Arsenal have been scouting a “world-class” £70m+ striker who Arsène Wenger once compared to Thierry Henry, according to a report.

Gunners' striker issues on show at Old Trafford

Prior to Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville questioned the decision not to bring in a new striker over the past few years, branding it “poor recruitment”.

Mikel Merino once again had to lead the line against United, with Kai Havertz set to miss the remainder of the season with injury, but the Spaniard struggled to have an impact, failing to score for the third game on the spin in the Premier League.

Gabriel Jesus is the only other senior striker at Mikel Arteta’s disposal, but Neville believes the manager isn’t a big fan of the Brazilian, meaning signing a new forward in the summer may be one of the Spaniard’s main priorities.

A number of targets have been identified, including Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen, and a report from The Boot Room has now revealed Arsenal scouts are also watching Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram.

The Gunners watched Thuram in action in the Champions League recently, and they are likely to be impressed by what they saw, given that he scored in his side’s 2-0 victory against Feyenoord.

Chelsea and Liverpool scouts were also in attendance to run the rule over the striker, so there may be competition for his signature this summer, should the north Londoners decide to formalise their interest.

However, a deal will not be cheap, as the Frenchman has a release clause of just over £70m included in his contract, and the Italian club want to enter talks to remove or increase that figure.

"World-class" Thuram enjoying another impressive season

The 27-year-old has been a regular source of goals and assists for Inter since arriving from Borussia Mönchengladbach, following up a solid debut campaign by scoring 15 goals in all competitions this season, including two in the Champions League.

Barring an injury-marred 2021-22 campaign, the Parma-born striker has impressed in front of goal over the course of the past six seasons, and there are signs he is entering his prime, given that he is on course to have his most prolific campaign to date.

As shown, the France international regularly chips in with assists, which may be one of the reasons he was compared to compatriot Thierry Henry by Arsenal legend Wenger. More recently, the Inter star has also received high praise from journalist Zach Lowy.

Arsenal’s recent drop-off indicates they may need to bring in a top striker if they are to compete for the Premier League title next season, and Thuram’s performances this season indicate he could be in that category.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a vitória do Corinthians por 4 a 1 sobre o Atlético-GO e a classificação à semifinal da Copa do Brasil, Fagner foi enfático ao negar qualquer tipo de problema entre ele o treinador português Vítor Pereira.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoHattrick de Yuri Alberto gera surpresa nas redes: ‘Nem o corintiano mais fanático esperava’Fora de Campo18/08/2022CorinthiansFim do tabu! Corinthians vence o Atlético-GO na Arena pela primeira vez na históriaCorinthians18/08/2022CorinthiansCom classificação à semifinal, Corinthians chega a quase R$ 15 mi em premiações na Copa do BrasilCorinthians17/08/2022

+ GALERIA – 10 momentos de Willian em sua segunda passagem pelo Timão

– Deixar bem claro que eu não tenho nada com o Vítor Pereira, a gente se dá super bem durante o dia a dia. É curioso levantarem isso, mais uma vez, porque acaba gerando sempre em torno de alguns atleta, quando tem uma fase ruim, situação com o treinador, que o jogador está fazendo isso ou aquilo Todos os treinadores que passaram aqui, estou aqui há um tempo, sempre procurei fazer o meu melhor, ajudar. Nunca quis prejudicar ninguém, nunca tive nenhum tipo de problema com o Vítor, deixando claro para o torcedor entender – iniciou o defensor na zona mista da Arena após a classificação.

Na terça-feira (16), véspera do duelo contra o Dragão,Membros da Gaviões da Fiel, principal torcida uniformizada corintiana, se reuniram com o técnico Vítor Pereira e integrantes da diretoria corintiana.

As informações desta reunião constam em uma carta que circulou em alguns grupos nas redes sociais, e reportagem obteve acesso a este comunicado.

No encontro, Vítor Pereira admitiu que há problemas de relacionamento com algumas lideranças do elenco, citando nominalmente o lateral-direito Fagner.

O atleta reiterou que mesmo em meio a um ano conturbado por lesões, jamais implicou com o treinador corintiano.

-Esse ano está sendo difícil para mim, porque tive uma lesão no tornozelo um pouco mais grave, isso me tirou um tempo dos gramados, me dificultou em alguns momentos, e isso calhou com o momento que a equipe precisava. Em nenhum momento fiz biquinho, birra, como algumas pessoas falaram, e pedi para parar essa coisa de jogar jogador contra a torcida, contra o treinador. A gente estava diante de uma decisão importante hoje, e criar uma situação onde eu teria uma situação com o treinador, se acontecesse uma eliminação, isso se tornaria uma coisa muito grande – desabafou.

FORMA FÍSICA

Fagner também negou de forma veemente as especulações sobre estar fora de fora e acima do peso, algo apontado na reunião entre a Gaviões, Vítor Pereira e a direção.

-O que me pegou de surpresa foi simplesmente em uma terça-feira, antes de um jogo importante. Ai eu faço a pergunta: Você acha que eu estou fora de forma depois do jogo que fizemos hoje? Fiquei fora por lesão, me preparei, me cuidei, tentei estar no meu melhor nível para ajudar a equipe. Talvez hoje eu esteja em um pior momento, mal fisicamente, ai vocês que levantem a questão – ponderou o lateral.

+ TABELA – Veja datas e simule o mata-mata da Copa do Brasil

AMEAÇAS AO FILHO E CRÍTICAS NO DÉRBI

Após a derrota por 1 a 0 no Dérbi, pelo Brasileirão, Fagner foi muito criticado por ter falhado no gol da vitória do Palmeiras. A esposa e o filho do atleta desabafaram após a derrota, pedindo para que as ofensas direcionadas a eles parasse.

O lateral-direito pediu mais responsabilidade dos torcedores em casos envolvendo sua família.

– Precisamos tomar cuidado com o tipo de coisa que passa e fala, é uma situação delicada, não só dentro do clube, como também para o meu filho que vai pra escola. As pessoas tem que pensar nisso, às vezes um torcedor pode encontrar meu filho na rua, no Parque São Jorge, que ele está direto, e de repente proferir alguma palavra, tirar satisfação com uma criança de 12 anos. Essa responsabilidade que temos que ter, passar a verdade e ouvir os dois lados, aquilo que está em volta – comentou.

Sobre o Dérbi, Fagner citou que todos são passíveis de erros, e disse que as críticas, desde que ponderada, são bem-vindas.

– Vivo no Corinthians há muito tempo, sei como funciona. Infelizmente os erros acontecem, a gente não quer errar nunca, mas a gente é ser-humano, passível de erro. A crítica, dependendo de como vem, ela te cresce, faz melhorar. Sempre fui um cara com autocrítica muito grande, a gente fica chateado por ter perdido o jogo da maneira que foi, mas ao mesmo tempo, tenho 33 anos, já passei por muita coisa. Nesse momento, tem que ter tranquilidade. Do mesmo jeito que hoje eu não sou o melhor jogador, melhor lateral do Corinthians, também não fui o pior no domingo. Tem que ter discernimento para achar um ponto de equilíbrio, sempre buscando melhorar. Domingo tem outro jogo – concluiu o lateral-direito.

Agora, o Timão irá enfrentar o Fluminense na Copa do Brasil. Os mandos de campo serão sorteados na sexta-feira (19).

continua após a publicidade

قرر مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، برئاسة حسين لبيب، تعيين عصام عبد الحميد مديراً فنياً لفريق كرة السلة للرجال، وذلك بعد رحيل الإسبانى كورو سيجورا.

وكان الزمالك قد وجه الشكر إلى الإسبانى كورو سيجورا، المدير الفني السابق للفريق، وذلك بعدما فشل الطرفان في التوصل إلى اتفاق لاستمراره.

ومن المقرر أن تُعقد جلسة التوقيع اليوم ومن المرجح إعلان الزمالك اليوم أو غداً عن التعاقد مع المدير الفني الجديد للفريق.

طالع أيضاً.. مدحت عبد الهادي: الأهلي أضاع فرصة العمر في أسهل مجموعة.. والهلال هو من شرّف العرب

يُذكر أن الزمالك قد نجح في تحقيق الفوز على سبورتنج بنتيجة 79/71، في اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما ببطولة دوري السوبر لكرة السلة وحصد الميدالية البرونزية.  

White-ball coach also aims to lift West Indies from the bottom half of ODI and T20I rankings

Deivarayan Muthu27-May-2023West Indies’ newly-appointed white-ball coach Daren Sammy has had “in-depth conversations” with Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Andre Russell and Sunil Narine about their reintegration into the national side.Hetmyer had recently made himself available for selection for the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, but he was left out of the squad because the management wanted to give a longer run to the players who had performed well in South Africa, where West Indies drew the ODI series 1-1 and took the T20I series 2-1. As for Lewis, he hasn’t made himself available for West Indies selection until after CPL 2023. Russell hasn’t played for West Indies since the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE while Narine’s last appearance for West Indies was way back in August 2019.In an interview with last year, Narine, though, had said that he hadn’t shut the door on a West Indies return.Related

Daren Sammy: 'I have a dream that I'll be part of another World Cup title in the near future'

Johnson Charles isn't finished just yet

Coach Sammy's first test as West Indies stars take on UAE's bright talents

Haynes: Hetmyer available but 'fair to stick with the guys' who did well in SA

Daren Sammy appointed WI white-ball coach

“Well, first thing I’d like to make it known is everyone who plays regional cricket is available or is indicating that they’re available for West Indies selection,” Sammy said in his first press conference as the white-ball coach. “I’ve had conversations with both Hetty [Shimron Hetmyer] and Evin Lewis. Having played not too long ago and understanding the complaints of players – and the lack thereof of communication – I think it’s important for us to communicate. It sounds simple but I understand that just clear communication makes the process better and it gives you a better understanding. So, yes, I’ve had in-depth conversations with Shimron and Evin Lewis about their mindset, their plans, and where they see West Indies cricket in line with themselves in [it].”I must tell you that the feedback has been positive and I’ve also reached out to guys like Andre Russell. I’ve reached out to Sunil Narine and all these guys, too, to hear what their thoughts are. Because they still take part in some of our domestic competitions. But it takes honest and mature conversations, which is one I’m not afraid to have with the players. I’m encouraged by the discussions that we’ve had when it comes to West Indies cricket, outlining clear plans as to how we reintegrate because these players….look at the caliber of Shimron…I’m sure it hurts fans to see him perform elsewhere and not in the maroon.””We want to finish in the top eight next year and start taking these little steps”•Getty ImagesSammy has been in charge of the St Lucia and Peshawar Zalmi franchises in the CPL and PSL respectively, but this West Indies assignment is his first as a coach in international cricket. Sammy hopes to draw from his experiences of having worked with former West Indies coaches Phil Simmons and Ottis Gibson.Under Gibson and Sammy, West Indies lifted their first T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2012 and four years later in India in 2016, West Indies won another T20 World Cup under the leadership of Simmons and Sammy.Sammy also has a good working relationship with current West Indies red-ball coach Andre Coley, who had been an assistant to Simmons, when West Indies clinched that T20 World Cup title seven years ago.”For someone who didn’t have the desire to go into coaching, they’re more of coaches I’ve worked with – whether in franchise cricket or the West Indies team or the different teams I’ve played,” Sammy said. “I’ve garnered so much knowledge that I could implement for myself. Ottis Gibson and I are quite close. We’ve always been in contact from way before he came into the set-up and we had a very good relationship, in terms of planning our cricket and how we presented to our guys.”I also worked with Phil and we won a championship together, so everybody has their own styles. For me, all what I’ve garnered and now putting all this into my style but my way is not the highway. It’s incorporating everybody to pull in one direction and try to get results for our team. And try to inspire the next generation of cricketers and our fans.”Sammy: WI are not ‘far off’ from being an elite teamSammy’s immediate focus is a three-match ODI series against the UAE in Sharjah in June, which will form part of the preparations for the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in June-July. His long-term focus is to lift West Indies from the bottom half of the ICC rankings. They’re currently tenth in ODIs and seventh in T20Is, but Sammy feels they’re not “far off” from being a top international side.”Numbers don’t lie. We’re No. 9 [10] and No. 8 [7] respectively,” Sammy said. “We’re there for a reason, and we’ve not been consistent enough, but then when I look at the data ahead of me – what we’ve done in the last five years, where we’ve been losing games in different stages… Man, we’re not far off, and that excites me. When I say I try to build an elite team, I look at what openers are doing around the world overseas, we’re not far off. Different stages of the game where spin is killing us between overs 11-40, you know areas we could improve.”When I look at the one percenters, if we could improve on certain areas and just be more aware of the situation, probably a different mindset and better skills and better execution, we’re not far off. If we could build on these things and improve the small goals that I have for the team…we want to start improving on our rankings by the time our year ends. We want to finish in the top eight next year and start taking these little steps.”

Yash Dhull, the Delhi batter who led India to the Under-19 World Cup title last year, will captain India A at the Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 50-overs tournament, which will be held in Sri Lanka from July 14 to 23. Dhull’s deputy is the Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad allrounder Abhishek Sharma.The tournament involves the A teams from the five Asian Full Member boards – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – as well as the senior teams of Nepal, Oman and UAE.There is no age restriction on the players who can feature in this tournament, but India have named a squad with a distinctly youthful tinge, with all 15 players less than 23 years old. Four of the five standby players are Under-23s as well, with the Saurashtra wicketkeeper-batter Snell Patel the lone exception at 29. The squad, incidentally, was picked by India’s junior selection committee chaired by former Karnataka keeper Thilak Naidu.The main squad includes a number of players who impressed during IPL 2023, including top-order batter Sai Sudharsan – who scored 96 in the tournament final – keepers Prabhsimran Singh and Dhruv Jurel, and fast bowlers Harshit Rana and Akash Singh.Former Saurashtra batter Sitanshu Kotak is the head coach of the side. He will be assisted by bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule and fielding coach Munish Bali.India A will begin their campaign on July 13 when they face UAE at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.India A squad: Yash Dhull (capt), Abhishek Sharma (vice-capt), Sai Sudharsan, Nikin Jose, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Riyan Parag, Nishant Sindhu, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Manav Suthar, Yuvrajsinh Dodiya, Harshit Rana, Akash Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rajvardhan Hangargekar. Standby players: Harsh Dubey, Nehal Wadhera, Snell Patel, Mohit Redkar

Celtic’s astronomical scoring statistics continue.

Sunday’s 2-0 Scottish Cup victory over Hibernian means Brendan Rodgers’ side have already scored 128 goals across all competitions this season.

With up to 11 games to go, they’re unlikely, to put it mildly, to break the club record of 196 set in 1966/67, but a sixth treble in nine seasons is very much within their grasp.

So, even though the Hoops aren’t exactly finding goals hard to come by, could they regret selling a ‘prolific’ striker who is continuing to impress since departing?

Adam Idah's Celtic career in numbers

By virtue of scoring a 90th-minute winner in last season’s Scottish Cup Final against Rangers, irrespective of what else he achieves, Adam Idah has already cemented his place in Celtic folklore.

This came at the end of the Irishman’s loan spell from Norwich, during which he scored nine goals, thereby convincing the Celtic hierarchy to spend a huge £9.5m to secure his services permanently last summer.

Well, by slotting home the second against Hibs on Sunday, Idah took his tally to 14 for the campaign, most notably bagging a quick-fire brace at Villa Park in the Champions League, despite the fact he’s yet to cement himself as the undisputed first-choice centre-forward.

However, did Celtic sell a striker for less than half Idah’s fee, who may have performed even better?

Celtic may have sold an upgrade on Idah

During Ange Postecoglou’s two seasons at Celtic, he signed no fewer than 29 players, with Alison Conroy of Sky Sports noting that the Australian utilised his knowledge of ‘rarely explored’ markets, most notably those in Far East Asia.

Six Japanese players arrived at Parkhead under Postecoglou, who similarly believed there was value in the K-League, thereby signing striker Oh Hyeon-gyu from Suwon Samsung Bluewings in January 2023, for a reported fee of £2.5m.

Oh arrived to replace Giorgos Giakoumakis, quickly establishing himself as something of a super-sub.

The South Korean scored 12 goals for the Hoops, ten of which came off the bench, unable to usurp cult hero Kyōgo Furuhashi in the starting lineup.

So, after 18 months in Glasgow, in search of more regular game time, Oh joined Jupiler Pro League side Genk for a reported fee of £4.5m last summer, representing a decent profit for Celtic.

Dimitri De Condé, who is Genk’s director of football, said that Oh possesses “a nose for goal”, adding that he is “quick” and that he boasts a “strong presence in the box”, while Owen Brown of the Athletic described him as ‘prolific’.

Well, so far, they’ve both been proved right, given that the 23-year-old has nine goals to his name this season, most recently coming off the bench, in trademark fashion, to snatch victory against FCV Dender in the tenth minute of injury time on Saturday.

Partially thanks to this goal, de Smurfen remain nine points clear at the top of the table, chasing their first league title in six seasons, so let’s assess how Oh and Idah compare.

Appearances

47

31

61

Minutes

1,317

662

2,604

Goals

12

9

23

Minutes per goal

109.75

73.56

113.22

Assists

0

2

3

Of course, as the table outlines, Idah has scored 23 times since joined Celtic last January, while Oh has bagged 21 goals since his own arrival in Glasgow.

Nevertheless, given the fact that both are often asked to make an impact off the bench, it’s noteworthy that Oh’s minute-per-goal ratio at both Celtic and now at Genk is significantly higher than Idah’s, with the Korean on target every 73 and a half minute in Belgium.

Also, on a domestic basis at least, Oh is scoring goals at a higher level.

According to Global Football Rankings, the Jupiler Pro League is the eighth-strongest division in the world, with the SPFL Premiership down in 43rd place, while the UEFA coefficient rankings also has Belgium’s top-flight six places higher than Scotland’s.

So, did Celtic really need to sign Idah for £9.5m, when they could have simply kept Oh, rather than selling him for £4m?

Not just Maeda: Celtic have hit the jackpot on star who's outscoring Kyogo

Celtic have struck gold with the star who has outscored Kyogo Furuhashi so far this season.

ByDan Emery Mar 11, 2025

“For him to show he’s more than one type of bowler does us the world of good,” says England captain

Vithushan Ehantharajah03-Jun-2023

Ben Stokes met Josh Tongue for the first time when the England squad gathered in London on Monday ahead of this one-off Test against Ireland. Less than a week on, Tongue has imprinted himself as permanently on his skipper’s heart as on the Lord’s honours board.With five for 66 in the second innings to confirm a victory that required far more of day three than anticipated, the 25-year-old Tongue has seemingly settled a developing headache for England. Jofra Archer has been ruled out of any involvement in the Ashes, Olly Stone is unlikely to feature either, and Mark Wood certainly can’t fulfil the fire-breathing role for all five Tests on his own. Just when it looked like England were a speedster light, another came to the fore.Mayday calls to county cricket for emergency fast bowlers rarely get answered as quickly or effectively. Yet the Worcestershire seamer was not only a point of difference on his England debut, but seamlessly slipped into the various roles his captain requested.Related

Stokes 'definitely on course' to bowl in first Ashes Test

Josh Tongue added to England men's Test squad to face Ireland

Tongue included in England Ashes squad

Stokes confident he can be England's Ashes allrounder

“He must think I’m a pretty good bloke giving him his Test debut,” Stokes joked, speaking after he had led the team to an 11th win in 13 Tests. The sentiment is clearly reciprocated because of Tongue’s expertise and enthusiasm.”I told him the role that I saw him playing in this team as our third seamer, and used him in a way to get different types of spells out of one bowler,” Stokes added.”His first spell, he came on and bowled really well pitching the ball up. Then we looked to use his pace to use him as the aggressor when we needed to and the wicket got a bit flat. For him to show he’s more than one type of bowler does us the world of good as a team going forward, knowing we’ve found someone else who can fulfil the role of the guys with the extra pace.”There was durability, too – a characteristic Stokes admires in others, even if his own is under the spotlight because of chronic issues with his left knee. That Tongue maintained his speeds not just over two innings but also long spells surprised the captain.Over the final 24 hours of this match, there were eight overs straight (taking 3 for 27) on Friday evening, before seven- (1 for 29) and six-over stints (1 for 10) across Saturday, and that is a testament to Tongue’s journey to this call-up. This time last year, he was contemplating retirement after 15 months on the sidelines because of thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder.”Bowling the long spell yesterday and two long spells today, I wasn’t quite sure of how to manage him so early on,” said Stokes. “But I was very, very impressed with the way he just said yes to the plans I wanted him to operate under.”Having toured with the England Lions at the start of the year – taking five on debut no less, against Sri Lanka A – Tongue returned knowing Test cricket was within reach. It helped, too, that Rob Key was watching that performance in Galle, having presented Tongue with his Lions cap.The managing director was no doubt pivotal in stating Tongue’s case around the selection table, particularly when it became apparent that England needed to cover the absences of Anderson, Wood and Ollie Robinson. Key’s opinion, along with that of ECB performance director Mo Bobat who coached the Lions, would have ensured the seamer was not judged solely on a rather unspectacular haul of 11 Division Two wickets at an average of 41.45 in the County Championship this season.During those four Championship appearances, there was a sense from some at Worcestershire that Tongue was trying a bit too hard to push on to the next level, delivering a few more boundary balls than he ordinarily have done. Nevertheless, there were sound spells in that period too, including trapping Steven Smith lbw in the Australian’s first match of his Sussex stint. Of course, that’s not the sole reason he was included for the Ashes squad for the first two Tests. But it does back up what many who have seen Tongue develop into this strapping, 6’4″ quick – he has a knack of getting out good players.You could perhaps put Harry Tector in that bracket, though the Irishman’s demise was squarely his own fault. A fourth half-century had been bagged before Tector slapped a long-hop to backward point, where Harry Brook took the catch. Similarly, Fionn Hand was culpable for his demise – Tongue’s fifth – with exactly the kind of flash to second slip you would expect from a No.10 batter.But Tongue’s opening burst on Friday evening for his first three wickets was proper, and in many ways the perfect distillation of what he offers. As were the 13 overs, 0 for 40, on day one, which was the prologue to him raising the ball to all sides of the ground on Saturday.”He was very unlucky not to get a wicket in the first innings but he definitely reaped the rewards [in the second],” Stokes said. “The way he bowled contributed to the five wickets he got in that innings because they were already on the back foot against him, knowing he’s got that extra bit of pace. He can bowl 90mph full and short, so he was sort of one step ahead in the second innings already because of how he bowled in the first innings.”Ahead of that maiden spell, Stokes had taken it upon himself to strip away as much of the occasion as possible, once James Anderson had presented Tongue his cap. It was only when Tongue came onto bowl after 10 overs on day one that there was anything akin to a pep talk.”I kept it simple,” Stokes said. “I told him to just run in and do what you do – and then I’ll worry about the rest of the stuff. Let the lad go out and bowl in the way that’s got him here in the first place.”By all accounts, he did not seem daunted by coming into a side on such a high. Vice-captain Ollie Pope remarked on Friday that it had not looked like Tongue was around the squad for the first time. On personality as well as skill, he has fitted into the dressing-room.”Everyone is real easy to get on with and I guess it helps someone like that, who no doubt would have been quite nervous and anxious about being in his first dressing-room as an England player for the first time,” Pope said.And now it’s official. It won’t be the last time he sets foot in that dressing-room, certainly not this summer. Having grasped an unlikely opportunity on and off the field, it seems Tongue has banked at least two Ashes Tests.

Fran Kirby has announced her England retirement with immediate effect after failing to make the Lionesses' squad for the European Championships.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Kirby calls time on 11-year England careerForward didn't make Lionesses Euros squadNews comes just days after Earps' shock retirementFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Kirby made her England debut back in 2014 and has gone on to win 77 caps for her country, with the stand-out moment of an electric career coming when she helped the Lionesses win the Euros on home soil back in 2022. The Brighton forward started all six games in the tournament and scored twice as England won a major title on the women's side for the first time.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

However, with injuries and illness plaguing her along the way, Kirby has not been as central for England in the three years since that triumph and was informed by head coach Sarina Wiegman that she would not be in the squad for the Euros this summer. Having already decided that this was going to be her final tournament with the team, the 31-year-old has now announced her retirement from international duty – news which came just five days after goalkeeper Mary Earps chose to do the same.

WHAT KIRBY SAID

Speaking to , Kirby said of the decision: "It is something I have been thinking about for over a year. I knew this was going to be my last major tournament. The plan was to retire after the Euros but after speaking to Sarina, I'm not going to make the squad. It was like a dagger to my heart but also a weight off my shoulders all at the same time. It was emotional for both of us but we both respected what each person was saying.

"When I woke up in the morning after telling Sarina, I didn't feel any regret. That's when I knew I'd made the right decision. I've been on this team for a long time, it's not going to be a shock that it was coming to an end. You get to a certain age and there are some really good youngsters that are coming through."

In a full statement on social media, Kirby added: "I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened. It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl. I’ve played with incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have some irreplaceable memories."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Upon the announcement of the news, Wiegman said of Kirby: “Fran has given so much to England and has been an inspiration to so many for what she has achieved on and off the pitch. I have loved working with her, she is an amazing player and a great person. I fully understand her decision to say goodbye at this point in her wonderful career, and we will always be grateful for her incredible contribution to the team.

"I am just happy that she will continue to show her top ability in club football. Fran is a unique talent and plays football in a way that excites the fans and has earned the respect of all who have played with and against her. We will miss her of course and I look forward to the chance to honour her in the right way later this year."

Manchester City have already agreed personal terms to sign a £60m player this summer who is also being eyed by Liverpool.

Man City transfer rumours as Guardiola eyes 3rd FA Cup crown

The Citizens may not be lifting a fifth successive Premier League title this season, however, they can still end a disappointing campaign with silverware in the FA Cup. A win at Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon will ensure another trip to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-finals and leave Pep Guardiola on course to lift a third FA Cup crown.

Pep Guardiola’s honours at Man City

Premier League

6

FA Cup

2

EFL Cup

4

Champions League

1

Super Cup

1

Community Shield

3

Club World Cup

1

However, away from the pitch, those behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium appear to be working on summer signings after what was a busy winter window that saw five players arrive. Deals for Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah were sealed in January, and talks have already been held over a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

Related Big upgrade on Foden: Man City want to sign "world-class" £108m star

Manchester City are looking to upgrade on Phil Foden with this standout buy.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Mar 25, 2025

Elsewhere, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has claimed in recent days that Man City want to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, whereas they are also showing an interest in Southampton gem Tyler Dibling.

One player who City didn’t sign at the beginning of 2025 despite trying was Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso. Valued at £60m, Cambiaso remained in Turin, but it looks as if a move to Manchester could be on the cards this summer.

Man City agree personal terms with Andrea Cambiaso

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Juventus are likely to sell Cambiaso at the end of the season, and Man City are once again keen. In fact, Man City have already reached a personal term agreement with Cambiaso, however, Liverpool could threaten a move with the Reds on the search for a new full-back to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 25-year-old is a two-footed full-back who can play on either flank and has a career-high €40m Transfermarkt valuation. Therefore, it’s no surprise that commentator Leonardo Bertozzi has labelled Cambiaso as “versatile”, whereas Milan legend Mauro Tassotti also hailed the defender at the end of 2023.

“I was immediately struck by Andrea’s ability to play both left and right. And above all his ability to kick with both feet.

“I haven’t yet understood whether he is right or left-footed. In this sense, he is similar to Paolo Maldini who however was much more powerful from a physical standpoint, had incredible charisma and was also very strong defensively, so much so that he ended his career as a centre-back.

“But Cambiaso has now made a rapid jump. In Bologna, he did very well. And at Juventus, when given the chance to play, he made the most of it.”

It looks as if City have already got an agreement in place with Cambiaso, however, a fee will still need to be agreed with Juventus, who are ideally hoping more clubs will join the race to start a bidding war.

Liverpool chief Michael Edwards has been given the green light to use €150m of transfer funds on Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Liverpool trying to agree deal with Leverkusen
• Two previous bids rejected
• German side holding firm on valuation

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool have already had two previous bids for Wirtz rejected by Leverkusen but could well strike an agreement with the Bundesliga side soon, according to . They claim Fernando Carro, Leverkusen's CEO, is holding out for a fee between €140m and €150, and the good news for the Reds is that chief executive Michael Edwards has been given the green light by the club's owners to use the latter sum in order to get a deal over the line.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wirtz is said to have already agreed personal terms on a move to Anfield, having enjoyed a spectacular 2023-24 campaign when he led Leverkusen to a historic domestic double. He has been linked with giants all around Europe but it now seems likely that the Reds will win the race and both clubs want a deal wrapped up as soon as possible.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Wirtz is also thought to be keen on taking the number 10 shirt at Liverpool, but that could be an issue as the current incumbent of that jersey is Alexis Mac Allister, who has been brilliant since swapping Brighton on the south coast for Merseyside.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR WIRTZ AND LIVERPOOL?

  Liverpool fans will get the chance to inspect their potential new signing firstly on Wednesday night, with Wirtz expected to feature in Germany's clash with Portugal for a place in the Nations League final. The club, meanwhile, will continue attempting to thrash out a deal with Leverkusen which could become the most expensive incoming Premier League transfer ever.