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Wolverhampton Wanderers are thought to be keen on signing a new forward who has been compared to Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.

Wolves eyeing new striker

Gary O’Neil was left extremely frustrated during the January transfer window, with those at Molineux failing to bring in a new attacker after allowing Sasa Kalajdzic and Fabio Silva to leave on loan.

There were targets in mind in the winter, such as Armando Broja, who ended up joining Fulham on loan from Chelsea and Yuri Alberto from Corinthians, with a deal even agreed for the latter. O’Neil said at the time:

"We didn't manage to get a nine done. There were a few that I really liked and we couldn't afford any. We could afford some, but not ones that I thought would help us. The group is the group and we get to work on trying to maximise it.

"I don't want to go through what ifs. It's important Sasa plays and I don't think he'd have played much for us. It's important that Fabio plays and he wouldn't have played much for us.”

However, attention will soon be on the summer transfer window, with Wolves currently sitting pretty in the top half of the Premier League, even potentially having one eye on a European spot.

A new striker is once again being mooted in the media, with Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah the latest name to be linked with a move to the Old Gold. Reports have suggested that Wolves are readying an offer to sign Nketiah, who is also wanted by Brentford and Crystal Palace, but there appears to be another new name on the agenda.

Wolves interested in Stephano Carrillo

According to reports abroad in the last 48 hours, Santos Laguna forward Stephano Carrillo ‘is making waves and promises to be the next big star of world football’.

The 18-year-old has been compared to Nunez due to ‘his robust physique and surprising speed’ and it is claimed that Wolves are showing a ‘real interest’ in securing Carrillo’s services. Despite talks not being underway, it is added that ‘the possibility of a transfer during the upcoming summer transfer period seems increasingly likely’.

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Carrillo, an out-and-out centre-forward, has scored an impressive 26 goals in 33 appearances for Mexico at U17 level and has only just turned 18 years of age.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig has labelled Carrillo’s pace, finishing, off-the-ball movement and physicality as very strong strengths, while also saying:

“Stephano Carrillo is a product of the Santos Laguna youth academy. He is considered to be one of the most talented teenagers in Mexico. In February 2023, he was the leader of the Mexican team during the CONCACAF U-17 Championship, leading them to victory and earning himself the prestigious top scorer award. He made his professional debut on 19 February 2024 in the Liga MX Clausura game against UNAM Pumas.”

Wolves could be on to a future star, and by the looks of things, a move appears to have a good chance of materialising ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Solid start to run-chase, after Sibley completes maiden Test century for England

The Report by Matt Roller06-Jan-2020

Pieter Malan celebrates after scoring a half-century•AFP / Getty Images

Mark Boucher encouraged his South Africa side to channel the spirit of the 2008 Perth Test last night, and Pieter Malan’s battling, unbeaten 63 left them dreaming of an improbable escape on the fourth evening of the Newlands Test despite James Anderson’s late wicket.After England looked to hammer their advantage home in the day’s first session, with Dom Sibley completing his maiden Test hundred and Ben Stokes clubbing 72 off only 47 balls, South African heads began to drop with the lead soaring past 400.But after the declaration came 20 minutes after lunch, Malan and Dean Elgar were resolute, leaving the ball well and blunting England’s attack on a pitch that looked to possess few demons by the close. Elgar fell for 34 after struggling against the part-time legspin of Joe Denly, but Malan put on 52 with Zubayr Hamza to push South Africa towards the close before Anderson coaxed an edge out of Hamza to give England a vital breakthrough.That wicket left South Africa needing 312 more runs on the final day. If that target seemed a tall order, then the fact that conditions have become increasingly favourable for batting suggests that a draw is by no means impossible.After Dom Bess’s dismissal to the final ball of the third day, Stokes wasted little time in signalling England’s attacking intentions in the morning session. He bludgeoned the eighth delivery he faced to the midwicket boundary off Dwaine Pretorius, and hit the same bowler for six down the ground and through third man with a delicate reverse-lap in consecutive balls at the start of his next over.Unexpectedly, Faf du Plessis had declined to take the new ball as soon as it became available, instead hoping that Keshav Maharaj might lull Stokes into a false stroke. Stokes took the bait, ripping it clean off while avoiding the hook as he deposited him over midwicket for six.The new ball then came, but Stokes showed no signs of slowing down as Vernon Philander’s 14th over of the innings went for as many runs (12) as his previous 13 combined. Kagiso Rabada fared little better, and at one stage, Stokes was on 38 off 26 balls at the same time that the unmoved Sibley had added only three from the 31 deliveries he had faced.After edging through the vacant third-slip area for four, Sibley nailed a sweep shot off Maharaj to bring up his maiden Test hundred, the first by an England opener at Newlands since Jack Hobbs in 1910. He began to move through the gears himself, perhaps inspired by the carnage unfolding at the other end as Stokes smote four, six, four off three Maharaj balls to move to 70 from 42.But he was soon to go, slapping the left-arm spinner to Rassie van der Dussen at long-on after 75 destructive minutes to start the day. Ollie Pope dragged on while looking to force the ball through the off side before Jos Buttler edged the unwell Anrich Nortje through to Quinton de Kock while scooping, and Sam Curran picked out Hamza at midwicket three balls after lunch.Sibley, however, stuck to his task, hitting a rare six and reverse-sweeping four more off Maharaj, before Joe Root decided he had seen enough and called his men in with 438 the target.Malan and Elgar started watchfully, showing good judgement in leaving the ball and looking to score when England erred from their lengths.England thought they had made the breakthrough only ten balls into the innings, as Stuart Broad rapped Malan on the pad, but Kumar Dharmasena shook his head and was proved right when Ultra-Edge revealed a large spike as the ball passed the inside edge following England’s review.Root turned to spin early in the piece, bringing Bess on to bowl the ninth over of the innings, but it was not until Denly’s introduction immediately before tea that Elgar looked particularly troubled.Perhaps by a quirk of fate, Elgar had only faced 106 balls of legspin in his Test career before this game, despite playing as many as 104 innings, and he immediately struggled to read Denly’s legbreaks, which turned and bounced appreciably out of the rough. He survived until the interval after being struck on the thumb, but then feathered an edge through to Buttler when lunging forward in defence to give England the breakthrough.Elgar reviewed Paul Reiffel’s decision almost immediately, but Ultra-Edge suggested he had got the faintest of scratches on the ball, enough evidence for the on-field decision to be upheld, and he was left to rue what he perceived to be his misfortune.It seemed like a big moment, with Hamza struggling against Broad throughout the series – the No. 3 had been dismissed by him in all three innings – and South Africa’s first fifty stand for the first wicket in 17 Test innings coming to an end. But despite both batsmen taking regular body blows, and Malan in particular leaving several deliveries that seemed almost certain to hit the top of his off stump, South Africa were set to survive until the close.But Anderson re-wrote the script’s finale, after finding a fraction of reverse swing late in the day. After shaping the ball in towards Malan in the first over of his final spell, the second ball of Anderson’s next over nibbled away off the seam, finding the outside edge as Hamza pushed at the ball expecting it to come back in. It was Anderson’s 92nd wicket against South Africa, taking him past Shaun Pollock (91) as the leading wicket-taker in England-South Africa Tests.It seemed as though Malan in particular would prove a tricky man for England to dismiss: as Boucher had hoped, he was positive in using his feet against the spinners, and survived a short-ball barrage from Stokes in the final session to make it to stumps unscathed. While victory seems highly improbable, South Africa will be hopeful that their new opener can lead the charge towards a crucial draw.

As Arsenal began the cycle of 2024 Mikel Arteta's men looked like a belegaured outfit. The goals certainly weren't flowing and neither were the victories.

Across that New Year period the Spanaird's side lost three straight games in which they scored just once.

It was a run of form that pales in comparison to the current purple patch they find themselves in now.

Arsenal have won their last six games in the Premier League and have scored 25 goals in the process. Such a run means they now have the best goal difference in the division, although they are still bettered for points by holders Manchester City and recently crowned Carabao Cup champions Liverpool.

That said, they have put themselves in with a remarkable chance of winning the title come May and they have done so without some key men too.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has missed the last three matches through injury while Gabriel Jesus only returned to the bench against Newcastle last Saturday after sitting out three league games of his own with a knee problem.

However, there have also been some long-term issues, notably to summer signing Jurrien Timber and midfield enforcer Thomas Partey. The former will no doubt have a bright future at the club but for the latter, his time in London could soon be coming to an end.

Why Arsenal need to sell Thomas Partey

Back in the summer transfer window of 2020 Arsenal made a big effort to land Partey from Atletico Madrid.

It was a long pursuit and one that ended on transfer deadline when the Gunners paid the Ghanaian's £45m release clause.

Now, that feels like a bargain and compared to the £105m for Declan Rice, it certainly is. By signing the midfielder Arsenal thought they'd acquired their next Patrick Vieira and for many years he showed what a powerful and technically gifted weapon he is.

2020/21

36

0

3

21

2021/22

26

2

1

14

2022/23

40

3

0

4

2023/24

5

0

0

26

Partey has a set of unique qualities. Not only can he break up the play with relative ease, but his range of passing is a joy to behold. He might not contribute much to the attacking phases of play in the final third but he is often the man to start the charge.

Let's him somewhat of a quarterback if you will. He sprays passes from deep and sets Arsenal's forward players in motion. It's those attributes that have seen him labelled an "unbelievable" asset by Yaya Toure.

With the arrival of Rice, Arteta hasn't really missed that but the idea of him playing beside their record buy is a rather sumptuous thought. It's just a shame we're unlikely to see that.

Why? Well, a wretched injury record, the emergence of Jorginho and a contract that expires in 2025. It means that if Arsenal want to receive a penny for his signature then they'll need to cash in when the summer window opens.

So far this term he has played just 251 minutes in the league and hasn't been seen in Arsenal colours since the 1-0 win over Manchester City all the way back in October. Bizarrely, he was even fielded at right-back for his first three appearances of the campaign.

That intriguing tactical switch now feels like a lifetime away with a hamstring injury plaguing Partey's season. He has missed 26 games and counting but a return may finally be near.

Speaking recently, Arteta noted: "He’s been out for many, many months now. We need to really nail the timing of when he has enough in the tank to compete. But I think he’s very close."

A return date has been pencilled in for the beginning of April but even then he could struggle to get into the side.

#1 Kai Havertz

£280k

#2 Gabriel Jesus

£265k

#3 Declan Rice

£240k

#4 Martin Odegaard

£240k

#5 Thomas Partey

£200k

#6 Bukayo Saka

£195k

#7 William Saliba

£190k

#8 Gabriel Martinelli

£180k

His absence hasn't just been painful for the player but it's also been hurtful to the club, both from a performance and monetary point of view. After all, he's still one of the club's highest earners, even over poster boy Bukayo Saka.

In fact, he is the fifth-highest earner in the entire squad at Colney. The fact he's missed as much football as he has this term, then, means he is rather burning a hole in Arsenal's pockets. Injury can't be helped, of course, but it would certainly free up the coffers if they decide to move the former Atleti star on.

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There has been interest in the player this season, notably from Italy and ahead of a summer window where Edu and Co will need to fund the arrival of a new striker, Partey really does feel like an expendable asset.

Mary Earps could not contain her excitement as the Lioness goalkeeper attended British Grand Prix as a guest of McLaren.

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Earps shows off custom jacketAttended F1 race at SilverstoneRooting for McLarenWHAT HAPPENED?

Earps has documented her trip to Silverstone to watch the Grand Prix, having previously stepped behind the wheel. She attended as a guest of McLaren, and was even gifted a custom-made jacket emblazoned with her name. The soon-to-be PSG goalkeeper posted a video of her in the pit, revealing her excitement at getting up close and personal with the supercars of F1.

InstagramAdvertisementWHAT EARPS SAID

Earps said on Instagram: "Hey guys, Mary Earps here! You're probably sick of seeing me by now but I'm so excited to be here. I'm in the McLaren garage right now. Can't wait for the race this afternoon. Come on McLaren!"

She was also joined by Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke.

THE GOSSIP

Earps has made a major change this summer, having left Manchester United and agreed a move to PSG. The goalkeeper has previously played abroad with Wolfsburg, but is now set to move to France.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Earps will soon be heading to France to prepare for the new season with PSG. She will also likely be playing for the Lionesses against the Republic of Ireland on July 12 in a Euro 2025 qualifier.

While Spurs fans may understandably have focused on the new arrivals of centre-back Radu Dragusin and forward Timo Werner, Tottenham also embarked on something of a clearout in January, sending as many as seven first-team players out on loan, most notably Eric Dier (who joined Harry Kane at Bayern Munich).

Eric Dier

Bayern Munich

Alejo Veliz

Sevilla

Sergio Reguilon

Brentford

Djed Spence

Genoa

Japhet Tanganga

Millwall

Ashley Phillips

Plymouth

Another player who Spurs planned to offload was winger Bryan Gil, who attracted interest from fellow Premier League side Brighton as well as Feyenoord in the Netherlands and Real Sociedad in his native Spain.

However, no transfer materialised, and Ange Postecoglou has now changed his plans for the 22-year-old as he tries to lead his side to Champions League qualification in his first season.

Postecoglou performs Gil U-turn

According to Football Insider, Postecoglou will now hand Gil "regular first-team minutes" until the end of the campaign. The player rejected every approach that was put on the table, seemingly determined to fight for his place in N17 instead.

Postecoglou is now prepared to give him another opportunity to prove himself, and ensure that, come the summer, Spurs aren't looking to find a new club for him once again.

Son return will intensify Gil task at Spurs

Back in 2021, Spurs parted with just under £22m and Erik Lamela to sign Gil, but he hasn't quite justified that exchange just yet. He's only played 42 games for the club across two and a half years, having spent the second half of the last two campaigns on loan in Spain with Valencia and then his former employers Sevilla.

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Most tellingly of all, just four of his 23 Premier League appearances to date have been starts, with two of those coming this term in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa and the 3-3 draw at Manchester City (where he came off at half-time). He's come off the bench a further eight times, and been an unused substitute on six occasions.

It feels as if things could go one of two ways from here. Either Postecoglou admires his resolve and he does enough to earn the manager's faith, or his decision backfires and he winds up on the auction block for a permanent transfer in the off-season. It's worth noting that, with Son-Heung min due to return from the Asian Cup later this month, his quest for regular minutes is about to become even harder.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians encerra neste domingo uma maratona de quatro jogos em oito dias pelo Paulistão. Nesta quinta-feira o clube ficou sabendo das datas de seus próximos compromissos pelo estadual, já que a Federação Paulista de Futebol divulgou a tabela até o término da fase de grupos. Por conta das mudanças no cronograma, o Timão terá dois clássicos seguidos na reta final da competição.

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TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Paulistão-2021 clicando aqui

GALERIA
>Jornal espanhol elege as melhores torcidas do mundo! Confira o top 40

Com essas datas divulgadas pela FPF, o Alvinegro jogará o Paulistão apenas nos finais de semana, uma vez que o meio de semana estará preenchido pelas partidas da Copa Sul-Americana, que começará a ser disputada pelo clube na próxima quinta-feira, diante do River Plate, do Paraguai, fora de casa.

No entanto, as semanas prometem ser tensas para o Corinthians em relação ao nível das partidas. Isso porque o time de Vagner Mancini enfrentará dois rivais de forma consecutiva. Primeiro o Santos, fora de casa, no dia 25 de abril e no final de semana seguinte, no dia 2 de maio, receberá o São Paulo na Neo Química Arena. No meio dos dois, ainda terá o Peñarol, em casa, pela Sula.

Na tabela inicial do Campeonato Paulista, esses clássicos não estavam previstos para acontecer consecutivamente, já que um (Santos) é pela 8ª rodada e o outro (São Paulo) pela 10ª. Como o jogo diante da Ferroviária (9ª rodada) foi adiantado para a última terça-feira, a fimde ajustar o calendário em virtude da paralisação do campeonato, os duelos com os rivais acabaram ficando colados.

Antes de pensar nos rivais, porém, o Corinthians terá de encerrar sua maratona de partidas. Nesta sexta-feira, enfrentará o São Bento, na Neo Química Arena, às 20h, e no domingo pegará o Ituano, às 22h, também em casa. O Timão tem situação tranquila no Grupo A do Paulistão com 14 pontos em sete jogos.

Confira os próximos jogos do Corinthians no Paulistão:

16/4 – Corinthians x São Bento (7ª rodada)
18/4 – Corinthians x Ituano (6ª rodada)
25/4 – Santos x Corinthians (8ª rodada)
2/5 – Corinthians x São Paulo (10ª rodada)
9/5 – Corinthians x Novorizontino (12ª rodada)

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As much of a shock as the announcement that Jurgen Klopp will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season was, FSG were told at the start of the campaign, and thus are already planning for life without the German. The last thing that the owners will want is to face a painful transitional period, and they will hope that last summer's midfield rebuild and upcoming transfer plans will help to avoid that.

With Joel Matip set to leave at the end of his current contract, Liverpool's first priority may well be set on finding a new centre-back, leading them to a player they're "already" monitoring a move for, according to reports.

Liverpool transfer news

Whilst those at Anfield look unlikely to make any last-minute moves in the January transfer window, they've turned their attention towards the summer transfer window. With a new manager in charge, whether that be Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann or another option, Liverpool will be well aware of just how important it is that their next man in charge is handed time and resources to build their side. And that could start with another central defender.

According to Sport Bild via Sport Witness, Liverpool are "already monitoring" Willian Pacho ahead of a summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt, who value their defender at €60m (£51m). The Reds aren't alone in their interest, however, with Manchester United and Arsenal also eyeing moves to sign the 22-year-old this summer, creating a tight race for his signature.

Given his hefty price tag, it will be interesting to see whether Liverpool are willing to splash the cash on another defender, especially after Jarell Quansah's rise into the first team so far this season. Keeping tabs on Pacho nonetheless, the Ecuador international could yet become Liverpool's first signing in the post-Klopp era.

"Clever" Pacho would be an upgrade on Matip

As Matip approaches his mid-30s and leaves Liverpool, the Reds could not only replace the former Schalke man but even find an upgrade in the form of Pacho. When compared, it is Pacho's stats which come out on top so far this season:

Progressive Carries

12

8

Progressive Passes

72

34

Tackles Won

28

6

Blocks

29

16

Interceptions

29

9

At 22-years-old, Pacho is likely to get better from here to hand Liverpool the ultimate long-term option. Certainly earning fans in the Bundesliga, former Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche praised Pacho via the league's official website, saying: "Willian is a very clever player, who listens well and is quick to implement what's asked of him. His speed and strength in the tackle are what make him stand out."

If it is to be Alonso who replaces Klopp, then the current Bayer Leverkusen manager could benefit from the arrival of a player he's familiar with and one he's seen play at a level that his current side are thriving in. No matter who comes in, however, Pacho looks like an ideal option to replace Matip and perhaps even more as the years tick by at Anfield.

MatériaMais Notícias

Quando alguém buscar explicações para expressão “jogou com a camisa”, a vitória do Corinthians por 1 a 0 sobre o Mirassol, nesta terça-feira (23), pela quinta rodada do Campeonato Paulista, no estádio Raulino de Oliveira, em Volta Redonda, é um bom parâmetro.

As duas equipes chegaram a partida com o mesmo retrospecto: duas vitórias e dois empates nas primeiras quatro partidas do Estadual. De um lado, o Leão da Alta Araraquarense, mais modesto, chegou ao Paulistão com moral, após o título brasileiro da Série D na última temporada. Do outro, o tradicional Sport Club Corinthians Paulista vem tendo o seu desempenho pragmático questionado já há algum tempo.

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>> Confira a tabela do Paulistão e simule os próximos jogos

Em entrevista coletiva virtual ao fima da partida, o técnico Vagner Mancini admitiu que montou um meio-campo mais marcador, pois entendia a qualidade do seu adversário, vista na prática com uma blitz de oportunidades claras de gol nos primeiros cinco minutos da partida, ambas aproveitando o buraco deixado pelo lado direito da defesa corintiana, mas desperdiçada pelo atacante Pedro Lucas, em noite pouco inspirada.

E foi aí que começou a questão de garantir o resultado com a camisa. Até os 21 minutos do primeiro tempo, o Mirassol havia chego cinco vezes ao gol corintiano, que, por sua vez, no máximo e muita boa vontade, tinha finalizado uma, em uma cabeçada pra fora de Gil, após escanteio cobrado por Otero, aos 19 da etapa inicial.Sendo que justamente no 21º minuto da partida que o Timão foi letal: Gabriel fez bom lançamento enxergando Fagner livre pelo lado direito, o lateral cruzou rasteiro, para trás, e encontrou Gustavo Mosquito livre na entrada da grande área, para bater de primeira e dar números finais ao duelo.

Após ser vazado, o Mirassol ainda seguiu tentando se impor, mas aos poucos foi diminuindo o seu ritmo. Enquanto para o Corinthians, cadenciar o resultado era o ideal. A equipe do Parque São Jorge dava a bola pro Leão e beliscava na marcação preparada para agir mais fortemente neste confronto.

Na etapa final, o time do interior foi ainda mais inoperante, tudo o que o Corinthians queria, não jogou e viu o adversário também sem atuar, tendo garantindo o empate em uma boa, mas a única, trama bem criada durante 90 minutos, e fazendo valer o mais antigo ditado do futebol brasileiro: “Quem não faz, leva”.

Vitória garantida. Três pontos conquistados. Invencibilidade mantida, e ampliada pra oito jogos e quatros triunfos consecutivos. Mas o gosto ainda é de poder mais. Não de quer, nesse caso o conquistado até está de bom tamanho, mas de poder, principalmente vindo de uma camisa pesada como a do Corinthians, que não pode se dar ao luxo de sempre querer jogar sozinha. Afinal, vai chegar uma hora que ela encontrará outro uniforme tão virtuoso quanto.

Vitória garantida. E de cor amarela. Que veste o Mirassol, que amarelou quando pôde ter garantido o resultado diante o Timão. Mas que também sinaliza ao Corinthians a atenção para a necessidade de evolução na disputa desta temporada.

West Ham United continue to defy expectations following their stunning 2-0 win over Arsenal in midweek – their second over the Gunners this season – and confidence must be flowing at the London Stadium.

David Moyes won't be resting on his laurels and with the January transfer window just days away from opening, the Scot could be keen on bolstering his squad further.

West Ham United transfer news

Jarrod Bowen led the line for the Irons against Arsenal, and it is clear that Moyes needs to strengthen his attacking department.

According to Football Insider, West Ham are keen on signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, with the North Londoners valuing the player at around £40m.

They could face competition from Crystal Palace and Bournemouth for the Englishman and with Mikel Arteta looking to potentially offload the forward if the right deal comes in, Moyes could strike in the next few weeks.

Having sold Gianluca Scamacca in the summer, the club currently have only Michail Antonio and Danny Ings as their two main strikers, with youngster Divin Mubama providing backup.

It is clear that a new centre-forward is urgently required, especially if Moyes looks to lead his side to even more glory this term.

Nketiah may not be a marquee name as such, but he could be a big upgrade on Antonio, without a shadow of a doubt.

Eddie Nketiah’s season in numbers

Antonio has been a wonderful servant to West Ham since arriving, yet this season, he has only scored twice in the league.

With just a few months remaining on his deal, Moyes should be ready to part ways with the striker and this should give him a licence to bring in Nketiah.

Former professional Tony Cascarino hailed the 24-year-old recently, claiming the striker was “very Ian Wright-like” as he is a "natural goalscorer", and he has demonstrated his goalscoring abilities this season.

He has scored five league goals this season along with chipping in with three assists, and he could certainly add something different to the West Ham attack.

This season, Nketiah has registered more shots per 90 (3.08 vs one), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.56 vs 1.99) and goal-creating actions (0.72 vs 0.55) than Antonio during the league this season and it proves that he would be an upgrade on the West Ham striker.

With regard to the Arsenal squad, the 24-year-old currently ranks third in terms of goals and assists (six) in the Premier League, along with ranking fifth for total shots per game (1.7) and he has proven top-flight ability.

Indeed, since making his debut for the Gunners during the 2017/18 campaign, Nketiah has played over 150 times, scoring 38 goals and chipping in with nine assists in the process.

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Perhaps it is time he moved on to a fresh challenge in order to establish himself as the main striker and a move to West Ham – for whom Wright briefly featured for after leaving Highbury in 1998, scoring nine goals in 24 games – could be ideal.

He would be a perfect replacement for Antonio and, given his pedigree in the Premier League over the previous few seasons, Moyes could be signing a player who should be able to settle in with ease.

Keemo Paul talks about the torment he faced after his mankad won West Indies a crucial game during the Under-19 World Cup in 2016.

Sidharth Monga29-Mar-2019It’s just not worth the backlash for Keemo Paul anymore.West Indies’ Paul ran Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava out without delivering the ball in the last over of their thrilling Under-19 World Cup match in 2016. It sent West Indies to the knockouts of a tournament they would go on to win, but the criticism by some of the players he looked up to and the general backlash forced Paul to “lock himself away” and cry to himself. Eoin Morgan, Stephen Fleming and James Anderson called it “disgraceful”, while Darren Lehmann tweeted: “Unbelievable. Not out”.Three years on, playing for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, Paul says he believes he was right but won’t probably do it again because he doesn’t want all that backlash again.”At first, it was definitely tough,” Paul told ESPNcricinfo. “I just locked myself away. I saw it on BBC. I read a lot of comments on social media. I took it hard. I cried a lot. And wondered if I did the right thing but my coaching staff and everyone else supported me very well.”Paul was 17 at that time. But for a strong support system around him, he would have been shattered completely. Corey Collymore, their bowling coach, told Paul he was well within the rules and did nothing wrong. Captain Shimron Hetmyer – “he’s like my brother, you know” – pulled him out of the room. Ian Bishop, who was doing commentary in Bangladesh at the time, and Tino Best both supported him.”After I did it, after seeing all the comments, I was definitely devastated you know,” Paul said. “But after the coaches supported me a lot, especially Corey Collymore, he came to me and said don’t worry it is in the rules and you don’t have to worry. That’s when I started to gain confidence again. After reading all the comments and stuff, I just wanted to lock myself away and forget about it.”As luck would have it, Paul played the senior world Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe last year.”It was definitely anger in the crowd and they were disappointed,” Paul said of the reaction from Zimbabwe that day. “It’s how cricket goes. It is in the rules. I remember going back for World Cup qualifiers and the stadium was packed and it was in Zimbabwe. Everybody shouting against me all the time. It just gave me energy and the vibe to do good against them.”Paul has no doubt now he did nothing wrong, but that is no consolation for him.”Definitely I believed what I did was right. I was only 17, I came down hard on myself, kept wondering if I did the right thing. That was just instinct. Now I have matured more and I don’t think I will probably do it again.”Asked why, he said: “Well like I said, after I did it there was definitely a lot of doubt and I got a lot of stick for it and like I said, I saw some players who I looked up to (saying things).”But that doesn’t make them right, does it?”That’s true. Like I said the rules are there. We don’t write them. We just follow the rules.”Then why won’t he do it now?”I would say it is the fear of criticism,” Paul said. “I got a lot of backlash for it. I would probably not do it. The criticisms and harsh comments. Like you said they are not right, but again…”In my heart I definitely believe it is right but because of the how the game is today and because of the criticism you face, it is tough. I probably wouldn’t do it again.”Jos Buttler and R Ashwin have an exchange after the mankading incident•AFPIt was not all backlash for Paul that day. Stuart Meaker, Bishop and Best came out in his support. That day India offspinner R Ashwin was asked on Twitter if he ever considers using this run-out as a tactic. “Every single day,” Ashwin replied. “I can’t push the front line [when it comes to no-balls], why should a batsman gain yards?”Three years on, Ashwin finds himself in the eye of the storm over his run-out of Jos Buttler in the IPL. There has been suspicion raised – by MCC, no less – that he has done it cynically as a tactic. Asked if it would help if an established bowler such as Ashwin stood by his stance and brought about a change to the attitude, Paul said: “I mean if he backs it up, it will definitely give me confidence you know. Ashwin is a senior player. A lot of people look up to him. He wouldn’t go out of the rules, he will play within the rules. It will definitely give you confidence and belief.”Just like Ashwin, Paul was accused of using the mankad as a tactic. He had no intention to bowl that ball, it was said. Paul sees things differently. “Well for me it was two overs before,” Paul said. “We saw him do it twice because the game was tight and he did it twice and ran two pretty easy singles.”In the final over, it eventually came down to three runs required with the last wicket standing. As it turned out, that last over didn’t even start.”Next over I saw him and instinctively just did it,” Paul said, insisting he had not discussed it with anyone. “Definitely not before the over. I saw him do it in the previous two overs. While running in, it was not in my mind and like I said instinctively I just saw him and just did it. The captain didn’t know anything.”It’s in the rules of the game. I played within the rules of the game. If you are batting and your foot is on the line, it is out.”