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There are times when supporters don’t exactly get what they want in a transfer window, with their teams sometimes signing players they aren’t particularly convinced by for one reason or another. And this usually leads to a few too many comments on social media.In the case of Dusan Vlahovic’s potential move to Paris Saint-Germain, however, ultras have done more than just comment on Twitter. Instead, not doing things by halves, they have presented a banner threatening to cut off three of the striker’s fingers if he makes the move.Something tells us that’ll be enough of a warning for the Serbian, who may opt to stay among the chaos at Juventus with a perfectly intact hand, rather than likely silverware and three fewer fingers in the French capital.The question is, why have PSG ultras reacted to the rumours in such a way?

Why did the PSG ultras threaten Dusas Vlahovic?

Believe it or not, it wasn’t Vlahovic’s poor Juventus form which sparked the threats of the ultras. Instead, it is believed that the uproar came following the discovery of the striker’s activity whilst on international duty with Serbia – as pointed out in the Tweet above.

The striker was seen holding up three fingers whilst wearing a t-shirt that showed Kosovo as part of Serbia. The action is said to refer to “Serbian supremacy over Kosovo” and can be seen as a greeting made by Serbian guerrilla of unification.

Vlahovic wouldn’t be the first summer signing at PSG to receive a frosty reception, either, with Lucas Hernandez not exactly welcomed with open arms in France. Indeed, before that move was complete, fans told the now-former Bayern Munich defender that he is unwanted at the club.

The disapproval of the ultras comes as a result of the fact that Hernandez was born in Marseille, and his father, Jean-Francois played for Olympique Marseille – PSG’s rivals.

So, it’s fair to say that winning over a section of PSG fans can be quite the task, and a dangerous one at that, too.

How much would Dusan Vlahovic cost?

Initially costing Juventus a reported £66.6m back in January 2022, it remains to be seen whether the Serie A giants will suffer a significant loss on their investment.

According to Rudy Galetti, both Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain are interested in making a move for the forward this summer. Given the reaction of PSG ultras, however, a move now seems less likely. Meanwhile, Spurs would only make their move if Harry Kane did depart in the current window.

According to Transfermarkt, Vlahovic is currently worth €70m (£60.09m), in what is a hefty fee for a striker who scored just 10 Serie A goals last season.

A fresh start could do the 23-year-old a world of good though. As things stand, things don’t really look like bursting into life for him at Juventus, and given their position as a team without European football next season, perhaps Vlahovic could be tempted by a departure to a club playing in the Champions League.

With a long summer ahead, there could be plenty of twists and turns for the striker yet.

If afforded the right resources, Daniel Farke is more than capable of directing an instant Premier League return for Leeds United.

The 46-year-old managed Norwich City in two promotions from the Championship and will begin his hunt for some new players to join his Elland Road revolution.

Last summer, Victor Orta’s experimental transfer strategy played a significant part in the club’s relegation. The signing of too many unproven and unknown players ultimately cast an unbreakable shadow over the Yorkshire outfit.

Three different managers were unable to pinpoint how to maximise the talents of the squad, but with a promotion specialist at the helm, things could look very different.

In this new era, Amad Diallo should certainly be one of the primary targets.

What’s the latest on Amad Diallo to Leeds United?

According to Football Insider, Erik ten Hag will make a decision on Diallo’s future in the “next few weeks.” However, the expectation is that the youngster is likely to leave again on loan in search of first-team football.

This comes amid reports that Leeds are eyeing a possible temporary move for the one-time Atalanta starlet, following the 20-year-old's phenomenal season-long loan spell at Sunderland last season.

How good is Amad Diallo?

The £29k-per-week star joined Sunderland in August 2022 and was an absolute revelation in the Championship. In an unstoppable season, the winger scored 13 goals at a rate of 0.46 per 90 to become the club’s top scorer.

This scintillating form was somewhat of a surprise as he was largely anonymous in a frustrating short-term at Rangers at the tail end of the 2021/22 campaign, in which he only made 13 appearances due to injury and inconsistency.

However, he’s always had burning potential that had patiently waited to be unlocked. Upon his move to Old Trafford in 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjær predicted the forward to reach unparalleled heights and said: “His speed, vision, and fantastic dribbling ability will stand him in good stead to make the transition.

"He is a player with all of the raw attributes that are needed to be an important player for Manchester United in the years to come."

With Diallo on the right wing and on Wilfried Gnonto on the other touchline, Leeds could be a frightening offensive force next term.

The Italian joined the English side last summer, and in 14 Premier League starts, he notched six goal contributions. Although it was a tricky debut season, he still displayed a commendable fearlessness and directness that made him of the club’s most dangerous assets. This is partly portrayed by his rank within the best 25% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries per 90 and assists per 90.

His effervescence and quality have been earmarked by Gary Neville, who said: “To see someone so mature, so young is very unusual in that position. Sometimes you see potential and talent but watching him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of teammates, really good honestly.”

Therefore, Diallo, who had been described as “electric” by The Athletic’s Peter Rutzler, is already a proven Championship asset, and with Gnonto, the pair could dominate defenders come August.

وجه أيمن يونس لاعب الزمالك الأسبق، رسالة إلى حسام حسن المدير الفني الجديد لمنتخب مصر، وطالبه بالتعامل الجيد مع محمد صلاح، المحترف ضمن صفوف ليفربول الإنجليزي.

وقال أيمن يونس في تصريحات تلفزيونية لبرنامج “بوكس تو بوكس” عبر قناة “etc”: “نساند حسام حسن ونساند كل مدرب يقود منتخب مصر، لأن مصلحتنا واحدة وهي رفع اسم بلدنا”.

فيديو | أول تعليق من حسام حسن على خسارة منتخب مصر أمام كرواتيا برباعية في كأس العاصمة

وأضاف: “تاريخنا الكروي مليء بالعباقرة الذين صنعوا فرقًًا وحصدوا البطولات، محمود الجوهري نجح عندما صنع عائلة منتخب مصر، وحسن شحاتة كذلك، لكن الصراعات الداخلية التي حدثت مؤخرًا تلغي فكرة العائلة لأنك قسمت الشعب، والشعب يُحب محمد صلاح ومن لا يُحبه ولا يُقدره لا يفهم في الكرة”.

وتابع: “ما صنعه محمد صلاح يوازي 3 أمم إفريقيا، الناس تقول نعرف الأهرامات ومحمد صلاح، بداية صناعة منتخب ليست من الملعب ولكن أجواء وعائلة كبيرها محمد صلاح، سواء قبلت أو لا، فهذا هو الواقع”.

وواصل: “محمد صلاح علم العالم كله كيف يتم استغلال المساحة، ومثلما علم ميسي العالم معنى القدرات الفردية، صلاح علم العالم كيفية إنهاء الهجمات”.

وتابع: “البداية خاطئة وتفكيك للمنتخب، واللاعبون يشعرون بذلك ويحزنون من داخلهم لأن صلاح قائدهم عندما يدخل المعسكر ينور ومصر تنور”.

واستكمل: “يا حسام نُحبك ونريد أن نُساندك، لكن محمد صلاح هو قطعة الشطرنج التي تبني عليها، الجهلاء الكثر وملوك التشويه والفتن يقولون إن صلاح يلعب مع مصر بالشوكة والسكينة، لكنه لعب مع ناس لا تفهم كيف تتعامل معه مثل فيتوريا، ويلعب مع لاعبين ليسوا بنفس جودة اللاعبين في أوروبا، ومعه مدرب في ليفربول (كلوب) يعرف كيف يُخرج أحسن ما فيه، لكن لو أنت لا تعرف كيف تُخرج أفضل ما فيه إذًا العيب فيك”.

“لا نغامر بالبلد”.. أشرف صبحي يتحدث عن تدخله في اختيار حسام حسن لتدريب منتخب مصر

واستأنف: “حسام حسن سيندم، البداية خاطئة والعائلة بدأت مُفككة، الأمر الثاني أن تبحث عن لاعبين يليقون بقميص منتخب مصر وهم في الملعب لا يليقون باسم المنتخب”.

وأتم: “أنت يا حسام لا تحتاج لاكتشاف لاعبين الآن، أنت تحتاج منح الثقة للاعبين الأساسيين، الموضوع لا يتحمل العناد، وأتمنى أن يتنازل حسام وإبراهيم عن العناد، صلاح ليس مجرد لاعب لأنه نجح في غزو عقول الإنجليز الذين احتلونا في وقت سابق”.

Tottenham Hotspur are among the contenders for the touted Netherlands prospect Xavi Simons, who is expected to leave Dutch Eredivisie outfit PSV this summer.

What's the latest on Xavi Simons to Tottenham?

That's according to esteemed transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who claims that while PSG have the option to exercise a €6m (£5m) buyback clause for the dynamic midfielder next month, Spurs are also firmly in the mix.

Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are all considering a move too, but Tottenham will fight hard to secure the signature of a precocious talent who could assume a driving role in Ange Postecoglou's rebuilding job.

Just 20-years-old, Simons is in the maiden phase of his career but has already caught the eye with his stellar showings, and if Tottenham prevail in their bid, it would represent a major coup.

Should Tottenham sign Xavi Simons?

The Lilywhites' framework needs some tinkering over the next few months if the demons of the past season are to be exorcised, and while the appointment of Postecoglou from Scottish champions Celtic is both astute and befitting, the transfer market must be utilised aptly after a dismal year that yielded no European football.

Indeed, Spurs finished eighth and stretched their barren trophy run to 15 years, with the acrimonious dismissal of Antonio Conte in March the fourth in as many years by chairman Daniel Levy.

The time for rejuvenation is now and Simons would fortify this framework with a steely foundation, with the Dutch talent having been in sensational and prolific form for Der Boeren this year, plundering 22 goals and assisting 12 more from 48 matches across all competitions, dubbed a "magic" ace by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Typically utilised as a No. 10, Simons has also found fruit from the flanks and in a more centrally-placed striking deployment, and this level of versatility could provide Tottenham with an invaluable and "unprecedented" new option – as Simons' skill set has been described by Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Given his aptitude at both scoring and creating goals, he could be the dream heir for beloved former Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen, who also plied his trade in the Eredivisie, with Ajax, before making the £11.5m switch to north London in 2013.

Now a phenom with Manchester United, the Danish star would forge 305 appearances for the N17 side, scoring 69 goals and supplying 90 assists, and was heralded by former teammate Kyle Walker for his innate ability to salvage results, with the right-back saying you would "put your house on him".

Also heralded as a "world-class player" by Craig Bellamy, the 31-year-old has revelled in an excellent career as a reliable conduit between the central and final third, capable of devastating defences with his multi-faceted tool kit.

Praised as a gem who "has the X-factor” by journalist Antonio Mango, Simons perhaps offers more of a direct threat than his creative peer, but given Eriksen was of a similar age when he joined Tottenham and both boast a superlative talent as attacking midfielders, joining the fold at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be a stunning partnership and a rebirth of a first-rate player at the club.

A little over 60 overs into the game in Pune it appeared England had their winning template in place

Arun Venugopal in Pune15-Jan-20171:16

‘Didn’t expect Jadhav to play like that’ – Morgan

A little over 60 overs into the game it appeared England had their winning template in place. After being asked to bat first, they obliged by putting 350 on the board. It was the 15th time England have scored in excess of 300 since the 2015 World Cup, and they have lost only on four occasions. Then Chris Woakes bowled a priceless opening spell of 5-0-12-0 on an unforgiving pitch, while David Willey delivered the early breakthroughs.England even managed to dismiss Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni in successive overs to have India teetering on the brink on 63 for 4. There was still Virat Kohli, but with only a little-known Kedar Jadhav and a callow lower middle-order, England had a chance to win big and dent India’s psyche. Instead, at the end of the night, it was England’s morale that was razed by a 200-run partnership in 147 balls between Jadhav and Kohli, who both scored first-rate, counterpunching hundreds.Eoin Morgan admitted he didn’t expect Jadhav to take the game away from England. He also revealed that at one point England looked to take Kohli off strike and target Jadhav, who ended up with a career-best 120 off 76 balls. “What hurts the most is we had India 60 for 4,” he said. “Credit to his 60-70 ball hundred.  We take our hat off to him. He was striking it from ball one and gave us no chances.”When asked if England had run out of ideas to stop Kohli, he said none of their plans came to fruition. Morgan referred to the 10th over when Kohli got a thick outside edge off Jake Ball, and Alex Hales at third man ran around and got in position for the catch, but the ball evaded his reach.”There is always something we can do,” he said. “All the plans weren’t far off today and the balls went over heads, maybe those two yards on another day, and that would have been out. And they would have been five down and you are right into them. He’s a fantastic player, he’s proven that over a long period of time.”Despite scoring 115 runs in their last 10 overs, Morgan felt England could have scored more than 350. He said it was as much a reflection of the pitch as it was about how they batted. “Yes, our batting effort was good, but it still wasn’t our best. When you score 350 you expect to play well. That summarises the conditions here, the pitch was really really good and the boundaries were pretty small. If anything, today proves that chasing 350, even at 60 for 4, you are never out of the game.”Morgan, however, took heart from the bowling performance in the first half. “Early on we were brilliant, four early wickets, still don’t think it [the pitch] offered a lot. Creating those chances early on was a great effort,” he said. “India came back at us hard, kept up with the rate and still kept coming, The wicket allowed them to do that.”We took four early wickets which is tough in the subcontinent. Taking early wickets is something we’ve always struggled to do in the past. David Willey has done well for us particularly at home, and from there you look at different options.”He hoped his bowlers would be better for the experience, and find ways to get out of such situations. “Our hope is that, the more our bowlers experience games like this, experience like the partnership today and the circumstances get harder, they’ll actually come up with good enough skills to restrict batsmen or get them off strike, or even take a wicket.”We encourage guys to do things differently all the time, conventional stuff doesn’t work as well as it used to anymore. All the teams around the world are in the same position, very rarely you come across a guy who can come in and blast the team out when there is a huge partnership going on. We still have guys like that.”

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in raiding Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer and procuring centre-back Max Kilman, according to reports.

It's the beginning of a new chapter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with manager Ange Postecoglou departing treble-winning Celtic to take the reins and lead Spurs back to brighter days after a dismal campaign that culminated in an eighth-place finish and failure to qualify for European competition next season.

Tottenham started the campaign brightly under the stewardship of the distinguished Antonio Conte but trickled further into the murky abyss as the season went on, ending another year without silverware.

The defensive efforts were shoddy and a large part behind the woes, and that's why Kilman could prove to be a shrewd acquisition to return some stability and grit to the N17 backline.

90min certainly think it could be a possibility, stating that the 26-year-old "has long had admirers" at the club and "remains a target", with The Athletic's Tim Spiers revealing this year that his signature could cost around £20m-£30m.

Should Tottenham sign Max Kilman?

Kilman, who is eligible to play internationally for both England and Ukraine, played 37 matches this season as Wolves finished 13th in the Premier League after looking like relegation favourites before Julen Lopetegui's appointment before the mid-season pause for the 2022 World Cup.

Praised as "immense" and a "monster" by Talking Wolves presenter Tom Parker, he recorded an average match rating of 6.85 this season, according to Sofascore, and caught the eye by keeping 11 clean sheets, making 4.4 clearances per game and winning 67% of his aerial duels.

His prowess is further illustrated by metrics provided by FBref, who suggest the distinguished Manchester United titan Raphael Varane is his most similar player.

Indeed, with the £15k-per-week Wolves star ranking among the top 12% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons, the top 28% for progressive carries and the top 5% for blocks per 90, his skill set does indeed draw similarities to Varane.

The £350k-per-week United phenom ranks himself among the top 25% of positional peers for progressive carries and the top 28% for successful take-ons per 90, having also averaged 3.7 clearances per match in the Premier League this term while winning 72% of his aerial duels.

Kilman could harness his skills to provide an iron-clad grip on the Spurs defence, potentially forging a solid partnership with the aggressive Cristian Romero and living up to the tag of "generational talent" – as he was dubbed by reporter Nathan Judah.

Varane is a player who has seen it all, the 30-year-old notably winning the 2018 World Cup with France and four Champions League trophies with Real Madrid, also ending Manchester United's trophy drought this year with a triumph in the Carabao Cup.

If Kilman can indeed channel his own talents, he could match his confrere in Varane and play a central role in Spurs' desired resurgence, perhaps even providing the sweeping stability at the back to end a 15-year wait for silverware at the club.

The Cobham production line has developed an extraordinary plethora of youth talent which means that Chelsea has one of the most gifted academies in world football.

However, the Blues have consistently failed to utilise effectively this part of the football club. In recent times, only Reece James, Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Andreas Christensen, and Tammy Abraham have been able to forge notable breakthroughs in the first team.

The list of those who haven't is mind-boggling and extortionate – a hideous reflection upon the dismissive and reckless transfer policy that the board has deployed over the years.

Another player that the West Londoners could potentially snub is Ian Maatsen, who has just enjoyed a phenomenal loan spell at Burnley, where he clinched the Championship title and promotion back to the top flight.

The 21-year-old is attracting huge attention from Vincent Kompany, whose side is hoping to convince Chelsea to allow another flourishing starlet to depart.

What’s the latest on Ian Maatsen to Burnley?

According to the Evening Standard, the 2021 Champions League winners will only listen to offers in excess of £20m, as Burnely are keen on a permanent deal for the left-back.

The Athletic reported that a recent proposal of £15m including add-ons has been rejected by Chelsea.

Maatsen’s current contract expires in 2024, but he could yet sign an extension at Stamford Bridge and rejoin the Clarets on loan in their debut campaign back in the Premier League.

Why should Chelsea keep Ian Maatsen?

The Dutchman was an integral part of a Burnley side that cantered to the league title, as he made 39 appearances and registered ten goal involvements, earning a place in the Championship team of the season.

Kompany has eulogised over his defensive and offensive aptitude, by saying: “He's a very, very versatile full-back with lots of energy and great potential."

During a prior loan stint at Coventry, goalkeeper Simon Moore echoed Kompany’s sentiment and said: “He’s hugely talented, he wants to learn, and he never gives up. Maats has got an exciting future ahead of him.”

Maatsen has clearly demonstrated that he is ready for top-flight football and has all the ingredients to be a reliable and successful asset in the capital.

Furthermore, the left-back position has been a troubled area for the Blues in recent times.

Marc Cucurella has drastically failed to justify his frightening £62m transfer, notably being dubbed a "liability" by various sections of the media, and it has been suggested that he could leave the club this summer.

Meanwhile, in Ben Chilwell, the Blues possess a player oozing with quality and composure, but his inability to stay fit has hindered the club’s progression.

Since the summer of 2021, the Englishman has missed 58 games through three separate injuries, which makes a compelling case for Maatsen to become integrated into the senior squad in some capacity.

The former Coventry star mirrors Chilwell in many aspects, particularly his eye to get relentlessly get forward and menacingly whip in inviting crosses.

Mauricio Pochettino will be aware of this, and when assessing who can be Chilwell’s understudy, Maatsen would be a fantastic option.

Indeed, it would be a criminal mistake by the new boss to allow Maatsen to depart the club permanently given what he can offer, and Chelsea must avoid the temptation to cash in on another homegrown defensive ace like they have done with Fikayo Tomori, Marc Guehi, and Tariq Lamptey.

Guehi, in particular, has enjoyed riveting success in the Premier League since departing, so much so that he is now valued at £50m. That same error cannot be repeated by the Blues.

Todd Boehly will be aiming to back new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino in the transfer market as the Blues look ahead to the future under a boss who has plenty of Premier League experience.

The Stamford Bridge outfit are on course for their worst season since 1993/94, and with no European football next term, Pochettino will be able to focus purely on domestic affairs, which could well be a blessing in disguise.

The Argentinian will be hoping to sign players who further strengthen his first-team squad, and according to journalist Martin Arevalo, the Blues are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Leandro Paredes this summer – although Atletico Madrid are also keen and could provide stiff competition.

Chelsea have also established contact with the Argentinian’s representatives, and it looks as though Pochettino is already getting a head start on his transfer business.

Could Chelsea sign Leandro Paredes this summer?

The midfielder has a contract with PSG until 2024 and this means Chelsea could perhaps sign him this summer for a knockdown fee.

He hasn’t enjoyed the best of seasons out on loan at Juventus, starting just eight games for the club in Serie A and ranking as just the 14th-best player in the squad, while ranking 6th for key passes per game and 17th for tackles made. However, this shouldn’t deter Pochettino from making a move for the player that he used to coach at the French side.

Indeed, he is statistically similar to German midfield maestro Toni Kroos, according to FBref, with the Real Madrid star considered to be the second-most comparable player to Paredes, and considering how incredible Kroos has been over the previous decade – winning a glut of major honours including five Champions League crowns – it isn’t a bad comparison to have.

Despite his underwhelming season, Paredes ranks in the top 10% of players in his position across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year for passes attempted (70.61 per 90), pass completion rate (88.2% per 90) and touches (79.19 per 90), indicating he is one of the finest players on the continent for his passing ability – and he is clearly comfortable on the ball.

Kroos is also a wonderful passer of the ball, and he ranks in the top 1% for passes attempted (100.06 per 90) and touches (106.32 per 90), along with ranking in the top 3% for pass completion rate (91.1% per 90), With the duo's statistics fairly similar, Pochettino will know that if he makes a move for the 28-year-old, he could dictate play from the midfield with ease.

The 5 foot 11 gem has been lauded as being “perfect” by former PSG player Fabrice Pancrate, and there is no reason he could not enjoy a new lease of life in England under his former manager.

Joe Denly’s unbeaten 82 helped Kent to kick off their 165th Canterbury Week fixtures with a comfortable seven-wicket Royal London Cup win over Gloucestershire

ECB Reporters Network31-Jul-2016
ScorecardJoe Denly continued his good run of form in 50-over cricket (file photo)•Getty ImagesJoe Denly’s unbeaten 82 helped Kent to kick off their 165th Canterbury Week fixtures with a comfortable seven-wicket Royal London Cup win over Gloucestershire. Denly hit nine fours and a six to anchor the successful Spitfires run-chase to secure a fourth South Group win with 52 balls to spare and maintain Kent’s hopes of securing a quarter-final berth.In pursuit of Gloucestershire’s modest total of 200 all out, Kent were given a sound start by in-form openers Denly and Daniel Bell-Drummond, who both went into the game boasting a 60-plus average in this season’s 50-over competition.On a tricky pitch on which boundaries came at a premium, the pair equalled Kent’s record List A first-wicket stand against Gloucestershire – drawing level with the 92 set by Brian Luckhurst and Graham Jonson here in 1972 – when Bell-Drummond fell for 42. Playing back to one from Benny Howell that just held its line against the St Lawrence slope, the ball clipped off stump to end Bell-Drummond’s 59-ball stay.Denly, who posted centuries in Kent’s Royal London games against Glamorgan in June and at the Ageas Bowl against Hampshire recently, maintained his form by marching to a 71-ball 50 with seven fours.Kent skipper Sam Northeast contributed 26 to the chase before he mistimed a back-foot force against one that held up on the surface to clip a return catch to the bowler David Payne and make it 146 for 2.Sam Billings erratic form continued when he too clipped back a miscued drive to the bowler, this time against spinner Graeme van Buuren, bringing in Darren Stevens, batting in black trainers. Where others had struggled for their timing, Stevens was soon blazing it to all parts. He moved past 7000 List A career runs in the process and went on to win the game with a pulled six to finish unbeaten on 28 from 21 balls.Having won the toss and elected to field, Kent made their opening breakthrough with the 12th ball of the day and the sixth delivery down the Nackington Road slope from Matt Coles. A quick inswinging yorker, the ball beat Phil Mustard’s clip to leg and rearranged the stumps to make it 7 for 1. Coles struck again in his third over, beating Ian Cockbain’s back-foot defensive push to send the right-hander packing lbw for 6.The dismissal brought together Gloucestershire captain Michael Klinger and Kiwi batsman Hamish Marshall. The pair added 42 in 12.1 overs until Klinger, on 36 and in aiming to steer one from Darren Stevens down to third man, only succeeded in toe-ending the ball onto the base of off stump.Stevens completed his 10-over stint with figures of 1 for 28 as the visitors limped to 96 for 3 at the midpoint of their innings. Stevens was duly replaced by Charlie Hartley, making his first Kent appearance since late 2014.Fresh from back-to-back five-wicket hauls for Kent 2nds, Hartley struck in his second over, trapping Marshall lbw for 43 with a full offcutter as the batsman aimed to clip leg-side. Hartley struck again in near identical fashion on his next over, snaring Van Buuren lbw as the fifth successive wicket of the innings fell from the same end.That run was broken in the next over when Jack Taylor chipped a slower ball straight back to Will Gidman, the on-loan Nottinghamshire seamer making his home debut for Kent against his former county, who took a comfortable return catch. Gidman struck again by clipping the top of Benny Howell’s leg stump with an in-ducker then another slower delivery, a low full-toss, accounted for Craig Miles who clipped it straight to midwicket.Tom Smith and David Payne added 36 for ninth wicket before Payne ran himself out when chancing a second run to Bell-Drummond at deep cover. As Gloucestershire finally limped to 200, so Mitch Claydon took his sole wicket by bowling Matt Taylor in the final over, leaving Tom Smith unbeaten on 29.

Arsenal have enjoyed a season as one of the Premier League’s best, sitting at the top of the pile for the majority of the campaign.

April’s disappointing form saw the Gunners get chased down by Manchester City but hope does still remain in north London that Mikel Arteta’s side can still win their first league title since 2004.

With just three games remaining, Arsenal have reached new heights this season, guaranteeing Champions League football for the 2023/24 campaign and a top-two finish for the first time since 2016.

What’s most impressive about Arteta's side, is that they are the joint-youngest squad in the top flight, level with Southampton with an average age of just 24.4.

The club’s three highest goalscorers are under 25, with 24-year-old captain Martin Odegaard netting 15 goals this season, level with 21-year-old Gabriel Martinelli, and in third is Hale End graduate Bukayo Saka with 14 goals.

To see young players flourishing is one thing, but to see them lead and maintain the success of a team at the summit of the Premier League is an incentive for those in the club’s academy, as a glimpse of the opportunities that could open for them in the future.

Several academy names have featured in first-team training this season, the most recent addition being Portuguese midfielder Mauro Bandeira.

Who is Mauro Bandeira?

Since joining Arsenal’s academy at the age of 13, Bandeira has worked his way through the system and currently plays for the U21s in the Premier League 2’s division one.

The 19-year-old prodigy has scored three goals in the league this season, making 20 appearances.

The Loures-born player is versatile in his positioning and has featured four times this campaign at right-back when called upon.

Once described as a “lively” presence in the engine room by journalist Layth Yousif, the young midfielder signed his first professional deal last summer and took the number 41 in the senior team.

Most recently, the teenage talent made the trip to St James’ Park with the Arsenal first-team squad, showing how he is valued at the club by Arteta.

With talk surrounding Granit Xhaka’s potential departure in the summer getting louder as the season draws to a close, the Swiss international could leave a vacancy to be filled in the heart of the pitch.

The Gunners aren’t afraid to place talented young stars above big names, and Bandeira could be one for the future as he embodies the skill set imposed on the current squad by the 30-year-old.

In the Football League Trophy this season, Bandeira has averaged a Sofascore match rating of 6.83, as well as winning over half of his duels per game (56%) whilst maintaining a passing accuracy of 81% – showing his ability to function in both areas of the engine room.

While speculation grows around Arsenal’s desire to sign a defensively-minded midfielder in the transfer window, the club may have the chance to explore the academy next season, especially with even more fixtures inbound with European involvement.

Only time will tell if the young Hale End gem will follow in the footsteps of those before him, however, Arsenal is the club to be at for young players under Arteta’s management.