"It's done" – £80k-a-week attacker submits transfer request to join Tottenham

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.

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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.

Deal "done" as Leeds reach "agreement" with player and club to sign "another giant"

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…

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“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.”

He's even better than Longstaff: Leeds open talks to sign £17m star

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.

kalvin-phillips-sean-longstaff-newcastle-opinion

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.

Newcastle United's SeanLongstaffin action with Bromley's Jude Arthurs

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.

Sean Longstaff for Newcastle

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.

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’.

Hoffenheim'sAntonStach

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

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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.

Big Martinelli upgrade: Berta advancing Arsenal talks for £60m "monster"

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.

How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.

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.

Mbeumo will love him: Man Utd make approach to sign £85m "monster"

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.

Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunha

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.

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.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick

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

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£185m signings with Cunha: AI predicts Man Utd's 2025/26 starting line-up

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?

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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.

Martinelli upgrade: Berta eyeing £38m Nico Williams alternative for Arsenal

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.

Arsenal's GabrielMartinellireacts

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.

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.

He's like Rodri: Celtic can sign bigger talent than Miller in £8m "anchor"

da bet esporte: Celtic’s pre-season plans are starting to take shape, but will they get any new signings over the line before then?

da lvbet: On Monday, the club announced a green and white hoops Clásico, facing Portuguese champions Sporting at Estádio Algarve on 16 July, before confirming they’ll also take on Queen’s Park at Lesser Hampden 12 days earlier.

Celticmanager BrendanRodgerscelebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup

With trips to Cork, Como and now the Algarve already in the calendar for July, from a destination perspective, this is poised to be an exciting pre-season schedule for the Celtic support, but will they have a new midfielder to assess by then?

Celtic's continued interest in Lennon Miller

As has been widely reported, Celtic remain interested in midfielder Lennon Miller, with French outlet L’Équipe reporting that the 18 year old is valued at around £7.5m by Motherwell, amid interest from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.

On Monday evening, Miller made his full-senior debut for Scotland, assisting Ché Adams’ second goal during the 4-0 demolition of Liechtenstein at Rheinpark Stadion, with his performance earning rave reviews.

Thomas Duncan of BBC Sport noted how the teenager exuded calmness while, speaking during the BBC’s coverage, Celtic legend Scott Brown said that “Lennon is really special…nothing fazes him”, adding that he undoubtedly has the quality to break into the Celts’ first team.

Transfer Focus

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However, with countless other clubs courting Miller this summer, should Celtic turn their attention to another midfield target instead?

Celtic's dream Miller alternative

As previously reported last week, Celtic have ‘already initiated’ talks to sign midfielder Demir Ege Tıknaz.

Demir Ege Tıknaz (Tiknaz)
Demir Ege Tıknaz (Tiknaz)

As Mustafa Akgün of Karabük Postası outlines, Tıknaz spent last season on loan at Rio Ave from Beşiktaş, but the Portuguese club have an obligation to buy for around £4.2m, planning to do just that before selling him for roughly double that amount.

The 20-year-old, who is currently with the Türkiye national team squad in America for friendlies against the United States and Mexico, is reportedly being courted by many big European clubs, including Celtic and Sporting CP, so the Scottish champions will need to act fast.

In an interview with the Athletic, Tıknaz compared himself stylistically to Sergio Busquets, stating “I always want to have possession… I’m kind of a playmaker”.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout compares him to another Spaniard, namely Rodri, labelling him a midfield “anchor”, praising his “passing, vision and football IQ”.

Analyst Ben Mattinson agrees, stating that Tıknaz ‘reads the game well’, praising his ‘timing of tackles​​​​​​​’ and ability to ‘steal the ball’.

As a result, according to Aryan Suraj Chadha of Goal, he has become one of the most ‘sought-after talents across Europe’, making 33 appearances for Rio Ave of the Primeira Liga this season, scoring four goals and registering two assists.

Nevertheless, the key question remains. How does he compare to Miller? Well, let’s find out.

Demir Ege Tıknaz vs Lennon Miller 2024/25 comparison

Statistics

Tıknaz

Miller

Appearances

33

39

Minutes

2,340

3,398

Goals

4

4

Assists

2

8

Big chances created

2

12

Tackles won (per 90)

2.1

1.8

Interceptions (per 90)

1.7

1.3

% of ground duels won

51.1%

57.9%

% of aerial diels won

53.1%

41.2%

Possession lost (per 90)

7.3

17.4

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and SofaScore

As the table outlines, while Miller is more of an all-rounder and an attacking threat, Tıknaz does come out on top for the vast majority of defensive metrics, namely tackles, interceptions and aerial duels, giving away possession significantly less frequently too.

So, while Miller is unquestionably a big talent, possibly to such an extent that Celtic will ultimately miss out on him, the Hoops should therefore make signing Tıknaz a priority.

Related Celtic set to sign 14-goal star who'd be Moussa Dembele 2.0 for Rodgers

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