All posts by z3u9t.icu

It’s hard to remember a summer quite this hectic for Arsenal.

It was less than a month ago that fans were complaining about a lack of business, and now it’s hard to keep track of what’s happening every day.

Mikel Arteta and Co have seriously improved the squad with the additions of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and it feels like a matter of when, not if, Cristhian Mosquera is announced as well.

The same could be said for Viktor Gyokeres, who could be the answer to the Gunners’ goalscoring problems of last season, and if reports are to be believed, the club are interested in someone who’d be a dream signing for the Swede.

Arsenal target dream teammate for Gyokeres

While Arsenal have been linked with an absurd number of players this summer, it would be fair to say the most significant saga, if you can call it that, has been around Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

The club switched focus from Benjamin Sesko to the former Coventry City star once it was clear the German side were not interested in negotiating a reasonable fee, and while things have been easier with Sporting CP, there have still been a number of delays.

However, it now appears that the only things left to work out before the 27-year-old can go off for his medical are the add-ons, as it has been widely reported that the initial fee the Gunners will have to pay is around £55m.

While the North Londoners might have called it a day following such a flurry of spending in the past, it now looks like they’re eyeing up another international ace, someone who’d be a dream teammate for Gyokeres.

At least that is according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Arsenal are interested in Xavi Simons.

The Italian journalist has revealed that the Gunners made an enquiry with RB Leipzig at the start of the window, suggesting there is more than a passing interest.

While Romano makes no mention of how much the Dutchman might cost, reports from earlier this summer claim that a fee of around £68.8m might be enough to secure his services.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, but Simons is an incredible talent and worth the effort, especially as he’d be a dream for Gyokeres.

Why Simons would be a dream signing for Gyokeres

To understand why Simons would be a perfect signing for Gyokeres, we first need to understand how the Sporting star plays.

Interestingly, while he can play in several ways, he’s first and foremost a penalty area specialist, as evident from his heat map from last season and the locations where he takes his shots.

Therefore, to get the very best out of the Swedish poacher, Arsenal will need players who can get the ball to him in dangerous areas, be that through carrying the ball or passing it up the pitch.

Fortunately, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem can do both, as per FBref, he is in the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers for through balls in Europe’s top five leagues and the top 7% for passes into the penalty area.

Moreover, when compared to midfielders alone, the 22-year-old ranks in the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

On top of his clear ability to get the ball into goalscoring areas, the Amsterdam-born ace, who one analyst has dubbed “one of the best 10s in the world,” is also an output machine.

In 33 appearances last season, totalling 2763 minutes, he scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.

Appearances

33

Minutes

2763′

Goals

11

Assists

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvement

145.42′

Just imagine what those numbers could look like playing with a striker as prolific as the Sporting monster.

Ultimately, it’s clear that from his effectiveness in moving the ball up the pitch to his raw output, Simons would be an incredible teammate for Gyokeres, and therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

£69m star wants to join Arsenal by Wednesday, Berta expects breakthrough

The Gunners are attempting to strike a deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025

Leeds United played their first game of pre-season last weekend when they faced Manchester United in what turned out to be a 0-0 draw between the two Premier League sides.

There was a chance to see some new faces, as Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, Jaka Biijol, Lukas Nmecha, and Gabriel Gudmundsson all featured, as well as some old ones.

Jack Harrison has returned from his two-year-long loan spell at Everton and was included in the starting line-up to face the Red Devils, which turned out to be a less-than-popular decision among supporters.

Reporter Graham Smyth claimed that there were boos from the Leeds fans when Harrison touched the ball after just five minutes, and that there were more boos when he was stood over a free-kick ten minutes later.

After the game, Daniel Farke told BBC Sport: “Jack has many Premier League appearances and we would be stupid if we didn’t want to use that. It is a bit tricky if you have a couple of years away but that was a decision before my time.

“Right now he is back with us. He is a great guy, a hard worker and very reliable. It is up to him to win the confidence and trust back.”

Why Leeds should move on from Jack Harrison

Despite Farke opening the door for him to work his way into the team ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, Leeds should be looking to move on from the former Manchester City man.

Ultimately, the Whites need players who can make a big impact at the top end of the pitch to help them avoid an instant relegation back to the Championship next term.

Harrison’s form in the last two seasons in the Premier League for the Toffees does not suggest that he is likely to provide what they are looking for in the final third, as he consistently struggled in front of goal on Merseyside.

The left-footed dud scored three goals and provided three assists in 29 matches in the top-flight for Everton in his first year at Goodison Park, before a dismal return of one goal and zero assists in 34 matches during the 2024/25 campaign.

xG

3.52

Top 43%

Goals

1

Bottom 17%

xG on target

1.07

Bottom 24%

Shots on target

7

Bottom 33%

Assists

0

Bottom 3%

Dribble success rate

35%

Bottom 19%

Dispossessed

41 times

Bottom 15%

As you can see in the table above, Harrison had plenty of chances to add to his solitary goal, with 3.52 xG, but underperformed as a finisher for the Toffees.

These statistics do not suggest that he is likely to be the left winger the Whites need to replace Manor Solomon and to lead them to safety in the Premier League, which is why he should be sent packing by a star the club are reportedly keen on signing.

Leeds chasing deal for new winger

According to Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth, Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao this summer.

The journalist claims that the Championship champions are still chasing a swoop to bring the Brazilian attacker to Elland Road ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Transfer Focus

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

Smyth adds that he has yet to get a call to suggest that the 25-year-old winger is set to sign for Marseille, which has left the door open for Leeds to continue their pursuit of the impressive star.

The latest from Voetbal International is that Marseille are yet to reach an agreement on a transfer fee with Feyenoord, and their final offer for the attacker is due to be submitted on Tuesday.

It had been claimed that the French side were closing in on a deal of around £30m to sign the Eredivisie sensation, but it now remains to be seen how much Roberto De Zerbi’s side are going to offer with their latest approach.

Why Leeds should sign Igor Paixao

Leeds should push to win the race for the £30m-rated star in the coming days because he has the quality on the left flank to send Harrison packing, which may come as good news to any supporters who felt the need to boo the English winger, as harsh as that was, last weekend.

As aforementioned, the Whites and Farke ultimately need quality in the attacking positions and Harrison seems unlikely to provide what they need, whilst Paixao has the potential to be a match-winning player for the club.

His form for Feyenoord in the 2024/25 campaign suggests that the potential is there for him to be a hugely influential figure for Leeds next season, as a winger who can score and create goals at an impressive rate.

The Brazilian star, who was hailed as “explosive” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, racked up 16 goals and ten assists in 34 appearances in the Eredivisie, but he also showcased his quality in the Champions League for anyone doubting the quality of the Dutch top-flight.

xG

0.97

Top 46%

Goals

2

Top 35%

xG on target

1.89

Top 28%

xA

1.39

Top 24%

Assists

4

Top 4%

Chances created

20

Top 6%

As you can see in the table above, Paixao registered more assists (four) in the Champions League last season than Harrison has managed (three) in the last two Premier League campaigns combined.

When you add in his 26 goal contributions in the Eredivisie on top of his exceptional performances in Europe’s premier cup competition, the £30m-rated star appears to be a huge upgrade on the English attacker.

This is why Leeds should send Harrison packing by agreeing a deal with Feyenoord for Paixao, who has the quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals to regularly impact matches to win vital points for the team.

Whilst he is unproven in the Premier League, the Brazilian sensation’s form in the Champions League shows that he can perform against the very best teams in Europe, which suggests that he has a good chance of making an impact in one of Europe’s major leagues – the Premier League.

Farke's new Buendia: Leeds are now pushing to sign "magical" £26m star

Leeds United are interested in signing a midfielder who would be Daniel Farke’s new version of Emiliano Buendia.

ByDan Emery Jul 22, 2025

Therefore, Leeds should allow Harrison to move on, should he find a new club, this summer and attempt to replace him by signing Paixao to improve Farke’s team.

Tottenham Hotspur could soon enter talks to sign an “aggressive” player, who is a top target for Newcastle United, according to a report.

Tottenham set sights on new defenders

It is no surprise that Tottenham are looking to upgrade their defence this summer, given that they shipped 65 goals in the Premier League last season, the second-highest number of any side to finish outside the relegation zone.

A new centre-back may also be required to replace Cristian Romero, with the Argentina international’s future now in north London in major doubt, given that the Lilywhites reached an agreement in principle over a sale to Atletico Madrid last week.

As such, Spurs have now added a number of centre-backs to their transfer shortlist, and they appear to be particularly keen on bringing in a young defender from the Serie A.

Target

Current club

Potential price tag

Giovanni Leoni

Parma

£30m

Koni De Winter

Genoa

£21m

Castello Lukeba

RB Leipzig

£77m

According to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham could also attempt to hijack one of their Premier League rivals, with it being revealed they could soon enter talks over a deal to sign Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini.

Scalvini has been identified as a top target by Newcastle, and the Magpies remain keen on securing his signature, while Manchester United, Chelsea and a whole host of clubs from the Serie A are also named as potential suitors.

A move for the centre-back may be on the expensive side, however, with a deal likely to amount to around €60m (£52m), given that the 21-year-old is one of the most highly sought-after young defenders in Europe.

Tottenham submit £50m bid to sign "fantastic" star; Levy's had a response

Thomas Frank has given his approval.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jul 6, 2025 "Aggressive" Scalvini impressing in the Serie A

It is little wonder the youngster is attracting the interest of a number of Europe’s top clubs, having established himself as a regular starter for Atalanta over the past three seasons, making 33 Serie A appearances in the 2023-24 campaign.

During that time, the Italy international has caught the eye of scout Ben Mattinson, who believes the starlet could also be capable of playing in defensive midfield, given his “aggressive” style and ability in possession of the ball.

The Atalanta ace is also held in very high regard by commentator Sam Mulliner, who believes he could be capable of eclipsing Inter Milan defender and compatriot Alessandro Bastoni.

With Romero edging closer to an exit, it is clear that Thomas Frank needs to bring in a new centre-back this summer, and Scalvini has all the qualities to be a success in north London, so it is promising news that Spurs could look to hijack Newcastle’s deal.

This summer appears to be massive for Tottenham Hotspur if they are to leap back up the Premier League table throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Thomas Frank will be the latest manager tasked with taking the Lilywhites back towards the top end after the side registered a 17th-place finish this time around.

However, the Dane will have to find the balance between the league and Europe, with the club entering the Champions League as a result of their Europa League triumph.

Squad depth will be vital if they are to be competitive across both competitions, needing to strike a balance between the two to avoid any further embarrassment.

If the 51-year-old is to have the depth he desires, he will need the board to back him in the transfer market to allow him to land the stars he wants to be a success in his stint in North London.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a key target for Spurs this window, with the Ghanaian high on their list of priorities after netting 11 goals and registering five assists at the Vitality this season.

He’s not the only one on their radar, with Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz another talent on their radar, but it could cost a pretty penny with the Cottagers demanding £50m to part ways with the Brazilian.

However, despite the interest in the aforementioned duo, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has once again emerged on their shortlist, according to TBR Football’s latest update.

They claim that the Lilywhites are prepared to trigger his £68m release clause in his contract, with Frank’s men confident of completing a deal for the England international.

It also states that the 26-year-old is very keen on a move to join the North London outfit this window, even preparing to push for a move to depart his current employers during the off-season.

Why Eze would be Frank’s answer to Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s made a name for himself under Frank at Brentford over recent years, being a key reason for the success endured across the capital.

The Cameroonian international has endured his own rise after joining from French side Troyes back in 2019, registering 70 goals for the Bees in the last six seasons.

He’s exploded into life in 2024/25, notching 20 league goals – the best return of his professional career – cementing himself as one of the Premier League’s most threatening talents.

After the Dane’s switch to join Spurs, he’s already attempted to bring the attacker to the club with him, but faces stiff competition from Manchester United for his signature.

It’s unclear whether the Lilywhites will be able to land the 25-year-old in this window, with attention potentially being turned in the direction of Eze as a result.

The attacking midfielder has caught the eye this campaign, registering 16 combined goals and assists in the league, even scoring the winner in their FA Cup triumph.

He could become Frank’s next version of Mbeumo should he complete a move, being his new talisman that can create endless opportunities – as seen with his respective tallies.

Eze, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Adam Keys and as a “superstar” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered 3.5 shots per 90, with 37% of his efforts going on target, showcasing his clinical edge in attacking areas.

His creative nature is also reflected in his tally of 2.1 key passes per 90, whilst also registering 3.4 progressive carries per 90, having the skillset to take the ball into attacking areas and carry the threat that Frank desires.

Games played

34

Goals & assists

16

Shots taken

3.5

Shot on target accuracy

37%

Key passes

2.1

Progressive carries

3.4

Take-on success

49%

The midfielder has also completed 49% of the take-ons he’s attempted, with 4.7 shot-creating actions per 90, having the tools to create and score on his own – replicating that of Mbeumo at Brentford.

Whilst £68m appears to be a hefty figure, it would be a deal that could hand Frank a completely new dimension within the final third during his first season at the helm.

Should he replicate the levels produced by the Cameroonian across the capital, it would be a superb piece of business, handing the side the best chance of returning to a European battle next season.

A better signing than Semenyo: Spurs set to make approach for £50m striker

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a move for a star who would improve Thomas Frank’s options in the final third.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

Newcastle United’s qualification for the Champions League next season will give Eddie Howe hope that he can lure some high-profile players to Stamford Bridge.

One player they are showing interest in is Jadon Sancho. The Manchester United winger looks set to depart Old Trafford this summer.

The Englishman could cost the club around £25m, and he would certainly bolster their wide options, given his return of five goals and eight assists for Chelsea this season.

It would be a massive statement of intent if Howe could secure a deal for the former Borussia Dortmund starlet. While adding wingers will help the club next season, perhaps it is other positions that require strengthening first.

Newcastle enter the race to sign Barcelona star

One position that Howe must improve is his goalkeeping department. The club conceded 47 Premier League goals last term, the worst defensive record out of any side in the top five.

Thus, bringing in a top-class goalkeeper ahead of another Champions League campaign makes perfect sense.

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona’s keeper Marc-André ter Stegen could be set to leave the club following the arrival of Joan Garcia.

PSG, AC Milan, Manchester City, and Juventus have all expressed interest in the German international, but Newcastle are also entering the race.

Beating these clubs to the signature of Ter Stegen would be a major coup for Howe; that much is certain. Indeed, he would be an even better signing than Sancho.

Why Newcastle must sign Marc-André ter Stegen

Signing Sancho could prove to be a massive gamble. For Man United, the winger scored just 12 goals across 83 matches for the club. His loan spell at Chelsea didn’t exactly see him sparkle either.

His 41 matches for the Blues saw only five goals netted, and it was no surprise that they declined to sign him permanently. Given the fact that Newcastle can call upon players such as Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, and Jacob Murphy on the wing, do they need to splash out to sign Sancho? Especially with the risks involved with his lacklustre form.

In this instance, making a move for Ter Stegen would be seen as the smarter approach. That’s for sure.

Last season, Nick Pope kept just eight clean sheets from 35 appearances, while Martin Dubravka kept five clean sheets across ten domestic matches for the Magpies.

If Howe is serious about progressing far in the Champions League next season, making a move to bring Ter Stegen to England would be a very shrewd move indeed.

Metric

Pope

Dubravka

Clean sheets

8

5

Saves per game

3.1

2.9

Touches per game

34.8

38

Goals conceded

35

12

Goals conceded per game

1.3

1.2

Pass success rate

65%

76%

He played just nine games last season for Barcelona, keeping a solitary clean sheet. The German has been with the La Liga giants since the summer of 2014, playing over 400 competitive matches in the process.

A total of 175 clean sheets have been kept throughout that period. While he may not have featured much this term, in La Liga during 2023/24, he was excellent.

Across his 28 matches, Ter Stegen made 2.7 saves per game – a success rate of 74% – while he was also successful with 100% of his runs out per game.

He was comfortable on the ball, as evidenced by his average of 40 touches per game, while a 94% pass accuracy in his own half suggests the German moves the ball on effectively.

The player was lauded as “ice cool” by popular X page Goalkeeper.com for the way he snuffed out an opponent’s attack in the Champions League in September 2023.

Given the fact that he has a contract until 2028 with the Catalan giants, a move would cost the club, although it hasn’t been determined just how much Hansi Flick will demand for his player.

Sancho would be a fine signing, no doubt, but bringing Ter Stegen to the north-east would certainly turn heads.

Newcastle accelerate pursuit of £60m striker who now wants move to Tyneside

Eddie Howe could bring a clinical forward to Tyneside.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 13, 2025

Newcastle United are expecting movements from both directions in the summer transfer market, with Eddie Howe looking to make astute investments after qualifying for the Champions League.

Though the Magpies are skating on thinner ice than most of their Premier League rivals in regard to the PSR front, they should be able to emerge from the market unscathed, making as many as four first-team additions.

Howe will certainly be hoping to secure a new defensive signature, with The Telegraph already revealing rekindled interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who is worth £65m and has one year left on his contract.

However, PIF might want United to make a shrewder signing, and there’s one in particular which could fit the bill.

Newcastle to intensify talks for new CB

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are ready to up their pursuit of Monaco defender Wilfried Singo, who is also being targeted by Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Talks are expected to intensify soon, with further suitors across Europe looking to get involved given the Ivory Coast international is available for a bargain €35m (£30m).

The 24-year-old has a wealth of choice to pick from, should he leave, but Newcastle’s interest dates back to 2022, so they may be able to tempt him to join the fold at St. James’ Park.

What Wilfried Singo would bring to Newcastle

Singo rose from Serie A side Torino’s academy before joining Monaco in a €9m (£7m) deal back in August 2023, having since gone from strength to strength in France and earned praise as a “freak athlete” and a “duel monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Powerful and pacy, Singo’s strengths have been utilised on the wide flank at times, but there’s no question he’s at his best in a central defensive berth.

His eye for goal and natural progressiveness have even led him to be linked by FBref as Real Madrid star Dean Huijsen’s most comparable player, ranking among the top 1% of centre-halves across Europe’s top five leagues this season for goal involvements, the top 15% for progressive passes and the top 8% for progressive carries per 90.

It becomes even clearer when assessing the respective defenders’ metrics from the recently completed campaign.

Matches (starts)

27 (23)

32 (26)

Goals

1

3

Assists

2

2

Touches*

65.9

63.9

Pass completion

87%

84%

Key passes*

0.3

0.5

Ball recoveries*

5.1

3.3

Tackles + interceptions*

3.0

2.7

Clearances*

4.0

6.1

Duels (won)*

4.7 (60%)

3.6 (56%)

Huijsen was on Newcastle’s radar, as per the BBC, after his exemplary season with Bournemouth, but when Los Blancos came calling, activating his £50m release clause, the Spain star only had one destination in mind, rejecting a wealth of Premier League interest.

Given the Magpies’ desire for Guehi, too, it’s clear this is a priority position, and Singo’s ostensible availability could lead to an official in the coming weeks, not that talks are intensifying.

Technically proficient and a confident and commanding defensive presence, Singo could prove to be Newcastle’s very own version of Huijsen next season, providing the requisite quality at the back to ensure the club can wade deep into Champions League competition and challenge for a place at the forefront of the Premier League.

Newcastle line up "magical" £59m CF who's like Cunha & Mbeumo

Newcastle are plotting to sign a few new forwards this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 5, 2025

It’s the start of a new era for Rangers.

On Thursday, Russell Martin was unveiled as the Ibrox club’s 20th permanent manager, appointed 102 days after Philippe Clement was sacked in February.

At his introductory press conference, Martin vowed to “prove people wrong”, acknowledging he is under pressure to deliver a winning team instantaneously, so could the signing of a “world-class” new centre-forward aid Rangers’ cause?

Rangers looking to bolster their attacking option

As previously reported by Tom Victor of the Daily Mirror, Rangers are hoping to sign Jamie Vardy on a free transfer this summer, claiming that the England international is ‘weighing up’ an offer from the Glasgow giants.

Vardy has spent the last 13 seasons with Leicester City, with whom he won the Premier League, the FA Cup and a Community Shield, scoring exactly 200 goals in 500 appearances for the Foxes, very aesthetically pleasing round numbers.

Now a free agent, countless clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday, Como, Wrexham and New York Red Bulls have all been touted as potential suitors, but could Martin convince his compatriot to make the move north of the border?

Should he do, it could be a Morelos-like move for Rangers.

How Vardy could replicate Morelos at Rangers

During six seasons at Rangers, Alfredo Morelos scored 124 goals in light blue, with the Colombian, almost unquestionably, the club’s best striker since suffering liquidation in 2012.

Of these goals, 29 came in UEFA competition, meaning Morelos is Rangers’ all-time record scorer in Europe, smashing the record previously held by Ally McCoist, one that had stood since 1997.

But is Morelos really Rangers’ best centre-forward of the modern era? Let’s find out.

Igamane

2024-present

46

16

166

Dessers

2023-preesent

109

51

134

Danilo

2023-present

48

12

165

Morelos

2017-23

269

124

152

Roofe

2020-24

102

38

127

Čolak

2022-23

39

18

123

Sakala

2021-23

92

24

199

Defoe

2018-22

74

32

100

As the table outlines, no Rangers striker in the post-promotion era has come anywhere close to the 124 goals Morelos managed, even if Jermain Defoe, Kemar Roofe, Antonio Čolak and current forward Cyriel Dessers do actually boast better minutes per goal ratios, helped by their smaller sample sizes.

So, could Vardy be the club’s best centre-forward since el Buffalo? Well, let’s assess his statistics this season to answer that question.

Goals

9

26th

Expected goals

11.2

14th

Shots

56

40th

Shots on target

23

33rd

Shots on target %

41.1%

48th

As the table shows, Vardy’s Premier League statistics this season do not immediately leap off the page, but it is worth considering that he was playing in a generally hopeless Leicester side, who won just six matches all season and were relegated.

Thus, the fact that Vardy still ranked 14th for expected goals and only 25 players managed to score more goals than him is impressive.

Writer Henry Winter believes Vardy is still a “world-class finisher”, while Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who knows a thing or two about scoring goals, believes “he is still producing”, describing his captain as a “leader”.

Also worth noting that, the previous campaign in the EFL Championship, Vardy netted 20 times across all competitions.

This underlines the fact he would be able to produce for Rangers given that, according to Global Football Rankings, England’s second-tier is the 11th strongest league in the world, while the Scottish Premiership is ranked at 43rd.

Thus, if the Gers can convince Vardy to move to Ibrox, possibly using the allure of potential Champions League football, he would surely be an excellent addition.

After all, this is a goal machine we’re talking about here, someone who bagged 145 Premier League goals.

As bad as selling Raskin: Six English clubs want to sign Rangers star

Rangers selling this star would be as bad as cashing in on Nicolas Raskin this summer.

ByDan Emery Jun 3, 2025

If there is one thing Arsenal have really lacked this season, it’s goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side are set to finish second in the Premier League this weekend, but as things stand, they have scored 18 goals fewer than Liverpool.

With their attacking output such an apparent weakness, it’s hardly been surprising to see the Gunners linked with a host of brilliant strikers and wingers in recent weeks, with Rodrygo perhaps being the most exciting of them all.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, the North Londoners might now be looking at a potential alternative to the Real Madrid star, someone who’s been compared to Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal transfer news

Before we get to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other players linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Bryan Mbeumo.

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 scored an unreal 53 goals in 51 appearances this season while providing another 13 assists for good measure, so even though he’d reportedly cost the Gunners between £60m and £70m, it would be hard to say he wouldn’t be worth it.

Likewise, Mbeumo has been on fire for Brentford this season, scoring 19 goals and providing nine assists in just 41 games, making his £60m price tag seem more than reasonable.

However, another name that has recently entered the picture, and someone who could be an ideal Rodrygo alternative, is Ademola Lookman.

Yes, according to a recent report from Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are looking for a new winger this summer, and the Atalanta star is someone they are interested in.

In fact, Plettenberg claims that talks with the Nigerian international and other players “are in full swing.”

According to stories from earlier this year, the former Napoli star could cost the North Londoners up to £55m, and while that’s a lot of money, he’d certainly be worth it, especially as he’s won comparisons to Saka.

How Lookman compares to Rodrygo and Saka

So, before we get to why Lookman might be an ideal alternative to Rodrygo, let’s examine this comparison to Saka and where it has come from.

Well, 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 Englishman is the second most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Nigerian across the last 365 days.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.78

0.79

Shots

3.23

3.39

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.53

0.63

Live Passes

33.8

33.0

Shot-Taking Actions

5.44

5.93

Interceptions

0.12

0.16

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 non-penalty goals plus assists, shots, crosses into the penalty area, live passes, shot-taking actions and more, all per 90.

In short, there are a lot of statistical similarities between the “world-class” 27-year-old, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, and Saka, although were he to join the Gunners, he’d almost certainly have to play off the left – where he is still comfortable – which makes him an alternative to Rodrygo.

So, who comes out on top when we compare the pair’s output from this season against one another?

Interestingly, it’s actually the London-born dynamo who comes out on top, as in 39 appearances, totalling 2826 minutes, he has scored 20 goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an incredible average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games or every 104.66 minutes.

In contrast, the Brazilian international has scored 13 goals and provided ten assists in 50 appearances, totalling 3290 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games or every 143.04 minutes.

Ultimately, Rodrygo would certainly be a statement signing, but should it not materialise, Arsenal may end up better off bringing in Lookman, as he’s both more productive and incredibly similar to Saka.

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As Everton go in search of replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, they could now reportedly receive a green light to make their move for one target who looks destined for a new club.

Everton commence search to replace Calvert-Lewin

Those at Goodison Park have known for some time that they’ll need to sign a striker this summer with Calvert-Lewin set to depart as a free agent and that has handed The Friedkin Group the chance to get their search underway. A number of impressive names have already been mentioned amid that search too, with Liam Delap arguably the pick of the bunch.

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The Ipswich Town star will reportedly be available for just £30m this summer if Kieran McKenna’s side suffer Premier League relegation, which at this stage looks inevitable. Therefore available at a bargain price, Delap has reportedly attracted a number of interested parties, with Manchester United and Chelsea among those joining Everton in the race to sign the forward.

Whilst on paper Everton are unlikely to win such a race, the return of David Moyes has seen them pick up the kind of form that would see them enter the race to secure European qualification rather than the battle to survive in the Premier League – crucially increasing the attraction of a move to the Merseyside club this summer.

Following his side’s latest impressive victory – a last-gasp 1-0 win over high-flying Nottingham Forest – Moyes told reporters: “I have got to say it was a great goal but thoroughly deserved. It certainly merited a win and I though we played very well, when you come to a team sitting third in the Premier League and the semi-final of the FA Cup. I think if anyone was going to score, it was us.”

It’s the type of victory which will have done the Toffees no harm both on and off the pitch as they position themselves to sign a fresh attacking option this summer.

Everton could get green light to sign Ferguson

After struggling to make his mark on loan at West Ham United, Evan Ferguson finds himself at a career crossroads that Everton could take full advantage of. According to TeamTalk, with the Hammers unlikely to trigger a permanent deal, Everton could receive the green light to sign Ferguson this summer.

The forward looks almost certain to join a new club away from both Brighton and West Ham, and may yet find himself on his way to Merseyside. The deal will not come cheap, however, given that Brighton were reportedly demanding as much as £45m for his signature in January and may not come down from that price in the coming months.

Whether Friedkin look to make a statement by spending such money to land Ferguson’s signature will certainly be interesting to see. Dubbed “fantastic” by former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi just over two years ago, the 20-year-old will be desperate to return to his clinical best next season.

Manchester United might be rotting in the lower levels of the Premier League tower, but there’s a hopeful feeling that Ruben Amorim is brewing something worthwhile at the Theatre of Dreams.

The business end of the domestic season might be one big dead rubber, but the Red Devils are still in with a shout for redemption in the Europa League, preparing for the two-legged quarter-final tie against Lyon.

Winning the second-rate continental title would hand United a golden ticket into next season’s Champions League, an incredible thought given the overall narrative of Man United’s season.

But winning is in this club’s DNA, and if INEOS manage to complete a positive transfer window, there’s every chance that Amorim could turn a much-needed corner and start to build something special.

Though United’s goalscoring woes have led online discourse to centre chiefly around the need for a new centre-forward, that’s hardly the only position requiring surgery right now.

Where Man Utd need to strengthen this summer

Rasmus Hojlund has fallen by the wayside this season, having scored just three times in the Premier League across 26 appearances. Though he’s often devoid of service, the young Dane is hardly imposing himself on defenders, serving dutifully as the focal frontman.

Joshua Zirkzee, at least, offers a bit more across the park, but then he’s also lacking the clinical touch in front of goal that the Manchester side so desperately need to reach the next level and bring some attacking fluency back to the team.

However, Old Trafford needs furnishing across any number of further areas. Some of the rot will depart at the end of the term: Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans – earning a combined £335k per week – are all approaching the end of their contracts.

Depth will thus be needed, with Amorim himself confirming that “big players” are needed. Patrick Dorgu, a tactically suitable wing-back, has already been welcomed, but another wide defender should be targeted and indeed an athletic midfielder too.

However, with Antony and Marcus Rashford out on loan and neither expected to play a part in Amorim’s future plans, a wide forward is also needed, and INEOS are lining up the perfect man, one of Europe’s very best.

Man Utd pushing for UCL superstar

TEAMtalk have reported that Man United have received a major boost in their bid to sign Barcelona’s Raphinha following the Brazilian’s bust-up with head coach Hansi Flick at the weekend.

Transfer Focus

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

While Raphinha has been one of the best attacking players in Europe this season, such an altercation will only fan the flames of his potential departure, especially when considering La Blaugrana’s interminable financial problems.

Understood to be worth in the ballpark of €80m (roughly £67m), the 28-year-old is obviously in the upper financial bracket but has showcased through the 2024/25 campaign that Amorim would receive bang for his buck.

With United deemed to be ‘pushing’ for his signature, the former Leeds United man could be the marquee summer signing that is needed.

Why Raphinha would be perfect for Amorim

Barcelona signed Raphinha from Leeds for £55m in 2022, the winger rejecting interest from Arsenal and Chelsea to move to Spain.

He’s ebbed and flowed a bit over his three terms in La Liga, but Raphinha has found his footing and then some in Flick’s setup, having incredibly scored 27 goals and laid on 20 more assists across 47 matches in all competitions this term.

While his catalogue of goals takes the cake, Raphinha is one of Europe’s most creative players, making 23 big chances in the Spanish top flight alone. On top of that, he’s won 55% of his duels, as per Sofascore, which is no small feat for an attacking player.

The potent force behind Barcelona’s Champions League charge, Raphinha is being regarded as a genuine Ballon d’Or contender after such an impressive haul.

In fact, Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley has even pronounced him to be “Europe’s best player” this season, such is the sheer heights of his influence over a resurgent Barcelona side.

His new-found deadliness in front of goal has actually led data-driven site FBref to record Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as one of his most comparable players.

He’s been United’s bane for some time, but the Egyptian’s talents would go down a treat in Amorim’s system, who could sign a younger and more athletic version in Raphinha.

Goals

0.71

0.70

Assists

0.32

0.47

Touches

56.29

45.23

Touches (att pen)

5.31

8.93

Shots taken

3.61

3.338

Shot-creating actions

5.41

4.30

Progressive passes

4.27

4.02

Progressive carries

3.03

3.85

Successful take-ons

1.52

1.34

Comparing the respective players’ performances over the past year, you begin to see the value that Raphinha would add to Amorim’s squad, adding a Salah-like attacking certainty to the mix.

Raphinha is a silky and fleet-footed winger, but he’s traded in some of that unrelenting intensity for a more refined and purposeful goalscoring presence.

Liverpool are going to win the Premier League title and so much of their success is down to Salah’s remarkable consistency in and around the final third. Across 45 matches in all competitions, the 32-year-old has scored 32 goals and supplied 22 assists for his teammates.

With Amorim’s preference for overlapping, energetic wing-backs, you start to see the vision. Raphinha is hardly lazy, but his tactical approach, working so well at Camp Nou, could remain intact or maybe even rise to the next level, becoming United’s attacking superstar and being afforded even more room to showcase his prolificness.

Given that he’s already thrived in the Premier League before, with Leeds, Raphinha might just be the tonic to United’s troubles. Dan James once remarked that the £201k-per-week talent is a “magician” of a winger, but since he’s been away, there’s been a discernible shift to something more mechanical, economical, effective – call it what you will.

The important bit is that Raphinha has hit a new level and is reaching some rather concrete Ballon d’Or-related conversations. He could emulate Liverpool’s Salah and lead the Theatre of Dreams back to glory.

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