Igor Tudor sacked by Juventus amid eight-game winless run just months after signing contract with Serie A giants

Juventus have decided to part ways with head coach Igor Tudor, ending their seven-month journey together in which he guided the club to a top-four Serie A finish and Champions League qualification. But after an eight-game winless run and mounting pressure, the club have acted decisively by appointing Juventus Next Gen coach Massimo Brambilla as a stopgap while directors probe short-term fixes and long-term replacements to steady a wounded team.

  • Juventus sack head coach Igor Tudor

    Juventus confirmed the sacking of head coach Tudor on Monday after an alarming eight-game winless run that leaves the club languishing outside the Champions League places. The decision was driven by the team’s ongoing struggles in front of goal and the sense that Tudor’s ideas had failed to take hold. The 46-year-old, who joined Juventus in March, departs just months after signing a contract extension until 2027.

    Juventus went to the Stadio Olimpico aiming for a response but instead suffered a 1-0 loss to Lazio that underlined a wider crisis. The Bianconeri have now failed to score in four consecutive games and are eight matches without a win. The attack has dried up and despite deploying two strikers at times, the final third has been blunt, chances have been wasted and defensive lapses punished. Como’s earlier surprise win and the subsequent run of draws and defeats revealed structural problems rather than one-off bad luck.

    After the final whistle on Sunday, tensions spilled over in Turin and inside the club the decision was taken: Tudor would be relieved. Before the announcement, the Croatian faced the media and addressed his players’ responsibility and morale, offering a mixture of realism and defiance. He insisted the squad must stay united and work harder to fix their mistakes which could be a message aimed at keeping dressing-room cohesion even as the board prepared a managerial change.

    "Juventus FC announces that it has today relieved Igor Tudor of his duties as head coach of the Men's First Team, along with his staff consisting of Ivan Javorcic, Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci," a statement read.

    "The Club thanks Igor Tudor and his entire staff for their professionalism and dedication over the past few months and wishes them all the best for their future careers.
    "

  • Advertisement

  • AFP

    Tudor’s brief but eventful reign in Italy

    Tudor’s tenure began with promise. Appointed in March 2025 to replace Thiago Motta, he was tasked with stabilising Juventus and leading them back into the top four, a goal he achieved, securing Champions League qualification and earning a two-year extension until 2027. His early record spoke volumes with five wins, three draws, one defeat in nine Serie A matches.

    Under Tudor, Juventus displayed renewed tactical discipline and defensive stability. He reintroduced aggression and compact pressing, while young stars like Kenan Yildiz flourished under his guidance. “We feel terrible, but we need to stick together and pull through,” Tudor had said after the 1-0 defeat to Lazio. “Everyone is responsible — we’ll play again in two days, and with a win we can get going again.”

    But the momentum evaporated quickly. Juve have now gone four matches without a goal and eight without a win, a sequence that saw them crash out of domestic rhythm and stall in Europe. Their last victory came in mid-September with a thrilling 4-3 win over Inter, but since then, their attack has dried up. Even Tudor admitted after the Lazio defeat:

    “Today we tried with two strikers, we were there and had chances, but we’re definitely missing something. When you get to the final 20 meters, someone has to score, otherwise you get punished.”

    The loss to Lazio was the tipping point. Fans grew restless, and internal discussions intensified as the gap widened between Tudor’s tactical stubbornness and the club’s evolving vision under incoming CEO Damien Comolli.

  • Who could be Juventus’ next manager?

    With Brambilla appointed only as a temporary solution, Juventus have already begun evaluating long-term candidates. According to multiple reports, Roberto Mancini, Luciano Spalletti and Raffaele Palladino top the list.

    Mancini, recently departed from Saudi Arabia, brings experience and composure, with a track record that includes a Premier League title, three Serie A crowns and the Euro 2020 triumph with Italy. His structured yet flexible style appeals to Juventus’ management, who seek stability and tactical maturity.

    Spalletti, the architect of Napoli’s 2023 Scudetto, represents another high-profile choice. Known for fluid football and nurturing young talent, his methods align closely with Comolli’s long-term vision for Juventus with a dynamic, high-tempo side built around emerging stars like Yildiz and Jonathan David.

    Palladino, though less experienced, has admirers within the club for his progressive ideas and his success with Monza and Fiorentina. From abroad, names such as Edin Terzic and Marco Rose have also surfaced, both renowned for their modern tactical identities and youth development credentials.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty Images Sport

    Brambilla steps in to begin Juve's new chapter

    In the wake of Tudor’s dismissal, Brambilla steps up from Juventus Next Gen with the task of steadying a side short on confidence and cohesion. This is not unfamiliar territory for the 51-year-old coach, who has earned respect within the club for his tactical clarity, calm temperament, and commitment to developing young talent.

    Brambilla first managed Juventus Next Gen between 2022 and mid-2024, leading them to the Coppa Italia Serie C final and the Serie C play-offs, where they achieved their best-ever league finish clinching the seventh spot. After briefly departing, he returned to the setup in November 2024, taking charge of a struggling side that had won just once in 14 matches. Within months, Brambilla revitalised the squad, steering them clear of relegation danger and back into the play-off zone. His success in nurturing players like Dean Huijsen and Yildiz showcased his ability to blend youth with a structured, attacking philosophy.

    That same progressive mindset now gives Juventus hope. Brambilla favours constructive, possession-based football, encouraging vertical play and intelligent pressing – an approach that contrasts Tudor’s rigid structure. As Juventus prepares for a demanding run, starting with Udinese, then Cremonese away, and Sporting CP in the Champions League, Brambilla’s interim spell doubles as an audition. If he can inspire a response from this underperforming squad, the hierarchy may be tempted to extend his stewardship.

Amorim upgrade: "Best coach in the PL" would now "love" to manage Man Utd

Manchester United’s situation on the pitch is one that needs a rapid change in the coming weeks, especially if boss Ruben Amorim is to save his job at Old Trafford.

The 40-year-old will mark a year in charge in just over a month’s time, but it remains to be seen if he will reach such a landmark given the Red Devils’ dismal displays in recent weeks.

His men have lost three of their first six Premier League matches in 2025/26, whilst also being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby Town.

Such results see the club occupy a place just above the relegation zone, just as they did last campaign, whilst already missing out on the opportunity to win a piece of silverware this season.

As a result, pressure has rapidly been building on Amorim’s shoulders, with numerous options already being lined up by the hierarchy should they decide to make a change of manager.

The latest on Man Utd’s shortlist of Amorim replacements

After winning the FA Cup and Community Shield within the last few months, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has emerged as one of the options United could turn to if Amorim is sacked.

Such a move would be an excellent appointment, but it remains unclear at this stage whether the Austrian would be open to a switch to Old Trafford given his recent success at Selhurst Park.

However, he’s not the only manager currently in their sights, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola another option under consideration, according to TEAMtalk.

Their report claims that the Spaniard “would love” to take over at the Theatre of Dreams, with such a move reflecting his rapid rise in his managerial career.

It also states that the 43-year-old only has one year left on his contract at the Vitality, with the Cherries potentially having no choice but to allow him to depart in order to gain a compensation package.

Why United’s manager hunt could see an Amorim upgrade arrive

After joining last November, it’s safe to say no United fan would have expected the club’s form to take a further nose-dive after Amorim filled the hot-seat after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.

The Portuguese boss arrived with huge expectations after winning two Liga Portugal titles during his spell in charge of Sporting CP – even beating Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League prior to his move to England.

However, the 40-year-old has only achieved a 39% win rate in his 49 matches at the helm, with the defeat against Brentford last Saturday, the 21st of his tenure.

Such a result made it nine losses in the club’s last 15 league matches, with promoted sides such as Sunderland and Leeds United already ahead of them in the current standings.

A change is desperately needed, with a move for Iraola offering the Red Devils the fresh impetus they’ve desperately craved over the last couple of months.

AFC Bournemouth manager AndoniIraolalooks dejected after the match

Should he join the club, the first team would no doubt go back to a 4-2-3-1 system, something which Amorim has refused to do, but also offering the hierarchy an improvement on the man currently at the helm.

When comparing their respective stats in the Premier League, the difference is there for all to see, with the Spaniard a perfect option to right the wrongs of the last 12 months.

Games managed

94

49

Wins

38

19

Draws

22

9

Losses

34

21

Goals conceded

1.4

1.9

Points won

115

66

Points per game

1.5

1.3

Win percentage

40.4%

38.7%

Iraola, who in the words of journalist James Horncastle – via John Brewin of the Libero podcast – is the “best coach in the Premier League”, has achieved a 40% win rate at the Vitality, a rate higher than that of Amorim, winning 38 of his 94 matches in charge – subsequently doing so on a shoestring budget.

He’s also achieved a better point per game rate to date, with his side also conceding fewer goals per 90 – subsequently offering the Red Devils the needed defensive quality they’ve lacked.

The former Rayo Vallecano boss led the Cherries to a top-half finish last time around, something which Amorim was unable to do with a vastly more expensive squad at his disposal.

There’s no denying that the 40-year-old is on borrowed time, with the hierarchy desperately needing to make a decision soon to avoid another embarrassing campaign.

Should he be given his matching orders, it’s clear that Iraola would be a phenomenal option, with the Spaniard’s desire to make the move another reason why he should be the man to transform the club’s fortunes.

He's Klopp 2.0: "Incredible" boss is Man Utd's top target to replace Amorim

Manchester United now have a new option to replace Ruben Amorim as manager at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 1, 2025

Berta now planning to sell £265k-per-week Arsenal "big name" in January

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, after a hectic summer transfer window, is maintaining his busy schedule behind-the-scenes long after the summer transfer window’s closure.

Mikel Arteta was backed with eight summer signings costing north of £250 million, including the addition of talismanic striker Viktor Gyokeres and England international playmaker Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal’s confirmed summer signings

Price tag

Kepa Arrizabalaga

£5m

Martin Zubimendi

£60m

Christian Norgaard

£15m

Noni Madueke

£52m

Cristhian Mosquera

£13m

Viktor Gyokeres

£55m

Eberechi Eze

£67.5m

Piero Hincapie

Loan

The on-pitch result of these key deals will be crucial in determining whether the Gunners can end their long wait for a Premier League title, which has now spanned 21 years, and the pressure is on Arteta to deliver silverware with no place to hide.

Arsenal take on Nottingham Forest, now managed by former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, this Saturday and only a victory will do to recover from their damning 1-0 defeat against English champions Liverpool prior to the international break.

Arsenal manager MikelArtetacelebrates after Bukayo Saka scores their second goal

That being said, whilst Arteta has been backed to the hilt, the Spaniard does have injury problems to contend with.

William Saliba and Bukayo Saka will be out for the foreseeable future alongside Kai Havertz, who is expected to be out for many weeks after undergoing knee surgery.

The German’s injury prompted Berta to hijack Tottenham’s once-advanced deal for Eze, and Arteta couldn’t predict the number of months he’ll be out for when speaking about Havertz at a recent press conference.

Havertz isn’t the only versatile forward out of action right now, as Arsenal continue to wait for Gabriel Jesus’ return to the fold.

The Brazilian enjoyed a terrific purple patch of form midway through last season, but unfortunately ruptured his ACL during an FA Cup defeat to Man United in January — ending Jesus’ season as he still continues to recover.

Jesus might not be back for Arsenal until 2026, by which time the former Man City striker may not even be at the club anymore.

Arsenal could now sell Gabriel Jesus in January

As per Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Arsenal are planning to potentially sell Jesus in the January transfer window, and could be one of two “big name” players to make way alongside Leandro Trossard.

Even once the £265,000-per-week star returns to full fitness, he is expected to be behind both Havertz and Gyokeres in the pecking order — meaning that the writing could be on the wall for Jesus’ departure next year.

Given their seismic summer investment, it is highly likely that Berta will be forced to sell if he wishes to add players mid-season — with Jesus and Trossard coming as the most likely sacrifices alongside Gabriel Martinelli.

According to other reports, Martinelli could also be sold by Arsenal in January, as the Gunners maintain an interest in Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

"Big trouble" – Glasner's Crystal Palace transfer claim on Guehi to Liverpool

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has warned the Eagles they will be in “big trouble” if they lose captain Marc Guehi before making any further signings.

Eze to leave Crystal Palace for Arsenal

Despite winning the FA Cup and Community Shield, it has been a frustrating summer for those at Selhurst Park. Not much money has been spent, they have been demoted to the Europa Conference League from the Europa League and are now set to lose star attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze.

Eze, who was not involved in the 1-0 Conference League first-leg play-off victory over Fredrikstad, is expected to complete a £60million move to Arsenal.

Talking about Eze’s absence on Thursday evening, Glasner said he revealed he received a phone call from Eze, who said he was not feeling well enough to play.

“I’m responsible for Crystal Palace and I think he won’t play for us again,” said Glasner when asked to confirm whether Eze was heading to the Emirates Stadium. “So I have to prepare the team for Nottingham (Forest, in the Premier League on Sunday) and for the second leg against Fredrikstad, and I’m planning without Eberechi.”

Walter Benitez

PSV Eindhoven

Free

Borna Sosa

Ajax

£3m

Quizzed as to whether Eze was feeling physically or mentally unwell, the Palace boss merely replied: “You have to ask him. Maybe in a few days (you can ask).”

As big a talent as Eze: Crystal Palace enter race to sign "magic" £40m star

Crystal Palace are on the hunt for a big-money Eze replacement.

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 21, 2025 Glasner makes Guehi claim amid Liverpool links

Meanwhile, Guehi, who did play against Fredrikstad, has been linked with a move to Liverpool before the deadline closes. However, talking after the first leg victory, Glasner said Palace would be in “big trouble” if they sold Guehi before replacing him.

Asked if he was referring to just the return trip to Fredrikstad or the whole season, Glasner continued.

More prolific than Strand Larsen: Wolves in talks to sign £25m "top striker"

Wolverhampton Wanderers haven’t enjoyed the best of starts to the new Premier League campaign, having been thrashed by Manchester City before losing at Bournemouth by a one-goal margin, under the cosh for much of the contest.

Panic stations? Hardly. Wolves showed their quality and spirit when overcoming West Ham United in the midweek Carabao Cup clash, and have the chance to get their league season up and running when welcoming Everton to Molineux on Saturday.

Wolves players engage in a minute's applause.

One of the potential sticking points in mounting fluency and consistency over the coming months is the thought of losing goalscoring talisman Jørgen Strand Larsen, who is the subject of a flurry of bids from Newcastle United as the window winds down.

Strand Larsen's Wolves future

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi is adamant that Strand Larsen is going nowhere this summer, but the centre-forward has politely requested to join Newcastle United, who have seen three quick-succession bids – the latest of which worth £60m – rejected for the 25-year-old.

Having seen his loan spell made permanent this summer, you can understand the hierarchy’s stance, but every eventuality must be accounted for.

Wolves need to sign another striker, not least because Vitor Pereira lost Matheus Cunha to Manchester United a few months ago.

Well, according to Fabrizio Romano, Wolves have opened talks with Belgian club Genk for striker Tolu Arokodare, insinuating that pace is gathering on the Strand Larsen front, even if the Old Gold are maintaining their stance that the Norwegian is not for sale.

Genk striker Tolu Arokodare

Valued at £25m, Fulham have also registered their interest in the Nigerian number nine this summer, but Wolves appear to hold the lead in the race at his late stage.

What Tolu Arokodare would bring to Wolves

Strand Larsen has played an important part for Wolves since joining from Celta Vigo last summer, scoring 14 goals as Pereira’s side staved off the threat of relegation that served as a backdrop to the campaign.

If he does end up leaving for St. James’ Park, Wolves would need an adequate replacement, and Arokodare has the skills to thrive in his stead, having scored 17 goals in 2024/25 to stand proud as the Juliper Pro League top scorer.

Genk manager Thorsten Fink was full of praise when discussing his marksman, hailing him as a “top striker” and drawing attention to his pace, power, height and two-footedness.

In that regard, the 24-year-old would appear a natural successor to Wolves’ current frontman, whose mobility and presence on the ball have allowed him to dovetail into Premier League life.

Hitherto a loanee in Germany and France, Arokodare has settled in Belgium, going from strength to strength. Across his 113 matches with Genk, who have won two of the past three league titles, the towering ace has scored 41 goals and has supplied 12 assists.

For sure, there’s more still to come. He’s not the most clinical, missing a slew of big chances across the recent season, but his thirst for success in the final third lends itself to a constant stream of goals.

With such a robust and focused style, he could easily replace Strand Larsen at Molineux, should push come to shove, having proven himself to be even more prolific than Wolves’ current marksman, across the last 365 days.

Goals

0.45

0.62

Assists

0.14

0.22

Shots taken

1.96

4.98

Touches (att pen)

3.78

8.73

Shot-creating actions

1.43

3.40

Pass completion

65.1%

74.9%

Progressive passes

1.01

1.32

Progressive carries

0.56

1.15

Successful take-ons

0.24

0.88

Aerial duels

2.41

4.41

Arokodare’s prowess as Genk’s striker comes with the caveat that he has, of course, been plying his trade at a different level than the Premier League, whereas Strand Larsen has leapt right into the ostensibly toughest division out there.

But still. There’s no denying that the rising goalscorer shares some interesting properties with Strand Larsen, and that Wolves could strike gold by sealing his signature in the coming days and turning a hefty profit on their current number nine.

Their new Dawson: Wolves in talks to sign "dominant" £30m star

Wolves could sign a Premier League defender.

ByWill Miller Aug 25, 2025

Worth more than Gibbs-White: Spurs have struck gold on "unbelievable" star

Tottenham Hotspur’s business in the transfer market over the last couple of years has been seriously impressive, helping the club end the 17-year wait for any form of silverware.

Attention has been turned to investing in younger talents, buying them at bargain prices and allowing them to develop and improve to reach their full potential in North London.

The likes of Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall are just two examples, with the pair featuring in a combined tally of 100 outings between them despite their tender ages.

Both have shown the rewards their current recruitment focus could yield if done correctly, with Thomas Frank needing to continue such a trend ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, they’ve also spent big in the past, as seen by Mohammed Kudus’ £55m transfer from West Ham United this window, with other big-money additions also being lined up.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for Morgan Gibbs-White

Two weeks ago, Spurs triggered the £60m release clause in Morgan Gibbs-White’s contract at Nottingham Forest, with a deal expected to progress after such a move.

However, that switch swiftly ground to a halt after Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis raised an issue with the transfer, claiming that the Lilywhites made an illegal approach for his signature.

Morgan Gibbs-White 2024-25 stats (timeless)

No one even knew that the England international had an option in his current deal, entering talks with the player and his agent without the approval of his current employers.

It had subsequently been reported that the 25-year-old remained keen on a move to North London this summer, although the latest developments appear to suggest otherwise.

Having travelled with the Forest squad on their pre-season tour of Portugal, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has since quashed any speculation after penning a new deal with the Tricky Trees.

The playmaker has committed his future to City Ground until 2028, with journalist Fabrizio Romano outlining that a move to Spurs is now “off”.

The Spurs player who’s already worth more than Gibbs-White

With Gibbs-White undoubtedly one of the hierarchy’s main targets this summer, other options will likely be drawn up as a result of his decision to stay put in Nottingham.

Morgan Gibbs-White for Nottingham Forest.

However, trust should be placed in the recruitment team to make the right call, something which they’ve done as seen by their recent success rate in the market.

As previously mentioned, with the likes of Bergvall and Sarr, the club have got it right in previous times, just like they have with winger Brennan Johnson, who’s excelled at the club in recent months.

The Welsh international arrived in a £47.5m deal from Forest back in the summer of 2023, with such a price tag appearing a huge chunk given he’d only had one prior year of top-flight experience.

However, a couple of years on from his transfer, it appears to be a shrewd piece of business, racking up a total of 23 goals within his 85 appearances for the club.

18 of which came in the most recent campaign, subsequently proving all of his doubters wrong after he was forced to deactivate his social media accounts following abuse from supporters for his lack of impact.

The 24-year-old is also responsible for one of the biggest moments in the club’s recent history, scoring the winner in the Europa League final – topping off a dream campaign for the youngster.

As a result of his rise in the last few months, Johnson, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by international teammate Aaron Ramsey, is now valued at a staggering €75m (£66m) by CIES Football Observatory.

His subsequent value is higher than that of Gibbs-White, who’s deemed to be worth £60m due to his release clause, showcasing the phenomenal rise he’s endured during his time at the Lilywhites.

Tottenham’s most expensive signings of all time

Rank

Player

Fee

Signed from

Year

1

Dominic Solanke

£65m

Bournemouth

2024

2

Tanguy Ndombele

£62.8m

Lyon

2019

3

Richarlison

£60m

Everton

2022

4

Mohammed Kudus

£55m

West Ham

2025

5

Brennan Johnson

£47.5m

Nottingham Forest

2023

6

Micky van de Ven

£43m

Wolfsburg

2023

7

Cristian Romero

£42.5m

Atalanta

2021

8

Davinson Sanchez

£42m

Ajax

2017

Stats via Transfermarkt

If he can continue his incredible form into the 2025/26 campaign, he will be a key player in Frank’s quest to lead the side up the Premier League table.

The prospect of Johnson linking up with Gibbs-White once again after their time at the City Ground was certainly an exciting one, although the former teammates will remain foes against next season.

Bigger talent than Gibbs-White: Spurs open first talks to sign £70m CM

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making a move for another young Premier League talent this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 24, 2025

Cartwright catches lucky break as WA grind down Tasmania

Jayden Goodwin and Hilton Cartwright will look to extend their strong partnership for WA, who moved to within 87 of Tasmania’s first-innings total in Hobart

AAP02-Nov-2024Hilton Cartwright was fortunate to survive a seemingly regulation caught-behind decision late on day two as Western Australia seized control of their Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania at Bellerive Oval.After Sam Fanning (68) laid a stoic early platform, Jayden Goodwin (73 not out) and Cartwright (48n not out) helped lift WA to 220 for 2 at stumps on Saturday, 87 runs short of Tasmania’s 317.WA will look to erase the deficit early on Sunday before aiming to construct a match-winning lead.Inside the last half-hour of play on Saturday, after a tough day of toil for the home side’s bowlers, Mitchell Owen drew a thick edge from Cartwright, who was on 38, which was pouched low but cleanly by wicketkeeper Jake Doran.The umpires got together before confirming, to Tasmania’s shock, that the original not-out decision would stand.Goodwin and Cartwright have combined for an unbeaten 91-run third-wicket stand, accelerating late after two sessions of attritional grind.”We’ve got two guys who are set at the crease, so I think we’re in a strong position,” Fanning said. “If we want to move the game forward, I think it’s in our hands. We’re set nicely.”

Tasmania’s lower order spent 17.3 overs poking around for 15 runs, after resuming on 302 for 7, before WA crawled to 23 without loss at lunch in reply. The opening session reaping just 38 runs from 28.3 painstaking overs.Lawrence Neil-Smith made six of 77 balls, while Kieran Elliott’s 77-ball stay ended on 21 thanks to a marvellous one-handed slips catch from Cameron Gannon.Teague Wyllie (22) was the only WA batter to fall before tea, trapped plumb lbw by left-arm orthodox spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.Fanning dominated the 70-run first-wicket union with Wyllie and moved to his highest first-class score before chasing a wide half-volley from Bradley Hope, which he feathered to Doran.”I see a pathway for us to victory – four overs to go before the new ball,” Kuhnemann said. If we can take some wickets early tomorrow and put some pressure on, day three is moving day. I think the bowlers did a decent job, but tomorrow’s a massive day for us.”

Arsenal now keen on signing £70m PL striker who received offer from Chelsea

Arsenal are now keen on signing a Premier League striker who has a £70m asking price, with his club now willing to sanction a departure this summer, according to a report.

Gunners' striker pursuit rumbles on

There have been persistent calls for Mikel Arteta to sign a striker for quite some time now, although Ian Wright has stressed the importance of signing the right player, rather than rushing into any decision.

The Gunners legend said: “I think that the worry [for Arsenal] more than anything is that you can go out there and pay 60, 70, 80 for a striker and it doesn’t work. I don’t think Arsenal can afford to get that striker that doesn’t hit the ground running for them.

“They have to get the one that they want, and maybe that is what Mikel is doing, and in the meantime, he’s trying to get by and again we’ve fallen short of it.”

With the summer transfer window now rapidly approaching, there is certainly no shortage of options on the shortlist, with recruitment chiefs searching far and wide for a new forward, who could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arteta’s side.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

£70m

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

£67m

Hugo Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt

£84m

Julian Alvarez

Atletico Madrid

£126m

There are also options from within the Premier League, however, and a report from The Sun has revealed Arsenal are now keen on signing Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro, with the Seagulls willing to cash-in for £70m this summer.

Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also credited with an interest in Pedro, while Chelsea are known to have made a £51m bid for the forward recently, with the Blues still looking to sign a striker despite advancing towards a deal for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

"Special" Pedro enjoyed impressive 24/25 campaign

It could make sense for Arsenal to bring in a striker who is already proven in the Premier League, and the Brighton star fits the bill in that regard, having picked up ten goals and six assists in 27 matches during the 2024-25 campaign.

Presenter Sam Ucko has also been left impressed by the Brazilian in the past, describing him as a “special player”, who will “go to the very top”.

Arsenal eye bid to sign £35m Premier League ace who can "reach" Mane level

The Gunners have now identified a new wide target, who could go on to reach the level of Liverpool legend Sadio Mane.

ByDominic Lund Jun 2, 2025

That said, there are doubts over whether the 23-year-old would be capable of taking Arsenal’s attack to the next level, given that he is not an out-and-out striker, ranking in just the 19th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year.

Instead, it may be suitable to bring in a striker who is clinical in front of goal, and the Gunners have now agreed personal terms with Gyokeres, who scored 39 goals in 33 games for Liga Portugal title-winners Sporting CP.

Leicester City eye move for new 40 y/o manager who has same agent as Vardy

Leicester City appear to have their eyes on a new 4-2-3-1 manager who could come in to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy at the King Power Stadium.

Update on Van Nistelrooy’s future at Leicester City after unwanted record

It has been a hugely disappointing campaign for the Foxes, who are on course for an immediate return to the Championship from the Premier League.

Van Nistelrooy’s side fell to a 3-0 defeat last time out, a record eighth successive top-flight loss at home where Leicester have failed to score a goal.

That is an unwanted record, and there has been plenty of speculation regarding Van Nistelrooy’s future at Leicester.

Talking to Leicester City news, Graeme Bailey said that it is “highly unlikely” Van Nistelrooy remains in charge following Leicester’s pending relegation.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy’s future has not officially been decided, but I am told at this point it is highly unlikely he continues, not impossible, but unlikely.

“He was not backed in January, and some would argue his position has been almost untenable since that failure from those above him, although there is also a feeling in the squad that they did not perform at their best.”

Offer ready: Arsenal keen to bid £30m for "special" Premier League forward

The Gunners are set to move for an attacking midfielder, who plays for one of their Premier League rivals.

ByDominic Lund Apr 6, 2025

And the reporter has also shared a potential managerial target for the Foxes.

Leicester eyeing up Rosenior as replacement for Van Nistelrooy

Bailey added that Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior could be a potential candidate to replace Van Nistelrooy at the King Power Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 season.

“There is no denying that work is already being done on possible candidates to replace him. I would keep an eye on Liam Rosenior for sure, his stock is massively high. We know Southampton like him, and so no shock that Leicester would be looking, but don’t rule out Chelsea/BlueCo from tying him down to a new long-term deal too.”

RC Strasbourg coach LiamRosenior

The 40-year-old, formerly of Derby County and Hull City, has been impressing in France with Strasbourg and actually shares the same Wasserman agency as Leicester legend Jamie Vardy.

Rosenior, who plays a 4-2-3-1 system, as per Transfermarkt, has Strasbourg occupying a Champions League spot in Ligue 1 with just six games remaining.

He has been linked with Southampton and previously came in for praise from Clinton Morrison, who said: “I actually think he’s a top manager. I spoke to a few people at Derby. He was unlucky to lose his job, the players respected him. He’s one of the best coaches ever.”

However, with Rosenior potentially in charge of a Champions League team next season, a drop down to the Championship could be a hard sell for Leicester.

England break 300 barrier on record-smashing night

All the stats from an extraordinary batting onslaught in the second T20I at Old Trafford

Sampath Bandarupalli12-Sep-2025304 for 2 England’s total in the second T20I against South Africa at Manchester. It is their highest total in men’s T20Is and the third highest by any team in the format.Zimbabwe’s 344 for 4 against Gambia in 2024 and Nepal’s 314 for 3 against Mongolia in 2023 are the higher totals.England’s total is also the fourth-highest in all men’s T20s and the highest in England, surpassing Somerset’s 265 for 5 against Derbyshire in 2022.141* Phil Salt’s score against South Africa is the highest for England in men’s T20Is, surpassing his own score of 119 against West Indies in 2023. It is also the seventh-highest individual score in men’s T20Is and the highest against South Africa.228 Runs scored off boundaries by England batters on Friday, the third-most by a team in a men’s T20I. Zimbabwe scored 282 runs off boundaries against Gambia during their record total, while India scored 232 boundary runs against Bangladesh in last year’s Hyderabad T20I.ESPNcricinfo LtdEngland batters hit 30 fours against South Africa, the joint-most by any team in a men’s T20I. The 48 boundaries they hit, including 18 sixes, are the second-most, behind the 57 by Zimbabwe (30 fours and 27 sixes) against Gambia.146 England’s margin of win by runs against South Africa is their biggest in men’s T20Is. It is also the heaviest defeat by runs for South Africa in this format.The margin of 146 runs is the third-biggest in a men’s T20I between two Full Member teams, behind India’s 168-run win against New Zealand in 2023 and their 150-run win against England earlier this year.462 Runs aggregated by England and South Africa at Manchester on Friday, the most for a men’s T20I match in England. It is also the eighth-most aggregated match in men’s T20I cricket.ESPNcricinfo Ltd39 Balls that Salt needed to complete his hundred, the fastest for England in men’s T20Is. The previous quickest was off 42 balls by Liam Livingstone against Pakistan at Nottingham in 2021.3 South Africa bowlers conceded 60-plus runs in England’s innings – Kagiso Rabada (70), Marco Jansen (60) and Lizaad Williams (62). It is the first instance of three bowlers conceding 60-plus runs in an innings in all men’s T20s.4 Number of hundreds for Salt in his 45-match T20I career. Only Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell, five each, are ahead of Salt, while Suryakumar Yadav also has four tons.16.2 Overs needed for England to bring up 250, the joint-fastest team 250 in men’s T20Is, where ball-by-ball data is available. Zimbabwe also reached the 250-run mark in 16.2 overs against Gambia last year.12.1 Overs that England needed to reach the 200-run mark. Only one team got there quicker in men’s T20Is – in 11.5 overs by Turkey against Bulgaria earlier this year (where ball-by-ball data is available). The fastest team 200 in all men’s T20s is off 10.5 overs by Baroda against Sikkim in 2024.England reached the 150-mark in 9 overs, which is also the second-fastest in men’s T20Is, behind Turkey’s effort in 8.3 overs against Bulgaria in that game.ESPNcricinfo Ltd166 for 1 England’s total at the halfway point of their innings, the second-highest by any team in men’s T20Is, a run behind Turkey’s 167 for 1 against Bulgaria (where ball-by-ball data is available).100 for 0 England’s total in the powerplay at Manchester is their highest in that phase in men’s T20Is. England’s effort is only the seventh instance of a three-figure total in the powerplay in men’s T20Is (where ball-by-ball data is available).Only one of the previous six has been against a full-member team – 102 for 0 by South Africa against West Indies in 2023.2 Salt and Jos Buttler are only the second opening pair to score fifties in 20 or fewer balls in men’s T20Is (where ball-by-ball data is available). Romania’s Taranjeet Singh and Ramesh Satheesan were the first to do so, against Serbia in 2021.70 Runs conceded by Rabada in his four overs, the most by a bowler for South Africa in a men’s T20I. Kyle Abbott’s 68 against West Indies in 2015 were the previous most. Rabada’s 70 runs are also the joint-fifth most conceded by a bowler in a men’s T20I.Rabada conceded only seven runs in his first over, but the next three overs went for 20, 23, and 20 runs, respectively, making him the first bowler to concede 20-plus runs in three different overs in a men’s T20I.2.1 Overs in which Williams conceded 50 runs. Only two bowlers conceded 50 runs in a quicker time in a men’s T20I than Williams (where ball-by-ball data is available).Romania’s Vasu Saini gave away 50 runs in only 1.4 overs against Belgium earlier this year, while Mongolia’s Mungun Altankhuyag conceded 50 in 2 overs against Nepal in 2023.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus