Manchester United could do with some new additions as they continue to navigate an inconsistent run of form and are reportedly eyeing up a high-profile swoop in 2024.

Man Utd's January plans…

Ending the year at the City Ground, Manchester United came up short against a resurgent Nottingham Forest side as Marcus Rashford's equaliser wasn't enough to claim anything in the East Midlands courtesy of strikes either side from Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Languishing seventh in the Premier League table, it is clear that Erik ten Hag's side could do with some reinforcements once the window opens to freshen things up at Old Trafford. Nonetheless, Red Devils' football director John Murtough revealed at a recent fans forum that his side aren't expected to be too busy in the mid-season market, saying:

"Looking ahead to the January transfer window, we are not expecting it to be particularly busy. There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad, particularly in terms of finding opportunities for players who are not playing as much football as they would like.

Serhou Guirassy

19th December

Nico Williams

19th December

Donyell Malen

8th December

Max Moerstedt

7th December

Timo Werner

1st December

"However, we've always been consistent in saying that we do not see January as the optimal time to do business and our recruitment strategy remains focused on summer windows."

Despite this, names of several players continue to be mentioned in connection with Manchester United as they prepare for a month of incomings and outgoings, with the likes of Mauro Icardi, Jean-Clair Todibo and Serhou Guirassy all believed to be on the radar in the North West. Now, the Red Devils are plotting a potential high-profile deal that could see one of Europe's best midfielders move to Ten Hag's side in 2024.

Man Utd keen on Joshua Kimmich

According to reports from Spain, Manchester United are keen to sign Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich in 2024, who is also being eyed by their rivals Liverpool. The outlet claim that Manchester City and Barcelona have been keen on the Germany international in the past; however, they won't go to insane lengths to land his services and United could make an offer next summer.

Joshua Kimmich key statistics in 2023/24 – Bundesliga (Sofascore)

Accurate passes per game

70.7 (90%)

Tackles won per game

2.0

Balls recovered per game

6.3

Expected assists

3.56

Big chances created

3

Average match rating

7.37/10

Versatile Kimmich is out of contract at the Allianz Arena in 2025 so could be sold on this summer if he doesn't renew his deal at the Bundesliga giants in light of the danger they would face of prospectively losing him on a free transfer.

Labelled "phenomenal" by Jose Mourinho, the Rottweil-born utility man has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, registering one goal and six assists in the process (Kimmich statistics – Transfermarkt).

Manchester United are no stranger to a statement signing, though if they were able to pull off the capture of Kimmich it could be lauded as, on paper, an impressive deal for the Red Devils.

يشهد اليوم الثلاثاء الموافق 10-9-2024، العديد من المباريات الهامة والمرتقبة، على مستوى تصفيات أمم إفريقيا وتصفيات كأس العالم، بالإضافة لمواجهات مُثيرة في دوري الأمم الأوروبية.

يخوض منتخب مصر مباراة هامة أمام بوتسوانا، في اللقاء الذي يجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025، على أرضية استاد فرانسيستوون، ضمن لقاءات الجولة الثانية، وفي المجموعة ذاتها، يلعب منتخب موريتانيا مع منافسه الرأس الأخضر.

ويستعد منتخب قطر لخوض مواجهة قوية وهامة أمام منافسه كوريا الشمالية، على أرضية استاد نيو لاوس الدولي، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثانية لتصفيات كأس العالم.

ويستضيف منتخب الكويت نظيره العراق، ويستضيف الصين منتخب السعودية، ويواجه عمان منافسه كوريا الجنوبية، ويصطدم منتخب فلسطين بنظيره الأردن، ويواجه الإمارات منافسه إيران.

وفي دوري الأمم الأوروبية تُلعب العديد من المباريات القوية، أبرزها إنجلترا ضد فنلندا وصدام هولندا وألمانيا.

طالع أيضًا | رئيس اتحاد بوتسوانا يكشف تفاصيل حل أزمة موعد مباراة مصر.. ويؤكد: الفوز على الفراعنة ليس مفاجأة مواعيد مباريات اليوم الثلاثاء 10-9-2024 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات تصفيات أمم إفريقيا اليوم

رواندا ضد نيجيريا، الساعة 4 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “Sport TV2 Portugal”.

موزمبيق ضد غينيا بيساو، الساعة 4 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “TVM 1 Mozambique”.

اسواتيني ضد مالي، الساعة 4 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports 3 FR”.

جنوب السودان ضد جنوب إفريقيا، الساعة 4 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sport 5”.

مصر ضد بوتسوانا، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sport 5”.

الجابون ضد أفريقيا الوسطى، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

غينيا ضد تنزانيا، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

ليبيريا ضد الجزائر، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sport 4”..

ناميبيا ضد كينيا، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

زيمبابوي ضد الكاميرون، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

الرأس الأخضر ضد موريتانيا، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sport 6”.

بوركينا فاسو ضد مالاوي، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

زامبيا ضد سيراليون، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

تشاد ضد كوت ديفوار، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “Sportdigital”.

بينين ضد ليبيا، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sport 3”. مواعيد مباريات تصفيات آسيا لكأس العالم اليوم

كوريا الشمالية ضد قطر، الساعة 3 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports 1”.

الصين ضد السعودية، الساعة 3 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports 2”.

إندونيسيا ضد أستراليا، الساعة 3 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sport 9”.

عمان ضد كوريا الجنوبية، الساعة 5 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sport 6”.

فلسطين ضد الأردن، الساعة 5 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sport 3”.

قرجيكستان ضد أوزبكستان، الساعة 5 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports xtra 1”.

الإمارات ضد إيران، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports 2”.

البحرين ضد اليابان، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports 1”.

الكويت ضد العراق، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sport 3”. مواعيد مباريات دوري الأمم الأوروبية

لاتفيا ضد جزر فارو، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports xtra 2”.

مقدونيا ضد أرمينيا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports xtra 1”.

أندورا ضد مالطا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

ألبانيا ضد جورجيا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sport 8”.

التشيك ضد أوكرانيا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports xtra 2”.

إنجلترا ضد فنلندا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports 2”.

جمهورية أيرلندا ضد اليونان، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sport 9”.

المجر ضد البوسنة والهرسك، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “Sport TV4 Portugal”.

هولندا ضد ألمانيا، الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “bein sports 1”.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا

Since the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo, Nottingham Forest have drastically improved.

However, their recent 2-2 draw at home to Blackpool in the FA Cup was a reminder that plenty of work still needs to be done.

Therefore, the Tricky Trees will look to bolster their side in January, and they have their eye on an attacker.

Nottingham Forest transfers – the hunt for an attacker

According to Italian news outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Forest are one of a handful of teams that are attempting to reach an agreement with Hellas Verona for Cyril Ngonge.

The 23-year-old is keen to continue his career at another club, and the Italian side won’t stand in his way. It's reported that contact has already been made between the two clubs over a prospective deal.

However, they are demanding a fee of around £11m to acquire the Belgian’s services.

Related All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

Posts ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024 Why Cyril Ngonge is perfect for Gibbs-White

Despite joining for a fee of £42.5m in the summer of 2022, Morgan Gibbs-White is proving his worth in the Forest side, and he will be relishing working alongside Nuno Santo again, who gave him his professional debut at Wolves.

Since reuniting at the City Ground, the England U21 star has picked up two goals and an assist in four matches, taking his overall tally for the campaign to six goal involvements across all competitions.

However, due to injuries and a lack of depth, the boss is on the lookout for a player who can thrive alongside Gibbs-White in the attack, which is where Ngonge comes into the equation.

The Belgian is currently starring for Hellas Verona, who are fighting for survival in Serie A. The attacker has played 19 matches in the Italian first division this season, scoring six goals and registering two assists in the process, which is just less than half of his team's goal total (16).

Football journalist Josh Bunting described the 23-year-old as "lively," and considering Ngonge plays in a side where quality is restricted, the statistics also indicate that.

Ngonge's 2023/24 Serie A Stats

Stats (per 90)

Ngonge

Ranking in Italy

Goals

0.34

Top 21%

xG

0.27

Top 21%

Shots total

2.62

Top 21%

Goals/shot on target

0.38

Top 23%

Successful take-ons

1.88

Top 28%

Stats via FBref

As you can see, the former Club Brugge player likes to make an impact in the final third, whether that be by working half a yard of space to shoot or attempting to take a player on.

The left-footed attacker has adapted to playing for a side that has less of the ball, using his pace and energy to provide an outlet up top, which fits in with Forest’s counter-attacking approach under Nuno. For that reason, he'd surely be perfect for a creative outlet such as Gibbs-White.

Versatility is a strength for the attacker, who has played as a right-winger, a number nine, and as a second striker. Based on his goals-to-shot on-target ratio and overperformance of xG, Ngonge is rather clinical, and only Chris Wood has scored more than him in the Forest squad this season.

Overall, the potential signing of Ngonge does seem like a smart move by the Midlands side, especially considering his potential and the rather cheap fee.

Outgoing Chelsea boss Emma Hayes hopes the Blues can regularly play at Stamford Bridge, just as Arsenal Women make the Emirates their home in 2024/25.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Hayes leaving Chelsea for U.S. job
• Hoping to end Blues spell on a high
• Reveals what she wants legacy to be

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ahead of Hayes' last match as Chelsea boss, before taking over as USWNT manager this summer, the 47-year-old was asked about what she wants her legacy to be. After all the trophies and records broken, she spoke about hopefully selling out the 40,000-seater Stamford Bridge – where the men's team play – in the future as the ultimate goal.

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• WHAT EMMA HAYES SAID

  She told reporters: "When I see Arsenal announce they've got 11 home games, this should be happening here (Chelsea). I want to see us play at Stamford Bridge every week – but sold out. I want the girls to have a new facility, I want that to be continually upgraded. I want them to continue to have a voice and I know they will."

  Hayes added: "I want them to put the legacy into the walls, but through the eyes of the players, not mine. I want them to be heard around what legacy is to them and what the cultures are that they want to remain. I want them to never, ever stop asking, 'What can we do better?'. As I always say, do it again but do it with class and keep giving to the Chelsea fanbase in the way they have."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  This week, Arsenal announced their women's team will play 11 home games at the Emirates across the Women's Super League and Champions League next season. While women's football is on the rise, progress still needs to be made to achieve Hayes' dream and move on from 4,850-seater Kingsmeadow.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea will finish off Hayes' hugely successful era, which includes six WSL titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups, on Saturday away to Manchester United. A win for the Blues could secure them a fifth straight WSL triumph.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo terá o volante Luan à disposição para a partida contra a Inter de Limeira, na próxima quarta-feira (3), às 17h, no Estádio Major Levy Sobrinho. Após o jogador ter ficado de fora da primeira lista de inscritos, ele já está apto para atuar. A informação foi divulgada primeiramente pela ‘ESPN’ e confirmada no LANCE!.

TABELA
Veja classificação e simulador do Paulistão-2021 clicando aqui

O Tricolor optou pornão inscrevê-lo para a rodada de estreia do Campeonato Paulista por conta de algumas sondagens de clubes não revelados.Em caso de venda do meio-campista, o clube não poderia colocar outro atleta em seu lugar e ficaria com um a menos no elenco.

GALERIA
> Quem está voltando ao seu clube do coração após empréstimo? Confira!

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Crespo analisou a ausência em entrevista coletiva e espera contar com o volante para a próxima partida.

– A decisão foi muito rápida. Eu comecei a trabalhar sexta-feira e já tinha que fazer uma lista. Creio que neste caso como o do Luan, com a opção de se transferir que tem, mas creio que não vai ser inconveniente, até que isso se desenrole, que esteja conosco e possa jogar na quarta-feira – afirmou o técnico.

O São Paulo realiza um último treinamento na tarde desta terça-feira antes de viajar para o confronto, que será disputado em Limeira, no interior do Estado.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have won their last two games, one of them against Super Kings, and will want to give star opener Jonny Bairstow a fitting farewell

The Preview by Deivarayan Muthu in Chennai22-Apr-2019

MS Dhoni leads his team out•BCCI

Big pictureThe last time Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad met, Super Kings were without MS Dhoni, and they lost five wickets for 22 runs, and the game.Dhoni recovered from back spasms and returned with a bang against Royal Challengers Bangalore, but Super Kings eventually came up short, by just one run. Meanwhile, even as Super Kings have suffered back-to-back losses on the road, Sunrisers have notched up back-to-back victories at home.Form guide

Super Kings: lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore by one run lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets, beat Knight Riders by five wickets
Sunrisers: beat Knight Riders by nine wickets, beat Super Kings by six wickets, lost to Capitals by 39 runs

Super Kings couldn’t have asked for a better time to return home: they have three matches on the trot at Chepauk, where they have won four out of four so far. They have also welcomed back Dwayne Bravo from a hamstring injury, but there are still concerns over his death bowling. Super Kings will be more worried about their top order – both Shane Watson and Suresh Raina are still searching for form ten matches into the season.Sunrisers, on the other hand, have thrived at the top, with Jonny Bairstow and David Warner peeling off the runs. All told, they both have contributed 71% of the 1349 runs Sunrisers have scored in IPL 2019. Left-arm quick Khaleel Ahmed, who has hit hard lengths in the Powerplay and executed the slower offcutters well at the death, has lent another dimension to the already versatile attack. Then, there’s Ambati Rayudu v Vijay Shankar Round 2 to look forward to.In the newsKane Williamson has returned to New Zealand following the death of his grandmother and will not be available for the side’s clash against Super Kings on Tuesday. He is likely to rejoin the squad ahead of Sunrisers’ next match against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on April 27. Harbhajan Singh was unavailable for Super Kings’ last four games – all away from home – because of a stiff neck. If he’s fit, he should slot into the XI at Chepauk. This will be Bairstow’s last match in IPL 2019 – he has to report for duty back home as England begin their World Cup preparations. There was a light drizzle in Chennai on the eve of the game, and both Super Kings and Sunrisers did not train, having been in action on Sunday.Jonny Bairstow celebrates his fifty•BCCI

Previous meetingThe Dhoni-less Super Kings froze with the bat in the end overs in Hyderabad and were then punished by Warner and Bairstow in a defeat that was termed as a “great wake-up call” by coach Fleming.Likely XIsChennai Super Kings (possible) 1 Faf du Plessis, 2 Shane Watson/Sam Billings, 3 Suresh Raina, 4 Kedar Jadhav, 5 Ambati Rayudu, 6 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Dwayne Bravo, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Imran Tahir, 11 Shardul Thakur/Mohit SharmaSunrisers Hyderabad (possible) 1 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 2 David Warner, 3 Vijay Shankar, 4 Mohammad Nabi, 5 Deepak Hooda/Manish Pandey, 6 Yusuf Pathan, 7 Bhuvneshwar Kumar (capt), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Shahbaz Nadeem, 10 Khaleel Ahmed, 11 Sandeep SharmaStrategy punt Watson has managed just 56 runs in four innings at an average of 14 and strike rate 100 at Chepauk in IPL 2019. There’s a case for Super Kings to draft in Sam Billings, who is a good player of spin and can rotate the strike better. Dhoni’s go-slow against spinners, particularly against the ones that take the ball away from him, is well-documented. Sunrisers should make sure Rashid Khan and Shahbaz Nadeem get a crack at Dhoni. The Super Kings captain has scored just 14 off 22 balls from Rashid (while being dismissed once) and 22 off 23 balls from Nadeem in T20 cricket. Get Khaleel to bowl back of a length to Faf du Plessis. The Super Kings opener has struggled against this length in IPL 2019, barely scoring at a run a ball while getting dismissed three times in 22 balls.Stats that matter Watson has been dismissed seven times inside the Powerplay this season. No other batsman has been out more times within the first six overs. Super Kings have a run rate of 6.2 in the Powerplay in IPL 2019 – their lowest in an IPL season. Dhoni needs one six to clock up 200 sixes for Super Kings. Rashid needs three wickets to reach 50 wickets in the IPL.

West Ham United could sign a club's "big-game" captain if winger Said Benrahma leaves before February 1, according to reliable transfer source Fabrizio Romano.

West Ham injuries push Steidten into action

A wave of injuries and absences from manager David Moyes' squad have reportedly pushed technical director Tim Steidten into the chase for a new attacking option.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Michail Antonio recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee problem, while Mohammed Kudus is currently away with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Lucas Paqueta is also set to be out for around two months with a calf injury, dealing a hammer blow for Moyes who is pretty short of creative attacking options.

This has motivated West Ham and Moyes to dip into the market for more forwards, and that is still the case despite reports claiming Jarrod Bowen could be back to face Sheffield United.

Many names have been linked with a move to east London in the last week alone. Indeed, rumours suggest Sunderland forward Jack Clarke, Sporting Lisbon star Marcus Edwards, Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy and Feyenoord number nine Santiago Gimenez are all January transfer targets for West Ham.

Another option for the Irons is former Tottenham forward Steven Bergwijn, who has been a standout player for Ajax amid their disappointing season. The Dutchman currently captains them, but it is believed West Ham are contenders to lure him away from Amsterdam.

Fabrizio Romano shares Bergwijn to West Ham update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano has given an update on their apparent interest in the winger. Indeed, according to the respected journalist, West Ham could still sign Bergwijn if Benrahma leaves before deadline day.

"Benrahma's move to Lyon could happen if they offer the right amount of money and the player wants to go," said Romano.

"But it is not an easy situation for Lyon because the player is taking his time to decide whether to make the move. If Benrahma leaves the club, Steven Bergwijn could be an option. There is a possibility that he will sign because he is a top target for West Ham.

Ajax 2-0 FC Volendam

9.60

Ajax 4-1 Heracles

8.81

Ajax 5-0 Vitesse

8.73

Go Ahead Eagles 2-3 Ajax

8.68

Ajax 4-1 SC Heerenveen

7.59

"There are some candidates on the list, but we have to wait for outgoings at West Ham."

Despite not quite cutting it at Tottenham, he was lauded as a "big-game" player at points for Jose Mourinho (John Cross).

Kieran McKenna edged out Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta to the top LMA award amid rumours he is in line to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.

McKenna fired Ipswich to the Premier LeagueBeat Guardiola & Arteta to prestigious individual accoladeChelsea want him as their new managerWHAT HAPPENED?

McKenna has achieved remarkable success with Ipswich, leading them back to the Premier League after a 22-year absence. Under his guidance, Ipswich finished second in the Championship, just one point behind Leicester City, securing back-to-back promotions. This season, Everton's Sean Dyche, Aston Villa's Unai Emery, and Portsmouth's John Mousinho were also shortlisted for the LMA's Manager of the Year prize. Although Guardiola lost out in the overall category, he bagged the Premier League Manager of the Season award, while Liverpool's Matt Beard received the Women's Super League Manager of the Season prize.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesWHAT MCKENNA SAID

"This award is one of the most humbling and proudest moments of my life," McKenna said after winning the award.

"It's the best thing in the world and I've had good experience as a first-team coach, but to be a manager in the Premier League and go up against great managers is going to be a great challenge and something I can't wait for."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

McKenna's reputation has grown rapidly amid his incredible stint with the Tractor Boys. According to Chelsea are keen to secure McKenna’s services after they parted ways with Pochettino by mutual consent. Since being acquired by Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Capital group two years ago, Chelsea has aimed to operate collaboratively, seeking a young, progressive coach who aligns with their vision. McKenna fits this profile, and Chelsea have been in talks with his representatives for several weeks. Brighton are also interested in McKenna to replace Roberto De Zerbi, but have seen their negotiations slow due to Chelsea’s involvement.

report further mentions that despite the initial promise of stability under Pochettino, Chelsea had concerns about his tactical approach, with some sources describing his training methods as outdated. Furthermore, Pochettino’s desire for greater control over signings was not to be accommodated.

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DID YOU KNOW?

While McKenna is a leading candidate, Chelsea are considering other options as well. Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Girona’s Míchel, Leicester’s Enzo Maresca, and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness are all on their shortlist. Vincent Kompany, despite Burnley’s relegation, is also being viewed as a potential dark horse.

With the halfway point of the 2023/24 season now firmly in the rearview mirror, it would be fair to describe Arsenal's Premier League campaign as mixed thus far.

The Gunners are flying in the Champions League but currently find themselves five points behind Liverpool on the domestic front despite sitting atop the table just a few weeks ago. While there are several reasons for this dropoff, one of the most significant is the poor form of their frontline.

Mikel Arteta has seen his side score just 37 goals this season, which is the lowest out of the current top five and 11 fewer than Manchester City, so with this in mind, fans should be delighted with the latest player touted for a move to N5 as he could be the perfect Gabriel Jesus upgrade.

Arsenal's striker search

According to a report from Football Insider last week, Arsenal are on the lookout for a new striker in 2024 and are among a number of clubs 'considering' a swoop for Feyenoord's Mexican number nine, Santiago Gimenez.

The report revealed that, alongside the Gunners, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham are all interested in the incredibly exciting forward this year, meaning a bidding war could break out between the London clubs.

While the interest from their city rivals is far from ideal for the north Londoners, report states that it could take an offer of between £30m-£40m to secure Gimenez's signature is undoubtedly good news.

This would still represent a significant investment from the Gunners, and beating their fellow London clubs to his signature will surely require an awful lot of work. Still, it would be worth the effort for a striker who scored 15 goals last season and is well on his way to doubling that total this year.

How Santiago Gimenez compares to Gabriel Jesus

Now, it could be seen as unfair to single out Jesus for criticism when speaking about Arsenal's lacklustre frontline this season, as, after all, the former City man has three league goals so far, whereas Gabriel Martinelli has just two.

However, the 22-year-old is there to do more than just score goals, although when he is in goalscoring form, he can be a real threat, as he ended last season with 15 league goals to his name.

So, with a new number nine being at the top of Arteta's wishlist this year, who better than one who has already netted 19 league goals and two Champions League goals in 21 appearances this season?

Dubbed "the most prolific striker in Europe" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Feyenoord's Gimenez has been like a man possessed this year, and while the step-up to the Premier League would almost certainly reduce his goalscoring rate somewhat, it would still likely be a massive upgrade on Jesus' lethality in front of goal.

With that in mind, how do the pair's underlying numbers compare? Well, perhaps unsurprisingly, given the polar opposite veins of form the pair are in, the "Mexican machine", as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, dominates in the majority of relevant statistics.

For example, the "insane" 22-year-old, as described by Mango, produces almost double the non-penalty expected goals and assists figure as Jesus, scores more than four times as many goals, provides more assists, takes more shots on target, scores from fewer shots on target and even wins more aerial duels per 90 than the Brazilian.

Stats per 90

Gimenez

Jesus

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

1.07

0.60

Goals

1.24

0.29

Assists

0.26

0.10

Progressive Passes

1.50

2.69

Progressive Carries

1.90

2.02

Shots on Target

2.03

1.35

Goals per Shot on Target

0.58

0.21

Aerial Duels Won

1.18

0.96

All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season

While it is quite a one-sided comparison, Jesus does come out on top in progressive passes and carries per 90, suggesting that he makes a more holistic contribution to the team, but with Arsenal so desperately requiring a clinical finisher, that could be an area of his game that other players can cover.

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Ultimately, Jesus is a very talented player, but he is not a clinical striker, and as such, with the title race still ongoing, the Gunners should be going after Gimenez.

Steve Patterson’s men grateful for the late return of rain as their lacklustre efforts go unpunished

Paul Edwards13-Jun-2019
“When an hour is all thou hast, make much of that hour.” The phrase might be found on an old sampler reminding folk of the virtues of the Protestant work ethic yet it carried topical power on the final morning of this wet game at Guildford. For against the background clatter of staff gracelessly stacking chairs long before this match ended, Surrey’s Morne Morkel took three wickets in 12 balls, thereby establishing a dominance that would reach its climax when Yorkshire were bowled out for 148 just before tea.Steve Patterson’s batsmen thus spent the truncated last session of this suddenly dramatic game ensuring cock-up did not become total calamity. They achieved that goal although it was fitting that the weather came to their aid. Bad light trimmed four overs from the 38 Yorkshire might have faced but the openers, Adam Lyth and Will Fraine, had negotiated their way to 30 without loss when the draw was agreed amid gloom and approaching showers. All the same, a contest which had hitherto been notable mainly for its appalling weather had suddenly acquired much greater interest and that was a fitting reward for the tough souls who had braved both wind and rain on this last day.”Vigilance is the watchword of the righteous.” That saying, too, might once have been embroidered and framed in God-fearing households yet it has carried a powerful admonition for Yorkshire this week, quite regardless of their beliefs. To borrow a more modern idiom, they have not always been at it during this game. They didn’t expect to play on the second day and had to be roused from their hotel by coaches who were astonished to see Surrey warming up and groundsmen preparing the pitch. Then on this final morning, with nothing but bonus points seemingly at stake, they batted as if shocked into timidity by the intensity of Ben Foakes’ attack.But any tendency to pile blame on Yorkshire’s batsmen for their side’s collapse should be balanced by recognition of the excellence of Surrey’s bowling. That quality was apparent when Morkel dug in the first ball of the morning with perfect accuracy and a disconcerted Gary Ballance could only fend a catch to Dean Elgar in the gully. We little knew it but the tone of the day had been set. Next over Morkel pitched the ball up and had both Fraine and Jack Leaning caught behind by Foakes, who dived in front of first slip to make the second snare.After bowling only four overs Morkel was replaced by Jordan Clark who took his first wicket for his new county when Jonny Tattersall’s thoroughly irresponsible slash edged the ball high to Rikki Clarke at first slip. Next ball the same combination did for a rather less culpable Dom Bess and one’s thoughts went back to the July morning last summer when Clark, then wearing Lancashire’s colours, dismissed Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Johnny Bairstow with successive balls. There was no repeat of that famous hat-trick this damp morning in Guildford but the sense of panic among the batting side was similar.There was a rain break but it did not douse Surrey’s fire. Immediately the players returned Tom Kohler-Cadmore was caught down the leg side off Clarke for 14 and made his way off the field rubbing his hip. Three wickets had fallen for no runs and there was really no telling which way this game would go.As it turned out, an utterly unpredictable morning was followed by the most of predictable of early afternoons in a week which has taught us all to value the high days of summer. The rain set in and prevented any resumption until 2.30pm. But still the pattern of the cricket did not change. Despite Jordan Thompson’s late aggression – the debutant included a huge six off Clarke in his 34 – the 55 runs added by his side’s last three wickets could not prevent the follow on being enforced. After taking four wickets in the innings, Morkel took an excellent catch over his head at long leg to remove Thompson off Matt Dunn. Surrey’s cricketers then beetled off to have tea and prepare to bowl again. Yorkshire had lost all their wickets for 97 runs, the last nine of them in 26 overs.But the excitement was over. Lyth and Fraine batted with immense care in the final session of this game and spectators were left to wonder what might have happened had not 56.3 overs been lost on this last day. Surrey now have a free week but can be emboldened by their cricket at Guildford. Yorkshire, for their part, were probably grateful they could skedaddle home with five points for the draw. Not so far away, Somerset were the big winners from this rain-wrecked four days. Even in mid-June neutrals may be tantalised by the thought that this may finally be the Wyverns’ year.