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The NBA is preparing to launch a European basketball league featuring elite football clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Talks are underway with major investors as part of an ambitious plan to expand basketball’s global reach, with the first season of ‘NBA Europe’ expected to tip off in 2027.

• NBA’s Europe project gains momentum

  The NBA is set to launch a groundbreaking new basketball league in Europe, with top football clubs and major investors involved in the project. According to multiple reports, the new competition, tentatively called NBA Europe, is planned to begin in 2027, marking a historic step in the NBA’s global expansion strategy.

  Among the clubs expected to join are Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Fenerbahce, with Italian giants AC Milan and Inter also in discussions about forming a joint Milan-based franchise, as per Talks between NBA commissioner Adam Silver and RedBird Capital founder Gerry Cardinale, who owns AC Milan, have intensified in recent weeks, with reports confirming that Oaktree, Inter’s financial backers, are also keen to participate.

  The NBA plans to create permanent franchises in 10 to 12 European cities, with London, Madrid, Milan, Paris and Munich among the leading candidates. Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum revealed that the initiative aims to merge the NBA’s commercial expertise with Europe’s growing basketball culture.

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• AFP
  

  What NBA executives said about the project

  NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum has shed light on the league’s vision for the new competition, confirming that NBA Europe could officially tip off “within two years,” pending approval from FIBA and the NBA’s board of governors.

  “The initial plan is to have permanent teams in 10-12 cities, primarily in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, France, and Germany, perhaps Turkey and Greece,” Tatum told international media. “We’re envisioning a mix of existing teams, new teams, and football clubs that also want to invest in basketball.”

  Tatum added that the league’s structure will include both permanent and merit-based slots. “There will be four open spots assigned annually based on sporting merit. This is the beginning, but we hope to double the number of permanent teams in seven to ten years so other countries can also be involved.”

  Franchise fees are expected to range between €250 million and €500 million, while some reports suggest the total investment could reach as high as $1 billion depending on market demand.

• European giants join the race

  Interest in NBA Europe has surged across Europe’s biggest football institutions. AC Milan and Inter are reportedly in talks to co-own a Milanese franchise, with Cardinale and NBA commissioner Silver recently meeting in New York to discuss logistics.

  Inter’s investors, Oaktree Capital, headquartered in Los Angeles, are also eyeing the opportunity to extend the club’s sporting footprint into basketball. “They’re interested and will certainly play their cards,” Italian outlet reported.

  Meanwhile, Madrid and Barcelona, both long-established basketball powers, are expected to play crucial roles as anchor teams, potentially bringing massive fan engagement to the project. Bayern Munich and PSG, both financially strong and globally recognised, also fit the NBA’s ideal franchise model.

  As per reports, joining the league will cost upwards of €250 million per team, but the long-term commercial potential is seen as enormous. With NBA games already popular across European cities, the league hopes to leverage local fanbases while introducing NBA-style marketing and media production.

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  How EuroLeague and FIBA Fit In

  A major question surrounding NBA Europe is its relationship with existing competitions like the EuroLeague and FIBA’s Basketball Champions League. Tatum addressed this concern directly, saying: “We believe that in the basketball system we envision, there’s room for every club in Europe, including those in the EuroLeague. We’ll continue to work with FIBA and EuroLeague to find a solution.”

  NBA commissioner Silver, speaking on , played down fears that the new league would compete with the NBA for talent. “The NBA is so big, so global, the pay is so high. I think it’s highly unlikely any players would forego the NBA to play in Europe. But if some players extended their careers in Europe, that would be fantastic,” Silver said.

  If successful, NBA Europe could transform basketball’s global ecosystem and give European fans their own elite NBA-style competition. The first games are projected to take place in autumn 2027, potentially featuring powerhouse clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, signalling a seismic shift in global sport.

Arsene Wenger worked with some of the best players to ever grace the English game. The iconic manager transformed Arsenal into Invincibles and took the Premier League into a new era entirely with the football that he had his side playing. And, in truth, it is the England team who should have benefitted the most.

Whilst Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp – just to name a few – all starred under Wenger, it’s worth remembering that the Frenchman also handed the likes of Ashley Cole, Tony Adams, Sol Campbell, Ian Wright and David Seaman the keys to unlock their potential at Highbury.

At the heart of Arsenal history, Wenger worked with a core of England legends and some of the best players in the club’s history, who have not forgotten his impact.

However, as much as Wright and others thrived under Wenger and handed him deserved praise as a result, the former Arsenal boss only decided to name one former England player in his list of favourite Gunners.

Wenger names Wilshere among his best ever Arsenal players

Snubbing Wright, Campbell, Seaman, Cole and others, Wenger named just one England player when asked about his favourite ever Arsenal players and that was, perhaps in surprising fashion, Jack Wilshere.

The former midfielder broke into Wenger’s side as a young prospect full of potential and whilst injuries eventually took control of his career, the ex-Arsenal boss has not forgotten the ability that Wilshere always had in abundance. Naming the Hale End graduate alongside Henry, Bergkamp, Vieira, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg, Cesc Fabregas and Aaron Ramsey, Wilshere won’t receive much higher praise.

Appearances

197

Goals

14

Assists

28

Ultimately, Wilshere’s career went down as a ‘what could have been’ rather than what was, but no one can take away 197 Arsenal appearances and the two FA Cup wins that came alongside that.

Following his retirement, the former England ace received quite the tribute from Wenger, who said: “Well for me it’s a sad moment because Jack is an exceptional football player.

“He was brave, he was talented, he wasn’t scared of anybody. Which is why we thought he could start at a very young age. Straight away he showed he had the ability to be a main player.”

Tottenham Hotspur made it two Premier League wins from two under Thomas Frank this afternoon, with a tremendous victory over Manchester City at the Etihad.

The Lilywhites claimed a superb 2-0 win away from home, making it five goals scored and back-to-back clean sheets during the early stages of the Dane’s tenure.

Such a performance repeated the feat from the 2024/25 campaign, winning against Pep Guardiola’s side away from home for the second successive season.

The result is one thing, but Frank will be delighted with his players – evidently executed the game plan perfectly with their counter-attacking and pressing play forcing the Citizens into various mistakes.

Numerous players stood out during the triumph, with the new boss seemingly making an immediate impact in the role and finding a settled side in North London.

How Spurs’ 2-0 win over Man City unfolded

Brennan Johnson opened the scoring for Spurs at the Etihad, making it two goals in as many Premier League outings after finding the net against Burnley seven days ago.

The goal epitomised the direct nature of the Lilywhites against Guardiola’s men, with a ball down the channel leading to a squared pass across the box – before the Welshman put Frank’s men ahead.

Such a goal was originally flagged as offside, but after a VAR check, the visitors burst into a one-goal lead in the 35th minute – just as the side did at the Etihad last season.

However, there was no doubt about the second effort, with Pape Sarr closing down an under-hit pass from James Trafford – forcing the opposition into a mistake, before Joao Palhinha pounced on the loose ball to fire the side into a two-goal lead.

The Portuguese international was making his first league start for the Lilywhites and has certainly staked his claim for a regular place in the side after such a showing.

He’s not alone in that department though, with one other starter deserving of an extended run in the starting eleven after his own performance against the Citizens.

The 9/10 Spurs star who now looks undroppable

It may be early days in the new manager’s spell at Spurs, but he’s already demonstrated he’s able to get the best out of the current crop of players – as seen by the 100% win record in England’s top-flight.

The Dane’s men restricted the hosts to minimal chances in dangerous areas, something that’s no mean feat – after they scored four times at Wolves on the opening day.

Defensively, the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven managed to impress, preventing the potent Erling Haaland from pulling off a single effort on target.

However, the solidity at the back allowed for turnovers and counter-attacks to be created, which saw Richarlison impress once more at the top end of the pitch.

The Brazilian started in the number nine role, but ran the opposition ragged, often running the channels – which saw him register the assist for Johnson’s opener.

Along with his assist, his underlying stats also highlight the quality he provided, despite being unable to add to his two-goal haul from last weekend.

He made just 29 touches during his 78-minute outing, but many of which were as a result of the Brazilian providing the out ball to play off in their direct play.

Richarlison’s stats for Spurs against Man City
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Minutes played	78
Touches	29
Touches in opposition box	8
Shots taken	3
Fouls won	2
Duels won	6
Assists registered	1
Tackles won	100%
Stats via FotMob

The 28-year-old also registered three efforts on goal, notching eight touches in the opposition box – the most of any player on the pitch between both teams.

Richarlison’s excellent showing saw him also win two fouls, whilst coming out on top in six of the duels he entered – topping off his workmanlike performance at the Etihad.

As a result of his showing, he was handed a 9/10 match rating by Football Insider’s Ben Palmer – putting the icing on the cake on what was a superb outing for the former Everton star.

After such a performance, Frank simply can’t drop the Brazilian, with his arrival evidently handing the forward a new lease of life in his own career in North London.

If he can continue his impressive start to 2025/26, he can certainly nail down the number nine position as his own – potentially playing a huge part in any success this campaign.

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Ethan Lamb

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Leah Williamson was among the superstars in attendance at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, with the Arsenal and England defender being joined at that event by model girlfriend Elle Smith. They thoroughly enjoyed rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in world football, and made the most of an opportunity to let their collective hair down afterwards when enjoying a McDonald’s takeaway.

• Smith has helped celebrate Williamson's success

  Williamson enjoyed a memorable 2024-25 with club and country, with her exploits at domestic, continental and international level ensuring that she was always going to be handed an invitation to the glitzy Ballon d’Or extravaganza in Paris. The English capital was swapped for its French equivalent on September 22. Smith also made a point of jetting in for the occasion so that she could be by her partner’s side.

  Smith was a regular at knockout fixtures involving England at Euro 2025, as the Lionesses successfully defended their title on Swiss soil. She donned custom Lionesses jerseys and lapped up wild celebrations after seeing Williamson get her hands on another major honour as captain of her country. Smith also figured prominently in the parties which accompanied Arsenal’s Champions League triumph in May.

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• Arsenal named Women's Team of the Year at Ballon d'Or

  Smith has shared some of the snaps that were captured during her evening out alongside Williamson at the 2025 Ballon d’Or. She saw Arsenal’s exploits recognised, as they walked away with the Women’s Club of the Year award, while Lionesses hero Hannah Hampton landed the inaugural women’s Yashin Trophy – which is awarded to the best goalkeeper on the planet.

  Williamson was on hand to savour the successes of her own club and those of international colleagues, with a memorable night being enjoyed by all. Once the festivities were over, with a hunger having been worked up, Smith has revealed that her party made a point of ordering some fries and nuggets from McDonald’s – with the A-list lifestyle being shunned for a few minutes.

• Getty
  

  What Slegers & Hampton said after landing top awards

  Arsenal women’s boss Renee Slegers – who was joined on stage by Williamson and Co – delivered an iconic speech when accepting the Club of the Year award. She said to those in attendance and watching on from around the world: “It’s a true honour for Arsenal to be recognised as women’s club of the year. I’m proud to stand here. Community is what we’re building at Arsenal Women. I have to thank our wonderful supporters, who are and have always been such an integral part of what we do at the club. Thank you all again for this award. Invest in women. Invest in women’s sports. When we do that, all of us benefit.”

  Hampton – who performed penalty-saving heroics for England at Euro 2025 – said of winning her goalkeeper gong: "I don't think it's an achievement for me, I think it's an achievement for women's goalkeeping. I stand on the shoulders of so many great goalkeepers of the past. Sitting along with my fellow nominees, it's an honour to be a part of such an incredible group and inspiring goalkeepers of the future generation coming through."

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• Toone another Lioness to celebrate with McDonald's

  Williamson is not the first Lionesses star to celebrate a night at a prestigious awards ceremony with a spot of McDonald’s. Back in January 2024, after attending the FIFA Best ceremony, Manchester United and England playmaker Ella Toone enjoyed a similar feast. She said in a video posted on social media: “From the FIFA awards, to the golden arches. Come on!” A theme is clearly emerging, with Williamson and Smith taking inspiration from a familiar face.

  Williamson's attention is back on her day job at present, with WSL and Champions League campaigns underway in 2025-26, with much of the summer having been spent alongside Smith. After welcoming her to Switzerland for major tournament action, the pair soaked up sun and spa treatments at exclusive hotels during a post-Euros vacation in New York. Arsenal, who have made an unbeaten start to the new WSL season, will be back in action on Saturday when playing host to Aston Villa – with Williamson currently unavailable as she recovers from a knee injury.

تتواصل الأخبار السيئة داخل أروقة نادي ليفربول فيما يخص إصابات اللاعبين، بعد مضي ما يقرب من شهرين على بداية الموسم الحالي، 2025/26.

وتعرض ليفربول لضربتين خلال مباراة جالطة سراي، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، يوم الثلاثاء الماضي، حيث عانى الثنائي أليسون بيكر وهوجو إيكتيكي من الإصابة التي دفعتهما لمغادرة اللقاء الذي انتهى بهزيمة الفريق الإنجليزي بهدف دون رد.

وبينما تبدو إصابة إيكتيكي بسيطة، فإن الأمر مختلف مع أليسون بيكر حيث تشير التقارير الصحفية إلى إمكانية غيابه لمدة 6 أسابيع.

وسبق ذلك إعلان المدرب آرني سلوت، معاناة لاعب ليفربول فيديريكو كييزا، من كدمة أجبرته على عدم المشاركة في مباراة ليفربول وجالطة سراي، في حين ليس من المعروف موقفه من خوض مباراة تشيلسي غدًا.

ويستضيف ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج” مباراة ليفربول وتشيلسي، في قمة منافسات الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي، مساء يوم السبت.

وسبق كل ذلك تعرض الشاب جيوفاني ليوني لتمزق في الرباط الصليبي خلال مباراة ساوثهامبتون في كأس كاراباو، حيث سيغيب لمدة قد تصل إلى عام بعدما خضع لعملية جراحية.

اقرأ أيضًا | “بغض النظر عن مستواه”.. ليفربول يدرس قرارًا هامًا بشأن محمد صلاح

من جهة أخرى، أكد المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول تحت 21 عامًا، روب بيج، أن اللاعب ويل رايت يعاني من إصابة ستجبره على الغياب عن الملاعب نحو شهرين.

ونجح ليفربول في اقتناص صفقة ويل رايت، في موسم الانتقالات الصيفي لذلك العام، بعد التوصل إلى اتفاق مع سالفورد سيتي رغم أن آرسنال كان الأقرب بقوة لضمه.

وتعرض ويل رايت لإصابة قوية في ظهوره الأول في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا للشباب ضد أتلتيكو مدريد في وقت سابق من شهر سبتمبر، حيث تم نقله على نقالة طبية وسط تألمه الشديد، مما أثار التكهنات حول مدى تضرر الرباط الصليبي.

ولكن روب بيج أوضح أن الأمر جاء هينًا، مقارنة بالتوقعات السلبية الأولى، حيث قال في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “ذا أثلتيك” العالمية: “لن يخضع لعملية جراحية، لكنه سيغيب لشهرين تقريبًا”.

وأضاف: “لم يكن الرباط الرئيسي هو المصاب، بل الرباط الداخلي، لذا فالإصابة ليست خطيرة كما توقعنا في البداية”.

وتنفس ليفربول الصعداء جراء تلك التصريحات خاصة وأنه من المحتمل أن يتم الاستعانة بخدمات ويل رايت مع الفريق الأول، تحت قيادة آرني سلوت، في بطولات الكأس وسط ضغط المباريات المعتاد في الموسم.

The WCA had received reports of certain cricket boards not paying the men’s T20 World Cup “prize money in full” to their players

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-2024The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA, formerly FICA) has expressed its “concern” after receiving reports of certain cricket boards not paying the “prize money in full” to their players, who participated at the last men’s T20 World Cup, earlier this year in the USA and the West Indies.”In some cases the failure to pay in full has been paired with threatening and intimidatory behaviour by National Governing Bodies to player groups,” the WCA said in a statement on Wednesday.ESPNcricinfo understands that players from five of the 20 participating teams – of which eight were Associate Members of the ICC – have not been paid their dues.Related

WCA hopes to find solution to 'broken and unsustainable' cricket schedule

“We are extremely concerned with a number of countries who are still yet to pay players their prize money from the men’s T20 World Cup held in the US and Caribbean earlier in the year, and especially with a number of threats made against players who stand up for themselves and their colleagues in some cricket environments,” Tom Moffat, WCA chief executive, said. “We appreciate the ICC’s efforts to date in ensuring the players involved are paid in full, and are certain the ICC will continue to take all appropriate steps against any Boards who do not do so, and to enforce their own Terms of Participation.”Every player in our sport should receive the benefits they are entitled to in full, and should be provided with a safe environment to play, work, and advocate for themselves and their colleagues off field, through a players’ association if they choose.”The statement was released after the WCA board met this week in Singapore for its annual general meeting, where it also approved the establishment of a Global Player Hardship Fund.The fund, the WCA said, has been designed to support international players in need “who are not covered by the game’s existing domestic frameworks for support”.JP Van Wyk, WCA’s head of welfare and education, said, “Professional athletes face unique challenges in their short careers and we know through the great work that many players’ associations do at domestic level that tailored player welfare support structures have supported players in their time of need. We also know that in an increasingly global player employment market there are notable gaps in the current system in assisting players in extreme cases of hardship.”Although this fund will operate within certain constraints, and will complement domestic offerings, we are certain it is going to assist those current and recently retired international cricketers who are presently unsupported and vulnerable.”The fund will be governed by “an oversight group” made up of experts and players’ association representatives.Meanwhile, Heath Mills and Sana Mir have been reappointed executive chair and independent director respectively.

Glasgow Rangers are in competitive action for the first time in the 2025/26 campaign as they host Panathinaikos at Ibrox in the Champions League this evening.

The Light Blues welcome the Greek side to Glasgow in the first leg of their second round qualifier, in what will be Russell Martin’s first game in charge of the club.

Supporters will be hoping to see some new faces in the Rangers team for the first time, in a competitive setting at least, with the likes of Emmanuel Fernandez, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell, and Djeidi Gassama all hoping to feature in some capacity.

Thelo Aasgaard, who signed for the club from Luton Town on a permanent deal this summer, missed training on Monday, though, and does not appear likely to be in the squad.

The Light Blues are still in the market for further reinforcements before the end of the transfer window, as well, but one player who may not be coming to Ibrox is Motherwell’s Lennon Miller.

Rangers were reportedly exploring a deal for the Scotland international last month. However, the Daily Record claims he has his ‘heart set’ on a move abroad.

Why missing out on Lennon Miller would be a blow for Rangers

Whilst the 18-year-old talent is still a Motherwell player and has not officially signed with another club, the latest claim that he is looking to move abroad suggests that the Gers are unlikely to land his signature before the end of the current transfer window.

This is a shame for Rangers, who were exploring a potential swoop for him, because he is an exciting young talent who has proven himself in the Scottish Premiership.

The teenage central midfielder started 32 matches in the Scottish top-flight for Motherwell in the 2024/25 campaign, and caught the eye with his impressive performances in the middle of the park.

Miller produced two goals and eight assists as an attacking force from midfield for his side, but it was his work off the ball that really showcased his best qualities.

24/25 Premiership	Lennon Miller per 90	Percentile rank vs midfielders
Tackle success rate	68%	Top 28%
Duels won	5.84	Top 36%
Duel success rate	53%	Top 31%
Interceptions	1.38	Top 14%
Ball recoveries	6.52	Top 10%
Blocks	0.48	Top 28%
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the Scotland international ranked very highly among his positional peers in the Premiership in a host of key defensive metrics.

Miller’s contributions in and out of possession for Motherwell led to him being named the Scottish Premiership Young Player of the Year, which further illustrates why it would be a blow for Rangers to potentially miss out on him.

Rangers lining up move for new midfielder

However, the Light Blues are now interested in signing another teenage talent who could arrive at Ibrox as Martin’s own version of Lennon Miller.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to Edinburgh News reporter Barry Anderson, Rangers are lining up a move for FC Cukaricki central midfielder Andrej Bacanin this summer.

The journalist claims that both the Gers and Celtic are keen on a potential deal for the Serbia U19 international, whilst Ajax and Udinese are also chasing a move for the impressive youngster.

Anderson adds that the Serbian side want a fee of around £2.6m, but that there is a feeling that the club would be willing to accept a fee of around £2.1m.

Cukaricki sporting director Vladimir Matijašević had already confirmed that Rangers made an enquiry, but this latest report outlines how much a deal could cost the Gers if they decide to go in with an official approach for him.

Why Bacanin could be Rangers' own Miller

If Rangers secure a £2.1m deal to sign the 18-year-old talent, who is the same age as Miller, then Martin could have his own version of the Motherwell dynamo on his hands.

Of course, the Serbian youngster is not a proven Premiership performer who would be almost guaranteed to hit the ground running at Ibrox in the same way that the Scottish star would be.

However, Bacanin is another 18-year-old prospect who would arrive in Glasgow as an excellent midfield talent with the potential to be a star for the club in the future, although he may not be expected to make a huge impact in the short term.

With a return of one goal and two assists in 17 appearances in the Superliga, the Serbia youth international is unlikely to provide the goals and assists that Miller did for Motherwell last season. However, he caught the eye as a screener in front of his defence, making vital defensive contributions on a regular basis in his breakthrough campaign at senior level.

24/25 Superliga	Andrej Bacanin
Appearances	17
Starts	10
Goals	1
Assists	2
Tackles per 90	2.3
Interceptions per 90	1.8
Aerial duels won per 90	1.3
Error led to goal	0
Penalties committed	0
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Bacanin averaged 4.1 tackles and interceptions per 90 in his first season for Cukaricki, which shows that he has the tenacity and reading of the game to constantly step in to break up attacks.

Serbian Football Scout, who is a professional scout for MLS side Colorado Rapids, hailed the teenage ace as a “true midfield controller”, and his defensive work plays a crucial role in that.

His ability to consistently win possession back for his side, through tackles and interceptions, allows him to control games by breaking up opposition attacks and creating new possessions for his own team to then create chances.

This suggests that he can offer similar qualities to Miller in terms of what he can do out of possession in the middle of the park, as they are both midfielders who can consistently stop the other team from building up play.

Perfect for Gassama: Rangers ready to step up move for "exemplary" CF

Rangers are reportedly ready to pursue a deal to sign a star who would be perfect for Djeidi Gassama.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 20, 2025

He may not be a like-for-like replica of the Motherwell star, as he has yet to show as much quality as a creator, but they are both teenage midfield stars who can operate as impressive defensive enforcers, which is why the £2.1m star could be Martin’s own version of Miller at Ibrox.

Nottingham Forest have a huge season in 2025/26 ahead of them. After being in contention for a Champions League spot for much of the campaign, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could only qualify for the UEFA Conference League, although that is still a fantastic achievement.

Their good performances have drawn interest in their players from other clubs in the Premier League. One of those sides is Newcastle United, who are targeting a move for Anthony Elanga.

The East Midlands outfit currently values the Sweden international at £50m, showing just how important he is to the club and their exciting project.

If Elanga does depart the City Ground this summer, they will need to sign a replacement. Reports suggest they may already have someone lined up.

Nottingham Forest's potential Elanga replacement

Sorting an Elanga replacement this summer is something Forest simply must get right. The Swedish forward is a versatile player, so if he does leave, Nuno must surely go and sign a player in a similar mould.

Well, perhaps the man who could replace Elanga is Juventus star Timothy Weah. According to a recent report from Gianluca Di Marzio, the City Ground side ‘are interested in’ signing Weah this summer. The report suggests that the ‘clubs have already started contact and the negotiations are in full swing’ to agree a deal.

At this stage, personal terms with the USA international do not seem to have been completed. However, a fee is becoming more clear, with the Italian giants seemingly wanting just £12m for Weah this summer, which seems like an excellent value for money deal.

Why Weah would be a good replacement for Elanga

It was a really impressive campaign on a personal level for Weah, in what proved to be a turbulent season at times for the Old Lady. He became an important player and helped Juve to qualify for the Champions League, finishing fourth.

Across all competitions in the 2024/25 season, Weah, who is the son of former Ballon d’Or winner George, played 43 games, including one in the ongoing Club World Cup. In that time, he scored six goals and assisted a further five, with eight of those goal involvements coming in Serie A.

One of the words that springs to mind when discussing Weah is versatility, with Dougie Critchley describing him as “one of the most versatile players in world football”. He is incredibly flexible, able to play as a winger on either side, a full-back on either side and as a centre-forward.

This offers his manager, who could well be Nuno next season, extreme tactical flexibility, both during a game, should he wish to make tweaks, or before a game. Having a player who can play in multiple positions is certainly useful for any manager.

Indeed, that can be said about Elanga, too. The 23-year-old can also play on either flank, operating on the right wing most often last season. Like Weah, he can feature as a centre-forward, too, doing so seven times in 2024/25.

Stepping up and replacing the Forest number 21 will not be easy for Weah, though. Last season in Garbaldi Red, Elanga scored six Premier League goals and assisted 11, playing all 38 games. That included a sensational strike against former side Manchester United.

The underlying numbers via FBref for both players stack up well against each other. For example, Weah averaged 3.08 progressive passes per 90 minutes for Juve, compared to Elanga’s 2.27 each game for Forest, rubberstamping their creative threat in the final third.

Weah and Elanga key stats compared
Stat (per 90)	Weah	Elanga
Goals per shot	0.24	0.14
Key passes	1.04	1.8
Progressive passes	3.08	2.27
Tackles and interceptions	2.75	0.9
Progressive carries	2.47	3.67
Stats from FBref

There is no doubt that losing Elanga would be a huge blow for Forest. However, signing Weah, an even more versatile attacker who still manages good output, would be a superb way to replace their talismanic attacker.

He would be cost-efficient and offer Nuno tactical flexibility and quality in the final third. This seems like an excellent move for Forest this summer.

Hudson-Odoi upgrade: Nottingham Forest ramp up move for "ruthless" star

Nottingham Forest eye a move for a Championship winger who could be an upgrade on what they have.

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 21, 2025

Sunderland are thought to be in talks to sign a new £17m forward who Regis Le Bris already knows well, according to a new update.

Speakman in Sunderland transfer talks after Le Fee deal

The Black Cats have so far been patient when it comes to new signings, with Enzo Le Fee’s loan move becoming permanent the only incoming piece of business following promotion to the Premier League.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is working behind the scenes on deals, though, and admitted last week he was in three different countries in three days discussing transfers with targets.

By the looks of things, one player on Speakman’s list could now be Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente, with a new update showing there has been a development.

Sunderland in talks for Sassuolo forward Armand Lauriente

According to reports in Italy relayed by Chronicle Live, Sunderland are thought to have begun talks over a ‘sensational swoop’ to sign Lauriente.

The Sassuolo forward has already worked under Le Bris, scoring one goal in four games under the Sunderland boss during their time at French side Lorient. He can also play anywhere across the front three, so would provide plenty of versatility in the final third, should a deal be struck.

The Black Cats are looking to provide competition to Wilson Isisdor and Eliezer Mayenda and seemingly see Lauriente as the man to do just that, with previous claims suggesting he could cost up to £17m.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a fine campaign in 2024/25, scoring 19 goals and registering six assists in 34 appearances in all competitions, mainly as a left winger.

Dan James

Leeds United

Borja Sainz

Norwich City

Wilfried Gnonto

Leeds United

Sontje Hansen

NEC Nijmegen

Liel Abada

Charlotte FC

As per FBref, Lauriente ranks in the top 1% for goals when compared to attacking midfielders and wingers, the top 2% for shots on target and the top 6% for expected goals.

As can be seen, Lauriente has been likened to a number of wingers playing their trade in England, so a move to the Stadium of Light could be one to keep an eye on.

Things certainly didn’t go their way last season, but Arsenal will still be genuine contenders in the Premier League and Champions League next year, as the team remain stacked with talent.

The likes of David Raya, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and more will all still be some of the best in their position, and Declan Rice looks set to continue improving.

The Englishman, who played more of a left-eight role this year, was named the club’s Player of the Season last week, and it would be hard to say he didn’t deserve it.

So, fans should be excited about reports linking the club to an international superstar who could be one of the reasons why the former West Ham United star is even more effective next year.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other players touted for moves to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Benjamin Sesko and Anthony Gordon.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former has been linked with the Gunners since last summer, but more recent reports suggest that he might finally be on his to the club for around £67m in the coming weeks, which, for a 22-year-old striker who racked up 27 goal involvements this season, isn’t too bad.

Gordon, on the other hand, is reportedly available for around £80m, and while he’s most certainly a talented player, his tally of 16 goal involvements in 42 games is hardly mind-blowing.

Fortunately, the Gunners are now heavily linked with another winger who’d be a far more exciting acquisition: Rodrygo.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are intensely interested in the Real Madrid star this summer.

In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have already made contact and are now willing to make an offer for him.

The story does not mention how much the international star may cost, but reports from earlier this month seem to agree that a fee of around £84m should be enough to tempt Los Blancos into selling.

It would be an incredibly costly and potentially complicated transfer to get done, but given Rodrygo’s outrageous ability, notably described as one of the “best players in the world” by Carlo Ancelotti, it would be a superb signing.

Why Rodrygo would be a dream for Rice

Now then, when it comes to a player of Rodrygo’s calibre, you could probably say that he’d be a dream teammate for every player in the Arsenal squad, so what about him makes him such an exciting prospect for Rice?

Well, there are, in fact, several reasons, but the first and ultimately most important, is the Brazilian’s raw output.

For example, in 51 appearances this season, totalling 3360 minutes, the 24-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by Statman Dave, scored 14 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games, or every 140 minutes.

This is important because Arteta has turned the Gunners’ tenacious number 41 from a traditional six into a left-eight, and as such, he is expected to help out with attacks more often, which he has done this season.

Across 52 appearances this season, the former Hammers star scored nine goals and provided ten assists, and according to Understat, he should have had at least two more assists in the league alone.

Appearances

51

51

56

Minutes

3360′

3564′

3455′

Goals

10

10

10

Assists

14

6

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.31

0.35

Minutes per Goal Involvement

140′

222.75′

172.75′

So just imagine how much more dangerous the Englishman could be with a truly effective winger just ahead of him, as when we compare the Real star’s numbers to Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in this table, it’s clear he is far more dangerous.

Finally, on top of helping the monstrous midfielder further improve his own output, signing the former Santos gem also sends the right message: that the club are determined to bring in world-class players to help those they already have to achieve greatness and win things.

Therefore, while it will be costly and likely drawn out, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer.

Walcott 2.0: Arsenal now eyeing "one of the fastest players in the PL"

The rapid international would be an exciting addition to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 11, 2025