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Liverpool are basking in the glory of clinching the Premier League title and could now put forward an offer for an elite midfielder to bolster their engine room, per reports.

Liverpool look to build on claiming Premier League title

Summer is around the corner and Arne Slot likely won’t be hanging around as he seeks to build a dynasty at Anfield that keeps his side at the top of the English football pyramid.

Everyone associated with the Reds will carry immense pride when looking back on their Premier League title victory, but standing still isn’t an option for FSG and company, who are likely to face a rejuvenated set of divisional rivals in 2025/26.

Looking to make a mark in the market, Liverpool could land Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup for little over £25 million after the Serie A outfit decided to put the Denmark international up for sale.

Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller is also on Slot’s radar, lending credence to the idea that strengthening the engine room is a key priority for the Dutchman in his mission to balance both their domestic and European exploits.

Momentum is an important quantity in football and something Liverpool will be desperate to maintain, though refreshing a squad is sometimes necesarry to ensure hunger doesn’t wane during the second year of a project.

Liverpool’s minimalistic transfer approach in 2024/25

Federico Chiesa

Arrived from Juventus

Giorgi Mamardashvili

Arrived from Valencia (loaned back)

Inriguingly, Slot chose to go with the options already at his disposal, bar Federico Chiesa, upon his arrival. His bravery to stick with a tried and tested bunch proved to be a masterstroke, but there is always room for further enhancement.

With that said, Liverpool are now preparing an offer for one of Europe’s most well-known midfielders in a pursuit that could make headlines across Europe.

Liverpool prepare to submit offer for Frenkie de Jong

Per reports in Spain, Liverpool are preparing to submit an offer just over the £34 million mark for Frenkie de Jong in light of his uncertain situation at Barcelona.

The La Liga giants are said to be open to a sale in light of their economic circumstances, which has alerted the Reds alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

Man City set to fend off Liverpool hijack and win race for £73k-a-week star

They have been working on a deal since January.

ByHenry Jackson May 3, 2025

Slot values De Jong’s fluidity in possession and potential to anchor the midfield with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister highly, and the fact he is out of contract in Catalonia come 2026 may hasten the process. Labelled “incredible” by Marc Casado, the former Ajax man has registered two goals and two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

Reported to earn £310,000 per week at Barcelona, De Jong is an experienced operator with experience of thriving at the highest level, making him a logical target for Liverpool should he fancy the prospect of a new challenge.

Ultimately, his current employers’ finances may dictate how this story develops, but it is definitely one to keep an eye on in light of Slot’s growing Dutch contingent of players at Anfield.

This summer is a fresh start for Everton, having the opportunity to create a new era for the football club upon their move to the new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.

For the last couple of years, the side have been constantly in the bottom half of the Premier League table, often having to rely on last-day relegation battles.

However, David Moyes has returned to the club and turned their fortunes around, losing just twice in the league to Manchester City and Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

If the Scotsman is to take the club to the next level in 2025/26, the hierarchy desperately needs to hand him the funds he needs to make the changes he desires to the first-team squad.

With the summer transfer window just around the corner, it appears the board have wasted no time in identifying players to make the first season at the new stadium one to remember.

The latest on Everton’s hunt for new signings this summer

There’s no denying the striker role has been a constant issue at Goodison Park, with the Toffees desperately needing to address such an issue in the coming months.

Former Arsenal star Mika Biereth has emerged as one player on their shortlist, starring after his January move to join French outfit Monaco, scoring 12 times in his 13 league games since his transfer.

However, it remains unclear how much they will have to fork out for his signature, given he joined the Ligue 1 side for a reported £15m less than four months ago.

Another name has reemerged on their list of targets, in the form of Chris Rigg, who has starred in the Championship with Sunderland at the tender age of just 17.

According to Football Insider, the Toffees are leading the race for his signature, with the Black Cats demanding a whopping £38m to part ways with the talent this summer.

Why the £38m star could be Everton’s biggest star since Rooney

Wayne Rooney will remain one of the best talents to ever come out of Everton, after bursting onto the scene in the first-team as a 16-year-old back in 2002.

It was unheard of for a player of that age to make such an impact on the first team, scoring his first professional goal against Arsenal – in spectacular fashion too.

His first spell at Goodison Park saw him make 35 appearances, scoring eight goals, leading to a huge move to an English giant that would catapult him to stardom throughout his professional career.

Rooney eventually joined Manchester United for a fee in the region of £25.6m during the summer of 2004, before returning to his boyhood club for a second spell between 2017 and 2018.

However, a move for Rigg this window could allow the club to land a star who could be as talented as Rooney, undoubtedly set for huge things at the top level given his achievements as a teenager.

The Sunderland ace has already notched 67 appearances for the Black Cats since his debut in January 2023, cementing himself as a first-team regular in their hunt for Championship promotion.

He’s notched four goals and one assist in his 40 league outings to date, creating 1.2 chances per 90 for his teammates – showcasing the threat he poses in attacking areas.

Rigg has also completed 1.2 successful dribbles per 90, along with an 80% pass success rate, having the tools to transform their fortunes within the final third throughout 2024/25.

Games played

40

Goals & assists

5

Pass completion rate

80%

Successful dribbles

1.2

Chances created

1.2

Duels won

5.1

Tackles won

57%

Whilst he’s mainly an attacking player, he’s also starred out of possession, winning 5.1 duels per game along with a 57% tackle success rate – having the ability to improve massively in the future, given his tender age.

It’s been a long time since the Toffees have had a talent as good as Rooney, but Rigg could finally end their wait, having the skill set to be a key player on Merseyside for many years to come.

£38m may appear to be a mammoth fee for such a young star, but given the figures he’s produced coupled with his potential, it’s a risk worth taking, with Moyes reaping the rewards in the Premier League should he make the move in the coming months.

Outscoring Salah in 2025: Everton chasing DCL upgrade who's "like Haaland"

Moyes needs to strengthen Everton’s frontline this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 22, 2025

Leeds United supporters are arguably blessed at this moment in time as the West Yorkshire giants regularly flirt with promotion up to the Premier League.

Not too long ago, the Whites were seen as mid-table fodder in the Championship, with a number of poor finishes in the competitive division regularly dampening the mood at Elland Road before Marcelo Bielsa graced the famed dugout.

Daniel Farke will hope he can follow in Bielsa’s footsteps by guiding his side to a triumphant title success in the second tier, with the German already having to make some cutthroat calls to try and steer his team to said glory by ditching Illan Meslier.

What the future holds for Illan Meslier at Elland Road

It’s fair to say Meslier finds himself on extremely thin ice at Leeds at this moment in time, with stand-in goalkeeper Karl Darlow the chosen man now in between the sticks away from the wobbly Frenchman.

Before that, Meslier had started every Championship game available to him this season, but errors seeping into his game at an alarming rate means the former Newcastle United ‘keeper is now Farke’s surprise number one.

Coincidentally, the aforementioned Bielsa was the first boss at the Elland Road helm to hand Meslier senior chances, with the ex-Lorient shot-stopper up to 214 appearances and 72 clean sheets for the promotion chasers before falling out of favour.

Now, it seems Meslier will be heading for the exit door, with rampant reports suggesting that Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is on the summer shopping list.

Frustratingly, if Leeds could reverse time, they’d potentially opt to have a different stopper back over splashing excessive wads of cash on new personnel.

Former Leeds goalkeeper is now better than Meslier

Of course, if Darlow continues to perform competently, he too will be in the running to be Leeds’ first-choice ‘keeper for the foreseeable.

Yet, if Farke had a figure like Kasper Schmeichel at his disposal right now, it would be a no-brainer as to who would pull on the Whites’ number one jersey, with the Danish veteran going on to have a distinguished career after leaving Leeds behind all the way back in 2011.

Simon Grayson was the boss in the Whites hot-seat when a far younger and rawer Schmeichel departed the building, with the Scandinavian stopper only going on to make 40 appearances for his ex-employers all across the 2010/11 campaign.

He wasn’t helped by the poor environment he found himself in, considering the West Yorkshire titans finished outside the playoff spots in seventh during his one and only full season, with Schmeichel only able to collect a low ten clean sheets along the way.

Games played

603

Clubs played for

4

Goals conceded

710

Clean sheets

192

Premier League title wins

1

Looking at the table above, however, the Copenhagen-born ‘keeper has never let this swift exit from Elland Road impact him, with Schmeichel going on to assert himself as a Premier League regular at Leicester City where he even lifted a dramatic top-flight title.

Picking up a bumper 192 clean sheets since walking out of the Whites too, the “outstanding” 38-year-old – as he was once lauded by his ex-Foxes boss in Brendan Rodgers – is continuing to age like a fine wine with current side Celtic, who are funnily enough managed by the aforementioned Rodgers.

A regular in the Champions League this season, if his wealth of experience wasn’t enough to prove his credentials above Meslier, the Bhoys’ number one also has a gleaming record of 22 clean sheets this campaign from 40 appearances.

Of course, playing for Leeds in the Championship is a far trickier situation than playing your part in Celtic’s dominance over Scotland, but the Whites must still rue letting Schmeichel leave so prematurely, especially with their recent ‘keeper woes.

Not just Darlow: Farke has revived £70k-per-week Leeds star's career

Karl Darlow is not the only Leeds star who has revived his Elland Road career.

ByDan Emery Apr 13, 2025

Liverpool are interested in completing the signing of a “really fantastic” Premier League midfielder this summer, according a new transfer report.

Liverpool's midfield in need of defensive nous

Arne Slot’s side may have stumbled of late, including losing 3-2 away to Fulham on Sunday afternoon, but they are still in a wonderful position to win their second Premier League title.

Liverpool have excelled in midfield throughout the season, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai making up Slot’s go-to trio in the middle of the park. Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott have also been good options, but there is still a feeling that one more signing is needed there this summer.

Atalanta ace Ederson has been linked with a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window, with the Brazilian potentially exactly what the Reds need. His tenacity in front of the midfield could add more balance to the team, as well as allowing more rotation and increasing the competition for minutes.

VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller has been mentioned as an option for Liverpool in recent months, too, with the 24-year-old registering five assists in the Bundesliga so far this season, also winning three Man of the Match awards from WhoScored.

Liverpool eyeing move for Premier League midfielder

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara is a target for Liverpool this summer, with Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to snap him up, too.

In fact, the Reds are “actively monitoring” the 25-year-old, with Inter Milan another team who are mentioned as potential suitors. As much as £51m could be required to prise him away from Villa Park.

Kamara could be absolutely ideal for Liverpool this summer, adding the defensive quality and energy that Slot wants alongside the guile of the likes of Mac Allister and Gravenberch in the middle of the park.

Appearances

19

31

Starts

14

31

Minutes played

1200

2658

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

3

Tackles per game

2.3

1.8

Clearances per game

2.1

1.6

Pass completion rate

89.1%

89.4%

The Frenchman has averaged 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League this season, which is superior to Gravenberch’s tally of 1.8, and Villa manager Unai Emery is a big admirer.

“He has talent, but he works and he helps the other players on the field, he provides the cover and he has such versatility. He has played as a centre-back, a midfielder, a right-back, and he is always ready to do it, always focused on his new task. He is really fantastic and I appreciate this versatility a lot, and how he is showing us that his mind is open to everything we are trying to do.”

Not just Robertson: FSG must now sell "world-class" Liverpool star

Liverpool’s 26-game unbeaten run in the Premier League was ended on an error-strewn afternoon at Craven Cottage.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 7, 2025

Kamara isn’t out of contract at Villa until 2027, so Liverpool may not find it easy to sign him, but the five-cap France international stands out as a great option, especially as he has already proven himself in England, making 63 appearances in the Premier League.

Since the arrival of Graham Potter, West Ham United have opted for a more defensive approach, often starting in a back five, looking to have extra solidity in the side.

However, this has come at a cost, with the Hammers only scoring 33 goals this season, ranking 16th in the Premier League for goals scored per game.

West Ham are only averaging 47.4% possession, and whilst it is a big increase from last campaign’s 40.1% possession average, it still ranks 15th in the Premier League in this metric. The Hammers also only average 12.9 shots per game, ranking 12th in this metric in the division.

It is clear Potter himself knows his side has to improve, but getting to the summer and allowing him to invest in some players to help implement his style of play to a better degree would be a huge positive, with links already beginning to emerge for some summer targets.

West Ham targeting the next Kudus

According to reports from journalist Graeme Bailey, West Ham are interested in FC Twente star, Sem Steijn. Other Premier League clubs such as Bournemouth, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Wolves are also scouting the youngster, who has been excellent in the Eredivisie this season.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has made 39 appearances for FC Twente this season, scoring 26 goals and providing six assists in his 3,129 minutes played. Whilst English clubs have already sent scouts to watch the young midfielder, reports also suggest interest is emerging from Germany and France.

As we know, West Ham have already had success when buying from the Eredivisie, signing Mohammed Kudus back in 2023, joining from Ajax for a fee worth around £38m.

Why Steijn could be the next Kudus

Since joining the club, Kudus has made 72 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 17 goals, providing eight assists and totalling 5,634 minutes played. His form has tailed off in the 2024/25 campaign, but his debut Premier League season was certainly explosive, showing exactly what the 24-year-old has to offer.

Goals

0.37

0.75

Assists

0.17

0.16

xG

0.23

0.29

xAG

0.14

0.03

Progressive Carries

3.99

1.03

Progressive Passes

2.96

3.21

Shots Total

2.52

2.96

Key Passes

1.14

2.05

Shot-Creating Actions

3.52

2.05

When comparing the underlying metrics of Kudus in his first season at West Ham and Steijn’s current season in the Eredivisie, the 23-year-old comes out on top in five of the nine metrics analysed, offering better goal output, generating more xG, taking more shots, making more progressive passes and more key passes per 90.

Football Wonderkids on X (formerly Twitter) labeled Steijn a “ruthless” goalscorer, which is something the Hammers desperately need, even if it doesn’t come from the centre-forward. Adding that extra goal threat will only improve the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Kudus too, having a big overall impact on the side.

Whilst not all things are linear, Kudus’ integration from the Eredivisie to the Premier League could be a good sign for West Ham when recruiting “Twente’s biggest jewel” – in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig – with the Hammers clearly hoping if they do choose to sign the 23-year-old, he could come and have an instant impact.

Best signing since Bowen: West Ham struck gold on £90k-p/w "game-changer"

West Ham have struck gold on their “game-changer” who is easily their best signing since Bowen.

ByConnor Holden Mar 31, 2025

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed when Tottenham Hotspur could sack under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou, sharing key details on the Australian’s very uncertain long-term future in north London.

Ange Postecoglou's future in "serious doubt" at Tottenham

Postecoglou has been linked with the Spurs axe for months now, but last week, big-name news outlet The Athletic backed reports that the 59-year-old could be facing his final season in charge of the Lilywhites.

Ex-scout: Andoni Iraola could sign £46m Premier League star for Tottenham

The Spaniard has been heavily linked with replacing Ange Postecoglou.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 30, 2025

Tottenham lie 14th in the table after 15 Premier League defeats, which are truly abject numbers for a ‘big six’ side, and while you can make a serious case that injuries have dampened their chances of performing at the top level, results simply haven’t been up to par regardless.

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

Postecoglou has attracted criticism for his inability to adapt at a tactical level, with dissatisfaction surrounding his work and there being “serious doubt” over the former Celtic boss’ long-term future.

Tottenham have identified Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola as a top target to potentially replace Postecoglou, while it is also believed that Fulham boss Marco Silva and Brentford manager Thomas Frank are high on Daniel Levy’s managerial shortlist (The Athletic).

“You can’t play a system the players can’t play because of principle. For that they’ve conceded three on Thursday and six today,” said Man United legend Peter Schmeichel after a 6-3 defeat to Liverpool earlier this season.

“When you look at the table, they’re not on the front page, they’re on the second page. Tottenham are not supposed to be on the second page, it’s because of the way they play.

“The stubbornness of wanting to play that way, they got what they deserved, and it could have been a lot worse.”

Fabrizio Romano shares when Tottenham could sack Ange Postecoglou

Now, writing for GiveMeSport, Romano has shared key details about when Tottenham could sack Postecoglou.

The journalist claims that the tactician’s hopes of remaining at N17 “strictly” rest on how Spurs perform in the Europa League, but if they fail to win the competition or even put in a respectable showing, then there is a “high possibility” that Levy will part company with Postecoglou.

He adds that they’ve already touched base with Iraola’s “close circle” to express an interest in the Spaniard, who’s worked wonders at Bournemouth despite coping with real injury shortages of his own at points.

Tottenham are also very aware that the 42-year-old has a release clause in his Cherries deal, worth up to £11 million, so Bournemouth would be powerless to keep their manager if Levy elects to trigger it.

While Iraola appears to be the favourite to succeed Postecoglou if he does leave, Romano backs reports that they’re also considering Fulham’s Silva.

Tottenham Hotspur centre-forward Richarlison added to his impressive Premier League season so far with a goal against Brentford on Saturday.

The Brazilian marksman scored his sixth league goal of the campaign, in his ninth start, by tapping the ball into an empty net from Xavi Simons’ ball to the back post.

Richarlison, signed from Everton for £60m in 2022, is starting to show that he can be relied upon in the final third, but the same cannot be said of Randal Kolo Muani.

Spurs eyeing new move for striker target

Now, the club are reportedly looking at a deal for another number nine who could come in as an instant upgrade on the PSG loanee next month.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are readying a new move to sign Crystal Palace centre-forward Jean-Philippe Mateta in the January transfer window.

The report claims that the Lilywhites are looking to take advantage of his stalling contract talks with the Eagles to swoop for him ahead of the second half of the season.

It adds that Spurs made a “cheeky” offer to sign the France international to bolster their squad in the summer, and now they are lining up another attempt to bring him to North London.

Football Insider reveals that his contract discussions with Palace have reached a deadlock, which has opened the door for Thomas Frank and Fabio Paratici to swoop.

Why Spurs should sign Mateta

Spurs should push to sign Mateta from the Eagles because he would come in as an upgrade on Kolo Muani, who has been disappointing this season.

The Lilywhites signed the France international on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer transfer window, with no option or obligation to buy included.

Tottenham may be glad that they did not include an obligation to make the deal permanent because his form in the Premier League so far this season has not been good enough.

Kolo Muani has scored no goals, missed three ‘big chances’, and failed to assist any goals in eight appearances and six starts in the top-flight, per Sofascore, for Spurs, which shows that he has not offered enough in the final third.

Meanwhile, Mateta has scored nine goals in all competitions for Crystal Palace, per Sofascore, including a return of seven goals in 14 outings in the Premier League.

As well as offering more of a threat in front of goal than Kolo Muani, his international teammate also offers more to the team as a physical presence in the centre-forward position.

Appearances

15

8

Shots on target per game

1.5

0.1

Goals

7

0

Assists

0

0

Ground duel success rate

41%

34%

Aerial duel success rate

40%

37%

Duels won per game

4.1

3.2

As you can see in the table above, Mateta is better in his physical duels, holding the ball up for the team and scrapping to keep possession, whilst also being a superior goalscorer.

Journalist Rory Smith said the striker is “like original Ronaldo” last year, as he started tucking in his shirt to give himself the classic centre-forward look, which is still the case in the present day, and his goalscoring record backs up such a comparison.

The 28-year-old marksman scored 17 goals in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign and 19 goals in the 2023/24 season, per Sofascore, proving why, in the words of Como scout Ben Mattinson, he is “one of the best strikers in the Premier League.”

He is a prolific scorer, like the legendary Brazilian who scored 318 club career goals (Transfermarkt), who rocks the classic tucked-in shirt with style and substance, which could make him a real fan favourite in North London.

With Kolo Muani struggling for form in the Premier League and due to return to PSG at the end of the season, signing a proven Premier League star in the prime of his career could be a brilliant move by Paratici to provide Richarlison with competition in the number nine position.

So, if a January deal is viable, Spurs should push to get a deal done for the French powerhouse, who has the quality to be a difference-maker with the goal threat that he can offer in the second half of the season and beyond.

Spurs star now a doubt for Prague after limping out of the stadium on Saturday

Spurs have been handed an injury blow.

ByMatt Dawson 5 days ago

Tottenham Hotspur fans have entered the 2025/26 campaign with huge expectations, especially after the Europa League triumph against Manchester United at the end of May.

The Lilywhites ended their 17-year wait for a trophy in Bilbao, which has no doubt cranked the pressure up on Thomas Frank after he took the reins from Ange Postecoglou during the off-season.

He completed four deals of his own during his maiden summer in North London, with his arrivals racking up over £100m spent to help improve the options at the Dane’s disposal.

The likes of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons made the move to join the Lilywhites, with the pair helping the side sit in fifth-place in the Premier League at present.

However, Frank will no doubt want to further bolster his squad in the upcoming January transfer window to improve the club’s chances of finishing in the Champions League places once again.

Numerous players have been strongly touted with a switch to North London, but one name has been continuously been mentioned over the last couple of weeks.

The latest on Semenyo's move to Spurs in January

Over the last couple of days, Spurs have been named as one of numerous Premier League clubs in the hunt to land a deal for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo in January.

The 25-year-old has been one of the division’s biggest talents in the 2025/26 campaign, with the Ghanian already scoring six times and registering three assists in his 11 appearances.

Such a tally of nine combined goals and assists is the second-highest of any player in the division, with only Erling Haaland notching more at this stage of the season.

Over the last couple of days, it’s become apparent that the winger could be available in the upcoming transfer window, with the Cherries potentially powerless to losing their starman.

It’s been reported that Semenyo has a £65m release clause which becomes active in the winter market, with Spurs just one side currently interested in a move for his signature.

The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool also remain keen on a deal for the attacker, but it’s unclear who is leading the race for his signature.

However, it would be yet another huge investment by Frank, especially after splashing upwards of £50m on two different additions during the recent summer window.

A deal for Semenyo would also be a joint-club record, with such a fee matching the price paid for Dominic Solanke after his own switch to North London from Bournemouth back in 2024.

If the club are to afford such a deal in the coming months, the club will likely have to offload numerous first-team players to help balance the books in the process.

How Spurs can fund the Semenyo move

Over the years, Spurs have spent big on numerous players across various areas of the pitch in an attempt to try and battle for Premier League supremacy.

The hierarchy have spent upwards of £400m in the last couple of years to back various managers, but their investment has often been wasted on numerous players who have failed to match the demands in North London.

Tanguy Ndombele is arguably the biggest example, after the hierarchy forked out a reported £63m for the Frenchman’s signature back in the summer of 2019.

He only made a total of 91 appearances for the Lilywhites over a five-year spell, before being released and returning to his homeland to join Nice back in the summer of 2024.

Frank’s current squad also does boast numerous big-money additions, with the centre-back partnership of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero costing nearly £100m combined.

However, the pair have been worth every penny in North London, with the partnership helping the Dane’s side keep the fourth-best defensive record in the division at present.

However, not all the club’s big-money investments have paid off in recent years, with Richarlison one player who has massively struggled to match expectations at the club.

The Brazilian joined the Lilywhites for a reported £60m back in the summer of 2022, with such a move raising the eyebrows of many supporters given the nature of the transfer fee.

In the three and a half years since such a move, the 28-year-old has racked up a total of 108 appearances for the first-team, only finding the back of the net on 24 occasions.

This season alone, Richarlison has massively struggled to match the levels many expect of him, with the club desperately needing to move the former Everton man on in the near future.

He’s often been ineffective in numerous matches, as seen by his average of 22.3 touches per 90 this season, with the Brazilian only notching 10 touches in 90 mins against Bodo Glimt in the Champions League.

Other figures, such as a 50% dribble success rate and just 42% aerials won in the Premier League to date, showcase his poor all-round quality at the top end of the pitch.

As a result of his disappointing displays in recent months, Gabriel Agbonlahor stated that he believes the Brazilian is “one of the worst signings in Premier League history”.

Games played

11

Goals scored

4

Pass accuracy

63%

Dribble success

50%

Aerials won

42%

Big chances missed

5

Fouls committed

1.5

Touches per 90

22

The manager will no doubt want added quality in the final third, as seen by their move for Semenyo, but they will likely need to move Richarlison on to generate the funds needed to land the Ghanaian.

However, Richarlison has been subject to interest in recent months, with MLS outfit Orlando City FC already registering interest in a potential transfer for the striker.

Frank and the hierarchy will certainly need to jump at the rumoured interest, with this window one of the last opportunities to get some of their £60m investment back.

If the club want to land Semenyo, a sale of the Brazilian is desperately needed, with all parties needing a fresh start, which could help secure a move for the Bournemouth star in the process.

Spurs already have their answer to Semenyo out on loan & he's "like Son"

Spurs could save themselves from having to dip into the transfer market for Antoine Semenyo…

ByRobbie Walls Nov 19, 2025

Another international break is coming to an end, and Arsenal have yet more injuries to contend with.

On the annoying but manageable side of things, Kai Havertz will be out for a little longer after Julian Nagelsmann confirmed he had suffered a minor relapse with his knee injury.

However, the far more worrying development is that, following initial scans, Gabriel Magalhães is set to miss at least a month of action due to the groin injury he picked up playing at the Emirates for Brazil.

Thankfully, Mikel Arteta has several defenders he can call on to replace him at the back, and just maybe, Arsenal also have another international star who could pick up the slack at set-pieces and become Nicolas Jover’s new go-to man.

Arsenal's potential Gabriel replacements

Now, it should really go without saying, but losing Gabriel is a massive blow for Arsenal, as not only is he an incredible player, but a real leader.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

With that said, unlike in seasons past, Arteta does have the defensive backup to help minimise the impact of his absence and a few ways to rearrange the backline.

One solution to the problem could be to move Riccardo Calafiori in from left-back and start either Myles Lewis-Skelly or Piero Hincapie on the left.

This is the approach the manager took in pre-season, while Gabriel was recovering from the injury that ended his campaign last season.

However, while the Italian is more than capable of doing this, it would mean taking away the license he’s had to roam wherever he pleases so far this season, which in turn would make the attack far more predictable and therefore less potent.

So, another solution could be to move Hincapie into the back two alongside Saliba.

However, while this could be a solution further into the season, the Ecuadorian is still somewhat of an unknown quantity, having played just 170 minutes for the club and started one game at centre-back.

Therefore, the best bet for Arteta would surely be starting Cristhian Mosquera.

The young Spaniard has already played 597 minutes for the team this season, almost entirely at centre-back, and was brilliant against Liverpool and then Nottingham Forest there.

In all, there are options to cover the defensive deficit Gabriel’s injury will bring, but there might also be a way to cover the attacking side of his game that’ll be missed.

Jover's new Gabriel

While Gabriel certainly has the ability to influence the attacking side of the game from open play, it’s no great secret that he is phenomenal when it comes to set-pieces.

Just this season alone, he has scored twice and provided three assists, which would be a great return for an attacker, let alone a centre-back.

Therefore, his absence from the team could seriously hinder Arsenal’s potency in dead-ball situations, unless Arteta starts using Mikel Merino more often. After all, he has been described as an “aerial duel monster” by Como scout Ben Mattinson.

While there are certainly other players who could chip in more from set-pieces like Saliba, Calafiori and maybe even Viktor Gyokeres when he’s fit again, it’s the Spaniard who could become Jover’s new star.

After all, while he’s certainly not the best player in the team, the former Real Sociedad star has proven beyond all reasonable doubt over the course of the year that he knows how to score a goal.

Appearances

44

16

Starts

29

9

Minutes

2635′

820′

Goals

9

3

Assists

5

1

For example, since the turn of the year, he has put the ball in the back of the net 19 times and provided seven assists for club and country, which is truly an incredible return and more than justifies Arsenal writer Adam Keys calling him “a magnet in the box.”

More than that, though, plenty of those goals have either been one-touch finishes or headers, which is generally how someone scores from a set-piece.

Now, this doesn’t mean Arteta has to start the 29-year-old game-changer in every match, but when the team are chasing a goal, this goalscoring ability should see him become one of the first names off the bench.

Ultimately, losing Gabriel is a huge blow, but with their defensive depth and the prospect of Merino becoming Jover’s new set-piece king, Arsenal should be alright.

A Saka & Madueke hybrid: £70m "monster" wants to sign for Arsenal in 2026

The Champions League speedster would be an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 19, 2025

Manchester United have kept their unbeaten run going by the skin of their teeth. The Red Devils drew 2-2 away to Tottenham Hotspur, and it took a late goal from Matthijs de Ligt to secure the point and extend the unbeaten run to five games.

Indeed, the Dutchman’s strike in the 96th minute was enough to bail his side out of yet another defeat under Ruben Amorim, although they had previously led in the game.

Bryan Mbeumo scored a header which put United 1-0 up at halftime.

However, Spurs struck back after lots of pressure in the second half. First, Mathys Tel fired home, with his effort flicking off De Ligt’s foot and into the back of Senne Lammens’ goal.

Richarlison thought he had won it in the 91st minute with a clever header, before United’s number four cancelled his goal out moments later.

It was a largely uninspiring performance from United. They played an incredibly passive game, happy to let Spurs dominate the ball. In total, Amorim’s side had just five shots, with the only two that were on target ending up in the back of the net.

Their first goalscorer, Mbeumo, continued his fine form in front of goal.

Bryan Mbeumo’s stats vs. Spurs

October’s Premier League player of the month is off the mark in November. Mbeumo has been one of the signings of the season, and now has seven goals and assists in just 12 games for the Red Devils.

His strike on Saturday lunchtime away to Spurs was one of good centre-forward play and a deft touch.

The United number 19 got in between two Lilywhites defenders, before glancing his header home into the back of the net.

That was not Mbeumo’s only positive contribution against Spurs, though. He was a constant problem for the opposition defence, having 44 touches and making three passes into the final third.

The attacker was excellent off the ball, too, and made four recoveries.

As well as the 26-year-old played against Spurs, however, there was a United player who arguably outshone him.

United’s standout player vs. Spurs

United’s draw away to Spurs was certainly frustrating. Amorim was critical of his side post-match, explaining that “we should do better, be more aggressive, feel the environment in the stadium, the three points were there.”

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, one player, like Mbeumo, who stood out, was Amad. It was a different role for the Ivorian from the start today, operating as the right number 10 rather than at wing-back.

However, he was his usual energetic self, posing a threat going forward and worked hard defensively.

In fact, it was the attacker’s cross from which Mbeumo scored. What a delightful ball it was, too. Amad picked the ball up just inside the Spurs’ penalty area, lifting his cross from a standing position to the back post for his teammate to guide home.

That was one of two chances he created, on an afternoon where he also played four passes into Spurs’ third.

Touches

48

Passes completed

23/32

Duels won

7

Ball recoveries

5

Passes into final third

4

Chances created

2

Assists

1

Amad’s excellent performance certainly stood out, with journalist Liam Canning saying it was an “unbelievable” showing from the Ivorian attacker, while lauding him as the actual man of the match.

There is certainly a case to be made that Amad is becoming Amorim’s new version of Bruno Fernandes. Often, it is the Portuguese attacker who has shouldered the creative burden at United. Yet, it has been different this season, with the captain’s three assists matched by Amad.

A reason for that could be the role United’s manager uses his skipper in. A number 10 by trade, Fernandes now plays deeper in the pivot, and with their number 16 operating high and wide at wing-back or in the pockets as a number 10. He is certainly far more involved in the final third.

This is not a bad thing for United, who have relied solely on Fernandes for too many years. But, Amad is certainly taking up more creative responsibility, and is slowly becoming their new version of Fernandes.

Forget Cunha & Mbeumo: "Explosive" Man Utd star is coded for the Fergie era

This Man Utd ace could have thrived under Sir Alex Ferguson

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