All posts by n8rngtd.top

When it rains it pours for Ruben Amorim. Walking into Manchester United, he will have been under no illusions that the size of his task at Old Trafford was a colossal one.

However, not even he would have envisaged the opening months of his tenure to play out like this.

Indeed, as Newcastle battered the Red Devils 4-1 inside St James’ Park in the Premier League on Sunday, Amorim walked back down the tunnel having not won for the 20th time in 33 matches at the helm.

Erik ten Hag hardly left this side in the best of states but you’d expect better results, even if the Portuguese is still relatively new to the role.

Alas, football is a cutthroat sport and he will need to get it right sooner rather than later.

Still, at least he’s not afraid of making the big calls, dropping Andre Onana from his squad entirely this weekend. Sadly, his deputy didn’t cover himself in too much glory either.

Bayindir's performance vs Newcastle

Last week, goalkeeper Onana engaged in a war of words with former United star Nemanja Matic who was in the Lyon squad to face them in the Europa League on Thursday.

Matic noted that the Cameroon stopper was “the worst ‘keeper in Manchester United history” and to the script, Onana had a howler in France, spilling a ball from out wide into the net in the first half.

So, in a bid to take him out of the firing line, Amorim decided that Onana would not travel to the north east this weekend.

As a result, Turkish stopper Altay Bayindir stepped in to take the gloves. While he hasn’t been handed too many opportunities this term, he was the FA Cup hero when United beat Arsenal in the shoot-out back in January.

While he could have done little about three of the four Newcastle goals, scored by Harvey Barnes, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, he did make a mistake of his own.

Up to that point, it honestly hadn’t been a bad afternoon for Bayindir but his error, right when he needed to coast through a game unnoticed, will not have done him many favours.

Eddie Howe’s side were already 3-1 up at this point when the Turk inexplicably chipped the ball straight to Joelinton. The Brazilian lept high and headed it into the path of Guimaraes who wasn’t going to miss.

Speaking after the game, Amorim was asked what he said to the goalkeeper at full-time: “Nothing, I’m going to continue to do the same. We are going to analyse the game, but we need to focus on the next one. We cannot change this one.”

It was an error-filled game for United, with Noussair Mazraoui also at fault, slipping in the build-up to Barnes’ second goal and effectively handing them a second on a plate.

Still, at least they had their good moments. Bayindir, despite conceding four, was not at fault for any of the other goals.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

They weren’t the only two who deserve a bit of flack come full-time, however.

4/10 Man United star must be given the boot

While the defensive display left plenty to be desired, there were some positives from a United point of view, none more so than Alejandro Garnacho’s goal, fed nicely by a rampaging Diogo Dalot who looked in fine form moving forward.

There was also a first-team debut for 18-year-old Harry Amass, who in the words of Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst, ‘did not look remotely out of his depth.’

Luckhurst was not complimentary of everybody, however, notably Christian Eriksen. While he deemed Bayindir and Mazraoui worthy of 5/10 match ratings, their Danish teammate only picked up a 4/10 rating with the reporter noting that he was ‘often off the pace amid the intensity’ of the game at St James’ Park.

The fact of the matter is that Eriksen should not be starting for United on the best of days, let alone against a fast-paced Newcastle side.

The playmaker has been a wonderful servant to the Premier League, but it’s so obvious that his best days are behind him now. Indeed, writer Sam Pilger suggested that he “should be nowhere near the the starting line-up”, accusing the veteran of lacking “muscle and pace”.

The Denmark international’s display was summed up by his involvement in the third goal, scored by Barnes.

While Mazraoui slipped, his teammates, notably Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof and Eriksen, hardly did much to disrupt the Newcastle number 11 from bearing down on goal. Neither Yoro or Eriksen could get close enough to the Toon attacker who was allowed to just surge towards the goal with ease.

The Dane’s numbers were hardly very pretty either. He did complete 89% of his passes but did not have a shot, complete a key pass, register a dribble or make an interception, just to condemn his woes from a defensive point of view.

Ahead of a vital second leg against Lyon on Thursday, Amorim must ensure that the 33-year-old isn’t in his starting lineup.

A bigger talent than Cunha: Man Utd ready big bid to sign £42m "genius"

Man Utd could be plotting to sign an exciting alternative to Wolves’ Matheus Cunha

By
Robbie Walls

Apr 13, 2025

Chelsea made it two wins on the bounce in the Premier League at a very important time, beating Everton 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are chasing down a Champions League spot, and three points goes a massive way towards that in their run-in.

Enzo Maresca’s side kept 55% possession, having a good stamp of authority and control of the game, especially in the first half. Chelsea took 10 shots in the game, generating 0.98 xG and creating one “big chance”, whilst limiting Everton to just 0.52 xG from six shots taken.

There were plenty of strong performers for the Blues against Everton in another must-win game, with Nicolas Jackson getting his first goal in 2025, Noni Madueke thriving in a new position, and Robert Sanchez making some key saves at the back end of the game to secure all three points.

Robert Sanchez's performance against Everton

Sanchez has been criticised heavily this season, making some mistakes leading to goals, conceding 34 goals and only keeping seven clean sheets before the game today. However, the 27-year-old Spaniard was able to add his eighth clean sheet of the campaign against the Toffees, playing his part in a huge victory.

The Spanish shot-stopper only made three saves in the match, but was on high alert after not being tested much throughout the 90 minutes, making a huge save from inside the box and making five high claims, especially important when Chelsea were seeing out the game in the final minutes.

Sanchez being ready to make those saves at the back end of the match was vital to gaining all three points for the Blues, but Chelsea had some even more important performers, especially at the back, to limit Everton to minimal chances throughout the game.

Chelsea's 7/10 star is now undroppable

Trevoh Chalobah was excellent against Everton, earning himself a 7/10 match rating from GOAL, who praised the English defender for ‘picking Beto’s pocket’ in the build-up to Chelsea’s opening goal, regaining possession, allowing for Enzo Fernández to set up Jackson.

The 25-year-old was brilliant against Everton, winning 100% of his ground duels, making sure he made first contact whenever Everton played long balls out to their outlets, allowing Chelsea to sustain pressure and attack at pace.

Chalobah has made 23 Premier League appearances this campaign for Crystal Palace and Chelsea combined, scoring three goals, providing one assist, and totaling 1,809 minutes played. Since returning to the Blues back in January, Chalobah has started eight league games for Maresca’s side, contributing to four clean sheets.

Maresca may have landed on his best centre-back pairing to end this season, especially as Wesley Fofana is out injured, with both Chalobah and Levi Colwill putting in big performances in their last two games together, getting Chelsea two big victories and earning six huge points, which is why he should now be undroppable.

Chelsea reporter reveals Liverpool "sniffing around" shock Cole Palmer move

The Reds are an appealing destination for prospective arrivals…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Apr 26, 2025

Leeds United have already secured promotion back to the Premier League and the next step for them will be how they plan to avoid an instant relegation.

The Whites can hit 100 points in the Championship with a win over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, having beaten Bristol City 4-0 at Elland Road on Monday, but then all focus will be on how the club can build a team for the top-flight.

Daniel Farke will have some incredibly difficult decisions to make, and one player whom he will have to make a quick decision on is Sam Byram, whose contract at Elland Road is up this summer.

What the English defender will not want to hear at this moment, though, is that Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a new player in his position.

Leeds eyeing move for new right-back

According to a claim from Turkish reporter, as relayed by LeedsUnitedNews, Leeds are one of a number of clubs who want to sign Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons in the summer transfer window.

The journalist claims that the Whites will attempt to swoop for the former England U21 international in a loan deal when he returns from his loan spell at Valencia ahead of next season.

Marseille, Lille, and Sheffield United are also said to be keen on the English right-back, however, which means that there could be plenty of competition for his services.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Leeds could have a unique advantage in the race, though, because Farke is the manager who gave Aarons his first-team debut and won two Championship titles with him during their time together at Norwich City.

Why this is bad news for Sam Byram

The news that the West Yorkshire outfit are interested in signing another right-back this summer will come as bad news to Sam Byram, who has started just 15 league matches this term, and any hope he has of penning a new contract at the club.

Leeds already have Jayden Bogle as the first-choice right-back at Elland Road and bringing in another player in that position could mean that there is no place for the veteran Englishman in the squad at Premier League level, with Aarons competing with Bogle for a starting berth.

Whilst it remains to be seen what the club’s decision will be in regards to Byram’s future, this latest news does not suggest that they are planning to give him an extension to be a key first-team player next season.

As you can see in the table above, Aarons provided defensive strength and offensive quality during Farke’s two title-winning seasons at Carrow Road.

The German head coach, as shown in the clip above, described him as “outstanding”, which shows how highly he rates the £34k-per-week full-back.

Aarons, whose most recent appearance came in a 2-1 win for Valencia over Real Madrid, has only started 14 Premier League matches since the start of last season for Bournemouth, and Farke could provide him with a chance to revive his top-flight career.

Farke could sign Piroe upgrade in Leeds swoop for "electric" £40m "monster"

Leeds could immediately land an upgrade on Joel Piroe by swooping for this £40m star.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 29, 2025

Leeds would then have healthy competition between him and Bogle for the right-back spot, whilst it could mean that Byram’s time at Elland Road comes to an end this summer.

Amid a sea of red celebration at Anfield on Sunday, the cameras panned for a moment on Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes, locked in conversation.

Have the conversations relating to improvements already begun? What, indeed, do these discussions pertain to? Are Liverpool now focusing on the additions which will surely rain down on this incredible Reds squad, which has been so dominant in the Premier League yet clearly needs reinforcing across a range of positions?

With Darwin Nunez expected to leave at the end of the season, much has been made of Liverpool’s conundrum at number nine. Alexander Isak would be a golden ticket toward the next level in Slot’s project, but Newcastle United will demand north of £150m for their talisman. It might not happen, sadly.

A robust midfield could do with another part, and Andy Robertson’s waning influence and athleticism has seen Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez placed at the top of the shopping list, report The Times.

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have renewed their contracts but Hughes will no doubt be thinking about signing understudies who could bloom into superstars down the line.

Then there’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose resolution to a protracted saga feels right around the corner.

The latest on Alexander-Arnold's future

No one can dispute Alexander-Arnold’s passion as he capered around after Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, sealing the Premier League title for the second time in his career.

However, it’s also becoming increasingly difficult to argue that the 26-year-old will be playing his football in a Liverpool shirt next season, now on the eve of free agency.

Salah and Van Dijk have committed the final few years of their primes to Anfield, but Alexander-Arnold has stayed radio silent with Real Madrid working tooth and nail to bring him to La Liga.

Reds supporters have attempted to theorise scenarios in which Trent is staying, flashes of hopeless hope, however, with those such as Fabrizio Romano revealing that a deal is all but done, it seems this is one pill that the club will have to swallow during an momentous achievement.

However, it’s frankly unlikely that Romano is simply acting as a mouthpiece for Los Blancos. The esteemed transfer journalist has repeatedly stressed that the England international’s Bosman move is in the final stages, with all parties confident that a deal will be struck.

Moreover, the word on the street is that Liverpool are scouring the market for a successor; Conor Bradley is an exciting talent but he missed out with injury once again on Sunday and cannot, surely, be Slot’s only real option next term.

With that in mind, Liverpool appear to be aiming for the stars.

Liverpool chasing exciting Trent replacement

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are among clubs interested in signing Jules Kounde and are being kept informed on his situation at Barcelona, though Chelsea appear to have the lead at this stage.

The Frenchman, who scored the winning goal in Saturday’s hotly-contested Clasico Copa del Rey final, is about to enter the penultimate year of his contract at Camp Nou, and his future is up in the air.

With Liverpool potentially in need of a high-class right-back, this could be a dream deal for Slot’s side, though Kounde wouldn’t come cheap, with Chelsea reportedly willing to offer €80m (£68m).

What Jules Kounde would add to Slot's squad

Barcelona signed Kounde from Sevilla for a reported £42m fee in 2022, beating Chelsea to the France international’s signature.

He’s since amassed 140 appearances for La Blaugrana, scoring seven goals and providing 18 assists for his teammates. A regular dynamo, Kounde is versatile, balanced and robust in his performances, having actually been described as “one of the best defenders in the world” by his former boss Xavi.

This season, for example, he ranks among the top 11% of full-backs in La Liga for pass completion, the top 3% for passes attempted and the top 7% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Such metrics highlight, clearly, the ball-playing ability that Slot would make fantastic use of. He differs from Alexander-Arnold, but you can see that his passing game would still add a dimension to and enrich Liverpool’s defence.

Though the 26-year-old has only supplied three assists across 29 league fixtures under Hansi Flick this term, it’s clear this is a more stylistic choice, indeed completing 89% of his passes, as per Sofascore, working tirelessly toward promoting build-up play, funnelling the ball into the danger areas, where the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha can wreak havoc.

That’s not to say he’s averse to his playmaking duties, of course. See below.

They can be a tad frustrating at times, but you can’t deny FSG know their stuff. Replacing Klopp was an impossible task, and so they opted not to.

Slot is cut from a different cloth. His tactical expertise aligns in some lanes with the German’s, but he’s a different character, cooler, more businesslike. Fist pumps after exhilarating victories, there are not.

In the same way, Liverpool simply won’t succeed in replacing a one-of-a-kind star such as Alexander-Arnold. Kounde is different, but bears some similarities.

Kounde’s “enormous potential” was sounded out by talent scout Jacek Kulig before he got his big Barcelona move, and the defender has proved ever since that he has the capacity for greatness.

It’s exactly what Liverpool need at right-back, and if the finances are there, he should be signed this summer.

Liverpool's incredible title winner is now as undroppable as Mac Allister

Liverpool’s stars shined as they thrashed Spurs to seal the Premier League title at Anfield.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 27, 2025

Heading into their away tie with Newcastle United on Sunday, Chelsea were deep in some pretty impressive form in the Premier League.

The Blues were five league games unbeaten heading into his one – which included a stunning 3-1 victory being picked up against Arne Slot’s title-winning Liverpool – but all that positive energy came crashing down at St James’ Park as Eddie Howe’s Magpies ran out comfortable 2-0 victors.

Chelsea’s task on the day was made a lot harder by a clueless first-half red card, but there would have still been a lot to moan about from Enzo Maresca’s perspective at the full-time whistle, irrespective of his side having to play all of the second 45 minutes a man light.

Chelsea's biggest underperformers at St James' Park

Before touching on the rash red card, the likes of Noni Madueke struggled to ever get going in attack for the visitors.

Whilst Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak busted a gut for the Toon cause up top, Madueke was timid and limp in approach, seen in the 23-year-old failing to a register a single effort on Nick Pope’s goal during his forgettable 45-minute stint, as well as losing all four of his contested duels.

Romeo Lavia would last far longer on the St James’ turf, but he wouldn’t be deserving of any praise himself come full-time either, with his lackadaisical approach early on gifting the ball to Newcastle to take the lead via Sandro Tonali.

Moreover, the usually electric Cole Palmer once again failed to spark into life with possession squandered a hefty 14 times, but the elephant in the room that remains is Nicolas Jackson’s hot-headed dismissal.

Jackson would brainlessly connect with Newcastle defender Sven Botman using his elbow, meaning the ex-Villarreal centre-forward will now be suspended for the rest of the season.

This could be the last time Chelsea fans see the 23-year-old lead the line for the Blues in the Premier League, therefore, with the pantomime villain very much turning into Stamford Bridge’s next Kai Havertz.

Chelsea's next Havertz

Much like Jackson now, Chelsea fans would regularly lament the amount of missed chances Havertz would spurn for their team when he was still on the books of the West London outfit.

That is the case despite the German popping up with 32 strikes overall – which included the now Arsenal man scoring a winner in a Champions League final.

Despite that, he would still infuriate the Stamford Bridge masses with his consistent wastefulness, seen in him missing a colossal 14 big chances in Premier League action during his final Blues season.

Jackson has actually bagged a promising 29 strikes in total for Maresca’s men over two seasons, yet – much like Havertz – he gets regularly under the skin of the restless Chelsea fanbase with his off performances, seen in him missing a mammoth 19 big chances during the 2024/25 campaign.

Therefore, his hot-headedness away at Newcastle could be the final straw that sees Jackson – the club’s new Havertz-like scapegoat – moved on.

London Evening Standard journalist Dom Smith suggested that the £32m signing ‘ruined’ his side’s chances of a big win, handing him a dismal 2/10 post-match rating.

But, it shouldn’t be completely ruled out that the 23-year-old goes on to be a success elsewhere, with Havertz showing in flashes for Arsenal – as per his 29-goal haul from 85 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s men – that a damaging experience for the Blues isn’t the be-all-and-end-all.

As bad as Jackson: Maresca must axe Chelsea dud who lost 100% duels

Chelsea lost 2-0 away at Newcastle United to hand the Toon an advantage in the ongoing Champions League race.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 11, 2025

Liverpool’s need for a striker this summer is there for all to see, with the Reds already plotting moves in such a department ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arne Slot’s side may have claimed the Premier League title in 2024/25, but improvements are still there to be made, especially if players were to depart Anfield during the off-season.

Current centre-forward options Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota have both been linked with moves away from Merseyside this summer, with the manager needing to invest money in upgrades on the pair.

It’s unclear how much the hierarchy would demand to part ways with the current talismen, but given their combined tally of just 11 league goals, it’s unlikely they would stand in their way should an acceptable offer be presented.

Should such an event occur, it’s down to the staff behind the scenes to identify potential options for Slot, with numerous players already on their radar ahead of the window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Countless players have been linked with a switch to Liverpool ahead of 2025/26, despite the window not yet being open – highlighting how much of an exciting proposition they really are.

The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitiké are the main three who have been mentioned, but no progress has yet been made on any potential deals.

However, the same can’t be said for another target in the form of Julian Alvarez, that’s if the recent news broken by Argentine journalist Mathias Palacios is to be believed.

He claims that the Reds are keen on a move for the Atlético Madrid talisman in the coming months, with face-to-face meetings for his signature set to commence next week.

Palacios also confirms that Bayern Munich and Arsenal are interested in signing the former Manchester City talent, who’s registered a staggering 35 combined goals and assists in his 53 outings in 2024/25.

Unfortunately, it may take a considerable amount to prise him away from the Spanish capital with CIES Football Observatory suggesting the Argentine is worth £105m.

Why Liverpool’s latest target could be Salah 2.0

Mohamed Salah has been an unbelievable servant to Liverpool Football Club over the last eight years, even extending his stint on Merseyside to a decade after his latest contract extension.

The Egyptian has registered 244 goals and 113 assists in his 400 appearances at Anfield, a staggering record for a player who’s certainly cemented himself in club history.

He’s claimed three Golden Boot awards in the Premier League, and is set to add a fourth to his list after notching an incredible 28 goals in his 37 outings this season.

His £34m move from Roma back in the summer of 2017 will forever be remembered, certainly going down as a bargain and arguably one of their best ever transfers.

However, the board have the opportunity to replicate such a deal in the coming months with Alvarez, potentially following in his footsteps on Merseyside.

The pair both have a similar pattern in their careers, both featuring for other sides in England’s top flight before leaving to go elsewhere in Europe to further their respective profiles.

Salah, who failed to cut it at Chelsea, made a name for himself in Italy before joining the Reds, similarly to how Alvarez has developed after swapping Manchester City for Atlético Madrid.

The pair are now elite attacking talents, with the Argentinian forward having a season to remember, producing countless stats that would bolster Slot’s attack.

Alvarez, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Terry Flewers, has registered 1.4 shots on target per 90, along with a minute per goal ratio of 142 minutes in LaLiga – highlighting his clinical edge in the final third.

However, he has also been able to create opportunities for his teammates, completing 57% of the dribbles he’s attempted and creating 1.5 chances per 90 – subsequently able to aid Salah in boosting his own numbers on Merseyside.

Should the former City talent get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the Egyptian over the years, it would be a phenomenal piece of business, adding a new dimension to Slot’s attack.

The prospect of the pair featuring together within the front line is certainly a scary one, with such a partnership strengthening their chances of retaining their crown in 2025/26.

Slot's next Mac Allister: Liverpool pursuing move for "ridiculous" £60m ace

Liverpool may land their next version of Alexis Mac Allister during the summer window.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 22, 2025

While defences are supposed to win you leagues, that hasn’t been the case for Arsenal in recent seasons.

Mikel Arteta’s side produced the best defence in the Premier League for the second successive campaign this year but once again ended up in second place, this time miles off Liverpool in first.

So, to close the gap, the club need to go out and sign an effective forward this summer, someone who could finally get them over the line in the biggest competitions.

Fortunately, that seems to be the plan, as recent reports have linked the club to a striker who’s been compared to Kylian Mbappé and Alexander Isak.

Arsenal's striker search

Given the club’s comparative lack of firepower this season, the last few weeks and months have seen Arsenal linked with plenty of top-quality strikers, with perhaps the most consistent being Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sekso.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former has been on fire for Sporting Cp, scoring 54 goals and providing 13 assists in 52 games this season, and while he’s not proven himself in a top-five league, his reported price tag of around £54m doesn’t feel unreasonable.

On the other hand, Sesko could cost up to £75m, but he has that experience of playing in a top-five league, and in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig this term, he scored 21 goals and provided six assists.

Yet, recently, a more prolific striker than the Slovenian and someone younger than the Swede has been touted for a move to the Emirates: Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are among several sides keen on signing the Eintracht Frankfurt star this summer.

The report reveals that Arsenal and Manchester United have already made contact with the player’s camp, while fellow Premier League rivals Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle United are all ‘monitoring’ the Frenchman closely.

On top of dealing with the competition, the Gunners will have to stump up a hefty fee to get their man, with the report claiming that Frankfurt want up to €90m for the player, which comes out to about £76m.

It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Ekitike’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially considering his comparisons to Mbappé and Isak.

How Ekitike compares to Isak & Mbappé

So, before looking at why Arsenal might want to sign him and the similarities to Mbappé, it’s worth examining this comparison to Isak and where it comes from.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before creating a list of the ten most comparable players.

By doing this, it has been concluded that the Swedish international is the sixth most similar forward to the Frenchman across the last 365 days.

The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to expected goals, goals per shot, passing accuracy, passes into the penalty area, goal-creating actions, through balls and more, all per 90.

On top of sharing a considerable number of statistical similarities with the Newcastle star, the Reims-born gem has also been described as the “next Mbappé” by many in France, per journalist Graeme Bailey, and while that might sound hyperbolic, it’s not too hard to see where they could be coming from.

For example, like the Real Madrid star, the Frankfurt ace is a brilliant goalscorer, finding the back of the net 22 times in 48 games this season, but is also something of a creator, producing 12 assists.

Moreover, according to FBref, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem sits in the top 4% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and successful take-ons, the top 5% for expected assisted goals, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it wouldn’t be a cheap transfer, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Ekitike this summer, as he’s proven himself capable of scoring plenty of goals, as well as creating some – just like Mbappé and Isak.

£45m star who's shades of Patrick Vieira must never play for Arsenal again

The international ace has served Arsenal well, but it’s time to go.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 27, 2025

There has been a twist in Arsenal’s pursuit of an “extraordinary” £60m+ star, with a report revealing he would now prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of Old Trafford.

Starmer insists Arteta must sign new striker

There have been widespread calls for Mikel Arteta to sign a new striker for quite some time, and Keir Starmer has now weighed in with his thoughts on what the manager should set out to do in the summer transfer window.

The Prime Minister said: “I think one or two extra players, I would not go for widespread change, a striker. That is the one that leaps out and it has been for a little while now.

“It looks like we are shoring up midfield, so that is good and the back four is pretty good, perhaps a little bit more strength because of injuries, but it is that up front striker role we need. We need to add there.”

Not just Sesko: Arsenal in talks to sign £84m star who's like Nico Williams

Arsenal are looking to sign new forwards in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 8, 2025

There is certainly no shortage of options for the Gunners, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres thought to be among the main targets, and sporting director Andrea Berta has already held talks over a deal for the latter player.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Gyokeres wants to join Manchester United this summer, with the forward eyeing a reunion with former manager Ruben Amorim, but there has now been a twist in the saga.

According to a report from The Mirror, the Sporting CP striker would now prefer to move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of Old Trafford, and a move to the Premier League is thought to be of more interest than heading to Spain or Italy.

Should the Sweden international get his pick of the clubs, Arsenal would be first choice, with the Portuguese club ready to sanction a departure for a fee of just over £60m.

Gyokeres could be "extraordinary" signing for Arsenal

As previously mentioned, the 27-year-old is thought to be among the Gunners’ main targets this summer, alongside Sesko, and there are some signs the Sporting star could be the better option, given his superior goal return.

Sporting boss Rui Borges has, of course, been left very impressed by the Sweden international’s performances, saying: “There are no adjectives to describe Viktor. He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team.”

That said, while the Stockholm-born striker is by no means old, Sesko is five years his junior, and the Slovenian has proven himself in a tougher league, while also picking up a total of 21 goals and six assists in all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.

As such, Arsenal have a very difficult decision to make this summer, but it is promising news that Gyokeres would be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, despite the widespread interest from clubs across the continent.

Manchester United’s hunt for a new striker this summer has constantly led them back to Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swedish international firmly on their radar.

Ruben Amorim has previously managed the 27-year-old during his stint in Portugal, which has undoubtedly contributed to the rumours around his move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils would be getting themselves a clinical option if his current goal record is anything to go by, after he registered a total of 54 goals in his 52 club appearances in 2024/25.

However, despite holding talks with the striker’s representatives, he’s currently involved in a dispute with the Liga Portugal side that could scupper any potential reunion with Amorim this summer.

As a result, other targets have been considered, with the manager working tirelessly with the board to secure the additions he needs to turn the current situation around.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Whilst Matheus Cunha has already secured his move to join United, it’s expected that the Brazilian international is set to operate in a number 10 role behind the striker.

The likes of Dušan Vlahović, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Aleksandar Mitrovic have all been considered for the role, but appear to be backup options given the moves made elsewhere.

In recent days, it’s emerged that the Red Devils have made contact with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential move for forward Hugo Ekitiké, according to Sky Germany.

They claim that the French star, who’s scored 22 times across all competitions this campaign, has a €100m (£84m) release clause in his current deal, with Chelsea and Arsenal also interested.

It also states that Amorim’s men have expressed concrete interest over a move for the 22-year-old, but doesn’t mention if they are willing to pay the clause in his current deal.

Why United’s £84m target could be their own Isak

The Premier League has become a brutal division over recent years, with many sides taking advantage of you if you fall below the required standard of England’s top flight.

Alexander Isak is a player who has been the thorn in many teams’ sides over recent seasons, netting a total of 54 Premier League goals in his last three seasons at Newcastle United.

Such form has led to him being one of the most sought-after talismen in Europe, with Eddie Howe’s side placing a £150m price tag on him amid interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.

If any side were to pay such a fee, it would make him the most expensive signing in the history of English football, but United could look to steer clear of any move in favour of a switch for Ekitike.

When comparing his stats to those of Isak from the 2024/25 campaign, the Frankfurt ace has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – making the £84m fee appear somewhat of a bargain.

He’s been ranked as a similar player to the Swede by FBref, managing to register more shots on target per 90 – leading to talent scout Jacek Kulig labelling the French star as “world-class”.

Ekitike also completed more passes than Isak, whilst completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, offering Amorim an all-round option in his attempts to take United back to their former glory.

If he can transfer his form from the Bundesliga over to England in the coming months, it would be a deal that could be one of the best in the club’s history – allowing him to cement himself in the club’s history forever.

It may be a deal that will cost the club somewhat of a small fortune this summer, but the key is the limit for the youngster, with such a price tag being worth every penny if he can catapult them up the table in 2025/26.

He'd be amazing with Ekitike: Man Utd "optimistic" of sealing deal for star

Manchester United appear to be edging closer to completing a deal for one top-level talent.

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to back new manager Thomas Frank in the summer transfer market, as the Lilywhites scour for more new forward options after sealing a £30 million permanent deal for Mathys Tel.

Tottenham hold talks to sign £65m star, but his club prefer he joins Chelsea

Spurs are set for a transfer tussle with their London rivals.

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Emilio Galantini

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Tel showcased flashes of his ability during his initial loan, which has now been made permanent for £15 million less than the originally agreed £45 million buy-option with Bayern Munich, and Frank has expressed his serious excitement over this move by chairman Daniel Levy.

“Very, very excited about Mathys signing with a permanent deal,” said Frank.

“I think he’s a very talented player that can play across the front four positions. He’s a goalscorer that we can develop even further to be more consistent in his all-round game but also to more consistently land in the right positions in the box. So I’m looking forward to it.”

The Frenchman will help to replace Timo Werner, who’s returned to parent club RB Leipzig after a lacklustre one-and-a-half-year temporary stint in N17, but Spurs may soon find themselves needing another wide player.

Son Heung-min’s exit from Tottenham is seen as a real possibility this summer, with the 32-year-old about to enter the final 12 months of his contract. Levy just has this window to make any significant cash back off his sale, and he’s apparently placed a £50 million price tag on his head, according to reports in Asia.

Frank’s need for a potential Son replacement has prompted links to a few intriguing targets this week, including Man City’s Jack Grealish, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus and Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

The latter bagged 20 goals in all competitions under Frank last season, and Tottenham are believed to have held initial talks over signing Mbeumo, even if Man United have been tipped as his preferred destination (Sky Sports).

Fabrizio Romano also claims that Tottenham began internal conversations over a move for the Cameroonian as soon as Frank signed his Spurs contract, so he appears to be a serious option if United cannot meet Brentford’s valuation.

Good chance that Bryan Mbeumo chooses to join Tottenham

According to journalist Duncan Castles on The Transfers Podcast this week, there is a “good chance” that Mbeumo chooses to join Tottenham, contrary to reports of his United preference, but Levy needs to meet his £70 million asking price.

“The indication from Manchester United was Mbeumo had chosen to move there and verbally told them that his preference was to move there,” Castles said.

“But I’m not hearing exactly the same on that. I think there is a good chance that Mbeumo, should Tottenham get to the price that Brentford are asking, that he might choose Spurs ahead of Manchester United.

“There are a couple of obvious reasons for that. One is that it allows him to stay in London, and secondly, it allows him to carry on playing for Thomas Frank, who has joined Tottenham as the replacement for Ange Postecoglou.”

The versatile African would be a quality heir to Son on the right-hand side, and he’s adept at playing as a centre-forward too, meaning both Mbeumo and new signing Tel could help to ease the goalscoring burden on club-record signing Dominic Solanke.