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South Africa have handed out contracts to 14 women cricketers, expanding the pool from six

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Aug-2014South Africa have handed out contracts to 14 women cricketers, expanding the pool from six. All of them who were given contracts, excluding KwaZulu-Natal’s Nadine Moodley, have been picked for the Twenty20s in England and Ireland next month. Boland offspinner Sunette Loubser is the only one who didn’t get a contract but made the tour.New contracts: Suné Luus (Northerns), Lizelle Lee (North West), Moseline Daniels (Western Province), Chloe Tryon (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Ayabonga Khaka (Border), Nadine Moodley (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Bernadine Bezuidenhout (Western Province) and Andrie Steyn (Northerns).Contracts renewed: Mignon du Preez (capt, Northerns), Marcia Letsoalo (Northerns), Dané van Niekerk (Eastern Province), Shabnim Ismail (Western Province), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province) and Trisha Chetty (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal).”I believe that this latest awarding of eight contracts will be a fundamental step in assisting the Momentum Proteas Women’s team to realise their goal of being one of the top four countries in world cricket,” CSA general manager of cricket Corrie van Zyl said. “This now means that the squad that will be going on tour to England will be the first fully contracted women’s cricket squad in South African history and that is something that we are all proud of. “The England and Ireland tour is set for the first week of September.Squad: Mignon du Preez (capt), Trisha Chetty (vice-capt), Moseline Daniels, Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Lizelle Lee, Matshipi Letsoalo, Sunette Loubsher, Sune Luus, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Chloe Tyron, Andrei Tyron, Dane van Niekerk

West Indies were sluggish after rain, almost resigned, whereas Pakistan chased with intent, and took an unassailable 2-1 lead with only the final game to go

The Report by Sidharth Monga21-Jul-2013
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Samuels scored the first century of the series, but was brought down to earth as Pakistan won the shortened match•AFPWhen the rain finally subsided to revise Pakistan’s target to 189 in 31 overs, leaving them 121 to get in 14 remaining overs, West Indies’ captain Dwayne Bravo was clearly not happy. He looked at the sheet of paper given by the umpire in disgust, and handed it over to a team-mate. Pakistan, who had eight wickets in hand, had to give up further Powerplay overs, but all of West Indies’ main bowlers had bowled by then and didn’t have many overs left. West Indies were sluggish, almost resigned, whereas Pakistan chased with intent, and took an unassailable 2-1 lead with only the final game to go.During the chase, Misbah-ul-Haq went past Wasim Akram’s record of most ODI runs without a century, but saw Pakistan home with a cool unbeaten 53 off 43, which complemented Mohammad Hafeez’s 59 off 62. The stand the two put together meant that Marlon Samuel’s century earlier in the day, scored in what was then a 49-over game, and instrumental in setting up the biggest total of the series, went in vain.Until rain arrived, though, West Indies were doing it just right. They had weathered a quickish start from Pakistan, dried up the runs, eked out two wickets, but because only two batsmen had been dismissed, Pakistan’s revised target was not out of reach. In hindsight, Misbah’s decision to bowl in a series that no side had won chasing until then, and despite no forecast of rain, ended up giving them the advantage.The grumpy West Indies came out, and resumed with part-time bowlers at each end. Bravo himself began with a wide first ball after rain. Hafeez and Misbah, the unbeaten batsmen, seized the momentum, taking 17 off the first two overs. West Indies knew they could have given one of Sunil Narine, Kemar Roach and Jason Holder two overs, and the other two just an over each.Hafeez went after Holder, pulling him for two sixes in the 21st over. Even as Bravo continued to go for runs, bowling ahead of Darren Sammy who went for just 10 in three overs, West Indies turned to Narine at the other end. Pakistan played that over out peacefully, which brought the target down to 62 from 48.In the next over, Roach got slightly lucky with Hafeez’s wicket, who played a square-drive straight to point. Shahid Afridi was closer to the miss on his hit-or-miss spectrum. When He fell, Pakistan needed 45 off 34.Misbah had quietly made 38 off 33 by then. And for company, he had Umar Akmal, who might have missed a stumping earlier in the day but was in good touch with the bat. The third ball he faced, he square-drove for four. After that, they calculated the chase well, choosing to sit back in Narine’s final over, the 29th. However, towards the end of that over, Narine provided Misbah with a log hop, which he duly dispatched for six, bringing the equation down to 15 off 13. Seven of those 13 deliveries were not bowled as Akmal ran through the target in the 30th over.West Indies were left dazed, and it was not hard to see why. Earlier in the day, they had put up the best batting performance of the series, by either side, to break free from the middling range of 220-235. They were led by the return to form of the best batsman in recent times, Samuels, who converted a slow start – 19 off 33 – into the first century of the series – 106 off 104.The day began with rain, which reduced the game to 49 overs, and dampening news for Chris Gayle, whose recent poor form pushed him down to No. 5. Turned out it didn’t save him from the new ball. The balls were only eight overs old when West Indies lost three wickets. Devon Smith, the man brought in as opening replacement for Gayle, managed to score his first run in three innings, but soon bottom-edged Mohammad Irfan through to the keeper.Gayle walked in at 63 for 3 to face the big test of having been demoted at this stage of his career. Like the rest of the series, Gayle was unsure again, and had two left-arm quicks, a variety that has troubled him of late, bowling at him. It should have become 64 for 4 immediately as Gayle followed Riaz outside off, but Hafeez spilled it. Gayle looked determined after that, and along with Samuels began to rebuild the innings.Samuels lost Gayle in the 30th over, after a 57-run stand, but the signs of a Samuels special had been there. The next 20 overs were all Samuels, although Lendl Simmons, Sammy and Dwayne Bravo were worthy support acts. Samuels either danced down to spin or sat back to set up base for big hitting off the quicks. Simmons continued his form at the other end, helped of course by a missed stumping.Ninety runs came off the last 10 overs with Samuels’ century coming up with just one ball to go. He celebrated elaborately, letting out a scream and taking three bows. At the end of the day, when named the Man of the Match, he was bitterly disappointed.

Dhaka Gladiators were too powerful for a depleted Khulna Royal Bengals in the BPL opener

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jan-2013
ScorecardFlashes of spectacular cricket marked the first innings of BPL’s second season but the difference in strength between the star-studded Dhaka Gladiators and the hastily gathered Khulna Royal Bengals, who played with just one foreign player, was stark. Owais Shah’s blast with the bat and Mosharraf Hossain’s good form with the ball exacerbated the difference and Dhaka’s margin of victory in Mirpur was 62 runs.After faring poorly for Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, Shah found form immediately in Bangladesh, hammering six sixes and four fours in his 48-ball 84. He targeted the on-side in his typical method, using the angles even while lofting the ball. Shah added 90 runs for the third wicket with Anamul Haque, who batted with utmost freedom against a bowling attack that lacked direction.Anamul scored 50 off 39 balls with four boundaries and three sixes, and thrived on Shah’s aggression at the other end. He was caught off Dolar Mahmud in the 15th over, letting Shakib Al Hasan take the crease for the first time since he suffered a shin injury in late November. He blasted his first ball for six over wide mid-on, and gave support to Shah in their 64-run stand for the fourth wicket. Shakib was unbeaten on 27 off 14 balls.Royal Bengals depended a lot on Riki Wessels and though he delivered a 23-ball 30, it was never enough when the asking rate was above ten an over. When he fell in the ninth over with his team on 67, Khulna lost their way, with Mohammad Mithun and captain Shahriar Nafees also falling on the same score.Left-arm spinner Mosharraf took four wickets, all important ones in the context of the innings, and it masked the gaps in the Dhaka bowling attack, which is based mostly on spin. Asif Ahmed made 29 low in the order, but it was too late in the day to turn the game.

Zimbabwe’s four-run loss in the first ODI suggests the hosts will continue to competitive against an Indian side missing its senior players

The Preview by Liam Brickhill11-Jul-2015Match factsSunday, 12 July
Start time 0900 local time (0700 GMT)Big pictureIt was expected that the absence of India’s senior players might reduce the gap between India and Zimbabwe in terms of competition, and the first ODI proved to be Zimbabwe’s narrowest ever home defeat. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s last-over mettle meant Elton Chigumbura never really had the chance to target the boundary, and India will be buoyed by their 1-0 series lead.They will, however, also have a few issues to iron out. Apart from Ambati Rayudu and Stuart Binny, who shored up the innings with a record 160-run stand, the batting looked docile and the performance of the middle order will be a worry. India’s bowling is in rather better order, and the spin pair of Harbhajan Singh and Axar Patel will only gain in potency as the pitches tire in the matches to come.Despite another honourable loss, the margin of defeat suggests Zimbabwe will continue to be competitive. The team balance may be affected by the absence of Tinashe Panyangara, who suffered a minor side strain in the first match and will sit out on Sunday, but Zimbabwe still have the resources to run India close, particularly if their own middle order plays to potential.The new playing conditions didn’t seem to have a huge effect on team tactics on Friday. Both sides kept close-in catchers for most of the match, and India were still able to plunder 90 runs from the last 10 overs despite the presence of five fielders on the boundary. The rules appeared to make it easier to defend a total, however, so the toss may not be as great a factor in these matches as it has been in previous winter series in Zimbabwe.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)
Zimbabwe: LLLLL
India: WWLLLIn the spotlightAmbati Rayudu clearly enjoys Zimbabwean conditions. He made an emotional half-century on debut here two years ago – his 63 easing India to a six-wicket win – and started this tour in even more impressive fashion. Rayudu weathered Zimbabwe’s spirited charge with the new ball before shifting gears towards the end of the innings, finishing with a career-best 124 not out. His adhesive qualities may well be needed once again as India look to seal the series.Elton Chigumbura has undergone various incarnations in his decade as an international cricketer. He’s batted as low as No. 9 in the one-day side, but when he was shorn of his pace by a back injury in 2006 his batting contributions started to gain importance. Now Zimbabwe’s No. 4, Chigumbura has taken to the move up the order with aplomb. He started with 54 in the first T20 against Pakistan in May, and has now added two centuries in the same position in ODIs.Team newsTinashe Panyangara pulled up short with a side strain in his 10th over in the first ODI and will sit out Sunday’s game. While there isn’t a clear like-for-like replacement in the squad, Prosper Utseya may be an option, especially as he will help Zimbabwe control the middle overs of the innings, where they let things slip in the first match.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Vusi Sibanda, 2 Chamu Chibhabha, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Elton Chigumbura (captain), 5 Sean Williams, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Richmond Mutumbami (wk), 8 Prosper Utseya, 9 Graeme Cremer, 10 Donald Tiripano, 11 Brian Vitori.India have little reason to change their playing XI, and the contingent of middle order hopefuls will be eager to capitalise on another chance to showcase their talent.India (probable): 1 M Vijay, 2 Ajinkya Rahane (captain), 3 Ambati Rayudu, 4 Manoj Tiwary, 5 Robin Uthappa (wk), 6 Kedar Jadhav, 7 Stuart Binny, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Axar Patel, 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 11 Dhawal Kulkarni.Pitch and conditionsThe first hour will remain a challenging one for batsmen against the new ball, but the opening match showed there was profit in occupying the crease. Without the merest hint of rain about, the pitch will remain dry and is expected to ease out during the day.Stats and trivia Ambati Rayudu has been dismissed only twice in four innings in Zimbabwe and has scored 225 at an average of 112.5. In nine innings at No. 4 for Zimbabwe, Elton Chigumbura has scored 427 runs at an average of 61.00 and a strike rate of 95.73. In the eight ODIs that have been played at Harare Sports Club in the month of July, the average first innings score is 245. Chasing doesn’t seem to be an advantage either, with a 4-4 split in wins batting first and second.Quotes”If we get a chance to bat up front again early in the morning it’s crucial, with the Dukes ball that does swing and seam a bit, that we’ve got to give the bowlers a lot more respect.”
.”Obviously when you play at this level the main thing is to be consistent, and I’m going to try by all means to ride on the way I’m playing at the moment.”

Ajit Chandila, the only Rajasthan Royals player yet to be out on bail in relation to the IPL spot-fixing case, was remanded to judicial custody until July 2.

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jun-2013Ajit Chandila, the only Rajasthan Royals player yet to be out on bail in relation to the IPL spot-fixing case, has been remanded to judicial custody until July 2.A Delhi court had sentenced Chandila to police custody for three days on June 17 and also deferred his bail plea, along with that of five others including former Ranji player Baburao Yadav, till June 22 after being informed by the police that some statements of the bookies arrested in the same case had to be placed on record.The Delhi Police said they had completed their custodial interrogation, following which a vacation judge ruled that Chandila would be sent to Tihar jail for 12 days.Ajit Chandila, Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan were arrested, along with 11 bookies, on May 16 and charged under the Indian Penal Code section 420 and 120B, which deal with fraud, cheating and conspiracy.Sreesanth and Chavan had applied for bail before Chandila and were released from Tihar jail on June 11.

Full text of Lou Vincent’s statement

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jul-2014″My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat.”I have abused my position as a professional sportsman on a number of occasions by choosing to accept money in fixing.”I have lived with this dark secret for so many years, but months ago I reached the point where I decided I had to come forward and tell the truth.”It’s a truth that has rightly caused uproar and controversy in New Zealand and around the world. I have shamed my country, I have shamed my sport, I have shamed those close to me. And for that, I am not proud.”I lost faith in myself, in the game, I abused the game I loved. I had to put things right.”Speaking out, exposing the truth, laying bare the things I have done wrong, is the only way I could find to begin to put things right.”The time has come for me now to face them like a man and accept the consequences – whatever they may be.”I could not live with my wrongdoings any longer and after meeting my future wife Susie, after learning what unconditional love really is, I felt strong enough to tell her what I’d done and she has helped me take the painful steps in telling my parents, my wider family and then the authorities.”I am proud of the ones I love, especially my immediate family and friends. Their strength, support and forgiveness has enabled me to address some of the deepest, most uncomfortable issues one can face.”I can finally look my children in the eyes and tell them that honesty is the best policy – even if it feels like the hardest thing to do at times.”I now believe in myself as a person again and I don’t wake up every morning hating myself.”Today is the day I offer my deepest, deepest apologies to the public and the cricketing world, to the loyal fans, to the dedicated coaches, staff, players past and present.”I apologise to and thank the ACSU for the help and support that is out there for all players, that has helped me a great deal, Chris Morris and his legal team and all the associations that have handled the sensitive situation with professionalism and respect.”The people who know me know I’m vulnerable, but they also know that I am not stupid. And I know what is right and what is wrong.”I do suffer from depression – that is absolutely no excuse for all I’ve done wrong.”I used to think mistakes were made by bad people, but now I even know that good people can make the worst of mistakes.”My actions I will regret for the rest of my life.”For sport to prosper, it is up to players to police the game, because they are the ones that will ultimately lose out and allow themselves to be used as pawns to make money.”No one should ever be put in a position and no one should ever allow themselves to forget what sport is about and let money rule their decisions.”The decisions I made were wrong. Players must be better than that; above reproach, for the fans, for the sport.”For the first time in a very long time I feel positive about my future, I am finally becoming the man I want to be. I have to face up to my wrongs and make them right.”I have kept my head down for too long now and it’s time to man up to my mistakes and today, I can stand with a better conscience because I know I am doing the right thing.”It is entirely my fault and I’ll never be able to stand in front of a game again, it’s entirely my fault that I will not be able to apply my skills in a positive way to help future cricketers, but it is entirely possible that I can use this moment to convince others not to be tempted by wrongdoing.”To do the right thing for themselves, for family and friends and for the sport they love.”I accept my punishment.”

North Zone trounced East Zone by seven wickets on the third day of their Bangladesh Cricket League match at the BKSP-2 ground in Savar

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jan-2014North Zone trounced East Zone by seven wickets on the third day of their Bangladesh Cricket League match at the BKSP-2 ground in Savar. Taijul Islam, the left-arm spinner, turned the match around with his first ten-wicket haul in first-class cricket, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award.Taijul took seven first-innings wickets as East Zone were bowled out for 270 on the first day. On the third day, he picked up another five-wicket haul to help bowl out East Zone for 139 runs. It left North Zone to score162 with a day and a half to spare. Naeem Islam scored an unbeaten 69 alongside captain Mushfiqur Rahim who was also not out on 29.After East Zone made 270 with Mominul Haque top-scoring with 94, North Zone replied with 248 in their first innings. Farhad Reza and Suhrawadi Shuvo struck fifties to rescue the side after they were reduced to 99 for 6 on the second day. Nabil Samad took 6 for 69 for East Zone but they couldn’t capitalise on the 22-run first innings lead. Apart from Taijul’s 5 for 51, Subashis Roy took four wickets for North Zone.North Zone now lead the table with 30 points while East Zone are on second place with 15 points.

Jimmy Adams evoked his own schooldays, spent at Twyford, near his home, and then at Sherborne, when contrasting Hampshire’s authority in the one day game with their poor standing in the County Championship.

Ivo Tennant06-Sep-2013Jimmy Adams evoked his own schooldays, spent at Twyford, near his home, and then at Sherborne, when contrasting Hampshire’s authority in the one day game with their poor standing in the County Championship.Hampshire, the most successful one-day side in the country, were ranked as strong favourites ahead of their Yorkshire Bank 40 semi-final against Glamorgan at the Ageas Bowl yet their Championship form has been woeful as they have slipped to third bottom of the Second Division following relegation last season.Adams, speaking after scoring 218 in the drawn match against Northamptonshire, recalled the passion he had for a certain sport or academic subject and how that would affect his own performance.”One-day cricket is like being at school in that one is pulled towards it,” Adams said. “If another format is a bit tougher, there is not the same love for it. I am keen to re-ignite a passion for four-day cricket. We have found a format for one-day cricket.”If the players turned up for the second day of a Championship match and were told this was being turned into a one-day match, it would be different. The financial rewards in the limited overs game do not come into it – that has not been a part of what Giles White, our coach, and I talk about.”I think one difference this season has been that our one-day side is very settled. We have a nice batch of very good young players and experienced older ones. They understand what is expected. On four-day pitches we struggle to bowl sides out, but eight years ago [when there was more lateral movement on the newly laid square] people would have been all over these pitches in their praise.As a batter, I am not complaining, but it has been tougher to bowl opponents out through the heavy roller taking the sap out. I have also heard the argument that drainage systems installed all over the country has made the pitches flatter, but am not sure about that.”Adams cited the fact that Dimitri Mascarenhas, who will play at the Ageas Bowl for the last time against Glamorgan before retiring at the end of the season, has played little four-day cricket of late. The same is true of James Tomlinson, another key one-day bowler.”Tommo has not played a great deal and will gain in experience in due course. We lack a spearhead bowler, someone who can get us 50-plus wickets in the Championship. We would love to have that, but these players are like gold dust.”The schooldays analogy was pertinent in that Adams was watched during his double century by Bob Stephenson, his coach when at Twyford School near Winchester and a member of the 1973 Championship winning side celebrating beyond the boundary. Stephenson regards him as the pick of the boys he tutored. What he might have spotted on Thursday was that his prodigy was moving around the crease less than on occasions this season when he has scored fewer runs.”I move around a lot while batting and some people told me I was doing less of this during this match,” Adams said. “I lost all my trigger movements seven years ago when I was having a really tough season.” He will be 33 at the end of this month, so can be said to have reached his peak, but will continue playing for as long as possible. “If only you had asked me that question two weeks ago when I couldn’t buy a run. But I have been lucky with injuries and still enjoy the fielding. I shall have to be booted out.”Whether or not Hampshire reach the YB40 final at Lord’s on September 21, one of Adams’s immediate tasks will be to assess how much cricket Michael Bates, who took six catches in Northamptonshire’s first innings and made 71, can be given in the future. “His wicketkeeping is as good as anyone’s in the country and I feel strongly that the club should stick with players who come through the system. Michael has not had the chances he would have liked, but then Adam Wheater has done very well. We have a decent record in promoting our own youngsters but professional sport is tough.”He himself is undecided whether to continue as captain for a third season next year. “There’s a part of it that I find great and days when one scores a double century make it a lot better, but other parts that are tough. I ride a rollercoaster about people’s futures and selections and trying to help them. I’ll think about it in the winter.”

Bruno Fernandes' behaviour as Manchester United captain has again been questioned, with ex-forward Andy Cole labelling his actions "disrespectful".

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Fernandes' captaincy often questionedCole labels actions "disrespectful"But feels there is no better options to leadWHAT HAPPENED?

Erik ten Hag's side have thus far endured a 2023-24 campaign to forget, with their sixth-placed standing papering over many cracks both on and off the pitch. Fernandes has been one of many United players denigrated, not least for his petulant actions as club captain. Red Devils legend Andy Cole believes such behaviour shows "disrespect" towards his team-mates – although he also pointed towards a lack of captaincy options beyond the Portugal star.

AdvertisementWHAT COLE SAID

Speaking in an interview with Betfred, the ex-United forward said: "There’s talk about Bruno Fernandes not being the right choice for captain, but if you look around the Manchester United dressing room currently, then who else would you give the captaincy to instead? There’s not four or five standout contenders. Bruno leads in a different way and I understand it. I can also understand that people don’t want to see a captain waving his arms about in frustration, which I personally believe is disrespectful to his teammates, but at this moment in time, he’s the man and he will captain the side in a way which he believes is beneficial to himself and his teammates.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Fernandes' weaknesses as a leader were clear to see while on recent international duty, as he was met with some bemused responses from Portugal team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva following a half-time discussion. Fernandes did, however, provide a vital spark against Iceland on the pitch, and United fans will be hopeful he can transfer this form to club level and turn around what has been a disappointing start to the campaign.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDES?

After completing a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign under Roberto Martinez, the United skipper will return to work under Ten Hag as his United side prepare to take on Everton on Sunday. The Dutchman will be hoping to make it three straight victories in the league against a side who will be rallied by their severe points deduction.

Despite their improvements this season, the Gunners have lot to sort out ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign

Arsenal face a huge summer as they look to build on the impressive season they have enjoyed under Mikel Arteta. With some high profile arrivals and departures expected, it’s going to be a big few months for the Gunners leading up to the 2023-24 campaign, when they will not just be competing in the Premier League, but in the Champions League as well.

From player contracts, to new signings, there are plenty of situations that need resolving before the new season gets underway in August.

Below, GOAL takes a look at some of the most pressing matters facing Arsenal over the coming weeks…

Getty ImagesSaliba’s contract 

Arsenal have done some great work when it comes to getting key players tied down to new long-term deals. Gabriel Magalhaes started things off earlier in the season, then Gabriel Martinell followed suit, and in the past fortnight extensions have been announced for Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka.

But despite talks having been ongoing throughout the season with William Saliba’s representatives, the centre-back has yet to put pen to paper on a deal of his own.

And with just 12 months of his current contract remaining, that is something that has to be resolved quickly this summer for Arsenal to avoid being placed in a difficult position with the France international, who could walk away on a free transfer at the end of the 2023-24 season.

That’s why it’s imperative that contract talks come to a swift conclusion over the coming weeks.

AdvertisementGettySign Rice and replace Xhaka

An overhaul of the midfield is going to be one of the key parts of Arsenal’s summer, with their attempt to land Declan Rice at the heart of it all.

With Granit Xhaka set for Bayer Leverkusen, a new face is needed and Arsenal have identified Rice as a priority. He will not be the only midfield arrival, as there is also interest in Moises Caicedo, Mason Mount and Ilkay Gundogan, but the West Ham skipper is the man who Mikel Arteta really wants.

It would be a huge signing for Arsenal if they can get it done, one that would send a message of intent out ahead of the rest of the summer.

Sort out Smith Rowe’s future

Emile Smith Rowe remains a hugely popular figure at Arsenal, which is why his continued absence from the team on a weekly basis causes so much debate. Given what he produced last season, it’s understandable that fans are confused as to why the attacking midfielder is being constantly overlooked by Arteta.

So Arenal need to make a decision this summer when it comes to Smith Rowe, because his current situation is not helping anybody. If Arteta does not see his part of his long-term plan, then he should be moved on, with the money that comes in being reinvested elsewhere.

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GettyMake a decision on Balogun

Another player who Arsenal must decide on is Folarin Balogun. After enjoying such an incredible season on loan with Reims in France, Balogun is due for talks with Arsenal over his future this summer.

He has already made it known that he wants to be playing regular first-team football next season and at present that looks unlikely at Arsenal. And with Balogun having just two years left on his contract, another loan spell will not do the club any good, unless he signs an extension before he went out.

That scenario looks all but impossible, so it feels like the best thing Arsenal can do this summer is get as much money for Balogun as they possibly can. His stock is incredibly high right now and with several clubs understood to be interested, the young forward should bring in a very big transfer fee.