The dreaded international break has returned once again, and Arsenal supporters will rue the halt to their team's season after returning to winning ways in the Premier League with a hard-fought victory over Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Previously on the domestic front, the Gunners had fallen to defeat against Newcastle United at St. James' Park in the league after suffering an exit from the Carabao Cup by the hand of West Ham United.

But, by and large, Mikel Arteta's side have carried over the positives from their title charge last year and carried on their pursuit of silver-laden success, having made impressive increments over numerous years under the Spaniard's leadership.

And residing just a point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City after 12 matches – behind second-placed Liverpool only on goal difference – there is much to be excited for when domestic football returns after the week of international action.

While fans do get to watch the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Co on duty, there is also the U17 World Cup to get invested in, especially considering the success that several of the prestigious Hale End academy are finding.

Indeed, England U17 decimated North Caledonia 10-0 to secure their biggest-ever victory at the global tournament, ruthlessly picking their opposition apart.

Two Gunners starlets were among the standout performers, with Ethan Nwaneri – the Premier League's youngest-ever player at 15-years-old – coming off the bench in the second half to impress.

It's an exciting time for the Emirates Stadium side, not least because of the incredible rise under Arteta's wing, but with precocious prospects rising to the fore and looking likely to earn opportunities to impress, the recent success could be sustained for many years to come.

Ethan Nwaneri's stats vs North Caledonia

Now aged 16, the versatile midfielder was hailed as a "special" talent by former Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka, and while he has not yet added to his maiden professional appearance the future is undoubtedly bright for this prodigious talent.

This season, he has starred in the Premier League 2 among older players and has plundered four goals and an assist from four matches, with his exploits earning him a call-up for the Young Lions' endeavours on the global stage.

While Nwaneri did not receive a starting berth, he was brought into the action after 62 minutes and produced a goal and assist apiece, complementing his direct return with a 100% pass completion rate, taking 32 touches, making two key passes, completing both of his crosses and winning a tackle, as per Sofascore.

England will be expected to wade deep into the competition, and it is abundantly clear that any success that might be found in the latter stages will likely come with Nwaneri at the heart of it.

The rising star is ticking all of the boxes throughout his formative years so far and it is safe to say that the expectation from Arteta and co will be that he can earn a regular place in the senior set-up in the years to come, with performances such as this one a glowing representation of his pedigree.

He was not the only Arsenal prospect to have caught the eye for England U17s, however, with Myles Lewis-Skelly receiving a starting berth ahead of his club teammate and dazzling with an all-action display from the centre of the engine room.

Lewis Myles-Skelly's stats vs North Caledonia

Lewis-Skelly, aged 17, has also belied his youthful years to feature with the development squad in London this season, posting one goal and two assists from just three starting appearances in the Premier League 2.

Further, he was excellent in the EFL Trophy against League One team Swindon Town back in August as Arsenal won on penalties, having played the full 90 and won seven duels, made two tackles and key passes apiece and taken 60 touches in an energetic display.

Like Nwaneri, such efforts on the domestic scene have issued a call-up for his nation, and while he didn't find the back of the net himself, Lewis-Skelly produced a monstrous performance from the centre.

Statistic

#

Minutes played

62'

Assists

1

Touches

32

Acc. passes

14/20 (70%)

Key passes

3

Dribble attempts

2/3

Ground duels won

6/9 (66%)

Tackles

2

Penalties won

1

*Sourced via Sofascore

Speaking of his efforts on the day, one FIFA agent and talent scout said: "Although it’s against a weak opponent, New Caledonia, Myles Lewis-Skelly looks absolutely brilliant today. Wouldn’t be surprised if he makes his first-team debut with Arsenal sometime during this season."

Lewis-Skelly crucially won more duels than any other player on the pitch, with his three key passes also showcasing his creative ability, and as he develops over the coming years and nurtures his physicality, he could become a force to be reckoned with as he battles with Nwaneri for minutes.

The youth talent's versatility in his craft is something that cannot really be taught, quite simply, he possesses an innate knack for the game and boasts abilities that stretch beyond the constraints of one singular position on the pitch.

He was even described as “unplayable” by Arsenal U18 manager Jack Wilshere for his excellent performance in the FA Youth Cup against Manchester City last season; capable of playing as a left-back the former Gunners star is a firm believer that Lewis-Skelly's career will be one at the heart of the field, dictating player and charging his side's efforts through his all-action, tenacious approach.

England return to action on Tuesday to face Iran in the next match of their campaign in Group C before a mammoth contest against Brazil to close the first stage of the tournament.

Based on the evidence of Lewis-Skelly's first performance, he could be a key cog in Greg Lincoln's side as they seek to work their way toward the pinnacle.

And, of course, Arteta and his Arsenal team will be taking note, with the teenage talent's chances of wedging his way into the first team's plans growing with each passing match. Watch out Nwaneri, the Gunners have a new academy darling on their hands…

After flirting with relegation in the Premier League last season, West Ham United could ill-afford a disappointing start this time around. The summer sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal didn't exactly boost the confidence surrounding David Moyes' side, either. Now nine games in, the Hammers have more than exceeded expectations and put an end to any doubts, losing just three times during that period.

Much of the credit for their solid start deserves to go to the recruitment team, who did well to welcome the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez to cover for Rice's exit. They could repeat their transfer tricks when the January window swings open, too, with scouts sent to watch one particular left-back target.

West Ham transfer news

Ending the last campaign as European champions after winning the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina, West Ham entered the summer transfer window with a new swagger about them that quickly became apparent in deals for the likes of Mohammed Kudus. And whilst they still have that European crown, those at the London Stadium may just look to add to Moyes' squad even more in January, potentially resulting in more competition for current left-backs Aaron Cresswell and Emerson Palmieri.

According to Dean Jones, West Ham are scouting Valencia left-back Jose Gaya. Jones told GiveMeSport: "Yeah, he's obviously being scouted right now so he's one of the players that they're just checking out. We know what West Ham are like when it comes to finding players. They cast the net far and wide and that's what they'll be doing now as they look for a new left back. I do think there's a pretty good chance that they do continue to recruit and this is one of the positions that they'll be looking at."

It remains to be seen whether or not West Ham make their move for Gaya, but if they've been impressed by what they've seen when watching the Valencia man, then Moyes could have himself another defensive reinforcement.

Jose Gaya is a "phenomenon"

Gaya's stats show why West Ham have been keeping an eye on him. The 28-year-old would come with plenty of experience and it could be argued that he would even be an upgrade on Emerson. As things stand, the Hammers have just got the former Chelsea man to call on with Cresswell suffering from ongoing injury issues.

Player	Progressive Carries	Progressive Passes Received	Take-ons completed
Jose Gaya	30	38	8
Emerson Palmieri	15	27	7

Gaya has earned plenty of praise throughout his career, including from former Spain manager Luis Enrique, who said, via Football Espana, after the left-back was forced to return home during the World Cup through injury: "Left back is the only position I can’t wait for anyone. There is no one who can adapt to what we ask for. If it were in another position, the player would be here. But they are two specific guys that have the characteristics to play there. Jose Gaya is a phenomenon, a guy who I get on with brilliantly. I feel it in my soul, I have to put the team before my feelings.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O cenário era de terra arrasada. Logo após o primeiro gol do São Paulo, pouco sinal de motivação, tentar correr atrás do prejuízo, mas muitas feições de lamentação, com cabeças baixas. O Botafogo foi goleado pelo Tricolor por 4 a 0 nesta quarta-feira, em jogo adiado da 18ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, mas a impressão é de que já entrou em campo nocauteado por si mesmo.

O nível técnico das equipes no momento é praticamente incomparável – a diferença das posições na tabela mostra isso. O Botafogo, contudo, sequer passou perto de competir. O São Paulo teve um treino de cinema e se deu ao luxo de tentar poupar jogadores para a sequência do Brasileirão na reta final da partida.

Em campo, a equipe comandada por Felipe Lucena, auxiliar de Eduardo Barroca, pouco incomodou o São Paulo. Os jogadores de Fernando Diniz tiveram espaço para fazer triangulações, passes em profundidade e jogadas até mesmo dentro da área.

O Alvinegro não apresentou maneiras de tentar desarmar e parar o ímpeto ofensivo do São Paulo. Os posicionamentos – da defesa ao ataque – tinham buracos, A consciência dentro dos 90 minutos no Morumbi foi a do São Paulo aparecer com perigo no terço final.

Na 19ª colocação, é esperado que o Botafogo tenha dificuldade contra equipes mais qualificadas tecnicamente. O time, porém, não apresenta nenhum sinal de reação. Tanto em campo quanto na questão psicológica. O tempo passa.

RelacionadasBotafogoApós goleada do São Paulo, auxiliar do Botafogo elogia ‘consistência defensiva’ no segundo tempoBotafogo09/12/2020ListasATUAÇÕES: Marcinho, Benevenuto… Botafogo recebe notas muito ruins em novo vexameListas09/12/2020BotafogoÍdolo do Botafogo, Jefferson faz cobrança: ‘Tem que entregar tudo em campo. Parece que jogaram a toalha’Botafogo09/12/2020

USMNT star Tyler Adams has made an impressive return from his injury nightmare, but fitness calls at Bournemouth are being taken out of his hands.

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• Spent best part of 12 months on the sidelines
• Impressed for club & country since return
• Game time will be carefully managed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international is looking to make up for lost time after spending the best part of 12 months stuck on the sidelines. He was handed an international recall for the CONCACAF Nations League finals, and scored a stunning goal when helping his country to another continental crown.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Adams also caught the eye when playing the full 90 minutes for Bournemouth in their battling 2-1 win over Everton in the Premier League, suggesting that the 25-year-old midfielder is back to full match sharpness. He will be hoping to figure prominently again when the Cherries face Crystal Palace on Tuesday.

• WHAT IRAOLA SAID ABOUT ADAMS

  Two games in the space of four days may be too big an ask of the American star, though, with boss Andoni Iraola telling reporters when asked if Adams is ready for that kind of workload: “It is demanding. But I'm sure I'm going to ask him and he will say ‘I’m good to go again'. Then we have to take the decision. Not my decision, not his decision, there is a medical team. There are more coaches involved. And we will see also the tactics we need. Against Everton I decided to play him so many minutes because it was a kind of a good game for him. I think we needed what he gives us for this game and we'll see what we decide against Palace.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ADAMS?

  Adams is now competing with Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie for regular game time at Bournemouth, with the plan being to see as many minutes as possible before the United States go in search of more major silverware as hosts of the 2024 Copa America.

Liverpool ended fears of a slump in form with a convincing victory over Brentford at Anfield to conclude their play before the November international break of the campaign.

Having fallen by the wayside in the Premier League last season, Liverpool are back with a vengeance this year and have mounted a charge against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for a place at the forefront over the first phase.

Of course, the season is still a long way from approaching the business end, and for now Jurgen Klopp will urge his side to focus on one match at a time (a cliche, but an apt one), deepening the collective understanding and instilling confidence and swagger.

But the recent draw against Luton Town in the English top flight and the abject defeat against Toulouse in the Europa League highlights the work that still needs to be done to lift the squad to its apex.

Against Thomas Frank's Bees, the Reds emphatically returned to winning ways, and that's despite a host of injuries and suspensions that had left the midfield rather threadbare, with exciting youngster James McConnell coming off the bench in the late stage to make his second senior appearance.

One man who retained their starting spot was Dominik Szoboszlai, who served admirably in the engine room once again. While further work will be conducted in the upcoming windows, Szoboszlai's role as the centrepiece in the middle will unquestionably remain the same.

Why Liverpool signed Szoboszlai

The £120k-per-week star made the move to Anfield after Klopp and co met his £60m release clause, and he has manufactured an alacritous return to full strength at the centre of the park, charging Liverpool's exploits this season.

Having warded off rival attention from Newcastle United, Liverpool now wield one of the most robust midfielders in the business, with Szoboszlai playing a central role in RB Leipzig's successive triumphs in the DFB Pokal.

#

Player

Club

1

Gavi

Barcelona

2

Federico Valverde

Real Madrid

3

James Maddison

Tottenham

4

Dani Olmo

RB Leipzig

5

Joelinton

Newcastle

*Sourced via Football Transfers

As the table suggests, he is technically proficient, elegant and powerful, pumping creativity back into Liverpool's system while also recharging the strength of the centre.

Last season, the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were at the epicentre of the woes, and it was imperative for Klopp to get it right in the summer and avoid more misery.

Well, he certainly appears to have made the perfect moves to rekindle the flame, and Szoboszlai will continue to be the life force in the middle after his resounding start to life at Anfield.

Szoboszlai's season by numbers

Across 17 appearances so far, Szoboszlai has posted two goals and assists apiece from a deeper role than he is perhaps used to after serving higher up in Germany.

Nonetheless, he's been fantastic, completing 88% of his passes in the Premier League, as per Sofascore, averaging 2.3 key passes and making 7.3 ball recoveries per game, proving to be an omnipresent figure on the pitch.

As per FBref, the Hungary captain ranks among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for progressive carries, the top 6% for successful take-ons and the top 6% for blocks per 90.

Described as an "artist" by talent scout Jacek Kulig following his creative masterclass against Aston Villa earlier this season, assisting two goals, Szoboszlai offers all the tools Klopp could hope for.

The victory over Brentford emphasised the need to have some kind of replacement though, and given that McConnell is wedging his way into Klopp's reckoning, he could be the man to mould.

Liverpool's next Szoboszlai

McConnell might've earned his first two professional appearances this season, coming in the Premier League and Europa League, but he has scarcely enjoyed much action in that regard.

However, he has starred twice in the EFL Trophy and impressed as Liverpool's development side dismantled Morecambe Town 3-0; across the two outings, as per Sofascore, he completed 71% of his passes, won 55% of his duels, succeeded with 67% of his dribbles, and incredibly made 13 ball recoveries, three tackles and 1.5 clearances and interceptions per game.

While he might be billed as an offence-minded midfielder, there is clearly an innate defensive ability and tenacity that is probably what has prompted Klopp and his team to nurture him to the fore.

James McConnell's style of play

Indeed an attacking midfielder by trade, McConnell is demonstrating a pleasing level of dynamism and, having gone under the radar amid the concurrent rises of the likes of Bobby Clark and Stefan Bajcetic, could bring the all-action ability needed to serve as Szoboszlai's understudy.

Given McConnell's "combative" presence in midfield, as has been remarked by reporter Neil Jones, he could be the perfect foil for Szoboszlai in the centre, maybe even better suited to this specific role than Harvey Elliott.

Elliott's immense potential is without question; the 20-year-old has completed 82 matches for Liverpool, scoring six goals and supplying five assists, and while he is arguably Liverpool's most creative midfielder – after Szoboszlai – his physical work needs attention.

On this note, he ranks among the top 12% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for progressive passes and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90, but had been criticised for being "outmuscled" when the Reds were at their nadir before the summer.

The same cannot be said for the 'combative' McConnell, and given that he is earning more opportunities to prosper under Klopp's guidance by the month, he could find a big role on Merseyside after the new year.

Szoboszlai, for all his quality, cannot be expected to play all of the time, and Klopp might now be able to save millions by entrusting Liverpool's latest academy star with a place in the senior set-up.

Newcastle United are considering an approach to sign an exciting new midfielder in January, with a report revealing that he could be a replacement for Sandro Tonali.

Sandro Tonali facing ten-month ban

After admitting to placing several bets whilst at his former club AC Milan, Tonali is expected to be handed a ten-month ban from football, as per Fabrizio Romano, so PIF and Eddie Howe will have to enter the market at the start of next year to search for some suitable replacements to cover the absence of their summer signing.

The Magpies have already been linked with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, but should they fail to secure the services of either, the boss has apparently set his sights on another potential candidate from within the Premier League.

Everton defensive midfielder Amadou Onana has firmly established himself as Sean Dyche’s second best-performing defensive player so far this season (WhoScored – Everton statistics), and the 22-year-old’s impressive form has caught the eye of chiefs in the northeast.

Newcastle linked with Amadou Onana

According to iNews (via TEAMtalk), sharing a transfer update on Amadou Onana, Newcastle are plotting a move to sign the Everton's young star, but right now, only view him as a back-up to Phillips.

“According to iNews, Newcastle’s preference would be to sign Phillips on loan, but if they are unable to sign the Man City star, they could make an approach for Onana, who they are ‘admirers’ of. Previous reports suggest, however, that Everton value Onana at around £70m.

"Considering Sean Dyche has started the Belgian youngster in every Premier League match this season, he certainly won’t let him go easily. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle submit a big offer for Onana in January. As mentioned, though, Phillips is Howe’s preference as it stands.”

What kind of player is Amadou Onana?

Naturally a defensive midfielder, Onana’s strongest aspect of his game is protecting the backline and clearing the danger before it has the chance to reach them, which he’s proven so far this season by making 22 tackles, more than any of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Everton statistics).

Standing at 6 foot 3, Belgium’s international also adds a different dimension to the centre of the park with his height as he currently ranks in the 95th percentile for aerial wins by midfielders (FBRef – Onana statistics), with none of the current options in the middle at St. James’ Park really possessing that same dominance in the air.

Aerial duels

Player has no significant weaknesses

Gets fouled often

Tackling

Indirect set-piece threat

Likes to do layoffs

Onana has been dubbed a “one-man army” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for all of the hard work and effort that he puts in, so should he be the player that the hierarchy end up targeting in January, he would be an all-round fantastic acquisition for Newcastle.

The visitors hung on by two wickets to draw the Dubai Test, as Pakistan applied immense pressure in the final hour

The Report by Danyal Rasool11-Oct-2018Never mind the last over. This was never meant to go to the last session, with Pakistan having left 140 overs for themselves to bowl Australia out. But Australia, spearheaded by a superhuman effort from Usman Khawaja, who batted for 302 balls, and captain Tim Paine at the end, kept Pakistan out, ensuring a draw that simply wasn’t an option for much of this match. It required Nathan Lyon batting with his captain for the last 11 overs, when it looked like the visitors would succumb after Khawaja had been dismissed, but Paine and Lyon rallied. As Pakistan prowled, Paine dug deep.The records might be meaningless to an Australian side playing to salvage their reputations after the disaster of Cape Town a few months ago. After that, Paine said he wanted to captain an Australia side the fans could be proud of. It’s taken no more than one Test match to achieve that, with Australia summoning all their powers of grit and fortitude to ensure that they would make the opposition earn a win over their dead bodies. As it was, Australia remained alive, just, and Pakistan, having dominated for such large periods in the match, had nothing to show for it.But there were records made and records broken along the way. This was the second-highest fourth-innings score by a visiting team in Asia in history. Khawaja, who scored 141, surpassed the record for the highest-ever fourth-innings score by an individual batsman, going past Younis Khan’s 131 in 2010. Australia played one ball short of 140 overs, longer than they’ve ever batted in the fourth innings of a Test. All that work to ensure the series remained 0-0. How’s that for fighting spirit?It really wasn’t meant to be so difficult for Pakistan, who needed just seven wickets today to complete what looked like a routine win. But Khawaja and Travis Head carried on from where they had left off yesterday, batting 49 overs together and keeping Pakistan wicketless all morning to begin raising hopes, however faint, that a draw was possible.Draws between these two sides don’t come too often; the last one was 20 years and 20 Test matches ago. Pakistan looked like they were on their way again after Mohammad Hafeez – who in hindsight was perhaps a little underused – trapped Head in front two overs after lunch.Marnus Labuschagne never appeared set against the spinners, as Yasir began to look more potent than did at any point all match. He finally got his first wicket as the debutant went back to a delivery that went straight on, and was trapped plumb in front of middle.Even Tim Paine, who in the end was the man holding back a Pakistan surge, seemed particularly vulnerable for the first half hour in the middle, never quite sure of his footwork, or of which ball to leave. But some of Khawaja’s confidence rubbed off on his captain. As Paine began to get set, Pakistan found themselves having to break down the third significant partnership of the innings, with time running out.There was little drama for the first 90 minutes or so after tea, but Yasir finally broke through Khawaja’s vigil with a googly that the left-hander, for once, failed to sweep effectively. That brought Mitchell Starc to the crease, and gave Pakistan fresh hope. Within 13 balls, Pakistan had Australia eight down, and with Australia still needing to bat almost 13 overs, Pakistan were on course yet again.Crucially, though, Paine still hung around. In Lyon, he found a man able to shut out pressure, and simply focused on the task at hand. So comfortably did Lyon hold his end up that Paine never really looked to farm the strike. For a captain just two matches into the job, it is an ideal way to set the tempo for his tenure, as he embodied the virtues he wants his side to embrace, and played the game (in its true rather than vapid sense) hard but fair.The team spirit of Australia had been visible all game, even on the first two days when Pakistan’s batsmen were grinding them into the dust. The shoulders never dropped, the fast bowlers kept their pace up, and the spinners’ lines never wavered. Australia were fully focused on the task at hand, right until Paine blocked Yasir Shah’s final delivery, forcing Sarfraz to pull out the stumps and offer him a handshake.If Paine’s request to start the match with handshakes had seemed a little contrived to Sarfraz, the Pakistan captain reciprocating the gesture at the end would have been out of nothing but respect.

Gary Ballance’s superb century rescued his side and then tipped proceedings firmly in their favour against Worcestershire.

ECB Reporters Network25-Sep-2018

Gary Ballance drives through the off side•Getty Images

ScorecardGary Ballance has played a significant role in ensuring Yorkshire’s Division One survival in the Specsavers County Championship and a superb century rescued his side and then tipped proceedings firmly in their favour against Worcestershire.The one-time England batsman followed up his hundred in the draw against Nottinghamshire and 85 in the victory over Lancashire by holding together the Tykes innings after Worcestershire had been bowled out for 340 at Blackfinch New Road.Ballance fought a virtual lone hand while completing his third ton of the campaign – and steering Yorkshire past the threat of being asked to follow on – until he was joined by Jack Brooks in a run-laced final session. The pair added a record-breaking 171 in 27 overs for the ninth wicket and shepherded the visitors into a lead that had seemed unlikely when they joined forces at 232 for 8.It surpassed Yorkshire’s previous ninth wicket best against Worcestershire of 150 by Azeem Rafiq and Matthew Hoggard at New Road in 2009.Brooks is certainly signing off in style before joining Somerset on a three-year contract as he followed up his six-wicket haul in Worcestershire’s first innings with 82 before he was dismissed in the penultimate over.It left Ballance unbeaten on a chanceless 189 from 213 deliveries with two sixes and 29 fours as Yorkshire closed on 417 for 9 – a lead of 77. But, as well as Ballance and Brooks played, Worcestershire were left to reflect on another situation in a season of promise that slipped from their grasp when well placed – a major factor in their relegation to Division Two.They seemed powerless to stop the onslaught and were also handicapped by the absence after tea of paceman Josh Tongue with a foot injury as Ballance and Brooks cut loose almost at will.Worcestershire resumed on 319 for 8 and Ben Coad struck with the fourth delivery of the day without addition to the score as he trapped Ben Twohig leg before. Brooks then added to his five-wicket haul by wrapping up the innings as Dillon Pennington was caught behind to leave Tongue unbeaten on 30.When Yorkshire began their reply, Adam Lyth made a quickfire 27 before he fell lbw to Wayne Parnell and Jack Leaning was undone by a fine delivery from Tongue and was comprehensively bowled. Hey Spinner Ben Twohig struck with the final delivery before before lunch as Jeet Raval went to cut and dragged the ball onto his stumps.Former Worcestershire batsman Tom Kohler-Cadmore went leg before to Twohig and Jonathan Tattersall had his off stump knocked out by a Tongue delivery which kept low. Pennington, who had impressed in Worcestershire’s win at Scarborough, had Tim Bresnan pouched at second slipTongue’s third success was also clean bowled in the form of Tykes skipper Steven Patterson and, shortly after tea, debutant James Logan was lbw to Moeen Ali. But then the balance of power shifted dramatically as Ballance and Brooks raced along at more than six an over.The carnage only ended when Brooks, having struck 15 fours in his 99-ball knock, edged Moeen – by now bowling medium pace – through to keeper Ben Cox. A total of 203 runs came from 32 overs after tea.

Manchester City are no stranger to an exciting transfer deal and Pep Guardiola's men now look to be leading the race to acquire one of their January targets, according to a report.

Manchester City transfer updates…

This term, Manchester City's summer signings Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic have all done the business so far when called upon, helping their side to lead the Premier League table, with 28 points taken in their opening 12 league fixtures.

Nevertheless, Catalan boss Guardiola will be hungry to recruit additional players to help his side gain an ideal footing on several fronts as the juggle both domestic and European footballing endeavours. The Cityzens looks to have already started making inroads ahead of the re-opening of the market come the New Year, with Leeds United youngster Finley Gorman being set to join Manchester City for a fee that could rise to £5 million if all add-ons and clauses are met.

Taking to social media platform X, BILD journalist Christian Falk has detailed that Manchester City could swoop to bring a club favourite back to the Etihad, albeit they will prioritise a move in the summer of 2024 amid competition from Liverpool, as he stated: "Manchester City is like Liverpool interested in a Transfer of Leroy Sané in Summer 2024."

Bolstering from the middle to the front seems to be Guardiola's main goal in the near future. According to TEAMtalk, Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray is also on the radar for Manchester City; nevertheless, Liverpool, Everton, Crystal Palace and Borussia Dortmund are all keen to snare the 17-year-old from Elland Road.

Noticing a common theme between Manchester City and Liverpool regularly contesting with each other for players, a fresh report has indicated that the Blues lead Jurgen Klopp's men in the race for yet another player of mutual interest.

Manchester City ahead of Liverpool in Nico Williams pursuit

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, Manchester City are keen on Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who is believed to have a release clause of around €50 million (£43.72 million) inserted into his current contract at the La Liga outfit.

Nico Williams in La Liga – 2023/24 (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

10

Goals

1

Assists

5

Barcelona and Real Madrid are also courting the Spain international alongside four clubs from England; however, only Manchester City and Liverpool are named in the copy, and the Blues are believed to be "in the lead" to sign the 21-year-old between both sides. Intriguingly, Williams has yet to agree a contract extension in the Basque Country and could be available for free in 2024.

Providing a valuable offensive outlet for Athletic Club, Williams has tallied up an average of 1.7 shots taken, 2.1 key passes and 2.5 completed dribbles per match in the Spanish top-flight this campaign (Williams statistics – WhoScored).

Labelled "incredible" by older brother Inaki Williams, the Pamplona-born man looks to be catching the eye of the European elite and it will be interesting to see where he could potentially end up in the near future.

أعلن نادي آرسنال الإنجليزي، التعاقد مع الدولي الإيطالي ريكاردو كالافيوري قادمًا من بولونيا، خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية.

كالافيوري لفت أنظار العديد من الأندية الكبرى في يورو 2024 بعد تألقه رفقة المنتخب الإيطالي، ولكن آرسنال تمكن من الفوز بالسباق على حساب منافسيه.

طالع أيضًا.. ميرور: آرسنال يراقب أولمبياد باريس 2024 لدراسة 5 صفقات محتملة

ولم يعلن آرسنال عن مدة العقد أو القيمة المالية، ولكن التقارير الصحفية أشارت إلى أن كالافيوري وقع على عقد حتى 2029، مقابل حصول بولونيا على 50 مليون يورو.

صاحب الـ22 عامًا، الذي بدأ مسيرته في أكاديمية الشباب مع فريق روما أمضى 12 عامًا في التطور قبل قبل أن يرحل معارًا إلى جنوى في 2021.

في أغسطس 2022، انتقل اللاعب الإيطالي إلى بازل السويسري، وبعد مستواه الرائع، عاد إلى إيطاليا في العام التالي وقدم موسما استثنائيا تحت قيادة تياجو موتا في بولونيا، وقاد الفريق للتأهل إلى دوري أبطال أوروبا بعد غياب 60 عامًا.