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Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad among potential venues

Nagraj Gollapudi01-Mar-2021

Venues and dates for the 2021 IPL have yet to be confirmed•BCCI

The rising number of Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra is likely to rule out Mumbai as an IPL venue for the first time in the tournament’s history. Originally Mumbai, which is the home base of defending champions Mumbai Indians, was meant to be the central hub in hosting the 2021 IPL, but ESPNcricinfo understands the BCCI is thinking about staging the tournament outside of Maharashtra.Although a final decision remains to be taken it is understood Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Delhi have been tentatively earmarked as possible venues. A final decision is likely to be taken by the BCCI senior management along with the IPL governing council soon. The IPL will also finalise the tournament dates, which have not been announced yet but are likely to start anywhere between April 8-12 and stretch until end of May-early June period.Related

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At the IPL auction, held on February 18, franchises were informally told that the 2021 edition was likely to be largely based in Mumbai, along with Pune for the group phase and the play-offs in Ahmedabad.However, at a meeting last week in Ahmedabad during the third Test of the England series, top BCCI officials including board secretary Jay Shah, treasurer Arun Dhumal, IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel and interim board chief executive officer Hemang Amin, discussed the viability of Mumbai as a venue with concerns raised over the latest spike in coronavirus cases.As per the latest data published on the Indian government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website on Monday evening, Maharashtra had reported nearly half of coronavirus cases in India. Out of the nearly 169,000 cases in India, Maharashtra had 78,212. There were 4,478 new cases officially reported in the western state compared to Sunday, with 62 additional deaths.Last week’s meeting decided that the tournament could be played in multiple cities, but a final plan would only be arrived after the Election Commission of India announced the poll dates in various state including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, which will conducted during the league phase of the IPL. West Bengal elections will be conducted across eight phases between March 27 and April 29 with the votes counted between May 2-4. The election in Tamil Nadu will be a day-long affair on April 6 with results on May 5.Even though a question mark hangs over Mumbai, the IPL has not included Mohali and Jaipur in the list of tentative venues. It could not be confirmed exactly the reasons behind the omission. The uncertainty over venues as well as the delay in announcing the tournament dates has left franchises disgruntled. Several confirmed that they are yet to receive any update formally from the IPL on either front.Some, including Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, contacted Amin asking him to shine light on the venues. Senior officials at both the Kings and the Sunrisers confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that after reading reports in Indian media at the weekend about the omission of their home bases of Mohali and Hyderabad they were curious.Satish Menon, the chief executive officer at the Kings, said the franchise wanted to know on what grounds the IPL had shortlisted the potential venues and left Mohali out. “We have written to the IPL asking them to throw light on how they have decided on these venues and why also have they decided not to hold the IPL in Punjab,” Menon said.K Shanmugham, the CEO at Hyderabad, said he also had checked with the IPL whether Hyderabad was included as a potential venue or not.

قلص فريق بلاك بولز الموزمبيقي النتيجة أمام الزمالك، وسجل الهدف الأول، في المباراة الجارية بين الفريقين، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.

ويلعب الزمالك ضد بلاك بولز، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الخامسة من دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

طالع | مباشر بالفيديو.. مباراة الزمالك وبلاك بولز في الكونفدرالية

وأحرز هدف بلاك بولز الأول، اللاعب إيفوني في الدقيقة 62 من عمر المباراة

وجاء هدف بلاك بولز الأول أمام الزمالك، بعد عرضية من الجانب الأيمن قابلها إيفوني في مرمى محمد عواد. هدف بلاك بولز الأول أمام الزمالك في الكونفدرالية

وكان الزمالك تقدم بهدفين متتاليين، عن طريق المهاجم حسام أشرف في الدقيقيتن 51 و53.

ويتواجد الزمالك وبلاك بولز، في المجموعة الرابعة من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية، مع أندية المصري وإنيمبا النيجيري.

Manchester United reportedly considered triggering Fulham boss Marco Silva's £10 million release clause before landing on new manager Ruben Amorim.

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• Man Utd considered Silva
• His release clause was too much
• Opted for Sporting's Amorim

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  reports that Silva, an early contender for the United head coach job, would have cost the club £10 million ($13m) in compensation. The Portuguese tactician has done an excellent job in west London, solidifying Fulham as a strong mid-table Premier League outfit, and United's hierarchy have clearly been paying attention. According to the report, the Red Devils came close to triggering Silva's hefty release clause.

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  The Red Devils confirmed on Friday that highly-rated Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim will take over from Erik ten Hag following the under-performing Dutch coach's sacking on Monday. However, before reaching that decision United considered several other candidates including Amorim's compatriot Silva, who was also in charge of Portuguese side Sporting CP back in 2015-16.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report says Silva, Thomas Frank and Xavi were all seen as candidates to replace Ten Hag and that INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was in favour of hiring a coach with Premier League experience. However, sporting director Dan Ashworth, CEO Omar Berrada and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford preferred to go for Amorim.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AMORIM?

  Amorim faces a huge challenge at Old Trafford, with former player Phil Jones telling the BBC that he faces an "absolute mammoth of a job". He will not be in the dugout for the showdown with Chelsea this week as he will take charge on November 11.

Manchester United could make an audacious swoop to fill the Casemiro sized hole in their ranks this summer, it has been claimed, by signing a man likened to Arsenal star Declan Rice.

Mainoo the main man

There is no doubt that going forwards, Kobbie Mainoo will be the main man in Erik ten Hag's midfield. The talented teen is already a full England international and looks set for stardom, while he is one of just three Manchester United players not up for transfer ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

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But beyond him, there are question marks. Sofyan Amrabat's loan spell has come to an end, and he will return to Fiorentina as things stand, while Casemiro has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

There are few other alternatives for Ten Hag, with only Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay the options in the middle of the park.for the Dutchman to call upon. As a result, the club have turned to the transfer market, and are reportedly ready to make their move.

New midfielder in United's sights

Now, a fresh report has linked Manchester United with a move for Bayern Munich stalwart Leon Goretzka as they look to reinvent their midfield options. The German has been a mainstay in the Bayern side in recent seasons, but the emergence of Alexander Pavlovic has seen his importance diminish somewhat.

Goretzka drew plenty of praise from Bayern chief Christoph Freund, who labelled him a "top player" and "leader" less than 12 months ago.

"Leon is an absolute top player, which he has consistently proven at the highest level over many years. In the past few weeks, he has shown strong performances in various positions, playing with a broken hand – that shows his great mentality. Leon is a leader who always leads the way on the pitch and takes responsibility even in difficult situations.”

A no-nonsense midfielder, Goretzka grabbed six goals and seven assists in 30 Bundesliga outings last season, and statistically speaking is similar to Arsenal's Declan Rice (according to stat site fbref), who Manchester United were keen to sign before he made the move to north London.

Declan Rice vs Leon Goretzka (23/24 domestic season)
	Declan Rice	Leon Goretzka
Appearances	38	30
Goals + assists	15	13
Pass accuracy	88.9%	88.9%
Tackles and interceptions per 90	3.55	2.89
Progressive passes per 90	7.77	7.07
Aerial duels won %	47.6%	55.4%

The 29-year-old still has two years left to run on his £300,000 a week deal in Bavaria, but Football Transfers report that he has "been made available for a move this window" as Bayern look to freshen up their side under Vincent Kompany.

Goretzka himself may also be keen on a departure, having missed out on Germany's EURO 2024 squad and seemingly out of favour with the national side.

The report continues that Manchester United would be willing to offer around 40m euros (£34m) for his services this summer, which could prove a tempting offer for Kompany and co. if they are really keen to get rid of the German ahead of the new season.

United, meanwhile, would be getting an excellent addition to their midfield engine room who would certainly prove more mobile and physical than Casemiro, and may allow Mainoo to flourish further at Old Trafford.

David Maddocks believes it is important for stability as the game battles the Covid-19 pandemic

Daniel Brettig22-Oct-2020

Earl Eddings has faced challenges dealing with the states over the winter•Getty Images

David Maddocks, the new Cricket Victoria chair, has declared that on his first impression there is a strong case for the Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings to be granted a second term when his current three-year stint expires next year, arguing that the game requires “stability in a period of great instability”, underlined by uncertainty about India’s port of arrival for this summer’s tour.A lawyer and governance expert, Maddocks cut his administrative teeth at the North Melbourne Cricket Club before it merged to form the Greenvale Kangaroos and as such has known Eddings, who is also a former president of North Melbourne, for decades. In a rocky year for CA, which has seen its chief executive Kevin Roberts moved on amid issues around Covid-19 and disputes with the states, the players association and most recently the free-to-air broadcaster Channel Seven, Maddocks argued that CA should consider the need for continuity when so much was changing around the game.”You often hear it said that board members by the time their period is about to expire, they’re really at their best, they’ve been around, they understand the issues, they understand the interrelationships and all those sorts of things,” Maddocks said. “I think at the moment in terms of CV and CA, there is a strong case for stability in a period of great instability. There are a number of issues CA’s dealing with, the upcoming Test series and so on. My personal view is I think Earl is doing a very good job and I think if there was potential for him to stay on, I think it’s something that ought to be considered.ALSO READ: Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings gains ally from Victoria board change”Do I agree with where CA is going and its vision? Yes, I do. In terms of my relationship with Earl, I know Earl very well through cricket circles going back a long time. But I understand my duty entirely as CV chair is I’ve got to exercise my own judgment on issues in the best interests of cricket in Victoria. I know Earl well enough, and I think this is a good thing, to tell him if I have concerns or what CV’s interests might be if there’s something that’s not consistent with where CA are heading.”Eddings’ predecessor David Peever attempted to continue for a second term and was re-elected as such at the CA AGM in late 2018, before the release of a cultural review following the Newlands scandal saw his resignation forced when New South Wales and its chairman John Knox withdrew support a matter of days later.Both Knox and the Queensland chairman Chris Simpson raised governance concerns at the AGMs of their respective states earlier this year, but Maddocks is of the view that structural change to the CA board – to have the direct representation of states on the board rather than state nominated independent directors – is not a path cricket should return to.”As I understand it, the fundamental concern about this old style is that decisions could be dominated more by self-interest and perhaps controlled by the larger, more powerful states, whereas decisions need to be made by CA for the best interests of cricket throughout Australia,” Maddocks said. “No problem with the dialogue, no problem with the discussion, but my personal view is the structure as it presently stands is overall a more appropriate style than that old school style”One positive side of it would be if the states understand more what’s happening, and the difficulties or issues that CA are confronting, we all might be able to contribute in a positive way to working towards solutions. The states shouldn’t just sit back and wait to be told what to do, and I don’t believe we are. I think under Earl there’s been very good communication to the states and there’s nothing to stop states from raising issues and getting more information from CA.Nevertheless, Maddocks emphasised the need for strong communication between boards, and saw no reason why CA directors should not be welcome at every CV board meeting, citing the example of Mel Jones who was Victoria’s nominee to the CA board in late 2019.”The first delegates meeting I chaired was last Monday and Mel attended, and Earl attended,” he said. “My understanding from talking to Mel is that she’s keen to attend every delegates meeting that takes place in Victoria, but also to be involved in the CV board meetings as well. Earl has also said that he is available at any time. That’s one thing I’ll be very much taking advantage of.”I accept there has been comment previously that there’s a feeling with that board-nominated person we could have more communication from them, and we will. When they are independently appointed, they’re there to make decisions in the best interest of cricket in Australia, but I don’t see how that in any way precludes them from coming back and attending any meetings to keep Cricket Victoria informed and that’s exactly what I’ll be encouraging.”Maddocks accepted, too, that there had been a high degree of criticism about CV’s cuts to community cricket earlier this year, and also acknowledged that one of his key tasks was to ensure unity across the state. “What I’d like to encourage is that we work together constructively,” he said. “A good example recently was that we’ve got a proper process for people to raise issues and vote directors in and out. We have elections, there’s always a potential for change. So, I’d really want to encourage a sense of working together and looking at solutions.”

TalkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed that a once-£100 million player would be the "perfect" signing for Arsenal this summer.

Arsenal target new attacker despite fine goal-scoring form

Edu is thought to be on the lookout for attacking upgrades to Mikel Arteta's squad, despite Arsenal ending the 2023/2024 season on a run of fine goalscoring form.

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The Gunners want fresh attacking options.

ByEmilio Galantini May 25, 2024

Only eventual champions Man City bagged more goals than them in the top flight, with strikes coming from all over Arsenal's team as they played a lot of 2023/2024 without a world-class, natural number nine.

Kai Havertz shone in a makeshift forward role, at the expense of both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, who could both leave the Emirates Stadium as rumours suggest uncertainty surrounds their futures.

Bukayo Saka

20

Leandro Trossard

17

Kai Havertz

14

Martin Odegaard

11

Gabriel Jesus

8

Jesus bagged just four in 27 Premier League appearances last season, while Nketiah racked up a similar number in 17 top flight outings. Even though Arteta has managed well without a prolific centre-forward, Fabrizio Romano is among the reliable media sources to back that Arsenal will be signing an important new striker when the transfer window reopens on June 14.

The likes of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko and Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee have been linked in the last few weeks, alongside more high-profile names like Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen.

Brentford star Ivan Toney is another forward who was linked previously, but reports of a possible Arsenal move have died down in recent months. Thomas Frank's side wanted £100 million to sell in January, but must now entertain offers for much less given the striker's deal expires next year.

Agbonlahor urges Arsenal to sign Ivan Toney

Speaking to talkSPORT, as relayed by The Boot Room, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has urged Arsenal to make a move for Toney – calling him the "perfect" signing for Arteta.

“I think Arsenal need a striker. There’s talk about Isak, but I don’t think Newcastle are going to sell Isak. They will find someone else to sell,” Agbonlahor said.

“I would take Isak if possible. Younger, he is just quicker, he can play on the left as well if needed, but Ivan Toney, if he is the option, I think he will suit Arsenal as well.

“They have got Saka, Odegaard and Trossard making little through-balls for Toney. He is very good in the air, Toney, as well, very good on the chances that Odegaard could put on for him, Martinelli, Saka, Declan Rice. I think that transfer would work.

“It’s not going to be silly, silly money on his contract what he has got left at Brentford as well. I think he will be a perfect signing for both clubs.”

Toney bagged 20 league goals over 2022/2023 and has even earned comparisons to Tottenham legend Harry Kane due to his ability to drop deep and link up play, so it'll be interesting to see if thee Gunners reignite their interest.

Several years ago, Carlo Ancelotti was asked a question. How many Champions Leagues can you win, Carlo? No, it wasn't that. Will you go down as one of the greatest, Carlo? It wasn't that either.

Instead, the illustrious Italian manager was asked: "Why have you decided to release Luke Garbutt?"

It feels like a parallel universe, doesn't it? In classic fashion, Ancelotti raised an eyebrow before replying "who?" It really was press conference cinema.

At the time, he was managing Everton, a moment in his rather incredible career that will probably fall towards the bottom of his achievements. No disrespect to the Toffees, but it does defy belief that they were able to entice him to Goodison Park.

In the four years since that remarkable moment, Ancelotti has cemented himself as one of the greatest tacticians to have ever lived.

On a brisk Sunday evening at the beginning of June, he took home a fifth Champions League trophy and his second since leaving Merseyside behind, cementing Real Madrid's legacy even further.

This time it was achieved under the famous arch at Wembley Stadium. Madrid took longer than they had hoped to break the deadlock, but after Dani Carvajal headed home, it all began to feel rather inevitable.

Vinicius Junior soon scored to make it 2-0. "Ballon d'Or, Ballon d'Or," Rio Ferdinand shouted. Quite. The Brazilian should well be in the conversation.

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However, we're not here to discuss that, we're here to discuss the greatest manager of all time, a debate Ancelotti more than deserves to be mentioned in. So, what are his credentials?

The most successful managers in the Champions League

The 64-year-old has a great love affair with Europe's premier competition, winning the title now on five occasions.

The first of those titles came with AC Milan in 2002/03 before the Italian giants were crowned continental winners again in 2006/07.

The veteran had to wait until 2014 to take the crown home once more, winning the first of three Champions Leagues with Real.

Back for a second spell in Spain's capital, he won it again in 2021/22, a season after leaving Everton – and then rounded off a handful of triumphs in 2024.

So where does that place him among the best to do it in the competition? Well, he's right at the very top. No manager has won more Champions League trophies than Don Carlo. In fact, he's now two clear of some pretty illustrious names.

Most UCL wins by a manager

Rank

Manager

Titles

Years won

Club(s)

1

Carlo Ancelotti

5

03, 07, 14, 22, 24

Milan, Real Madrid

2=

Bob Paisley

3

77, 78, 81

Liverpool

2=

Zinedine Zidane

3

16, 17, 18

Real Madrid

2=

Pep Guardiola

3

09, 11, 23

Barcelona, Man City

16 have won it 2x, including Mourinho, Ferguson, Del Bosque & Clough.

So, as far as Champions League success is concerned, there is no one more decorated than the current Madrid boss.

But what about when it comes to overall trophy wins, who reigns supreme there?

The most successful managers of all time

Ancelotti's haul of five European trophies is a rather remarkable tally, but he's not just a one-trick pony.

The former Chelsea boss has achieved some pretty impressive accomplishments domestically, too, notably winning all of Europe's big five leagues – the only manager to record such a feat. His first came in 2003/04 when he guided Milan to the Serie A title.

He then won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2009/10 before guiding PSG to Ligue 1 glory in 2012/13. A Bundesliga title at Bayern Munich was forthcoming in 2016/17 and he is now also the proud winner of two La Liga titles with Real, winning the trophy in 2021/22 and 2023/24.

Throw in a bucket load of cup victories and it means that as of June 2024, Ancelotti has won 29 major honours, the fifth-most of any football manager in history.

Who comes out on top? It'll be no surprise to see Sir Alex Ferguson sit at the summit of the list with a staggering 49 trophies throughout a decorated 39-year career in management.

Most honours won by a manager

Rank

Manager

Trophies

Years Active

1

Sir Alex Ferguson

49

1974-2013

2

Pep Guardiola

39

2007-present

3

Mircea Lucescu

38

1979-2023

4

Valeriy Lobanovskyi

30

1969-2001

5

Carlo Ancelotti

29

1995-present

6=

Jose Mourinho

26

2000-present

6=

Luiz Felipe Scolari

26

1982-present

6=

Jock Stein

26

1960-1985

6=

Ottmar Hitzfeld

26

1983-2014

7

Giovanni Trapattoni

23

1972-2013

Considering Ancelotti's age, it's highly unlikely he'll get anywhere near the 49 won by Sir Alex, but providing Pep Guardiola can't inspire anything further with Man City in the next few years, he will hold onto that incredible Champions League record for a little while longer.

Celebrated as "an unbelievable person" by Cristiano Ronaldo, as "a second father" by Alessandro Nesta and as a "world-class" coach by Jude Bellingham, he is a manager to have gained praise from some of the greatest we've seen in the game.

He's achieved things no other manager has ever done and deserves to go down as one of the best to ever stand in a technical area. It will be a sad day when that retirement announcement comes.

Still, he has a few more years to go. With Kylian Mbappe in tow from next season too, you wouldn't put it past Madrid to win a 16th Champions League and Ancelotti's sixth. Watch this space.

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Manchester United have reportedly held initial talks with Brentford over a late deal for Ivan Toney, who is also being linked with Chelsea.

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Toney seeking Brentford transfer exitChelsea and Al-Ahli eye strikerMan Utd enter race for forwardWHAT HAPPENED?

According to The Standard, United have enquired about the 28-year-old but negotiations are not yet a serious stage and no offer has been submitted. The report states Brentford are hopeful interest in the England international could lead to a bidding war.

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Chelsea reportedly made a move to sign the former Peterborough United star this week, who is now valued at around £40 million ($52.8m). Saudi Pro League team Al-Ahli had a bid rejected for Toney – who is in the last year of his contract. The Bees ace could yet get his dream transfer move after all.

DID YOU KNOW?

Toney, who was left out of Brentford's first two Premier League games this season due to the transfer speculation surrounding him, has scored 72 goals in 141 games for Thomas Frank's men since signing in 2020 from Peterborough.

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The summer transfer window shuts on Friday night, so time is running out for Toney to secure a permanent move elsewhere. If not, he could return to Brentford action on Saturday against Southampton.

It was a good day at the office for Arsenal on Wednesday night. A calm and relatively straightforward win over Luton Town sent them back to the top of the Premier League table, at least for now.

Mikel Arteta made a number of changes to the side that earned a point at the Etihad on Sunday – five to be exact – and while Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe certainly pleaded their case to be more involved in the title run-in, some of the others didn't.

One of those who flattered to deceive was Hale End graduate Reiss Nelson, who, while busy, failed to have much of an impact on proceedings. So, it might be time for the club to cash in.

Reiss Nelson's performance vs Luton

In fairness to Nelson, he was always going to be up against it last night as he had the unenviable task of filling in for the talismanic Bukayo Saka, who has been a near-permanent fixture on the right under Arteta.

That said, he struggled to make a case for himself throughout his performance, and for the first time in a long time, Arsenal's attacks were split relatively evenly between their left and right flanks.

It looked as if he had scored the second goal of the night in the first half, but in reality, he had missed Smith Rowe's brilliantly driven pass, and it was Luton's Daiki Hashioka who bundled it into his own net.

The Elephant and Castle-born wideman wasn't terrible, but he did look a level below the man he was replacing, and the 6/10 rating he received from the Standard's Simon Collings, who claimed he 'didn't take his chance like others', was probably fair.

Reiss Nelson's game vs Luton in numbers
Minutes	75'
Expected Goals	0.11
Expected Assists	0.03
Shots on Target	0
Shots off Target	0
Blocked Shots	1
Touches	44
Passing Accuracy	33/33 (100%
Key Passes	1
Duels (Won)	7 (3)
All Stats via Sofascore

This inability to grab the game by the scruff of the neck is clear in his individual statistics. In his 75 minutes of action, the 24-year-old completed 100% of his passes, took 44 touches and played one key pass, but he registered just 0.11 expected goals and 0.03 expected assists, had just one shot – which was blocked – and lost four of his seven duels.

In all, it wasn't an impressive showing from a man who so desperately needed to make an impact.

Reiss Nelson's stats this season

The reason last night was such a pivotal game for the tricky winger was because it was his second start of the season and first league start since July 2020, to be specific.

Including last night, the right-footed talent has made 23 appearances for the north Londoners this campaign. In these, he's scored just one goal and provided two assists, meaning he has averaged a goal involvement every 7.6 games.

However, these appearances have amounted to just 639 minutes of first-team football, meaning he's averaged a goal involvement every 213 minutes, which still isn't spectacular.

Reiss Nelson's season
Appearances	23
Minutes	639
Goals	1
Assists	2
Minutes per Goal Involvement	213
All Stats via Transfermarkt

So, with it abundantly clear that Arteta doesn't fancy him in the first team, is it time the club moved Nelson on?

Why Arsenal should sell Nelson

So, at this point, the answer looks like quite a resounding yes, as his path to regular first-team football in N5 looks more blocked than ever. Moreover, there appears to be genuine interest in his services from other top-flight sides, notably Brighton & Hove Albion.

Early last month, TEAMtalk revealed that the Seagulls were interested in bringing the £100k-per-week Arsenal man to the south coast. While the report states that the winger would be willing to leave, any deal would require a package of around £30m.

Now, getting such a sizable fee for a player who doesn't play would be a brilliant deal for the Gunners, but Brighton would also be getting their hands on a talented ace.

Reiss Nelson's Arsenal career
Appearances	152
Goals	8
Assists	9
Goal Involvements per Match	0.11
All Stats via Transfermarkt

While he's not getting much game time at the moment, he's still made 152 appearances for the north Londoners and has eight goals and nine assists to his name, and under the progressive system at the Amex, he could explode.

Arsenal's "monster" who didn't play against Luton was the biggest winner

The brilliant player didn’t step foot on the pitch but now looks more secure than ever in his starting role.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 4, 2024

Ultimately, if Arsenal and Brighton can agree to a deal even close to £30m, then Nelson should be sold, as it would benefit all parties involved.

On the evidence of his display against the Hatters, he's seemingly never going to realise his potential at the Emirates.

‘If anyone at CSA has spoken to Bedingham, they will understand the reason” he left, suggests Cobras coach

Firdose Moonda31-Jan-2020Ashwell Prince has blamed Cricket South Africa for the departure of Cobras batsman David Bedingham to Durham for the 2020 season. Bedingham has obtained the right to work in the UK through an ancestral visa, rather than a Kolpak deal, and is unavailable to play for Prince’s Cobras in the domestic one-day competition which started today.Bedingham will be joined at Durham by Farhaan Behardien, the allrounder who last played for South Africa in November 2018. Behardien has signed a two-year deal for the club, and joins the likes of Morne Morkel, Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander in choosing to end his careers abroad.Bedingham, on the other hand, is about to enter his prime and was in his second season as a contracted Cobras player. He played in the Western Cape throughout his career and represented the South African Under-19 side in 2013, and Prince believes more could have been done to keep him in the country.”It’s high time that CSA sits down and look at things a little bit closer and don’t beat around the bush of why people are leaving. Get to the crux of why people are leaving. Face it, confront the brutal facts. That’s where we are at,” Prince said. “If I had to criticise CSA, maybe they think people who can play at the highest level, you can walk around every corner and you find two or three but you don’t. It’s one percent of people who play cricket who can play at the highest level. If you are losing all of your one-percenters then what are you left with. You’re left with… I don’t know.”ESPNcricinfo understands that CSA were made aware of Bedingham’s plans. Acting director of cricket Graeme Smith said he would comment at a future date.Prince said he had a “good understanding,” of why Bedingham opted to leave South Africa. “It is the same reasons you get every day, for everyone that leaves. It’s about opportunity, it’s about uncertainty, same old, same old,” he said.The Cobras, according to Prince, “tried everything to keep David here,” but could not provide him with the security he needed. That is only likely to come for players when the restructuring of the domestic system, which is currently sub judice, is resolved. As things stand, CSA plans to cull the six-tier franchise system and install a 12-team provincial system, a move which could see up to 70 cricketers lose their jobs. That decision is on the verge of being rescinded but that may come too late for Bedingham.Another oft-cited reason for players who leave South Africa relates to limited opportunity, which, for white players is a direct result of the transformation target. At domestic level, teams must play six players of colour, of which a minimum of three must be black African, leaving five places for white players. Prince, who was recently named coach of the South Africa A side after turning down a role as national team batting consultant, has made plain his unhappiness with the target at two of CSA’s internal forums.At both the coach’s conference and the transformation indaba, he was among those who lobbied to eliminate the distinction between players of colour and black African players. If that were to happen, it would not create space for more white players, but would allow for flexibility in picking players of colour, who occasionally have to displace white players to meet the target.Even if that were to occur, it would not guarantee Bedingham the game time to stake a claim for higher honours, which Prince believes he could do. “My honest opinion is that he has got a better chance of playing international cricket for South Africa if he had stayed. But you don’t know what’s going on in the players’ head. I don’t think he would struggle to get a contract at this level. And when I say this level, I mean franchise of county cricket it’s the same level. Where does he have a better chance of playing international cricket? I think it’s here,” Prince said.”Some people might say he hasn’t done enough yet at this level. That might be true but you could also argue he should be in and around the SA A squads, at least. He has not had an opportunity at that level.”Behardein signed a two-year deal with Durham. “I have loved representing South Africa for many years, but now is the time to explore a new chapter,” Behardien said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to support Durham’s ambitions and play a key role moving forward in their success.” The pair join two other South African-born players – Gareth Harte and Brydon Carse – in the Durham squad.While Bedingham has been part of the Cape Town Blitz squad in the Mzansi Super League, he has not been considered for any national representative sides since age-group level. Until late last year, Bedingham held out hope of that changing.In an interview with in November 2019, Bedingham appeared committed to the national cause but did not rule out seeking an opportunity abroad. “My dream is still to play for my country. Once you believe you can’t play for your country, though, you do have to look at options like Kolpak,” he said.”There is obviously money and security abroad, as guys like Simon Harmer and Duanne Olivier have shown. One doesn’t always know how they will fare abroad, though, with the different conditions, pitches, lifestyle, etc. It’s different for everyone. Some are happy to take the risk to earn the money. Others are more family-orientated and might need to decide otherwise. I’m not there yet, but if I do get there, I’ll look at all the aspects with perspective and decide accordingly.”Two months later, he has made his decision.