Arsenal have been watching Real Sociedad duo Martin Zubimendi and Robin Le Normand this year, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta have some serious planning to do ahead of the summer transfer window – aiming to maintain their status as an elite Premier League side.

Despite the signing of Jorginho in January, Arsenal are still reliably believed to be chasing a central midfield star, with links surrounding West Ham's Declan Rice recently and especially in the last week.

The 24-year-old is thought to be keen on a move to north London and talks are almost certain to happen later this year, according to journalist Dean Jones. Meanwhile, Arsenal do have alternatives in mind if they fail to swoop for Rice, with Brighton star Moises Caicedo standing out as one of them.

Options from abroad have also been mooted in the press, with Zubimendi being previously linked to joining Arsenal and Arteta. Sharing the latest on their transfer plans, reliable correspondent Romano has news on both the Spaniard and his teammate Le Normand.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano claims that Arsenal have been watching both players this year as they draw up their summer transfer shortlist. He adds that the Sociedad teammates are performing excellently right now as the Gunners send scouts to run the rule over them.

“Arsenal sent their scouts to follow both Zubimendi and Le Normand this year as they’re doing excellent with Sociedad, but nothing is concrete yet,”

“The Gunners’ plans on new signings will be made in the next weeks, nothing is advanced yet. The price for Le Normand is the release clause: €50m.”

Should Arsenal move for Zubimendi or Le Normand?

Both Zubimendi and Le Normand are undroppables under Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil, with goalkeeper Alex Remiro being the only player in their squad to feature over more La Liga minutes than the pair (WhoScored).

Both men are willing to put their body on the line, with Zubimendi and Le Normand averaging Sociedad's second and third-highest rates of blocks per 90 respectively (WhoScored).

Only Igor Zubeldia has averaged more clearances per match than Le Normand, with the Frenchman standing among Sociedad's key defensive players (WhoScored).

In terms of what Zubimendi could bring, one small red flag for Arteta will be his disciplinary record, with the 24-year-old picking up a quite ridiculous 10 yellow cards this season (WhoScored).

Le Normand could just edge his teammate in terms of the numbers, and Arsenal could be more attracted to his exit clause.

Everton’s Premier League survival hopes took yet another hit with a 2-2 draw against Leicester City as Sean Dyche’s men battled back to secure a point, although it may not be enough.

The Toffees took the lead at the King Power through a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty after only 15 minutes and this should have given the away side a surge in confidence, however, the same old defensive failings that have occurred recently let them down.

First Caglar Soyuncu equalised with his first goal since October 2021, before Jamie Vardy netted only his third league strike this season to give the home side a lead.

James Maddison’s penalty was saved by Jordan Pickford and this could be the moment that proves crucial in the relegation battle. Alex Iowbi netted to make it 2-2 with just over half an hour left but no team could find a winner.

Dyche would have been disappointed by a fair few of his starting XI. Dwight McNeil was looking to build on his goal against Newcastle United last week, however aside from his assist for Iwobi, he made just 19 passes and missed a big chance.

It was defender Vitaliy Mykolenko who proved to be one of the worst players for the Toffees in a display that rather summed up his stay at Goodison.

How did Vitaliy Mykolenko perform for Everton?

The left-back was looked upon to link up well with McNeil on the left wing, yet the duo couldn’t exactly get anything going during the clash.

He failed to deliver an accurate cross with that rather epitomising what he's brought to Everton; a lack of attacking acumen.

That was exacerbated by no key passes and no shots as Everton looked to gain an upper hand from anywhere on the pitch.

Taking just 32 touches, he was in possession of the ball on fewer occasions than goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (45 touches) while his 12 passes were also lower than the Everton stopper's, proving he was far from the required standard under Dyche.

Defensively, the £58k-per-week Ukrainian wasn’t much better, losing possession seven times throughout the match, committing two fouls, and winning just three duels from seven as Leicester took advantage of Everton’s lack of confidence at the back.

It was just a poor performance overall with this coming at a time when players should be proving that they can cut it in the team and indeed the division in order to retain their top-flight status. Unfortunately, the left-back has shown time and time again that he cannot be relied upon on a consistent basis.

Chelsea has been named one of the clubs monitoring Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister.

What’s the latest on Alexis Mac Allister to Chelsea?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the World Cup winner is definitely leaving the South Coast this summer and Chelsea have been “interested, but it's not a priority.”

As per the briefing, rivals Liverpool are currently leading the race for the 24-year-old and have already had a direct meeting to present their project and plan to the player.

After Jude Bellingham’s proposed move to Real Madrid, the Reds are set to enhance their chase for Mac Allister.

However, considering the excessive spending of the new Blues ownership, they cannot be discounted, and the midfielder, who is valued at £60m, would be an excellent addition to a side crying out for a rebuild.

Who could Alexis Mac Allister replace at Chelsea?

The £50k-per-week man arrived in the Premier League in 2019 from Argentinos Juniors as a relatively unknown quantity but is now one of the country's most sought-after and consistent players.

The 16-cap international – whose current contract expires in 2025 – was catapulted into worldwide stardom as he played a pivotal role in his nation’s World Cup success, having played in six of the seven games with two goal contributions.

His performances generated much acclaim and Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero labelled the player as "very intelligent."

Domestically, the form has been replicated and the Argentine star has averaged 2.1 tackles per game, a 68% dribble success, and an 88% pass completion to become a fantastic all-rounder.

He is an integral cog of a massively over-achieving Brighton side and has the third-highest rating (7.2) of the squad, as per Sofascore.

This prestigious resume means that Chelsea is sniffing around this tremendous talent, and he could be the ideal replacement for Mateo Kovacic, who is reportedly edging close to an exit from Stamford Bridge.

The Croatian has endured a hugely tricky season and appears a shadow of his former self. The 28-year-old has averaged a horrendous average rating of 6.77, with just the 18th-highest rating on the team.

Compared to Mac Allister, he ranks poorly, making just 1.4 tackles per game and registering a pass accuracy of 86%. It's in attack, however, where there are huge disparities. The Argentine has managed 2.6 shots and 1.2 key passes, whereas the Chelsea dud only manages 0.9 for both metrics.

The former Real Madrid man’s deal runs out in 2024 and the Blues may choose to cash in to avoid losing him on a free next summer and make room for Mac Allister.

The technician is an engaging and attractive prospect, who has appeared across the midfield and has already cemented his legacy by assisting Ángel Di María in the World Cup Final against France.

Although he isn't a priority, welcoming Mac Allister to the club would still be an unbelievable first step in a rebuild for the incoming Mauricio Pochettino.

Everton entered the Amex Stadium on Monday night with more than their fair share of trepidation.

It seeped from the travelling Blue bus; it pervaded from the anxious, but cacophonous away support; it clung to the determined Everton players as they took to the pitch, who knew the magnitude of the task ahead of them – defeat against one of the Premier League's most fluid and high-octane outfits in Brighton & Hove Albion was simply not an option.

Manager Sean Dyche knew this, of course, but trepidation is not an emotion that nestles into the former Burnley boss's mind.

Five previous trips to Brighton had been triumphant for the Clarets, with Dyche at the helm, who extended his unbeaten record at the ground to six matches with an utterly enthralling and emphatic 5-1 thumping.

The Toffees produced one of the 22/23 season's finest displays of counter-attacking football, seamlessly transitioning from the defensive thirds upon winning the ball, fiercely rebuffing the Seagulls' swoops.

Everton ascended from the relegation zone with their victory, now with a two-point cushion over 18th-placed Leicester City, and while the work is not done with three games to go, it was a galvanising win of the most resounding fashion.

There were so many pleasing performances, Dwight McNeil the salient choice after scoring two goals, making one assist and being bestowed a 9.9 Sofascore rating, while Abdoulaye Doucoure scored a brace that showcased his turnaround in form.

However, the return to form for Dominic Calvert-Lewin cannot be understated either, and indeed underpins the route to success for Dyche's men, illuminating a pathway to prominence once again.

How is Dominic Calvert-Lewin playing?

It has been, to put it lightly, a testing couple of seasons for Calvert-Lewin, who has been decimated by injuries and consequently unable to demonstrate anything close to his full potential for the Toffees.

The 26-year-old has missed 32 matches of competitive action since the start of last term, a stricken period coinciding with Everton's stark decline that has left both this season and last engulfed in the shadow of the relegation zone.

But against Brighton, Calvert-Lewin reaffirmed his stature as one of the most industrious and efficient talismanic forces in the English top-flight, with one scout & analyst saying that he "makes the difference again. Unbelievable footballer."

Playing the pass for Abdoulaye Doucoure's early opening strike on the south coast, the £100k-per-week gem recorded a match rating of 7.3, as per Sofascore, complementing his assist with success in nine of his 13 aerial battles, winning two of his four dribbles and exhibiting his defensive desire by making four clearances.

Calvert-Lewin is a gulf away from the free-flowing, prolific form he will covet. Still, undoubtedly, acutely aware of his previous exploits in scoring 21 goals in the 20/21 campaign and rising to the fore under Carlo Ancelotti's wing, invaluable in helping the Blues record a tenth-placed finish on 59 points – just three points behind Tottenham Hotspur in a European-qualifying spot.

Though he embodies the grit and tenacity Dyche demands of his players, ranking among the top 5% of forwards across Europe's big five leagues for aerials won and the top 16% for clearances per 90, as per FBref.

He scored a penalty in Everton's preceding fixture, a 2-2 relegation battle against Leicester City, and is indeed beginning to reacclimatise to life in the thick of Premier League action.

It comes at the perfect time, and he could yet play a defining role in the conclusion of Everton's turbulent campaign. He is looking a man reborn, indeed.

Leeds United defender Liam Cooper could miss the rest of the season and is definitely ruled out of the Premier League game vs Manchester City on Saturday, according to Sam Allardyce.

What's the latest injury news on Cooper?

The Whites suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth during their last top-flight outing but will be hoping to hit the ground running during the new manager's first game in charge when his side make the trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on Pep Guardiola's current league leaders this afternoon, but they will have to do so without the services of their 31-year-old captain.

The Scottish international limped out of the most recent fixture at the Vitality Stadium and was forced off the pitch after just 34 minutes with what is believed to have been a hip injury, and having a history of several spells on the sidelines, there are question marks about how long he will be out for on this particular occasion.

Speaking during his Friday pre-match press conference, Allardyce confirmed that Cooper and four other of his first-team squad members were ruled out of the highly anticipated showdown vs Man City. As quoted by Leeds Live, he said:

"I've only got [Stuart] Dallas, [Tyler] Adams, [Luis] Sinisterra and [Liam] Cooper injured. The rest around that will be picking a team and a system today."

Directly asked whether Cooper had played his final game of the 2022/23 season, the boss responded:

"I have no idea. There's no disrespect but I haven't really focused on that as I was told he wouldn't be fit for this game. So I've only been focused on the players who would be fit for this match."

Will Cooper's absence be a blow for Leeds?

Leeds will know that Cooper is their "leader" with the armband, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting, and considering the authoritive qualities that he brings to not only the defence but the whole team, it will definitely be a massive blow for Allardyce if he was to not feature again for the remainder of the campaign.

The Elland Road centre-back, who currently pockets £25k-per-week, was averaging 3.2 aerial wins and clearances prior to his absence, via WhoScored, not to mention that he's won 22 tackles from 34 players challenged so far this season.

Cooper also led his side to top-flight promotion back in 2019/20 so knows what it means and feels like to have the honour of playing at the highest level, but with this drive and motivation missing from the squad, it will be an uphill battle for his troops trying to maintain that status that he worked so hard to achieve.

Newcastle United target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia completing a blockbuster move to St James' Park this summer isn't likely due to how much the winger would cost, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.

What's the latest transfer news surrounding Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

As per Caught Offside, Napoli winger Kvaratskhelia is attracting interest from both the Premier League and around Europe owing to his excellent performances this season, with Manchester City, Newcastle United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain said to be in the race for his signature.

The report also states that Serie A giants Napoli won't let him go cheaply and a deal to entice the 22-year-old away from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium could cost up to £100 million or more.

According to Corriere Dello Sport via The Sun, Paris Saint-Germain could push the boat out even further to land Kvaratskhelia and would be willing to part with £159 million to secure his services.

Kvaratskhelia has been in scintillating form for Napoli this term, recording 14 goals and 16 assists from 37 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

As per 90min, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Kvaratskhelia earlier this year alongside his teammate Victor Osimhen, stating: “Kvaratskhelia is a great player, he is doing well with Victor Osimhen, they are very efficient."

Speaking to Football FanCast, Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie doesn't believe Newcastle United will be able to afford Kvaratskhelia in the summer, making a prospective move to St James' Park unlikely.

Downie told FFC: "I think they've maybe pushed the ball out for a holding midfielder who's going to come straight into the team, but would a winger come straight into the team? I'm not too sure; they need to make sure they don't upset the applecart as well, so if they're looking for, say, £100 million for the guy from Napoli [Kvaratskhelia], I don't see that happening. I think you're looking at more players around about the sort of £30-40 million mark I think we saw for Bruno, Botman and Gordon."

Would Newcastle United fork out a significant fee for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

Although it's theoretically possible, Newcastle United forking out north of £100 million for Kvaratskhelia would likely diminish their available budget to spend on incomings elsewhere at St James' Park, which may prove to be a decisive roadblock in their pursuit of the Georgia international.

The 22-year-old is definitely worth paying significant money for, as evidenced by WhoScored, who show that he has managed to complete an average of 2.8 dribbles per match this campaign, demonstrating his ability to progress beyond his marker regularly.

FBRef also note that Kvaratskhelia has successfully carried out 160 shot-creating actions in all competitions across 2022/23, illustrating his elite-level ingenuity from the flank.

It would probably take a monumental push from Newcastle United to force a deal over the line for Kvaratskhelia; nevertheless, both supporters and officials inside the club have earned the right to dream following a stellar season that could yield Champions League qualification.

أنهى مسؤولو نادي الزمالك أزمة مستحقات نادي كاراكاس الفنزويلي والخاصة بـ ضم سامسون أكينيولا مهاجم الفريق الكروي.

وكان أكينيولا قد انضم إلى صفوف الزمالك خلال صيف 2022 من أجل تدعيم صفوف الفريق إلا أنه لم يقدم المطلوب منه حتى الآن.

ويسعى مسؤولو الزمالك لحل أزمة إيقاف قيد النادي وتدعيم صفوفه في فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الحالية.

طالع | أحمد سليمان: بعض لاعبي الأهلي يريدون الانضمام لـ الزمالك

وعلم “بطولات”، أن الزمالك اتفق على دفع قيمة صفقة سامسون كاملة والبالغة 450 ألف دولار.

وذلك يأتي من أجل إنهاء القضية الخاصة برفع القيد، لتتبقى قضية سبورتنج لشبونة فقط الخاصة بـ شيكابالا.

ويستعد الزمالك للمشاركة في بطولة نادي الوحدة الإماراتي الودية بأبو ظبي والمقرر إقامتها خلال الفترة 18 وحتى 24 يناير الجاري بمشاركة أندية الوحدة الإماراتي والاتفاق السعودي وأم صلال القطري.

وبعدها سيشارك الزمالك في بطولة كأس دبي للتحدي خلال الفترة من 26 وحتى 28 يناير، بجانب أندية الرجاء المغربي والأهلي السعودي ووهان ثري تاونز الصيني، على أن تقام المباريات على استاد آل مكتوم.

Manchester United have enjoyed a resurgence under Erik ten Hag this season, with the Dutchman asserting his own stamp on the faltering side and leading them to a League Cup victory, an FA Cup final appearance and a genuine chance of securing Champions League football next season.

They are by no means the finished article however, with several flaws keeping them from reaching their potential. For instance, they have scored just 49 goals in the Premier League this term, a massive 38 goals fewer than leaders Manchester City and this needs to improve next season.

Aside from Marcus Rashford, no other United forward has scored more than ten goals and Ten Hag must surely be aiming to bolster his attacking options this summer in order to take the Old Trafford side to the next level.

Frenchman Randal Kolo Muani has been linked recently, with Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg tweeting:

“News Kolo Muani: Understand #MUFC is the club who is pushing the most at this stage! More than #FCBayern! Player has not taken any decision yet. No verbal agreement with any club. His management is sounding out the market. It’s up to Bayern now in order to make thenext step after talks between Tuchel & the bosses.”

Could Man United sign Randal Kolo Muani this summer?

He has a contract until 2027 at Eintracht Frankfurt and is currently valued at €63.3m (£56m) by Football Transfers, meaning he could cost a hefty fee this summer.

Ten Hag could land his own Thierry Henry in the 24-year-old however, and this could be the clincher in any potential deal.

The official Bundesliga website stated that Kolo Muani is similar to the France and Arsenal icon, having a ‘languid dribbling style’ and ‘immense turns of speed’ which were traits Henry was famous for.

The Frankfurt forward also started his career primarily in a wide position before turning into a dangerous centre forward – just like Henry – and although the former Arsenal frontman came to prominence early in his career, Kolo Muani is just starting to gain widespread acclaim over the previous 12 months.

21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this term certainly suggests he possesses similar attributes to Henry, in the sense that he is extremely clinical in front of goal however is adept at creating many chances for his teammates, and this could only be beneficial for Ten Hag heading into the future.

Once lauded as a “top-class talent” by journalist Zach Lowy following his impressive showing in the World Cup final, there is no doubt that the 24-year-old could settle into life at the Red Devils with ease, especially considering his displays throughout this season.

Glenn Maxwell produced a jaw-dropping 46 not out from 26 balls to deliver Australia into the tri-series final and left his batting partner Mitchell Marsh lost for words at the other end

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jun-2016In the lead-up to Australia’s must-win match against West Indies, acting coach Justin Langer spoke of how important Glenn Maxwell’s experience and finishing ability could become at the business end of the tri-series. As if on cue, Maxwell produced a jaw-dropping 46 not out from 26 balls to deliver Australia into the tri-series final and left his batting partner Mitchell Marsh lost for words at the other end.Australia needed 62 off 50 balls with six wickets in hand when Maxwell walked to the crease, a man who had failed to reach double figures in any of his past five ODI innings and had been dropped earlier in the series. But Maxwell found his x-factor and got Australia home with eight balls to spare, along the way reverse-sweeping Sunil Narine for six.”I said give yourself a few balls mate and then go for it,” Marsh said. “I was literally speechless at the other end watching an innings like that. Maxi has had a lot of doubt and hasn’t been in the greatest of form but an innings like that tonight shows why he’s one of the first picked in this side, because he’s so dangerous and can win us games like that in a few overs. Really rapt for him.”He actually told me we’ll just take them for ones. Next thing he’s playing a reverse-sweep for six. I absolutely loved it. Maxi is a free spirit, you’ve just got to let him go and do what he does. When it comes off like that it’s unbelievable to watch.”Maxwell and Marsh steered Australia to victory with their 62-run partnership, which followed on from a 122-run stand between Marsh and captain Steven Smith. Marsh’s innings of 79 not out from 85 deliveries was critical given that he had come to the crease at 99 for 3 chasing 283, and like Maxwell he had struggled for batting form in the series, having not reached 20 in any of his previous for innings.”It’s right up there, I think any time you can bat through an innings and be not out in a win in a crucial chase like that, it’s very satisfying,” Marsh said of his own innings. “I’ve put in a lot of work. I haven’t had much of an opportunity – well, I have, but I haven’t taken them in this series. So it was really nice to step up and get us over the line.”Australia’s place in Sunday’s tri-series final in Barbados is now secure, and they will take on the winner of Friday’s clash between West Indies and South Africa.

يستعد منتخب مصر الأولمبي لخوض مباراة قوية، اليوم السبت، أمام نظيره الإمارات، في إطار منافسات دورة دبي الدولية الودية.

منتخب مصر يشارك في البطولة الودية بمدينة دبي في الإمارات بجانب منتخبات السعودية وقطر والإمارات والعراق.

وكان منتخب مصر بقيادة البرازيلي روجيرو ميكالي، قد تعادل في المباراة الأولى مع قطر، سلبيًا، وخسر أمام العراق في المواجهة الثانية بهدف دون رد.

طالع أيضًا | بعد محمد صلاح.. منتخب مصر يحدد المركز الثاني الذي سيدعمه بلاعب من الكبار في الأولمبياد تشكيل منتخب مصر الأولمبي المتوقع أمام الإمارات اليوم

في حراسة المرمى: حمزة علاء.

خط الدفاع: كريم الدبيس وحسام عبدالمجيد ومحمد طارق وأحمد عيد.

خط الوسط: محمد شحاتة ومحمود جهاد ومحمود صابر.

في الهجوم: مصطفى سعد ميسي، أسامة فيصل، أحمد عاطف قطة.

ومن المقرر أن تنطلق منافسات دورة الألعاب الأولمبية باريس 2024 في أغسطس من العام المقبل، وتأهل إليها منتخب مصر بعد احتلاله وصافة كأس أمم إفريقيا تحت 23 عامًا التي أقيمت في المغرب.