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Lancashire took the spoils in front of a record home crowd despite Joe Root’s late-innings heroics and a thrilling finish at Old Trafford

Paul Edwards at Old Trafford20-Jul-2018
ScorecardOn evenings such as this it is perhaps worth remembering that Liam Livingstone esteems his red-ball cricket above the shorter formats. Certainly as his six sixes sailed into the stands at Emirates Old Trafford the majority of the 22,515 spectators would have found that preference difficult to credit. Then again, they probably didn’t care. All that mattered to Lancashire Lightning’s fans was that Livingstone’s 37-ball 79 was taking his side most of the way to their colossal score of 176 for 2 in a game reduced by early rain to 14 overs-a-side.Yet so coolly do batsmen regard an asking-rate of 12.57 runs per over in short-form cricket these days – this game’s 28 overs included 23 maximums – that Yorkshire’s batsmen came within one boundary of overhauling Lancashire’s score. Indeed, had Kane Williamson hit the last ball of the innings for four, visiting supporters would have been celebrating a magnificent victory. As it was, Lancashire’s left-arm seamer Toby Lester managed his jangling nerves and restricted Williamson to a couple of runs. Rarely can a cricketer have celebrated bowling three overs for 48 runs quite so ecstatically.Talking T20 Podcast

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“I’ve never felt that that,” Livingstone said. “I was stood at long-on feeling sick. It’s probably up there with one of the best games I’ve played in. Toby changed his plan and bowled yorkers at the finish and it was great for him to perform under the pressure of a Roses game. We’ve now won five on the trot and we’re flying.”But amid the euphoria of the home victory, Lancashire’s fifth in six North Group games this season, there was also proper credit paid to Yorkshire’s batsmen for their extraordinary pursuit. Adam Lyth got things going in grand style by whacking half a dozen sixes in his 26-ball 60 but arguably the most impressive innings was played by Joe Root, whose 22-ball 51 not out proved that orthodox strokes can be quite as effective as clubbing, even when chasing down a massive score.It was no night for bowlers and not much of a one for fielders. Only Steve Patterson conceded less than ten runs an over and Yorkshire’s spinners, Adil Rashid and Azeem Rafiq, were particularly wayward, their four overs costing 61 runs. However, Matt Parkinson and Steven Parry disappeared for only ten runs fewer, although Parkinson dismissed both Lyth and David Willey, the first caught at long-on by Livingstone, the second stumped by Buttler for 20. At that point the leg-spinner was on a hat-trick, but it is doubtful if many people noticed that either.Only three catches were taken all night but the one not properly attempted was decisive. In the first over of Lancashire’s innings Livingstone skied Willey to deepish extra cover. Williamson, Lyth and Patterson all ran to within a few yards of the ball – and left it to each other. Livingstone had made 4.Liam Livingstone set Yorkshire a formidable target•Getty ImagesIt was also a pretty damaging night for Old Trafford’s fabric. With when a record crowd filling Old Trafford – the largest for any T20 game outside London excluding Finals Day – the frame of the press box was hit by one of Liam Plunkett’s sixes and the window of the Radio Lancashire box was whacked by Jos Buttler’s only maximum before the ball dropped on to the Yorkshire balcony, from where Martyn Moxon, the county’s director of cricket, returned it to the field. The 7500 folk in the precipitous Foster’s Party Stand, a massive structure which could double as a ski-jump in the winter, also welcomed sixes from each side.And all of this was missed by Steven Croft, who was left out of Lancashire’s side after making 148 consecutive appearances since his debut in June 2006, an impressive sequence which has left him 11 short of the world record currently held by Suresh Raina of the Chennai Super Kings. Lancashire’s former captain watched the match from the balcony and may have reflected that this was not the short-form game he played a dozen years ago. And in less than a decade you can bet it will be different again.

Tottenham Hotspur are "willing to shell out a considerable sum" for one club's star player who has become an "important target" for Spurs.

Who have Tottenham signed 2023?

Over the 2023 summer transfer window, new Lilywhites boss Ange Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy opted to bring in seven major signings. Indeed, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, young centre-back Ashley Phillips, assured defender Micky van de Ven, England midfielder James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon, exciting striker Alejo Veliz and Wales forward Brennan Johnson all put pen to paper before deadline day.

The results of their business so far have been very fruitful, as Spurs are currently sitting pretty in the Premier League stands and second – just behind last season's treble-winning Man City side. Both van de Ven and Maddison in particular have stood out as a couple of the window's arguable bargains of the summer, especially the latter, who has already endeared himself to the Tottenham fanbase with an array of impressive performances.

Vicario, who came in to succeed long-serving number one Hugo Lloris between the sticks, has also been praised for his start to life at N17 – while Solomon has dazzled on-lookers in parts with some his brilliant one-v-one directness. The likes of Phillips and Veliz are seen more as rising stars for the future, so must wait patiently for game time, but there is already very high hopes at Spurs for Johnson's potential to become important.

What's the latest Spurs transfer news?

As the January transfer window approaches, Tottenham could move to reinforce their squad further, in particular by making a second central defensive signing after van de Ven this year. The north Londoners arguably lack cover in that position if the Dutchman or his partner, Cristian Romero, were to succumb to injury.

This has lead to reports that they could target the likes of Juventus star Gleison Bremer, Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly and Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba. Now, according to a report from Spain this week, Tottenham have added another name to their list of defensive targets for the winter.

Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson, who starred for his club in the Turkish Super Lig last term, is apparently that player with the 24-year-old becoming an "important objective". As such, Spurs are apparently "willing to shell out a considerable sum of €30 million (£26m) to secure his services". Postecoglou's side are very interested Nelsson, and this could deal a blow to Sevilla, who are also chasing the centre-back.

The Denmark international stood out as a star defensive player for Galatasaray over 2022/2023; making more blocks per 90 and winning more aerial duels per game than any of his teammates in the league (WhoScored). Nelsson was also an untouchable member of manager Okan Buruk's starting eleven; featuring over more Super Lig minutes than any other outfielder in their squad (WhoScored).

These numbers suggest that he is a pivotal figure for Galatasaray, and it is little surprise Spurs are taking note of his exploits.

Crystal Palace are thought to be interested in signing an available midfielder who is currently without a club, according to reports.

What’s the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?

The Eagles and Roy Hodgson were relatively busy in the summer transfer window, with a number of incomings and outgoings.

Wilfried Zaha, Luka Milivojevic, Jack Butland and Vicente Guaita left on free transfers for Galatasaray, Shabab Al-Ahli, Rangers and Celta Vigo respectively, whereas Matheus Franca, Dean Henderson, Rob Holding and Jefferson Lerma arrived from Flamengo, Manchester United, Arsenal and Bournemouth.

Hodgson has been left happy with the club’s business, saying prior to the international break:

“If I was a Palace fan I would be quite pleased with the team we’re able to put out now. I would also be quite pleased with the bench we have been able to assemble as well. It’s not just 11, we have more players and competition than that.

“Bringing in people like Jefferson Lerma, Matheus Franca and Dean Henderson shows the club’s intention – we want to get stronger and make certain that what they have built on in these last couple of years, we can keep going.”

On the pitch, Palace have made a solid start to the Premier League campaign, picking up seven points from their opening four games ahead of the trip to Aston Villa this weekend.

However, chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman can still explore the free agent market if they want to bolster Hodgson’s squad even further, and it looks as if they are doing just that.

According to TEAMtalk, Palace are one of four top-flight sides in England who are vying to sign Portuguese midfielder Xeka.

Alongside those in the Premier League, Championship outfits Southampton and West Brom have both made enquiries to the player’s agent, with Xeka also being looked at by sides in France, Italy, Spain and Turkey after leaving Rennes.

How good is Xeka?

Xeka can turn out in a variety of midfield roles including as a holding, central or left midfielder so could offer a versatile option to Hodgson’s squad.

Currently, Palace have Cheick Doucoure, Lerma, Jairo Riedewald, Naouirou Ahamada, Will Hughes and Jeffrey Schlupp as options in areas Xeka can play.

The 28-year-old would bring experience from the top divisions in France and Portugal, with the player best known for his time at Lille where he made 144 appearances, scoring nine times and providing seven assists.

Journalist Josh Bunting described Xaka as a “very creative” player during his time with Lille, and over the past 365 days, he has shown his quality both on and off the ball.

As per FBref, he has ranked in the top 25% of midfielders for pass completion, blocks, aerial duels won, progressive passes, dribblers tackled and fouls drawn.

With no transfer fee required, a move could be a shrewd one, should Hodgson feel he needs another body in the middle of the park, and by the looks of things, Xeka moving to Selhurst Park may be one to watch.

يستعد مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي برئاسة محمود الخطيب، لإقامة حفل كبير مساء اليوم الثلاثاء، للإعلان عن تفاصيل جديدة خاصة بمشروع الاستاد.

ويحتضن مقر النادي الأهلي بالشيخ زايد، الليلة الحفل الذي يشهد حضور عدد كبير من مسؤولي الرياضة في مصر بجانب الوزراء والمحافظين.

خاص.. الأهلي يُوقع غرامة مالية ضخمة على أفشة بعد تصريحاته المُثيرة للجدل

ومن المنتظر أن يعلن مسؤولو النادي الأهلي عن تفاصيل مشروع الاستاد، وما تم الاتفاق عليه خلال الفترة الماضية من اتفاقات ومفاوضات.

وكان فريق النادي الأهلي لكرة القدم، قد حقق قبل أيام لقب بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا للمرة الثانية عشر في تاريخه، لينفرد برقم قاري غير مسبوق. موعد حفل النادي الأهلي للإعلان عن الاستاد

ومن المقرر أن يبدأ بث الحفل في التاسعة مساءً على أن تبدأ مراسم الحفل في التاسعة والنصف وتستمر لمدة 70 دقيقة. القناة الناقلة لحفل الإعلان عن استاد الأهلي

ومن المنتظر، أن تذاع مراسم حفل النادي الأهلي عبر فضائية أون تايم سبورتس 1.

MatériaMais Notícias

Artilheiro do Campeonato Brasileiro de 2013, pelo Atlhetico-PR, Ederson será adversário do Santos neste domingo (28), quando o Peixe enfrenta o Fortaleza, atual equipe do atacante, às 20h30, na Vila Belmiro, pela 12a rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Com rodagem no futebol, o jogador reconhece a grandeza do Alvinegro Praiano e as dificuldades que o Leão do Pice tende a encontrar na partida.

– Vamos enfrentar uma grande equipe precisamos estar preparados. O Santos é sempre muito forte em sua casa. O grupo sabe das dificuldades que enfrentará – afirmou o atleta via assessoria.

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Para Ederson, a alternativa correta para que o time cearense encare de frente o Peixe é não se defender, mas sim propor o jogo.

– Temos que ter intensidade durante os 90 minutos para chegarmos ao triunfo – pontuou Ederson.

O Santos não conseguiu vencer o Fortaleza no Brasileirão do ano passado. No primeiro turno, o Alvinegro terminou a primeira etapa vencendo por 3 a 0, mas sofreu o empate na segunda etapa, jogando na Vila Belmiro. Já no segundo turno, o Leão saiu vitorioso por 2 a 1, no estádio do Castelão.

Aston Villa are reported to be closing in on their fourth summer signing, with reports suggesting that Unai Emery could be about to spend once more in the transfer market.

The Spaniard was shocked in his first game of the 2023/24 calendar, losing 5-1 to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, however the biggest worry surrounding the club is their injury woes.

Tyrone Mings was forced to withdraw after just half an hour played in the North East, where it has since been confirmed that he will be out of action for the foreseeable future, just days after the revelation of Emiliano Buendia’s injury.

The Argentine will join Mings on the sidelines, with the club revealing prior to the opening fixture that he has sustained a significant injury to his anterior cruciate ligament, spelling an extensive period away from the action.

With injury worries and players rumoured to be departing, it’s expected that Emery will delve back into the market before the end of the transfer window.

Who could Aston Villa sign this summer?

The Villans finally landed Italian attacker Nicolo Zaniolo this week, in a move that will ease the blow to Buendia.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

He isn't the only man they're close to signing, however. Indeed, Fabrizio Romano provided an update on the links to Sevilla full-back Marcos Acuna, with the Midlands club said to expect to “agree terms” with the Spanish outfit soon, with personal terms “already in place”.

The experienced left-back’s arrival could come at the perfect time, with speculation increasing regarding the future of current left-back Lucas Digne.

How good is Marcos Acuna?

Lauded as an “animal” by journalist Facundo Del Real, the 31-year-old has gained vital experience playing in Europe after leaving his home country to join Sporting Lisbon in 2017.

The versatile left-back, with the ability to play in a more advanced role on the flank, has since become an important player for Sevilla, after making the move to Spain three years ago to endeavour on a new journey in the continent.

Now, the full-back could open his eyes to the joys of the English game, with Villa knocking firmly on his door to join Emery at Villa, as well as rekindling his relationship with Monchi, who originally signed him for Los Nervionenses.

At 31, Villa could integrate a player with great playing experience to their side, in what could be the perfect addition following the departure of veteran Ashley Young, who gave a widely valuable knowledge of the game to Emery’s side.

Aside from their extensive experience in professional football, the two bring very similar playing styles to a squad, as supported by their almost mirrored averages last season.

As per FBref, Acuna averaged 2.68 tackles and 4.80 progressive passes per 90 in La Liga last term, showcasing strengths in areas typical for a full-back, with Young following closely in recording 2.21 tackles and 4.73 progressive passes per 90.

Hailed as a “top defender” this week by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after securing an assist against City in the UEFA Super Cup final, the £30k-per-week Argentine has been identified as a player of significant value by arguably the best manager in the Premier League.

After bidding farewell to Young this summer, Emery could almost instantly restore the attributes and quality displayed by the Englishman in the Midlands by signing Acuna, who could bolster the squad’s left side.

Manchester United are open to selling Anthony Martial this summer, and a new report has revealed which club are currently in pole position to secure his services.

When did Anthony Martial join Man United?

The Frenchman first arrived in the Premier League and indeed Old Trafford from AS Monaco back in 2015, and he’s since gone to clock up a total of 298 appearances during his eight years at the club, but last season didn’t pan out as he would have hoped.

The Red Devils centre-forward made just 11 starts in the top-flight during the previous campaign, primarily as a result of sustaining several separate injuries which kept him out of action for 17 matches, so due to not being available on a regular basis, he was only a bit-part player under Erik ten Hag.

Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…

Therefore, with the 27-year-old’s contract expiring in less than a year, the ongoing transfer window will be the club’s final big opportunity to cash in should they not want to risk losing their prized asset for free, and if the following update is to be believed, it sounds like that is exactly what the hierarchy are aiming to do.

Is Anthony Martial leaving Man United?

According to CaughtOffside, Man United will “allow” Martial to leave before September 1. The M16 outfit’s attacker has reportedly failed to “convince” Ten Hag that he is “worthy” of a place in the starting squad and has been viewed as nothing more than a fringe player ever since the departure of former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Red Devils signing Rasmus Hojlund has made the striker’s future “even more uncertain” and he will therefore be given the green-light to find a “new challenge” if a suitable offer arrives.

Inter Milan are, as it stands, the only club “considering making an approach”, and whilst his salary is something that they “will not be able to match”, it’s stated that they have “requested to remain informed” on his situation in the closing weeks of the window.

How many goals has Anthony Martial scored?

Whilst Man United will be frustrated by Martial’s lack of availability last season, the fact that he still managed to rack up 12 goal contributions (nine goals and three assists) in 29 appearances across all competitions shows what he’s capable of, so getting rid of him this summer would be a mistake.

Sponsored by Nike, Ten Hag’s £250k-per-week earner also ranked in the 92nd percentile for pass completion, highlighting how strong his link-up play is with his fellow attacking teammates in and around the opposition's penalty area, making him a constant handful to deal with.

Martial, who is the “perfect” profile of player to fit the boss’ style of football, according to journalist Josh Bunting, can not only operate everywhere across the frontline but he additionally knows what it takes to be successful having helped secure five trophies during his time at the club, so keeping him in the building is vitally important to maintain that winning mentality.

Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is a target for both Bournemouth and Leeds United this summer according to journalist Craig Hope.

The 32-year-old spent the second half of the last campaign on loan at Hull City in the Championship

Is Karl Darlow still at Newcastle United?

Darlow is still at Newcastle, with this being his ninth summer at the Tyneside club following his move from Nottingham Forest in 2014.

The Englishman has made exactly 100 appearances for the Magpies since his move, with the majority of his time being spent as the club's second-choice goalkeeper behind the likes of Martin Dubravka, Tim Krul, and Nick Pope. During the club's one season in the Championship, Darlow was a regular starter under then-manager Rafa Benitez, making 34 appearances as the club went on to win the title and earn promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

The 32-year-old also had an extended spell as a starter under Steve Bruce during the 2020/21 campaign, making 25 appearances before a knee injury ended his season early. The keeper impressed many that season, with Sky Sports pundit Matt Murray stating: "If I'm Karl Darlow, with Steve Bruce resting me against Arsenal, the way he’s played this season, and how patient Karl Darlow has been during his time at Newcastle, I’d have been bashing the door down [if Bruce had selected Dubravka against Sheffield United]. Since Darlow has come in he’s been absolutely awesome. He makes save after save. Even games where they’ve been beaten heavily – against Manchester United he was still excellent. He was man of the match against Tottenham. It’s his right, it should be his shirt to lose, and it would have to be a brave manager to drop any goalkeeper in that kind of form.”

After spending the second half of last season out on loan, it now looks likely that Darlow's career on Tyneside will be coming to an end this summer, with reports stating that Leeds United are interested in bringing in the shot-stopper ahead of their first campaign back in the Championship, whilst Premier League side Bournemouth are reportedly closing in on a deal for the keeper.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Hope revealed that both Bournemouth and Leeds are battling for the player's signature, with his final decision still unknown: "We thought Karl Darlow was definitely off to Bournemouth, but I know that Leeds have emerged as a rival for his signature. It looks almost certain like he’s going to go, whether it’s Bournemouth or Leeds we’ll have to wait and see."

Which club will Karl Darlow join?

Both sides interested in Darlow offer something different for the player to consider.

Should he make the move to Leeds, there is a good chance that he becomes the Yorkshire side's first-choice goalkeeper, especially if the reports that current number one Illan Meslier could depart this summer are true. The 32-year-old has plenty of experience in the Championship, having made 152 appearances in the division across seven seasons with three different clubs, and his campaign as Newcastle's number one in 2016/17 will also be a good reference for Leeds as they hope to achieve what that side achieved and bounce straight back up to the Premier League, and they would know that Darlow has shown he can be relied upon between the sticks for a side that can achieve that.

The move to Bournemouth would allow the English-man to stay in the Premier League for the next season, however, he would most likely struggle for game time at the Cherries due to the presence of former Barcelona keeper Norberto Neto. Darlow has impressed when played in a team that expects to be second best and near the bottom of the table, with that spell during Lockdown sticking out, with then manager Bruce stating after the shot-stoppers impressive performance against Liverpool: "He's had to wait patiently for his chance and certainly with the way he's trained. We've had to call on him a bit too much at times, but there's no denying he's been terrific all season."

It may ultimately come down to what Darlow's aspirations are at the age of 32; play regular football, or be part of a squad competing at the highest level of the English pyramid.

Leicestershire ensured they will go into their final group match, against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, knowing that a win will see them qualify for the quarter-finals

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Aug-2017Mark Cosgrove guided Leicestershire to victory•Getty Images

Leicestershire ensured they will go into their final group match, against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, knowing that a win will see them qualify for the quarter-finals.The Foxes’ four wicket win over the Falcons means that Derbyshire must also win their final match, at home to Worcestershire, to be certain of going through to the knockout stages for the first times since 2005 – although they will also qualify if Leicestershire are beaten by Notts.”We’re over the moon. We knew we would probably have to win our last four games to qualify, and we’ve still got a chance of doing that – it’s not how you start a competition, it’s how you finish it that counts,” Leicestershire head coach, Pierre de Bruyn, said.”We were very good in the field tonight, and Aadil Ali isn’t really a part-time bowler, he’s worked really hard on his offspin over the last year. Then Mark Cosgrove was outstanding, you need a calm head from a senior player in these sort of circumstances, and he controlled our innings.”We know what we’re up against at Notts, but we have momentum, and they will know we are a dangerous side. It’s like a mini quarter-final for us.”Put in on a slightly slow pitch, Derbyshire struggled from the start, scoring just 34 from the six-over Powerplay, and losing their three leading run-getters in reaching just 46. First to go was Billy Godleman, the left-hander losing his leg stump to Gavin Griffiths bowling around the wicket, and Luis Reece quickly followed, caught and bowled off a leading edge by Ali.The key wicket, however, was that of Wayne Madsen, who came into the match having hit 457 runs in the competition this season, but had scored only 10 when he reverse-swept Ali straight into the hands of Callum Parkinson at backward point.With wickets falling at the other end, opener Matt Critchley set his stall out to bat through, and did so successfully, going to a run-a-ball 50 with a six, and finishing on 72 off 60 balls as the Falcons hit 44 from the last four overs of their innings to give their bowlers something to bowl at.Leicestershire’s reply was a nervous one, though it should not have been after they were given their customary flying start by Luke Ronchi. The former New Zealand international lost opening partner Cameron Delport to a fine diving catch by Madsen at backward point, but had hit 32 off 14 balls before he holed out to Alex Hughes at mid-on off Madsen.Colin Ackermann was run out after a fine piece of fielding by Matt Henry, but Cosgrove’s experience was vital as the Australian shepherded the Foxes home, reaching his 50 off 40 balls, and winning the match in the penultimate over with a four over midwicket.Derbyshire captain Daryn Smit said: “It was a strange surface, it looked good, but it didn’t really come on to the bat, and perhaps we should have played a little differently. The batters have done in week in week out this season, but they were bound to have a slip-up eventually. Critch was brilliant but we knew we were 20 runs shy and we’d have to be unbelievable in the field the restrict them. We weren’t far off but one good innings by Cosgrove got them over the line.”We kept fighting though, and showed a lot of character. We have to win tomorrow to be sure of going through, it’s in our hands and we have to go out and do it in front of a good crowd.”

Arsenal’s interest in Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia is far from a secret, however, news reported this week suggested that the Gunners are leading the pursuit.

Mikel Arteta is flexing his desire to bolster his squad this summer with Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber already set to wear the cannon next season, with the transfer window far from over.

As reported by Football Transfers, Arsenal have won the heart of Lavia, who ‘would prefer’ a move to the Emirates over links to Chelsea and Liverpool, putting the club in a 'good position' to sign the Belgian.

Saints are expected to ask for a fee in the region of £50m for the teenager, who only arrived on the south coast from Manchester City’s academy last summer.

Football Transfers added that a deal between Arsenal and the Belgian is moving slowly due to the movements currently going on in north London, with Rice arriving and Thomas Partey reportedly set to depart. That said, talks have been going 'very well' since they began back in April.

How good is Romeo Lavia?

In a dull season for Southampton, Lavia shone as a shining light in midfield for the Saints, sparking rumours that he will not follow the club to the Championship.

The teenager took his first shot at regular first-team football with a firm grasp, making his presence in the middle of the park known, acting as a monstrous figure sitting ahead of the defence.

Hailed as being a “shining star” by journalist Sam Tighe, the Belgian ranked in the top 4% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues in terms of blocks, averaging an impressive 1.90 per 90 to further state his dominance.

For Arsenal, a revamp of the midfield looks destined ahead of the new season, with Granit Xhaka departing and Partey also linked with a move away, the way Arteta’s side will look at the start of the campaign is unpredictable at this moment.

The speculated exits bring positive light in the Gunners’ pursuit of Lavia, who could add significant firepower and a jewel of youth in the Spaniard’s midfield.

It’s already expected that Havertz will be deployed in the middle of the park, making an exciting narrative should the Saints star also arrive at the Emirates, with numbers suggesting that the Belgian could get the best out of the former Chelsea sensation.

To operate as an attacking midfielder, it's imperative to have defensive support in order to balance the flow of the midfield.

Lavia could provide the German with significant cover in ways that Granit Xhaka did last season for Martin Odegaard, highlighted through his 1.02 tackles per 90, as well as providing a competent distribution to set play for the Norwegian, averaging 5.89 progressive passes per 90, via FBref.

The Belgian operated to a similar effect for the Saints as per FBref, averaging 4.13 progressive passes per 90 and excelling defensively with an average of 2.43 tackles and 1.34 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League.

The teenager has strengths in his passing ability and acts as an assured presence when dispatching the ball, making 4.09 passes into the final third per 90 on average last term while maintaining a pass completion rate of 86.2%, via FBref.

Havertz shone in the midfield at Bayer Leverkusen before making the switch to play in a more advanced role for Chelsea, registering 18 goal contributions in the 2019/20 in the Bundesliga.

The 23-year-old had the protection of the likes of Kerem Demirbay that term, who averaged 1.4 tackles per game in the bid to protect the midfield which ultimately allowed those ahead of him to flourish.

Equipping his side with a young player with the capabilities to play a pass and orchestrate the engine room could be a monumental shift in quality for Arteta.