Skipper’s career-best 144 not out leads young Hampshire side to dominant win

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Aug-2025

Nick Gubbins’ career-best 144 not out led an inexperienced Hampshire to a winning start in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup against defending champions Glamorgan at The Gnoll in Neath.Four teenagers featured for the visitors – including a three-man seam attack with ages of 19, 19 and 16. The youngest of the trio – Manny Lumsden took 3 for 64 to derail the top order despite Kiran Carlson’s magnificent 135.Carlson’s first ever one-day century was unable to be supported due to a steady flow of wickets left Glamorgan bowled out inside 40 overs, 72 short of Hampshire’s 324 for 6.Other debutant Ben Mayes played fearlessly for 74 from 55 balls in the 17-year-old’s 141-run partnership with Gubbins to end the visitors’ innings explosively.After inserting Hampshire to bat, Glamorgan got off to an economical start. James Harris and unexpected new ball partner Zain Ul Hassan containing Gubbins and Ali Orr.On the surface containing Hampshire to a 42-run powerplay on a small outground could have been viewed to be Glamorgan’s advantage, the drop of Gubbins by Carlson at second slip while the opener was on just four later proved to be a difference of what came later.A solid 68-run opening contribution was brought to a much-needed end as Ali Orr started to cruise, Ned Leonard making for a comeback from being hooked for six out of the ground on his first ball.Dangerous overseas Tilak Varma could’ve been a match winner for Hampshire given his two centuries in four games already for the club, removed for a duck.A flow of four wickets for 47 at a slowing rate dragged Glamorgan back when debutant Mayes entered at 115 for 4, Gubbins still anchoring.It didn’t take long for Mayes to motor, inflicting his freedom onto Gubbins, casually reverse-sweeping Glamorgan’s 18-year-old debutant Romano Franco four times on his way to a century.Mayes’ hockey-style sweeping, both orthodox and reverse, had the runs flowing before Felix Organ took over the role with a flashy 32 from 14 unbeaten to end the innings. Hampshire adding 129 in the final 10 overs, no bowler getting off lightly, Gubbins carrying his bat.Unlike in Hampshire’s innings, the hosts came out firing. Also unlike the hosts, a dropped slip catch was shortly after redeemed with the wicket, Tribe dropped on seven, out on 14.While Hampshire’s innings was backboned by one mammoth partnership, Glamorgan kept losing wickets when times were tough. Eddie Byrom’s steady start, enjoying cutting and leg-glancing the exciting Hampshire seamers was eventually removed for 29 on his return to first team cricket which brought the highlights package-esque viewing of Lumsden to Carlson.A first over for 23 may mean a debut to forget for a 16-year-old but a wicket in there and persistence from both bowler and captain gave him another wicket and a hat-trick ball. The three-over spell of 2 for 47 was about so much more than the figures.Hampshire’s 18 overs of consecutive spin in the middle overs contained Glamorgan enough while regular wickets left Glamorgan requiring Andy Gorvin’s 42-ball 11 to stick in a partnership with his captain to give a fighting chance.Lumsden’s return brought more fireworks including the big wicket after Carlson effectively run out of partners, but not before giving the Neath crowd a special display.

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O Corinthians trabalha nos bastidores e abriu negociações com o Benfica para acertar a permanência em definitivo de Lucas Veríssimo. O zagueiro está emprestado ao Timão até junho de 2024.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Os Encarnados avaliam Veríssimo em 10 milhões de euros (R$53,5 milhões na cotação atual). Após as primeiras conversas, o clube português aceitou abaixar a pedida para 8 milhões de euros (R$ 42,8 milhões na cotação). O Benfica topou reduzir o valor pois o clube entende que possui zagueiros suficientes no elenco.

Lucas Veríssimo chegou ao Corinthians no final de julho, mas só estreou no dia 19 de setembro pois ainda não estava 100% fisicamente. Não demorou para o camisa 4 se tornar referência no sistema defensivo corintiano e virar peça-chave do setor. Veríssimo criou rápida identificação com a Fiel e sempre expressou o desejo em permanecer no clube alvinegro.

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+ Veja como ficou a tabela do Brasileirão após a última rodada

O zagueiro teve ótimo aproveitamento com o Timão no Brasileirão e terminou o ano um gol e uma assistência pelo clube na competição.

كشف الفرنسي صامويل أومتيتي، مدافع برشلونة السابق عن كواليس حديث المدير الفني لويس إنريكي مع لاعبي البلوجرانا، قبل مباراة الريمونتادا الشهيرة أمام باريس سان جيرمان في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستعاد أومتيتي ذكريات العودة المذهلة أمام باريس سان جيرمان، حين انتصر برشلونة بقيادة إنريكي بنتيجة 6-1، في دور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا 2017، بعد هزيمته في الذهاب برباعية.

وقال أومتيتي في تصريحاته لـ”RMC sport”: “قبل مباراة الإياب، أخبرنا لويس إنريكي أننا سنغير تكتيكاتنا ونلعب بثلاثة لاعبين في الدفاع”.

وأضاف: “كانت أمامنا مباراتان للعمل على ذلك، فقال لنا سنلعب واحد ضد واحد في الدفاع، لا يهمني، لقد عملنا على بعض مراحل المباراة، وكان الأمر واضحًا للغاية، إنريكي رائع حقًا”.

وواصل أومتيتي: “لقد طوّر إنريكي نظرتي لكرة القدم بشكل كبير، إنه يُركّز بشدة على التفاصيل، كانت جلساته التكتيكية فريدة من نوعها، لقد جهّز كل شيء لمباراة الإياب”.

وأردف: “قال لنا لقد سجلوا أربعة أهداف في مرمانا، ويمكننا تسجيل ستة أهداف في مرماهم، لا تقلقوا، لقد غرس فينا الحماس، كان رائعًا حقًا، كان الجميع في برشلونة يعلمون أن ذلك ممكن”.

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واسترسل: “في يوم المباراة، كان الجميع هادئين، كان إنييستا هادئًا للغاية، تحدث بهدوء في غرفة الملابس، قال لنا يا رفاق، نحن نعرف ما يجب علينا فعله”.

وأكمل: “قلت لنفسي لقد استقبلنا أربعة أهداف في مباراة الذهاب، لكنكم هادئون جدًا!، هذا هو جوهر كرة القدم عالية المستوى”.

وأشار: “كانت المباراة لتكون مختلفة تمامًا لو بدأ باريس بالضغط علينا، أتذكر أن كافاني أراد الضغط منذ انطلاق المباراة، لكن الجميع كان يقول: هيا بنا!”.

واستطرد: “توقعت منهم أن يضغطوا، لكنهم لم يفعلوا ذلك إطلاقًا، في النهاية، هذا جعلنا أكثر حماسًا في المباراة من أي شيء آخر، ضغطنا قليلًا، وسجلنا هدفًا، وانتهى الأمر”.

وعلّق: “حتى عندما سجل كافاني، لم أعتقد أن الأمر قد انتهى، قال إنريكي في حديثه مع الفريق حتى لو سجلوا هدفًا، يمكننا تسجيل هدف أو هدفين.. لا تقلقوا”.

وأكد: “أثّر حديثه مع الفريق بي، بدا الأمر كما لو أن كل شيء كان مُخططًا له، ربما كانت الأمور ستختلف مع تقنية الفيديو المساعد، لا أعلم، صحيح أنها سارت في صالحنا، لكننا نجحنا في ذلك”.

وأفاد الفرنسي: “إنها واحدة من المباريات القليلة في برشلونة التي شعرت فيها بحركة الملعب، لقد كان أمرًا مذهلًا”.

وأتم: “بعد المباراة، كان الأمر جنونيًا، أتذكر أيضًا أن نيمار قال قبل المباراة اليوم سأسجل هدفين، سترون، سأسجل هدفين، شعرت وكأنني أحلم في تلك المباراة”.

On high alert in pursuit of the next generation of stars, Arsenal reportedly had scouts in place as a 17-year-old sensation smashed a Champions League record in midweek.

Gary Neville outlines key Arsenal title difference

Could this be Arsenal’s year at long last? Forever the bridesmaid and not the bride in recent years, Mikel Arteta looks likelier than ever to find himself walking down the aisle in May. The Gunners have been untouchable in recent weeks, having built on their impenetrable defensive record and set piece excellence to take the Premier League’s top spot.

With that top spot has, of course, come plenty of praise from the likes of Gary Neville. The former Manchester United right-back and Sky Sports pundit showered Arteta’s side with praise earlier this week, outlining the key difference between the Gunners and title challengers Liverpool.

Playing host to Crystal Palace this weekend, the champions-elect have the perfect opportunity to prove Neville right and keep hold of their Premier League lead.

Given how they dispatched of Atletico Madrid in midweek, the expectation at The Emirates will be three points in comfortable fashion this Sunday even if Crystal Palace have proved to be giant-killers as of late.

It’s not just on the pitch that Arsenal are looking for success, either. Sporting director Andrea Berta is already looking to build on a solid first summer at the helm by welcoming further reinforcements in 2026. His scouts were reportedly in attendance as a teenage sensation smashed a Champions League record in midweek.

Arsenal battling to sign Lennart Karl

As reported by Caught Offside, Arsenal scouts were spotted watching Lennart Karl on Wednesday as he became Bayern Munich’s youngest-ever Champions League goalscorer at 17-years-old and 242 days. Scoring from range in sensational fashion, the teenager broke the record previously set by Jamal Musiala.

With Berta battling the likes of Chelsea to sign what looks to be a future star, Arsenal could make a huge statement by securing his signature in 2026. Whether Bayern will allow anyone to even get close to their talented star remains to be seen, however.

Karl’s moment in the headlines has been coming since the summer, when he broke into Vincent Kompany’s first-team for the first time. Since then, it has been one step after another for the 17-year-old, before he tiptoed into shooting range against Club Brugge.

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The vision is clear for Arsenal, who could land one young winger to match their own rising star in Max Dowman. In one move, Berta may well secure the future of Arteta’s attack when the summer transfer window swings open.

Casemiro has backed Neymar as Brazil's most decisive player as the Selecao prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Neymar's fitness issues have deprived him of a place under Carlo Ancelotti, sparking fears he will not be at the tournament next year. However, the Manchester United midfielder argued that the team should adjust tactically to give the Santos forward freedom, citing how Argentina played around Lionel Messi on their way to glory in 2022.

Neymar's absence from Brazil squad continues

Neymar has once again been left out of Brazil’s squad, with Ancelotti maintaining that the forward still needs to prove that he is physically ready after a long and troubled recovery period. The Santos star has been pushing for a return to the national team ahead of the next World Cup, but his situation remains uncertain.

The 33-year-old has not featured for the Selecao since suffering a ruptured knee ligament against Uruguay in October 2023, an injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. Although Neymar briefly rejoined Brazil’s setup in early 2025, persistent fitness issues prevented him from making a full comeback and he has remained on the outside ever since. His latest return to club football came in Santos’ 1-1 draw with Fortaleza, where he was eased back in from the bench.

Ancelotti, who has repeatedly stated that Neymar remains an elite talent when fully fit, made it clear that the door is not closed, but insisted that he must first show consistent availability. Speaking during his most recent squad announcement, Ancelotti said he has not held recent conversations with Neymar and will only consider him again once he is playing regularly and performing at a competitive level.

AdvertisementCasemiro makes his case for Neymar's central role

Despite being one of Brazil’s all-time leading goal scorers, Neymar is now facing a race against time to convince both club and country that his body can withstand the demands of top-level football. However, Casemiro remains convinced that Neymar can once again be the difference-maker as he placed him above several of the biggest names he has shared a dressing room with. 

He told : “I had the pleasure of playing with great players. Cristiano [Ronaldo] in his best phase, when everything he touched was a goal. I played with Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Marcelo, [Gareth] Bale, [Karim] Benzema. We’re talking about more than 10 Ballon d’Or winners. And it’s inevitable that you put Neymar on that list. Everyone does what they want on and off the field. My lifestyle is different, more reserved. But we can't dismiss him if he's doing well. If he's physically and mentally fit, he's by far the best. I'm a big fan of him as a player.

"I've known Neymar since I was 12 years old. He played for Santos, I played for Moreira. This guy has always been very, very different. He can decide a game at any moment. It's a privilege to say that I played with Neymar. This guy is incredible. And in my day-to-day life, I know his staff very well, how he works. Everything he's done for football can't be a coincidence; you can't be like that just with talent, you have to have the work, you have to have the dedication."

Brazil should learn from Messi & Argentina, says Casemiro

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder believes it is necessary for the Selecao to be built around a star like Neymar, urging Ancelotti to take note of Messi's integral role in Argentina's World Cup success in 2022.

"If I have to stretch myself thin on the field so he can make the final pass, score the goal [I'll do it]," he said. "In the 2022 World Cup, people asked: 'Is Neymar the star player of the team?' And I answered like this: 'If there's a penalty in the last minute of the semi-final, who's going to take it?' I think Neymar is irresistible for anyone, but we know he has to be at his best. It's much more up to him to know what to do and what not to do, but I think we need him. With his quality, we need him."

Asked if it is worth stretching the team tactically to suit Neymar would be wise, he replied: "Absolutely. Argentina did that with Messi. I'll say it again: with their three best players in the world [Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar], you can put Neymar in and do that. It's not that Neymar will just stand still while we run. That doesn't exist. But Argentina did that. Julián Alvarez would drop back, and Messi would play as a false nine. They were defending in a low block, and Messi was just standing there up front.

"The quality of these players is undeniable, you can't waste them, they have so much talent. And in football today, the line between winning and losing is very thin. These players are the ones who break that line. Against Croatia [in the quarter-final], for example, Neymar, at one point, scored a goal and that was it: he solved Brazil's problem at that moment. The game was tight, the game was difficult, and at that moment he scored a great goal and that was it, it was 1-0 for us."

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Getty Images SportBrazil’s World Cup preparations and Ancelotti’s influence

The United midfielder also highlighted coach Ancelotti’s influence as a crucial factor in Brazil’s improvement. “He is a guy who manages to unite the group, not just the players, but everyone on the staff,” Casemiro said. “If you analyse player by player… Alisson, Marquinhos, Bruno [Guimaraes], Vinicius, Rodrygo. We have a core group who could play for any national team. So, we are well-served with players.”

Brazil will continue their preparation matches in the coming months, facing Senegal and Tunisia in upcoming friendlies. With Ancelotti expected to refine the tactical shape around his key attackers, Neymar’s physical condition remains a central question, particularly given recent injuries and his ongoing adaptation at Santos.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred sent a letter to all 30 owners earlier this week explaining why the league decided to "mutually" part ways with ESPN and opt out of their national television contract.

In the letter, Manfred cited ESPN's lack of baseball coverage in its programming outside of the games as one of the reasons why he agreed to terminate the deal that was set to run through the 2028 season. However, CNN Sports' Kyle Feldscher reported that the breakup perhaps wasn't completely mutual.

"A source with knowledge of ESPN’s approach to the negotiations disputed the idea that the split was mutual," Feldscher reported. "The source told CNN that ESPN opted out of the contract and was surprised by commissioner Rob Manfred’s note to MLB owners that the league and network had mutually agreed to end their relationship.

"The source noted that ESPN had an opt-out clause in the contract and decided to exercise it on Thursday."

According to Manfred, ESPN approached MLB in an attempt to reduce its $550 million fee for broadcasting rights, which is far above Apple TV's $85 million annual deal and Roku's $10 million per year agreement.

ESPN and MLB have been partners for the last 35 seasons. The network will continue to broadcast as well as the wild-card round of the playoffs this season.

The New York Yankees on Tuesday continued their furious upgrade after losing the Juan Soto sweepstakes to the New York Mets, as the club acquired two-time All-Star and 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger in a trade with the Chicago Cubs. Bellinger, who plays two positions (first base and center field) the Yankees desperately need upgrades at, has a left-handed swing made for Yankee Stadium, and whose father won a pair of World Series titles in the Bronx in the 1990s, would seem to be a perfect fit for the pinstripes.

But Bellinger might just be a perfect fit for the Yankees for another reason. Shortly after news of the trade broke, an old interview of Bellinger from February of 2020 resurfaced, when the then-Los Angeles Dodgers star was very critical of the Houston Astros for their sign-stealing scandal, which had come to light in December of 2019, leading to discipline from MLB in January of 2020.

At one point, Bellinger even says that Astros star Jose Altuve "stole an MVP" from Yankees star Aaron Judge.

If looking for a trip down memory lane, here are Bellinger's full comments on the Astros.

Yankees fans still haven't forgiven the Astros, who defeated New York in the 2017 American League Championship Series when they were allegedly still stealing signs, for the scandal, which they feel denied them a chance at a World Series title. Heck, even Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is still miffed about it seven years later.

Of course, the Astros added fuel to the fire of Yankees' hatred when they went on to eliminate New York from the postseason two more times after 2017.

So, Astros' dislike seems to be a commonality among the organization and fanbase. Bellinger seems to check that box, among others.

The international break is finally coming to an end this weekend, and Arsenal can continue their Premier League title charge.

Mikel Arteta’s side are four points clear at the top, and play host to North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

However, as seems to be the case every gameweek this season, a fresh injury has just made the Gunners’ job all the more difficult.

On top of being without most of their attacking players, Arsenal will have to make do without Gabriel Magalhães in the derby, although Arteta might have an ideal replacement.

The latest on Gabriel's injury

Plenty of Arsenal fans turned up at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon hoping to see Gabriel earn another senior cap for Brazil against Senegal, which he did.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, instead of seeing one of their best players put on a defensive clinic, they saw him being taken off the pitch holding his groin in the 64th minute.

After the game, Carlo Ancelotti didn’t sound optimistic, telling reporters that he and the staff were “really sorry for this” and that things didn’t look good for the defender.

Unfortunately, he has since been proven right, as The Athletic’s David Ornstein later reported that, following initial tests by the club, the 27-year-old is expected to miss up to two months of action.

While every injury poses a problem for the club, the absence of the former LOSC Lille gem is a huge one, as he has been in incredible form this season and has arguably been the best player.

For example, he’s been vital to the Gunners’ superb defensive record, but has also been a clutch player in the opposition’s penalty area, racking up a tally of two goals and three assists in just 17 games so far.

However, while the impact of Gabriel’s absence from the side that take on Spurs at the weekend will be massive, Arteta does have someone in the side who might be the ideal replacement.

Arsenal's ideal Gabriel replacement

The main reason Arsenal fans should still feel confident heading into Sunday’s game is that Arteta has other quality defenders he can start in Gabriel’s place, like Cristhian Mosquera.

Now, some fans might argue for Riccardo Calafiori to be moved into the back two, or for Piero Hincapie to start in place of the Brazilian.

However, the Italian has been unreal at left-back, and while the Ecuadorian could be a great backup, the only game he’s started this season was the League Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, so it’s unclear how he’d react to a heated derby.

Furthermore, while he’s young, the former Valencia gem has already proven that he can step in and thrive in the most intense of atmospheres for the club.

Minutes

85′

Tackles Won

2

Clearances

3

Ball Recoveries

3

Blocked Shots

2

Ground Duels (Won)

5 (4)

Passing Accuracy

47/51 (92%)

Touches

62

For example, when William Saliba had to come off just five minutes into the game against Liverpool, Arteta turned to the young Spaniard during his 85-odd minutes, you’d have been forgiven for thinking the Frenchman was still on the pitch.

Then, instead of going with someone else, the manager stuck with the Alicante-born monster and was rewarded with an incredibly dominant display against Nottingham Forest.

Moreover, despite being 21 years old, the 6 foot 3 titan already had plenty of top-flight experience before his move to North London.

Between his debut for Valencia in the 21/22 season and his exit in the summer, the intimidating centre-back made 90 first-team appearances, totalling 7399 minutes, which helps explain why last year one analyst argued that “he is on his way to becoming one of the best centre-backs in the world.”

Finally, while the right-footed ace has the silky passing ability of Saliba, he also has that fiery old-school passion that Gabriel has and, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, “thrives in ground duels.”

Ultimately, losing Gabriel to injury is far from ideal, but Mosquera’s defensive ability and passion could help minimise the damage for Arsenal.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 19, 2025

Derbyshire 17 for 0 trail Glamorgan 259 (Carlson 94, Reece 4-67, Dal 3-29) by 242 runs Kiran Carlson rescued Glamorgan on a hard-fought second day of the Rothesay County Championship match against promotion rivals Derbyshire at the Central Co-op County Ground.After high winds prevented any play on Monday, Derbyshire made up for lost time by reducing Glamorgan to 99 for 6 in helpful bowling conditions.But Carlson combined watchful defence with selective aggression to score 94 from 178 balls and shared a seventh wicket stand of 94 with Timm Van der Gugten who made 37 as the visitors recovered to 259.Luis Reece showed why he is the leading wicket-taker in Division Two by claiming 4 for 67 while Anuj Dal finished with 3 for 29 from 16 overs.Derbyshire, who need to win to have any chance of overtaking second-placed Glamorgan, closed on 17 without loss.After rain delayed the start by 30 minutes, Derbyshire’s decision to bowl first on a green pitch was quickly rewarded with Glamorgan’s openers falling in the space of seven balls.Reece claimed his 40th first-class wicket of the season when Asa Tribe played across the line in the fifth over and Zain Ul Hassan quickly followed, edging Ben Aitchison behind.There was plenty of assistance for the bowlers and Derbyshire exploited the conditions by bowling a challenging length to put pressure on the batters.Sam Northeast edged Reece just short of second slip before he had scored and with Carlson was starting to rebuild the innings until Zak Chappell claimed Derbyshire’s first bowling point.Chappell brought one in to trap Northeast lbw which brought in Colin Ingram who reached the milestone of 10,000 first-class runs before lunch.Glamorgan did well to go in at the interval only three down but they collapsed at the start of the afternoon session, losing three wickets in six overs.Reece found some inswing to get the ball between Ingram’s bat and pad before Dal struck twice in consecutive overs.Dal’s consistent off stump line forced Billy Root to steer to gully and when Chris Cooke edged his first ball to first slip, Glamorgan were in serious trouble.But not for the first time, Van der Gugten played a valuable innings to help Carlson guide the visitors towards respectability.He was solid in defence while Carlson became more expansive after reaching 50 from 120 balls.He twice pulled Rory Haydon for six and at tea, the pair had added 77 from 144 balls to take Glamorgan to 176 for 6.Carlson deserved what would have been a fourth hundred of the season but he was denied by a brilliant one handed catch at slip by Aitchison who plunged to his left to hold an edge off Dal.Aitchison then ended Van der Gugten’s stubborn innings by finding some lift to have him caught behind but Andy Gorvin and James Harris continued the lower order resistance.Derbyshire took the second new ball but the pair secured a batting point before Reece had Harris caught behind and the innings ended when Gorvin miscued to mid on.Reece then opened with former Glamorgan batter Aneurin Donald and they safely negotiated five overs to end an absorbing day 242 runs behind.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has now reportedly been handed a huge boost after some contract news out of the Emirates Stadium.

Ever since Andrea Berta’s arrival in north London, the sporting director has rushed to secure the long-term futures of Arteta’s most important players.

Several extensions have already been announced, and crucial talks remain ongoing with star performers like Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes both committed with long-term extensions running until 2030 earlier this year, with the pair also said to have promised eachother they’ll remain at the Emirates to compete for major silverware.

These deals were considered vital after Real Madrid showed serious interest in Saliba especially, and tying down both of world football’s centre-backs represents a major coup for Arsenal as Berta signals their serious ambition.

Rising academy stars Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly also penned new five-year contracts in the summer, rewarding their breakthrough into the first team and showcasing Arsenal’s continued commitment to youth development.

Both teenagers have impressed when given opportunities and are viewed by Arsenal as integral parts of the club’s future plans, even if some reports suggest that Lewis-Skelly could leave North London in January after falling behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie in the pecking order.

Goalkeeper David Raya and winger Leandro Trossard received significant pay rises before the 2025-26 season too, even if neither player actually extended the length of their deals — which comes as quite interesting.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid

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Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Trossard’s situation was particularly unusual, with the Belgian agreeing to a salary adjustment that increased his wages without adding any further years to his contract, which still expires in 2027.

That being said, the most crucial new deal talks centre around Saka.

Arsenal are said to have made excellent progress in talks with the England international, with both parties aligned and convinced about continuing together. The 24-year-old, whose current terms runs until 2027, is expected to become Arsenal’s highest-paid player in history with wages exceeding £300,000 per week.

Now, according to TEAMtalk, an agreement has been reached in negotiations.

Arsenal agree new Bukayo Saka deal after "breakthrough"

Indeed, the outlet reports that Arsenal have achieved a ‘breakthrough’ in contract talks with Saka, and an official announcement is expected to be made in ‘due course’ over his new deal.

After months of discussions between the two parties, Saka is now apparently poised to sign on the dotted line, coming one month after the Hale End superstar publicly declared his wish to remain at N5.

Saka has evolved into one of the world’s elite wingers and his importance to the Gunners cannot be overstated.

The attacker already has over 277 first-team appearances under his belt at Arsenal, scoring 76 goals across all competitions, and he reached a significant milestone by making his 200th Premier League appearance for the club against West Ham in October.

His output has been extraordinary ever since making his senior debut against Vorskla Poltava all the way back in 2018. The Three Lions superstar has netted 56 goals and provided 51 assists in the top flight alone, giving him an incredible 107 goal involvements in the competition, and he’s barely midway through his 20s.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo, Raheem Sterling and Ryan Giggs had more combined Premier League goals and assists than Saka at the age of 23, making for more insane numbers that put him on course to challenge some of the all-time Premier League records.

Arteta will be thrilled that Saka’s hamstring woes are now behind him, and we could still be yet to see the very best of what Arsenal’s electrifying gem has to offer.