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Tom Latham’s third ODI hundred and first as captain gave New Zealand the tri-series title in Malahide

The Report by Mohammad Isam21-May-2017
ScorecardTom Latham hit nine fours and four sixes•Getty Images/SportsfileNew Zealand tuned up for the Champions Trophy by clinching the tri-series in Malahide with three wins in three matches. Their latest victory was set up by Tom Latham, who struck his third ODI hundred and first as captain, and Colin Munro, who threatened to break the record for the fastest fifty in ODIs. Their contributions and Ross Taylor’s fifty propelled New Zealand to 344 for 6. The bowlers then had a good workout in the defence, dismissing Ireland for 154 within 40 overs.The green pitch and overcast conditions tempted Ireland to bowl first, but they had to wait until the start of the 11th over for their first wicket. New Zealand opener Luke Ronchi made the early running, playing a variety of cuts and driving fluently on the up against pace. Spin could not slow him down either – he lofted left-arm spinner George Dockrell over and through the covers.Just as Ronchi threatened to kick into a higher gear, he was bowled by seamer Craig Young for 35. Latham then took charge and added 75 for the second wicket with Neil Broom, who contributed 38, before chipping Chase to mid-off.Latham, though, continued to keep New Zealand ticking. He reached his first fifty off 64 balls, and brought up the second off 45 balls. Latham had a life on 89 when he holed out to long leg, where Barry McCarthy completed an excellent diving catch. Young, the bowler, had overstepped though. Latham reached his hundred with a single to long-on off Dockrell, but he fell in the same over – the 36th of the innings – when he came down the track and missed the ball. Niall O’Brien, the wicketkeeper, took the bails off to dismiss Latham for 104 off 111 balls.The momentum, however, seamlessly switched from one batsman to another. Taylor made his 35th ODI fifty, while Corey Anderson and Mitchell Santner flickered briefly, scoring 20 each. Munro led the charge in the slog overs, hammering three fours and four sixes, including one over square leg that broke a spectator’s chair.He started the penultimate over of the innings with back-to-back sixes off Peter Chase and raced to 44 off 14 balls. AB de Villiers’ 16-ball fifty against West Indies in 2015 was in danger. Munro holed out off the next ball, though, but his blitz was instrumental in taking New Zealand to an imposing score.They plundered 72 off the last four overs. The visitors, in fact, could have got more if not for sharp fielding from Ireland. Five out of six Ireland bowlers conceded over six runs an over.Ireland lost Paul Stirling for a duck in the chase when fast bowler Matt Henry found the top edge with a sharp, rising delivery. Ed Joyce and William Porterfield then tried to offset the early loss by putting on a run-a-ball 51 for the second wicket. The stand ended when Corey Anderson struck in his first over to remove Joyce for 17. From thereon the innings unravelled: Ireland lost their last nine wickets for 102 runs.In his next over Anderson dismissed Andy Balbirnie for a duck. Scott Kuggeleijn then took the key wicket of Porterfield, having him caught at deep square leg, where Adam Milne claimed a brilliant catch. Milne, playing first international match since the World T20, then pinned Dockrell lbw to leave Ireland at 119 for 7 in 32 overs. Eight overs later, legspinner Ish Sodhi added his name in the wickets column and wrapped up the 190-run victory.The last match of the tri-series – a dead rubber between New Zealand and Bangladesh – will be played on Wednesday.

Everton are expected to improve their offer for young Almeria forward El Bilal Toure in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Who is El Bilal Toure?

The 21-year-old, who currently earns £4,000 per week, has been seen as a key transfer target for the Blues ahead of the new Premier League season. Last term, they once again avoided relegation to the Championship by the skin of their teeth, with a lack of attacking quality too often proving to be an issue throughout the campaign.

The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay both struggled to lead the line for different reasons – the former had constant fitness issues and the latter simply didn't look up to the task, scoring just once in 27 league matches – and it highlighted the need for reinforcements to arrive this summer.

In Toure, Everton have an intriguing target on their radar, with the Almeria ace scoring seven goals in 21 La Liga appearances in 2022/23, with only 15 of those coming from the start. He has also netted five times in 15 caps for Mali, showing that he is also becoming a handy scorer at international level and has a potentially big future ahead of him.

The Blues are yet to be successful in their efforts to snap up the young attacker in the current transfer window, but a new claim has now emerged regarding their pursuit of him.

Are Everton signing El Bilal Toure?

According to IDEAL [via Sport Witness], Everton are prepared to raise their offer for Toure, and it "should not take many days" for his sale to go through, assuming Almeria's valuation is met. The La Liga side seem relaxed about the situation, accepting that their forward is likely to leave and that the eventual move "will be very satisfactory" for all parties.

The amount in question that the Blues are ready to pay is thought to be €30m (£25.7m) – a fee that would be a club-record amount for Almeria.

Toure, hailed as a "major talent" last summer by 90min's Graeme Bailey, looks like a brilliant young prospect who could add some life to Everton's side in the final third, having already proven himself in one of Europe's top leagues. Granted, he is still very young, so it would be harsh to expect him to be an immediate key man and consistent performer, but he could be a good squad option from the off.

Very much at home in a central attacking role, the Malian could learn from someone like Calvert-Lewin, assuming he stays put and remains injury-free, and his 6ft frame should allow him to handle the physical nature of the Premier League.

Everton could also do with bringing in a more experienced attacking option, though, in order to take the pressure off Toure and allow him to settle at his own pace, with more squad depth required at Goodison Park moving forward. Another relegation battle simply shouldn't be considered for a club of the Blues' stature, but for that to happen, significant inroads need to be made in the summer transfer market, assuming the funds are available.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Monaco defender Axel Disasi this summer, but Manchester United are also in the picture, according to a new update from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

How good is Axel Disasi?

The 25-year-old was an undoubted key man for his current side last season, proving to be an influential performer at the heart of their defence. He started an impressive 37 out of 38 Ligue 1 matches, winning an average of 2.6 aerial duels per outing – by far the most in his team – and also chipping with three goals and assists apiece for good measure.

Disasi is also a four-time capped France international, battling with the likes of Raphael Varane, Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba for minutes at international level, and he made three appearances at the 2022 World Cup, starting once and coming on as a substitute the other two times.

The Monaco man could well be a wanted man in the current transfer window, and while his contract doesn't run out until the summer of 2025, he could push for a move in the coming weeks as Champions League clubs snif around.

With Newcastle looking to potentially sign a new long-term centre-back partner for Sven Botman, it looks as though the Frenchman could be a target in the near future.

Do Newcastle want to sign Axel Disasi?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed Newcastle's interest in Disasi, also adding that United are equally keen on signing the defender, which was known previously:

"Newcastle and Manchester United are both exploring Disasi deal, no bids yet.

"Newcastle approached player side this week, expected to make contact with Monaco. Ten Hag approved Disasi — talks for weeks on player side but still waiting for approach with Monaco. More to follow."

Disasi could be a really strong addition to Newcastle's squad ahead of the new season, coming in as a possible immediate upgrade on Fabian Schar. The Swiss star has done an excellent job for the Magpies, but he is now 31 years of age and his very best days are arguably behind him, as can be the case with many players at the age. There is no issue with him as a squad player, but a younger option with his best years ahead of him makes complete sense this summer.

The Monaco defender has been hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for being part of a "crazy" group of talented young French central defenders who were present at the World Cup, while his "great qualities" as a player have been lauded by French coach Jean-Luc Vasseur in the past.

These are the sort of players who can take Newcastle to that next level moving forward, ensuring that last season was far from a one-off, and that the Magpies can build on their Champions League qualification by securing another top-four finish in 2023/24, gradually becoming a true force in English football.

It is also a testament to the progress made under Eddie Howe in such a short space of time that Newcastle are now in the mix to sign players who are linked with clubs like the Red Devils.

England Lions captain Keaton Jennings began to put a lean run behind him with 87 in Bristol

ECB Reporters Network22-Apr-2017
ScorecardKeaton Jennings got his season together in Bristol•Getty ImagesKeaton Jennings gave the England selectors a timely nudge as Durham enjoyed the upper hand against Gloucestershire on the second day of the Specsavers County Championship Division Two match at Bristol.Although he missed out on a second successive hundred, the left-handed opener top-scored with 87 as Durham, replying to the home side’s first-innings 303, reached the close on 270-4.Gloucestershire’s bowlers staged a mini-revival in the final session, but the visitors trail by 33 runs and, with ? wickets in hand, are still handily-placed to forge a meaningful lead lead and apply pressure on the third day.In need of reassurance in the wake of heavy defeat at the hands of Nottinghamshire, Durham’s top-order batting restored lost pride against a Gloucestershire attack that lacked penetration on an essentially true pitch.Eager to further press his international credentials after registering a hundred on debut for England against India in the fourth Test in Mumbai in December, Jennings took centre stage, sharing in a progressive opening stand of 114 in 32.3 overs with Stephen Cook.South Africa opener Cook appeared supremely secure in raising 50 from 80 balls and a hundred appeared to be his for the taking when he inexplicably lost concentration and, pursuing a delivery outside off stump from Chris Liddle, edged to Cameron Bancroft at first slip.Demonstrating sound temperament and technique, Jennings carried on regardless, ruthlessly exploiting Greame van Buuren’s slow left arm spin and punishing anything short or wide from seam bowlers who lacked consistency.Intent upon earning a place in the England squad for this summer’s Test series against South Africa, the 24-year-old has improved his defensive game, and it came as a surprise when he succumbed 13 runs short of what would have been his second hundred of the season.Last year’s top run-scorer in Championship cricket and the Cricket Writers Club’s player of 2016 was undone by a Liddle delivery that left him and was held by wicketkeeper and former Durham team-mate Phil Mustard via the finest of thin edges. He may have missed out on three figures, but his early-season form will surely not go unnoticed at Lord’s.Losing their momentum thereafter, Durham slipped from the giddy heights of 183-1 to 214-4, Graham Clark and Cameron Steel falling to Craig Miles in quick succession as the home side fought back after tea.Charged with the task of repairing the damage, experienced campaigners Paul Collingwood (28 not out) and Michael Richardson (25 not out) displayed a clear understanding of what was required in staging a restorative unbroken partnership of 57 for the fifth wicket as Gloucestershire’s bowlers sought atonement for their earlier shortcomings by applying belated pressure. Watchful in the extreme, these two safely negotiated 24 overs, eight of them against the new ball, to reach stumps without further mishap.Finally afforded an opportunity after a blank first season on the county staff, former Sussex paceman Liddle adhered to the tenets of line and length without luck, proving the most consistent of Gloucestershire’s front-line bowlers.Durham’s seamers made good use of the new ball to mop up the last three wickets for 38 runs in 15.2 overs after Gloucestershire had resumed their first innings on 265-7.Jack Taylor and David Payne added 36 for the eighth wicket, but once the former edged Rushworth to second slip three runs short of a half century, the innings unraveled rapidly.No sooner had Gloucestershire banked a third batting bonus point, than fellow England bowlers Mark Wood and Graham Onions took care of business, removing Payne and last man Liddle in quick succession

Newcastle United are believed to be "preparing an offer" for Eintracht Frankfurt attacking midfielder Jesper Lindstrom this summer.

Who is Jesper Lindstrom?

The 23-year-old was an impressive performer for Frankfurt last season, scoring seven goals in the Bundesliga, as well as chipping in with two assists.

Lindstrom also made three appearances for Denmark at the 2022 World Cup, starting twice in the competition and playing 200 minutes in total.

The Dane's current Frankfurt deal expires in the summer of 2026, though he could be a wanted man during the current summer transfer window, with a move away potentially on the cards.

With Newcastle looking to sign numerous players this summer in order to make their squad even more formidable, it looks as though Lindstrom could be a target for the Magpies.

Are Newcastle eyeing move for Lindstrom?

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are "preparing an offer" for the attacking midfielder and have "expressed a concrete interest" in him, as is also the case with AC Milan.

Both teams are "seriously" thinking about making a move for Lindstrom and Frankfurt are "demanding" between €30-40m (£26-34m) for his services, while the player himself has hinted at a move away this summer, saying, "I said that I want to play where it’s fun and I think it’s fun to play in the Champions League and the big tournaments."

Frankfurt will be aware that they can earn good money for someone who is described as an "absolute top performer" in the report, so they may ultimately be open to the idea of him moving on when push comes to shove.

Attacking midfield looks to be an area where Newcastle are looking to bring in reinforcements this summer, with James Maddison and Dominik Szoboszlai both seen as targets who they have missed out on.

Lindstrom could be a strong alternative for the Magpies having registered 27 goal contributions (14 goals and 13 assists) in 77 appearances for Frankfurt, as well as being compared to Bayern Munich and Germany legend Thomas Muller.

At 23, he is a young player who could develop greatly under Eddie Howe at St James' Park, alongside superior players to those he works with every day at Frankfurt. The fact that he has played on either flank as well as centrally should be seen as a bonus in terms of giving the manager even more depth across several positions.

Younis Khan has joined Misbah-ul-Haq in retiring from Test cricket at the end of the tour of the West Indies in April and May

Umar Farooq08-Apr-20173:12

Samiuddin: ‘Younis was prolific despite hardships’

Younis Khan has joined Misbah-ul-Haq in retiring from international cricket at the end of the tour of the West Indies in April and May. He announced his decision in Karachi on Saturday, two days after Misbah did likewise in Lahore, bringing an end to a 17-year Test career.”People are calling me and asking me not to make any announcement to leave but now is the time,” Younis, 39, said in Karachi. “A time comes in every player’s life when he has to decide and I always tried my best to serve my county with my head high. No player always remains fit, the motivation never remains the same, so this is the time when Younis should leave the field after the upcoming series in West Indies.”The exits of Younis and Misbah after the three Tests in the Caribbean will cost the Pakistan team more than 190 matches worth of experience. Younis heads into the series 23 runs short of becoming the first Pakistan batsman to score 10,000 Test runs. Misbah, nearly 43, needs 49 for 5000.”I always tried to be a good ambassador and serve my country to take it one step forward,” Younis said. “If I’ve ever made a mistake in my career, if I’ve forgotten something, or done something wrong, please think of me as one of your own and forgive me, ignore me and let’s move on.”This isn’t something sudden, this was always building up and few of my close friends knew it. Although I had a plan to retire after surpassing Javed bhai’s [Miandad] runs record, then I was motivated to complete 10,000 runs so I have decided to get them. The reason I announced it beforehand was people start asking me for more, they could then ask me to take 11,000 or 12,000 or I may start thinking about reaching Sachin’s 15,000 runs. Humans can never be satisfied but I am not of an age to make it that far, so I want people to respect my decision and allow me to fulfil my future plans.”Though Younis and Misbah leave on their own terms – unusual for Pakistan cricket – it is reasonable to think that eventually, a decision could have been forced upon them. It is understood the chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq was keen for both to retire after the West Indies tour, allowing them a proper farewell and a chance for Younis to get to 10,000. Inzamam wants to build a younger side around a new Test captain and felt this was the time to do it.Younis Khan made his debut in 2000 and now averages 53 in Test cricket•Getty ImagesSpeculation of retirement had not followed Younis like it did for Misbah, but the lack of a big score until the third Test in Sydney, where Younis made an unbeaten 175, did raise the question. Younis had said then that his future depended on what the team wanted from him.Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur knew that pressure would mount quickly on Younis and Misbah, especially if results did not go Pakistan’s way. The situation Pakistan wanted to avoid was both leaving at the same time. Arthur said during Pakistan’s tour of Australia that in an ideal world, he would want them to stagger their exits so that the impact on younger batsmen in the side could be more carefully managed. Younis and Misbah had a significant influence on the development of players like Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq.When asked how Pakistan would cope with him and Misbah leaving at the same time, Younis expressed confidence that Pakistan would be able to move on.”In the past these things were said, what Pakistan will do with big stars leaving, it will be difficult ahead … but life never stops for anyone, it needs to move on,” he said. “When I came in I shared the dressing room with players like Rashid Latif, Moin Khan, Inzamam, Wasim, Saeed Anwar and I thought what will happen if they fade away. All pressure will come on us as junior players.”But after two to three years Pakistan still did wonders, like in 2009 I won the World T20 with youngsters around me … I think Sarfraz [Ahmed] has a chance here to stand up and take the Pakistan team forward and we should think this way.”Younis has played 115 Tests, having made his debut in 2000, and has 9977 runs at an average of 53.06 with 34 hundreds, the most for a Pakistan batsman. His best Test score – 313 against Sri Lanka in 2009 – is the third highest for Pakistan, after Hanif Mohammad’s 337 and Inzamam-ul-Haq’s 329. He was recently named one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year, following his contribution in Pakistan’s 2-2 drawn series in England last summer.

Glasgow Rangers are closing in a move for Abdallah Sima as Michael Beale edges closer to recruiting another forward ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Abdallah Sima to Rangers?

According to Football Insider, the Light Blues are in advanced talks with the Brighton and Hove Albion forward ahead of a potential move to Ibrox this summer, with a season-long loan deal close to being agreed.

With Beale losing Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos at the end of the season, the onus is to add another few forward options before the season begins and Sima fits the bill due to his ability to either play through the middle, or on both flanks, and it could certainly be a risk-free move.

Could Abdallah Sima improve Rangers?

If Beale can get the Senegal international to replicate the form he displayed during his spell with Slavia Prague in 2020/21, then Rangers will have an exciting talent ready to dominate opposition defences in the Premiership next term.

The 22-year-old burst onto the scene during that campaign, scoring 16 goals and registering eight assists across all competitions, while he even terrorised the Light Blues during the Europa League last 16 clash against the Czech side in March 2021.

Sima may not have scored across the two legs, yet he was a constant menace for the Gers’ defence, succeeding with six successful dribbles and making three key passes across the two legs, causing chaos for the likes of Connor Goldson and Borna Barisic during the tie.

These performances led to a move to Brighton in the summer of 2021 for a fee of around £7m before he was loaned to Stoke City, where he failed to score while playing just 123 minutes of senior football.

The former Slavia Prague youngster is valued at €12.4m (£11m) according to FootballTransfers, and although he enjoyed a slightly more productive season with Angers in 2022/2023, scoring six goals and grabbing two assists, Beale will be hoping to transform him once he arrives in Scotland.

Once lauded as a “fantastic prospect” by talent scout Jacek Kulig during his excellent season for the Czech outfit, his stock has fallen in the previous few years, yet a loan move could be a stroke of genius by the 42-year-old, giving Rangers another attacking option.

Indeed, Sima actually had more shots on target per game than Morelos last term (1.1 to one) and also missed fewer big chances (eight to 13), suggesting that he was slightly more clinical in front of goal.

Overall, it’s surely a low-risk move by the Ibrox side and gives Beale another string to his attacking bow as he looks to get his side firing right from the get-go next term.

The Mumbai batsman has been asked to appear before the MCA’s managing committee on Tuesday and has also been asked to give a written explanation for his actions

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Feb-2017Suryakumar Yadav has been asked by the Mumbai Cricket Association to show cause for retweeting a post on Twitter that questioned his omission from the team for the Inter-state T20 tournament. The Mumbai batsman has also been asked to appear before the MCA’s managing committee on Tuesday. As a result, Suryakumar’s selection in the Mumbai squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy inter-state one-day tournament has been withheld pending the committee’s decision”Players are not allowed to comment on selection on social media,” MCA joint-secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar told ESPNcricinfo. “We have a managing committee meeting tomorrow where we will discuss what to do. We have called him [to appear before the committee] and have also sought a written explanation. Yesterday, I told him to give the written explanation within 24 hours so he can do that today. The committee will review his written explanation and then we will think what is to be done.”Khanvilkar pointed out that Suryakumar, 26, was let off with a verbal warning last year when he had tweeted expressing his displeasure at opener Jay Bista being dropped for Mumbai’s semi-final game against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy. “There are only 14 players we have picked [so far],” Khanvilkar said. “Cricket-wise, there is no problem. He is a good player. Just because of the disciplinary issue, we have withheld his selection, so whatever decision is taken in the managing committee, accordingly we will choose the 15.”Suryakumar has been involved in a few controversies over the last few years. He quit as Mumbai captain midway through an underwhelming 2014-15 season. He was also at that point reprimanded by MCA officials after some players complained against him for using abusive language on the field and in the dressing room.

A round-up of the Vijay Hazare Trophy games in Group A, played on March 3, 2017

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Mar-2017Gurkeerat Singh Mann led Punjab to a clinical, five-wicket win with a brisk 91 off 86 balls in their chase of 197 after Haryana had reduced them to 75 for 4. It was Harbhajan Singh’s figures with the ball – 10-0-33-4 – that put Punjab in a position of strength by bowling Haryana out for 196 in the penultimate over. After Siddarth Kaul removed Shubham Rohilla for a 12-ball duck, Nitin Saini and Chaitanya Bishnoi put on 68 for the second wicket in 109 balls, the biggest partnership of the innings. Punjab’s bowlers provided regular breakthroughs thereafter, led by Harbhajan, who had four batsmen lbw. Punjab’s chase got a steady start through U-19 opener Shubman Gill and Mandeep Singh, who added 47 in 81 balls. Legspinner Rahul Tewatia took three wickets and Harshal Patel had Yuvraj Singh bowled to pull Haryana back. Gurkeerat and Nikhil Chaudhary added an unbeaten 71 for the sixth wicket, of which the latter added 14.At the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, Assam aced their chase of 216 against Railways to register a four-wicket win with 12 balls to spare. After being asked to bowl, Assam restricted Railways to 215. An 85-run third-wicket stand between Akash Verma and Pratham Singh – after Railways were reduced to 8 for 2 – was the only phase in the game that Railways dominated. Arup Das took three wickets, while Pritam Das, Amit Verma and Swarupam Purkayastha claimed two scalps each. Handy contributions from Assam’s top order – Pallavkumar Das (44), Arun Karthik (42), Verma (35) and Riyan Parag (32) – ensured there wasn’t much trouble in the chase.Akshay Karnewar, an ambidextrous bowler, led Vidarbha to a comfortable seven-wicket rout of Odisha with figures of 4 for 21 from 10 overs. Odisha chose to bat, and were given a steady start by Govinda Poddar’s 68-ball 58. However, a score of 87 for 2 in the 23rd over quickly turned to 162 all out in the 46th over as the Vidarbha bowlers took control of the game. No other batsman scored more than 30. After a stable base, Vidarbha’s chase was never in doubt. Jitesh Sharma struck a 71-ball 70 before he was lbw off Rajkishan Patel. A patient 30 from Ambati Rayudu took Vidarbha home with 59 balls to spare.

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing PSV sensation Xavi Simons, as Mikel Arteta seeks upgrades to his squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Spaniard enjoyed a title-challenging season with the Gunners, however, it will be a transfer window objective to equip the tools necessary to close the gap on Manchester City.

In bolstering his side with a player as talented as Simons, Arteta could build something special this summer.

Indeed, with Kai Havertz now confirmed as a Gunner, the Emirates may see a new dawn of talent in the squad especially if rumours regarding Simons’ future are to be believed.

As reported by French outlet L’Equipe – relayed by Get French Football News – earlier this week, the Dutchman is ‘against’ a reunion with Paris Saint Germain despite the club potentially wanting to exercise their €6m buy-back clause.

It’s stated that the 20-year-old is ‘leaning towards a new challenge’, with Arsenal named as one of the clubs aiming to snatch the midfielder.

Most prominently, the report adds that the PSV star could choose his destination, as long as the €6m (£5m) buy-back fee is matched, making him a huge bargain with his estimated valuation being €60m (£52m).

What could Xavi Simons offer to Arsenal?

Hailed as “innovative” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the graduate from La Masia could excel in Arteta’s side, particularly with other speculated arrivals in mind.

While Arsenal’s ploy for Havertz is complete, Simons remains as speculation, but the Gunners could form a partnership for the ages by equipping both in midfield.

The German was predominantly played as a forward at Chelsea, however, excelled in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen when occupying the number eight and ten roles.

In four seasons, the 24-year-old established himself as a key player for Die Werkself and contributed 61 goals and assists before heading to the Premier League.

Arteta could unlock the player that shone as one of Germany’s best by playing him in the middle of the park, with his attributes suggesting that he could have a perfect partner in an individual as similarly versatile as Simons.

Capable of playing central and on the flanks, the 20-year-old netted a monstrous 19 goals and registered nine assists in Eredivisie last campaign, showing his innate ability in the final third from midfield.

When comparing his blockbuster season to Havertz’s final term in the Bundesliga, via FBref, it’s clear to see the impact the two could have by playing in a midfield pivot as both flex strengths in areas key to progressing in Arteta’s set-up.

Last campaign, Simons averaged highly in terms of progressive play, averaging 4.82 progressive passes and 4.75 progressive carries per 90, numbers that are almost mirrored by Havertz back in the 2019/20 season.

The Aachen-born star scored an average of 5.10 progressive passes and 4.36 progressive carries, showing his capabilities in playing slightly deeper than the role he’s accustomed to in England.

Both players possess the ability to get among the goals, not just highlighted by their individual tallies in the respective campaigns, but their off-ball efforts.

Simmons averaged 7.93 progressive passes received this season, while Havertz received a monstrous 9.17 for Leverkusen, communicating how potent they could be at the Emirates, as per FBref.

Such numbers are expected of midfielders in Arteta’s side, with high-scoring skipper Martin Odegaard ending the season with an average of 5.55 progressive passes received and 2.39 progressive carries, via FBref, indicating that the duo could slot perfectly into the Spaniard’s system.

The summer is about adding significant depth to Arsenal, which Arteta and Edu could do by signing Simons, who would be a perfect addition to the midfield.