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Leeds United went through a mass amount of movement during the summer transfer window and could now be set to see another deal occur sooner rather than later.

Leeds United set to hunt for striker in January

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha have arrived to offer Daniel Farke support through the middle as Leeds settle back into Premier League life, and all signs point towards a renewed push for firepower in January.

Speaking to Football Insider’s Inside Track, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed the Whites will need to seek out a regular goalscorer if they are to have a fighting chance of retaining their top-flight status.

“Obviously they were in the market for an attacking player right up until deadline day – Leeds have yet to score a goal in open play in the Premier League in three games.

“Nmecha has been leading the line in the first few games of season, while Calvert-Lewin came on and did quite well against Newcastle. If he can stay fit, he could prove to be a real asset for Leeds United, so there are options there for Daniel Farke’s team. It’s obvious they will need a regular goalscorer if they are to have any chance of staying up.”

Norwich City striker Josh Sargent continues to be linked with Leeds in a rumour that doesn’t appear to be close to going away anytime soon, albeit it remains to be seen if the Canaries are willing to part ways with the United States international.

However, in other news, Leeds may need to let a wantaway star depart the club permanently as he hunts for a new home in different surroundings.

Leeds star Isaac Schmidt seeks permanent Elland Road exit

Per BILD, relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds loanee Isaac Schmidt has revealed he wants a permanent move to Werder Bremen, and he has now taken the step of hunting for a home ahead of securing his next destination away from Elland Road.

Despite only joining from St Gallen last year in a deal worth £2.5 million and under contract until 2028, the Switzerland international featured only 14 times for the Whites last term and was second choice at right-back behind Jayden Bogle.

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It has now been revealed that a manager could be in line for a sensational return to the Premier League.

ByDominic Lund Sep 11, 2025

On his opening appearance for Werder Bremen, Schmidt struck a last-gasp equaliser in a 3-3 draw against Bayer Leverkusen, earning a Fotmob match rating of 7.7/10 despite only featuring for 14 minutes.

The Bundesliga outfit retain an option to purchase the 25-year-old for £2.5 million, and Schmidt has expressed his openness to staying,

With all parties on track to conduct an agreeable deal, it appears it is now only a matter of time before Schmidt becomes a permanent fixture at Weserstadion.

Ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, tensions are running high between Paris Saint-Germain and the French Football Federation (FFF) after Bradley Barcola suffered an injury. The Federation insisted in their statement that Barcola suffered an injury in the recent Champions League clash, much to the fury of Les Parisiens. The feud which ignited in September following injuries to Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue seems to have intensified.

Barcola injury reignites discord between France and PSG

This dispute adds to a series of long-standing tensions, particularly since the Dembele and Doue affairs in September. The tone has now escalated to the point of undermining relations between the two institutions.

Barcola, called up by Didier Deschamps for France's upcoming set of World Cup qualifiers, reported to Clairefontaine before having to withdraw. According to the FFF statement, the PSG winger is suffering from "a chronic injury to his right hamstring since the Parisian club's Champions League match against Atalanta Bergamo."

This explanation immediately provoked the anger of PSG. The club believes that this version is false and that the injury is unrelated to the European match. According to , the Parisian club's management had already expressed reservations about the player's call-up after an MRI scan carried out on the morning of the squad gathering.

AdvertisementAFPPSG respond with fury

The FFF's statement was very poorly received at the Parc des Princes. The club responded firmly on Monday with a statement that read: "Paris Saint-Germain was surprised to learn of the press release issued by the French Football Federation on Monday 6 October regarding Bradley Barcola's state of health. The information published in this press release does not correspond in any way to the medical information provided by the Paris Saint-Germain medical teams."

PSG officials believe the Federation made a mistake by mentioning a supposedly old injury, which would suggest mismanagement on their part.

Situation reaches boiling point between PSG and France

The publication of the statement has reawakened old grudges. Relations between the two sides had already become strained in September after Dembele and Doue were injured during the match against Ukraine. This time, Les Parisiens are accusing the FFF of violating medical confidentiality.

The club insists: "Medical confidentiality must be respected for the good of all parties." Internally, several voices believe that the Federation wanted to shift the blame for this injury, which deeply annoyed PSG's leaders.

Faced with controversy, the FFF sought to justify themselves, stating that their communication complies with standard practice, according to the French sports daily. They responded by emphasising that it "usually communicates the reason for forfeits, as clubs do."

In other words, the institution denies any intention to harm PSG and explains that they were simply following standard practice. However, it is precisely on this point that the disagreement persists, as the club claims that the injury was only noticed much later, during the match against Lille, when Barcola left the field in the 60th minute.

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Deschamps calms things down

In this tense atmosphere, head coach Deschamps is trying to maintain a certain balance. According to reports, the coach could have kept Barcola in the squad, but chose to release him instead. The aim was to avoid aggravating his injury and get him back in top form for the next gathering in November, which is considered more decisive for qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Sussex have significant lead but last-day declaration would have to be carefully judged in batting friendly conditions

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay06-Apr-2025Sussex 528 and 126 for 3 (Haines 34, Hughes 33, Yates 2-29) lead Warwickshire 454 (Yates 115, Barnard 82, Davies 66, Mousley 63) by 200 runsWarwickshire and Sussex appear destined to start their Rothesay County Championship Division One season with a draw after three sun and run-soaked days at Edgbaston.Sussex closed the third day on 126 for 3 in their second innings, 200 ahead overall, having taken a first innings lead of 74. It is a solid advantage but taking ten wickets quickly on the final day on a pitch offering some turn but which remains batter-friendly would require something special from the bowlers.The match was pretty much consigned to a draw on the third afternoon when Warwickshire, replying to 528, reached 379 to avoid the follow on. They went on to total 454 thanks to Rob Yates with 115 off 159 balls and half-centuries to Ed Barnard, Alex Davies and Dan Mousley. Jack Carson took 4 for 92, a highly commendable effort in the excellent batting conditions.Sussex have a significant lead but, in such conditions, a last-day declaration would have to be very carefully judged as a run-chase would heavily favour the batting side.After Warwickshire resumed on the third morning on 223 for 3, Sussex struck early. Ollie Robinson needs to fire early this season to advance his case for an England recall and he has started strongly in this match with several hostile spells in conditions favouring the bat. He removed the well-set Yates with the 21st ball of the day, a perfectly-pitched leg-cutter which was edged behind.Robinson then unfurled another fine ball which Mousley, still to score, edged to slip, but Tom Alsop grassed the catch. Less impressive was his next wicket-taking ball – a full toss which Ethan Bamber belted straight to midwicket.At 252 for 5, still 127 short of the follow on, Warwickshire needed steadying and Mousley and Barnard provided the necessary stability with a stand of 124 in 32 overs. Mousley exploited his early reprieve to bat attractively but departed furious at himself for missing a sweep at Carson and falling lbw. Barnard struck seven fours and two sixes in an increasingly fluent innings before he fell lbw to a fine ball from Danny Lamb.Kai Smith’s punchy 27 from 32 balls ended when he lifted Carson to long on and Michael Booth fell in similar fashion after Tazeem Ali edged Lamb to second slip.Sussex were left with a session to bat and they spent it enhancing their lead in less than scintillating fashion for the loss of three wickets to the spinners. Yates added two wickets to his earlier century as he had Daniel Hughes caught at slip and Tom Haines lbw, half-forward.Tom Clark offered no shot to a sharply turning ball from Tazeem and was adjudged lbw. The degree of turn in that last dismissal offers some hope of purposeful cricket tomorrow but it will take some monumentally good or careless cricket for this match to yield a winner and a loser.

Sunderland made a “decisive” move for a former Premier League player this summer, with the individual in question scoring a huge Champions League goal this week.

Le Bris ready for "tough" Aston Villa challenge

The Black Cats are back in league action on Sunday afternoon, welcoming Aston Villa to the Stadium of Light, as the hosts look to continue their good start to the season.

On the flip side, Villa haven’t got going at all yet, not even scoring a single Premier League goal in their opening four games, but Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris expects a “tough” challenge for his side this weekend.

“It’s important to take points where it’s possible. Sometimes you play well and you can deserve to win something but in the end you don’t because the Premier League is really tough. But in different games, it’s possible to win points so we did that. The efficiency and the quality of our game connected so we need to keep going.

“Another tough challenge at home. We will prepare this game properly. We have one week and I hope we will be at the level.”

It was a hugely productive summer transfer window for Sunderland, with so many new faces arriving, but a fresh claim suggests that they missed out on acquiring the signature of one player.

Sunderland missed out on Champions League ace

According to TuttoSport [via Sport Witness], Sunderland made a “decisive” move to sign Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly earlier in the summer, tabling an offer and looking to snap him up for £17.4m, bringing him in on loan with an obligation to buy.

The 26-year-old rejected the Black Cats advances, though, as well as Fenerbahce’s, staying put in Turin and scoring a dramatic equaliser in his side’s 4-4 draw at home to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening.

Sunderland failing to sign Kelly is a shame, considering the Englishman is a proven player at the top level, making 64 appearances in the Premier League, as well as being able to shine at centre-back and left-back. Not only that, but Gary O’Neil showered him with praise during their time together at Bournemouth, having kept Mohamed Salah quiet in a game.

“I thought Lloyd was incredible. I think he had a 12-week ankle injury followed by a six-week calf injury. Didn’t have much time in between, and then came back today having not trained much, to play left back against one of the best wingers in the world. I thought he showed everything, the potential he has to be a top defender.”

Sunderland have signed a "genius" who's becoming their new Cattermole

Regis Le Bris could now have his very own Lee Cattermole in this Sunderland warrior.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 15, 2025

Kelly appears to be happy at Juventus, playing an important role in big games, but if the chance does arise for Sunderland to snap him up again in the near future, whether that be in January or next summer, they should look to strike a deal.

Batter unbeaten on 65 with 105 still needed and four wickets standing

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-May-2025An injury to centurion Jordan Cox marred a strong Essex display on the third day of the County Championship Division One match with Somerset at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.Fresh from his recall to the England squad, Cox extended his overnight score of 61 to an unbeaten 103 as his side stretched their second innings total from 163 for four to 259 all out. But he retired hurt immediately on reaching three figures, having collapsed clutching his lower left side after taking the single that put him on 99.Cox took no further part in the Essex innings and was replaced in the field when Somerset began their quest for 321 to win on a pitch still offering assistance to seam and spin. They closed on 216 for six, Lewis Gregory making 57 and James Rew 65 not out.The first hour’s play saw Cox and Michael Pepper build rapidly on the Essex overnight advantage of 224.Cox reverse swept Jack Leach for boundaries off successive deliveries before greeting the introduction of Craig Overton with a glorious extra cover drive for four. Pepper leant good support and the pair had taken the total to 234 for four when misfortune struck.Cox had been in some discomfort and the quick single off Leach on the cusp of his ton ended with him prostrate the bowler’s end. After several minutes of treatment, he was helped to his feet, but he continued only long enough to slog-sweep Leach for four and complete a 155-ball hundred.Pepper glanced a four off Overton to take the lead past 300, but on 36 became the first of three victims in quick succession for Migael Pretorius, leg before on the back foot.Noah Thain edged to wicketkeeper Rew, while Sam Cook top-edged a pull shot to be caught at fine leg. Leach weighed in with the wickets of Kasun Rajitha and Simon Harmer as Essex plunged from 252 for four to 259 all out.A lead of 321 still looked secure enough on a pitch which had aided bowlers from the first morning. So it appeared, as Somerset’s fragile top order misfired again, leaving the 91 for five at tea.Andy Umeed edged a catch to second slip off Jamie Porter to depart without a run on the board and soon it was eight for two as Archie Vaughan top-edged a shot to leg off Cook to give a simple catch to mid-wicket.Harmer was introduced from eighth over and struck first with the total on 54, Tom Lammonby falling lbw for 30 to a ball that turned past the left-hander’s forward defensive shot and struck his back pad.Tom Abell played well to reach 29 before a sharply turning delivery from Harmer nipped back to clip his off stump and make it 71 for five. With only seven runs added, Tom Banton, on 13, went to reverse sweep the spinner and was judged to have got a touch on the way to the ball reaching Dean Elgar at slip, a decision which clearly frustrated the Somerset player.Skipper Gregory and Rew were unbeaten at the tea interval and both came out for the final session in positive mood.Anything remotely loose was punished mercilessly with boundaries in a counter-attacking partnership that only served to highlight previous batting inadequacies. Gregory raced to a half-century off 80 balls, with 7 fours.Rew was equally impressive and was unbeaten on 37 when his captain brought up the 100 stand with a flashing cut for four off Rajitha. But the same over saw Gregory attempt another back-foot forcing shot only to get a thick inside edge onto his stumps.Rew’s 10th four, guided to third-man off Cook, brought up a fluent fifty off 91 balls and the Somerset 200. He was still there at the close with a further 105 needed against a refreshed attack and the second new ball tomorrow.

Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera is considering switching international allegiance from Spain after being promised a spot elsewhere at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Mosquera, born in the city of Alicante, has represented the Spanish national team at various youth levels, but he has yet to break into the senior squad. With the World Cup fast approaching, the 21-year-old is considering representing another nation.

Mosquera joined Arsenal this summer

Arsenal completed the signing of Mosquera from Valencia during the summer transfer window in a £13 million ($17m) deal. The 21-year-old was brought in to add depth and competition to Mikel Arteta’s backline, which already boasts one of the Premier League’s most formidable centre-back pairings in William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Mosquera has already adjusted to life in north London and has recently explained what convinced him to leave Spain and move to the Premier League. The defender had said: "I feel great at the club and in the city. From the first moment Arteta spoke to me, I had no doubts about going to Arsenal. There’s an incredible group of players. Plus, there are a lot of Spanish speakers who have helped me adapt. When I signed, I knew I was going to face them [Gabriel and Saliba], two world-class stars, but that was the club’s idea: to have players competing for every position to go as far as possible."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDefender considering switching international allegiance

Mosquera has represented the Spanish national team at Under-15, U16, U18, U19 and U21 levels, but he is yet to break into Luis de la Fuente's senior squad. Mosquera is desperate to play at the World Cup in North America next year but he is currently behind Dean Huijsen, Robin Le Normand and Pau Cubarsi in La Roja's set-up. His wish could, however, be fulfilled, as according to , Colombia are hoping to convince the defender to represent their national team. The Gunners star's parents hail from the South American nation and he himself holds a Colombian passport.

The CONMEBOL side have reportedly guaranteed Mosquera a place in their squad at the 2026 World Cup, which might convince the 21-year-old to switch his international allegiance. In 2023, Colombia had made similar efforts, but at that point, the youngster was convinced he would represent Spain at the senior level after being named as the captain of their U-21 team.

Can footballers switch international allegiance?

The short answer is yes. Footballers can change international teams thanks to the FIFA eligibility rules. Article 9 of FIFA's Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes deals with changing association. The rules allow a player to change their national team allegiance only once, but the latest 2020 update also facilitates a reversal of a change request in certain specific circumstances. FIFA allows footballers to change their international team allegiance in recognition of the complexities of individual identity that accompany the increasingly globalised society in which we live. It is generally accepted that there are many players who hold more than one nationality and whose attachment to a particular country or countries is inherently nuanced.

In recent times, former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood is in the process of switching allegiance from England to Jamaica. Greenwood made just the one appearance for England before he was exiled by United in 2023 and has since been working on a switch of allegiance that would allow him to make his return on the international stage.

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Getty Images SportMosquera's journey at Arsenal so far

Mosquera’s signing has already proven to be a masterstroke for Arsenal, not only in terms of squad depth but also in value. At just £13m, the Spanish defender is considered one of the bargains of the summer transfer window, and his performances have backed that up. When Saliba picked up a minor injury against Liverpool last month, Arteta immediately turned to Mosquera – a decision that paid off, with the youngster putting in a composed display. Arteta later praised his impact, saying, "Thank God we had Mosquera." He has appeared in eight matches across all competitions, which include two Premier League starts and one in the Champions League.

He will be available for South Africa for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia next month

Firdose Moonda05-May-2025South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has served a one-month ban, commuted from three months, for drug use during the SA20 earlier this year.A statement issued by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS) confirmed Rabada had failed a doping test on January 21, after the match between MI Cape Town and Durban Super Giants, and he was notified of the result on April 1 when he was in India for IPL 2025. On April 3, his IPL franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) said Rabada had returned to South Africa for personal reasons after playing only two matches this season.According to SAIDS, Rabada has since participated in an education and awareness programme to prevent further substance abuse. He can resume playing immediately and could return to action as soon as Tuesday, when GT play Mumbai Indians (MI).Rabada’s sanction is in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) punishment for use of a recreational drug – including cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine or diamorphine. A similar punishment was handed to New Zealand’s Doug Bracewell last year after he tested positive for cocaine during the Super Smash.Related

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Kagiso Rabada returns home from IPL 2025 for personal reasons

However, there are instances of longer suspensions, which are up to individual boards. Last year, Zimbabwe’s Wessly Madhevere and Brandon Mavuta were banned from playing for four months each and fined 50% of their salaries for three months after testing positive for a recreational drug. In that instance, Zimbabwe Cricket chose to impose a sanction longer than the WADA recommendations.

“If you have a professional sportsman that’s tested for recreational drugs during a tournament in which he is playing, that doesn’t fall under personal issues for me. That falls under you have broken your contract”Tim Paine

It is not expected that Cricket South Africa will impose further punishment on Rabada after it issued a statement on Saturday afternoon calling the incident “regrettable”. CSA is satisfied with Rabada’s “commitment to upholding professional standards” after he apologised through the South African Cricketers’ Association when news of his positive drug test broke at the weekend.”I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down,” Rabada said. “I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations.”With the matter considered closed, Rabada will be available for South Africa for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia next month, where he is crucial to their chances. Rabada was South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in the 2023-2025 WTC cycle with 47 wickets at an average of 19.97.However, not everyone considers the case to be as open and shut as CSA.Kagiso Rabada had left the IPL after playing just two games for Gujarat Titans•IPLSpeaking to SEN Radio, former Australia captain Tim Paine was critical of the statement initially issued by GT to explain Rabada’s absence from the IPL.”It stinks. I don’t like this use around ‘personal issues’, and it being used to hide stuff that isn’t a personal issue,” Paine told SEN Radio on Monday. “If you have a professional sportsman that’s tested for recreational drugs during a tournament in which he is playing, that doesn’t fall under personal issues for me. That falls under you have broken your contract.”That is not a personal issue, that is something that is happening in your personal life. Taking drugs – recreational or performance enhancing – is not a personal issue that can just be hidden for a month. A guy can be taken out of the IPL, moved back to South Africa, and we just let it slide under the rug. Then we will bring him back once he’s already served his ban.”ESPNcricinfo contacted CSA and SACA officials multiple times after Rabada returned home from the IPL and were told he was dealing with a “personal issue”, while some officials claimed not to know anything about why he had come home.

Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has leapt to the defence of his summer signing Jobe Bellingham after a costly mistake from the Englishman allowed Bayern Munich to score the winner in Der Klassiker this weekend. Coming off the bench, Bellingham attempted to clear a cross from Luis Diaz, but the ball got caught under his feet, and Michael Olise capitalised on the mistake.

Bayern blunder from Bellingham

During this weekend’s hotly-anticipated Der Klassiker clash, Bellingham made a critical error that led to Bayern's winning goal in the 78th minute which sealed Bayern's 2-1 triumph. This blunder has drawn significant attention, particularly given Bellingham's high-profile transfer from Sunderland and the added pressure of following in his brother Jude's footsteps at the club. The incident has fuelled discussions about Jobe's adjustment to life in Germany and his progress at Dortmund, but Kovac has defended his young midfielder, stating he was in a difficult situation. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportManager defends Jobe’s performance

Kovac said: "I can’t find any fault with Jobe. He was standing where he needed to be. The ball was played in so sharply. It was an artistic feat in its own right that he didn’t score an own-goal. When a ball is played in so sharply, his first task is to hold his centre of gravity. He had his head down and Olise took advantage of this split second and slid in. That’s not a simple (situation). There’s no fault. I think that everything is fine with that situation."

The Dortmund boss also claimed that the first goal, scored by Harry Kane, should have been ruled out due to a push from the Bayern striker on Serhou Guirassy. Kovac said: "There was a brief contact (with Guirassy). But I have to say one thing, (referee) Bastian Dankert whistled today in such a way that he should have whistled that. He blew the whistle on everything, so he should have whistled that too. If he had let the play continue in other situations, then he can let that too. But for me, that was a clear mistake because of his decision to whistle everything. He should have disallowed it."

Rising star, with big shoes to fill

Even at a young age, Bellingham has already had an eventful career. After coming through Birmingham City's academy and making his debut at 16, he made 24 league appearances for the club. He then joined Sunderland in 2023, where he truly established himself, making 85 appearances and scoring 11 goals in the Championship over two seasons. He played a key role in Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League and was named the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season, but left in the summer for a club-record £27 million ($36.2m) fee to Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham has also represented England at various youth levels up to Under-21.

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Getty/GOALBrotherly love and link with Man United

Jobe is just starting out life in the Bundesliga and will be hoping to emulate his big brother, whom he remains close to, despite the distance between the two teams they represent. Jude is currently in exile from the England team, following a shoulder injury, and Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has hinted it won't be easy for him to regain his place. Bellingham has missed the last two international windows, and in a recent social media post, he shared a series of images and videos, the theme being legendary American musician Frank Sinatra, and wrote in the caption, "That's life". The post left his brother Jobe confused, as the Borussia Dortmund star wrote in the comments, "Ehhh?"

Meanwhile, recently reported that Premier League giants Manchester United are closely monitoring Jobe Bellingham with a view to potentially bringing the youngster back to his homeland. The report adds that Red Devils boss Amorim is an admirer of the midfielder, and he believes that Bellingham would nicely fit his complex 3-4-2-1 setup, as his physical strength will be of great use at the centre of the park.

It was yet another busy summer for Arsenal, who focused on adding quality depth to improve their squad ahead of the new season. For the last few years, the Gunners have finished second in the Premier League, twice to Manchester City and once, most recently, to Liverpool.

Another busy summer was had at the Emirates Stadium, in an effort to break the cycle of second-place finishes they find themselves in. Eight major signings were made, although Mikel Arteta’s side have not started the season well, but not flawlessly. They sit in second place on 10 points, five behind Liverpool.

However, the new signings have hit the ground running, with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze two of the most impressive.

Madueke and Eze’s start to life at Arsenal

England international Madueke joined the Gunners from Chelsea back in July. He cost Arteta’s side £48.5m, and has made a strong start to life at the Emirates Stadium. Although he’s yet to register a goal involvement, the winger creates an average of 2.3 chances per game in the Premier League.

The good form on show at the start of his Arsenal career from the England international has left many people impressed. One of those is BBC Sport’s tactics correspondent Umir Irfan, who said the winger has been “sensational” for the Gunners so far.

It is not just Madueke who has shone in an Arsenal shirt already. Eze, too, has been impressive. The England international completed a dream move to North London after previously playing for the club’s academy in his youth.

In seven appearances and 470 minutes for the Gunners so far, the former Crystal Palace star has one goal and two assists. That includes a sensational pass for Gabriel Martinelli to set up a crucial equaliser against Man City last weekend.

Both Madueke and Eze have performed well for the Gunners this season and are already key parts of Arteta’s squad. There is another key player who has also performed well, and is valued even higher than the England duo.

The Arsenal star worth more than Madueke and Eze

Arsenal’s summer signings have certainly enhanced an already talented squad, which can hopefully push them over the line for the Premier League title. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are two examples of that.

Well, another man who could be considered in that same bracket is talented defender Jurrien Timber, who signed for the club from Ajax for £38m in 2023. The Dutchman, described as a “diamond” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has cemented himself as Arteta’s first-choice right-back this season.

The former Ajax star has played 90 minutes in the last three of Arsenal’s Premier League matches and in their Champions League win over Athletic Club. His 64-minute performance against Leeds United saw him score twice and assist once, too.

Despite being in his third year as a Gunner, the 24-year-old missed almost all of his first season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Last season, he also missed a few games due to fitness issues.

But Timber has fully recovered now. The defender has shown this season just how good he is, which the stats back up. For example, per 90 minutes this season, he’s averaged 5.4 tackles and interceptions and 1.5 key passes.

Minutes

72.2

433

Key passes

1.5

7

Passes completed

36.8

177

Tackles and interceptions

5.4

26

Expected goal involvements

0.35xGI

1.67

With form like that in mind, it may not come as a shock that Timber is worth even more than both Madueke and Eze, according to Football Transfers. The Dutch star is valued at £57m, which certainly reflects his excellent performances.

In comparison, Arsenal’s new attacking duo are not worth quite as much. Former Palace star Eze is closer, with Football Transfers valuing him at £53.6m. As for ex-Chelsea winger Madueke, he’s said to be worth just shy of £45m.

Given just how key Timber is to Arsenal’s side, due to his quality on the ball and tenacity without it, there might not be much surprise to learn he has such a high value, but it does show that Arteta hit the jackpot on him because his value has soared from £38m to £57m within the space of two years.

Madueke and Eze are key members of the Arsenal squad, but Timber’s quality and importance to Arteta mean he is worth even more than the attacking pair.

Arsenal hit gold on "world-class" monster worth millions more than Saliba

The incredible international could go down as a legend for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 26, 2025

West Indies have called up Shawnisha Hector as her replacement

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jun-2025Senior batter Stafanie Taylor has been ruled out of the T20I series against South Africa with a shoulder injury, with West Indies calling up fast bowler Shawnisha Hector as her replacement.Taylor sustained the injury during the third and final ODI against South Africa in Barbados, where she was declared absent hurt as West Indies folded for 121in the DLS-adjusted chase of 288. South Africa won the ODI series 2-1, with Taylor scoring 30* and 17 in the first two ODIs.Hector, meanwhile, made her ODI debut in 2019, becoming the first woman from Antigua to play for West Indies. She is yet to feature in T20Is.The rest of the squad is largely unchanged. Experienced allrounder Chinelle Henry, who replaced Cherry Ann-Fraser in the ODI squad, will be part of T20Is as well.The three-match T20I series will begin on June 20 at the 3Ws Oval in Barbados while the remaining matches will be played at the same venue on June 22 and June 24.West Indies T20I squad: Hayley Matthews (capt), Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, Jahzara Claxton, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack