Category Uncategorized

Glasgow Celtic have made some brilliant signings during their history, with the Hoops dominating Scottish football, especially in the modern era.

The likes of Henrik Larsson and Stylian Petrov made the move to Parkhead in the late 1990s and became club legends, whereas more recently, Premier League title-winning goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel decided to head to Scotland in a transfer that caught the eye.

Some high-profile names have played in green and white, however, plenty of other iconic stars almost made the move to Glasgow down the years in cases of what could have been at Celtic Park.

Lionel Messi names the top fans between Celtic and Rangers, calls them "the best"

The Argentine icon has played at both Parkhead and Ibrox.

ByCharlie Smith Aug 15, 2025 10 stars who Celtic almost signed 10 David Ginola

After starring for Paris Saint-Germain in the 1990s, David Ginola was a man in demand in the UK, with Celtic battling numerous Premier League clubs for his signature in 1995.

However, the skilful winger chose to join Newcastle over the Hoops, admitting he turned down the chance to head to Celtic Park. Talking back in 2016, Ginola said:

9 Didier Drogba

Striker Didier Drogba would go on to become a Chelsea and Premier League icon after moving to the UK in 2004, however, by the sounds of things, he could have done so sooner with Celtic.

Former Celtic defender Momo Sylla played with Drogba at Le Mans and admitted that the centre-forward asked about a move to Glasgow in the early 2000s.

A case of what could have been for the Hoops, who at the time had the likes of Chris Sutton and John Hartson leading the line.

8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Another forward on Celtic’s radar in the early 2000s was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although the club would land a Swedish star in Larsson.

Former SFA Chief Gordon Smith recommended Ibrahimovic to Martin O’Neill in 2001 when he was still a teenager, however, the Hoops stuttered which allowed Ajax to sign him for £7m from Malmo.

Games

3

Wins

2

Losses

1

Goals

0

7 Alessandro Del Piero

After spending close to 20 years as a Juventus player, Alessandro Del Piero was on the search for a new club at the age of 37 in 2012.

The Italian icon had an offer from Celtic on the table, however, instead of remaining in Europe, Del Piero would head to Australian with Sydney FC, scoring a goal every there game in just under 50 appearances.

6 Hernan Crespo

Another world-class attacker who could have ended his career in Scotland with Celtic was Hernan Crespo. The Argentine played and scored goals for the likes of Lazio, Chelsea, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Celtic wanted to secure Crespo’s services in January 2010 when Tony Mowbray was in charge, however, he snubbed the Hoops and returned to Parma.

5 Rivaldo

Five years on from winning the Ballon d’Or in 1999, Brazil legend Rivaldo was on the search for a new club after leaving AC Milan.

The forward was 32 and heading into the twilight years of his career, and instead of tabling a contract offer, Celtic and O’Neill instead offered Rivaldo a trial. The Brazilian was left puzzled and instead signed for Greek giants Olympiacos.

4 Olivier Giroud

Continuing the long list of forwards who almost moved to Scotland is Olivier Giroud, who netted an impressive 21 goals in the 2009/10 season while with Ligue 2 side Tours.

Celtic and Mowbray wanted to sign him as a result, but he chose Montpellier instead and would go on to become France’s all-time record goalscorer.

3 Sol Campbell

In what would be his final move as a player in 2010, legendary English centre-back Sol Campbell could have moved to Scotland.

In fact, the former Arsenal and Tottenham defender was even given a tour of the city centre and Celtic’s Lennoxtown training base ahead of linking up with Neil Lennon’s side.

However, he would turn down the transfer at the last minute and sign for Newcastle, where he was released a year later.

2 Alfredo Di Stefano

Way back in the 1960s, Celtic almost shocked Europe by signing Real Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stefano.

The Argentine attacker scored more than 200 goals at the Bernabeu and was into the final years of his career when leaving Madrid in 1964.

Celtic manager Jimmy McGrory flew over to Spain with defender John Cushley, who acted as an interpreter, looking to lure Di Stefano to Glasgow. However, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner decided to remain in Spain with Espanyol.

1 Ivan de la Pena

Rounding off the list of stars Celtic could have signed is former Barcelona midfielder Ivan de la Pena.

Starring under Bobby Robson at the Nou Camp, De la Pena was of interest to the Hoops and O’Neill in 2003, with the Spaniard evening training with Celtic before returning to Espanyol.

Bond reckons that there is a lot to with the Bangladesh bowling attack but the batting is the problem

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Feb-20251:58

‘Disappointing to see Bangladesh’s big players go missing in a must-win game’

Bangladesh endured another dismal campaign in a global event which has placed a harsh spotlight on their batting unit. They were knocked out of the Champions Trophy after two sub-par totals – 228 all out and 236 for 9 – which, in former India batter Wasim Jaffer’s view, continued the trend of their experienced players not turning up in ICC events.Jaffer was particularly critical of Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim’s performances in the five-wicket loss to New Zealand on Tuesday. Both men were dismissed playing rash shots which left Bangladesh five down in just the 27th over. New Zealand hardly broke a sweat in chasing the eventual target down.”We’ve only seen probably Shakib [Al Hasan] with that 2019 [ODI] World Cup where he was a standout player,” Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo’s Match Day. “But I don’t know if it’s the pressure that gets to them or they put too much pressure on themselves, they just don’t turn up.”Related

BCB to talk to Simmons to continue as Bangladesh head coach

Bracewell's best, and a rare twin failure for Williamson

New Zealand, India through to Champions Trophy semi-finals

Ravindra, Latham and Bracewell book New Zealand's semi-final spot

Ravindra and Bracewell win the middle overs to knock out Bangladesh

Mahmudullah has history in performing well at ICC events, he made back-to-back hundreds in the 2015 ODI World Cup and a hundred when Bangladesh beat New Zealand in the 2017 Champions Trophy. But here, he missed their first match with injury and self-destructed in the second.”Even the shot selection we’ve seen today was very disappointing,” Jaffer said. “Mushfiq [Mushfiqur] playing that shot, Mahmudullah playing that wild shot. And this is a must-win game. You want them to step up in these kinds of games and make themselves count. So that’s been the story in the ICC events, unfortunately.”Jaffer also felt that Bangladesh were at least “50 to 60 runs short” on a Rawalpindi surface which wasn’t offering much help for the bowlers.”They could have easily put 300-plus on that pitch,” he said. “They have got themselves to blame. It is too much to ask from the bowling unit to get a team New Zealand all out for below 240.”Shane Bond, the former New Zealand fast bowler, suggested that while “there is a lot to work with” Bangladesh’s bowling attack, their batting seems to be a problem. He also said the chances Bangladesh missed in the field also played a role in their five-wicket loss. Rachin Ravindra survived a run-out chance when he was on 26 and was dropped on 93 by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and then by Mahmudullah on 106.1:07

Jaffer: Bangladesh at least 50-60 runs short

“I like the look of their bowling attack,” Bond said. “They have got the heat, they have got the left-armer [Mustafizur Rahman] which New Zealand and a team like England doesn’t have. The spinners are good.”Also the fine margins… they missed chances. If you miss those run-out chances or those dropped catches, they are the difference between winning or losing a game. If they had taken those chances, this game could have been completely different. There is a lot to work with with their bowling attack. I think their batting in the end was the problem.”Bond, who coaches extensively in the franchise T20 circuit, also felt that any coach would “feel a bit grumpy” after the kind of performance Bangladesh put in as their Champions Trophy 2025 journey came to an end.”I think it’s the natural inclination as a coach to feel that way,” Bond said. “If you start talking about what you shouldn’t do and let emotion pour out as a coach, it’s a dangerous place to go. So you’re still trying to create an environment where you want guys to come out and play positively, you want them to be really clear about how you’re going to play.”And at the end of the day, if they go out and try to execute their game plans and play the way that you want and they lose, then that’s okay. If they don’t, then it makes it very difficult. So that’s what you’re looking for as a player.”You want, ‘this is how the coach wants me to play my role in the team. If I go and do that to the best of my ability, then it’s okay.’ You know, some days it’s not going to work and we’re not a fly on the wall in the Bangladesh camp, so we don’t know what those conversations are and it’s difficult to make judgments on that stuff.”

Monterrey announced the signing of former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial from AEK Athens, adding yet another big name to a blockbuster Liga MX transfer window. But reports quickly surfaced claiming that Pumas had already reached an agreement with the French striker. What really happened? Both clubs have now spoken.

AFPWhat we know

Martial was unveiled on Friday as Monterrey’s newest signing, with a deal through 2027 for a reported $1.1 million fee. 

“Physically I feel very good, I trained every day in Athens. The jet lag is tough, but I’m ready for tomorrow if the coach decides,” Martial said at his presentation.

He could make his debut on Saturday when Rayados host Club América.

AdvertisementAFPWhat really happened?

According to multiple reports, Pumas had reached a preliminary agreement with Martial and AEK Athens. The Mexico City club was set to pay $750,000 for the French forward, who had allegedly given his verbal “yes.”

But as the transfer window deadline approached, Monterrey reportedly swooped in with a higher bid and struck a deal directly with AEK.

Getty Images SportPumas’ version

UNAM’s sporting strategy director Eduardo Saracho expressed frustration over the circumstances, revealing that Pumas had already prepared a formal agreement:

“We began talks with Anthony weeks ago, negotiated with his club, and were allowed to speak with AEK," he said. "We had Zoom calls, phone meetings, and reached a written preliminary agreement. We were preparing everything, and then – just like everyone else – we suddenly saw Monterrey’s announcement.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPMonterrey’s version

Rayados sporting president José Antonio Noriega said that Martial had several offers on the table, but ultimately chose Monterrey:

“We were informed by his agents that he had many alternatives around the world and was analyzing them," he said. "The option that most attracted them was Monterrey, and that’s why he’s here. Domènec Torrent recommended we move quickly for Anthony, and once we agreed internally, we pushed hard to close the deal.”

Manchester United are expected to make an offer for a £70m star, who is now leaning towards a move to Old Trafford despite interest from another Premier League club, according to a report.

Man Utd pursuing striker amid Hojlund uncertainty

With less than two weeks to go before the start of the Premier League season, Man United are still yet to get a new centre-forward through the door, which is likely to be a concern for Ruben Amorim, given that his current options struggled last season.

Rasmus Hojlund scored just four Premier League goals in the 2024-25 campaign, and the Danish striker clearly hasn’t done enough in pre-season to convince Amorim he deserves another chance, with United now open to a departure.

Indeed, widespread reports have suggested the Red Devils would be willing to take a major loss on Hojlund by cashing in for just £30m.

In recent times, it has emerged that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is one of Amorim’s major targets to replace Hojlund, although Newcastle United are also in the picture.

In a promising update from Sky Sports, however, it has been revealed that Sesko is leaning towards a move to Old Trafford, despite rival interest from Newcastle, with Man United now expected to make a formal offer.

United have held talks with Leipzig regarding how much a deal would cost, with Newcastle also in ongoing negotiations, having already made a second bid in the region of £70m.

Related Sought-after star who wants to stay at Man Utd now targeted by Erik ten Hag

The Red Devils could be set to receive a surprise proposal.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Aug 4, 2025 Sesko would be statement signing for Man Utd

United would be making a major statement if they were able to secure a deal for Sesko, despite not having any European football on offer next season, and there are plenty of signs the Slovenian would be a fantastic addition to Amorim’s squad.

At 22-years-old, the centre-forward is capable of leading the line for the Red Devils for many years to come, and he has regularly been among the goals at RB Leipzig over the past two campaigns, scoring a combined 27 in the Bundesliga.

Season

Bundesliga appearances

Goals

Assists

2023-24

31

14

2

2024-25

33

13

5

It is promising news that Sesko is leaning towards a move to Old Trafford, but Man United may have to move quickly to secure his services, given Newcastle’s level of interest.

Arsenal are in talks over a move for Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze, according to widespread reports, but another high-profile attacker may well follow the 27-year-old to north London.

£140m signings start alongside Zubimendi: AI predicts Arsenal's 2025/26 line-up

It could be a productive transfer market for the Gunners.

4 ByCharlie Smith Jun 28, 2025

GiveMeSport and other reliable media outlets reported that Eze’s representatives held “positive” talks with Arsenal last weekend, and the England international is pretty keen on a switch to the potential Premier League title challengers.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£5m

Andrea Berta also possesses the option of paying his £68 million release clause in installments, which they’ll likely take up, as Arsenal look to back Mikel Arteta whilst erring on the side of caution when it comes to PSR.

The notion of spreading out Eze’s transfer fee will also be a huge help when it comes to signing another star winger, which is what Arsenal are expected to try and do (Fabrizio Romano).

It is believed that Arsenal are looking at both a right and left-winger, with Eze potentially poised to fill just one of these spots as Berta looks at signing another wide player to come in with the 27-year-old.

One of their other wide targets, alongside Chelsea forward Noni Madueke, is £206,000-per-week Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

The Brazil international is said to be a “dream” target for Arteta’s side, and he could push to leave the Bernabeu once their Club World Cup campaign concludes.

“I think Rodrygo is quickly emerging as Arsenal’s dream target,” journalist Graeme Bailey told TBR Football this week.

“From what I’m hearing, from people close to the situation, once Real Madrid get back from the Club World Cup, Rodrygo is going to make it clear that he wants to leave.

“I think everything points towards Rodrygo leaving and my belief is that Arsenal will be towards the top of his desired places to go.”

Arsenal will move to sign Rodrygo with Eberechi Eze on one condition

Now, GiveMeSport provide another update on Arsenal’s interest in the 24-year-old – who’s bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions since the start of 2024/2025.

They report that Arsenal would love to sign Rodrygo this summer, and will move for the ex-Santos sensation with Eze on one condition.

If they get clear signals from the South American that he’s willing to leave Real and make a Premier League move, then Arsenal will make an approach, but until that point, they’re still waiting for his green-light.

Considering the other reports that he’s likely to request a transfer from Real, Arteta might not be waiting too long for Rodrygo’s approval, so this could be one to keep an eye on.

Los Blancos legend, Luka Modrić, has already stated that Rodrygo is a “world class superstar” – partly highlighting why Arsenal are so keen on him.

Ed Pollock leads charge in simple chase after inexperienced attack thrives once again

ECB Reporters Network11-Aug-2024

Worcestershire took another significant step towards the knockout stages of the Metro Bank One Day Cup as they overcame Hampshire by eight wickets at New Road.An excellent all-round performance with ball and then bat secured a fifth win in seven games for the second-placed Rapids. It keeps them on course to clinch the top three spot needed to go through to the next stage of the 50-over tournament. Victory also maintained their 100 percent home record in the competition after previous victories over Middlesex, Durham and Kent.With eight senior players sidelined through injury, Worcestershire’s inexperienced and young attack again performed admirably to dismiss Hampshire for 164 in 47.4 overs.Academy player Jack Home continued his impressive form since his promotion with another three wickets to take his tally to 15 in four One Day Cup games with some more pacey and threatening bowling.Ethan Brookes also maintained his excellent run with the ball and spinners Fateh Singh and Tom Hinley had such a grip on proceedings that they returned combined figures of 20-1-59-1.Gareth Roderick and Ed Pollock then ensured that there would be no alarms for the Rapids in reaching their modest target with a spendlid century opening stand.Pollock was the dominant partner in racing to his half century off just 44 balls with one six and 10 fours. But Roderick was the perfect foil and his 47 took his run tally to 385 – the third-highest overall in this year’s competition.Hampshire will console themselves with the fact they are still in contention themselves to qualify despite a below-par performance and a third setback of the campaign.Worcestershire made two changes with Home and Hishaam Khan replacing the rested Tom Taylor and Harry Darley. Hampshire also made changes with Joe Weatherley, released to play by Southern Brave, and Mohammad Abbas coming in for Joseph Eckland and Eddie Jack.Hampshire captain Nick Gubbins opted to bat on winning the toss on the same wicket used for Wednesday’s encounter against Kent. Tommy Sturgess took the new ball and struck in his second over when Weatherley (10) attempted a cut and edged through to keeper Roderick.Fletcha Middleton and Gubbins scored freely during the powerplay but in the 10th and final over the former went to pull Khan and fell to a good catch by Singh running back to backward square leg.Home came into the attack and claimed the wicket of Gubbins and Ben Brown in the space of three deliveries during his first over. Gubbins tried to leave a shortish ball but the ball hit the back of his bat and went through to Roderick. Brown then nicked a delivery which moved away from him and Roderick pouched his third catch of the innings.Brookes, Worcestershire most economical bowler in this year’s tournament, also enjoyed success in his first over as Tom Prest mistimed a pull to mid on where Khan took a fine low catch.Toby Albert (26) was fortunate to inside edge Home for a boundary but the introduction of Singh led to his downfall as he was trapped lbw after sweeping.There was another scalp for Singh as Organ, having struggled for 35 balls in making nine, picked out Rob Jones at short cover. Brookes kept the pressure on the Hampshire batters from the New Road during a frugal spell of 7-1-12-1. And there was no let-up for the visitors, with Kyle Abbott then pushing forward to Hinley to be neatly stumped by Roderick at 113 for 8.The ninth-wicket pair of Dominic Kelly and Brad Wheal batted sensibly in adding 36 before Home returned to the attack and bowled the latter after he went for an expansive drive. Some late blows from Kelly (45) lifted the final total before he tried to sweep Brookes and the ball ballooned up for Roderick to complete another dismissal.The Rapids were given a positive start to their reply by Pollock and Roderick and negotiated their way through the initial powerplay against the new ball threat posed by Abbott and Abbas. Roderick straight drove Abbott to the boundary and turned the same bowler through mid wicket to the ropes while Pollock collected three boundaries in an over from Abbas.Pollock greeted Wheal’s introduction into the attack with a maximum over midwicket and successive boundaries off the same bowler carried him to his half century. His fine knock ended on 67 out of 104 in the 23rd over when he sliced Prest to backward point.Roderick fell at extra cover off Gubbins but Rob Jones and Jake Libby quickly saw their side over the finishing line with 13.4 overs to spare.

Freya Kemp set to return to allrounder ranks, side strain rules out Mahika Gaur

Valkerie Baynes20-Jun-2024Sophia Dunkley has been recalled to England’s T20I squad less than a week after earning an ODI return for the upcoming series against New Zealand, where Freya Kemp is set to feature as an allrounder as she continues her return from a back injury.England’s 16-strong squad for the five-match T20 series is otherwise unchanged to the one which defeated Pakistan 3-0 last month.Mahika Gaur, the 18-year-old fast bowler who has been absent from England’s squads this year while completing her A-Levels, will have finished her exams by the time the T20Is start but was left out of the squad due to a side strain.Kemp, the 19-year-old left-arm seamer, returned home early from England’s tour of the Caribbean in December 2022 with a back stress fracture after making her international debut against South Africa during the English summer earlier that year, and impressing against India a few months later when she became the youngest England player, male or female, to make a T20I half-century.ESPNcricinfo LtdShe bowled during England’s tour of India in December 2023 but subsequently suffered a flare-up in her back and has since played as a batter only for England A during their tour of New Zealand and for England Women in the Pakistan series, as well as in regional cricket.Jon Lewis, England’s head coach, said he hoped to include Gaur in squad activities as she continues her development. Gaur made her ODI debut for England against Sri Lanka last September, having made her England T20I debut earlier in Sri Lanka’s tour after playing 19 games in the shorter format for UAE.”This five-match series against a strong New Zealand side is really important for us and also vital preparation as we build towards the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh,” Lewis said. “We are pleased to welcome Freya Kemp back as an allrounder and we will hopefully see her bowl across this series as she returns from injury.”Sophia Dunkley comes back into the squad after showing good form at regional level, she has earned the right to be in this squad. Mahika Gaur is not available to play due to a small side strain. We will look to have her in and around the squad preparing to return to play.”Related

Dunkley confirms return to form but Stars fall just short of record chase

Very little Down time – NZ batter keen to seal top-order spot after baby break

Dunkley meets the brief to earn England recall

Knight: 'Our best chance to inspire is to win big competitions'

Dunkley was last week named in England’s ODI squad to face the White Ferns after losing her place during England’s tour of New Zealand earlier this year. She was added to the 50-over squad for the last two games of England’s three-match series with Pakistan last month, but didn’t play in either – she was named 12th for the second fixture in Taunton, which was washed out after 6.5 overs.That followed a run of strong performances for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, where she is the competition’s leading run-scorer with 293 runs at 97.66 and a strike rate of 83.00, with a century and a fifty to her name. She has also scored 200 runs in the Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 competition at 28.57 and a strike rate of 120.48 with two half-centuries.England Women squad: Heather Knight (capt), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice ⁠Capsey, Charlie ⁠Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie ⁠Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, ⁠Bess Heath, Amy ⁠Jones, Freya ⁠Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danielle Wyatt

Tottenham Hotspur were beaten on home soil (again) to conclude their 2024/25 campaign, with Brighton & Hove Albion winning 4-1 to consign Ange Postecoglou to a 17th-place Premier League finish in his second season.

His second season will be remembered for something different, of course, for the Australian tactician made good on his brazen claim earlier in the year, ending Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night in Bilbao.

But the league form simply hasn’t been good enough, and the manager’s future is up in the air. He’s failed to get a tune out of these players, domestically, at least, and while defensively the squad have been shoddy, there’s been a lot to desire up top too.

That’s why Spurs are gearing up to sign a new forward this summer, with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap at the top of the shopping list.

Spurs chasing new forward

Dominic Solanke scored from the spot on Sunday afternoon to seal his 16th goal of the season across all competitions, having also laid on eight assists for his teammates.

However, injuries have prevented him from quite living up to the initial £55m fee, which could rise to a club-record £65m with add-ons, and he needs more frontal support, especially with Heung-min Son entering the twilight of his Premier League career.

That’s why there may be substance to rumours the Lilywhites are preparing to bid for Delap, with GIVEMESPORT reporting earlier in May that Postecoglou’s side are in the race for the English goalscorer, who was relegated with Ipswich this term but impressed throughout, scoring 12 goals across 37 outings.

If Spurs are to make their move, they may need to part ways with one or two, not least because this squad needs a shake-up.

Richarlison may well be at the top of that list.

Levy must sell Richarlison this summer

If Richarlison leaves this summer, he will do so as a Europa League winner, part of the squad whose names are immortal having triumphed on a stage so many before them failed to reach.

However, the versatile star has fallen by the wayside, all in all, especially when considering he cost Daniel Levy a whopping £60m figure when joining from Everton in 2022.

Having overcome a woeful debut campaign, the 28-year-old has enjoyed more clinical results over the past two terms, but it’s not enough to turn the tide.

Richarlison – Tottenham Career by Season (all comps)

Season

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25

24 (11)

5

2

23/24

31 (21)

12

4

22/23

35 (17)

3

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

And against Brighton this weekend, Richarlison failed to leave a positive mark when called into play, albeit he was likely nursing a hangover with the rest of the squad after the midweek merriment.

The Brazilian forward was introduced with less than an hour still on the clock but was still criticised by football.london’s Alasdair Gold for failing to influence the game, branded with a 4/10 match rating.

As per Sofascore, the £90k-per-week star only completed two passes after replacing Solanke, Tottenham trailing by just one goal. He also failed with his one attempted dribble and lost five of six duels.

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Richarlison is now considering his Tottenham future, with Everton and Flamengo back in his homeland both interested. The robust player wishes to enhance his prospects of playing for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup over the pond.

Tottenham need reform this summer, and Richarlison is a big part of the struggling crew who need to be shipped out, creating space for a new era which could take the success of this season and build something special. Something fit to last.

Related Spurs hit gold on "sensational" monster who's becoming their new Dembele

The impressive international could be a star for Spurs.

Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 24, 2025

At 4.15pm on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal fans were given a pretty large surprise.

With the Gunners gearing up for their Champions League semi-final second leg in Paris on Wednesday, it was expected that Mikel Arteta would rest heavily. He did not.

The likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice all featured in the lineup with only two changes made; Jurrien Timber for Ben White and Mikel Merino for Thomas Partey.

While the starting XI was surprising, the end result was perhaps not. After all, the way in which Arsenal dropped points typified their season.

Arteta’s side led Bournemouth 1-0 through Rice but the Cherries fought back in the second half courtesy of some lapse defending. The equaliser came from Antoine Semenyo’s long throw which found Arsenal-linked Dean Huijsen inside the area who headed home.

The second was not great either. From a set play, the ball found Evanilson at the back stick who forced the ball home with what looked to be an elbow. VAR adjudged it to have been a legal play, however.

While it was an off day as far as defending set pieces are concerned, it was another off day for skipper Martin Odegaard.

Martin Odegaard's performance vs Bournemouth

In midweek, Arsenal needed their leaders to stand up.

Rice was once again impressive, driving his side forward whenever he got the chance. Saka also made life difficult for PSG but ultimately couldn’t find a way through. Nonetheless, neither player hid.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse

The same could not be said of Odegaard who left the pitch having lost five of his eight duels and having not had a shot.

He coasted through the game with very minimal influence, slowing Arsenal down in transition and ultimately making the side a poorer one.

Well, the visit of Andoni Iraola’s men on Saturday was a time for the Norwegian to right his wrongs, and he began the game in fine groove, playing in Rice for the opening goal of the game.

It was classic Odegaard, jinking past his marker and sliding the ball past the final line of the defence for the club’s record signing to get on the end.

Sadly, that was about as good as it got for the midfielder who was once again slow in transition and indecisive on the edge of the box, refusing to shoot when he got the opportunity to do so.

Club captain, one has to question whether he deserves a place in the team on Wednesday night. Many fans will suggest he doesn’t.

Still, he wasn’t the only big underperformer in the final third for the Gunners.

Leandro Trossard's performance in numbers vs Bournemouth

Arsenal’s attack since Kai Havertz got injured at the back end of the winter has not been firing on all cylinders.

In fact, even since Saka returned, the final third has been a problem for Arteta.

Their failure to strengthen in the January transfer window has certainly come back to haunt Arsenal with Mikel Merino largely used as the makeshift centre forward since his two-goal haul against Leicester.

From that moment onwards, the Spaniard has been excellent, perhaps even better than Leandro Trossard. The Belgian scored 17 goals last term but despite a run of three goals in his last four outings, has struggled in all honesty.

There is a reason Arteta enjoys playing with Merino and Havertz up top and that’s because they can hold the ball up well, acting as a focal point and duel winner.

Despite Trossard’s technical skill, he is not that profile. The Belgium international simply doesn’t offer enough as an outlet and he summed that up not only against PSG, where Arsenal struggled to get out of their own half in the first 20 minutes, but also at the Emirates on Sunday.

The truth is that the former Brighton man, signed for £27m, has served his purpose; this could well be one of his final starts in Arsenal red.

Trossard vs Bournemouth

Minutes played

90

Touches

37

Accurate passes

16/19 (84%)

Expected Goals (xG)

0.16

Expected Assists (xA)

0.18

Shots

2

Shots on target

1

Successful dribbles

1/1

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

0/1

Duels won

5/9

Possession lost

10x

Stats via Sofascore.

In all honesty, this wasn’t his worst performance of the season but while Odegaard did register an assist, Trossard did little to dig his side out of the hole his team found themselves in.

His best moment came in the first half when he stooped low to meet a header that Kepa Arrizabalaga did well to keep out. That was his only shot on target in the game.

Beyond that, it was a supremely underwhelming display from the 30-year-old, registering 37 touches, which was 11 fewer than goalkeeper David Raya.

He also only won five of his nine duels and gave away the ball on ten occasions, once every 3.7 touches of possession.

While it’s safe to say that no one in Arsenal’s attack really covered themselves in glory, Trossard certainly did little to help this weekend. It says it all that Arsenal look better with a midfielder as their 9, rather than him. Expect the attacker to be back among the subs in Paris in a few days time.

Related Big Odegaard upgrade: Arsenal eye up move for a "future Ballon d'Or winner"

Martin Odegaard is under fire after a poor run of form for Arsenal.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 30, 2025

As Mumbai end an eight-year wait for their 42nd title, we look at the key stats from the 2023-24 season

Sampath Bandarupalli15-Mar-2024End of eight-year wait for MumbaiMumbai extended their dominance in the Ranji Trophy, clinching their 42nd title, defeating Vidarbha at the Wankhede Stadium. The remaining teams have collectively won 47 Ranji titles, with eight by Karnataka being the second most. Across all the domestic first-class competitions, only New South Wales have won more titles than Mumbai. The Australian domestic team has won the Sheffield Shield on 47 occasions out of 122.The 2023-24 season triumph was the first for Mumbai in seven seasons, they last won a title in the 2015-16 edition. It is the second-longest span for Mumbai (previously called Bombay) between their two Ranji Trophy titles, having gone eight consecutive seasons without winning one between their title wins in 1984-85 and 1993-94.Crucial runs by the lower order for MumbaiThe lower-order batters played a role in Mumbai’s victory by bailing the team out of trouble in the knockouts. Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande struck hundreds batting at No. 10 and No. 11 in the quarters to rule out any chances of a comeback from Baroda. They added 232 runs in just 40 overs but fell one run short of the highest tenth-wicket partnership in Ranji. The highest is 233 by Ajay Sharma and Maninder Singh against Mumbai, then called Bombay, in 1991-92.