All posts by z3u9t.icu

From a frustrating lack of activity a few weeks ago to a new piece of news seemingly dropping on the hour, this summer is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting one for Arsenal.

Instead of second-guessing Mikel Arteta’s vision following a third successive second-placed finish in the Premier League last year, the board are doubling down on their support for the Spanish manager.

It’s not even pre-season yet, but the club has already announced Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard is expected to be announced any day now.

Moreover, after years of fans crying out for it, the North Londoners are finally reinforcing the attack, with Viktor Gyokeres looking like the man to lead the line and Eberechi Eze being able to fill in off the left as well as in attacking midfield.

Yet, that’s not all, as reports are now linking Arsenal to another Premier League star, someone who’d be loved by the Swedish and English stars.

Arsenal eye attacker to help Gyokeres and Eze

The big topic of discussion regarding Arsenal’s transfer dealings over the last few days has undoubtedly been Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

After months of deliberation over who was going to be the club’s new number nine, it looks like the Sporting CP star is the man, as he’s reportedly agreed personal terms with the Gunners and the Lisbon outfit appear ready to accept an offer of around £70m.

Things are marginally less advanced with Eze, as while he has supposedly agreed terms with the North Londoners and is incredibly keen on making the move, less progress has been made with Crystal Palace.

Stories from earlier this week claimed that Andrea Berta and Co are preparing to make an offer of £60m in three £20m instalments, but it remains to be seen if the Eagles accept anything less than the 27-year-old’s £68m release clause.

That’s not all, though, as the Premier League runners-up have also been linked with another attacking dynamo, Bryan Mbeumo.

Yes, on the latest episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, journalist David Ornstein revealed that Arsenal have “explored” a move for the Brentford star this summer.

If this is a move the Gunners are still keen to complete, they may need to hurry things along, as Manchester United remain incredibly eager to bring him to Old Trafford.

In terms of how much he’d cost, reports from earlier this summer claimed that the Bees want a fee in excess of £65m for their star attacker.

It would undoubtedly be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line for Arsenal, but given Mbeumo’s ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a dream teammate for Eze and Gyokeres.

Why Gyokeres and Eze would love Mbeumo

Well, the first and arguably most crucial reason Gyokeres and Eze would love playing alongside Mbeumo is his output.

After all, goals win games, and he sure scores a lot of them.

In 42 appearances this season, totalling 3577 minutes, the Bees’ “mini-Salah,” as dubbed by pundit Jason Cundy, scored 20 goals and provided nine assists.

Appearances

42

Starts

39

Minutes

3577′

Goals

20

Assists

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.69

Minutes per Goal Involvement

123.34′

That comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games, or one every 123.34 minutes.

Just imagine how many assists Eze would be able to chalk up playing behind the Cameroon international, and for Gyokeres, he’d make full use of the 25-year-old’s creativity.

Moreover, the sheer weight of goals the former Troyes gem scores would force opposition defenders to pay him a great deal of attention, which in turn should help free up more space for the Swedish hitman to operate in.

However, it’s not just the output that would make the Avallon-born ace a great teammate for the former Coventry City star, but also his versatility.

For example, while the United target does spend most of his time off the right, he can play up top, or even as a second striker, which means he’d be able to fill in for the Stockholm-born goal machine when he’s in need of a rest.

This would help prevent him from burning out in what is likely to be an incredibly intense season for the North Londoners next season.

Ultimately, while it may be unlikely, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Mbeumo, as well as Gyokeres and Eze, this summer.

The Brentford star’s proficiency in front of goal and positional versatility could help them play even better.

Super agent in talks for £30m star to join Arsenal, it could be done in days

He’s trying to seal a north London move for his client.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 8, 2025

Glasgow Rangers and new Ibrox owners 49ers Enterprises have reached an agreement to sell a Gers player without the approval of new manager Russell Martin.

Aarons completes Ibrox medical and set to join Rangers

The Gers have already made midfielder Lyall Cameron the first official signing of the summer at Ibrox, however, the 49ers and Martin are after more before the Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos and their Scottish Premiership opener at Motherwell.

Motherwell vs Rangers

August 2

Rangers vs Dundee

August 9

St Mirren vs Rangers

August 23

Rangers vs Celtic

August 31

Rangers vs Hearts

September 13

Martin admitted he is “excited” at the players Rangers are targeting and is hoping for a “few” to arrive over the coming weeks.

One of those looks set to be Max Aarons, with the right-back on course to arrive on a straight loan deal from Bournemouth. The defender has even been pictured at Ibrox and has already completed a medical.

With Aarons set to sign, it could be a case of one defender in and one out at Ibrox going off a recent update.

Rangers reach agreement to sell Gers defender Robin Propper

According to reports relayed by Sport Witness, Rangers have reached an agreement in principle to sell Robin Propper for €1.5m (£1.27m) to FC Twente.

A deal is yet to be complete, though, ‘due to the recent changes within the technical staff of Rangers’, meaning Martin has yet to give the green light to an exit.

The report adds that ‘a meeting between Propper and the new head coach is planned soon and will be decisive for the further course of the transfer’.

Concern as Rangers now at risk of losing £20m Ibrox star star on the cheap

This would be a real setback for the Gers.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 24, 2025

FC Twente’s manager, Joseph Oosting, has publicly spoken out over a transfer for Propper, saying “I have been in contact with him via the app. We would like to have Robin. Will he come? That is the question.”

Oosting added to another Dutch outlet: “We have been in contact, I hope he returns. No point of discussion. I assume that it will work out. But in football you can never be sure of such things.”

Should a £1.27m deal go through, Rangers will be making a slight loss after spending £1.5m on Propper just 12 months ago.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is desperate to bolster his attacking options this summer, and Hugo Ekitike is a major target.

The Blues face competition from Manchester United, however, as the Red Devils have entered the race for the young Frenchman.

This could put Maresca on high alert, and he will do everything he can to try to lure the Eintracht Frankfurt striker to Stamford Bridge.

He isn’t the only transfer target to emerge from the Bundesliga, as news has emerged about their potential interest in a current RB Leipzig starlet.

Chelsea could target Bundesliga sensation

If a move for Ekitike does go through, Maresca will be keen on linking up with players who will be able to provide him with plenty of chances in the final third.

Of course, Cole Palmer will be ideal for him, but how about having a talent like Xavi Simons available?

Writer Bobby Vincent stated during a Q and A for football.london could perhaps be a target.

“As for Xavi Simons, I’ve heard his name mentioned a couple of times this summer as a potential option but nothing absolutely concrete yet,” said Vincent.

“He is someone who has cropped up in the past as well, so there is definite interest there.”

The Dutchman is still only 22 years of age and would make an ideal long-term option for Maresca, especially as he could work wonders with Ekitike.

Why Chelsea must sign Xavi Simons

Last season in the Premier League, Palmer created 24 big chances. Next on the list were Enzo Fernández with 13 and Pedro Neto with 11. These were the only players with over ten big chances created.

By signing Simons, Maresca would be getting a player who will be able to generate plenty of opportunities for Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt this season.

Indeed, across 25 domestic matches last season, the youngster created 12 big chances, while also averaging two key passes per game and recording seven assists for Leipzig, which speaks to the kind of quality that he could provide the French striker with in front of goal.

Metric

Bundesliga

Champions League

Goals

10

0

Assists

7

0

Big chances created

12

4

Key passes per game

2

1.4

Successful dribbles per game

1.3

1.4

Via Sofascore

It is no wonder he has been hailed as a “fantastic talent” in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig. Now, Simons is finally delivering on his massive potential.

While Leipzig may have underwhelmed in the Champions League last season, Simons, who has been hailed as a “pocket rocket” by analyst Raj Chohan, shone from an individual perspective.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in the tournament, the 22-year-old ranked in the top 2% for shot-creating actions (5.91) and total shots per 90 (2.69) while also ranking in the top 9% for successful take-ons (1.88) and in the top 12% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.49) per 90.

This set of statistics proves that Simons is among one of the finest attacking midfielders on the continent when it comes to creating chances, which is why he would be a dream signing alongside Ekitike as they could link up in the final third with the Dutchman creating chances for the striker to tuck away.

It could be a dream duo for the club next season, and if the club go far in the Club World Cup, there will be money to spend.

Chelsea can sign a bigger talent than Ekitike with move for £65m "maverick"

Chelsea could have the chance to reignite a move for a former target

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 14, 2025

Manchester City now want to sign a “world-class” £67m full-back, and he could join alongside Rayan Ait-Nouri this summer, according to a report.

City making progress in Ait-Nouri pursuit

Man City have set their sights on signing a new left-back this summer, with Pep Guardiola perhaps not overly convinced by Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly, and there has been a recent update in their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ait-Nouri.

Indeed, reliable reporter David Ornstein has now revealed that City “expect” to complete a deal for the Algerian this summer, although there is still work to be done before they are able to strike an agreement with their Premier League rivals.

"World-class" star now pushing to join Man City quickly; £59m+ offer needed

There has been a development in Man City’s pursuit of a key target…

ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025

Ait-Nouri’s arrival would leave Guardiola fairly well-stocked at left-back, given that Gvardiol and O’Reilly featured in that area regularly throughout the 2024-25 campaign, but a new report has suggested the manager could be keen to bring in another full-back who can play on both flanks.

According to GiveMeSport, Man City now want to sign Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso, with the Italian being shortlisted by Guardiola, who has also personally requested the defender in the past.

It could be difficult to agree a deal for Cambiaso, with his current employers making it tricky to enter talks, but the full-back, who was valued at £67m back in the January transfer window, remains of interest to the Blues.

Guardiola’s side are confident about sealing the arrival of Ait-Nouri, but the Juventus star could join regardless of whether they complete a deal for the Wolves man, given he can play in a back four or five on both sides of the defence.

Cambiaso putting in "world-class" performances for Juventus

The 25-year-old is particularly impressive in an attacking sense, as highlighted by his dribbling ability, which is important for City, considering they are likely to be the main aggressors in the majority of the Premier League games they play next season.

Journalist Zach Lowy has also been left particularly enamoured by the Italy international’s ability to create chances for his teammates in the past, singling him out for praise last April.

That said, with Gvardiol and O’Reilly already on the books, and the move for Ait-Nouri seemingly advancing well, there are doubts over whether the full-back would be a necessary signing for Man City.

£67m is a huge asking price for any player, and it may be wise to invest the money into other areas of the squad, perhaps between the sticks, having been keen on signing an Ederson replacement for quite some time, and City have a number of options in mind.

Goalkeeper

Current club

Potential cost

Gianluigi Donnarumma

PSG

£25m+

Joan Garcia

Espanyol

£21m

Diogo Costa

FC Porto

£51m

Senne Lammens

Royal Antwerp

£21m

Chelsea are looking to strengthen multiple key areas in Enzo Maresca’s squad, before they tackle their first campaign back in the Champions League next season, and they’ve made a fantastic start with their deal for Liam Delap.

Chelsea's transfer plans after signing Liam Delap

The striker has now fully sealed his switch to Stamford Bridge after completing a medical (Fabrizio Romano), with Chelsea activating his £30 million release clause and securing their first signing of the summer.

Chelsea in pole position to sign £84m Liverpool target after opening talks

The west Londoners are looking to get in ahead of Arne Slot’s side.

ByEmilio Galantini May 31, 2025

Delap may not be their only striker signing of the summer, either, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting late last week that Chelsea remain in serious pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

As well as Ekitike, Chelsea are actively discussing the signing of a new attacking midfielder or winger, with Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jeremy Doku (Man City), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Max Tillman (PSV), Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund), Alejandro Garnacho (Man United) and Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams all considered (Simon Phillips).

BlueCo are said to be working hard to bolster some key areas before the Club World Cup begins in under a fortnight, with Chelsea taking this summer’s tournament seriously given the riches on offer.

Chelsea could secure £97 million worth of prize money if they win the whole thing, and reliable journalist Simon Phillips writes that they’re very keen to sign a new centre-back before the CWC kicks off.

Chelsea held productive talks over a move for Dean Huijsen, but eventually missed out on a deal for the Spain international when Real Madrid came knocking.

Now, they’ve turned to alternative targets, and one of them is Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.

Chelsea ponder "big-money" bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite

The England international, who made his Three Lions debut last year, should arguably have more senior caps for the national team considering his excellent and assured displays on Merseyside, but his talent isn’t lost on Chelsea.

The 22-year-old is high on their defensive transfer shortlist of targets, even if Toffees boss David Moyes is reportedly “pleading” with him to stay.

TEAMtalk have an update on the situation, and they write that Chelsea are “seriously” considering a “big-money” bid for Branthwaite – who could cost up to £75 million.

The Blues are thought to be more “advanced” in their interest than London rivals Tottenham, but it’ll take a marquee fee to prise the highly-rated centre-half down south.

Everton are said to be in a strong position in regard to PSR, and have an option to extend Branthwaite’s contract by a further year, meaning Chelsea will need to stump up a very large fee to even get his club to the negotiating table.

While Branthwaite is expected to be an expensive potential buy, he is one of England’s most exciting young defenders, with Jamie Carragher already calling him a “special” player to watch out for.

Manchester United are set for a summer overhaul and plenty of movement is expected in both directions over the next few months, especially in the goalkeeping department.

Man Utd set to make Cunha first summer signing

The Premier League has proven to be an unhappy hunting ground for Ruben Amorim, and it is now abundantly clear that changes will be on the way to restructure his side ahead of next season.

Any notion of a backdoor route to Champions League football via claiming the Europa League was put to bed by Tottenham Hotspur last Wednesday, who prevailed 1-0 in Bilbao courtesy of a scrappy first-half effort from Brennan Johnson.

Andre Onana, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire could all be held culpable for the goal, albeit lapses in concentration in key moments have been a central feature in the Red Devils’ failure to string together consistent results.

Further up the field, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles in the Europa League final indicate that there will be plenty of work done to improve the spine of Amorim’s side.

Matheus Cunha is a prime target to freshen up the forward line and the Brazilian forward is set to make the move to Old Trafford from Wolves in a transfer that is expected to be worth £62.5m. The Red Devils look primed to trigger Cunha’s release clause as he looks likely to become the first summer signing ahead of Amorim’s first full season in charge.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho’s decision to demand a move to Real Madrid has let the cat among the pigeons regarding potential reinforcements.

Man Utd's "outrageously good" flop has been better than McTominay in 24/25

INEOS must terribly regret letting this player leave Old Trafford.

ByAngus Sinclair May 25, 2025

Robust in his assessment of what may come this summer, Amorim believes his side will be able to avoid making the same mistakes once the new campaign commences.

He said: “We are going to avoid a lot of mistakes next season. Now is the time we can use all of that suffering to change things in the summer.”

Casting an eye to the window, Amorim could now be set to deliver on his promise by bringing in a high-profile figure between the sticks.

Man Utd well-placed to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are well-placed to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa if they can sell Onana during the summer window.

Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Saudi Pro League clubs are also in the mix to sign the Argentinian stopper, who could be available for between £35 million to £40 million after switching agencies.

Andre Onana vs Emiliano Martinez – who is the better goalkeeper?

Andre Onana – Premier League (before final day)

Saves

90

Save percentage rate

67.2%

Goals conceded

44

Goals prevented

0.53

Clean sheets

9

Emiliano Martinez – Premier League (before final day)

Saves

95

Save percentage rate

67.9%

Goals conceded

45

Goals prevented

0.42

Clean sheets

8

Labelled “brilliant” by Alan Shearer, Martinez has kept 15 clean sheets in 52 appearances across all competitions this campaign, helping the Villans to put on a strong showing across several fronts.

Now, Manchester United have a task on their hands in convincing the former Arsenal man that a move to Old Trafford is the best course of action at this stage of his career. Onana leaving the club will also be crucial to making that notion a reality. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if that possibility will evolve into a done deal.

Looking ahead to their first attempt to get back into the Premier League next season, Southampton are now reportedly in advanced talks to hire an impressive 32-year-old manager.

Southampton's search for a new manager

The Southampton job isn’t exactly one that every manager will be jumping towards this summer after the Saints suffered relegation from the Premier League. Having opened their season with Russell Martin in the dugout, the Saints were ready to take on the Premier League their way and opt out of simply sitting in a deep defensive block.

Sky Sports: Southampton eye "secret weapon" coach who knows Kieran McKenna

The Saints need to make a new appointment.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 27, 2025

As attractive as that approach looked, however, it did not result in much-needed points and those at St Mary’s soon switched their mindsets towards survival, sacking Martin in the process.

Their next decision was always going to be crucial, even if some were already convinced that relegation was looming. Following Martin’s tenure, it wouldn’t have been absurd to suggest that a pragmatic, experienced Premier League manager should have been the way forward, but Southampton took an alternative approach once again – this time hiring Ivan Juric in December.

Having enjoyed experience at AS Roma, Torino, Genoa and others in Italy, Juric stepped into the Premier League for the first time before enduring a nightmare spell. With one game remaining, the manager has already been sacked and Southampton have their place in history as the second-worst Premier League side in history, with one more point than the historic 2008 Derby County team.

Back at square one ahead of their return to the Championship, names such as Danny Rohl and even Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard have reportedly been among the candidates in the running for the job, but Southampton’s search has continued.

Whilst it could be neither of those young managers, the Saints have since reportedly turned towards an impressive 32-year-old who now looks the likeliest to commence a new era at St Mary’s.

Southampton in advanced talks to hire Will Still

According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Southampton have now approached Will Still and are in advanced talks to hire the 32-year-old manager, who just left Ligue 1 side RC Lens to be closer to his family.

The manager told reporters after his side defeated AS Monaco on the final day of the Ligue 1 season: “I will not be the coach of Lens next season. Today was my last match of the season at Bollaert. For multiple reasons, the main reason behind my decision is that I need to go back home. It is a logical choice for me to be closer to my wife, for her well-being.”

Back in England, Southampton are now reportedly confident that they will secure Still ahead of next season. The interest of the Saints should come as little surprise, either, given just how successful Still, who plays an attacking 4-3-3 system, has been in France at both Reims and Lens.

For Southampton, should they be successful in their pursuit of Still, they’ll be hiring another young coach to follow on from Martin’s previous spell in charge.

Leeds United are thought to be ready to trigger a former Premier League forward’s release clause this summer, as the 49ers Enterprises and Daniel Farke prepare for a return to the top flight.

Leeds celebrate Championship title with huge parade

It has been a memorable few weeks for the Whites, who have enjoyed their last three Mondays by officially winning promotion, partying in front of fans at Elland Road and most recently parading the Championship title around the city.

Manor Solomon’s late injury time winner down in the south west against Plymouth Argyle in the final game of the season ensured Leeds would finish top ahead of Burnley. Both sides finished on 100 points, and Leeds players have since partied hard with an open-top bus parade which saw an estimated 150,000 supporters come out to celebrate.

Talking during the bus parade, Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said: “I don’t think anyone realised, this wasn’t easy This was really hard to do. Two years of getting to this point, but all that hard work and all that difficulty, makes right now that much more rewarding and makes today so special. I hope I never forget this moment. I want to live in this moment as much as I can.

“This is a journey, this is not the end. We have to keep going, this is what Leeds does. We are going to have some difficulties, but we are going to get where we want to go and we are going to be one of the best clubs in all of Europe.”

Leeds: 49ers feel "fantastic" £30m forward is perfect and want to sign him

The Whites have joined the race for a forward, who has attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs.

ByDominic Lund May 5, 2025

Marathe has also confirmed Farke will be continuing as Leeds boss in the Premier League after claims he could be sacked, and the pair appear to have their eyes on a new 26-year-old forward.

Leeds ready to pay release clause to sign Moussa Djenepo

According to reports relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds are ready to trigger Moussa Djenepo’s €2m (£1.7m) release clause this summer.

Currently on loan at Antalyaspor from Standard Liege, Djenepo doesn’t want to make a move to Turkey permanent, which may open the door for the Whites.

An approach has reportedly been made by Leeds for Djenepo, who made more than 70 Premier League appearances for Southampton between 2019-2023.

A Mali international, Djenepo is primarily a left-winger but can also turn out on the right as well as in an attack midfield role. During his time at Southampton, former teammate Nathan Redmond said: “He is a super-talented boy who is so open-minded and eager to learn every single day. He gets on well with everybody and has fitted in so well.”

He’s scored just two goals in 26 for Antalyaspor, but at £1.7m, a move to Leeds could be one to keep an eye on.

While there remains a slither of hope that this season ends in Europa League triumph for Tottenham Hotspur, there is no escaping from the fact that, at least domestically, it’s been diabolical.

Ange Postecologu’s side have lost 19 games in the Premier League, and it feels like a certainty that they’ll finish the season with 20 to their name.

However, for all the doom and gloom – of which there is plenty – there remains a reason to be hopeful about the club’s future: their youngsters.

The likes of Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Mikey Moore look like superstars in the making, and if recent reports are to be believed, the club are looking to add another name to that list, someone who’d be a massive upgrade on Brennan Johnson, and has been tipped for Ballon d’Or glory.

Tottenham's transfer targets

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other youngsters who’ve been linked with Spurs in recent weeks, such as Dean Huijsen.

Transfer Focus

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

The Spanish international reportedly has a release clause worth £50m in his current Bournemouth deal, and while that is a lot to spend on a youngster, it could well be worth it, as he’s already made 32 appearances for the Cherries this term.

Another youngster from the South Coast who has been heavily linked with the Lilywhites this year is Tyler Dibling.

The Southampton star has racked up a reasonable tally of four goals and three assists in 35 games so far this season and will be available for reportedly £35m.

Finally, the most exciting player, and the one who’d be a significant upgrade on Johnson, is Rayan Cherki.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs and Manchester United are now leading the race to sign the highly-rated Lyon youngster.

The report claims that the 21-year-old could be available for around €35m, which comes out to £30m.

It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Cherki’s immense ability and potential, it’s worth fighting tooth and nail for, especially as he’d be a big upgrade on Johnson.

How Cherki compares to Johnson

So, as Cherki’s primary position is off the right, his main competition for game time at Spurs would be Johnson, but who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output, it’s the Frenchman who comes out on top, and by quite some way at that.

For example, in just 41 appearances, totalling 2894 minutes, he’s scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.32 games, or every 93.35 minutes.

In contrast, the Welshman has scored 16 goals and provided seven assists in 46 appearances, totalling 2987 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 129.86 minutes.

Unfortunately for the former Nottingham Forest ace, the comparison remains just as one-sided when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.71

0.52

Non-Penalty G+As

0.88

0.60

Progressive Passes

9.31

3.03

Progressive Carries

4.17

2.47

Key Passes

3.33

0.82

Passes into the Final Third

4.46

1.08

Passes into the Penalty Area

3.33

1.52

Live Passes

52.7

26.2

Shot-Creating Actions

6.23

1.99

Goal-Creating Actions

0.93

0.30

Successful Take-Ons

2.11

0.82

For example, Lyon’s “future Ballon d’Or winner,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, comes out ahead in almost all relevant metrics, such as actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Johnson has been a useful player, it’s clear that Cherki would be a massive upgrade and, therefore, Spurs should do all they can to sign him this summer.

Dream Poch alternative: Spurs eyeing "one of the best coaches in Europe"

The impressive manager could be just what Spurs are after.

3 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 29, 2025

It was a case of the same old for Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead against the visiting Bournemouth but ended up coming away empty-handed in a match that perfectly summed up their domestic campaign.

Moreover, while he provided an assist for Declan Rice, it was another uninspiring performance from club captain Martin Odegaard, who picked up a 5/10 match rating from GOAL’s Stephen Darwin and made a mess of marking Evanilson for the winning goal.

The Norwegian’s poor form is now a serious concern, but in positive news, the club might have found a solution in a player who could get the best back out of him, a player compared to Kylian Mbappé.

Arsenal's transfer news

While the transfer target in question is someone who could get the best back out of Odegaard in the coming seasons, the club have also been credited with interest in some players who could be seen as out-and-out replacements for the midfielder, like Florian Wirtz and Rayan Cherki.

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 could reportedly be available for around £111m this summer, and while that is an outrageous sum of money, it might not be entirely unreasonable, as at just 22 years old, he has scored 16 goals and provided 13 assists in 43 games for Bayer Leverkusen this term.

Cherki, on the other hand, could cost far less at just £30m, and that does seem like a bargain considering the fact he’s already scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists in 42 games for Lyon so far this season.

However, if the Gunners want to get the best back out of their captain, they’d be better off acting on their interest in Eintrach Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké.

According to a recent report from journalist Christian Falk, as relayed by Caught Offside, Arsenal want the French forward this summer.

However, Liverpool are also said to want the free-scoring forward, and worse yet, the German side want around €100m for their star striker, which is about £85m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given his immense ability, he is one worth fighting for, especially as he’d get the best back out of Odegaard, and he’s been compared to Mbappé.

Why Ekitiké could revive Odegaard

So, before we get into the reasons why Ekitiké could revive Odegaard, it’s worth examining this comparison to Mbappé and where it comes from.

It stems from journalist Graeme Bailey, who three years ago reported that there were some in France who thought that the young forward was set to become “the new Mbappé.”

Now, it’s fair to say he hasn’t quite hit the incredible heights of the Real Madrid man, but it’s not hard to see why people would make the comparison, as the Frankfurt gem is a young, exciting and pretty free-scoring forward who, according to The Athletic’s Alex Barker, likes to “drop into wider areas” and “can create a chance for someone from absolutely nothing.”

It’s these traits that make the comparison seem more reasonable, and then when you add them to his raw output, it’s not hard to see why he could help the Gunners captain get back to his best.

For example, this season alone has seen the 22-year-old monster score 22 goals and provide 11 assists in just 46 appearances, totalling 3466 minutes of action.

Appearances

46

Minutes

3466′

Goals

22

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.71

Minutes per Goal Involvement

105.03′

In other words, the sensational striker is averaging a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 105.03 minutes.

With a forward that prolific and creative starting ahead of him, the former Real Madrid wonderkid would undoubtedly see his goal and assist tallies soar.

Moreover, with the Reims-born star liking to drop back and drift out wide, opposition defenders would have to spend more time trying to cover him off and mark him in games, thus allowing the Drammen-born maestro more space to create.

Ultimately, while he wouldn’t be cheap, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Ekitiké this summer, as not only would he make the team more dangerous, but he could also help get Odegaard back to his imperious best.

He'd make Saliba & Gabriel unplayable: Arsenal to make bid for £25m star

Arsenal are wasting no time in making reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb May 5, 2025