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It’s safe to say this has been a perplexing season for Arsenal, who are now very likely to finish second having secured Champions League football for next season.

It came in the 37th gameweek as Mikel Arteta’s men defeated Newcastle 1-0. It was a game that rather typified the Gunners’ recent form, truth be told. Arsenal didn’t create a huge number of openings and left themselves exposed at the back.

This time, they had Man of the Match David Raya to thank for their victory with the Spaniard making a number of high-class saves in the opening 45 minutes. While Arsenal don’t need a goalkeeper, their end-of-season form has showcased where they need to strengthen.

Fortunately, writing before the game in the programme, Josh Kroenke spoke of the club’s summer plans and indicated that they will spend, sparking excitement for what’s to come.

So, speaking of transfers, who is likely to come through the door?

Arsenal ramping up summer transfer plans

While the biggest box to tick this summer is that of a shiny new centre forward, the Gunners must also hone in on a new winger after inconsistent campaigns for both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Martinelli has found form in the back end of the campaign but has only scored on eight occasions in the Premier League. As for Trossard, he’s netted the same number in top-flight action.

As a result, we’ve seen continued links to Spanish winger Nico Williams and a suggestion that Arsenal are fans of Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.

Despite their need for a new winger on the left, they could actually bolster the right-hand side too. That’s because, according to new reports, they are interested in signing Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo.

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That’s the word of club insider Teamnewsandtix, who wrote in his latest Patreon entry: “After the data team identified him last summer, Arsenal are targeting Bryan Mbeumo again. I’m told talks are progressing, but they aren’t the only team in for him.”

The Cameroon international has been nothing short of a sensation this summer and is also attracting the interest of Manchester United, according to other reports.

The forward is allegedly valued at around £51m by the Bees.

Where Mbeumo would fit into Arteta's Arsenal team

With Bukayo Saka very much still the leading light in Arteta’s lineup, fitting Mbeumo into the equation may be hard.

Described as a “Mini Salah” by talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy, the Brentford star has made a living out of cutting inside from the right and bamboozling defenders on his stronger left foot. As the compliment suggests, he’s like Salah and, as a matter of fact, he’s very much like Saka in that regard.

While Arsenal do need to find someone who’s capable of giving the England international a break every now and then, spending £51m on a right winger when they are arguably more in need of a left forward perhaps doesn’t make too much sense.

Well, fortunately, Mbeumo is a versatile player, most notably playing six times as a centre forward this season, scoring four goals in the process.

Meanwhile, he’s played off the left on nine occasions in his career and he’s also featured behind the main striker as a no.10 or second striker 43 times. While that may well take away his strongest asset, cutting inside from the right, he certainly has the ability to make a difference in more central areas.

So, how does he compare with Saka?

Goals

0.51

0.19

Assists

0.32

0.53

Shots

2.09

3.39

Key passes

1.84

2.96

Progressive passes

3.71

3.54

Shot-creating actions

3.82

5.93

Successful take-ons

1.38

2.12

Progressive carries

3.39

4.97

Mbeumo has been in remarkable form this season and ranks fifth in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot, having bagged 19 goals. In all competitions, he’s also produced nine assists for his troubles.

When analysing their respective numbers, it’s clear the Brentford star is a more clinical player in front of goal. Despite taking fewer shots per 90 minutes, he’s scoring more regularly than Saka.

However, this would certainly be to the advantage of Arteta’s team. While Mbeumo may well be the better goalscorer, Saka is one of the most creative wingers in the world and is streets ahead in metrics like key passes and shot-creating actions.

Yes, there would likely be confusion about Arsenal signing a natural right winger, but supporters shouldn’t turn their noses up at more goals. This term, the league’s second-placed side have scored 67 goals in the top-flight, 16 fewer than Liverpool.

On that basis, it’s not a surprise to see that the Reds run away with proceedings.

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ByMatt Dawson May 19, 2025

Glasgow Rangers should be in the market to find a manager who can bring success and trophies back to Ibrox ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The board decided to part ways with Philippe Clement earlier this year, and they brought in Barry Ferguson to Rangers as the interim head coach until the end of the season.

Whilst the former Scotland international has not completely disgraced himself in the job, the Ibrox outfit’s form since Ferguson took the reins does not suggest that he is a serious contender for the full-time gig.

Rangers have won four, drawn four, and lost four of his 12 matches in charge, and are currently on a run of six matches without a win after their 1-1 draw with Celtic.

This does not suggest that Ferguson is the man to turn Rangers into a winning machine that can wrestle back the Scottish Premiership title from Celtic next season.

Another manager who is not likely to be in the dugout at Ibrox next season is former Gers title-winner Steven Gerrard, as he has been ruled out in a new report.

The latest on Steven Gerrard to Rangers

According to TEAMtalk, the Liverpool legend will not be the next Rangers manager to come in and take over from Ferguson at the end of this season.

The report claims that the 49ers, who are set to make their first appointment once a takeover is finalised, want a new head coach who has no prior connections to Ibrox.

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It states that the prospective owners want to gradually build a winning team in Glasgow and they want to start by appointing a fresh face, with no pre-existing relationships at Rangers, who has a philosophy and a style of play that can be built around for years to come.

Gerrard, of course, does not fit what they want because he has already managed the Light Blues successfully in his first spell at Ibrox before his move to Aston Villa in 2021.

Matches

38

12

Wins

32

8

Draws

6

3

Defeats

0

1

Points

102

27

Points per game

2.68

2.25

League position

1st

1st

As you can see in the table above, the English boss only lost one of his last 50 league matches in charge of the club, going unbeaten in the 2020/21 campaign.

The 49ers, however, have decided that they do not want to retread that path, which means that Gerrard will not be returning to Scottish football this summer, at least not with Rangers.

It is now down to the club to find an alternative manager who can be as successful as the English tactician was during his time at Ibrox, and they could do that by hiring Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen.

TEAMtalk’s report adds that the Gers have been linked with the Norwegian boss in the past and that he should be the kind of manager that they target this summer.

The outlet also reveals that this year could be the year that Knutsen finally moves on from Bodo/Glimt, having been linked with other clubs for several years, going back as far as 2021 when he was linked to Premier League side Norwich City.

Rangers must, now, tempt the 56-year-old head coach to come to Ibrox ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, because he could be a dream alternative to Gerrard for the 49ers.

Why Knutsen is a dream alternative to Gerrard for Rangers

The former Liverpool midfielder and Rangers manager was an appealing option to the Light Blues because he has been there and done it; he has won the Premiership.

Knutsen, however, is a head coach who knows how to win league titles, having won even more than Gerrard, and has had success in Europe for Bodo/Glimt, as shown by the impressive fact below.

The Norwegian boss’ side are currently 3-1 down on aggregate against Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals of the Europa League, and still have a chance to make the final in their second leg clash on Thursday night.

This suggests that he has the tactical nous and playing style to be effective in Europe, whilst also having already proven his ability to set up a team to win league titles consistently.

2025

2.50

1st

2024

2.07

1st (champions)

2023

2.33

1st (champions)

2022

2.00

2nd

2021

2.10

1st (champions)

2020

2.70

1st (champions)

As you can see in the table above, Bodo/Glimt have won the Eliteserien in four of the last five seasons, and are currently top of the table after four matches in the 2025 campaign, averaging at least two points per match in all of those years.

This shows that Knutsen can build a team that can consistently challenge for titles and dominate a league, which is the ambition that Rangers should have, after watching their rivals lift the Premiership title in each of the last four seasons.

As well as being a great candidate because of his team’s trophies and progression in Europe, he could also be a great alternative to Gerrard because of his style of play. Bodo/Glimt captain Ulrik Saltnes described Knutsen’s playing style as “kamikaze” and Transfermarkt notes that he plays an attacking 4-3-3 formation.

Bodo/Glimt scored 71 goals and 78 goals in 30 league matches in the 2024 and 2023 campaigns, which shows how exciting that ‘kamikaze’ style can be as his team can score plenty of goals on their way to winning trophies.

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Rangers must move on from this flop when the summer transfer window opens for business.

1 ByDan Emery May 4, 2025

Therefore, Knutsen could be the dream alternative to Gerrard for the 49ers because he has the style of play, the trophies, and the European success to suggest that he could be an excellent appointment. It is now down to the club to convince the Bodo/Glimt boss that a move to Rangers is the best next step in his coaching career.

Celtic travel away from Parkhead to take on Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, knowing that a point will be enough to seal the title.

The Hoops simply have to avoid defeat to clinch their fourth league title in succession, which means that this could be the weekend that they are crowned champions once again.

Brendan Rodgers’ side beat St. Johnstone 5-0 in the semi-finals of the SFA Cup last time out at Hampden Park, but the Northern Irish boss could make some changes to his side, starting with dropping James Forrest to the bench.

Why James Forrest should be dropped

The long-serving Celtic winger was selected to start on the right side of the attack against the Saints last weekend and, once again, failed to contribute much at the top end of the pitch.

Forrest has started the last two matches and has not been involved, with a goal or an assist, in any of the ten goals scored by the team, which has been the story of his season.

The Scottish forward has played 27 matches in all competitions this season without scoring a single goal for the Hoops, which illustrates his lack of impact in the final third.

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With this in mind, Rodgers must take the ineffective winger out of the starting XI for this trip to Dundee United, who are not an easy team to play against. They have only conceded 40 goals in 33 matches, which suggests that Celtic need their best attackers on the pitch, including Nicolas Kuhn.

Why Nicolas Kuhn could win Celtic the title

Dundee United, as shown by their defensive record this season, will be tough to break down and that is why the German attacker must be unleashed to win the title for the Hoops.

Forrest has shown, with zero goals in 26 games, that he is unlikely to make much of an impact as a starter on Saturday. Whereas, Kuhn has been in excellent form this season at the top end of the pitch.

The left-footed forward has racked up 18 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for the Scottish giants this term, including two assists in his last four league starts.

Appearances

28

Goals

10

Big chances created

10

Key passes per game

1.7

Assists

8

As you can see in the table above, Kuhn has delivered 18 goals and assists combined in the Premiership so far this term, which shows that he can get on the end of passes to score, or he can be the player who makes the killer pass to split open a defence.

The former Rapid Vienna star, once hailed as “magical” by Rodgers, could provide the cutting edge in front of goal that is seemingly going to be required to break down the Dundee United backline, whilst Forrest’s form this season suggests that he is not the man for that job.

Therefore, Rodgers could increase his team’s chances of winning the title on Saturday by dropping the Scottish forward in favour of Kuhn on the right flank.

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ByDan Emery Apr 23, 2025

Chelsea are now looking at signing a Netherlands international, who Arsenal have watched since he was 16, with Enzo Maresca’s side threatening to snatch a very long-term Gunners transfer target.

Chelsea targeting new defenders this summer

A new defender or two is reported to be high on BlueCo’s transfer agenda this summer, and a few high-profile names are already being mentioned ahead of the first window’s opening on June 1st.

Chelsea will now sell player who Maresca is "crazy" about for just £30m

It could be very unpopular with their manager.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025

The Premier League confirmed that 2025 will have two summer windows (one open from June 1st to June 10th, and the other from June 16th to September 1st), which allows the likes of Chelsea and Man City to bring in new players before the Club World Cup.

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

According to reliable Stamford Bridge journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are expected to invest significantly in a new centre-back, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and Bournemouth sensation Dean Huijsen both mentioned as top targets.

Guehi is entering the final 12 months of his Palace contract, and Chelsea are believed to be seriously considering the prospect of re-signing the Cobham academy graduate, who departed for Selhurst Park in 2021 (The Mirror).

Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Huijsen is expected to depart the Vitality Stadium this summer, with his £50 million release clause attracting attention from a host of top Premier League sides, including Chelsea.

As reported by David Ornstein, Chelsea have held talks with Huijsen’s representatives, alongside the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal, as England’s elite bid to battle for the Spaniard’s in-demand signature. However, there is also competition from abroad, as Vincent Kompany reportedly tells Bayern Munich to move for Huijsen as well (Football Insider).

Amidst their hot pursuit of the 20-year-old, Maresca’s side may also bolster their full-back options.

Jules Koundé was mentioned as a Chelsea target this week, according to reports in Spain, but they’ve also got their eyes on Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.

Chelsea eye Ajax defender and long-term Arsenal target Jorrel Hato

As per The Mail, Chelsea are now considering a move for Hato, who has become a mainstay for the Eredivisie side and one of the Netherlands’ rising stars.

The 19-year-old has been scouted by London rivals Arsenal since he was 16, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, so he has a big admirer in Arteta.

“Jorrel Hato is still a player they love – they’ve done all the work on him for years – they’ve been following him since he was 16,” said Bailey to The Boot Room recently.

“Liverpool like him as well. It wouldn’t surprise me if Hato came to England this year.”

The price of his signature, according to other reports, sits at around £40 million – which could be a bargain where Chelsea are concerned.

The versatile teenager can play at both left-back and as a left-sided centre-back when required, plugging two different gaps for Maresca, and there is a reason that no Ajax player has been handed more league minutes than Hato this season (WhoScored).

Manchester City are set to sell a £150,000-a-week player this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Man City players who could leave with De Bruyne this summer

The Citizens and Pep Guardiola are looking to finish the Premier League season in one of five Champions League qualification places, while also looking to win the FA Cup in what is Kevin de Bruyne’s final season at the Etihad.

The Belgian superstar recently announced his Man City exit when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.

De Bruyne will leave after 10 years at the Etihad, and more Sky Blues stars could be following the attacking midfielder out of the door. Ilkay Gundogan is also out of contract at the end of June and may depart, whereas Jack Grealish could also be sold, according to recent reports.

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The Sky Blues have set their sights on an attacking midfielder, who could be brought in to replace Kevin De Bruyne this summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 9, 2025

Another player who has an uncertain future ahead of the 2025/26 season is Kyle Walker. The right-back joined AC Milan on loan in January, with the Serie A giants having the option to buy Walker for around £4.2m (€5m).

Named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, Walker has recently undergone surgery on a fractured elbow, and a new update on his future has been shared.

Man City to sell Kyle Walker this summer no matter what – Romano

As per Romano on X in the last 48 hours, Walker will be sold by Man City this summer, even if AC Milan pass up on their option to buy. Man City have their eyes on a new full-back signing, with Walker’s eight-year stint on the books at the Etihad to be “over”.

“The story between Man City and Kyle Walker will be over in the summer, regardless of AC Milan’s future decision. Milan have buy option clause for Walker but decision will follow with new director. In any case, Walker will NOT stay at City as they’ll bring in new fullback.”

Signed from Tottenham in 2017, Walker will soon turn 35, so it appears to make sense to look to the future by selling the experienced defender.

Games

319

Goals

6

Assists

23

Minutes played

25,716

Trophies won

17

Guardiola hailed Walker following his move to Milan at the beginning of the year, calling him a “very important figure”.

“Kyle, thank you so much for the seven years you’ve been with us. The amount of trophies, the consistency and being a very important figure. I said it personally to him, I said it in front of the group, I wish all the best for him and his family. That is all.”

He’s still under contract at Man City on £150,000-a-week until 2026, and even if AC Milan don’t sign Walker, he won’t be seen at the Etihad for the new season.

For the 12th time in the Premier League this season, Manchester United – now residing in 13th in the table – failed to score last time out, having played out a drab goalless draw with rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

With just seven games remaining in the league in 2024/25, United have currently scored just 37 goals, notably placing them behind 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have scored 43 times to date.

As was evident at the weekend, there is a clear lack of confidence and ruthlessness in the attacking third for the Old Trafford side, a point emphasised by the fact that Bruno Fernandes currently leads the way with just eight league goals.

Ruben Amorim’s senior strikers – in the form of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee – have netted just six times in the top-flight between them, a fact that has only heightened the need for a new number nine this summer.

Rumours are already rife regarding the potential targets who could solve United’s goalscoring woes, with Amorim seemingly keen on a reunion with Sporting CP sensation, Viktor Gyokeres, ahead of next season.

Latest on Man Utd's interest in Gyokeres

Amorim must be tearing his hair out at the limp nature of his forward line at Old Trafford, not least having witnessed the breathtaking brilliance of that man Gyokeres back in Lisbon.

Indeed, the towering Swede scored 66 goals in just 68 games while working under the Portuguese coach, with the 26-year-old proving vital in last season’s title triumph, having netted 43 times in all competitions.

Unsurprisingly, there have been suggestions that Amorim is ready to raid his former club for the signing of the ex-Coventry City striker, with reports in recent days claiming that a bid may have even been lodged by the United hierarchy.

That said, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has also outlined that Premier League rivals Arsenal are pursuing a move for the prolific marksman, with the Gunners said to be ‘developing a strong interest’ in landing the Sporting talisman.

As for the Red Devils, journalist Laurie Whitwell – also of the The Athletic – did previously claim that a pursuit of Gyokeres could be ‘unlikely’ due to his age and the player’s own desire for Champions League football, throwing into a doubt the prospect of a renewed association with Amorim.

That could leave the 40-year-old having to look elsewhere to find his next centre-forward project, while among his current ranks, he could be able to mould another attacking superstar at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Man Utd star who's worth even more than Gyokeres

As Amorim outlined following the Sunday stalemate, his side “need to improve in every aspect of the game”, having particularly highlighted the “final third” as a key point of concern.

That latest encounter saw the aforementioned Hojlund register just two touches in the opposition half – no, not penalty area – in the first half, a staggering statistic that represents the young Dane’s stark lack of impact.

On a day in which much of the United magic came from skipper, Bruno Fernandes, another “shining light” – as described by BBC pundit, Troy Deeney – was young Alejandro Garnacho, with the polarising Argentine at least attempting to make things happen for his side.

Minutes played

90

Touches

44

Pass accuracy

88%

Key passes

0

Shots

2 (blocked)

Crosses

0/1

Long balls

1/1

Successful dribbles

1/2

Total duels won

9/13

Possession lost

11x

Fouls won

3

The 20-year-old had come under fire for his ‘naive’ performance against Nottingham Forest in midweek – in the view of MEN journalist Samuel Luckhurst – although he looked lively throughout against City, having notably won an early foul just outside the area after racing in behind the visiting backline.

Even against Forest, while he did fire three shots off target, the former Atletico Madrid starlet looked like the only player – excluding Fernandes – capable of making something happen for his side in an attacking sense, with the likes of Zirkzee and Hojlund having been rather lifeless through the middle.

Of course, Garnacho – who was a target for Chelsea in January – is among those who United could cash in on this summer, but it would be a crying shame to sell a player who has shown so much promise over the last two years or so.

The star of an FA Youth Cup final and FA Cup final – having scored three goals across those two marquee games – the rampaging winger is still a young talent learning his trade, having perhaps even been overused amid the lack of other attacking alternatives.

Take Gyokeres, for instance, who at the age of 20 was merely operating in the Brighton youth ranks, having needed a string of loan spells and an eventual move to Coventry to ultimately find his feet at senior level.

Garnacho then should have ample time to reach his peak, with his sky high potential also highlighted by the fact that he is deemed to be worth around £83m, according to CIES Football Observatory, with Gyokeres, meanwhile, valued at ‘just’ £63m.

Transfer Focus

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

Fans and pundits alike may be losing patience with Garnacho due to the fact he has scored just twice since Amorim took charge, yet as the derby showcased, he is still a player capable of getting bums of seats. That certainly can’t be said for most at Old Trafford…

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2 ByJoe Nuttall Apr 6, 2025

In the almost six years he’s been in charge, Mikel Arteta has helped to transform Arsenal.

He’s led the North Londoners from mid-table mediocrity to genuine Premier League and Champions League contenders.

The Spaniard’s tactical nous and standard-raising philosophy have undoubtedly played a massive part in this turnaround, but so has the club’s recruitment and promotion of youth players, like Bukayo Saka.

The Hale Ender has gone from promising prospect to the face of Arsenal and undoubtedly their most important attacker, although, based on recent reports, the club are looking to sign someone who is playing better than him at the moment.

Arsenal target superstar star attacker outperforming Saka

Since making his debut for Arsenal in a 2018 Europa League group stage match against Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava, Saka has gone on an incredible journey with the club.

Transfer Focus

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

Despite being moved around the pitch and then spending plenty of time at left-back in his early career, the Englishman has now become the club’s go-to right-winger and the first name on the teamsheet when fit.

In all, the 24-year-old has made 280 appearances for the Gunners, in which he’s racked up a sensational haul of 76 goals and 73 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.87 games.

However, due in part to his injury, he has performed a little under par this season, and now it looks like the club are looking to sign someone who is outperforming him.

At least, that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Arsenal are still very interested in Michael Olise.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners are now preparing an ambitious plan to sign the Bayern Munich star and are willing to break their transfer record to do so, preparing an offer of around €150m, which converts to around £132m.

That’s an outrageous sum of money to spend on a player, but given Olise’s ability and potential, it might just be worth it for Arsenal, especially as he’s outperforming Saka.

How Olise compares to Saka

So, the first thing to say is that it seems highly unlikely that Arsenal would sign Olise to outright replace Saka.

After all, the Hale Ender has become the face of the project and probably the most beloved player of the last 20 years among the fanbase.

Instead, the Frenchman could be looked at as someone to offer competition, or, as has been the case with Noni Madueke, someone who can interchange with the Englishman during games, almost making the idea of a starting position antiquated.

With that said, it’s worth looking at how the pair have stacked up against one another since the Bayern ace’s move to Germany.

Last season, his first in Baveria, saw the 23-year-old rack up a sensational tally of 20 goals and 23 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3842 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 89.34 minutes.

Appearances

55

37

Minutes

3842′

2619′

Goals

20

12

Assists

23

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.78

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvements

89.34′

100.73

Appearances

20

17

Minutes

1583′

1211′

Goals

9

6

Assists

10

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.95

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvements

83.31′

151.37′

In contrast, Saka scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes.

Okay, what about this season then?

Well, the former Crystal Palace star has really taken it up a notch, already scoring nine goals and providing ten assists in 20 appearances, totalling 1583 minutes.

That comes out to a staggering average of a goal involvement every 1.05 games, or every 83.31 minutes, and truly justifies analyst Filipe Sousa’s description of him being a “nightmare” for defenders.

For his efforts this season, the Gunners’ talismanic number seven has scored six goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances, totalling 1211 minutes.

That comes out to a somewhat underwhelming – for his lofty standards – of an average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games, or every 151.37 minutes.

Now, it should be said that he suffered another hamstring injury at the start of the campaign and is clearly still not at 100%, but even so, he would likely admit his output has been a little disappointing this season.

Ultimately, while it would cost an egregious sum of money, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Olise, as he could help get the best back out of Saka, and a team with the pair of them in it is a scary team indeed.

The new Rice: Berta enters race to sign £70m midfield "machine" for Arsenal

The international superstar could become Mikel Arteta’s next Declan Rice at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 3, 2025

Something is happening at Chelsea this season.

Enzo Maresca’s side blew Spanish champions Barcelona away in the Champions League last Tuesday and then followed that up with a sensational performance against Arsenal in the Premier League.

The Blues were by far the better team for most of the first half, and even after Moises Caicedo was sent off, they scored a goal and held on for a point.

Now, having the Ecuadorian out for three games is a problem, but Maresca could solve it by unleashing one of Chelsea’s most exciting young stars.

Chelsea's solutions to Caicedo's red card

With it highly unlikely that Caicedo’s ban will be overturned – if it’s even appealed – Chelsea need to come up with a solution for the next three games. This is a player who is renowned as one of the best midfielders in the world, a player of the calibre of a certain Declan Rice. Therefore, replacing him will not be easy.

One answer could be to keep Reece James in the middle of the park, drop Enzo Fernández back next to him to create a double pivot and start Cole Palmer ahead of them.

Now, this would be quite a change, but it would allow the captain to continue to boss games from a central area and bring the club’s best player back into the most important part of the team.

Moreover, if the Englishman is pulling the strings in the ten position, Estevao can keep his place on the right, where he tore Barça to bits last week.

However, if Enzo only wants to make one personnel change to the side to keep up momentum, he could be extra brave and bring one of Cobham’s most exciting youngsters into the side: Reggie Walsh.

The 17-year-old star in the making is someone who could slot in next to James in the midfield and, especially against a poor Leeds United, earn some brilliant experience.

It would certainly be a bold move, but even though he’s so young, the academy gem is seen as “truly ridiculous” talent, per Como scout Felix Johnston, and has already made four appearances for the senior side.

Yet, with all that said, there is a far more realistic and sensible option Maresca could go for.

Chelsea's ideal solution to Caicedo's red card

With Dario Essugo unlikely to be fit enough to play a significant role over the next three games, Maresca should turn to Andrey Santos to cover for Caicedo.

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The 21-year-old is still most certainly a little raw and clearly not the finished article, but there are a few reasons why he would be the perfect solution to the Blues’ problem.

The first is that with him being comfortable playing in central and defensive midfield, he could form a fluid partnership with James and Fernandez.

In other words, the three of them could rotate in and out of positions in the middle of the park, making life difficult for opposition defenders and attackers.

The second reason is that, thanks to his comfort in a variety of positions, he has developed a skill set that makes him effective in attack and, in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig, a duel-winning “one-man war machine in midfield.”

For example, despite only playing 655 minutes across nine appearances this season, he has already produced four goal involvements.

His underlying numbers are also sensational.

Tackles Won

2.09

Top 3%

Tkl+Int

4.26

Top 7%

Goals + Assists

0.39

Top 8%

Pass Completion % (Long)

77.3%

Top 8%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.20

Top 9%

Goals/Shot

0.14

Top 15%

Clearances

2.33

Top 16%

Pass Completion %

88.3%

Top 17%

Fouls Drawn

1.74

Top 17%

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles won, the top 8% for goals plus assists, the 13% for dribblers tackled and more, all per 90.

Finally, given his brilliant box-to-box skill set, he would add some more dynamism and explosiveness to the middle of the park, which, against teams like Leeds, could make the Blues impossible to live with.

Ultimately, while nobody in the Chelsea squad can replace Caicedo in a like-for-like capacity, Santos could bring something else to the side and keep the quality level high.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 30, 2025

Manchester United have been known to make numerous big-money additions over the years, but many of which have fallen way below the levels expected of them by the fanbase.

Antony has arguably been their biggest disaster during the last five years, with the Brazilian unable to match the pressures brought by his £86m transfer fee.

The 25-year-old was able to rack up a total of 96 appearances for the Red Devils over a two-and-a-half-year period, only scoring on 12 occasions – with only five of which coming in the Premier League.

As a result of his lack of impact at Old Trafford, he was subsequently shipped off to Real Betis for just £21m last summer – resulting in the hierarchy taking a £65m loss on his signature.

However, it appears as though INEOS have failed to learn from previous mistakes in the market, as seen by their big-money transfer to land one player during the summer window.

How Benjamin Sesko compares to other PL strikers in 2025/26

After a dismal 2024/25, Ruben Amorim’s men were handed a significant chance of redemption this campaign after the hierarchy handed the manager £200m worth of funds to utilise in the market.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha were just two of the additions made by the hierarchy in an attempt to bolster the options available in the final third of the pitch.

Both have made an immediate impact to life at Old Trafford, already scoring a combined six goals between them – subsequently sitting in seventh place going into the third international break of the season.

The former of the duo even won the division’s Player of the Month award, further showcasing how impressive he’s been since his own big-money switch to join the Red Devils.

However, Benjamin Sesko has struggled to match the pair in such an aspect, with the Slovenian international unable to produce the goods as yet after his £74m switch from RB Leipzig.

The 22-year-old was tasked with the responsibility of spearheading the frontline, but his tally of just two goals in his 11 league appearances showcases his inability to impress in England’s top-flight.

He’s only managed to complete 64% of the passes he’s attempted to date, with such a tally ranking him within the bottom 10% of all players in the division at present.

Sesko’s lack of passing ability has often restricted Amorim’s side from reaching the next level, often struggling to provide the focal point and target man they have craved.

Other figures, such as 0.2 successful dribbles per 90 and 3.6 touches in the opposition box per 90, further demonstrate his lack of positive impact in attacking areas – undoubtedly contributing to his measly goal tally.

Both tallies rank him in the 25th percentile of other attackers in the division, meaning 75% of players in the same position have produced better numbers in the same department.

Forget Sesko: This is INEOS' biggest waste of money

United’s inability to land any top-level attackers has been apparent over the last couple of seasons, with Amorim unable to get the best out of the options at his disposal in 2024/25.

Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund were the two centre-forwards on the books prior to the 40-year-old’s arrival, but neither failed to nail down the number nine position as their own.

The latter of the duo subsequently left during the recent transfer window to make room for the big-money addition of Sesko – but it appears that he could also suffer the same fate.

At just 22, he has plenty of time of turnaround his fortunes around at the Theatre of Dreams, but he will certainly need to find some form amid his recent lack of impact.

However, he’s not alone in struggling at present, with midfielder Manuel Ugarte another player who could be on borrowed time after his own disappointing spell in England.

The Uruguayan joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2024 from PSG for a reported £42m, but such a transfer now looks to be one of INEOS’ worst signings in recent years.

His transfer generated huge excitement within the fanbase, but he’s failed to deliver, as seen by his recent drop down Amorim’s pecking order in 2025/26.

Ugarte now finds himself behind 33-year-old Casemiro in the United squad, with the former PSG star often an unreliable figure and unable to produce the goods when called upon.

His latest showing off the bench against Spurs highlights his recent decline at Old Trafford, as the side conceded two goals after being brought on to replace the aforementioned Brazilian.

The 24-year-old’s underlying stats from this season further showcase his dismal performances in and out of possession, with his pass accuracy of 84% – which ranks him in the 33rd percentile of midfielders in the league.

Ugarte has also created just 0.3 chances per 90 and achieved an expected assist tally of just 0.01 per 90 – the lowest in the United squad.

On that evidence, it was no surprise that one United content creator suggested that he looked “so anxious” on the ball and was “frightened to death of passing forwards”.

Games played

9

Minutes played

301

Chances created

0.3

Expected assists

0.01

Interceptions made

0.7

Tackles made

2.1

Pass accuracy

84%

Dribbled past

1.4

The latter of his two aforementioned stats also ranks him in the 5th percentile of any midfielder in the Premier League – showcasing his lack of skill in possession.

However, he was mainly brought to the club for his ability to break up the play, but that part of his game has also been satisfactory at best over the last few months.

Ugarte has only made 0.7 interceptions per 90 and has only completed 2.1 tackles per game – which further highlights the decline he’s enduring since Amorim’s arrival.

There’s little disputing that Sesko has struggled to make an impact of late, but it’s to be expected from such a young talent who has made a leap of faith to further his career in a completely new country.

As for Ugarte, he’s already had over a year to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, but ultimately, it’s evident that he’s no longer a player who should be a key member of the first-team squad.

£50m for his signature has been nothing short of a waste of money, with INEOS desperately needing to remember such a deal during the upcoming January window.

Perfect for Sesko: Man Utd open talks to sign £100m star in club-record move

Manchester United are set to make a mammoth offer for one talent in the January transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 11, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have decided who will take charge of their next Premier League match as they continue searching for a new manager.

Across the second half of last season, following his appointment in December, Vitor Pereira guided Wolves well away from any danger of relegation through a strong run of form. Across the summer, though, the club lost a number of key players, such as Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo.

Having not replaced them with players of a similar quality, Wolves have endured a poor start to the 2025/26 campaign. They are without a win after 10 matches in the Premier League, a run that has seen Pereira be sacked from his post, despite signing a new contract just weeks ago.

Wolves are continuing their search for a new manager. Gary O’Neil, who Pereira replaced at Molineux, was linked with what would have been a stunning return to the club. Ultimately, the 42-year-old withdrew from the running. It would appear that, as per recent reports, the appointment will come after their game against Chelsea.

Interim bosses announced as three managers deemed 'unlikely'

As per Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports, James Collins and Richard Walker, bosses within the club’s youth set-up, will take charge of Wolves when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The club are, reportedly, “short of a clear first-choice candidate”.

Wolves have been linked with Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards, who spent time at the club during his playing career. There too have been suggestions that Wolves were interested in Erik ten Hag. No stranger to the Premier League following his time at Manchester United, the Dutchman was sacked after just three games in charge of Bayer Leverkusen earlier this season.

Another manager that has been linked with the Wolves job is Rui Vitoria, formerly of Benfica, who last worked with Panathinaikos. As per Thomas, however, all of these options are considered “unlikely” options for Wolves.

Though it has been a turgid start for the Midlands side, there is still enough time in the season for them to salvage their position. It remains to be seen, however, which manager they choose to try and lift them out of the bottom three.

Wolves chairman receives reply from manager candidate