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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces a huge task ahead of him in the 2025/26 campaign, potentially coming under serious pressure should he fail to win a trophy.

The Spaniard has now been in the role at the Emirates for five and a half years, with his only trophy coming in the FA Cup back in his first season at the helm.

In the Premier League, the Gunners have finished as runners-up in each of the last three seasons, being unable to make that final step and end the two-decade wait for a league triumph.

Investment is needed from the hierarchy during the off-season if they are to finish at the top of the table next time around, handing the manager the tools he needs for success.

With the transfer window now in full swing, countless names have been mentioned as options for Arteta, leading to moves being made on various deals.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer

A striker has been firmly on their radar over recent weeks, leading to talks being held with the representatives of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, but no agreement has yet been reached.

Moves have also been made to sign PSG wonderkid Warren Zaire-Emery, looking to take advantage of his situation in France which has seen him losing his starting place in Luis Enrique’s side.

However, they may look past a deal for the teenager, given the progress that has been made to sign Sevilla star Lucien Agoume, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Gunners are leading the race for his signature, with fellow English sides Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also firmly in the race for his signature.

It also states that the 23-year-old is available for a fee in the region of £20m this summer, potentially forming an excellent partnership with one other talent in North London.

Why Arsenal’s £20m target would be perfect alongside Zubimendi

Over recent months, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been the name on all supporters’ lips after he’s been consistently linked with a move to Arsenal.

It was confirmed back in January that a deal had been agreed to land the 26-year-old this summer, but such a move has been quiet over the last couple of weeks.

That was until Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a deal is imminent with the midfielder still set to make the move to the Emirates despite interest from Real Madrid.

It’s been reported that the hierarchy are set to pay just over his €60m release clause in his contract, securing the deep-lying option Arteta has been crying out for.

However, he could thrive alongside Agoume in North London next season, with the Frenchman having all the tools to star in the middle of the park and giving the Gunners a new dimension.

Agoume, who’s been labelled “one of the most talented defensive midfielders” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed 83% of passes and achieved a dribble success rate of 76% – subsequently able to drive forward after Zubimendi regains possession for the side.

He’s also created 1.2 chances per 90, showcasing his ability his progress the play and aiding the attackers in front of him to thrive and bolster their title credentials.

Games played

35

Goals & assists

4

Passes completed

83%

Dribbles success

76%

Chances created

1.2

Tackles won

1.4

Interceptions made

1.7

The 23-year-old’s talents continue without the ball, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and making 1.7 interceptions per 90, handing Arteta an added ball-winning option alongside Zubimendi and taking some of the pressure off his shoulders as a result.

£20m in today’s market would be a superb piece of business by the hierarchy, landing a young player who could improve massively in the years ahead given his tender age.

The prospect of a partnership between Agoume and the Spaniard at the heart of the side is certainly an exciting one, handing Arteta the strength and depth he needs to push for the title in 2025/26.

He's the next Timber: Arsenal submit offer to sign "insane" £43m star

After Jurriën Timber proved to be such a revelation this season, could Arsenal return to the Eredivisie to sign an “insane” defender worth £43m?

ByBen Gray Jun 21, 2025

Chelsea have made a winning start to their Club World Cup campaign.

On Monday night, Enzo Maresca’s team easily swatted aside MLS outfit Los Angeles FC 2-0 in Atlanta, with Pedro Neto breaking the deadlock on the cusp of half time, before Enzo Fernández, teed up by debutant Liam Delap, made the points secure.

The major talking point was all the empty seats at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with around 22,000 in attendance, but this is not a good look in a venue that holds up to 75,000; for context, Atlanta United average around 45,000 in Major League Soccer this season.

Nevertheless, Maresca won’t care about that one jot, as his team prepare to take on Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, after the Brazilian outfit were also 2-0 winners on Monday, beating Espérance Sportive de Tunis in Philadelphia.

Back at home, Chelsea continue to be busy in the transfer market, so are they about to land yet another wide-forward?

Chelsea's search for a new winger

Signing new forwards is clearly the order of the day for BlueCo this summer with Delap already in the door and Hugo Ekitike also touted with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Now, the Blues have another target in mind according to the latest reports.

As per David Ornstein of the Athletic, Chelsea ‘have made a verbal enquiry’ as they seek to sign Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana.

Meantime, French outlet L’Equipe add that Lyon value the forward at around £50m.

Transfer Focus

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

The 20-year-old began his senior career at Gent, before joining les Gones for a reported fee of £14.5m in January 2024, making 62 appearances for Lyon to date, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “magnificent winger prospect”, so could he be set to swap France for West London?

Why Chelsea should sign Malick Fofana not Jamie Gittens

After deciding not to make Jadon Sancho’s loan from Manchester United permanent, paying a £5m penalty fee as a result, Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian reports that Chelsea are ‘prioritising’ signing a right-footed left-winger this summer.

Well, BBC Sport claimed last week that the Blues had seen a £42m rejected by Borussia Dortmund for 20-year-old Englishman Jamie Gittens, who they claim has already agreed personal terms.

But now, are the Blues turning their attention to Fofana, and who is actually the bigger prospect? Let’s find out.

Appearances

41

48

Minutes

2,280

2,790

Goals

11

12

Assists

6

5

Goals – xG

+5

+6.7

Expected assists

4.4

3.5

Shots on target %

54%

40.3%

Progressive carries

157

161

Attempted take-ons

83

232

Take-on success %

39.8%

44.8%

Shot-creating actions per 90

3.43

3.57

Goal-creating actions per 90

0.61

0.45

Average SofaScore rating

7.24

7.05

As the table outlines, Gittens is much more of a prolific dribbler; in fact, across Europe’s top five leagues, only six players attempted more take-ons, according to FBref.com.

However, Fofana is a significantly more of a direct goal-threat, underlined by the fact he registered more assists and a higher amount of expected assists, as well as goal-creating actions per 90 and a better shots on target percentage.

​​​​​​​

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes the Belgian international possesses “enormous potential” and has a “big future ahead”, while Brandon Liss of Total Football Analysis outlines how Fofana likes to hold width on the left side, tasked with taking on opposition full-backs, “working tirelessly” and demonstrating “excellent work rate”.

Meantime, Astorre Cerebróne of Breaking the Lines asserts that Fofana ‘has huge potential’, describing him as an ‘explosive winger​​​​​​​’ who ‘combines well with teammates’ and is a threat in front of goal.

Lyon are currently under pressure to sell and fast because they have been provisionally relegated to Ligue 2 due to financial irregularities, a situation that remains up in the air.

Thus, if Chelsea are able to take advantage of Lyon’s predicament and get a deal done, Fofana is unquestionably a top-class talent.

Maresca must sign an upgrade on 5/10 Chelsea dud who lost the ball 10 times

Chelsea beat LAFC 2-0 in their first game of the Club World Cup.

3 ByKelan Sarson Jun 17, 2025

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now in the final month of his contract, although it remains to be seen whether he will stay with the club.

The striker has been with the Toffees since 2016, and if his near-ten-year association with the club was to end this summer, David Moyes will have big shoes to fill.

By all accounts, he endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign and, judging by that form, he might not be too much of a miss.

Why Dominic Calvert-Lewin must leave Everton

The centre-forward reportedly has other Premier League clubs showing interest in him, Newcastle among them.

Last season was a major struggle for the Englishman. Across 26 league matches last term, Calvert-Lewin scored just three goals and grabbed two assists.

He finished the season with an 8% goal conversion rate, while missing 16 big chances, averaging just 0.8 shots on target per game and creating one big chance.

In this form, moving on his massive £120k-per-week wages would surely give Moyes plenty of room for manoeuvre in the transfer window.

2024/25

26

3

2

2023/24

38

8

3

2022/23

18

2

1

2021/22

18

5

2

2020/21

39

21

3

2019/20

41

15

1

2018/19

38

8

3

2017/18

44

8

5

2016/17

11

1

0

If so, the Scot would be looking to bring in a striker or two to replace the 27-year-old ahead of next season.

It appears as though the Merseyside outfit have enquired about the availability of a player who has attracted plenty of attention…

Everton looking at Calvert-Lewin replacements

Recent reports have suggested that Everton are looking at Villarreal striker Thierno Barry with an approach having been made to sign him last week. If a deal cannot be done there, who’s the alternative?

Transfer Focus

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

Well, according to the Mirror, Everton have made an enquiry regarding striker Adama Bojang, although West Ham United and Brentford are also keen on the youngster.

The Gambia starlet played for Swiss side Grasshoppers on loan last term and could be available for as little as £11m this summer.

Given his potential and room for development, this could be a shrewd move by Moyes, no doubt about that. But, might Bojang emerge as an ideal replacement for Calvert-Lewin?

The 21-year-old certainly impressed for Grasshoppers last term. Across 26 league games, he found the back of the net on six occasions, while registering two assists in the process.

Like Calvert-Lewin, he was hardly prolific, but a young fresh face could be precisely the direction Moyes needs to head in. After all, he’s already been hailed as the “Gambian hurricane” and also lauded as an “insane talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango. So, Adama’s future looks incredibly bright.

He scored once every 212 minutes in the Swiss Super League last term, while finishing the season with a 15% goal conversion percentage, far better than Calvert-Lewin’s.

The striker also created five big chances for his teammates, missed just eight big chances and succeeded with 0.5 dribbles per game.

Raw, certainly, but it is evident that he has the tools required to make an impact in a big five European league.

£11m is a drop in the ocean for a club the size of Everton, and by signing Bojang, they will be getting a player who could see their value increase in a short space of time.

He might take a while to adjust to life in the Premier League, but as seen by his statistics last term, he performed better than Calvert-Lewin across several metrics. It is surely a no-brainer for Moyes.

Everton now eyeing £38m ace who Haaland thinks is "incredibly talented"

He’s impressed the Man City star.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 14, 2025

Leeds United have now joined the race to sign a “spectacular” goalkeeper, having missed out on Caoimhin Kelleher, according to a report.

Leeds looking to sign new GK amid Meslier concerns

Some of Meslier’s performances in the 2024-25 campaign were cause for major concern, with the Frenchman making a number of key errors, which could’ve been costly in Leeds’ push for promotion, although they were ultimately able to get over the line.

Perhaps most memorably, the 25-year-old made a huge blunder to gift Sunderland a late equaliser at the Stadium of Light back in October, while there were also suggestions his time at Elland Road could be over after being dropped for Karl Darlow in April.

Daniel Farke ultimately opted to give Darlow the nod in goal for the remainder of the campaign, highlighting a lack of trust in Meslier, and with the Whites going on to achieve promotion, they have set out to sign a long-term replacement between the sticks.

A report from Leeds United News has revealed that a new target has entered the frame, namely Santos goalkeeper Brazao, with Farke’s side now making efforts to try and sign the Brazilian shot-stopper.

The 24-year-old only returned to his home country in 2024, leaving Inter Milan, but he could now be set for a return to Europe, although Leeds are not the only English club in the race for his signature.

Indeed, Chelsea have also set their sights on the goalkeeper, with the Blues expected to make a formal offer for his services in the near future, which could pose a problem for the Championship winners.

Leeds now "one to watch" in race for "outstanding" £25m Premier League ace

The Whites are in the running for a midfielder, who has a plethora of Premier League experience.

ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025 "Spectacular" Brazao could be Meslier upgrade

Once lauded as “spectacular” by former coach Carlos Amadeu, the Santos shot-stopper has put in some impressive performances since returning to his home country, keeping 21 clean sheets in 57 matches.

Not only that, but there are signs the former Inter Milan man could be an upgrade on Meslier, having maintained a better save percentage per 90 than the former Lorient man over the past year.

At the start of April, it was revealed the Leeds goalkeeper had single-handedly cost his side 10 points, which could’ve been extremely damaging in their quest for promotion, and he simply cannot be trusted in the Premier League.

Farke’s side may have gotten away with slipping up in the Championship, but with the Whites looking to avoid relegation next season, every single point will be valuable.

As such, Brazao could be an upgrade on Meslier, having impressed for Santos in recent times, but there may be some concerns over the fact he is unproven in a major European league, and Leeds will undoubtedly be disappointed to have missed out on Brentford-bound Kelleher.

What was set to go down as Tottenham Hotspur’s worst season in a generation just a few days ago will now go down in history for all the right reasons.

Ange Postecoglou’s side might still have seriously underperformed in the Premier League, but nobody is going to remember that following their Europa League heroics on Wednesday night.

The North Londoners might not have been at their free-flowing best against Manchester United, but they were stubborn, hard to break down and came out with a European title as the reward.

Two of the best players on the night were Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, and yet, Spurs might already have found themselves an even bigger talent.

Van de Ven & Romero's heroric showing

One can only wonder how Spurs’ season would have turned out had Van de Ven and Romero been fit for more of it, as against the Red Devils, they were both sensational.

The former didn’t even have to rely on his breakneck speed too much, as he was consistently in the right place at the right time, so much so that he was able to clear Rasmus Hojlund’s header off the line midway through the second half.

Likewise, Romero was a rock at the back, making ten clearances, blocking one shot and making another tackle for good measure.

Moreover, while he committed one foul and found himself winding up Harry Maguire at almost every opportunity, the usually hot-headed World Cup winner kept himself on the referee’s right side and fully deserved his Man of the Match award.

It’s almost impossible to overstate just how important both defenders are to Postecoglou’s system, as when he does instruct his team to play a high line, it’s the Flying Dutchman’s rapid pace that ensures they aren’t caught on the counter too easily.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Moreover, as the team isn’t regarded as being particularly tough, it helps to have the former Juventus ace in the backline, instructing his teammates and giving 100% in every challenge.

Yet, as utterly brilliant as both Romero and Van de Ven are, it looks like Spurs might have already found another young defender who could be an even bigger talent than both.

Spurs' incredibly exciting talent

It would be fair to say that, for everything that has gone wrong this season, Spurs have a number of really exciting youngsters in their ranks, like Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, and Mikey Moore.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

There will likely be another name added to that list for next season: Luka Vušković.

The Croatian teenager was signed by the Lilywhites back in September 2013 but has spent the last year and a half on loan with Radomiak for the latter half of the 23/24 season and then Belgian outfit KVC Westerloo for this season.

Described as a “freak talent” with a “scary ceiling” by respected data analyst Ben Mattinson, the 18-year-old has been nothing short of spectacular in Belgium this year.

It might sound hyperbolic, but it’s really not, as in just 35 appearances, the “monster of a CB,” as dubbed by Mattinson, has managed to score seven goals and provide three assists, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.5 games.

Appearances

35

Clean Sheets

5

Goals

7

Assists

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.28

On top of being a huge attacking threat, the 6 foot 5 titan is no slouch when it comes to the defensive side of the game either.

According to FOTmob, he sits in the top 7.7% of centre-backs in the league for aerial duels won and blocks, the top 8.8% for ball recoveries, and the top 23.1% for overall duels won – which is undeniably outstanding for someone so young.

Ultimately, while it’s still incredibly early in his career, Vušković looks destined to reach the top of the game, and based on his already rapid development, he looks like a bigger talent than Van de Ven and Romero.

Spurs star just showed why he will leave with a bigger legacy than Bale

The Spurs icon is now a legend.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 22, 2025

A third FA Cup victory in six years for Manchester City might not make up for a dismal 2024/25 campaign, but it could plant the seed for rejuvenation under Pep Guardiola next term.

Losing Rodri so early on in the season proved to be the catalyst for the club’s worst run of form since the Spaniard took over in the summer of 2016.

This ensured none of the big prizes would be heading to the Etihad. But it wasn’t just losing Rodri that impacted the club. As a group, the team underperformed as the most successful era in the club’s history drew to a close.

Phil Foden has gone from 40 goal contributions last season to registering just 16 throughout 2024/25 in what has been a steady decline.

Elsewhere, Jack Grealish has also been poor, recording only eight goal contributions all season, while even Kevin De Bruyne hasn’t quite been his influential self as he shows signs of slowing down.

One of the biggest disappointments was Erling Haaland. The Norwegian had scored 52 and 38 goals across his first two seasons at the club, but has failed to hit those sorts of numbers this term.

Why Erling Haaland has struggled for Man City this season

The striker certainly began the campaign with a bang. Across his first five Premier League games, Haaland netted an impressive tally of ten goals.

This included back-to-back hat tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United. At this point, it appeared as though no one was going to prevent him, or City, from powering to another top-flight title.

Between the start of October and the end of 2024, however, Haaland managed to find the back of the net just three times. Even though his form picked up between January and March, an ankle injury sidelined him for a few games, and he hasn’t scored since March 30.

To put it into context how much of a drop-off the forward has endured this term, he has averaged a goal every 123 minutes in the Premier League this season, compared to every 95 minutes last year.

Metric

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

37

27

21

Goal conversion percentage

29%

22%

20%

Shots per game

3.5

3.9

3.6

Goal frequency (minutes)

77

95

123

Assists

8

5

3

Via Sofascore

Furthermore, Haaland’s goal conversion rate has dropped from 22% to 20% while he is averaging fewer shots per game (3.9 vs 3.6). These statistics might not indicate a serious drop-off, but considering he is about to end the season with his worst goal tally at a club since the 2021/22 season, there is a problem.

With Guardiola keen on bolstering his squad this summer, it looks as though he is eyeing a move for one of the finest wingers in Europe.

Could his potential arrival revive Haaland next season?

Man City eye move for Real Madrid superstar

City’s main transfer target this summer appears to be Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. His agents apparently flew to England recently, but it is unclear whether they spoke to City about a move when the window opens.

It would be a major coup if they could secure his signature, but is another one of Europe’s finest being earmarked for a move to the Etihad?

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, City have contacted Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo in the hopes of bringing him to England.

The Brazilian will likely wait until Madrid have appointed a new manager following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to take over as the Brazil manager.

The right offer could certainly tempt the La Liga giants into a sale, with a price tag set at around the €100m (£85m) mark, then the winger could be on the move.

Much will depend on how much Guardiola is willing to spend on the player, especially if he is successful in a deal to sign Wirtz, but City are lining up a swoop for the Brazil international.

Rodrygo on the right flank could certainly provide some much-needed attacking dynamism to the first-team, and he would work wonders for Haaland.

Why City should sign Rodrygo

Across 267 games for Madrid, the 24-year-old has registered 118 goal contributions – 68 goals and 50 assists in all competitions.

These goal involvements have helped the club win two La Liga crowns and two Champions League titles, but it looks as though his time in the Spanish capital might be coming to an end.

Capable of scoring goals in the biggest and most important games, he was hailed by journalist Dougie Critchley as being a “big game player” and this is someone Guardiola would surely love to have at his disposal next term.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues, the Brazilian ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes, progressive carries, touches in the opposition penalty area, and progressive passes received per 90.

Additionally, he also ranks in the top 9% for assists and top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90 across the previous 365 days.

These qualities could be a dream for the Norwegian sensation. With Rodrygo getting into dangerous positions so often, especially in the attacking penalty area, Haaland would be the one to benefit, being offered countless chances in front of goal.

In La Liga this season, the Madrid winger has created five big chances while averaging 1.6 key passes per game. Add in the fact he succeeds with 1.6 dribbles – a success rate of 52% – per game, and it is clear to see exactly what he could offer to City from this summer onwards.

He and Haaland would make for a dream partnership that Guardiola would hope not only gives the club a chance at reclaiming back the Premier League title, but also for another chance of winning the Champions League.

A lot of factors will have to work in City’s favour for a move to go ahead, but as the Spaniard knows, he cannot afford for his team to perform so poorly throughout 2025/26.

With Rodri set to return from injury soon, plus new signings like Nico Gonzalez and Omar Marmoush settling in nicely, City have the tools ready to begin a brand-new era at the Etihad.

Adding Rodrygo would be the icing on the cake.

Perfect Reijnders alternative: Man City preparing bid for "magic" £60m star

Man City could well be ready to step up their interest in an alternative to Tijjani Reijnders

ByJoe Nuttall May 14, 2025

Rangers are reportedly likely to sell an “excellent” midfielder permanently at the end of the season, as a billionaire-owned club eye a summer move for him.

Rangers still searching for solution in the dugout

The Gers are still looking to nail their next manager ahead of next season, with Barry Ferguson in interim charge until the end of the current campaign. Former Borussia Dortmund boss Marco Rose is a name who has been mentioned as a possible option, with the 48-year-old most recently in charge of RB Leipzig until earlier this year. He is a two-time Austrian league champion, as well as winning one German Cup and German Super Cup apiece.

Steven Gerrard has been seen as a front-runner for the Rangers job this summer, assuming Ferguson isn’t retained, having guided the Gers to the Scottish Premiership title back in 2020/21. He knows the club well, which could be a bonus, and he may feel he has unfinished business there.

In terms of potential signings this summer, young Hearts striker James Wilson has been linked with a summer switch to Ibrox, with the 18-year-old a player with a bright future in the game. Now, a Rangers exit update has emerged, with one player’s time at the club possibly nearing its conclusion.

"Excellent" Rangers player likely to leave for good this summer

According to a new update from The Daily Record, Rangers midfielder Kieran Dowell is likely to leave the club once and for all this summer, with Birmingham City keen on signing him on a permanent basis. The 27-year-old is currently on loan at the League One side, who are owned by billionaire Tom Wagner, helping them cruise to the title this season, and it now looks like his stay there could be a long-term one.

This does feel like the right time for Rangers to sell the £16,000-a-week Dowell, considering he was loaned out to Birmingham because he wasn’t considered a key part of the club’s plans. The Englishman is out of contract at Ibrox at the end of next season, meaning this summer is the last chance to get a good fee for him, rather than losing him on a free transfer in 2026.

Dowell has done well at Birmingham, scoring five goals and registering four assists in League One this season, and Blues manager Chris Davies has heaped praise on him.

“You can see that from the outside but what you don’t see is what the character is like. Does he work hard? Does he take information on? Whether he is a team player. You only get to see that when you work with someone and he is all that – he works for the team, runs, covers a lot of distance, very diligent. I have given him four, five defensive jobs – everyone he has been switched on to. For me, that is excellent because these are the type of players I want in the team.”

Rangers can revive Tavernier by hiring manager who's "a level above Gerrard"

As the 49ers continue their search to find a new Rangers manager, they should hire “one of the most promising coaches in world football”.

ByBen Gray May 2, 2025

A move to Birmingham feels like the perfect outcome for the League One side, Rangers and Dowell himself, and it will hopefully be sorted by the time next season gets underway.

While they look set to finish second in the Premier League for the third season on the bounce, Arsenal can at least take solace in the fact that they’ve got one of the very best wingers in the competition in Bukayo Saka.

Despite missing almost four months of football following his hamstring injury against Crystal Palace in December, the Hale End superstar has still racked up a sensational tally of six goals and 11 assists in 21 league games this term and a total of 25 goal involvements in 31 games across all competitions.

It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to describe the Englishman as the club’s best player, and when it comes to the league overall, some might place just Mohamed Salah ahead of him when it comes to wingers, as, after all, the Egyptian King has amassed a haul of 56 goal involvements in 48 games this year.

Appearances

31

48

Minutes

2162′

4141′

Goals

11

33

Assists

14

23

Goal Involvements per Match

0.71

1.16

Minutes per Goal Involvement

86.48′

73.94′

So, fans should be incredibly excited about recent reports that have linked the club with an international star who’s won comparisons to both Saka and Salah this season.

Arsenal's plan to sign a new winger

With Arsenal scoring 17 goals fewer than Liverpool so far in the league this year, it’s no secret that the area of the team most in need of improving is the attack, so links to players such as Nico Williams have hardly been surprising.

The Spanish international has a release clause worth around £50m in his current contract with Athletic Bilbao, and considering he’s still just 22 years old and has already racked up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in just 43 appearances this year, that could prove to be good value.

A more experienced and potentially even more exciting attacker the Gunners are reportedly keen to sign this summer is Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swedish international could join the North Londoners for around £69m, which may well be a bargain price, as in just 48 appearances this term, he has scored 52 goals and provided 12 assists.

However, given his playstyle and position, he’s understandably not won comparisons to Saka or Salah, unlike Ademola Lookman.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides incredibly keen on the Nigerian superstar.

In fact, alongside the Gunners, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United plan to talk with the player’s representatives, while Barcelona and Juventus have already made contact.

Unfortunately, the incredible level of competition is not the only potential barrier Arsenal will have to contend with, as Atalanta reportedly value their star at up to €65m, which is about £55m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Lookman has had a “monster year” in the words of broadcaster Maximiliano Bretos and was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2024, it’s one that would be worth fighting for.

How Lookman compares to Saka & Salah

Before we look at some of the other reasons Arsenal may want to sign Lookman, it’s worth examining these comparisons to Saka and Salah and where they come from.

In this case, both comparisons stem from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before creating a list of the ten most comparable players.

By doing this, it has been concluded that the Englishman is the second most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Nigerian, and the Egyptian comes in as the sixth most similar.

Shots

3.27

3.34

3.32

Shots on Target

1.33

1.18

1.40

Goals per Shot on Target

0.40

0.26

0.40

Non-Penalty xG per Shot

0.12

0.09

0.15

Passing Accuracy

72.8%

75.1%

71.3%

Live Passes

33.6

34.0

33.1

Carries

33.7

33

31.2

The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the trio rank, including but not limited to shots and shots on target, goals per shot on target, carries, passing accuracy, live passes and more, all per 90.

However, it’s not just his statistical similarities to the two Premier League stars that make the former Everton ace such an appealing target, as on top of his positional versatility, he’s an output machine.

For example, in just 37 appearances this season, totalling 2658 minutes, the “super” attacker, as dubbed by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists.

That means he is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.48 games or every 106.32 minutes, which is the sort of output that could help the North Londoners close the gap on Liverpool next year.

Ultimately, while it could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Lookman, as he could be a real difference-maker at the Emirates.

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Arsenal are on the hunt to bolster their forward line this summer.

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Millwall have emerged as a late contender to snatch a Championship playoff slot and could now strike in the summer window to secure a talented youngster.

Millwall's late bid for promotion to the Premier League

Four victories in the last six under Alex Neil have put Millwall five points behind sixth in the race for a playoff berth, giving the Lions an outside chance of stumping their rivals for a shot at promotion to the Premier League.

Admittedly, they will need to string together a near impeccable run of results to pull off such a feat, beginning with their clash against Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon. Holding previous experience of winning promotion with Sunderland and Norwich, you wouldn’t bet against Neil doing the trick again should his side manage to upset the odds over the next few weeks.

Casper De Norre has urged fans to get behind Millwall’s late bid to reach the top six, stating ahead of their clash against Boro: “It is going to be very important to have the support. It is a huge game.

“Now you need that extra fire from the fans – that extra support – to give you that five per cent extra or to help make that one final sprint to block a ball or try to score a goal.”

Millwall’s Championship run-in

Middlesbrough (H)

The Den

Blackburn Rovers (A)

Ewood Park

Norwich City (H)

The Den

Swansea City (H)

The Den

Burnley (A)

Turf Moor

Regardless, the Londoners appear to be active ahead of the summer window. The Lions are reportedly keen on Cheltenham Town winger Jordan Thomas after identifying the 23-year-old as a replacement for Romain Esse, who is now on the books at Crystal Palace.

Now, they also have a free deal in their sights alongside one of their Championship rivals, according to recent developments.

Millwall leading race to sign Charlton star Thierry Small

According to Football Insider, Millwall are leading the race to sign Thierry Small from Charlton, making an approach to register their interest in the 20-year-old’s services for when his contract expires this summer.

Preston are interested as well, and the Addicks have also offered a new contract to the defender, who has notched two goals and five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions this season.

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Potentially available on a free transfer this summer, former Everton man Small is predominantly a left-back, though he has also featured on the right flank under Nathan Jones. Labelled a “fantastic guy” by Ralph Hasenhuttl, he has also spent time out on loan at Scottish Premiership side St Mirren and Port Vale, building his portfolio of first-team experience.

Now, it remains to be seen if Millwall can see off competition from Preston to land his signature. Securing promotion would give them a major advantage over any rival suitors, offering Small a chance to ply his trade in the top-flight as he continues to develop.

Either way, supporters can take encouragement from the fact that transfer cogs appear to be turning in South London ahead of the summer.

Manchester City have reportedly made contact to sign a £50m star who has been compared to both Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan.

Man City latest as Pep suffers Haaland injury blow

Those behind the scenes at the Etihad appear to have one eye on the summer transfer window, however, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to salvage their season by winning the FA Cup.

City came from behind to beat Bournemouth on Sunday to set up a semi-final with Nottingham Forest after goals from Omar Marmoush and Erling Haaland.

However, Man City were dealt an injury setback regarding Haaland, who is now set to be out for seven weeks with an ankle problem.

Talking on Haaland’s injury, Guardiola said: “Sometimes there are years that these things happen – it’s happened all season. It could have been different if it was the end of the season [before the Club World Cup]. With all the injuries we have this season, I’m sorry for them and for Erling as well. Hopefully the recovery is as speedy as possible and he can come back.

“We don’t have another player with his skills or specific qualities, but we have to adapt. For many years, we played with different ways up front. It depends on the quality of the players. We are going to try and find a solution.”

Viana's a fan: Man City battling to sign "unbeatable" 6'8 star worth £17m

He could replace Ederson.

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Ahead of the summer, midfield could be where Guardiola and co conduct an overhaul, with the likes for Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne and Gundogan could be on the move. Now, it looks as if the club have made their first moves for a key target.

Man City make contact for £50m AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders

According to TEAMtalk, Man City have made an enquiry to sign Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan. The Sky Blues have made contact ‘to understand the conditions of a potential deal’, with reports prior claiming the AC Milan midfielder is valued at £50m and is City’s top target.

The 26-year-old has been starring for AC Milan this season, scoring 13 goals and registering four assists in more than 40 games.

Martin Odegaard

Arsenal

Phil Foden

Man City

Julian Brandt

Borussia Dortmund

Ilkay Gundogan

Man City

James Maddison

Tottenham

As can be seen, he has been compared to Foden, and Gundogan among others and can play as a defensive central or attacking midfielder.

Iconic midfielder, Frank Rijkaard has also been impressed with what he’s seen from Reijnders, saying: “I hope that Reijnders becomes one of the best midfielders in the world, but I sincerely believe he’s already on the right path. I really like his style of play.

“As time goes on, he’s becoming increasingly important for Milan. He can cover all roles in the midfield and shows his generosity: he never holds back from a run for the team and always gives his best.

“With the quality he has, he’s excellent at creating dangerous chances for his teammates and setting up the play well.”