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Chelsea are still on the hunt for reinforcements to bolster their midfield presence ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign and newly-appointed manager Mauricio Pochettino will be desperate to cement a good first impression.

The former Tottenham Hotspur boss has made a highly-anticipated return to the English top-flight after being sacked by the north London club back in 2019, which led to an 18-month stint with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain where he won every domestic trophy available, including the league title in 2022.

Now Pochettino returns via west London with a point to prove and financial power behind him to repair the ongoing issues at Stamford Bridge, issues that contributed to a 12th place finish in the Premier League last season and failure to secure European football.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

Indeed, it won't be easy for the Argentine boss with a huge project undertaken to rebuild and redevelop the winning culture that has been lost, as well as needing to replace a number of their most experienced players in the squad.

N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech and Cesar Azpilicueta are all first team players who have departed over this summer alone, paving the way for Pochettino to make a fresh start.

Who are Chelsea's transfer targets?

Chelsea have already secured the signing of several new additions with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Andrey Santos joining the club.

It has been reported this week by The Times (via Daily Mail) that the main focus is on the midfield, with Pochettino drawing up a shortlist of midfield targets that includes Leeds United ace Tyler Adams, Brighton and Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo, Ajax whiz Edson Alvarez and Celta Vigo's breakthrough star, Gabri Veiga.

The latter is believed to have a €40m (£35m) release clause in his current contract and has been linked to both Liverpool and Manchester City this summer too.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

One of the most shocking transfer moves of the summer has been Mount's switch from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford, with the Cobham academy graduate sealing a £60m move to Manchester United, something that was likely to have been incredibly unpopular with Chelsea supporters who have followed the midfielder's journey from wonderkid to England star.

As a result, it won't be easy to replace Mount's connection with the fans and strong understanding of the club's culture off the pitch, however, Pochettino could bring in a young and hungry player who can emulate his performances on the pitch.

Veiga has quickly become a hot prospect in European football following his rising through the ranks of Celta Vigo's academy to becoming a first team regular, offering versatility in his positioning in the middle third and attacking attributes that have caught the attention of many elite clubs.

As per FBref, the 21-year-old – once hailed a "top talent" by Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano – ranks in the top 12% of midfielders in the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, shots on goal, progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches per 90 minutes played.

When comparing Veiga's output to Mount's last season, the Spaniard comfortably outperformed his positional peer in a number of key attributes including goal contributions (15 v 2), shots on target (46.8% v 27.3%), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.14 v 3.11), successful take-ons (52% v 48.4%) and aerial duels won (52.8% v 39.1%).

Not only that, Veiga offers experience in most midfield roles including attacking, central and defensive which provides Pochettino with reliable depth in the centre of the pitch, another attractive attribute making the young whiz a fantastic prospect for Chelsea next season.

With that being said, if Chelsea did secure the signature of Veiga this summer he would be a worthy successor to replace Mount in the team and if he could continue his outstanding progression in the Premier League, he will be a valuable asset for many years to come.

Dancing down the track to Rangana Herath has proved a productive tactic for India’s batsmen in this series, with the knock-on effect of creating opportunities to score off the back foot as well

Sidharth Monga at the SSC04-Aug-2017Ajinkya Rahane has revealed that India have made a conscious effort to attack the spinners on their tour of Sri Lanka, and in particular use their feet against Rangana Herath, the prime threat. As a result they have piled on successive 600-plus first-innings totals, and have all but neutralised the threat of Herath, whose average against India since fashioning the Galle win in 2015 is 53.61, and economy rate 3.58.In all, India’s batsmen have left the crease 84 times when facing Herath in this series, taking 123 runs off those balls while losing two wickets, Wriddhiman Saha the batsman dismissed on both occasions. It is not just the runs scored off those balls, though. There are also the short balls earned in the bargain.”When we played last time here against Sri Lanka, especially after Galle Test match, we decided that using footwork against him was very important,” Rahane said. “Here again in the first Test, Shikhar [Dhawan, scoring 190] batted really well, but throughout against him and their spinners we wanted to use our footwork so we could get more runs on the back foot. Especially on this kind of wicket, it is very slow and dry, so we knew that if we use our footwork we will get more runs on the back foot.”So when I went in to bat with Pujara we decided to change our momentum because Virat [Kohli] got out and we wanted to put pressure back on them, and that’s what we did. So we knew using footwork we would get more runs on the front foot as well as the back foot.”This was Rahane’s first century since Indore last year, but he said he was confident his batting was in good enough shape. “It was important, but for me I was confident,” Rahane said. “Even throughout that time, not getting a hundred for 9-10 Tests, I was confident about myself. I knew that if I get in I will get to a big one. It was all about thinking positive even throughout that period.”Coming to Sri Lanka, I was batting well in West Indies as well so wanted to carry that form forward. And batted well in the first Test. So here I decided if I play positively I will convert it to a big one.”The result was what Rahane called one of his best innings against spinners. He has historically had some issues against spin even though he has proved himself against quick bowling in South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia. As a No. 5, he often comes in at a time when the ball has begun to turn and reverse. The case here was similar: India had lost two quick wickets, and were 133 for 3 with the ball taking turn. He came out and began to attack the spinners.”My mindset was completely blank coming into this innings,” Rahane said. “I wanted to take my time initially but later on, we thought if we dominate, if we change the momentum, they will be on the back foot straightaway, and that’s what happened. Because the same thinking was in Melbourne [in December 2014] in Australia, wanted to dominate them and that’s what we did.”But here the challenge was slightly different, a spinning-friendly wicket and we knew that if we get a good partnership – because I was talking to Virat in the dressing room before lunch that if we get a 150-200 partnership, one big partnership, they will be on the back foot and that’s what actually happened. Me and [Cheteshwar] Pujara got that partnership.”

West Ham centre-back Nayef Aguerd is reportedly wanted by reigning Serie A champions Napoli in the summer transfer window, in what is a worrying rumour for the Hammers.

How much does Nayef Aguerd earn?

The 27-year-old has been an impressive performer at the London Stadium since arriving from Rennes last summer, becoming a key presence at the heart of the defence, when fully fit and firing.

In the first season in a West Ham, the £64,000-a-week Aguerd made 17 starts in the Premier League, also winning the UEFA Europa Conference League, starting in the victory over Fiorentina in the final. The centre-back made his mark at the 2022 World Cup with Morocco, helping his country reached the semi-finals, starting four matches in the competition.

David Moyes will no doubt be keen to retain Aguerd's services ahead of the new season, seeing him as an important squad player and someone who could still go up another level after adjusting to life in the Premier League.

It could be that West Ham have a battle on their hands to keep hold of the defender, however, following the emergence of a new transfer report regarding his future.

Could Nayef Aguerd leave West Ham?

According to Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], the Hammers' "colossus" of a central defender is wanted by Napoli this summer, having lost key man Kim Min-jae to Bayern Munich earlier in the transfer window.

West Ham want €35m (£29.9m) for the signature of Aguerd, which the Italian giants unwilling to spend, and that could prove to be a potential spanner in the works. Instead, they could look to bring in a cheaper alternative such as VfB Stuttgart's Konstantinos Mavropanos, acting as a possible boost for the east Londoners.

It is essential that the Hammers do all they can to keep Aguerd beyond the current transfer window, with the Moroccan still having so much to offers in the years to come. He is contracted to the club until the summer of 2027, and at 27 years of age, they should be looking for him to see out his current deal, or hopefully even possibly sign a short extension when that date eventually arrives.

Admittedly, injuries have been a little problematic for him to date, which has held him back a little and hampered his amount of playing time, but he has undoubtedly been a key figure when fit, averaging 4.3 clearances per game in the league last season and being described as "exceptional" by Match of the Day presenter and England legend Gary Lineker.

It certainly sounds as though Napoli have been put off by West Ham's asking price for Aguerd, improving the chances of him still plying his trade there when the season-opening Premier League clash away to Bournemouth arrives on August 12th, and if he can remain injury-free for the majority of proceedings moving forward, supporters could see him find a new level in the coming years.

Squad depth is also hugely important for Moyes in 2023/24, so having numerous top-quality centre-back options available is vital, meaning Aguerd wouldn't necessarily be playing every week, which could actually aid his fitness issues.

Chelsea have approached the summer transfer window with a completely different strategy compared to the one they utilised during the January window.

Mauricio Pochettino has so far moved on 13 players permanently, with David Datro Fofana departing on loan, yet the Argentinian has signed just four players.

The main reason for this is to balance their spending so they don’t fall foul of the financial fair play rules, yet Pochettino knows that keeping a squad littered with unhappy players is a recipe for disaster.

Who will Chelsea sign next?

The Blues have recently made an offer for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, while Mohammed Kudus has also been linked with a move to the Premier League side.

With Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departing, the club are short on strikers and Pochettino could alleviate that by making a move for Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins.

According to Journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, the Englishman has become a player who is wanted by Pochettino this summer in an effort to bolster his attacking options.

The £75k-per-week hitman still has two years left on his contract and this means Chelsea will need to stump up a big fee in order to lure him to London.

Will Armando Broja leave Chelsea?

Phillips also states via his Substack that Armando Broja could leave the Blues on loan this summer amid interest from West Ham United.

Following a successful spell at Southampton in 2021/22, where he scored nine goals, Broja returned to his parent club that summer, aiming to become a first team regular under Thomas Tuchel.

The youngster ended up playing just 17 matches due to suffering a serious knee injury in December, scoring only one goal and it’s clear that Watkins could be a major upgrade on the Albanian international.

Despite struggling under Steven Gerrard during the embryonic stages of last season, netting only once in the league, Watkins hit his stride under Unai Emery.

A stunning spell between January and April saw him score 11 goals in just 12 matches, and he finished with 16 goals and six assists across all competitions.

Not only did the former Brentford striker register more shots per 90 (2.34 to 1.75) than Broja, but also more shot-creating actions (2.27 to 1.22) and a higher percentage of aerial duels (41.2% to 30%), indicating that he posed more of a threat in front of goal than the Chelsea gem, whilst also offering a better physical presence in the air.

The Stamford Bridge side scored just 38 league goals last season and this will need to be vastly improved if they are to challenge for honours. Replacing Broja with Watkins – who was dubbed “lethal” by Trevor Sinclair – would give Chelsea a significant boost in their hunt for more Premier League goals.

The seven-cap machine has scored 40 goals in the top flight from 109 appearances and playing in a side containing players such as Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez suggests there will be plenty of chances that he could get on the end of.

It may cost Pochettino a big transfer fee, yet Watkins would be more than worth it, especially after his exploits last term.

Nottinghamshire have re-signed left-arm seam bowler Mark Footitt following his surprise release from Surrey midway through the season

David Hopps12-Jul-2017Nottinghamshire have re-signed left-arm seam bowler Mark Footitt following his release from Surrey for family reasons midway through the season.Footitt, 31, has agreed a deal for the rest of the 2017 summer and the two seasons to follow. He has had a successful season for Surrey, taking 34 wickets at 26.85 in eight Championship matches, but one of his main reasons for heading to London was to achieve England honours and these have not been forthcoming.The closest he came was In 2015 when he netted with the full England squad ahead of the Ashes series without quite managing to claim an international debut. His England ambitions were almost realised when he was chosen for the 2015/16 tour of South Africa but again without England taking the plunge.Footitt admitted that he had never entirely settled in London – his family has never left the East Midlands. “When I signed for Surrey, I looked forward to a long and successful career at the Kia Oval. However, I’ve not been able to settle in London, away from my partner and my daughter.”We have really struggled being apart and my relocation to London has meant I have been away from family support. We have tried to solve these problems for a long time without success, and have therefore had to ask for my release from Surrey.”I am extremely grateful to Surrey, and Alec Stewart in particular, for their understanding of this situation which is not one I ever envisaged happening – and am hugely appreciative of their decision to allow me to leave and be back with my family.”Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, said: “A great deal of time, thought and consideration has gone into this decision but when Mark made it clear he could no longer continue with the situation, we agreed that this would be the best course of action.”The decision, nevertheless, puts the success of their return season in Division One of the Championship at risk.Footitt is now returning to the city of his birth. He came through the ranks at Trent Bridge, making his first-class debut in 2005. He previously played in the Nottinghamshire Premier League as a teenager and had a successful spell at Derbyshire prior to his move to the Kia Oval.He is a potent acquisition for a county that has looked bound to gain promotion from the first game this season and re-establish itself in the first division of the Specsavers Championship. Notts also beat Surrey in the Royal London Cup final earlier this month, a match in which Footitt did not figure.Nevetherless, Nottinghamshsire do have pace bowling shortages that go far beyond the horrific injury to Luke Fletcher, who must miss the rest of the season on doctors’ orders after suffering a horrific head injury from a straight drive while bowling in a NatWest Blast tie against Warwickshire at Edgbaston last Friday. Rather than playing cricket, Fletcher is just feeling lucky to be alive.Australian quick James Pattinson has ended his stint with the county, Stuart Broad is now tied up with England’s Test series against South Africa and Jake Ball, another fast bowler on the fringe of England’s Test set-up has been injured – although he did have a bowl with England at Trent Bridge on Wednesday as they prepared for the second Investec Test.”We’ve lost a lot of the players who have got us to the top of the table,” said Notts’ director of cricket, Mick Newell, “although hopefully Jake will be back soon.”Mark wants to come back and play his cricket in the East Midlands, so we’re very pleased to have the opportunity to sign him and welcome him back to Trent Bridge. He’s obviously blossomed as a cricketer since he was last here, both at Derbyshire and Surrey, and we believe he can help us go where we want to go for the rest of this season and in the following two seasons at least.”Footitt will be available for all Notts’ cricket from next week, including the NatWest T20 Blast home matches with the Derbyshire Falcons and Northamptonshire Steelbacks this weekend.

It indicated that recommendations such as the one-state-one-vote policy would be part of the discussions at the next hearing on August 18

Nagraj Gollapudi24-Jul-2017A year after approving the Lodha Committee recommendations and directing the BCCI to implement the same, the Supreme Court has warmed up to the idea of reconsidering a few of the proposals. Although the court did not spell out the specific ones it would re-open for debate, it did indicate that recommendations such as the one-state-one-vote policy, and the reduction in the size of the selection panel – which has already taken place – would be part of the discussions at the next hearing on August 18.In the interim, the court directed the BCCI and state associations to approve as many recommendations “as far as practicable”. “All concerned (BCCI and state associations) shall implement the recommendations of the Justice Lodha Committee Report as far as practicable, barring the issues which have been raised pertaining to membership, number of members of the selection committee, concept of associate membership, etc,” the court said in its order today.”The purpose is to implement the report as far as practicable and, thereafter, it shall be debated as to how the scheme of things can be considered so that the cricket, the ‘gentleman’s game’, remains nearly perfect.”The court’s order represents a softening of sorts on the verdict delivered on July 18 last year, when a two-judge bench led by former Chief Justice of India TS Thakur delivered a withering judgement, ordering the BCCI to implement the proposals within six months.Thakur has since retired, however, and the hearing has taken place in front of a three-judge bench comprising Justices Deepak Misra, AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud.The BCCI has scheduled a special general meeting (SGM) on July 26 to discuss and approve the adoption of the new constitution as per the Lodha Committee recommendations. The BCCI was originally scheduled to ratify the constitution at the July 11 SGM, but that was postponed after five state associations raised objections.On Monday, the court was responding to petitions filed by a number of state associations, as well as the by the BCCI itself, and also looking at the status report filed by the Committee of Administrators (CoA).The CoA, charged with overseeing the implementation of the proposals, had complained in their status report that disqualified office bearers with “vested interests” were stalling the process. Specifically, the CoA named the veteran pair of N Srinvasan and Niranjan Shah as “impediments”.Srinivasan and Shah filed individual affidavits, explaining their stance against proposals. Both men fail the eligibility criteria prescribed by the Lodha Committee on various counts, having been office bearers at their respective state association for more than nine years and having also exceeded the age cap of 70.Yet despite their ineligibility, Srinivasan and Shah have been attending BCCI meetings as representatives of their state associations. Other senior administrators, including Rajeev Shukla (IPL chairman and representative of Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association) and Jyotiraditya Scindia (representative of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association), have also violated court orders.The court today did not issue a final decision on the issue, but in response to the CoA report, did say that no ineligible office bearer, both at the BCCI and the state association, can attend the July 26 SGM. In theory, that means Srinivasan, Shah, Shukla and Scindia cannot attend Wednesday’s meeting.

Sunderland should 'start looking at alternatives' to Jack Clarke in case the winger departs this summer amid interest from the Premier League, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Is Jack Clarke leaving Sunderland this window?

According to TEAMtalk, Clarke has attracted interest from Premier League trio Burnley, Crystal Palace and Brentford this window despite Sunderland being reluctant to lose his services.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany is said to be a big fan of the £16k-a-week ace and has made him one of his most sought-after targets that he would like to bring to Turf Moor.

iNews claim that Everton are also keen on bringing the former Tottenham Hotspur star to Goodison Park and Clarke's agent, former Republic of Ireland international Ian Harte, has spoken out amid rumours linking his client to various destinations over the last few months.

The 45-year-old stated: "I think every player, no matter what league you’re in, has a price and no matter what club you’re at, if a club is happy with it, they’ll take it.

Last term, Clarke was in fine form for Sunderland in spite of their failure to win promotion to the Premier League, registering 11 goals and 14 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored take into account that Clarke showed his ability to score and create goals during the campaign, as the 22-year-old averaged 1.4 shots, 1.7 key passes and two dribbles per match in the Sky Bet Championship.

Nevertheless, speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that Sunderland may have to cast their eyes towards identifying potential replacements for Clarke as his stock continues to rise in the English game.

Jones told FFC: "I mean, losing Jack Clarke is obviously going to hurt, but a time when he's got at least three Premier League teams chasing him, it's also a time to start facing up to the reality that he could go. His form last season was very good and while they try to keep him at the club up to now and giving everything they can to that, I think it's wise they start looking at alternatives."

What other events could occur at Sunderland in this transfer window?

Sunderland have already been active in the transfer market under Tony Mowbray and have wrapped up the signings of Jobe Bellingham, Jensen Seelt, Luis Semedo and Nectarios Triantis, as per Transfermarkt.

Despite this, more arrivals could be on their way to the Stadium of Light as the Black Cats look to once again make a fist of fighting for promotion to the English top flight.

Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop is a target for Sunderland; however, they saw a loan bid rejected for the 23-year-old earlier this month, according to The Athletic.

Fotbol STHLM report that Djurgardens youngster Gideon Granstrom has gone on trial on Wearside as he bids to win a deal at the club amid further interest from Norwich City in his services.

His father spoke to the Swedish outlet about the arrangement, stating: "He went there earlier this week and is doing his first training session today. He stays about ten days in total. They will spend one week on this tour, starting in Norwich, then finishing with three days at Sunderland. It's open. From our side, we focus on the sporting, it is instructive to come there and meet a different football culture and different way of playing."

In the next few weeks, it will become clearer whether Sunderland have any more tricks up their sleeve in the market as they prepare for the 2023/24 campaign to get underway from a competitive standpoint.

Liam Livingstone produced a violent maiden century in List A cricket with eight sixes as England Lions sealed their three-match series against South Africa A with a second successive win

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jun-2017
ScorecardLiam Livingstone smashed 129 off 83•Getty ImagesEngland Lions took a decisive 2-0 lead over South Africa A in their three-match Royal London One-Day Series after recording their second emphatic victory in three days – this time by 144 runs at Northampton.James Vince’s side piled up 349 for 7 thanks largely to contrasting innings from Liam Livingstone, who made an explosive 129 from 83 balls with ten fours and eight sixes, and Dawid Malan, whose 84 from 89 balls included 13 fours, one six.Livingstone’s maiden List A century was a violent affair, cleanly-hit and spectacular, but he was dropped twice and rode his luck. Malan’s classy innings was the better, containing barely a false shot until he became one of four victims for South Africa A captain, Aiden Markram, who also contributed 50 with the bat.Markram got their reply off to a decent start but, under scoreboard pressure, the tourists’ chase never really took flight. They mustered only 205 all out as slow left-armer Liam Dawson took 4 for 41.England Lions made one team-change, a rotation in the seam department as George Garton replaced Sam Curran.After South Africa A chose to bowl, Duane Olivier inflicted brisk damage in an impressive opening spell of 6-0-17-2. Ben Duckett reached only two on his home ground before chipping to short midwicket. An inducker then trapped Daniel Bell-Drummond lbw for three.Fresh from making an unbeaten 125 in the first game, Malan continued his excellent form but lost another partner when Vince lifted a pull to deep midwicket off Junior Dala.Malan and Livingstone added 74 in 63 balls before their stand ended surprisingly when Malan charged at Markram and offered Heino Kuhn a simple stumping.Livingstone and Dawson clattered 98 in 12 overs, the former reaching a 68-ball century, the second 50 of which arrived from 24 balls, a third of which went for four or six.Dawson holed out to deep square-leg but Livingstone responded by lifting Jason Smith over the candy-floss stall into a neighbouring garden before perishing, caught at long-on, in pursuit of his ninth six.After Ben Foakes swung and missed, Craig Overton and Tom Curran kept the pressure high with an unbroken stand of 50 from 25 balls.South Africa A were never in the hunt after losing Reeza Hendricks, lbw to Curran, in the third over. Markram reached 50 but he edged Steven Finn and, nine balls later, Dawson turned one into JJ Smuts’ stumps, leaving the tourists 81 for 3. Steady decline followed. Theunis de Bruyn lifted Dawson to long on, Temba Bavuma nicked Garton to the keeper and Kuhn belted a Livingstone full-toss straight back to the bowler.Khaya Zondo’s attempt to smite Dawson over the indoor centre landed in the hands of Overton at mid-on. The spinner’s fourth wicket was Olivier, bowled through a failed slog. Livingstone bowled Dala and a thoroughly dominant Lions display was rounded off when Jason Smith drove Finn into the hands of Vince at mid-off.

Arsenal could be set to mimic the success of an arch-rival, by adding to their summer spending with another high-profile acquisition.

Who is Arsenal signing?

Although having not been linked since late June, a potential swoop for Goncalo Inacio still represents a potentially outstanding piece of business for Mikel Arteta to add to his ever-growing playing staff.

With Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz all combining to improve a squad that narrowly missed out on the Premier League last term, this imperious defensive titan could provide that final acquisition to truly make them a threat for the treble-winning Manchester City.

Although his €60m (£51m) price tag might seem lofty, the Gunners have showcased their propensity to spend big already this window.

In swooping from Sporting CP, they could actually mimic the success Manchester United have earned by welcoming Bruno Fernandes from Lisbon to England, as an added incentive to complete this deal.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

Having moved to Old Trafford in January 2020, many raised eyebrows when the Red Devils forked out £47m for a player from the Portuguese league.

However, it took no time at all for the 28-year-old to begin proving doubters wrong, as he recorded 15 goal contributions in his 14 league games. He would then notch 28 goals and assist a further 17 across all competitions in his first full year, truly silencing his critics.

Should Inacio prove to be half as impactful at the Emirates as his compatriot has been since moving to England, then Arteta will be salivating at the prospect.

Especially considering the glowing praise already heading the way of the 21-year-old defender, who epitomises the modern-day centre-back with his confidence in possession.

BBC Sport contributor Raj Chohan, also known as Premier League Panel, sought to detail his key attributes that have made him such an asset for his boyhood club, noting:

"Gonçalo Inácio is the perfect counter-weight to Konaté. Inacio-VVD-Konaté: Build-up conductor, Leader/aerial dominator/switches of play, Immense recovery speed & coverage of space".

This ease in possession is heavily outlined in his underlying statistics, as when compared against other centre-backs across Europe, he stands out despite his youth.

For passes attempted per 90 and progressive passes made per 90, he ranks in the top 1%. Then, for progressive carries per 90 and successful take-ons per 90, he sits in the top 3% and 4% respectively, via FBref.

There are few in his role on the continent who showcase such a special ability to progress the play from defence, which Arteta will be desperate to add to his already free-flowing squad.

Back in 2014, the Spanish coach, who was still a player at the time, detailed the ideals of his perfect club:

“My philosophy will be clear. I want the football to be expressive, entertaining. I cannot have a concept of football where everything is based on the opposition.

"We have to dictate the game, we have to be the ones taking the initiative, and we have to entertain the people coming to watch us. I’m 100 per cent convinced of those things, and I think I could do it."

It seems that he finally has his wish, and in this 6 foot 1 Portuguese titan, he could further solidify such a philosophy. The only hope will be that he can mirror the success earned by Fernandes, who has taken a similar path to the one Inacio could soon make.

Paul Collingwood led from the front as Durham restricted Gloucestershire to 266 for 7 before bad light ended play 19 overs early in Bristol

ECB Reporters Network21-Apr-2017
ScorecardPaul Collingwood was a whizz with the ball at 41•Getty ImagesPaul Collingwood led from the front as Durham restricted Gloucestershire to 266 for 7 before bad light ended play 19 overs early on the opening day of the Specsavers County Championship match at Bristol.Approaching his 41st birthday next month, the visiting captain transformed the morning session by taking two wickets with his medium pace after the hosts had reached 97 for 1 and then claimed three slip catches. Chris Rushworth and Keaton Jennings weighed in with two wickets apiece.Chris Dent (59), Will Tavare (61), Phil Mustard (38) and Jack Taylor (41 not out) all batted well for Gloucestershire, who could feel satisfied with their efforts after Collingwood exercised his right to field first without a toss.The day began with overcast conditions and the home side looked to be facing a stiff test when Cameron Bancroft, who never looked comfortable, was bowled by a delivery from Rushworth that appeared to keep a bit low.Soon the sun broke through and batting became more straightforward. Dent and Tavare put together a second-wicket stand of 83 with few alarms and Gloucestershire looked set to lunch well.But Collingwood had other ideas. Having had Dent dropped twice in his second over, the former England all-rounder forced the left-hander to feather a catch through to wicketkeeper Stuart Poynton in his third. Dent had faced 85 balls and hit 9 fours.In the same over Collingwood pinned Graeme van Buuren lbw for a duck and, without making best use of the new ball, Durham had their opponents 97 for 3 at the break.The afternoon session began well for Gloucestershire, with Tavare and George Hankins taking the total to 156 before 20-year-old Hankins, who had progressed to 27, hung his bat out to a shortish delivery from Brydon Carse and edged to Collingwood at first slip.Tavare, who has begun the season in fine form, moved to his half-century off 121 balls, with five fours, and was doing an excellent job anchoring the innings until, with the total on 187, he was caught behind, rocking back to try and leave a ball from Rushworth.Mustard looked in good nick against his old county and produced some fine strokes. It was a surprise when he pushed forward to Jennings and edged a simple catch to Collingwood, having struck seven boundaries.That was the final ball of Jennings’ third over. He was on a hat-trick when with the first delivery of his fourth he induced another edge to Collingwood, this time to dismiss Craig Miles for a duck.At 255 for 7 in the 75th over, Gloucestershire were in danger of failing to capitalise on a solid base. Only two more overs were possible before the umpires decided conditions had become too murky.Taylor was unbeaten, having shared a stand of 64 with Mustard, playing with typical flourish. He will shoulder responsibility for adding to his side’s two batting points tomorrow.