He warmed-up for the Tests against England by scoring 60 for Northern Districts against Auckland
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Nov-2024Kane Williamson returned to competitive cricket after nearly two months out with a groin injury, and scored 60 for Northern Districts on day one of their Plunket Shield game against Auckland in Hamilton.Auckland asked Northern Districts to bat after winning the toss, and Williamson walked out to the crease at the fall of the first wicket. He hit seven boundaries in his 122-ball knock, which lasted for almost three hours. Williamson added 52 for the fourth wicket with Robert O’Donnell, before falling lbw to Jordan Sussex after a stand of 36 with Brett Hampton.It was Williamson’s first match in the Plunket Shield after five years – he last played in the premier first-class competition in the country in October 2019.”You always feel like an ND man, whether you are here or not,” he had said ahead of the game. “It is nice when, with the balance of the international schedule, you do have the opportunity to play.”Williamson had last played for New Zealand on the tour of Sri Lanka in September, and missed the entire Test tour of India and the white-ball series in Sri Lanka which followed. In his absence, Will Young occupied the No. 3 spot against India, and returned 244 runs to be named Player of the Series. But last week, Williamson was named in New Zealand’s squad to face England in three Tests at home.The first Test begins on November 28 in Christchurch, before the series moves to Wellington and Hamilton for the next two games. It will be Williamson’s long-time team-mate Tim Southee’s final Test series, unless New Zealand make the WTC final next year.
Nottingham Forest are ready to tackle the 2025/26 season, having qualified for the Europa League after an exemplary effort under Nuno Espirito Santo’s wing last year.
But there’s a sense that Forest’s term was more than just a flash in the pan; rather, it is the foundation of a period of sustained success that will keep the club not just away from relegation battles each year but in contention to challenge out on the continent and compete for domestic silverware.
The Tricky Trees will have to engage in a new balancing act as they look to challenge for another European title, which makes the hopes of matching or even bettering last year’s remarkable seventh-place finish all the more difficult, but it’s hardly outside the realm of possibility.
Because who can say that Evangelos Marinakis has been resting on his laurels? Tottenham Hotspur’s illegal approach for Morgan Gibbs-White has been fended off, and the recruitment team are now gearing up to put the final flourishes on a terrific transfer window.
Nott'm Forest's late window plans
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed that a £30m package has been agreed for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, with the England U21 international efficient both in deeper and more advanced midfield roles.
England's JamesMcAteereacts
The 22-year-old is considered a technically gifted player with an eye for goal, an ability to split defences with his passing and impressive off-the-ball movements, the last of which will see him thrive in Nuno’s counter-attacking system.
Such midfield qualities would certainly help the likes of Omari Hutchinson, who is set to move to the City Ground from Ipswich Town, and new striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, with a £26m agreement in place with the 23-year-old’s French employers, Rennes. The versatile forward scored 18 goals across 34 matches last year.
Kalimuendo
Though McAtee and Hutchinson have already taken their first steps in the Premier League, Forest hope to add to their ranks a more established player within the England game, one who could lead and orchestrate from the middle.
Forest open talks for new midfielder
According to Sky Sports News, Nottingham Forest have opened talks with Juventus as they look to sign Douglas Luiz before the end of the month.
The former Aston Villa midfielder has struggled to perform in Italy, though injuries have not helped, and the Old Lady are understood to be open to cashing in if their £34m valuation is met. How such a package would be structured is unknown.
It’s been confirmed that two Premier League outfits have submitted formal offers for the 27-year-old, though whether this is Forest or one (or more) of their rivals is uncertain at this stage.
Why Forest want Douglas Luiz
Luiz might have flattered to deceive across his year in Italy, but none can argue he hasn’t proven himself and then some in the Premier League before.
Juventus'DouglasLuizreacts
Indeed, Luiz has been described by ESPN Brazil’s Leonardo Bertozzi in the past as being a “world-class” player, so landing him certainly signals a statement of intent.
Last year, the Brazil international left plenty to be desired in Turin, but his efforts with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa the year before even led The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell to hail him as “one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders.”
Matches (starts)
35 (35)
19 (3)
Goals
9
0
Assists
5
0
Touches*
70.1
27.3
Pass completion
89%
90%
Big chances created
10
3
Key passes*
1.5
0.8
Dribbles*
0.7
0.6
Ball recoveries*
5.5
1.6
Tackles*
1.7
0.9
Duels (won)*
4.2 (51%)
1.9 (55%)
An all-action midfielder who covers plenty of ground, Luiz would be the perfect centrepiece to complete this Forest project, charging the engine room with energy and steel and style, all wrapped together with the completeness that the manager demands.
In this way, he could be the perfect proven partner for a talented up-and-comer such as McAtee.
Hailed by Pep Guardiola for his “special talent”, the English midfielder’s likeness to Luiz would aid both his personal development and his synergy with the South American in the centre. After all, data-driven site FBref record McAtee to rank among the top 1% of attacking midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored and the top 6% for tackles won per 90.
Luiz, however, typically sits deeper, with 103 of his 204 outings in an Aston Villa shirt coming from the deep-lying midfield spot. His progressive passing and combative defending make for compelling viewing, and it’s the efficiency of his blend of qualities that has seen Espirito Santo work with Marinakis’ web of recruitment officers to push ahead with a deal.
Though Gibbs-White’s continuing presence in the City Ground senior squad has eased the need for midfield reinforcements, that aforementioned emphasis on competing across multiple fronts this term while avoiding a regression that would pull the team toward the lower levels of the Premier League suggests that this double deal is necessary to ensure the team go from strength to strength.
Luiz was an essential part of Villa Park’s rise into Europe, and though he was forced to leave the club before tasting the fruits of his labours due to PSR concerns, he could now return to English shores and guide Forest as they make their way into the Europa League.
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz
McAtee has the opportunity to contribute too, and with a mentor and partner like Luiz beside him, this club might just find that the best days are still ahead.
Their own Wissa: Nottingham Forest agree deal to sign "prolific" star
The incredible goalscorer would be an unbelievable signing for Forest this summer…
Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has admitted he has spoken to Nicolas Jackson about parent club Chelsea as the two teams prepare to face off in the Champions League. The striker swapped the Blues for the German giants on loan and now he could be particularly helpful for the Bundesliga outfit. Incidentally, Kompany has highlighted a "hidden strength" Enzo Maresca's team possess.
Kompany seeks Jackson's advice on Chelsea
The 24-year-old is on loan at Bayern from Chelsea this season and now he could face the west London outfit in the Champions League on Wednesday. Ahead of that contest, Kompany spoke to the Senegal international to get some inside knowledge on their next opponents.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhat Kompany said on Chelsea loanee Jackson
"Of course you have the conversation," Kompany replied when asked if he had spoken to the striker on the Premier League side. "I already probably watched 40 games of Chelsea last season combined, because we were in the Club World Cup together and we faced a lot of the opponents that they faced. Then last season, I think Chelsea was also just an interesting team to observe. So I don’t have the feeling that it’s a team that will deliver a lot of mysteries. I happen to know the coach (Maresca) as well. But after a few moments, you realise that you’ve done your homework well or not. I have an idea of what Enzo might be telling his players. We have our ideas, we have our tactics, we have everything. But in the end, it’s the players. The players have to show their personality in these games to make a difference."
Kompany on Chelsea's 'hidden strength'
The former Manchester City star praised the work Maresca has done so far at Stamford Bridge after winning the Conference League and Club World Cup in 2025. He also said their "hidden strength" is that they are a young team on the up.
"I think Enzo’s done a terrific job," Kompany told . "You always have to look back at what a team was like when the manager started and the question marks around the squad and the playing group. Of course, you invest because you expect results but at the end, it is what it is, it’s a young team. It’s a lot of talented players that had to come together and for them to be able to do it, it’s been a remarkable job. When you look at Chelsea now, especially after the Club World Cup, I don’t think you make too much distinction between Chelsea and the absolute top teams in England, so they’re back there. The advantage you have with young players is that where they are today, tomorrow they’ll always be better. If they’ve got good habits, if they’ve got a good environment, that’s what happens with a top mindset. I think that’s the hidden strength of Chelsea, they’ve got a team that’s on a pathway that will keep going up. We’ve got the advantage, of course, of being at home and having a team with experience."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFPWhat next for Bayern and Chelsea?
After Bayern host Chelsea on Wednesday, Maresca's team travel to Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, the German giants are away at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga this weekend.
Aston Villa are yet to show off their best in the Premier League this season.
It has been a disorienting summer for Unai Emery’s men after all, with the likes of Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins being consistently looked at by their fellow top-flight rivals, away from the disappointing departure of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United for £43m.
Still, with the transfer window wrapping up very shortly, the Spaniard will hope he can keep a firm grip on his top assets – away from the sad exit of Ramsey – with a bounce back from his side’s two winless opening matches also on the cards.
On top of that, he will further be eager to welcome in a few new additions before August is out, with a whole host of fresh signings reportedly on the Villans’ radar.
Aston Villa show late interest in £40m star
Minus splurging out £30m on Evan Guessand, Villa have been quiet in terms of flashy incoming signings.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That could soon change if Emery and Co are finally successful in their advances to land Chelsea outcast Nicolas Jackson, with Villa having reportedly made him their top target for the remainder of the window.
A deal makes sense, particularly considering he’s already worked with Emery. However, he isn’t the only costly addition rumoured to be making the switch to Villa Park.
The Daily Mail Online have revealed that Villa are in the hunt to sign wantaway West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
It won’t be straightforward for Villa to win the Brazilian, who has a hefty £40m price tag above his head, with the report further clarifying that Tottenham Hotspur are also keen to pick up another asset from their near-London rivals, having sounded out Paqueta as a target to now pursue after losing out on Eberechi Eze.
WestHamUnited's Lucas Paqueta celebrates scoring their first goal with Tomas Soucek
Yet, if Villa were to find themselves at the front of the queue for the lively 27-year-old, they might be about to win a far better signing than a hit-and-miss Jackson entering Emery’s group.
Why Paqueta could be a better signing than Jackson
Rampant transfer talk surrounding Watkins deserting Villa Park has died down in recent weeks.
Therefore, forking out £60m on a striker such as Jackson, who has been prone to widespread barren patches of form at Stamford Bridge, might not be the most sensible move, with £30m already shelled out on landing Guessand to enhance the Premier League side’s forward personnel.
Worryingly, Jackson has squandered a colossal 43 big chances across his last two league seasons at Chelsea.
His goal return of 24 league strikes when he isn’t being wasteful ultimately falls flat next to Watkins’ far superior 35 efforts across the same span.
While the former Villarreal forward might not be viewed as the most sensible use of money, landing Paqueta for £40m could be deemed a masterstroke if he can let his football do the talking in the West Midlands, away from being embroiled in off-the-field controversies at the London Stadium.
AM
55
9 + 9
CM
22
3 + 0
LW
13
2 + 4
LM
13
2 + 0
DM
5
0
CF
4
1 + 1
RW
1
0
RM
1
1 + 0
Indeed, Paqueta has stood out as a vibrant, versatile presence throughout his 122-game stay in East London, with his collection of 19 goals and 14 assists from those clashes seeing him line up in a plethora of different positions, showcasing precisely why he’s been described as “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst.
Having been one of a select few to exit West Ham’s recent 5-1 loss with Chelsea with his head held high, too, having smashed home the Hammers’ opener, the Brazilian will be champing at the bit to line up alongside faces such as Watkins and Rogers, hoping he can elevate his game to their lofty standards in the process.
Well, he should be up for the test, having further been hailed as “magic” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.
Emery will also immediately want Paqueta’s energy from the middle of the park to rub off on his players after a lifeless opening to the season, with the Hammers’ number 10 winning a high six duels per game in league action throughout 2024/25.
Jackson could well go on to do a reasonable job up top in claret and blue, but with Paqueta once being touted for an £85m switch to Manchester City, snapping him up for just £40m is surely the better move to sign off on.
Villa already have Watkins and Guessand who can play up top, but adding another creative face to take the burden away from Rogers – particularly considering he could leave – would be a wise use of funds.
Their next Ramsey: Aston Villa advancing to sign £26m star in late move
Unai Emery could swoop in for his next Jacob Ramsey at Aston Villa by successfully purchasing this £26m ace.
Australia allrounder’s IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants is also in doubt
Andrew McGlashan31-Jan-2025Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a back injury and is unlikely to play again this season, which could also leave his IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants in doubt.Marsh has endured a difficult season and lost his Test place to Beau Webster for the final match against India at the SCG, having made 73 runs in seven innings and performing a limited role with the ball during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His fitness was a regular topic of conversation during that five-Test series.Related
Cummins 'heavily unlikely' for Champions Trophy, Smith or Head to lead Australia
Green hopeful of Shield return and county cricket ahead of WTC final
Sri Lanka turn up, but do little else in Galle mismatch
SCG axe leaves Mitchell Marsh's Test career at crossroads
Cummins, Hazlewood included for Champions Trophy
He played a lone BBL game on January 7 after the Test series against India but then rested from the last three matches of the BBL season to mentally and physically refresh ahead of Champions Trophy. But his back remained a serious issue and the selectors have ruled him out of the tournament. A CA statement described the issue as “lower back pain and dysfunction” but did not reveal specifics.”Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champion’s Trophy with ongoing lower back pain and dysfunction,” the statement said. “The National Selection Panel and Australian men’s medical team ruled Marsh out of the tournament with the injury which has not responded sufficiently to rehabilitation.”His lower back pain flared in recent weeks leading the NSP to make the longer term decision for Marsh to complete a more extended period of rehabilitation. Marsh will now undergo a period of further rest and rehabilitation as part of his return to play plan. The NSP will meet to decide on a replacement for Marsh in due course.”The absence of Marsh, who is Australia’s T20I captain and has stood in for Pat Cummins to lead the ODI side, will force a rejig to plans for the top-order. Jake Fraser-McGurk could be a potential replacement despite struggling against Pakistan earlier this season and having a lean run in the BBL up until the final match. But his explosive power at the top makes him a like-for-like replacement for Marsh at No.3, though he is yet to face 50 balls or more in List A cricket and has passed 50 just twice in 22 innings.Australia have a lot of batting cover in the squad already, including spare wicketkeeper Alex Carey, and could choose another allrounder to replace Marsh. Will Sutherland played ODI cricket last year and would have been on the tour of the UK in September had he not suffered a back injury. Webster has not played ODI cricket but could be called upon if needed, while Cooper Connolly is also a spin-bowling allrounder although Australia have four batters who can bowl spin in the squad already. Cameron Green remains unavailable as he continues his rehab from back surgery in October.Cummins also remains a doubt for the tournament due to an ankle injury he carried through the Test series against India, so with Marsh out of contention Australia may need another captain which would bring Steven Smith, currently in charge of the Test team in Sri Lanka, Travis Head and Josh Inglis into contention. Head has captained the T20I but has not led the ODI side. Inglis captained both in the recent home summer as Australia have half an eye on their future leadership options despite Cummins looking set to push through to the 2027 ODI World Cup.Marsh was a key part of Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup triumph where he scored centuries against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Since being used consistently in the top order from March 2023 he has averaged 44.54 in ODIs with a strike-rate of 109.13.A year ago, Marsh was named the Allan Border Medalist following his successful comeback to Test cricket alongside his consistent limited-overs returns.Champions Trophy squads can be freely amended until February 11 after which approval is required from the technical committee.Australia play two ODIs in Sri Lanka on February 12 and 14 in preparation for the tournament.Legspinner Tanveer Sangha will fly to Galle to join Australia’s Test and ODI squads as a development player, but is not in contention for selection. Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson is doing the same for the ODIs, with the pair also a chance to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
Ireland needed just 18.3 overs on day five – with threat of rain looming – to close out the game
Ekanth10-Feb-2025Rain was the biggest threat Ireland faced when they came to the Queens Sports Club on day five. But in 18.3 overs, they wrapped up the one-off Test against Zimbabwe with a 63-run win. They needed to create seven chances for the last three wickets, and in the process completed their first hat-trick of Test wins in their ten-match history. It is the earliest point any team has earned a hat-trick of Test wins, bettering South Africa, who needed 14 matches.Matthew Humphreys converted his overnight four-for into a career-best 6 for 57, with Andy McBrine – his spin-bowling partner – closing out the game by knocking over Richard Ngarava with the new ball.Wessly Madhevere, Zimbabwe’s last ray of hope, battled through 195 balls for his 84. When his outside edge was beaten and stumps rattled by a quicker length ball from Humphreys, he could not drag himself out of the field, covering his face with his bat in despondence as the game was effectively done.The day started 30 minutes earlier than scheduled with 37 overs lost on day four. Humphreys, who had bowled 18 overs to stumps, was handed the ball. He needed three overs to create a chance – when he got Madhevere to nearly chip a drive to cover – and one more ball to trap Newman Nyamhuri plumb in front and complete his five-for.McBrine replaced Mark Adair right after and created two chances in his second over, both of which went down. Lorcan Tucker dropped one that went low off Richard Ngarava’s edge, while McBrine failed to hold onto a low skimmer the next ball. In the next over, Paul Stirling shuffled to the right at first slip when Madhevere’s reverse-sweep went aerial but couldn’t get within reach.Ireland took the new ball in the 81st over and McBrine found extra bounce with it right away. The sun broke out but Zimbabwe’s hopes flickered off in the 84th, when Humphreys got Madhevere, his sixth scalp.Blessing Muzarabani had put on 67 for the last wicket in the first innings with Trevor Gwandu, but to put on 74 with Richard Ngarava was too much of an ask. Ngarava hung around for 39 balls and took a couple of swings. He was beaten in the 86th over and knocked over in the next.McBrine flighted a full ball on middle stump, beat the slog sweep, and set the smiles free in Ireland’s camp. When asked about the hat-trick of wins at the presentation, Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie said, “Just waiting for the DVD to come out! We are desperate to play, we don’t know when our next Test match is.”As per the FTP, they are scheduled to play Afghanistan at home in July.
Newcastle United are searching for a striker before the window closes and could now make a surprise late move for a goalscorer from the continent, according to a report.
Newcastle United draw a blank at Leeds United
With speculation mounting that Alexander Isak could be on his way to Liverpool, away supporters made their feelings known after the Magpies drew a blank against Leeds United at Elland Road in a 0-0 draw.
William Osula started through the middle, and Newcastle struggled to create many chances of note, though Nick Woltemade’s arrival from Stuttgart has offered one part of the solution for Eddie Howe moving forward.
Speaking on Saturday, the former Bournemouth manager welcomed the towering German striker, signalling his belief that he could be a useful addition once he adapts to life in the Premier League.
“I think I like his different dimensions to his game. Of course, he’s a big presence, he’s a big man but he has really good technical skills and really good creative ideas around the box. If he was playing today he would’ve helped us in that respect, seeing what other players can’t.
“He’ll need a period where he adapts and he understands what we ask of him and the test the Premier League will bring him but I think he will score goals and he’ll hopefully be a fantastic addition for us.”
Imagine him & Bruno: Newcastle lodge bid for "one of the world's best DMs"
Newcastle are looking to sign one of the best midfielders on the planet to partner Bruno Guimaraes
ByWill Miller Aug 31, 2025
Brentford striker Yoann Wissa has been a long-term Newcastle target and it remains to be seen whether he is drafted in before the deadline to add goals at the top end of the field. However, there is a chance that the Magpies look elsewhere to find clinical firepower amid recent developments.
Newcastle make late Artem Dovbyk move
According to The Sun, Newcastle are in talks over a deal to sign Roma striker Artem Dovbyk that could take the form of a loan-to-buy agreement between now and the close of play in what they describe as a ‘surprise’ deadline move.
Rated at around £30 million, the Ukraine international scored 17 times in 45 appearances last term, though is yet to strike in two outings this term amid speculation over his future.
Labelled “elite” by Zach Lowy, Dovbyk may be allowed to leave Roma this summer, providing they can fetch a sizeable loan fee, which could push Osula out of the door as part of a striker merry-go-round.
Callum Wilson’s departure has left two holes to be filled in light of the Isak situation. Bringing an experienced forward to the North East with a proven track record would be a pleasing outcome for supporters.
Manchester United have offered emotional support to winger Amad Diallo after he was subjected to sickening online abuse. Amad took a picture with former team-mate Alejandro Garnacho after United beat Chelsea at Old Trafford, leading to a fan backlash.
Amad's photo sparks controversy
Amad was bombarded with online abuse after posting a photograph alongside former United winger Garnacho, who departed the club in the summer. Amad held Garnacho's blue shirt, while the Argentine held Amad's red kit, sparking controversy among the Old Trafford fanbase.
AdvertisementInstagram (@amaddiallo19)United reach out to Amad
In response to the abuse, Amad deleted every post on his Instagram account, and United made sure to check on his mental state on Monday. A source told The Sun that Amad is "okay" but also claim that the upload of the photo was "naive".
A deeper connection
Amad and Garnacho share an agency and are said to have grown close through their time at Old Trafford. The latter, however, left for Chelsea in a £40 million ($54m) deal in the summer.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportGarnacho vs Amad in 2025-26
Amad has made five Premier League appearances this season, laying on one assist, but Garnacho has, thus far, only played once in the top-flight for Chelsea after being a part of Ruben Amorim's 'bomb squad' at Old Trafford.
Ousmane Dembele has been paid a special tribute by adidas in the wake of his Ballon d’Or triumph, with a nod being offered to the Paris Saint-Germain star’s Steph Curry-inspired goal celebration. The France international, who is clearly a big fan of NBA icons, has been named the best player on the planet in 2025 – allowing a place in the history books to be secured.
Dembele joins exclusive trophy club
Dembele now forms part of an exclusive group of players that have won the Golden Ball, Champions League and World Cup. He claimed a global crown with France in 2018, before helping PSG to land the most prestigious prize in European football last season.
AdvertisementDembele named best player on the planet
The 28-year-old hit 35 goals in 2024-25, as PSG picked up three trophies, and said exploits have allowed him to fend off competition from Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the Ballon d’Or stakes.
Messi also forms part of adidas talent stable
His success has been acknowledged by adidas, who boast eight-time Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi in their endorsement stable. They have paid tribute to the “Man of the Year” in football circles.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
GettyCelebration borrowed from NBA icon Curry
Dembele is pictured striking his favourite goal celebration pose, which has been borrowed from basketball superstar Curry – with the Golden States Warriors icon taking to hitting ‘sleep’ mode after scoring crucial points and winning major honours.
It’s been an incredible summer for Arsenal so far this year.
On top of kicking off their Premier League campaign with back-to-back wins, the Gunners have gone big in the transfer market, with Eberechi Eze arguably being their best signing in years.
The former Crystal Palace star could be just the player Mikel Arteta has needed for years, someone who’s a mercurial creator and dangerous goalscorer from several areas on the pitch.
Moreover, the North Londoners now look set to sign another international star who could form the perfect partnership with him.
Arsenal target perfect teammate for Eze
While Arsenal have spent big in previous windows, fans have not seen the club spend this much money and sign this many top-quality players in one summer before.
Transfer Focus
Andrea Berta has significantly strengthened the squad with the additions of Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera, and has improved the starting lineup with stars like Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Eze.
Yet, the Italian journalist isn’t done there, as he now looks set to bring in another international ace who’ll be incredible alongside the Englishman.
At least that is according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has provided an update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Piero Hincapie.
The Italian journalist has revealed that the North Londoners are now “closing in on” the defender and that an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen is “almost done.”
Interestingly, while reports from earlier this week suggested that the German side wanted £52m for the Ecuadorian, they have now accepted a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Hincapie is an exciting signing in his own right, but he could be even more effective for Arsenal alongside Eze.
Why Hincapie will be unreal with Eze
So long as he lives up to the expectations people have of him, Hincapie will likely be a brilliant teammate for every player at Arsenal, but we think he could form an especially effective partnership with Eze.
One of the main reasons is where on the pitch the Englishman might play, as, although he spent most of last season in the middle of the park, there is a good chance he will start many games for the club from the left wing.
However, as his heat maps from the last couple of years show, even when he is out wide, he likes to move towards the centre of the pitch the closer he gets to the penalty area.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.
Now, given how Arsenal’s left-hand side currently functions, that wouldn’t be ideal, as it would make the team far narrower and make life easier for opposition defenders.
However, with the Leverkusen star in the team, that wouldn’t be the case, as while he might not be quite as gung ho as a Jeremie Frimpong, for example, he is still very much an overlapping full-back.
In other words, the “Ecuadorian football legend in the making,” as talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him, will be the one to provide the width in place of Eze, bombing up and down the pitch and overlapping with the 27-year-old.
Interestingly, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as “a left-sided Ben White,” which, given the Poole-born star’s partnership with Bukayo Saka on the right, should excite fans about what could happen on the left this season.
Bundesliga
116
10
Europa League
26
1
Champions League
14
1
DFB-Pokal
9
0
DFL Super Cup
1
0
Moreover, playing both the 23-year-old “beast”, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, and the Greenwich-born star in the same team will mean Arteta can get the best out of both, as their natural games complement each other and cover for their deficiencies.
Ultimately, while Hincapie will be another defender for Arsenal, the impact he could have on the team could make them and Eze far more potent in attack.
Player pushing to join Arsenal for £43m as Berta hopes to strike late deal