Arsenal may still sign "another midfielder" this summer if Ghanaian international Thomas Partey is to leave the club, and with the 30-year-old attracting "a lot of interest", that's a distinct possibility, claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Will Thomas Partey leave Arsenal this summer?

It has been an unbelievable start to the transfer window for the Gunners this summer.

The club have long since rid themselves of the cautious spending that came to define much of the latter Arsene Wenger years, but this window has been entirely on another level.

The North Londoners kicked off their business with the £65m signing of German international Kai Havertz from cross-city rivals Chelsea, which in any typical summer would likely have been the club's most expensive acquisition by quite some way.

However, the club proceeded to set their sights on West Ham United captain Declan Rice, and after what must've felt like months for both sets of fans, confirmed the transfer for an eyewatering £105m, a new record fee for a British player, and the second most expensive transfer in Premier League history, behind only Chelsea's £106.8m spent on Enzo Fernandez.

If that wasn't enough, the club have also added Dutch international defender Jurrien Timber to the side from Ajax in a deal worth a reported £34m.

However, despite Arsenal completing what feels like an entire summer's worth of transfer business in under a month, they might need to go back into the market for a new midfielder if reports suggesting that Partey might be on the way out are to be believed.

According to the Daily Express, who have cited reports in local Saudi Arabian media, the player has agreed to a £50m move to the burgeoning Saudi Pro League, which might be a deal the Gunners can't afford to turn down.

Should the Gunners receive a deal like this, they will likely accept it and begin the work required to bring in a replacement, per Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

He explained the situation live on Sky Sports News (via Football Daily), saying:

"Keep an eye on another midfielder because Thomas Partey is 30 years old, he's got two years left on his contract, and there is a lot of interest in Thomas Partey.

"Now if Arsenal were to receive an offer that maybe they thought, 'We cannot refuse this,' and Partey was open to leaving the club, then I think Arsenal may look in that position as well."

What midfielders have been linked to Arsenal this summer?

Arsenal have already been linked to a fair few midfielders this summer, but in light of the recent rumours surrounding the future of Partey, CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that the club could go in for Southampton's highly-rated youngster, Romeo Lavia.

Jacobs states that the likes of Chelsea admire the 19-year-old and a move to the Northwest to sign for Liverpool is a "real possibility", but the valuation of £50m is higher than any of the potential suitors are willing to go at the moment.

Another name touted for a move to the Emirates is Brighton & Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo.

The Ecuadorian international was a target for the Gunners back in January, but the Seagulls stood firm and quashed any chance of a deal, but they now look willing to sell, with Chelsea leading the race.

However, with the price set around £100m, and the club's previous spending this summer, it feels a little less likely.

Whatever happens over the coming weeks, it'll be fascinating to see who is lining up in that midfield next month alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal’s business is not rumoured to be finished yet in the transfer window, with the Gunners linked to midfielder Gabri Veiga throughout the summer.

Mikel Arteta stated during the club’s pre-season tour that there is “still time to do things”, hinting that he could spend additional amounts to the £210m already spent by the north Londoners so far.

Could Arsenal sign Gabri Veiga?

Celta Vigo starlet Veiga has been mentioned alongside the Gunners since February, however, speculation has grown throughout the summer following the conclusion of the 2022/23 calendar.

As reported by French outlet L’Equipe last week, the 21-year-old is not of interest to Paris Saint-Germain, with Arsenal named as one of the clubs ‘fighting’ for his signature.

The report claims that there’s an all-London tussle ongoing for the midfielder, with Tottenham and Chelsea also eyeing the talent, who has a €40m (£34m) release clause in place in Spain.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

Lauded as a “sensation” by members of the media, the midfielder has cemented himself as one of La Liga’s most promising stars for his contribution to Celta Vigo’s side.

In the 2022/23 campaign, the Porrino-born gem contributed to 15 goals in La Liga, scoring 11 and assisting four in a dominant individual term from central midfield.

Highlighted as a ‘box-to-box’ midfielder by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 21-year-old bears some similarities to former Arsenal hero Jack Wilshere, who the club could imitate by signing the Spaniard.

Opting to retire from the game at just 30-years-old, the Englishman had a sensational start to his career that was ultimately plagued by injury which forced him to call it quits so early to take on a coaching role.

Now acting as head coach to Arsenal’s U18s, the Stevenage-born ace remains an integral part of things in north London, however, his playing days are missed in the sense of his understanding of the club’s culture and his combative yet classy nature.

Wilshere recorded his highest match total of 31 appearances in the Premier League back in the 2010/11 season for the Gunners, in which he displayed his innate talent in central midfield.

That term, the former England international showcased his complete skill set in the engine room, averaging 1.7 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game, as well as contributing offensively with 1.7 key passes per match, having a hand in four goals, via WhoScored.

Similar numbers have been hit by Veiga last season in La Liga, who averaged 1.10 key passes and 1.69 tackles per 90 for his club, suggesting that he could emulate Wilshere's spark when in his youth at the Emirates.

The Englishman was a strong carrier of the ball, which is a strength possessed by the La Liga gem, who averaged 2.67 progressive carries per 90 in the league last campaign, reinforcing the likeness between the two.

Hailed as “highly talented” by Kulig, the 21-year-old could be a player that could encapsulate the traits lauded by the north Londoners in relation to Wilshere’s hopeful career.

A player influential in the final third, Arteta could land another goal-scoring threat to his midfield, which has been significantly bolstered already this summer with the £105m capture of Declan Rice from West Ham.

Leicestershire 90 for 4 (Cosgrove 38*, Norwell 2-16) v Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire’s seamers made early inroads after the visitors chose to bowl first in bowler-friendly conditions on the opening day of their Specsavers County Championship match against Leicestershire at the Fischer County Ground.Rain meant no play was possible during the morning session, but umpires Jeff Evans and Nigel Cowley decided play could start immediately following lunch, with 72 overs left to be bowled.As it turned out only 26.3 overs were possible before the rain returned to end play.With the ball swinging in the cloudy and slightly humid conditions, as well as seaming off the green-tinged pitch, batting was a far from straightforward proposition, as Liam Norwell demonstrated in sending both Leicestershire openers back to the pavilion with just 20 runs on the board.First to go was Harry Dearden, the 20-year-old left-hander edging a delivery which left him low to second slip, where Chris Dent held a good low catch, and Michael Carberry quickly followed, edging an in-swinger onto his pad, the ball looping gently to Kieran Noema-Barnett at gully.Foxes’ captain Mark Cosgrove and Colin Ackermann added 33 for the third wicket before Ackermann tried to force an in-swinging delivery from left-arm seamer Matt Taylor through the off side, and succeeded only in edging a low catch to wicket-keeper Gareth Roderick.Ned Eckersley hit one beautifully timed cover drive before he too edged a low catch to Roderick off Josh Shaw, but Cosgrove looked in good touch in going to 38 before the rain set in again.”The pitch is a tad slow, but it nipped around quite a bit to begin with and we did quite nicely,” said Norwell. “Getting the openers early was important, and then Matt Taylor and Josh Shaw bowled really nicely. It was swinging nicely too, and it’s always frustrating to come off when conditions are in your favour like that, but we haven’t bowled many overs and we’ll all be fresh tomorrow.”Cosgrove added: “It was always going to be tough batting first in those conditions, but I think it will move around all game so if we can up to 250 or even 300, we’ll be in a good spot.”We want to play on result pitches, and this looks like one. If we have a good morning tomorrow it could really set the game up.”

On his last leg of rehabilitation from a shoulder surgery, Dale Steyn is “two or three weeks away” from returning to competitive cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Aug-2017Dale Steyn has moved from Cape Cobras to Titans, where he first started his first-class career in 2003-04, ahead of the upcoming South African domestic season. Steyn is on a comeback trail since being sidelined due to a shoulder injury last November, during the first Test against Australia in Perth, and is on “last leg of rehabilitation” according to South Africa’s team doctor Mohammed Moosajee.Steyn also said he was “two or three weeks away from playing my first game.””It was an easy decision for me,” Steyn, who spent seven years at Cobras, told the Titans website about his move. “The luxury of playing for South Africa is that you get to nominate which franchise you want to play for. The Titans laid down the platform for where I am now.”I think the most important thing that I learnt at the Titans were the basics and it is something I still go back to every time I play international cricket. It was a great place to start playing cricket and it’s going to be a great place to go back to.”I played some of my best cricket at SuperSport Park. When you go into that change room and you look at those honours boards, you’ll see my name a couple of times on the five-wicket haul list. I walk in there and I feel at home. I am really looking forward to going back.”While it isn’t clear yet if he will be fully fit in time for South Africa’s next Test assignment, a two-match series at home against Bangladesh starting September 28, Steyn was confident of returning to the field soon.Steyn was particularly excited about linking up with his former South Africa team-mate Mark Boucher, who is now the Titans head coach. “It is going to be fantastic working with him again,” Steyn said. “As a player I looked up to him. He knows me so well, he knows me as a person and also knows about my bowling action, so I am looking forward to that, especially after this long delay with the broken shoulder.”

Coach Chris Silverwood invoked memories of a victory following on against Hampshire when Essex last won the title 25 years ago – and they did it again

ECB Reporters Network22-Sep-20171:29

County Championship Round-up: Essex’s stunning comeback

Sam Cook took a maiden first class five wicket haul as champions Essex pulled off an extraordinary 108-run victory despite earlier being forced to follow-on against Hampshire.Fast bowler Cook blasted through Hampshire’s top order to end with figures of five for 18, and leave the relegation threatened home side with their lowest total since 1984 – as they were bowled out for 76.It was the first time since 1999, when they beat Nottinghamshire, that Essex managed to win a Specsavers County Championship match after being asked to follow-on.Incidentally, the previous occasion, the second of three in their history, was also against Hampshire, at Bournemouth’s Dean Park, in their last Championship winning campaign 25 years ago.Cook revealed that coach Chris Silverwood had invoked the spirit of that victory when Essex were at their lowest.”It is an amazing environment to thrive in with everyone so happy after winning the Championship,” he said.”Silvers talked about the 1992 following on win against Hampshire in the dressing room a few days ago when we were a few wickets down and looking down in the dumps.”He said ‘this happened 25 years ago, why can’t it happen again?’ and it just sums up our season as a whole that history has repeated itself.”Hampshire, who had bowled Essex out for 76 in the first innings, had been set 185 runs to win – after Neil Wagner and James Foster’s 82 run partnership for the eighth wicket put the wheels in motion for the remarkable win.Hampshire’s pursuit started poorly as Joe Weatherley was pinned lbw as he walked across his stumps by Sam Cook in his first over. It got worse five overs later as Tom Alsop edged Jamie Porter behind.Cook then deceived Jimmy Adams by coming around the wicket and wide of the crease to clatter a delivery into the left-hander’s off stump.The 20 year old, making just his third Championship appearance as he prepares for the final year of his history degree, then produced a wicked inswinger to bowl George Bailey.Hampshire had lost three wickets without scoring a run as they were stuck on 12.Sean Ervine was lbw to Porter, his 70th scalp of the season, leaving the hosts 25 for 5.Vince, one of three batsmen to depart for 10, was next to fall as he was lbw to the rampant Cook.Off spinner Simon Harmer entered the attack in the 21st over and struck with his first delivery as he bowled Liam Dawson with a vicious spinner – Hampshire now 37 for 7.Wagner then grabbed two wickets as Gareth Berg edged to first slip and Kyle Abbott guided to cover point.Cook completed the innings as Fidel Edwards edged behind, with Ian Holland unbeaten on an innings-high 16.Starting the day just 69 runs ahead, Essex saw skipper Ryan ten Doeschate depart just six balls into the day as Edwards continued where he had left off on the previous evening by striking him on the pads.Three balls into the next over Abbott produced an inswinging yorker to cartwheel nightwatchman Porter’s middle stump.Ian Holland grabbed the eighth Essex wicket by finding the edge of Harmer’s dangling bat but Foster and Wagner then put on their useful stand to swing the game in Essex’s favour for the first time.New Zealander Wagner in particular swung his bat with gusto to find himself reaching an entertaining 44 – before one shot too many saw him caught on the midwicket boundary.Foster was the last man to fall after a match-aware 47 before he was leg before to Abbott – his eighth wicket of the match.But Hampshire’s incredible collapse, which leaves them within touching distance above the relegation zone, made sure Essex remained unbeaten with the most unlikely of their nine wins this season.Hampshire’s head coach Craig White said: “We were hoping to chase a few less, maybe around 120-130 and it could have been difference, although that would have been tough the way they bowled.”Everyone needs to take a look at themselves in the mirror and find out why we keep losing clumps of wickets. It needs addressing.”

Manchester United were 'always confident' that they would be able to tie Marcus Rashford down to a new long-term deal at Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Has Marcus Rashford signed a new contract at Manchester United?

As per The Daily Mail, Rashford has signed a new five-year deal at Manchester United that will see him earn a basic wage of £300,000 per week at Old Trafford.

Bagging a wage increase of £50,000 per week from his previous deal, the England international couldn't contain his excitement when discussing his decision to commit his future to his boyhood club, stating in an interview: "I joined Manchester United as a seven-year-old boy with a dream. That same passion, pride, and determination to succeed still drives me every time I have the honour of wearing the shirt.

I've already had some amazing experiences at this incredible club, but there is still a lot more to achieve and I remain relentlessly determined to win more trophies in the years ahead."

Last term, Rashford was the catalyst for the Red Devils' improvement under boss Erik Ten Hag, as he notched 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

The Athletic have revealed that Rashford rejected offers from at least one Premier League rival to stay at Manchester United and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain were also believed to have been sniffing around the 25-year-old.

Rashford's contract renewal is the latest positive in a recent flurry of good news surrounding the club and follows on from Mason Mount's arrival last month from Chelsea for an initial fee of £55 million, as per Sky Sports.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has indicated that Manchester United were always relaxed during the process of trying to get Rashford to commit his future to the club.

Jones told FFC: "They were always confident for quite a long time now that the Rashford deal was shaping up in the way they wanted it. I guess the best news to come out of this is that they've definitely got an option at number nine for the start of next season, because Marcus Rashford will be there and he is certainly somebody that Ten Hag has trusted in that role and he'll be able to fill that role if he needs to."

What next for Manchester United?

Undoubtedly, Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag will now be keen to continue his recruitment spree at Old Trafford as he gears his side up for a tilt at the Premier League title.

Journalist Samuel Luckhurst, who is the chief Manchester United writer for The Manchester Evening News, has taken to Twitter to reveal that Andre Onana's pending transfer to the Red Devils from Inter Milan is nearing completion, as he stated: "Andre Onana is at Carrington now for his medical."

Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund looks to be the next port of call for Ten Hag and Manchester United are believed to be in 'advanced talks' with the Serie A outfit to negotiate the structure of the potential transfer, having already thrashed out personal terms with the Denmark international, according to The Independent.

Respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper Zion Suzuki has emerged as another target in the goalkeeper department and the Red Devils will focus on trying to bring in the Japan international once the addition of Onana is finalised.

Crystal Palace are now considering a shock move for Aymeric Laporte, with the defender unsettled at Manchester City after falling down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, according to a report from The Daily Star.

What's the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?

Palace may need to bring in a couple of new centre-backs this summer, amid the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi, and journalist Dean Jones thinks they would do well to keep hold of the duo, recently saying:

"At this moment in time, keeping those two together would probably be Palace's biggest statement in terms of signings over this summer because they've done a brilliant job. I mean, Guehi, they're trying to price out the market and Andersen, they're just hoping he decides to stay with them."

It appears as though the plan is to keep hold of the two centre-backs, but if they are forces into sales, they could make a move for Torino defender Perr Schuurs, with it recently being reported they are in advanced talks over a deal for the 23-year-old.

The Daily Star now report that Laporte is also being eyed by Roy Hodgson, in what would be a shock summer transfer, with Pep Guardiola's side ready to accept a loss and sell the centre-back for a fee of around £35m.

The defender cost Man City £58m back in January 2018, however he has recently become unsettled at the Etihad Stadium, given that he has fallen down the pecking order considerably in recent times, potentially opening the door for a move to Selhurst Park.

Hodgson wants to strengthen the centre-back area ahead of the new season, and the manager is focussing on bringing in players who are assured in possession, and also possess top-flight experience.

At the moment, the Eagles are reluctant to match City's asking price, and they would prefer to launch a bid later in the transfer window.

How good is Aymeric Laporte?

The Man City ace certainly ticks plenty of boxes for Palace, given that he has made 120 appearances in the Premier League, and he is very assured in possession of the ball.

Although his game time was heavy limited last season, making just 24 appearances across all competitions, the Spaniard impressed with his passing ability whenever he got the chance.

Over the past year, the France-born centre-back has averaged a pass-completion rate of 92.7% per 90, which places him in the 97th percentile compared to his positional peers, while he also ranks in the 99th percentile for number of passes attempted.

The 29-year-old has been lauded as "fantastic" by journalist Simon Bajkowski, who has also praised him for his ability to set up opportunities for his teammates, previously saying: "Aymeric Laporte showing again why he is the best defender City have got for creating chances from the back."

It is certainly ambitious for Palace to be considering a move for Laporte, however he has proven he could be an excellent replacement for Guehi and Andersen.

Crystal Palace have made a verbal offer to sign Montpellier striker Elye Wahi and these next few days could be "decisive", according to reports.

Who will Crystal Palace sign?

It was a mixed 2022/2023 Premier League campaign for the Eagles, with relegation comfortably avoided but little progress made in terms of mixing it with England's elite.

Palace also sacked former manager Patrick Vieira with the Frenchman leading them into dangerous territory at the time, leaving them to turn to fan and club favourite Roy Hodgson.

After he guided them to safety, the Eagles saw fit to award Hodgson with the permanent job for next season, and a top half finish is now being targeted.

"I know what a fantastic squad we have here," Hodgson said a fortnight ago (via the BBC).

"It's a great blend of youth and potential, alongside experienced players with Premier League and international pedigree.

"As such, we have set ourselves the target of a top-half finish, which we believe is eminently achievable with such a fabulous group of players and the most magnificent supporters who get behind the team, week in, week out."

To strengthen further this summer will be imperative to that ambitious goal, with Jefferson Lerma already making the move to Selhurst Park on a free transfer.

Palace have been linked with a succession of more signings, including Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, AC Milan's Charles De Ketelaere, Netherlands international Donny va de Beek and Torino defender Perr Schurrs recently (footballtransfers).

However, after the departure of star forward Wilfried Zaha, it's perhaps most important they add quality to their attacking ranks.

As such, the south Londoners have been linked with red-hot Ligue 1 striker Wahi, with reliable French newspaper L'Equipe (via Sport Witness) revealing as much.

According to the paper, Palace have made a verbal offer for the 20-year-old, with Hodgson's side having "invited themselves to the talks".

As well as them, it is believed La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have done the same, and these next few days could be "decisive" in determining Wahi's future.

The forward remains on holiday at this moment in time, but according to L'Equipe, he hopes to return and start training with his "new club" – whoever that may be.

How good is Elye Wahi?

Montpellier's star player bagged a brilliant 19 goals and five assists in the league alone last season, ranking as one of their best-performers per 90 in the process according to WhoScored.

Wahi was a consistent threat in the final third and that is exactly what Palace need if they're to achieve their goal of a top half finish next season.

The young attacker has also been praised by members of the media for his displays across the channel.

"If he manages to polish the definition, we are facing a striker who is going to exceed ten goals per season," said journalist Andrés Onrubia Ramos on Twitter.

"A real beast in space that, in addition, associatively also leaves interesting things. It should definitely explode."

Cristiano Ronaldo and Conor McGregor have been seated next to one another for Anthony Joshua's fight with Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia.

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• Ronaldo and McGregor to sit next to one another
• Joshua vs Wallin taking place in Riyadh
• Seated alongside Hearn and Warren

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The footballing icon has been placed next to the UFC icon in a major crossover of two of sport's global superstars. The pair will watch the latest major sporting event to take place in Riyadh as Saudi Arabia continue to look to take control of boxing and football's biggest events.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr helped catalyse a major growth of Saudi Arabia's place on the global sporting scene. The Portuguese star's move was followed by a host of football's biggest names as Saudi Arabian influence in sport continued to grow. The placement of McGregor and Ronaldo, two of sport's biggest names, at the latest Saudi boxing fight only further legitimises the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in sport – only set to increase as the Saudi Arabian World Cup in 2034 gets closer.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Ronaldo and McGregor will be joined by the two biggest names in boxing promotion, Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren. The promoters will be sat next to the pair, completing the crossover of three sports in the crowd in Riyadh as Joshua takes on Wallin and Deontay Wilder matches up against Joseph Parker.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Ronaldo, when he returns from his duties as celebrity in Saudi Arabia, will take on Al-Ittihad on Thursday in a must-win game to keep the pressure on league leaders Al-Hilal. Al-Nassr sit 10 points off the top with a game in hand.

However, the Cricket West Indies president was personally quite satisfied by security arrangements in Lahore for the final match of the World XI series

Umar Farooq16-Sep-2017Cricket West Indies president Dave Cameron said it was a “challenge” to convince the West Indies players that it was safe to visit Pakistan. Cameron was on a two-day trip to the country to watch the final T20I of the World XI series, an event which the PCB hopes will convince other nations to send their teams for international tours.”I have enjoyed my two days in Pakistan,” Cameron said in a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. “As Najam [Sethi, the PCB chairman] said, we’ve been talking about this for some time and have our own challenges back in the West Indies. We’re only 5 million people, and as you heard there was recently a hurricane passing through our islands as well. But my challenge is to convince the players that it’s safe enough. It’s our duty to help as well. I felt that if I came over here to show that it’s safe enough that would go some way in convincing the players. InshAllah [God-willing] in November, we’ll be here.”This is the second time PCB has approached West Indies to tour, after they refused to travel to Pakistan in March upon receiving security advice from the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA). In the report then, FICA warned that the risk level in Pakistan remained “at an extremely elevated state” and that “an acceptable level of participant security and safety cannot be expected or guaranteed”. It had also discouraged players strongly from travelling to Lahore for the Pakistan Super League final.But things have improved since, as ICC’s chief executive officer David Richardson noted at a press conference on Wednesday. The security arrangements were overseen by international security consultants. The ICC bore the cost of the security advisors and have agreed terms to assist the PCB for every series they host in Pakistan from hereon in.But Cameron also explained that the matter may not necessarily be in his hands, with the board not having the final say over whether its players tour a particular nation. “We’ve had the security team here for the final of the PSL and they’ve seen these matches as well,” he said, when asked if FICA could be convinced. “Here, Pakistan’s board makes decisions [regarding where to tour]. My board’s a little bit different, with the WIPA [West Indies Players Association] also having a big say. We have to respect their decision.”We want to ensure that when the players come over, everyone actually wants to come and enjoy the experience, and we don’t want to be seen to be forcing anyone. We’ve had Darren Sammy here and Samuel Badree and they’ve loved it. Sammy’s on his second trip and I think that will also convince the players that it is safe to come.Cameron also gave the security arrangements in Pakistan a personal vote of confidence. “From what I believe I’m very convinced. The hospitality has been great, and the security has been first-class, and from where I stand right now, everything looks good.”