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With just one win picked up across their last five Premier League games, Manchester United now look short on confidence again heading into a bumper December.

Everything looked to be smooth again with three victories secured on the bounce in October, but the boos would ring out at the full-time whistle when the tired Red Devils could only muster up a 1-1 draw versus relegation-threatened West Ham United last time out.

It will be very interesting to see where United sit in the ever-changing league standings when the hustle and bustle of the Christmas period is over, with the up-and-down outfit still only three points off fourth position, despite their recent stumbles.

Whatever does play out, United will surely use the January transfer window to their advantage, as several standout signings are tipped to move to the Theatre of Dreams, despite their hot-and-cold nature.

Man Utd's number one January target

Amorim will just have to hope he is still in the United dug-out by the time January window rolls around, with ESPN reporter Rob Dawson stating that he needs “time and patience” amid shouts he should be given the axe.

Even with this uncertainty in the air, plenty of transfer rumours are circulating, with the likes of Adam Wharton alleged to be on the Premier League outfit’s radar, as they try and win themselves some fresh blood in the middle of the park.

Of course, there is also one incessant piece of gossip that Elliot Anderson could swap Nottingham Forest for the Red Devils, with a statement double deal now even in the works involving Anderson, according to Football Insider.

As per Mick Brown, via Football Insider, United are chasing after the signatures of both the England international and AFC Bournemouth ace Antoine Semenyo, with the duo named as top targets in a combined £170m deal.

£65m of that alone could be spent on securing Semenyo, as is the Cherries attacker’s previously mentioned release clause, with Amorim loving the idea, surely, of the Ghananian forward moving to Old Trafford, especially with Bryan Mbeumo off to the African Cup of Nations shortly.

Brown said: “Semenyo is the one they’ve been looking at. United need to spend in January to improve the squad, and he’s somebody they wanted to bring in during the summer before he signed that contract. If the opportunity comes up when the window opens, it would make a lot of sense because he would also be able to plug that hole left by Mbeumo.

“You’re looking at people like Semenyo and Elliot Anderson to come in, they’re the top targets for Amorim because both of them would be real improvements in key areas of the squad.”

While United are desperately searching for some fresh blood centrally, Semenyo might well go down as an even better signing than Anderson, particularly as Amorim is no doubt cursing his side’s ineffectiveness in front of goal as of late.

Why Semenyo could be a better signing than Anderson

Immediately after the poor 1-1 draw versus the Hammers, Sky Sports’ Roy Keane would heavily criticise the disappointing United attackers, stating that they’re not “nasty enough” or “clinical” enough to kill off a game.

With Mbeumo set to link up with Cameroon soon at the AFCON, Amorim’s options in attack could soon become even weaker, with the former Brentford striker way out ahead as United’s strongest attacker of the season so far, having powered home five Premier League goals.

In stark contrast, both Joshua Zirkzee and Matheus Cunha only have two league strikes between them this season, while Benjamin Sesko has just two goals, himself, when fit, with Semenyo’s arrival on the scene finally gifting United that deadly, rampaging attacker that Keane, and presumably Amorim, is crying out for.

Indeed, just in the Premier League alone this season, the blistering attacker has managed to conjure up a devastating nine-goal contributions, with Pep Guardiola even going out of his way to herald Semenyo as an “extraordinary” talent who can change games, which is what United are in dire need of, to avoid any more underwhelming draws.

25/26

14

6 + 3

24/25

37

11 + 6

23/24

33

8 + 3

22/23

11

1 + 0

Of course, against West Ham, the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro weren’t at their best, but they are still some of the more consistent performers in the United ranks through the middle, with the ex-Real Madrid man managing to win a high 11 duels to keep up his United resurgence.

Moreover, with two goals and five assists next to his name this season, Fernandes will feel he’s done enough to be kept in the United starting XI for the foreseeable future, away from Amorim and Co splurging out £100m on Anderson.

Whereas, if the Red Devils were to splash out a more reasonable £65m on Semenyo, their attack could be taken to that next level, with Chris Waddle even hailing the vibrant number 24 as “the best winger in the country”, as he now sits on a mighty 26 goals and 12 assists from 95 Premier League outings.

Anderson’s arrival could well gift United a fantastic, well-rounded midfield presence for the long run, but in the immediate, with Amorim and Co fluffing their lines consistently up top, Semenyo feels like the more pressing purchase, especially if they’re left short during the AFCON.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s unbeaten run in the Champions League came to an abrupt end last night, with holders PSG securing a huge 5-3 triumph in Paris.

The Lilywhites twice took the lead at the Parc des Princes, but Thomas Frank’s men were unable to hold and secure yet another victory in Europe’s biggest competition.

Vitinha’s hat-trick was enough to get Luis Enrique’s men across the line on home soil, leaving Frank with huge work to do to get his squad out of their current losing spree.

Goals from Kolo Muani and Richarlison weren’t enough to get the Lilywhites all three points, but it certainly does give the manager something to build on in the final third.

However, the same can’t be said for numerous members of the first-team squad, with various starters unable to take full advantage of the chances handed their way.

Spurs’ poor performers against PSG last night

After questions were asked about the midfield department following the defeat against Arsenal, Frank decided to once again change shape and hand Pape Sarr a start in central midfield.

Many were crying out for the Senegalese international to return to the starting eleven, but ultimately, he was unable to take advantage of his opportunity.

He was arguably at fault for PSG’s third effort, with the 23-year-old robbed of possession in his own defensive third before Fabian Ruiz fired home for the hosts.

The youngster wasn’t alone in failing to deliver, with full-back Djed Spence once again unable to pounce on his starting role on the left-hand side of the back four.

The Englishman failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles or crosses, subsequently highlighting the lack of contribution he made when in transition.

However, without the ball, the 25-year-old was just as lacklustre, as seen by his measly tally of just 33% ground duels won whilst also being dribbled past on one occasion.

The Spurs star who had his worst game for the club v PSG

After Kolo Muani put Spurs ahead for the second time at the Parc des Princes last night, there was a belief within the Spurs faithful that the club could pull off a famous European result.

However, in true Lilywhites fashion, as of late, they were unable to sustain such a scoreline, with the collapse in the last half an hour no doubt frustrating manager Frank.

Certain players can absolutely leave such a defeat with credit and with their heads held high, with the aforementioned Kolo Muani undoubtedly having his best game for the club.

Other players, like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray also impressed at the heart of the side, with the pair the beneficiaries of the manager’s selection roulette.

The same can’t be said for numerous players, with Cristian Romero undoubtedly one that springs to mind when focusing on players who failed to deliver in Paris.

The Argentine, who’s the Lilywhites captain, endured a torrid evening against the reigning European champions, which no doubt contributed to the loss last night.

He featured for the entirety of the contest, but not without struggle, with the centre-back needing to share some of the blame for Sarr’s mistake with his poorly timed pass into the midfielder.

Romero was also adjudged to have handled Vitinha’s effort late on, which led to the Portuguese international stepping up from the penalty spot to complete his first senior hat-trick.

His underlying stats further showcase his lack of impact, with the defender committing two further fouls and being dribbled past on two separate occasions.

Other numbers, such as six times possession lost and 50% duels lost, further highlight his lack of impact and why it was perhaps his worst display in a Spurs shirt yet.

To top off his dismal night in Paris, Romero was handed a measly 3/10 match rating by Football London journalist Alasdair Gold, reaffirming how disappointing he was against the Frenchmen.

After such a showing, Frank will no doubt be questioning his starting role, with flashes of the Argentine’s rash nature rearing their head during the defeat.

However, the player will be hoping he’s still selected at the weekend to try and make amends and lead the club to a needed win the Premier League against Fulham.

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By
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Nov 26, 2025

كشفت تقارير صحفية، عن الأندية الإنجليزية التي سوف تتأثر بـ كأس أمم إفريقيا بسبب اللاعبين الأفارقة الذي سيغادرون أنديتهم بسبب العُرس الدولي.

وتستضيف دولة المغرب منافسات كأس الأمم الإفريقية، والتي تنطلق في 21 ديسمبر المقبل، ويشارك بها منتخب مصر.

ومن المعلوم أن بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا تقام في فترة الجفاف بالقارة والتي تشهد هطول أمطار بشكل معتدل عن فترة الصيف، ليكون الطقس مناسبًا لممارسة كرة القدم.

ونشرت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” عدد اللاعبين من كل فريق يلعب في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، سيغيب بسبب كأس أمم إفريقيا.

ووفقًا للصحيفة البريطانية، يكون نادي سندرلاند قد حصل على نصيب الأسد في غياب لاعبيه إذ يغيب عنه 7 لاعبين، ثم نادي وولفرهامبتون يغيب عنه 5 لاعبين، وبنفس العدد لدى نوتنجهام فورست وكريستال بالاس.

ولن تتأثر 3 أندية من إقامة بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا وهم ليدز يونايتد وتشيلسي وآرسنال. قائمة اللاعبين الغائبين عن أندية الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بسبب أمم إفريقيا

سندرلاند: 7 (شمس الدين طالبي، سيمون أدينجرا، برتراند تراوري، آرثر ماسواكو، رينيلدو، نوح صديقي، حبيب ديارا).

وولفرهامبتون: 5 (إيمانويل أغبادو، مارشال مونيتسي، تاواندا شيريوا، جاكسون تشاتشوا، تولو أروكوداري).

كريستال بالاس: 4 (إسماعيل سار، كريستيانتوس أوتشي، شادي رياض، وشيخ دوكوري).

نوتنجهام فورست: 4 (إبراهيما سانجاري، ويلي بولي، أولا أينا، تايو أوونيي).

مانشستر يونايتد: 3 (بريان مبيومو، عماد ديالو، نصير مزراوي).

فولهام: 3 (أليكس إيوبي، كالفين باسي، صامويل تشوكيز).

بيرنلي: 3 (أكسل توانزيبي، لايل فوستر، هانيبال مجبري).

إيفرتون: 3 (إليمان ندياي، إدريسا جاي، آدم أزنو).

مانشستر سيتي: 2 (عمر مرموش، ريان آيت نوري).

برينتفورد: 2 (دانجو واتارا، فرانك أونيكا).

توتنهام: 1-2 (بابا ماتار سار، إيف بيسوما).

ليفربول: 1 (محمد صلاح).

أستون فيلا: 1 (إيفان جيساند).

برايتون: 1 (كارلوس باليبا).

بورنموث: 1 (أمين عدلي).

نيوكاسل: 1 (يوان ويسا).

Over the last couple of years, Manchester United have been a side who have splashed the cash in the transfer market to try and take them back to their former glory days.

In the last three years alone, the Red Devils have spent upwards of £800m on new additions, but the vast majority of which have failed to deliver and catapult them up the league table.

The club finished 15th in the Premier League last time around, with pressure piling on manager Ruben Amorim as a result of his lack of impact at Old Trafford.

Despite financial difficulties voiced by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, he handed the 40-year-old funds in the region of £200m to help improve his first-team squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, one player already at the Theatre of Dreams has struggled as of late, with a potential exit on the cards from the club in the months ahead, given his lack of impact.

The latest on Zirkzee’s future at Man Utd

Over the last couple of days, it’s been reported that United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been hugely linked with an exit just over a year after his arrival.

Last summer, the Red Devils paid a fee in the region of £36m for the signature of the Dutchman, joining the club from Serie A side Bologna with real expectations to improve the frontline.

However, the 24-year-old only netted three league goals last season and was unable to get himself off the mark in the opening weeks of the new season after staying put.

The big-money spent by the board over the summer has seen the player fall further down Amorim’s pecking order, subsequently failing to make a single start to date.

He’s only registered 74 minutes of league action in 2025/26, undoubtedly leading to his desire to leave the club and pursue a new challenge in the near future.

Current CEO Omar Berrada has previously stated that players who failed to make any impact in two years must be sold to avoid losing huge money – with Zirkzee certainly in that category.

However, he’s not alone in that department, with another current first-team member also on borrowed time given his lack of impact at Old Trafford in recent times.

The United star who’s on borrowed time alongside Zirkzee

United’s lack of success in the transfer market has undoubtedly contributed to their demise in the Premier League, which has increased pressure onto the shoulders of Amorim.

Some of the players already on the books before his arrival struggled to make an impact after his arrival, with Brazilian winger Antony just one player who ultimately failed to hit the ground running during his tenure.

He joined the club in a £86m deal from Ajax back in the summer of 2022, subsequently following Erik ten Hag to the club after his appointment during the same period.

However, the club decided to sell the 25-year-old this summer, with the forward moving to Real Betis for just £21m, seeing the hierarchy take a £65m loss on their investment.

Another example of their failure in the transfer market is highlighted in their move to sign Manuel Ugarte last summer, with the Uruguayan costing a fee in the region of £42m from PSG.

His arrival was seen as the perfect opportunity to improve the options in the middle of the park, but a little over 12 months after his transfer, he’s failed to nail down a place in the starting eleven.

Ugarte, who’s been dubbed a “wet blanket” by former Chelsea star Craig Burley, has only started two games this campaign, along with 22 in the previous season.

Games played

6

Matches started

2

Minutes played

242

Passes completed

40

Chances created

0.3

Fouls committed

3.4

Dribbled past

0.9

Interceptions

0.6

The Uruguayan’s underlying stats from the recent campaign highlight his inability to impress, which could ultimately spell the end of his time at Old Trafford in the near future.

He’s only completed an average of 40 passes per 90 this season, whilst only creating 0.3 chances per 90, subsequently showcasing his

inability to progress the play into attacking areas.

The 24-year-old has also committed 3.4 fouls per 90 to date, whilst also ranking in the 73rd percentile for being dribbled past – highlighting he often resorts to taking out an opponent if he’s struggling to dispossess them.

As a result, he’s often been selected behind the likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in such a role, with his move to England undoubtedly failing to reach the heights many anticipated.

After such a disappointing first year in the Premier League, it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone to see him depart in the near future, subsequently raising funds for another talent to arrive in the process.

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Oct 7, 2025

Anthony Gordon has become the centre of social media scrutiny after the England international failed to find the back of the net in yet another Premier League game. The winger has had a grip on the left of the Magpies and Three Lions' attacks in recent months, but both Eddie Howe and Thomas Tuchel may be growing concerned at Gordon's lack of output.

• Gordon under fire for West Ham defeat

  Gordon was disappointing once again for Newcastle in the Premier League as the Magpies slumped to a shock 3-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium. The Hammers recorded just their second win of the season, and their first under Nuno Espirito Santo, to leave Newcastle a disappointing 12th after 10 games.

  The afternoon started brightly for the away side when Jacob Murphy put the visitors in front after just four minutes. The right-winger weaved in and out of the Hammers defence before striking hard into the bottom-left corner.

  Yet, the Magpies could only hold onto their lead for half-an-hour when Lucas Paqueta, looking to lead West Ham to safety, curled an effort from distance past the diving Nick Pope. Ten minutes later, a Aaron Wan-Bissaka cutback was turned into his own net by Sven Botman to give the hosts the lead. Newcastle pushed, but were unable to find a way back into the game and Tomas Soucek bundled home in injury time to seal the three points.

  It marks another poor result and performance from Newcastle, whose dreams of qualifying for the Champions League for another season already look under threat, with much of the blame for their inconsistent and wasteful attack being levelled at Gordon, who was substituted at half-time.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Fans fume at wasteful winger

  The Newcastle United fans are growing tired of the winger, who has now gone 19 games in the Premier League without scoring or providing an assist for one of his team-mates. On X, @Regista10_ declared the stat as, "one of the worst stats" they had ever heard.

  Gordon was also fortunate that his lackadaisical performance escaped punishment. @KHeneage said that "Anthony Gordon [is] far too casual on the ball in the wrong areas," in reference to the winger being robbed of possession leading to a West Ham attack. Looking to pounce on Gordon’s error, the hosts poured forward and, when Jarrod Bowen went over in the box, looked as if they would take advantage of the winger’s complacency in midfield. Luckily for Gordon, the awarded penalty was overturned by VAR.

  On the same incident, @Will44s added: "Anthony Gordon is very light weight and also gives the ball away far too much for somebody that’s meant to be this good a player."

  Taking things further, @swamoil wanted the club to not only drop the wide attacker from the starting line-up, but to expel him from the entire club. They posted: "Anthony Gordon needs to be released. Spent £500m and Jacob Murphy from nearly a decade ago is still our best winger."

  Also looking for the Magpies to move Gordon on, @GetAHurrCutMan_ said: "Anthony Gordon is nowhere near as good as he thinks he is. Would snap your hand off if a bid of any significance arrived."

• Gordon to move back to Merseyside?

  Interest in Gordon from other clubs has been well-documented. Liverpool have long-been-linked with the winger who has reportedly been open to a move back to Merseyside.

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  Shooting boots are on in Europe

  Champions League nights return to the Northeast this week as Athletic Club visit St. James’ Park. Fortunately for Gordon, he has been excelling in European football and even drew praise from Benfica manager Jose Mourinho after the Englishman put the side from Lisbon to the sword. He will want to add to the four goals in three games he has scored in the competition already.

Bethell and Pope are in direct competition for the spot in England’s first Test against India

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jun-2025Rob Key, has insisted that England’s looming selection call between Jacob Bethell and Ollie Pope will not define either player’s career ahead of Friday’s first Test against India in Leeds.Bethell and Pope are in direct competition, with one of the pair set to walk out as England’s No. 3 at Headingley and the other likely to miss out on selection altogether. Key, England’s managing director of men’s cricket, has framed the call as a decision as to “which really good player” they should pick, and said: “It’s a good position to be in.”Pope batted at No. 3 in England’s most recent Test against Zimbabwe and scored 171 to extend his strong record in the role, where he averages 43.06. But Bethell, 21, scored three half-centuries in the same position during December’s tour to New Zealand when Pope kept wicket and batted down the order, and is English cricket’s coming man.Related

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“I don’t see it as a problem, really,” Key told the ‘s cricket podcast. “You win either way, really. You’ve got two brilliant players that can do that role. Ollie Pope’s been fantastic in that tough spot; he played brilliantly in New Zealand… alright, he was in a different role, but we’ve got two brilliant options in those spots.”A tough decision is when you’ve got no options, and you’ve got to just then try and find something from nowhere. That’s when I’m sort of scratching my head. This one is: ‘Which really good player are we going to pick?’ It’s a good position to be in.”Bethell missed England’s win over Zimbabwe because he was playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL. Michael Atherton has been a prominent critic of the decision to allow him to stay in India rather than returning for that Test, but Key said that he had no regrets.”I don’t think [that] the careers of Ollie Pope and Jacob Bethell are defined by what happens this week, or whether he came back to play the Zimbabwe Test. He may not have played that Test match,” Key said. “Watching his development has been extraordinary, and him going out there and playing in the IPL, I think was brilliant for him. We’ll get the return on that in the future.”Key also suggested that Mark Wood, who is sidelined with a knee injury, retains an outside chance of being fit for the end of the five-match series. “He potentially could be ready for the back end,” he said. “You may see him by the end of the series, but certainly then when you fast-forward to the Ashes, he should be fine for that.”

Liverpool versus Everton is always a tasty affair at Anfield in the Premier League.

Today’s lunchtime Merseyside Derby was no different as Arne Slot’s Reds raced into a two-goal lead, before the Toffees fought back courtesy of an Idrissa Gueye screamer beating Alisson.

In the end, Everton just didn’t have enough to equalise in the 2-1 defeat, with Beto struggling severely in the first half, before David Moyes put him out of his misery at the half-time mark.

Beto's struggles at Anfield in numbers

Everton were always going to struggle to impose themselves on the contest, coming up against a hostile Anfield atmosphere.

Indeed, looking at the overall match numbers, Slot’s Reds would dominate the possession with 58% of the ball, as Beto ended up being very much of a bystander in a first half that saw Liverpool accelerate into a two-goal advantage.

While Hugo Ekitike was confidently adding to his early Premier League goal tally with this instinctive finish, Beto was attempting to scrap his way into the fierce contest, but the 27-year-old was ultimately far too passive.

Beto would only complete two accurate passes all match, as per Sofascore, while only successfully winning two aerial duels as an isolated figure in Moyes’ attack.

In matches to come, Moyes could potentially have a rethink as to who he starts as the leading man in the Toffees attack, with Thierno Barry also fading in and out of the hotly-contested affair when coming on for the Portuguese striker.

It wasn’t just the attack that would receive pelters at the final whistle, though, with an experienced Everton defender now looking to be on borrowed time under the Scotman after suffering a 2-1 loss to their arch rivals.

The 6/10 star on borrowed time under Moyes

Everton were dealt a two-goal sucker punch in the first half as Liverpool’s fast-paced play on the ball constantly caught out a slow Toffees defence.

Michael Keane definitely struggled in this regard throughout, with the former Burnley man failing to keep tight to Ekitike before he sealed the win for the Reds deep into the first half.

Keane – Stats

Stat

Keane

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

40

Accurate passes

27/32 (84%)

Clearances

4

Interceptions

2

Tackles

1

Total duels won

3/6

Stats by Sofascore

As noted above, Keane would only win 50% of his six duels during the hotly contested clash, with the experienced centre-back also only winning two tackles to try and keep a free-flowing Liverpool attack at bay.

It does only feel like a matter of time before the 6-foot-3 stalwart is out of Moyes’ starting XIs for good, with Jarrad Branthwaite nearly back up to full fitness, further troubling the 32-year-old’s long-term minutes in the main lineup.

After all, Moyes will see that he’s upgraded and progressed his side in the forward department, with faces such as Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall undoubtedly offering up plenty of quality, even if Beto disappeared at Anfield.

Moreover, it appears that the Toffees already have an experienced head in the heart of defence that still has the legs to perform at the highest level in James Tarkowski, with the Everton captain winning eight duels when giving his all, despite the devastating final outcome.

While Keane would be gifted a 6/10 post-match rating by Liverpool World’s Will Rooney, it is now nine seasons and down for the 32-year-old in an Everton shirt, with a permanent change in defence perhaps now needed.

After failing to close down some seriously threatening Liverpool attackers and be authorative in the Merseyside Derby, his long-term minutes in the Toffees main XI week in week out must soon be up, especially when Branthwaite returns.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Sep 19, 2025

Such is the toxicity of an online fanbase that very rarely do you get a signing that unifies a bunch of supporters, particularly Arsenal.

Their fans love a vent, they love sharing their frustration but there is also an incredible collective unity. That was seen when Eberechi Eze signed for the Gunners on Saturday.

While a deal was wrapped up by Wednesday evening, this move has been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks now with reports suggeting that they had initially agreed the framework of a move back on August 10th.

After that, Spurs stole in and it looked as though Andrea Berta and Co were set to ignore their summer-long interest.

Well, an injury to Kai Havertz turned the tide. Arsenal need another body and they brought one in swiftly, spending over £60m to bring the Crystal Palace star to the north of London.

If reports are to be believed, they might not be done just yet.

Another late signing for Arsenal on the cards

With the arrival of Eze it is highly likely that Arsenal are now done the in the transfer market when it comes to incomings.

That won’t faze many fans, for this has been a cracking window.

Yet, the one player that’s continued to elude the club despite several months worth of links is Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.

Reports earlier in the window suggested that talks had been held but interest has never been followed up. Well, according to reports in Spain, a bid was actually made for the Brazilian.

Transfer Focus

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

Reportedly, Arsenal have actually submitted an offer worth £67m for the player. However, amid interest from Manchester City, Madrid are not prepared to sanction a sale unless their asking price of around £78m is met.

As a consequence, this is probably one deal too many for Berta this summer.

Why Rodrygo is as exciting as Eze

Wow, just wow. What a deal this is. The moment that Arsenal were able to steal Eze away from their biggest rivals is an event that fans won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

Eze certainly feels like the missing piece of the puzzle. Capable of playing from the left wing or behind the striker as more of a number 10, he’s a maverick, he’s a dribbler, he’s a goalscorer, he’s a creator. He’s got everything in his locker to be a success at Arsenal.

2024/25

43

14

11

2023/24

31

11

6

2022/23

40

10

4

2021/22

19

1

1

2020/21

36

3

6

What fans have perhaps bemoaned the most over the last year is the predictability of the club’s tactics but Eze will certainly help give this attack some unpredictability.

Rodrygo would help do the same and one might still argue that, despite added depth on the left wing now, they don’t have an elite option.

We’re clutching at straws here, but Noni Madueke’s favoured position is on the right and Eze’s preferred role would be more central.

Thus, signing Rodrygo, whether it be now or in the future would be the final piece of the puzzle on the left of Arteta’s forward line.

While he did go 17 games without scoring at one stage last term, the 24-year-old still netted 14 goals and supplied 11 assists. Remarkably, that is the exact same haul as Eze registered for Crystal Palace across all competitions in 2024/25.

In the words of former teammate Luka Modric, he’s a “superstar” talent. He’s also a maverick, just as Eze is, ranking among the top 20% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90 minutes and among the best 13% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.

In the shadow of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr at Madrid, since new boss Xabi Alonso came to the club he’s not received much game time and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Rodrygo grows frustrated and forces a move away from the Spanish capital.

This is a deal that will likely go into 2026 but there’s no doubt that he’s a fabulous player, someone boasting the same level of unpredictability and excitement in attack as Mr Eze.

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Several big names are returning to the U.S. men's national team squad as Mauricio Pochettino has named a 26-player roster for October friendlies against Ecuador and Australia. Among the key returnees are Weston McKennie, Matt Turner and Antonee Robinson – all of whom missed the September camp – as they join headliners Christian Pulisic and Chris Richards.

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  A look at the squad

  McKennie, Turner and Robinson highlight a list of 15 players included on the roster after missing the September camp. McKennie is back in the team for the first time since March's CONCACAF Nations League defeats, while Robinson – the 2024 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year – will be looking to earn his first cap of 2025 after nursing injuries for much of the spring.

  Joining them among the returnees are Tanner Tessmann, Malik Tillman and Haji Wright, who have all scored goals recently on the club level, but were not on the September roster.

  Among those who were part of the USMNT's split results in September matches against South Korea and Japan, Pulisic headlines, joined by regulars such as Richards, Tim Ream and Matt Freese. Folarin Balogun, too, is on the roster after scoring in the Japan win. Same for Alejandro Zendejas, who has kept that form rolling with Club America in Liga MX.

  With 80 caps, Pulisic is the most experienced player on the roster, followed by Ream (77), McKennie (60), Turner (52) and Robinson (50). There are 10 MLS players in the squad.

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  The squad in full

  GOALKEEPERS: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Matt Turner (New England Revolution) 

  DEFENDERS: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Mark McKenzie (FC Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati) 

  MIDFIELDERS: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), James Sands (FC St. Pauli), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen) 

  FORWARDS: Patrick Agyemang (Derby County), Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Marseille), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Alex Zendejas (Club America) 

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  Notable absences

  Of course, the squad also has some notable absences, several of which are due to injury. Johnny Cardoso, Ricardo Pepi, Sergino Dest and Gio Reyna are among those dealing with fitness issues at the moment, and none of those four were called in for this camp. Also left out was midfield mainstay Tyler Adams.

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  The lone newcomer

  Of the 26 players in camp, only one will be featuring under Pochettino for the first time – St. Pauli midfielder James Sands, who was last on the USMNT during the 2023 Gold Cup. Sands has since shone in the Bundesliga after making the move from NYCFC, earning this USMNT return in one of the final few camps pre-World Cup.

Celtic could now sign a summer transfer target for a “relatively small fee” this summer, in a potential boost for Brendan Rodgers.

Celtic closing in on Balikwisha signing

Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha has been heavily linked with a move to Parkhead before the summer transfer window slams shut, with an agreement even reportedly in place.

The 24-year-old has met with the club over a move to Celtic this summer, and it looks increasingly like it is a matter of time until his move is made official, with a medical pencilled in for this week.

Balikwisha would be just what the doctor ordered for Celtic, in terms of providing Rodgers with extra firepower, aiding their Champions League push and ensuring that they are once again crowned Scottish Premiership champions in 2025/26.

It looks as though the Hoops may not be done there, though, with another attacking player now mentioned as a strong option for them over the next week.

Celtic could sign Calvin Stengs on the cheap

According to Football Insider, Celtic could sign Feyenoord winger Calvin Stengs for a “relatively small fee” and thus afford him as well as Balikwisha this week, with journalist Pete O’Rourke sharing the latest.

“We know that Celtic are looking to bring in a new wideman. Stengs is a player that has emerged on Celtic’s radar – he had a difficult season for Feyenoord, a few injury problems, so that may be a concern for Celtic.

“He’s into the final two years of his contract with Feyenoord, so could be available for a cut-price fee this summer. Celtic are looking at that, seeing there could be real potential to land a former Dutch international for a relatively small fee with a bid imminent.”

The £5m-rated Stengs would be such an eye-catching signing for Celtic and Rodgers, arriving at the peak of his powers and providing impressive levels of end product in the final third.

The 26-year-old has already scored three goals in just eight caps for the Netherlands, looking to be a key figure heading into the 2026 World Cup next summer, and 54 goal contributions in 119 Eredivisie appearances is an impressive return.

Most adept in an attacking midfield role, Stengs can also do a good job on the right wing, with such versatility a bonus for Rodgers, and there is no reason why he couldn’t hit the ground running from the off.

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The Dutchman has proven himself in a good league, also playing in the Champions League, and has the ability to help take Celtic up another level, should the move go through in the near future.