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Arsenal currently sit one point shy of the top spot in the 2023/24 Premier League table, however Mikel Arteta could make some valuable improvements to his squad in the January transfer window.

Injury woes have once again exposed the Gunners’ frailties in their squad depth, with the gap in quality between those in the favoured XI and those on the bench glaringly obvious.

It’s imperative that Arteta and Edu enter the winter transfer window in the bid to improve the squad currently on show, particularly if the north Londoners hope to bring home their first league title since 2004 in May.

With the Champions League to also think of, hiring depth in quality in January could determine the gap between Arsenal and Europe’s best, and with that in mind, here’s how the Gunners could line up come February after imposing themselves in the market…

1

GK – David Raya

After arriving from Brentford on loan in the summer, it was unclear just how prominent David Raya would be in Arteta’s plans, however the Spaniard has all but ended Aaron Ramsdale’s claim to the number one spot.

Assuming that Arsenal will activate the £27m option to buy at the end of his loan, it looks certain that the 28-year-old will be the man between the sticks at the Emirates for years to come.

2

LB – Jurrien Timber

Signed from Ajax, versatile defender Jurrien Timber is expected to return from injury in the early months of 2024, with the Dutchman showcasing his ability momentarily after his arrival.

Starting the opening game of the Premier League season at left-back, the 22-year-old displayed his suitability to Arteta’s back line with his strength in progressive play as well as having the ability to invert, giving him the nod over Oleksandr Zinchenko in the future.

3

CB – William Saliba

William Saliba has continued the stellar form he showcased last season in central defence, ranking in the top 4% of centre-backs in the Premier League this season for his average of losing just 0.06 challenges per 90, via FBref.

Lauded as “exceptional” by Arteta, the Frenchman will be a part of the furniture at Arsenal for years to come after penning a contract extension in the summer.

4

CB – Gabriel Magalhaes

Partnering Saliba is undoubtedly Gabriel Magalhaes, who has formed a solid partnership with the 22-year-old since their emergence as a pair last term.

Out of Arsenal’s current defence, the Brazilian tops the charts for his average of 1.1 interceptions per game in the league, reinforcing his importance in central defence alongside his equally assured partner.

5

RB – Ben White

Since occupying the inverted right-back role, Ben White has made his place in Arteta’s XI untouchable, forming a strong link up with Bukayo Saka when going forward as well as being a no-nonsense defender when in 1v1 situations.

Averaging a Sofascore match rating of 7.25, the Englishman has been one of the most reliable performers at the Emirates this season, with plenty to come from the 26-year-old.

6

CM – Declan Rice

As the 2023/24 campaign ticks by, the £105m Arsenal paid for Declan Rice becomes more and more justifiable, as the England international continues to impress in the engine room.

As per FBref, no midfielder in the Premier League this season maintains a higher pass completion percentage of medium-range passes than the 24-year-old, who averages a 96.0% medium pass completion rate per 90 to showcase his ability to distribute the ball.

Rice has quickly become the foundation in Arteta’s midfield, adapting to playing in the engine room with a range of partners due to injury throughout his time in north London.

7

CM – Douglas Luiz

One player that could be seen as a more long-term suitor to form a pivot with Rice is January target Douglas Luiz, who is claimed to be Arsenal’s priority signing this winter by the Mirror.

Last summer the Gunners saw three bids rejected for the Aston Villa dynamo, who was praised as “superb” for his development at Villa Park by journalist Gregg Evans.

With 12 goal contributions last term, the Brazil international has the perfect balance of a combative and progressive edge to offer to Arteta’s midfield, in a move that could see him replace Thomas Partey long-term – the injury-prone Ghanaian being linked with an exit of late.

Valued at €60m (£52m), Luiz will be far from easy to obtain, however, particularly given his importance in Unai Emery’s current side.

8

CAM – Martin Odegaard

Averaging 2.3 shots per game this season in the league, more than any of his teammates, captain Martin Odegaard will hope to get back to his previous form in the second half of the campaign, after experiencing a slight dip in performance of late.

The Norwegian is Arsenal’s best central creative asset, with the ability to score and assist, as portrayed last term with his 15 goals and seven assists during the Gunners’ title charge.

9

LW – Gabriel Martinelli

Joining Odegaard at the top of Arsenal’s scoring charts last season was Gabriel Martinelli, who has made the left-wing his area in rising through the ranks over the years.

The Brazilian netted 15 goals in the Premier League last season, and has cemented himself as one of the best wingers in Europe over the past year, supported by his average of 0.40 non-penalty goals per 90, placing him in the top 9% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues, via FBref.

Now valued at a colossal €150m (£131m) by CIES Football Observatory, Martinelli has made himself a crucial member of Arteta’s squad.

10

RW – Bukayo Saka

While Martinelli’s value is soaring, Saka ranks as the player with the highest value at the Emirates, with a CIES Football Observatory value of €200m (£175m), reinforcing himself as one of Arsenal’s most important and most loved individuals.

The Hale End product tops the squad charts for his average of 2.5 key passes per game in the Premier League this season, with his prominence in front of goal ever-improving having already secured 14 contributions in 12 league games.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the race to bring an overseas striker to the Premier League in January, according to a fresh report that has emerged.

Harry Kane replacement at Spurs

Over the summer, Harry Kane left the club to join Bayern Munich and he’s been excelling in his new start to life at the Allianz Arena, but the hierarchy are yet to sign a suitable replacement for their former talisman in attack.

Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou did enter the market to recruit Alejo Veliz from Rosario Central during the previous transfer window, but having made zero starts and just four substitute appearances this season in the top-flight (WhoScored – Veliz statistics), he’s not a senior enough option to be a direct successor.

Tottenham eyeing another "game changer" young winger alongside Iling-Junior

Levy and Postecoglou have set their sights on another attacker ahead of January.

ByChloe Chadwick Dec 3, 2023

The Lilywhites have therefore turned their attention towards FC Porto’s Evanilson, with the attacker having made a total of 124 senior appearances to date since putting pen to paper from Tombense back in 2020 (Transfermarkt – Evanilson statistics).

Brazil’s former youth international has established himself as Sergio Conceicao’s best-performing offensive player so far this season (WhoScored – FC Porto statistics), and the 24-year-old’s form has brought him onto the radar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs plotting swoop for Evanilson

According to Spanish reports (via The Hard Tackle), Tottenham are interested in Evanilson ahead of January. Chelsea and Manchester United are also keen to secure the services of the striker, but with FC Porto having no intentions to sell their prized asset, it could be a difficult task to get a deal over the line in the new year.

Evanilson could be a "clinical finisher" for Postecoglou

Across all competitions this season, Evanilson has posted 11 contributions, 10 goals and one assist, in 13 appearances, showing how prolific he can be in the final third, but it’s not just leading the line through the middle where he is most comfortable.

The Fortaleza native has operated in all four positions across the frontline since the start of his career, so his versatility to operate in several other positions outside of his own would make him a wonderful option to have in the building should any injuries occur where cover may need to be provided.

Through balls

Holding onto the ball

Key passes

Passing

Finishing

Defensive contribution

Porto’s two-footed talent even knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having won five trophies during his time at the Estadio do Dragao, so he will possess the same winning mentality as the current squad who are already in N17.

As described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Evanilson is a “clinical finisher” in front of goal, so should he decide to sign on the dotted line at the start of next year instead of choosing one of the club’s top-flight rivals, it would be a coup for Postecoglou and Tottenham.

Glasgow Rangers have been in formidable form under Philippe Clement since he took charge in mid-October, winning six and drawing two of his first eight matches in charge, thus heralding a new era at the club.

It has been a remarkable turnaround, especially from where the Gers were just a few weeks ago under Michael Beale, and the Belgian will be hoping to salvage something from a season which looked all but over last month.

With a League Cup final to look forward to, plus the chance of securing European football beyond Christmas, there is no doubt the incentives are there for the players. The question now is, can they take them?

The results have been good, and the performances have also been a lot better under Clement than what they were under the previous regime and, over time, his style of play will rub off on the players.

Another key aspect during the early stages of the Belgian’s reign is the fact he does not shy away from utilising youth talent.

Ross McCausland has forced his way into the senior side of late and has even been rewarded with a new and improved contract.

The Northern Irishman won't be the last to make a breakthrough under the former Club Brugge boss, especially when there are talents such as Zak Lovelace showing maturity way beyond his tender years.

Zak Lovelace’s youth statistics

The 17-year-old first came to prominence during his spell at Millwall and became their second youngest player ever when he emerged from the bench against Coventry back in 2021 aged just 15, and he went on to make another four appearances for the side.

This clearly impressed Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who swooped in and brought him to Ibrox last summer, and it is already looking like a wonderful piece of business.

He was praised by former sporting director Ross Wilson on his arrival, who said: “We are delighted to welcome Zak to Rangers. He is an exciting young player and one we are sure will progress here.

“He has developed really well with the staff at Millwall and we can see lots of potential in him.”

This potential has seen the teenager make four appearances for the senior side having impressed for the B team. A return of 19 goals and ten assists across 38 academy matches is enough for any manager to sit up and take notice and Beale even gave him a cameo in the final Old Firm clash of last season.

He was given his first start for the club in October and, while the youngster was taken off due to injury, it was a promising display which showed plenty of grit and heart.

Clement could perhaps utilise him when he recovers from the hamstring injury sustained against St Mirren, especially with Abdallah Sima only on a loan deal.

Abdallah Sima’s season in numbers

The temporary signing of the Senegalese winger was certainly one of the better summer signings Beale managed to pull off, and it is a pity he will only be at Ibrox for one season.

According to Football Insider, however, the Light Blues are exploring a potential permanent move for the youngster in the coming weeks – although they face stiff competition from a host of clubs.

The report states that there are some unnamed European clubs after his signature too and, despite his promising start, the Gers could miss out on him.

In 23 matches this season, the 22-year-old has scored nine goals while grabbing an assist and has certainly made the left-wing spot his own.

The winger even ranks second across the whole squad for goals and assists in the Premiership (six) while also ranking third for shots per game (2.8) and second for successful dribbles per match (1.8), clearly proving to be one of the finest attacking players in the current first team.

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His pace and eye for goal have been big assets for the Gers so far, and they will be missed should a permanent deal not be struck with Brighton.

In Lovelace, however, Clement has a youngster who could not only take over from Sima in the long term, but also work well with the current players in the squad – with Danilo one asset who would simply love him.

Lovelace and Danilo could be deadly

The Brazilian striker cost the club a staggering £6m when joining from Feyenoord in the summer, and a player worth that much, especially in Scotland, needs to hit the ground running.

He did manage to score twice during his first five matches for the club, yet he started only three of these and there were question marks surrounding whether Beale knew how to utilise him properly.

Danilo's statistics this season

Premiership

Europa League

Goals

4

1

Assists

1

1

Shots on target per game

1.5

1

Goal frequency

108 minutes

101 minutes

Successful dribbles per game

0.9

0

Stats via Sofascore

The striker had scored 14 goals during the 2022/23 season for the Dutch side and clearly had a keen eye for goal, yet the former QPR manager failed to really give him a proper chance in the starting XI.

This has changed under Clement, however, with Danilo starting four of his eight matches in charge and this number surely would have been higher had he not been recovering from a fractured cheekbone when the Belgian took over.

The 49-year-old has clearly restored some confidence in Danilo as the forward has scored three goals and grabbed four assists, indicating that he is enjoying his football a lot more now.

Lovelace would be a wonderful partner for him on the left wing, using his pace and creativity to get into dangerous areas, from which he could supply Danilo with countless chances during matches.

Of course, the 17-year-old still has plenty to learn and is developing all the time, but he could be a wonderful asset for Clement to have in the first-team squad.

Danilo has shown how quickly he has adapted to a suitable style of play and Lovelace would also thrive under the Belgian, as his tactical system gives his attacking players the freedom that Beale didn’t afford his players during his dismal reign.

While the club won't see the former Millwall starlet for another couple of months, he is a player who could save Clement some money, especially if Sima has to return to his parent club at the end of his loan spell.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em comemoração pelos oito anos da conquista do Mundial de Clubes da Fifa em 2012, o Corinthians divertiu seus torcedores na tarde desta quarta-feira, ao recriar uma foto que ficou famosas nas redes sociais por conta para participação de Luan, ainda como torcedor do clube, na comemoração da conquista. O momento foi reproduzido pelo meia e por três companheiros.

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TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão clicando aqui

GALERIA
>Oito anos do Mundial do Corinthians em 2012: veja por onde andam os jogadores

Segundo o perfil oficial do Timão no Twitter, a vontade de recriar aquela imagem partiu do próprio Luan para celebrar essa importante data. O meia-atacante nunca negou que é corintiano desde pequeno e já contou a história sobre o dia em que assistiu à final contra o Chelsea-ING com alguns amigos na rua. Anos depois, a foto viralizou na internet e revelou seu passado alvinegro.

Nesta quarta-feira, no CT Joaquim Grava, juntamente com Gabriel Pereira, Xavier e Lucas Piton, Luan vestiu o mesmo modelo de camisa em que aparece na foto de oito anos atrás, para reproduzir o cenário do dia da comemoração. E a recepção nas redes sociais foi a melhor possível, principalmente em relação ao meia, que ainda não caiu totalmente nas graças do torcedor corintiano.

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣ 👉🏽 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣- Para celebrar os 0️⃣8️⃣ anos do segundo Mundial, o Luan quis reviver este momento, agora em casa e com a mesma camisa! 😎😂#BiMundial8Anos 🇯🇵#VaiCorinthians pic.twitter.com/X7wLvZkMo1

— Corinthians (@Corinthians) December 16, 2020

A final

Em 16 de dezembro de 2012, o Corinthians bateu o Chelsea-ING por 1 a 0, com gol de Paolo Guerrero, em Yokohama, no Japão e conquistou pela segunda vez o Mundial de Clubes da Fifa. Além do título, chamou a atenção a invasão corintiana nas arquibancadas do estádio e a grande atuação de Cássio.

continua após a publicidade

MatériaMais Notícias

Após uma boa passagem com a camisa da Universidad Católica, César Pinares foi contratado pelo Grêmio e finalmente foi apresentado ao torcedor gremista em coletiva no CT Luiz Carvalho.Contente pela oportunidade no futebol brasileiro, o meio-campista explicou a sua decisão de trocar os Cruzados pelo Tricolor gaúcho.

– Escolhi aceitar a proposta do Grêmio por toda a trajetória que tem o clube, por toda a importância que tem na América e por todos os títulos que conseguiu. É uma motivação para mim poder vir para esse lindo desafio e poder conseguir coisas importante com o clube. É um prazer estar em um clube muito grande. Vou trabalhar duro para tirar o melhor de mim e ajudar a equipe dentro de campo – afirmou o jogador.

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Estreia

Liberado para estrear pelo Grêmio, Pinares ainda não sabe se vai atuar no domingo, quando o Tricolor encara o Corinthians, em São Paulo.

– Sobre eu atuar domingo contra o Corinthians, quem irá decidir é o técnico. Estou à disposição. Vou treinar e ver o que o Renato vê como conveniente, se posso jogar ou não – disse.

A host of Chelsea stars, past and present, are set to feature in the Soccer Aid charity match taking place at Stamford Bridge in June.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Soccer Aid to take place at Stamford Bridge
• Hazard to play under Pochettino in World XI
• Lampard to manage England alongside Redknapp

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Soccer Aid for UNICEF is set to take place at the home of the Blues on Sunday, June 6, just five days before the start of Euro 2024. As usual, England will take on a selected World XI to raise money for charity, as they seek to better the £14.6 million ($18.6m) raised at Old Trafford a year ago. Alongside many of the usual faces there will be several new names taking part, including two Chelsea legends.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Former Chelsea midfielder and two-time former Blues boss Frank Lampard will manage England alongside his uncle and legendary manager Harry Redknapp and Soccer Aid co-founder Robbie Williams. However, perhaps more importantly to the Stamford Bridge faithful, will be the homecoming of recently retired Chelsea great Eden Hazard, who returns to west London for the first time in five years. He features in a World XI team managed by current Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino and his assistant Jesus Perez.

• TEAMS IN FULL

  England: Frank Lampard (Co-Manager), Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager), Robbie Williams (Co-Manager), Jill Scott (Captain), Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), David James (Professional Goalkeeper), David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach), Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, Karen Carney, Gary Cahill, Tom Grennan, Steven Bartlett, Erin Doherty, Sir Mo Farah, Alex Brooker, Stuart Broad, Bobby Brazier and Sam Thompson.

  Soccer Aid World XI FC: Mauricio Pochettino (Manager), Jesus Perez (Coach), Usain Bolt (Captain), Eden Hazard, Roberto Carlos, Martin Compston, Maisie Adam, Roman Kemp, Lee Mack, Tommy Fury and Diamond, alongside many more to be announced in due course.

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  WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Lampard is relishing his return to SW6, as he said in a statement: "Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Stamford Bridge is special – for any player, on any occasion. I’m excited to be doing that again – this time with Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Managing the Soccer Aid England team with Harry will be a proud moment and great fun – but the main focus is rightly on the millions of pounds we can all raise together. So, please buy your tickets for Sunday 9th June and lend us your support”.

  Hazard echoed those thoughts as he sent a message to the Chelsea fans: "My Chelsea family – I am coming home on Sunday 9th June! I can’t wait to see you all again. Playing at Stamford Bridge was always amazing. We won so many trophies together there. Some of the very best memories I have in football – seven brilliant years. I miss them. As I enter a new chapter, we can write new history with Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Together, we can and will raise millions of pounds for children across the world. So, buy your tickets and let’s have a great day together in June”.

  Pochettino, who manages the World XI for the second year running, added: "Soccer Aid for UNICEF is a huge event – and one I am delighted to be part of again. The 2023 match was a great experience to be a part of and that is why I was more than happy to accept a return this year, particularly as it will be at Stamford Bridge and with Frank Lampard, a Chelsea legend, in the opposing dugout for England. We raised so much money last year, and I hope we can do the same this time, so please get involved and buy your tickets. A sold-out Stamford Bridge generates an incredible atmosphere and we want the players who are part of Soccer Aid 2024 to enjoy that same feeling when they step out on to the pitch on Sunday 9th June.”

Arsenal will roar back into Champions League action tonight, as they travel to RC Lens to face their first away clash since their return to the competition.

However, Mikel Arteta will face a quick turnaround from Saturday's emphatic victory over AFC Bournemouth and must contend with an injury list constantly fluctuating from day to day.

Who will be fit for Arsenal's game against RC Lens?

Having brushed aside PSV Eindhoven 4-0 in their European curtain-raiser, the Spaniard will hope to emulate that performance in France, although has seen a small upturn in ailments since the Dutch outfit came to north London.

A battling clash with rivals Tottenham Hotspur saw numerous casualties, with William Saliba, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka adding to the huge absences that Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard had already left.

However, the former trio all managed to return in time for that trip to the Vitality Stadium, but could be rested to prepare for the all-important clash with Manchester City on the weekend.

Another positive from that match was to see their tricky Belgian make the bench, although he was not risked as they cruised past the Cherries. Perhaps, given how exceptional he was in their last Champions League match, tonight could mark the perfect time for a recall.

How good is Leandro Trossard?

After all, it was fair to say that the former Brighton and Hove Albion man rose to the challenge in that aforementioned opener against the Red and Whites, earning an 8.0 rating buoyed by his goal and assist.

A consistent creative threat down that left flank, he deputised well in the absence of Martinelli, recording three key passes and driving home a fine second for the hosts, before being subbed off after just 58 minutes, via Sofascore.

Whilst such a display understandably drew praise, it is one which has become far more commonplace nowadays, with the £90k-per-week wizard having very nearly spearheaded their title push to the very end last season.

With four goal contributions in just five games across all competitions already this campaign, the 28-year-old seems poised to enjoy yet another outstanding year, having scored eight and assisted 13 in the Premier League alone last term.

After all, as recently as March saw writer Hayley McGoldrick rush to shower the Belgian international with adulation, branding him a "magician".

Although his fitness still remains up in the air, given he was fit enough for the bench on Saturday is a huge statement that Tuesday night could be his comeback.

After all, Arteta has been vocal about Trossard's instant importance to the Gunners since his £27m move last January:

"No, seriously, we knew about his quality and what he could bring to the team. We are really pleased with him, he can play on the right, he can play on the left, he can play as an attacking midfielder, as a nine, a false nine. He’s really contributing to the team and he really takes a lot of responsibility in games to make things happen and we love that."

Given how he rose to the Champions League challenge just last month, there is every chance that should he return to the starting side, he could replicate that form again.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em busca de reforços para a sequência da temporada, o Vasco anunciou oficialmente a contratação do lateral-direito Léo Matos nesta terça. O jogador, de 34 anos, estava no PAOK, da Grécia, e assina contrato com o Gigante da Colina até dezembro de 2021. Ele não poderá estrear contra o Caracas, já que o clube divulgou a lista de inscritos para a Sul-Americana no último domingo.

Revelado pelo Flamengo, Léo fez pouco sucesso no Brasil, mas construiu carreira na Ucrânia e estava à beira do Mar Mediterrâneo há cinco anos. Ele estava no clube grego desde 2016 e na última temporada disputou 35 partidas e marcou cinco gols. Na atual, jogou em apenas três partidas.

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O atleta chega com vasta experiência após 10 anos na Europa. No Velho Continente, além do PAOK, ele defendeu as cores de clubes como Olympique de Marselha, da França, e os ucranianos Choronomorets e Dnipro.No Brasil, ainda passou por clubes como Tombense, Figueirense, Paraná e Vila Nova.

Ele chega para posição carente. O mais experiente, Yago Pikachu, foi barrado recentemente por Cayo Tenório. Este, porém, falhou no jogo contra o Corinthians no lance que resultou no primeiro gol do time paulista, na última quarta-feira. Claudio Winck fora liberado há pouco mais de um mês.

Manchester United midfielder Donny van De Beek could still be on his way out the door, amid ongoing talks over a move to a Champions League club.

Who did Man United sign in the summer?

Man United strengthened the spine of their team in the summer transfer window, with goalkeeper Andre Onana arriving from Inter Milan, while Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilon were brought in to bolster Erik ten Hag's defensive options.

Rasmus Hojlund was the Red Devils' marquee signing in attack, and there is good news heading into today's match away against Arsenal, with Ten Hag revealing the striker is fit to play, as the £72m star has recovered from a back injury which delayed his debut.

In central midfield, Mason Mount was the main addition, with the former Chelsea man joining in a £55m deal, and Ten Hag will have been pleased to get a deal for Sofyan Amrabat over the line on deadline day, with the Fiorentina midfielder joining on a season-long loan.

Speaking after Amrabat's arrival, Football Director John Murtough said:

“We have tracked Sofyan for a long time, so we are really pleased to bring him to Manchester United. His committed, high-energy approach to the game fits perfectly with the group that we are building here.

“We know that Sofyan’s mentality, dynamism and technical qualities will help the squad as we look to achieve success in all competitions this season.”

With the Morocco international completing a move to Old Trafford, Van de Beek may fall even further down the pecking order, having failed to make a single appearance for United in any competition so far this season.

As such, according to The Daily Mail, the Red Devils remain in talks with Galatasaray over the midfielder, who is deemed surplus to requirements by Ten Hag.

Despite having a £1m loan offer rejected on deadline day, the Turkish club remain keen on the Dutchman, and they are believed to be the front-runners for his signature, although there has been interest from elsewhere.

French side FC Lorient are also keen, as are the 26-year-old's former club, Ajax, but Galatasaray are out in front, as their transfer window does not close for another two weeks.

Is Donny van De Beek leaving Man United?

Given that the 19-time Netherlands international has fallen so far down the pecking order at Man United, it would not be surprising if he is keen to leave, and a move to Galatasaray could allow him to keep playing at a high level.

The Turkish side are in the Champions League group stages, so a move may well appeal to the former Ajax man, and it could be one of the few options he has on the table, considering the transfer window has now closed for much of Europe.

It is a real shame the central midfielder's move to Man United has not worked out, as he is clearly a top player on his day, having been lauded as "sensational" by journalist Antonio Mango just 18 months ago. However, a move away appears to be the best solution for all parties at this stage, and Van de Beek should try and reignite his career with Galatasaray.

Big picture

The Nidahas Trophy hasn’t produced ground-breaking cricket yet but it has certainly provided a lot of drama. Even though India won comfortably against Sri Lanka on Monday, there was always a sense of tension that one more wicket could open up the game. Bangladesh provided their share of drama too over the weekend.What could tilt the next battle, between India and Bangladesh, could be confidence. Whichever side can retain belief within themselves could come out on top on the day.India have plenty of happy faces in their team after the hard-fought win over the home side. Manish Pandey and Dinesh Karthik finished off the tricky chase quietly, after Suresh Raina’s 15-ball 27 had stirred up the ground. The experienced Raina could have played himself in, given that India had already lost captain Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, but he did the exact opposite.Among the bowlers, too, India have much confidence. Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal varied their pace well, and so did Shardul Thakur who finished with four wickets. Jaydev Unadkat and Vijay Shankar played supporting roles.Bangladesh must have a buzzing dressing room too, having won in dramatic fashion against Sri Lanka. The fact that their previous highest successful chase was 166 has made the chase of 215 all the more special. Liton Das started in fine style before Tamim Iqbal took over the baton. Then Soumya Sarkar struck a few timely blows and Mushfiqur Rahim took over, finishing with an unbeaten 72 off 35 balls with some help from Mahmudullah.Bangladesh’s bowling could do better, however. Mehidy Hasan and Nazmul Islam will once again need to slow things down while Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain have to bowl well in the Powerplay and slog overs. Taskin Ahmed may have to give away his place after being below par.

Form guide

India: WWLWL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh: WLLLL

In the spotlight

Shardul Thakur has used the knuckle-ball to great effect against Sri Lanka, picking up his first four-wicket haul in T20Is. He will once again have to ace those change-ups in the crucial overs, especially if the match is shortened by rain.Mustafizur Rahman has played the most T20s among the Bangladeshi bowlers in 2018, which means there remains a lot of dependence on him. He has taken four wickets in the Nidahas Trophy so far but was unable to stem the flow of runs against Sri Lanka.Associated Press

Team news

India made only one change in the previous game, replacing Rishabh Pant with KL Rahul, and barring any last-minute injuries, they are likely to go with the same XI.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 KL Rahul, 4 Suresh Raina, 5 Manish Pandey, 6 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7 Vijay Shankar, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Yuzvendra Chahal, 10 Shardul Thakur, 11 Jaydev UnadkatBangladesh are unlikely to change their winning line-up but there are strong question marks next to Sabbir Rahman and Taskin Ahmed after the Sri Lanka game. Ariful Haque and Abu Jayed could be options to consider.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Liton Das, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Mahmudullah (capt), 6 Sabbir Rahman/Ariful Haque, 7 Mehidy Hasan, 8 Mustafizur Rahman, 9 Taskin Ahmed/Abu Jayed, 10 Rubel Hossain, 11 Nazmul Islam

Pitch and conditions

Rain continues to be forecast in Colombo, with Bangladesh already talking about being mentally prepared for a stop-start game. The pitch is likely to remain the same, mostly batting-friendly.

Stats and trivia

• In Monday’s game against Sri Lanka, KL Rahul became the first Indian batsman to be out hit wicket in a T20I.
• Despite career economy rate of 9.74, Rubel Hossain remains one of the most reliable bowlers in T20s for Bangladesh.

Quotes

“The Indian bowlers made a lot of change of pace, especially their spinners. They found turn when they bowled it very slow. The pace bowlers have taken off the pace from the ball. We need to keep an eye on these things.”