scoring over the past week – having notably produced a standout display against Azerbaijan on Monday evening.

How did Isak perform for Sweden?

There is no doubt that it has largely been a season of frustration for the 23-year-old due to injury, although with the one-time Borussia Dortmund man now boasting six goals from just ten league appearances, it does look as if Newcastle are finally beginning to reap the rewards of their £63m investment.

As pundit Jermaine Jenas noted, it looks as if Isak "could be the one to get them into the top four", with the 39-cap sensation having proven himself a real "handful for defenders" due to his all-round attributes, as per former Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth boss, Harry Redknapp.

During his recent outing with Sweden, the dynamic ace proved that he can offer much more than just putting the ball in the back of the net, having registered an impressive haul of three key passes from just 23 touches during that 71-minute outing, illustrating his creative potential.

The all-action ace also showed his dynamism after completing one of his two dribbles as well as putting in a shift defensively, having won 75% of his total duels – including winning both of his aerial duels.

While the pacy marksman was unable to contribute with a goal of his own – having seen three shots blocked – he was able to play a key role in his side's second of the night, after surging into the opposition penalty area before seeing his clever pullback deflect in for an own goal.

The manner in which Isak was able to burst clear in behind was another example of just what a 'handful' he is, with Howe likely hoping that the £120k-per-week man can continue to shine on a consistent basis over the coming months.

Journalist Steve Kay says that Arsenal are ‘not aware’ of any contact that has taken place to sign RB Salzburg striker Noah Okafor this summer.

The Lowdown: Registered interest…

It has recently been reported that Arsenal have registered their interest in signing Okafor, who is valued at £25m by Salzburg.

However, North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be interested in his signature, along with West Ham United, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

The Latest: No contact made

Taking to Twitter, Kay has since shared that ‘sources’ have told him that the Gunners are ‘not aware’ of any contact taking place over Okafor, while RB Leipzig have also shown an ‘interest’ in him:

“According to some reports Arsenal are showing interest in signing the RB Salzburg striker Noah Okafor.

“Sources are telling me close to the club that they are not aware of any contact taking place.

“RB Leipzig have shown some recent interest in signing the young striker.”

The Verdict: Get it done!

At just 22 years of age, Okafor is a big talent, having scored 34 goals and made a further 23 assists in 108 games in total over all competitions for Salzburg, with 12 goal contributions coming so far this season (Transfermarkt).

He has also been capped 12 times by Switzerland, scoring twice and producing one assist (Transfermarkt), and is capable of playing anywhere across the forward line.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig describes Okafor as a ‘superb’ player who is ‘powerful’ and ‘agile’ with ‘electric’ pace and ‘super’ technique, as he ranks in the 90th percentile of all forwards in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and in the 85th for successful take-ons per game (FBRef).

Given Arsenal’s injuries in forward areas this term, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah all having faced extended periods out, Okafor would be a smart signing to provide cover, and eventually challenge for a regular starting spot.