Amitabh Choudhary, the acting BCCI secretary, has said it is the prerogative of a state association to nominate a person to the board’s special general meeting “as long as it doesn’t violate any court order”

Arun Venugopal26-Jun-2017

Amitabh Choudhary, the acting BCCI secretary, has said it is the prerogative of a state association to nominate a person to the board’s special general meeting “as long as it doesn’t violate any court order”. Choudhary was responding to a question on the eligibility of former BCCI and ICC chief N Srinivasan, who represented the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) at the board’s SGM in Mumbai. Srinivasan had attended the state associations’ meeting with the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) on Sunday (June 25) as well.BCCI could reinstate RCA

The subject of lifting the suspension on the Rajasthan Cricket Association following the election of CP Joshi as the new president recently was also discussed at the BCCI’s Special General Meeting.
The RCA had been suspended after Lalit Modi, who was suspended by the board, was elected president. Now, the board’s acting secretary Anirudh Choudhary said: “The [Rajasthan] association has conducted its elections following the honourable Supreme Court’s order and has also communicated to us saying that all impediments will be removed, including the litigations against the BCCI.
“The house felt that we must respond to it and inform them to submit a formal answer to the showcause which had been issued to the RCA. [It] will be done expeditiously.”

Srinivasan’s eligibility has been in question since the TNCA’s executive committee nominated him as its representative. In April, the Supreme Court and the CoA had warned that office-bearers disqualified under the Lodha Committee recommendations could not attend BCCI meetings. Subsequently, the court prevented Srinivasan from representing the Indian board in the ICC meetings.Srinivasan’s disqualification at that time was on two counts: he was over 70 years of age and had completed nine years as an office-bearer at both the TNCA and the BCCI, thereby violating the judgment of July 2016, which had approved the recommendations of the Lodha Committee. Veteran administrator Niranjan Shah, who represented the Saurashtra Cricket Association at the SGM, is also disqualified on the same grounds.Choudhary, however, said he had done his due diligence when it came to examining Srinivasan’s eligibility. “A notice for a meeting,” he said, “is a notice. And, the notice says that all member units of the BCCI are requested to attend this meeting. As to which individual is chosen to represent a member unit is their discretion, as long as it doesn’t violate any court order. That’s all that I am supposed to examine, which I did.”The CoA, too, had said the issue of an administrator’s eligibility didn’t fall under its remit. “That is an issue that the Supreme Court has to discuss. We have not been mandated by the Supreme Court to sit on judgment on a person’s eligibility, non-eligibility etc,” CoA chairman Vinod Rai said on Saturday. “The attendance register will go to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court gets to know about all these things, so we are not here to sit in judgment on people’s qualification or disqualification.”A senior administrator from the west zone told ESPNcricinfo that neither Srinivasan nor Shah were currently office-bearers, and hence were eligible to attend the meeting.

Tottenham Hotspur have certainly kickstarted the new reign under Ange Postecoglou, with some choice summer signings that have already elevated their playing squad tenfold.

However, if they are to truly challenge for European places once again, it is expected that there will be more to come.

Is Nicolo Barella going to Tottenham Hotspur?

Although a link that has yet to resurface since its initial emergence back in March, albeit under Antonio Conte but should the Lilywhites rekindle their reported interest in Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella, then they could secure themselves a perfect midfield general to underpin their Australian revolution.

After all, both Liverpool and Newcastle United have recently been credited with interest, suggesting an exit could be on the cards soon.

Whilst his touted £50m fee might seem lofty, the experience, winning mentality and immense quality he would promise would more than make this an agreeable price tag.

Especially if they are to recoup some of that through the sale of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who continues to be linked with a switch to Atletico Madrid, having been deemed surplus to requirements late last month.

The Danish midfielder joined for a £15m fee in 2020 from Southampton.

Is Nicolo Barella similar to Declan Rice?

The acquisition of the Italian general would coincide with Arsenal's recent signing of Declan Rice, who they confirmed late last week had joined in a deal worth up to £105m.

Having been courted throughout the summer, Mikel Arteta finally got the man that he sees as imperative to their push for a Premier League title.

Whilst that kind of goal might seem desperately far away for Postecoglou, Barella could actually emulate and even surpass the levels of the England international, helping bridge the recent gulf that has opened up between these north London rivals.

After all, the 26-year-old machine has proven to be instrumental for the Nerazzurri, having won a Serie A title, two Italian cups and recently reached the Champions League final against all the odds, as well as a European Championship with his nation too.

Last term in the Italian top-flight he even maintained a 7.08 average rating, which was a figure buoyed by his 12 goal contributions, 85% pass accuracy, 1.6 key passes and 1.4 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Whilst Rice would be regarded as a more defensive-minded player, Barella blends an element of solidity with a creative force that the 24-year-old cannot compete with just yet.

As such, his 7.19 average rating in the Premier League was largely upheld through his 1.7 interceptions and 2.1 tackles per game, with his six goal contributions and one key pass per game less impressive when compared to someone of such quality, via Sofascore.

To further emphasise the steel they would be attaining with a swoop for Inter's midfield maestro, scout Jacek Kulig had branded him a "little warrior" back in 2019 after one display had caught his eye.

If Rice is to underpin Arteta's new-look side seeking to challenge for a title, then Barella is surely more than capable of achieving a similarly revolutionary feat under the guidance of Postecoglou.

He will need numerous all-action players to underpin his similarly high-octane philosophy, and whilst the Italy international is somewhat more attack-minded than the Gunners' new midfielder, both share that defensive quality alongside a willingness to push forward.

It just seems that Barella could be more suited to the new-look Spurs side, and would prove to be that marquee signing akin to Rice's that ushers in a new era.

Tottenham Hotspur have now held talks with Lyon midfielder Rayan Cherki's representatives over a potential summer move to the Premier League, but they may face competition for his signature from Chelsea, according to a report from Football Transfers.

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Tottenham have already made a number of attacking signings this summer, bringing in the likes of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Manor Solomon. However, manager Ange Postecoglou is still keen to bolster his squad even further, recently saying:

“We’re working with the players we’ve got at the moment and I’m really happy with the way they are all working hard.

“But we’ve obviously still got time in the transfer window and we’re still looking to do some business.”

On Saturday night, Spurs were linked with a shock move for Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, as the French club are now considering a sale, however, that move does not seem very likely, given that he will surely be keen to play Champions League football.

Postecoglou is tasked with finding a potential replacement for Harry Kane, amid the uncertainty over the striker's future, with reports from Germany recently detailing his wife and family have been spotted in Germany inquiring about houses and schools.

The Lilywhites have therefore made an approach for Fiorentina striker Arthur Cabral, although the report also claims they have several other names on the list of potential replacements for their talisman.

Tottenham are also seemingly still keen on another attacking midfielder, with Football Transfers recently reporting they have held talks with the representatives of Cherki in London.

The 19-year-old is said to be regarded as one of French football's hottest prospects, and he has been attracting the attention of some top Premier League clubs, with Chelsea also holding talks over a summer move.

As a result of their financial problems, Lyon would be open to selling the youngster, but only for the right price, having already knocked back an offer from Chelsea. The Blues are ready to make an offer of €40m (£35m) for the Lyon star, so Tottenham may have to move swiftly if they are to win the race for his signature.

What position does Rayan Cherki play?

The Frenchman is capable of playing in several attacking positions, including on both wings, and he has occasionally played as a striker, however, he has predominantly featured in an advanced midfield role throughout his career so far.

Lauded as a "difference-maker" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the starlet ranks in the 84th percentile for assists per 90 in the past year, showcasing his creative flair, while he also places in the 97th percentile for shot-creating actions.

The Lyon-born attacker is still very young, but he has already established himself as a key first-team player with his current club, having made 34 Ligue 1 appearances last season, following up the 2021-22 campaign in which he made 27 outings.

As such, the indication is that Cherki would be able to push the likes of Maddison, Kulusevski and Heung-min Son for a starting spot from the get-go, and he could be a very good acquisition for Tottenham.

Aston Villa central midfielder Morgan Sanson is "very close to leaving" the club this summer, according to manager Unai Emery.

When did Morgan Sanson join Aston Villa?

The Frenchman first arrived in the Premier League and indeed the Midlands back in 2021 from Marseille but he most recently spent the second-half of last season out on loan at Strasbourg having temporarily moved there at the start of the new year.

Prior to his departure, the 28-year-old was handed zero starts and made just two subsitute appearances in the top-flight, via WhoScored, so sending him out to receive more regular game time elsewhere was definitely the right decision at the time, despite his contract not expiring for another two years.

Back in April, Football Insider's Wayne Veysey reported that NSWE are willing to accept a cut-price offer for the player during the ongoing window as a result of him being surplus to requirements, not to mention that it's directly stated that he's failed to win over Emery.

Is Morgan Sanson leaving Aston Villa?

During his post-match interview following the Summer Series 3-3 draw with Newcastle United, Emery publicly revealed that Sanson is expected to finalise an imminent departure from the club whilst detailing the reasons for the game's other absentees. As quoted by Talk Villa on Twitter, he said:

"Sanson is very close to leaving. Coutinho trained this morning alone & he'll train [with the] group and be ready for the next matches. Dendoncker is still in Birmingham because he had a baby [so] stayed there for this reason."

Is Emery right to get rid of Morgan Sanson?

Back when Dean Smith was in charge at Aston Villa, he described Sanson's consistent injury setbacks as extremely "frustrating", but even when he's since had the chance to prove what he's capable of, he's failed to make a positive impression so it would be absolutely the correct decision to sanction his sale.

The Gol International client has scored just one senior goal since joining the club two years ago and last season was ranked as Emery's 22nd overall best-performing player out of 23 squad members, registering a match rating of just 6.06, via WhoScored, highlighting how little he contributes to the side.

The Saint-Doulchard native, who's sponsored by Puma, also currently pockets £45k-per-week which is more than the likes of Alex Moreno, as per Capology, and that's an awfully high salary for a fringe player, so by getting him off the wage book the board would be able to use these funds to put towards securing upgraded signings in the coming weeks.

Should Sanson secure his exit, Villa and Emery won't really notice the difference of him no longer being in the building and the boss has already seemed to make it clear that he doesn't view him as part of his long-term plans moving forward. It makes perfect sense for him to start getting rid of the deadwood in the dressing room to create space for any potential new recruits that could be walking through the doors.

ScorecardMatt Critchley struck his second first-class hundred•Getty Images

Matt Critchley delivered another impressive application for all-rounder status when he marked his first county championship match of the season with a century in the division two match against Durham at Chesterfield.The 20-year-old, who became Derbyshire’s youngest centurion when he scored an unbeaten 137 against Northants at Derby two years ago, made 102 from 148 balls out of 332 for 9.Wayne Madsen made 54, his highest score against Durham, and skipper Billy Godleman was not out 79 while 18-year-old seamer Matthew Potts took three wickets in his third first-class appearance.Durham’s day might have been different if they had bowled more consistently and had caught Madsen on one when he edged Chris Rushworth to third slip in the ninth over.Rushworth had already trapped Luis Reece lbw with one that kept low and Madsen’s wicket would have given them a chance of exposing a batting order weakened by the absence of Shiv Thakor and Gary Wilson with minor injuries.

Critchley puts spin on it

Matt Critchley, who hopes to follow his century with some successful legspin, said: “There’s enough in the pitch and we saw a few balls at the end that spun so if you bowl consistently in the right place there’s enough to take 20 wickets in the game.
“With it being a club ground it tends to deteriorate and spin a bit more and with Imran Tahir), Hamidullah Qadri and myself we should be well equipped to take 20 wickets. We saw a few balls misbehave at the end so if we can get up to 350 that would be good.”

Madsen, who needed lengthy treatment after he was struck on the left elbow by Paul Coughlin, freshly named as Durham’s NatWest Blast captain. Madsen batted for another 34 overs to establish a platform which Critchley and Godleman exploited with a fifth wicket stand of 99.Critchley’s timing and placement was impressive although Durham were guilty of giving him too much width as 18 fours in his hundred suggest. A frustrating day for the visitors was compounded when the umpires reprieved Godleman on 10 after Graham Clark claimed a low catch at gully off Rushworth.Godleman had dropped down to six in the order after feeling unwell and was in danger of being stranded short of his half century when four wickets fell for only 25 runs after tea following Critchley’s exit when he played across a ball from Potts.But the former Middlesex seamer Gurjit Sandhu emerged from an uncertain start to play soundly on his Derbyshire debut to help Godleman steer his side to a third batting point and easily passed his previous highest first-class score of eight in an unbroken last wicket stand of 66 to make it the hosts day.Paul Coughlin will lead Durham in the NatWest Blast•Getty Images

Wolves are believed to be closing in on the signing of Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Nico Elvedi in the very near futrue, according to a fresh transfer update.

Who is Nico Elvedi?

The 26-year-old has been at his current club since way back in 2015, when he joined from Zurich as a teenage defender with a bright future ahead of him in the game.

Elvedi has enjoyed an excellent spell at Monchengladbach as the years have passed, becoming a key figure at the heart of their defence and making 270 appearances in total. Last season, he started 32 Bundesliga matches, chipping in with three goals for good measure, highlighting an ability to have an impact in the attacking third.

The 47-cap Switzerland international only has one year remaining on his current deal, however, so Monchengladbach could find themselves in a tricky situation when it comes to whether they choose to sell him this summer or not. That would allow them to get good money for the defender, rather than risk losing him for free this time next year and making no profit whatsoever on him.

Wolves are eyeing up centre-back reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League season, and it looks as though Elvedi could be the man to come in and bolster their options.

Could Wolves sign Nico Elvedi?

According to Football Insider, Wolves are now in "advanced talks" to acquire Elvedi's signature, also reporting that Gladbach director Roland Virkus has admitted they have no choice but to sell if no new deal is signed:

"Wolves are in advanced talks to sign Borussia Mochengladbach star Nico Elvedi, sources have told Football Insider. The Premier League club are closing in on a deal for the Swiss centre-back, 26, and are confident of securing an agreement.

"Wolves have made their move for Elvedi, who is out of contract at the Bundesliga club in the summer of 2024. They are expected to pay £7.7million for the defender."

Elvedi looks like a fantastic incoming signing for Wolves, with the Swiss ace someone who has picked up a huge amount of experience in his career, but is also a long way from being past his best, considering he is still only 26 years of age.

The Monchengladbach hero completed a hugely impressive 91.7% of his passes in the league last season, which was higher than anyone who started a top flight game at Molineux, showing how much quality and consistency he possesses on the ball. But he can also muck-in in a defensive sense, averaging 4.5 clearances and 2.3 aerial duel wins.

Elvedi has been compared to England and Manchester City star John Stones in the past, which says a lot about his classy style of play, considering how good the treble-winner was last season, and former coach Dieter Hecking has hailed his "great positional play", too, painting the picture of a calm head who is good on the ball and smart off it.

Signings such as these will help Wolves go up a level next season, with the Switzerland star someone who would surely come in as a regular starter alongside Max Kilman, assuming the latter remains at Molineux beyond this summer, and be an instant hit with his all-round quality, potentially going up another level through working under Julen Lopetegui and alongside superior players to those at his current club.

The former fast bowler will guide Sri Lanka’s pace attack for the series against India

Mohammad Isam21-Jul-2017Chaminda Vaas will replace Champaka Ramanayake as Sri Lanka’s bowling coach. Ramanayake, who resigned after the series against Zimbabwe, cited “personal reasons” for ending a two-year stint following his reappointment in 2015.SLC made Vaas’ appointment official on Friday, saying the former fast bowler “will guide the pace attack for the India tour of Sri Lanka”. Since August 2016, Vaas has been working with Sri Lanka’s feeder squads into the national team.Ramanayake has said he is considering several options for his next assignment. ESPNcricinfo has learned that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is firm in its interest to bring him back under its wing. It is not clear what role he is being offered but there’s a strong suggestion, especially with Courtney Walsh’s appointment as Bangladesh’s bowling coach, that Ramanayake will be assigned to the BCB’s high performance unit.Ramanayake was the first bowling coach appointed by the BCB in March 2008 after heading Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling academy for seven years. He is highly regarded among the current lot of Bangladesh fast bowlers, particularly for guiding many of them in their youth during his stint. He has often been credited with the rise of Rubel Hossain and Shafiul Islam.For Vaas, the role is only temporary for now, but he has done the job in the past, having been the national team’s bowling coach between February 2013, and April 2015. He has also briefly held coaching positions with New Zealand and Ireland.

Manchester City are not looking to rest on their laurels ahead of a season where they defend three major trophies.

The Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League were all won last season to complete a stunning treble, yet Pep Guardiola will want to do it all again.

With this in mind, the club have been linked with a move for Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich during the summer transfer window.

How much does Joshua Kimmich earn?

According to 90min, City have done the ground work on a potential move for the versatile Bayern gem, as they consider their options should Bernando Silva depart the Etihad this summer.

The Portuguese midfielder is being tracked by both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, with Guardiola placing a valuation of £75m on his head, which may be enough to deter potential suitors.

Kimmich – who earns £300k-per-week for the Bundesliga side – looks to have emerged as a candidate who could perhaps replace the former AS Monaco star.

Will Manchester City sign Joshua Kimmich?

The Germany international has played under the Spaniard before, during his spell as Bayern boss between 2013-2016, and thus he will know all about his qualities, while the former Barcelona manager could replicate his Ilkay Gundogan masterclass by signing the 28-year-old.

Upon arriving in Manchester, Gundogan was signed from Borussia Dortmund and became an integral part of a side which has since dominated England. Across his 304 games for City, he registered 100 goal contributions – 60 goals and 40 assists – while winning 12 major honours in the process.

The 2022/23 campaign was arguably his finest at the club, scoring twice in the FA Cup final against Manchester United, but he left to join Barcelona for a fresh challenge this summer.

Kimmich could certainly fill the void in what would be a similar move to Gundogan's, trading German shores for the dizzy heights of the Premier League.

The biggest plus point to Guardiola would be his immense versatility, as he is able to slot in at right-back or in the centre of midfield with Jose Mourinho having previously lauded his adaptability, saying: “I see him as a top right-back, left-back, centre-back, No.6, No.8, No.10… he has the qualities to be anything!

"I think he looks to me, very intelligent related to football, very intelligent, understands the moments of the games and understands the difference between positions and understands what he has to do here and what he has to do there. I think he’s phenomenal, an absolutely phenomenal player."

The 28-year-old can also pose a solid attacking threat. He ranked in the top 1% for progressive passes per 90 (9.87) compared to positional peers, while also ranking in the top 4% for shot-creating actions (4.35) and assists (0.22) per 90, showcasing his ability to push forward as often as possible and contribute heavily to the attack.

In contrast, Gundogan managed to rank in the top 20% for progressive passes (6.61) and assists (0.16) and the top 17% for shot-creating actions (3.36) per 90, showing that Kimmich could perhaps be an upgrade on the former Dortmund starlet.

With Silva edging closer to the exit door, it would make sense to secure a move for Kimmich this summer, especially as he appears to be at the peak of his powers.

At times last season, Chelsea’s attack was unwatchable. Games were either marred by countless missed chances or a stark lack of dynamism, efficiency, or purpose in forward areas. It finished with just 38 goals in as many Premier League games – a dismal reflection of the disjointed nature of the Blues’ attack.

This has been noted by Mauricio Pochettino, who has been joined by the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson at Stamford Bridge, whilst allowing Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic to depart the club.

Currently, Noni Madueke is the only right-winger firmly in his plans, with Hakim Ziyech looking to leave this summer.

Pochettino may look to add further strength on the right-hand side, with Leroy Sane mentioned in what seems an improbable signing.

What’s the latest on Leroy Sane to Chelsea?

According to Simon Phillips (via The Chelsea Chronicle), the 2021 Champions League winners are admirers of the Bayern Munich livewire.

However, at this stage, Phillips confirmed it is still no more than a rumour to keep an eye on, with Manchester City also interested in bringing the German back to the Etihad Stadium.

Who can Leroy Sane link up with at Chelsea?

The 27-year-old originally came to England back in 2016 when he joined Manchester City, and was unplayable in flashes.

He spent four seasons in the north-west under Pep Guardiola, making 135 appearances and notching 85 goal involvements, winning two Premier League titles.

His best year in sky blue came in 2017/18 when he recorded 25 goal contributions in 32 matches and was named the PFA Young Player of the Year.

Upon his arrival at Bayern Munich in 2020, chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “He is an outstanding player who has proven his qualities over the past few years.”

Thus far, he has failed to hit the same productive heights in Germany and was part of the Bayern team that was thrashed by Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals last term.

Nevertheless, the forward still retains his esteemed reputation for his dazzling dribbling speed, and creativity. Among his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, the £238k-per-week dynamo ranks within the best 8% for progressive passes per 90, successful take-ons, total shots, and non-penalty goals per 90.

If a move to Stamford Bridge ever eventually materialised, the idea of a partnership on the right with Reece James is frightening. Due to continuous injuries, the full-back has only appeared in 42 of Chelsea’s last 76 Premier League games, and his patchy fitness was one of the major drawbacks last term.

The 23-year-old is arguably a future Chelsea captain and is a formidable combination of defensive solidity and attacking threat. Speaking on Match of the Day (via Planet Football), Ian Wright once said:

“He’s easily one of the best right-backs in the world at the minute. He’s got everything. His delivery is amazing, his closing down. He’s got the ability and strength to progress the ball, he’s so combative. He’s a super player.”

His talent in attack is what sets him apart from the majority of full-backs, as he ranks within the top 18% for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the highest 10% for shot-creating actions, progressive carries, and successful take-ons per 90.

Whilst the idea of Sane in west London is a pipe dream at present, it could spark the beginning of a partnership that could terrorise Premier League opponents.

Arsenal could be set to once again swoop from a rival, given the success already earned in recent years…

Is Joao Cancelo joining Arsenal?

With Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko having joined last summer from Manchester City, and Kai Havertz tempted from Chelsea just last month, it seems Mikel Arteta is unafraid to boost the coffers of a Premier League side if it means getting his main target.

Spanish outlet Sport is now reporting that they could be set to repeat such a trick, reigniting their long-held interest in Joao Cancelo and bolstering the squad further.

With the Portugal international having been sent on loan to Bayern Munich for the second half of last season, his return has clearly not had any impact on his standing with Pep Guardiola. He remains surplus to requirements, and now the Gunners could profit.

They are referenced as still very interested in making a move, although the €50m (£43m) price tag that looms over the 29-year-old could provide a stumbling block given their spending recently surpassed £200m with the acquisitions of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.

With Barcelona also looming, they will want to act quickly if they are to seal a move.

How good is Joao Cancelo?

Before his Bavarian banishment, the revolutionary defender had the whole world watching his imperious performances in a City shirt.

He has one of the first to popularise the inverted full-back role which is so common today, as an unrelenting creative influence from defence.

During the 2021/22 season, which was his last full campaign in English football, he enjoyed one of his finest personal years as his side claimed the Premier League title. Maintaining a 7.33 average rating, his eight goal contributions fed into his 1.1 key passes per game. That's not to suggest he completely shirked his defensive duties though, also managing 2.3 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game, via Sofascore.

Should he recapture any semblance of his form at the Etihad, it could come back to bite Guardiola, who would have directly improved a title rival yet again.

However, as aforementioned he did so last year with Jesus and Zinchenko and still made history, winning the league, FA Cup and Champions League. The former of the players, however, is set to have a big year in north London, seeking to avenge his injury woes and enjoy a full campaign of goalscoring.

After all, he had started the season with nine goal contributions in his first eight league matches before the World Cup, finishing on 18 for the season despite missing 12 consecutive league games through injury.

To once again reunite the silky forward with Cancelo could see a partnership instantly struck, that would add even more goals to his name on the way to securing the title.

Especially considering the offensive improvement the former Juventus star offers on Ben White, and therefore the potential increase in chances Jesus is set to attain from a wide and inverted area.

Last term saw the 25-year-old makeshift right-back record just 0.7 key passes per game in the league, a far cry from the levels the playmaking defender has set. Indeed, during his entire City career, Cancelo has posted 22 assists at 0.14 per game to White's five in London at 0.05 a match.

Bayern's director Hasan Salihamidžić even outlined this, noting: "João will still be a very important player for us. He hasn't been playing, training the way he had imagined lately. We're communicating well with him. He's an outstanding player who'll be important."

Cancelo could now prove more than important for Arteta, adding the supplementary firepower needed to take Jesus' goalscoring to the stratosphere and fire them to a first title since 2004.