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Sunderland are set to complete another signing ahead of the transfer window slamming shut as the Black Cats have booked a medical ahead of a new arrival for Regis Le Bris' squad.

Sunderland set for busy day

Having seen Jack Clarke join Ipswich Town last week, Sunderland are set for a busy end to their summer, having welcomed just five new faces so far despite sitting top of the Championship with maximum points as it stands.

Wilson Isidore has headed that arrivals list, joining from Zenit St Petersburg on loan, while the Black Cats have also landed four other new faces on free transfers, with much of their transfer budget having been kept dry.

Sunderland's summer signings 2024

Player

Fee

Wilson Isidore

Loan

Alan Browne

Free

Ian Poveda

Free

Simon Moore

Free

Blondy Nna Noukeu

Free

Le Bris has already hinted that deadline day will be busy for the northeast side, with as many as four new players potentially arriving at the Stadium of Light.

“We are working hard and I hope that at the end we have a more balanced team, more talented players and so on,” he said.

“We don't know exactly yet what the situation will be but I'm confident because I think we have a good team with a strong core – and if we can add some specific elements to this core I think that the balance will be better. We know that this league is very long with many three-game weeks, so in these situations to have maybe two or three elements more will be interesting for us."

Now, he seems set to get his wish as his side close in on a deal.

Sunderland agree loan move to sign defender

That comes amid a report from Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam, which reveals that the Black Cats have agreed a loan move to sign Welsh international and Bournemouth centre-back Chris Mepham.

The 26-year-old defender has fallen down the pecking order on the south coast, making just 10 appearances in the Premier League last season, and he is yet to be named in a matchday squad for the Cherries so far this season, underlining that he is surplus to requirements for Andoni Iraola.

Now, he is set to swap the Vitality for the Stadium of Light, with a deal having been agreed for him to spend the 2024/25 campaign with Sunderland. Sky Sports add that there is no option or obligation to buy the player at the end of his spell, but he will be hoping to reignite his career.

He has been the subject of strong praise in the past, with former Cherries boss Scott Parker singling him out for plenty of praise after he helped them to a win over Coventry in 2022.

"He was fantastic. I constantly say you need to be ready for when your opportunity comes. Chris Mepham last week, if you’d had said he’ll be coming on for 20-odd, 30-odd minutes against Coventry, he probably would’ve laughed at you and thought 'absolutely no chance, I’m at the training ground on Saturday, not even being in the squad."

Breakthrough: Sunderland agree deal for £13k-p/w international midfielder

Sunderland are on the verge of completing a signing before Friday’s deadline.

ByBrett Worthington Aug 29, 2024

Still just 26, he has just one year left to run on his £35,000 a week deal at Bournemouth, which makes a return there unlikely in 12 months time, suggesting that he could become a free agent unless he is willing to pen a new contract before departing for the north east.

For Sunderland, it could be the first signing of what promises to be a busy deadline day for Le Bris and co, as they look to build a squad capable of sustaining a promotion charge.

Victor Osimhen is reportedly wanted by Paris Saint-Germain as the Parisians try to lure the Napoli loanee away from Galatasaray in January.

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PSG are keen to sign OsimhenHave already got in touch with the strikerChelsea are also in the race for OsimhenFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Osimhen has been a standout performer for Galatasaray since his arrival, amassing an impressive record of 10 goals and 5 assists in 14 appearances across all competitions. PSG’s earlier interest in Osimhen during the summer failed to materialise, but recent performances may have convinced them to reconsider their pursuit.

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According to , PSG have made contact with the forward for a potential transfer in January. However, any deal is expected to face significant hurdles. One of them might be PSG head coach Luis Enrique himself, who was hesitant about signing Osimhen during the summer. Additionally, to finalise a transfer, PSG would need to navigate a three-way negotiation involving Napoli, Galatasaray, and the player himself. Such an arrangement could be difficult to orchestrate in the limited time available during the January transfer window.

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Chelsea's past interest in Osimhen adds another layer of intrigue, as the London club could potentially reignite their pursuit if PSG faces difficulties in securing the forward’s signature.

Amid the swirling transfer rumours, Osimhen has publicly stated his commitment to staying with Galatasaray until the end of the season. In a recent interview, he clarified his intentions, saying: "I will not leave in January, I am at Galatasaray until the end of the season. I do not know what Galatasaray and Napoli are talking about afterwards, but if they come to me, we will talk. Galatasaray is a nice club that I like very much. I am very happy at Galatasaray."

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With the January transfer window approaching, it remains to be seen whether PSG or any other potential suitors will make an official bid for Osimhen. The Nigerian international’s performances at Galatasaray have undoubtedly heightened his appeal, but his strong declaration to remain in Turkey could deter immediate attempts to pry him away.

Karachi Kings were given a scare at the death by James Faulkner and Tim David, but held on to keep their qualification hopes alive

Danyal Rasool17-Jun-2021There was almost a repeat of Lahore Qalandars’ stunning win over Karachi Kings earlier this season, but this time, the Kings held on – just, keeping their playoff hopes alive with a 7-run win over their biggest rivals.That was in large part to a sensational bowling effort, spearheaded by Afghanistan teenager Noor Ahmad, whose figures of 4-0-19-2 derailed Lahore’s chase at a time when the game hung in the balance. That didn’t mean the game was over, though, with an astonishing onslaught from Tim David and James Faulkner at the end briefly taking the Qalandars to the brink of victory. But when they holed out, the Kings established control again, and despite a brief scare in the final over from Rashid Khan, the Kings finally got themselves into a situation even they couldn’t fluff up.The Kings had won the toss and opted to bat, perhaps buoyed by the way the earlier game panned out, where Islamabad United racked up 247 in the first innings. The innings began somewhat unsteadily and stuttered throughout, with the Kings never quite able to pick up the pace when required, but crucially, never decelerating either. Qalandars were especially profligate in the field, dropping Babar Azam no fewer than three times, and even if Kings’ star batter wasn’t close to his best, his 44-ball 54 helped build a platform that took his side to 176. Martin Guptill at the other end was more free-flowing, and the two combined for an 88-run partnership that ensured Kings would not have to worry about wickets as they chased a final flourish.Lahore began the chase breezily, Fakhar Zaman depositing a couple of sixes off Imad Wasim in the first over, but the wheels soon came off. Mohammad Ilyas got rid of Sohail Akhtar early before Noor began to strangle the batters. The asking rate had ballooned past 16 when he was done with his spell, but lapses of concentration with the ball allowed David and Faulkner to blaze their way to a 24-ball partnership that added 58 runs and left Qalandars needing 27 off two. However, Abbas Afridi had David hole out to long-off, and Qalandars finally had the fight knocked out of them.Noor’s teenage dreamIt’s impossible not to be left awestruck by the magnitude of Noor Ahmad’s talent, embodied as it in within a slight, unassuming 16-year old boy’s frame. When he was brought on in the seventh over, Qalandars were behind in the game, but it was the Afghan teenager who blew them out of the water. He toyed with Mohammad Hafeez – a man who made his debut before Noor was born – in the first over, keeping him honest with a quirky, unplayable mix of googlies, flippers and conventional left-arm legspin. But it wasn’t until the end of his third over that the rewards for his skill began to show up in the wickets column. Ben Dunk, who had been beaten by prodigious turn off the previous ball, was taken at first slip by Azam as he looked to play with the turn.The cherry on top came off the last ball of his spell, though, when Hafeez was finally dealt the knockout punch. Hafeez tried to drive him inside out over cover, but the this particular delivery had been pushed through, and Hafeez struggled to get height on it. It would go straight to Imad Wasim at extra cover, and Noor had his second, conceding just 19 in his spell.Azam’s charmed inningsIt’ll be a while before Azam can complain about fortune not favouring him. After he was perhaps a shade unlucky against Peshawar Zalmi to be deemed lbw when the ball might have missed leg stump, the cricket gods made it up to him, and then quite a bit more. It was only the second over when Dunk grassed an outside edge off Azam’s bat, but lady luck was only just getting to work at that point. He survived an lbw shout from Faulkner by about the breadth of a hair in the fourth over, struggling to quite get his rhythm going.Not that he wouldn’t get further chances. Haris Rauf rushed onto him with a sharp bouncer he skied towards midwicket, where substitute fielder Zaid Alam made a mess of a routine high catch. In the 9th over, he was stranded in the middle of the crease after a mix-up with Guptill, only for Rashid to scupper the run-out chance. Rauf soon turned from aggrieved bowler to the man responsible for reprieving him yet again, putting down an absolute sitter at third man off Ahmed Daniyal’s bowling. Daniyal’s suffering wasn’t over, though as Rashid allowed Babar another life by putting him down at point.It almost seemed as if the Qalandars had forgotten just because he was from Lahore didn’t mean he was on their side. Hafeez finally put paid to the scratchiest of innings from Pakistan’s premier batter, holding onto one at point as Azam finally fell for a forgettable 44-ball 54.The Karachi squeezeA stodgy batting effort from the Kings was followed up by a wayward start with the ball, and for the first three over of the Qalandars chase, elimination beckoned. Thirty-four runs were plundered off the first three overs, with Wasim, Mohammad Amir, and Ilyas all taking a pounding. But Amir’s second over proved a momentum shifter, mixing up changes of pace with a couple of yorkers to put the brakes on. Ilyas carried the momentum from there, a wicket maiden accounting for Akhtar, in addition to putting Qalandars on the back foot. Noor did much of the rest through the middle overs, but without arresting a seemingly irresistible Qalandars top order, the task for the 16-year old would have proved significantly more complicated.Where they standKarachi Kings move up to eight points, and are behind fourth-placed Multan Sultans on net run rate. Lahore Qalandars remain stuck on ten points after their third defeat in a row, but maintain their hold on third place for now.

Everton have received an injury blow to a big player while away on international duty, meaning he could now miss the upcoming Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

Everton hit new low under Dyche

The Blues have suffered a miserable start to the new season, having begun it with hopes of an improvement being on show after three successive relegation battles in the top flight. Instead, Everton have lost all three of their opening Premier League matches in 2024/25, starting with a 3-0 defeat at home to Brighton and added to by a 4-0 trouncing away to Tottenham.

The real nadir came last Saturday, however, as Sean Dyche's side blew a 2-0 lead at home to Bournemouth late in the day, eventually losing 3-2 at Goodison, with two of the visitors' goals coming in stoppage time. It was one of the bleakest defeats that the Blues have suffered in years, and they arguably look like the worst team in the league currently.

In terms of Dyche's future as manager, the Englishman doesn't appear to be in danger of losing his job right now – Graham Potter has been mentioned as a possible replacement if that time comes – but it's fair to say that many Everton supporters are now running out of patience with him, following such a dreadful start to the season.

Now, the Blues boss has been hit with an additional headache to contend with, following an injury to an established and popular figure.

Everton hit with injury blow to "amazing" player

According to Liverpool World, Everton ace Seamus Coleman is an injury doubt for next weekend's clash with Aston Villa after picking up a fitness issue in the Republic of Ireland's 2-0 defeat at home to England on Saturday evening.

The right-back was forced off in the UEFA Nations League clash at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, being replaced by Blues teammate Jake O'Brien after 57 minutes, and he is now facing a race against time to be fit for another crucial Premier League game.

Admittedly, Coleman isn't the force he was at the peak of his powers, but he is still good enough to be starting for his country, and his vast experience is badly needed during such a tumultuous period at Goodison.

The 35-year-old certainly has his admirers, including former Everton manager Frank Lampard, who said of him earlier this year: "Seamus [Coleman] was amazing from the first time I sat with him, so now I messaged him the other day because he made his way 15 years ago. That was incredible, and what a player as well, by the way."

Minutes played

57

Touches

16

Ground duels won

2/3

Aerial duels won

1/1

Pass completion rate

82%

Losses of possession

3

Fouls committed

1

Fouls received

2

The hope is that the £55,000-a-week-earning Coleman is back in time for the trip to Villa next Saturday, having only started once in the league so far this season, with his character in the dressing room so priceless during such a challenging spell.

Wolverhampton Wanderers had a busy summer transfer window in 2024. They lost some crucial players over the window, including Pedro Neto, who joined Chelsea for £54m, and club captain Max Kilman, who moved to West Ham United to reunite with former manager Julen Lopetegui for £40m.

The Old Gold were able to reinvest that money smartly, bringing in eight signings, both permanently and on loan. Perhaps the marquee deal was Brazilian midfielder Andre, who joined from Fluminense in a deal worth up to £21m. Amongst other moves, they also signed the likes of experienced goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace for £10m.

Signing Andre was a big coup, given he was linked with many clubs across Europe. The Old Gold will be glad to have secured his services and have potentially avoided the repeat of a deal which saw them miss out on a high-profile signing, instead signing Leander Dendoncker.

Leander Dendoncker’s Wolves record

Wolves signed versatile Belgium international Dendoncker from Belgian giants Anderlecht on a permanent deal in the summer of 2019, after initially bringing him in on a season-long loan deal. He joined the club for a reported fee of £11.6m after impressing then-manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

In total, the 29-year-old made 159 appearances for the club, including 26 in his first season in 2018/19 when he was on loan in the Midlands. He managed to score 12 goals and register four assists during his time at the Old Gold.

One of the benefits of having the Belgian in the squad was his versatility. Not only was he able to play at centre-back, as he did so on 27 occasions, but he also slotted into midfield countless times. He played 55 games in defensive midfield and 64 times in the centre of the park, too.

Sadly, things did not really work out for Dendoncker at Molineux. He moved to Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee in 2022 and has since been on loan at Napoli. Now, the 29-year-old plies his trade for former club Anderlecht once again.

Had they decided to forgo the signing of Dendoncker, the Old Gold could have ended up with someone who has turned into one of Europe’s best defenders, Ruben Dias.

When Wolves missed out on Ruben Dias

It is no secret that, under Nuno, the Old Gold built a sizeable Portuguese contingent. That included the likes of Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota, both of whom have now left the club for pastures anew.

However, they did miss out on signing Dias and showed interest in the Portugal international whilst he was still a Benfica player. At that stage, the defender had a release clause of £57m, although the Old Gold were thought to want to pay less than that value.

The report from The Express and The Star stated that he fitted the 2019 Wolves recruitment model “in being young, with potential to increase his value considerably”. Over the past few years, the likes of Neves and Jota have left for great profit, and the Old Gold likely saw a similar opportunity for profit in Dias.

In the end, the Midlands club missed out on signing the Portugal international. He joined Manchester City the following summer for a fee of £65m, slightly more than his release clause reported in 2019.

It is fair to say the defender has been successful during his time under Pep Guardiola in Manchester. So far, he has made 183 appearances for the Citizens and has won countless trophies, including a famous treble in the 2022/23 campaign. He is now valued at a whopping £67m by Transfermarkt.

Premier League

2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24

Champions League

2022/23

FA Cup

2022/23

Club World Cup

2024

League Cup

2020/21

Uefa Supercup

2023/24

Community Shield

2024/25

It is surely a deal that Wolves might regret not completing back in 2019. Had they done so, they would have had one of the best defenders in Europe in their side, who they could have sold for profit even after they paid £57m for him.

Looking back on the situation, it makes you think just how different the last few seasons could have been for the Old Gold.

Wolves flop who left in 2022 is now outscoring every member of the squad

He has finally found his best form

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 17, 2024

Jake Libby resists for Worcestershire but Liam Trevaskis seals 46-run victory

ECB Reporters Network10-Aug-2021Durham 289 for 9 (Lees 93, Bedingham 66) beat Worcestershire243 (Libby 76) by 46 runsDurham are through to the knockout stages of the Royal London Cup with a game to spare after defeating Worcestershire Rapids by 46 runs at New Road.They are guaranteed to finish in the top two – whatever the outcome of their final home game against Hampshire – under the average points per game system brought in after Gloucestershire’s game with Middlesex was cancelled due to Covid-19.Only Essex Eagles can overhaul Durham who are assured of a home tie in either the play-off stages or the semi-finals.Scott Borthwick opted to bat first on a pitch being used for the fourth time in the 50-over competition and another fine performance from opener Alex Lees helped them total 289 for 9.Lees top-scored with 93 and he is now the leading run-scorer in the competition with 468 from six innings, overtaking his Durham team-mate Graham Clark (419).The Rapids were then dismissed for 243 in 45.1 overs despite a fine 76 from Jake Libby who was one of three victims of spinner Liam Trevaskis after Paul van Meekeren inflicted the early damage.Lees was the dominant partner in an opening stand of 73 with Graham Clark who on 28 swept a Brett D’Oliveira full toss straight to backward square leg.Borthwick (10) was run out after he failed to beat Ed Barnard’s throw from backward point to keeper Gareth Roderick.Jacques Banton – brother of Tom – struck in his first over as Cameron Bancroft (11) gave him the charge and was bowled.David Bedingham upped the tempo and struck successive balls from D’Oliveira over long off and long on for sixHe survived a caught and bowled off Baker on 41 and brought up his half century in the same over with his fourth six off just 34 balls.Finch was also hit for two sixes in two balls by Bedingham but the same over brought the downfall of Lees.He had made 93 from 109 balls when he was bowled by a ball which nipped back after striking one six and six fours.Bedingham advanced to 66 from 41 balls before he lofted Baker straight to Banton at long off.Sean Dickson (15) failed to beat D’Oliveira’s throw from deep midwicket attempting a second run off Barnard and a slower ball from the all-rounder deceived Trevaskis (10)Ned Eckersley gave the Durham innings some late impetus with 36 off 27 balls before he went lbw to Finch hitting across the line and Barnard dismissed Luke Doneathy (10) in the same manner with a swinging Gaelivery.Van Meekeren made two early breakthroughs for Durham.He pulled off a fine low one-handed catch to dismiss D’Oliveira (5) and then trapped Tom Fell (6) lbw after attempting to pull a ball which kept low.Jack Haynes (20) came down the wicket to Trevaskis and was stumped and Roderick (5) was bowled sweeping at the same bowler.Libby completed a 49-ball half-century but he was fighting a lone hand and Barnard, on 15, swept a Clark full toss straight to deep mid wicket.The Rapids’ last realistic hope ended when Libby, having struck five fours in his 88 ball knock, was caught at extra cover off Trevaskis.

Real Madrid won't give up on William Saliba as Los Blancos are reportedly ready to table a world record bid for the centre-back in the summer.

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Saliba regarded as one of the best in EuropeReal Madrid in hot pursuit of the defenderHave already initiated contact with his entourageFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Saliba’s reputation as one of Europe’s premier centre-backs has skyrocketed over the past two years, thanks to his stellar performances in both domestic and European competitions for Arsenal. According to Spanish outlet , the Spanish giants are ready to lure him away from North London as they require defensive reinforcements.

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To lure Saliba away from Arsenal, Real Madrid may have to pay a staggering fee of at least £83 million, which would set a new world record for a defender. The current record is held by Harry Maguire, who moved to Manchester United for £80 million in 2019.

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It has been suggested that Real Madrid have already made preliminary inquiries with Saliba’s representatives and have received an encouraging response. However, the deal’s success will hinge on Arsenal’s willingness to part ways with their star defender, who has been a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SALIBA & REAL MADRID?

Despite the rumours, Saliba has publicly expressed his commitment to Arsenal. The 22-year-old signed a contract extension last summer, tying him to the club for the next two-and-a-half years. Speaking last month, Saliba reaffirmed his loyalty to the Gunners, stating, “I feel at home here. I signed for the club five years ago but it’s only my third season and I’m enjoying everything — the players, staff and fans."

ESPNcricinfo has learnt that it will be done to manage their workloads before the T20 World Cup

Umar Farooq19-Aug-2021Pakistan are set to rest four key all-format players – Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali – for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka next month. The series is set to begin on September 3.ESPNcricinfo has learnt that the decision will be taken to manage their workload, allowing them to take a break from their life in the bio-bubble, with the T20 World Cup later this year the priority.Pakistan have played more games than any other team besides England since the Covid-19 outbreak, which in turn has meant significantly long periods of travelling as part of a biosecure bubble. Both Rizwan (44) and Babar Azam (40) have played more international games than any player in the world since April 2020. Shaheen Afridi played 37 while Hasan, since his comeback early this year, went on to play 20 games across all formats. All four also played two editions of the PSL, adding further time spent in bio-bubbles.Pakistan had been looking for an opportunity to rest their overworked players, with concerns mounting over the mental toll biosecure bubbles were having on athletes. These four players, who are usually selected for all three formats, had been requesting a rest for some time. The series against Afghanistan is part of the World Cup Super League, giving it additional importance, but the PCB was confident about the chances of the squad that will be announced on Friday.”We wanted to rest because for the last year we have continuously been playing cricket,” Mohammad Rizwan said in a virtual press conference. “Luckily, our cricket has increased but at the same time the major issues are we are living in bubble where life is tough. Our focus is on the next big event, the T20 World Cup, and so we wanted a rest so we were mentally and physically up for it.”In the absence of Azam and Rizwan, Shadab Khan is likely to lead the side, to be confirmed when Pakistan announce their squad. The squad will be assembled for a week-long training camp at the Lahore National High Performance Center before flying to Sri Lanka. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan will quarantine for three days before playing the first ODI on September 3 in Hambantota, with the second and third ODI set to be played on September 5 and 8 respectively.

Arsenal are “plotting to sign” a wonderkid, who is already travelling to London after the club’s employees were left impressed by scouting reports.

Arsenal 2-0 PSG as Gunners continue unbeaten run

The north Londoners are in imperious form right now and are yet to taste defeat in all competitions, with only Man City and Brighton getting anything against Mikel Arteta’s side who have just put PSG to the sword.

Darren Bent criticises Arsenal star who lost the ball 18 times against PSG

It is a surprising verdict to say the least.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 2, 2024

Arsenal managed the game extremely well against France’s champions, after two first-half goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka handed the home side a quick-fire deserved lead.

Havertz fed off a looping cross from Leandro Trossard to head the ball over Gianluigi Donnarumma to make it 1-0, before Bukayo Saka’s free-kick found its way through a host of bodies and into the bottom corner to double their advantage.

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Liverpool (home)

October 27

Newcastle United (away)

November 2

Chelsea (away)

November 10

The score remained until full-time, and it could’ve been more if Havertz converted his gaping free header 10 minutes after the restart. It was a statement performance by Arsenal, who were given precious little trouble by PSG despite their elite European status and star players.

Saka was criticised by some for a fringe performance overall (Darren Bent), but that verdict was arguably a harsh one, and every Arsenal player did their part. Thomas Partey was a general in midfield against PSG, alongside Declan Rice, with Arteta heaping praise on the latter.

“I am very happy,” said Arteta on Rice’s performance against PSG.

“We have to understand the context of games that we played, for example last Saturday when we played here he was very dominant with the ball I think he created one of the best starts that they were producing in the Premier League but obviously we play different context and this player has got the capacity to play different games and still be very, very important for the team. Today we used him as a six in the second half, it’s a great quality that he has as well, he gives us so much.”

It was a landmark night for other players too, with summer signing Mikel Merino making his Arsenal debut after recovering from a fractured shoulder. Meanwhile, Hale End academy ace Myles Lewis-Skelly made his first Champions League appearance.

Arsenal "plotting to sign" Marcello de Barros

Arsenal’s famed academy has produced many more talents than Lewis-Skelly, including Saka and latest rising star Ethan Nwaneri.

However, according to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke today, it appears Edu Gaspar and the Gunners recruitment team are aiming to add another highly promising teenager to their set-up.

It is believed Arsenal are plotting to sign Marcello de Barros, who is very highly rated in Scotland with St. Mirren. The teenage wonderkid is already on his way to London for a trial, where he will be assessed by club employees after the centre-back impressed scouts with his performances for Scotland’s Under-15s.

The defender turned heads during an international youth tournament in Serbia at the end of last month, with Arsenal now looking to analyse his talents closely ahead of a potential contract offer.

Vinicius Junior completing a big-money transfer from Real Madrid to the Saudi Pro League is “just a matter of time”, claims the division’s CEO.

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Brazilian forward has been starring in SpainLucrative terms being readied in Middle EastExpected to follow Ronaldo, Benzema and CoFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Brazil international forward has, at just 24 years of age, already seen a move to the Middle East speculated on. It has been claimed that a record-breaking package worth €1 billion (£854m/$1.1bn) is being pieced together by suitors in a league that already counts Real legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema within its ranks.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT SAUDI PRO LEAGUE CEO SAID

Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League, believes that Vinicius will tread a similar career path at some point in the not too distant future. He has told when asked about interest in the South American superstar: “We don't have dreams, it's a matter of time and negotiation.”

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Mugharbel added on attracting top talent to a league that boasts big ambition: “Foreign players have always been part of Saudi teams. In recent years, the number of possible foreign players in teams has changed. This season we have included the number of eight plus two others under 21 years of age. It has always been in the DNA of this league to bring in players from outside to make it more attractive. What has changed massively, especially in the last two years, has been the quality of the players who come. Benzema, among others, create a bigger impact, both nationally and internationally.”

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Interest in the Saudi Pro League continues to build around the world, with Mugharbel confident that they can compete for attention with the leading divisions in Europe. He went on to say: “We are the number one league in Asia, but we want to be part of the top 10 in the world. Right now I can't tell you where we are. We have to wait until the end of the season.”