da heads bet： It would be hard to deny that this season was a disappointment for Arsenal.

da dobrowin： Mikel Arteta’s side may have done well in the Champions League and finished second in the Premier League, but the club’s ambition was to win a significant honour, which they failed to do.

There were a number of players who failed to deliver, with Gabriel Martinelli being one of the attackers who really flattered to deceive.

Interestingly, the Brazilian’s inability to get back to the levels he showed in 22/23 might have cost him his place in the team, as recent reports have linked the club with an exciting youngster who could be an ideal upgrade.

Arsenal's chase for a new winger

Much of the chatter this summer has been about Arsenal’s need for a new winger.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Fortunately, they have several players on their radar, albeit that have yet to formally make a move for any of their targets.

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been one name linked, as has another Spanish-based forward in Nico Williams. However, if they are unattainable, then they could look forwards the Bundesliga.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now one of a handful of teams interested in Leipzig star, Antonio Nusa, ahead of the transfer window reopening on Monday.

While the report claims that the interest from the Gunners is currently the most notable, other teams like Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, and Napoli are all keen on the dynamo, presently valued at €45m, which is about £38m.

It could be a somewhat complicated transfer to get over the line, but Nusa could be a special player, and someone Arsenal should pursue, especially as he could be an upgrade on Martinelli.

How Nusa compares to Martinelli

One of the significant strengths of Nusa is that he can play in a number of positions, be that off the right, up top or even wide midfield, but when it comes down to it, his most natural and best role is as a left-winger.

Therefore, if the “ridiculous” Norwegian entertainer, as dubbed by journalist Dean Jones, is to join Arsenal this summer, then one of his main competitors for game time would be Martinelli, so how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output this season, it would be fair to say neither was prolific, but even though he’s almost four years his junior, it’s the Leipiz star who comes out on top here.

For example, in 36 appearances for the German outfit, totalling just 2185 minutes, the Langhus-born ace scored five goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every three games, or 182.08 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 11 scored ten goals and provided six assists, but did so in 51 appearances, totalling 3564 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or every 222.75 minutes.

Okay, what about their underlying numbers, then? Which winger comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Unfortunately for the former Ituano, while he does do better in some metrics, like shots, shots on target, and passes into the penalty area, he comes out as a clear second-best in the vast majority of others.

Nusa vs Martinelli

Statistics per 90

Nusa

Martinelli

Non-Penalty G+As

0.52

0.38

Progressive Passes

3.09

1.87

Progressive Carries

3.61

4.69

Shots

1.94

2.12

Goals per Shot

0.13

0.12

Shots on Target

0.75

0.94

Goals per Shot on Target

0.35

0.28

Passing Accuracy

73.2%

71.4%

Key Passes

1.57

1.56

Passes into the Final Third

1.65

0.47

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.37

1.40

Live Passes

30.8

25.4

Shot-Creating Actions

3.34

2.90

Goal-Creating Actions

0.28

0.25

Tackles

1.69

0.92

Blocks

0.88

0.73

Interceptions

0.52

0.16

Clearances

0.56

0.70

Successful Take-Ons

2.25

1.48

Ball Recoveries

4.38

3.10

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Season

For example, the former Club Brugge gem emerges victories in metrics like non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, tackles and many, many more, all per 90.

Moreover, the 20-year-old “1v1 specialist,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, also does far better when it comes to successful take-ons per 90, which could help make the North Londoners’ left-hand side so much more effective.

Ultimately, Martinelli could still be a valuable squad player for Arsenal next season, but it’s clear that, despite being considerably younger, Nusa is the better winger and, therefore, someone the club should be going all out to sign.

Related He's just like Saka: £68m winger is Tognozzi's dream target for Arsenal

The exciting wonderkid would be a superb addition to the Arsenal squad.

Posts

da supremo： There could be plenty of change at Manchester United this summer as Ruben Amorim prepares for his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

da premier bet： The Red Devils and INEOS may have to move some players on before splashing the cash to comply with PSR, especially after the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham didn’t help with the club’s finances.

Amorim also now knows that he will be leading his Man Utd side against Arsenal at Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Related AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

Posts 1

Marquee signing Matheus Cunha will be expected to feature on the opening weekend, but who else will be in that side? Well, Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted Man Utd’s 25/26 starting line-up, with three more new faces backed to join the Brazilian.

AI predicts Man Utd’s 2025/26 starting line-up GK: Emiliano Martinez

According to Grok, the new goalkeeper for the 25/26 season at Old Trafford will be Emiliano Martinez.

The Red Devils are seemingly on the search to replace Andre Onana two years after he arrived, and the Argentine is thought to be open to joining Amorim’s side. A fee of £40m has been mooted in the media for Aston Villa to sell.

RCB: Noussair Mazraoui

Versatile defender Noussair Mazraoui has been predicted to start on the right-hand side of a back three after making 20 appearances as a central defender last season.

AI says that the Moroccan ‘adapted well to Amorim’s right centre-back role, offering defensive solidity and attacking contributions’.

CB: Leny Yoro

Still just 19 years of age, Leny Yoro looks set to be a regular at the back over the coming years, and he made 33 appearances in his first season at Old Trafford.

His ‘long-term potential make him a starter’ under Amorim, according to Grok, providing he stays fully fit.

LCB: Matthijs de Ligt

With Lisandro Martinez still sidelined through injury, Matthijs de Ligt has been predicted to make up the back three alongside Mazraoui and Yoro.

Despite being right footed, the Netherlands international has bundles of experience at the highest level and should continue to help Yoro and Mazraoui.

RWB: Amad Diallo

In a 3-4-2-1 system, Amad Diallo impressed as a right wing-back in the early days of Amorim’s Man Utd tenure.

Amorim also praised Diallo, saying the Ivorian has “improved so much defensively”, and he has been backed to feature there on a regular basis, starting against Arsenal ahead of Diogo Dalot.

LWB: Patrick Dorgu

On the other side, January signing Patrick Dorgu could get the nod ahead of his first full campaign as a Red Devils player.

The Denmark international was a regular in the second half of the 24/25 campaign and will be looking to add to his 20 Man Utd appearances.

CM: Manuel Ugarte

The first of two midfielders is Manuel Ugarte, who, despite being known for his defensive work, contributed to eight goals under Amorim in 24/25.

Ugarte is described as a ‘guaranteed starter’, providing a major midfield signing isn’t made, as he ‘brings energy and defensive nous to midfield, aligning with Amorim’s desire for dynamism’.

CM: Bruno Fernandes (c)

After snubbing interest from Saudi Arabia, Bruno Fernandes was always going to start in Grok’s Man Utd predicted XI.

Bruno Fernandes’ Man Utd stats

Games

290

Goals

98

Assists

86

Trophies won

2

The Red Devils captain is into his sixth year at Old Trafford and despite the club’s struggles, will go down as an iconic Man Utd star. AI says Fernandes ‘will anchor the midfield, likely playing slightly advanced’.

RW: Matheus Cunha

After triggering Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause, it is no surprise to see Man Utd’s new signing thrown straight into the starting line-up.

The Brazilian contributed to 19 goals last season as an attacking midfielder or second striker, with the remaining four contributors coming as a winger or centre-forward. Grok has predicted that Amorim will use Cunha as one of two No.10s behind a striker.

LW: Bryan Mbeumo

Joining Cunha in behind a forward is another new face in Bryan Mbeumo. The Red Devils have a major interest in the Brentford star, who is valued up to £60m.

Grok says Mbeumo ‘pace and goal-scoring’ will offer a ‘balance to the attack’, and after a career best season in front of goal with the Bees in 24/25, it’s hard to argue against that.

ST: Viktor Gyokeres

Finishing off the side could be Man Utd’s most exciting and expensive signing of the summer in Viktor Gyokeres. The goalscoring machine starred under Amorim with Sporting CP and a reunion has been spoken about, although he does have an £85m release clause in his contract.

Grok says Gyokeres ‘could be the answer to their goal-scoring woes, outshining Rasmus Hojlund’ in the process.

da bet nacional： Manchester United came unstuck last season, and things looked pretty bleak as the Red Devils wrapped up a year that offered no route into European football and dealt a 15th-place finish in the Premier League.

da lvbet： However, to borrow a common social media phrase: ‘When you’re big, you’re big.’

Matheus Cunha is evidence of that, having joined United from Wolverhampton Wanderers despite interest from Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. All four interested parties will play in Europe next term.

Following on from that, there’s even more excitement to come at Old Trafford

Man Utd hold talks for top striker target after Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo has informed Brentford that he will only leave the club if it means moving to the Theatre of Dreams. INEOS are pushing to get that one done, having seen two offers rejected already.

If the Cameroonian does sign for Ruben Amorim’s side, he will join Cunha in a new-look strikeforce promising much more than was on show last year. And that’s without even considering the elite striker who may yet join 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.

Expand Collapse

Man United’s interest in a certain Viktor Gyokeres has been well-documented over the past several months. However, their 2024/25 woes have created some limitations, and the 27-year-old, who was so dangerous under Amorim’s wing, has expressed a preference to sign for Arsenal.

However, Caught Offside have recently reported that it’s now only a matter of time until Gyokeres is on the move, with Arsenal and United singled out as the clubs to have discussed a move with Sporting, asking to be kept in the loop regarding his future.

Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, has since said there is a “strong possibility” the Sweden international is sold this summer below his €100m (£85m) release clause. A more realistic €80m (£68m) fee has been touted.

Why Viktor Gyokeres is perfect for Man Utd

Just imagine for a moment that after this terrible year, this nadir in which Man United have plummeted, Amorim finds himself equipped with a front three comprised of Cunha, Mbeumo and Gyokeres.

It would certainly be an improvement on last year’s attacking crop, with Gyokeres’ ridiculous return of 97 goals and 28 assists across 102 matches for Sporting, leading journalist Alex Turk to call him a “monster” when urging United to make their bid.

Signing such a prolific player to go alongside Mbeumo might even prove the formula for a return to the apex of European competition, especially when considering Gyokeres outscored every single player across Europe’s top ten divisions last year.

Top Scorers – Top 10 Leagues (24/25)

#

Player

Apps

Goals

1.

Viktor Gyokeres

33

39

2.

Kylian Mbappe

34

31

3.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

4.

Robert Lewandowski

34

27

5.

Harry Kane

31

26

Data via Transfermarkt

While detractors would point toward Gyokeres plying his trade in the Portuguese top flight, it’s worth noting that he still scored those goals, also putting a hat-trick past Manchester City in the Champions League.

And like Mbeumo, he is a striker who has been fashioned in the Championship, thriving for Coventry City before earning his big move, which may yet pale in comparison to a high-profile transfer to Man United.

Mbeumo – who learned his trade in the EFL like Gyokeres – will be aiming to rival the Swede’s goal return, sure, but he will also advance his dance partner’s individual success.

As per Sofascore, the Bees forward averaged 1.8 key passes per Premier League game in 2024/25, creating 17 big chances besides.

There’s a certain completeness and intelligence to Mbeumo’s style of play, which emphasises his potential in tough conditions at United, where the margin for error will be a narrow thing indeed over the coming months.

With these two forwards combining with Cunha, there’s a real chance the Red Devils will rise again. For now, fans will understandably reserve judgment, but even the most dejected of fans would concede that INEOS are making positive moves in the market.

Related Their next McTominay: Wilcox in talks to sign £51m "machine" for Man Utd

Manchester United could win themselves a new version of Scott McTominay by signing this £51m machine.

Posts

da dobrowin： Arsenal haven’t enjoyed a rip-roaring start to the transfer window by any means, but deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard, who is in the process of completing his medical, mark astute business.

da winzada777： Furthermore, Martin Zubimendi is an Arsenal player in all but confirmation, with his metronomic midfield qualities sure to add some more Spanish flair to Mikel Arteta’s side.

But many Gunners fans are still hoping to see some attacking additions packaged into his talented team. A lack of incisiveness in the final third formed the crux of the club’s issues last season – that and a luckless injury record.

Well, despite the slow start, technical director Andrea Berta is beginning to take the Londoners’ forward search up a notch.

Arsenal seeking new forwards

Arsenal’s search for a new striker is ongoing. Berta has compiled a shortlist of four principal options, and we must now wait and see where a breakthrough might occur.

However, number nine isn’t the only area Arteta wants to reinforce. With Gabriel Martinelli attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League following a few seasons that have left something to be desired, sights have been set on an exciting replacement.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Chelsea could be looking to bank £60m for Noni Madueke’s summer sale, with Arsenal gearing up to advance their ongoing talks for the England international.

That has been followed up by journalist Fabrizio Romano, who outlined that personal terms have been agreed with the former PSV Eindhoven star, with club to club talks set to continue.

Madueke, 23, has been an important part of Enzo Maresca’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, and it’s thought that any deal for the versatile winger would not affect the north Londoners’ pursuit of Eberechi Eze.

Why Arsenal want Noni Madueke

Madueke, a one-time Tottenham Hotspur youth, joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for a £29m fee. He’s since gone from strength to strength, with 16 of his 29 goal contributions since arriving coming throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

His potential was recognised from his formative years. Described as a “mentality monster” by personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, the English winger was singled out for his pace, potency and determination.

A remarkable blend of noted athleticism and versatility could even see Madueke prove an upgrade on Martinelli. Having been fielded on the left across a number of games for Chelsea last term, he impressed with his ability to take on and beat his man, owing to his electric-paced movements, largely.

Considered to be an ever-improving goalscorer with a myriad of physical weapons at his disposal, Madueke has been likened to Martinelli by data-driven site FBref, and he might even be performing at a higher level than the Brazilian talent.

Prem 24/25 – Noni Madueke vs Gabriel Martinelli

Stats (per 90)

Madueke

Martinelli

Goals

0.31

0.31

Assists

0.13

0.16

Shots taken

3.54

2.16

Shot-creating actions

3.50

2.91

Pass completion

77.4%

71.4%

Progressive passes

3.05

2.04

Progressive carries

6.82

4.87

Successful take-ons

1.99

1.30

Ball recoveries

3.72

3.07

Touches (att pen)

8.15

7.15

Data via FBref

Martinelli, 24, has faced plenty of criticism for his struggles to kick on in recent years, and when considering that Madueke outperformed him across most metrics last year, it’s clear to see that he’s not so indispensable as he once was.

He’s also been reported to have been considering taking his leave from the Emirates in recent weeks, so it might be worth bringing in a player like Madueke, who would be determined to fight for Arteta’s cause.

Dynamic and deadly on his day, Arteta’s coaching could see Madueke rise to the next level, covering Bukayo Saka on the right and challenging for a starting berth on the left.

On the basis of the evidence, the Gunners might secure a more complete and effective version of Martinelli by getting the deal done.

Related Eze will love him: £40m PL striker would now "love" to sign for Arsenal

The free-scoring forward would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.

Posts

da bet vitoria： Leeds United have added Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol, and Lukas Nmecha to their first-team squad during the summer transfer window so far.

da bet esporte： The Whites have yet to address their options in the middle of the park, but they are reportedly closing in on a potential signing to do exactly that.

As you can see in the post above, Fabrizio Romano claims that the Championship champions are on course to seal a deal for Newcastle United central midfielder Sean Longstaff.

They have already agreed personal terms with the English dynamo and have a £12m bid on the table to bring him to Elland Road in the coming days.

If the move goes ahead as hoped, Longstaff will arrive in West Yorkshire to compete with the likes of Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu, and Ilia Gruev for a place in the team in midfield.

Why Sean Longstaff is a sensible signing for Leeds

The 27-year-old star could be a very sensible signing, particularly at a relatively low fee of £12m, as an experienced and dependable squad option for Daniel Farke to select in the middle of the park.

Longstaff has played 171 times in the Premier League for the Magpies in his career to date, which shows that he knows the division and would be able to hit the ground running for Leeds, as an experienced operator at that level.

The £12m-rated star has scored ten goals and provided nine assists in those 171 matches in the top-flight, showing that he can also make an impact in the final third at times.

However, it is also worth noting that Leeds would be signing Longstaff off the back of a difficult season for the midfielder, who played a bit-part role for Newcastle in the 2024/25 campaign.

The Magpies academy graduate only started eight of his 25 appearances in the Premier League, and his underlying statistics do not suggest that he will be an outstanding signing for the Whites.

24/25 Premier League

Sean Longstaff per 90

Percentile rank vs midfielders

Non-penalty goals

0.00

Bottom 16%

Assists

0.00

Bottom 13%

Passes attempted

39.36

Bottom 19%

Progressive passes

4.51

Top 42%

Progressive carries

0.45

Bottom 11%

Successful take-ons

0.23

Bottom 15%

Tackles

3.05

Top 19%

Interceptions

0.35

Bottom 35%

Blocks

1.92

Top 8%

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, Longstaff ranked lowly among his positional peers in several key statistics, although he did excel at making tackles and blocks.

These statistics suggest that the midfielder could be a solid and sensible option for Leeds, particularly in a holding midfield role where he can focus on making tackles and blocks, but he is unlikely to be a game-changing signing for Farke who delivers outstanding quality in all areas of the pitch.

Leeds make contact to sign Bundesliga titan

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Leeds are also interested in a deal to sign Hoffenheim central midfielder Anton Stach this summer.

The reporter claims that the Premier League newcomers have already made contact with the Bundesliga side to discuss a potential transfer for the German giant, who stands at 6 foot 4.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Plettenberg adds that no official offer has been made to Hoffenheim by Leeds at this moment in time, though, so a deal is not as advanced as the one to bring Longstaff to Elland Road is.

The German journalist states that the 26-year-old midfielder has two years left to run on his contract with the Bundesliga outfit, as his deal expires in 2027, and that a transfer to the Whites is ‘possible’.

Ahead of the summer window, Plettenberg reported that Hoffenheim were set to demand a fee of up to £17m for their star midfield maestro, although it remains to be seen if that has changed.

Why Leeds should sign Anton Stach

The Whites should push ahead with a deal to sign Stach as well as Longstaff this summer because he would be an even better signing for the club if he can adapt to the Premier League.

Whilst the Newcastle man is a sensible and low-risk addition, as an experienced player in the English top-flight, the Hoffenheim star is a riskier signing with the potential for a greater reward.

If Stach can deliver performances akin to the ones he put on in the Bundesliga last season, the German colossus will offer far more to Farke’s team than Longstaff next term.

The chart above shows that the 6 foot 4 titan produced more quality in almost every facet of a midfielder’s game than the Newcastle ace did in the 2024/25 campaign.

24/25 season

Stach (Bundesliga)

Longstaff (Premier League

Appearances

30

25

Goals

1

0

Assists

2

0

Big chances created

4

0

xA

3.21

0.23

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.7

1.4

Duels won per game

5.6

1.7

Ground duel success rate

59%

53%

Aerial duel success rate

57%

56%

Stats via Sofascore

The statistics in the table above further back this up, as Stach delivered more goals, more assists, created more ‘big chances’, and made significantly more defensive interventions per game on average.

His success rate in duels also shows that the Hoffenheim star is a strong midfielder who can compete physically, even more so than Longstaff, in battles on the ground and in the air.

Therefore, Stach could be a significantly better midfield option for Farke in the Premier League next season as he has the potential to offer more to the team in and out of possession, as a solid defender and as a creative midfielder.

However, the £17m-rated star is unproven in the Premier League, having never played in England before, and that is why signing him alongside Longstaff, an experienced English talent, could make a lot of sense.

Related More important than Gudmundsson: Leeds open talks to sign £19m star

Leeds have made an enquiry about a deal to sign a star who would be an even more important signing than Gabriel Gudmundsson.

Posts

Overall, Stach has the quality to be an even better signing than Longstaff for Leeds, but that does not mean that the Newcastle man does not have a vital role to play in the squad as a proven Premier League performer.

da bet7： After welcoming Sean Longstaff earlier this week, Leeds United are now reportedly set to sign another midfield star in a deal worth over £17m this summer.

Longstaff: Leeds is the "perfect" move

da brdice： Becoming the Whites’ fifth signing of the summer, Longstaff will instantly add some much-needed Premier League know-how to Daniel Farke’s side ahead of next season. The former Newcastle midfielder won’t steal the same headlines as the likes of Jaka Bijol, but he could prove to be equally important at Elland Road.

Speaking for the first time since putting pen to paper, Longstaff told the official Leeds website: “I spoke to [Karl] Darlow straight away, but I have got to meet everyone. It seems like a really good group. I have heard great things.

“I think there is something to be said for a team that wants you and a club that really wants you. I think from the first time I spoke to Leeds, I sort of got a feeling that they really wanted me.

“It just fills you full of confidence and it just makes you want to repay those people. It is a massive, massive football club similar to Newcastle in a lot of ways.

Related 49ers have now "rejected" formal bid for "excellent" 21 y/o Leeds talent

The Whites are holding out for a higher number…

Posts 1

“It was going to take a lot for us to leave Newcastle to be honest and I wasn’t just going to leave to go anywhere so it had to be the right place for me and my family and I think this is a perfect place. I got to watch pretty much all the games and see a team that was really exciting to watch, athletic, really good on the ball.

As pleased as they’ll be to have signed Longstaff, however, the 49ers aren’t stopping there. Reports are now indicating that they’ve instantly agreed another deal to sign their sixth fresh face of the summer and another midfield star.

Leeds agree deal to sign Anton Stach

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are now set to sign Anton Stach after agreeing a deal worth more than €20m (£17m) with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim. The 6’4 midfielder is set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract, as those at Elland Road prepare to welcome another signing.

With plenty of Bundesliga experience to his name and even appearances in the Europa League last season, Stach represents another solid signing by all involved at Leeds.

It’s no surprise that the towering midfielder has earned impressive praise during his time in Germany, either. Former coach Florian Kohfeldt recalled Stach’s days as a youth player at Werder Bremen, claiming that he was already a talented player at a young age: “He didn’t have such an easy time here at Werder when he was at boarding school.

“He was a bit behind his peers physically when he was young, but in my opinion he already had a very strategic disposition in his game and was incredibly goal-oriented and ambitious.”

The Athletic’s Beren Cross has also heaped praise on Stach in reaction to the deal, sharing on X on Saturday: “Another giant, another 26-year-old, Leeds are finalising a transfer (in excess of £17.3m) for Anton Stach. A sixth new face and a real unit that played as a defensive midfielder and centre-back with Hoffenheim.”

da betano casino： Tottenham are still very active in the transfer market as they look to give new manager Thomas Frank their full backing, and it is now believed that one target has submitted a transfer request in an attempt to join them.

Related What Tottenham face if they're found guilty of 'illegal' Gibbs-White approach

Spurs are involved in one of the most bizarre transfer stories of the summer.

Posts 3

da betobet： Spurs have already completed deals for Mathys Tel – who made his switch from Bayern Munich permanent in a cut-price £30 million transfer – alongside both Kota Takai for a J-League record £5 million and winger Mohammed Kudus from West Ham to the tune of £55 million.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Their £90 million expenditure thus far is a statement of intent ahead of Frank’s first-ever managerial campaign in the Champions League too, with the 51-year-old never knowing pressure like this at any of his previous clubs.

However, by all accounts, the Lilywhites should’ve spent £150 million.

Frank was on the cusp of welcoming Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White to Hotspur Way, with the 25-year-old scheduled to have a medical last week as chairman Daniel Levy prepared to pay his £60 million release clause.

However, this transfer has now ground to a complete halt, due to Forest threatening legal action against Spurs after deeming their approach for Gibbs-White ‘illegal’.

Evangelos Marinakis and co are said to be livid with both the manner of their contact with the player and the breach in confidentiality surrounding his release clause (Sky Sports), with Forest even adopting a firm ‘not for sale’ stance right now.

In any case, reliable media sources suggest that Tottenham are still hopeful that they can proceed with the Gibbs-White deals soon, and there is a belief that Forest will eventually be forced to step aside and let him complete a move to north London.

However, with the legality issue, this does now appear likely to drag on, and Frank will be hoping that it won’t be for too long.

Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, who originally broke the story of Forest’s legal action, stated on Wednesday that Gibbs-White has the option of threatening legal action of his own to force through a move to Tottenham – claiming a breach of contract.

Spurs could also offer Forest a higher fee in a bid to get their green light, but according to an update by The Boy Hotspur, Gibbs-White is attempting to take matters into his own hands.

Morgan Gibbs-White submits transfer request to join Tottenham

According to the media source, as quoted from his Patreon, Gibbs-White has submitted a transfer request to join Tottenham, and the 25-year-old can be considered a Spurs player.

“From a legal perspective, I understand that Evangelos Marinakis’ ambitions to thwart this transfer are hysterics that won’t achieve very much, if anything at all,” said The Boy Hotspur.

“My understanding is that Morgan has handed in a transfer request and wants out.

“I’ve been told that the Premier League have received a complaint, and ultimately they will give direction, but to repeat the well-worn phrase, slavery was abolished in the 1830s in the UK. GIbbs-White will be a Spurs player, it’s done.”

The £80,000-per-week former Wolves star bagged seven goals and 10 assists in the Premier League alone last season, playing a key role in Forest’s push for European football.

He’d be an exceptional signing for Spurs ahead of what is a vital campaign, and supporters will be hoping this one really is done sooner rather than later.

da betobet： Celtic need to add more firepower to Brendan Rodgers’ squad before the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of September.

da premier bet： The Hoops head coach admitted earlier this month, after the team’s 4-0 win over Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly, that the club must add more goals to the team.

When asked about what Celtic need to do in the market, Rodgers said: “I think it’s bringing goals to the squad. Especially when you score four goals, it seems like you’re okay. But we lost an important player in Kyogo [Furuhashi] in January. He brought us a lot of goals. We lost Nicolas Kuhn. He brought us a lot of goals. Matt O’Riley even last summer.

“So even though we scored a lot of goals last season, we still want more. And our ambition is to have more. So I think all across the front areas, we have to be active in order to give us that depth we need.”

The Scottish Premiership champions now have to enter the market to find players who can provide Rodgers with better options at the top end of the pitch ahead of next season.

Celtic have shown that they are willing to enter a diverse range of markets to find new talent, including the Netherlands, as shown by their move for Giorgos Giakoumakis in the summer of 2021.

Celtic hit the jackpot with Giorgos Giakoumakis

The Greek international was signed on a permanent deal from VVV-Venlo after his exceptional return of 29 goals in 33 matches in all competitions for the Dutch side in the 2020/21 campaign.

Giakoumakis arrived at Parkhead as a prolific scorer in the Netherlands and joined at the same time as Kyogo Furuhashi under Ange Postecoglou, competing with the Japan international for a place in the starting XI.

During his 18-month spell in Glasgow, the Greek centre-forward showcased his quality in front of goal by scoring on a regular basis, despite rarely starting matches.

Giakoumakis ended his career in Scotland with a return of 26 goals in 57 matches in all competitions, which included a haul of 19 goals in 40 Scottish Premiership outings.

Giorgos Giakoumakis (Premiership)

21/22

22/23

Overall

Appearances

21

19

40

Starts

11

4

15

Goal

13

6

19

Minutes per goal

81

114

92

Goals from shots inside the box

13/39

6/39

19/78

Conversion rate

30%

14%

24%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the experienced forward only started 15 of those 40 league matches for the club, which makes his tally of 19 goals all the more impressive.

Giakoumakis was able to adapt to Scottish football after coming over from the Eredivisie, and Celtic could repeat the blinder they played when they hit gold with the striker by signing another attacker from the Netherlands.

Celtic in talks to sign Danish winger

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic are in “talks” with Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles over a potential deal to sign winger Jakob Breum.

The reporter claims that the Hoops are continuing discussions with the Eredivisie outfit after they had multiple bids turned down for the 21-year-old talent.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Joseph states that the Scottish Premiership champions have already had two bids swatted away by Go Ahead Eagles, the latest of which was worth up to £2.6m.

He adds that the £2.6m bid fell ‘way short’ of the club’s valuation of Breum, which has been reported elsewhere to be around the £7m mark, and talks are now ongoing to find an agreement.

It now remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are prepared to significantly improve their offer in order to strike a deal for the versatile winger, as there appears to be a big gap between their latest bid and how much Go Ahead Eagles value him.

Why Celtic should sign Jakob Breum

The Hoops should sign the £7m-rated talent because he could be an excellent addition to the squad as a versatile and talented young star who could add a lot of value to the team.

His versatility, first and foremost, is a big asset. Breum predominantly plays on the left flank, with 60 career starts in that role, but he has also started 27 games on the right flank and 29 matches as an attacking midfielder, which shows that Rodgers could use him in a variety of ways.

The Denmark U21 international could also follow in Giakoumakis’ footsteps as another clinical finisher to come over from the Netherlands, albeit in a different area of the pitch.

In the 2024/25 Eredivisie, Breum scored ten goals from 6.27 xG and produced 8.35 xG on target. This essentially means that the quality of the shots he took from 6.27 xG increased his xG by more than two, which shows that he is an incredibly lethal finisher.

As well as being a top-quality finisher who could provide goals on a fairly regular basis, just as Giakoumakis did at Parkhead, the Danish youngster is also an excellent creator from the attacking midfield and wide positions.

24/25 Eredivisie

Jakob Breum

Percentile rank vs wingers

xA

5.60

Top 8%

Chances created

44

Top 7%

Successful crosses

18

Top 19%

Successful long passes

53

Top 4%

Assists

5

Top 17%

Successful dribbles

23

Top 28%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the Celtic target ranked highly among his positional peers in the Eredivisie when it came to creating chances and assisting goals for his teammates.

These statistics show that Breum, who was described as an “exciting” talent by Sport Republic video scout RDF Tactics, is an attacking player who has the quality to score and assist goals at an impressive rate.

This is why the 21-year-old talent could follow in Giakoumakis’ footsteps as another successful attacking signing from the Eredivisie, as he appears to have all the tools to be an excellent player for Rodgers to call upon next season.

Of course, it will be down to Breum to ensure that he adapts to Scottish football and hits the ground running, getting as many minutes as he can, and the forward’s versatility could help with that, as the youngster can fill so many positions.

Related Better than Balikwisha: Celtic have long-term interest in £7m winger

Celtic have a long-term interest in a forward who would be an even better signing than Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

Posts

It is now up to Celtic, though, to increase their bid in order to convince Go Ahead Eagles to part ways with the clinical attacking midfielder this summer.

da bet7： With talents such as Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri breaking onto the scene, Arsenal are primed for many years of success and excitement at the forefront of domestic and European football.

da stake casino： But, for now, Mikel Arteta is thinking in the present, and he knows that these prodigious youngsters must be eased onto the senior stage. That’s why he has been so focused on signing superstars to improve his Gunners squad this summer.

Arsenal have finished second across the past three Premier League terms, but there’s no question that this team has made considerable gains since the Spaniard took to the dugout five years ago.

Now, the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard need to spearhead this project toward silverware, crowning a golden era with something tangible.

The £63m acquisition of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, one of the most feared centre-forwards in Europe, has certainly inched the club that step closer, but a creative winger is sought-after too.

Arsenal lining up new winger

Arsenal are pushing to sign Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who has a £68m release clause.

A principal agreement for the base layer of that clause has been agreed, but details remain before technical director Andrea Berta steers the deal across the finish line.

Eze operates across multiple attacking berths. His high-speed, fleet-footed dribbling makes him apt to star out on the left, although he has typically been played as a central midfielder with a license to roam while with the Eagles.

Eberechi Eze – Crystal Palace Career by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Attacking midfield

74

25

11

Left winger

52

9

7

Central midfield

25

6

3

Right winger

3

0

0

Data via Transfermarkt

The 27-year-old might not be the out-and-out winger that Arsenal need, perhaps even bearing a skill set that could see such a player join the crew alongside him in the coming weeks.

Well, The Athletic have reported that both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who came under fire at times last term for their performances, may be sold before the summer is up.

As such, it might be wise for Berta to consider signing another left-sided forward, who could sign in Eze’s stead or indeed cohabit with the Three Lions star in the Arsenal squad.

Arsenal lining up Eze alternative

According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Arsenal are still monitoring the situation of Xavi Simons, with the RB Leipzig player expected to sign for a new club this summer.

Simons, 22, is one of the best young playmakers in Europe, and he’s versatile besides. Chelsea are engaged in talks with the Bundesliga side, but Arsenal and Bayern Munich remain interested. He is expected to cost around £56m.

It won’t be an easy one to pull off. Chelsea are indeed the frontrunners to sign the Netherlands international, so the Gunners will need to get a move on if they hope to steal ahead.

Why Arsenal should sign Xavi Simons

Formerly a prospect at Paris Saint-Germain, Simons arrived in Leipzig as a loanee at the start of the 2023/24 season before signing permanently in a €50m (£42m) deal.

Across 76 appearances for the Germans, he has scored 21 goals and has supplied 23 assists, operating, like Eze, across central and wide attacking midfield roles. Last season, he was most often found out on the left flank, where he notched nine goal involvements across only 17 outings.

Hailed as a “superstar” by analyst Ben Mattinson, this diminutive Dutchman has the remarkable blend of balance, technical skill and confidence to hit the ground running in the Premier League, sure to thrive where Eze would have at the Emirates Stadium, and sure to impress ahead of the aforementioned strugglers on the left flank in north London.

League Stats 24/25 – Xavi Simons vs Ebere Eze

Stats (* per game)

Simons

Eze

Matches (starts)

25 (25)

34 (31)

Goals

10

8

Assists

7

8

Shots (on target)*

2.0 (0.9)

3.0 (0.9)

Touches*

68.0

46.6

Pass completion

83%

82%

Big chances created

12

11

Key passes

2.0

1.7

Dribbles*

1.3

2.0

Ball recoveries*

5.1

4.3

Tackles + interceptions*

1.6

1.4

Duels won*

5.4

4.8

Data via Sofascore

Eze is a little quicker, a tad more active in carrying the ball up and tracking back down. The Englishman likes to get shots off with greater consistency; however, a conversion rate of just 8% in the Premier League leaves plenty to be desired in that department.

In Simons, who has been described as a “special player” by coach Harry Brooks, Arsenal would be signing a potent and dynamic threat who would be the perfect Eze alternative, for he is both positionally and tactically similar.

Moreover, he would prove an upgrade on Arteta’s existing left wingers, who have both struggled to assert themselves thus far during Arsenal’s pre-season and will have undoubtedly provided him food for thought.

Martinelli is a talented winger, but he’s struggled to reach elite levels over the past couple of seasons, hitherto renowned as one of the most exciting up-and-coming forwards.

Across the past two Premier League seasons, he’s bagged himself 14 goals and eight assists across 68 matches. Hardly an awe-inspiring return, having drifted in and out of games and indeed the starting line-up too.

Then, with the 30-year-old Trossard, the boss might be seeking a more talented and complete winger, a fine goalscorer though Trossard may be. Last term, in fact, the Belgian missed more big chances (9) than he scored (8), as per Sofascore, which is the first time that has happened in five top-flight seasons.

It’s clear that Simons, a rising star with a point to prove, could be the perfect addition to an Arsenal side in need of some more creativity to complement Gyokeres up top.

Simons could be the perfect signing, should efforts to reel Eze over prove fruitless.

Related More exciting than Gyokeres: Arsenal have discussed signing £142m "monster"

Arsenal have looked at a wealth of options to fix their centre forward problem.

Posts

da bet vitoria： Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy have been sent a warning by intermediaries behind-the-scenes that one of their targets is now close to joining another club, according to a new report.

da bet esporte： As we now enter the last three weeks of this summer’s transfer window, the pressure is on Levy, technical director Johan Lange and the Lilywhites recruitment team to shore up weakened areas of Thomas Frank’s squad.

Tottenham are already set to take on Ligue 1 and European champions PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday with an arguably weaker squad than last season, having lost club legend Son Heung-min to LAFC and James Maddison to a long-term ACL injury.

The need to strengthen is absolutely paramount, especially since fellow creative force Dejan Kulusevski will remain sidelined with his own knee problem for a “long time”, according to Frank.

Spurs have already signed Mathys Tel, Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai and Joao Palhinha on loan this window, as well as triggering the obligation to buy in Kevin Danso’s deal from January, but the north Londoners are aiming to bring in more new additions before the deadline on September 1.

As widely reported, Tottenham are in talks with Man City over signing Brazilian winger Savinho after losing Son, with the former Girona star increasingly open to joining after Frank personally pinpointed him as the ideal signing.

A deal for the 21-year-old is likely to cost in excess of £45 million (Ben Jacobs), which could still be seen as excellent value considering Savinho’s age and performances in all competitions last season.

Meanwhile, to cope without Maddison for a large portion of 2025/2026, it is also believed that Spurs have emerged as serious contenders to sign Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze and could hijack Arsenal’s long-winded pursuit.

Levy and Lange were after a number 10 even before Maddison’s injury, having failed with a high-profile move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the window, but the need for a new attacking midfield maestro has now intensified.

According to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold recently, Tottenham are also keen on signing another centre-back.

Tottenham sent Joel Ordonez warning as Marseille close in on deal

As per TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez has been on their radar for around 12 months and the club have stayed in regular contact.

However, intermediaries have now warned Tottenham that Marseille are closing in on a deal for Ordonez, so if Levy is serious about signing the Ecuadorian, he’ll have to act very quickly.

Both Frank and Liverpool boss Arne Slot are said to be monitoring developments when it comes to the 21-year-old’s potential move to France, with Bailey reporting that Ordonez is viewed as a “standout” performer for Brugge and a “huge talent”.

“Ordonez is a huge talent, I am told by numerous Premier League clubs that this boy is held in huge regard,” said Bailey.

“He is one of those players that not just shows up analytically but when you watch him, he really is a standout performer.”