Tag Futebol

Arsenal take on Chelsea this weekend in a blockbuster Premier League clash which could help to define this year’s title race, and Mikel Arteta has provided some team news ahead of the clash.

Arsenal take on Chelsea in mouth-watering Sunday encounter

Arsenal’s emphatic 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening has catapulted the Gunners into Sunday’s London derby with serious momentum.

Arteta’s side complemented their 100 per cent Champions League record with a dominant display that overwhelmed the Bundesliga champions, who were unbeaten in all competitions before their defeat at the Emirates.

It was a massive performance by Arsenal on a real night to remember, but attention now turns immediately to Stamford Bridge, where the league’s top two meet in what represents a genuine six-pointer.

Arsenal arrive at Chelsea’s home ground boasting a formidable recent record against their London rivals.

The north Londoners are unbeaten in their last seven matches against Chelsea, recording five wins and two draws over that mightily impressive run.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Chelsea currently sit six points behind Arsenal, meaning victory for the hosts would reduce that gap to three and reignite their title challenge.

However, a triumph for Arsenal would establish a potentially insurmountable nine-point cushion over their closest challengers, effectively ending Chelsea’s realistic hopes of catching the leaders barring a miracle.

Both sides enter the fixture riding waves of confidence following midweek European statements.

Arsenal hold 'initial talks' to sign Real Madrid target who Arteta thinks is 'ideal'

The Gunners are moving in ahead of January.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 28, 2025

Chelsea demolished Barcelona 3-0 with teenager Estevao producing a moment of magic to live long in the memory, while Arsenal’s dismantling of Bayern demonstrated their credentials as genuine Champions League contenders.

Captain Martin Odegaard made his long-awaited return from injury after coming on as a late substitute, gifting Arsenal a major boost ahead of Chelsea after both Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli also made their comebacks recently.

Supporters are now waiting for updates on Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes and Leandro Trossard, with the latter subbed off against Bayern after picking up a knock.

Mikel Arteta shares Gabriel injury update out of Arsenal

Now, speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta has provided some news.

Arteta confirms that Gabriel will miss Arsenal’s trip to Chelsea after a further scan, with the Brazilian still not ready to take part.

Being without the “underrated” star for a little while longer is unfortunate, but there is some positive updates.

The Spaniard says that there is a ‘potential chance’ that Trossard could be available to play Chelsea, and refuses to rule out Gyokeres and Havertz playing a part too, with all three subject to late fitness tests.

When asked about Havertz and Gyokeres, Arteta explained:

As things stand, the Arsenal trio all have a chance for the matchday squad tomorrow, it would seem, which comes as a massive boost given their real shortage of attackers in the last two months.

Havertz hasn’t played since the start of the season due to a knee injury, while Gyokeres has been sidelined since Arsenal’s 2-0 win away to Burnley.

Mitchell Swepson has claimed 10 wickets for the match to lead Queensland to a comfortable fourth-day Sheffield Shield victory over South Australia

AAP18-Oct-2025

Mitchell Swepson has spun Queensland to a seven-wicket win over South Australia, producing the finest match of his Sheffield Shield career in Adelaide.Swepson ran through the hosts’ tail on Saturday to have them all out for 308 in their second innings, leaving Queensland a fourth-innings chase of 139.Usman Khawaja fell for a duck and Marnus Labuschagne was lbw for 18 following his first-innings century, but 72 not out from Angus Lovell ensured the Bulls won easily.From day one at Adelaide Oval, Swepson was at the centre of Queensland’s success, with 10 wickets for the match and second-innings figures of 6 for 109.The former Test spinner did the bulk of the damage on the opening day for the Bulls, taking four wickets in a collapse that left South Australia falling from 133 for 2 to 188 for 7.And after Labuschagne’s 159 gave Queensland a 170-run first-innings advantage, it was Swepson who again did the damage on days three and four.The legspinner took apart South Australia’s top three, trapping both Conor McInerney (46) and Henry Hunt (36) lbw, before Nathan McSweeney (26) edged him to slip.Then on Saturday Swepson beat Nathan McAndrew in flight to have him well caught by Hugh Weibgen running back at mid-off.He also removed a sweeping Wes Agar caught behind on 19, before Lloyd Pope hit him straight to Weibgen at cover to end South Australia’s second innings.Swepson’s haul was his second 10-wicket haul, after doing likewise against New South Wales in 2020.At that point Swepson was considered the country’s second-choice spinner, before falling back down the pecking order in recent years.The 32-year-old’s 6 for 109 in the second innings also marked his career-best figures, as Queensland made it one win and one draw to start the season.

Despite some negative noise regarding attacking regressions, Tottenham Hotspur have made headway under Thomas Frank’s management, fifth in the Premier League and in a promising position in the Champions League group stage.

But Spurs could certainly do with a bit more fluency and impetus when on the charge, and such creases must be ironed out over the coming months to make this a season to remember.

It was always going to be difficult, selling Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in 2023, and Ange Postecoglou deserves credit for establishing an attractive, entertaining playing style (when things were going his way).

But it’s true that some members of the squad aren’t quite pulling their weight. That said, Tottenham do have some top talents who have the capacity to secure the club’s place at Europe’s elite table and lead Frank toward trophy-winning success.

Mohammed Kudus being chief among them.

Kudus' start to life at Spurs

There was an air of controversy about Kudus’ summer transfer to Tottenham. After all, the Ghanaian winger had plied his trade down the road at West Ham United for the past couple of years, and the sale has left the Irons fanbase feeling hot under the collar.

But West Ham’s loss is Tottenham’s gain, with the 25-year-old having registered five assists in the Premier League this season, more than any other player.

His pace and potency have seen him add a dimension to Frank’s outfit that Tottenham simply didn’t boast last term, and in this, he is offering shades of Kane, taking on the responsibility of leading the club forward, bringing a unique flavour to the table.

Kudus is indeed emerging as Tottenham’s new principal source of attacking inspiration, but there’s actually another member of Frank’s squad who’s looking somewhat Kane-esque.

Spurs' new version of Kane

We’re not talking about one of the Tottenham forwards here. Instead, it’s Micky van de Ven whose growth into a talismanic role down N17 is leaving him in line to take Kane’s leadership berth, belatedly.

The 24-year-old has been a revelation since joining from Wolfsburg for around £43m in 2023, with injuries his biggest weakness. So strong and fast and commanding, with journalist Sonny Snelling even labelling him as “world-class”.

It was the 6 foot 4 star’s injury that derailed the Ange hype train a few years ago, sending that project into a spin. Then, last season, hamstring injuries reigned supreme over the defender’s hopes of availability. He started only 12 Premier League fixtures all season, eight of which came across Spurs’ first nine fixtures of the campaign.

While Cristian Romero is Tottenham’s captain, Van de Ven is the perfect counterpoint and every bit as impressive. It’s perhaps important to remember that, like Kane, Van de Ven is not the skipper, with the Three Lions striker behind Hugo Lloris in that regard.

Of course, Kane and Micky van de Ven are hardly similar players. They are so different across physical and tactical bases as to be diametrically opposed.

But Van de Ven offers so much more than his central defensive role demands, and in this, he shares a likeness with Kane, whose range of passing and ability to drop deep and influence make him a very unique number nine, and with 23 goals from 17 games for Bayern this season, he’s still rather good at his primary job.

Tottenham have struggled to replace Kane since selling him to Bayern, but that’s more because of the 32-year-old’s remarkable, unique qualities. When he left, the Lilywhites didn’t only lose their record goalscorer, but their shrewdest playmaker and source of inspiration across so many years.

But his pace. Such speed. It’s astonishing, in many ways, and hard to define. In the Premier League this season, furthermore, Van de Ven has completed 92% of his passes and come out on top in 63% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

Micky van de Ven

Tottenham

37.38

Kyle Walker

Man City

37.31

Jackson Tchatchoua

Wolves

37.30

Micky van de Ven

Tottenham

37.23

Micky van de Ven

Tottenham

37.12

It tells much of the Dutchman’s athleticism that he is first, fourth, and fifth on the all-time speed rankings (beginning 2020/21), and is a further illustration of the above-and-beyond approach he brings to his centre-half role.

As per FBref, he also ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, emphasising an attacking threat that has been on full show this season, six goals from 16 matches in all competitions.

This is a top-class player, and one whose special skills will inevitably see a wave of interest in his signature before long, Europe’s heavyweights squabbling over his signature.

It is perhaps a given that Van de Ven will eventually move on. The lure of Real Madrid and Barcelona, outfits bound to have earmarked the Netherlands international among a list of loose long-term targets, may ultimately prove too much for him to ignore.

This could see him shape into the next version of Kane in more ways than one. But, whatever happens down the line, Van de Ven is a unique player who Tottenham must keep a grip on for as long as they can, for he will spearhead the Frank era toward a surface only scratched when Postecoglou defied the odds and lifted the Europa League title last season, Van de Ven playing that final and thriving.

Spurs have signed a "hidden gem" who's a bigger talent than Troy Parrott

Tottenham need to do more in the final third under Thomas Frank’s management.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 17, 2025

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge’s home run in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series was a memorable one, not just because it was his first of the postseason, but because of what Judge’s teammate, Gleyber Torres, did in the moment. 

In the seventh inning of the Yankees’ 6-3 win over the Cleveland Guardians, Judge smashed a two-run homer that cleared the wall in center field to give his team extra breathing room late in the game. On Judge’s hit, Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres tagged up from first base to see if the ball would actually leave the yard, a move that led Judge and other Yankees teammates to poke fun at him afterward.

“That was disrespect out of Gleyber, man. He's seen me hit 58 of those things this year,” Judge said.

Judge also elaborated on the moment in a postgame presser.

“I was pretty pissed at him,” Judge said. “It was him and Chappy, Chappy was telling him to tag up a little bit. But like I said, you never know when it’s windy like this, what the ball’s going to do to center field, he’s trying to get to scoring position, so I’ll let this one slide.”

Yankees first base coach Tracy Chapman apparently told Torres to tag up, so Torres can’t be blamed too much for the move. It still made for a great postseason moment, though.

After Tuesday’s victory, the Yankees are just two wins away from reaching their first World Series since 2009. Judge, who racked up an MLB-leading 58 home runs in the regular season, finally got one in the playoffs and could be heating up at the perfect time with his offensive slump hopefully in the rearview mirror. 

The Yankees will face the Guardians in Game 3 of the ALCS on Thursday at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

Luke Procter and James Sales both hit brilliant centuries to crown a remarkable Northamptonshire run chase against Middlesex as they reached their 311-run target in just over two sessions with 10 overs to spare at Wantage Road. It took Northamptonshire to their second Rothesay County Championship win of the season by five wickets and keeps their hopes of promotion alive.Procter played a true captain’s innings of 107 (137 balls, 14 fours), his second ton of the campaign in a third wicket partnership of 156 in 26.4 overs with Sales who picked up the mantle when his captain fell, going on to make 108 (120 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes).Middlesex skipper Toby Roland-Jones (2-48) was left to rue his declaration calculations despite the visitors adding another 117 runs for the loss of five wickets in the morning session, Max Holden making 54 and Ryan Higgins a quickfire 44. With Roland-Jones calling time on 332 for eight, Calvin Harrison finished with figures of four for 107, while Liam Guthrie (2-60) took a further wicket to register a career best match haul of nine for 154.It left Northamptonshire with 73 overs to reach their target at 4.2 runs per over, a rate they matched and then exceeded as the day wore on. Middlesex will also reflect on their fielding performance with Procter given three lives off dropped catches on 12, 27 and 88.Earlier Middlesex resumed on 215 for three and were proactive from the outset as they went in search of quick runs to set up the declaration.Holden was unable to press on further after his half-century, bowled by Guthrie, but Higgins motored on, hooking Guthrie for six, flat batting Procter down the ground and attacking the spinners. Harrison had the final word when Higgins was deceived by the wrong’un as he attempted to sweep, the ball hitting the base of middle stump.A brilliant piece of fielding from Ricardo Vasconcelos accounted for Ben Geddes (24) as he swept Harrison. Vasconcelos took the catch on the square leg boundary, throwing the ball up as he stepped over the rope before walking in to pouch it safely.Middlesex’s lower order tried to keep up the pace, but lost a couple of quick wickets, Luke Holman coming down the wicket to Lloyd Pope and picking out long-off while Zafar Gohar cut Harrison straight to extra cover.With runs drying up, Roland-Jones called time to give Northamptonshire an awkward 20 minutes before lunch. It almost paid off when Vasconcelos edged Tom Helm, but Leus du Plooy shelled the chance at slip.The hosts were gifted another life after the interval when Procter was put down by a diving Josh de Caires at midwicket, but they picked up Vasconcelos three balls later when he drove loosely against Roland-Jones, Hollman taking a tumbling catch at point.Gohar found turn straight away, causing problems for the left-handers, bowling into the rough outside off-stump and almost removed Procter when he swept out to the square leg boundary. Hollman took an excellent running catch but could not hold on.Amid a fiery but expensive spell from Higgins, Procter powered one down the ground while Harrison cracked him over midwicket for six before the bowler trapped him lbw with one that kept low.Sales ran a single off de Caires to take Northamptonshire to 100 off 26 overs and dispatched Gohar over cow corner for six before Procter swept Gohar to bring up his half-century.Sales was using his feet well against the spinners, coming down the wicket to drive Gohar through the covers, going back to cut him behind square and when Hollman dropped short, he whipped him through midwicket. On the stroke of tea, he swung de Caires high over midwicket as Northamptonshire went in on 149 for two, still needing 162 in 39 overs.Northamptonshire came out firing after tea, Sales hooking Helm in front of square as he reached his half-century. Procter ran a quick two off Robson to reach his century, while Sales disdainfully put away a half-tracker, dissecting two fielders.Runs kept flowing as Procter reverse swept Gohar for four to take the run rate required below three and bring up the 150 partnership, before he was trapped lbw by Robson.Tim Robinson deposited a Robson full toss over extra cover, while Sales steered Roland-Jones down to third to take the target down to 50 and move into the nineties.Northamptonshire lost a fourth wicket when Robinson lofted Roland-Jones to wide mid-off, but Sales continued to attack, coming down the track against Gohar to move to 99 before working Roland-Jones to fine leg to reach his century.There was some late drama when Saif Zaib was caught on the boundary off Hollman and Sales finally departed, edging to slip off Robson. But with Justin Broad deploying his favourite sweep shot, Northamptonshire duly sealed the win.

It would be something of an understatement to say that Nuno Espírito Santo has a monster job on his hands at West Ham United.

The East Londoners are currently sat in the relegation zone, and while they did fight back for a point away to Everton, they then lost 2-0 away at Arsenal.

Moreover, German international Niclas Füllkrug is now injured, and while he hasn’t been great for the club, it’s one less option for the manager.

Fortunately, there are some potential solutions to his absence in the squad, such as starting a promising talent in a new position.

How Fullkrug compares to recent West Ham flops

Despite going away for international duty, Füllkrug was promptly sent back to West Ham before Germany’s first game after it was discovered that he had torn his thigh while training with the Hammers.

While it’s clear that the 32-year-old is going to be out for some time, it’s less clear just how much time, with Nuno telling reporters on Friday that the club “are waiting for the results” of a scan to determine how severe the problem is.

Now, losing players to injury is always a problem, and having fewer options is only going to make life more difficult for the former Nottingham Forest boss.

However, it’s also true that the German international has been a massive disappointment since moving to the London Stadium.

For example, in 27 appearances for the Claret and Blue, totalling 1262 minutes, he has scored just three goals and provided two assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 5.4 games, or every 252.4 minutes.

Appearances

27

27

69

Minutes

1262′

1342′

2072′

Goals

3

8

5

Assists

2

0

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.18

0.29

0.14

Minutes per Goal Involvements

252.4′

167.75′

207.2′

For comparison’s sake, Gianluca Scamacca, who many would consider to have been a poor signing, left the London Stadium with a tally of eight goals in 27 appearances, totalling 1342 minutes, which is a goal involvement every 3.37 games, or every 167.75 minutes.

Even Danny Ings, who was a flop, produced ten goal involvements in 69 appearances, totalling 2072 minutes.

While this resulted in a worse average of a goal involvement every 6.9 games, it led to a better average of 207.20 minutes per goal involvement.

In short, while losing the option of Füllkrug isn’t ideal, Nuno should be able to replace his output by playing someone else up top, someone who hasn’t played there for the club before.

The West Ham gem who could replace Füllkrug

There are a few potential solutions to Füllkrug’s injury, from starting Callum Wilson up top to moving Jarrod Bowen in from the wing.

Chalkboard

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

However, the former has been no more impressive than the German, and moving the latter out of his favoured position seems counterintuitive.

Instead, Nuno could be bold and hand Luis Guilherme a rare start, and his first chance to play up top for the side. =

Now, it is true that the young Brazilian is primarily a winger, but as respected analyst Ben Mattinson points out, he is a “complete” and “electric” attacker and, before moving to West Ham, did play as a second striker on occasion for Palmeiras.

Moreover, while the youngster certainly doesn’t shoot enough, when he did take a shot during his time in Brazil, it was one “of a high calibre.”

Furthermore, one of Füllkrug’s biggest drawbacks is that he offers little to no mobility in attack, and if he’s not able to bring the ball down and allow the winger to run past him, he’s more of a hindrance than help in attacking situations.

That shouldn’t be the case with the Aracaju-born gem leading the line, as while he isn’t as physical, he’s fast, agile and could be a nightmare for opposition defenders to keep track of.

For example, Mattinson has described him as a player who “thrives on transitions” and can “can turn past players with ease” thanks to his “elite ball manipulation.”

Ultimately, it would be a gamble, but with few other standout options, starting Guilherme in the nine might be one worth taking for Nuno and West Ham.

West Ham hope of signing "special" striker amid Nuno's damning Fullkrug update

Nuno’s fears around the German have been realised.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 17, 2025

أعلن الجهاز الفني لنادي الزمالك، بقيادة البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، استبعاد أحد لاعبي الفريق من المشاركة في بطولة السوبر المصري القادمة، بسبب عدم تعافيه من إصابته.

ومن المقرر أن يشارك نادي الزمالك في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، الذي سيقام في دولة الإمارات خلال الفترة من 6 إلى 9 نوفمبر، مع أندية الأهلي وبيراميدز وسيراميكا كليوباترا.

طالع.. خاص | موقف الزمالك من إقالة يانيك فيريرا قبل السوبر المصري

وسيلتقي الزمالك مع بيراميدز، في دور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، وذلك يوم الخميس المقبل الموافق 6 نوفمبر.

وأفاد مصدر من نادي الزمالك لـ بطولات: “الفلسطيني آدم كايد، سيكون خارج حسابات الزمالك في بطولة السوبر المصري بسبب حاجته لفترة تأهيل للإصابة التي يعاني منها في عضلة السمانة”.

وكان نادي الزمالك تعادل مع البنك الأهلي، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما مساء أمس الخميس، في الجولة الـ 12 من عمر منافسات الدوري المصري وانتهي اللقاء بالتعادل الإيجابي 1-1.

يذكر، أن الزمالك سيلعب مع طلائع الجيش، يوم الأحد المقبل، في منافسات الجولة الـ 13 ببطولة الدوري، ثم يسافر إلى الإمارات للمشاركة في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

The mood around West Ham United isn’t great at the moment.

Graham Potter’s side look just as dysfunctional as they did last season, and as things stand, the club have not done enough business in the market.

For example, while the additions of Mads Hermansen, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters are great in isolation, they’re enough to ensure the team aren’t dragged into a relegation battle.

Fortunately, reports have now linked the Hammers to another exciting talent, although the player in question is another full-back, one who’d already be an upgrade on Walker-Peters.

West Ham target Walker-Peters upgrade

With the transfer window still open for another week or so, West Ham simply have to bring in some more bodies, and, based on reports, it looks like they’re trying.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Mateus Fernandes has been the most heavily touted for a move to the club, with some stories claiming the Hammers have already gone in with a second offer, while AS Roma striker Artem Dovbyk has recently been touted for a potential loan move that would see Niclas Füllkrug go the other way.

However, it now looks like another deal is close to being completed, one that would see the Hammers land an exciting talent who’d already be an upgrade on Walker-Peters.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spanish publication Sport, which has claimed that West Ham are very interested in Hector Fort.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Hammers are already in talks with Barcelona over a potential loan move, and that it could be finalised as soon as next week.

The young Spaniard might not be a particularly well-known player to Premier League fans, but he looks like he could be a future star, and would be an instant upgrade on Walker-Peters.

How Fort compares to Walker-Peters

Now, it should be said that Fort would be joining the team with significantly less experience than Walker-Peters.

However, at just 19 years old, that seems like an unfair stick to beat him with, and it could be argued that the experience he has is valuable in a different way.

For example, while he has played far fewer games, he’s already played at a much higher level than the Englishman, making 30 appearances for one of the biggest teams in the world in Barcelona.

Moreover, he’s already made three appearances in the Champions League and played 17 La Liga games during the club’s league-winning campaign last year.

With that said, the best way to see how the pair really stack up against one another is by taking a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers from last season.

Unfortunately for the former Saints star, he comes out as a distant second-best when we do this.

For example, the “immense” youngster, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, comes out way ahead in most relevant metrics such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots, key passes, shot-creating chances, tackles won, blocks, interceptions and more, all per 90.

These numbers paint the picture of a full-back who is more than solid in defence, but then also capable of being a real attacking outlet, either through carrying the ball up the pitch, or passing it into dangerous areas.

Moreover, he appears to be the sort of player who’d cope with playing at wing-back as well, which is perfect for Potter.

Ultimately, while Walker-Peters brings plenty of experience to the squad, Fort looks to be the more dynamic and exciting defender, and therefore, West Ham should do what they can to get this deal over the line as soon as possible.

Füllkrug upgrade: West Ham to be offered "sensational" CF in swap deal

The dangerous international could be bad news for Füllkrug but excellent for West Ham.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 22, 2025

تعاقد عماد النحاس، المدير الفني المؤقت للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي سابقًا، مع أحد الأندية العراقية خلال الساعات الأخيرة.

وكان النحاس، يقود الأهلي بشكل مؤقت حتى تم التعاقد مع الدنماركي ياس سوروب لتولي تدرب الأحمر.

طالع.. محمود أبو الدهب: هناك من يتربص بـ حسام وإبراهيم حسن.. وتلك مميزات مدرب الأهلي الجديد

وأعلن نادي الزوراء العراقي، على التعاقد مع عماد النحاس لقيادة الفريق خلال الفترة المقبلة بشكل رسمي.

وكتبت الصفحة الرسمية للنادي العراقي عبر صفحة “فيس بوك”: “أعلنت الهيئة الإدارية لنادي الزوراء تعاقدها مع المدرب المصري عماد النحاس لقيادة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم”.

وتابع البيان: “وبينت أدارة النادي أن هذا التعاقد جاء بعد دراسة دقيقة ومتأنية من قبل مجلس الأدارة بهدف اختيار الاسم الأنسب لقيادة زعيم الكرة العراقية في المرحلة المقبلة والمهمة على الصعيدين المحلي والآسيوي”.

وأكمل: “وتؤكد ادارة النادي ان النحاس من الأسماء التدريبية البارزة في الكرة المصرية والعربية، حيث يمتلك خبرة واسعة في مجال التدريب، جعلته الخيار الأمثل لقيادة فريق بحجم وتاريخ نادي الزوراء”.

وأتم: “ومن المؤمل ان يصل المدرب المصري عماد النحاس الى العاصمة بغداد خلال اليومين المقبلين قادماً من فريق الأهلي المصري الذي يشرف على قيادته في الموسم الحالي وحقق معهُ نتائج مميزة”.

Few transfer windows have tested Newcastle United’s resolve quite like this one.

The Magpies’ pursuit of a reliable centre-forward has stretched across the summer, with numerous targets identified but deals proving elusive.

Liam Delap and João Pedro went to Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike chose a different project, and Benjamin Šeško slipped away despite strong interest.

Each missed opportunity has increased the pressure on Newcastle’s recruitment team and added urgency to their search.

The situation has been further complicated by Alexander Isak’s public desire to leave St James’ Park.

After being linked with Liverpool all summer, the Swedish striker released a statement on Instagram citing broken promises and his wish for a fresh start.

He has refused to reintegrate into Eddie Howe’s squad, missed the opening Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool, and reportedly will not return to training.

That has left Newcastle without a senior striker, particularly damaging with Anthony Gordon suspended following his red card against Liverpool.

On Thursday night, a breakthrough came with a club-record £69m agreement for Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, a towering 23-year-old who scored 12 Bundesliga goals last term.

Bayern Munich had been circling, but persuasive talks with Howe convinced him of the Tyneside project.

Woltemade’s arrival is significant, but Newcastle may not stop there.

Latest on Newcastle's next striker target

The other name at the heart of Newcastle’s transfer plans is Jørgen Strand Larsen.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Magpies are preparing to return with a third bid for Wolves’ 25-year-old striker after two earlier offers were turned down, the latest worth £55m.

Wolves remain determined to hold onto their “proper No.9”, as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson, who only joined permanently from Celta Vigo this summer after a loan deal was made permanent for £23m.

Strand Larsen has quickly become central to Vítor Pereira’s attack at Molineux. The forward is understood to be open to a move, particularly with the lure of Champions League football at St James’ Park.

Reports suggest he has politely asked Wolves’ hierarchy to consider Newcastle’s approach, but the Midlands club – who have already sold Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri – insist he is not for sale.

Their stance mirrors Brentford’s firm rejection of Newcastle’s advances for Yoane Wissa earlier in the window. Nevertheless, Newcastle remain undeterred.

With Isak unavailable and Wilson gone, Howe sees the Norwegian as the ideal fit for his high-pressing, direct system.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With Woltemade’s arrival all but secured, the coaching staff view Strand Larsen not as a replacement, but as an upgrade on the German – potentially giving Newcastle two very different attacking options heading into a demanding season.

How Strand Larsen compares to Woltemade

The potential of signing both Strand Larsen and Woltemade has sparked debate among supporters and analysts alike.

Both are young, tall centre-forwards with room to develop, yet their statistical profiles highlight different strengths.

Matches Played

35

28

Goals

14

12

Assists

4

2

Progressive Passes

29

52

Progressive Carries

17

32

Strand Larsen was consistent for Wolves in the Premier League last season, scoring 14 times and registering 18 goal involvements across 35 appearances.

His efficiency in front of goal is reflected in a 61.1% shot-on-target rate – impressively high for a striker taking regular attempts.

Per 90 minutes, he averaged 1.15 shots on target, underlining his ability to work goalkeepers with relatively few wasted efforts.

While not prolific in ball progression, his 0.59 progressive carries and 1.01 progressive passes per 90 demonstrate a willingness to link up play.

By contrast, Woltemade’s numbers at Stuttgart last term illustrate a more versatile and mobile profile.

Despite featuring in only 28 Bundesliga matches, he recorded 14 goal involvements and averaged a higher volume of progressive actions – 1.72 carries and 2.89 progressive passes per 90.

His overall involvement in attacking moves was greater, reflected by 4.38 shot-creating actions per 90 compared to Strand Larsen’s 1.46.

Physically taller at 1.98m, the German also excels at dropping deeper to knit midfield and attack, though his shot accuracy (50% on target) lags behind his Norwegian counterpart.

Defensively, Woltemade again offers more.

He averages 0.56 tackles and 1.28 blocks per 90, showing greater defensive contribution in Newcastle’s high-pressing style.

Strand Larsen, meanwhile, contributes less off the ball (0.35 tackles, 0.66 blocks per 90), though his aerial strength (1.93m frame) provides a different outlet.

Taken together, these statistics explain Newcastle’s thinking. In Woltemade, they gain a forward comfortable carrying and distributing the ball, useful against teams who defend deep.

In Strand Larsen, they would secure a more clinical, penalty-box striker, adept at punishing defensive lapses and capitalising on crosses.

Having both options would give Howe tactical flexibility, allowing for different styles depending on the opposition.

The reality is that Newcastle’s hopes of re-establishing themselves as Champions League regulars rest on finding a reliable source of goals.

Isak’s impending exit has created a void, and while Woltemade’s signing has eased immediate concerns, the addition of Strand Larsen would truly transform their attacking department.

Whether Wolves can be persuaded before the deadline remains to be seen, but Newcastle’s persistence suggests they are ready to push hard.

Bruno will love him: Newcastle open talks to sign "£100m-plus footballer"

Newcastle could make an ambitious late move, much to the benefit of Bruno Guimaraes.

ByWill Miller Aug 29, 2025