Gloucestershire seamer Josh Shaw joins exodus after agreeing Somerset switch

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Oct-2025Northamptonshire have re-signed Indian legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal and Australian seamer Harry Conway as overseas players for next season.Conway, who took 20 wickets in four Championship appearances earlier this year, will return for the start of the 2026 campaign. The 33-year-old is expected to be available for the first block of seven games in April and May.Chahal, meanwhile, has agreed to return for a third consecutive summer at Northants, joining for the second half of the season to play in the County Championship and Metro Bank One-Day Cup. Overall, he has taken 44 first-class wickets and seven in List A for the club.”Yuzi is a magnificent asset to this squad,” Northamptonshire’s head coach, Darren Lehmann, said. “His record across his career speaks for itself and he brings so much class and experience to the group. I loved working with him this year and am excited to go again in 2026.””For young spinners in the group like Nirvan Ramesh and Stuart van der Merwe, having Yuzi around to guide them will be a huge plus for their game.”On Conway, Lehmann added: “Harry is an excellent addition for 2026. His form last year was fantastic, and I am excited to work with him for a longer period. His ability to take wickets on all surfaces and presence around the team makes him an invaluable player.”Northants have also signed batter Louis Kimber on a two-year deal from Leicestershire. Largely known as a white-ball hitter and occasional offspinner, Kimber made headlines in 2023 after scoring 243 off 127 balls in the County Championship at Hove.”Louis brings with him a huge amount of knowledge and experience around county cricket as well as boosting our batting firepower,” Lehmann said. “He will no doubt attract people to Wantage Road with his explosive batting and I can’t wait to start working with him.”Josh Shaw joins SomersetJosh Shaw spent six years at Gloucestershire•Dan Istitene/Getty ImagesGloucestershire have seen another member of their seam-bowling group depart, after Josh Shaw signed for Somerset earlier this week.Shaw, 29, had been under contract at Bristol since 2019, having previously played on loan from Yorkshire. He follows Ajeet Singh Dale (Lancashire), Zaman Akhter (Essex), Archie Bailey (Durham), Tom Price and Dom Goodman (both Sussex) in leaving over the close season.”We have seen first-hand how impactful Josh can be,” Somerset’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said. “He has the ability to swing and seam the ball, and he is an excellent addition to our bowling unit.”We are fully aware of Josh’s strong character traits and his willingness to be the best version of himself, which will add real value to the dressing room as well as on the pitch. These attributes will be vital for us as we continue to compete across all competitions.”

One of the biggest concerns about the Dodgers heading into the 2025 MLB postseason was the inconsistency and general lack of strength of their bullpen. So far in the NLCS against the Brewers, they've made any worries about their bullpen a moot point almost entirely.

Los Angeles jumped out to a 2–0 lead in the series, thanks to back-to-back superb performances from star pitchers Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The pair combined to pitch 17 innings over the last two games and surrendered just one run between the two.

GO DEEPER: How Yoshinobu Yamamoto Delivered the Best Pitched Playoff Game in Years

Snell pitched 8.0 innings on Monday night, and Yamamoto followed that up by going for a complete game in a 5–1 win on Tuesday.

The Dodgers' duo of starters joined some elite company in MLB history as a result of their stellar outings. Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Snell and Yamamoto are the first teammates to pitch back-to-back starts of eight-plus innings in the same postseason series since Tim Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner did it for the Giants in 2010. Lincecum and Bumgarner achieved the feat in Games 4 and 5 of the '10 World Series against the Rangers.

With two wins already under their belt, the Dodgers will turn the ball to Tyler Glasnow on Thursday for Game 3, and they'll have plenty of fresh arms available behind him, as the bullpen has pitched just one inning so far in the series. Shohei Ohtani is expected to be on the mound for Game 4.

تحدث مروان حمدي مهاجم منتخب مصر الثاني، على تعادل المنتخب أمام الإمارات، في إطار منافسات بطولة كأس العرب. 

وتعادل منتخب مصر مع الإمارات بهدف لكل فريق في الجولة الثانية من دور مجموعات بطولة كأس العرب. 

طالع.. فيديو | منتخب مصر يخطف تعادلًا مثيرًا من الإمارات في كأس العرب

وقال مروان حمدي في تصريحات لقناة “إم بي سي مصر 2”: “مباراة صعبة والبطولة أيضًا صعبة والمنتخبات كلها قريبة من بعض، بطولة مهمة وفيها تنافسية شديدة جدًا”.

وأضاف: “المباراة المقبلة أمام الأردن صعبة، ولكن قادرين على الفوز والتأهل للدور المقبل من بطولة كأس العرب”.

وتابع: “معظم اللاعبين حضرت معهم معسكرات من قبل، وجزئية الانسجام متواجدة لدي مع اللاعبين”. 

وواصل: “كنت نستحق أن نتعادل ولا نخرج من البطولة، ويوجد أمل أن نفوز ونتأهل، وهناك اتفاق أن أي 11 لاعبًا سيكونون متواجدين في الملعب ستكون لهم كل المساندة والدعم”.

واختتم: “الأمر كان صعبًا لحلمي طولان، لم يكن هناك وقت كافي، ولكن نحاول في التدريبات والمباريات أن يكون هناك انسجام وننفذ تعليمات المدير الفني”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians chegou contestado para a semifinal da Copa do Brasil, carregando quatro jogos sem vitória e após terminar o Brasileirão na 13ª colocação. Mesmo pressionado, o time surpreendeu: venceu o Cruzeiro por 1 a 0, nesta quarta-feira (10), no Mineirão, e abriu vantagem na briga por uma vaga na decisão. Para Dorival Júnior, o resultado representa a confirmação de um trabalho em construção.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCruzeiroLeonardo Jardim analisa falhas do Cruzeiro, mas vê superioridade no segundo tempo contra o CorinthiansCruzeiro11/12/2025CorinthiansGustavo Henrique valoriza feito defensivo do Corinthians na Copa do BrasilCorinthians11/12/2025CruzeiroLucas Silva vê momento de desatenção do Cruzeiro em ‘jogo equilibrado’ contra o CorinthiansCruzeiro11/12/2025

O treinador subiu o tom ao comparar a oscilação no Brasileirão e a campanha sólida na Copa do Brasil. Dorival Júnior contestou as críticas ao time, apontou que o Corinthians vive um período de reconstrução, e que isso é muitas vezes menosprezado nas análises.

– Não tem diferença. Nós tivemos um campeonato de longevidade, perdendo muitos elementos durante a competição. As pessoas não se dão conta: nós não tínhamos um elenco montado, a nossa equipe foi montada há um ano, ela está em um processo de aprendizagem, em desenvolvimento, e ninguém entende isso. Nós que estamos no futebol vivemos isso em todos os clubes quando iniciamos um trabalho. Eu estou pegando um trabalho na sequência de outro profissional que aqui estava, tentando dar o melhor. Tivemos muitas dificuldades, tentei explicar, muitos fingem entender, outros menosprezam. Então, para mim, tanto faz. O que me preocupo é em gerar resultados para o Corinthians – disse o treinador em entrevista coletiva no Mineirão.

continua após a publicidade

Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

Trabalho no Corinthians

Dorival Júnior assumiu o Corinthians em abril, após a saída de Ramón Díaz. Desde então, comandou a equipe em 39 partidas, somando 17 vitórias, 11 empates e 12 derrotas. O treinador acumula aproveitamento de 52% no comando do Timão.

– É um trabalho sendo construído com dedicação, carinho e entrega. Resultados você não controla, nós controlamos o desenvolvimento de uma equipe. Você pega um time que terminou o Brasileiro na 13ª colocação, sendo a segunda equipe com mais posse de bola, é porque tem muita coisa boa. Não é qualquer equipe que consegue um percentual desse tipo, e olha que competimos com equipes que estão muito bem reforçadas, muito bem estruturadas, e mesmo assim a nossa equipe deu uma resposta positiva. Eu fico satisfeito com o que está acontecendo no Corinthians. Infelizmente, não aparece porque não condiz com os resultados, mas, de forma geral, tenho certeza que a equipe pode evoluir, crescer – falou o treinador.

continua após a publicidadePróximo jogo

Corinthians e Cruzeiro voltam a se enfrentar no domingo (14), às 18h (de Brasília), na Neo Química Arena. Com a vitória no Mineirão, o Timão joga pelo empate para chegar à final da Copa do Brasil. O rival da decisão será definido entre Fluminense e Vasco.

Tudo sobre

Copa do BrasilCorinthiansDorivalDorival JúniorFutebol Nacional

“We are doing all the practical prep stuff, guys bowling with wet balls,” the India assistant coach said on measures being taken to tackle dew

Alagappan Muthu05-Dec-20253:38

ten Doeschate: A different start time could bring down dew effect

India have been fighting the elements all the way through this three-match ODI series against South Africa, which sits at 1-1 ahead of the final game in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. Their bad luck with tosses has left them batting when conditions are better for bowling and bowling when conditions are better for batting.”The dew factor is, we’re actually trying to put a number on it and it varies between 10 and 20% [in terms of] what a big difference it makes [to the result],” India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said. “I think we’re one in a million statistically at the moment [the probability of losing 20 straight tosses], so if we can go two million tomorrow, that’ll be pretty impressive.”But again, it’s a bit of a joke, but the responsibility or the preparation is to beat whatever is put in front of us and eventually we’re going to win a toss anyway.”Related

Rahul: Toss plays a 'huge part' and 'making a huge difference' with dew

When South Africa and India went off the scale

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Ten Doeschate highlighted all that the team is doing behind the scenes to cope with the dew. “We are doing all the practical prep stuff, guys bowling with wet balls. Again, you know, like setting up our store to get a premium score, figuring out how to defend, what is best to bowl with the wet ball when there is dew on the grass.”An unexpected complication is the way ODIs function now. Previously, there was a new ball at each end. But it seemed like that had skewed the balance of the game in favour of the batters, with the ball staying harder for longer and being easier to hit even late in the innings. The ICC took note of this and from this July, bowling teams have been choosing one out of those two balls to carry on for the last 16 overs.”The two balls,” ten Doeschate said, “if I just think about it logically, the whole point of going to one ball after 34 overs is that the ball does get a chance to wear and to get a bit softer. But the flip side is that [when there is dew] you have got one ball that is getting more wet essentially. I think the umpires have been very good in allowing ball changes, but then of course you end up getting a slightly harder ball which negates the whole point of going down to the one ball.”But like I said, the thing that has impressed me about this group this week is that we know the challenges, I haven’t heard anyone complain and the main thing is all about, you know, it is our responsibility to find ways around these challenges and that is just another one we have got to find a solution for.”Harshit Rana and KL Rahul enjoy a small chat•BCCI

India’s batters are also trying to do their bit by reassessing the totals they’re aiming for.”At the start of the first game, we thought 320 sort of par, and then we put a premium at 350 and we thought that the game in Raipur was the same. We thought 360, even given the dew coming, it was a good effort to get that score,” ten Doeschate said. “You always want more runs and again the conversations have been around how can we maximise. What we said about guys starting in slightly later on, what are the better options, we just had a good chat around that.”Ten Doeschate was asked if an earlier start time might help even things out. “I think it is, you know, the fact that the dew kind of falls as the second inning starts, it means the dew is there for the whole time.”So a different start time could bring that effect down a little bit if you started two hours early. That is a solution but obviously there are so many moving parts at play in terms of broadcasting etc. So I guess it is a futile conversation.”Over the course of this tour by South Africa, India have gone to their allrounders when they play Test matches and specialists when they’ve been playing the ODIs.”I guess that is a bit of an anomaly,” ten Doeschate said. “You know, you would think Test Cricket, you would have more specialists but it is just where we are at the moment in the cycle and the guys we think at the moment are the best guys to represent the team. Ideally, in Test cricket, you have a more solid base of batters and bowlers but we feel at the moment the guys who are doing the job for us just happen to be allrounders. I just think it is picking your best XI and that is just the way it is all in the world.”The ODIs being 1-1 right after India lost the Tests 2-0 has left the dressing room a bit wired.”It is a very different personnel of players, but the guys are very aware of the responsibility of what they are representing,” ten Doeschate said. “We always want to win, but certainly when a few losses do start stacking up and performances are below what we expect from ourselves. I think there is a slight aspiration to win the series tomorrow.”

Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett bowled with trademark accuracy on a day where Australia’s fringe quicks were in the spotlight. But wickets were hard to produce on a relatively sedate WACA surface as Cameron Green batted fluently to keep Western Australia afloat against Queensland.On a dramatic day in Australian cricket, Sean Abbott was withdrawn from the Ashes squad after scans on his left hamstring confirmed a moderate grade strain. If a replacement for Abbott is needed for the first Test squad, Neser would likely head the queue while Bartlett might also come under consideration.Neser probed away outside the off stump and was finally rewarded when he had Hilton Cartwright plumb lbw for 37. He finished with 1 for 37 from 15 overs. Even though he was wicketless, Bartlett similarly nagged away in his Shield season debut having played in the white-ball series against India.”You can’t look at those things too much,” Bartlett said about a potential Ashes squad call-up. “Hopefully perform for Queensland over the next couple of days and that’s all you can really do.”Related

• Hazlewood cleared of injury, Abbott out of first Test after hamstring scans

WA were held together by opener Cameron Bancroft’s 76 and then Green, who finished 49 not out, until losing three late wickets.Josh Inglis, the reserve wicketkeeper in the Ashes squad, fell for 4 just before stumps after edging quick Gurinder Sandhu to second slip in a reckless dismissal having slashed hard at a delivery well outside off stump. It was a disappointment for Inglis in his first red-ball match since the West Indies Test series.Queensland’s late rally has them slightly in the ascendancy in a match that has see-sawed over two days.After a hard-fought opening day, Queensland resumed on 323 for 6 and faced a WA attack without the services of Green, who bowled two four-over spells on day one in his return to bowling following a side injury that ruled him out of the India ODI series.With a target of bowling 15-20 overs across the match, Green kept the powder dry until Queensland’s second innings but he was in the action after holding on to a stinging blow from Bartlett at midwicket.It was a relief for Green, who had uncharacteristically dropped a relatively straightforward chance in the gully late on day one. It was a desperately needed wicket for WA after Bartlett and Lachlan Hearne counterattacked to great effect to lift Queensland to a solid first-innings total.A cavalier Hearne appeared to be powering to a second century in as many Shield matches until being the last batter to fall for 87 off 134 balls.Michael Neser trapped Hilton Cartwright lbw for 37•Getty Images

Bancroft and skipper Sam Whiteman had to survive a testing period before lunch as Neser and Bartlett bowled an unnerving length outside the off stump. A confidence-boosting century against South Australia in the last match has rejuvenated Bancroft, who was again proactive and cleverly rotated the strike with quick singles.The openers were again under pressure after lunch, but Neser and Bartlett were left frustrated and could not create any clear cut opportunities as Whiteman and Bancroft notched a half-century stand.Skipper Marnus Labuschagne needed a spark and he turned to emerging quick Tom Whitney, playing in his fourth first-class match, who responded by trapping Whiteman for 26.Whitney on the next delivery had a big lbw shout against Cartwright turned down, but Bancroft steadied WA with calm batting punctuated by the occasional sweet drive through the off side.Bancroft had started the season slowly with just 21 runs from his first four innings, falling out of the Ashes selection race. But he has turned back the clock since and soon lifted his bat after notching a classy half-century.Neser’s luck changed after tea when he dismissed Cartwright before Bancroft uncharacteristically threw his wicket away after smashing a full toss from legspinner Mitchell Swepson straight to a jubilant Labuschagne at midwicket.But Green rattled along at swift pace. He was ruthless against Swepson, smashing a rank long hop that landed on the vacant grassbanks.Disaster struck for WA late in the day when Cooper Connolly was run-out at the bowler’s end after a mix-up with Green. Connolly had turned for the second run only to be sent back as a hustling Labuschagne fired a quick throw to Sandhu who effected the run-out.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has finally been included in the Barcelona matchday squad for their Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, marking the end of a nightmare seven-month exile that has been plagued by a serious injury and intense speculation regarding a behind-the-scenes conflict with the club's hierarchy over his long-term future.

Ter Stegen makes his return

The club released their official squad list for this week's encounter in the Champions League. There, amidst the usual names of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and the recently impressive Marcus Rashford, was the name of the German shot stopper, declared fit and ready to return to the fold.

It has been a long and winding road back for Ter Stegen, who has not featured for the Catalan giants since May, having had to undergo surgery during the symmer. However, his physical rehabilitation has played out against a backdrop of reported tension, with the summer months dominated by rumours of a rift between the goalkeeper and the club's board.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe summer of war between Ter Stegen and Barca

The medical green light was officially communicated by the club this week, but it was Hansi Flick's decision to include him in the squad to face Eintracht Frankfurt that confirmed the goalkeeper's rehabilitation is complete.

However, he remains unlikely to feature for the Catalan club after enduring the most difficult period of Ter Stegen’s decade-long stay in Catalonia. The injury required surgery and a gruelling recovery process, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Barcelona navigated a turbulent summer transfer window and a blistering start to the new season. 

Ter Stegen’s return brings an end to a saga that threatened to destroy his legacy at the club. The "dramatic feud" of the summer was one of the most explosive storylines of the transfer window. Following his injury, reports emerged that Barcelona intended to use his long-term absence to register Joan Garcia outside of the salary cap limits.

The situation deteriorated rapidly when it was reported that Ter Stegen initially refused to sign the necessary medical paperwork to authorise the move, leading to threats of disciplinary action from the board and the temporary stripping of his captaincy. The standoff was described by local media as "total war," with the club actively trying to force him out and the player digging his heels in, citing his contract and his family's settled life in the area.

While the legal threats eventually subsided, the scars of that conflict remain. His inclusion in the squad on Tuesday is the first step towards normalcy, but the relationship between player and board is understood to be fragile at best.

The rise of Joan Garcia has been the silver lining to the chaos. Since arriving for €25 million from Espanyol, the Catalan keeper has been a revelation. His shot-stopping ability and calmness with the ball at his feet have won over the Culers, many of whom had grown frustrated with Ter Stegen’s perceived decline prior to his injury.

Garcia’s form has justified the club’s aggressive pursuit of him. With four clean sheets in La Liga and a string of "game-winning" saves, he has made the number one shirt his own. For Ter Stegen, the challenge is no longer just about fitness; it is about proving he is still relevant in a team that has learned to live without him.

A crucial European night

Barcelona welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to Camp Nou for a pivotal Champions League tie. The Bundesliga outfit are known for their intensity and their travelling support, famously taking over the stadium in the Europa League in 2022 – a memory that still haunts the Catalan side. Flick’s side are looking to cement their place in the automatic qualification spots for the round of 16.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?

Ter Stegen’s immediate future is now the subject of intense speculation. With the World Cup in North America just months away, the German knows he cannot afford to spend the rest of the season on the bench if he wants to be part of Julian Nagelsmann’s plans.

Reports in Germany suggest that a January exit could be on the cards if he fails to dislodge Garcia in the coming weeks. However, for now, he is back in the fold. Whether he is greeted as a returning hero or a relic of the past by the Camp Nou crowd on Tuesday night remains to be seen

While they are still some way from being the finished article, Chelsea have built a squad full of incredible players over the last few years.

The likes of Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, and probably even Enzo Fernández would be able to get into most Premier League teams.

However, at the same time, West Londoners also have more than a few players who are arguably holding them back, with Tosin Adarabioyo perhaps the most obvious example over the last few weeks.

The former Fulham star has been at the centre of more than a few dire defensive performances for Chelsea, so it’s not all that surprising to see reports linking them to someone who’d be a dream upgrade.

Chelsea target Tosin upgrade

While talk of a title race might be a tad premature for Chelsea this season, they are most certainly in a race for the Champions League place.

Transfer Focus

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

With that in mind, it’s unsurprising to see them linked with a plethora of talented players ahead of the transfer window reopening next month.

For example, the Blues are among several Premier League sides who have shown real interest in RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and have also been linked with Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız.

However, while hugely talented, neither of those exciting wingers would help solve the West Londoners’ defensive problems, nor send Tosin packing, unlike Castello Lukeba.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have maintained their intense interest in the French centre-back.

In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the Blues are now ready to submit a bid of up to £52m for the player in the coming weeks.

Interestingly, while the 22-year-old has a release clause worth around €80million in his contract, which is £70m, the report claims that Leipzig may be willing to cash in on the player for that £52m fee in January.

However, it might not be all that straightforward, as the story also states that Bayern Munich are keen to make a mid-season move for the highly rated defender.

In all, it could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Lukeba’s ability and potential, one Chelsea should be pursuing, especially as he could send Tosin packing.

How Lukeba compares to Tosin

Now, when it comes to midfielders, forwards and wingers, it can be relatively straightforward to compare players, as more often than not, their goals and assists are going to be what matters most.

However, when it comes to defenders, and centre-backs in particular, it can be a little trickier, and as a result, you have to go into more detail, you have to take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Unfortunately for Tosin, doing so demonstrates just how far ahead of him Lukeba is.

For example, according to FBref, the Frenchman comes out on top in the vast majority of relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, blocks, interceptions, and ball recoveries, all per 90.

In other words, as analyst-turned-scout Ben Mattinson puts it, the Frenchman is a “defensively exceptional” centre-back.

However, his advantages over Tosin extend to more than just his ability off the ball.

For example, the “outstanding” titan, per Mattinson, also comes out on top in metrics like progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Essentially, the Leipzig star is someone who can snuff out an opposition attack and then, either through his carrying ability or range of passing, kickstart one for his own side.

Ultimately, from every conceivable angle, it’s clear that Lukeba would be a massive upgrade on Tosin and, therefore, Chelsea should do all they can to sign him in January.

Gittens upgrade: BlueCo convinced they must sign £87m star for Chelsea

The sensational superstar in the making would be an incredible signing for Chelsea, but bad news for Gittens.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

1 day ago

In the almost six years he’s been in charge, Mikel Arteta has helped to transform Arsenal.

He’s led the North Londoners from mid-table mediocrity to genuine Premier League and Champions League contenders.

The Spaniard’s tactical nous and standard-raising philosophy have undoubtedly played a massive part in this turnaround, but so has the club’s recruitment and promotion of youth players, like Bukayo Saka.

The Hale Ender has gone from promising prospect to the face of Arsenal and undoubtedly their most important attacker, although, based on recent reports, the club are looking to sign someone who is playing better than him at the moment.

Arsenal target superstar star attacker outperforming Saka

Since making his debut for Arsenal in a 2018 Europa League group stage match against Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava, Saka has gone on an incredible journey with the club.

Transfer Focus

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

Despite being moved around the pitch and then spending plenty of time at left-back in his early career, the Englishman has now become the club’s go-to right-winger and the first name on the teamsheet when fit.

In all, the 24-year-old has made 280 appearances for the Gunners, in which he’s racked up a sensational haul of 76 goals and 73 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.87 games.

However, due in part to his injury, he has performed a little under par this season, and now it looks like the club are looking to sign someone who is outperforming him.

At least, that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Arsenal are still very interested in Michael Olise.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners are now preparing an ambitious plan to sign the Bayern Munich star and are willing to break their transfer record to do so, preparing an offer of around €150m, which converts to around £132m.

That’s an outrageous sum of money to spend on a player, but given Olise’s ability and potential, it might just be worth it for Arsenal, especially as he’s outperforming Saka.

How Olise compares to Saka

So, the first thing to say is that it seems highly unlikely that Arsenal would sign Olise to outright replace Saka.

After all, the Hale Ender has become the face of the project and probably the most beloved player of the last 20 years among the fanbase.

Instead, the Frenchman could be looked at as someone to offer competition, or, as has been the case with Noni Madueke, someone who can interchange with the Englishman during games, almost making the idea of a starting position antiquated.

With that said, it’s worth looking at how the pair have stacked up against one another since the Bayern ace’s move to Germany.

Last season, his first in Baveria, saw the 23-year-old rack up a sensational tally of 20 goals and 23 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3842 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 89.34 minutes.

Appearances

55

37

Minutes

3842′

2619′

Goals

20

12

Assists

23

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.78

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvements

89.34′

100.73

Appearances

20

17

Minutes

1583′

1211′

Goals

9

6

Assists

10

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.95

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvements

83.31′

151.37′

In contrast, Saka scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes.

Okay, what about this season then?

Well, the former Crystal Palace star has really taken it up a notch, already scoring nine goals and providing ten assists in 20 appearances, totalling 1583 minutes.

That comes out to a staggering average of a goal involvement every 1.05 games, or every 83.31 minutes, and truly justifies analyst Filipe Sousa’s description of him being a “nightmare” for defenders.

For his efforts this season, the Gunners’ talismanic number seven has scored six goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances, totalling 1211 minutes.

That comes out to a somewhat underwhelming – for his lofty standards – of an average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games, or every 151.37 minutes.

Now, it should be said that he suffered another hamstring injury at the start of the campaign and is clearly still not at 100%, but even so, he would likely admit his output has been a little disappointing this season.

Ultimately, while it would cost an egregious sum of money, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Olise, as he could help get the best back out of Saka, and a team with the pair of them in it is a scary team indeed.

The new Rice: Berta enters race to sign £70m midfield "machine" for Arsenal

The international superstar could become Mikel Arteta’s next Declan Rice at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 3, 2025

Henry Nicholls has been called up as cover while Mark Chapman is also part of the squad

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Nov-2025Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out* of the remainder of the ODI series against West Indies having picked up a groin strain during his match-winning century in Christchurch.Mitchell, who made 119 off 118 balls in New Zealand’s seven-run victory, remained in Christchurch to undergo a scan, which confirmed a minor left groin tear. He is expected to need two weeks of rehabilitation but should be in contention for the first Test, also at Hagley Oval, starting on December 2.”It’s always tough being ruled out of a series early on with injury, particularly when you’re in hot form like Daryl is,” New Zealand head coach, Rob Walter. “He has been our standout performer in the ODI format so far this summer, so he’ll be missed for two important matches.”The positive is that the injury is only minor, and we should see Daryl recovered and fit for the Test series.”Left hander Henry Nicholls, who played the most recent of his 81 ODIs in early April, has been called into the squad for the second match in Napier on Wednesday. Nicholls is currently the leading scorer in the Ford Trophy with 306 runs at 76.50 including back-to-back centuries against Otago and Auckland.”Henry has been in top form in the Ford Trophy and is an experienced international cricketer, so it’s great to welcome him back into the side,” Walter said. “It’s always pleasing to be able to reward players who are in good touch, and we know Henry will be raring to go if given an opportunity.”Mark Chapman is the other spare batter in the squad and is averaging 101.33 from four ODIs this year.Mitchell has been in fine form this season, taking the player of the series award against England.”He is a man for crisis,” captain Mitchell Santner said after the century. “He played extremely well, on one leg at the end.”New Zealand are without several players for this series including Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring).Kane Williamson, who picked up a groin niggle against England, was also not considered as he focuses on preparing for the Tests against West Indies.*8pm GMT – This story was updated with confirmation of Mitchell being ruled out