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Sri Lanka will hope his form and class doesn’t taper off, like it did for some of the promising young batters in the last 10 years

Andrew Fidel Fernando28-Jan-2025To start with, the whole idea just feels off. A sober stock-take on the career of Kamindu Mendis at the beginning of only his second serious Test year? Yah, who asked for this?So much more fun to be stuck in that Kamindu Mendis fever dream. An average of 74 after 17 Test innings? Uff! Five hundreds out of nine 50-plus scores? Yes please. All 1110 of his runs from No. 5 or lower? That’s the stuff. And have you seen how this brother flicks even the fastest Test bowlers through the air over square leg? Right off his toes, sometimes all the way for six.But there are potentially universes where worse things happen. In one of the more cursed timelines, there might exist a pre-series column focusing on Kamindu, in which there is significant bringing back to reality, a ruining of the vibe, a killing of the buzz.Related

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Such a column might point out that Kamindu had his first less-than-stellar series in South Africa, where he averaged an unusually human 26.50 across four innings. He got some excellent deliveries from South Africa’s quicks, but there did also seem to be a tiny weakness to the shorter ball in the channel, angling across him from the right-arm seamers.There could also be warnings. Kamindu is not the first Sri Lankan batter to emerge in the last 10 years from whom greatness was expected. Many of those expectations haven’t quite panned out, with several batters unable to consolidate careers after starting well, and others plataeuing earlier than expected. There is the not wanting to thrust the mantle of greatness on him too early, but also the hard facts of middle-order runs needing to be scored if Sri Lanka are to improve, and Kamindu being pretty well-placed to score them.Or perhaps that column would draw attention to the greatest buzzkill subject of all – the Test schedule. Tests, the only format in which Kamindu has truly excelled at international level, are in short supply for Sri Lanka this year. Following this two-match series against Australia, there is a two-Test series against Bangladesh mid-year, and then nothing on the books until the middle of 2026, when Sri Lanka travel to the West Indies. Sri Lanka’s next World Test Championship cycle features exactly 12 Tests – the minimum required.(In the second Test of this Australia series, Dimuth Karunaratne is set to play his 100th Test. It may ultimately not matter how consistently Kamindu scores big runs, it seems unlikely he can play 100 Tests if Sri Lanka average only six matches a year.)Such a column might conclude that although Kamindu has had the best possible start to his Test career, the year ahead may be the definitive one for him. For starters, anyone who has had a year like Kamindu’s 2024 will now have had their technique pored over by opposition analysts and coaches. Bowlers will come with theories on how to get him out. Too often in the last 10 years, opposition bowlers have been right about young Sri Lanka batters.Beyond this, another exam. With Sri Lanka’s Test schedule likely to dwindle, there is also now the heat to become a more productive limited-overs player. Kamindu’s domestic T20 career in particular suggests that he has the range and skill to become a success in white-ball cricket, but he is yet to crack the shorter formats in international cricket.It is not often that a batter who has scored more than a thousand Test runs in the previous calendar year has this many hurdles still to overcome. But cricket’s sands are shifting, and these are the breaks.On Kamindu’s side is his obvious talent for expanding his game. But also, the fact that the next challenge is one he should relish – playing two Tests in his home town, in the format he has already made a name for himself in. He also averages 123.33 in Galle, after three Tests there.But Australia’s tall fast bowlers will have watched the footage from South Africa, and will try him where they think he is weak. And this next step is where many Sri Lanka batters have stumbled.Or so at least that column would say.

India’s batsmen have an opportunity to slay a demon: batting to save a Test. It’s their third opportunity to pass such an examination in 2008. They would want to forget the first two efforts

Cricinfo staff12-Oct-2008
The key to India’s chances could lie with Rahul Dravid and his ability to bat time irrespective of whether runs are forthcoming © AFP
India’s batsmen have an opportunity to slay a demon: batting to save a Test. It’s their third opportunity to pass such an examination in 2008. They would want to forget the first two efforts.In January, Australia declared shortly before lunch on the final day in Sydney, a situation that is likely to recur tomorrow. India were one down at the break but all out in 70.5 overs with minutes to go before stumps. A few months later in Colombo, Sri Lanka made India follow on with a little more than five sessions to go. They didn’t even last two. At this venue in 2005, India were 103 for 1 at lunch on the fifth day against Pakistan. After Virender Sehwag’s dismissal, however, they batted in super-slow mode and collapsed for 214.The dangers they face in trying to keep this Test off that list include the vagaries of a fifth-day pitch, an accurate pace attack and customised field placements. In the 13th over of the Australian innings, Zaheer Khan trapped Matthew Hayden lbw with late swing; during the final session an offbreak from Harbhajan Singh spat off the pitch and bounced so high that Shane Watson and Mahendra Singh Dhoni were both beaten. The uncertainties in bounce, and the slowness of the pitch, helped exert control over the scoring rate. Both factors will be enhanced on day five.The Indian fast bowlers, Zaheer and Ishant Sharma, looked the most threatening in the given conditions. They swung the new ball, got the old one to reverse early and forced the batsman to play by bowling straight. Australia possess a four-pronged pace attack: Stuart Clark, elbow injury permitting, will attempt to contain at one end; Brett Lee and Watson will try to hit pads and stumps with inswing or reverse; Johnson’s deliveries slanted across the right-handers tempt them into driving on a slow pitch.The Indians have plenty of first-innings mistakes to learn form where they fell into specific traps. Gautam Gambhir played across the line to an inswinger; Sehwag edged a wide delivery; Sachin Tendulkar drove too hard at a slow ball and spooned a catch. VVS Laxman and Mahendra Singh Dhoni were unable to find new areas of opportunity once their strong zones were cut off.Harbhajan and Zaheer showed that aggressive batting could succeed in beating the pitch and the field. Their approach, blocking when they had to and trying to force the pace at other times, was not a one-off. Watson and Brad Haddin made it work as well. The Australians were scoring at just over two an over but the Watson-Haddin partnership went along at nearly four.The key to India’s chances could lie with the batsman who best dealt with the stifling conditions in the first innings – Rahul Dravid and his ability to bat time irrespective of whether runs are forthcoming. He has the best fourth innings – 57.41 since 2000 – among the Indian batsmen. Gambhir averages 55 but he’s played only four innings while Ganguly, Tendulkar and Laxman are below 40. Sehwag scored his only second-innings century earlier this year and averages 30 in the final innings.The examination of India’s much-vaunted batting line-up will begin the moment Ricky Ponting decides it’s time to declare on Monday.

Celtic could be looking to make new signings in the January transfer window, but some "interesting" Hoops exit news could also come to fruition, according to an update from journalist Dean Jones.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops still find themselves in a strong position in the Scottish Premiership title race, even though Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Motherwell was a disappointing result. Fortunately, Rangers' dropped points by the same scoreline at Aberdeen means that no ground has been gained on Brendan Rodgers' side, who still hold an eight-point advantage at the top of the table, having played one game extra.

Celtic signal January transfer plans; Rodgers convinced he can land targets

Celtic are keen to strengthen in January to give them an edge in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership title…

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 26, 2023

Celtic aren't firing on all cylinders, however, and the January transfer window will allow Rodgers to make new signings in key areas, should he feel the need to. A recent update suggests that the Hoops are looking to bring in three new players in January, one of which is a goalkeeper, creating more competition for places in the process.

There is also a chance that certain fringe players leave Parkhead midway through the season, and a key update has emerged regarding the future of one such individual.

James McCarthy expected to leave Celtic

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones said that James McCarthy's time as a Celtic player could come to an end in January, having struggled to feature regularly for some time.

"It'll be interesting to see what opportunities come along for James McCarthy in January. I certainly think we will be hearing of some links. He does feel like a forgotten man at Celtic right now, so I think that they have to consider what the future is going to look like and whether he's a part of it. I think it seems unlikely right now."

In truth, January feels like the right time for McCarthy's Celtic adventure to come to an end, considering how much he has struggled to be a key man under Rodgers, while Jones also suggested we could see Marco Tilio leave the club in search of game time.

This season, the 33-year-old hasn't played a single minute of action for the Hoops, highlighting his struggles, and incredibly, he hasn't actually featured in a single game for Celtic since last October, in a Scottish League Cup clash with Motherwell in 2022/23.

It is pointless keeping McCarthy around for any longer than January, especially as the former Everton man is earning £14,000 per week at Parkhead for essentially contributing next to nothing to the cause, and the hope is that another club come in for him in January.

Appearances

27

Goals

0

Assists

1

At 33, McCarthy's best days looks to be behind him, however, so there may not necessarily be a long queue of clubs waiting to snap him up – the Celtic man has also been dogged by injuries down the years – but it makes sense for all parties for him to enjoy a new challenge during the autumn of his career.

McCarthy is conracted with the Hoops until the summer of 2025, but they need to sell him as soon as possible, rather than simply end up losing him on a free transfer when his deal eventually expires.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, after suffering his first league defeat of the season on Monday, is having to contend with more bad injury news.

Spurs absentees in full

The Lilywhites succumbed to a 4-1 home loss against Chelsea in the Premier League, an entertaining encounter for the neutral but one which Postecoglou may be looking to forget in a hurry. There were real positives to take from the game, as Spurs were praised for their boldness playing a high line despite being down to nine men in the second half.

However, the match also saw numerous key players leave the field. Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie are now absent following red cards against Mauricio Pochettino's side, but far more concerningly, both James Maddison and Micky van de Ven were forced off through injury.

Maddison sustained a knock to the ankle, according to Postecoglou after the game, while van de Ven's problem is looking far more "significant" after he hobbled away from the grass clutching his hamstring.

"It's too early but looking at Micky you're thinking it's a pretty significant one so you'd assume he'll be out for a little while." said Postecoglou on Maddison and van de Ven.

"Madders got a knock on the ankle and we'll just have to assess him and see how it is."

The duo have been absolutely pivotal to Tottenham's early-season run of form, which saw Postecoglou make the best start of any new manager in Premier League history.

Maddison, van de Ven, Romero and Udogie join Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon, Alfie Whiteman and Ben Davies on the absentee list. Postecoglou, as per news in the last 24 hours, will now be without another player for the foreseeable.

Richarlison set for surgery

Indeed, forward Richarlison's announced he's set for surgery on a long-term issue with his pubic bone, with Fabrizio Romano sharing the update. The Brazil international appears set for a spell on the sidelines as a result, with Postecoglou's injury issues now mounting at N17.

“The last few months haven’t been easy for me… I’ve had health problems," said Richarlison on Tuesday.

"I’ve already spoken to the doctors and soon I will do surgery on my pubis. I think it’s time to rest”.

Despite criticism at points, Richarlison had been a mainstay for Spurs this season – starting seven league matches and playing in ten overall. The 26-year-old was on the bench for their match against Chelsea but didn't feature, but it is unclear if his pubic bone issue is the reason why. Speaking after Richarlison's match-winning goal and assist in a dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United in September, Postecoglou called him a "fantastic" player.

Likes to cut inside

Gets fouled often

Indirect set-piece threat

Likes to tackle

"He’s a fantastic footballer," said Postecoglou on Richarlison to Match of the Day.

"He’s got so much to give and that can help ease the burden he’s feeling in other parts of his life, like so many of us. I’m really pleased for him – I thought he did really well. We were obviously chasing a goal and getting some balls in the box and he’s always a threat in the air.”

A rejuvenated Chelsea showed more signs of improvement in their performance against Arsenal, racing into a 2-0 lead at Stamford Bridge before the Gunners battled back late on to salvage a point.

The Blues will have been bitterly disappointed to have dropped two points from a strong position, however, the result did see them avoid a record fourth-straight Premier League loss at home to their North London rivals.

It also saw plenty of their stars rise up to the occasion and put in a sublime performance on Saturday evening.

Who were Chelsea's standout performers v Arsenal?

A revived Mykhaylo Mudryk sent out a huge statement on his return to the starting XI and put in a complete performance.

The 22-year-old earned the spot kick which Cole Palmer dispatched before getting the name on the scoresheet himself as his suspected cross looped into the net over goalkeeper David Raya.

It's been an underwhelming start to his career in West London but the Ukraine international, who was described by those close to him as a "sleeping superstar" in the Chelsea squad, as per TEAMtalk, has certainly showcased those star-like qualities against Arsenal, lighting up the crowd with his pace and trickery while helping his side out in a defensive capacity.

In his 66 minutes on the pitch, Mudryk's all-action performance saw him attempt two crosses, record a shot on target and draw two fouls, but also track back for his team, winning two of his four ground duels, blocking one shot and making one interception, as per SofaScore.

He wasn't the only player to shine in the defensive third for the Blues as Mauricio Pochettino lavished praise on left-back Marc Cucurella for his impressive display against the Gunners.

The Argentine said: “He is training really well, that is why he playing like today, against a very good player like Saka."

Indeed, Cucurella limited one of the most dangerous wingers on the planet through his tough tackling and tenacious defensive work, recording the most tackles in the match (5), winning seven of his 13 ground duels, making two clearances, and blocking one shot, as per Sofascore.

After impressive performances against Fulham and Burnley, in which he completed at least 90% of his attempted passes, it was his best display against Arsenal that has begun to show why he deserves more respect and certainly a place in the starting XI.

How has Marc Cucurella performed this season?

Pochettino has significantly improved Conor Gallagher but it is the form of Cucurella, who turned down the chance to move to Newcastle United and Manchester United in the summer, that has caught the eye.

The 25-year-old ace has flourished while playing as a right or left back and Chelsea are yet to lose a game that the Spaniard has started this season, shutting out the noise that came from his £62m price tag and reminding many why the Blues and Manchester City were neck on neck to sign him after his sensational performances for Brighton.

With first-choice left-back Ben Chilwell sidelined till December, Cucurella has taken his opportunity to impress Pochettino while the manner of his performance against Bukayo Saka, who failed to get any loose change out of his opponent, has accentuated that point further.

Described by Pochettino as "super professional", Cucurella's transformation from being on the brink to leaving the club as a flop to now one of Chelsea's most influential players is a testament to the dedication and perseverance that the Spaniard has shown.

During his renaissance at Stamford Bridge, the £175k per-week dynamo has been outperforming Chilwell in a defensive capacity, averaging more balls recovered than the Englishman (7.0/3.0), tackles (3.7/0.8), interceptions (1/3/0.5) and clearances (3.0/0.5) per game at league level this term, as per Sofascore.

Although Chilwell has been deployed in a more advanced role under Pochettino, it is no coincidence that Chelsea have performed significantly better in a defensive capacity since throwing Cucurella into battle with the Spanish international now undroppable due to his impressive displays.

Everton recruited five new players over the summer, but a reliable journalist has claimed that one of them is not quite performing to the level expected in the Premier League.

Who are Everton's new signings?

At Goodison Park, Beto and Youssef Chermiti arrived on a permanent basis before the transfer deadline on September 1st, whilst Jack Harrison joined on a season-long loan from Leeds United, followed by Ashley Young who put pen to paper for free from Aston Villa, as per Transfermarkt.

Another player to walk through the doors temporarily following a failed move in January is Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma, with the left-winger having so far only made three starts in the top-flight.

The Dutchman was Sean Dyche’s hero having scored the winning goal during the 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers back in August, but despite this, one reporter has admitted that he feels as if the 26-year-old isn’t fully showing what he’s capable of.

What has Paul Brown said about Arnaut Danjuma?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Paul Brown has suggested that Danjuma hasn't yet done enough to prove the Blues' long-time interest in him worthwhile:

“Yeah, I don't really know how much Everton were expecting from Danjuma. Obviously, they went for him before and he turned them down to go to Spurs. So they've looked at this guy for quite a long time and like what he does. Whether he's got enough to be a regular starter over the course of a season, I really don't know.

"I think he's going to need to show a lot more consistency to get in that team on a regular basis. I suspect that he's probably not in Dyche's mind as a regular starter and that he would prefer to use him more as a kind of impact player from the bench, which is really what he mostly did for Spurs. And in that role, he could be quite important this season.

"But yeah, I think if he wants to be playing every week, he needs to show a lot more than he has so far."

Is Arnaut Danjuma any good?

According to reliable journalist Josh Bunting, Danjuma is a “quality” forward, and whilst he’s yet to be given a consistent run in the side, the fact that he’s scored two goals in his opening eight appearances shows that he has bags of potential to offer at Everton.

The Lagos native, who earns £53k-per-week, has also recorded a total of 16 shots so far this season, which is actually more than any of his fellow teammates, via FBRef, highlighting his constant desire to find the back of the net at Goodison (information correct prior to today's match vs Luton Town).

Furthermore, Danjuma is a versatile operator having been deployed in seven different positions over the pitch since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so he is a fantastic option for the boss to have at his disposal if he can find some form and confidence.

England’s limited-overs captain expects to only be out for a week, but will be replaced in the World XI team by Sam Billings

ESPNcricinfo staff29-May-2018Eoin Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain, has pulled out of the World XI charity T20 against West Indies after suffering a finger injury. He will be replaced in the team by Sam Billings, with Shahid Afridi taking his place as captain.Morgan sustained a crack to the ring finger on his right hand while fielding in Middlesex’s last Royal London Cup game. England expected him to be out for 7-10 days, meaning he would be fit to lead the ODI side against Scotland on June 10, ahead of their five-match series against Australia.England are set to announce their ODI squad on Wednesday, but Morgan was hopeful of returning for Middlesex before the end of their Royal London Cup campaign.”It caught me on the top of the finger, initially it was quite bruised,” Morgan said. “I went for a precautionary X-ray about two hours ago and there’s a slight fracture at the top of my ring finger on my right hand.”It’s not a huge concern, one we can hopefully manage past about a week, once the swelling goes down. It’s not fractured into the joint, which is a really good result, but obviously disappointing to miss any cricket.”Surrey allrounder Sam Curran, who has yet to be capped by England, and left-arm quick Tymal Mills have also been added to the World XI squad as cover for Thursday’s game at Lord’s.Morgan was absent from the early weeks of the season after breaking a thumb in the nets, but was fit enough to play his first Championship match in three years in May. He has since featured in five Royal London Cup games, scoring two half-centuries, but will definitely miss Wednesday’s game against Hampshire at the Merchant Taylors’ School.

da fazobetai： As the Champions League anthem rang out around the Emirates Stadium on match day one of the competition, Arsenal fans rejoiced.

da betsul： It had been a tough wait for more continental football at Europe's top table but oh how they've made a marker since returning to the competition.

Mikel Arteta's men haven't had a perfect record this season, notably losing away at Lens, but they have won every other match, including the return fixture with the Ligue 1 side on Wednesday night at home.

How Arsenal beat Lens

It was a scintillating performance from the Gunners who ran out 6-0 winners, just one goal shy of equalling their record win in the competition.

Kai Havertz, fresh from winning the game against Brentford last weekend, opened the scoring by prodding home from close range and then it was goal after goal from that moment onwards.

Gabriel Jesus then put two Lens defenders on the ground before sliding the ball home for a two goal advantage, with further goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Jorginho rounding off proceedings.

The Londoners led 4-0 after just 27 minutes played, before Odegaard's superb volley on the stroke of half-time made it five.

Unsurprisingly, Arteta's men were not as rampant in the second period, with Jorginho's late penalty after a handball ended the game in the best way possible.

It was a landmark moment for many in red and white, not least Havertz who arguably delivered his best performance in an Arsenal shirt yet, while Saka's goal and assist means he is now the leading contributor of goal involvements in the Champions League this term. Not bad for a youngster making his debut in the competition.

Related 9/10 star delivers best Arsenal display yet in Gunners player ratings vs Lens

Arsenal romped to a 6-0 victory over Lens in the Champions League.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Nov 29, 2023

That said, there was one man who didn't get on the scoresheet but deserved just as much praise for his showing at the Emirates; Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Tomiyasu's performance in numbers vs Lens

The Japanese defender has had to be patient for regular opportunities during his time in the English capital.

When he first signed from Bologna in a bargain £16m move, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solekhol memorably suggested that sources didn't know whether he was a right-back or centre-back.

Well, how that has come back to bite him. Indeed, Tomiyasu is perhaps one of the most underappreciated and under-the-radar members of this Arsenal squad.

That said, there is a reason Arteta once suggested that he thinks the full-back is one of the finest defenders he's seen.

Commenting on Tomiyasu earlier this term, the Spaniard said: "He can play in any position in the backline, any formation in the backline – we don’t have a player like him. His defending is probably one of the best that I’ve seen in many situations."

That has been seen first-hand in recent weeks, but the 25-year-old saved his best performance of the season – certainly from an offensive point of view – for Lens on Wednesday evening.

His athleticism and power is rather staggering. You wouldn't look at him and expect that to be the case. Indeed, Tomiyasu is an understated character but when tasked with defending a tricky attacker or running with the ball at his feet, he comes alive.

Takehiro Tomiyasu vs Lens

Minutes Played

45

Touches

34

Pass Success

18/22 (82%)

Assists

2

Key Passes

3

Expected Assists (xA)

0.36

Crosses

1/1

Long Balls

3/4

Duels Won

0/2

Stats via Sofascore.

Truth be told, he didn't have a huge amount of defending to do in midweek, faced with just two defensive duels – of which he lost both – but going forward he was as good as anyone we've seen in that position at Arsenal down the years.

Tomiyasu became an "assist machine" – as per reporter Connor Humm – creating two goals for his troubles, the first of which was a miraculous cross-field ball.

Whether or not he meant it merely as a clearance, it was still a fabulous delivery to the left-hand channel where Martinelli was waiting. The Brazilian drove at the Lens defence before curling the ball beyond Brice Samba. Liquid football.

The second assist was just as nice. Supporting Saka down the right-hand side, the former Bologna man galloped forward like a champion horse before laying a dinked cross on a plate for Odegaard to slam home.

Substituted at half-time, it was a testament to just how important he has become to this Arsenal team, leaving the field with a 100% cross success, as well as supplying three key passes, the most of anyone on the pitch. That's quite something from a defender in a 6-0 victory, but it proved Tomiyasu is certainly not a one-trick pony. He offers just about everything you could want from a full-back.

da doce： Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly set his sights on signing another "wonderkid" at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea transfer targets – 2024

da dobrowin： The Todd Boehly-led club, despite spending nearly £400 million in the last summer transfer window, could bring in yet more talent to bolster Pochettino's options in 2024. A lot of the noise has centered around the possibility of a new striker. Chelsea are interested in Ivan Toney from Brentford, according to recent reports, as the Englishman could well leave his current club in January. Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is a target for Chelsea as well in that regard, but it appears the west Londoners may also be sticking true to their policy of buying young talent.

They're reportedly tempted by signing Gavi from Barcelona, if the 19-year-old were to become unavailable. The Spaniard would add to their roster of incredible talents from across the globe, and he isn't the only one turning heads at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's policy of buying young stars

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano recently revealed Chelsea's delight with Ecuadorian starlet Kendry Paez, who will apparently join in 2025. Indeed, the 16-year-old is apparently overjoying those in charge of Chelsea with his form.

"It’s becoming clearer all the time that Chelsea have signed a fantastic talent," wrote Romano.

"Paez will move to Stamford Bridge in 2025, with Chelsea winning the race for his signature earlier this year when other big clubs like Manchester United and Bayern Munich were also interested in him. The Blues also increasingly feel that they got an absolute bargain for the teenage midfielder, whose value has probably already shot up since they agreed the package for him. It was not easy for Chelsea to arrive there ahead of other clubs, so it’s a great job by their recruitment team, and a smart deal."

Over the summer, Chelsea also secured a few excellent deals for rising stars. Perhaps chief among them is Cole Palmer from Man City, who had scored important goals in both the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup for City before joining Pochettino.

Chelsea eyeing Dino Klapija

Now, the Blues are said to have a new "wonderkid" on their radar. Indeed, Chelsea are eyeing Croatian teenager Dino Klapija as an option for the future. That is according to The Daily Mail and journalist Simon Jones, who say that the in-demand Klapija is attracting interest from Arsenal, Man United, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund as well.

The striker is already valued at around £5 million by NK Kustosija, who are "willing" to sell in January if this price tag is met. Klapija is described as a very promising talent, not to mention "strong, quick and a sharp finisher off both feet" by the Mail. However, if Chelsea are to win the race for his signature, they may have to act pretty quickly.

The "main threat" for them comes from Germany, as both Leipzig and Dortmund apparently want to open talks over a deal for the forward in November.

da betsul： Things are on the up for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta has his sights set on securing the club their first Premier League title since 2004 after falling short last season.

da betano casino： The Spaniard has unearthed the next generation of heroes at the Emirates, nurturing his young squad to become some of the best on show in Europe with Champions League football restored.

Returning to the class of Europe’s elite was a high point for the Gunners in the 2022/23 campaign, however the vast signs of progression within the team were overcast by missing out on the league title by five points.

All in all, Arsenal have taken a turn for the better after a testing few years at the club, where players have come and gone without hitting the heights that have been met by Arteta’s stars of today.

The north Londoners underwent a spell of mediocrity by their standards, highlighted by their change in the trajectory of activity in the transfer market, with Arsenal now looking like the place to be rather than a place to end up.

There were many transfers that epitomised the lack of pull at times at the Emirates, with one notably being an absolute fail as Arsenal hoped to make one club's trash their treasure.

When did Arsenal sign Petr Cech?

In the summer of 2015, it was announced that Arsenal had agreed a deal to sign Chelsea legend Petr Cech from the Blues.

The goalkeeper, who signed at 33 years old, had spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge and had won most domestic accolades available during his tenure.

It wasn’t the first time that the Blues had exchanged business with Arsenal, as Cech joined a host of players that had made the move from west to north London, a list that now sits at eight players long.

Players that have directly moved from Chelsea to Arsenal

William Gallas

2006

Lassana Diarra

2007

Yossi Benayoun

2011

Petr Cech

2015

David Luiz

2019

Willian

2020

Jorginho

2023

Kai Havertz

2023

From the Champions League to four Premier League titles, Cech arrived at Arsenal as one of the most decorated players in England, but his £10m arrival was a sign of the difference in outlook between the Blues and the Gunners.

The 6 foot 5 shot stopper had run his course at the Bridge, and his time was up as Chelsea saw Thibaut Courtois as their number one, handing their rivals their leftovers to attempt to make something good from it.

How good was Petr Cech?

Having secured 494 appearances for the west Londoners, the Czech Republic international had managed to keep a phenomenal 228 clean sheets throughout his time with the Blues.

Cech conceded just 393 goals during his 11 seasons at the club, an impeccable feat for a goalkeeper who was consistently regarded as one of the best in Europe, supported by his four Golden Glove wins in the Premier League.

The consistency of Cech’s level of performance was made even more remarkable by the fact his career was almost cut short in 2006, suffering an injury that could have cost more than his time as a player.

In a match up against Reading, the legendary shot-stopped was involved in a costly collision, seeing him suffer a life-threatening skull fracture, which resulted in him having two metal plates fitted into his skull during emergency surgery.

Three months later, the keeper returned to training sporting a protective skull cap that became a trademark in the Premier League and a badge of bravery and resilience to continue playing the sport.

From his heroics at the 2012 Champions League final, handing Chelsea their first win of the prestigious prize, to his impeccable reliability between the sticks for over a decade, Cech was wished well as he endeavoured on a new challenge in north London.

While the 124-cap international will forever be remembered as one of the best to play in the Premier League, his time at Arsenal was far from the glitz and glamour of his time at Stamford Bridge.

How did Petr Cech perform at Arsenal?

Arsenal were aware that they’d signed a Chelsea veteran in 33-year-old Cech, however the limited version of the goalkeeper they had purchased was a shell of the colossus that charmed the Blues.

To put into perspective just how poor the Premier League legend’s time was in north London, he kept just 54 clean sheets in 139 appearances for the Gunners, conceding 158 goals in that time.

Considering that Cech had conceded 101 goals fewer than his total number of appearances for Chelsea, it was new territory for him to be so exposed between the posts, as Arsenal quickly realised they hadn’t signed the hero that had previously been on show in England.

Petr Cech's career record at Arsenal and Chelsea

Arsenal

Chelsea

Appearances

139

494

Clean Sheets

54

228

Goals conceded

158

393

Figures via Transfermarkt

In a wider perspective, prior to his move to the Emirates, the most goals the keeper had conceded in a Premier League season was the 39 he let in during the 2011/12 campaign.

His worst record was quickly updated in north London, as he saw 48 goals go past him in the 2017/18 campaign at the Emirates, signalling the drop off in his game and the challenges he was presented with in Arsene Wenger’s side.

Once described as being “terrible with his feet” and even “worse with his hands” by media network Men in Blazers, Cech’s reputation at Arsenal was far from his at Chelsea as it became increasingly obvious that the keeper was nearing expiration.

On the back of his high-conceding tally in 2017/18, the shot-stopper – who was also dubbed "terrible" at one stage by journalist Phil McNulty – fell down the pecking order to Bernd Leno, who was signed in the summer of 2018, all but confirming the end of his playing career.

In 2019, Cech retired from football, and returned to west London to be named Chelsea’s Technical and Performance Advisor, with his heart firmly at Stamford Bridge after his woeful spell at Arsenal.

How much did Petr Cech cost Arsenal?

Despite arriving at the Emirates past his prime, the Gunners handed the then 33-year-old a salary that matched the one he’d received at Chelsea.

Picking up £100k-per-week during his first two seasons at Arsenal, his salary was boosted to £110k-per-week in his final two campaigns, taking his total earnings in north London to almost £22m, via Capology.

What is Petr Cech doing now?

Cech’s time as Technical and Performance Advisor ended in 2022, as the scene higher up at the club changed dramatically when Todd Boehly took the hot seat.

After dedicating his life to sport, it wasn’t an option for the goalkeeper to hang up his boots to adhere to his business duties, as he instead opted to pick up his skates and play ice hockey.

In 2019, Cech joined division two NIHL side Guildford Phoenix, where he assumed the role of goaltender and subsequently added to his career accolades by winning the treble with the Phoenix in 2021/22.

This summer, the 41-year-old joined Oxford City Stars, where he was this month commended for his performances and handed man of the match for making 62 saves from 64 shots in a game, via the Daily Mail.

From Premier League hero, to Arsenal zero, to ice hockey sensation, Cech has lived the highest of highs in his sporting career, with plenty of time for the decorated shot-stopper to widen his achievements on the ice.